Megabus Ends Route to Oxford

As of Dec. 16, Megabus will no longer make its usual stop in Oxford to pick up passengers at The University of Mississippi South lot.
Megabus notified the transportation and parking director, Mike Harris, Wednesday of the company’s decision. The bus system, which offers transportation as low as $1 to Memphis and New Orleans, does not pick up enough passengers from Oxford to operate and still make a profit.
“With any transportation model there has to be a certain level of usage without which they are unsustainable,” Harris said. “We are always looking for ways to enhance transportation options and will continue to do so for the university and surrounding community. Some will be successful, while others may prove not to be. They key is to continue to work together as a community to provide as many options as possible.”
Although, the bus will not be making stops at the university, the routes between Memphis, New Orleans and Jackson will stay the same.
Mississippi is the 33rd state that Megabus has started operating in. It first came to the state last December. It has carried approximately 30 million passengers to 120 different cities across the United States.
Mike Alvich, VP of Marketing and Public Relations for Megabus, said riding Megabus allows for travelers to reach their destination in the same amount of time if they were driving, but at a lower stress and cost.

“The $1 fares go quickly, but there are many other great fares available if you book early,” Alvich said. “Traveling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays is another great way Mississippi customers and all travelers can secure the best Megabus fares.”
Assistant Director of tourism for Visit Oxford, Kinney Ferris, said Megabus was a good option for Oxford travelers.
“It was nice to have an affordable option for transportation, especially to Memphis,” Ferris said. “We get calls about that pretty often. It was a good option to give to travelers to our area and it’s unfortunate to see it leave.”
The Oxford Eagle contributed to this report.
Emily Newton is a managing editor and staff reporter for Hottytoddy.com. She can be reached at emily.newton@hottytoddy.com.