(Via Michael Andersen of Portland Afoot)
Starting on May 17th, BoltBus will take people between Portland and Seattle for as little as $1. The great news is that according a company representative, your bike can come along at no extra charge.
BoltBus is a division of Greyhound (in a 50/50 partnership with Peter Pan Bus Lines) already operates several lines on the East Coast, made the announcement of Seattle and Portland service in a press release today. This is the company’s first route on the West Coast.
In Seattle, BoltBus will operate from 5th Avenue South and King Street, which is adjacent to the International District Station. In Portland, BoltBus will operate from 647 SW Salmon Street.
Each rider is allowed one piece of baggage to stow under the bus and two small carry-on bags. The BoltBus FAQ says bikes are allowed “as long as space is available in the baggage area.” Here’s more:
Can I take a bicycle or golf bag?
We do allow them and consider them to be oversize items as long as space is available in the baggage area. The oversize item will count as your one bag allowed under the coach. You’ll be responsible for placing the item in the baggage bin. We will not charge you an additional fee for oversized item provided it is within your limit of one bag under the coach. BOLTBUS is not responsible for damage to oversize items or items that are not placed in normal luggage or a carrying case.
When I called to confirm with a BoltBus rep today, she said the bike would simply be considered your one piece of large luggage. No boxing up is necessary. You just roll your bike under the bus. Adult, standard sized bikes are commonly taken on their East Coast routes, the rep said.
As for fares, I just reserved a ticket to go to Seattle on May 19th and it cost me $1 (plus a $1 transaction fee). I’m not clear how their fare system works; but apparently if you book early enough, you can get a $1 ticket. Otherwise, a cursory bit of research showed fares are around $7-10. Either way, this is a great new option for Portland-Seattle travel! Check out BoltBus.com for more info.