Texas Transit Association

About 250 people braved the chilly grand opening of the city’s Union Plaza Transit Terminal just long enough to get a peek at the gleaming, refurbished Locomotive No. 1. Many huddled around portable heaters, while others frequented the coffeepots as Mayor Joe Wardy and other dignitaries saluted the city’s success in building the $11.3 million transit, retail and parking facility Downtown at San Antonio and Durango streets.

250 shivering guests view opening of transit terminal
Charles K. Wilson
El Paso Times Saturday, February 14, 2004

Others came to admire a bit of their handiwork on display on the walls of the terminal.

“I like it,” Maria Houchin said of her sun-splashed tile adorning one of the walls, “because I know people are going to like it, too.”

The colorful tiles from Maria and other Creative Kids participants gave the transit terminal a bit of sunshine as a brisk breeze blew through the entryway. Maria, a 12-year-old Bridges Academy sixth-grader, liked the potential of the site as well. “It will help people get around,” she said.

Westsider Helen Cooke, recalling bus rides from Fort Bliss to Downtown, said the Union Plaza effort was something the city had to try.

The city’s hope is to attract motorists Downtown, where they will ride the trolley to dining, business and museums.

“I don’t know if it will work or not,” Cooke said. “But they have to build it to find out.”

Wardy — in a bright orange muffler with a University of Texas at El Paso Miners logo on it — was joined by U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas; state Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso; and Union Plaza Committee leader Gilbert Guillen.

Locomotive No. 1 drew the most attention. After the ribbon was cut, people crowded into the visitor information center to see the 1857-vintage steam engine, which for many years was on display at UTEP.