Millions of Americans are facing the potential loss of their primary mode of transportation as intercity bus depots across the United States close down due to increasing operational costs and a lack of government funding. Companies such as Greyhound, Trailways, and Megabus are among those affected by the closures [bd05ce72].
Intercity bus depots have already been shuttered in several major cities, including Cincinnati, Charlottesville, Houston, Louisville, Philadelphia, Portland, and Tampa. These closures are expected to impact approximately 60 million people, many of whom rely on intercity bus services as their main means of travel. It is estimated that intercity buses serve more travelers year-round than Amtrak [bd05ce72].
The rising operational costs, loss of government funding, and the sale of 33 Greyhound stations to Twenty Lake Holdings LLC have been cited as the primary reasons for these closures. The closures disproportionately affect low-income individuals and those with limited mobility, as approximately 75% of intercity bus travelers earn $40,000 or less per year. Without access to these services, many people would be unable to make their regular trips, leading to potential hardships and unfavorable conditions [bd05ce72].
Greyhound bus stations in America, including the one in Richmond, Virginia, are being shut down and replaced with apartment towers and retail space. The stations were sold to Twenty Lake Holdings, an arm of investment firm Alden Global Capital, known for buying up newspapers and selling off real estate [4423576e]. The decline in bus travel and the lack of government support have contributed to the closure of these stations. While newer bus companies like Megabus pick up passengers on the street, it is not a viable option for reaching remote, rural areas. Greyhound is in talks with the city of Richmond for a new location, but no plans have been announced. Passengers and public officials have protested the closure of bus stations, but some cities see it as an opportunity to remove low-income passengers from gentrifying downtown areas [4423576e].
In Maryland, the proposed reduction of commuter bus service to Washington, D.C. has sparked concern among readers. One reader suggests that instead of eliminating routes, the Maryland Department of Transportation should focus on making commuter buses more attractive by establishing dedicated bus lanes and improving travel time. The elimination of the K Street routes is criticized, as it takes away an option for current users and affects the area that includes the White House and surrounding agencies [8e3ec098].
Another reader expresses concern about a proposed welcome center in Annapolis that would obstruct the view of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay. The reader suggests alternative options that would not interrupt the view and would be more cost-effective [8e3ec098].
A study led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), reveals that the Chicago region would face severe consequences if its public transportation system was eliminated. The study shows that public transit is vital to Chicago’s metropolitan area mobility, providing access to jobs, services, and opportunities. Without public transit, the region would experience increased vehicle congestion, reduced economic activity, and a disproportionate impact on underserved communities and minorities [b04d7893].
These reader commentaries highlight the importance of considering alternative solutions and the potential impact of transportation and infrastructure decisions on communities. It is crucial for governments and decision-makers to take into account the concerns and suggestions of the public in order to ensure that transportation services meet the needs of the people they serve [8e3ec098] [bd05ce72].
Coach USA, the company behind Megabus, has filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The decision comes as the company aims to restructure its financial obligations following a challenging private equity buyout in 2019. Variant Equity Advisors acquired Coach for $270 million, with the majority financed through debt. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic 90% decline in bus ridership from 2019 to 2020, further exacerbating the company's financial difficulties. Despite some recovery in ridership levels, Coach reported that they remained at only 45% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The company also highlighted challenges such as higher interest rates and increased expenses for essentials like employee retention and fuel. Coach's CEO, Derrick Waters, assured that bus operations would continue as usual throughout the bankruptcy proceedings. Coach disclosed a total debt of $197.8 million, including a $37 million obligation for a pandemic relief loan obtained through the CARES Act. The company has unpaid obligations of at least $134 million, primarily in the form of trade debts. As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, Coach has secured three sale agreements, subject to potential higher bids, to safeguard jobs for approximately 2,100 Coach employees. Coach USA operates in 27 locations across the US and Canada, employs 2,700 individuals, and runs a fleet of 2,070 buses [3e0e69fe].