Intercity bus lines in the United States face yet more challenges as a major operator files for bankruptcy, but the company says service continues uninterrupted for now.
In another hit to the intercity bus industry in the United States, Megabus owner Coach USA filed for Chapter 11 bankrupcty on June 11, reports Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive. “In a June 11 filing with the federal bankruptcy court in Delaware, the company said its ridership in 2021 was 26% of pre-pandemic levels and had only recovered to 45% by 2023. The company said driver shortages also impacted its ability to recover from the pandemic.”
According to Zukowski, “While a 2024 Chaddick Institute report estimates current intercity bus ridership at around 85% to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, other factors specific to Coach USA may have come into play, said Joseph Schwieterman, the institute’s director.” The company faces competition from FlixBus, which has partnered with Greyhound to provide complementary services in some areas. “Coach USA operates 2,250 vehicles and has over 2,700 employees, the company said in a press release.”
FULL STORY: Megabus owner Coach USA files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Philadelphia's Intercity Bus Riders Are Getting Shortchanged
Despite the popularity of intercity bus services, most users have to wait on unshaded sidewalks with none of the amenities of traditional bus depots.
New Intercity Bus Service Will Connect Texas Cities
A San Antonio-based charter bus company will begin offering daily trips to Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio later this year.
Chicago Bus Travelers Could Lose Downtown Terminal — and Winter is Coming
As the loss of intercity bus services and stations continues, Chicago could become the largest city in the developed world without a major downtown bus terminal.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)