Morning Bus Crash at Port Authority Disrupts Transit and Injures Passengers

An early morning crash involving two commuter buses at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City led to widespread service disruptions and significant traffic delays on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred around 6:15 a.m., took place on the terminal’s 4th floor, along a ramp leading into the facility and feeding in from the Lincoln Tunnel, a major entry point for buses entering Manhattan.

According to emergency officials, one of the buses struck the rear of another in what appeared to be a low-speed but impactful collision. Deputy Chief Jason Saffon of FDNY EMS confirmed that twelve people sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and one of the bus drivers had to be rescued using specialized extrication tools due to being trapped inside the vehicle.

“The crash site was difficult to reach initially,” said Saffon. “Traffic had already backed up significantly behind the accident, making it hard for our crews to get through. We coordinated with Port Authority Police to open up the exit ramp, allowing ambulances to drive up in the opposite direction and reach the scene quickly.”

The injured were treated on-site and transported to nearby hospitals, with the bus driver reportedly suffering moderate injuries. Emergency responders worked quickly to clear the area, but the crash caused ripple effects throughout the regional transit network.

As a result of the collision, NJ Transit bus service to and from New York’s Port Authority Terminal was temporarily rerouted. Buses were diverted to Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal to minimize disruption to the morning commute.

To support affected passengers, NJ Transit announced that bus tickets and passes would be cross-honored by NJT rail and PATH trains at Hoboken, Newark Penn Station, and 33rd Street in Manhattan. This emergency accommodation helped many commuters continue their journeys despite the terminal access issues.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, which occurred during one of the busiest hours at one of the nation’s most crowded transportation hubs. While no critical injuries were reported, the crash served as a stark reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities in urban transit infrastructure.

By mid-morning, traffic at the Port Authority had begun to normalize, but the incident left thousands facing delays and detours. The outcome could prompt further evaluation of ramp safety protocols and contingency planning at high-traffic transit terminals.