View source for Port Authority Bus Terminal

{{short description|Bus station in Manhattan, New York}}
{{Redirect|PABT|the ICAO code listing|Bettles Airport}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox station
| name               = Port Authority Bus Terminal
| type               = 
| style              = 
| image              = Port Authority Bus Terminal (48295955196).jpg
| image_caption      = Port Authority Bus Terminal at [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] and West [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] in July 2019
| address            = 625 [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|8th Avenue]]
| borough            = [[New York City]], New York
| country            = United States
| coordinates        = {{Coord|40|45|24|N|73|59|28|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline,title}}
| bus_stands         = 223
| connections        = {{rint|newyork|subway}} '''[[New York City Subway]]:'''<br>{{NYCS Eighth south|time=bullets}} at {{stl|NYCS|42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal}}<br>
{{NYCS Times Square|time=bullets}} at [[Times Square–42nd Street]]<hr/>{{bus icon}} '''[[New York City Bus]]''': {{NYC bus link|M11|M20|M34A SBS|M42|M104|SIM8|SIM8X|SIM22|SIM25|SIM26|SIM30}}
| depth              = 
| levels             = 9<ref name = redesigning/>
| bus_operators      = ''See [[Port Authority Bus Terminal#Companies|Companies]] below''
| bus_routes         = {{bus icon}} '''[[NJ Transit Bus Operations|New Jersey Transit Bus]]''': {{NJ bus link|101|102|105|107|108|109|111|112|113|114|115|116|117|119|121|122|123|124|125|126|127|128|129|130|131|132|133|135|136|137|138|139|144|145|148|151|153|154|155|156|157|158|159|160|161|162|163|164|165|166|167|168|177|190|191|192|193|194|195|196|197|198|199|319|320|321|324|355}}
| parking            = 1,250 spaces
| bicycle            = 
| opened             = December 15, 1950
| closed             = 
| rebuilt            = 1963 (parking decks)<br>1979 (annex)<br>2007 (seismic retrofit)
| electrified        = 
| accessible         = 
| code               = 
| owned              = [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]
| zone               = 
| former             = 
| passengers         = 
| pass_year          = 
| pass_percent       = 
| pass_system        = 
| mpassengers        = 
| services           = 
| mapframe           = yes
| mapframe-zoom      = 14
| web                = [http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/port-authority-bus-terminal.html PABT]
}}
The '''Port Authority Bus Terminal''' (colloquially known as the '''Port Authority''' and by its acronym '''PABT''') is a [[bus station|bus terminal]] located in [[Manhattan]] in [[New York City]]. It is the busiest bus terminal in the world by volume of traffic,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Port Authority Development Team to Build 1.3 Million-Square-Foot Office Tower Above Bus Terminal |date=November 30, 2007 |publisher=Port Authority of NY & NJ |url=https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2007_press_releases/port_authority_developmentteamtobuild13million-square-footoffice.html |access-date=January 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527153209/http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=932 |archive-date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> serving about 8,000 buses and 225,000 people on an average weekday and more than 65&nbsp;million people a year.<ref name=PAPlan/>

The terminal is located in [[Midtown Manhattan]] at 625 [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] between [[40th Street (Manhattan)|40th Street]] and [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]], one block east of the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] and one block west of [[Times Square]]. It is one of three bus terminals operated by the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] (PANYNJ); the other two are [[George Washington Bridge Bus Station]] in [[Upper Manhattan]] and [[Journal Square Transportation Center]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]].

PABT serves as a terminus and departure point for [[commuter]] routes as well as for long-distance [[intercity bus service]] and is a major transit hub for residents of [[New Jersey]]. It has 223 departure gates and 1,250 car parking spaces, as well as commercial and retail space.<ref name="express">{{cite report |url=http://mobilizingtheregion.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/pa-report_final.pdf |title=Express Route to Better Bus Service How to Improve Bus Travel Across the Hudson River, and Beyond |date=May 2009 |publisher=Tri-State Transportation Campaign |quote=The Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), in midtown Manhattan, is the largest and busiest bus passenger facility in the world. Used by both public and private bus carriers, the terminal has 223 bus gates, 1,250 spaces of public parking, along with commercial and retail space. |access-date=April 20, 2012 |archive-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816204121/http://mobilizingtheregion.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/pa-report_final.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, there were more than 2.263 million bus departures from the terminal.<ref name="Haddon 2012">{{cite web |last=Haddon |first=Heather |title=Late Starts On N.J. Buses |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |date=September 4, 2012 |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444301704577629643043633180.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219002044/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444301704577629643043633180 |archive-date=February 19, 2015}}</ref>

Opened in 1950, the terminal was built to consolidate several private terminals spread across [[Midtown Manhattan]]. A second wing, extending to [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]], was added in 1979. Since then, the terminal has reached peak hour capacity, leading to congestion and overflow on local streets. It does not allow for [[layover]] parking; as such, buses must either use local streets and parking lots or [[Dead mileage|deadhead]] through the tunnel. PANYNJ has been unsuccessful in its attempts to expand passenger facilities through [[public private partnership]], and in 2011 it delayed construction of a [[bus garage|bus depot]] annex, citing budgetary constraints. After considering several plans to relocate the terminal, the PANYNJ released plans in 2021 to reconstruct the terminal on the same site, with layover facilities.

==History==
[[File:Greyhound Bus Terminal, 33rd and 34th Streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, Manhattan (NYPL b13668355-482565).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The last of many bus terminals in Midtown, at [[Pennsylvania Station (1910–1963)|Old Penn Station]]. In 1963, [[Greyhound Lines]] became the last company to move to PABT.]]
Before PABT was constructed, there were several terminals scattered throughout Midtown Manhattan,<ref name="unmourned">{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=November 4, 2011 |title=A Bus Terminal, Overshadowed and Unmourned |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/realestate/the-west-30s-streetscapes-a-bus-terminal-overshadowed-and-unmourned.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106002443/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/realestate/the-west-30s-streetscapes-a-bus-terminal-overshadowed-and-unmourned.html |archive-date=January 6, 2012}}</ref> some of which were part of hotels. The [[Federal Writers' Project]]'s 1940 publication of [[American Guide Series|''New York: A Guide to the Empire State'']] lists the All American Bus Depot on West 42nd, the Consolidated Bus Terminal on West 41st, and the [[Hotel Astor (New York)|Hotel Astor]] Bus Terminal on West 45th.<ref>{{cite book |last=Federal Writers' Project |title=New York A Guide to the Empire State |publisher=New York State Historical Association |year=1940 |isbn=9781603540315 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmbOZd4D-ccC&q=New+York:+A+Guide+to+the+Empire+State+bus+terminals&pg=PA249 |access-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152722/https://books.google.com/books?id=TmbOZd4D-ccC&q=New+York:+A+Guide+to+the+Empire+State+bus+terminals&pg=PA249 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Hotel Carter (Manhattan)#Bus terminal|Dixie Bus Center]] on 42nd Street, located on the ground floor of the Dixie Hotel, opened in 1930 and operated until 1959.<ref name=nyt-1957-07-02>{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1957 |title=Dixie Bus Depot Closes Its Doors After 29 Years |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/07/02/archives/dixie-bus-depot-closes-its-doors-after-29-years.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907081213/http://www.nytimes.com/1957/07/02/archives/dixie-bus-depot-closes-its-doors-after-29-years.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] had coach service aboard a [[ferry]] to [[Communipaw Terminal]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]] that ran from an elegant bus terminal with a revolving bus platform in the [[Chanin Building]] at 42nd and Lexington.<ref name="unmourned" /> [[Greyhound Lines]] had its own facility adjacent to [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Pennsylvania Station]] and did not move into the Port Authority Bus Terminal until May 1963,<ref name="nyt-1963-05-01">{{Cite news |date=May 1, 1963 |title=Greyhound Starts Using the Port Authority Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/01/archives/greyhound-starts-using-the-port-authority-terminal.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416221418/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/01/archives/greyhound-starts-using-the-port-authority-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> at which time all long-distance bus service to the city was consolidated at the terminal.<ref name="unmourned" />

=== Development ===
==== Planning ====
The [[Lincoln Tunnel]] between [[Manhattan]] and [[New Jersey]] opened in 1937. Within a year and a half of the tunnel's opening, five companies were operating 600 interstate bus trips through the tunnel every day.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/19/archives/3-more-bus-lines-get-tube-permits-present-service-of-600-trips.html |title=3 More Bus Lines Get Tube Permits; Present Service of 600 Trips Daily Through Lincoln Tunnel Will Be Doubled |date=March 19, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 28, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329053950/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/19/archives/3-more-bus-lines-get-tube-permits-present-service-of-600-trips.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> The city opposed letting buses go through Midtown Manhattan because they caused congestion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/01/archives/city-opposes-rise-in-bus-travel-here-petition-to-icc-protests.html |title=City Opposes Rise in Bus Travel Here; Petition to I.C.C. Protests Grants to Nine Applicants for Service to Midtown |date=April 1, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 28, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329062726/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/01/archives/city-opposes-rise-in-bus-travel-here-petition-to-icc-protests.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> A large bus terminal near the mouth of the Lincoln Tunnel was first mandated in December 1939, after the city announced that it would ban commuter buses from driving into congested parts of Midtown. The ban was supposed to go into effect in January 1941,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/12/11/archives/interstate-buses-to-be-barred-here-in-congested-zones-mayor-orders.html |title=Interstate Buses to Be Barred Here in Congested Zones; Mayor Orders Ban Effective on Jan. 1, 1941--To Include Interurban Carriers|date=December 11, 1939 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 28, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329063032/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/12/11/archives/interstate-buses-to-be-barred-here-in-congested-zones-mayor-orders.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> but New York Supreme Court Justice [[John E. McGeehan]] blocked La Guardia's proposed bus ban on the grounds that it was unreasonable.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 19, 1941 |title=v; Order Excluding Interstate and Interurban Lines Held in Excess of Police Power |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/19/archives/midtown-bus-ban-is-voided-by-court-order-excluding-interstate-and.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329144139/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/19/archives/midtown-bus-ban-is-voided-by-court-order-excluding-interstate-and.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In July 1940, at the request of New York City mayor [[Fiorello H. La Guardia]], the Port of New York Authority started conducting a survey into the causes and effects of intercity and commuter bus traffic in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/18/archives/bus-survey-points-to-new-terminal-port-authority-acting-at-the.html |title=Bus Survey Points to New Terminal; Port Authority, Acting at the Mayor's Request, Seeks to Provide Facilities |date=July 18, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124136/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/18/archives/bus-survey-points-to-new-terminal-port-authority-acting-at-the.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> That December, Times Square Terminal Inc. filed an application to build and operate a commuter bus terminal from 41st to 42nd Streets between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, adjacent to the [[330 West 42nd Street|McGraw-Hill Building]] on land owned by the [[McGraw-Hill Publishing Company]]. According to projections at the time, the $4 million terminal could be completed within nine months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/08/archives/huge-bus-terminal-to-rise-on-42d-st-at-4000000-cost-bus-terminal.html |title=Huge Bus Terminal to Rise on 42d St. at $4,000,000 Cost; Bus Terminal Proposed for the Midtown Tunnel Transients |date=December 8, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329144206/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/08/archives/huge-bus-terminal-to-rise-on-42d-st-at-4000000-cost-bus-terminal.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Manhattan Borough President [[Stanley M. Isaacs]] proposed building a short $600,000 tube between the Lincoln Tunnel and the new terminal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/17/archives/isaacs-opens-fight-for-city-bus-tube-he-heads-group-asking-for.html |title=Isaacs Opens Fight for City Bus Tube; He Heads Group Asking for $600,000 to Build Tunnel to 42d St. Terminal |date=December 17, 1940 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329135554/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/17/archives/isaacs-opens-fight-for-city-bus-tube-he-heads-group-asking-for.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> The city approved the construction of the new terminal and connecting tunnel in January 1941.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/24/archives/city-enters-deal-for-bus-terminal-will-build-link-to-lincoln-tunnel.html |title=City Enters Deal for Bus Terminal; Will Build Link to Lincoln Tunnel From Private Depot at 42d St. and 8th Ave. |date=1941 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124211/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/24/archives/city-enters-deal-for-bus-terminal-will-build-link-to-lincoln-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>

