Transit accessibility was among key demands for permanent Philly intercity bus terminal

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The next phase of Philadelphia’s planning process for a new, permanent “world-class travel hub” and possible multi-use development is taking place Nov. 4 in the form of a public meeting at Independence Visitor Center at 6 p.m. 

Attendees will get a first look at updated potential station layouts and a summary of public feedback to an online survey released earlier this year, and be able to share more suggestions and concerns to city planning officials. 

This meeting is the latest development in a winding process that began after Greyhound vacated its longtime station in June 2023 and shifted to curbside pickup, first on Market Street and then on Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties. 

The change drew intense criticism from businesses and residents near the pickup sites, and from riders who lamented the lack of shelter or services while they waited for buses.

After briefly considering using a garage on 2nd Street in Old City as a bus station, and encountering fierce opposition from neighbors, in May the Philadelphia Parking Authority reopened the former Greyhound station as a new PPA-run intercity bus terminal. 

But the PPA has a 10-year lease, which can be renewed only for up to five years. 

A permanent site is being planned for one of these three potential sites: 

• 30th and Arch streets – A pair of parking lots at 701-709 and 721-737 Arch St, near 8th Street, which are next to the African American Museum. The properties are owned by the city and Parkway Corp.
• 15th and Vine streets – The Philadelphia Gateway garage and an adjoining parking lot at 1500-1598 Vine St., owned by PennDOT and the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
• 8th and Arch streets – A parking lot at 2931 Arch St., immediately north of 30th Street Station and adjacent to the Cira Centre office tower. It is owned by Amtrak.

Nearly 1,800 people completed the survey with an additional 61 providing feedback in person at a meeting back in the spring. 

According to the city’s Department of Planning and Development, initial takeaways are:

• Travel to bus stops: Nearly 89% of respondents reported that they usually take transit, walk or bike to arrive at intercity bus stops/stations in Philadelphia. Only 38% reported driving or taking a taxi or car share. 
• Preferred location: 30th and Arch received the most votes (65%) as the favorite among the three locations.
• Trip purpose: Vacation followed by visiting family were the top reasons for respondents’ most recent intercity bus trips.
• Station concerns: Proximity to other transportation options was, on average, the top concern, followed by public safety and security.

“The 30th Street Station option right here is, for me, the most logical, because it connects to the existing transit and transportation grid,” Brewerytown resident Miles Owen told Billy Penn back in February. 

Bella Vista resident Nancy Biller said her son often travels on Peter Pan and other bus carriers and she understands the advantages of 30th Street — “more capacity, and access directly to Regional Rail and transport” — but said the grid of Market, Arch, and 29th and 30th streets is very busy with traffic, “kind of yucky,” and not particularly welcoming for people arriving in Philadelphia.

“But, you know, coming into 8th and Arch, you’ve got Chinatown, you’ve got Reading Terminal, you’ve got the Liberty Bell a few steps away,” she said. “I think it’s a good location.”

Wednesday’s meeting at Independence Visitor Center will be on the 2nd floor of 599 Market St.

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