My, oh my! What do you expect? Unregulated capitalism at work. It would be easy enough for government to prevent this sort of travesty, but it would deprive entrepreneurs of the American Dream. Don't these passengers understand that capitalism is what makes the United States great?
2
I rode Megabus regularly a few years ago but had enough bad experiences with surly or incompetent drivers who pretty much don't care if they make it to the destination on time. I disliked taking a half hour break during a 4-hour trip even though we were late because the driver was hungry. I hope people who have had bad experiences find a way to take legal action against Megabus. There appears to be no one in charge and the customer service never seems to the ETA of late buses. Buses should be on time, communicating all the way - providing tracking information, and Megabus needs to readily refund fares when the bus is late or there are other problems. If they can't do business in an honest manner then they shouldn't be in business.
2
Headline: "Legal system requires resources - deep pocket prevail" or should it have been "Deep discount entrant in market provides poor service"? How about "Ticked off customer has access to Times content - fails to see that it's just his little peeve mixed in with a keen sense of self importance."
Yes, anyone outside of the typical elitist New York Times reader is already is well aware of the horrors of discount bus travel in our country.
So, how is this non story something we should be reading in this column.
How about some real frugal adventures like we used to have in this newspaper, instead of these dull, unimaginative stories that we are getting from our new "frugal" traveler.
So, how is this non story something we should be reading in this column.
How about some real frugal adventures like we used to have in this newspaper, instead of these dull, unimaginative stories that we are getting from our new "frugal" traveler.
I will not be riding MEGA ever again.
2
Why should anyone be surprised that a corporate owner -- with a terrible safety record at that -- should refuse to pay claims? The fault is obviously with the CUSTOMERS who value a cheap trip above their own safety? This is how the market operates in the absence of strong oversight. You get what you pay for, you get what you vote for: life-threatening, but cheap-cheap-cheap.
4
Welcome to the oligolopy that is the Corporate States of America.
6
Lucas, is there a way readers could donate to help those who lost their possessions? It sounds like Darrell McKinney and Alice Taylor are really strapped and could use some assistance.
4
They could set up a GoFundMe account in order to receive the funds back. They all should have grouped up and set up some type of Micro fund to sue these people.
1
if even half of the comments I'm reading about burning buses and exploding engines is true I'm never riding a coach bus so long as I've alternative means
5
Some one is claiming 3000.00 for the loss of two bags? What were they carrying? Gold coins. The claim, on it's face, is questionable if not outright fraud. Having said that, Megabus needs to pay the legit claims and dispose of the rest with a settlement offer.
2
@Harley Leiber
If the bags contained a camera and one or two specialized lenses, or a nice laptop, along with expensive clothes and shoes the loss could easily be $3,000.
If the bags contained a camera and one or two specialized lenses, or a nice laptop, along with expensive clothes and shoes the loss could easily be $3,000.
4
This is a great example of why you should have homeowner's or renter's insurance. I am *not* saying that Megabus doesn't owe these folks remuneration (they do), or that the passengers weren't traumatized (I'm sure they were). But if you can find room in your budget, that's the way to go.
And no, I don't sell insurance.
And no, I don't sell insurance.
5
Not only is small claims an option but also the law of certain states provides for TREBLE damages together with COUNSEL FEES and costs. For example, NJ has a consumer fraud act which provides for such relief where the conduct of the defendant was unconscionable or involved deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, or the knowing, concealment, suppression, or omission of any material fact with intent that others rely upon such concealment, suppression or omission. NJSA 56:8-2.
1
Speaking of seatbelts, it never ceases to confound me that trains aren't required to have them? Perhaps the fact that they run on a dedicated track has something to do with it, but that obviously doesn't negate the danger of collisions at crossings or derailments. As with buses, one would think that they would at least be mandated for new trains. My own personal guard against this glaring safety hazard is to always look for a rear facing seat.
1
Indeed, you get what you paid for. A low-end bus company offering low-end fares is nowhere close to compensating for an accident. In Zambia (Africa) last year my bus lost its brakes and crashed into a truck throwing passengers onto the floor. Screams and some blood. No one seriously hurt. I got off and walked to another different minibus that happened to be nearby back to town. No police or emergency personnel around.
Mishaps happen all the time when traveling. Trying to blame or sue is useless.
Move on and stop obsessing. I was pick-pocketed last year in Portugal. No recourse. Life itself is accidental. Don't travel. Don't take risks. Stay home and stay safe--but you might slip in the bathtub. All we can do is be careful--if we survive.
Mishaps happen all the time when traveling. Trying to blame or sue is useless.
Move on and stop obsessing. I was pick-pocketed last year in Portugal. No recourse. Life itself is accidental. Don't travel. Don't take risks. Stay home and stay safe--but you might slip in the bathtub. All we can do is be careful--if we survive.
6
There is no such thing as a safe life...I travel all the time...you just have to accept the risks...and try to minimize damage and loss...and when I start to feel sorry for myself that something has gone wrong, I remind myself that life isn't fair.
Poor people ride busses and no one cares if they get hurt or lose their possessions, but if a few people would've died they wouldn't have to call a lawyer because the lawyers would be calling them. A poor person has to die before his/her life becomes worth fighting for. Hopefully, another bus company will up the amounts paid for destroyed baggage and people will switch to them.