Plans for a bus terminal were delayed because of [[World War II]], which diverted resources from most projects that were not directly involved in the war effort. In June 1944, the New York state government allocated $180,000 to the Port of New York Authority for studying the feasibility of constructing a bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/07/archives/bus-project-here-is-aided-by-state-planning-board-allots-180000-for.html |title=Bus Project Here is Aided by State; Planning Board Allots $180,000 for Port Authority Plans for $9,000,000 Terminal |date=June 7, 1944 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124249/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/07/archives/bus-project-here-is-aided-by-state-planning-board-allots-180000-for.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Early the next year, plans for a mid-Manhattan bus terminal were presented to the different bus companies.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/03/13/archives/bus-lines-get-plan-for-union-station-port-authority-project-to-cost.html |title=Bus Lines Get Plan for Union Station; Port Authority Project to Cost $13,000,000 Has Full Backing of 13, Support of Others Another Plea to Greyhound |date=March 13, 1945 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124259/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/03/13/archives/bus-lines-get-plan-for-union-station-port-authority-project-to-cost.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> While most major bus lines agreed to the plan, Greyhound was already planning on expanding its then terminal near Penn Station.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/11/21/archives/mayor-urges-bus-depot-be-built-despite-opposition-of-greyhound-most.html |title=Mayor Urges Bus Depot Be Built Despite Opposition of Greyhound; Most Other Lines Have Approved Big Union Terminal, He Is Told--Warns He Will Fight Any 'Special Privilege' |date=November 21, 1945 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124202/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/11/21/archives/mayor-urges-bus-depot-be-built-despite-opposition-of-greyhound-most.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Greyhound initially opposed the terminal but withdrew its opposition in late 1947.<ref name="p1337219148">{{cite news |last=Bedolis |first=Robert A. |date=November 8, 1947 |title=Greyhound Drops Plan to Build New Terminal East of 8th Av: Bows to City's Opposition Without a Court Test; Won't Use Port Authority's New Terminal, Will Operate From 2 Present Stations |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1337219148}}}}</ref>

==== Construction ====
The [[New York City Board of Estimate]] approved the construction of the new terminal in January 1947.<ref name="p1291272865">{{cite news |last=McConnell |first=David |date=31 Jan 1947 |title=Port Authority Bus Terminal Project Wins: Estimate Board Adopts Plan by Mayor, Killing Greyhound's Proposal Big Midlown Depot To Cost $17,500,000 Site Is Between 8th and 9th Avs., 40th to 41st; Completion in '49 Seen |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1291272865}}}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> The terminal was to be built one block south of the aborted Times Square Terminal Inc. site, on the block bounded by 40th and 41st Streets and Eighth and Ninth Avenues.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/01/31/archives/new-bus-terminal-is-approved-here-to-cost-17500000-board-of.html |title=New Bus Terminal is Approved Here; to Cost $17,500,000 |last=Conklin |first=William R. |date=January 31, 1947 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 29, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329124235/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/01/31/archives/new-bus-terminal-is-approved-here-to-cost-17500000-board-of.html |archive-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> The Port of New York Authority began acquiring land for the terminal two months later.<ref name="p1269880997">{{cite news |last=Ingalls |first=Leonard |date=16 Mar 1947 |title=Port Authority Buys First Land For Bus Station: Acquires Two Vacant Lots for West Side Terminal Between 40th and 41st |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1269880997}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1947-03-16">{{Cite news |date=1947-03-16 |title=Bus Depot Land Bought; Port Authority Gets 2 Parcels for Terminal in Forties |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/16/archives/bus-depot-land-bought-port-authority-gets-2-parcels-for-terminal-in.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152741/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/16/archives/bus-depot-land-bought-port-authority-gets-2-parcels-for-terminal-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To finance the terminal's construction, the agency issued $16.3 million in bonds in July 1947.<ref name="p131678408">{{cite news |date=17 July 1947 |title=Municipal News: N.Y. Port Authority Awards $16.3 Million Terminal Bond Issue |page=9 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|131678408}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1947-07-17">{{Cite news |date=1947-07-17 |title=Bus Depot Bonds Draw Close Bids; Port Authority Awards Issue of $16,350,000 at 1.4404% to Drexel-Glore Group |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/17/archives/bus-depot-bonds-draw-close-bids-port-authority-awards-issue-of.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152735/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/17/archives/bus-depot-bonds-draw-close-bids-port-authority-awards-issue-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Plans for the structural design were revised substantially in March 1948, when the Port of New York Authority added a 500-spot parking lot on the terminal's roof, to be accessed via a series of ramps.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |title=Roof Parking for 500 Cars Added to Bus Terminal Plan; Port Authority to Spend Extra $1,000,000 for New Facility -- 400 Tenants Still on Site Delay Start on Building |website=The New York Times |date=March 22, 1948 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/03/22/archives/roof-parking-for-500-cars-added-to-bus-terminal-plan-port-authority.html |access-date=March 30, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211551/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/03/22/archives/roof-parking-for-500-cars-added-to-bus-terminal-plan-port-authority.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> The last industrial tenant on the future terminal's site moved away the following month,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bus Terminal Agreement; Last Industrial User Will Quit Site of Proposed Structure |website=The New York Times |date=April 9, 1948 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/04/09/archives/bus-terminal-agreement-last-industrial-user-will-quit-site-of.html |access-date=March 30, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330212433/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/04/09/archives/bus-terminal-agreement-last-industrial-user-will-quit-site-of.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> and the agency began relocating the first of 450 displaced families in November 1948.<ref name="p1336639447">{{cite news |date=20 Nov 1948 |title=Port Authority Offers Homes to Ousted Families: 24 Apartments Available for Tenants Displaced for Union Bus Terminal Site |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1336639447}}}}</ref>

Walter McQuade designed the terminal, with Vincent Marchesani as the assistant architect.<ref name="nyt-1949-01-22" /> The Port of New York Authority hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the terminal on January 27, 1949,<ref>{{cite web |title=A Notable Ground-breaking |website=The New York Times |date=January 28, 1949 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/28/archives/a-notable-groundbreaking.html |access-date=March 30, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211427/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/28/archives/a-notable-groundbreaking.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name="p1327121752">{{cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=January 28, 1949 |title=Ground Broken For Midtown Bus Terminal: Dewey, at the Ceremonies, Discloses His Efforts to Settle Idlewild Dispute |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327121752}}}}</ref> at which point half of the site had been cleared.<ref name="p1325286957">{{cite news |date=January 16, 1949 |title=Bus Terminal Excavation Will Start on Jan. 27: Cullman Says $20,000,000, Four-Level Building May Be Ready by July 1950 Sketch of Projected Eighth Avenue Bus Terminal |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325286957}}}}</ref> At the same time, the agency began soliciting bids from concessionaires for the terminal's 50 stores.<ref name="nyt-1949-01-22" /> By the middle of the year, the agency had received 500 bids from concessionaires.<ref name="nyt-1949-08-11">{{Cite news |date=1949-08-11 |title=New Shops Sought for Bus Terminal; Port Authority Invites Bids -- Bowling Alley, Laundry, Bank Suggested |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/08/11/archives/new-shops-sought-for-bus-terminal-port-authority-invites-bids.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152735/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/08/11/archives/new-shops-sought-for-bus-terminal-port-authority-invites-bids.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first steel beams for the new bus terminal were installed in November 1949,<ref name="nyt-1949-11-24">{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1949 |title=Steelwork is Raised for New Bus Station |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/24/archives/steelwork-is-raised-for-new-bus-station.html |access-date=April 15, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415234626/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/24/archives/steelwork-is-raised-for-new-bus-station.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1326894635">{{cite news |last=Price |first=Ben |date=November 24, 1949 |title=First Steel Column Set in Place For New Union Bus Terminal: Framework Rising on Port Authority Building To Be Ready Late in '50 |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326894635}}}}</ref> and [[Turner Construction]] received a contract the next month to build the terminal's superstructure for approximately $9.2 million.<ref name="nyt-1949-12-18">{{Cite news |date=1949-12-18 |title=Terminal Contract Let; Port Authority Accepts Turner Bid on Midtown Bus Station |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/18/archives/terminal-contract-let-port-authority-accepts-turner-bid-on-midtown.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152740/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/18/archives/terminal-contract-let-port-authority-accepts-turner-bid-on-midtown.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1341923737">{{cite news |date=18 Dec 1949 |title=Bus Terminal Contract Is Let For $9,194,759: Superstructure To Be Built by Turner; Work To Be Done by November, '50 |page=49 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1341923737}}}}</ref> The steel framework for the new terminal topped out during March 1950.<ref name="nyt-1950-03-10">{{Cite news |date=1950-03-10 |title=Steel Completed for Bus Terminal; 'Topping Off' the New Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/10/archives/steel-completed-for-bus-terminal-topping-off-the-new-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152743/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/10/archives/steel-completed-for-bus-terminal-topping-off-the-new-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The terminal's construction was delayed slightly by a labor strike in the middle of that year.<ref name="nyt-1950-07-21">{{Cite news |date=1950-07-21 |title=Building Slowed as Strikes Go on; Deadlocks Seen in Walkouts of Steamfitters and Drivers-- Bus Terminal Is Affected No End to Deadlock Seen |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/07/21/archives/building-slowed-as-strikes-go-on-deadlocks-seen-in-walkouts-of.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152742/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/07/21/archives/building-slowed-as-strikes-go-on-deadlocks-seen-in-walkouts-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this, the terminal was substantially complete by November 1, 1950. The project had employed 1,055 men and used 1.53 million bricks and {{convert|1.22|e6ft2}} of concrete.<ref name="nyt-1950-11-02">{{Cite news |date=1950-11-02 |title=Midtown Bus Terminal, World's Largest, Completed on Schedule; Will Open Dec.15 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/11/02/archives/midtown-bus-terminal-worlds-largest-completed-on-schedule-will-open.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Original terminal===
[[File:Greyhound Prevost X3-45 (2009 scheme).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|There are ramps to the [[Lincoln Tunnel]], while the lower level of the North Wing connects with a tunnel under [[Ninth Avenue (Manhattan)|Ninth Avenue]].]]
The original Mid-Manhattan Bus Terminal (now PABT's South Wing), built in the [[International style (architecture)|International Style]], was opened on December 15, 1950.<ref>{{cite web |author=The New York Times |date=December 16, 1950 |title=New Bus Terminal Has Smooth Start; Coming Into the New Bus Terminal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/12/16/archives/new-bus-terminal-has-smooth-start-coming-into-the-new-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330212747/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/12/16/archives/new-bus-terminal-has-smooth-start-coming-into-the-new-bus-terminal.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="p1326879585">{{cite news |date=December 15, 1950 |title=Bus Terminal's First Travelers Are Fresh Airs: 15 Children Off to Jersey Friendly Towns 9 Hours Before Official Opening |page=25 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326879585}}}}</ref> The four-story terminal measured {{convert|200|by|800|ft}} and was {{convert|65|ft}} tall, with a 500-space parking lot and 50 stores. The ground level contained 40 slips for long-haul buses, as well as an auxiliary platform with space for 15 more buses. The second level was the main concourse and contained ticket offices, waiting rooms, baggage check, restaurants, shops, a 300-seat newsreel theater, and escalators to other levels. The third story was the suburban concourse, which was divided into three sections and contained 72 loading slips and 15 unloading slips. The fourth story was for short-haul buses.<ref name="nyt-1949-01-22">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=January 22, 1949 |title=Only 50 Rentable Units Will Be Available in $20,000,000 Structure -- Passenger Comfort, Ice-Free Ramps Featured |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/22/archives/only-50-rentable-units-will-be-available-in-20000000-structure.html |access-date=April 15, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152730/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/22/archives/only-50-rentable-units-will-be-available-in-20000000-structure.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A system of pipes was embedded into the reinforced-concrete ramps leading to the terminal, keeping the ramps free of ice.<ref name="nyt-1950-10-30">{{Cite news |date=1950-10-30 |title=No Ice at Bus Terminal; Pipes Under Concrete Ramps to Carry Thawing Solution |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/30/archives/no-ice-at-bus-terminal-pipes-under-concrete-ramps-to-carry-thawing.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152725/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/30/archives/no-ice-at-bus-terminal-pipes-under-concrete-ramps-to-carry-thawing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Port of New York Authority had also proposed a [[heliport]] on the roof during the terminal's construction,<ref name="nyt-1950-02-07">{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Frederick |date=1950-02-07 |title=Port Body Urges Helicopter Lines; Offers Field stop Its Bus Terminal; Port Body Urges Helicopter Lines; Offers Field Atop Its Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/02/07/archives/port-body-urges-helcopter-lines-offers-field-stop-its-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152724/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/02/07/archives/port-body-urges-helcopter-lines-offers-field-stop-its-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1327399138">{{cite news |last=Talbert |first=Ansel E. |date=7 Feb 1950 |title=Port Authority Proposes to Add Helicopter Roof to Bus Terminal |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327399138}}}}</ref> and the agency had authorized the construction of a ramp to the [[42nd Street station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|42nd Street and Eighth Avenue subway station]] just before the terminal opened.<ref name="nyt-1950-09-112">{{Cite news |date=1950-09-11 |title=Ramp Will Link Subway With New Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/11/archives/ramp-will-link-subway-with-new-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-02-12 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

