OurBus Review: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Are you looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable way to travel between cities? Look no further than OurBus! In this comprehensive review, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about this intercity bus service, including its history, services, pros and cons, on-board experience, customer reviews, and how it compares to other bus companies. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to decide if OurBus is the right choice for your next trip.

About OurBus

Founded in 2016, OurBus is a technology company that offers intercity, commuter, and charter bus services across almost 100 locations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest and West Coast regions of the United States. Its mission is to make intercity bus travel as easy and convenient as possible by focusing on key routes, offering a personalized service, and providing comfortable buses with essential amenities.

What sets OurBus apart from traditional bus companies is its innovative pop-up route model. Instead of trying to maintain a huge nationwide network, OurBus uses data and customer feedback to quickly launch new direct routes between cities based on demand. This allows them to offer convenient and efficient service in key intercity corridors.

Booking a trip with OurBus is a breeze thanks to their user-friendly website and mobile app. You can easily search for available routes, compare schedules and pricing, and reserve your seat in just a few clicks. You‘ll receive a mobile ticket and trip confirmation via email, along with information about your pickup location and any important travel advisories.

Pros and Cons of OurBus

So, what are the advantages and drawbacks of traveling with OurBus? Let‘s break it down:

Pros:

1. Affordable pricing: OurBus offers very competitive fares compared to other intercity bus companies, as well as trains and flights on the same routes. Their prices vary based on demand but are often significantly cheaper than the alternatives.

2. Comfortable modern buses: OurBus partners with reputable charter bus companies to offer a fleet of newer model buses. Most buses are equipped with free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, air conditioning, a small restroom, and reclining seats with ample legroom for a relaxing ride.

3. Convenient booking and tracking: It‘s easy to book your trip online or through the OurBus app, with a streamlined search and checkout process. You can also track your bus in real-time on a map so you know exactly when it will arrive for pickup and at your destination.

4. Friendly service: OurBus has a reputation for having professional, friendly drivers and responsive customer support agents. If any issues arise before or during your trip, you can count on their 24/7 customer service team for assistance.

5. Convenient pickup/dropoff locations: Unlike some bus companies that only use major bus terminals, OurBus offers convenient pickup and dropoff points in central locations in the cities they serve. This can save you time and money on getting to/from the bus.

Cons:

1. Limited coverage: While OurBus is rapidly expanding, its network is still much smaller compared to industry giants like Greyhound and Megabus. They mainly serve the Northeast, with some routes in the Southeast, Midwest and West Coast.

2. Fewer frequencies on each route: Since OurBus focuses on key direct routes rather than a sprawling web of stops, they usually only offer a few departures per day on each route compared to the multiple frequencies you may find on Greyhound or Megabus. This can make finding a convenient schedule more difficult.

3. No loyalty program: Unlike some of its competitors, OurBus does not currently offer a loyalty rewards program for frequent travelers. You won‘t earn points or get any special perks for booking multiple trips.

4. Cancellation fees: While you can cancel your trip and request a refund through the OurBus website or app, they do deduct a cancellation fee which starts at $5 and increases closer to departure. Megabus offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

5. No assigned seating: Seats on OurBus are first-come, first-served, so you aren‘t guaranteed a specific seat when you book. If you want to sit with a friend or family member, you‘ll need to board together to claim adjacent seats.

The OurBus On-Board Experience

What can you expect when you step foot on an OurBus? Let‘s take a closer look at the on-board amenities and experience:

Most OurBus routes are operated with modern 56-passenger charter buses equipped with all the essential creature comforts for an enjoyable intercity trip. You‘ll enjoy plush reclining seats with ample legroom, so you can stretch out and relax, take a nap, or get some work done on your journey.

Each seat has its own power outlet so you can charge your phone, laptop, or other devices. OurBus also offers free WiFi on board so you can stay connected and entertained during your ride. Keep in mind that the WiFi may be spotty in rural areas with weak cell coverage.

For your belongings, there are overhead storage racks inside the bus cabin, as well as spacious luggage bays under the bus that are accessible from the outside. OurBus has a generous luggage policy, allowing each passenger one carry-on bag and one stowed bag included in their standard ticket price.

If you need to use the restroom during the trip, OurBus coaches do have a small lavatory on board. However, like on most buses, this restroom is not very spacious and may have limited water and waste capacity, so it‘s a good idea to use the restroom right before boarding.

One thing to note is that OurBus does not provide any food or drink service on board. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages on the bus (no alcohol), but if you are looking for a full meal, you‘ll need to grab something at the rest stops. For longer routes, OurBus does make short rest stops every few hours at highway rest areas with fast food options and convenience stores.

To help you have a smooth trip, OurBus offers real-time GPS tracking of your bus through the website and app. You‘ll get a link in your ticket confirmation email that allows you to monitor the exact location of your bus on a map and see an updated estimated arrival time. This is helpful for timing your arrival at the pickup point and keeping tabs on any traffic delays affecting your bus.

OurBus Legitimacy and Reliability

If you‘re considering OurBus for the first time, you may be wondering about their legitimacy and reliability as a newer player in the intercity bus industry.

Rest assured, OurBus is a fully licensed and insured transportation company that complies with all relevant federal and state regulations. This includes regular inspections and maintenance of their buses, as well as background checks and drug testing for their drivers.

As an established business that has been operating for several years, OurBus has a proven track record of providing safe and reliable bus service. They partner with reputable regional charter bus companies to operate their routes, ensuring a high standard of quality and professionalism.

In terms of punctuality, OurBus has a solid on-time performance, with most buses arriving within 15-20 minutes of the scheduled time. Like any mode of transportation, buses can occasionally be delayed due to heavy traffic, road construction, adverse weather, or other factors outside the company‘s control. However, OurBus does a good job of communicating any significant delays to passengers through email, text alerts, and app notifications.

