Cheaper Greyhound tix from Toronto->Ottawa

[canrocks]

Anyone who travels between Toronto and Ottawa is used to being exploited pretty brutally by Greyhound's monopoly. I say monopoly because for some reason VIA rail isn't even trying to compete. Sure it's more comfortable, but it can cost nearly twice as much.

So we're stuck with Greyhound, which is the only bus company that is allowed to go from Toronto to Ottawa. This privilege is protected by provincial law without demanding anything of them in return.

People that travel between Toronto and Montreal, though, have it better. Even though Coach Canada's (aka Megabus aka Stagecoach) monopoly is protected, Greyhound sells tickets from Toronto->Ottawa->Montreal and gets around the law. How sneaky. Because the two compete, it ends up meaning that going to Montreal is significantly cheaper than going to Ottawa. Bummer.

But why not just buy a Greyhound ticket to Montreal and get off in Ottawa? Exactly.

Here's how much it normally costs for a ticket from Toronto to Ottawa.




And now, from Toronto to Montreal:



On student fares purchased the day-of, the price difference isn't all that huge. But 7-day advance tickets from Toronto to Montreal are only $29, which is cheaper and more convenient than the $46 14-day advance ticket to Ottawa.

Does this strike anyone as odd and exploitative? I can't help but wonder if they thought they could get this one past us without anyone noticing. The system of bus regulation in Ontario is painfully dated and results in higher ticket prices, richer monopolies and awful service. If there were two bus companies travelling between Toronto and Ottawa, there would be better buses, more trips, and much, much lower prices. But that's a rant for another day.






http://canrocks.blogspot.com/2009/10...-game-and.html

[98vtec]

Why don't you get a blog or call up Greyhound to complain instead of posting this in "Hot Deals"..

[canrocks]

Why don't you get a blog or call up Greyhound to complain instead of posting this in "Hot Deals"..

1) http://canrocks.blogspot.com/2009/10...-game-and.html

2) because. . . it is a hot deal? Return trip to Ottawa for $60 instead of $100? I think they should be equitable but for now. . . I'm going to exploit it!

[psyko514]

Why don't you get a blog or call up Greyhound to complain instead of posting this in "Hot Deals"..

He linked to his blog in his post...

I had no clue there were restrictions on which carriers could travel which routes.

[ken_ll]

But why not just buy a Greyhound ticket to Montreal and get off in Ottawa?

Unfortunately, there's a fallacy to your suggestion. If you are going to Montreal, you will not be allowed to board in TO to go to Ottawa. The driver will tell you you need a TO - Ottawa - Montreal ticket as it is a higher fare due to higher mileage.

[canrocks]

They're the same ticket - there's no direct bus travelling to Montreal; every Greyhound passenger has to change buses in Ottawa.

[psyko514]

They're the same ticket - there's no direct bus travelling to Montreal; every Greyhound passenger has to change buses in Ottawa.

What about luggage? I only travelled Montreal-Toronto on Greyhound once (I usually go Coach Canada) and I can't remember if we had to transfer our own luggage too.

[cuto]

wow this is awesome find canrocks! i guess since i'm from Ottawa and often travel to TO. i'm kinda forced to pay the regular advanced day fare from Ottawa to TO but on the way back, i can use your method.

[canrocks]

What about luggage? I only travelled Montreal-Toronto on Greyhound once (I usually go Coach Canada) and I can't remember if we had to transfer our own luggage too.

You would have to take your own luggage into the terminal, and walk it to the Montreal gate, and line up there, and give them the second ticket in your string of tickets.

[Kfox]

Viarail offers "EXPRESS DEALS" every week. New deals posted every Wednesday.
This week depart TO at 930 am arrive in Ottawa at 220pm
for $32.50
They have deals to ottawa and back every week - all $32.50 each way
http://www2.viarail.ca/expressdeals/

[remain_dead]

anyone try this? does this work only boarding from Toronto or can you board from Ottawa going to Toronto as well (i.e. boarding at the transfer terminal).

[morglum82]

Viarail offers "EXPRESS DEALS" every week. New deals posted every Wednesday.
This week depart TO at 930 am arrive in Ottawa at 220pm
for $32.50
They have deals to ottawa and back every week - all $32.50 each way
http://www2.viarail.ca/expressdeals/

Does this still work? I dont see Ottawa in the list..
thanks!

[ahbitheman]

hey so I'm looking at greyhound.ca and see that its over $11 (excluding tax) cheaper to do the whole Tdot -> Montreal vs Tdot to Ottawa. If I am going from Toronto to Ottawa, greyhound buses do stop in Ottawa first before going to Mtl right? Do I have to keep my luggage with me or do u have to transfer buses and therefore I can just leave when I arrive in Ottawa? Just want an up to date answer as some of the responses in this thread are quite old. Thanks!

[yoshimi]

hey so I'm looking at greyhound.ca and see that its over $11 (excluding tax) cheaper to do the whole Tdot -> Montreal vs Tdot to Ottawa. If I am going from Toronto to Ottawa, greyhound buses do stop in Ottawa first before going to Mtl right? Do I have to keep my luggage with me or do u have to transfer buses and therefore I can just leave when I arrive in Ottawa? Just want an up to date answer as some of the responses in this thread are quite old. Thanks!

any update guys? just want to know if this still works. thanks

[Musabbir]

I have used this method several times before. I live in Ottawa so it is little difficult for me to use. Basically when you purchase a Montreal- Toronto or Toronto-Montreal ticket, they give you two tickets.
If you are coming from Toronto, then you will get off at Ottawa, take you luggage and stand and wait in line for the montreal bus where you check in your luggage again. If you wanted to come to Ottawa, you just take your luggage and leave and have a free ottawa-montreal ticket to use later on or discard.