Greyhound Lines

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a major American operator of intercity bus services. It manages the largest intercity bus network in the United States. The company also provides charter services and Amtrak Thruway connections. Additionally, it operates intercity buses within Mexico. Today, Greyhound is a subsidiary of FlixBus and serves more than 1,600 American destinations.

The company's history began with a single route in 1914. Eric Wickman, a 27-year-old Swedish immigrant, started the business in Hibbing, Minnesota. After being laid off from a mine, he used a seven-passenger Hupmobile to transport iron ore miners. He charged 15 cents per ride and earned $2.25 on his first run. Wickman faced harsh winter driving conditions that nearly made him quit. However, he continued and merged with Ralph Bogan's service in 1915 to form the Mesaba Transportation Company.

Growth occurred through a process called consolidation. This means many smaller, independent bus lines were joined into one large company. By 1928, the company had an income of $6 million and offered trips across the United States. In 1929, the firm adopted the Greyhound name. Legend says a driver named Ed Stone suggested the name after seeing a bus in a reflection. By 1930, more than 100 bus lines had been consolidated into the parent company, known then as Motor Transit Corporation.

During the 1930s, the company's importance grew significantly. In 1934, intercity bus lines carried about 400 million passengers. By 1935, ridership climbed 50% to 651,999,000 passengers. This allowed bus travel to surpass the passenger volume of Class I railroads for the first time. The 1934 film *It Happened One Night* is credited with helping spur bus travel nationwide. In 1935, Wickman reported record profits of $8 million.

Greyhound is well known for its distinct architectural and vehicle designs. Between 1937 and 1945, the company built many stations in the Streamline Moderne style. This style features smooth, flowing lines. Several of these stations are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The company also commissioned famous designers for its buses. Industrial designer Raymond Loewy helped create the "Silversides" bus. In 1954, the company introduced the PD-4501 Scenicruiser. This bus was designed by Roland E. Gegoux and featured a low front and a high rear section.

The company played a role in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, the Interstate Commerce Commission ruled that interstate bus operations could not be segregated by race. In 1961, activists organized the Freedom Rides to test these desegregation rulings. During these rides, a Greyhound bus was attacked by a mob in Alabama. The mob slashed tires and firebombed the vehicle. These events highlighted the struggle for equal rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As travel habits changed, Greyhound diversified its business interests. The rise of the Interstate Highway System and affordable air travel led to a decline in bus business. In 1970, the company acquired the Armour and Company meat-packing company for $400 million. This allowed them to own the Dial deodorant brand. In 1972, they introduced the Ameripass, which offered unlimited mileage for $99 for 99 days. This helped budget travelers move across the country.

In the later years, the company underwent several major changes in ownership. In 1983, the company faced a bitter drivers' strike that lasted from November to December. In 1987, an investor group led by Fred Currey acquired Greyhound Lines. That same year, Greyhound acquired Trailways, Inc. This merger consolidated the two largest bus systems into one national service. Today, the company continues to operate as a vital part of American transportation.