GWB bus terminal renovation to displace platforms

Commuters will have a very different experience using the George Washington Bridge bus station starting Monday morning.

Artist rendition of the renovated George Washington Bridge bus terminal (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

Much needed renovations on the 50-year-old terminal mean the loading and unloading platforms will be replaced by a trailer on Fort Washington Avenue and 179th Street according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The trailer will include a waiting area with restrooms, ticketing and information services. The upper level of the GWBSS will continue to operate as usual.

Once the renovations are completed in about a year, the new bus station will feature new bus loading/unloading areas, passenger amenities and new ADA-compliant escalators and elevators from the subway and street to the bus station level. A new 120,000 square-foot shopping area called Mercado will also open.

The facility also will have new technology, improved signage and lighting, as well as new electronic communications that will provide passengers with improved arrival and departure information throughout the building.

The Port Authority bus terminal is also due for a renovation with a $90 million upgrade budgeted by the Port Authority's board to fix the heating and air conditioning of the 64-year-old facility. No timetable has been established for repairs to get underway.