New York approves $10 billion megaproject to revamp Midtown Bus Terminal
New York has approved a $10 billion project to revamp the Midtown Bus Terminal, aiming to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and create new public spaces. The new terminal, expected by 2032, will transform urban transportation.
New York has given the green light to an ambitious $10 billion infrastructure project aimed at transforming public transportation in the city. The initiative focuses on modernizing Midtown’s bus terminal, a structure dating back to 1950, to improve urban mobility and enhance the daily commute for thousands of New Yorkers. Backed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), this redevelopment represents one of the city’s most significant investments in recent years.
The plan includes the construction of a new 200,000-square-meter terminal designed by renowned architecture firms, Foster + Partners and Epstein. The design will feature open spaces, commercial areas at street level, and a multi-level atrium similar to the iconic Fulton Center. A temporary facility is expected to open by 2028, with the main structure scheduled for completion in 2032. According to Kevin O'Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the new bus terminal will "unite New Jersey and New York, creating a stronger, more economically vital, and easily accessible region."
New Renderings Reveal Port Authority Bus Terminal Overhaul in Midtown, Manhattan. Photo: New York YIMBY.
Key features of the project
- Increased capacity and reduced congestion: The new terminal will accommodate intercity buses currently operating on adjacent streets, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
- Public green spaces: Over 14,000 square meters of new green areas will be developed by covering the existing trench on Dyer Avenue, providing open spaces above the new structure.
- Retail and accessible services: The project will include new commercial areas with direct access from both neighborhood streets and within the terminal, improving convenience for commuters.
As noted by the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the terminal will meet the projected growth in travelers for 2040-2050 and ensure efficient and reliable service. “We are building a transportation connection that will serve the needs of the 21st century,” the agency said in an official statement.
A game-changer for New York’s transportation
The Midtown Bus Terminal is one of the busiest in the world, serving over 200,000 passengers daily. With this megaproject, New York aims to improve transit efficiency, create a more sustainable environment and enhance urban connectivity. As the city moves toward a greener future, this investment is expected to boost economic growth and make public transportation more efficient for millions.
New York authorities consider the Midtown structure to be obsolete. As the official statement reports, “the new terminal will not only be a functional building, but an emblem of innovation and sustainability”. O'Toole added: “Signing the final environmental impact statement brings us closer to finally replacing what has been a nightmare for commuters for decades with what will be a beautiful and efficient new bus terminal that will be the world-class gateway our region deserves".