Norton to Help Launch Megabus Intercity Bus Service Hub in D.C. Tuesday

WASHINGTON, DC - Continuing her work to provide more low-cost intercity bus service to the District of Columbia, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will speak Tuesday at Megabus Expansion Press Announcement at 10:00 a.m., at the corner of 10 Street and H Street NW.  Megabus will announce an expanded Washington, DC hub, which will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the District annually and become the company's fifth hub since Megabus launched in 2006.

"This expansion of low cost service is especially important for residents hit by the economic downturn and to the District's tourist economy," said Norton.  "Discounted bus service from D.C. to a wide variety of cities will make it easier for tourists to visit the District, regardless of their economic circumstances, at a time when we are trying hard to ensure our tourist economy continues to produce for the city.  We will not be satisfied, though, until a variety of bus services are available at Union Station."

At Norton's insistence at her subcommittee hearings, Union Station initiated its first intercity bus service this year.  Three bus companies: Greyhound's Boltbus, Washington Deluxe, and DC2NY, are testing bus service from the bus deck above the train station.  An expansion of the bus deck will be necessary to accommodate more comprehensive intercity charter bus service.

The Congresswoman has worked for years to bring intercity bus service to the District and to Union Station as it develops into a true intermodal center.  Norton sees extensive intercity bus service to D.C. as part of her work to make Union Station a model intermodal center, while expanding train service and building retail and commercial space in the air space above the railroad tracks.  The Congresswoman has held several hearing on the overhaul of Union Station, and has secured $500,000 in federal funds for Union Station redevelopment.

Megabus is the first intercity express bus service offering fares as low as $1.  A subsidiary of Coach USA, the discounted bus line has served more than seven million travelers and offers customers environmentally-friendly buses, equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms.