Thanksgiving Travel Crisis Exposes Neglected Intercity Bus Stations, Says Industry Expert
Intercity bus travelers during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday may find themselves less than grateful as they face a growing crisis at bus stops across the United States. The worsening conditions at bus stations and curbside spots have prompted city officials to adopt a hostile stance towards the service, leading to closures and abandonment of key facilities. While airports and train stations receive federal funds for upgrades, intercity bus passengers are left out in the cold, quite literally, as they struggle to find suitable waiting areas.
The issue has been developing for several years, with Greyhound, the largest intercity bus travel company, closing down spacious and climate-controlled waiting rooms across various cities, including Charlottesville, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Tampa. These closures have forced lines to relocate to curbside spots or more remote locations, disconnected from downtown areas. In some cases, stations in state capitals, such as Jackson and Little Rock, have been suspended entirely due to the unavailability of suitable stations. Concern is growing that stations in Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, and Kansas City could be the next to face closure.
While the intercity bus industry is experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, challenges persist due to three primary factors. Firstly, many local governments have taken a not-in-my-backyard stance towards intercity buses, fueling concerns about criminal activity and safety issues. Additionally, the transfer of Greyhound to FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, led to many stations being sold to a private real-estate holding company, which is now putting numerous stations up for sale. Aging stations, built during the heyday of bus travel, have become too expensive to maintain given current traffic levels. Lastly, bus riders lack political influence, with their concerns often ignored by city officials.
A recent study by the Chaddick Institute highlights the demographic profile of intercity bus users and their limited transportation options. Two-thirds of Chicago intercity bus riders have annual household incomes below $40,000, with over a third having incomes below $20,000. Furthermore, more than a quarter of these riders have no other viable transportation alternatives, and many would be unable to travel outside their metropolitan areas without bus services. This poses additional challenges for individuals with disabilities and those seeking affordable travel options.
To address the crisis, intercity bus lines are calling for increased collaboration with public transit terminals that provide security, restrooms, and indoor waiting areas. This integration has proven successful in cities like Las Vegas. However, local governments have imposed exorbitant fees on intercity bus lines, often in the form of high rents or security demands that outweigh ticket revenues. Officials cite concerns about subsidizing private businesses as their justification.
While some cities, like Atlanta, have managed to create attractive bus stations with state support, hundreds of other communities continue to lose or downgrade their facilities. Industry officials report that certain cities have become transfer points for bus lines to avoid exposing passengers to the elements outside. As a result, bus trips have become longer and more arduous, affecting travelers’ efficiency and comfort.
To address these issues, intercity bus lines require support from public agencies and political establishments to ensure that disadvantaged groups and those with disabilities are not left behind. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is essential to shed light on this overlooked problem that affects millions of Americans but remains unacknowledged by the affluent and powerful.
In conclusion, the deteriorating state of intercity bus stations across the United States is causing inconvenience and distress for Thanksgiving travelers. While other modes of transportation receive upgrades and funding, bus passengers are left to face the elements and endure longer, more challenging journeys. The lack of attention to intercity bus station improvements is indicative of the limited political influence and socioeconomic constraints faced by bus riders. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and ensure equitable and efficient travel for all.
