A bustling urban plaza featuring modern architecture, large glass walls, and colorful artworks displayed inside. Pedestrians cross the street in front of the building. Modern Urban Plaza

The Main Terminal

The centerpiece of the Port Authority's new Midtown Bus Terminal will be a sleek, spacious, light-filled Main Terminal set on the site of the existing bus terminal. The design will reimagine the terminal into a world-class 21st century transportation hub, focusing on the passenger experience with intuitive wayfinding, new retail space, and increased comfort and security. Five floors and more than 180 new bus gates will be integrated with a simplified connection to New York's subway system.

A Modern Gateway

The project will construct a state-of-the-art transportation hub to meet the projected commuter growth for decades to come and make commuting and public transportation more inviting and accessible. The new Main Terminal will:

  • Close a section of 41st Street to traffic to create an inviting, pedestrian-friendly main entryway.
  • Feature a central skylight to flood the space with natural light.
  • Design the layout to be accessible and welcoming for people with disabilities, families, and the elderly, incorporating ADA standards and inclusive features throughout.
  • Incorporate centrally located escalators, stairs, and elevators to get commuters to and from buses and subways quickly.
  • Have a direct connection to the subway and their connections to both Penn Station and Grand Central for LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit and Amtrak service, including links to AirTrain Newark and JFK.
  • Be designed for a future of net-zero emissions and all-electric bus fleets.
  • Feature a multi-story atrium with well-defined visual connections between the various levels, making wayfinding intuitive.
  • Incorporate public art throughout the terminal to create a distinctive sense of place.
  • Be part of Phase 2 in the construction of the new Midtown Bus Terminal, with construction expected to begin in 2029.
  • Will engage commuters and the community with street-facing and interior retail.

The Design team

The global architectural and design firm Foster + Partners and A. Epstein and Sons International Inc. are designing the new terminal as a joint venture under contract with the Port Authority.

Foster + Partners is a globally renowned architecture and design studio known for innovative, sustainable, and cutting-edge projects. Founded by Norman Foster, the firm has designed iconic buildings, master plans, and infrastructure projects around the world. Their work blends advanced technology with elegant design, emphasizing functionality, environmental responsibility, and human-centered spaces. Notable projects include Apple Park in California, the Hearst Tower in New York City, and London’s Millennium Bridge. Foster + Partners is recognized for shaping modern skylines and redefining architecture through visionary, forward-thinking design.

A. Epstein and Sons International Inc. is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and construction firm with a long-standing reputation for delivering complex infrastructure, industrial, and civic projects. The company offers integrated services that span design, engineering, and project management, with a focus on innovation and client collaboration. Noteworthy among Epstein’s substantial U.S. infrastructure and civic projects is the firm’s work on the renovation and expansion of the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, which gives the team a deep well of familiarity with the Midtown West Manhattan area. With decades of experience, Epstein is trusted for delivering high-profile projects that enhance urban environments and public spaces.

Main Terminal by the Numbers

5

Floors

The number of floors for bus gates.

182

Gates

The new terminal will have 142 commuter gates and 40 intercity gates.

2.1 Million

Square Feet

The size of the new main terminal.

2032

Expected Opening

The projected completion date of the Main Terminal.