Work began Thursday toward setting up a Multimodal Transit Center for Chattanooga.
Chris Kirby, project manager, told members of the CARTA board that it will be a single location for various forms of transit to bring convenience for travelers and efficiencies of operation.
He said planners are looking to find "a centralized downtown location."
Mr. Kirby is a part of CDM Smith, consultants from Knoxville who designed a similar center there that has been in operation for four years. Steve Jett, CARTA board chairman, said the board members plan to travel to Knoxville to study that center's operation.
Ann Coulter, of Coulter Consulting Services, is the only Chattanoogan on the team. She said she will be focusing on working with stakeholders and the community. Team members stressed that they want as much input as possible.
The architectural firm for the project is also from Knoxville. David Collins was at the meeting representing MHM Architects.
Sara Hedstrom of Knoxville is the landscape architect, and Greg Saur of Raleigh will lend his bus transit expertise.
Mr. Kirby said factors that will be woven into the project include the fact the city may get light rail service and an electric car sharing program.
He said one topic will be how to fund the center.
Phil Pugliese, city bicycle coordinator, said it is planned to have a recommendation ready by the end of the year.
The planning team was meeting Thursday afternoon with a local project steering committee.