The City of Coachella has announced the commencement of construction for a new transit hub under the SunLine Transit Agency. The project, which is part of a larger initiative that includes a 105-unit apartment complex, is estimated to cost $14.8 million and is set to begin this week.
Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez disclosed on Facebook that the hub will be situated at 4th and Cesar Chavez, with completion anticipated within six months.
According to a staff report from the City of Coachella’s planning commission in July 2022, the new hub will serve as a transit center for SunLine lines 111, 91, 92 and 95. The hub will feature a 540 square-foot building equipped with a break room, restroom and other amenities for agency personnel. Additionally, it will include three bus shelters, bike racks, landscape enhancements and an area designated for public art installation.
The planning commission’s staff report also detailed that construction of the associated apartment project named Pueblo Viejo Villas concluded in May 2022 and is currently occupied by tenants. A newly constructed loop road will facilitate access to both the SunLine hub and the apartment complex.
The planning commission’s report further stated that funding for the new transit hub comes from an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grant issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Besides funding the transit hub, this grant also covers expenses for four SunLine buses, 40 vans and street improvements. Approximately $8.4 million from this grant was provided as a loan for the construction of the apartment complex.
