Port Authority bus terminal replacement OKd by city planners but long overdue makeover could take a decade
The Port Authority bus terminal in Midtown finally got the greenlight for a $10 billion “eyesore to eye-popping” transformation Wednesday – but it could take a decade to see major changes.The City Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve the revamp – which would turn the blighted 1950s-era intrastate stop into a spacious, bright transit hub.“Even with multiple renovations, the 74-year-old terminal is too old and outmoded to continue effectively serving commuters,” commission Chair Daniel R.Garodnick said prior to the vote.
“It struggles at times to handle its current ridership, and we expect ridership to continue to grow into the future.“It’s far past time for a replacement,” he added.The Midtown bus terminal, which serves about 65 million commuters a year, is in desperate need of “long overdue” upgrades, vice chairman Kenneth J.Knuckles said.
The massive project will set the terminal up to handle more passengers, expand bus storage and offer modern services and amenities for passengers.The terminal would also get two commercial towers, new retail space and electric charging capabilities.As part of the plan, Midtown West would get wider sidewalks, improved lighting and a new 3.5 acre public open space that will offer a “sorely needed respite in one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods,” Garodnick said.“With this truly transformational replacement plan, we can ensure this hub takes its place among our city’s great infrastructure projects and has the capacity to serve New York City’s residents, those who live in neighboring states and those who visit from throughout the country for decades to come,” the chair added.Up to $2 billion of the project’s cost would be offset by 40 years of tax revenue from the three potential commercial developments, Mayor Eric Adams announced earlier this year.The bus terminal replacement comes as the Port Authority estimates ridership will increase 50% by 2040.It will take more than...