GotoBus – Online Bus Tickets

First time taking this bus. They say to arrive 20 minutes early but the bus didn’t even arrive until after the advertised departure time. Then the email says to bring a printed copy of the email as the ticket but other people had electronic tickets on their phones (like one would expect). The driver was noticeably annoyed when I showed him the printed email. He didn’t help load the bags and didn’t even close the baggage compartment door - I had to. Somewhere along the way the bus started getting colder. When I asked the driver to turn on the heat, he couldn’t reach or even see the climate controls, and his window was part way open. We froze until the next stop and discovered that the driver didn’t even know how to operate the climate controls, turning the air conditioning on (in the winter). The bathroom didn’t have any toilet paper and no one warned us to bring any. Lastly, I downloaded the app to try and get the electronic tickets and it kept giving me error messages even though I had just created my account. We’re stuck on this system until we return but will not take this bus system anymore. You get what you pay for.

You cannot beat these prices. They remain consistent all year round including holidays and last minute trips. The app is very easy to use. The overall experience of the bus ride isn’t the best because of the people that book these trips however if you don’t mind dealing with it for price they will get you to your destination. I have taken this bus company for about 4 years now and have never been late to my destination or had them cancel a bus. You are guaranteed your ride and the price.

The app is convenient and works fine, but that’s not why we are all here though. The China bus system is so fraudulent and troublesome. From poor communication, to overselling tickets on the bus to struggle finding a seat for someone, to people smoking on the busses, to not having enough people on the 7pm bus so they move the bus back till 9, they even upped the prices 15 dollars from 30 to 45 and there’s been no improvements or changes. I’ve been through it all except had the bus break down (which has happened plenty times to people I’ve known before). They have to do better. Even with the excessive speeding, I’ve waken up from sleep plenty of times because I thought I would die. Lol Why do I still take it you ask? It’s because it’s my only option and the fastest, but if I had an alternative I’m done. When it’s good, it’s pretty ok. But when it’s bad it’s the absolute worse. Pros are duration time and price. Cons are listed above.