During its first year, the Port Authority Bus Terminal accommodated 40 million passengers; the terminal's construction was credited with diverting 5,000 buses per day from street-level bus stops.<ref name="p1313649737">{{cite news |date=14 Dec 1952 |title=Bus Terminal Gains 4 Million Riders in Year: 5,000 Buses Kept Off City Streets Daily; Revenue Up 71%, to $2,246,000 |page=48 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1313649737}}}}</ref> The terminal had replaced a series of coffee shops frequented by the elderly; after the coffee shops had been demolished, patrons of these establishments began meeting at the terminal instead.<ref name="p146686247">{{cite news |last=Lescaze |first=Lee |date=14 Nov 1977 |title=N. Y. C. Bus Station: A Terminal Illness |page=A4 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|146686247}}}}</ref> The terminal's rooftop garage was initially mostly empty,<ref name="p1318529914">{{cite news |last=Fulbright |first=Newton H. |date=9 Jan 1951 |title=60 Cars Parked, Bus Terminal's Roof Holds 467: Lot Only Half Filled Once; Many Drivers Call Rates Too High for Midtown |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1318529914}}}}</ref><ref name=nyt-1951-04-27>{{Cite news|date=1951-04-27|title=500-Car Parking Area Atop Bus Terminal Operating at Near Capacity After Slow Start|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/27/archives/500car-parking-area-atop-bus-terminal-operating-at-near-capacity.html|access-date=2023-04-17|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152713/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/27/archives/500car-parking-area-atop-bus-terminal-operating-at-near-capacity.html|url-status=live}}</ref> prompting the garage's operators to allow trucks to park there.<ref name="nyt-1951-03-11">{{Cite news |date=1951-03-11 |title=Truck Storage Allowed On Bus Terminal Roof |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/03/11/archives/truck-storage-allowed-on-bus-terminal-roof.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152741/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/03/11/archives/truck-storage-allowed-on-bus-terminal-roof.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1951, the garage was frequently fully occupied and was profitable.<ref name=nyt-1951-04-27/><ref name="p1313649737" /> In the terminal's early years, the Port of New York Authority constantly cleaned the terminal, scrubbing the floor every night.<ref name="nyt-1951-11-05">{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=1951-11-05 |title=Terminal Sparkle No Lick-'n'-dab Job; a Nightly Cleaning for Port Authority Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/11/05/archives/terminal-sparkle-no-lickndab-job-a-nightly-cleaning-for-port.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152744/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/11/05/archives/terminal-sparkle-no-lickndab-job-a-nightly-cleaning-for-port.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the large numbers of passengers who used the terminal, it recorded a net loss during its first five years, in part due to high operating expenses, debt charges, and interest costs.<ref name="nyt-1955-12-15">{{Cite news |date=1955-12-15 |title=Port Authority Terminal 5 Years Old, Still in Red |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/15/archives/port-authority-terminal-5-years-old-still-in-red.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152748/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/15/archives/port-authority-terminal-5-years-old-still-in-red.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Expansions and modifications ===

==== First expansion ====
In September 1959, the Port of New York Authority announced that it would spend $19 million to increase the bus terminal's capacity by 50 percent. The plans involved converting the existing parking lot atop the building with 25 spaces for long-haul buses and 32 spaces for short-haul buses.<ref name="nyt-1959-09-14">{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1959 |title=Expansion is Set for Bus Terminal; $19,000,000 Port Authority Plan to Add Capacity With New Superstructure |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/14/archives/expansion-is-set-for-bus-terminal-19000000-port-authority-plan-to.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416221423/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/14/archives/expansion-is-set-for-bus-terminal-19000000-port-authority-plan-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1325661820">{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1325661820}} |title=Port Authority Plans New Floor Atop Bus Terminal |date=September 14, 1959 |page=18 |work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}</ref> In addition, a 1,000-space parking lot would be built above the existing roof.<ref name="nyt-1960-11-16">{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1960 |title=Bus Depot Grows as Riders Watch; 20-Million Port Authority Work Goes On in Traffic |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/16/archives/bus-depot-grows-as-riders-watch-20million-port-authority-work-goes.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152748/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/16/archives/bus-depot-grows-as-riders-watch-20million-port-authority-work-goes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That December, the Port of New York Authority approved $24 million for the expansion of the terminal and for the widening of several ramps leading from the terminal to the Lincoln Tunnel.<ref name="nyt-1959-12-11">{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1959 |title=Port Authority Widens 2 Plans; Additional Funds Approved for Piers at Elizabeth and Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/11/archives/port-authority-widens-2-plans-additional-funds-approved-for-piers.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152732/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/11/archives/port-authority-widens-2-plans-additional-funds-approved-for-piers.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Construction of the expansion took place during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to bus service.<ref name="nyt-1961-06-22">{{Cite news |last=Stengben |first=Bernard |date=June 22, 1961 |title=Final 20-Ton Girder Is Hoisted 110 Feet to Bus Terminal Roof |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/22/archives/final-20ton-girder-is-hoisted-110-feet-to-bus-terminal-roof.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152743/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/22/archives/final-20ton-girder-is-hoisted-110-feet-to-bus-terminal-roof.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of an experiment in 1960, the Port of New York Authority installed a canopy above one of the loading slips to shield commuters from buses' emissions.<ref name="nyt-1960-06-22">{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Layhmond |date=June 22, 1960 |title=Port Authority Again Attacks Bus Terminal Fume Problem |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/06/22/archives/port-authority-again-attacks-bus-terminal-fume-problem.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152728/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/06/22/archives/port-authority-again-attacks-bus-terminal-fume-problem.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first of 30 "legs" supporting the new parking lot were installed in November 1960,<ref name="p1324132549">{{cite news |date=November 22, 1960 |title=P. A. Garage To Get First 'Leg' Today: Bus Terminal Parking Project |page=25 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324132549}}}}</ref> and the existing parking lot was closed the following March.<ref name="nyt-1961-03-20">{{Cite news |last=MacGregor |first=Greg |date=March 20, 1961 |title=Bus Riders Await New Moving Stair; Opening Due Tomorrow at Port Authority Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/03/20/archives/bus-riders-await-new-moving-stair-opening-due-tomorrow-at-port.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416224739/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/03/20/archives/bus-riders-await-new-moving-stair-opening-due-tomorrow-at-port.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The expansion [[Topping out|topped out]] in June 1961,<ref name="nyt-1961-06-22" /> and a bridge connecting the expanded terminal with the Lincoln Tunnel was installed two months later.<ref name="nyt-1961-08-10">{{Cite news |date=August 10, 1961 |title=Port Authority Terminal Linked To Lincoln Tunnel by a Bridge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/10/archives/port-authority-terminal-linked-to-lincoln-tunnel-by-a-bridge.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152731/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/10/archives/port-authority-terminal-linked-to-lincoln-tunnel-by-a-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Port of New York Authority sold $25 million in [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] for the expansions of the Port Authority Bus Terminal and [[George Washington Bridge]] in January 1962.<ref name="nyt-1962-01-05">{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1962 |title=Port Authority Raises 25 Million; Bonds Will Finance Work on Bridge, Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/01/05/archives/port-authority-raises-25-million-bonds-will-finance-work-on-bridge.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416221422/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/01/05/archives/port-authority-raises-25-million-bonds-will-finance-work-on-bridge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new ramps to the Lincoln Tunnel were finished the next month.<ref name="nyt-1962-02-22">{{Cite news |last=Gossett |first=Carl T. |date=February 22, 1962 |title=Bus Terminal Ramps Ready But Not Parking Lots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/02/22/archives/bus-terminal-ramps-ready-but-not-parking-lots.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152732/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/02/22/archives/bus-terminal-ramps-ready-but-not-parking-lots.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first 300 spaces in the new parking lot opened in April 1962,<ref name="p1325319678">{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Tom |date=April 3, 1962 |title=New Midtown Parking Area--Ins and Outs |page=25 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325319678}}}}</ref> and the rest of the parking lot was opened in stages over the next two months.<ref name="nyt-1962-05-27">{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1962 |title=1,000 Parking Spots Open at Bus Station |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/27/archives/1000-parking-spots-open-at-bus-station.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416224737/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/27/archives/1000-parking-spots-open-at-bus-station.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new loading slips were opened in several stages and were in full operation by April 1963.<ref name="nyt-1963-04-15">{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1963 |title=Loading Changed at Bus Terminal; New Level at 8th Ave. Goes Into Full Operation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/15/archives/loading-changed-at-bus-terminal-new-level-at-8th-ave-goes-into-full.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416221418/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/15/archives/loading-changed-at-bus-terminal-new-level-at-8th-ave-goes-into-full.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Decline ====
As early as the mid-1960s, the Port Authority Bus Terminal had gained a reputation as a "derelict's haven", especially at night, when dozens of homeless persons slept in the terminal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=1967-01-08 |title=Bus Terminal at Night: A Derelict's Haven; Bus Terminal at Night: Derelict Haven |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/08/archives/bus-terminal-at-night-a-derelicts-haven-bus-terminal-at-night.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152718/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/08/archives/bus-terminal-at-night-a-derelicts-haven-bus-terminal-at-night.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following a ''New York Times'' report about the large homeless populations in the terminal, the PANYNJ began stationing additional officers there in January 1967 to deter homeless people from sleeping there.<ref name="nyt-1967-01-10">{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=1967-01-10 |title=Policemen Added at Bus Terminal; Six Assigned to Cut Down on Drifters Late at Night |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/10/archives/policemen-added-at-bus-terminal-six-assigned-to-cut-down-on.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152747/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/10/archives/policemen-added-at-bus-terminal-six-assigned-to-cut-down-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The PANYNJ also added a CCTV system in 1966 in an attempt to reduce crime.<ref name="nyt-1966-04-16">{{Cite news |last=Pace |first=Eric |date=1966-04-16 |title=TV Keeps Eye on Bus Terminal; Newest 'Show' Helps Police in Building |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/16/archives/tv-keeps-eye-on-bus-terminal-newest-show-helps-police-in-building.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416230602/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/16/archives/tv-keeps-eye-on-bus-terminal-newest-show-helps-police-in-building.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported in 1969 that hustlers frequently harassed the terminal's passengers; at the time, the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department|Port Authority Police Department]] arrested 130 people per month.<ref name="nyt-1969-10-20">{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=1969-10-20 |title=Hustlers Harass Bus Terminal; Hustlers Harassing City's Bus-Terminal Travelers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/10/20/archives/hustlers-harass-bus-terminal-hustlers-harassing-citys-busterminal.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416230600/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/10/20/archives/hustlers-harass-bus-terminal-hustlers-harassing-citys-busterminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

By the early 1970s, the PANYNJ had redecorated some of the terminal's spaces, adding glass enclosures and rubber trees in an attempt to discourage loiterers.<ref name="nyt-1971-07-03">{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Paul L. |date=1971-07-03 |title=Bus Terminal Awash With Travelers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/07/03/archives/bus-terminal-awash-with-travelers.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The PANYNJ also built a [[coffeehouse]] in late 1971 for elderly residents of the area who frequented the terminal,<ref name="nyt-1971-10-15">{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Paul L. |date=1971-10-15 |title=Bus Terminal Habitues Get Own Coffeehouse |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/15/archives/bus-terminal-habitues-get-own-coffeehouse.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the [[New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission]] installed a [[Taxi dispatching|taxi-dispatch]] system at the terminal in 1972.<ref name="nyt-1972-09-24">{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Alfred E. |date=1972-09-24 |title=Bus Terminal Will Start Taxi-Dispatching System on Tuesday |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/24/archives/bus-terminal-will-start-taxidispatching-system-on-tuesday.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Meanwhile, the terminal still accommodated an average of 250,000 passengers daily by 1975,<ref name="nyt-1975-03-06">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=1975-03-06 |title=Inquiry Urged on the Assigning Of Platforms at Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/06/archives/inquiry-urged-on-the-assigning-of-platforms-at-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> even as the number of buses traveling to the terminal had started to decline in 1968.<ref name="nyt-1976-03-31">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=1976-03-31 |title=Bus Terminal Expansion Is Pushed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/31/archives/bus-terminal-expansion-is-pushed.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Hustlers, pimps, prostitutes, alcoholics, and the homeless still frequented the terminal, which also attracted runaway youth from other cities. The Port Authority Bus Terminal also recorded hundreds of crimes every year by the late 1970s; this was attributed in part to the "lonely and derelict" in the neighborhood.<ref name="p146686247" /><ref name="p964313432">{{cite news |date=15 Nov 1977 |title=New York's 'Lost Terminal' |page=19 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964313432}}}}</ref>

