Facing financial troubles, intercity bus operators are leaving passengers stranded without services in many U.S. markets.
The downward spiral for intercity bus service continues months after Coach USA, one of the nation’s biggest operators, filed for bankruptcy. Shortly after, Megabus announced it would suspend service in many of its markets, leaving passengers in a lurch.
In a piece for Streetsblog USA, Aaron Short outlines the history of modern intercity bus service and its struggle to maintain service after the pandemic, as well as its impacts on passengers who depend on it.
The disruption is the latest blow to a long-overlooked segment of the transportation sector that has failed to recover since the pandemic, been picked apart by private equity, and received little assistance from federal and state governments.
Meanwhile, bus stations with amenities are shuttering around the country as Greyhound sells off its properties, forcing bus passengers to wait for buses on poorly lit sidewalks or parking lots with no access to restrooms, shelter, or ticket agents. Few cities, such as Washington, D.C., are actively supporting intercity bus service by providing space for buses at major transit stations.
But that isn’t the case for most cities. “In some parts of the country, Megabus’s absence could prompt people to purchase vehicles or lead to less travel for job opportunities, education, and health care.”
FULL STORY: New Crisis for Inter-City Customers As Megabus Goes Bust
Intercity Bus Ridership Grows Despite Service Cuts
Passengers continue to rely on intercity bus lines, even as cities shutter bus terminals and bus companies restructure to avoid financial failure.
Despite High Ridership, Intercity Bus Lines Are Eliminating Stations
Riders on the ‘forgotten stepchild’ of the U.S. transportation system find themselves waiting for buses curbside as Greyhound sells off its real estate in many U.S. cities.
Virginia Intercity Buses Exceed Ridership Estimates By 200 Percent
The Virginia Breeze intercity bus service has vastly exceeded original ridership estimates since its launch in late 2017. Two more lines are slated to launch in the spring or summer of next year.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
California Creates Housing-Focused Agency
Previously, the state’s housing and homelessness programs fell under a grabbag department that also regulates the alcohol industry, car mechanics, and horse racing.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Baker Creek Pavilion: Blending Nature and Architecture in Knoxville
Knoxville’s urban wilderness planning initiative unveils the "Baker Creek Pavilion" to increase the city's access to green spaces.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie