Operated by the Coach USA/Coach Canada Subsidiary of UK based Stagecoach Group, Megabus offers quick, cheap travel between "hubs" providing a faster, more comfortable alternative to flying.

Quick Facts:

Type: Private, Owned by Stagecoach Group, Operated by Coach USA/Coach Canada

Fleet Size: Undisclosed. Approximately 150+ Single and Double Decker Highway Coaches

Routes: 30, Surrounding major hubs such as NYC, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Toronto

Manufacturer and Powerplant: Megabus sources the fleet from MCI (Motor Coach Industries) and Van Hool of Belgium. The fleet makes extensive use of the Cummins ISM Turbodiesel.

Fare Collection: Megabus has incorporated online ticket sales into its business model. With fare as low as $1 in some areas the only method of validation is a confirmation number.

Livery: In its smart blue paint, the Megabus fleet stands out significantly. All paint schemes used incorporate the company mascot. Megabus USA/Canada blue is noticeably brighter than the blue used by the UK counterparts. This was to avoid confusion with Greyhounds newer dark blue fleet.

Innovations: Giving Greyhound a run for their money, Megabus offers similar service at a much lower cost. Megabus began to offer Wi-Fi first along with increased legroom. Tactics that Greyhound later implemented into its own fleet. Megabus connections between hubs instead of long distance bus travel began to make people think twice about booking a plane ticket. The low fares insured that Megabus would be able to fill seats faster on every trip. Megabus is aslo notable for its use of Double Deckers in a non Tourist application. Uncommon in the United States.

Driving Dynamics: As with any carrier safety is always the primary concern, Megabus' use of double decker buses has caused a great deal of controversy due to the accidents caused by buses crashing into bridges and overpasses with low clearance. Megabus routes were planned so that this would not be an issue. Unfortunately drivers must be vigilant and stay on the alert to watch for low clearance signs. Megabus double deckers stand at 13 feet tall. Most highway bridges and overpasses are designed to be at least 14 feet 5 inches tall to allow 18-wheelers to pass under them. Increased training has helped to curb the problem. Megabus has a noticeably higher driver turnover rate suggesting either an undesirable work environment or lack of dedicated drivers. Megabus USA drivers start out at $20.30 an hour with 2 years previous bus driving experience.