In March 1975, a federal judge ruled that the PANYNJ "was not competent to" allocate loading space to the bus companies that used the terminal, since the agency had never properly studied traffic patterns at the terminal.<ref name="nyt-1975-03-06" /> The PANYNJ subsequently conducted a study of the terminal's traffic, finding that the terminal handled between 750 and 800 buses during a typical morning, which carried a total of 35,000 passengers.<ref name="nyt-1975-04-02">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=1975-04-02 |title=Inquiry of Congestion Ordered At Bus Terminal in Midtown |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/02/archives/inguiry-of-congestion-ordered-at-bus-terminal-in-midtown.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[Interstate Commerce Commission]] began investigating overcrowding at the terminal that March after receiving numerous commuter complaints that the PANYNJ and bus operators had "failed to provide safe and adequate service".<ref name="nyt-1975-04-02" /><ref name="p134017289">{{cite news |date=28 Mar 1975 |title=ICC to Take First Look At Bus-Terminal Service |page=2 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|134017289}}}}</ref> After the PANYNJ announced the next month that it would build an annex north of the original terminal,<ref name="nyt-1975-05-09" /><ref name="p134022396">{{cite news |date=9 May 1975 |title=New York, New Jersey To Expand Bus Depot |page=11 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|134022396}}}}</ref> the ICC canceled a public hearing for its overcrowding investigation.<ref name="p134001463">{{cite news |date=17 Jun 1975 |title=ICC Shelves Investigation Of Bus Station in New York |page=43 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|134001463}}}}</ref> One of the operators using the terminal, [[Trailways Transportation System|Trailways]], began a [[rent strike]] in 1977, complaining that the terminal was dilapidated and that rent at the terminal was far too high.<ref name="p146686247" /><ref name="p964313432" /> Trailways quickly ended its rent strike under threat of eviction,<ref name="nyt-1977-12-10">{{Cite news |date=1977-12-10 |title=Trailways Ends Its Rent Strike At Port Authority Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/10/archives/trailways-ends-its-rent-strike-at-port-authority-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-04-23 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> but the company criticized the terminal's safety after two people were killed there in mid-1978.<ref name="nyt-1978-05-28">{{Cite news |date=1978-05-28 |title=Trailways Assails Operation of Depot After 2 Are Slain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/28/archives/trailways-assails-operation-of-depot-after-2-are-slain.html |access-date=2023-04-23 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==== Northern annex ====
Private developer Irving Maidman had proposed erecting a second bus terminal just north of the existing terminal in 1956.<ref name="nyt-1956-06-26">{{Cite news |date=1956-06-26 |title=8th Ave. May Get Second Bus Depot; Real Estate Man Proposes to Build One Right Next to Port Authority Facility |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/06/26/archives/8th-ave-may-get-second-bus-depot-real-estate-man-proposes-to-build.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152723/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/06/26/archives/8th-ave-may-get-second-bus-depot-real-estate-man-proposes-to-build.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The PANYNJ first considered expanding the bus station northward to 42nd Street as early as January 1965;<ref name="nyt-1965-01-22">{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=January 22, 1965 |title=Bus Terminal Planning Annex, With McGraw-Hill Office Space |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/22/archives/article-3-no-title-bus-terminal-planning-annex-with-mcgrawhill.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416224739/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/22/archives/article-3-no-title-bus-terminal-planning-annex-with-mcgrawhill.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[New York City Planning Commission]] endorsed the plan, which was not carried out at that time.<ref name="nyt-1965-02-03">{{Cite news |date=1965-02-03 |title=Approval Is Seen For 8th Ave. Wing To Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/03/archives/approval-is-seen-for-8th-ave-wing-to-bus-terminal.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416230600/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/03/archives/approval-is-seen-for-8th-ave-wing-to-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The PANYNJ announced plans in 1970 to expand its terminal northward and build an office tower above the north annex.<ref name="p133491271">{{cite news |date=28 July 1970 |title=New York Port Authority Sets Bus Terminal Expansion |page=31 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133491271}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1970-07-28">{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=1970-07-28 |title=Skyscraper Is Planned Over Expanded Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/07/28/archives/skyscrapper-is-planned-over-expanded-bus-terminal-project-would.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152729/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/07/28/archives/skyscrapper-is-planned-over-expanded-bus-terminal-project-would.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The annex would have cost $80 million, while the skyscraper above it would have cost $50 million.<ref name="nyt-1970-07-28" /> PANYNJ officials hoped the new annex would alleviate traffic on Eighth Avenue, which was frequently congested because of double-parking taxis.<ref name="nyt-1971-09-12">{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=1971-09-12 |title=Bus Terminal Extension Is Seen Easing Traffic |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/12/archives/bus-terminal-extension-is-seen-easing-traffic.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Plans for the annex were delayed for several years because of disputes between the PANYNJ and the bus companies using the terminal. The PANYNJ claimed that the bus companies had refused to pay higher fees, but unnamed sources affiliated with the bus companies said the [[construction of the World Trade Center]] had used up the agency's money.<ref name="nyt-1973-12-02">{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Terence |date=1973-12-02 |title=Bus Annex Plans Mired in Debate |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/02/archives/bus-annex-plans-mired-in-debate-one-hurdle-cleared-a-need-for-annex.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The expansion was delayed until May 1975, when PANYNJ chairman [[William J. Ronan]] announced that the expansion would begin that September at a cost of $137.5 million.<ref name="nyt-1975-05-09" /><ref name="p134022396" /> The project was to involve the replacement of the original terminal's curved facade with a glass curtain wall;<ref name="nyt-1977-11-17" /> the construction of a new wing with four above-ground concourses and one basement; improved access to the subway; and a tunnel connecting with the Lincoln Tunnel.<ref name="nyt-1975-05-09">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=1975-05-09 |title=Expansion of Port Authority Bus Terminal to Start in September |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/05/09/archives/expansion-of-port-authority-bus-terminal-to-start-in-september.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152749/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/05/09/archives/expansion-of-port-authority-bus-terminal-to-start-in-september.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The project also included replacing existing escalators.<ref name="n123147848">{{Cite news |date=1978-09-24 |title=Port Authority Shines Up Its Image |pages=10 |work=Newsday |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123147848/port-authority-shines-up-its-image/ |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> To raise money for the annex, the PANYNJ raised tolls by 50 percent on six bridges and tunnels that it operated between New York and New Jersey.<ref name="nyt-1975-04-11">{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=1975-04-11 |title=Port Authority Increases Tolls at Crossings by 50% |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/11/archives/port-authority-increases-tolls-at-crossings-by-50-port-authority.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p133994787">{{cite news |date=11 Apr 1975 |title=New York-New Jersey Port Authority Says It Will Boost Tolls 50% |page=7 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133994787}}}}</ref> That August, the PANYNJ allocated another $22 million for the terminal's renovation.<ref name="nyt-1975-08-15">{{Cite news |date=1975-08-15 |title=$22-Million Voted to Improve Port Authority Station |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/15/archives/22million-voted-to-improve-port-authority-station.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p120304754">{{cite news |date=18 Aug 1975 |title=New York Bus Terminal Set For Further Modernization |page=13 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|120304754}}}}</ref> The additional funds were earmarked for renovating the main concourse, erecting glass enclosures around 24 platforms, adding entrances on Ninth Avenue, refurbishing the restrooms, and replacing the air-conditioning system.<ref name="nyt-1975-08-15" />

Although bus traffic continued to decline during the late 1970s, the PANYNJ still wished to build the annex to alleviate congestion at the existing terminal. The facility handled 7,000 buses per day in 1977; as such, during rush hours, buses had seven minutes to unload and load all passengers.<ref name="nyt-1977-11-17">{{Cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |date=1977-11-17 |title=At World's Busiest Bus Terminal, New Space and Old Ills |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/17/archives/at-worlds-busiest-bus-terminal-new-space-and-old-ills.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The North Wing was opened in 1979.<ref>{{cite book |title=Guide to Civil Engineering Projects In and Around New York City |edition=2nd |publisher=Metropolitan Section, American Society of Civil Engineers |year=2009 |pages=79–80}}</ref> This expansion increased capacity by 50 percent and included a new facade comprising 27 steel X-shaped trusses.<ref name="history">{{cite web |title=History of the Port Authority Bus Terminal |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603091437/http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-history.html |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |access-date=May 29, 2012 |publisher=[[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyc-architecture.com/MID/MID128.htm |title=New York Architecture Images- Port Authority Bus Terminal |publisher=Nyc-architecture.com |access-date=June 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626080005/http://www.nyc-architecture.com/MID/MID128.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2014}}</ref> Assessing the facade design in 2008, [[Virtualtourist]] listed the terminal as one of the "World's Top 10 Ugliest Buildings and Monuments".<ref name="Top 10 Ugliest">{{cite news |title=Travel Picks: 10 top ugly buildings and monument |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE4AD2V720081114 |work=Reuters |date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=September 17, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006135240/http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE4AD2V720081114 |archive-date=October 6, 2010}}</ref> The northern annex included 50 loading slips, with space for another 25 slips, as well as a {{convert|15|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} [[Arcade (architecture)|arcade]] recessed from the 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue facades.<ref name="nyt-1976-03-31" />

==== Later years ====
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the public considered the area around [[Times Square]], including PABT, to be dangerous. In an attempt to alleviate fears of crime, the PANYNJ turned on some lights that had been switched off to save energy; cleaned the city-maintained sidewalk outside the terminal; and created designated zones for hustlers and advocacy groups.<ref name="n123147848" /> Crime increased after the north wing was completed, with 2,800 crimes being reported in 1979 and 3,300 crimes in 1983.<ref name="nyt-1984-06-11">{{Cite news |last=Greer |first=William R. |date=June 11, 1984 |title=As Port Authority Bus Terminal Has Expanded, So Has Problem of Crime |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/11/nyregion/as-port-authority-bus-terminal-has-expanded-so-has-problem-of-crime.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416221420/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/11/nyregion/as-port-authority-bus-terminal-has-expanded-so-has-problem-of-crime.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During 1997, the terminal was the subject of a study, coordinated by Professor Marcus Felson of [[Rutgers University]], which identified strategic changes to the building's design and area supervision with a view to reducing crime and other problems.<ref name="redesigning">{{cite journal |author=Felson |first=Marcus |year=1996 |title=Redesigning Hell: Preventing Crime and Disorder at the Port Authority Bus Terminal |journal=Preventing Mass Transit Crime. Crime Prevention Studies |volume=6 |publisher=Criminal Justice Press |location=Monsey, NY |url=http://www.popcenter.org/library/crimeprevention/volume_06/01_Felson.pdf |access-date=July 24, 2011 |display-authors=etal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927151243/http://www.popcenter.org/library/crimeprevention/volume_06/01_Felson.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref>  In 2007, the South Wing underwent a [[seismic retrofit]] in a $52 million [[building code]]-compliance project to reinforce and stabilize it against earthquakes.<ref name="Dunlap 2007">{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |title=What's Shaking at the Port Authority |website=City Room |date=November 16, 2007 |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/whats-shaking-at-the-port-authority/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20120529022220/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/whats-shaking-at-the-port-authority/ |url-status=live |archive-date=May 29, 2012}}</ref> In addition, architecture firm PKSB Architects was hired in 1995 to design a titanium facade, a canopy above the entrance, and stainless steel cladding around the terminal's ramps and bridges. That project was completed in 2008.<ref name="p210953901">{{Cite magazine |last=Schneider |first=Jay W. |date=Sep 2009 |title=Special Recognition: Triple Bridge Gateway, Port Authority Bus Terminal New York, N.Y. |magazine=Building Design & Construction |volume=50 |issue=9 |page=34 |id={{ProQuest|210953901}}}}</ref>
===Further expansion proposals===

====Air rights====
The PANYNJ has attempted to further expand the terminal through [[public–private partnership]]s by leasing [[air rights]] over the North Wing. In 1999, a 35-story building, to be known as 7 Times Square,{{efn|That address is now used by [[Times Square Tower]].}} was proposed to be constructed over the North Wing and a golf [[driving range]] was to be constructed over the South Wing.<ref name=nyt-1999-10-01>{{Cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |date=October 1, 1999 |title=Tower to Rise Above Port Authority Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/nyregion/tower-to-rise-above-port-authority-terminal.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823011748/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/nyregion/tower-to-rise-above-port-authority-terminal.html |archive-date=August 23, 2009}}</ref> However, the project was put on hold in 2001 due to a decline in the economy following the [[dot com bust]].<ref name=nyt-2007-04-25>{{Cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |date=April 25, 2007 |title=Port Authority Is Reviving Plans for Bus Station Tower |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/nyregion/25terminal.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605090109/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/nyregion/25terminal.html |archive-date=June 5, 2015}}</ref>

