Peter Pan CEO proposes converting Roundhouse into a bus terminal depot.

In a significant proposal aimed at addressing Philadelphia’s ongoing challenges in intercity bus transport, Peter A. Picknelly, CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines, has expressed interest in purchasing the abandoned Roundhouse police headquarters on Race Street. His plan involves transforming the site into a new intercity bus terminal for the city. During a City Council hearing focused on the pressing need for a dedicated station that provides adequate shelter and off-road loading facilities, Picknelly outlined his intention to acquire the facility, finance the development, and subsequently lease it back to the city, emphasizing a swift execution of the project.

Philadelphia’s quest for a reliable terminal for intercity bus services has increasingly become a point of civic concern following Greyhound’s abrupt termination of its lease at the historic Filbert Street station in June 2023. Presently, bus operators have resorted to utilizing a makeshift location near Spring Garden Street and Delaware Avenue. This current setup is far from ideal, lacking proper amenities and shelter for passengers, which has only exacerbated the issue.

The Council convened for a nearly three-hour session to press city officials for updates on efforts to identify a permanent intercity bus station and an interim facility featuring bus bays and terminal space. However, administration representatives offered limited insights into the progress made thus far. The Roundhouse has been a topic of consideration for this purpose since at least the administration of former Mayor Michael Nutter, which lasted from 2008 to 2016.

Paul Steinke, the executive director of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, observed that while the Roundhouse may not represent the highest and best use of the property, its redevelopment as a bus terminal is preferable to demolition. The Philadelphia Historical Commission did not designate the headquarters as a historical landmark in November 2022, allowing for potential redevelopment options. Discussions around the site have included the possibility of using the ground floor for a bus terminal while contemplating the development of a budget hotel on the upper levels.

Urban planners have expressed concerns regarding the stability of parking lots surrounding the Roundhouse, as city engineers indicated they may not be suitable to support bus operations. The former police headquarters has remained vacant since 2021, drawing attention to its status as a historically significant example of Brutalist architecture. Yet, viewpoints about its redevelopment remain polarized, particularly among communities affected by its historical significance as a former site of police operations.

Currently, the city has not issued any calls for redevelopment proposals, leading stakeholders to describe the Roundhouse situation as being in a state of limbo. Further complicating matters, John Mondlak, deputy chief of staff for the city’s planning department, conveyed the challenges in determining a timeline for establishing a permanent intercity bus station. An initial assessment identified 120 potential sites, which has since been narrowed to six. Traffic studies are underway at these locations, with community outreach planned for the fall.

The lack of urgency in addressing this transportation issue has sparked frustration among city officials, with some expressing concerns over the slow pace of planning and execution. The utilization of interim locations has become critically important, as the current arrangements near Spring Garden and Delaware Avenue remain inadequate for the growing number of intercity bus passengers. The city had previously allowed multiple bus services to operate curbside on Market Street, but the absence of basic amenities led to the recent transition to a temporary setup at Spring Garden and Delaware, which, while still lacking, replaced an untenable situation.

As the city continues to navigate this complex challenge, the urgency to secure a functional intercity bus terminal remains paramount. Stakeholders are hopeful that the proposal for the Roundhouse may ultimately provide a pathway to restoring essential transportation services in Philadelphia. With discussions ongoing and multiple interests at stake, the future of intercity bus travel in the city could hinge on how swiftly and effectively city officials respond to these pressing needs.

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