8
It's no different if you fly on commercial airlines. Over ten years ago, I remember being harangued by an Alaska Air employee for over 5 minutes, because Air Alaska had overbooked a flight and this employee was incensed that at least 3 of those passengers who had BOOKED and paid for tickets on a flight wouldn't accept a voucher to fly later. I think one person finally did. Treating passengers like their time, safety, etc., is worth little is how it's done today--in part because successful lobbying and "de-regulation" and "smaller gov't" (except for the favored sections, like the DoD, et al) has replaced effective consumer protections and their enforcement.
Lost luggage and low levels of compensation for the loss is true of the airlines as well, that's why so many passengers cram over large suitcases into overhead bins when they fly.
Read recently that airline passengers have been told to get to the airport two hours ahead of their flight because a majority of Congress refused to fund TSA sufficiently. So anyone flying, TSA pre-check or no pre-check, from most major airports will see longer waits.
Meanwhile the airlines are happy that w/higher profits from nickel & diming passengers while failing to pass on savings from lower fuel costs. There's no alternative, since Congress, et al, have refused to fund construction and operation of a 21st century national passenger rail system.
Lost luggage and low levels of compensation for the loss is true of the airlines as well, that's why so many passengers cram over large suitcases into overhead bins when they fly.
Read recently that airline passengers have been told to get to the airport two hours ahead of their flight because a majority of Congress refused to fund TSA sufficiently. So anyone flying, TSA pre-check or no pre-check, from most major airports will see longer waits.
Meanwhile the airlines are happy that w/higher profits from nickel & diming passengers while failing to pass on savings from lower fuel costs. There's no alternative, since Congress, et al, have refused to fund construction and operation of a 21st century national passenger rail system.
6
Stay classy Megabus. Stay classy.
3
Never heard of Megabus before this report and now that I have, I guarantee I'll never ride one.
3
It isn't just Megabus. Who is responsible for these cheap but dangerous buses?
My daughter was on another similar bus last year whose driver was so erratic that passengers thought he was drunk, weaving across lanes and speeding up and dropping back like a madman, that they called the company surreptitiously to report him. The driver's response was to turn to his passengers and demand to know who had reported him. My daughter texted me (she was sitting right behind him and was afraid to call) and I told her to get off the bus at the next stop. She did; he refused to let her take her luggage or tell her where to retrieve it if it remained on the bus. When I called the company, the dispatcher professed sympathy but would not help her, and the driver would not take my call. She got back on the bus to get her jacket, and he tried to shove her into her seat but she got back off and he finally let her have her bags. I had begun driving to the other side of NJ to retrieve her and finally reached a NJ police barracks, which dispatched two troopers to check on her; they were kind enough to move her to a better location. Meantime the bus had left so they didn't look for him. When I insisted the company act against the driver, the once sympathetic dispatcher refused to say what action the company had or would take, claiming privacy regs. No agency in NJ or NY was interested in helping and so we finally gave up. We heard from other passengers, who cheered us on but that 's all.
My daughter was on another similar bus last year whose driver was so erratic that passengers thought he was drunk, weaving across lanes and speeding up and dropping back like a madman, that they called the company surreptitiously to report him. The driver's response was to turn to his passengers and demand to know who had reported him. My daughter texted me (she was sitting right behind him and was afraid to call) and I told her to get off the bus at the next stop. She did; he refused to let her take her luggage or tell her where to retrieve it if it remained on the bus. When I called the company, the dispatcher professed sympathy but would not help her, and the driver would not take my call. She got back on the bus to get her jacket, and he tried to shove her into her seat but she got back off and he finally let her have her bags. I had begun driving to the other side of NJ to retrieve her and finally reached a NJ police barracks, which dispatched two troopers to check on her; they were kind enough to move her to a better location. Meantime the bus had left so they didn't look for him. When I insisted the company act against the driver, the once sympathetic dispatcher refused to say what action the company had or would take, claiming privacy regs. No agency in NJ or NY was interested in helping and so we finally gave up. We heard from other passengers, who cheered us on but that 's all.
15
About 1000 words too long. Convince me. Don't send me to sleep
2
I contrast this with today's front page news story, also about unexpected events befalling travelers .
Be grateful you're alive, Mr. Peterson. Ginning up outrage over relatively nominal issues is petty regardless, but especially so in light of true tragedy.
Be grateful you're alive, Mr. Peterson. Ginning up outrage over relatively nominal issues is petty regardless, but especially so in light of true tragedy.
Great, so the lesson is: do not evacuate a burning bus without your belongings (no matter if that slows the people behind you down) and try to open the luggage hatch below no matter what, because you're more likely to get out alive of a burning bus with your possessions than be fairly compensated for them. Hope Megabus has thought this through. Profits first, safety last!
8
MegaNightmare!
2
There is a forgotten theme here: may the buyer beware. Jeeze, it is just common sense. These buses are clearly sketchy so we are fortunate to arrive in one piece. What should we expect for $10?
