DALLAS, Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches, Greyhound – the largest provider of intercity bus transportation – is gearing up for one of its busiest travel periods of the year, with more than an estimated half a million customers expected to travel to more than 3,800 destinations across North America between Dec. 21 and Dec. 30.

"We expect the highest demand Dec. 21 – 22, as customers travel to their holiday destinations to spend time with loved ones," said Myron Watkins, vice president, customer experience for Greyhound Lines, Inc. "We're ready to give customers a great travel experience, with the majority of our fleet comprised of modern buses equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra legroom and leather seats, all of which to provide customers with a comfortable ride and keep them connected."

Greyhound has a 90 percent on-time departure rate, which is the highest in the travel industry. In addition to the company's record as one of the safest intercity bus companies in the United States, customers are assured they can relax comfortably on their ride home for the holidays.

In addition to the company's traditional service, its popular Greyhound Express® service offers non-stop service between major cities, covering more than a third of the company's North American network. Customers can buy their ticket at www.mygreyhoundexpress.com to take advantage of discount pricing, print their ticket at home or pick it up at a self-service ticketing kiosk, and know a guaranteed seat is waiting for them. Additionally, customers who book Greyhound Express tickets can relax in private waiting areas, with a dedicated guest services specialist to provide an extra level of customer assistance.

Other innovations the transportation leader has introduced this year to improve customers' experience include the installation of self-service ticketing kiosks at more than 20 major terminals, nearly 60 Wi-Fi enabled terminals, the introduction of the company's book on-line/pay with cash service and the launch of The Hound, Greyhound's official blog featuring the company's latest news, travel deals, and regularly featured destinations and attractions.

Tickets can be purchased on www.greyhound.com, by calling 1-800-231-2222 or at company terminals and agencies. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home, which saves additional time and allows customers to go straight to the gate and avoid the lines at the ticket counter. To help ensure a smooth departure, customers should arrive at least one hour before the bus is scheduled to leave, and tickets are valid only on the date and schedule for which they were purchased. If customers wish to change travel arrangements, tickets can be re-issued for a fee and only if seats are available.

"To best meet the demand, we strongly suggest customers buy their tickets now and consider being flexible with their travel plans and look at off-peak travel dates if they can," added Watkins.

About Greyhound
Greyhound is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,800 destinations across the continent. The company also provides Greyhound Package Express (GPX) and charter services. For fare and schedule information and to buy tickets call 1-800-231-2222 or visit the website at www.greyhound.com.  For the latest news and travel deals, follow GreyhoundBus on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GreyhoundBus, Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreyhoundBus, or follow our new blog, The Hound, at http://bloggreyhound.com.

SOURCE Greyhound