The Greyhound Bus: A Comprehensive Design Overview

Greyhound Lines, Inc. 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, and adopted the Greyhound name in 1929. Greyhound buses are known for their distinctive design, featuring the company's logo and a streamlined appearance. The buses are equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable leather seats, ample legroom, free Wi-Fi, and individual power outlets. Safety is a priority for Greyhound, with three-point seat belts and wheelchair lifts available on their newer buses. The company also boasts an outstanding safety record, receiving the highest rating from the Department of Transportation for over a decade.

Greyhound bus features and facilities

Greyhound Lines is an American bus company that has been in operation since 1914. It offers an extensive network of bus routes in the United States, serving 230 stations and 1,700 destinations. The company's fleet of 1,700 coaches is produced mainly by Motor Coach Industries and Prevost.

Greyhound buses have recently been renovated to provide customers with safer, more eco-friendly, and more relaxing journeys. The following features and facilities are available on Greyhound buses:

• Onboard bathrooms
• Personal power outlets
• Air conditioning
• Onboard entertainment system
• Free onboard movies
• Free Wi-Fi
• Leather seats with footrests
• Three-point safety belts
• Ample legroom
• Individual, adjustable air outlets
• Under-bus baggage compartment
• Wheelchair lift
• Toilet

Greyhound buses also stop for rest breaks, but they do have a toilet onboard for convenience. The company offers low-cost, reliable, safe, and environmentally-friendly travel solutions, with eco-friendly engines that minimise their environmental impact.

Greyhound bus history

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is an intercity bus service that operates the largest intercity bus service in North America. The company was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota, in 1914 by Swedish immigrant Carl (or Eric) Wickman. Wickman began by transporting iron ore miners in a seven-passenger Hupmobile, charging fifteen cents per ride.

Wickman soon took on partners, including Andy "Bus Andy" Anderson and C. A. A. "Arvid" Heed, and expanded his business to include an 18-vehicle fleet and longer routes. In 1915, Wickman merged his company with that of Ralph Bogan, forming the Mesaba Transportation Company. By 1918, the company had an annual income of $40,000.

In 1922, Wickman and Heed sold their shares in the company and moved to Duluth, where they acquired White Bus Lines. In 1924, Wickman formed Northland, which acquired several independent bus lines in Minnesota. In 1925, Wickman and Orville S. Caesar, his partner in Northland, merged several bus companies to form the Motor Transit Management. In 1926, Wickman merged several bus lines to form the Motor Transit Corporation, nicknamed "Greyhound" because the buses were grey and sleekly designed.

In 1929, the company officially changed its name to the Greyhound Corporation, adopting the "running dog" as its trademark. Despite the popularity of bus transportation, Greyhound nearly failed after the stock market crash of 1929. However, the company's fortunes were boosted by the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, which increased ridership, as did the 1934 movie "It Happened One Night," in which the characters take a cross-country bus trip.

During World War II, Greyhound played a role in transporting workers to shipyards and munitions factories and military personnel to their bases. The company also stockpiled parts, anticipating shortages during the war. Despite wartime responsibilities and gas shortages, Greyhound's profits climbed to $10 million by the mid-1940s.

In the postwar era, Greyhound faced increased competition from cars and planes. The company began to diversify its business, acquiring companies in industries such as catering, airport terminal services, and financial services. In 1970, Greyhound acquired Armour-Dial, the old Chicago-based meatpacking giant.

In the 1980s, Greyhound faced challenges due to deregulation in the bus transit industry, which led to the closure of many local bus routes. The company also faced labour issues, including a violent 47-day bus driver strike in 1983 that resulted in a significant loss of revenue.

In 1987, Greyhound Corporation sold its historic bus operations, and Greyhound Lines, Inc. became an independent corporation devoted entirely to intercity bus transportation. In 1999, Greyhound merged with the Canadian bus company Laidlaw, Inc., further expanding its reach.

In recent years, Greyhound has continued to adapt to competition and changing travel preferences, introducing new services and amenities to enhance the customer experience.

Tips for first-time Greyhound travellers

Greyhound buses are an excellent way to travel across North America without breaking the bank. The buses are equipped with comfortable leather seats and ample legroom, along with free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, power outlets, and eco-friendly engines. Here are some tips for first-time travellers:

Before Boarding

• Book your tickets early. While it's not the norm, some bus stations operate with boarding by ticket number, so the earlier you purchase your ticket, the lower your boarding number and cost.
• Arrive at the bus station at least an hour before departure. This gives you enough time to get checked in, find your departure gate, determine your boarding line, grab a bite to eat, and use the restroom.
• Get in the boarding line as soon as possible. This will increase your chances of getting a good seat.
• Make your checked luggage stand out. You are allowed to check one bag for free, and additional bags cost $15 each. With dozens of other bags being handled, making your bag distinct will help you keep track of it and prevent it from being placed on the wrong bus or taken by someone else.

