Midtown's Port Authority Bus Terminal finally got the green light on Wednesday for a $10 billion transformation that will take it “from an eyesore to an eye-opener,” but it could be a decade before we see any major changes.
The City Planning Commission unanimously approved a renovation plan that would turn a dilapidated 1950s state stop into a spacious, well-lit transit hub.
“Even with multiple renovations, the 74-year-old terminal is too old and outdated to effectively serve commuters,” Commission Chairman Daniel R. Garodnick said before the vote. We cannot continue to do so.” “While we may be struggling to handle our current passenger numbers, we expect passenger numbers to continue to grow in the future.
“It's long past time for a change,” he added.
The Midtown bus terminal, used by about 65 million commuters a year, is in dire need of a “long-overdue” renovation, Vice Chairman Kenneth J. Knuckles said. This major project will equip the terminal to handle more passengers, expand bus storage, and provide passengers with modern services and amenities.
The terminal will also add two commercial towers, new retail space and charging capabilities. As part of the plan, Midtown West will receive a new 3.5-acre development with wider sidewalks, improved lighting and a “much-needed respite in one of the city's busiest neighborhoods.” There will be public open space, Garodnick said.
“This truly transformative alternative plan anchors this hub among the great infrastructure projects in our city and will continue to serve New York City residents, people living in neighboring states, and people from all over the country for decades.” We can ensure that we have the capacity to serve the people who come.''Please come,'' the chairman added.
Mayor Eric Adams announced earlier this year that up to $2 billion of the project's cost would be offset by 40 years of tax revenue from three potential commercial developments.
The bus terminal replacement comes as the Port Authority predicts passenger numbers will increase by 50% by 2040.
The first two phases of construction will take more than half way through 2040 to complete, according to . Documents submitted by the Manhattan Borough President's Office In August. Phase 1 – Construction of a five-story bus storage and transfer facility from 9th to 10th Streets between West 39th Street and West 40th Street is expected to occur from late 2024 to 2028.
The facility will accommodate more than 350 buses and ensure that buses do not enter the road while parked or waiting.
The second phase consists of demolition and construction of a new 2.1 million square foot main bus terminal and is expected to last from 2029 to 2032, according to documents. The Atrium entrance at West 41st Street and Eighth Avenue is also poised to beautify Midtown as part of this project.
“The shortage of existing terminals cannot be underestimated,” the district president's office wrote in August.
“Current facilities do not support modern buses, which are larger than when the station was first built…More distressingly, the terminal's structural elements are aging. It is predicted to be obsolete by 2037, and other elements of the facility are also aging after 70 years of use.”
The plan will now be submitted to the New York City Council for review and vote.
