On Tuesday, May 5, representatives from the Metro Bus Board of Commissioners, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Oertel Architects and KNB Contracting gathered to officially kick-off construction of a new transit facility at 441 2nd Ave S in Waite Park. The new facility will augment the current Metro Bus Transit Center and overall system as part of new routes and service improvements known as Metro Bus Forward.
At the ceremony, Metro Bus CEO Ryan I. Daniel welcomed speakers including Metro Bus Board Chair Dave Kleis, Board member and Waite Park Mayor Ken Schmidt, COO David Green, Oertel Architects President Andrew Cooper, and MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation Assistant Office Director Caroline Miller.
During the ceremony, Miller explained the benefits of the new facility for travelers in the region and beyond, “This project represents a commitment to strengthening transit access across Minnesota. It’s going to make better use of existing resources, offer more services and ultimately better serve the communities. We know that St. Cloud Metro Bus is very thoughtful and careful with the design to ensure that the facility is working for all users, including those who are using paratransit, with improvements like ADA design, wayfinding and safety.”
Metro Bus anticipates completing the new facility in 2027 with timing for the grand opening and Metro Bus Forward service changes to be announced.