Officials celebrated the opening Monday of the Grant Street Transportation Center even though it's is not the catchall Downtown transit depot planners envisioned three years ago.
The complex of 991 parking spaces and Greyhound bus terminal does not include a subterranean connection to the Port Authority of Allegheny County's light-rail system, and with a price tag of $50 million, it cost $15 million more to build than original estimates made in 2005.
Still, riders and Pittsburgh Parking Authority officials said the terminal and garage add a much-needed infusion of low-cost parking to the edge of the Strip District and give bus and train riders an impressive first, or last, view of Pittsburgh.
"It's as close to an intermodal transportation center as we'll get," said David G. Onorato, the authority's executive director. "The wish is to (eventually) have a Port Authority T stop here."
Onorato said the Port Authority's financial woes torpedoed chances for its $435 million light-rail expansion to include the transportation center at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street.
All-day parking rates are $13. Monthly leases are $260. The six-floor East and West garages opened to motorists earlier this month.
Michael Edwards, executive director of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said the "iconic architecture" of the glass-walled building will give visitors a great first impression and chip away at the demand for Downtown parking.
"We probably need even more parking than this," Edwards said.
The Greyhound bus station has operated from a temporary location on Second Avenue since July 2005. The temporary depot is being dismantled. Last year, Pittsburgh's Greyhound station provided transportation for 180,000 people.
The extra parking capacity is creating a buzz.
"I started parking here the day it opened because it's so convenient," said Janet Price, 51, of Wilkinsburg. "I've worked in the Strip for the past 10 years, and recently had some parking problems. I waited a year for this place to open because by the time I get here, most of the spots are taken."
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he expects the transportation center to enliven its section of Downtown.
"The future of Downtown Pittsburgh in many cases relies on parking, and relies on transportation," he said.
Bernard Burton, 42, of McCandless said the garage could not have opened soon enough.
"I used to park at Smithfield and Liberty and walk six blocks to my office. Now I can park (in the new building), and I only have to walk one (block)," Burton said. "It's been great for me, and I think it's going to be convenient for a lot of other people, too."
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