What is traveeling on Greyhound busses like? Are they reliable? Is it safe for a woman alone?

Question

Thanks for the responses so far. Is it true to say the buses are becoming safer than they used to be? I had heard bad stuff happens as some of you described, but also heard that there is less trouble then there used to be. True or no?

Answer 1

First off, if at all possible, take the train (Amtrak) instead. It's safer, more convenient, more comfortable, and just makes for an overall more enjoyable trip.

If train isn't possible for whatever reasons, then do a few things to keep yourself safe:
1) sit in the first few rows (often called the "granny seats" ... lol)
2) Try to choose who sits by you ... two ways to do this. If you are getting on the bus after others already have, choose someone who looks like a good seatmate who is sitting in the first rows. If you are in the seats first, keep your belongings beside you until a person that appears amenable comes on, then move them, and person might choose to sit by you.
3) At stops, stay with a group of other women, or people, from the bus. If you are approached by someone you dont feel comfortable with, move over by other people. etc
I don't like riding the bus, but will do so if I have to, and have not had any major problems.

Answer 2

Hi,
When I was 20 I traveled from Connecticut to Florida on a Greyhound. It was long and cold and the worst trip I've ever taken. Also, I wouldn't do it alone as a young woman. The bus stops at a lot of Greyhound stations in different cities and sometimes really strange characters get on the bus. You really have to be careful. Personally I woudn't spend a few extra dollars and do a train or plane.

Good luck

Answer 3

Travel on a Greyhound bus can be a nightmare. On one trip when I was in college a young kid, an "affirmative action" scholarship student from a private prep school was sitting next to me. I dozed off and when I awoke he had unzipped my jeans and had his hand in my pants. I felt sick and violated and insisted he move to an empty seat NOW! I told him if he did not move I'd holler to the drive I was being molested. The punk kid moved.

Another time I was on a Greyhound I was sitting with an overly friendly, but nerdy guy. I never figured out if he had just be released from prison or a mental hospital. He want to write letters to me, telling me he loved wiriting letters. I was glad when he got off the bus.

Many county psychiatric hospitals administer "Greyhound Thearpy". The psych ward gets the crazy guy medicated and calmed down and put him on the bus home. Home could be a couple of hundred miles away, or clear across the country. All the hospital staff can hope for is that the guy or gal takes her meds en route.

Travel by Greyhound is great for meeting all sorts of interesting people. Just hope you don't get mixed up with a guy like the one who molested me as I slept.

Answer 4

If I may suggest, try Amtrak. I hate the bus. You have to stop every freekin 10 miles it seems...and on the train you can get up and move about, go to the club car for snacks.....or the dining car for a good meal.....I have been a truck driver for many years and when I get home and want to travel from say here (FL) back home to visit NC I always take Amtrak. It's cheap, much faster, safer and much more comfortable and enjoyable.....well, in my opinion, anyway!!

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

Answer 5

The information above is scare-mongering

Greyhound is the best known bus company in the world, their drivers are top notch trained professionals and although it's not as fast as a plane it gets you there eventually

they are reliable as clockwork, always efficient and always on time

yes, it is perfectly safe as long as you have ordinary common sense

Answer 6

I agree with the first post. I had some bad experiences sitting in the back of the bus. There are some sick bastrards out there. I try to get the first seat whenever I ride any bus.

Answer 7

Yes it is safe to travel on a bus,the driver is in constant contact with the high way patroll , if there is any trouble,the driver can and will handle what ever it is. and is is nice too

Answer 8

Shadiest people I've ever seen travel on Greyhound. Only a step up from the kinds of people you'd run into in prison...

Answer 9

I do not recommend travel by Greyhound Bus - it is cramped, smelly, disgusting, unspeakably awful. It is better to travel by Train.

Answer 10

They're efficient but can be boring. If you're alone, sit close to the driver, and try to avoid overnight rides.