Jump to content

BoltBus: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
5,285,696 edits
Removed parameters. | You can use this bot yourself. Report bugs here. | Activated by RayScript | via #UCB_toolbar
another simple grammar edit -Penn Station is a stop in Baltimore,MD USA. Had to remove the comma
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American commercial intercity bus service}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox Bus transit
{{Infobox Bus transit
Line 7: Line 8:
| image_size =250px
| image_size =250px
| image_caption = A BoltBus in Portland, Oregon, in 2014
| image_caption = A BoltBus in Portland, Oregon, in 2014
| company_slogan = Bolt for a Buck
| parent = [[Greyhound Lines]]
| parent = [[Greyhound Lines]]
| founded = {{Start date|2008|March|27}}
| founded = {{start date and age|2008|03|27}}
| defunct = {{end date and age|2021|07|01}}
| headquarters = [[One Dallas Center]]<br>350 N St. Paul St<br>[[Dallas]], [[Texas]], U.S.
| headquarters = [[One Dallas Center]]<br>350 N St. Paul St<br>[[Dallas]], [[Texas]], U.S.
| locale =
| service_area = [[Northeastern United States]]<br>[[Pacific Northwest]]<br>[[California]]/[[Nevada]]
| service_area = [[Northeastern United States]]<br>[[Pacific Northwest]]<br>[[California]]/[[Nevada]]
| service_type = [[Intercity bus service]]
| service_type = [[Intercity bus service]]
| alliance =
| routes =
| destinations =Northeast:<br>[[Baltimore]]; [[Boston]]; [[Cherry Hill, New Jersey|Cherry Hill]]; [[Greenbelt, Maryland]]; [[Newark, New Jersey]]; [[New Haven, Connecticut]] ;[[New York City]] ; [[Philadelphia]]; [[Washington, D.C.]]<br>Northwest:<br>[[Albany, Oregon|Albany]]; [[Bellingham, Washington|Bellingham]]; [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]]; [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]; [[Seattle]]; [[Vancouver]]
| destinations =Northeast:<br>[[Baltimore]]; [[Boston]]; [[Cherry Hill, New Jersey|Cherry Hill]]; [[Greenbelt, Maryland]]; [[Newark, New Jersey]]; [[New Haven, Connecticut]] ;[[New York City]] ; [[Philadelphia]]; [[Washington, D.C.]]<br>Northwest:<br>[[Albany, Oregon|Albany]]; [[Bellingham, Washington|Bellingham]]; [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]]; [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]; [[Seattle]]; [[Vancouver]]
| stops =
| hubs =
| stations =
| lounge =
| fleet = 101 units:<br> 70 [[Prevost Car|Prevost]] X3-45<br>31 [[Motor Coach Industries|MCI]] D4505
| fleet = 101 units:<br> 70 [[Prevost Car|Prevost]] X3-45<br>31 [[Motor Coach Industries|MCI]] D4505
| ridership =
| fuel_type = Diesel
| fuel_type = Diesel
| operator = [[Greyhound Lines]]
| operator = [[Greyhound Lines]]
}}
| ceo =
| website = [http://www.boltbus.com/ Official Web site]
⚫
|Owner=Greyhound Lines, Inc.}}


'''BoltBus''' is an [[Intercity bus service|intercity bus]] [[common carrier]] that operates low-cost, non-stop and limited-stop, premium level routes in the [[Northeastern United States|northeast]] and [[Western United States|western]] United States and [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]].
'''BoltBus''' was an [[Intercity bus service|intercity bus]] [[common carrier]] and a division of [[Greyhound Lines]] that operated from March 2008 until July 2021 in the [[Northeastern United States|northeast]] and [[Western United States|western]] United States and [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]].


At least one ticket on every bus was randomly sold for $1, excluding "handling charges".<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2015/01/bolt_bus_provides_cheap_freque.html | title=Bolt Bus provides cheap, frequent, convenient service along Interstate 5, Portland to Seattle or Eugene | first=Terry | last=Richard | work=[[The Oregonian]] | date=January 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.geekwire.com/2021/cheap-tech-friendly-boltbus-rolled-into-greyhound-during-service-renovations/ | title=Cheap, tech friendly BoltBus is rolled into Greyhound during 'service renovations' | first=KURT | last=SCHLOSSER | work=[[GeekWire]] | date=July 1, 2021}}</ref> The $1 fare was the basis for its slogan "Bolt for a Buck".<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Beating $4 Gas with a $1 Bus | url=http://content.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1812012,00.html | first=Anita | last=Hamilton | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=June 6, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607204731/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1812012,00.html?imw=Y | archive-date=June 7, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref>
In the northeast, BoltBus provides service along the [[Interstate 95]] corridor between [[Boston]] and [[Washington, DC]]. On the west coast, BoltBus service is offered in [[Oregon]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] and [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]].