3
It is naïve and unfair of this reporter to criticize Megabus for offering the depreciated value of the lost possessions. That is standard in any insurance policy, thus, for example if you total your five year old car in an accident, your auto carrier will give you the depreciated value of your five year old car and not the cost of a new car. The same result would obtain if you were to sue in court. You're not getting the value of a brand new laptop even if you prevail at trial. The measure of damages is to place you in the position you were in prior to the accident -- with a five year old car or used laptop. There is nothing special or unique about Megabus's position in this regard. Why should you get a new laptop or a new car, it's putting you in a BETTER position than had you not been in the accident to begin with, and the result would be making you more than whole for your loss.
4
The difference between this and a routine auto accident, of course, is negligence on the part of Megabus. If your car accident is caused by negligence on the part of the auto manufacturer, be assured you will be in a position to sue and to collect more than the depreciated value of the car.
3
The compensation for lost valuables should bring a questionable light on the unfair advantage of insurance companies to set compensation rates....BUT the real issue here is how to compensate passengers for their lives
Being placed in extreme danger because of the kind of business practiced by Megabus
Being placed in extreme danger because of the kind of business practiced by Megabus
2
With Megabus you are on your own. There is no customer service. Too many of the employees at the stops are joking around with each other, on their devices, or ignore you.
2
Question.........why is anyone riding Megabus? Isn't it time , now that we have an election at hand, that we demand that the candidates for President address the subject of public transportation rather than talk about each others wives.
1
hahahahaha. Sorry, but you must be kidding. A majority of our current Congress cares only about air travel and then doesn't care about passenger comfort or safety, just about airline profits. Most "developed" (and even some semi-"developed") nations have state supported/subsidized (either initially or currently) national high speed rail systems, our Congress--a session isn't complete without finding another way to cripple Amtrak, forget funding HSR.
HSR might provide commercial airlines and private aviation (corporate charters, etc.) with real competition for trips of 500-600 miles, can't have that! And yes, air travel, particularly general aviation travel is heavily subsidized in the US. In the state I live in, Oregon, over 50% of the airports--all general aviation-- & air strips would close tomorrow were they not receiving federal grants, state and local tax subsidies. Despite alleged GOP "cost cutting" the EAS program and its huge subsidies, continue.
Only discussion this Congress seems to have had (other then how to cripple Amtrak further) is whether or not to privatize air traffic control.
HSR might provide commercial airlines and private aviation (corporate charters, etc.) with real competition for trips of 500-600 miles, can't have that! And yes, air travel, particularly general aviation travel is heavily subsidized in the US. In the state I live in, Oregon, over 50% of the airports--all general aviation-- & air strips would close tomorrow were they not receiving federal grants, state and local tax subsidies. Despite alleged GOP "cost cutting" the EAS program and its huge subsidies, continue.
Only discussion this Congress seems to have had (other then how to cripple Amtrak further) is whether or not to privatize air traffic control.
3
For all the readers who have expressed opinions along the lines of "Perhaps at $11, 'you get what you pay for' applies" and similar sentiments, Megabus.com is a subsidiary of Coach USA, one of the largest transportation companies in North America. Paramus, N.J.-based Coach USA owns and operates a family of 25 local companies in North America, some that have been in business for more than 75 years, which operate scheduled bus routes, motor coach tours, airport transportation services, charters and sightseeing tours. Megabus.com alone has served more than 40 million customers since its launch on April 10, 2006.
So we are not talking about a struggling upstart company just trying to make ends meet, but a giant multi-million dollar corporation which if it were so inclined, could very easily be charitable and offer customers impacted by the bus fire a more realistic compensation for passengers who can show receipts for the destroyed property or other proof.
Its not like they have so many bus fires that if they offered fair compensation in this case, they would be overwhelmed with future claims. This is a simple case of a big corporation being miserly knowing they can get away with it and save maybe $50,000 at most off the backs of low-income people. They have no shame.
I just wonder why there is no enterprising young lawyer willing to file a class action lawsuit on behalf of the passengers on that bus who have not already signed away their rights? See how quickly they settle.
So we are not talking about a struggling upstart company just trying to make ends meet, but a giant multi-million dollar corporation which if it were so inclined, could very easily be charitable and offer customers impacted by the bus fire a more realistic compensation for passengers who can show receipts for the destroyed property or other proof.
Its not like they have so many bus fires that if they offered fair compensation in this case, they would be overwhelmed with future claims. This is a simple case of a big corporation being miserly knowing they can get away with it and save maybe $50,000 at most off the backs of low-income people. They have no shame.
I just wonder why there is no enterprising young lawyer willing to file a class action lawsuit on behalf of the passengers on that bus who have not already signed away their rights? See how quickly they settle.
19
i have never in my life had a good experience in travelling by any commercial bus line in college, when i travelled from the university of iowa home for the holidays, my buses were always delayed, re-routed and several times I was left in empty bus stations many hours waiting for a connecting bus. Once, on the way back to school, the driver continued driving into a well-predicted snow storm, stranding me for 3 days in indianapolis, and having to beg money from my parents, because the bus line would only pay for one night of the hotel, and one meal. after my final semester, on the bus back to new york every bit of my luggage was lost. i never recovered a single bag (i had 3), losing heirloom jewelry, good clothes and photos of my college years. compensation was $50. i swore i would never, ever again take a bus ANYWHERE. Recently, however, a few friends of mine from convinced me that it was ridiculous to spend all the money i did on Amtrak when i could take a "Bolt" or "Megabus" for $40 round trip to boston or baltimore. i decided to chance it to visit my cousin in Baltimore. the bus broke down. a 3.5 hours trip turned into an 8 hour trip, (although i will say the bus driver made sure we were safely delivered to a road side rest area). and i missed my entry to a show i had purchased tickets for. i wasn't compensated for the delay. Between that experience and the recent bus accidents, I’m back to Amtrak or the plane. We all have our limits.
