If you’ve taken the bus into or out of Philadelphia chances are you’ve made the trip to 10th and Filbert Streets to board the Greyhound bus. In fact, the Greyhound station has been specifically located there since 1980.
However, this all changed Wednesday Jun 28, 2023 as Greyhound began operations at its new Center City location, 7th and Market Streets.
Why The Move?
Last year, the Sixers announced plans to build a new arena in Center City’s Fashion District (the old Gallery). The proposed arena would be called “76 Place at Market East”. By acquiring the Greyhound Bus Terminal on Filbert this would expand the project an extra block and potentially close Filbert Street to traffic.
The arena is anticipated to cost roughly $1.3 billion. According to a release, the arena would provide $1.9 billion in overall economic output during construction and $400 million annually upon opening to support Philadelphia’s long-term economic growth and sustainability.
A Rough Start
Although operations have just begun at the new Greyhound terminal, it hasn’t been smooth. Some of the biggest concerns are there’s nowhere to sit, nowhere to use the bathroom, and a lack of information. Indeed this can be quite frustrating.
“No bathrooms and every business will not let the people use the bathroom,” Virginia Warner said to CBS. “Not too good. People gotta go.”
Additionally, Greyhound’s new terminal is much smaller than the previous ones. People aren’t able to charge their phones or wait inside. Basically, they have to stand on the street.
“Look at it. You got people standing around here on Market Street. Is that what they want,” Raul Concosa told CBS reporters. “Filbert Street, at least you had someplace indoors to be sheltered from the rain, the weather.”
Understandably customers are frustrated by the operations or lack thereof at the new location. So far, the feedback on the new location is overall unfavorable.
“They just have us out here, standing out here all along the line and it is horrible,” Crystal Weeks said to CBS. “People paid money. We can’t use the bathroom. We’re hungry. We’re tired and we’re been sitting down out here since 3 o’clock, and it’s not just me.”
“It’s strange because we were sitting in front of the building and the guy was like, ‘No sitting on the steps,'” Sylvester Washington said to CBS. “So like basically, we’ve just been standing out amongst the people in the street. I feel like I’m in the street.”
Greyhound Responds
In response to the complaints over the new location, Greyhound released the following full statement:
“Greyhound, like other intercity bus transportation providers, follows industry standards by operating from a range of stops across its extensive network. The ability to operate from the bus stop in Philadelphia, alongside FlixBus and Peter Pan, provides customers with accessibility to other transit providers and an easy boarding process to get customers more quickly on their way to their destination.
The bus stop at 618 Market Street is conveniently located near several restaurants where travelers can purchase food and drinks prior to boarding. As customers await the bus, they can access self-service, real-time features like Bus Tracker and receive notifications through the Greyhound or FlixBus app, enabling customers to track their bus and keep up-to-date trip information in the palm of their hands. Once on board, the Greyhound bus is equipped with amenities including a restroom and free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment.
Over the years, Greyhound has had the privilege of serving the community of Philadelphia. It is the company’s goal to provide a better travel experience through the ease of accessibility, customer self-service features and a comfortable onboard journey.”