Renovations begin at Downtown Salinas Transit Center

Construction has officially begun at the Monterey-Salinas Transit’s Salinas Center. The project is the first major remodel since its opening 30 years ago.

” I think it’s a great idea. It’s probably due for something more updated, ” said passenger, Linda Foreman.

The $504,000 project is supposed to take six months to complete. First to go are the center’s bathrooms. They’re being replaced with state-of-the-art Portland Loos, an ” indestructible ” 24-hour restroom facility.

” There’s a need for better, safer restroom facilities. We’ve had a number of complaints over the years and issues with keeping our restroom facilities clean and safe. The Portland Loo technology will help improve the experience for everybody, ” said Monterey-Salinas Transit CEO, Carl Sedoryk .

The work doesn’t stop there. Sedoryk said they are re-doing the customer service area and staff break room. He said they will also add a fresh coat of paint and planting new greenery.

Sedoryk said passengers can expect periodic gate change over the next six months, but help will be available. ” MST employees and volunteers will be helping to direct passengers to their next gates and where the buses will be arriving, ” said Sedoryk .

Signs will be posted around the stop to notify riders while the renovations continue. Passengers said although the gate changes aren’t ideal, they are willing to hold out for when the new center is unveiled. ” T hey got to do what they got to do, and we need it real bad, ” said passenger, Aggie Camel.