The building, which spans 285,000 sq. ft. and cost $40 million to construct, was funded by the Gas Tax Fund— a federal initiative that finances municipalities growing infrastructure needs.

Peter Alder, senior manager of operations for the Sandalwood facility, said the original transit division located at Clark Boulevard was exceeding maximum capacity.

"It was like a shoe box just bursting at the seams. It’s located on the southeast corner of the city and that facility could not acquire any more land. Plus it made sense to have something balancing it off by creating something in the northwest corner."

This facility features an expanded customer service call centre, 11 additional maintenance hoists, three new bus wash bays, articulated buses, hybrid engines and specialized space for maintenance of new technologies, such as real-time satellite tracking systems and automated on-board announcements at all stops.

According to Alder, the facility also upholds the city’s vision of maintaining an environmentally friendly community.

"This facility meets the Ministry of Environment standards for emissions. On sound and noise— it's been built in such a way to minimize noise for residents. We use bio-diesel fuel and of course transit in itself is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to the automobile."

Brampton Transit has seen a 10 per cent growth in ridership this year, said Alder.