Ben Franklin Transit Operations Center

Ben Franklin Transit serves Franklin and Benton counties in southeastern Washington, including Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Benton City, and Finley. To support its growing workforce, the agency undertook a multi-phased project to replace its existing Operations Building.

The project began with an analysis of the Maintenance and Operations Administration (MOA) facilities, leading to recommendations for campus improvements. The selected plan involved constructing a new two-story, 17,000 SF steel-framed office building to enhance workflow and accommodate future growth.

The first floor is dedicated to the operations team, providing spaces for driver comfort, dispatch for Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride services, scheduling, reservations, road supervision, and other operational functions. The second floor houses the planning, marketing, training, procurement, and safety departments. Flexible modular walls on the second floor allow for reconfiguration into offices, workstations, or conference rooms to support future needs.

The building also includes open and private workspaces, a dispatch area, training and conference rooms, a commons area with a kitchen, and locker facilities. Partially funded by a Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) grant, this project positions Ben Franklin Transit to better serve its growing community.