The public image of Greyhound bus travel has deteriorated as our personal wealth has increased. Once the most common way to get from point A to point B, traveling by bus has fallen to the lowest rung on the public transportation ladder. The economic downturn may encourage people to give "Going Greyhound" a second chance.
Introduction
With more than 2,000 terminals operating 24 hours a day, Greyhound buses send their familiar canine racing to towns large and small, all across the USA, Canada and Mexico, delivering people from coast to coast for a fraction of the cost of flying.
A popular choice for students, soldiers and seniors, Greyhound buses offer ample leg room, comfortable seats, tinted windows, heating and air conditioning, individual lighting for reading in the dark and an onboard restroom. Buses stop periodically along their routes to let passengers off for a stretch or to purchase snacks. Food and drinks may be brought back on the bus for personal consumption and bus drivers make longer stops for meals. Although you get the best ticket prices booking online two weeks in advance, reservations are not usually necessary. Travel by day to enjoy the passing scenery or travel by night and sleep the whole way.
History
The United States is a big place. Our cross-country transportation systems were once based only on traveling between the big cities. Then in 1914 Carl Wickman began ferrying miners from Hibbing to Alice in Minnesota, for 15 cents one way. From this humble beginning, with a single 1914 Hupmobile, Greyhound arose. By filling the needs of travelers who required transportation from one small town to another, it grew into the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States. By 1927, travelers could take a Greyhound bus from New York to California, crossing the country in less than six days. And by 1945, Greyhound had more than 4,750 bus stations and nearly 10,000 employees.
In 1956, the company introduced the slogan, "Go Greyhound--Leave the driving to us." But the same year, the Interstate Highway Act offered mile after mile of blacktop for drivers to explore at their leisure. The increase in private automobile ownership started a downward spiral for the Greyhound bus lines and for public transportation in general.
As long-distance travel grew in popularity, low-cost airlines sprung up, causing the market for bus transportation to shrink further still. Greyhound struggled financially, changing hands several times until it was finally acquired by First Group of Scotland. Under First Group ownership, several key issues have been addressed.
In the past, Greyhound buses have come under criticism for their "first come, first serve" seating practices. Tickets would have times and dates printed on them, but not seat numbers. If there were more passengers then there were bus seats, Greyhound would add an additional bus, but passengers might have to wait several hours for the next departure. Under the new system, Greyhound riders can reserve a seat for an extra $5 fee, paid in cash at the bus terminal.
First Group has also been working to improve the Greyhound image. To date they have spent over $60 million refurbishing bus terminals, adding new buses and training staff members so they might be better able to assist customers who have questions about bus travel. As part of its new look, in 2009, Greyhound is repainting its buses to resemble the 1950s livery.
Security
Since September 11, the need for increased security has become a national concern. Although official Transportation Safety Administration regulations only apply to airplane and train travel, Greyhound has taken pro-active measures to providing more stringent security standards for bus travelers.
- In select cities and stations, Greyhound now requires the presentation of a photo ID prior to boarding the bus.
- Bus passengers who are not United States citizens will undergo a screening process. Those who are in the country illegally or with outstanding warrants for their arrest will not be allowed to board.
- All passenger luggage is now subject to search. Greyhound will employ devices to screen bags prior to loading them on the bus in order to avoid inadvertently transporting unlawful items such as explosives and hazardous materials.
- Greyhound drivers are shielded from passengers while the coach is moving. As part of the bus refurbishment, a gate has been installed to prevent passengers from entering the driver's area. In older buses, where gates have yet to be installed, passengers will not be allowed to ride directly behind the driver.
- Video surveillance has been installed in Greyhound stations and on buses.
- In select coaches, GPS tracking devices have been installed. Not only will these provide the location of the bus in an emergency, they will also alert Greyhound supervisors of unsafe behavior on the part of the driver, including excessive speeding.
- Greyhound prohibits the taking of photographs and the use of videotapes while on board the bus or within the station.
Ticket Prices
To qualify for the best fare from Greyhound, you must purchase your bus ticket at least 14 days in advance.
Prices are based on distance. At the time this article was written, one-way prices were:
Less than 500 miles: $49.00 to $98.00
501 to 1,000 miles: $59.00 to $118.00
1,001 to 1,500 miles: $69.00 to $138.00
1,501 to 2,000 miles: $79.00 to $158.00
2,001 to 2,500 miles: $89.00 to $178.00
2,501 to 3,000 miles: $99.00 to $198.00
Over 3,000 miles: $109.00 to $218.00
The prices at the low end reflect tickets purchased two weeks prior to departure, while those on the high end reflect the price of a same day purchase with no additional discount.
Special discounts are available for seniors, students, military members, veterans and children. They also offer a discount for "companion fares," which can save you a bundle if you're traveling with other people.
Conclusion
Before you hop on the bus, you need to make sure you understand that riding on Greyhound will take longer than might like. Drivers must observe speed limit, and uphill the buses can't even go that fast. Also, they stop at every bus station along the way. Some people get on. Some people get off. It all can feel as if it's taking forever. But, if time is not an issue and you'd like to save some money on your travel expenses, Greyhound can get you to your destination, and you can leave a lot of cash in your bank account instead of at the ticket counter.
Tags: miles miles, miles miles miles, been installed, First Group, Greyhound buses, United States