People no longer have to stand out in the elements to catch a bus in Hazleton.
Monday was the first day of operation for the city's new $12 million transportation center, Church Street Station.
It's a place where you can easily catch a bus. Until now the only place you could catch a Hazleton Transit System bus was in one of the open air structures.
"I come downtown just about everyday so it's convenient for us and not to be waiting in the cold," said Kay Zapotocky of Hazleton.
Bus driver Klair Lemon said Church Street Station means safety for passengers. "I've had people running out in the middle of the street trying to catch me in the middle of Laurel Street to go on the bus. This here, you're off the road," Lemon said.
Most of the money to pay for Church Street Station came from the state and federal governments.
"It helped the economy. It created jobs for our area," said Ed Harris.
"I think it's an upgrade for the area. The area is changing and it's time that this changed. It's great," said Mary Stish of Hazleton.
There is plenty of space at Church Street Station for coffee shops and newspaper stands, and soon, more buses.
"Trailways is planning for the first week in December and when I say Trailways that is Susquehanna Trailways and Greyhound buses," said Renee Craig of Hazleton Public Transit.
There are some long-range plans for the intermodal center. Officials said passenger rail service may return but that could be 10 to 15 years in the future.
Monday was the first day of operation for the city's new $12 million transportation center, Church Street Station.
It's a place where you can easily catch a bus. Until now the only place you could catch a Hazleton Transit System bus was in one of the open air structures.
"I come downtown just about everyday so it's convenient for us and not to be waiting in the cold," said Kay Zapotocky of Hazleton.
Bus driver Klair Lemon said Church Street Station means safety for passengers. "I've had people running out in the middle of the street trying to catch me in the middle of Laurel Street to go on the bus. This here, you're off the road," Lemon said.
Most of the money to pay for Church Street Station came from the state and federal governments.
"It helped the economy. It created jobs for our area," said Ed Harris.
"I think it's an upgrade for the area. The area is changing and it's time that this changed. It's great," said Mary Stish of Hazleton.
There is plenty of space at Church Street Station for coffee shops and newspaper stands, and soon, more buses.
"Trailways is planning for the first week in December and when I say Trailways that is Susquehanna Trailways and Greyhound buses," said Renee Craig of Hazleton Public Transit.
There are some long-range plans for the intermodal center. Officials said passenger rail service may return but that could be 10 to 15 years in the future.
