Oklahoma State University is preparing to open its new Transportation Operations Maintenance Facility, bringing transit and motor pool operations together in a modern, purpose-built space designed to better serve the campus community.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14, campus vehicle rental, fuel and vehicle repair services will be handled at the new facility. 

Located near the intersection of Lakeview and Western roads, the 28,000-square-foot TOMF represents a significant upgrade from the university's existing motor pool, which was constructed in the 1960s, decades before OSU implemented transit buses serving the Stillwater community or the Big Orange Bus (BOB) that runs between Stillwater and Tulsa.

The new facility includes 12 maintenance bays, on-site parts and tire storage, a new fuel island and tanks, a drive-through bus wash and vehicle detailing space. It also features 182 covered vehicle parking spaces, 15 covered bus parking spaces, customer parking and a secure vehicle storage area.

Once fully operational, the facility will serve as the workplace for 39 full-time employees and approximately 20 student and part-time employees.

"This facility allows us to bring our transportation and transit operations together in one efficient, right-sized location," said Steve Spradling, director of Parking and Transportation Services. "We're replacing an outdated maintenance facility and temporary office space with a modern facility designed to better support our employees, maintain our fleet and serve the university community."

The project has been years in the making. OSU's transportation needs expanded significantly with the introduction of the BOB service to Tulsa in 2002 and Stillwater Community Transit in 2003. The existing maintenance facility was already undersized, prompting the addition of two temporary bus bays in 2005. Transit operations have also operated from temporary office space since 2003.

Planning for a consolidated facility eventually moved forward with federal support, including early planning assistance secured through U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas and construction grants beginning in 2019.

Plans are pending for the future of the old facility on Farm Road.