West Virginia University is planning a new $16 million transportation hub aimed at attracting more users to public transportation and easing congestion.

A 500-space parking garage, covered bus terminal, elevators and a covered bridge to a nearby campus commuter train station are among the features of the hub announced Thursday.

WVU Transportation and Parking Official Hugh Kierig calls the project a huge step forward.

Work on the hub is expected to start this fall and be finished in about a year.

WVU says $5.1 million for the project will come from a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration grant.