Palm Tran Breaks Ground on its South County Facility Expansion Project

Palm Tran kicked off its South County Facility Expansion project in a groundbreaking ceremony held April 23, 2019, at the construction site at 100 N. Congress Ave. in Delray Beach, FL.  When completed, Palm Tran’s South County Facility will receive a major expansion and renovation, growing from a 3,800-square-foot space to a three-story 34,000-square-foot facility.  The new facility will enable Palm Tran to charge fully electric, zero emissions buses as well as service 20 additional buses.   The $25 million project is more than 90 percent federally funded and will continue Palm Tran’s reputation as a leader in transit innovation.  The event concluded with officials taking the ceremonious first shovels of dirt to mark the start of the construction.  Key speakers included:  Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker, Mayor Mack Bernard, Assistant County Administrator Todd Bonlarron, Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, Commissioner Robert Weinroth and Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes.

This is not the first time Palm Tran has implemented a major initiative to advance its bus system.  Last year, Palm Tran launched its first bus system overhaul in more than two decades.  The system redesign, known as the Route Performance Maximization (RPM) project, resulted in improved on-time performance and route efficiency.  The South County Facility Expansion will carry on that momentum.

“We are very eager to begin the construction phase of this important project, which has been years in the making,” said Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes.  “When finished, this state-of-the-art facility will help Palm Tran meet its mission statement of providing access to opportunity for everyone; safely, efficiently and courteously.” 

“We’re expanding this facility so that we continue to enhance our services,” said Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker.  “With these upgrades, Palm Tran will not only be able to better serve our customers but our own employees will also be joining the bandwagon.” When completed, the facility will be the prime location for recruiting, training and public meetings.  Some of the enhancements include an expanded area for bus operators, new locker rooms and an expanded service bay.

“This is in my district so I am so excited and so happy,” said Mayor Mack Bernard.  “This project will add a new service bay, enabling mechanics to work on six buses – and this is just one of many improvements that will expand Palm Tran’s ability to service buses in Palm Beach County.”

“This represents a significant federal investment in our community, which will ensure superior transportation for many years to come,” said Commissioner Weiss. Palm Tran is actively seeking grants for electric buses, Forbes explained.  Commissioner Weinroth commended Palm Tran on the green aspects of the project. 

“These buses are going to be driving the transit industry forward.  There’s going to be charging stations for cars and other vehicles which will be emphasizing Palm Tran’s commitment to being green,” Weinroth said. 

Assistant County Administer Todd Bonlarron also complimented Palm Tran on its environmental efforts, noting specifically the maintenance upgrades which allow Palm Tran’s hybrid engines to be maintained. “One of the upgrades that we’re going to provide is a new clean engine room for maintenance including the maintenance of the hybrid engines of which will have 40 diesel-electric hybrid buses, which again emphasizes the commitment that this Board of County Commissioners has made to our environment,” said Bonlarron.  “When this new facility is completed in late 2020, the ability to maintain buses will be taken to the next level,” he added.

The design of the building will be enhanced with artwork by Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places program.   In addition, the project exceeds goals for participation of women and minority-owned businesses.   The goal for participation by these types of businesses was 10 percent during the design phase, but 56 percent was achieved.  Goals are also being surpassed during the construction phase.