In the northeast, BoltBus provided service between [[New York City]] and [[South Station Bus Terminal]] in [[Boston]], [[Union Station (Washington, D.C.)|Union Station]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Pennsylvania Station (Baltimore)|Penn Station]] in [[Baltimore]], the [[Greenbelt (Washington Metro)|Greenbelt Metro station]] in [[Greenbelt, Maryland]], [[Pennsylvania Station (Newark)|Penn Station]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[30th Street Station]] in [[Philadelphia]], and the [[Cherry Hill Mall]] in [[Cherry Hill, New Jersey]]. On the west coast, BoltBus service was offered in [[Oregon]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], and [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]. Service was available between [[International District/Chinatown station]] in [[Seattle]] and Portland, [[Pacific Central Station]] in [[Vancouver]], [[Bellingham, Washington|Bellingham]], [[Albany, Oregon|Albany]], and [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]].
BoltBus is owned by [[Greyhound Lines]] and uses the company's operating authority, but it is operated as a distinct business with little advertisement of the corporate connection.


⚫
The BoltBus branding incorporated a [[thunderbolt]] logo similar to the one used by the [[British Union of Fascists]], but the company claimed that the resemblance was purely coincidental.<ref>{{cite news | last=Cedotal | first=Andrew | title=Is Bolt Bus Using the Logo of a British Fascist Party? | url=https://www.themarysue.com/is-bolt-bus-fascist/ | work=[[The Mary Sue]] | date=January 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Hopper | first=Tristin | title=Fascist, schmaschist: Why a West Coast bus company picked the same logo as some dead British fascists | url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bus-companys-logo-identical-to-notorious-u-k-fascist-groups-but-theyre-sticking-with-it | work=[[National Post]] | date=January 28, 2016}}</ref>
BoltBus competes with other low-cost carriers such as [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]] and [[Chinatown bus|Chinatown bus carriers]].


When ticketed, passengers were assigned to a boarding group (S, A, B & C). Passengers who purchased their tickets earlier or were members of the company's [[loyalty program]] or had [[special needs]] got an earlier boarding group assignment.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.wanderu.com/blog/boltbus-ticket/ | title=How to Read Your BoltBus Ticket | first=Tom | last=Gambardella | work=[[Wanderu (company)|Wanderu]] | date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
The BoltBus branding incorporates a lightning bolt logo similar to the one used by the [[British Union of Fascists]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cedotal |first1=Andrew |title=Is Bolt Bus Using the Logo of a British Fascist Party? |url=https://www.themarysue.com/is-bolt-bus-fascist/ |website=The Mary Sue |accessdate=10 July 2019 |date=January 25, 2010}}</ref> A spokesperson for Greyhound claimed in an interview that the resemblance was purely coincidental and not intentional.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hopper |first1=Tristin |title=Fascist, schmaschist: Why a West Coast bus company picked the same logo as some dead British fascists |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bus-companys-logo-identical-to-notorious-u-k-fascist-groups-but-theyre-sticking-with-it |website=National Post |accessdate=10 July 2019 |date=January 28, 2016}}</ref>


==History==
==Routes and history==

===Northeast===
[[File:BoltBus Prevost X3-45 0800.jpg|thumb|A BoltBus [[Prevost Car|Prevost X3-45]] in New York City.]]
[[File:BoltBus Prevost X3-45 0800.jpg|thumb|A BoltBus [[Prevost Car|Prevost X3-45]] in New York City.]]
Facing increasing competition from low-cost [[Chinatown bus|Chinatown bus carriers]] in the northeast, Greyhound and [[Peter Pan Bus Lines]] partnered to launch BoltBus as a low-cost, non-stop brand.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/03/03/daily12.html|title=Boltbus starts from D.C. to New York City service|last=Killian|first=Erin|date=March 4, 2008|accessdate=April 15, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329004519/http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/03/03/daily12.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=March 29, 2008|publisher=Washington Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boltbus.com/faq.aspx|title=BoltBus - FAQ|accessdate=April 10, 2014|quote=BoltBus is owned by Greyhound Lines, Inc. and is operated in the Northeast region in partnership with Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc. of Springfield, MA.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Peter Pan, Greyhound offer new bus service|url= http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/03/peter_pan_greyhound_offer_new.html|first= Jim|last= Kinney|publisher= The Republican|date= March 11, 2008|accessdate= June 9, 2008}}</ref> Service began over the course of a month in early 2008. The first route to begin operation was between New York and Washington, D.C. on March 27, 2008, followed by a route between New York and Philadelphia on April 10, 2008, and between New York and Boston on April 24, 2008.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/boltbus-1-maiden-voyage-midtown-thursday-article-1.290831|title=Bus fare to D.C. a dollar, not a dream!|last=O'Neill|first=Xana|date=March 27, 2008|work=[[NY Daily News]]|access-date=September 15, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
In March 2008, facing competition from [[Chinatown bus lines]] in the northeast, Greyhound and [[Peter Pan Bus Lines]] partnered to launch BoltBus as a lower-cost brand.<ref name=starts>{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/03/03/daily12.html | title=Boltbus starts from D.C. to New York City service | last=Killian | first=Erin | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=March 4, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329004519/http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/03/03/daily12.html | archive-date=March 29, 2008| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Peter Pan, Greyhound offer new bus service | url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2008/03/peter_pan_greyhound_offer_new.html | first=Jim | last=Kinney | work=[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]] | date=March 11, 2008}}</ref>


