In June 2023, as part of a cost-cutting measure, Greyhound closed the Philadelphia Bus Terminal, the third-busiest bus terminal in the county. Riders were forced to wait outside on 6th and Market, with no bathrooms and no waiting room. After the Bus Terminal was relocated for the second time this year, to the Spring Garden MFL station, the Philly TRU co-authored a report with the city’s disability and transit advocates highlighting the accessibility issues of the new terminal.
The report highlights how much the city lacking a proper intercity bus terminal disproportionately impacts riders with disabilities. The nearest transit station serving the terminal lacks an elevator, and none of the nearby buses provide frequent service. Compared to every other major terminal in the Northeast, the Spring Garden Terminal lacks seating at bus bays and bathrooms. The indoor waiting room is only open from 6AM to 8PM, forcing late night and overnight riders to wait outside.
The report strongly criticizes the lack of accessible wayfinding at the Spring Garden Station. The interior waiting room has no audio announcements or real time displays that indicate when a bus is arriving. There is also no Braille or raised print signs at bus bays, and no signage explaining the layout of the station for low-vision users.
Philadelphians with disabilities need a clean, modern, accessible and centrally located bus terminal. Basic amenities, such as ample seating, an interior waiting location, and an accessible way finding are a requirement. And the permanent terminal should integrate with easy access to many modes of transit, similar to that of other nearby cities like Washington, DC, Boston and Toronto.