| |
|
|
Topics |
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
|
| Getting Around The Usa--When Is The Bus Your Best Option? |
|
| |
Getting Around The Usa--When Is The Bus Your Best Option?
Visitors to the US have many options when it comes to getting
around. In the land of (relatively) cheap gas and expensive
trains, renting a car is often the most appealing option. On the
other hand, for journeys between cities that are further than a
few hours drive, flying quickly becomes a viable option. Still
there are other times when the best option is taking the bus.
How should you determine when this is your best option? Read on.
Bus travel in the US
Whether or not it is warranted, bus travel has a somewhat
beleaguered reputation in the U.S. Many consider line run bus
service to offer the most basic level of service. In truth there
is a wide range of service offered, from luxury to budget,
depending on the bus carrier. The bus industry in the United
States is dominated by Greyhound, which is the only bus company
with service nationwide. Several other companies such as
Trailways and Coach USA are made up of independently owned bus
companies that share marketing functions and branding. In
addition there are several strong regional players in the bus
industry, although they may share service with Greyhound on
certain routes.
A newer development in the bus industry is the "Chinatown bus".
This is a term used to describe low priced bus companies that
operate paired down service on selected routes and charge much
less than traditional bus companies. Originally these carriers
tended to operate in, and cater to, the Chinese immigrant
community. Now the phenomenon appeals to a much wider group of
customers. Another trend in the bus industry is luxury service
that competes more directly with the airlines. These carriers
offer first class amenities and luxury coaches. They tend to be
most successful for destinations that are fewer than 6 hours
apart.
So, how should you decide when the bus is your best option? Here
are a few questions that might help you make your decision:
1. What is your budget?
If you are on a tight budget you won't be able to beat the bus
for price. It is by far the least expensive way to get between
destinations in the U.S. This is particularly true on heavily
traveled routes in the Northeast where there is a lot of
competition.
2. Will you need a car once you get to your destination? In many
U.S. cities (ie. New York, Boston, Washington DC) a car is not
only unnecessary, but will be a burden to drive and to park once
you arrive.
3. How far are you going?
If you are traveling less than a five or six hours it is
probably faster to take the bus than to fly when you factor in
waiting time at the airport. Moreover, the bus will likely drop
you off in the downtown core so you do not have to find your way
into the city once you arrive.
4. Where are you going?
It is worth noting that for many more remote destinations in the
US, the bus is really the only public transportation option. If
you do not drive, taking the bus may be your only choice.
5. How much time do you have?
If your trip is not rushed, you might enjoy the more leisurely
pace of bus travel. If you are under time pressure, the bus is
probably not the best choice as it is subject to traffic delays
and usually takes a little longer than other modes of
transportation.
Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who
are looking for transportation between major US cities and more
remote destinations alike. As gas prices rise and train service
sees more cuts, it will undoubtedly be an even more popular way
to get around going forward.
About the author:
Lila Kahn is the Marketing Manager of GotoBus.com, the leading
online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can
find out more information about the company and contact
information for the author at: http://www.GotoBus.com/
|
| Category
Holiday events and flying |
Author
David Gabbitas |
Add To Favorites |
Print This Article |
Email Article To A Friend |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Most
Searched Keywords and Information topics |
|
acne treatment, adventure, mountains, climbing , advertising, online marketing, alternatives, conventional, baby care, parenting, baby names , bad credit, loan, insurance , beauty tips, free advice , blog, get traffic, books, , branding, celebrities, fashion, style, christmas celebration , clothes, coffee, recipes, computer, software, internet, copywriting, creativity, profits, dating, wedding, festivals, decorating, crafts, hobbies, designing, arts, earning, affiliate programs , employment, jobs, careers, ezine, writers, financial crime, fraud , Health fitness, dieting, health, weight loss, aerobics, Holiday events, flying, Home business, ebooks, blogs , Hotel, Resorts, internet connection-broadband , kids, safety, entertainment, cartoons, live concerts, shows, radio, online tv, skills, leadership , Mental health, stress, fitness , online auctions, bids, bidding, online business, home based business, pets, dogs, cats, Programming, PHP, ASP, webmasters, Real estate, building, contractors, recipes, cooking tips, relationships, horoscope, astrology, self improvement tips, skin care, cosmetic surgery, sports, games, study, college, degrees, tips, , training, coaching, networking, travel, entertainment, fun, travel, automobiles, vehicles , travel trip, asia, tv, movies, digital cameras, awards, web design, webmasters, programmers, website, audio streaming, marketing , winning over competitors, competition, |
| |
Home
| Submit
Articles | Search
| Random
Article | Members
| Sitemap
Copyright © SBPals.com,
2006. All Rights Reserved |
|
