New Bus Terminal Will Replace Outdated Legacy Infrastructure With 21st Century Facilities To Improve Commuter Experience and Reduce Bus Congestion on Neighborhood Streets

Project To Include New Facility for Bus Storage and Staging, Charging Capacity To Accommodate Electric Bus Fleets, Community-Friendly, Outwardly Facing Retail and New Ramps Between 10th and 11th Avenues

Decks Constructed Over Below-Grade Dyer Avenue Leading to Lincoln Tunnel Will Facilitate Bus Terminal Construction and Ultimately Create 3.5 Acres of Public Open Space

New Bus Terminal To Be Built for the Future and Designed To Be Net-Zero Emissions

Project Will Create 6,000 Union Construction Jobs and Meet Projected 2040-50 Future Bus Passenger Demand

Traducción al español

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today broke ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, marking the first stage in construction of the new Midtown Bus Terminal. The deck-overs will facilitate construction of the new bus terminal and will be used for staging of buses during construction. Ultimately, the deck-overs will be transformed into 3.5 acres of new publicly accessible open green space after construction of the new bus terminal is complete.

“Here in New York, we are showing the world what is possible when government and the local community commit to making the vision of modern infrastructure a reality,” Governor Hochul said. “A new Midtown Bus Terminal will deliver an enhanced experience for millions of riders, breathe new life into the surrounding neighborhood and ensure that this gateway to the City is one New Yorkers can be proud of for generations to come.”

Governor Phil Murphy said, “Today’s groundbreaking reflects our shared commitment to improving the transit experience throughout the Tri-State Area. Upon completion, the new state-of-the-art Midtown Bus Terminal will serve hundreds of thousands of commuters each day as they head to work, school, medical appointments, or return home. This project is another major step toward modernizing our transportation infrastructure, improving the commuter experience, and reducing bus congestion. Just as importantly, it will create thousands of good-paying union jobs, bolstering our workforce and economy.”

The deck-overs represent the first step in the replacement of the existing 75-year-old, functionally obsolete bus terminal with a world-class facility. When complete, the project will include a new main terminal, a separate storage and staging building and new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel. The project plan — including the permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, a central main entrance, more street-facing retail, a soaring multi-story indoor atrium and new public open space — will enhance the commuter experience at the world’s busiest bus terminal and become a centerpiece for the community. The project is expected to create approximately 6,000 good-paying union construction jobs.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “It is incredibly satisfying to break ground on the first stage of construction of a new Midtown Bus Terminal that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of daily commuters between New Jersey and New York, and greatly improve the community hosting it. I’d like to thank Governor Murphy and Governor Hochul for their full support of a project that will bring economic growth and vitality to our bistate region for decades to come.”

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Today’s groundbreaking for the first stage of a new Midtown Bus Terminal is a momentous accomplishment that moved forward after years of delay by focusing on two key propositions — improving the lives of tens of thousands of daily commuters and providing real benefits to a community burdened by an architectural eyesore and a deluge of bus traffic. By focusing on benefits both to commuters and the surrounding community, we are now moving forward with a project that enjoys unprecedented support at every level of government on both sides of the river. And at last, we are on our way to creating a gateway that our region deserves.”

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford said, “Today marks the start of a long-awaited transformation: replacing one of our region’s most notorious eyesores with a modern, best-in-class bus terminal. When complete, this new facility will not only improve commutes — it will also serve as a valuable neighborhood asset. This project is the result of over a decade of work, including hundreds of meetings with community leaders, transit advocates, and elected officials, as well as a rigorous environmental review led by the Federal Transit Administration. Thanks to that deep engagement, the project has earned broad support -- from the local community to every level of government.”

NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri said, “The new Midtown Bus Terminal represents a transformative investment in the future of regional mobility. For NJ TRANSIT, as the largest tenant, this project is more than just infrastructure — it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the commuting experience for the tens of thousands of New Jersey residents who depend on it every day. The new terminal will stand as a gateway to opportunity, and a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to a stronger, more connected region.”

Reliable and efficient bus service between New York and New Jersey is critical to the interconnected economies of both states, as hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents work in New York City. The new terminal is designed to meet projected 2040-50 commuter growth, provide a best-in-class customer experience that serves the region’s 21st century public transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding community. The project does not include the taking of any private property as it will be built on existing Port Authority of New York and New Jersey property stretching as far west as 11th Avenue.

