I was on a bus from Nashville to Texarkana, Route US0601 on October 31, 2014, with two drivers. Driver A announced on the PA system that we would be stopping at Jackson, TN, but we would not be going inside the store there. She announced that we could have three minutes to smoke before we leave. Then, off the PA system, I heard her tell driver B, I had a disagreement with the store there, and do not want the passengers to spend any money there. There was one passenger who disembarked, and one who got on. As their luggage was being placed, driver B said that there were passengers who went inside the store, and Driver A told everyone to get on board, because we would be leaving these passengers behind. We all got on board except the two adults and one infant who were in the store. We began pulling out and the male adult ran to the bus and pounded on the side of it as she sped away, but the driver merely said, "I told them not to go in the store, I have a schedule to keep!" I explained that I believe that the couple had gone inside the store to get milk for their baby's bottle. One passenger came up front and told the driver, "You left my brother behind." The driver said, "Get your A$ in your seat or I will put you out right here on the side of the road!" We proceeded to Memphis.
When we got to Memphis, the driver announced that everyone must get off the bus because the bus would be cleaned and serviced which would take one hour! She could not spare 15 seconds to allow the couple to board, but could take an hour to service the bus!
Shortly, the couple arrived by private auto. The couple spoke only Spanish, and did not understand the order not to go inside the store.
The drivers were both very rude and left everyone feeling very uncomfortable. Not only did we have to wait for an hour to get the bus serviced, but we had to sit for 6 more hours to wait for Greyhound to find us a driver to take over the bus.
I have 5 years experience as a charter bus driver and have never experienced or heard of such rude behavior
Recommendation: Charter if you can!
When the couple arrived in Memphis, they had an immigration attorney with them. I understand that they are filing suit against Greyhound.
Greyhound dropped the ball hard here. This is total neglect of duty and basic human decency, especially with the language barrier and leaving a family stranded. Rushing passengers to stay “on schedule” but then delaying everyone an hour for a bus service reeks of hypocrisy and lack of common sense. Greyhound should hear this loud and clear: demand a formal apology, driver accountability, and maybe even a partial refund for the blatant disregard and incompetence. The rude behavior from drivers toward passengers — especially families — is completely unacceptable.