Thinking about Riding Greyhound

[Oldgringo]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,398881,00.html

I imagine that would scare someone who has no means of defending themselves from a lunatic.


By the way, Hertz quoted me $75. I double checked, and everyone else was quoting $200. The problem is it being one-way. Apparently the rental companies aren't too fond of that.

Add gas for about $100, and it's still double the price of going on Greyhound. I read some other forums, and they said if you see a search going on to get on your bus, just wait for the next bus. However in my case, I would have to stick to a schedule.

I am trying to coordinate other means of cheap transportation now.

I'm rootin' for you. Goods luck and please keep us posted.

[Thomas]

I forgot about this post and updating it until now, sorry

Anyway, here we go:

I rented a car from near-Houston to Dallas for $80 and $15 if I recall correctly in gas. I was then picked up by someone who was going to the same place as me in New Mexico. I slept at that person's friend's house in a sleeping bag and I kept my handgun in it's holster on my person while sleeping. We then drove to New Mexico with no problem.

On the way back, I caught a ride with someone into Colorado to a Greyhound bus station there (If I used a closer station, it would have added 24 hours to my travel time, same price). The building was not posted, so I was good. The bus was not posted, and the bus driver never announced no guns/weapons/etc allowed. After driving into Texas, I got a second bus driver. This bus driver didn't make any kind of announcements until the bus was already doing 60 on the freeway (I am going to leave this sentence at that, don't waste your breath asking about it).

I got off that bus in Dallas. That station had a security officer of some sort (didn't have my eye glasses on to read his patches etc). The extent of the security there was after everyone boarded, the officer walked down the aisle looking at everyone. He seemed like a regular there with the Greyhound personnel, so I guess he was just looking for stuff that didn't seem right. My third bus driver that I got in Dallas did not make any announcements. I have no idea if the Dallas station was properly posted at the pedestrian entrances. I entered the station in a bus, and stayed in the station until I got on the other bus and I did not see any signs at any point.

So... I was never made that I am aware of. I wasn't in any situation where I felt that the mere presence of a handgun, concealed or not, was dangerous.

If one has time to spare, patience to spare, and frustration to spare...take public transportation (of any kind). Cost of fuel is minor in relation to this.

When I was in my late teens, I took a bus from Denton to Houston...didn't know any better.

Then, when a bunch of us went from Dallas to a military base for Basic Training...didn't have a choice...but, only people on board were "recruits". Think I was about 20 or 22 then...

Used to be only the derilects, parolees, indigents, run-a-ways, escapees, and nut cases rode buses...now they are found on airplanes! Sign of the times...

I took public transportation (Houston Metro) to and from high school for one and a half years. I loved it! Of course, the bus was shot at, the bus driver almost called the cops on one person, and I shared a seat next to a smelly homeless guy once. All that was character building. Sure I had to wake up an hour earlier in the morning, but I got to sleep on the bus on the way to school. I liked the afternoon rides from school. My route took me through downtown where I had to transfer buses. It was fun to people-watch.

---

As for taking the Greyhound Bus, I didn't really care to be on a bus for 21 hours, and wait at a dead construction zone... I mean Greyhound Service Station for an hour at 3 in the morning. I slept most of the time, and it was kind of heartwarming (best word I could come up with) to be with folks that seemed less fortunate than me. For a while, I sat across the aisle from a elderly lady who was trying to get some sleep and keep warm with a blanket. I could only wander what her story was, why she was traveling on a Greyhound in the middle of the night, alone, and somewhat cold.

Riding Greyhound isn't for everybody. I wouldn't necessarily want to do it often myself, but the once-in-a-long-while I don't think I would mind that much. To me, patience is a virtue, everything that's difficult is character building, and a humble outlook on life is necessary.

[tommyg]

I cut and Paste this off Greyhound Web Site

On Board Restrictions

For everyone's safety and comfort, Greyhound asks that customers please follow certain restrictions while on board. Federal law does not permit smoking on Greyhound buses. We have a zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, weapons and unruly behavior.

Photography, video or audio recording of Greyhound personnel, equipment or procedures is strictly prohibited. For your safety and the safety of those around you, passengers should remain seated while the bus is in motion. Audio, video and camera equipment should be stored with other carry-ons when not in use.

No dogs, cats, birds, or other animals will be transported. However, a service animal, trained for the purpose of accompanying a disabled person, will be permitted to travel with the disabled person at no additional charge.

