BootsnAll Travel Community

ahhh so i probably just put this in north america forum but im just gonna rant here and de stress.

So here was me thinking that the internet is a place where you can buy tickets for bus companies in other countries with a world recognised debit card.

Not making sense ok so on greyhound canada trying to book a ticket from edmonton to Calgary in couple of weeks, enter date details and my card info and it process. Screen comes back and says transaction not complete as system down and to try later which i do and same thing happens.

Forget about this until today when checking online banking to find i have been charged twice from said booking. Ring greyhound to be put on hold for 20 god damn minutes for them to tell me that they have no record of my booking and it was cancelled because it didnt like my english mailing address and will only accept a canadian one.

Arghhh stress what to do know that doesnt involve killing someone

If you haven't already, call your debit card company and make sure the charge was really canceled. If they aren't giving you a ticket then they shouldn't get your money and from everything I've heard about Greyhound, you're better off rescinding funds via your debit card company.

Were you able to keep your head from exploding long enough to ask the people you called what the effective way to buy a ticket would be? I've never been there so I dunno, maybe someone more experienced knows if buying via phone is better?

Best bet is defo your Credit Card company. You can file a chargeback (actually 2 a year I believe without any wuestions being asked - Incidently this little loophole has been a hot topic on many an ebay scammers debate for some time now).

As for not acepting the card, unfortunately I had the same problems in the US. Simply put, its buy your ticket from teh office or dont buy it at all. Gotta love the crazy system!

man i have now calmed down - thanks to a copious amounts of alcohol. But it just seems silly that you have to have a canadian mailing address - i mean why would i have one. Have definately learnt my lesson now though and will only buy tickets in person.

At least apart from this being in Canada has been so awesome - but will def be ringing my bank on monday morning - thanks for replying guys i reread my post man i can feel the anger radiating from it.

Mich

You don't need to book tickets early for Greyhound, as far as I know it makes no difference to availability or price. So save yourself some hassle!

A bit of topic, But Greyhound sucks!

If you want to experience the dredge of America ride Greyhound. My worst trip as from Chicago to Toledo, Oh. Twelve hours of the worst of America. The trip by car takes 4-5 hours.

Gaaack! Rent a car.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Hillcoat:
You don't need to book tickets early for Greyhound, as far as I know it makes no difference to availability or price. So save yourself some hassle!

Actually there are many specials if you go at least two weeks in advance. Almost all tickets are cheaper.

Yup even I, having a US address always get my tix at the station. They aren't really 100% understanding of the whole internet thing just yet.

A word of warning: just because you have a ticket with a time/date on it does not mean that you are guaranteed a seat on that service. If the coach is full from others who got there first you have to wait for the next service, even if thats not until the next morning.

And you need to have the right mind set. Most third world and developing countries run slower and people are less demanding and less "organized/" Keep in mind that the people who take Greyhound in Canada and especially the US are often living in/products sub-societies that operate in (near) third world conditions. Treat it like you might a treat a bus journey in Egypt, Ukraine or Central America and you will probably have a good experience and healthier more rounded outlook on things afterwards.
Greyhound doesn't suck, its just not really a part of the mainstream North American society we (at least most travelers from middle class backgrounds) are accustomed to.

I have to agree with Mobile World Citizen, Greyhound is without question the worst way to travel, at least in the US. I guess I got spoiled by the bus service in Europe. I've encountered better people (customers not the drivers)on trips in developing countries.

greyhound sucks...creepy people, terrible service, uncomfortable seats, oh and its expensive

I'm probably too late but from Edmonton to Calgary, take the Red Arrow bus. I think it's a teensy bit more (or maybe on par with Greyhound) but there is a single seating row, movies, and free snacks and pop in the self-serve fridge!!

As for greyhound, online IS complicated. I would book via a customer service representative next time if you want to book early and save. If you're a student you can get a student discount and book/pay right before riding for a cheap price, no need to buy 2 weeks early.

And FYI, I hear greyhound in Canada is AWESOME compared to Greyhound in the States (which apparently, is quite sketchy)... as in, you probably don't have to fear for your safety.

Funny thing is... *showing my age here again*, in the late 60s-early 70s, Greyhound was not bad at all. My parents didn't think twice to put 10-13 year old braslvr on a Greyhound alone for a trip. I actually have many fond memories of those trips.

Cann't resist putting in my 2 bobs worth.

Quote:
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Originally posted by Brambles24601:
A word of warning: just because you have a ticket with a time/date on it does not mean that you are guaranteed a seat on that service. If the coach is full from others who got there first you have to wait for the next service, even if thats not until the next morning.
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That's terrible! Greyhound in America must have a very poor system. Greyound Australia, which is a seperate company, does not overbook their buses. If you have booked your seat before the coach departs from its place of origin, you always are guaranteed a seat.

Maybe if you were to write letters of complaint they might change their policy.

Have a nice day, Whistler.


Dear Lord, please make me chaste, but not just yet. SMC.