BusTalk

steamtrain6868 · Age: 53 Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Posts: 9

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http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/12000/12200/12224/12224.pdf
What the hell happened!

JimmiB · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 8:55 pm Post subject:

It was a combination of many things. Until the time that the ICC and PA DOT started deregulation, it was almost impossible for a carrier that had a scheduled route to discontinue it. After deregulation started in 1982, carriers began ridding themselves of money-losing routes. This pretty much ended small town inter-city bus service unless it was along a busy corridor.

To add to the problem, the ICC started granting operating authority to almost anyone who bought a bus and could show financial responsibility. This enabled a surge in the number of charter and tour operations, cutting into the profitable charter operations of the established carriers.

Basically its a matter of not enough ridership (with exceptions) and the increased competition among charter operators. Aside from that you have to put a lot of paid miles on a coach to pay off a half million or so investment in a new bus.