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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provided new updates and details about the proposed Midtown Bus Terminal project. The work would replace the current, outdated 73-year-old terminal with a world-class facility.

On Feb. 1, the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) published its draft environmental impact statement for the project. Additionally, the Port Authority released revised plans following stakeholder input for the $10 billion facility.

The new terminal will be designed for net-zero emissions and to serve all-electric bus fleets.  It will include:

• A 2.1 million-square-foot main terminal;
• A separate storage and staging building as well as new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel;
• The permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues;
• A central main entrance;
• More street-level retail;
• A multistory indoor atrium;
• Public open space;
• New technology, such as a world-class traffic management system;
• And much more.

Looking ahead

According to officials, the terminal is designed to meet projected 2040-2050 commuter growth while providing a best-in-class customer experience, serving the community and providing a major economic impact. The project is expected to create an estimated 6,000 union construction jobs.

“A magnificent new Midtown Bus Terminal cuts to the core of the Port Authority’s mission by knitting together New Jersey and New York to create an even stronger, more economically vital and easily accessible region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We are replacing what’s been a commuters’ nightmare for decades with what will be a beautiful, efficient new bus terminal that will be the world-class gateway our region deserves.”

“Today we’re taking a major step forward to transform what is the worst infrastructure eyesore in the nation and replace it with a best-in-class facility. The Port Authority’s goal is to bring to the project the same perspective we have brought to our airport transformation projects,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Transportation hubs are gateways; they symbolize the region to visitor and residents alike. The new bus terminal will be an inspiring gateway to the city that commuters will actually look forward to using, and that will serve also as an attractive asset to the surrounding community.”

Three-part plan

The Port Authority says the project outlined in the draft environmental impact statement reflects public feedback from extensive community outreach, including from commuters, elected officials and stakeholders from both states.

The statement was prepared to permit construction of a full three-part building plan. Officials estimate completion of a temporary terminal and new ramps in 2028 and the new main terminal in 2032.

The issuance of the draft environmental impact statement is followed by a 45-day public comment period and public hearings. The FTA will prepare and publish a final environmental impact statement following receipt of public comments.

“We appreciate the hard work on the part of the Federal Transit Administration in carrying out the environmental review,” said Cotton. “And we look forward to completing our ongoing discussion to reach agreement with the City of New York on the contribution of the PILOT payments related to our commercial development as we work to secure funding for this critical project that will serve as an economic engine for decades to come.”

‘An important step forward’

New Jersey officials applauded these latest developments.

“We are one step closer to modernizing the world’s busiest bus terminal, to the benefit of the thousands of New Jersey commuters who rely on it every day,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “The Midtown Bus Terminal project is about rebuilding decades-old infrastructure to significantly improve commuter safety and reliability, as well as strengthen our regional economy and our public health.”

“This is an important step forward for a project that will be an enormous benefit for New Jersey commuters and the state’s economy,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District. “A new, world-class bus terminal that supports reliable service will be a key part of a transportation system that connects the economies of New York City and the Garden State. This is a modern facility that will help serve the transportation needs of the bi-state region well into the 21st century.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, described the project as transformative for commuters and our economy.

“I applaud PANYNJ for prioritizing this project for the thousands of North and Central Jersey commuters who rely on this facility every day,” said Coughlin. “Investments in our transportation infrastructure will pay dividends for generations to come.”