NEWS |
174-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , December 15, 2000
To help commemorate the milestone occasion, WCBS-FM's Harry Harrison conducted a live broadcast of "fifties music" from the terminal's main concourse between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. today.
During a brief ceremony, the Port Authority thanked customers for their support over the years. The ceremony featured a presentation to Michael Katen, the facility's first customer and Joan Comisky, a regular bus terminal user since 1960.
Prior to the opening of the Port Authority Bus Terminal on December 15, 1950, growing interstate bus traffic was serviced by eight separate small bus stations scattered throughout midtown exacerbating Manhattan traffic congestion. In 1946, New York City Mayor William O'Dwyer supported legislation prohibiting the proliferation of these individual stations and enabling the Port Authority to build its bus terminal on 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.
Since its opening, the Port Authority Bus Terminal has become virtually a city within a city, offering a wide variety of services to travelers and the surrounding communities.
In the last 10 years, the bus terminal has undergone a $50 million makeover to upgrade these services. Improvements include the installation of brighter lighting, enhanced security procedures, attended restrooms and better shopping, food and information service. Now, 81 percent of the interstate bus customers who use the facility each day rate their overall experience traveling through the bus terminal to be good or very good, up 14 percent since 1993.
During its next 50 years, the Bus Terminal will see the development of a high-rise office tower over its north wing. The new structure, to be known as 20 Times Square, will include more restaurants, first-class retail, and improvements to bus operations.
"During its first half century, the Port Authority Bus Terminal served about 3 billion travelers and handled more than 104 million buses - more than any other bus terminal in the world," said Ken Philmus, the Port Authority's Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals. "This facility has become a vital component in the creation of this region's world-class mass transportation system."
"Our bus terminal first opened its doors in 1950, so we wanted to bring back some of the excitement of that time. It seems most appropriate to celebrate the facility's golden anniversary by having the world's greatest "golden oldies" station play music at the nation's largest bus terminal," said Cedrick Fulton, General Manager of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. "We will also be treating our customers to first-rate entertainment throughout the holiday season."
The Robert Lawrence Orchestra performed a wide range of music including some holiday favorites. Additional entertainment will include performances by the rock and roll band "Blue Smoke" on December 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The New York Jewish Strings will perform traditional Klezmer music on December 27 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Time Cruisers, an "oldies" group of talented youngsters on December 29 from noon to 2 p.m. The USO Entertainment Troupe will present their salute to Korean War veterans on December 21, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.