Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Signs Bill to Fund Revitalization of Interim Intercity Bus Facility at 1001 Filbert Street​

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle l. Parker and the Philadelphia Parking Authority yesterday hosted a ceremonial signing of Bill No. 250951, which generates crucial funding for the revitalization, reopening, and operation of the interim intercity bus facility at 1001 Filbert Street. The enactment of this legislation enables the facility to be operational by May 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the City's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure ahead of Philadelphia's Semisesquicentennial celebration.

The revitalization project, at an estimated cost of $2 million, is set to transform the interim bus facility, ensuring it meets the needs of passengers and supports the continued growth of Philadelphia's transit network. The interior will be fully renovated and attractive lighting and landscaping will be installed on the exterior. Murals created through the Mural Arts Color Me Back program will beautify the exterior, while at the same time providing same day employment opportunities and connections to services and resources for unhoused individuals at and around the site.

Under a 10-year renewable lease and intergovernmental agreement between PPA and the City, the PPA will be responsible for rehabbing, maintaining and managing the bus terminal with OTIS. The City is continuing its work to identify the best location for a long-term, permanent intercity bus facility. In the coming weeks, the Department of Planning and Development will launch a community engagement process as part of these efforts.

"Company is coming, and we are ready to welcome the world to Philadelphia in 2026. I'm proud that we're investing $120 million to make sure our city is 'decent and in order' for millions of visitors and for our residents," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Today's bill signing marks a major step forward. By renovating and reopening 1001 Filbert Street as an interim bus terminal, we're moving buses off neighborhood streets and into a proper facility-delivering the structure, safety, and dignity bus travelers deserve. I want to thank our partners, especially the Philadelphia Parking Authority, City Council, our Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems and other agencies, for working with us on a solution that protects taxpayers, supports our neighborhoods, and sets the stage for a permanent, world-class terminal for our city."

Mayor Parker was joined by Michael Carroll of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), Richard Lazer of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Stephen Bronskill of Transit Forward Philadelphia, Nadia Malik of Mural Arts Philadelphia, and other city leaders, advocates, and stakeholders.

"After Greyhound's departure from 1001 Filbert Street in 2023, Philadelphia faced the challenge of providing a safe, welcoming intercity bus facility that didn't burden our neighborhoods," said Michael A. Carroll, Deputy Managing Director, Transportation and Infrastructure, Managing Director Office. "Transforming the former station into an interim terminal is a major step forward for our city. This project delivers a safer, more welcoming experience for travelers and keeps buses off neighborhood streets. Thanks to strong partnerships and Mayor Parker's leadership, we're creating a facility that meets the city's needs today while we work with the community toward an even better permanent facility that prioritizes accessibility, rider comfort, and integration with local transit and businesses."

"We are on track for the May 1st opening. Working with our city partners, we will get this done," said Rich Lazer, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parking Authority. "The operating costs will be funded through the bus terminal through a camera-based, fee-collection system for buses that will be the first of its kind in the country." Lazer stated that other benefits of the interim bus terminal will include helping local businesses by increasing foot traffic in the area of the Fashion District, Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, as well as eliminating curbside bus operations from residential streets.

Since Greyhound, then the lease holder of the bus station at 1001 Filbert Street, closed the station's doors at the end of June 2023, carriers have operated curbside. Initially the buses moved to Market Street, but this posed operational challenges on street, so the buses were relocated to Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties in November 2023. Despite the City's best efforts to provide passenger amenities while minimizing impacts on the neighborhood, conditions fell short for both riders and residents due to the lack of necessary infrastructure.

At the Mayor's direction, during this time the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and the Department of Planning and Development worked to identify a viable off-street location to safely accommodate intercity buses and to create a welcoming and dignified experience for intercity bus travelers coming to and traveling from Philadelphia.

"No matter how you're going to travel here," Mayor Parker said, "by bus, by train, by plane, by car, if you walk, if you run, Philadelphia is going to be ready for you."