We designed a second transit hub for Tallahassee’s south side to address critical transportation gaps affecting residents’ access to work, school, and healthcare. The existing single bus transfer center creates long wait times, confusing routes, and daily challenges for riders. Our project aimed to improve bus service, enhance rider experience, reduce environmental impact, and support Tallahassee’s clean energy goals.
We selected a site at 400 East Orange Avenue in Tallahassee, Florida. Our team reviewed surveys, existing utilities, and available space to develop a comprehensive plan that included demolishing old structures, grading, and designing layouts for bus roadways, utilities, and stormwater management. The final design incorporated a main transit building, eight electric bus bays, pedestrian walkways, and a maintenance building. We ensured all elements met Americans with Disabilities Act parameters and provided safe bus turning movements.
The project faced several technical challenges. The site consisted of mostly flat Albany loamy sand, and federal funding requirements mandated materials made in the United States. The limited space had to accommodate bus traffic, a multi-story transit building, and pedestrian accessibility simultaneously. We evaluated two stormwater management options: an on-site pond and a connection to an existing City of Tallahassee pond across Orange Avenue. We ultimately selected the off-site connection because it reduced maintenance requirements and created additional space for parking, landscaping, and safer pedestrian areas.
Our team delivered a practical design that balanced cost, sustainability, and community needs, making public transportation more accessible for south Tallahassee residents.