The first route was between [[New York City]] and [[Washington, D.C.]], launched on March 27, 2008, followed by a route between New York City and [[Philadelphia]] launched on April 10, 2008, and between New York City and [[Boston]] launched on April 24, 2008.<ref name=starts/><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/boltbus-1-maiden-voyage-midtown-thursday-article-1.290831 | title=Bus fare to D.C. a dollar, not a dream! | last=O'Neill | first=Xana | work=[[New York Daily News]] | date=March 27, 2008 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
Over the following years service was expanded several more times, with stops in Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland added in 2009, a stop in Newark added on March 24, 2011.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web|title=BoltBus - FAQ|url=https://www.boltbus.com/faq.aspx|publisher=BoltBus|accessdate=April 19, 2014}}</ref>


That year, the company was named one of America's hottest brands by ''[[Ad Age]]''.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://adage.com/article/special-report-americas-hottest-brands-2009/bolt-bus-america-s-hottest-brands-case-study/140463 | title=BOLT BUS: AN AMERICA'S HOTTEST BRANDS CASE STUDY | first=Rupal | last=Parekh | work=[[Ad Age]] | date=November 16, 2009 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
⚫
After a lengthy legal skirmish, Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines announced that they would no longer be partnering together. As part of a legal settlement, Greyhound became the sole owner of BoltBus, effective September 27, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/29/greyhound-peter-pan-will-split-and-rivals-again/NUe8YqNnDgxpsPjHhn2HWO/story.html|title=Greyhound, Peter Pan will split up and be rivals again - The Boston Globe|work=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215643/https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/29/greyhound-peter-pan-will-split-and-rivals-again/NUe8YqNnDgxpsPjHhn2HWO/story.html|archive-date=September 14, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Stops in [[Baltimore]] and [[Greenbelt, Maryland]] were added in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-04-boltbus_launching_service_from-story.html | title=BoltBus launching service: Baltimore to NYC for $1 | first=Michelle | last=Deal-Zimmerman | work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] | date=April 30, 2009 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
The BoltBus network in the northeast radiates from New York City. Service is currently available between New York City and [[Boston]]'s [[South Station Bus Terminal]], [[Washington, D.C.]]'s [[Union Station (Washington, D.C.)|Union Station]], [[Baltimore]]'s [[Pennsylvania Station (Baltimore)|Penn Station]], the [[Greenbelt (Washington Metro)|Greenbelt Metro station]] in [[Greenbelt, Maryland]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]]'s [[Pennsylvania Station (Newark)|Penn Station]] and [[Philadelphia]] from both the [[30th Street Station]] in University City and the [[Cherry Hill Mall]] in the suburb of [[Cherry Hill, New Jersey]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://www.boltbus.com/default.aspx |title=BoltBus Buy Tickets |publisher=BoltBus |accessdate=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816195601/https://www.boltbus.com/default.aspx |archive-date=August 16, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


A stop in [[Newark, New Jersey]] was added on March 24, 2011.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2011/03/08/boltbus-adds-baltimore-newark-nj.html | title=BoltBus adds Baltimore-Newark, N.J., route | first=Jeff | last=Clabaugh | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=March 8, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-expands-its-newark-nj-hub-with-service-to-boston-and-philadelphia-beginning-june-23-123803979.html | title=BoltBus Expands its Newark, N.J. Hub With Service to Boston and Philadelphia Beginning June 23 | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=June 14, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.patriotledger.com/story/business/2011/06/14/boltbus-launches-new-route-between/40043878007/ | title=BoltBus launches new route between Boston and Philadelphia | work=[[The Patriot Ledger]] | date=June 14, 2011 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
===Pacific Northwest===
BoltBus service in the Pacific Northwest radiates from Seattle. Service is currently available between Seattle's [[International District/Chinatown station|International/District Chinatown station]] and Portland, [[Vancouver]], BC's [[Pacific Central Station]], [[Bellingham, Washington|Bellingham]], [[Albany, Oregon|Albany]], and [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]].<ref name=":1" />