2
I was on a Megabus from Oakland to Los Angeles in which the interior temperature was probably in the low 50's. It was much warmer outside; the driver said he could not control the air conditioning.
Such low temperatures could be fatal (there is no escape from a moving bus) to infants or frail old people.
Such low temperatures could be fatal (there is no escape from a moving bus) to infants or frail old people.
1
Passengers who charged the fare on a credit card may have lost luggage benefits provided by the card issuer that will cover all or part of their loss. Further, homeowner's or renter's insurance usually provides some coverage for off-premises property. I don't know whether that coverage would apply to property being transported with the insured on a common carrier, but it could be worthwhile taking a look at the policy. Don't call the company or insurance agent, though; sometimes, even a simple inquiry about whether there is coverage is logged as a claim and used as a basis for increasing the premium.
8
Megabus is doing what carriers have done for decades...use things like the Warsaw Convention to set limits on their liability despite the fact the Convention was written years and years ago. I lost jewelry from a suitcase checked through with Swissair between two European cities years ago and even though I had the receipt for the purchase, I got nothing. It happens all the time and apparently the mode of travel makes no difference.
2
I agree that they should get full compensation, but they won't.
Every time I've had a car damaged in an accident I've been told that I will only get its current market value, not what it will cost me to replace even if that replacement is another used car, and don't even dream of replacing it with a new car.
Why? Old english common law, I was told, based on the theory that if you lose a sheep, you can only recover the value of that sheep. The fact that sheep can be replaced for their value, while very little in this modern world can be, does not matter.
If you lose a $1000 computer, they can argue that it is, now, only worth $200, and the courts will side with them every time.
Every time I've had a car damaged in an accident I've been told that I will only get its current market value, not what it will cost me to replace even if that replacement is another used car, and don't even dream of replacing it with a new car.
Why? Old english common law, I was told, based on the theory that if you lose a sheep, you can only recover the value of that sheep. The fact that sheep can be replaced for their value, while very little in this modern world can be, does not matter.
If you lose a $1000 computer, they can argue that it is, now, only worth $200, and the courts will side with them every time.
6
Buy renter's or homeowner's insurance that covers your personal property anywhere in the world (including on a bus). That way you will be completely reimbursed (less any deductible) and not limited to $500, $250 or whatever the bus company says.
Some policies even can be modified to provide first-dollar coverage (coverage with no deductible) for computers. You can also get replacement cost valuation instead of actual cash value, so that depreciation isn't factored in when paying your claim.
Some policies even can be modified to provide first-dollar coverage (coverage with no deductible) for computers. You can also get replacement cost valuation instead of actual cash value, so that depreciation isn't factored in when paying your claim.
1
@David
Good to know, but most people traveling by bus do so for economic reason; they often haven't the resources for "luxuries" like renter's insurance.
Do bus companies offer travel insurance, i wonder?
Good to know, but most people traveling by bus do so for economic reason; they often haven't the resources for "luxuries" like renter's insurance.
Do bus companies offer travel insurance, i wonder?
Just for information purposes, my renters insurance costs about $200 a year.
1
Yikes. This reads a bit like one of those (ticked)offconsumer reviews of companies that done me wrong. Too much shock and horror over lost luggage. I know that being involved in any vehicle accident is emotionally jarring, and you can feel that you are owed for having had to go through that. (I was in a rear-end collision that resulted in a totaled car, whiplash, broken teeth, and reimbursement of just a few thousand dollars because the adjuster said my car had dog hair in it, so I've been there.) But unless there is criminal negligence, civil court or small claims court are the only choices for punishing the person or company that "harmed" you. And it's never worth it for a handful of cash. So move on. It's just stuff.
(Airlines aren't much better about compensating for lost luggage. That's why I never pack anything valuable, anything I can't do without, or anything I would feel sad about losing.)
(Airlines aren't much better about compensating for lost luggage. That's why I never pack anything valuable, anything I can't do without, or anything I would feel sad about losing.)
1
"Harmed"? You don't think there is any genuine harm here? The point is that - by definition - many of the people using this service are low-income and therefore significantly harmed by these losses that seem so petty to you. And negligence is an entirely different case than some routine, unavoidable loss.
2
I have traveled from NYC to Boston and DC on both Megabus and Bolt many times over the years. None of those trips haven unpleasant or made me feel unsafe.
While I feel bad for the passengers of limited means who lost expensive possessions, I am going to guess that is a standard reimbursement amount across many industries. Did you research what a Holiday Inn would reimburse you if someone broke into your room and stole your PlayStation?
A more interesting article would look into the training provided to drivers of these low cost bus companies along with the wages and benefits (if any) that they receive.
While I feel bad for the passengers of limited means who lost expensive possessions, I am going to guess that is a standard reimbursement amount across many industries. Did you research what a Holiday Inn would reimburse you if someone broke into your room and stole your PlayStation?
