Plans for revitalized Greyhound bus station announced by the PPA.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has taken a significant step towards revitalizing public transportation in the city by approving a lease agreement on Monday with the owner of the former Greyhound terminal located on Filbert Street. This agreement also includes an intergovernmental partnership with the city aimed at renovating and operating the facility as a dedicated intercity bus depot.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in addressing a prolonged challenge faced by Philadelphia regarding the absence of a proper hub for long-distance buses, a need that has become increasingly urgent in light of upcoming major events such as the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in South Philadelphia.
The chair of the PPA board, Lynette M. Brown-Sow, expressed her relief at the progress being made, particularly for passengers who currently endure uncomfortable and inadequate waiting conditions. Currently, travelers using Greyhound, Peter Pan, and other interstate bus services find themselves waiting curbside along Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties, lacking basic amenities and shelter, thus creating inconvenience for passengers and disturbances for local businesses.
The Filbert Street facility boasts approximately 13,729 square feet, including 14 designated bus slips for arrivals and departures. It is owned by 1001-1025 West Filbert Street L.L.C. Under the terms of the lease, initial rent is set at 0,000 per month, eventually totaling million over a 10-year period, with the lease open to annual renewals.
Renovation costs for the site are estimated at around .5 million, which will cover necessary landscaping, interior refurbishments, and façade improvements. Following the completion of renovations, the PPA will oversee the terminal’s operations, imposing fees on bus carriers for facility use as well as for designated street loading zones, including areas in University City, to ensure funding for ongoing operations and maintenance.
However, the effective implementation of this plan hinges on the passage of new legislation by the City Council that would establish these usage fees. Initial reactions from some council members have displayed skepticism regarding the proposed fees.
This move is a response to the challenges faced in providing a reliable terminal after Greyhound vacated its previous location at 10th and Filbert Streets in June 2023, a decision influenced by corporate restructuring and development proposals for the area. Subsequently, bus services were temporarily relocated to curbside locations that lacked essential facilities, prompting considerable traffic disruptions.
The PPA’s initiative to manage the new bus station aligns with its broader mission to enhance quality of life within the city. The authority has been actively engaged in maintaining public spaces, enforcing parking regulations, and addressing community needs in recent years. The optimism expressed by PPA officials regarding the transformation of the bus station reflects a commitment to improving the overall passenger experience and contributing positively to the city’s transit infrastructure.
As Philadelphia gears up for forthcoming major events, ensuring a functional and efficient transportation hub for intercity buses is now more crucial than ever, reinforcing the city’s capabilities to accommodate both residents and visitors alike.
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