Citilink in Fort Wayne, IN, recently opened its improved Downtown Transit Station, culminating a planning process that began in 2002.

The new, 2,700-square-foot facility sits on property owned by Citilink that had previously served as the agency’s south transit terminal. The agency funded 80 percent of planning, design, and construction costs with FTA grants. The 20 percent local share came from Citilink capital reserves, which include property tax revenue and proceeds from the sale of other properties.

The station offers an information center and indoor restrooms for Citilink riders, as well as a bus drivers’ lounge. Visitors can purchase bus passes, speak with customer service staff, pick up maps and schedules, receive electronic messages regarding on-time status of buses and other notifications, and enjoy the community park area. Canopy-covered bus bays protect waiting passengers from rain, wind, and snow.

The station design incorporates many environmentally friendly features, such as geothermal heating/cooling with radiant heating in the flooring; numerous windows and skylights to provide ambient lighting; state-of-the-art efficient lighting; energy controls; and low-maintenance structures and landscaping.

Citilink designed the transit center to complement the surrounding architecture, with elements including red brick to match surrounding buildings and canopies reminiscent of Barr Street Market and the nearby train station. The facility is expected to serve more than 5,000 passengers a day.