Transit Authority upgrades transfer center and court house bus stop

The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), in collaboration with Los Angeles County and the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, recently invested over $425,000 of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) into the local economy. Under contract to AVTA, local contractors Arrow Engineering Services and Gary Little Construction recently finished a major renovation project at the Lancaster City Park Transfer Center. From solar lighting to new shelters, passengers will enjoy upgraded amenities and a fresh, clean look. Four tinted-glass sheltered seating areas have replaced the old blue benches and sun shades. Additional seating and trash cans will add to passenger convenience. The restroom for AVTA coach operators was also upgraded.

Safety features at the LCP Transfer Center include extensive solar lighting on the passenger platform and throughout the parking area. Directional signage and a painted bus lane will deter pedestrians and vehicles from entering the area from the wrong direction and parking in restricted areas. As an added bonus, the city will realize significant energy savings with the solar lighting over the old electric light fixtures.

Most recently completed is the construction of a full service bus stop on Avenue M, across the street from the Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. The renovated bus stop now offers a bus shelter, benches, trash can and full 12-foot turnout with curb, gutter and sidewalk. This stop was previously nothing but vacant land. Now it is fully ADA compliant, and passengers using wheelchairs can easily cross the street to use either the eastbound stop or the westbound stop served by AVTA’s Route 4.

AVTA’s chairman of the board, Norm Hickling, said, “AVTA is committed to doing its part to improve the quality of life in the Antelope Valley by improving our services and supporting our local businesses.”

Both projects were completed within budget and ahead of schedule.