INSIDE HUNT: More Than a Bus Garage

Building the Future of Student Transportation at Elmira Heights CSD

When people think about school construction projects, classrooms, athletic facilities, and cafeterias often come to mind. Yet one of the most important facilities on any campus is one student may never step inside—a transportation center.

Every school day begins and ends with a safe, reliable ride to and from school. Behind every successful transportation program is an operation that requires well-designed facilities, efficient maintenance, and dependable fleet management. Investing in transportation infrastructure isn't simply about housing buses; it's about supporting students, protecting district assets, and ensuring educational access.

That's the vision behind the new Transportation Facility for Elmira Heights Central School District.

As part of the District's voter-approved $17.8 million Capital Improvement Program, HUNT is providing engineering and design services for a modern transportation center that will serve as the operational hub for the District's fleet. The new facility will include enclosed bus storage, vehicle maintenance and repair bays, administrative offices, driver training space, and an on-site fueling station—all designed to improve operational efficiency and support the District's long-term needs.

Solving a Longstanding Operational Challenge

For more than 25 years, Elmira Heights CSD relied on neighboring facilities for bus storage and maintenance. While that arrangement met the District's immediate needs, it limited operational flexibility and long-term planning.

The new transportation center changes that.

By creating a dedicated facility, the District gains greater control over fleet operations, maintenance scheduling, and future growth while reducing logistical challenges associated with operating from an off-site location.

Designing for Efficiency

Every transportation facility should be designed around the people and equipment that keep a district moving.

HUNT's design focuses on:

• Efficient circulation for buses and support vehicles

• Safe maintenance and repair operations

• Functional administrative and driver support spaces

• Durable building systems designed for long-term performance

• Space to accommodate future operational needs

The result is a facility that improves daily operations while protecting the District's investment for decades to come.

Community Investment with Long-Term Value

The project reflects the community's commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom. Approved by district voters as part of the Capital Improvement Program, the transportation facility represents an investment in safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Reliable transportation connects students to classrooms, extracurricular activities, athletics, and educational opportunities every day. Modern facilities help ensure those services remain dependable while providing school districts with greater flexibility to manage their operations effectively.

HUNT's Role

At HUNT, we understand that every capital project should solve today's challenges while preparing clients for tomorrow's needs. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with school districts to design facilities that are practical, efficient, and built around long-term value.

The Elmira Heights Transportation Facility is another example of how thoughtful engineering and design can strengthen school operations and better serve students, staff, and the community.

Construction is currently underway, and we look forward to seeing this important project support Elmira Heights Central School District for years to come.

About HUNT

HUNT partners with school districts throughout New York and Pennsylvania to plan, design, and deliver educational facilities that improve learning environments and strengthen communities. From capital improvement programs and transportation facilities to athletic complexes and educational spaces, our multidisciplinary team helps clients create lasting solutions that serve students today and into the future.