MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It appears that the relocation of the Downtown Morgantown Bus Depot is on schedule.
Orginally on Garrett Street, across from Hazel Ruby-McQuain Riverfront Park, the Mountain Line Transit Authority’s depot will now be the Fairmont Road terminal in Westover. The move, was made as the result of a revitalization project near the park. Mountain Line CEO David Bruffy, says despite the sudden move, all appears to be moving along accordingly.
“We’ve had a lot of people come in and make suggestions and take a look at their individual trip plans, so everything’s on target, as we have hoped for the move from the Dowtown depot to the Westover location,” said Bruffy on WAJR.
There are still concerns about the new location, including renovations and potential safety hazards for employees.
“There are a number of challenges for us over there,” he said. “We’re going to have to move our parking area, which means we have to figure out how our drivers are going to get back and forth, there are no stairs, there are just logistics like that,” he said.
The depot in Westover, will be significantly different than the one in Downtown Morgantown. Along with the need for major rennovations to provide a decent work environment for employees. A shelter for riders needs to be considered as well.
“There used to be a bus shelter in front of the public safety building, it’s no longer there, there is no indoor waiting area, anywhere downtown, that’s designed or is specific for bus passengers,” he said. “So without shelters in the downtown, somebody who wants to catch the bus will be subject to the elements,” he said.
Even though most significant changes have already been implemented, Mountain Line is still encouraging users to contact them with any concerns. According to Bruffy, all ideas will be heard one way or another and in some instances will lead to changes in their bus service.
“We were going to run it down 857 as we continued on through Evansdale and someone suggested ‘Well with the roads in that area, why not include a piece of Maple Drive?’ there’s a housing complex on that side, there are a number of apartments, there’s also the Mon Health Services facilities, so the timing was very good for that,” he said.
The newly located depot will be officially opened August 6th.