A transit advocacy group is upset over the ongoing closure of Erie's Greyhound bus terminal.

It's been closed since May 1, after Greyhound removed all of its staff members from the Intermodal Center location.

Ever since, passengers and bus drivers have been unable to gain access to the lobby or restrooms.

"I believe and my organization believes that it's a basic human right to get in from the cold, the rain, the snow, the wind, whatever mother nature decides to throw at you that day," All Aboard Erie interim executive director Julie Minich. "It's also a basic right to go to the bathroom."

While customers are able to gain access to the nearby Blasco Library during business hours, All Aboard Erie interim executive director Julie Minich says anyone arriving after hours must wait outside.

"One thing I want to point out, is for a Greyhound rider, this is the first introduction of the city," said Minich. "When you come here and you're like, "wow, I'm going to Erie." You come in, the door is locked, you can't go to the bathroom after a four-hour ride. It's not very welcoming."

The building is owned by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) and leased to Greyhound.

EMTA executive director Jeremy Peterson tells Erie News Now that it's Greyhound's responsibility to run the building and as long as they are tenants, there's not much the EMTA can do.

We reached out to Greyhound and asked why the building is closed and if they plan on reopening it.

Greyhound sent us the following response:

"Our stop in Erie (208 E Bayfront Parkway) is now an e-ticket location. Customers can book online, on our app, or by calling our customer service hotline. In addition, customers that would like to pay with cash can do so by visiting one of our retail partners. More on that process here.

Additionally, while the inside waiting area is not open to the public, customers have access to other parts of the building, including restrooms, that they can utilize before their departures."