With the cutting of a ceremonial red ribbon, Cherriots officially opened the Keizer Transit Center on July 1, 2013 at the new facility at 5860 Keizer Station Blvd. N.E., Keizer, Oregon 97303. It is located at the intersection of Chemawa Rd. and Keizer Station Blvd.
More than 100 business, community, and transportation leaders, as well as many other citizens gathered to applaud the collaboration that made the project possible.
Described as a "jewel of a project," the sustainably-designed center reflects Cherriots strategic approach to transit service, according to Allan Pollock, Cherriots General Manager.
"The new center helps define the 3Cs transit model, which includes transit Centers, Circulators in neighborhoods, and high frequency Corridor routes," said Pollock. "It is one of four planned transit centers in our service area."
The center includes sustainable design features, including a green roof, solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and rain gardens. The facility includes a waiting area, public restrooms, a meeting room, and driver break rooms. A Park and Ride is on site, which includes charging stations for up to five electric vehicles.
Funding for the transit center came from a combination of federal and state funds. Total project cost was $8.1 million. While benefits to local community members will be great, no local funding was needed to complete this project.
Jerry Thompson, past president of the Cherriots Board of Directors, noted the combined efforts of local, regional, and federal groups that were represented at the event. "This project would not have become a reality without the support of local community organizations and leadership," said Thompson.
"You are going to be the bellwether by which other transit projects will be measured," said Rep. Kurt Schrader, US Congress. "Collaboration is what makes a project work and makes a project sell to Congress. Bringing a project in on time and under budget helps."
Senator Ron Wyden, US Senate said, "You got it done. Congratulations!"
The celebration of Cherriots new transit center marks the completion of an important element in realizing service improvements for the Salem-Keizer area. "But," says General Manager Allan Pollock, "our true service goals will be met only when every job, home, school, or business can say that public transportation is a viable and efficient way to meet their transportation needs."
View this time lapse video of the final month of construction: