NEW YORK, NY — Thousands of New Jersey commuters faced severe delays on Tuesday morning after a serious bus crash at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan forced a temporary closure to all inbound traffic. The incident, which occurred around 6:00 a.m. on the entrance ramp at West 40th Street and Ninth Avenue, involved a collision between two NJ Transit buses, prompting a large-scale emergency response and stranding passengers during the busy morning rush hour.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), 14 people were injured, though none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. First responders arrived swiftly on the scene, treating injured passengers and transporting several to nearby hospitals for further evaluation. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those injured.
Terminal Entrance Closed, Buses Diverted
The crash led to an immediate shutdown of the main entrance ramp into the Port Authority Bus Terminal — one of the busiest transit hubs in the United States, handling over 225,000 passenger trips daily. As a result, NJ Transit diverted all inbound buses to alternate stations, including Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal, while issuing a service advisory urging passengers to seek alternate travel options.
The closure caused a ripple effect of delays throughout the region, particularly for commuters using the Lincoln Tunnel, a key artery between New Jersey and Manhattan. Passengers reported being delayed for over an hour, with many forced to walk long distances or wait for additional connections.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Photos and videos from the scene showed heavy traffic congestion and a significant emergency presence. Cleanup crews were deployed mid-morning to remove the damaged buses and begin an assessment of the entrance ramp’s structural integrity.
Officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYPD, and MTA are investigating the cause of the crash. While details remain limited, authorities are examining whether weather conditions, mechanical failure, or human error may have contributed to the collision.
Widespread Impact Highlights Transit Vulnerabilities
The disruption reignited concerns about the vulnerability of the region’s aging and overburdened transportation infrastructure. Commuters took to social media to express frustration, many noting the lack of timely communication and the challenges of navigating alternative routes in real time.
“The entire system feels like it’s one incident away from collapse,” said one stranded commuter on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiments of many.
Transit experts say the event underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure modernization, emergency preparedness, and real-time commuter communication tools.
Ongoing Delays and No Reopening Estimate
As of mid-afternoon, Port Authority officials had not provided a definitive timeline for the reopening of the entrance ramp. NJ Transit and other transit agencies urged riders to monitor official social media channels and apps for real-time updates, alternative routes, and schedule adjustments.
With cleanup and investigation efforts expected to continue into the evening, commuters are advised to allow extra travel time and remain flexible with their plans.
