Saving Green

Both Money and the Planet

by Valerie Summers

I’ve often traveled by plane, train and automobile, but rarely by bus. However, I recently discovered a new transportation addition called Megabus and learned that among its destinations, it traveled from my home in Los Angeles to the Bay area (San Francisco/Oakland). For the past several years, I have tried to make changes in my life in being more aware of and doing my part in the “Green” movement. What I learned about the Megabus was that I could also save greenbacks since the price for a one way ticket, depending on when it was purchased, ranged from $1-$35. That is not a typo. I also thought how nice it would be to miss the early check in, crowds and security at LAX (airport). Incredulous, I decided to give it a try on my recent trip to the Bay area.

I was dropped off ½ hour before departure at the back of Union (train) Station in downtown Los Angeles. My first impression was not good…one bench, already occupied, and no shelter from the sun. The big blue bus arrived on time and a friendly driver loaded our luggage under the bus. When we were all on board the driver announced there was a toilet on board in the back, a garbage bag in front and that we would be stopping only once briefly. And….we were off.

The bus seating was comfortable but not luxurious. I brought plenty of reading material and snacks and water for my 6 ½ hour journey so I was set. The seats were ½ full and the passengers were a mix of senior citizens, college students and a few young couples. I thought to myself what a good idea this was. I did not have to wait in lines at the airport nor pay more than $150 to fly. I did not have to put 800 miles (roundtrip) of wear and tear on my car plus paying sometimes close to $4 a gallon for gas. I just relaxed and perused magazines and let the bus driver deal with the traffic.

We did make one brief stop—about 20 minutes at a huge Burger King on the way up and at a much better choice, Travel Centers of America at Santa Nella on the return trip. I was pleased to find both seating and shelter while awaiting the Megabus on my return trip departing from Oakland.

Megabus is a real deal…taking a good number of cars off the road thus helping ease traffic while benefiting the environment plus saving money for passengers. Booking 45 days in advance, passengers may pay only $1 for one way travel. After the limited number of $1 seats is reserved, prices then increase incrementally, depending on the route. The Los Angeles-Oakland/San Francisco trip which I took maxed out at $35 for latecomers.

Megabus currently services: Ann Arbor, Bloomington/Normal, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Toledo in the Midwest. West Coast cities served by Megabus include: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Millbrae, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and San Ysidro. For service routes to and from the listed cities and to make reservations, visit www.megabus.com .

For information:

Megabus
www.megabus.com

Photos: Valerie Summers
www.southerncaliforniaguide.org