What's in the Port Authority Bus Terminal's Name?

If you've got millions, does the Port Authority have a deal for you! The Port Authority is considering bids for naming rights to the bus terminal. And some companies might be interested, since it's in the hubbub of Times Square, even though some critics think people might be confused.

But PA officials doubt that even the most ardent preservationists would bemoan the loss of "Port Authority Bus Terminal" from the cityscape.

And money earned by changing the name to Verizon Terminal or Nike Bus Station, for example, could be used to further renovate and improve the long-lackluster facilities, sources said.

Millions of dollars in upgrades have been made to the station since it was a glorified homeless shelter in the 1970s and '80s. But it would take assistance from the private sector to make the terminal - used by 200,000 people each day - a destination in its own right, sources said

Even if the name were changed, we doubt people would refer to it as anything besides from the Port Authority for at least 5 years (while Brendan Byrne Arena was renamed the Continental Airlines Arena, most people just say "the Meadowlands"). And if the PA will use the money to improve the terminal, we'd welcome it. Our recommendation: Fung Wah Terminal.

Oh, and the MTA will be presenting guidelines on how to move forward with selling sponsorships and names of subway stations to the board later this year.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on November 6, 2006 11:38 AM

Comments [rss]

Not Amused

What's in a name you say ? "Money of course" I think the new name for the Port Authority should be by a reputable company . In reality the company that gets to stake it's claim will be a company like say "Wrigleys chewing gum" {TM}, Or maybe "Kelloggs Frosted Flakes"{TM} . I can diffinitly see that happening to the Port Authority Building . Maybe they'll handout bowls of cereal once a week for the passengers.

anonymass

While I'm about the last person in the world who would want to take an example from the Soviets, in the 30s they did lionize laborer Aleksei Stakhanov, eventually turning Stakhanovite into an adjective describing over-achievement. It would be nice for a change to honor the people that do their jobs inside the building in a metaphorical way (i.e. through an identifiable fictional character) rather than pimping off the naming rights to whatever fly-by-night concern that cares to waste its cash on such a stupid endeavor. Does anyone even call that building on Park Ave. the Met Life building? I still call it the Pan Am building. Naming rights seem like an ill-advised investment in NYC.

How 'bout the Roger Toussaint Bus Terminal?

minha

I've got a name!

Purgatory.

The 42nd street Port Authority has this surreal quality to it.

It's not *quite* Manhattan, but it's definately not NJ, or whatever state you just came from, and it's full of zombified commuters.

The hissing coming from underground just adds to the image.

Therefore: Purgatory.

PS: I don't think the fung wah stops there?

an Adirondacker

Offtopic, but needs to be said:

I fucking love that Bowling Alley/Bar.

When I'm waiting for one of those fantastic northbound buses, I head on over to the retro 70's bowling alley to have a few drinks. Once you get past the bouncers who pat you down for guns and knives, it's a pretty cool place.

They also had another bar on the ground floor of the terminal which was awesome, but I think it's been closed for some time. Hopefully it won't be permanent...

ed_Extinct

#17, Dave H.

GREAT IDEA!

Dave H.

While I'm about the last person in the world who would want to take an example from the Soviets, in the 30s they did lionize laborer Aleksei Stakhanov, eventually turning Stakhanovite into an adjective describing over-achievement. It would be nice for a change to honor the people that do their jobs inside the building in a metaphorical way (i.e. through an identifiable fictional character) rather than pimping off the naming rights to whatever fly-by-night concern that cares to waste its cash on such a stupid endeavor. Does anyone even call that building on Park Ave. the Met Life building? I still call it the Pan Am building. Naming rights seem like an ill-advised investment in NYC.

EricGewiz

Dave H.

Thank you - this is exactly what type of idea I was talking about.

Dave H.

To match the statue standing out in front, they should name it the "Ralph Kramden Bus Terminal". There's no more-famous NYC bus driver than Jackie Gleason's character. It's an homage without being a pork-barrelled tribute to some corrupt politician. And there's appropriately a bowling alley inside. I'd rather say "I'm taking a bus out of the Kramden" than the same out of some lame politician's name. Let's honor an archetype of the prototypical working person that personifies what goes on inside the building rather than slapping some corporate name on the outside of an already regrettable piece of architecture.

ed_Extinct

#8:

I wasn't comparing The Port Authority Bus terminal to GCT's architectural gem. I was stating that it would not be impossible if a corp came to name and own—to heavily renovate the Port Authority. It can be done. Mostly what needs to be done is the complete removal of the criminals of the area. It's a haven for bums and pocket thieves.

Washinton National (now known as Reagan International), was named after the city which was named after the man, George Washinton.

Penn Station is named after Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and further down the historical line it's origin was William Penn.

all in a name

Isn't Penn Station named after Pennsylvania which is named for William Penn? It isn't the same thing as being directly named for Penn. Same thing as Washington National Airport was named for the city, not the man.

kevin bracken

I didn't know it wasn't still called the meadowlands until right now.

This sounds fine, but I really wouldn't like to see it extend to subway stations, ick.

Penn Station (all 4[?] of them) are named after a great Northeasterner. it would be nice to see other stations follow this pattern.

EricGewiz

again - no...

Shea Stadium is named after the lawyer who helped get the team started in the first place. Granted, there's no person like that, probably, who was solely responsible for creating the Bus Terminal....but again, I just meant in general, naming something after someone, rather than naming it after a corporation b/c of money.

Memorial's of this kind used to mean something.

fb

As long as they can clean up the nasty odors and keep the platforms clean and air conditioned, then I'm all for it. Sometimes I don't get how the best city in the world has the grossest subway system.

pork barrel

How about we name it after a dead President with no real connection to New York, like our airport?

EricGewiz

pork barrell congressman:

No - and I'm not suggesting naming it after a politico....I just meant in general.

Guy

NYC should name it after Robert Moses. You know, for that whole urban blight connection.

bob

edEx....

perhaps the word you are looking for to describe what Grand Central Terminal HAS but is totally lacking at Port Authority is "Architecture".

-much like porn, most people know it when they see it and these days nobody wants to pay for it unless they can put a rooftop pool on it and a play room in it and sell it for upwards of $1100/sqft....anybody remember "museum quality loft (like) residences"?...http://www.astorplacenyc.com/index_fl...

-and that ain't even Architecture.

ed_Extinct

Arm and Hammer Bus n Travel Center

Maybe they can strike a deal with the port authority and clean that shit-hole up. That area of manhattan is a total shit fest. why can't they do the same thing with that place that they did with grand central? grand central used to be a total hole in the wall shit stinking train station... why oh why?

pork barrel congressmen

Call me crazy, but I actually liked the days when big public buildings (bus terminals, stadiums, etc.) were named after people

As long as their political beliefs match yours, right?