Blue Water Area Transit invites the public to attend the Grand Opening on Nov. 6, of the Blue Water Transit Bus Center between McMorran Boulevard and Grand River Avenue, east of Erie Street. A Ribbon-cutting Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in the new center, which is designed to improve BWAT’s downtown bus transfer process.
“We are pleased to introduce this new facility, which will significantly improve our on-time performance, while providing restrooms and other amenities for our passengers,” says Jim Wilson, BWAT general manager. “It is in a good central location for serving the community college, the senior center, and the McMorran entertainment complex."
The first official bus transfer is expected to take place at 12:15 p.m., with riders boarding buses headed from downtown to destinations along seven routes that travel throughout the city of Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Township.
The new bus center’s two buildings, measuring 7,400 square feet, replace BWAT’s Quay Street transfer point. Other amenities that improve the passenger experience include heated waiting areas, ticket vending machines, and bus schedule displays. A convenience store operated by Community Mental Health will also open in the spring.
Adjacent parking areas have been repaved, sidewalks have been made wider, and walkways have been added to cross McMorran Avenue.
The selection of contractors and the involvement of a local nonprofit organization shows how BWAT recognizes the importance of community. .
Stevens Architects LLC, of Port Huron, along with the global firm Aecom, designed the project. DeMaria Construction, based out of Detroit, is managing the project.
“We have so far awarded to six contractors based in St. Clair County,” explains Dave Frasier, BWAT director of procurement and capital projects. “Raymond Excavating, Sherman Nursery, AIS paving, Edward J. Painting, Zimmer Roofing, and Stevenson Electric are all involved.”
The convenience store will provide retail and training space for clients of St. Clair County Community Mental Health.
The project also reflects the agency’s continued commitment to energy-efficient strategies. For example, boilers that will keep boarding areas warm for passengers will also keep sidewalks free of snow in the winter.
“We are looking forward to giving our passengers a convenient and comfortable place where they can transfer buses,” says Anita R. Ashford, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board vice chair and Port Huron City Council member.
The number of passengers riding BWAT buses has increased at a record-breaking pace since 2008, when the agency’s monthly ridership record was broken for the first time in 27 years. Since then, BWAT has continued to set new ridership records each year.
“When more people ride the bus, it helps reduce congestion and air pollution for those who travel along roads in their vehicles,” says Linda Bruckner, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board chair and Fort Gratiot Township trustee.
In addition to transit agency funds, the project is being supported by 70 percent federal funds and 17.5 percent state funds.
A community that makes public transportation a priority benefits in many ways.
“Public transportation is a vital resource to Americans, and a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,” according to Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO, American Public Transportation Association. “On top of individual financial savings, public transportation spurs economic growth for towns and cities, and also improves the environment and reduces our nation’s energy consumption.”
