The intercity bus network provides an important transportation option for a huge number of people, especially in our dense Boston-to-DC megalopolis. Offering flexible and inexpensive fare, these buses serve as a key role in the transportation mix. However, the facilities associated with these services have been something of an afterthought, at least in Philadelphia. With old outdoor stops near 30th Street Station and a full-on station right in the heart of Chinatown now defunct, the city has provided a mere strip of sidewalk along Market St. between 6th & 7th as a drop-off location. We last checked in here this May, and since then there have been a litany of complaints by those utilizing this stop, which is without cover, refreshments, or bathrooms.

Thankfully, the City just announced that they will be moving the stop. Unfortunately, this new location near the intersection of Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St. is arguably even worse than the current option. Let’s check out a map of the new location before we dive into the deets.

Starting next week, all of the bus companies will begin operations at this new location. First, pick-up will take place underneath the I-95 overpass right near the Spring Garden MFL station. Shortly thereafter, a small strip of Noble St. close by will be repaved, with operations shifting to this little side-street right near a boatload of other development action. Plans call for an increased police presence in the area, as well as temporary outdoor bathrooms.

Honestly, this plan stinks. To throw those who utilize this service even further from the Center City while offering next to nothing as far as amenities is insulting. While this is meant to be a temporary solution, until there is real progress towards identifying and building an appropriate facility in an central location, we would imagine that riders will be relegated to finding a warm or dry or shaded spot to stand on their own, as the City can only “anticipate” that it will be able to sell tickets in the building on the corner.

This feels like a lazy solution, and it’s even more frustrating that this move was not made to help the riders, but because of the perceived inconvenience to the federal workers close by. Oh, and this new solution will also impede the eastern bike lane along Spring Garden, just to add a tiny bit more insult to injury, all close to the major construction at the former Festival Pier across the street. We sincerely hope that the decision makers are working in the background towards a long-term, acceptable solution, as this one falls well short.