The iconic Greyhound bus was a must do in my tour of the US. Since domestic airlines charge $60 for every checked in baggage, it was ideal to use the bus for shorter distances.
Boston to New York and New York to DC it was. The buses were a revelation. Quite spacious, the leg room more than some of our desi airlines and Frontier airlines. There is WiFi, and with good roads and an excellent suspension the travel was a breeze. Without having to reach the airport well in advance, flying, waiting for checked baggage etc.
I boarded the DC bus and could hear an altercation at the back. “But I have a ticket and the bus is empty. I want to sit here”. “No sir, this is my bus and you will sit on your seat No 14A” The bus backed out and the announcements came on.
1. You are traveling on Greyhound and this fleet is our pride. Please help keep it so.
2. Please sit on your designated seat. Only dry snacks and water is allowed. No cooking with strong smells will be allowed. It will be thrown out.
3. There is a WiFi for internet surfing
4. Please avoid talking loudly. We don’t need to know your life story
5. No altercations. If there are are arguments the local police will offload you faster than our WIFI.
6. Please don’t litter. We can identify the source of the litter from the seat no and you will be charged a $100 for cleaning.
7. Etc

As the bus started out I called a cousin to share some tit bits of the trip. A booming announcement about no. 4 (above) came on. I ignored it. At the next stop the driver came up and said “Mam please collect your things, you are moving to the back” I obviously demurred and he said that I was talking too loudly, ignoring rules. I had a very good seat and ignoring him pretended to sleep. He walked up and squinting I saw him half smile and say I could sit for now and the next rule break I would be on the road.
Suitably chastised and very impressed I sat back enjoying the scenery and munching on my bhujiya etc.
The next pit stop I returned from the restroom and the driver was standing next to my seat, arms akimbo, glaring. I looked with horror at the seat and floor dotted with bhujiya. I quickly reassured him that it would be clean before he started the bus.
When we reached our destination I found him standing at the door smiling and he offered his arms to help me alight and said that he hoped my trip was comfortable. He helped me take out my suitcases
I immediately took a picture and told Shawn that we need more of him in my country back home.
Greyhound it is for me. Maybe even for longer journeys if and when I return to the US