BoltBus expanded to the Pacific Northwest on May 17, 2012, offering service between [[Seattle]] and [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/04/30/boltbus-to-offer-fares-as-low-as-2.html|title=BoltBus to offer $1 fares between Seattle, Portland}}</ref> Unlike the service in the northeast, Greyhound has always operated its BoltBus service on the west coast without a partner bus carrier. Service in the Pacific Northwest was expanded to Vancouver, BC and Bellingham on May 31, 2012<ref>{{cite web|title=BoltBus adds a Vancouver, B.C. line from Seattle|url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2012/05/boltbus-adds-a-vancouver-b-c-line-from-seattle}}</ref> and again on October 3, 2013 to [[Albany, Oregon|Albany]] and [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]].<ref>{{cite web|title=BoltBus To Expand Oregon Service To Eugene And Albany On Oct. 3|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-to-expand-oregon-service-to-eugene-and-albany-on-oct-3-223139361.html|publisher=PRNewswire|accessdate=November 7, 2013|date=September 10, 2013}}</ref>
BoltBus expanded to the Pacific Northwest on May 17, 2012, offering service between [[Seattle]] and [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/04/30/boltbus-to-offer-fares-as-low-as-2.html | title=BoltBus to offer $1 fares between Seattle, Portland | first=Jennifer | last=Sokolowsky | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> Unlike the service in the northeast, Greyhound operated its BoltBus service on the west coast without a partner bus carrier. Service in the Pacific Northwest was expanded to Vancouver and Bellingham on May 31, 2012<ref>{{cite news | title=BoltBus adds a Vancouver, B.C. line from Seattle | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/boltbus-adds-a-vancouver-b-c-line-from-seattle/ | first=Mike | last=Lindblom | work=[[The Seattle Times]] | date=May 14, 2012}}</ref> and to [[Albany, Oregon|Albany]] and [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]] on October 3, 2013.<ref>{{cite press release | title=BoltBus To Expand Oregon Service To Eugene And Albany On Oct. 3 | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-to-expand-oregon-service-to-eugene-and-albany-on-oct-3-223139361.html |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=September 10, 2013}}</ref>


⚫
BoltBus expanded into California on October 31, 2013, offering service between [[Los Angeles]] and San Jose and Oakland.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-to-launch-service-in-california-on-oct-31-227822291.html | title=BoltBus To Launch Service In California On Oct. 31 | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=October 15, 2013}}</ref> A stop at [[Transbay Terminal]] in [[San Francisco]] was added to the route on December 12, 2013.<ref name=Expands>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-expands-from-los-angeles-adds-las-vegas-san-francisco-service-235260791.html | title=BoltBus Expands From Los Angeles; Adds Las Vegas, San Francisco Service | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=December 10, 2013}}</ref>
===California/Nevada===
⚫
BoltBus expanded into California on October 31, 2013 offering service between [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] and the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. The service originally operated between Los Angeles, San Jose and Oakland.<ref>{{cite web|title=BoltBus To Launch Service In California On Oct. 31|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-to-launch-service-in-california-on-oct-31-227822291.html|publisher=PRNewswire|accessdate=October 15, 2013|date=October 15, 2013}}</ref> A stop at [[San Francisco|San Francisco's]] [[Transbay Terminal]] was added to the route on December 12, 2013,<ref name="SF & LV Service">{{cite web|title=BoltBus Expands From Los Angeles; Adds Las Vegas, San Francisco Service|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-expands-from-los-angeles-adds-las-vegas-san-francisco-service-235260791.html|publisher=PRNewswire|accessdate=December 12, 2013|date=December 10, 2013}}</ref> followed by a stop in Hollywood on January 8, 2015.


A second route between Los Angeles's Union Station and [[San Diego]] was added on November 14, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|title=BoltBus Continues California Expansion, Adds San Diego Service|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-continues-california-expansion-adds-san-diego-service-230855361.html|publisher=PRNewswire|accessdate=November 7, 2013|date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> but was discontinued in January 2014 due to low ridership.
A second route between Union Station in Los Angeles and [[San Diego]] was added on November 14, 2013.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-continues-california-expansion-adds-san-diego-service-230855361.html | title=BoltBus Continues California Expansion, Adds San Diego Service | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=November 6, 2013}}</ref>