A more interesting article would look into the training provided to drivers of these low cost bus companies along with the wages and benefits (if any) that they receive.
12
Yes to your third paragraph. Also, the accident and violations stats for Metrobus should be put in context by comparisons with other carriers.
1
Whether Holiday Inn operates ethically or not really doesn't have any baring on Megabus' conduct. The comparison (and frankly any comparison) is fallacious reasoning, as simply finding a company that operates to an even worse standard doesn't make Megabus' actions any better. Megabus clearly refuses to own up to what happened, instead shirking responsibility and treating its customers fairly.
As the court and legal system increasingly provide little recourse, the best option in cases like this is to give the incident as much coverage as possible, so the market can respond accordingly. Sadly, many corporations only respond to the economic fallout from the publicity of their activities.
As the court and legal system increasingly provide little recourse, the best option in cases like this is to give the incident as much coverage as possible, so the market can respond accordingly. Sadly, many corporations only respond to the economic fallout from the publicity of their activities.
1
When I once went to my boss and complained about my annual pay increase, he replied "well, if you think that's bad, ........" and proceeded to tell me about how badly he'd made out, as if that was going to make me realize that my complaint, by comparison, was trivial. If I may draw a parallel which will satisfy no one, "well, if you think that's bad, imagine how the passengers would have fared if they had been riding a Fung Wah (or similar) bus?
As other posters have noted, "hey, no matter how many decks it has, no matter how many TVs or internet connections it offers, its still...............the BUS! The only modes of transportation lower than THE BUS on the figurative totem pole are pedicabs, bikes and shank's mare!
As other posters have noted, "hey, no matter how many decks it has, no matter how many TVs or internet connections it offers, its still...............the BUS! The only modes of transportation lower than THE BUS on the figurative totem pole are pedicabs, bikes and shank's mare!
3
The scandal isn't just the behavior of Megabus....it's the fact that the court system has become so stacked against the citizens whose rights it is supposed to be protecting.
Did everyone see the NYT article a few days ago about how the public defender system in Louisiana has basically stopped functioning due to underfunding?
Did everyone see the NYT article a few days ago about how the public defender system in Louisiana has basically stopped functioning due to underfunding?
28
How is it possible that this is a story in the NY Times when the case of Felix Coss is completely ignored?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/03/22/nypd_felix_coss_lawsui...
Pardon me for not being outraged that you can't reclaim $1000 from Megabus when a 61 year-old school teacher can be run over and killed by the NYPD with impunity.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/03/22/nypd_felix_coss_lawsui...
Pardon me for not being outraged that you can't reclaim $1000 from Megabus when a 61 year-old school teacher can be run over and killed by the NYPD with impunity.
35
I'm guessing that is not the Frugal Traveler's beat....
Not saying it's not a story to be covered - it definitely is - I'm just saying it's not really a *travel section* story. Maybe complain about it on NYToday.com page.
Not saying it's not a story to be covered - it definitely is - I'm just saying it's not really a *travel section* story. Maybe complain about it on NYToday.com page.
2
I'm not disagreeing with you that the Felix Coss story is also newsworthy. However, have you ever taken the Megabus in/out of NYC? There are many, many people taking these buses on a daily basis, so it's definitely a relevant story. This is in the Travel section, where it belongs.
I've experienced an unsafe situation on a Megabus and it was not handled well. I suspect this is the tip of the iceberg. People deserve to know.
I've experienced an unsafe situation on a Megabus and it was not handled well. I suspect this is the tip of the iceberg. People deserve to know.
Well I suppose that the author writes a column called "Frugal Traveler" and the fact that he was on the bus might have something to do with it.
It's just a hunch, though.
It's just a hunch, though.
2
The NYTimes should move on from this minor mishap which injured nobody. The author's personal involvement is overstating the importance of this event.
The world has risks. One can have home owners or renters insurance to help mitigate some of these loses, or we just accept the risk (or pay higher fares for tickets so that the carrier can pay for such insurance).
In general, bus travel is extraordinarily safe in the US. I contrast this with alternate forms of transportation such as a car or motor cycle and feel huge gratitude that companies such as megabus exist. They save lives by offering cheap, safe transportation.
The world has risks. One can have home owners or renters insurance to help mitigate some of these loses, or we just accept the risk (or pay higher fares for tickets so that the carrier can pay for such insurance).
In general, bus travel is extraordinarily safe in the US. I contrast this with alternate forms of transportation such as a car or motor cycle and feel huge gratitude that companies such as megabus exist. They save lives by offering cheap, safe transportation.
12
thank you for your compassion for people who survived a brutal accident and are now left without the important belongings they brought with them. And your wisdom at saying these companies save lives by offering cheap, safe transportation. You must have missed the accidents that killed people.
Have a nice day.
Have a nice day.
44
You must be an employee, investor or owner of Megabus. Your biased comment is screaming hidden agenda.
24
unfortunately, this is not the only incident of a Megabus accident or a Bolt bus, which have both had incidents that *did* cause major injuries and deaths. the writer is simply bring to the attention of the public an industry that needs much more oversight than it apparently is under right now.
2
Megabus's Note to Self:
"Call printer and add fine print to back of ticket stating that passenger warrants that s/he is not a member of the Press."
"Call printer and add fine print to back of ticket stating that passenger warrants that s/he is not a member of the Press."
