This letter was sent to the following decision makers: Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Streets Department, Richard Montanez, Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Streets Department, members of Old City District and Society Hill Civic Association and the National Parks Service,
We, the Coalition for an Intercity Bus Terminal made up of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Transit Forward Philadelphia, Liberty Resources, 5th Square, Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, and Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers wish to express our support for the city’s plan to relocate the intercity bus terminal to an offstreet parking garage along 2nd St in Old City.
In the year since Greyhound closed its Center City terminal, 1 million bus riders have been dumped unceremoniously onto Market St and Spring Garden St with no shelter or resources. What was previously a promise of air conditioning and bathrooms were denied to riders during the summer months of 2023. Conversely, the emergency winter bus pickup location was so poorly planned that riders were unaware that there was an indoor area or bathrooms available to them. The humane treatment of riders is our foremost guiding principle of our support of this next move.
The plan to locate a provisional bus terminal in Old City represents a measurable step in properly serving Philadelphia’s intercity transit users. For one, the location selected is accessible by multiple forms of transit: the Autopark garage is a tenth of a mile away from the wheelchair-accessible 2nd St L stop and is adjacent to 3 bus lines. The garage was built for tour buses so it can accommodate intercity buses immediately. Unlike any site before, the garage is sheltered, accessible and has indoor bathrooms. It features a centrally located waiting room with heat and AC, and is surrounded by restaurants and convenience stores so riders can easily access food and water. It also removes loading from the curb and instead allows for loading inside the garage. Off-Street loading is crucial for bicyclists in the area that have been after thoughts of the previous two temporary solutions. Being in Old City locates riders directly into a neighborhood of numerous cultural institutions, food and beverage options, open space, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
The pride of Philadelphia and some of its most historic sites will replace riders’ current experience of a freeway on-ramp, a partially-abandoned building, and a barren parking lot.
This bus terminal crisis has been unmanageably hard for Philadelphians who have disabilities. The current Spring Garden site features a single, segregated wheelchair pickup location and the nearby L station lacks an elevator. The proposed site features both items built in. According to Disabled in Action member and Liberty Resources staffer Lauren Alden, “Access to affordable public transit ensures that individuals with disabilities are integrated into the community and not segregated and/or restricted in our ability to live a meaningful life. Disabled in Action and Liberty Resources support the new provisional intercity bus site, provided that the site is fully and equally accessible to individuals with disabilities. Nearly 250,000 Philadelphians are disabled, and it goes without question that accessibility at any of our city’s public transportation sites should be prioritized.”
Connor Descheemaker of Transit Forward Philadelphia echoes these demands for the new site, “Since the abrupt closure of Greyhound’s station last summer our asks have been the same: shelter, bathrooms, access to food and water, A/C and heat, accessibility, and to not block bus and bike lanes. This step to a ‘medium-term’ solution is crucial, and we need it to galvanize momentum for a permanent, public facility.”
The proposed Old City location offers a major step forward for intercity bus riders to move with dignity, safety, and accessibility. To ensure its success, riders need:
- PA System and Support Staff: A functional PA system and centralized communication is essential for providing announcements and updates to passengers, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Additionally, the terminal should have adequate support staff to assist passengers with disabilities and ensure a smooth travel experience.
- Operational Funding: Adequate funding is necessary to maintain the terminal’s operations and services. Sustainable funding sources should be identified by the Mayor’s Office and Streets Department to ensure the terminal’s long-term viability.
- Timeline for Construction: A clear timeline for the construction of the terminal should be established to provide transparency and accountability to the community.
- Selection Process for Permanent Terminal: The selection of a strong, temporary site opens up the time and resources to select and construct a long-term, permanent site.
The city has made moves, and we applaud Mayor Parker’s initiative for improving the experience and treatment of intercity bus riders. This site is a major step forward. Philadelphia requires a bus terminal that supports people and we look forward to continuing to work with the Parker administration and advocate for a permanent intercity bus station that all Philadelphians can be proud of.
Sincerely,
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Transit Forward Philadelphia
5th Square
Liberty Resources
Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers
Sunrise Movement Philadelphia
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