At a Glance
- A BestBus route from New York City to Washington, D.C. allegedly went off course after a driver change.
- Passengers claimed the new driver refused to follow the scheduled stops and threatened to take them to unintended locations.
- The company is conducting an internal review and has issued refunds and credit vouchers to affected riders.
- Why it matters: The incident raises questions about driver oversight and passenger safety on overnight intercity routes.
A passenger on a BestBus overnight trip from New York City to Washington, D.C. posted a viral thread on BlueSky on Monday, Jan. 19, alleging the bus went off course after a driver switch at a rest stop. The account, from @musicologyduck.bsky.social, described growing confusion and fear as the new driver reportedly refused to acknowledge the intended destination of Union Station.
The post began with the rider saying they had been asleep when the situation started to feel wrong. “I just woke up from a nap and somehow while I was asleep, everyone on the bus has figured out we are not going to the right place,” the user wrote around 9 p.m. The thread quickly gained traction as other passengers echoed concerns.
According to the thread, the new driver took over during the trip and immediately became the center of the chaos. The rider claimed the driver insisted the riders were mistaken about where they were headed, posting, “They switched drivers at a rest stop and the new driver is telling everyone that they’re the ones on the wrong bus??”
The rider alleged the driver refused to discuss the situation while behind the wheel. “He’s refusing to talk to anyone while he’s driving,” the user wrote, adding that the bus appeared to be moving fast enough that people began to panic.
As tension escalated, the passenger said some riders started calling the police. “I think I might end up in Vienna Virginia but I’m …not sure???” they wrote. The poster claimed multiple riders tried to confront the driver directly about the destination.
In one update, the user claimed, “Two big guys just went up and said we’re going to Union station!! and he said no we’re not.” The rider also suggested that the route confusion made little sense given how simple the usual trip is. “It’s particularly weird because this route only has three stops: penn station, union station, and DuPont circle,” they wrote.
In the thread, the rider said someone managed to reach the bus company by phone while the bus was still moving, adding the company said it was looking into what was happening. The poster claimed the driver continued to resist instructions and refused to engage with the company. “The bus company says they are trying to call the driver and he’s not answering,” the rider wrote.
“Someone pulled up Waze and said he’s going 75 in a 55 zone,” they posted. The rider also claimed they overheard the driver discussing stops that were not part of the usual itinerary. In another update, the passenger wrote that a woman sitting behind them said the driver had mentioned stopping in Vienna and Manassas-locations outside Washington, D.C.-leaving some passengers worried they could end up stranded late at night.
As the situation continued, the poster described a tense effort to get the bus company’s instructions directly to the front of the vehicle. “Ok someone got the bus company on speakerphone and is walking it up to the front of the bus,” they continued. The passenger claimed they could hear the company representative shouting, “YOURE GOING TO UNION STATION,” as riders attempted to intervene. But according to the thread, the driver pushed back, allegedly yelling that he didn’t get paid enough and refusing to comply.
Meanwhile, the poster said the atmosphere on board felt divided and uneasy, with riders debating their next move. “The bus is divided on calling the police,” the user wrote, claiming some worried the situation could become even more volatile.
A spokesperson for BestBus provided News Of Los Angeles a statement stating, “We are aware of an overnight incident involving one of our drivers on a recent trip. The experience described on social media does not reflect the standards we expect from our team or the service our passengers deserve.”
The company revealed an internal investigation is underway as they review “all available information, including driver conduct, operational procedures, and trip conditions.”
“While that review is underway, we have taken immediate steps to address customer impact. All affected passengers have received full refunds and a credit voucher for a future trip,” the company continued. “We sincerely regret the disruption and poor service experienced by our passengers. We appreciate their patience as we complete our review, and we are committed to taking appropriate action and implementing any necessary improvements to prevent this from happening again.”
Key Facts Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19 | Passenger posts on BlueSky about off-route incident |
| Jan. 19 (later) | BestBus spokesperson issues statement |
| Jan. 19 (later) | Company announces internal investigation |
| Jan. 19 (later) | Company offers refunds and credit vouchers |
Passenger Experience Highlights
- Driver allegedly drove at 75 mph in a 55-mph zone.
- Route confusion involved stops at Vienna and Manassas, not part of the normal itinerary.
- Riders attempted to contact police and the bus company while the vehicle was still moving.
- Company representative tried to communicate via speakerphone but the driver refused to comply.
Company Response
BestBus said the incident does not reflect the standards they expect from their team. They are reviewing driver conduct, operational procedures, and trip conditions. Passengers have received full refunds and a credit voucher for a future trip.
What This Means for Passengers
- Passengers on overnight intercity routes should verify driver identity and route information at the start of the trip.
- Companies are under pressure to implement stricter driver oversight and clearer communication protocols.
- Regulatory bodies may review intercity bus safety standards in light of incidents like this.
Key Takeaways
- A BestBus overnight trip from New York City to Washington, D.C. reportedly went off course after a driver switch.
- Passengers alleged the new driver refused to acknowledge the intended destination and drove at unsafe speeds.
- The company is conducting an internal review and has issued refunds and credit vouchers.
- The incident highlights the need for better driver oversight and passenger safety measures on overnight routes.
Final Thought
The incident serves as a reminder that even routine intercity travel can become fraught when driver conduct and communication break down. Passengers and companies alike must prioritize safety and transparency to prevent similar situations in the future.
