Greyhound Bus Operations: Running Or Not?

are greyhound buses operating

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1914 and adopted the Greyhound name in 1929. In recent years, Greyhound has faced financial difficulties, with the rise of low-cost airlines and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the company has sold many of its bus stations and relocated its stops outside of city centres, causing concern for passengers who rely on the service. Despite the challenges, Greyhound continues to operate and serve communities across the continent.

Characteristics Values
Current Owner Flix North America, Inc., an affiliate of FlixBus
Previous Owner FirstGroup
Previous Owner Before FirstGroup Laidlaw International, Inc.
Previous Owner Before Laidlaw International, Inc. Laidlaw Inc.
Previous Owner Before Laidlaw Inc. Trailways, Inc. (formerly Continental Trailways)
Parent Company The Greyhound Corporation (previously)
Current Status Operating
Area of Operation North America
Number of Coaches 1,700
Number of Destinations 1,700
Number of Stations 230
First Route Hibbing, Minnesota
Year of First Route 1914
Year of Adoption of Name 'Greyhound' 1929

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Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest intercity bus service in North America

The company's first route began in Hibbing, Minnesota, in 1914, and the company adopted the Greyhound name in 1929. Since then, Greyhound has expanded and now offers a vast network of routes with frequent departures, reliable schedules, and modern, comfortable buses.

Travelling with Greyhound is simple and stress-free. The company offers flexible bus routes, an easy online booking system, and a user-friendly app for planning trips. Greyhound also provides various amenities, such as onboard WiFi, extra legroom, power outlets, and restrooms, to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for its passengers.

In recent years, Greyhound has introduced new features and improvements to enhance the customer experience. They have added wireless Internet access, power outlets, and leather seating with increased legroom to their buses. Additionally, Greyhound has implemented a new yield management system to better manage ticket sales and reduce overbooking issues.

Greyhound is also committed to sustainability. Travelling by bus reduces traffic and emissions compared to driving by car, and the company is working to make its operations even greener through high environmental standards and alternative fuel options.

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Greyhound stations are closing and relocating outside central business districts

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound) is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It has long been the brand most closely associated with intercity bus travel in the United States. However, Greyhound stations across the nation are closing and relocating outside central business districts after being acquired by Twenty Lake Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Alden Global Capital, an investment firm. This has left passengers without a sheltered waiting area or amenities at stations.

Greyhound stations, often architecturally and culturally significant, occupy prime downtown real estate that is considered ripe for commercial and residential development. The relocation of stations to less accessible, outdoor locations raises equity and safety concerns. A DePaul University study found that Greyhound riders tend to be younger and lower-income than other travelers and are less likely to have access to a car. As a result, they now must wait at improvised outdoor pickup locations or travel to less convenient locations to catch their bus.

In Philadelphia, for example, Greyhound began operating curbside a short distance away from the closed terminal, forcing passengers to wait outside on sidewalks without designated seating or restrooms. Similarly, in Charlottesville, Greyhound shuttered its station in 2021 and moved to an unmarked stop in an Amtrak parking lot, causing confusion and anger. In Louisville, the station relocated without notice to a temporary site in a strip mall a mile away.

The closure and relocation of Greyhound stations have left passengers without a warm place to wait for their bus, use the restroom, or get a snack. The stations were once a big part of America, with some becoming local landmarks known for their art deco styling. The loss of these stations not only impacts the convenience and comfort of passengers but also takes away a piece of Americana.

The future of Greyhound stations remains uncertain as the company continues to navigate changes in ownership and development pressures.

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The company was started in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1914

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. The company was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota, in 1914 by Carl Eric Wickman, a 27-year-old Swedish immigrant. Wickman had been laid off from his job as a drill operator at a mine in Alice, Minnesota, and became a Hupmobile salesman in Hibbing. However, he was unable to sell the first seven-passenger Hupmobile that he received.

Wickman then decided to use the vehicle to transport iron ore miners between Hibbing and Alice, a distance of two miles, charging 15 cents per ride. On his first trip in 1914, Wickman made $2.25. Wickman nearly gave up after the first winter due to the harsh driving conditions in Minnesota, but he persevered and, in 1915, added a 15-mile route to Nashwauk, Minnesota.

In December 1915, Wickman merged his company with that of 19-year-old Ralph Bogan, who was running a similar transportation service from Hibbing to Duluth, Minnesota. The new company was called the Mesaba Transportation Company, and by 1918, it had 18 vehicles and an annual income of $40,000. In 1922, Wickman and his partner, C. A. A. "Arvid" Heed, sold their interests in the company to Bogan and another partner, Andy "Bus Andy" Anderson. Wickman and Heed then moved to Duluth and acquired White Bus Lines.

