BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

All:

In today's "THE RECORD", there is an excellent (illustrated) article on the many current-day woes of the PABT: "BUS STATION BLUES", by Christopher Magg.

To say that the "Port Of Authority" (as we Jersey locals referred to it, back in the day) has reached a virtual strangulation point, is a gross understatement.

One might wonder why this is so, especially, over the past several decades, not only have many bus companies vanished, but also, many lines have also been abandoned.

Through the 60's, the PABT saw an increase in commuter traffic, especially since a number of New Jersey commuter rail lines were being abandoned, and former rail commuters were now switching over to buses.

The question is, quite simply, "Where do we go from here?"

Adding another level to the existing terminal would require additional (and steeper) ramps and would be an extremely expensive option.

So would building a new sub-basement level.

If the terminal were to truly expand, it would surely mean the demolition of the business/residential blocks north and south of the existing terminal.

I certainly do not think that such an option would sit too well with current tenants, landlords, and business owners!

With the last of trans-Hudson vehicular ferries gone since 1967, it is the Holland and Lincoln tunnels and the GWB that must handle the vast number of vehicles that enter and leave the city each day (IMHO, I believe it is long overdue to revive such ferries, especially when one considers the massive traffic jams and backups at the three Hudson River crossings, especially during the rush hours, when there are no alternatives)

This excellent (and extensive) Bergen Record article tells us that the current situation at the PABT has become a nightmare for bus commuters, drivers, dispatchers, and traffic officers alike.

Clearly, this is a problem that has reached the danger point; obviously, the early 1980's renovation of the terminal (which, sadly, forever destroyed its handsome and dignified 8th Avenue facade) was not as much of a success as was once touted.

I'm greatly interested in hearing from my fellow forum brothers on this subject; here, there is much room for speculation, discussion, and for sharing ideas on both the current PABT problems, and what might be a solution for the future........

"NYO"

PS:

As you know, I have been away from the board from a number of weeks now; my mother, who recently turned 97, has been dealing with a number of health issues.

At her age, nothing can be taken lightly, regarding her well-bieng.

Thank you for understanding........

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Also of interest:

http://ny.curbed.com/tags/port-authority-bus-terminal

http://secondavenuesagas.com/2012/09/04/tardy-buses-and-an-overtaxed-port-authority/

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The following from my copy of "THE PORT OF NEW YORK AUTHORITY 1969 ANNUAL REPORT":

".........the bus terminal serves more than 220,000 people on the average weekday. There were 1,235,000 bus departures at the terminal in 1969. This figure, comprised of 851,000 short haul and 384,000 long haul departures, is slightly below that of 1968, and reflects the strikes by several bus companies' drivers......."

".........the Port Authority is now planning and designing and extension to the the present 1950 Terminal. Bus loading capacity, which will be increasd by 50%, will provide substantial relief for both daily commuters and long-distance passengers......."

"........this plan provides for an extension of present operating levels directly into a contiguous site, located on a portion of the block north of the Terminal, and bounded by Eighth Avenue, the McGraw Hill Building, and 41st and 42nd Streets......"

".........the property for the extension has already been aquired, and the design work is scheduled to be completed in late 1970.........."

"NYO"

(Along with this part of the report, there is also a beautiful period colored artist's rendition, depicting blurry Fishbowls leaving the Terminal while a few 4104's rest beneath the ramps)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"Congestion" is certainly is nothing new at the PABT......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?3428

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?3412

(courtesy bus.nycsubway.org)

[Mr. Linsky]

NYO,

Glad to have you back in the saddle again - we were worried about you but I figured your absence to be related to your mom's problems.

Hope everything has improved.

Now, let's get this show on the road!

Many regards,

Mr. 'L'

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Mr. "L":

Thank you.......appreciate your concern; yes, things have been a bit of the rough side, but, I am trying to just take one day at a time.

Now....onto the many maladies afflicting the "Port-of-Authority"........

Recall the pre-PABT days, when GREYHOUND, TRAILWAYS, and a multitude of suburban and long-haul carriers utilized off-street and storefront depots; remember, too, the many buses that used the lower level of the DIXIE HOTEL.

At that time, the idea of a "union" bus terminal, from which virtually all buses would arrive and depart, was a great stride forward.

And, even though the PABT opened in 1950, it still wasn't serving all bus traffic; remember GREYHOUND utilized its old terminal across from Penn Station until the early 60's.

Today, the PABT has been in service for over six decades, and it has been many, many years since it was hailed as "The Most Beautiful Bus Terminal In The World".

The venerable terminal is now facing serious overcrowding, and there are many operational isues that need to be rectified.

What the solution (short or long term) will eventually be for the overtaxed facility is but guesswork at this point.

Time alone will tell.....

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Another classic rush hour PABT scene from 1981.

Looks like things are jamming up a bit, here, but.....man, oh, man.....what diversity!

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?2359

(courtesy bus.nycsubway.org)

[Hart Bus]

Love seeing those old suburban type Fishbowls. A very stylish bus, not like the bread-boxes of today. Also the deck and a half in the third picture ain't bad, either.

[Mr. Linsky]

NYO,

Just to give our viewers an idea of how discombobulated the coordination of suburban and over the road buses was in New York back when, here's just one facet in the form of your mentioned Dixie Hotel basement terminal.

Note that the operation was so limited space wise that the turntable in the foreground was needed to steer the buses in and out.

Credit within photo.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Mr. "L":

WOW!!!!

Sure wish I could go back in time, and witness all that classic bus action, up close and personal!!

It has been decades since I last saw one of those classic "Yellow Flexies" in service; the last was during a family trip to Niagara Falls, back in 1966 (at the UNION BUS TERMINAL)

From that classic photo (thanks for sharing!) it is clear to see that, back in 1950, that the new PABT indeed represented the very epitome of modern bus terminal design; indeed, a new era in bus travel had begun.......

"NYO"

[N4 Jamaica]

The commuter bus lines and jitneys offer a one-seat ride to a location (42nd and 8th) that is within walking distance of many jobs. The George Washington Bridge bus terminal is woefully underutilized because "Take the A train" has aged with dingy stations, slow rides, scarce seating on the trains, and a hard plastic seat if you get one.
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To the south, the loss of lower Manhattan offices, has caused both LI and NJ commuters to choose service to midtown.
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Recall that a humongous suspension bridge was once proposed for the Hudson near 59th Street.
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It'll be decades before the NJ-NY commuter problem is solved.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

All:

Was quite fortunate to come across this detailed schematic for the old DIXIE HOTEL bus terminal; sure had to be a fascinating place for a bus fan to "take in the view"!

Enjoy!

"NYO"

http://www.neatorama.com/2013/07/09/The-Remains-of-the-Dixie-Bus-Terminal/

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

More "HOTEL DIXIE" bus terminal nostalgia; note the photo of a SHORT LINE Yellow Coach TD-4505 entering the terminal!

A number of cool photos on this page (including an artist's rendition of what the passenger waiting toom looked like, when the terminal was in operation!)

http://www.scoutingny.com/the-1930s-bus-station-hidden-in-a-times-square-hotel