17
Now multiply this by thousands of other passengers on many dozens of other discount lines that you didn't happen to be on and you begin to have the tip of the iceberg.
The passengers are poor enough that the bus company knows they won't fund a lawsuit themselves, contingency compensation doesn't make an attorney look up from more lucrative propositions and the laws or direct remedies have long since been lobbied away.
This creates the social and economic space for operators like Megabus to operate - one that the media "news cycle" does not care about. Do they provide a needed service? Possibly. Are they "responsible operators". Obviously not. If a passenger airplane caught fire and landed with only the loss of luggage, it would be on global news for weeks.
This is just non-wealthy people on the ground. It's never news.
The passengers are poor enough that the bus company knows they won't fund a lawsuit themselves, contingency compensation doesn't make an attorney look up from more lucrative propositions and the laws or direct remedies have long since been lobbied away.
This creates the social and economic space for operators like Megabus to operate - one that the media "news cycle" does not care about. Do they provide a needed service? Possibly. Are they "responsible operators". Obviously not. If a passenger airplane caught fire and landed with only the loss of luggage, it would be on global news for weeks.
This is just non-wealthy people on the ground. It's never news.
46
This has absolutely nothing to do with the presumed economic status of the company's clientele.
Our bus's engine caught fire on the way from NYC to Philly last fall. We had to debark and get another bus. Looks like Megabus isn't checking its buses.
16
This recalls my only Megabus ride, an unfortunate adventure between Washingon, DC and NYC that included an engine explosion, an evacuation on the side of I-95 in the dark, a wait for a replacement bus. I won't even mention the fact that this trip started more than 2 hours after it was scheduled (well, I guess I just did). The icing on the cake was a driver that seemed to treat the whole experience as some sort of inside joke with insult-comic one-liners to anyone who had complaints or questions about what was happening.
Megabus did follow up by sending me an email stating that the bus trip I was on had been delayed (doh!). Apology - compensation - anything that might have made is seem like they cared? Not.
Megabus did follow up by sending me an email stating that the bus trip I was on had been delayed (doh!). Apology - compensation - anything that might have made is seem like they cared? Not.
3
The question I am left with after reading this article is: Is Megabus a bad bus company, or is this standard industry practice? I realize that this is a personal-story kind of article, but some research to compare Megabus' accident and violation records with those of similar companies (Bolt, etc). would have shed light on the question of how "industry-standard" is Megabus' corporate behavior
13
That would be good journalism, wouldn't it?
If any of the travelers charged their ticket on their credit card, they should check with the card issuer to see what their policy is regarding losses to carry on or checked baggage.
Most credit cards offer at least some baggage coverage that may help cover some part of the losses.
Most credit cards offer at least some baggage coverage that may help cover some part of the losses.
32
Lost sleep and failing out of school because you lost your laptop? Yes Megabus should be held liable for the costs of lost possessions in this case because of their negligence but this is a overly extreme dramatization.
11
Maybe the schoolwork is highly dependent on having a functional computer?
7
Not if you worked darn hard to get that laptop to conduct your affairs, but cannot now replace it when it is lost or destroyed. Your comment would indicate that you may not really understand how marginally viable the lives of millions of poor people are. A financial event that leaves wealthier people inconvenienced and annoyed can leave poorer people critically exposed in ways that are hard to recover from.
The lives and concerns of poorer people are often far harder than the rest of us understand. It's a gap in understanding that needs to be bridged, because the assumptions made about the less fortunate are often hostile, or simply nowhere close to reality - a bg deal when other people vote, pass judgement, or make policies regarding their lives.
The lives and concerns of poorer people are often far harder than the rest of us understand. It's a gap in understanding that needs to be bridged, because the assumptions made about the less fortunate are often hostile, or simply nowhere close to reality - a bg deal when other people vote, pass judgement, or make policies regarding their lives.
3
Wait, people! The bus burned up! She narrowly escaped when the driver belatedly pulled over and ordered everyone off. I don't think she is having nightmares about the laptop. Her experience and the thought that she might have been on a burning bus must be tormenting her--it would me....
4
Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. How do you think the company survives when it charges (for example) $5.50 a ticket?
There isn't going to be money for maintenance, driver training, etc.
Megabus' callous and penny-scrimping reaction to their destruction of their customers personal property is just a natural extension of it.
Unless laws are passed (which they won't be anytime soon, with this Congress) to address this, poor people like the folks mentioned in this article will be out of luck.
I suppose we should just consider it lucky, based on the driver's non-emergency emergency reactions that no one was killed.
There isn't going to be money for maintenance, driver training, etc.
Megabus' callous and penny-scrimping reaction to their destruction of their customers personal property is just a natural extension of it.
Unless laws are passed (which they won't be anytime soon, with this Congress) to address this, poor people like the folks mentioned in this article will be out of luck.
I suppose we should just consider it lucky, based on the driver's non-emergency emergency reactions that no one was killed.
56
$11 a ticket (the $5.50 was the offered 50% refund), but your point is well-taken. Another clue is that in NYC these bus lines pick up passengers on the street, not in the Port Authority Bus Terminal where Greyhound, Peter Pan, et al, pay to use the bus bays.
5
Megabus is owned by Coach, and BoltBus by Greyhound. Not using PA berths is part of the reason tickets are cheaper.
