Greyhound new nightmare
April 20th, 2019 at 1:42:03 PM
permalink
Looks like I am switching to NJ transit. Not the best bus schedule but the crap at Greyhound has now become intolerable
Beginning April 1st they changed their 20 years long policy of selling open tickets to AC for a reserved seating basis.
With open tickets you could get on any bus and return at any time (it was a 5 day window)
Now your ticket must be for the exact bus. If not you are subject to a $20 change fee (for a $22 ticket)
Here is what I just observed:
Arrived at 1pm. Busses sold out so had to get ticket for 2pm.
At gate first person on line was for 12:30 which never came. When 1pm arrives he is told by driver his ticket is no good since its for 12:30. He has to go upstairs and change his ticket. I already know they wont give him the 1pm bus because I tried and its too late to issue 1pm tickets
He angrily leaves. FOUR (4) people have tickets for 1pm and enter bus. There are 50 people behind them but with 1:30 tickets. They are told nothing to be done new rules they have to wait till 1:30
50 people watch as 1pm bus leaves for AC with 4 passengers
1:30 bus DOES NOT ARRIVE
2pm bus arrives and thats mine so I get on. So does the 12:30 guy who comments how glad he was he lost his argument for a ticket on the 1:30 which would have kept him there longer
Meanwhile only 6 people are on my bus. Hollering and screaming from 50 people told they must wait for the now 30 minutes late bus even though there are plenty of seats on the 2pm bus leaving.
So another bus goes to AC with just 6 passengers while 50 are waiting and left behind
SMH. This is not how you run a business
Helicopters too expensive (and has the same stringent rules to boot) so it NJ Transit for me
Beginning April 1st they changed their 20 years long policy of selling open tickets to AC for a reserved seating basis.
With open tickets you could get on any bus and return at any time (it was a 5 day window)
Now your ticket must be for the exact bus. If not you are subject to a $20 change fee (for a $22 ticket)
Here is what I just observed:
Arrived at 1pm. Busses sold out so had to get ticket for 2pm.
At gate first person on line was for 12:30 which never came. When 1pm arrives he is told by driver his ticket is no good since its for 12:30. He has to go upstairs and change his ticket. I already know they wont give him the 1pm bus because I tried and its too late to issue 1pm tickets
He angrily leaves. FOUR (4) people have tickets for 1pm and enter bus. There are 50 people behind them but with 1:30 tickets. They are told nothing to be done new rules they have to wait till 1:30
50 people watch as 1pm bus leaves for AC with 4 passengers
1:30 bus DOES NOT ARRIVE
2pm bus arrives and thats mine so I get on. So does the 12:30 guy who comments how glad he was he lost his argument for a ticket on the 1:30 which would have kept him there longer
Meanwhile only 6 people are on my bus. Hollering and screaming from 50 people told they must wait for the now 30 minutes late bus even though there are plenty of seats on the 2pm bus leaving.
So another bus goes to AC with just 6 passengers while 50 are waiting and left behind
SMH. This is not how you run a business
Helicopters too expensive (and has the same stringent rules to boot) so it NJ Transit for me
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 20th, 2019 at 1:46:40 PM
permalink
This seems like an issue that will very quickly work itself out.
Its been years since I did the bus from the P.A. but back then, the buses left from 79 and 80 and the ticket office was right there in between them, with a Greyhound Café across from it.
Its been years since I did the bus from the P.A. but back then, the buses left from 79 and 80 and the ticket office was right there in between them, with a Greyhound Café across from it.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 20th, 2019 at 2:06:23 PM
permalink
This sounds like the Greyhound people on the front lines don't understand the new policy or haven't been trained on it or something... Like they're taking the policy too literally and can't think for themselves.
April 20th, 2019 at 2:08:42 PM
permalink
I honestly have no issue with this rule of picking your time. However.... at the terminal there should be a standby line. Once the ticketed passengers get on then early people could fill the bus.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
April 20th, 2019 at 2:11:52 PM
permalink
Quote: TigerWuThis sounds like the Greyhound people on the front lines don't understand the new policy or haven't been trained on it or something... Like they're taking the policy too literally and can't think for themselves.
