Grant Transit Authority plans new multimodal transit center

MOSES LAKE - The Grant Transit Authority, which provides public transportation throughout Grant county, hopes to have a new hub here in 2016.

The GTA is working on a project that will greatly enhance travel experiences and opportunities within Moses Lake and all of Grant County, according to GTA Project Manager Lyle Bland.

Property has been purchased in downtown Moses Lake, on the corner of So. Division and W. Fifth Avenue. The site formerly had a church that was later converted to a funeral home. Demolition work started on Monday.

The GTA serves Royal City two times per day, Monday - Friday. The bus arrives in RC at 7:50 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Service to Mattawa is by dial-a-ride service on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Folks desiring a ride must call 24 hours in advance to schedule.

The GTA does not serve Desert Aire directly, but folks residing in that area may schedule a ride as long as they have transportation to Mattawa.

The GTA has applied for a Regional Mobility Program Grant through the Washington State Department of Transportation. If approved, it will pay up to 80 percent of the cost of the new transit center.

"Once the current budget process is adopted by the state legislature this spring, successful grantees will be notified of funding availability," Bland said.

Meanwhile, planning is under way to construct a multimodal transit center serving as the hub for transit and transportation options.

Passenger amenities would include an enclosed waiting area; public restrooms; covered outdoor waiting area; customer information and pass sales; bicycle storage lockers; taxi drop-off/pick-up area; public park-and-ride lot with an electric vehicle charging station; transfers to inter-city transportation; and a meeting room available for community events.

There would be a video camera surveillance system to enhance public safety and security, Bland said.

Central Washington Excavating of Moses Lake was awarded a contract by the GTA to clean up the property, which is located in the downtown business district.

Once demolition work is completed, Bland said, the design of the proposed facility will be finalized while awaiting notification of grant funding. Bland expects the facility to be completed in 2016, contingent on funding.