BoltBus service was expanded outside of California on December 12, 2013 with a route between Los Angeles Union Station and [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] with a stop in [[Barstow, California|Barstow]].<ref name="SF & LV Service" />
On December 12, 2013, a route was added between Los Angeles [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]] and [[Las Vegas]], with a stop in [[Barstow, California|Barstow]].<ref name=Expands/>


In 2015, it added a pickup in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles]] for routes to/from [[Northern California]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/california/la-trb-hollywood-bolt-bus-20150113-story.html | title=BoltBus adds Hollywood pickup for Northern California routes | first=MARY | last=FORGIONE | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=January 14, 2015 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
⚫
BoltBus service was extended to Fresno, California on October 19, 2017, with routes to Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.<ref>{{cite web |title= BoltBus Expanding Service in California, adding Fresno, CA |url= https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-expanding-service-in-california-adding-fresno-ca-300535762.html |publisher= PRNewswire |accessdate= November 12, 2017 |date= October 12, 2017}}</ref>


In October 2016, the company launched a new onboard entertainment system.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-launches-all-new-on-board-entertainment-system-300350190.html | title=BoltBus Launches All New On-Board Entertainment System | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=October 25, 2016}}</ref>
BoltBus no longer operates in California or Nevada as those locations are no longer listed on the Bolt Bus web site.


⚫
Effective September 27, 2017, after a lengthy legal skirmish, Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines ended their partnership and Greyhound became the sole owner of BoltBus.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www3.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/29/greyhound-peter-pan-will-split-and-rivals-again/NUe8YqNnDgxpsPjHhn2HWO/story.html | title=Greyhound, Peter Pan will split up and be rivals again | first=Adam | last=Vaccaro | work=[[The Boston Globe]] | url-access=limited | date=August 29, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215643/https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/29/greyhound-peter-pan-will-split-and-rivals-again/NUe8YqNnDgxpsPjHhn2HWO/story.html |archive-date=September 14, 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref>
==Services==


⚫
On October 19, 2017, BoltBus service was extended to [[Fresno, California]], with routes to Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boltbus-expanding-service-in-california-adding-fresno-ca-300535762.html | title=BoltBus Expanding Service in California, adding Fresno, CA | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=October 12, 2017}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:BoltBus D4505.jpg|thumb|BoltBus #0889, a 2013 [[Motor Coach Industries]] D4505 stopped at [[Pacific Central Station]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], Canada.]]


In March 2019, BoltBus added stops in [[Tacoma, Washington]] and [[Everett, Washington]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/discount-bus-service-launches-from-everett-station/ | title=BoltBus links Everett to Seattle and other big I-5 cities | first=Janice | last=Podsada | work=[[The Everett Herald]] | date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> It also added a stop in [[Wilmington, Delaware]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://technical.ly/diversity-equity-inclusion/boltbus-new-line-from-wilmington-to-baltimore-and-dc/ | title=BoltBus just made it easier to get from Wilmington to Baltimore and DC | first=Holly | last=Quinn | work=[[Technically Media]] | date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>
Unlike parent Greyhound, all tickets sold on BoltBus are for reserved seating and buses are not oversold.<ref name=FAQ /> On each trip, at least one ticket is sold for $1, with most pre-booked tickets priced in the $10–$20 range, via the [[yield management]] model.<ref name="fares">{{cite web | url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gU1h4DT1JTF0OmsnYnKYS5iH4-zQ | title=The Canadian Press: Greyhound's BoltBus offers cheap curbside service in the United States | accessdate=May 14, 2008 | date=May 2, 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> BoltBus sells the $1 tickets at random within the first few seats sold.<ref name=FAQ /> The $1 fare is the basis for its slogan "Bolt for a Buck".<ref>{{cite news|author=Anita Hamilton |title=Beating $4 Gas with a $1 Bus |url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1812012,00.html?imw=Y |publisher=Time, Inc. |date=June 6, 2008 |accessdate=June 8, 2008}}</ref> Since buses do not operate out of traditional stations with ticket windows, passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets either online or on the phone before heading to the bus stop, but drivers will also accept cash from "walk-up" passengers, if space is available (walk-up tickets typically cost 30% more than online fares).<ref name=FAQ /> When ticketed, passengers are assigned to a boarding group (S, A, B & C). Passengers who purchased their tickets earlier get a better boarding group assignment, allowing them to board the bus and choose their seats earlier. Passengers who are members of the Bolt Rewards program are always assigned to the A boarding group.<ref name=FAQ /> Passengers who have special needs are assigned to the S boarding group and are allowed to board before other passengers.