Labor dispute? Sometimes Unions insist on rigidly adhering to rules as a protest. Or it might just be a very badly fumbled transition to a new system.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 20th, 2019 at 2:21:06 PM
permalink
Quote: billryanOr it might just be a very badly fumbled transition to a new system.
I'm betting it's this. The way darkoz is describing it is nonsensical. There's no way they can keep that up.
April 20th, 2019 at 2:33:56 PM
permalink
In the aftermath of September 11th, Greyhound started searching bags and wanding passengers. After a few weeks, only the buses to Bally's did it, the rest of the buses you simply got on. So I'm waiting for some people to take the 3PM bus when these two incredibly sketchy guys try to board the 230 bus but refuse to get searched. Guy tells them there is no chance they can get on this bus without being searched but if they wait a half hour, they won't be checking that one. So they waited and got on my bus. Greyhounds policies certainly made me feel safer.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 20th, 2019 at 2:45:20 PM
permalink
No one cares anymore; the foul-ups will probably continue.
April 20th, 2019 at 2:46:57 PM
permalink
Okay, maybe a stupid question, darkoz, but... if you gamble so much why don't you move closer to the casino so you can just drive there and not have to deal with inefficient public transportation?
April 20th, 2019 at 3:00:19 PM
permalink
Quote: TigerWuOkay, maybe a stupid question, darkoz, but... if you gamble so much why don't you move closer to the casino so you can just drive there and not have to deal with inefficient public transportation?
Its hard to leave NYC. I left it for Vegas and still miss living in the City.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 20th, 2019 at 3:25:43 PM
permalink
Quote: billryanThis seems like an issue that will very quickly work itself out.
Its been years since I did the bus from the P.A. but back then, the buses left from 79 and 80 and the ticket office was right there in between them, with a Greyhound Café across from it.
Good memory but they closed that casino only ticket counter. Everything is handled now at the main ticket counter one floor up.
Its still gates 79 and 80
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 20th, 2019 at 3:28:49 PM
permalink
Quote: TigerWuOkay, maybe a stupid question, darkoz, but... if you gamble so much why don't you move closer to the casino so you can just drive there and not have to deal with inefficient public transportation?
I have operations going on in 4 states currently
Which one should I live near? (Multiple apartments still means I have to travel between them)
Besides with the transitory nature of AP you could easily settle into an apartment only to have the operation end the following month
NYC is where my family lives and where I grew up so I am pretty happy here.
Now if Greyhound can just get there crap together...
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 20th, 2019 at 3:47:02 PM
permalink
Article on people upset at this new policy
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/casinos_tourism/ac-gamblers-upset-with-greyhound-s-casino-bus-change/article_32237f18-ca7e-524f-9976-67d77b0e021e.amp.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/casinos_tourism/ac-gamblers-upset-with-greyhound-s-casino-bus-change/article_32237f18-ca7e-524f-9976-67d77b0e021e.amp.html
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 21st, 2019 at 9:23:54 AM
permalink
My last ride on a greyhound...
18 years old, going from Chicago to Indy.
Kid gets stuck in the bathroom.
Driver pulls over.
Can’t get door open.
Driver asks “Does anyone have a knife?”
5 people rush to the back with gigantic blades.
18 years old, going from Chicago to Indy.
Kid gets stuck in the bathroom.
Driver pulls over.
Can’t get door open.
Driver asks “Does anyone have a knife?”
5 people rush to the back with gigantic blades.
April 21st, 2019 at 9:38:26 AM
permalink
Quote: FinsRuleMy last ride on a greyhound...
18 years old, going from Chicago to Indy.
Kid gets stuck in the bathroom.
Driver pulls over.
Can’t get door open.
Driver asks “Does anyone have a knife?”
