Watsonville leaders look to redesign city’s transit center

After 20 years of wear and tear, bus riders in Watsonville feel the current transit center is old and outdated. Benitgno Martinez rides the bus three times a week, and said the buses aren’t exactly bicycle friendly.

“There’s so many bikes that I have to leave my bike at the bus stop when I travel,” said Martinez.

And with little lighting at the bus station at night,Martinez said that’s a risk he’s forced to take.

“I come back and the tires missing, or the frame if I don’t lock it up right,” said Martinez.

Santa Cruz Metro and the city of Watsonville are now coming together to try to make the area safer and more inviting for bus riders. Starting this week, city leaders are holding community meetings to gather public input.

“It needs to be upgraded, to make it safer with lighting, to paint it and make it look brighter and more friendly,” said City Councilmember Daniel Dodge.

Dodge said he wants the station to be more of a gathering place for residents.

“We’re also encouraging the city of Watsonville to open a police substation inside the facility so that
our community members will feel safer,” said Dodge.

Martinez had another suggestion.

“Definitely… a coffee shop,” said Martinez.

Plans to expand and revitalize the transit center are still in the design phase. City leaders hope this will encourage more visitors to stop and spend their money downtown, providing a boost for local business.