As Megabus disappears from the transportation landscape following the bankruptcy of its parent company, Coach USA, Peter Pan Bus Lines is stepping up to fill the void. The family-owned company is prepared to double its services, taking over former Megabus routes along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Corridor.
In anticipation of this expansion, Peter Pan has hired 75 new drivers and purchased 45 new MCI coaches, equipped with enhanced features such as better-designed seats, video entertainment and Wi-Fi. Additionally, Peter Pan has relaunched its app, making it easier for passengers to book trips in advance and take advantage of its PERKs program, which allows users to earn free travel.
A significant benefit for passengers is a nearly 40% reduction in fares.
“As an incentive for people – in many cases, Megabus customers – to try us for the first time, we were able to lower some of our fares,” Chairman and CEO Peter A. Picknelly told Bus & Motorcoach News.
Growth in major markets
This expansion marks a pivotal moment in Peter Pan’s 91-year history as it absorbs key routes from Megabus. Peter Pan has been in discussions with Megabus for several months, planning the transition that will double the company’s presence in key markets and significantly increase the company’s market share in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The routes affected by this expansion include those south of New York City, extending to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington.
“We’ve significantly increased our service to meet the needs of both Peter Pan and former Megabus passengers,” Picknelly said. “I’m confident that our enhanced service levels will benefit all travelers.”
Though the Megabus brand is phasing out and its routes are being integrated into the Peter Pan brand, the Megabus website will continue to operate as a booking platform, allowing passengers to transition smoothly to Peter Pan services.
“Passengers who previously bought Megabus tickets can easily rebook onto any available Peter Pan service at no additional charge,” Picknelly said.
Bouncing back from COVID
The expansion is not just about growth; it’s about navigating the broader challenges facing the bus industry. The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll, with 40% of bus operators failing to survive.
However, Peter Pan has remained resilient.
“We’re a strong company. We’ve been around for 91 years, family-owned and operated,” Picknelly said. “We’re very fortunate. We’re in a geographic market that’s perhaps the best in the United States for bus service. Shorter-distance markets – anything commuter-related, 50 or 75 miles – continue to struggle because so many people are working remotely, but our longer-distance routes have really been thriving.”
Picknelly emphasized the importance of affordability and environmental consciousness in driving the future of bus travel.
“People take buses because there is a high frequency of service and it’s affordable,” he said. “With the cost of just about everything on the planet going up – fuel, tolls, groceries – people are looking for an affordable way to travel, and the bus is that option.
“Plus, for those who are environmentally conscious, it’s the cleanest way to travel. So I see the industry with great optimism for the future. Those that have survived the pandemic are going to be stronger.”