On July 1, 2021, BoltBus discontinued its operations.<ref>{{Cite news | title=RIP, BoltBus — the affordable, trendy bus company has discontinued service; Greyhound will take over its routes | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/rip-boltbus-the-affordable-trendy-bus-company-has-discontinued-service-and-greyhound-will-take-over-its-routes/ | work=[[The Seattle Times]] | last=Kiley | first=Brendan | date=July 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Wilkinson | first=Joseph | title=Discount bus brand BoltBus indefinitely suspended, Greyhound taking over routes | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-boltbus-finished-greyhound-20210702-zdkmfqbxdbdwtdeihbvw7v74ra-story.html | work=[[New York Daily News]] | date=July 1, 2021 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In September 2021, FlixMobility acquired Greyhound.<ref>{{Cite press release | title=FlixMobility acquires Greyhound to Expand U.S. Intercity Bus Services | url=https://corporate.flixbus.com/flixmobility-acquires-greyhound-to-expand-us-intercity-bus-services/ | publisher=[[Flixbus]] | date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>


==Fleet==
==Fleet==
[[File:BoltBus Interior.jpg|thumbnail|BoltBus interior with leather seats.]]
[[File:BoltBus Interior.jpg|thumbnail|BoltBus interior with leather seats.]]
⚫
[[File:BoltBus D4505.jpg|thumb|BoltBus #0889, a 2013 [[Motor Coach Industries]] D4505 stopped at [[Pacific Central Station]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], Canada.]]


BoltBus routes use [[Prevost Car|Prevost X3-45]] and [[Motor Coach Industries|MCI D4505]] coaches. All motorcoaches are equipped with wireless internet access and seats that have armrests, footrests, [[seat belts]], cup holders. Most seats have a pair of 120-volt power outlets.<ref name=FAQ /> The motorcoaches used on BoltBus have 5 fewer seats than the industry standard, giving passengers additional legroom and eliminating the middle seat from the last row.
BoltBus routes used [[Prevost Car|Prevost X3-45]] and [[Motor Coach Industries|MCI D4505]] coaches. All motorcoaches were equipped with wireless internet access and seats that had armrests, footrests, [[seat belts]], cup holders. Most seats had a pair of 120-volt power outlets. The motorcoaches used on BoltBus had 5 fewer seats than the industry standard, giving passengers additional legroom and eliminating the middle seat from the last row.

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Manufacturer !! Model !! Year !! Fleet numbers !! Notes<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apps.txdmv.gov/apps/mccs/truckstop/ |website=Texas Department of Motor Vehicles |title=Welcome to Truck Stop |accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CPTDB Wiki - BoltBus |url=http://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php?title=BoltBus}}</ref>
! Manufacturer !! Model !! Year !! Fleet numbers !! Notes<ref>{{cite web | url=https://apps.txdmv.gov/apps/mccs/truckstop/ | website=[[Texas Department of Motor Vehicles]] | title=Welcome to Truck Stop}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Prevost Car|Prevost]] || rowspan="3" |X3-45 || 2008 || 0800-0832 || rowspan="3" | Powered by [[Detroit Diesel Series 60]] 14L. Equipped with Amaya Patriot PT seating.
| rowspan="3" |[[Prevost Car|Prevost]] || rowspan="3" |X3-45 || 2008 || 0800-0832 || rowspan="3" | Powered by [[Detroit Diesel Series 60]] 14L. Equipped with Amaya Patriot PT seating.
Line 102: Line 93:


==References==
==References==
{{Clear}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


== Further reading ==
==Further reading==
* Bowen, Alison, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120615194408/http://www.metro.us/newyork/local/article/1011915--curbside-buses-more-dangerous "Boltbus, Megabus and Fung-Wah: Curbside buses more dangerous: Buses that pick up passengers off the street are more dangerous than those that use a terminal, a new report found"], ''[[Metro International|Metro]]'' newspaper, New York City, October 31, 2011
* Bowen, Alison, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120615194408/http://www.metro.us/newyork/local/article/1011915--curbside-buses-more-dangerous "Boltbus, Megabus and Fung-Wah: Curbside buses more dangerous: Buses that pick up passengers off the street are more dangerous than those that use a terminal, a new report found"], ''[[Metro International|Metro]]'' newspaper, New York City, October 31, 2011


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|BoltBus}}
{{Commons category|BoltBus}}
*[http://www.boltbus.com BoltBus website]


{{FirstGroup}}
{{FirstGroup}}

[[Category:Companies based in Hudson County, New Jersey]]
⚫
[[Category:Intercity bus companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Greyhound Lines]]
[[Category:2008 introductions]]
[[Category:2008 introductions]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Oregon]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Oregon]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Washington (state)]]
⚫
[[Category:Greyhound Lines]]
⚫
[[Category:Intercity bus companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2021]]

