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Greyhound, the inter-city bus transportation company, has launched an express bus service, which will link its northeastern market to its southeastern market.

Greyhound expanded its premium Greyhound Express service to the Southeast, establishing Richmond, Va . as a hub.

The expansion introduces 24 new routes and six new markets. Tickets for all new routes went on sale on Aug. 25 and service began that Wednesday.

The company looks to provide faster premium service of Greyhound Express between key markets such as New York, N.Y ., Atlanta, G.A ., Washington, D.C ., Raleigh, N.C ., Philadelphia, P.A . and Richmond, V.A .

The Greyhound Express provides customers with non-stop or one-stop services on new buses with reserved seating. Free Wi-Fi access and power outlets will be available at all seats. Extra legroom — at 14 inches total — will take the place of smaller cabin seating, according to the company website.

Dave Leach, president and CEO of Greyhound, said they started the service because of the large passenger market in southeast.

“With explosive demand for Greyhound Express in the Midwest and Northeast, we recognized the need to expand and connect these regions to the Southeast,” Leach said in a press release.

He said he is thrilled about serving the new customers.

“Our customers have shown us that they love the value and premium amenities Greyhound Express offers, and we are thrilled to now expand this service into an entirely new region.” Leach said.

Lindsay Ash, of the Edelman public relations firm, said low rates should draw student and military demographics.

“[The express service] is a very popular option for students, military and other passengers with well-established and competitive rates in several Northern cities – this is a big addition for Raleigh,” Ash said.

In addition to launching into a new region, Greyhound Express is also expanding services in the Midwest and Northeast for a total of 24 new routes in six new markets.

Students at NC State said didn’t know much about the new development in Greyhound. They said they would probably skip it, and instead use their cars or cars of parents and friends to get a ride back home.

“I come from Henderson, which is an hour away. I drive my car to home and back because it’s convenient and I can choose when to go and come”, James Rowland, a junior double majoring in math and physics, said.

If gas prices were hugely inflated then James said he might use a bus.

“If the gas was maybe $5 a gallon, I would consider taking a bus” Rowland said.

Janel Marsilia , a sophomore in fashion and textile management said she would use a car to commute to and from college whether it her’s or her parent’s.

“My home is Statesville, N.C ., an hour and a half from Charlotte. My parents usually drop me to the University, but I’ll have my car next week. So, no, I will use my car and not the bus,” Marsilia said.

Thea Long, also a freshman in fashion and textile management, said she hasn’t had good experiences with Greyhound and would drive, carpool or take the Amtrak train back home.

“My hometown is Lenoir, N.C ., which is three hours away, so my family drives me to the University, or I carpool or use the Amtrak service. I have used Greyhound once from Charlotte to Raleigh and I didn’t have the greatest experience last time I used it, it was super-crowded and there was no room,” Long said.

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