Phoenix unveiled its renovated Central Station Transit Center downtown last month after one year of reconstruction. Improvements at the two-acre site — which hosts local and express buses, light rail service and transit staff — included the installation of larger shade trees and fabric canopies, more seating, bike lockers, information kiosks, a surveillance camera security system and lighting.

Sustainable features — such as a solar energy system on the roof that uses photovoltaic laminate (thin-film) technology, light-emitting diode lights, low-flow plumbing fixtures and programmable irrigation — were included to reduce long-term operating costs.

The $3.7 million project was funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the city is pursuing certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Existing Building Operation and Maintenance (EBOM).