Greyhound Bus: A Comfortable And Affordable Travel Option?

does the greyhound bus

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. It offers low-fare, direct routes across the US, Canada, and Mexico, with modern, comfortable buses and flexible schedules. However, reviews of Greyhound are mixed, with some customers reporting delays, cancellations, and poor customer service.

Characteristics Values
Company Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Parent company Flix North America, Inc.
Area of operation North America
Destinations 1,700-1,800+
Number of coaches 1,700
Number of stations 230
Passengers in 2023 12 million+
Rest stops Every 2 hours
Smoking policy Non-smoking
Luggage policy Additional fees for more than 2 bags
Customer service Poor

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

The company offers affordable and flexible travel options with frequent departures and reliable schedules. Passengers can easily book their journeys online or through the Greyhound app, taking advantage of budget-friendly fares. Greyhound also provides extra legroom, onboard WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms for a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

In addition to its extensive network, Greyhound Lines, Inc. offers charter bus services, express package deliveries, and Amtrak Thruway services. The company prioritizes sustainability, recognizing the environmental benefits of bus travel compared to individual car use.

Greyhound Lines, Inc. has a strong presence across North America, with popular bus stops in major cities such as San Antonio, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, New York, and Chicago. The company continues to evolve, adapting to changing urban populations and focusing on profitable routes with high demand.

With its vast network, commitment to customer service, and dedication to sustainability, Greyhound Lines, Inc. solidifies its position as the largest intercity bus service in North America.

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The company was founded in 1914 by Eric Wickman, a Swedish immigrant

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound) is a company that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. The company was founded in 1914 by Eric Wickman, a 27-year-old Swedish immigrant. Wickman began a small transportation service using a seven-passenger car to carry miners from Hibbing, Minnesota, to the nearby town of Alice. He charged 15 cents per ride and made $2.25 on his first run.

Wickman was laid off from his job as a drill operator at a mine in Alice, Minnesota. He then became a Hupmobile salesman in Hibbing, Minnesota, but could not sell the first seven-passenger Hupmobile that he received. He decided to use it to start his transportation service, along with fellow Swedish immigrants Andy "Bus Andy" Anderson and C. A. A. "Arvid" Heed.

Wickman almost gave up after the first winter due to the harsh driving conditions in Minnesota. However, he decided to continue by reducing his driving duties. In 1915, he 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 merged company was called the Mesaba Transportation Company. By 1918, the company had 18 vehicles and an annual income of $40,000.

In 1922, Wickman and Heed sold their interests in the company to Bogan and Anderson. They then moved to Duluth and acquired White Bus Lines. In 1924, Wickman formed Northland, which acquired the Superior-White Company. In 1925, the company completed the $2.5 million acquisition of eight independent bus lines in Minnesota. In 1928, Anderson and Bogan sold most of the routes of the Mesaba Transportation Company to Northland.

In 1929, the company adopted the Greyhound name and acquired several other bus companies. By 1930, more than 100 bus lines had been consolidated into the parent company, then called Motor Transit Corporation. The partners changed its name to The Greyhound Corporation.

Today, Greyhound is part of Flix SE, a global travel technology company operating in 40+ countries across four continents. Flix SE acquired Greyhound in 2021.

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The company has faced criticism for allowing unwarranted searches on its buses

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound) has faced criticism for allowing unwarranted searches on its buses. The company, which operates the largest intercity bus service in North America, has been criticised for allowing US Customs and Border Protection agents to board its buses and conduct warrantless immigration sweeps. This practice has been deemed intimidating and discriminatory, particularly as it has become more common under President Donald Trump.

In February 2020, Greyhound notified the Department of Homeland Security that it no longer consented to unwarranted searches on its buses or in areas of terminals that are not open to the public. This came after a leaked Border Patrol memo confirmed that agents cannot board private buses without the consent of the bus company. Greyhound's previous stance was that it had no choice under federal law but to allow the immigration checks.

The company's decision to no longer allow unwarranted searches was welcomed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who had pressured Greyhound to make this change. Ferguson stated that Greyhound now recognised its "power and responsibility to stand up for its customers, who suffered for far too long from Greyhound's indifference to CBP's suspicionless bus raids and harassment".

Despite Greyhound's change in policy, it has faced a lawsuit in California alleging that it violated consumer protection laws by facilitating raids. Additionally, in September 2021, the company agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle a lawsuit over its practice of allowing Border Patrol agents to board its buses in Washington state and conduct warrantless immigration sweeps.

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Greyhound has a 2-star rating on Yelp

Greyhound Bus Lines has received a 2-star rating on Yelp, with several negative reviews highlighting issues with the bus service. One of the main concerns raised by customers is the frequent delays and cancellations of buses, often without proper communication or refunds. For example, one reviewer mentioned that their trip was cancelled with less than eight hours' notice, leaving them stranded and forcing them to book last-minute alternative transportation.

In addition to unreliable scheduling, Greyhound has also been criticised for its poor customer service. Some reviewers shared experiences where staff were unhelpful or rude, particularly in situations where customers needed assistance with ticketing or delays. There have also been complaints about the lack of cleanliness and maintenance of the buses, with broken seats and non-functional outlets mentioned in some reviews.

However, it is worth noting that there are also positive reviews for Greyhound, with some customers praising the convenience and affordability of the service. A few reviewers specifically recommended the EXPRESS service from BOS-NYC, indicating that it was reliable and a good alternative to other bus services.

Overall, while Greyhound may offer affordable and convenient travel options, the negative reviews on Yelp suggest that there is room for improvement in terms of reliability, customer service, and bus maintenance to enhance the overall travel experience.

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The company was acquired by FlixBus in 2021

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound) is an intercity bus service that was acquired by FlixBus in 2021. The deal, worth $78 million, saw the iconic Greyhound brand become part of Flix SE, a global travel technology company operating in over 40 countries across four continents.

The acquisition combined FlixBus's innovative technology with Greyhound's extensive nationwide network and experience. Greyhound's coast-to-coast network connects major cities and rural communities, and together with FlixBus, they offer affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly travel options to 1,800+ destinations.

Greyhound has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1914 when Swedish immigrant Carl or Eric Wickman started a small transportation service using a seven-passenger car to carry miners from Hibbing, Minnesota, to the nearby town of Alice. This venture eventually evolved into Greyhound Lines, and the company adopted the Greyhound name in 1929.

Over the years, Greyhound expanded and became synonymous with affordable and reliable long-distance bus travel in North America. However, in recent years, the company's business deteriorated, and it faced challenges due to declining bus travel and the pandemic.

FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, saw the acquisition as an opportunity to expand its presence and mindshare in the United States. They believed that there was still a demand for long-distance bus travel and that Greyhound's extensive network and brand recognition would complement their innovative technology and data-driven approach.

The integration of the two companies' business models and operations was expected to be challenging, but FlixMobility was confident in their ability to expand the market for long-distance bus travel and provide a smart and affordable travel alternative for passengers.

Frequently asked questions

Greyhound is the largest intercity bus service in North America, and while the buses themselves are safe, some passengers have reported feeling unsafe at certain bus stations, particularly in the southern states.

Some passengers have complained about a lack of comfort on Greyhound buses, particularly on longer journeys. However, Greyhound does offer reserved seating and free onboard entertainment, and its buses have power outlets.

You can book Greyhound bus tickets online, and pay for them in cash at Walmart, 7-Eleven, or another PaySafe partner location.

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