Greyhound Buses: Still Around And Going Strong

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It offers affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly travel options to 1,800+ destinations. However, Greyhound buses have received a lot of negative reviews online, with customers complaining about issues such as delays, cancellations, poor customer service, and a lack of refunds. Some customers have also raised concerns about safety and comfort, especially at bus stations that are reportedly located in unsafe areas. Overall, Greyhound is a budget-friendly option for long-distance travel, but it may come with some trade-offs in terms of convenience and reliability.

Greyhound's history and acquisition by Flix SE

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is an iconic intercity bus operator founded in 1914 that became synonymous with bus travel in the U.S. However, the company faced challenges in recent years due to various factors, including competition from low-cost airlines and public perception of bus travel as unsafe. In 2019, Greyhound's owner, FirstGroup, put the bus line up for sale as part of a strategy to refocus on its UK operations.

In October 2021, it was announced that Germany's FlixMobility, a global mobility provider known for its innovative technology and commitment to sustainability, had acquired Greyhound Lines, Inc. for a total value of around $78 million. This acquisition marked a significant step in FlixMobility's expansion into the U.S. market and its vision to provide affordable and environmentally friendly travel options worldwide.

The combination of FlixBus' technology and shared mobility expertise with Greyhound's nationwide presence and experience created a stronger company, better able to serve the needs of intercity bus travellers in the U.S. This integration brought together two leaders in the travel industry, offering enhanced features such as a shared booking platform, reserved seating, new payment methods, and free Wi-Fi.

FlixMobility's entry into the U.S. market signalled its commitment to growing its global presence and providing smart, affordable, and sustainable mobility solutions. By acquiring Greyhound, FlixMobility gained access to a vast network of destinations and a well-known brand, enabling it to compete in the U.S. market more effectively. This move also allowed FlixMobility to leverage Greyhound's existing infrastructure and expertise in the bus transportation industry.

The acquisition of Greyhound by FlixMobility, now known as Flix SE, demonstrated a strategic move to enhance the intercity bus travel experience and offer travellers a smart and affordable way to explore North America. With Flix SE's innovative technology and Greyhound's century-long experience, the combined entity is well-positioned to provide efficient and sustainable travel options to millions of customers.

Greyhound's safety and comfort

Greyhound buses are a cheap and convenient way to travel across North America, with hundreds of stations across the United States and Canada, and thousands of buses running daily. However, some passengers have expressed concerns about safety and comfort on these buses and in Greyhound stations.

To ensure a safe journey, it is recommended that passengers keep their valuables hidden and out of sight. This includes money, jewellery, electronics and wallets. It is also important to keep luggage with you at all times, even when using the restroom or charging your phone. Greyhound stations can be busy, and thieves may target distracted passengers. It is also advised to be cautious when sharing information with strangers, as it is better to keep them guessing about your travel plans and destination.

Greyhound stations vary in terms of safety. Some are located in areas that are not considered safe, and it is recommended to stay inside the station, especially at night. If you need to go outside, it is best to ask a fellow traveller or Greyhound employee to accompany you. It is also a good idea to stay close to a security guard or Greyhound employee if you feel uncomfortable.

In terms of comfort, Greyhound buses offer reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and power sockets at every seat. However, the air conditioning can be very cold, so it is recommended to bring extra layers. The buses can also be noisy, so earplugs or earphones are suggested to block out the sound. For longer trips, a pillow and eye mask can make the journey more comfortable, especially if you plan to sleep.

Overall, travelling on a Greyhound bus can be a safe and comfortable experience if you follow some simple safety precautions and come prepared for the journey.

Greyhound's reliability and customer service

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It has been around since 1914 and has since become an iconic brand synonymous with affordable and reliable long-distance bus travel in North America.

Reliability

Greyhound has a vast network, connecting major cities and rural communities, with 1,700 coaches serving 230 stations and 1,700 destinations. It has a large customer base, with more than 12 million passengers travelling on its buses in 2023 alone.

However, there have been numerous complaints about the reliability of its services. Many customers have reported significant delays, with buses arriving late or not showing up at all. Greyhound has also been criticised for overbooking, leaving passengers waiting for the next available bus. In addition, there have been issues with cancelled trips, with little to no communication from the company, leaving customers stranded and forced to make alternative arrangements.

Customer Service

Greyhound offers various payment and ticket options, including online booking, ticket reservations, and group bookings. It also provides a range of contact options, such as phone, email, and online feedback forms, to address customer inquiries and issues.

Nevertheless, Greyhound's customer service has received a significant number of negative reviews. Customers have reported difficulties in obtaining refunds or compensation for delayed or cancelled trips. The call centre has been described as unhelpful, with long wait times and unfriendly staff. There have also been complaints about the cleanliness of buses and stations, particularly regarding the state of the bathrooms.

In summary, while Greyhound offers a wide-reaching and affordable bus service, there are concerns about the reliability of its operations and the quality of its customer service. The company has been working to improve its image and customer experience, but it seems that there is still room for enhancement in these areas.

Greyhound's competitors

Greyhound Lines, the intercity bus company, has several competitors in the market. These include other bus companies, such as:

• Flixbus: Flixbus is a close competitor to Greyhound, with a global presence and over 400,000 routes. They offer similar amenities, including Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Flixbus acquired Greyhound Lines in 2021, but the Greyhound brand continues to operate across North America.
• Megabus: Megabus is a low-cost alternative, offering tickets for as little as $1 when booking in advance. They serve hundreds of destinations in the US, particularly in the Northeast and Florida. Megabus provides modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and power outlets.
• Peter Pan Bus Lines: Peter Pan Bus is one of the largest privately-owned motorcoach companies in the US. They offer express service, convenient schedules, free Wi-Fi, and contactless boarding. Peter Pan Bus Lines covers major cities on the East Coast.
• BoltBus: BoltBus is an intercity bus carrier owned by Greyhound Lines, offering low-cost, non-stop, and limited-stop routes. They provide similar amenities to Greyhound, including Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats. BoltBus is known for its $1 tickets sold at random for the first few seats.
• RedCoach: RedCoach is a premium bus provider operating in Florida and Texas, offering rides in three different classes. They provide high-end amenities, including leather seats, LCD screens, and snack boxes in addition to the standard features found on most buses.

Greyhound's stations and stops

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It serves 1,700 stations and over 1,800 destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Greyhound Stations and Stops in the United States

Greyhound has stations and stops in many cities across the United States, including:

• San Antonio, Texas
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Houston, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• New York (Port Authority)
• Chicago, Illinois
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Los Angeles, California
• Washington, D.C.
• Baltimore, Maryland

Greyhound Stations and Stops in Canada

Greyhound also has a presence in Canada, with stations and stops in several cities, including:

• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Toronto, Ontario
• Montreal, Quebec

Greyhound Stations and Stops in Mexico

In addition to its extensive network in the United States and Canada, Greyhound also offers service to and within Mexico, with stations and stops in:

• Acapulco De Juárez, Guerrero
• Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
• Ciudad de Mexico, MX
• Guadalajara, Jalisco
• Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
• Querétaro, Queretaro

With its vast network of stations and stops across North America, Greyhound provides travellers with a convenient and affordable way to explore new places and connect to major cities.

Frequently asked questions