1
Does anyone else wince at the sight of that big cherubic face? The last time I rode Megabus, a group of customers had been waiting so long they formed a human chain around the next bus they saw (mine). It was NYPD who resolved the standoff, since Megabus refused to help any of us. Never again!
24
I applaud Mr. Paterson for doing such a good job of shedding light on this situation. For the passengers at least they know their loss and disruption is at least known about and clarified. I don't know of any good reason why government regulators and legislators--which would ultimately be our Republican Congress that has so much faith in the ability of industry to regulate itself--have not done a better job of creating genuine customer protections. As for the company, it seems that they treat people, no doubt including their line workers, with the bare minimum of respect and good will that they can get away with--capitalism with a scowling face.
30
I completely agree with your assessment of the dismal performance of our Republican Congress as well as their indifference to the realities of a laissez-faire market on the citizen. The bus company is taking advantage of that callous attitude, certainly, but our Congress and ultimately we citizens bear the responsibility for allowing this kind of business practice. Our government is, among other things, "by the people" and if we elect these careless obstructionists then it is our responsibility to replace them with more compassionate people.
2
1) Can you supply comparative data on inspection violations and crashes for Megabus's competitors, i.e Jefferson Lines in the central states? It is hard to judge how bad Megabus's record is versus bus travel in general. Same is true for the liability. For instance, what would Amtrak do if the fire had been aboard one of its Chicago to Milwaukee trains?
2) I once looked into taking a small claim to court in Illinois. The system is stacked in favor of the defendants and you have to spend a lot of time and some money to win your claim (I settled with the merchant).
3) Perhaps at $11, "you get what you pay for" applies.
2) I once looked into taking a small claim to court in Illinois. The system is stacked in favor of the defendants and you have to spend a lot of time and some money to win your claim (I settled with the merchant).
3) Perhaps at $11, "you get what you pay for" applies.
26
Let's put this to rest, since these comments were all over the previous article on this incident. "You get what you pay for" NEVER involves your ride catching fire.
2
While I'm not familiar with Illinois courts, small claims court is generally viewed as a very favorable environment for plaintiffs. The judges typically use "fairness" as standard rather than the law.
That's silly, cynical and just plain wrong. For you $11, if you get an uncomfortable seat or a noisy neighbor or the bathroom is a mess, maybe you get what you paid for. But when you are evacuated from the bus and receive only a shrug from the driver when asked why he didn't stop sooner or in a safer location, you are not getting what you expected and certainly you are not getting the safe if low quality service you expected and paid for.
2
Sad for the accident but I traveled from Philadelphia to New york in Megabus last October without any problem.
3
I would expect that the majority of passengers would have their depreciated baggage losses covered by the $500 offer. The few that were traveling with more expensive possessions should have looked into getting 3rd party baggage insurance, just as for airplane travel.
Certainly it seems that there may have been some bad choices by the driver, but expecting generous compensation from such a no-frills outfit is not realistic.
Certainly it seems that there may have been some bad choices by the driver, but expecting generous compensation from such a no-frills outfit is not realistic.
26
Where would one look for baggage insurance when riding a bus?
Again that is a cynical and un-caring stance to take. An inexpensive or even a cheap service is not expected to be a more risky service. The expectation of basic safety in a bus system is not unreasonable and should not require extra insurance to cover the malfeasance of the bus company, it's mechanics or it's drivers.
2
I've gotten all sorts of such offers via email or in my credit card statements, but this being the 21st century, Binging "baggage insurance for bus travel" returns dozens of hits; Googling would probably return even more options.
The law should hold them accountable for the damages they caused. they shouldn't be allowed to require customers to sign such an unfair document.
It also seems very cheap of Megabus. They'll lose more in bad publicity that what they saved by refusing to pay for the damage they caused. Typical big corporation refusal to take responsibility for their actions.
A good example of why we need Bernie.
It also seems very cheap of Megabus. They'll lose more in bad publicity that what they saved by refusing to pay for the damage they caused. Typical big corporation refusal to take responsibility for their actions.
A good example of why we need Bernie.
39
"... they shouldn't be allowed to require customers to sign such an unfair document"
Megagreed Corp. would argue that it's their bus and if you don't like their conditions to go somewhere else. Just as the airlines can have a Muslim passenger escorted off their plane because his beard and attire caused anxiety to just one of a hundred passengers onboard; or a credit card company can refuse to issue you a credit card unless you waive your right to seek legal recourse and agree to arbitration in the event of a dispute.
In our system corporations rule, and don't expect it to get any better unless perhaps Bernie becomes President and the Democrats secure a majority in both houses of Congress; neither of which appear to be in the cards. Only when people refuse to submit to corporate dictates any longer, then change will come.
Megagreed Corp. would argue that it's their bus and if you don't like their conditions to go somewhere else. Just as the airlines can have a Muslim passenger escorted off their plane because his beard and attire caused anxiety to just one of a hundred passengers onboard; or a credit card company can refuse to issue you a credit card unless you waive your right to seek legal recourse and agree to arbitration in the event of a dispute.
In our system corporations rule, and don't expect it to get any better unless perhaps Bernie becomes President and the Democrats secure a majority in both houses of Congress; neither of which appear to be in the cards. Only when people refuse to submit to corporate dictates any longer, then change will come.
