Senate secures funding for new bus depot

The U.S. Senate Oct. 20 passed the Transportation-Treasury-HUD spending bill, which includes $3 million for Springfield’s public transportation needs.

The federal funding would be used to construct an intermodal transfer facility at Boonville Avenue and Olive Street, replacing the current facility west of the square on McDaniel Street.

Increased downtown traffic resulting from redevelopment caused City Utilities to re-evaluate the efficiency of the McDaniel bus depot, and it announced plans for the new depot in July. Plans calls for a passengers’ waiting area and separate loading stations for each bus.

Construction could begin later this year if the Senate spending bill is reconciled with the House of Representatives version.