In 1924, Wickman formed Northland, which acquired the Superior-White Company. In 1925, Northland completed the acquisition of eight independent bus lines in Minnesota, and by 1928, the company had an income of $6 million and was offering trips all over the United States. In 1929, the company adopted the Greyhound name and acquired additional interests in bus lines across the country. By 1930, more than 100 bus lines had been consolidated into the parent company, which changed its name to The Greyhound Corporation.

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Greyhound riders tend to be younger and lower-income than other travellers

Greyhound Lines, Inc. operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. The company's first route began in Hibbing, Minnesota, in 1914, and it adopted the Greyhound name in 1929. Greyhound has long been the brand most closely associated with intercity bus travel in the United States. However, in recent years, the company has faced increasing competition from budget outfits like Megabus, Boltbus, and Flixbus, which have embraced a "curbside" pickup model.

As a result of the changing landscape of the industry and the sale of its stations to real estate company Twenty Lake Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Alden Global Capital, Greyhound has shuttered its indoor waiting areas in several cities, moving riders to outdoor stops in parking lots or on curbs. This has created challenges for Greyhound's core riders, who tend to be younger and lower-income than other travellers and often do not have access to a car. These riders now must wait at improvised outdoor pickup locations or travel to less convenient, suburban locations to catch their bus.

The relocation of stations to less accessible, outdoor locations has raised equity and safety concerns. In some cases, Greyhound stops have been moved to suburbs miles from the downtown core, with few transit connections for passengers who cannot afford a ride. This can create long waits for riders, especially those with ultra-long waits between transfers. Additionally, these outdoor stops often lack shelter, seating, restrooms, or basic customer services like route information.

The shift away from traditional depots by Greyhound and other bus lines is driven by a desire to increase service frequency and cut prices. However, it has also freed up land for redevelopment, with some former Greyhound stations slated to be transformed into affordable housing or mixed-use developments. While this may benefit some cities, it does not help Greyhound's lower-income riders, who may now face additional challenges and expenses when trying to access bus services.

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The company was acquired by FlixMobility in 2021

Greyhound Lines, the largest bus operator in North America, was acquired by FlixMobility in 2021. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the bus transportation industry, as two prominent players in their respective regions joined forces.

FlixMobility, a German mobility company, has been rapidly expanding its presence in the United States and Canada through this strategic move. With Greyhound's extensive network and brand recognition, FlixMobility gained a strong foothold in the North American market, complementing its existing operations in Europe and other parts of the world.

The acquisition brought together two companies with a shared passion for providing affordable and accessible travel options. Greyhound, with its long history dating back to 1914, has been a staple in connecting people and communities across the continent. FlixMobility, founded in 2013, revolutionized bus travel in Europe with its innovative business model and technology-driven approach.

By integrating Greyhound into its portfolio, FlixMobility expanded its reach to over 2,400 destinations across North America. Greyhound's iconic blue-and-silver buses and stations became a part of FlixMobility's growing network, which includes other well-known brands such as FlixBus and FlixTrain. This expansion offered customers a more comprehensive range of travel options, including intercity bus services, train connections, and cutting-edge mobility solutions.

FlixMobility's acquisition of Greyhound brought about several positive changes and improvements. They invested in upgrading Greyhound's fleet, introducing newer, more comfortable buses with modern amenities. Digital enhancements were also implemented, improving the online booking process, providing real-time trip updates, and enhancing overall customer service. Additionally, FlixMobility's strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility influenced Greyhound's operations, leading to initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.

The acquisition of Greyhound by FlixMobility in 2021 was a pivotal moment for both companies and the industry. It opened up new opportunities for travelers, combining Greyhound's extensive network with FlixMobility's innovative spirit. Together, they continue to shape the future of bus travel, offering safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to millions of passengers across North America.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Greyhound continues to operate as the largest intercity bus service in North America, serving 230 stations and 1,700 destinations.

Greyhound stations are closing due to high operating costs, government underfunding, and the sale of stations to investment firms for lucrative resale.

Terminal closures cause significant issues for intercity bus travellers, particularly those who are low-income or mobility-challenged. The loss of stations means travellers are left without access to bathrooms, shelter from harsh weather conditions, and safe waiting areas.

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