Philadelphia Parking Authority Approves Lease for Former Greyhound Terminal

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) board approved a lease on Monday with the owner of the former Greyhound terminal located on Filbert Street. The agreement allows for renovations and the operation of the terminal as an intercity bus depot, aimed at improving conditions for travelers in the city.

The decision is a significant step toward providing better services for bus passengers, especially with major events like the nation’s 250th birthday and FIFA games scheduled for 2026. “I’m happy that we’re moving forward on this because every time I go to Second and Market, I just cringe for the folks that have been standing outside,” said Lynette M. Brown-Sow, chair of the PPA board.

Currently, passengers of various bus carriers including Greyhound and Peter Pan are forced to wait and board their buses at curbside. This setup lacks shelter and amenities, creating challenges for both travelers and nearby businesses.

The Filbert Street terminal building features approximately 13,700 square feet with 14 bus slips for arrivals and departures. The rent for the facility will start at $100,000 per month, reaching $13 million over the 10-year term of the lease, which can renew annually with 180 days’ notice required for cancellation by either party.

Renovations are expected to cost around $1.5 million and will include updates to the interior, facade, and landscaping. In addition to the initial lease, the PPA will manage the terminal and charge fees to bus carriers for its use and any street loading zones.

This agreement is contingent on the City Council passing legislation to establish usage fees for bus lines. Some council members voiced skepticism when the legislation was introduced recently.

For now, Greyhound and other bus carriers continue to operate from a makeshift location, which has been deemed temporary. City officials indicated this arrangement is meant to improve conditions, but challenges persist with trash and disruptions affecting local business.

Running the bus station aligns with the PPA’s expanding role in addressing quality-of-life concerns in the city. Brown-Sow expressed confidence in the PPA staff, stating, “I’m confident that our staff will do a great job of making [the bus station] look like a much better place than it has ever looked and making sure that it’s secure and managed in an appropriate way.”