The new bus terminal will be built for the future and designed to be net-zero emissions, accommodating all-electric bus fleets and implementing modern high technology innovations. The new ramp structure will provide a direct connection to the Lincoln Tunnel, with added queue space and bypass capability, thereby reducing congestion, bus circulation, idling and parking on local city streets. Community-friendly outward-facing local retail will benefit commuters and the community alike.

The final plan for the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project incorporates extensive public feedback from a broad community outreach effort, including input from New York City, New Jersey, commuters, local community boards and elected officials in both states. The total cost of the replacement project has been estimated at approximately $10 billion, with actual procurement for phase one of the project actively in progress. Construction of the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is now underway. The project has received unprecedented support from the community, the city, state and federal agencies.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s construction plan for the new bus terminal calls for it to be built in phases, with the deck-overs being built first followed by the storage and staging facility. The Dyer Avenue deck-overs project encompasses the construction of two decks over below-grade portions of Dyer Avenue and the Lincoln Tunnel Expressway between West 37th and West 38th streets and between West 38th and West 39th streets. The storage and staging facility can serve as a temporary terminal while the existing terminal is demolished and replaced.

A new Midtown Bus Terminal will deliver an enhanced experience for millions of riders, breathe new life into the surrounding neighborhood and ensure that this gateway to the City is one New Yorkers can be proud of for generations to come.”

Governor Hochul

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The Midtown Bus Terminal is a relic of a bygone era and overdue for a much-needed upgrade. This first step makes it possible to rebuild the bus terminal with minimal interruptions for hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. This project will also represent a long-term investment in the city by creating 6,000 new jobs and 3.5 acres of much-needed open space in Midtown. I am grateful to the Port Authority for reaffirming its commitment to a world-class 21st century travel experience in New York.”

Representative Jerry Nadler said, “Finally, after many years of discussion and hard-fought community negotiation, we are finally breaking ground on the first phase of a brand-new Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, the Dyer Avenue deck-overs. The replacement bus terminal is long overdue and thankfully moving forward. A new bus terminal will improve air quality and make our streets safer for pedestrians by removing all commuter and inter-city buses from our streets. And it will replace the outdated and deteriorating bus terminal with a modern, efficient transportation hub that meets the needs of both commuters and residents while contributing to the continued growth and success of New York City. These new deck-overs will eventually lead to a new 3.5-acre publicly accessible open space on the West Side, something that is desperately needed in Hell’s Kitchen. I have been proud to support this project and helped it secure up to $1.9 billion in federal funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Loan Program championed by the Biden Administration’s Build America Program.”

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Hundreds of thousands of travelers from New York and New Jersey rely on this route and the Midtown Bus Terminal. This project will mean good-paying construction jobs, more efficient travel, and eventually new green spaces for the community to enjoy. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy for their dedication to making this project a reality and creating a more seamless transportation experience between our two states.”

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Construction on our new, state-of-the-art Midtown Bus Terminal is officially underway. The deck-overs, breaking ground today, will allow work on this project to begin without disrupting service at the busiest bus terminal in the world. It’s particularly exciting that when construction of the terminal is complete, not only will we have a bus terminal that will reduce congestion and accommodate more riders, we will also have new park land, as the deck-overs will be transformed into 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green space. I look forward to the day that the construction is completed and the Midtown Bus Terminal goes from 'worst' to 'first' in the eyes of the millions of New Yorkers who utilize or live near the terminal, including my constituents on the west side of Manhattan."

Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “The start of construction over Dyer Avenue marks the beginning of the total transformation of our outdated bus terminal into a world class transit hub. This massive investment by the Port Authority will not only get buses off our crowded streets, these deck overs will eventually be new green space for the west side. When complete, this neighborhood will be unrecognizable from its current state, becoming a place New Yorkers will want to spend in, all while drastically changing how millions move through our city and region."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Today marks a major milestone in building the future of public transit for our region. Breaking ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is more than the start of construction — it’s the beginning of a transformative investment in sustainable infrastructure, improved air quality, and expanded public space. The new Midtown Bus Terminal will not only modernize a vital commuter hub, but will also reconnect our neighborhoods, support thousands of good-paying jobs, and create a greener, more accessible West Side for generations to come.”

