Some people really want to put the "oh" in Ohio, don't they?
I needed last minute transportation to Ohio, something that wouldn't place me behind the wheel or cost me an arm and a leg. I hadn't taken the bus in half a decade, but I decided I can be brave. And in some lines you don't have to be. The buses themselves are a 'your mileage may vary' situation, pun intended. My ride in from Buffalo and to back home were cushy and clean. Granted I'm petite, but both trips I sat alone next to my unchecked knapsack (I'm not saying I have anything deadly but they trusted me to not) instead of stowing it in the vast under storage or the compact overhead compartment. There's something attached to the seat in front of me that presses down to rest your feet, a net like pouch, sturdy cupholders and an outlet down there too for all your travel ease. There are bags hanging for trash, vents and personal lights. And unlike my trek from Columbus, where I stood an extra half hour due to delay at a sign on the side of the road, only to sit on an overstuffed, unclean bus in a seat not assigned to me (mine was stolen and I got relocated across from a man with a branch sized stick that the driver allowed on board, fearing possible impalement), at least this one has a terminal.
Even if it's in shambles.
I noticed in both of my waits at the station a few things. First off, it's bustling. There are three sets of chairs, mostly filled by people spacing away strangers with luggage, people crouched on the ground and pacing on phone convos. There's a closed restaurant space that could be used for more seating but isn't. If you're hungry, there are expensive vending machines (if you have the time, leave the terminal for local eats) with drinks, ice cream, snacks and even fresher food you can microwave.
When I first arrived, I beelined past this, both occasions, to use the loo. Wednesday I noticed the toilet ever flushing, chalked it up to a hiccup. When I returned Friday, about 48 hours later, I was the Goldilocks of toilets. One door couldn't lock, three were full of pee, one had poop stains, one was out of paper and one was still flushing. I opted for the handicap stall. Both times the soap was empty.
The drinking fountain looked unclean and didn't work. Thankfully I didn't have to waste much time, taking in the ambiance of a screen playing some sort of attempt of entertainment (the bus actually has free wifi and some streamable content that I would have used had I brought headphones as the subtitles were a no go) and trying to stretch my legs before the long journey.
There's a lot of shouting for gate numbers. They do their best to make sure everyone is well aware that they need to be in the right places, and I did notice a few repeat workers that honestly seem to give two hoots about being good at their job.
Is Greyhound perfect? Not by a longshot. Are they going to get me to my adventure and back in one piece at the most affordable price, even at the cost of basic sanitation? Yes. read more