If you’ve ever bought a ticket at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, you’ve likely encountered a strikingly life-like art installation. This sculpture, created by renowned artist George Segal, has been a fixture of the terminal since 1980, depicting three weary-looking passengers waiting in line at a bus departure gate.
George Segal, famous for his expressive sculptures, also created the Gay Liberation sculpture on Christopher Street. His works often capture everyday people in moments of stillness and contemplation. The Port Authority piece, crafted from bronze and coated with a white graffiti-resistant patina, is no exception.
The installation features a clock permanently set at 3:00 and the words «Next Departure,» evoking a sense of timeless waiting. Segal aimed to encapsulate the feeling of anticipation and weariness that comes with transit hubs, where travelers pause between journeys, caught in the in-between moments of their lives.
When the sculpture was unveiled, public reactions were mixed. In 1982, The New York Times gathered various opinions from commuters about the piece, revealing a range of perspectives from those who encountered it. Despite differing viewpoints, the installation has remained an integral part of the Port Authority Bus Terminal for over 40 years, serving as a silent witness to the countless travelers passing through each day.
Whether you see it as a poignant reflection of transit life or just another fixture in a bustling terminal, Segal’s sculpture continues to spark curiosity and conversation among those who stop to notice.