INTERURBAN AND INTERCITY BUSES
The nationwide intercity bus system serving the United States is Greyhound Lines. Greyhound had its beginnings in Minnesota in the 1920's. Many different companies were formed carrying the Greyhound name, and through numerous mergers and acquisitions evolved into the present nationwide system.
A second nationwide intercity bus system previously existed, the Trailways system, formed in 1936 and consisting of various companies working together to form a nationwide system. The largest Trailways company was Continental Trailways, but that company was acquired by Greyhound in 1987. Some of the smaller Trailways companies continue to exist, but instead of competing against Greyhound, those companies and Greyhound now work together, competing against the automobile and the low cost airlines.
In addition, many independent bus companies have existed. Companies remaining in existence generally now work together with Greyhound.
Links to pages with historical information and maps, for Greyhound and Trailways and independent bus companies serving each state. Also included are color coded overview maps from 1976, for each state. This was a few years before deregulation would lead to a more dynamically changing bus system, and discontinuance of many routes.
Links to pages with historical information, for all of the Greyhound bus companies.
Links to pages with historical information and maps, for all of the significant Trailways bus companies.
This independent bus company in the Midwest, through the absorption of numerous other independent companies, grew to be a major independent presence in the nationwide intercity bus network.
Although trains and buses are often perceived as competing modes of passenger transportation, many of the main line railroads operating passenger trains in the 1930's and 1940's also participated in the operation of intercity buses. Most of these railroad owned bus companies eventually became associated with, and finally wholly owned by either Greyhound or Trailways.
A look at historic Greyhound and Trailways bus terminals in major cities, including those stations still standing.
A look at historic bus terminals in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Go to
Chicago Transit & Railfan Web Site