This is the blog for the U of I Recreation, Sport and Tourism 457 class, Tourism Development. Your reactions are an important part of class participation.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bus Travel
Soviet Era Russian Bus
After reading this USA Today article has you opinion about bus travel changed? If so how and if not why not?
I've always been an Amtrak guy, but these new innovations for bus routes are kind of taking me in. I like the free internet and the new leg space considering I'm kind of a taller guy. Plus the electrical outlets are very key, because sometimes on Amtrak's they are tough to find. I think this could definitely give a whole new customer base to bus companies, and definitely give Amtrak a good run for their money.
It's nice to see that the bus industry is working on its image and amenities. I have taken the Greyhound many times from San Francisco to Eureka, CA (where my parents live), which is almost 300 miles. Flying to Eureka is incredibly expensive and there is no other public transportation besides Greyhound. I haven't done this in a few years, but the best I can say is it gets you where you're going. Oftentimes it's behind schedule, they overbook and thus people have to stand in the aisles (I only saw this happen once), it's dirty, and there's barely any leg room (and I have very short legs). If the bus industry improves drastically, I would consider using this form of transportation again as I actually enjoy bus rides... you can see the lay of the land without having to concentrate on driving and it's very low-stress in making reservations, "checking in", etc. Having outlets and wireless internet is another huge plus. This is great news and a necessary step in keeping the bus industry in business.
i agree with the part of the article that states many people view the base as a lower means of travel you would rather not do. i've had to travel by bus a few times going to and from home when i did not have my car at school. this could catch on as it is more expensive. if they are looking at attracting primarily business people it is imperative to have the wifi and electrical outlets. oftentimes you're not allowed to use electric devices on planes. business people can see the bus as an opportunity to get some work done while they travel to their destination.
Bus travel may not be someone's first choice but it definitely beats the long security lines at the airport. I also think that free wi-fi on buses is great. Last year I took at bus trip with free wi-fi and having internet access really sped up time. The only thing to keep in mind when using your computer on a bus is motion sickness.
I've always been an Amtrak guy, but these new innovations for bus routes are kind of taking me in. I like the free internet and the new leg space considering I'm kind of a taller guy. Plus the electrical outlets are very key, because sometimes on Amtrak's they are tough to find. I think this could definitely give a whole new customer base to bus companies, and definitely give Amtrak a good run for their money.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see that the bus industry is working on its image and amenities. I have taken the Greyhound many times from San Francisco to Eureka, CA (where my parents live), which is almost 300 miles. Flying to Eureka is incredibly expensive and there is no other public transportation besides Greyhound. I haven't done this in a few years, but the best I can say is it gets you where you're going. Oftentimes it's behind schedule, they overbook and thus people have to stand in the aisles (I only saw this happen once), it's dirty, and there's barely any leg room (and I have very short legs). If the bus industry improves drastically, I would consider using this form of transportation again as I actually enjoy bus rides... you can see the lay of the land without having to concentrate on driving and it's very low-stress in making reservations, "checking in", etc. Having outlets and wireless internet is another huge plus. This is great news and a necessary step in keeping the bus industry in business.
ReplyDeletei agree with the part of the article that states many people view the base as a lower means of travel you would rather not do. i've had to travel by bus a few times going to and from home when i did not have my car at school. this could catch on as it is more expensive. if they are looking at attracting primarily business people it is imperative to have the wifi and electrical outlets. oftentimes you're not allowed to use electric devices on planes. business people can see the bus as an opportunity to get some work done while they travel to their destination.
ReplyDeleteBus travel may not be someone's first choice but it definitely beats the long security lines at the airport. I also think that free wi-fi on buses is great. Last year I took at bus trip with free wi-fi and having internet access really sped up time. The only thing to keep in mind when using your computer on a bus is motion sickness.
ReplyDelete