A $4 million federal grant will allow Greenlink Transit Authority (GTA) to begin the modernization of its downtown bus transit center.
The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant, from the U.S. Department of Transportation, marks a pivotal step toward modernizing Greenlink’s downtown transit center at 100 West McBee Avenue. The facility, built in 1989 and now well beyond its intended 30-year lifespan, faces critical challenges in safety, accessibility and operational efficiency. The grant will fund comprehensive planning activities to transform the terminal into a state-of-the-art, multimodal mobility hub.
The current transit center’s infrastructure creates operational bottlenecks, delays bus movements, and increases dwell times. Narrow walkways and inefficient crossings pose safety risks, while clearance limitations prevent the use of modern vehicles and updated technology. The horseshoe-shaped terminal requires pedestrians to cross multiple travel lanes, and its two entrances/exits on the same block face increase risks for bicycles and pedestrians. Water intrusion, mold and outdated ADA accessibility further underscore the urgent need for modernization.
“After 35 years, our transit center no longer reflects the level of professionalism and dedication our staff bring every single day," Greelink Director James Keel said. "This redevelopment is about giving them a safer, smarter and more modern workspace that matches the high standard of service they deliver to our community.”
The BUILD grant will support:
Conceptual and preliminary design
Benefit-cost analysis
Structural assessments
Environmental compliance review
Stakeholder engagement
Safety planning and preconstruction activities
The planning phase will explore the feasibility of a 12- to 20-story mixed-use structure above the transit center, maximizing land use and economic development. This vertical expansion could include retail, office and residential spaces, as well as parking for downtown visitors. “We want to find the right development partner and grow our footprint to better serve both riders and downtown visitors” Keel said.
Key improvements will include:
Redesigned circulation patterns to separate pedestrian and bus traffic
Enhanced lighting and visibility
ADA-compliant boarding areas and pathways
Bike and scooter infrastructure
Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems
Stormwater management and green landscaping
These upgrades will reduce conflict points, improve safety and support environmental sustainability. The project will also incorporate real-time passenger information systems and smart infrastructure.
The redevelopment is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, supporting job creation, attracting private investment and strengthening the tax base. Planned retail and commercial spaces within and above the terminal will generate revenue and create jobs. The project is backed by strong partnerships, evidenced by 31 letters of support from local governments, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently announced $1.73 billion in BUILD awards, supporting 127 projects across 52 states and territories. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the BUILD program helps communities fund infrastructure projects that are challenging to finance through traditional means.
Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 7:00 a.m. EDT
$4 Million Positions the Transit Center for a Transformative Upgrade
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