March 26, 2007

The Charlottesville Transit Center has been controversial since the planning stage, especially because of its hefty price tag. Despite the criticism, it's finally ready to open with a surprise for riders.

The Transit Center opened its doors for the first time at 8 a.m. and offered all CTS riders free service Monday.

The buses will pick up and drop off riders along Water Street, also planned to be an easy place to make connections.

The main attraction is in the lobby: public restrooms, staff on hand to assist passengers, and shelter from the weather.

"When it's raining outside, we have a place inside where you can be dry to wait for a bus. When it's snowing outside, we have a place inside where you can wait for a bus. When it's hot outside, we have a place inside where you can wait for a bus," said transit manager Bill Watterson.