BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) today opens its Transit Center at Third and Scott streets.
It replaces TANK's busiest bus stop and transfer point outside on the street at Third and Madison Avenue.
All TANK buses will go through the Transit Center on the ground floor of Kenton County's new $18 million garage, which is expected to open for parking Sept. 15.
The Transit Center is equipped with public restrooms, a shelter with benches for riders, change machines and information. Beginning next month, TANK plans to operate a park-and-ride at the garage. The transit agency eventually may decide to sell tickets and tokens from an office in the garage.
"It will certainly be a huge improvement for the customers," TANK General Manager Mark Donaghy said.
Kenton County Fiscal Court financed the entire Transit Center, he said. "In the future it will serve the growth in the area, when the convention center opens."
The Northern Kentucky Regional Convention Center, at Second Street and Madison Avenue, is expected to open this fall.
The Transit Center, which can handle up to six buses boarding passengers at one time, will help keep buses from stacking up on the streets. The center, primarily a self-service facility, will be staffed throughout the day.
"It was something that was jointly developed by the county and the people at TANK. The discussion started several years ago," Mr. Donaghy said. "I can't say enough to thank the fiscal court for what they've done. They're great partners."
Paul Wright, union president-business agent for TANK bus drivers, was among those who toured the Transit Center during an open house Friday for employees.
"It looks like a real nice place. I think it's going to be real vital for Northern Kentucky and Covington," said Mr. Wright, also a Taylor Mill city commissioner. "I think it's a real plus." Mr. Wright, a former TANK bus driver, said the Transit Center reminds him of the former Dixie Terminal in downtown Cincinnati. In October 1996, TANK moved out of Dixie Terminal and transferred bus service to the streets of downtown. The terminal, which had housed TANK's previous sales office, closed to riders after 75 years.
