New transit center named for Rosa Parks

The largest and most-expensive transit center in Detroit has been dedicated to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

Dignitaries were on hand this morning for a sneak peek at the new $22 million facility. The three-story, 25,700-square-foot transit center will open to the public Tuesday.

The Rosa Parks Transit Center is being billed as Michigan's largest, serving several modes of transportation throughout the city and surrounding area.

The new center features a covered outdoor facility with 15 bus bays and a two-bay taxi stand, a climate-controlled waiting area, restrooms, retail space, transit police offices and a Detroit Police Department mini station.

The multi-million dollar project was funded with federal and state grants.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and other leaders held a special preview Monday, where the governor reflected on the relationship of the transit's name to its purpose.

"It's ironic but fitting because her quiet and courageous act of course as we know she changed America, her fight for civil rights and you know the freedom riders themselves traveled of course by bus," Granholm said.

A grand opening is slated for Tuesday as the transit center opens its doors to the public.