Between 2000 and 2011, the PANYNJ worked with [[Vornado Realty Trust]], which had partnered with the Lawrence Ruben Company.<ref name="realdeal">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=Chinese Developer Pledges up to $700 million with Vornado Realty Trust for Port Authority Tower |magazine=[[The Real Deal (magazine)|The Real Deal]] |date=July 15, 2011 |url=http://therealdeal.com/blog/2011/07/15/chinese-developer-soho-china-pledges-up-to-700m-with-vornado-realty-trust-for-port-authority-tower/ |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200725/http://therealdeal.com/blog/2011/07/15/chinese-developer-soho-china-pledges-up-to-700m-with-vornado-realty-trust-for-port-authority-tower/ |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> Plans for the tower were revived in April 2007.<ref name="nyt-2007-04-25"/> That November, the PANYNJ announced the terms of an agreement in which it would receive nearly $500 million in a lease arrangement for a new office tower that would also provide funds for additional terminal facilities.<ref name=nyt-2007-11-30>{{Cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |date=November 30, 2007 |title=Tower Planned Atop Port Authority Bus Terminal in New Wave of Development |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30tower.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605085414/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/nyregion/30tower.html |archive-date=June 5, 2015}}</ref> The new tower would include {{convert|1.3|e6sqft|m2}} of commercial space in a new office tower, which was to use the vanity address [[20 Times Square]], the addition of {{convert|60000|sqft|m2}} of new retail space in the bus terminal, as well as 18 additional departure gates, accommodating 70 additional buses carrying up to 3,000 passengers per hour. New escalators would be installed to help move passengers more quickly between the gate area and the ground floor. Construction was expected to begin in 2009 or 2010, and take four years to complete.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |title=Designs Unveiled for Tower Above Port Authority Bus Terminal |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 25, 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/nyregion/25terminal.html |access-date=July 25, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060244/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/nyregion/25terminal.html |archive-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref><ref name="renderings">{{cite press release |title=RENDERINGS RELEASED FOR PLANNED OFFICE TOWER ABOVE PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL'S NORTH WING |url=http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1021 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610211425/http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1021 |archive-date=June 10, 2011}}</ref> After an architectural competition, the PANYNJ selected the design by [[Pritzker Prize]]-winning architect [[Richard Rogers]] from [[Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners]] for a 45-story office tower with an overall height of {{convert|855|ft|m|0}}.<ref name="20TimesSquare">{{cite web |title=20 Times Square |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=80766 |publisher=Skyscraper Page |access-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018220442/http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=80766 |archive-date=October 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="BritishComing">{{cite news |title=For a Tower Atop the Buses, the British Are Coming |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/for-a-tower-atop-the-buses-the-british-are-coming/ |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 7, 2011 |first=David W. |last=Dunlap |date=November 17, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110109040552/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/for-a-tower-atop-the-buses-the-british-are-coming/ |archive-date=January 9, 2011}}</ref><ref name="RendringsRevealed">{{cite news |title=Richard Rogers Gets Port Authority Nod, Rendering Revealed |url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2008/11/17/richard_rogers_gets_port_authority_nod_rendering_revealed.php |publisher=[[Curbed]] - New York City |date=November 17, 2008 |last=Arak |first=Joey |access-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725124620/http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2008/11/17/richard_rogers_gets_port_authority_nod_rendering_revealed.php |archive-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> The agreement expired in August 2009,<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Eliot |title=Short Authority! Vornado's Bus Tower Pulling Out |newspaper=[[The New York Observer]] |date=July 22, 2009 |url=http://www.observer.com/2009/real-estate/short-authority-vornados-bus-tower-pulling-out-again |access-date=September 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111042638/http://www.observer.com/2009/real-estate/short-authority-vornados-bus-tower-pulling-out-again |archive-date=January 11, 2010}}</ref> and in May 2010, Vornado was given a retroactive extension on the deadline to August 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vornado Given More Time—Again—to Build Bus Terminal Tower |first=Eliot |last=Brown |url=http://www.observer.com/2010/real-estate/vornado%E2%80%99s-given-more-time-build-bus-terminal-tower-again |newspaper=The New York Observer |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725083630/http://www.observer.com/2010/real-estate/vornado%E2%80%99s-given-more-time-build-bus-terminal-tower-again |archive-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref> In July 2011, Vornado announced they had found a new partner to partially finance the tower,<ref name="realdeal" /> but in November 2011, the new backers pulled out of the project.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |title=Plan for Bus Terminal Tower Is Dropped |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 14, 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/nyregion/plans-called-off-for-tower-over-bus-terminal.html |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228200136/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/nyregion/plans-called-off-for-tower-over-bus-terminal.html?_r=2&ref=nyregion |archive-date=December 28, 2016}}</ref>

In June 2014, the PANYNJ received a higher price than anticipated for the sale of nearby property, $115 million versus $100 million. The value of air rights above the terminal would be higher than previously appraised, thanks to rising property values in the area surrounding the terminal and an indication of the rising value air rights above the terminal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Higgs |first=Larry |title=Port Authority land deal could benefit bus terminal |newspaper=Asbury Park Press |date=June 26, 2014 |url=http://www.app.com/story/news/traffic/commuting/2014/06/26/port-authority-land-deal-benefit-bus-terminal/11382889/ |access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> The agency had intentions to release a request for proposals for air-rights development in 2014–2015.<ref name="terminaltower">{{cite news |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |title=Port plans for 42nd Street bus terminal tower take shape |newspaper=Crains |date=April 1, 2014 |url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/04/8542992/port-plans-42nd-street-bus-terminal-tower-take-shape |access-date=July 5, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122327/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/04/8542992/port-plans-42nd-street-bus-terminal-tower-take-shape |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>

====West Side bus depot====
[[File:Trans-Bridge Lines MCI D4500 8560.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Many buses lay over on city streets or make non-passenger bus trips through the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] for daytime parking.]]
The Port Authority allows for limited [[layover]]s of buses, thus requiring companies to make other arrangements during off-peak hours and between trips. Many park on local streets or parking lots during the day, while others make a round-trip without passengers through the Lincoln Tunnel to use layover facilities in New Jersey.<ref name = boburg/> Bus layover parking on city streets is regulated by the NYDOT, which assigns locations throughout the city. In the vicinity of PABT, these are concentrated on the side streets between Ninth and Twelfth Avenues from 30th Street to 60th Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Authorized Bus Layover Locations in Manhattan |publisher=[[NYCDOT]] |date=November 1, 2011 |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/buslayoverloc.pdf |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528094204/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/buslayoverloc.pdf |archive-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref>

Various studies and news reports have concluded that there is a need for a new bus depot in Midtown.<ref name="midtwnpkg">{{cite report |last=Daly |first=William H. |author2=Rappaport, William |title=Midtown Tour and Charter Bus Parking Initiative |publisher=Mayor’s Midtown Citizens Committee |date=December 2010 |url=http://chekpeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/12-13-2010-MMCCBusSubcommittee-Report-Final1.pdf |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323184126/http://chekpeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/12-13-2010-MMCCBusSubcommittee-Report-Final1.pdf |archive-date=March 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New Report and Website Offer Speedier Bus Commute Across the Hudson River - Report calls for Port Authority to prioritize bus trips for 100 million annual passengers |publisher=[[Tri-State Transportation Campaign]] |date=May 14, 2009 |url=http://www.tstc.org/press/2009/051409_bus_report.html |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114044853/http://tstc.org/press/2009/051409_bus_report.html |archive-date=November 14, 2012|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Chernetz |first=Janna |title=NJ Transportation Funding Plan Would Shortchange Bus Riders |work=Mobilizing the Region |publisher=Tri-State Transportation Campaign |date=April 28, 2011 |url=http://blog.tstc.org/2011/04/28/nj-transportation-funding-plan-would-shortchange-bus-riders/ |access-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110430213812/http://blog.tstc.org/2011/04/28/nj-transportation-funding-plan-would-shortchange-bus-riders/ |archive-date=April 30, 2011|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Grossman |first=Andrew |title=Bus Terminal Hits Limit |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=April 19, 2011 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703916004576271150274132500 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611090020/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703916004576271150274132500 |archive-date=June 11, 2015}}</ref> In a joint study by New York City and PANYNJ, it was determined that a preferred location for a bus depot was at Galvin Plaza located on 39th to 40th Streets between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. However, this proposed location for commuter buses would not have capacity for [[charter bus]]es and [[tour bus service|tour buses]].<ref name = midtwnpkg/>

The PANYNJ announced considerable toll increases on its [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey#Bridges and tunnels|crossings between New York and New Jersey]] in August 2011, citing as one of their reasons the construction of an $800 million "new bus garage connected to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which will serve as a traffic reliever to the Lincoln Tunnel and midtown Manhattan streets, saving two-thirds of the empty bus trips that must make two extra trips through the tunnel each day."<ref>{{cite press release |title=Faced with constrained capacity due to historic economic recession, coupled with billions in WTC and post 9-11 security costs, and unprecedented need for infrastructure overhaul, Port Authority proposes toll and fare increase |publisher=PANYNJ |date=August 5, 2011 |url=http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1401 |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705173657/http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1401 |archive-date=July 5, 2012}}</ref> Originally included in the PANYNJ 2007–2016 Capital Plan,<ref name="Duane-2011-01-20">{{cite letter |first=Thomas K. |last=Duane |author-link=Thomas Duane |recipient=Christopher Ward, Director PANYNJ |subject=Proposed Bus Garage for PABT |date=January 20, 2011 |url=http://www.tomduane.com/News%202011/Letters%202011/Bus%20garage%20letter.html |access-date=December 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720073403/http://www.tomduane.com/News%202011/Letters%202011/Bus%20garage%20letter.html |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> construction of the garage was scrapped by the agency in October 2011, after it cited budgetary constraints due to an arrangement whereby the toll increases would be incrementally implemented.<ref name="boburg">{{cite news |last1=Boburg |first1=Shawn |last2=Rouse |first2=Karen |title=Cut in toll hike killed funds for $800M garage, PA says |newspaper=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]] |date=October 3, 2011 |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/130956618_Port_Authority_toll_hikes_will_not_fund_new_bus_parking_in_NYC__causign_delays_for_New_Jersey_commuters.html |access-date=December 3, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004235404/http://www.northjersey.com/news/130956618_Port_Authority_toll_hikes_will_not_fund_new_bus_parking_in_NYC__causign_delays_for_New_Jersey_commuters.html |archive-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref>

In April 2012, the director of the PANYNJ reported that a proposal had been made by developer [[Larry Silverstein]], who has a memorandum of understanding to develop a property at 39th Street and [[Dyer Avenue]] near the ramps between the tunnel and the terminal, to construct a bus garage with a residential tower above it.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chaban |first=Matt |title=Silverstein Beats Vornado to the Port Authority Punch Again, Proposes New Bus Terminal on West 39th Street |newspaper=The New York Observer |date=April 26, 2012 |url=http://observer.com/2012/04/silverstein-beats-vornado-to-the-port-authority-punch-again-proposes-new-bus-terminal-on-west-39th-street/ |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509081445/http://www.observer.com/2012/04/silverstein-beats-vornado-to-the-port-authority-punch-again-proposes-new-bus-terminal-on-west-39th-street/ |archive-date=May 9, 2012|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Smerd |first=Jeremy |title='Provocative' proposal made for new bus garage |publisher=[[Crain's New York Business]] |date=April 25, 2012 |url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120425/REAL_ESTATE/120429932#ixzz1umHtSw2K |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403081954/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120425/REAL_ESTATE/120429932#ixzz1umHtSw2K |archive-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> This parcel is not large enough to accommodate bus ramps and would require the use of elevators, which seemed to be a new type of application for bus storage.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Dana |title=Can special elevators spare Manhattan-bound buses those pointless trips back to New Jersey? |publisher=Capital New York |date=May 1, 2012 |url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2012/05/5816356/can-special-elevators-spare-manhattan-bound-buses-those-pointless-t |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604063823/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2012/05/5816356/can-special-elevators-spare-manhattan-bound-buses-those-pointless-t |archive-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref> The proposal has not progressed any further.

