With frugality in fashion, bus companies are doing all they can to convert plane and train travelers to bus riders. As reported on MarketWatch, Greyhound’s Neon bus service now has more than 100 “motorcoaches” operating on the east coast with leather seats, more legroom, Internet access, and power outlets in every row. BoltBus, another east coast operator co-founded by Greyhound, offers similar amenitites, as does MegaBus, which offers service to 30 cities in the midwest and northeast. Book far enough in advance on any of these services and you may be able to get a one-way fare for as little as $1.
I tried MegaBus last fall on a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis. It was on time, inexpensive, comfortable, and provided a slow but workable Internet connection. However, our driver had not exactly graduated at the head of his customer service class. Despite a wide open storage compartment, he flat out refused one rider’s request to stow a second bag. Near the end of a 15-minute restaurant break, the driver walked past a group of passengers seated at an outdoor table and sarcastically asked, “Am I your driver?” He then boarded the bus, closed the door, and drove away. After running about 200 yards waving their arms and screaming for him to stop, he reluctantly let them back on.
In fairness, regular riders on that route told me this driver was the exception, not the rule.
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