Texas’ cherished $1 Megabus fare days are over.
Megabus, known for its budget-friendly travel options, has officially ceased operations between major Texas cities. Effective August 16, the service connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston has been discontinued, marking another big change in local bus transportation options.
The decision to end these popular routes comes in the wake of a challenging period for Megabus’ parent company, Coach USA. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June, has been grappling with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically affected ridership levels and the company’s financial stability, according to a recent press release.
The bankruptcy filing aims to restructure the business and preserve jobs for the parent company, Coach USA.
In addition to the Texas routes, Megabus has discontinued services in the Southeast, specifically affecting connections between Atlanta, Charlotte, Durham, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. As part of its broader operational adjustments, the company has begun shifting several Northeast routes to partner providers Peter Pan Bus Lines and Fullington Trailways.
Founded in 2006, Megabus has been a staple in affordable intercity travel across North America, offering low-cost tickets and serving over 500 cities. However, the abrupt end to these routes has left many passengers seeking alternative transportation options.
Megabus has processed refunds for customers with existing bookings, but the closure has sparked concern about the long-term impact on affordable travel within Texas, according to a recent report from My San Antonio.
While Coach USA, which operates Megabus, continues to navigate its bankruptcy proceedings, the company remains committed to restructuring efforts aimed at stabilizing its operations. All other unmentioned routes in the U.S. and Canada will remain operational as usual.
Dallas, in particular, has seen substantial changes to its bus transportation options within the city this year.
In January, Greyhound, the major bus travel company headquartered in Dallas, revealed its intention to vacate its Downtown Dallas terminal when its lease ends in October, according to a report from WFAA News.
Greyhound previously said that it was collaborating with the City of Dallas to find a new terminal location, but no alternative site has been disclosed so far. There is a possibility that Greyhound might operate from various parking lots across the region, similar to Megabus, instead of a centralized terminal.