In 2014, the PANYNJ made an application for a $230 million grant to the [[Federal Transit Administration]] for development of the garage.<ref name=terminaltower/>

===Replacement===
In June 2013, the PANYNJ commissioned an 18-month study that was to consider reconfiguration, expansion, and replacement options for PABT and new bus staging and storage facilities on [[West Side (Manhattan)|Manhattan's West Side]].<ref name="PAPlan">{{cite press release |title=Port authority board awards contract to conduct comprehensive study and create plan to improve and revitalize bus terminal |publisher=[[PANYNJ]] |date=June 27, 2013 |url=https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2013_press_releases/port_authority_boardawardscontracttoconductcomprehensivestudyand.html |access-date=January 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702200904/http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1800 |archive-date=July 2, 2013}}</ref> The $5.5 million contract awarded to [[Kohn Pedersen Fox]] and [[Parsons Brinckerhoff]] would look into potential public-private financing, including the sale of [[air rights]] and cost-sharing with private bus carriers.<ref name="study">{{cite news |last=Strunsky |first=Steve |date=June 27, 2013 |title=Port Authority looking into expanding, replacing Manhattan bus terminal |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/06/port_authority_bus_terminal_replace.html#incart_river_default |url-status=live |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701014719/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/06/port_authority_bus_terminal_replace.html#incart_river_default |archive-date=July 1, 2013|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Goldmark |first=Alex |title=NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal Could Get Replaced |work=Transportation Nation |publisher=[[WNYC]] |date=June 27, 2013 |url=http://www.wnyc.org/blogs/transportation-nation/2013/jun/27/nycs-port-authority-bus-terminal-could-get-replaced/ |access-date=June 28, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701061901/http://www.wnyc.org/blogs/transportation-nation/2013/jun/27/nycs-port-authority-bus-terminal-could-get-replaced/ |archive-date=July 1, 2013|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Fleigneheimer |first=Matt |title=Port Authority to Consider Bus Terminal Renovation |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 27, 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/nyregion/port-authority-to-consider-redoing-or-replacing-hub.html |access-date=June 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515151423/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/nyregion/port-authority-to-consider-redoing-or-replacing-hub.html?ref=nyregion&_r=1& |archive-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref>

In 2016, the PANYNJ invited a number of development teams to propose ideas for replacement of the existing bus terminal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabtcompetition.com/ |title=Port Authority of NY & NJ Bus Terminal Competition |website=www.pabtcompetition.com |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225103834/http://www.pabtcompetition.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, in May 2019, the PANYNJ commenced the environmental review process for PABT's replacement. The PANYNJ planned to host four public hearings, two each in New York and New Jersey, in July and September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2019/5/23/18637183/nyc-plans-replace-midtowns-port-authority-bus-terminal |title=Plans to replace Midtown's Port Authority Bus Terminal inch forward |last=Spivack |first=Caroline |date=May 23, 2019 |website=Curbed NY |access-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523184033/https://ny.curbed.com/2019/5/23/18637183/nyc-plans-replace-midtowns-port-authority-bus-terminal |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=May 23, 2019 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Plans-to-Replace-Aging-Port-Authority-Bus-Terminal-With-New-Facility-Move-Forward-510344311.html |title=Plans to Replace Port Authority Bus Terminal Move Forward |website=NBC New York |language=en |access-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524022849/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Plans-to-Replace-Aging-Port-Authority-Bus-Terminal-With-New-Facility-Move-Forward-510344311.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Three plans were considered: building a new terminal on the site, building a new terminal elsewhere, or moving intercity buses elsewhere while renovations took place in the existing terminal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barone |first=Vincent |date=May 24, 2019 |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/port-authority-bus-terminal-1.31463806 |title=Goal to replace midtown bus terminal becoming a 'reality' |website=am New York |language=en |access-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524010314/https://www.amny.com/transit/port-authority-bus-terminal-1.31463806 |url-status=live }}</ref> In anticipation of opportunities that reconstruction of the bus terminal will portend, the Hell's Kitchen South Coalition produced its own plan for the area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HKSC |url=https://www.hkscnyc.org/ |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=HKSC |language=en-US |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610044414/https://www.hkscnyc.org/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2021, the PANYNJ released plans for reconstructing the terminal on the same site, with expansion of bus layover facilities.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/nyregion/port-authority-bus-terminal.html |title='Notorious' Port Authority Bus Terminal May Get a $10 Billion Overhaul |first1=Patrick |last1=McGeehan |first2=Winnie |last2=Hu |date=January 21, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124094144/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/nyregion/port-authority-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The PANYNJ hired architects Boston-based [[Foster + Partners]] and Chicago-based design and engineering firm Epstein Global in August 2022 to design the new terminal,<ref>{{cite web |last=Higgs |first=Larry |title=Architects hired to design new multi-billion dollar Midtown Manhattan bus terminal |website=nj |date=August 4, 2022 |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2022/08/architects-hired-to-design-new-multi-billion-dollar-midtown-manhattan-bus-terminal.html |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808033139/https://www.nj.com/news/2022/08/architects-hired-to-design-new-multi-billion-dollar-midtown-manhattan-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=https://www.archpaper.com/2022/08/foster-partners-epstein-tapped-design-port-authority-bus-terminal-replacement/ |title=Foster + Partners and Epstein tapped to lead Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project |date=August 4, 2022 |first=Matt |last=Hickman |publisher=Archpaper |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807211819/https://www.archpaper.com/2022/08/foster-partners-epstein-tapped-design-port-authority-bus-terminal-replacement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and $65 million was allocated to the project the next year.<ref name="Higgs 2023 s547">{{cite web | last=Higgs | first=Larry | title=Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement gets $65M infusion of cash | website=nj | date=July 5, 2023 | url=https://www.nj.com/news/2023/07/port-authority-bus-terminal-replacement-gets-65m-infusion-of-cash.html | access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> In January 2024, the [[Federal Transit Administration]] approved a [[draft environmental impact report]] for the replacement terminal.<ref name="Simko-Bednarski 2024 f981">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=$10 billion rebuild of Port Authority Bus Terminal one step closer to completion | website=New York Daily News | date=February 1, 2024 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/02/01/10-billion-rebuild-of-port-authority-bus-terminal-one-step-closer-to-completion/ | access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Nessen 2024 c979">{{cite web | last=Nessen | first=Stephen | title=Port Authority moves ahead with $10B replacement of Midtown's miserable bus terminal | website=Gothamist | date=February 1, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/port-authority-moves-ahead-with-10b-replacement-of-midtowns-miserable-bus-terminal | access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> The PANYNJ announced revised plans for the terminal the same month, which called for {{convert|3.5|acre}} of parks, a glass atrium, and a main entrance on 41st Street. The plans also called for two office buildings of at least 60 stories on 40th and 42nd streets.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McGeehan|first=Patrick|date=2024-02-01|title=A Look at the $10 Billion Design for a New Port Authority Bus Terminal|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-bus-terminal-replacement.html|access-date=2024-02-02|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Part of 41st Street from Eighth to Ninth avenues would be closed permanently, and there would be an additional building for bus storage and [[Staging area|staging areas]],<ref name="Russo-Lennon w508">{{cite web |last=Russo-Lennon |first=Barbara |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Midtown Bus Terminal construction gets underway |url=https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/midtown-bus-terminal-deckovers-underway/ |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=amNewYork}}</ref> At the time, the new terminal was planned to cost $10 billion; new ramps to the terminal were to be completed by 2028, while the terminal itself was planned to be finished by 2032.<ref name="Simko-Bednarski 2024 f981"/> 

The [[New York City Planning Commission]] approved the terminal-replacement plans in October 2024,<ref>{{cite web | last=Ginsburg | first=Aaron | title=$10B Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project moves forward | website=6sqft | date=October 17, 2024 | url=https://www.6sqft.com/10b-port-authority-bus-terminal-replacement-project-moves-forward/ | access-date=October 18, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Paolicelli | first=Alyssa | title=Port Authority Bus Terminal gets first green light for major renovation | website=Spectrum News NY1  | date=October 17, 2024 | url=https://ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2024/10/17/port-authority-bus-terminal-gets-first-green-light-for-major-renovation | access-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> and the plan received federal approval that December.<ref>{{cite web | last=Munoz | first=Daniel | title=Feds approve $10B Port Authority bus terminal project | website=Bergen Record | date=December 5, 2024 | url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/transportation/2024/12/05/feds-approve-port-authority-bus-terminal-project/76793431007/ | access-date=December 5, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Higgs | first=Larry | title=Cue the bulldozers. Plan for new Port Authority bus terminal gets federal thumbs up. | website=nj | date=December 4, 2024 | url=https://www.nj.com/news/2024/12/cue-the-bulldozers-plan-for-new-port-authority-bus-terminal-gets-federal-thumbs-up.html | access-date=December 5, 2024}}</ref>  In January 2025, the [[United States Department of Transportation]] disbursed a $1.89 billion grant for the Port Authority Bus Terminal's reconstruction.<ref>{{cite web | last=Higgs | first=Larry | title=Aging N.Y. bus terminal used by N.J. commuters to be replaced with help from a multi-billion dollar loan | website=nj | date=January 14, 2025 | url=https://www.nj.com/news/2025/01/aging-ny-bus-terminal-used-by-nj-commuters-to-be-replaced-with-help-from-a-multi-billion-dollar-loan.html | access-date=January 15, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Russo-Lennon | first=Barbara | title=Feds support Midtown bus terminal makeover with $1.89 billion loan | website=amNewYork | date=January 14, 2025 | url=https://www.amny.com/news/feds-midtown-bus-terminal-makeover/ | access-date=January 15, 2025}}</ref>  Work began on May 29, 2025, when a [[groundbreaking]] ceremony for a temporary terminal on Dyer Avenue between 37th and 39th streets was hosted.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simko-Bednarski |first=Evan |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Decade-long project to upgrade NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal begins |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/05/29/decade-long-project-to-upgrade-nycs-port-authority-bus-terminal-begins/ |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=New York Daily News|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Spivack |first=Caroline |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Port Authority breaks ground on $10B bus terminal revamp |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/port-authority-bus-terminal-breaks-ground-10b-revamp |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=Crain&#039;s New York Business}}</ref><ref name="Russo-Lennon w508" />

==Art and advertising==
[[File:Watching the machine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[George Rhoads]]'s 1983 rolling ball sculpture ''42nd Street Ballroom'' in the terminal's north building]]
''The Commuters'', a sculpture of three weary bus passengers and a clock salvaged from the original terminal by [[George Segal (artist)|George Segal]], was unveiled in the main ticket area in 1982.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sculptor George Segal's Model Commuters Are a Study in Terminal Patience |magazine=People |date=June 7, 1982 |volume=17 |number=22 |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20082352,00.html |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115225109/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20082352,00.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> ''42nd Street Ballroom'', a [[rolling ball sculpture]] by [[George Rhoads]] on the main floor of the North Wing, was installed in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |title=42nd Street Ballroom restoration |publisher=Technicalcalcurator |url=http://www.technicalcurator.com/technicalcurator/Rhoads_info.html |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://www.technicalcurator.com/technicalcurator/Rhoads_info.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> A statue of [[Jackie Gleason]] in the guise of one of his most famous characters, the bus driver [[Ralph Kramden]], stands in front of the main entrance to the original South Wing. The plaque reads, "Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden - Bus Driver - Raccoon Lodge Treasurer - Dreamer - Presented by the People of [[TV Land]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Ralph Kramden Statue |publisher=Roadside America |url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12510 |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726144057/http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12510 |archive-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref>

''Triple Bridge Gateway'', completed in 2009, is an [[Installation art|art installation]] by Leni Schwendinger Light Projects, underneath the ramps connecting the tunnel and the terminal; it is part of the transformation of the Ninth Avenue entrance of the South Wing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Triple Bridge Gateway |publisher=Mondo ARC |date=May 2009 |url=http://www.mondoarc.com/projects/Architectural/228104/triple_bridge_gateway_new_york_city_usa.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://www.mondoarc.com/projects/Architectural/228104/triple_bridge_gateway_new_york_city_usa.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Triple Bridge Gateway |publisher=Society for Environmental Graphic Design |url=http://www.segd.org/design-awards/5126/5158.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200743/http://www.segd.org/design-awards/5126/5158.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Triple Bridge |publisher=Enlighten Magazine |last=Prelovsek |first=Mitja |date=March 13, 2009 |url=http://www.enlightermagazine.com/projects/triple-bridge-gateway-leni-schwendinger |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229105042/http://www.enlightermagazine.com/projects/triple-bridge-gateway-leni-schwendinger |archive-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref>

In July 2011, PABT became home to the world's largest mediamesh,<!-- do NOT link to the [[Media meshing]] article, which is not applicable. mediamesh in this article is actually a stainless steel fabric in which LED lights are embedded !--> a stainless steel fabric embedded with [[light-emitting diode]]s (LEDs) for various types of media, art, and advertising imagery. The LED imagery façade covers {{Convert|6000|sqft}}, and wraps around the corner of 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.<ref>{{cite web |last=Del Percio |title=That's a Wrap: Port Authority Unveils Translucent LED Bus Terminal Advertising Installation |publisher=greenbuildingsnyc.com |date=July 31, 2011 |url=http://www.greenbuildingsnyc.com/2011/07/31/thats-a-wrap-port-authority-unveils-translucent-led-bus-terminal-advertising-installation/ |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231074748/http://www.greenbuildingsnyc.com/2011/07/31/thats-a-wrap-port-authority-unveils-translucent-led-bus-terminal-advertising-installation/ |archive-date=December 31, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Meinhold |first=Bridgette |title=NYC Port Authority Bus Terminal Now Boasts World's Largest LED Media Facade |publisher=Inhabitat |date=July 15, 2011 |url=http://inhabitat.com/nyc/nyc-port-authority-bus-terminal-now-boasts-worlds-largest-led-media-facade/pabt-media-facade-gkd-metal-fabrics-14/ |access-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117033724/http://inhabitat.com/nyc/nyc-port-authority-bus-terminal-now-boasts-worlds-largest-led-media-facade/pabt-media-facade-gkd-metal-fabrics-14/ |archive-date=January 17, 2013}}</ref>

==Configuration==

=== Information and ticketing===
For many years there was no [[Public transport timetable|timetable]] board displaying departures at PABT; passengers were required to inquire at information booths or ticket counters for schedules and departure gates. In 2015, both the Port Authority and NJ Transit installed screens listing upcoming scheduled departures, though buses are not tracked so delays are not communicated via this method.

