CITY TO CONSTRUCT MIDDLE STREET TRANSIT CENTER

(Monday, September 28, 2009) -- Mayor Mufi Hannemann and City officials today broke ground for the $8.2-million Middle Street Transit Center.

Mayor Hannemann said, “This project is significant for two reasons.  First, it will create jobs in the construction industry at a time when unemployment is very high and help stimulate the local economy.  Second, over the longer-term, the transit center signifies our commitment to developing our multi-modal transportation system.  The Middle Street bus facility will be an integral part of the rail transit station adjacent to that site, joining similar facilities in Mililani and Waianae.  This is all part of our efforts to improve TheBus service and encourage ridership, while also proceeding with a rail line that will connect Oahu’s urban core.”

            Hannemann also pointed out that dedicated tax revenues for Honolulu’s rail transit program rose $12 million more than expected in Fiscal Year 2009.  This trend, combined with the Council on Revenues’ long-term forecast for increased state tax revenues, projects an additional $200 million in transit tax revenues through FY 2023.

“Construction costs for the rail project are coming in lower than expected,” said Hannemann.  “Potentially lower costs and a higher revenue forecast are promising signs as we prepare to break ground for rail transit this year.”

The Middle Street Transit Center is one of several projects completed or planned for the Middle Street Intermodal Center, located at the intersection of Middle and Kamehameha Highway.

This project will include bays for staging buses and an expanded transit center to replace the existing bus service center.  The passenger platform will have electronic information boards identifying departing and arriving buses, a customer service center, two restroom buildings, a utility building, and security office.  One section of the center will be used to connect to the future rapid transit station.  All of the facilities will be under a covered canopy with landscaping in the center of the platform.

The cost of the Middle Street project is $8,238,000.  Projected completion date is October 2010.  This job was awarded to T. Iida Contracting.  Prime consultant for the design work is Urban Works, with sub-consultants including SSFM International, Nakamura Oyama & Associates, Notkin Hawaii, and Masa Fujioka & Associates.

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Contact:

Wayne Yoshioka, 768-8303

Bill Brennan, 768-6928