Travel Around The USA by Bus
Visitors to the US have many options when it comes to getting around. Often renting a car is the first choice even with the recent hikes in the cost of gas. Nevertheless, when the journey distance is more than a few hours, it is the plane that usually wins. Still there are other times when the best option is taking the bus but how do you determine when this is your best option? Well read on.
Traveling by bus in the US.
While it is not easy to gauge whether there is any element of truth in this, but the reputation of the bus service in the US is looked down upon by many who content that it is absolutely basic. The reality however is that there is plenty of categories of buses available, ranging from luxury to economy depending on the carrier. The bus industry is predominantly run by Greyhound, the only company which offers nation-wide bus transport. Companies like Trailways and Coach USA are conglomeration of several smaller independent bus operators who share the same marketing functions as well as work under the same brand. Moreover there are many well-founded bus service companies who work at the regional level but have to take the help of Greyhound on some routes.
A newer development in the bus industry is the “Chinatown bus” which is a term used to describe low priced bus companies that operate pared down service on selected routes and charge much less than traditional bus companies. Initially these companies used to cater to the commuting needs of Chinese immigrants but gradually its services are being taken to a wider range of customers as well. At the other end of the market are the companies that are trying to compete directly with the airlines - providing a much more luxurious way to travel. These carriers offer first class amenities and luxury coaches who tend to be most successful for destinations that are fewer than 6 hours apart.
There are a number of questions you may have so you can decide if this is the service for you - they are mentioned below: What kind of budget do you have? If it is tight, bus journey could be your best choice. It is, without doubt the least expensive way to travel across America and if you are traveling in the North East of the country, even more so as there are more companies who want your business.
Would you require a car on arrival at your destination? cities (i.e.
How far is your destination? If it is less than 5 to 6 hours away a bus could take you there faster than an aircraft, if you take into consideration the time it takes for waiting at the airport. Additionally a bus would reach you right up to the downtown area which makes it so much easier to find your way about in the city.
Where are you going in the US? Remember that for remote places, the bus is the only feasible option you have and this is the only recognized mode of public transportation in the country. Some people prefer the more sedate form of travel afforded by a bus especially when they are in no hurry. If you are running out of time, then bus journeys may not be quite feasible as there are always the traffic snarl ups and a bus in any case takes longer time compared to other means of transport. Thus in totality, taking a bus to travel within US, whether it is from one major city to another or even to remote areas, is the right choice for visitors. The recent rises in fuel costs have done nothing but help the bus companies and that is likely to continue as more an more people take to the bus as their preferred form of travel when going longer distances.
Tags: , airlines, bus companies, bus industry, bus operators, bus service, bus transport, buses, chinatown bus, chinese immigrants, class amenities, coach usa, first choice, greyhound, independent bus, luxury coaches, regional level, renting a car, reputation, trailways, transport companies