Mayor Bill Haslam presided over a ceremony this afternoon unveiling a plaque officially naming the new transit center in honor of U.S. Representative John Duncan Jr., whose support made the station a reality.

The environmentally-friendly 108,000-square-foot Knoxville Station Transit Center with a 710-foot-long platform that stretches across James White Parkway and can accommodate 20 buses at a time opened in August. Duncan acquired the federal funds the city used to build the much-needed new station.

It will be known as the John Duncan Jr. Knoxville Station Transit Center. 

"We would not be here except for Congressman Duncan," Haslam said. "People say that all the time, in this case it's 100 percent true."

This is the first time the city has had this type of facility for Knoxville Area Transit riders. Previously riders waited outdoors for buses at KAT's main transfer point instead of in a dry, comfortable station with lots of amenities.

The center includes a cost-saving geothermal heating and cooling system, high-efficiency glass, a green roof on part of the station and solar panels on another section.

Haslam told Duncan the city and its residents are grateful to him not only for the new transit center but for everything he has done to help Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Duncan indicated that he was touched by the decision to name the center for him.

"I am so proud of this facility," he said. "I appreciate this more than I could really explain. I really do appreciate it; this is one of the kindest things."

Knoxville Transportation Authority Chairman Essie Johnson opened and closed Wednesday's ceremony in addition to introducing Haslam.