BoltBus coming to Boston in April
OK, I won't say I told you so. Last week, I peered into the bottom of my cup, read the coffee grounds and predicted that BoltBus would begin offering low-cost bus service between Boston and New York soon.
Today, the company said that the service would begin in April and that buses would run out of South Station.
BoltBus, a division of Greyhound, specializes in lower-cost fares (they start at $1 one way and go up as seats fill until they hit regular rates) and guaranteed seats, and it offers WiFi and power outlets. It's the same kind of service Vamoose started to launch last year until it ran afoul of ordinances in Boston and Cambridge.
Both companies are looking to compete with Lucky Star and the sometimes-mechanically-challenged Fung Wah, which offer service for a couple bucks less but without the amenities -- or the guaranteed seating (a not insignificant perk).
Dustin Clark of BoltBus says the company hasn't yet determined exactly when the service will begin or how many trips a day it will make.
The Daily Telegraph of London reported this morning that the move by BoltBus was part of a larger battle between the Scottish owner of Greyhound, FirstGroup PLC, and another Scottish rival, Stagecoach Group, which runs the lower-cost Megabus service in the Midwest and West Coast.
So now it appears you will soon have a choice. Competition. Markets. Cheaper ways to get to New York by bus. Isn't that what makes life here in the US of A so wonderful?
Lucky Star Has to be the WORST bus experience i've ever had. They were late to leave, Late to arive. The buses arent santiary. I'd choose Peter Pan or Geyhound anyday over Lucky Star.
I live in CT. Will they stop anywhere along the way?
I would like to know when and how much this will be when you start to go to
Boston South. I travel to Boston a lot and would like to become a new customer. I think this is a great idea.
lucky star was alright. every experience ive had has been well "luck" i suppose. ive heard some horror stories. but i did manage to bring my bike by lucky star bus to nyc, then connected by another chinatown bus to philly all in one day without a hitch.
this boltbus sounds absolutely amazing though. cant wait to try it out!
will there also be hotel packages offered as well as guided tours????
how much will regular tickets cost? it only mentions here about the $1 fares.
I've gotten quite a few notes asking questions about fares and for more detail. Nicole Wong just wrote a new blog that should answer everyone's questions. Here's the link: http://www.boston.com/travel/blog/2008/03/boltbus_to_laun.html
FROM WHAT I READ THE COST IS A DOLLAR UP TO THE REGULAR PRICE WHICH IS WHAT? AND WHEN WILL THE PRICE GO UP ON THAT PARTICULAR RIDE? A SECOND CONCERN. WHAT ABOUT SECURITY. ARE PEOPLE AND BAGS SCANNED OR CHECKED?
What is the schedule. When does the last bus leave N.Y.?
Nice. Check out www.busjunction.com...it's a good place to find tickets on Bolt Bus.
BostonTraveler
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