Latest revision as of 19:24, 24 October 2023

BoltBus
A BoltBus in Portland, Oregon, in 2014
ParentGreyhound Lines
FoundedMarch 27, 2008; 16 years ago (2008-03-27)
DefunctJuly 1, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07-01)
HeadquartersOne Dallas Center
350 N St. Paul St
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Service areaNortheastern United States
Pacific Northwest
California/Nevada
Service typeIntercity bus service
DestinationsNortheast:
Baltimore; Boston; Cherry Hill; Greenbelt, Maryland; Newark, New Jersey; New Haven, Connecticut ;New York City ; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.
Northwest:
Albany; Bellingham; Eugene; Portland; Seattle; Vancouver
Fleet101 units:
70 Prevost X3-45
31 MCI D4505
Fuel typeDiesel
OperatorGreyhound Lines

BoltBus was an intercity bus common carrier and a division of Greyhound Lines that operated from March 2008 until July 2021 in the northeast and western United States and British Columbia, Canada.

At least one ticket on every bus was randomly sold for $1, excluding "handling charges".[1][2] The $1 fare was the basis for its slogan "Bolt for a Buck".[3]

In the northeast, BoltBus provided service between New York City and South Station Bus Terminal in Boston, Union Station in Washington, D.C., Penn Station in Baltimore, the Greenbelt Metro station in Greenbelt, Maryland, Penn Station in Newark, 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, and the Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. On the west coast, BoltBus service was offered in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. Service was available between International District/Chinatown station in Seattle and Portland, Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, Bellingham, Albany, and Eugene.

The BoltBus branding incorporated a thunderbolt logo similar to the one used by the British Union of Fascists, but the company claimed that the resemblance was purely coincidental.[4][5]

When ticketed, passengers were assigned to a boarding group (S, A, B & C). Passengers who purchased their tickets earlier or were members of the company's loyalty program or had special needs got an earlier boarding group assignment.[6]

History

[edit]
A BoltBus Prevost X3-45 in New York City.

In March 2008, facing competition from Chinatown bus lines in the northeast, Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines partnered to launch BoltBus as a lower-cost brand.[7][8]

The first route was between New York City and Washington, D.C., launched on March 27, 2008, followed by a route between New York City and Philadelphia launched on April 10, 2008, and between New York City and Boston launched on April 24, 2008.[7][9]

That year, the company was named one of America's hottest brands by Ad Age.[10]

Stops in Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland were added in 2009.[11]

A stop in Newark, New Jersey was added on March 24, 2011.[12][13][14]

BoltBus expanded to the Pacific Northwest on May 17, 2012, offering service between Seattle and Portland.[15] Unlike the service in the northeast, Greyhound operated its BoltBus service on the west coast without a partner bus carrier. Service in the Pacific Northwest was expanded to Vancouver and Bellingham on May 31, 2012[16] and to Albany and Eugene on October 3, 2013.[17]

BoltBus expanded into California on October 31, 2013, offering service between Los Angeles and San Jose and Oakland.[18] A stop at Transbay Terminal in San Francisco was added to the route on December 12, 2013.[19]

A second route between Union Station in Los Angeles and San Diego was added on November 14, 2013.[20]

On December 12, 2013, a route was added between Los Angeles Union Station and Las Vegas, with a stop in Barstow.[19]

In 2015, it added a pickup in Hollywood, Los Angeles for routes to/from Northern California.[21]

In October 2016, the company launched a new onboard entertainment system.[22]

Effective September 27, 2017, after a lengthy legal skirmish, Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines ended their partnership and Greyhound became the sole owner of BoltBus.[23]

On October 19, 2017, BoltBus service was extended to Fresno, California, with routes to Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.[24]

In March 2019, BoltBus added stops in Tacoma, Washington and Everett, Washington.[25] It also added a stop in Wilmington, Delaware.[26]

On July 1, 2021, BoltBus discontinued its operations.[27][28]

In September 2021, FlixMobility acquired Greyhound.[29]

Fleet

[edit]
BoltBus interior with leather seats.
BoltBus #0889, a 2013 Motor Coach Industries D4505 stopped at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

BoltBus routes used Prevost X3-45 and MCI D4505 coaches. All motorcoaches were equipped with wireless internet access and seats that had armrests, footrests, seat belts, cup holders. Most seats had a pair of 120-volt power outlets. The motorcoaches used on BoltBus had 5 fewer seats than the industry standard, giving passengers additional legroom and eliminating the middle seat from the last row.

Manufacturer Model Year Fleet numbers Notes[30]
Prevost X3-45 2008 0800-0832 Powered by Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L. Equipped with Amaya Patriot PT seating.