5 people rush to the back with gigantic blades.
I am sure you would have been less concerned if it were handguns or AR-15's
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 21st, 2019 at 9:55:49 AM
permalink
If he would have asked, I’m sure they would have been provided.
April 21st, 2019 at 10:14:37 AM
permalink
Quote: FinsRuleIf he would have asked, I’m sure they would have been provided.
Yay for 2nd amendment
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:54:27 AM
permalink
Where were the missing busses? How did the busses scheduled later get ahead of them?
I suspect the reserved seat policy is part of a background check / "No Fly/Ride List" security process.
I suspect the reserved seat policy is part of a background check / "No Fly/Ride List" security process.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 23rd, 2019 at 11:01:32 AM
permalink
Quote: AyecarumbaWhere were the missing busses? How did the busses scheduled later get ahead of them?
Traffic. Assuming the bus is coming from AC, it has to go through the Lincoln Tunnel. At rush hour, that along can take an hour and there are numerous routes a bus can take to get there. I once had a nightmare trip where an accident had us sitting on the Parkway for well over an hour and the whole trip took five hours plus. Another time, a wildfire closed the parkway and we diverted almost to Philly before heading to AC, easily adding an hour to the trip.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 23rd, 2019 at 11:20:51 AM
permalink
Quote: AyecarumbaWhere were the missing busses? How did the busses scheduled later get ahead of them?
I suspect the reserved seat policy is part of a background check / "No Fly/Ride List" security process.
No fly list?
They dont check ID. While the tickets ask for your name I can put Ronald McDonald and still be issued a ticket and board the bus
Also tickets can be purchased up till 5 minutes prior to the bus leaving. No background checks are being done
People on here really never took a bus lol
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 23rd, 2019 at 12:24:02 PM
permalink
I have a few times when necessary. That's how I got to Vegas.Quote: darkozNo fly list?
They dont check ID. While the tickets ask for your name I can put Ronald McDonald and still be issued a ticket and board the bus
Also tickets can be purchased up till 5 minutes prior to the bus leaving. No background checks are being done
People on here really never took a bus lol
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
April 23rd, 2019 at 12:29:40 PM
permalink
Quote: AxelWolfI have a few times when necessary. That's how I got to Vegas.
But you forgot about the nice man you met at the bus station in Vegas that helped you get on your feet.
April 23rd, 2019 at 2:48:44 PM
permalink
Quote: darkoz
People on here really never took a bus lol
No, we drive cars.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 23rd, 2019 at 3:00:31 PM
permalink
I think you have me mixed up with some of the Blackjack guy's.Quote: BozBut you forgot about the nice man you met at the bus station in Vegas that helped you get on your feet.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
April 23rd, 2019 at 3:53:53 PM
permalink
Quote: DRichNo, we drive cars.
That statement to me has as much power as telling a Jewish man "No, we believe in Christ"
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:33:05 PM
permalink
Quote: DRichNo, we drive cars.
From some of the responses I've seen here over the years I'd guess that at least a few drive buses too...
May 23rd, 2019 at 8:42:10 PM
permalink
There was a period of time where I remember Greyhound checking IDs to make sure it matched your ticket. They made a big production of saying over and over to have your ticket and ID in hand before you get to the door. I can't say definitively it was on the AC route though. Most of my Greyhound trips have been to other East Coast cities.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
June 3rd, 2019 at 7:43:39 PM
permalink
Haven't rode a Greyhound bus in 8 years and certainly won't now if this policy stays in effect.
I used to take Academy and they had their problems, now they don't run daily service to AC because of lack of demand. If only they knew about the large Asian population in Edison and Bergen county that gamble and prefer to ride a bus.
I now take Raritan Valley Buses to Sands PA and sometimes the Panorama bus to AC if there is a concert or gift giveaway at Trop or Resorts. The cost is fair $33 for Sands with $35 slot play or $40 for AC with $30 slot play. The crowds seem to be increasing due to the recent resurgence in AC. The Sands buses are almost always full due to proximity to Route 78 and Northwest NJ counties.
