A new service at the Bellevue Transit Center downtown, featuring commuter assistance and the city’s first 24-hour, indoor bicycle parking, will celebrate its grand opening from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Called Commuter Connection, the operation is located in the Rider Services Building on Northeast Sixth Street, between 108th and 110th avenues Northeast. It’s downtown Bellevue’s latest transportation resource for commuters who choose alternatives to driving alone.

The facility will be staffed Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for planning trips by bus, carpool or vanpool. Downtown Bellevue workers and residents can stop in to purchase transit passes, pick up travel information and learn about incentives for choosing transportation options. Employers can learn about adding commute and other benefits for their employees.

Bicycle amenities at Commuter Connection include 27 indoor racks with wire mesh lockers, key card membership that allows 24/7 access and space for changing clothes. In addition, a bicycle commute specialist will be available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon to provide free assistance for route planning and help with minor repairs.

Commuter Connection is funded by a grant from the state Department of Transportation and is sponsored by the city of Bellevue. It’s operated by TransManage, the transportation service of the Bellevue Downtown Association and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

For more information about Commuter Connection and options for getting around, visit www.chooseyourwaybellevue.org.