Bolt Bus

Oh come on. 

So, I was so hopeful for a speedy bolt back to NYC.  It was very strategic planning.  I was taking a 9:30am bus so the likelihood of being stuck in traffic is not very high.  But 30 minutes into the drive, the bus literally stopped working.  Just not working.  So we pulled over, luckily at a rest stop, only being told "well, I guess we'll have to get another bus".  Of course, no time frame was given.  We went for almost an hour without communication of any sort. Then we get a "20 minutes" (thank you 20).  30 minutes pass.  We then get "10 minutes" (thank you 10?). 20 minutes later, the bus arrives.  So for those of you who are doing the math...that's 1 hour + 30 minutes + 20 minutes.  Yes, that's almost 2 hours.

Now, I hate to say it, but this isn't the first time this has happened to me on Bolt Bus.  One time i had to wait for 2 hours to get a new bus because it was raining inside the bus we were on. But, I like to take it back from Boston because it's cheaper than the train (obvi) and the boarding process in Boston is quite civilized.  They have lanes for your boarding zones and then you get a colored tag based on your boarding zone.  So, I was sure to get a seat with a plug so I could update you all on my travels.  Now of course, none of that applies when we have to board the other bus.  The assholes who were in Zone Q stormed the bus, and made sure that they sure as hell got whatever seat it was they wanted.  I just don't understand this concept.  Why would you not just sit in the same seat on the different bus.  Some guy literally pushed me to get on the bus in front of me, to which I responded quite loudly, "Oh no, after you, you go right ahead sir." Kids today...am I right ladies?

But let's put that aside.  How is the journey in comparison to the train?  Well as I said, the boarding process is lovely.  +1 for bus.  Cost. +1 for bus. The internet connection is possibly more marginal.  I'll give them a tie for that one.  The train is much roomier.  This includes the ability to walk around, and not feel like your seatmate is going to rest his head on your shoulder as he sleeps (which is happening right now).  +1 for train.  Quiet car. +1 for train.  You cannot get away from the cell phone talker on the bus.  I'm sitting towards the front of the bus and yet I can smell the bathroom.  +1 for train.  I AM FREEZING and although, I think my particular car on the train to Boston was under air conditioned, the rest of the train was pleasant.  +1 for train. 

So, Train 4, Bus 2.  Looks like it might be worth it to endure the rush to the track and this higher price to have a slightly more pleasant travel experience.

So, what do you think the is best method of travel from NYC to Boston or NYC to DC/Baltimore?  Help a weary traveler out. I'm so weary that I'm not even bothering to mention the clothes that surround me, but suffice it to say, I have seen many a cut-off and Victoria Secret "Pink" sweatpants.