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, “Breaking ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is an important first step in the replacement of the Midtown Terminal, which will be a transformational project for the west side. It is time for the busiest bus terminal in the world to become a world-class facility for commuters, visitors, and residents. I am excited for this project to become a reality and will continue to work with the Port Authority and the community to ensure the best outcomes during and after construction.”

New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks a truly transformative moment for New York City — and especially for the West Side. After years of collaboration, planning, and deep community engagement, we are finally beginning the next chapter for the Midtown Bus Terminal. This project isn’t just about replacing a building — it’s about restoring a neighborhood. By removing buses from our streets and creating a network of vibrant green spaces, we are reconnecting Hell’s Kitchen, healing the urban fabric, and delivering the modern transit infrastructure New Yorkers deserve. This is a victory for the community, for sustainability, and for the future of our city. I’d like to thank the Port Authority, Manhattan Community Board 4 and my colleagues in government for all the work they have done to bring us to this point.”

New York City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure “Reliable, accessible public transportation is essential to our region’s economic health and quality of life. The Midtown Bus Terminal is a critical link for commuters across the city and beyond, and this groundbreaking marks an important step toward delivering a modern, efficient facility that meets 21st-century needs. I look forward to continued engagement with the Port Authority to ensure that this project centers equity, sustainability, and community benefit at every phase.”

New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball said, “With today's groundbreaking on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, the Midtown Bus Terminal vision moves one step closer to becoming reality and Midtown Manhattan gets a huge upgrade. The new terminal is more than just one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, it will bring new open space, reduce congestion, employing thousands of union workers during its construction, and bring massive quality of life upgrades to Midtown Manhattan."

New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “It is welcome news to the city, to bus riders, and to the local communities on Manhattan’s west side that construction of the Dyer Avenue deck-overs is now underway. By reducing bus congestion and idling, easing the commuter experience, and creating new public space the midtown bus terminal replacement project will greatly enhance this area that New York City has outgrown. NYC DOT congratulates the Port Authority on breaking ground and we look forward to continuing to support them in this impactful initiative.”

New York City Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick said, “It’s hard to overstate how vital the Midtown Bus Terminal is to New York City, the tri-state region, and the country. It’s one of the great front doors to our city. With today’s groundbreaking on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, we’re taking the first step toward a modern, world-class transit hub that New Yorkers deserve. I look forward to seeing this transformation take shape and serve residents, commuters, and visitors for generations to come.”

Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera said, “Today marks a crucial milestone for the Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Program, a key critical infrastructure project that will not only establish a modern and state-of-the-art transit hub for New Yorkers and visitors alike, but also generate thousands of family-sustaining union construction careers. We applaud Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy, along with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for pushing forward this major development that will serve as an economic boon for our city and surrounding communities. Our members look forward to playing a role in building this project and pursuing the paths to the middle class that it creates.”

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “The new Midtown Bus Terminal will be a game changer for commuters and neighborhood residents alike and a huge win for the environment. While serving hundreds of thousands of daily passengers, the new zero-emission, electric-bus friendly commuter hub will cut air pollution, ease the burden on neighborhood streets, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs in the process. Just as important, the addition of 3.5 acres of new public green space will deliver lasting environmental and public health benefits to the surrounding community. We commend Governors Hochul and Murphy and the Port Authority for prioritizing climate-smart design and investing in a healthier, more sustainable future.”

New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura said, “This groundbreaking is a landmark moment not just for the transformation of Manhattan’s West Side but the entire region. The Port Authority is advancing a bold vision for transit and public space that delivers real benefits and will create over 6,000 good-paying union jobs and 3.5 acres of public open space, all while providing long overdue infrastructure upgrades. The new Midtown Bus Terminal project is exactly the kind of investment New York needs, and we proudly stand alongside those who made it happen today – with special thanks to Rick Cotton for his leadership – as we break ground on this exciting and essential project.”

Real Estate Board of New York President James Whelan said, “REBNY and its members are pleased to see the launch of this project. More than just supporting the growth of New York City’s diverse regional transit infrastructure, the project will energize our economy with thousands of new jobs and retail in Midtown.”

