Philadelphia approves revival plans for Greyhound station.
Philadelphia city officials have taken a significant step towards revitalizing the abandoned Greyhound terminal on Filbert Street, initiating plans to transform it into a modern intercity bus station. On Thursday, City Council unanimously passed legislation aimed at restoring the facility, which is expected to be fully operational by May 2026, just in time for the anticipated influx of tourists for the 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence and various FIFA World Cup events.
Under the new legislation, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will oversee the operation of the bus station on behalf of the city. The PPA will be responsible for collecting fees from bus companies, which will be used to cover operational costs. The planned renovation of the site is expected to alleviate over two years of challenges created when Greyhound ended its lease in June 2023. This departure forced various bus operators to utilize public streets for passenger loading and unloading, resulting in minimal amenities and inadequate shelter for travelers.
The new intercity bus station marks a collaborative effort among multiple city departments, culminating in an agreement with the PPA, as orchestrated by the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The planning process for this project has been characterized by a notable sense of urgency, particularly given the upcoming high-profile events that would place additional scrutiny on Philadelphia’s public transit infrastructure.
Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. expressed his admiration for the prompt cooperation among city departments in facilitating this project. The urgency stems from the pressing need to ensure that the city’s public transit system meets the demands of both residents and visitors alike.
The facility, historically operated by Greyhound for 35 years, saw changes in operation following its lease termination, with services temporarily shifted to both the 600 block of Market Street and most recently to Spring Garden Street since November 2023. The PPA has secured a ten-year lease with the property’s owner, with options for extension, allowing for future stability as the station resumes its critical role in the city’s transportation network.
Bus companies will incur a fee of for each stop in the interim period until the station opens, with the fee rising to thereafter. Furthermore, specific buses operating under a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation program will pay a reduced fee of per stop. The projected operational expenses for the newly renovated terminal range between .7 million and .8 million annually.
Officials have indicated their intention to further explore alternative intercity bus station locations even as they solidify the current plan. The PPA will provide enhanced security measures, including 24-hour surveillance and extensive custodial coverage, alongside a dedicated maintenance staff and an on-site program manager as part of the new intergovernmental agreement with the city.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to streamline traffic around the station and enhance the overall experience for bus travelers. Councilmember Nina Ahmad emphasized the importance of integrating retail opportunities and other revenue-generating endeavors into the transit-oriented development to ensure long-term success. As the city prepares for its pivotal events, the restoration of the Greyhound terminal signifies a vital step towards improving public transportation and bolstering Philadelphia’s status as a tourist destination.
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