Hi Susie: I've taken MegaBus from Cleveland to Chicago, many times. I was satisfied each time. The Cleveland-Chicago route was well air conditioned, and safe. Upon leaving Chicago on my return to Cleveland, I've always taken notice of the Chicago-Detroit bus load.... it didn't look as inviting and comfortable as the Cleveland route... very crowded, etc.

I've experienced a few minor time delays, but those time delays were, in my opinion, always over-compensated for by the low prices. Also, you should know that MegaBus arrives at Union Station in Downtown Chicago, which can be bit busy and overwhelming, depending on what time of day you arrive. I've noticed several elderly people ride MegaBus and enjoy both the ride and the value. Hope this helps.

Susie--

I live outside Chicago and my SO lives in Mpls so we're regular users of the Megabus. You can't beat the price but I wouldn't use it if your parents have a deadline to get to Chicago. Neither my SO or I have ever been on time and, just yesterday, his bus to Chicago had many many problems, including an apparent flat tire and engine fire. Though not a common occurrence, we were lucky we had no where to be yesterday! That being said, it's a good mode of transportation if you're pinching pennies.

Another thing to consider is that Megabus doesn't have terminals like other bus lines. In Chicago, it stops outside Union Station but doesn't have any agreement with the station for use of their facilities.

The stop has only a sign on a post with no benches, shelter, shade or washrooms nearby. I'm sure your parents could use the washrooms in Union Station, but they'd have to stand in line for a while on the sidewalk until their bus arrived and was ready for loading. I'm not sure when the change will happen, but there was a plan to move the stop a block or two south to ease congestion around the station entrance. When that happens, access to the facilities there would be more difficult.

You may want to check what the stop in The Cities is like and if your parents would be willing to wait there with no amenities.

Don't do it. The megabus is a very poorly run business. They overbooked and stranded my 18 year old son in Milwaukee and had no other spaces on any upcoming buses. You can't EVER get through to customer service, either.

The Megabus is unreliable, and has no company conscience or morals. It does not care for its customers. You get what you pay for.

You dig up a 13-month old thread to reply to, and then post 3 different times in 10 minutes on two different threads? You say in one post that it was your 18-year old son and in another that it was you that was stranded?

Why?

Yes, megabus doesn't have stations for the waiting passengers. I had some bad time in completing the morning duties as i was searching for the restrooms.. But once you board the bus, you all set for the good safe ride. The ticket price is worth the money and it is cheapest and safest way to travel.