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Transportation – Bus and Rail Discounts
Date: May 1, 2008
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts
The cost of traveling by air and auto just keeps getting more expensive. From increased
air fares and additional fees for baggage to the cost of gas at the pump, traveling this
year could put a real dent in your wallet. When planning your travel this summer, don’t
forget about some of the more scenic ways in which to reach your destination.
So many of us are flying or driving these days, that we forget to consider trains and
buses as an inexpensive alternative that can provide a great way to see the country.
Trains and buses are typically more cost effective than airlines and can even be a better
deal with the discounts available for mature travelers. Since many airlines have discontinued
or modified their senior discounts in the past couple of years, finding a comparable senior
fare can be difficult.
We have listed some of the senior discounts for bus and rail travel offered by the major
national providers. There are also hundreds of local and regional train and bus lines throughout
the country, most of which offer some form of senior discount. (Many of these local train and
bus deals can be found in the SeniorDiscounts “search area for Gold and Premium members.)
So next time you are traveling and have a little extra time, look into these alternatives
and their discounts:
AMTRAK
Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on
21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees.
Discount: Amtrak travelers aged 62 and over receive a 15% discount off the applicable adult
rail fare on most Amtrak trains. (Discount does not apply to sleeper accommodations or the
Auto Train.) A 10% discount is also available to seniors 60+ on the North America Rail Pass.
(30 Days, 2 countries, 1 pass.) Amtrak also has Children’s Discounts, Student Discounts,
Military Discounts and Veteran’s Discounts. Visit their web site for details and restrictions.
http://www.amtrak.com
Greyhound Bus Lines
Greyhound Lines is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than
3,100 destinations with 16,000 daily departures across North America.
Discount: Greyhound passengers age 62 and older may request a 5% discount on unrestricted
passenger fares.
eSavers Discount: Save 10% by purchasing your ticket online for advertised locations. Greyhound
also has Children’s Discounts, Student Discounts, Military Discounts and Veteran’s Administration
Discounts. Visit the web site or call for details and any restrictions. Appropriate ID may be
required.
http://www.greyhound.com
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Offer services between New York and Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and other
destinations on the east coast.
Discount: A 5% discount on one-way and round-trip unrestricted adult fares is available to
customers 62 years of age and older. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional
fares.
http://www.peterpanbus.com
Trailways Transportation System
Trailways is a regionally-based ground transportation system that is comprised of privately
owned and operated companies (franchisees) throughout the United States.
Discount: Many of the privately owned and operated companies, which are franchised by Trailways
Transportation System, provide discounts to seniors. Visit the Trailways web site for links to
the various operators’ web sites and to search for their discounts. Age requirements and discount
amounts will vary by each provider.
http://www.trailways.com
VIA Rail Canada
VIA operates trains in all regions of Canada over a network spanning the country from the
Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. They also have stops in v
arious northern US cities.
Discount: Receive a special senior discount fare of 10% off the full adult fare in Comfort
(Economy) class. Aside from a discount off the regular fare, seniors can also travel with
a companion at no extra charge during most of the year. Via Rail also offers other perks for
seniors including priority boarding and special meals. Visit their web site for details.
Restrictions are located on the Via Rail web site.
http://www.viarail.ca
© SeniorDiscounts
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