If they ever started an absurd policy like Greyhound, I'm sure they would lose a good amount of those regular commuters. People want to enjoy their Casino trip and have the freedom to choose when & why they leave. If they are having a good time, they may get a room and stay another day. If they are losing their shirt, they might wanna leave early and come back another day.
But they don't need to be forced to come and go or have to pay ridiculous fees change their itinerary. Greyhound will learn the error of their ways soon enough.
I used to take Academy and they had their problems, now they don't run daily service to AC because of lack of demand. If only they knew about the large Asian population in Edison and Bergen county that gamble and prefer to ride a bus.
I now take Raritan Valley Buses to Sands PA and sometimes the Panorama bus to AC if there is a concert or gift giveaway at Trop or Resorts. The cost is fair $33 for Sands with $35 slot play or $40 for AC with $30 slot play. The crowds seem to be increasing due to the recent resurgence in AC. The Sands buses are almost always full due to proximity to Route 78 and Northwest NJ counties.
If they ever started an absurd policy like Greyhound, I'm sure they would lose a good amount of those regular commuters. People want to enjoy their Casino trip and have the freedom to choose when & why they leave. If they are having a good time, they may get a room and stay another day. If they are losing their shirt, they might wanna leave early and come back another day.
But they don't need to be forced to come and go or have to pay ridiculous fees change their itinerary. Greyhound will learn the error of their ways soon enough.
May 9th, 2020 at 10:14:45 PM
permalink
Just wanted to update regarding Bus travel to AC and PA casinos. I kept in touch via Text with a Panorama Bus driver who informed before the lockdown that bus service would cease indefinitely.
He was recently let go from his job stating they will not resume service to AC and said they probably will let the other drivers go as well and discontinue service.
This will probably mean other bus companies will also cut services to AC casinos unless they are stuck in contracts that require otherwise.
I'm not shocked, but it does suck that one of the last reliable bus tours is shutting down.
He was recently let go from his job stating they will not resume service to AC and said they probably will let the other drivers go as well and discontinue service.
This will probably mean other bus companies will also cut services to AC casinos unless they are stuck in contracts that require otherwise.
I'm not shocked, but it does suck that one of the last reliable bus tours is shutting down.
May 9th, 2020 at 11:37:23 PM
permalink
🚗🚗🛵🛵🏍🏍🏎🚁🚁Quote: BedWetterBetterJust wanted to update regarding Bus travel to AC and PA casinos. I kept in touch via Text with a Panorama Bus driver who informed before the lockdown that bus service would cease indefinitely.
He was recently let go from his job stating they will not resume service to AC and said they probably will let the other drivers go as well and discontinue service.
This will probably mean other bus companies will also cut services to AC casinos unless they are stuck in contracts that require otherwise.
I'm not shocked, but it does suck that one of the last reliable bus tours is shutting down.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
May 9th, 2020 at 11:51:02 PM
permalink
Canadian Greyhound is shutting down in a couple days because of a 95% drop off in passengers.
I drove by a local mall and a local casino; they both had their parking lots blocked off so just keep driving on the main road.
Subway at Walmart is still open but take-out only.
I drove by a local mall and a local casino; they both had their parking lots blocked off so just keep driving on the main road.
Subway at Walmart is still open but take-out only.
May 10th, 2020 at 11:54:14 PM
permalink
Quote: ChumpChangeCanadian Greyhound is shutting down in a couple days because of a 95% drop off in passengers.
I drove by a local mall and a local casino; they both had their parking lots blocked off so just keep driving on the main road.
Subway at Walmart is still open but take-out only.
NJ Transit still runs service to AC, but not the casinos directly. It goes to the AC Bus Station and you have to buy one-way tickets.
I heard a bus driver in Detroit caught COVID from a coughing passenger. Just another reason not to travel there!
