New York City’s main bus station, mocked and criticized for years for leaking ceilings, dirty bathrooms and frequent delays, could receive a vast makeover.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released a proposal to rebuild and expand the building in Manhattan.
“This important step is a turning point in the transformation of the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Manhattan Midtown West into a world-class transportation hub worthy of New York,” stated Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
“By fully redeveloping the terminal, adding space for commercial development, enhancing the commute experience, and eliminating bus traffic and pollution from the surrounding community, we will show New Yorkers and the world that New York is back, and that the future is bright again, “added Cuomo.
“Everybody knows the bus station. Few have a good thing to say,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “It’s about time to replace the building.”
The new station would be built over the current one, with modern glass walls at the entrances and extensions to receive more buses. Ramps extending several blocks would be moved and a building would be constructed to park buses off the street.
2021 marks our centennial year & we’re advancing our agency’s mission to keep the region moving with plans for a whole new Midtown Bus Terminal! We’ll transform this outdated facility into a 21st century transit hub & source of community pride, not scorn. https://t.co/RgHk9pvWEE pic.twitter.com/aGri4X3xiy
— Port Authority of NY & NJ. Wear a Face Covering. (@PANYNJ) January 22, 2021
Construction of the project could begin in 2024, finish by 2031 and cost up to $ 10 billion, the port authority said.
Some 3 billion would come from selling the rights to build four commercial buildings in the area, including one above the terminal. The project would also require municipal and federal funds.
The Port Authority Bus Terminal was opened in 1950 on 8th Avenue, between 40th and 42nd streets, near the central Times Square. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the terminal received more than 250,000 passengers on weekdays, many from New Jersey.
Authorities have debated replacing or remodeling the station for years. A previous plan to build a new terminal west of the current building caused a heated dispute between the New York and New Jersey branches of the agency.
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