Megabus, the popular discount bus carrier to places like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. only has until July 31 to keep picking up passengers at its regular stop on West 41st Street.
The city Department of Transportation has decided not to renew a permit that allows Megabus to pick up for free outside the Port Authority bus terminal. Other bus carriers argued the arrangement was unfair, since they have to pay a steep fee to park inside the terminal.
Community Board 4 had long complained that bus customers clogged city sidewalks, and that the arrangement was unsafe.
“We are surprised and disappointed with the DOT’s decision and how it will affect the many thousands of New Yorkers and tourists who depend every day on the low cost and efficient bus service that Megabus provides,” said George Lence, a spokesman for Megabus, told DNAinfo.
It’s not immediately known where the bus company will relocate to. But Megabus is not alone in the crackdown: A bill in Albany would require other discount lines, like BoltBus, to get special permits if they want to keep picking passengers up off the streets.