11
Don't know whether Bernie would make any difference but you hit the nail on the head with your prior comments.
Whoops! There you go again (apologies to Reagan). Bernie talks the good talk but we have yet to see his walk. A President can only do so much in the face of a recalcitrant Republican Congress, he is only one third of the triumvirate and these last few years, the other two thirds have been inordinately powerful. Changing the President and ignoring the Congress and the Supreme Court is like fixing the number one cylinder on a 12-cylinder engine but leaving the old rusty, carbonized plugs in the other 11 cylinders. The engine won't start or run any better than it did before.
What a crummy company! A $5.50 refund for a harrowing experience!
I'm taking the Bolt Bus this afternoon between Seattle and Portland. For now, it is the only cheap express bus alternative, but for not too much more I could rent a car and save a fair amount of time. These companies may not realize that they are running on a cushion of customer ignorance and that as various incidents like this one come up, they will lose the perception of value that is now drawing customers.
I'm taking the Bolt Bus this afternoon between Seattle and Portland. For now, it is the only cheap express bus alternative, but for not too much more I could rent a car and save a fair amount of time. These companies may not realize that they are running on a cushion of customer ignorance and that as various incidents like this one come up, they will lose the perception of value that is now drawing customers.
18
Those of us who use busses frequently recognize the opening for a company that provides decent service to its customers. It would be worth a small increase in fare. Megabus nickle-and-diming their customers after narrowly avoiding a tragedy is gross.
If that bus had not gotten a flat tire, would it have ignited while on the road and full of people? You certainly don't see airplanes combusting mid-flight, so why should a bus? The maintenance standards are sub-par simply because we allow them to be. I would hope the fire is investigated by a third-party.
If that bus had not gotten a flat tire, would it have ignited while on the road and full of people? You certainly don't see airplanes combusting mid-flight, so why should a bus? The maintenance standards are sub-par simply because we allow them to be. I would hope the fire is investigated by a third-party.
19
Sounds as if the fire may have started due to the tire slowly loosing air, allowing for excess friction to affect the tire and generate heat (as well as throw off an odor). Once it got hot enough, the tire stated to burn and the fire spread to the bus.
I attempted to travel to the city from Buffalo on Megabus. It was 2 hrs. late when it arrived in Buffalo, when we arrived in the city it was over 4 hours late. I called the school district interviewing me and they said get on the train and they would interview. They cancelled it just as I was about to arrive in the station on the island. Between the district and Megabus it was a mess. I was refunded my money. Then I took Megabus to the city two years later. The driver and extra driver used seat belts to block the four seat with table for their two suitcases. I took pictures and emailed Megabus, what trash. Never ride with them again, Coach USA owner of Smegabus has shown its corporate behavior and it isnt pretty.
17
Like our barbaric health care system, this is another example of "exceptional" Americans getting the America that we are OK with our government providing.
Take a few seconds and Google "EU261" and marvel at the regulation of passenger travel (rail, ferry, air and bus) in the European Economic Area. Look at how much money railroads and airlines have to pay out if you are delayed by a couple hours, let alone lose everything.
MegaBus' appalling treatment of these poor passengers -- lucky to be alive -- is a reflection of our sick society that rewards the rich and powerful, and punishes the average citizen.
Freedom? Haha. Basic rights? Haha.
Take a few seconds and Google "EU261" and marvel at the regulation of passenger travel (rail, ferry, air and bus) in the European Economic Area. Look at how much money railroads and airlines have to pay out if you are delayed by a couple hours, let alone lose everything.
MegaBus' appalling treatment of these poor passengers -- lucky to be alive -- is a reflection of our sick society that rewards the rich and powerful, and punishes the average citizen.
Freedom? Haha. Basic rights? Haha.
83
In the last decades there have been two catastrophic ferry accidents in Europe, one in the Baltic and one just outside Zebrugge, with deaths in the hundreds.
I couldn't agree more James. We are functioning more like a developing nation everyday-citizens have little rights and corporations and wealthy are rewarded. Yet, people continue to vote against their best interests; doesn't say much for Americans.
1
I am sorry this has happened to you. I am part of a group called Alliance for California Business that is suing the CA Air Resources Board on the Truck and Bus Regulation enacted in 2010. This regulation requires all trucks and buses to have a particulate matter trap either aftermarket, or on 2010 engines and newer the filter is built into the engine exhaust system called an OEM. Due to the regulation in CA, the buses and trucks across the nation have these new exhaust systems. We believe the new systems are causing fires. We are seeing fires across the nation now, not just in CA since our lawsuit in 2013. I am glad you are all safe too. Take a look at this fire where that was not the case. Witnesses said the FedEx truck was on fire as it crossed a highway median, and then crashed into a coach bus creating both to fireball. 10 people died. http://www.chicoer.com/article/NA/20150714/NEWS/150719885
So just writing to you to let you know that fires are increasing, and you are not alone in your fight. CA Air Resource Board will meet on April 22nd to amend the rule and now admits the pm filters are dangerous, but instead of issuing a recall or allowing removal, they will be testing new parts that trucks and bus owners can place on the trap and spend more money on a device we all know is dangerous. Perhaps the pm trap or OEM system is the reason for the fire on your bus.