[tommyg]

I rode a Greyhound from Fort Worth to Austin a year ago
I was not searched or harassed in any way. This was before I got my plastic
So I was not carrying.

[Thomas]

I cut and Paste this off Greyhound Web Site

On Board Restrictions

For everyone's safety and comfort, Greyhound asks that customers please follow certain restrictions while on board. Federal law does not permit smoking on Greyhound buses. We have a zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, weapons and unruly behavior.

Photography, video or audio recording of Greyhound personnel, equipment or procedures is strictly prohibited. For your safety and the safety of those around you, passengers should remain seated while the bus is in motion. Audio, video and camera equipment should be stored with other carry-ons when not in use.

No dogs, cats, birds, or other animals will be transported. However, a service animal, trained for the purpose of accompanying a disabled person, will be permitted to travel with the disabled person at no additional charge.

You're not the first to copy-and-paste that. In Texas, their website has no legal meaning to a Texas CHL holder as far as I know.

[bayouhazard]

Not in Texas but if you cross state lines...

[Thomas]

Unfortunately, it is against the law in some places to be able to protect one's self or others. I feel for Suzanna Hupp.

Each side of this discussion has its merits, so it is an argument that can't be won. Thus, it falls on the individual to choose what is the best course of action for him or her.

[Jumping Frog]

I just this very morning rented a Toyota Yaris that will get close to 40 mpg and the car will cost me $203.00 for a week of use for my vacation next week that will have me roaming around the expanse of Texas.
And you can be sure I will have my daily carry with me.

$200 for a week? I checked with Enterprise, National, Budget, Avis, and Hertz, and it would cost me $200 for just one day.

Two weeks ago I rented a Nissan Versa from Hertz and the weekly rate was $140 plus tax with my NRA discount.

[wharvey]

About 15 years ago I rode from Louisville to San Antonio. Most uncomfortable 24+ hours I ever spent. Sadly it would 't have cost me that much more to have taken a plane and back then it wasn't that much of a hassle. Even with that the biggest problem I have with bus travel is the stations are often in the worse part of the cities, where you are most likely to need personal protection.
No way I'll do it again unless there is no other choice.

[kjolly]

When factoring traveling costs driving or on the bus need to factor in the cost of gas, food and lodging. flying starts looking cheaper.

[The Annoyed Man]

When factoring traveling costs driving or on the bus need to factor in the cost of gas, food and lodging. flying starts looking cheaper.

Not when you factor in the price of a chastity belt to preserve your virtue from TSA.

[Katygunnut]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,398881,00.html

I imagine that would scare someone who has no means of defending themselves from a lunatic.


By the way, Hertz quoted me $75. I double checked, and everyone else was quoting $200. The problem is it being one-way. Apparently the rental companies aren't too fond of that.

Add gas for about $100, and it's still double the price of going on Greyhound. I read some other forums, and they said if you see a search going on to get on your bus, just wait for the next bus. However in my case, I would have to stick to a schedule.

I am trying to coordinate other means of cheap transportation now.

Can you get to / from a major airport for picking up and dropping off the car? If so, this might save you alot. I am surprised that you saw rates that high. I rent cars all over the US on a regular basis (during work trips), and the highest I have ever seen was $65 a day. Usually, I can get a compact for $25 a day or less.

[boba]

When factoring traveling costs driving or on the bus need to factor in the cost of gas, food and lodging. flying starts looking cheaper.

Not when you factor in the price of a chastity belt to preserve your virtue from TSA.

Maybe some people enjoy it. Who knows? I think the extra time and money is well worth it to not disarm, not get groped, not get my gonads irradiated, not sit next to someone who overflows into my seat, and not support bad (security) theater with my money.

[wharvey]

Can you get to / from a major airport for picking up and dropping off the car? If so, this might save you alot. I am surprised that you saw rates that high. I rent cars all over the US on a regular basis (during work trips), and the highest I have ever seen was $65 a day. Usually, I can get a compact for $25 a day or less.

Where they can get you with price is if they ask if you want insurance. That is often higher than the car rental itself. Don't ask how I know! We can temporarily change our auto policy to include rental car coverage for much less.

[Thomas]

The "insurance" was $20 for Hertz. My father was with me, so he paid for it. If it was any more, I would have convinced him not to buy it.