Four Key Developments Reshaping the U.S. Intercity Bus Network
Adapted from the Intercity Bus E-News Bulletin, DePaul University – November 2025 Edition
The U.S. intercity bus system is in the midst of a quiet transformation — one shaped by city planning decisions, infrastructure investments, and the hard realities of operating a regional carrier in a post-pandemic world. The November 2025 edition of Intercity Bus E-News, a publication by DePaul University, highlights four developments that deserve the industry’s attention.
Chicago Eyes Public Ownership of Its Intercity Bus Terminal
After more than a year and a half of uncertainty, Chicago is taking steps toward acquiring its downtown intercity bus terminal — a facility currently leased short-term by Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound. Built in 1989, the station also serves Barons Bus and Jefferson Lines, with more than 80 combined arrivals and departures on peak days.
Although early in the process, city ownership could be a game-changer. With public oversight, the station might finally see overdue improvements and draw additional carriers back under one roof — a move the Chaddick Institute has long advocated for, citing the risks of losing centralized bus infrastructure in one of the nation’s largest cities.
Philadelphia Prepares to Reopen Its Long-Closed Greyhound Station
A significant reversal is underway in Philadelphia. After being shuttered in 2023 for a redevelopment project that never came to life, the Greyhound station at 10th & Filbert is poised to reopen. City officials are finalizing plans that would return FlixBus, Greyhound, and Peter Pan service to the indoor terminal — a facility with well-designed sawtooth bays and strong transit connectivity in Center City.
Public sentiment had seemed firmly against this just months ago. Yet, growing dissatisfaction with makeshift curbside operations — especially at the Spring Garden stop — has likely tipped the scales. If all goes to plan, indoor operations will resume in 2026.
Boston’s South Station Bus Terminal Reopens with a Major Expansion
Boston commuters and travelers alike have something new to celebrate. Earlier this week, the revamped South Station Bus Terminal officially reopened following an ambitious expansion by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The upgrade includes 16 new bus docks (bringing the total to 42) and much-needed additions to the indoor waiting space.
As reported by Dan Zukowski, senior reporter at Smart Cities Dive, the reopening was met with optimism — and some anticipation. “Customers can expect to see more amenities at the terminal next year,” he noted. FlixBus, Greyhound, and Peter Pan are already operating from the new facility, with more carriers likely to follow.
Southeastern Stages Ends a 90-Year Run of Scheduled Service
In more sobering news, Southeastern Stages, a regional carrier that had served the Southeast for over nine decades, has ceased its scheduled operations. Once a key Greyhound and Trailways interline partner, Southeastern played a critical role in the Atlanta–Charlotte corridor and throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The closure appears to be financially driven, a stark reminder of the challenges facing private carriers. “This adds another name to the great line of well-run family companies who are getting out of scheduled route service in the United States,” said Mark L. Szyperski, President and CEO of On Your Mark Transportation. “We must help the intercity motorcoach industry, especially when it comes to cities providing good pickup and drop-off locations.”
As 2025 winds down, these stories reflect both the resilience and fragility of America’s intercity bus system. Cities are stepping in. Terminals are being revitalized. And yet, beloved carriers continue to exit the stage. The months ahead will tell whether these shifts are part of a broader renaissance — or just momentary pauses on a much longer journey.
Invite others to join Intercity Bus Listserv; check out past editions and reports.
The Intercity Bus E-News team is Zaria Bonds and Joe Schwieterman.
- Four Key Developments Reshaping the U.S. Intercity Bus Network
- Latest Intercity Bus Bulletin Highlights Station Investments and Growing Demand in Chicago
- The Future of Intercity Bus Travel: Key Trends and Updates for 2025
- Flix-Greyhound Extends Lease at Chicago Bus Terminal Amid Growing Concerns Over Intercity Bus Stations
