boltbus.jpg
BoltBus will begin offering low-fare, high tech service between Seattle and Portland. (BoltBus image)

New bus challenges Amtrak in Seattle, Portland

BY Josh Kerns  on May 1, 2012 @ 10:40 am (Updated: 12:35 pm - 5/1/12 )

An upstart bus company hopes Wi-Fi, low fares, more legroom and electrical outlets for iPods and other devices will attract passengers to a new service between Seattle and Portland.

BoltBus, a Dallas-based carrier owned in part by Greyhound, will begin non-stop service between the two cities on May 17.

The company is one of several giving Amtrak and airlines a serious run for their money on the East Coast, but the first in the Northwest.

Fares between Seattle and Portland will range between $1 and $27, with departures from Seattle at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. An online schedule says the trip will take approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes.

Amtrak's website says tickets start at $32, with the trip taking 3.5 hours.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (9)


  • Add A Comment

  • Citizen of Krazy Town wrote...
    I just checked and I could get a RT to PDX in two weeks for $2
    May 1, 2012 11:59 am
    That just sounds too good to be true
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Nonconformist wrote...
    OOPS on logo :)
    May 1, 2012 12:20 pm
    The first thing I noticed was the logo on the side of the bus is that of the British Fascist Union, a right wing group in the UK. Google images for "British Fascist Union flag" and see if you agree. :)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Citizen of Krazy Town wrote...
    reminds me more of
    May 1, 2012 12:25 pm
    http://www.mobile-phone.pk/images/wallpapers/bolt_the_dog_movies_mobile_wallpaper.jpg
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • travel_guy wrote...
    corrections to story
    May 1, 2012 1:02 pm
    It is NOT an upstart: 1. Has been operating in Boston/NYC/ Washington DC market for YEARS 2. Owned and operated by Greyhound 3. NOT new buses...they are all used ones from East Coast 4. "Extra legroom?" as compared to what? 5. Buses load like a city bus on sidewalk....no covered area to wait 6. You manage your own bags...including putting them in and off the underneath luggage storage area
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rangerhawk wrote...
    This would be great
    May 1, 2012 3:19 pm
    To get to C-Link & Safeco events if the schedule expands.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • longwayhome wrote...
    nonperson
    May 1, 2012 8:29 pm
    If you squint at the logo after a couple of martini's you might be able to detect a plot of some kind.......Maybe.......
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ted Bundi wrote...
    That is not a "new" bus.
    May 2, 2012 8:25 am
    But cheers to a company to offer alternatives.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • calapete wrote...
    effective public transit has to be independent of highways
    May 2, 2012 8:41 am
    The bus can only go as fast as traffic allows. Trains rarely have that issue.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • wackamole520 wrote...
    Bolt Bus vs. Amtrak
    May 2, 2012 10:12 am
    Perhaps I'm just cursed but every single time I have taken the train to/from Portland there are hours-long delays. Sorry, but losing 6-7 hours on a weekend get-away just sucks. It's 1/2 a day. And getting home in the middle of the night is no fun either. I gave up long ago and now just drive. This sounds like a great, affordable alternative.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }