Commuters faced a chaotic and disrupted start to their Tuesday as the Port Authority Bus Terminal, one of the busiest transit hubs in the United States, was forced to close to inbound traffic due to a serious bus crash early in the morning.
The incident occurred just after 6:00 a.m. at the entrance ramp located at West 40th Street and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, where two buses collided while entering the terminal.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene. A total of 14 individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated by first responders.
Several of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation, while others were treated at the scene. Authorities have not released the names or conditions of those involved, and no fatalities have been reported.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the bus terminal, confirmed the closure and said the crash is causing significant delays to inbound commuter traffic, especially through the Lincoln Tunnel, a key artery between New Jersey and Manhattan.
As of now, the entrance to the terminal remains closed while officials investigate and work to clear the wreckage. In the meantime, NJ Transit has issued a service advisory, stating that all inbound buses that typically terminate at Port Authority are being diverted to alternative transportation hubs, including Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal.
Passengers are urged to make alternate travel arrangements and expect extended delays throughout the morning rush hour. Photos and footage from the scene show heavy traffic congestion near the terminal entrance and a large emergency response presence.
Commuters have expressed frustration on social media, with some reporting being stranded for over an hour or forced to walk long distances to access alternative routes.
As of now, the exact cause of the collision remains unknown. Authorities are investigating whether weather conditions, mechanical failure, or human error played a role.
Representatives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) are collaborating with the Port Authority to determine the sequence of events and ensure that the scene is safely cleared as soon as possible.
The Port Authority Bus Terminal typically handles more than 225,000 passenger trips daily, making this disruption especially impactful for morning commuters coming from New Jersey and beyond. Transit officials are encouraging commuters to monitor official social media accounts and transit apps for real-time updates and reroute notifications.
By mid-morning, cleanup crews were working to remove the damaged buses and assess structural safety on the affected ramp. There is no estimated time yet for when the terminal will reopen to full capacity.
Today’s incident underscores the vulnerability of the region’s overburdened transit infrastructure and highlights the critical role of emergency preparedness. Authorities have praised the rapid response by FDNY and other emergency teams, whose swift action helped prevent more serious injuries and ensured public safety during a potentially dangerous situation.
Officials say further updates will be released as the investigation continues and service resumes. For now, commuters are advised to remain patient, plan alternate routes, and expect ongoing delays into the early afternoon.
