Does anyone know where a suitcase can be left for a few hours at the Bus Station in NYC?

Not certain if they still have lockers, but I don't think they do. Nothing listed at the Port Authority web site

http://www.panynj.gov/tbt/pabframe.HTM

There is an information number (212) 564-8484. Give them a try.

Thankyou to GOL. My recollection is that the lockers were removed because of bomb scare, but as I live in United Kingdom and am rarely in NY,I haven't been able to establish this. I have tried the Port Authority number you kindly wrote, but keep getting a "try again later message."

LooLoo,
Same thought about lockers. But no facts (I hate to post without facts... oh well).
Can you leave the suitcase in your place of business or hotel?

There is a left luggage site at Penn Station )not too far from Port Authority); not lockers, but a check-in site. Don't know how long they'll keep bags.

Message to GOL and Caitlin,

Thanks so much. I will literally only be in NYC for 6 hours, sans hotel, sans bureau--but will want to run around and see friends and have lunch and maybe see a show or something and then dash to airport. I arrive in NYC by bus, so cannot use the airport first. The Penn station idea is great and I am much obliged. Thanks to both of you.. First time I have tuned in here to Fodor and you have been very kind and helpful.

The last time I checked bags at Penn station was for a friend who visited here a few months ago and we wanted to wander for the morning after she arrived. The luggage check-in had a sign stating that bags were checked only for those persons having a valid and current Amtrak ticket. We showed her ticket when checking the bag - I'm not sure whetehr they enforce this rule or not. An easier solution is to go to the closest reputable hotel and ask to check your bag for a few hourss. Just tell them you're meeting a friend at the hotel that evening (or make up some other reasonable and legitimate excuse). They'll charge a nominal fee (usually $2 per bag) but it's worth it. There's a Hilton on 42nd Street just past 8th Ave going towards 7th - on the right just past the AMC movie theatre. It's only a few hundred yards from Port Authority.

Message for Owen O'Neill. Thank you for taking the time to write. Your suggestion has many virtues. I am obliged to you for sharing. The Hilton would be a convenient place to meet my friend,give me a bonafide reason for checking my bag and with your good instructions, I won't get lost!