Greyhound Expects More Than A Half Million Customers To Travel This Thanksgiving

DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As the largest provider of intercity bus transportation and with more than 500,000 customers expected to travel to more than 2,300 destinations across the United States, Greyhound is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year.

It is estimated that last year, 46 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving celebrations according to the American Automobile Association. According to Waze, the popular community-based navigation app that tracks traffic trends, heavy traffic will start on Tuesday, Nov. 24 and last most of Wednesday, Nov. 25.

"We expect the highest demand to be on Nov. 24, 25 and Nov. 29," said Bill Blankenship, chief operating officer, Greyhound Lines, Inc. "Holiday travel can be stressful, but our customers can sit back, relax and enjoy a hassle-free end-to-end travel experience riding on one of the more than 1,200 new coaches that feature modern on-board amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather seats, extra legroom, footrests and restrooms."

Greyhound is making holiday travel even easier with its new travel tools, including a brand new website. With a fresh, modern look, the website offers new fare options with a variety of benefits such as, free checked bags, priority boarding and additional Road Rewards points. It also includes information about route details that inform customers what to expect during their journey, information about the types of stops and what services are available at each stop. In addition, customers can easily sort search results by departure time, price or fastest route, and compare online versus offline prices to find the best deal.

BusTracker, which rolled out earlier this year, helps customers track the real-time location of their bus and gives real-time information about whether their bus is early, on time or delayed.

"We are dedicated to making our customers' experience with us as simple and as easy as possible," Blankenship said. "BusTracker takes the uncertainty out of bus travel and is an invaluable tool that customers can use to keep loved ones informed about their departure and arrival time."

In addition to the new website and tracking tool, Greyhound has partnered with Parking Panda, the nation's leading provider for on-demand parking, to provide customers with the ability to discover and reserve parking online near select Greyhound terminals. Customers are now able to book their Greyhound travel, search and, compare available parking options and prices, and reserve and pay for a guaranteed spot creating a seamless ground transportation experience.

"This partnership helps create seamless, hassle-free travel that enhances our customers' travel experience," Blankenship added. "Parking becomes sparse during the holiday crowds, but this tool eliminates the challenge of driving around searching for convenient parking."

With the high volume of customers expected to travel, Greyhound encourages customers to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled departure time. Tickets are valid only on the date and schedule for which they were purchased. If customers wish to change travel arrangements, tickets can be re-issued for a fee if seats are available.

To improve customers' experience, Greyhound offers self-service ticketing kiosks at major terminals, Wi-Fi at its terminals and a book on-line/pay with cash service. Tickets can be purchased on www.greyhound.com, Greyhound's mobile app, by calling 1-800-231-2222 or at company terminals and agencies.

Along with the company's traditional service, its popular Greyhound Express® service offers direct service between more than 1,000 city pairs in more than 135 major cities, covering more than a third of the company's North American network. Customers can purchase their ticket at www.mygreyhoundexpress.com, print their ticket at home or pick it up at a self-service ticketing kiosk, and know a guaranteed seat is waiting for them. Additionally, customers who book Greyhound Express tickets can relax in private waiting areas, with a dedicated guest services specialist to provide an extra level of customer assistance.

About Greyhound
Greyhound is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,800 destinations across the continent. The company also provides Greyhound Package Express (GPX) and charter services. For fare and schedule information and to buy tickets call 1-800-661-8747 or visit the website at www.greyhound.com. For the latest news and travel deals, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GreyhoundBus, Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreyhoundBus, follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/greyhoundlines, download a high resolution photo at www.bit.ly/GreyhoundBusPhotos, or follow our award-winning blog, The Hound, at http://www.bloggreyhound.com.            

SOURCE Greyhound

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