Philadelphia/ Transportation & Infrastructure
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Published on May 01, 2024
Philadelphia Weighs Pilot Bus Terminal Relocation Plan Amidst Old City Resident ConcernsSource: Google Street View

Philadelphia's intercity bus terminal saga continues as the city proposes shifting the current pick-up and drop-off point to the AutoPark at Olde City in Old City. Councilmember Mark Squilla, representing District 2, revealed details about the proposed "pilot" terminal while a firm is tasked with locating a more permanent solution. Highlighting the city's effort, Squilla said, as FOX 29 reported, "The City is looking to use that bus terminal as a pilot while they hire a firm to do a study on where a permanent location should go."

Residents, having already seen the terminal relocate multiple times, are less than thrilled about the potential move. A year after the Greyhound station's relocation from Market and 7th to Spring Garden due to concerns of passenger safety and traffic congestion, the Old City neighborhood now stands as the next contender. Unsettled by the prospect, Old City neighbor Oller told FOX 29, "We are terrified, it’s a terrible idea, and we can’t imagine why it is something that is being considered." The chosen garage was built to usher tourists more efficiently during a time of less congestion, not the thrum of a city's public transport needs.

Despite the hands wringing from local Old City residents, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems maintains that no final decision has been made. In a statement highlighted by the Inquirer, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems clarified that the Second Street garage is only "one of the locations being considered" and did not define what "temporary" meant in this context.