Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
8
↓
Amtrak, Greyhound, or Megabus, any thoughts? (self.Blind)
submitted by rebel_134
So this past yer, as I've been traveling, I've mainly been using Amtrack, as it's the only alternative method of travel to flying that seems to be most accessible an disability friendly. I did use Greyhound once, but found that customer service was horrendous. But I have never used Megabus, but have heard it's cheaper than all of them. So I'm curious. For those of you who have used all three modes of transportation, what were your thoughts and experiences?
pokersnek 3 points 4y ago
Mega is worse than Greyhound. I had a blind friend who would use it to visit. He rarely, if ever, got assisted finding a seat. The driver moved the bus once during a test stop. They also don’t care about your luggage.
rebel_134 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Oh my! Well, I’ll be sure to steer clear of it lol!
pokersnek 1 points 4y ago
I’ve used Mega Bus too (sighted). It was kind of the same as Greyhound. I think your experience can differ with each driver.
snow671 1 points 4y ago
I've had all great experiences with Amtrak bus and train, but only in the Pacific northwest
ginsenshi 2 points 4y ago
My husband and I we need each greyhound when traveling. In Georgia they are a mixed bag of levels of h helpfulness end providing accommodations.
On a field trip to back when we were going to Savannah Georgia the driver threaten to kick us off the bus when they would not accommodate our quest to use the wheelchair space where there would be more space for my seeing eye dog. They wanted to put us in a regular seat where there was not enough foot space for my seeing eye dog.
My husband called the Greyhound hotline and in front of the Driver file a complaint the driver was reprimanded on the phone in front of us.
On a field trip to back when we were going to Savannah Georgia the driver threaten to kick us off the bus when they would not accommodate our quest to use the wheelchair space where there would be more space for my seeing eye dog. They wanted to put us in a regular seat where there was not enough foot space for my seeing eye dog.
My husband called the Greyhound hotline and in front of the Driver file a complaint the driver was reprimanded on the phone in front of us.
snow671 1 points 4y ago
That sounds awful! I'm sorry you and your husband had to deal with that.
Prefect316 1 points 4y ago
I use MegaBus all the time and have never had a bad experience. The drivers are very helpful, but that's not a given no matter how you choose to travel.
Also, just a heads up in case you ever travel with a friend -- they ride with you for free because of your disability. They are your PCA. I used this to take my gf with me to San Francisco from LA. Round trip was around $20. But the fares fluctuate wildly.
Also, just a heads up in case you ever travel with a friend -- they ride with you for free because of your disability. They are your PCA. I used this to take my gf with me to San Francisco from LA. Round trip was around $20. But the fares fluctuate wildly.
rebel_134 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
When you use the mega bus, did you have much luck with the website? I tried scheduling a ride just to see if I could, and I had trouble navigating the site
Prefect316 1 points 4y ago
When I first started using it, the site was great. It has since gone downhill, which is sad considering they do make an effort to accommodate those with disabilities.
rebel_134 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
So what do you do in those cases? Do you call them?
Prefect316 1 points 4y ago
Yes, you can call. Usually I'll just have someone I trust help, typically the person who is going to be the PCA. But they do have a phone option.
SpikeTheCookie 1 points 4y ago
Wow, Amtrak and Greyhound are tough to travel for sighted people. ;-)
​
My experience is from a few years back, but...
​
Amtrak can be delayed for hours and hours (even days), and Greyhound sells more tickets than they have seats, so you may not get on.
​
Have you had any problems with delays or getting your seat?
​
Also, both Amtrak and Grayhound stations tend to be in very dicey areas of most major cities.
​
Since you're traveling so much, I'm really curious if you'd recommend these.
​
Also, have you not had good experiences flying? Just curious.
​
In fact, I'd like to hear from anyone here. How have you navigated airports? Did you use a cane, dog, friend, stranger?? ;-)
​
My experience is from a few years back, but...
​
Amtrak can be delayed for hours and hours (even days), and Greyhound sells more tickets than they have seats, so you may not get on.
​
Have you had any problems with delays or getting your seat?
​
Also, both Amtrak and Grayhound stations tend to be in very dicey areas of most major cities.
​
Since you're traveling so much, I'm really curious if you'd recommend these.
​
Also, have you not had good experiences flying? Just curious.
​
In fact, I'd like to hear from anyone here. How have you navigated airports? Did you use a cane, dog, friend, stranger?? ;-)
rebel_134 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I’ve flown the flat, but ones. It was with United airlines and I did not like it. However, I’ve been hearing good things about Southwest. Problem with flights is they’re so pricy!
HDMILex 1 points 4y ago
With airport: cane, physical human sighted assistance and sometimes Aira.
SpikeTheCookie 1 points 4y ago
>Aira
How do you like Aira? Do you have the horizon glasses?
How do you like Aira? Do you have the horizon glasses?
HDMILex 1 points 4y ago
No. I just use my phone camera hooked onto a lanyard for hands free usage.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.