Projects

New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal Gets $10bn Makeover

The revamped terminal is expected to serve the city for the next 100 years.

Updated on

July 13, 2025

A $10 billion upgrade of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York is underway, aiming to turn the 1950s structure into a modern, sustainable, and commuter-friendly landmark.

The project was launched in May 2025 at an event attended by several New York and New Jersey leaders, who hailed the start of the terminal’s first phase.

“You’ve deserved this one for a long time, and today, the future has arrived,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Her New Jersey counterpart, Phil Murphy, added, “This new facility will also offer you a far more pleasant and enjoyable experience.”

Built during the Truman era, the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York is the busiest in the world, handling over 250,000 passengers daily. But time has not been kind.

Commuters describe it as chaotic and run-down. “Even for me, I get lost sometimes,” said daily commuter Mella Brown. “The bathrooms are nasty sometimes,” added Kelvin Pena.

The upgrade, led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be carried out in stages. Phase One includes the construction of a deck-over on Dyer Avenue, which will house a temporary bus terminal and staging area during the main build.

A new ramp to the Lincoln Tunnel will also remove bus traffic from crowded city streets. The first phase is due to be completed by 2029, while the full terminal rebuild is expected to be completed by 2032.

A $1.9 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help fund the early works. Rick Cotton, the Port Authority’s executive director, called it “unprecedented public and governmental support at every level for our plan to replace a reviled and obsolete piece of infrastructure.”

AECOM Tishman and MLJ Contracting have been selected to carry out the works. “This is a once-in-a-generation project that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of commuters,” said Eric Reid, COO at AECOM Tishman.

Plans include commercial towers totalling five million square feet above the terminal, as well as turning the deck-overs into green public space.

Although some locals are worried about the noise and disruption, the plan is clear: build a modern Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York that will serve the city for the next 100 years.