MIAMI — The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has begun construction on a state-of-the-art Transit Operations Center (TOC) that will charge, service, operate, maintain and house its new sustainable fleet of battery electric buses (BEB). 

The SDTOC is the first of its kind in the U.S., as it is the first all-electric facility and the first to accommodate up to 100 articulated, zero emission BEBs.

The locally funded project, which was officially launched at a groundbreaking event on June 25, is being built on a 20-acre, county-owned site at Biscayne Drive and SW 127 Avenue in South Dade.

“This groundbreaking is a proud moment for DTPW,” said Angel André Chavarria, senior vice president and alternative delivery project director at WSP. “Planning, design and construction for this one-of-a-kind facility is a testament to the determination and forward-thinking project team working to address future climate conditions.”

WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, is providing innovative design and construction services for the project, which will serve as a key component of the county’s climate action strategy to operate a cleaner, more sustainable transit system. The new facility also brings jobs and will better serve the mobility needs of the county’s fastest-growing area, which stretches from Homestead and Dadeland to Florida City.

“This project is moving forward thanks to the fantastic collaboration between the county, Florida Power and Light and community stakeholders across the region,” Chavarria said. “The new TOC will anchor Miami-Dade’s future transit operations and serve as a model for other communities seeking more sustainable transit systems.”

Among the design innovations to be built are retractable platforms installed to reach bus rooftops, where batteries are charged. “When a bus backs in, maintenance staff can step directly onto and off of the roof, making their work safer and more efficient,” Chavarria said.

The facility’s design also boasts many green energy features, including solar power, rapid charging stations with related infrastructure, xeriscape landscaping and a reclaimed water system for environmentally friendly bus washing.

Additionally, in a major storm or crisis, the facility can be used as an emergency command center for DTPW bus operations.

While the project is to be delivered in two phases, the new TOC is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.

About WSP in the U.S.
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list, WSP is driving social impact and commitment to ESG. WSP in the U.S. brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com