Tickets can be purchased on the main level (ground floor) of the South Wing at the main ticket plaza; [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]], [[Trailways Transportation System|Trailways]] and [[Short Line (bus company)|Short Line]] have additional ticket counters in the terminal.

[[New Jersey Transit]] (NJT) maintains a customer service counter at the terminal on the south wing main level (open weekdays).<ref>{{cite web |title=Customer Service Locations |url=https://www.njtransit.com/contact/customer-service-locations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701190358/http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ContactUsTelephoneTo |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2023 |publisher=NJ Transit}}</ref> NJT has [[ticket vending machine]]s (TVM) throughout the terminal. Effective in 2009, passengers boarding [[New Jersey Transit bus operations|NJT buses]] are required to purchase a ticket before boarding.<ref>{{cite press release |title=NJ Transit Introduces New Procedure to Speed Boarding at Port Authority Bus Terminal |publisher=New Jersey Transit |date=September 17, 2009 |url=http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=PressReleaseTo&PRESS_RELEASE_ID=2554 |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410184227/http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=PressReleaseTo&PRESS_RELEASE_ID=2554 |archive-date=April 10, 2012}}</ref> In April 2012, NJT began re-equipping machines that would give change for those paying cash with bills rather than [[Dollar coin (United States)|$1 coins]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Frassinelli |first=Mike |title=NJ Transit changes the way they handle change: Pilot program trades coins for bills |newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] |date=April 18, 2012 |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/nj_transit_changes_the_way_the.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601021633/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/nj_transit_changes_the_way_the.html |archive-date=June 1, 2012}}</ref> NJT also accepts [[contactless payment]] systems (such as [[Apple Pay]] and [[Google Pay (payment method)|Google Pay]]) at TVMs, NJT's mobile app, and ticket windows.<ref>{{cite web |title=Go Contactless! |publisher=New Jersey Transit |url=http://www.njtransit.com/ti/ti_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ContactlessPaymentTo |access-date=June 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605235038/http://www.njtransit.com/ti/ti_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ContactlessPaymentTo |archive-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref>

===Gates===
[[File:Port Authority Bus Terminal interior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Escalators and stairs carry passengers to individually enclosed pull-through island platforms at departure gates numbered 200 and up.]]
There are 223 departure gates of either [[saw-tooth]] (pull-in) or [[island platform]] (pull-through) design at PABT.<ref name = redesigning/> At the Subway Level, or lower level of both wings, Gates 1-85 are predominantly used for long-distance travel, including buses to Canada, and [[Dollar van|jitney]]s, and during overnight hours (1&nbsp;a.m. to 6&nbsp;a.m.) for commuter lines. From 6&nbsp;a.m. to 1&nbsp;a.m., during the hours of normal operation, Gates 200–425, numbered to indicate the different boarding areas (100, 200, 300, etc.) within the complex are accessible from the 2nd floor and serve short-haul commuter lines.<ref name="map">{{cite web |title=Terminal Map |work=PABT |publisher=PANYNJ |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-terminal-map.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603072211/http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-terminal-map.html |archive-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> The third and fourth floors are respectively known as the 300 and 400 levels.<ref name="Higgs 201508">{{cite web | last=Higgs | first=Larry | title=Where is this mysterious third floor at Port Authority? Ask @CommutingLarry | website=nj | date=August 6, 2015 | url=https://www.nj.com/traffic/2015/08/where_is_this_mysterious_third_floor_at_port_authority_ask_commutinglarry.html | access-date=April 17, 2023 | archive-date=April 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152723/https://www.nj.com/traffic/2015/08/where_is_this_mysterious_third_floor_at_port_authority_ask_commutinglarry.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Most NJ Transit routes and New Jersey private carrier commuter routes are on the 200, 300, and 400 levels.

===Retail and entertainment===
Like other transit hubs, PABT has undergone a series of renovations to create a mall-like sphere to promote its retail, food, entertainment, and services spaces.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pincus |first=Adam |title=The 'malling' of Manhattan |magazine=[[The Real Deal (magazine)|The Real Deal]] |date=August 31, 2011 |url=http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/the-malling-of-manhattan/ |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821070346/http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/the-malling-of-manhattan/ |archive-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Port Authority Bus Terminal |publisher=Public Spaces Project |url=http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=115 |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200749/http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=115 |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> There are numerous franchise stores, such as Heartland Brewery, [[Au Bon Pain]], [[Jamba Juice]], [[Starbucks]], [[Hudson News]], [[Duane Reade]], [[GNC (store)|GNC]], plus a [[United States Postal Service]] branch station, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars throughout the terminal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Retail Map |work=PABT |publisher=PANYNJ |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-retail-map.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603091433/http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-retail-map.html |archive-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> Frames, a [[bowling alley]] (previously long known as Leisure Time Bowling) occupies a large space on the 2nd floor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kleinfeld |first=N.R. |title=True Economic Barometer? How about Bowling |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 4, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/nyregion/05bowling.html |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213023641/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/nyregion/05bowling.html |archive-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The best places to go bowling in NYC |newspaper=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |date=November 22, 2016 |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/best-places-to-go-bowling-in-nyc |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203143747/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/best-places-to-go-bowling-in-nyc |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Restrooms===
Men's and women's restrooms in the bus terminal have been the subject of media attention; the women's restroom on the second floor is the terminal's busiest. It acts as a makeup counter, frequented by crowds daily due to its lighting, large mirrors, and cleanliness, a noted contrast to the rest of the unpopular terminal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dimon |first=Laura |date=August 22, 2019 |title=New York's Hottest Makeup Counter: The Port Authority Bathroom |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/nyregion/port-authority-bathroom.html |access-date=February 8, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214180847/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/nyregion/port-authority-bathroom.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The men's restrooms are the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against the Port Authority's police department. The lawsuit exposed a trend of plainclothes officers targeting homosexual or effeminate men at the bus terminal's restrooms. Five officers, of about 1,700 in the department, were responsible for 70 percent of public lewdness arrests in 2014, the year the lawsuit was filed. Most of the arrests have been for masturbation; the lawsuit alleged most of the arrests are targeted at LGBT men who have not performed any wrongful acts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Reports Highlight Behavior of Port Authority Police in 'Lewd Act' Arrests |url=https://theappeal.org/new-reports-highlight-behavior-of-port-authority-police-in-lewd-act-arrests/ |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=The Appeal |last=Lerner |first=Kira |date=July 12, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214004110/https://theappeal.org/new-reports-highlight-behavior-of-port-authority-police-in-lewd-act-arrests/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Joseph |date=October 8, 2014 |title=Lawyers Challenge Lewdness Arrests at Port Authority Bus Terminal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/nyregion/lawyers-challenge-lewdness-arrests-at-port-authority-bus-terminal.html |access-date=February 8, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214005348/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/nyregion/lawyers-challenge-lewdness-arrests-at-port-authority-bus-terminal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Port Authority Police Department ended the practice in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Closson |first1=Troy |last2=Wong |first2=Ashley |title=Port Authority Settlement Will End Undercover Bathroom Patrols |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/nyregion/port-authority-bathroom-patrols.html |access-date=June 2, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602161827/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/nyregion/port-authority-bathroom-patrols.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Companies==
[[Image:port-authority-bus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Gates 1-85 on the lower level of the terminal are used for inter-city departures.]]
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is served by the following lines:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-carriers-routes.html |title=Carriers & Routes - Port Authority Bus Terminal - The Port Authority of NY & NJ |website=www.panynj.gov |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213826/http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-carriers-routes.html |archive-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>

===Commuter lines===
*[[Academy Bus]]
*[[Coach USA]]
**[[Community Coach]]
**[[Rockland Coaches]]
**[[Short Line (bus company)|Short Line]]
**[[Suburban Trails]]
*Community Lines<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerseyjitneys.info/?page_id=72 |title=Kennedy Boulevard – Port Authority |date=January 3, 2014 |website=jerseyjitneys.info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026085340/http://www.jerseyjitneys.info/?page_id=72 |archive-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Lakeland Bus Lines]]
*[[Martz Trailways]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.martztrailways.com/schedules-from-port-authority.asp |title=Martz Trailways |website=martztrailways.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618211055/http://www.martztrailways.com/schedules-from-port-authority.asp |archive-date=June 18, 2012}}</ref>
*[[New Jersey Transit Bus Operations|New Jersey Transit]] ([[List of New Jersey Transit bus routes (100–199)|Routes 101-199]]){{efn|NJT bus operations make up 70 percent of the terminal's traffic. Approximately 79,000 NJT riders and another 30,000 commuters on private bus lines use the terminal each morning, arriving from [[New Jersey]], [[Rockland County, New York|Rockland County]] and [[Orange County, New York|Orange County]] in the [[Hudson Highlands]] and eastern [[Pennsylvania]].<ref name=waiting>{{cite news |last=Strunsky |first=Steve |title=Trying to end the long, hot wait for a new Port Authority Bus Terminal |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |date=June 30, 2014 |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/06/trying_to_end_the_long_hot_wait_for_a_new_port_authority_bus_terminal.html |access-date=July 1, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707082252/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/06/trying_to_end_the_long_hot_wait_for_a_new_port_authority_bus_terminal.html |archive-date=July 7, 2014}}</ref>}}
*[[OurBus]]
*[[Spanish Transportation]]
*[[Trans-Bridge Lines]]

===Airport buses===
*[[Olympia Trails]] to [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark Airport]] {{Rint|air|link=Newark_Liberty_International_Airport}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Newark Airport Express |publisher=Coach USA |url=http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525021931/http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp |archive-date=May 25, 2012}}</ref>

===Intercity operators===
*[[Adirondack Trailways]]
*C&J
*Coach Company ([[OurBus]])
*[[Fullington Trailways]]
*[[Greyhound Lines]]
*[[OurBus]] Prime
*[[Peter Pan Bus Lines]]
*[[Short Line (bus company)|Short Line]]

===Sightseeing===
*[[Gray Line Worldwide|Gray Line New York]]
*The RIDE,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.experiencetheride.com |title=Interactive New York Sightseeing Experience |website=The Ride |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212182030/https://experiencetheride.com/ |archive-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref> nearby on the north side of 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue

==Connecting transport==
[[File:42nd St PABT sta jeh.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|[[New York City Subway|Subway]] entrance and [[Taxicab stand|cab stand]] on [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]]. Extensive underground passageways connect various stations and PABT.]]
Direct underground passageways connect the terminal with the {{NYCS trains|Times Square PABT}} of the [[New York City Subway]] at the {{stn|Times Square–42nd Street}} and {{stn|42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal}} stations.<ref name="PANYNJ Connections">{{cite web |title=Connections |url=https://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/en/connections.html |access-date=April 17, 2023 |website=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205190149/https://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/en/connections.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Several bus routes operated by [[New York City Bus]], including the {{NYC bus link|M11|M20|M34A|M42|M104|prose=y}} local buses and the {{NYC bus link|SIM8|SIM8X|SIM22|SIM25|SIM26|SIM30|prose=y}} Staten Island express buses, stop immediately outside the terminal.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|M}}</ref><ref>{{cite NYC bus map|S2}}</ref>

In the last decade, numerous jitney routes serving [[Hudson County, New Jersey|Hudson]] and [[Passaic County, New Jersey|Passaic]] counties in [[North Jersey|northern New Jersey]] pick up passengers inside the bus terminal or on the street outside the terminal. [[Dollar van]]s operated by [[Spanish Transportation]] to [[Paterson, New Jersey|Paterson]] and Community Lines jitneys to [[Journal Square]] use platforms on the lower level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerseyjitneys.info/ |title=Jitney Buses of New Jersey |website=Jitney Buses of New Jersey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521140859/http://www.jerseyjitneys.info/ |archive-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref> Routes to [[Bergenline Avenue]]/[[George Washington Bridge Plaza|GWB Plaza]], and [[Boulevard East]] depart from [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] outside the bus terminal's North Wing.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Stephen |title=North Jersey jitneys take off |publisher=Market Urbanism |date=September 17, 2010 |url=http://marketurbanism.com/2010/09/17/north-jersey-jitneys-take-off/ |access-date=April 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419194229/http://marketurbanism.com/2010/09/17/north-jersey-jitneys-take-off/ |archive-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hudson County Jitney Study |publisher=NJTPA |date=2010 |url=http://www.njtpa.org/plan/Studies/HudsonCountyJitneyStudy.aspx |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://www.njtpa.org/plan/Studies/HudsonCountyJitneyStudy.aspx |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Urbitran Associates |title=Final Report |work=Hudson County Bus Circulation and Infrastructure Study |publisher=NJTPA |date=November 2007 |url=http://www.njtpa.org/plan/Studies/documents/HudsonCountyBusCirculationStudyFinalReport2007.pdf |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115201222/http://www.njtpa.org/plan/Studies/documents/HudsonCountyBusCirculationStudyFinalReport2007.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=New Jersey Transit |title=Executive Summary |work=Final Report Jersey City Local Bus Study |publisher=NJT |date=November 2009 |url=http://www.arch.columbia.edu/files/gsapp/imceshared/sy2065/DG-101001-3_Jersey_City_Bus_Study_Body.pdf |access-date=April 20, 2012 |display-authors=etal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215022723/http://www.arch.columbia.edu/files/gsapp/imceshared/sy2065/DG-101001-3_Jersey_City_Bus_Study_Body.pdf |archive-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Knafo |first=Saki |title=A Glut of Buses at the Crossroads of the World |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 5, 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/nyregion/thecity/05bus.html |access-date=April 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320124358/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/nyregion/thecity/05bus.html |archive-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Duane |first=Thomas K. |author-link=Thomas Duane |title=New Bus Rules and New Yorkers Who Point the Way: Putting The Brakes On Buses That Clog Up the Streets |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 12, 2008 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B02E0DE1430F931A25753C1A96E9C8B63 |access-date=April 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116024734/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B02E0DE1430F931A25753C1A96E9C8B63 |archive-date=January 16, 2013}}</ref>

