How does megabus profit

Like JetBlue, curbside-bus companies have cut costs by drastically reducing rent and labor expenses, eschewing bus terminals for city-center curbside pickup. The strategy seems to be working: while traditional bus companies are still growing, curbside companies are booming.

Some riders have raised fears that no-frills lines might stint on safety after a spate of accidents involving smaller discount bus lines and the fatal crash of a Megabus outside Chicago in August. Megabus responded by giving its drivers additional training and says its ridership has continued to grow. And the industry has taken notice.

Before the coronavirus crisis, the companies often competed with each other. But there were also towns where only one company provided any kind of intercity bus service. When the pandemic struck, the responses from the bus companies varied a great deal. Megabus suspended trips for the entire Midwest region. Wisconsin Coach Lines reduced its schedule, and Peoria Charter ended all trips between Chicago, Peoria and Bloomington-Normal, while only keeping one trip each way between Chicago and Urbana-Champaign.

Burlington Trailways closed many of its station buildings in Illinois and reduced hours for several stations in other states. But it continued to serve all stations until June 1, when it eliminated service to Freeport, Galena, Rockford, and Stockton.

Greyhound reduced the number of trips, and while it did suspend services to some stations, none of those stops are in Illinois. Suffice it to say, most of those revenue streams have been dramatically decreased as the pandemic caused the demand to plummet.

The company stated that, under normal conditions, U. If you are inclined to do so, please call or write your representatives to let them know what impact the scheduled route bus service has on your community and what this loss means to you. Choose your subscription.

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