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Megabus coaches to go double decker
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Competition for Chinatown bus service out in the Northeast remains high, with Boltbus, Greyhound and Megabus now elbowing their way into the market.As each carrier tries to outperform the other in costs and amenities, we've seen new services like wireless internet, video screens and power ports incorporated into the coaches. I took a Boltbus between Washington DC and New York earlier this year and despite the internet not working correctly (which they claim to have fixed), thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Now Megabus is rolling out a series of new coaches that will operate all over the eastern corridor that feature all of the latest amenities and are double decker.
Sure, double decker buses don't give you any extra comfort on the road (rather, you have less headroom), but there's something quaint and fun about riding in the top floor of a bus, especially if you're in the front seat. Megabus points out that this is an ecologically friendly alternative to driving yourself or flying -- the fuel consumed per person on a double decker is only 0.46 gallons versus 2.75 to drive yourself or 3.73 to fly on a 737.
I still can't figure out how the companies make money by offering so many low fares. On the bus I took earlier this year, there were no more than 10 people onboard. Their fares alone maybe could have covered fuel, but what about operating costs and paying the driver?
Regardless, try out the service while you can -- the first double decker Megabuses are scheduled to travel between Washington DC and New York.
Filed under: Transportation, Budget Travel
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Austin Hill Jun 17th 2008 12:38PM
You know, I've always wondered how the Chinatown bus companies make money. It's even harder to understand now with high fuel prices, but they keep on rolling so they must be doing something right.
I miss cheaper bus service now that I live in the Pacific Northwest, but I guess there is always Greyhound...
Alice Jun 17th 2008 3:05PM
The Megabus staff was so helpful when a few of us who were suppose to ride the Neon bus couldn't find it anywhere (they gave us an address 3 blocks from where they actually were...stupid Greyhound). Anyway, Megabus was so nice, they let us on for FREE! I am definitely a convert.
Aaron Shutt Jun 17th 2008 5:41PM
This isn't news. Megabus already operates double-decker buses between Detroit/Ann Arbor and Chicago...I see them on I-94 every day. I took Megabus several weeks ago on the Ann Arbor-Chicago route, and I was mildly disappointed. Apparently, demand is so high on Fridays that they use additional buses. So, instead of getting my nice double-decker bus with free wifi, I ended up on a cramped old "Coach USA" bus. Still, it was cheap enough that I can't complain...I would take it again. It seems pretty popular, every single seat was full.
mega Dec 29th 2008 9:29AM
oh i love double decker buses, greyhound should have them!
but i guess they will become popular now, that gas is so expensive,and then everyone will have them.
this buses are very popular all around the world, i wonder why aren't that popular here, where gas used to be cheaper, and the roads are the best for this big monsters of the highway!