NJ Bus Riders Would Get Big Boost From $10B Midtown Terminal Overhaul

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — One of the busiest bus terminals in the world took a big step closer to a $10 billion overhaul this week, and New Jersey officials are calling it a huge win for the Garden State.

On Thursday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released a revised renovation plan for the Midtown Bus Terminal in NYC (watch the video below). The 73-year-old station is notoriously obsolete and rundown, with many pundits describing it as a “monstrosity” and “the single worst place on planet Earth.”

But that’s about to change, officials say.

Here’s what to expect if the project reaches the finish line, according to the Port Authority:

“The $10 billion world-class facility will include a new 2.1 million square foot main terminal, a separate storage and staging building and new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel. The revised project plan — including a proposal for the permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, a central main entrance, more street-level retail, and a multi-story indoor atrium and new public open space — will enhance both the commuter and community experience at the world’s busiest bus terminal.”

Other benefits of the plan would include:

• “Added capacity to allow curbside inter-city buses that currently pick up and drop off on city streets surrounding the bus terminal to move their operations inside the bus terminal and off the streets.”
• “The creation at the end of construction of 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green spaces on Port Authority property.”
• “New concessions and retail amenities that will be accessible from the streets in the community as well as from inside the bus terminal.”
• “The construction of significantly improved and attractive facades, enhancing the visual quality of the new bus terminal to become an asset rather than an eyesore.”

The terminal would have a “net-zero” emission goal, and will use all-electric bus fleets. Other environmental features include onsite renewable energy, zoned heating and cooling systems, and heat recovery and reuse technology.

Officials said the project would take place in multiple phases, with the staging and bus storage facility to be built first, so that it can serve as a temporary terminal while the existing terminal is demolished and rebuilt.

The temporary terminal and new ramps could be completed by 2028, and the new main terminal could be finished by 2032.

By the time it’s complete, the project is expected to create nearly 6,000 “good-paying union construction jobs,” officials said.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR NEW JERSEY?

Rachel Weinberger of the Regional Plan Association said there are two big benefits for New Jersey residents.

"Adding additional capacity to the terminal will allow NJ Transit and other providers to increase service," Weinberger told Patch. "That means more frequent service on lines that are already providing service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) and the opportunity to expand service to areas that don't currently have direct access to the PABT."

The other big win for New Jersey commuters? Rider comfort, Weinberger added.

"To put it mildly, the PABT is not where riders want to spend part of their day," Weinberger said. "The expanded station will feature modern amenities and new concessions that should be a huge upgrade from the options currently available."

Several lawmakers in the Garden State cheered Thursday’s announcement, including its two U.S. senators (read more statements of support below).

“We are one step closer to modernizing the world’s busiest bus terminal,” Sen. Cory Booker said, noting that thousands of New Jersey commuters rely on it every day.

Sen. Robert Menendez said the plan has reached a “crucial milestone.”

“New Jersey communities deserve state-of-the-art, 21st century infrastructure that provides safe and efficient access to their jobs and allows them to spend less time on the road and more time with their families,” Menendez urged.

OTHER DETAILS

According to the Port Authority, the revamped construction plans have upped the total cost of the project. To help defray the price tag, the Port Authority hopes to make a deal with the City of New York to use a financing vehicle associated with plans for commercial development above the new terminal via contribution of payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs), similar to what was done with the Moynihan Train Hall in Penn Station.

The Port Authority is also applying for a federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to support the project.

The Federal Transit Administration has published a draft environmental impact statement, which will be followed by a 45-day public comment period and public hearings. A decision on the proposal would follow in the form of a federal “record of decision,” which is targeted for later this year, Port Authority officials said.

Learn more about the plan, draft environmental impact statement, public comment period and the public hearings here.

The plan to replace the Midtown Bus Terminal isn’t the only big transportation news that has been announced this year. Other recent construction projects in the area include the long-awaited Gateway train tunnel across the Hudson River, a new $2.7 billion terminal at Newark Airport, a big upgrade at Newark Penn Station, and major construction at Port Newark and the Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminal.

• See Related: Work On Long-Awaited Gateway Tunnel Finally Begins In New Jersey
• See Related: Newark Airport's Swanky New Terminal Has Seen 9M Passengers So Far
• See Related: Major Construction Begins At Port Newark, Elizabeth Terminal
• See Related: New Jersey Will Spend $190M To Renovate Newark Penn Station

NJ LAWMAKERS: THIS IS A GOOD THING

In addition to Booker and Menendez, several other Congress members and state lawmakers from New Jersey are throwing their support behind the plan to renovate the Midtown Bus Terminal. They include:

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. – “The Midtown Bus Terminal is a lifeblood artery for millions in New Jersey, middle- and working-class people who need to take the bus to and from work and to visit the Big Apple for a little fun. The crumbling Midtown Bus Terminal is a living relic of the all-too-often disregarded interests of the commuters who rely on it. Making mass transit convenient and pleasurable is critical to mobility throughout our region. This announcement today is an important step towards the culmination to a shining new terminal in New York that all our neighbors can use with ease and pride. We’ve sure all waited long enough.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman – “I am excited about the progress being made by the Port Authority in their $10 billion project to improve commuter experiences across New York and New Jersey. Thoughtful and efficient transit systems foster robust economic activity that helps families across our states prosper. The announcement of the draft environmental impact statement is an important step moving this project forward in a manner that is equitable and environmentally friendly.”