Regional Plan Association President and CEO Tom Wright said, “Today’s groundbreaking is the result of years of thoughtful partnership to deliver a shared vision for a reimagined Midtown Bus Terminal that strengthens the local community and expands regional connectivity. The Port Authority Bus Terminal is one of the most high-traffic transportation hubs in the nation and is critical to the tri-state region’s continued economic vitality. This moment marks an important step towards the creation of a modern, expanded, best-in-class terminal that will not only serve the needs of commuters but create an amenity and attraction for the community.”

Association for a Better New York CEO Emma Pfohman said, “As the gateway for millions of commuters and travelers each year, the revitalized Midtown Bus Terminal will not only improve the daily lives of New Yorkers but also fuel our city's continued growth and resilience. The Association for a Better New York applauds Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for leading this important investment in the region's transportation infrastructure and in our city's future.”

Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris said, “The Midtown Bus Terminal is an extremely vital aspect of the commuter life of the hundreds of thousands of people who commute to Times Square every day. We applaud both governors for taking this first step toward the new world class terminal to come that will provide another reason why Times Square is one of the strongest transportation hubs in the city and beyond.”

Bryant Park Corporation President Dan Biederman said, “We’ve seen an early version of the Port Authority’s plans for the bus terminal. They’re excellent, just what we’d expect from the agency that has had recent success with terminals at Newark and LaGuardia airports. We strongly endorse their interim steps to at long last make the PABT, which serves as a gateway for Bryant Park visitors, an attractive facility.”

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Walker said, “This is an exciting day for all New Yorkers as well as employees and visitors coming here from the broader region. This forward-looking project is critical to New York’s preparation for future growth and demand. It is innovative and aspirational in nature, understanding that our city’s best days are ahead. Congratulations to the Port Authority and Governors Hochul and Murphy for bringing us to this point.”

Manhattan Community Board 4 Chair Jessica Chait said, “Community Board 4 is proud to mark this milestone toward a cleaner, less congested, and more connected region. The Dyer Avenue deck-overs lay the literal groundwork for a modern, sustainable transit hub that reflects a welcoming and efficient gateway to New York City. We thank the Port Authority and our elected partners for centering community input in a project that will improve air quality, reduce street-level congestion, and bring vital open space to our neighborhood.”

Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance President Robert J. Benfatto said, “The Hudson Yards Hell's Kitchen Alliance is looking forward to the completion of the construction of the Midtown Bus Terminal project, including the Dyer deck-overs, so that the neighborhood can begin using a new, first-in-class bus transit facility. We will continue to advocate for our community throughout this long process, as our mission states that we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the diverse population who lives, works and visits within the district.

Garment District Alliance President Barbara Blair said, “The Garment District Alliance is encouraged that the Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Program is off to a strong start. A new, improved Port Authority with compelling retail will have a profound impact on the northern portion of the district and will elevate an area that is now having a dampening impact.”

About the Midtown Bus Terminal

What is now the world’s busiest bus terminal opened in 1950, after the mayor of New York City requested the Port Authority to consolidate eight separate, smaller bus terminals throughout Midtown Manhattan in order to relieve street congestion. As the regional population grew and spread geographically, the Port Authority expanded the terminal’s capacity in 1963 by converting parking space to a fourth level of bus operations and adding three new levels of public parking for 1,000 cars. By 1966, the terminal served nearly 69 million passengers, once again requiring increased bus capacity. In 1970, the Port Authority created a 2-mile exclusive bus lane (XBL) on the New Jersey Route 495 approach to the Lincoln Tunnel, giving buses faster access directly to the bus terminal and saving commuters up to 20 minutes in travel time.

In 1981, the Port Authority expanded the bus terminal’s capacity by 50 percent with a new North Wing extension to 42nd Street and the diagonal girder façade now familiar to bus riders. The current facility spans 1.9 million square feet as the nation’s largest bus terminal and the world’s busiest. Individual carriers, the largest of which is NJ Transit, serve routes for daily commuters throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and the lower Hudson Valley, as well as provide intercity services to and from locations such as upstate New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Canada. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bus terminal accommodated an estimated 260,000 passenger trips on an average weekday. As of 2024, the terminal served approximately 205,000 average weekday daily passengers.

For more information on the replacement project, visit the Port Authority’s website on the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement.