5 multi-billion-dollar designs that could transform the world's busiest bus terminal into a beautiful transit hub

New York City's Port Authority isthe busiest bus terminal in the world, but it's also infamously ugly. Roughly 65 millionpeople are subjected toits dismal halls and unsightlyfacadeevery year.Now the city is planningto give it a makeover.On September 22, the Port Authority unveiled five finalist designs for the new terminalas part of itsInternational Design and Deliverability Competition.If the city chooses one of these designs, it willbe one of the most expensive transit hub revamps in history, withestimated costsranging from$3.7 billion to $15.3 billion.For comparison, the construction of the World Trade Center Transportation Hubthe world's most expensive train stationcost about $4 billion.Located near Times Square inManhattan, the Port Authority Bus Terminal functionsas the main gateway for buses traveling to and from NYC.The agency predictsthat337,000 daily commuters will usethe terminal by 2040, up from 225,000 today.Keep scrolling to check out the ideas, one of which will become the foundation for the redesigned terminal.SEE ALSO:Zaha Hadid's highly anticipated shipping port looks like a floating ship made of diamondsA terminal that prioritizes pedestrians.Firm:Arcadis of New York, Inc.Estimated cost: $4.2 billionThis design calls for a new pedestrian-only plaza next to alight-filled terminal, which would allow easy access for people on foot. The building would also provide access to a stop for a new train linenearby.A futuristic terminal with a rooftop garden.Firm:Archilier Architecture ConsortiumEstimated cost: $7 billionMeasuring 4 million square feet, this grandioseterminal would feature 9.8 acres of rooftop park space. The plan would use most of the existing Port Authority land, but would also require the acquisition of a nearby apartment buildingand a church.A terminal designed to reduces congestion during rush hour.Firm:Pelli Clark Pelli ArchitectsEstimated cost: $3.7 billionThis NYC-based firm wantsto create a transit center that's 25% smaller than the existing Port Authority Bus Terminal. Called "Times Square West," it would connect the new Hudson Yards development projectto Times Square.The architects studied how foot traffic flows during rush hour, and placed the doors in their design in areas that would help reduce congestion.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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