New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), the world’s busiest bus terminal, experienced significant disruption during Wednesday morning’s rush hour following a multi-bus collision that left at least a dozen people injured. The incident, which occurred just after 6:15 a.m. ET on July 2, 2025, forced the temporary closure of the vital transit hub, causing widespread delays for thousands of commuters.
According to authorities, three NJ Transit buses collided on the inbound ramp at West 40th Street and Ninth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Initial reports from the New York Post and CBS News indicated that at least a dozen individuals sustained injuries. While most were minor, one patient required extrication for moderate injuries, as confirmed by FDNY Deputy Chief Jason Saffon. A total of twelve people were treated for minor injuries, with one transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, and another refusing medical aid. FOX5NY reported 14 non-life-threatening injuries.
The immediate aftermath saw the Port Authority Bus Terminal shut down, with NJ Transit announcing the closure on X (formerly Twitter). Bus services traveling to and from the terminal were diverted to Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal, with all trains stopping at Secaucus to accommodate affected passengers. The express bus lane ramp leading to the terminal was also closed, leading to significant traffic backups at the Lincoln Tunnel. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by authorities.
By 10:30 a.m. EDT, NJ Transit announced that bus service to and from the PABT had resumed, though commuters were advised to expect delays of up to 60 minutes. Cross-honoring of bus tickets by New York Waterway at Port Imperial and PATH at Hoboken, Newark Penn Station, and 33rd Street-New York also ceased at that time, as regular bus routes were reinstated.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a critical artery for commuters, particularly those from New Jersey. As the world’s busiest bus terminal, the PABT serves approximately 8,000 buses and 225,000 people on an average weekday, handling over 65 million passengers annually, according to Wikipedia. Located just one block east of the Lincoln Tunnel, the terminal has long grappled with issues of congestion and capacity, often leading to overflow on local streets.
Recognizing these long-standing problems, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has embarked on an ambitious $10 billion reconstruction project for the terminal. The plan, which received federal approval in December 2024 and a $1.89 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in January 2025, aims to replace the existing structure on the same site. A groundbreaking ceremony for a temporary terminal on Dyer Avenue between 37th and 39th streets was held on May 29, 2025, marking the official start of the decade-long endeavor. The new ramps to the terminal are projected to be completed by 2028, with the full terminal expected to be finished by 2032. This modernization effort is crucial for enhancing safety, efficiency, and the overall commuting experience at this vital transportation hub.