On the Bus

• Sit near the front of the bus. Most people head to the back, so sitting near the front increases your chances of having two seats to yourself and being away from potentially problematic passengers. Sitting near the front also means you'll be one of the first passengers to get off the bus.
• Avoid using the bathroom on the bus. They can get quite unpleasant, so it's best to use the restrooms at the stations or during food breaks.
• Follow the driver's rules during stops and transfers. Pay attention to the instructions given about where to get food, when to be back on the bus, and what not to bring back onto the bus.
• Keep your carry-on bag and ticket with you at all times. There is no overhead bin or storage, so leaving your belongings unattended increases the risk of theft.
• Stay inside the bus station at night during layovers. Greyhound stations are often not in the best neighbourhoods, and it's safer to remain indoors, off the streets.

Greyhound bus safety

Greyhound buses are an affordable 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, as with any mode of transportation, there are potential safety concerns. Here are some tips to ensure your safety when travelling on a Greyhound bus:

Keep Your Valuables Secure:

Always keep your money, jewellery, and electronics out of sight. Return them to your pocket or carry-on bag immediately after use. Keep only the necessary amount of cash on your person and hide the rest in your checked bag or a hard-to-reach place in your carry-on. Consider using a money belt for extra security. Keep your wallet in a secure place, such as an inside pocket, to prevent pickpocketing. Avoid wearing jewellery, as thieves may target it. If you must charge your phone at a station, never leave it unattended.

Stay Vigilant with Luggage:

Always keep your luggage with you, whether on the bus or at a station. Never leave your carry-on unattended, especially when exiting the bus or using the restroom. Take your carry-on with you during breaks and when exiting the bus. If you must leave your luggage unattended, ask a Greyhound employee or security guard to watch it. Some stations offer lockers for rent to store your bags securely.

Be Cautious with Strangers:

Avoid sharing too much personal information with strangers on the bus. Refrain from disclosing your final destination, hotel details, or travel plans. If a conversation with a stranger makes you uncomfortable, feel free to move to another seat or ask surrounding passengers to keep an eye on the person. If the issue persists, inform the driver.

Stay Alert at Greyhound Stations:

Be extra cautious inside and outside Greyhound stations, as they may be targeted by thieves and unscrupulous individuals. Keep your luggage with you at all times, even when using the restroom. If you feel unsafe, locate a security guard or Greyhound employee and stay close to them. Avoid wandering far from the station, especially at night, as some stations are in less desirable areas. Be cautious when using station restrooms, and avoid them if there seems to be suspicious activity.

Follow Greyhound Rules:

Greyhound has strict rules to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers. These include no discrimination, no smoking, no photography of staff or procedures, and no alcohol, drugs, or weapons on board. Stay seated while the bus is moving, except when using the restroom. In case of immigration checks, you have the right to remain silent, refuse searches, and record video of immigration agents.

Greyhound bus stations and common issues

Greyhound bus stations were once a prominent feature of the American travel industry, with the company operating an estimated 4,750 stations across the nation during the 1940s. Today, however, Greyhound stations are facing a wave of closures, leaving passengers without essential amenities and raising concerns about the future of intercity bus travel.

The decline in Greyhound bus stations is attributed to several factors, including the rise of commercial air travel, high operating costs, government underfunding, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the stations have been affected by Greyhound's business decisions, such as the sale of terminals to investment firms and the relocation of some stations to less desirable areas.

The closures of Greyhound stations have left passengers without access to basic amenities and services. Many stations provided a warm and sheltered place to wait for the bus, restrooms, and food options. With the stations' demise, passengers are often left without a comfortable waiting area, forced to rely on curbside pickup points or less convenient locations away from city centres.

Common issues that Greyhound bus passengers face include delays, extended layovers, unreliable Wi-Fi, non-functional power outlets, uncomfortable temperatures, and unclean restrooms. These issues can significantly impact the travel experience, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

Furthermore, the reduction in Greyhound stations can disproportionately affect low-income groups, immigrants, and travellers with mobility impairments, as intercity buses are often their primary mode of transportation. The loss of stations can limit their travel options and make it more challenging to access essential travel services.

Frequently asked questions