In 2011, a controversy arose when [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]], a long-distance carrier using double-decker buses, with the permission of the [[New York City Department of Transportation]], began to use the streets and [[sidewalk]] at the terminal. The director of the PANYNJ, citing safety, as well as other long-haul companies (which paid rent to use the terminal) citing unfair competitive advantage, were opposed to the permission to allow the company use of 41st Street directly beneath the connection between the two wings of the Port Authority.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smerd |first=Jeremy |title=Port Authority chief slams Megabus' free rid |publisher=Crain's New York |date=April 24, 2012 |url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120424/TRANSPORTATION/120429947 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403081947/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120424/TRANSPORTATION/120429947 |archive-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> Despite these concerns and complaints, [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]] was initially permitted to stay.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Lets Megabus Stay Under Bus Terminal Despite Port Authority Objections |publisher=CBS Local |date=May 8, 2012 |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/05/08/city-lets-megabus-stay-under-bus-terminal-despite-port-authority-objections/ |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604060304/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/05/08/city-lets-megabus-stay-under-bus-terminal-despite-port-authority-objections/ |archive-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref> However, the permission was withdrawn later that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120607/TRANSPORTATION/120609887/megabus-booted-from-choice-parking-spot |title=Megabus booted from choice parking spot |work=Crain's New York |last=Massey |first=Daniel |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403180212/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120607/TRANSPORTATION/120609887/megabus-booted-from-choice-parking-spot |archive-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> Megabus now largely uses street-side stops near the [[Javits Center]] (for pickup) and Penn Station (for drop-off), except for a limited number of routes which use PABT.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/us.megabus.com/busStops.aspx |title=New York, NY |work=Megabus mobile website |access-date=July 28, 2012 |archive-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727105920/http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/us.megabus.com/busStops.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Capacity and overflow==
[[File:Lincoln Tunnel Helix-XBL-Weehawken.tiff|thumb|upright=1.1|The XBL, or exclusive bus lane, on [[Lincoln Tunnel]] in morning rush hour, leads to PABT.]]
PABT is the gateway for most bus and [[Spanish Transportation|jitney]] traffic entering Manhattan<ref>{{cite web |title=Port Authority Bus Terminal History |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-history.html |access-date=March 7, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128031009/http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-history.html |archive-date=January 28, 2011}}</ref> with more than 190,000 passengers<ref name = express /> on 6,000 bus trips made through the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] and terminal daily.<ref name="NJassembly">{{cite news |last=Boburg |first=Shawn |title=Lawmakers urge PA to reduce bus delays |newspaper=[[The Record (Bergen County)]] |location=Bergen County |date=December 7, 2011 |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/135160048_Lawmakers_urge_PA_to_reduce_bus_delays.html |access-date=December 14, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200753/http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/135160048_Lawmakers_urge_PA_to_reduce_bus_delays.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> The [[Lincoln Tunnel Approach and Helix]] (Route&nbsp;495) in [[Hudson County, New Jersey]] passes through a [[List of bridges, tunnels, and cuts in Hudson County, New Jersey|cut]] and descends the [[Hudson Palisades]] to the Lincoln Tunnel; PABT is located at the other end.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roberts |first1=Richard |last2=Baer |first2=Frederic S. |title=Improving Trans-Hudson Bus Access |journal=ITE Journal |publisher=Institute of Transportation Engineers |date=May 1987 |url=http://www.ite.org/membersonly/itejournal/pdf/jea87a19.pdf |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://www.ite.org/membersonly/itejournal/pdf/jea87a19.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> Starting in 1964, studies were conducted to address the feasibility of an [[Lincoln Tunnel XBL|exclusive bus lane (XBL)]] during the weekday morning peak period.<ref>{{cite report |title=New York, New York (USA) Bus Lanes and Limited-Stop Service |work=TCRP Report 90 |volume=1 |publisher=Transit Cooperative Research Program/FTA |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp90v1_cs/NewYork.pdf |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp90v1_cs/NewYork.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> The XBL, first implemented in 1970, serves weekday eastbound bus traffic between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.<ref name=PANYNJ1/> The lane is fed by the [[New Jersey Turnpike]] at Exits 16E and 17 and [[New Jersey Route 3]]. The helix, tunnel, and terminal are owned and operated by the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] (PANYNJ), the bi-state agency that also implements the {{convert|2.5|mi|km|2|adj=on}} [[contraflow lane|contraflow]] [[Bus lane|express bus left lane]] in three westbound lanes. The XBL serves over 1,800 buses and 65,000 bus commuters on regular weekday mornings and is a major component of the morning "inbound" commutation crossing the [[North River (Hudson River)|Hudson River]].<ref name="PANYNJ1">{{cite web |title=The Lincoln Tunnel Exclusive Bus Lane |publisher=Port Authority of New York & New Jersey |year=2009 |url=http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/lincoln-tunnel-xbl.html |access-date=April 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326000952/http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/lincoln-tunnel-xbl.html |archive-date=March 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Route 495 Exclusive Bus Lane: A 20-year Success Story |journal=World Transit Research |date=January 1991 |url=http://www.worldtransitresearch.info/research/1715/ |access-date=April 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200741/http://www.worldtransitresearch.info/research/1715/ |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |last1=Home |first1=L. |last2=Quelch |first2=G.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lincoln Tunnel HOT Lane Feasibility Study |publisher=Port Authority of New York & New Jersey |year=2009 |url=http://www.panynj.gov/about/pdf/Lincoln-Tunnel-HOT-Lane-Feasibility-Study.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115221129/http://www.panynj.gov/about/pdf/Lincoln-Tunnel-HOT-Lane-Feasibility-Study.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name="nycroads">{{cite web |url=http://www.nycroads.com/roads/NJ-495/ |title=NJ 495 Freeway |author=Anderson, Steve |publisher=Eastern Roads |access-date=February 11, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228111642/http://www.nycroads.com/roads/NJ-495/ |archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref><ref name="panynj">{{cite web |url=http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/tunnels/pdfs/01_09_XBL-II_nwslttr_285fri.pdf |title=Lincoln Tunnel Exclusive Bus Lane Enhancement Study |publisher=[[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] |access-date=February 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627153521/http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/tunnels/pdfs/01_09_XBL-II_nwslttr_285fri.pdf |archive-date=June 27, 2008}}</ref>  Over 100 bus carriers utilize the Exclusive Bus Lane.<ref name=PANYNJ1/> As of 2013, [[New Jersey Transit bus operations|New Jersey Transit]] operates fifty-seven [[List of New Jersey Transit bus routes (100–199)|interstate bus routes]] through the Lincoln Tunnel, as do numerous regional and long-distance companies.<ref name = study/>

Despite the XBL to the tunnel, there are often long delays due to [[traffic congestion|congestion]] caused by the limited capacity of [[bus lanes]] for deboarding passengers at the [[Bus terminus|bus terminal]], which has reached its capacity.<ref name = limit/> leading to re-routing and overflow on local streets<ref name="limit">{{cite news |last=Grossman |first=Andrew |title=Bus Terminal Hits Limit |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=April 19, 2011 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703916004576271150274132500 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611090020/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703916004576271150274132500 |archive-date=June 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chernetz |first=Janna |title=NJ Transportation Funding Plan Would Shortchange Bus Riders |publisher=Tri-State Transportation Campaign |date=April 28, 2011 |url=http://blog.tstc.org/2011/04/28/nj-transportation-funding-plan-would-shortchange-bus-riders/ |access-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110430213812/http://blog.tstc.org/2011/04/28/nj-transportation-funding-plan-would-shortchange-bus-riders/ |archive-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> In December 2011, the [[New Jersey Assembly]] passed a resolution calling upon the PANYNJ to address the issue of congestion.<ref name =NJassembly/> Congestion contributed to a decline of the on-time performance of buses, which was 92 percent in 2012 and 85 percent in the first quarter of 2014.<ref name = waiting/> [[Thomas Duane]], representing New York's 29th Senate District which includes the area around PABT, has also called for reduced congestion in the [[Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan|neighborhood]].<ref name="Duane-2011-01-20"/><ref name="prioritize">{{cite web |title=New Report and Website Offer Speedier Bus Commute Across the Hudson River Report calls for Port Authority to prioritize bus trips for 100 million annual passengers |publisher=Tri-State Transportation Campaign |date=May 14, 2009 |url=http://www.tstc.org/press/2009/051409_bus_report.html |access-date=April 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114044853/http://tstc.org/press/2009/051409_bus_report.html |archive-date=November 14, 2012}}</ref> A consortium of regional transportation advocates, the [[Tri-State Transportation Campaign]], have proposed a reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal, a PM westbound XBL, bus stops at other Manhattan locations, and a new [[Bus garage|bus storage depot]].<ref name =prioritize/> A proposed bus garage in Midtown, so that daytime turnover buses could avoid unnecessarily traveling through the tunnel without passengers, was scrapped by the agency in October 2011.<ref name="boburg" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Port Authority Scraps Bus Garage, Cites Money Issues |publisher=WNBC New York |date=October 3, 2011 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Port-Authority-Bus-Garage-Plan-Toll-Hikes-Congestion-Traffic-Lincoln-Tunnel-130966403.html |access-date=April 30, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026023506/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Port-Authority-Bus-Garage-Plan-Toll-Hikes-Congestion-Traffic-Lincoln-Tunnel-130966403.html |archive-date=October 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Road Warrior: Delaying bus garage expansion is senseless |first=John |last=Cichowski |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/road_warrior/131311299_Delaying_bus_garage_expansion_is_senseless.html |newspaper=The Record |location=Bergen County |date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=October 8, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004223757/http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/road_warrior/131311299_Delaying_bus_garage_expansion_is_senseless.html |archive-date=October 4, 2013}}</ref> In May 2012, the commissioner of NJDOT suggested that some [[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]] routes could originate/terminate at other Manhattan locations, notably the [[East Side (Manhattan)|East Side]]; an arrangement requiring approval of the [[New York City Department of Transportation|NYC Department of Transportation]] (NYCDOT) to use bus stops.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rouse |first=Karen |title=NJ DOT commissioner proposes bypassing Manhattan bus terminal for some routes |newspaper=The Record |location=Bergen County |date=May 9, 2012 |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/051012_NJ_Transit_proposes_bypassing_Manhattan_bus_terminal_for_some_routes.html?c=y&page=1 |access-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115200740/http://www.northjersey.com/news/051012_NJ_Transit_proposes_bypassing_Manhattan_bus_terminal_for_some_routes.html?c=y&page=1 |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Port Authority Bus Terminal}}
*[http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/port-authority-bus-terminal.html Port Authority Bus Terminal Website]
*[http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/pabt-history.html Port Authority Bus Terminal History]
*[http://www.panynj.gov/path/hoboken-station.html PATH station details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129032137/http://www.panynj.gov/path/hoboken-station.html |date=November 29, 2019 }}
*[https://www.njtransit.com/station/port-authority-bus-terminal New Jersey Transit station details]
*[http://www.pabtcompetition.com/ Competition for a Bus Terminal Replacement]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071122001241/http://manhattan.about.com/od/gettingaround/a/portauthority.htm Guide to the Port Authority Bus Terminal]
*[http://www.transportpolicy.org.uk/PublicTransport/LincolnTunnel/LincolnTunnel.htm Buses, The Lincoln Tunnel, and The Port Authority Bus Terminal]

{{Midtown South, Manhattan}}
{{PANYNJ navbox}}
{{NYC surface transit}}
{{New Jersey Transit Bus Operations}}

[[Category:1950 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:42nd Street (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Bus stations in New York City]]
[[Category:Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan]]
[[Category:Lincoln Tunnel]]
[[Category:NJ Transit Bus Operations]]
[[Category:NJ Transit bus stations]]
[[Category:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transit hubs serving New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Manhattan]]