From clean bathrooms to a premium selection of free snacks, The Jet is making a strong case for traveling by bus.
Transportation services like Greyhound, Megabus, and Trailways have long been providing passenger rides for summer adventures, weekend getaways, cross-country trips, and every other kind of journey for years. While sometimes a less expensive option, motorcoaches can be an exhaustive journey with frequent stops, bus changes mid-journey, and less than comfortable seating. But then I tried The Jet.
Introducing The Jet
Companies are reclaiming and elevating motorcoach bus service with direct routes and enhanced in-seat features. The transformation of bus rides into luxury experiences continues to grow in popularity. One such company, the Jet Bus, is changing the game for commuters traveling between Washington, DC, and Manhattan, New York.
A First-Class Experience
The company promises a first-class experience, for which they truthfully exceed expectations. The seats are in a 2:1 configuration aside from a single seat towards the back, with a full bus accommodating 14 passengers. A smaller passenger manifest guarantees a seamless boarding process and an on-time departure. Like elevated airline experiences, passengers on board are given an in-seat unlimited premium selection of complimentary snacks, drinks, beer, and wine throughout the four-hour commute. Other touches like a coat/purse hook, cup holder, and enough room to recline without disrupting another passenger contribute to the luxury feel. The seats are designed to reduce motion making for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
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The Internet Actually Works
From the business traveler working to meet deadlines or the casual traveler that needs to catch up on a show during the trip, the internet onboard The Jet is one of the best I’ve encountered. Unlike other transportation methods like Amtrak or Greyhound, the Wi-Fi connection was consistently fast throughout the trip, and there were no breaks in connectivity. That is a huge plus!
Direct Service
The only stop is the one at your final destination. One disadvantage of bus travel is the frequent stops that prolong the journey that can prevent on-time departures or arrivals. In the past, when I traveled via Greyhound, it was notoriously late by several hours, even on shorter commutes, caused by the number of stops along the way. The Jet runs a direct service between the two destinations. For comparison purposes, one of Greyhound’s routes between the two has four stops and two bus transfers. Another bus operator, Megabus, makes one to two stops for the same trip.
Let’s Talk Cleanliness
On other motorcoaches, it’s common to find unclean bathrooms or trash left behind in seats. The golden rule of “clean up behind yourself” typically applies as drivers do not have time to clean an entire bus between unloading and loading passengers. I found The Jet to be exceptionally clean from the moment I stepped on board. The bathroom and the galley were cleaned continuously throughout the ride.
What to Know Before Booking Your Trip
Currently, the motorcoach service does not operate from its own station. In DC, the drop-off and pick-up location is at Metro Center. In New York, it’s in Hudson Yards. Both put passengers within walking distance of neighboring eateries and public transportation. Additionally, they only operate Wednesday through Monday. For passengers who utilize a wheelchair or other mobility devices, The Jet is ADA-accessible and equipped with lifts.
To book a trip, visit their website and then select your preferred ticket type, dates, starting location, and number of passengers. The rates start at $99 each way per passenger.