Calexico Opens New Intermodal Transportation Center in Downtown
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Community leaders and transportation officials gathered on May 11 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center, marking the opening of a regional transit hub aimed at improving public transportation access near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The new facility, located at 220 E. Third St. between Rockwood and Heffernan avenues, replaces a property that had remained vacant and deteriorated for years after a former Rite Aid store closed following the 7.2-magnitude Easter earthquake that struck Imperial County in 2010. Beginning on May 12, the 3rd and Paulin bus stop moved to the new location.
Former Imperial County Transportation Commission Executive Director Mark Baza said the vision for the new Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center was to create a transit center for all of the IV Transit services, while also accommodating private transit operators and potential taxi services near the U.S.-Mexico border.
“The goal was to have a good location, as close as we could get to the border, because so many of the people that come across the border every day get on the transit, on the bus system,” Baza said. He added that improving pedestrian access between the border and the transit center was also a priority. “Having restrooms and misters and good seating at the transit station, I’m very excited about what’s been completed,” Baza said. While noting there are still some details that need to be worked out, he praised the facility’s overhead covers, solar panels, and public amenities, saying, “It’s as great as I could have imagined.”
Calexico Mayor Victor Legaspi said the completion of the Calexico Intermodal Transportation Project marked a major milestone for the city after 12 years in the making.
Speaking during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Legaspi thanked the dignitaries, elected officials, community leaders, and residents who helped bring the project to fruition, noting that their vision, collaboration, and commitment made the facility possible.
“This project represents progress, opportunity, and a renewed investment in the future of our community and our strong relationship with our friends south of the border in Mexicali,” Legaspi said.
He added that the center would enhance downtown Calexico, attract visitors to local businesses, and provide a safer, more efficient path of travel for border crossers traveling throughout Imperial Valley for education and employment opportunities.
“Today marks more than the opening of a transportation center,” Legaspi said. “It marks another step forward in regional connectivity and economic development.”
Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Coachella) called the new Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center a great achievement made possible through collaboration and federal investment, noting that approximately $16 million was secured to help build the facility.
“This transportation center is going to help many people get to work, school, and businesses, especially farmworkers who travel through this region every day,” Ruiz said. He added that the modern transit hub would help reduce air pollution by encouraging public transportation use and providing access to buses, car services, and bicycle accommodations. “This is one of the most important border regions for commerce and daily travel,” Ruiz said. “Instead of increasing dirty air, this center will provide modern transportation options that benefit the entire community.”
The Imperial County Transportation Commission, in partnership with the City of Calexico, developed the project as a centralized mobility hub intended to bring multiple transportation services together in one location. Construction on the project began in February 2025.
The transportation center includes onsite customer service, shaded waiting areas, benches, bicycle racks, lighting, landscaping, a driver break room, public restrooms, security infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging stations. Improvements to nearby sidewalks and pedestrian crossings were also completed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The facility is located about three blocks from the Calexico West Port of Entry pedestrian crossing, one of the busiest land border crossings in the nation. ICTC estimates that approximately 20,000 pedestrians cross daily from Mexicali into Imperial Valley for work, school, and shopping. The number of border crossers is expected to increase with future expansion plans at the port of entry, creating additional demand for public transportation services in the downtown area.
Planning efforts for the project began more than a decade ago. A feasibility study was launched in 2013 through a partnership involving ICTC, Caltrans, the Southern California Association of Governments, and the City of Calexico. The study was completed in 2014 and later approved by both the ICTC Commission and the Calexico City Council. Design work was completed in April 2022 before construction moved forward in 2025.
