SleepBus Offers an Affordable Overnight Trip Between LA and San Francisco
A new type of bus service offers overnight rides between LA and San Francisco. The SleepBus is a Volvo truck equipped with individual sleeping pods. The new company, founded by Tom Currier and Jonathan Tyler, is hoping to become a reliable alternative to last minute air travel.
Each sleeping pod is equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, and a reading light. There is also a rest room and a SleepBus attendant available to answer any on board questions. Every Sleepbus has 20 beds, and children under 10 may share a bunk with their parents for free. Passengers are allowed 3 bags and can even bring their bicycle along with no extra charge. The company is currently offering an introductory one way ticket for $48, though the price may eventually be raised to $68.
The Sleepbus departs at 11pm sharp and usually arrives at the destination around 5am or 6am, though passengers are welcome to stay in bed until 9am, if they want a little more sleep. Though this trip is much longer than the typical one hour, twenty minute, plane ride between the destinations, it is red eye, and passengers could be saving money on an extra night at a hotel and on the cost of the ticket. Sleepbus passengers only need to arrive at the pick-up location 10-20 minutes before departure. Between delays, flight cancellations, and long security lines, air travel can be a drag, and a good night’s rest on the SleepBus could be the answer. At least until the high speed train is up and running.
Though there is a human driver on the Safebus, the concept brings to mind the growing reality of self-driving cars. Imagine a world where you can go to bed in San Francisco, and wake up in LA, all with a vehicle driven by a computer. A lot of people do not trust autonomous cars when they are awake and alert, much less when they are asleep late at night, so that reality may be far in the future.
After launching a very successful prototype Safebus in late April, the company is currently building 10 buses and expects to take more reservations by August 15th. SafeBus also plans to expand service to more cities, including San Diego, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe.
