WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction on its new transfer center in the northern part of Williamsburg on Thursday, April 3rd.
“Our customers will soon have a transfer center worthy of their dignity,” said Matthew Scalia, Executive Director of WATA. “So many people and groups have supported and worked to make this project a reality because they share WATA’s vision of connecting people, growing our economy, and improving our quality of life.”
This ceremony marks a historic milestone as WATA’s first-ever groundbreaking. Currently, four of WATA’s routes transfer in the space between the Walmart Supercenter and Lowe’s Home Improvement on E. Rochambeau Dr. The new 3,800-square-foot facility will provide amenities needed for both riders and bus operators, including:
- Indoor and outdoor waiting areas
- A customer service center
- Bus information display screens
- Public restrooms
- Six bus bays, allowing for future service expansion
The anticipated total project cost is about $11 million and is expected to be completed by August 2026. Project partners include:
- Wendell Companies – Design Group
- Skanska – Construction Management
- Syncon, LLC – General Contractor
Speakers at the ceremony included Matthew Scalia; Brian Fuller, Deputy County Administrator of York County and a member of WATA’s Board of Directors; Sheila Noll, Chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors; and Tiffany Robinson, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
“We appreciate the support of the three partner municipalities, James City County, York County, and the city of Williamsburg, who shared a vision that led to improved services, enhanced amenities for both passengers and operators,” said Brian Fuller.
“Our local jurisdictions and WATA share a common interest. That is to provide reliable, dependable, public transportation that is both convenient and affordable for our citizens and our visitors alike,” said Sheila Noll. “We hope that this project is just one more step in the right direction.”
“The northern transfer center project is truly a testament to what can be accomplished when state, federal, and local partners come together to invest in the future of public transportation,” said Tiffany Robinson.
When complete, this transfer center will complement other significant improvements to rider experience WATA has made in the past two years, including real-time bus locating on the Transit app, increased frequency on multiple routes, and mobile ticketing.
As part of this milestone, WATA is inviting the public to help name the new transfer center. Community members can submit their suggestions here until Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025: https://shorturl.at/F8WdN
Elected and state officials and the WATA Board of Directors breaking ground.