Passenger Rights on Long-Distance Buses, Trains and Planes

In the U.S., the landscape of passenger rights regarding delays and cancellations is as varied as the country's topography. Unlike the European Union, which has Regulation 181/2011 ensuring compensation for delays over 120 minutes, the U.S. lacks a standardized federal regulation for intercity buses. This means compensation policies often vary by company. For instance, some carriers might offer refunds or rebooking options, while others may not. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your chosen bus company's policies before hitting the road.

In the U.S., there's no overarching regulation for lost or damaged baggage in the intercity bus sector. However, many companies have their own compensation policies. For example:

• Greyhound: Offers up to $250 per adult ticket for lost luggage, provided you have the luggage tag issued at check-in.
• Megabus: Similarly, provides up to $250 in compensation.
• BoltBus: Unfortunately, does not offer compensation for lost baggage.

Pro tip: Always keep your luggage tag and consider purchasing additional baggage insurance if you're traveling with valuables.

Traveling should be inclusive, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that buses are no exception. Under the ADA:

• All fixed-route bus operators must have accessible buses equipped with features like lifts and securement devices.
• Bus companies are required to assist passengers with disabilities during boarding, exiting, and at rest stops.
• Online reservation systems must accommodate passengers in wheelchairs, ensuring equal access to services.

These measures aim to guarantee that all passengers, regardless of mobility challenges, have equal access to transportation services.

While we hope every journey is uneventful, it's crucial to know your rights in case of an accident. In the U.S., compensation isn't automatically guaranteed. Passengers must prove negligence—be it reckless driving or equipment failure—to receive compensation. This often requires evidence like police reports or audiovisual material.

In contrast, the European Union provides immediate assistance to all bus accident victims, with compensation guaranteed in cases of death, starting from €220,000.

Did you know that under federal law, Customs and Border Protection agents can board intercity buses within 100 miles of any U.S. international border? This includes vast stretches along the East and West coasts, as well as borders with Canada and Mexico. If agents board your bus, remember:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• You can refuse a search of your belongings by stating, "I do not consent to a search."
• If you have valid immigration documents, it's advisable to provide them. Never present false documents.

Being aware of these rights can help you navigate such situations with confidence.

According to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), carriers have specific obligations to ensure passenger comfort and safety:

• Continuity of Service: Carriers must notify passengers of any schedule changes by displaying notices in facilities and on affected buses before the changes take effect.
• Trip Interruptions: If a trip is disrupted, carriers should mitigate passenger inconvenience as much as possible.
• Seating and Reservations: Carriers are required to provide sufficient buses to meet normal travel demands, including during weekends and holidays. Passengers, except commuters, should be guaranteed passage and seating.
• Equipment Maintenance: Buses should maintain reasonable temperatures and have clean, regularly maintained restrooms free of offensive odors.

These regulations aim to ensure a baseline standard of service across the industry.

Given the lack of standardized federal regulations, many passenger rights are determined by individual bus company policies. For instance, some companies may have specific rules about continuous riding, boarding requirements, or the transportation of certain items. It's always a good idea to review the specific policies of the bus company you're traveling with to avoid any surprises.

Are you also interested in other topics relating to long-distance coach travel? You can find many more articles on booking, passenger rights and more on the overview page of our blog. There you will find the following articles, among others: