On November 8, the City of Philadelphia and multiple intercity bus transportation providers announced the relocation of the current curbside station at 6th and Market Streets to a new location at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Christopher Columbus Boulevard/Delaware Avenue, effective Thursday, November 16, 2023.

The relocated bus carriers include FlixBus, Greyhound, Coach USA/MegaBus, and Peter Pan. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with further information:

1) Why is the relocation happening now?

  • The volume and nature of complaints that the City has received leave the situation at Market Street completely untenable for the current administration. When the issue initially arose in June 2023, we promised to find a solution. The Kenney administration is concerned in particular about the nearby concentration of important Federal entities, their employees, and persons engaged in critical activities.
  • The upcoming holiday travel season would also significantly increase congestion and traffic on Market Street.
  • For these reasons, the City made a firm commitment to relocate the intercity bus operations off the 600 block of Market Street this fall. Efforts are underway to find an off-street location but require more time, and an interim change in location is needed urgently.

2) Why did the previous bus terminal close earlier this year?

  • Greyhound closed its privately-held station on Filbert Street, a block from Reading Terminal, on Tuesday, June 27. Multiple other bus lines rented space at this station and therefore also had to relocate. FlixBus, Greyhound, and Peter Pan moved to a curbside station on Market Street near 6th Street with customer service stands on the block.

3) Why was the new location on Spring Garden Street chosen?

  • This location was chosen due to the availability of manageable curb space and access to public transit and highway on/off ramps, as well as the ability to flexibly accommodate a facility of this size near Center City.

4) How are the shelter and bathroom issues being addressed?

  • The carriers are currently negotiating interior customer service space for ticketing with a waiting area at the property on the corner of Spring Garden Street and Delaware Avenue. These negotiations are among private entities and while the City is not a party, we are requesting regular updates and expect this to be concluded this week.
  • The City is working with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) to station portable restroom facilities near the corner of Noble Street and Delaware Avenue with directional signage for passengers. The toilets will be secured during off-hours, visually screened, and serviced regularly. The carriers have all confirmed that their buses have bathrooms on board for their respective customers once checked in.

5) What measures are in place to address public safety concerns?

  • The City is coordinating with the Police Department, Streets Department, and a private security firm to manage this location, in addition to existing contractors working with DRWC. The Streets Department and DRWC Contractors will provide cleaning with enhanced service during and after periods of peak travel activity, including the placement of additional trash receptacles. 

6) Why is this location only temporary? What is the ongoing strategy?

  • The City continues to refine its options for off-street bus loading that meets the criteria of availability and proximity to transit and the regional expressway system. Several factors in identifying this site are beyond the City’s direct control and involve working with multiple partners.
  • For now, a permit for bus operations at this location has been secured through the end of March 2024.

7) How will passengers connect to Center City, 30th Street, and PHL Airport?

  • Connections to regional destinations and transit hubs are available via the Market-Frankford Line’s Spring Garden station and bus stops for Route 43 (east-west on Spring Garden Street), Route 25 (north-south on Columbus Boulevard), Route 57 (north-south on 3rd/4th Streets), and Route 5 (north-south on 2nd/3rd Streets). This location provides access to on- and off-ramps to I-95 and I-676.
  • We recognize the concern over ADA access to the Market Frankford Line. Nonetheless, we feel the ADA-compliant SEPTA bus service — specifically, the Route 5 that serves Frankford Transportation Center, Arrott Transportation Center, Girard Avenue Station, 2nd and Spring Garden, and the 2nd Street MFL station — provides a decent alternative. In addition, Routes 43, 57, and 25 (also all ADA-compliant) have stops adjacent to the new intercity bus loading areas.

8) Where will people who are picking up passengers park?

  • Curbside parking is available along Spring Garden Street on the east side of Columbus Boulevard And on Front Street. We are coordinating with the carriers on whether and how Noble Street will be utilized to potentially serve bus layover, loading, passenger queueing and other amenities deemed beneficial.

9) How is the City addressing concerns from nearby residents?

  • The City will be joining the upcoming Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) Zoning Committee meeting to gather feedback and address concerns from residents.
  • Based on neighbor and carrier feedback, the City will have better insight on the operations and experience of bus carriers, passengers, and the public. Input from neighbors and other stakeholders will be a factor in improving the situation in the Christmas/New Year holidays and beyond.
  • As we evaluate these assumptions in December, we may need to consider temporary changes to the bike network, which may consequently affect the capacity of travel lanes or parking.

10) Where exactly will each bus carrier operate at this new location?

  • Peter Pan, FlixBus, and Greyhound will operate on the south curb of Spring Garden Street on either side of Front Street.
  • Megabus will operate on Spring Garden Street on the north Curb under the I-95 viaduct adjacent to the Spring Garden Station exit for the Market Frankford Line station.
  • Please use this map for reference.

The City encourages all potential and returning passengers to check their bus carrier’s website for further information:

We will continue to update residents and passengers with the dedicated Intercity Bus Loading & Drop-Off Relocation webpage.

More updates will be added in the coming weeks on the Intercity Bus Loading & Drop-Off Relocation page.