Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, Hempstead Village Trustee Waylyn Hobbs, NICE Bus CEO Jack Khzouz, and other local elected officials, to unveil renovations completed during phases one and two of the three-phase overhaul of the Rosa Parks Transit Center. The renovations, expected to cost a total of $6.2 million dollars improve the overall security, look and function of the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center, the busiest transit hub on Long Island. $4.5 million of the funding was secured from the Federal Transit Administration and New York State, in part through a competitive grant. The remaining $1.7 million was allocated from the County. Both Senator Kevin Thomas and County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe were instrumental in securing the funding needed to complete these essential upgrades.
In addition, the County Executive showcased the new real-time crowding feature on NICE Bus’s free GoMobile App, which identifies the capacity available on each bus and their arrival times. Nassau County joins just 38 agencies worldwide offering real-time bus capacity information.
“When I took office, there were leaks in the building’s roof, outdated facilities and security issues. This much needed overhaul of Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center secures a vibrant, reliable and efficient transit system that our communities need and deserve. Thank you Senator Thomas and Legislator Bynoe for your support to get this done,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Public transit plays a major role in the revival of our region’s economy. Now more than ever, we need to restore confidence in riders and get people more comfortable returning to work via mass transit – and now, we have an app for that. NICE has been at the forefront of innovative transit technology and I am proud to introduce this new app feature that will seamlessly provide the kind of real-time capacity data our riders need to feel safe.”
“Modernizing the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center has been a top priority for me since I took office. Our residents deserve a safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation system that’s equipped for the demands of the 21st century,” said Senator Kevin Thomas. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau Inter-County Express, these new renovations to the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center will greatly improve transit safety, service, and reliability, and empower riders with real-time information so that they can make informed transit decisions in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.”
“The Rosa Parks Transit Center is a vital part of the community for the 20,000 people that pass through daily, said Assemblywoman Taylor Darling. “I’m very pleased to be a part of this much needed renovation. The state of the transit center was one of the biggest issues in this community, so addressing it was a top priority. The progress made here exemplifies what happens when branches of local government work together.”
“Through the support of our state, federal and local partners, Nassau County is completing a much-needed investment in the Rosa Parks Hempstead Terminal Center, elevating is standing as an indispensable community asset and catalyst for sustainable, holistic economic revitalization,” Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams said. “I applaud Senator Thomas, County Executive Curran, Legislator Bynoe and all of the community stakeholders who brought this initiative to fruition through their collaborative and inclusive approach.”
“Progress at the Rosa Parks Hempstead Terminal Center illustrates what can be achieved through intermunicipal partnerships that embrace the vision and goals set forth by community stakeholders,” Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe said. “As we continue to embark upon this essential investment in the heart of Hempstead Village, I encourage riders to avail themselves today of the new tools NICE Bus is utilizing to create a more convenient and COVID-safer experience for riders.”
“I want to thank our County Executive Laura Curran, Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and Legislator Siela Bynoe for working diligently to secure the funding needed to make this renovation project happen and make the Rosa Parks Transit Center a first class facility, said Hempstead Trustee Waylyn Hobbs, Jr.
“The Team at NICE has worked diligently in partnership with Nassau County, state and local representatives to update Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center. With these improvements along with innovations such as the real-time bus capacity feature on GoMobile, Nassau County continues to lead the region in providing innovative and responsive transit solutions for their residents,” said NICE Bus CEO Jack Khzouz
Phase one, which cost $162,000, includes completely refurbished Men’s and Women’s bathrooms, refurbished operators’ break room and new water dispensers. Phase two, which cost a total of $2.6 million, includes completed interior/exterior facility construction and paint application; new bird netting and roosting prevention products to the exterior and interior of building with a new concession stand awning will be fabricated and installed in the coming weeks.
Phase three, estimated to cost up to $3.5 million, is expected to be complete by the end of 2021. Phase three construction includes: removal and replacement of existing interior flooring and ceramic walls; new doors and select air curtains; removal and replacing existing sections of stamped concrete in certain exterior and surrounding areas while repairing other spalled concrete and damaged curbing.
With the upgraded GoMobile app, riders can see where their bus is currently running on the route, and – for the first time – receive information on how full the bus is. Those waiting for a bus can get data showing whether that particular bus is “not crowded” – 25% of seats taken, “crowded” – 75% of seats taken, or “some crowding” – somewhere in between, as the bus approaches their location. This provides riders with actionable information on whether the bus in route to their stop has enough available seats for them to ride comfortably, or if they should wait for the next bus. The app can be downloaded for free.
In addition, the County Executive discussed the County’s purchase of 115 new vehicles for 2021 to support service reliability, enhance the fleet and retire current vehicles that are past their 12-year lifecycle.