Rep. Josh Gottheimer – “After helping craft and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, there’s nothing better than seeing the Midtown Bus Terminal move one step closer to clawing back federal investments and improving public transportation for commuters in New Jersey and across the region. These investments will help residents spend more time with their families by commuting on faster, more reliable infrastructure, create new jobs, and ensure Jersey’s economy is stronger and safer.”

Rep. Mikie Sherrill – “Today’s announcement represents a major step towards reducing travel times and growing economic opportunities for New Jersey families by expanding capacity and efficiency at the Midtown Bus Terminal. Tens of thousands of New Jerseyans take commuter buses to get to work in New York City every day, but the existing terminal is now functionally obsolete and doesn’t have enough capacity to meet demand – causing congestion and delays for my constituents. I applaud the Port Authority's efforts to expand access in and out of the city through this proposed Midtown Bus Terminal project while also prioritizing environmental impact and feedback from the community.”

Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. – “New Jersey commuters deserve a new Midtown Bus Terminal. This project was a priority of mine when I served as a Port Authority commissioner, and it remains a major priority of mine in Congress. The release of the draft environmental impact statement for the new Midtown Bus Terminal is a major step towards improving the commuting experience and delivering a world-class facility for the more than 190,000 passengers who utilize the existing bus terminal on a daily basis.”

New Jersey State Senate President Nick Scutari – “This is an important step forward for a project that will be an enormous benefit for New Jersey commuters and the state’s economy. 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.”

New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz – “This marks a crucial milestone that will propel the project into the next phase of modernizing its facility and enhancing reliability for riders. New Jersey commuters deserve a top-tier bus terminal, reflective of one of the biggest economic centers in the world.”

New Jersey State General Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin – “This will be transformative for commuters and our economy. I applaud the PANYNJ for prioritizing this project for the thousands of north and central Jersey commuters who rely on this facility every day. Investments in our transportation infrastructure will pay dividends for generations to come.”

New Jersey State Sen. Kristin Corrado – “The latest announcement of the new Midtown Bus Terminal is great news for New Jerseyans and another step in the right direction for our vital transit system. As many of my constituents in the 40th District commute to New York City using the bus terminal, I am happy to see this project moving along to provide a better experience for everyone involved.”

New Jersey State Sen. Gordon Johnson – “This is one of the most important Port Authority projects for the people of my district and I am glad to see it continue to move forward. Governmental steps like this may make the project feel sluggish, but environmental impact studies and public comment are crucial to ensuring the finished project will be something we can all be proud of. I look forward to seeing how the coming months will shape the future of the new, desperately needed bus terminal.”

New Jersey State Sen. John McKeon – “This announcement is a momentous action for the shared economies of New York and New Jersey, and a win for commuters. It is essential that we encourage the use of buses to travel with a modern, top-notch facility that is both functional and inviting. Our commuters deserve a pleasant experience, and I commend the Port Authority for taking this step.”

New Jersey State Sen. Angela McKnight – “The Midtown Bus Terminal is a vital link between New Jersey and New York City, and its replacement is long overdue. These enhancements will not only improve the commuter experience but will expand our mass transit capabilities, helping to secure our economic and energy efficient future.”

New Jersey State Sen. Holly Schepisi – “Our public transit system is a lifeblood for our economy, and I am excited to see this next step in the development of the new Midtown Bus Terminal. I look forward to this much needed upgrade and the improvement it will have on the commuting lives of Bergen County residents as well as all New Jerseyans.”

New Jersey State Sen. Brian Stack – “The new Midtown Bus Terminal is a long-awaited and much-needed upgrade to our outdated facility. With reliable and efficient bus service between New York and New Jersey being crucial to our interconnected economies, this world-class terminal will not only meet the projected commuter growth but also provide a top-notch customer experience for the 21st century. Additionally, it will greatly benefit the surrounding community. With a $10 billion investment, the facility will feature a new main terminal, separate storage and staging areas, as well as enhanced amenities such as street-level retail, a multi-story indoor atrium, and new public open space. This project will truly transform the world's busiest bus terminal and improve the lives of countless commuters and residents alike.”

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