2017 year models are powered by the Volvo D13

2009 0833-0837, 0840-0841, 0843-0851, 0854-0870
2017 0908-0922
Motor Coach Industries D4505 2012 0886 Owned by Motor Coach Industries, replacement unit for 0883.
2014 0887-0901 Powered by Cummins ISX12. Equipped with American Seating Premier.
Van Hool CX-45 2015 0902-0907

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Richard, Terry (January 27, 2015). "Bolt Bus provides cheap, frequent, convenient service along Interstate 5, Portland to Seattle or Eugene". The Oregonian.
  2. ^ SCHLOSSER, KURT (July 1, 2021). "Cheap, tech friendly BoltBus is rolled into Greyhound during 'service renovations'". GeekWire.
  3. ^ Hamilton, Anita (June 6, 2008). "Beating $4 Gas with a $1 Bus". Time. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008.
  4. ^ Cedotal, Andrew (January 25, 2010). "Is Bolt Bus Using the Logo of a British Fascist Party?". The Mary Sue.
  5. ^ Hopper, Tristin (January 28, 2016). "Fascist, schmaschist: Why a West Coast bus company picked the same logo as some dead British fascists". National Post.
  6. ^ Gambardella, Tom (September 13, 2019). "How to Read Your BoltBus Ticket". Wanderu.
  7. ^ a b Killian, Erin (March 4, 2008). "Boltbus starts from D.C. to New York City service". American City Business Journals. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008.
  8. ^ Kinney, Jim (March 11, 2008). "Peter Pan, Greyhound offer new bus service". The Republican.
  9. ^ O'Neill, Xana (March 27, 2008). "Bus fare to D.C. a dollar, not a dream!". New York Daily News.
  10. ^ Parekh, Rupal (November 16, 2009). "BOLT BUS: AN AMERICA'S HOTTEST BRANDS CASE STUDY". Ad Age.
  11. ^ Deal-Zimmerman, Michelle (April 30, 2009). "BoltBus launching service: Baltimore to NYC for $1". The Baltimore Sun.
  12. ^ Clabaugh, Jeff (March 8, 2011). "BoltBus adds Baltimore-Newark, N.J., route". American City Business Journals.
  13. ^ "BoltBus Expands its Newark, N.J. Hub With Service to Boston and Philadelphia Beginning June 23" (Press release). PR Newswire. June 14, 2011.
  14. ^ "BoltBus launches new route between Boston and Philadelphia". The Patriot Ledger. June 14, 2011.
  15. ^ Sokolowsky, Jennifer (April 30, 2012). "BoltBus to offer $1 fares between Seattle, Portland". American City Business Journals.
  16. ^ Lindblom, Mike (May 14, 2012). "BoltBus adds a Vancouver, B.C. line from Seattle". The Seattle Times.
  17. ^ "BoltBus To Expand Oregon Service To Eugene And Albany On Oct. 3" (Press release). PR Newswire. September 10, 2013.
  18. ^ "BoltBus To Launch Service In California On Oct. 31" (Press release). PR Newswire. October 15, 2013.
  19. ^ a b "BoltBus Expands From Los Angeles; Adds Las Vegas, San Francisco Service" (Press release). PR Newswire. December 10, 2013.
  20. ^ "BoltBus Continues California Expansion, Adds San Diego Service" (Press release). PR Newswire. November 6, 2013.
  21. ^ FORGIONE, MARY (January 14, 2015). "BoltBus adds Hollywood pickup for Northern California routes". Los Angeles Times.
  22. ^ "BoltBus Launches All New On-Board Entertainment System" (Press release). PR Newswire. October 25, 2016.
  23. ^ Vaccaro, Adam (August 29, 2017). "Greyhound, Peter Pan will split up and be rivals again". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017.
  24. ^ "BoltBus Expanding Service in California, adding Fresno, CA" (Press release). PR Newswire. October 12, 2017.
  25. ^ Podsada, Janice (March 8, 2019). "BoltBus links Everett to Seattle and other big I-5 cities". The Everett Herald.
  26. ^ Quinn, Holly (April 3, 2019). "BoltBus just made it easier to get from Wilmington to Baltimore and DC". Technically Media.
  27. ^ Kiley, Brendan (July 1, 2021). "RIP, BoltBus — the affordable, trendy bus company has discontinued service; Greyhound will take over its routes". The Seattle Times.
  28. ^ Wilkinson, Joseph (July 1, 2021). "Discount bus brand BoltBus indefinitely suspended, Greyhound taking over routes". New York Daily News.
  29. ^ "FlixMobility acquires Greyhound to Expand U.S. Intercity Bus Services" (Press release). Flixbus. October 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Welcome to Truck Stop". Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to BoltBus.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BoltBus&oldid=1181712398"