The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) is undertaking a significant expansion of its headquarters in East Springfield. This strategic move is designed to consolidate maintenance and operational activities at a single site, while proactively preparing for the future integration of electric buses into its fleet.
The expansion project will add approximately 50,000 square feet to the existing 214,500-square-foot facility located at 665 Cottage St. According to Michael Petrin, senior project manager at VHB, the firm responsible for the project plans, this 25% increase in space will enable the regional transit authority to significantly enhance its maintenance garage, incorporate a new paint booth, and increase indoor bus parking capacity to accommodate 32 buses.
These upgrades are not just about space; they are also about future-proofing the facility. “The facility will also have upgrades to the structural, fire protection and electrical systems to prepare the facility for a future 100% electric bus fleet,” the project plans state. This forward-thinking approach ensures the PVTA is ready to support the anticipated gradual shift from diesel and hybrid buses to a fully electric fleet over the next decade. The initial phase of this electric transition will include upgrading a half-dozen electric chargers from 60 kilowatts to a more efficient 180 kilowatts.
John Burke, capital projects manager for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, emphasized the efficiency gains from this expansion. “It is really an efficiency improvement. We can store more buses inside, which is a good thing,” he stated. Indoor parking is expected to extend the lifespan of buses and reduce overall maintenance requirements, contributing to long-term cost savings and operational benefits.
Currently, auto body work is conducted at a separate facility located at 2802 Main St. This expansion will centralize all bus maintenance and storage at the Cottage Street headquarters, streamlining operations and improving logistical efficiency. The Main Street location will continue to handle operations for vans and smaller vehicles within the PVTA system. While the expansion is not immediately creating new jobs, Burke noted it positions the PVTA for future growth and potential hiring as operations expand.
The PVTA’s East Springfield maintenance and operations center, which opened in 2019 after a nine-year process of financing and construction, was initially scaled back due to funding limitations. This new expansion is made possible through a $54 million federal grant, matched by $13 million in state funds, awarded in 2022 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The project has received necessary local approvals, including endorsements from the East Springfield Neighborhood Council and a special permit from the City Council, highlighting community and governmental support for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority’s initiative to enhance public transportation infrastructure and embrace cleaner energy solutions. Kathy Brown, president of the neighborhood council, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting their prior involvement and understanding of the need for further development of the facility.
