In a state of crisis, Greyhound, the largest intercity bus company in the United States, is grappling with the closure of numerous central bus stations across the country. These closures, driven by soaring operating costs, insufficient government support, and the acquisition of Greyhound's real estate by a hedge fund, are threatening the travel options of approximately 60 million people who rely on intercity coaches.

Major cities like Houston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Tampa, Louisville, Charlottesville, and Portland have already witnessed the shutdown of their respective Greyhound central bus depots, with services either being terminated altogether or relocated to inaccessible locations outside of town. Chicago and Dallas are the next cities slated for closure.

The closures are particularly concerning as bus passengers, who are primarily individuals with low incomes and limited alternative travel options, are left waiting in unfavorable conditions, often in the cold and dark. According to a review by DePaul University, 75% of intercity bus travelers have an income of less than $40,000, and over 25% would not undertake their trips if bus services were unavailable.

While bus carriers attempt to switch to curbside service as an alternative, this comes with a host of impracticalities. Passengers are left without access to amenities such as bathrooms and food, and are exposed to weather conditions, sometimes during the late hours of the night or for prolonged periods. City streets are also congested with passengers, adding to traffic and pollution concerns.

Greyhound's substantial decline in passenger numbers over the years, coupled with rising operating costs, has rendered the large, 24-hour modern bus terminals that once dotted city centers economically unsustainable. This has been further exacerbated by the sale of Greyhound's key locations to Twenty Lake Holdings, a property investment firm known for acquiring local newspapers like the Chicago Tribune. Having purchased 33 Greyhound stations for $140 million last year, Twenty Lake Holdings is now selling off these depots to real estate developers.

Despite the significant reliance on intercity buses by millions of low-income individuals, the bus sector faces a lack of government support. Local, state, and federal agencies have been neglecting infrastructure investments in this area, leading to the dire situation currently faced by Greyhound and its passengers. The need for government intervention and support in ensuring the continuation of bus services without compromising the safety and well-being of passengers has become increasingly urgent.

In light of these challenges, there are some positive initiatives emerging. Atlanta, for example, has seen the opening of a 14,000 square-foot Greyhound terminal this year, made possible with support from the federal government. However, more comprehensive efforts are required to address this nationwide crisis and to prevent vulnerable individuals from being left stranded without accessible and affordable transport options.

Greyhound and Twenty Lake Holdings, the parties involved in these closures, have been approached for comment but have not provided a response at this time.