New transportation center unveiled
A new name, new look and new menu of services premiered Friday during the grand opening of the Washington Intermodal Transit Facility at 50 E. Chestnut St., Washington.
Washington County Transportation Authority and Washington City Transit merged to form the newly named Freedom Transit bus line, featuring black automobiles with white lettering and a gold star. The rebranding is similar to the previous color scheme of the Freedom Line fixed-route service between McDonald and Washington, and replaces the white, red and blue of Washington Rides paratransit vehicles and the lime-green vehicles traveling between Washington and Pittsburgh.
The merger occurred July 1 as part of a statewide initiative to consolidate public transportation agencies to reduce costs, eliminate duplication, improve services and operate more efficiently.
Elected officials from state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, to Washington city council members converged on the new transit hub for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, officially introducing the public to the $3.7 million building.
Starting Monday, the hub will be the major drop-off, pickup and transfer point for the fleet. Other expanded services starting Monday include 24 daily trips to the Highland Ridge neighborhood; an additional nine daily trips past Washington High School, bringing the total to 18; at least four daily trips on North Franklin Drive near Consol Energy Park; a new stop on Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, near the Point Park University campus; and a Saturday addition The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and Tanger Outlets route.
“Hopefully, this will be the beginning of what will be continued improvement,” said Joe Thomas, director of fixed-route services.
The building is home to 15 Freedom Transit employees and three to four Washington Parking Authority employees. It features a customer-service window and seating area for customers.
“It’s great for drivers, as well. They will have access to restrooms and a break area,” said Sheila Gombita, executive director of Freedom Transit.
Future plans include a park-and-ride lot for commuters traveling to Pittsburgh and a loadable fare card that can be accessed online.
The new transportation line is estimated to make more than 280,000 annual trips.