The former Greyhound bus terminal located at 10th and Filbert streets is set to undergo renovations and will reopen in the spring as Philadelphia’s intercity hub for bus carriers and passengers, city officials announced on Thursday. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is collaborating with the city and the property owner on the project, aiming for operations to commence by May. This timeline is strategically chosen to prepare for significant events scheduled in 2026, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer emphasized the vision for the terminal, stating the intention is to create a contemporary, neighborhood-friendly intercity transportation facility that prioritizes cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.
Currently, the bus terminal has been temporarily operating in Northern Liberties since November 2023, situated outside the SEPTA subway station on Spring Garden Street. It serves various carriers including Greyhound, FlixBus, Peter Pan, and Megabus, facilitating pickups and drop-offs from cities nationwide.
The relocation of bus operations followed Greyhound’s exit from the Filbert Street building in June 2023, which forced carriers and passengers to a busy corner at Sixth and Market streets. This temporary arrangement has been criticized for traffic congestion and a lack of amenities, as it lacked restrooms and seating.
The proposed renovation plan is dependent on City Council legislation concerning usage rates for bus carriers that will contribute to the maintenance of the new facility. The city plans to negotiate agreements to cover the approximately $13 million needed annually for the terminal’s lease, according to PPA spokesperson Martin O’Rourke.
Greyhound’s departure was partly driven by plans from the Philadelphia 76ers to construct a new arena that would occupy the Filbert Street site and parts of the adjacent Fashion District mall. However, the Sixers abandoned that project in January, choosing instead to collaborate with Comcast Spectacor on a new arena at the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia.
The current terminal in Northern Liberties has been viewed unfavorably due to its inaccessibility and the disorganized nature of operations. City officials considered relocating to a different site but faced community resistance during discussions.
Urbanist nonprofit 5th Square Advocacy has praised the city’s initiative, highlighting it as a prime example of “people-centered urban design” that enhances Philadelphia’s transportation network. Alex Milone, co-chair of the transit committee at 5th Square, remarked that providing a proper terminal recognizes the need for dignity and respect for travelers, rather than forcing them to wait beneath an overpass.
Lazer described the renovation as a “key ingredient” in revitalizing the East Market Street corridor, promising improved accessibility for bus riders to notable locations such as Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and local shopping areas. To alleviate congestion in Chinatown, he indicated that buses from the terminal will be intentionally rerouted away from the neighborhood.
Additionally, properties owned by the 76ers and Comcast Spectacor along Market Street are expected to undergo redevelopment as demolition of buildings at 1000-1024 East Market St. is projected to commence by year’s end, with potential temporary uses of the space for upcoming events like the World Cup and Fourth of July celebrations in 2024.
Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st) is actively collaborating with the city’s Market Street Task Force to address both long-term and short-term urban plans for the area, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the city’s infrastructure and community needs.