PPA plans to renovate and reopen Filbert Street Greyhound station in time for the 2026 World Cup
Philadelphia Parking Authority board members on Monday approved a lease with the owner of the former Greyhound Terminal on Filbert Street and an intergovernmental agreement with the city to renovate it and operate it again as an intercity bus depot.
The vote was a step toward resolving a two-year civic dilemma of finding a suitable site for long-distance buses and their passengers in time for events. planned for the nation’s 250th anniversary and FIFA World Cup matches in South Philadelphia in 2026.
“I’m glad we’re moving in this direction, because every time I go to Second and Spring Garden, I cringe at the people standing outside,” said Lynette M. Brown-Sow, president of the PPA board of directors.
Currently, customers of Greyhound, Peter Pan and other interstate bus companies wait, board and arrive at the curb along Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties – with no shelter from the elements and few amenities. This also proved to be a nuisance to neighboring businesses.
» LEARN MORE: Two years after Philadelphia’s Greyhound station closed, buses still don’t have a permanent home
The building and land on rue Filbert comprises approximately 13,700 square feet with 14 bus tickets for arrivals and departures and is owned by 1001-1025 West Filbert Street LLC.
Rent will start at $100,000 per month and gradually increase to a total of $13 million over the life of the lease. The 10-year lease renews annually, unless either party cancels it with 180 days’ notice. The lease can be extended.
Estimated bus station renovation costs are approximately $1.5 million for interior renovation, facade redesign and landscaping.
Under the agreement with the city, PPA will manage the terminal; assess fees imposed on bus carriers for use of the facility and any on-street loading zones, such as those in University City, and manage enforcement.
The fees will pay for renovations and operations.
All of this depends on the City Council passing legislation establishing fees for using bus lines. Some Council members expressed initial skepticism when the bill was introduced Thursday.
Greyhound left the terminal at 10th and Filbert streets in June 2023 amid company cost-cutting and because the 76ers had proposed a new arena on the property.
At first, the city moved bus operations to the sidewalk, in the 600 block of Market Street, where passengers found no benches, shelters or restrooms. Buses invaded the SEPTA bus lane and clogged traffic.
Five months later, Greyhound and the other carriers moved their operations to a corner of Northern Liberties, along Spring Garden Street. Municipal authorities promised it would be temporary, but the “station” is still there, with the resulting waste and disruption to local activities.
Management of the bus station would be part of PPA’s growing role in quality of life issues.
Authorities cracked down on parking on sidewalks and blocking ramps and parking spaces for people with disabilities. It also enforces vehicle violations blocking bike lanes, tows abandoned cars and manages red light and speeding enforcement cameras.
“I am confident that our staff will do an excellent job to [the bus station] look like a much better place than it ever was and make sure it’s secure and managed appropriately,” Brown-Sow said.