If any issues arise before or during your trip, OurBus has a dedicated customer service team available 24/7 to assist you. You can reach them by phone, email, or web chat for help with things like changing your reservation, requesting a refund, finding your pickup location, or tracking your bus. While wait times may be longer during peak periods, most passengers report friendly and responsive service from the OurBus support team.

One other factor to consider is OurBus‘s cancellation and refund policy. As mentioned in the cons section, they do charge a cancellation fee starting at $5 if you need to cancel your ticket. The fee increases to 25% of your ticket price within 24 hours of departure. In comparison, Megabus allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

OurBus Customer Reviews and Reputation

To get a sense of what real passengers think of OurBus, we combed through dozens of customer reviews and ratings from trusted third-party sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews.

Overall, OurBus enjoys a largely positive reputation among its passengers, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple review platforms. Many reviewers praise OurBus for its:

• Low prices and good value compared to other travel options
• Comfortable, modern buses with amenities like WiFi and power outlets
• Friendly, professional drivers and responsive customer service
• Convenient pickup and dropoff locations in city centers
• Easy booking and bus tracking through the app and website

Here are a few examples of positive reviews from happy OurBus customers:

"I‘ve taken OurBus several times between DC and NYC and have always had a great experience. The buses are clean and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and free WiFi. The drivers are friendly and professional, and I love being able to track my bus in real-time on the app. Best of all, the prices are unbeatable compared to the train or other bus companies. Highly recommend!" – Sarah L., Trustpilot

"I was a bit nervous to try a new bus company, but OurBus exceeded my expectations. The boarding process was smooth, the bus was new and clean, and we arrived on time despite some heavy traffic. I especially appreciated the convenient dropoff location in downtown Boston. Will definitely use OurBus again for my trips home from college." – Raj P., Google Reviews

Of course, no company is perfect, and OurBus does have some negative reviews from dissatisfied customers. The most common complaints tend to revolve around:

• Buses being late or delayed, sometimes by an hour or more
• Occasionally overbooked buses or seating conflicts
• Inconsistent WiFi quality or power outlets not working
• Difficulty getting refunds for canceled or delayed trips
• A few reports of breakdowns or mechanical issues with buses

Here are a couple examples of negative OurBus reviews:

"Awful experience. The bus was over an hour late leaving NYC, then broke down halfway through the trip to Boston. We had to wait on the side of the highway for a replacement bus, which made the total delay over 3 hours. Then they had the nerve to refuse my refund request, since they claimed they eventually got me to Boston. Never again." – Jason R., Yelp

"Generally a decent experience but the last trip was a nightmare. They oversold the bus and had about a dozen people with tickets standing in the aisle without seats. I had to sit with my bag on my lap the whole time. Not acceptable for a 4 hour ride. OurBus needs to get it together." – Emily C., Trustpilot

While these negative experiences are frustrating, it‘s important to put them in context. Every transportation company, from airlines to Amtrak to Greyhound, will have occasional delays, cancellations, breakdowns, and customer service issues. Based on the largely positive reviews, it seems OurBus delivers reliable and comfortable bus service the majority of the time.

If you do experience any issues with your OurBus trip, be sure to contact their customer service right away via phone, email, or web chat to report the problem and request appropriate compensation. They have a proven track record of working with passengers to resolve issues if you escalate through the proper channels.

How OurBus Compares to Other Bus Companies

Finally, let‘s take a look at how OurBus stacks up against some of its main competitors in the intercity bus space:

OurBus vs. Greyhound:

Greyhound is the biggest brand in bus travel, with a vast network of routes across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In comparison, OurBus has a much smaller footprint focused mainly in the Northeast. Greyhound offers more frequency and coverage, but OurBus often has nicer, newer buses with free WiFi and power outlets, which are only available on select Greyhound routes. OurBus also tends to have cheaper prices and more convenient pickup locations.

OurBus vs. Megabus:

Megabus is another major player in the intercity bus market, with a large route network across the U.S. and Canada. Like OurBus, Megabus uses curbside pickup locations rather than traditional bus stations, and offers amenities like free WiFi and power outlets on board. However, Megabus has a more extensive route map and often more daily frequencies than OurBus. Prices are competitive between the two carriers.

OurBus vs. Flixbus:

Flixbus is a European bus company that expanded to the U.S. in 2018. They have a business model similar to OurBus, partnering with regional charter companies to offer intercity bus service bookable through a central platform. Flixbus has a larger route network across the U.S. than OurBus, but with a bigger focus on the West Coast, South, and Midwest rather than the Northeast. Both offer basic on-board amenities and affordable fares.

The Bottom Line: Is OurBus Right For You?

So, what‘s the verdict? Based on our research and analysis, we believe OurBus is a solid choice for intercity bus travel if you prioritize affordability, convenience, and a comfortable on-board experience.

While they may not have the most extensive network, OurBus offers a compelling alternative to flying, driving, or taking the train on many popular routes in the Northeast Corridor (and increasingly in other parts of the country as they expand).

With their modern buses, free WiFi and power outlets, convenient pickup locations, and easy booking, OurBus offers a more pleasant and personalized bus experience than some of the legacy carriers at very competitive prices.

Of course, no bus company is perfect, and there is always the potential for delays or hiccups when traveling by bus. But OurBus has a strong track record of punctuality and customer service, as evidenced by their largely positive online reviews.

If you‘re planning a trip between cities in the OurBus network, we recommend checking their website or app to see if they have a convenient and affordable option for your route and dates. You may just find that the comfort and savings are worth giving this newer bus company a try over the more established brands.

At the end of the day, the bus company that‘s right for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and itinerary. We hope this comprehensive review has given you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether OurBus deserves your business.

Happy travels!