Guys! I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! The Megabus goes to Vermont! One of the biggest obstacles in my way of becoming a full-time professional singer is that it is way too damn expensive to be a full time professional singer. And a big part of that problem is getting back and forth to New York.
Previously I have done the math and discovered that a quick overnight to NYC for an audition costs me about $200. With gas, tolls, a few $5 foot longs, and paying the accompanist, it took a huge chunk out of our budget, especially during audition season when I was traveling there once a week or more. But then I discovered the train.
Amtrak was a little better, bringing the total cost of the trip down to about $170. I still had to use some gas because I had to drive to Albany to catch the train, but it was a lot less of that ridiculously expensive gasoline. Even so, $170-340 a week is more than I have to be spending on travel. Us minimum wage pizza workers have to watch our money very carefully.
But now, salvation! I used to take the Megabus (or the Bolt Bus, or whatever bus) back and forth to Baltimore, and it is just as nice as the train, but way cheaper. You still get free wi-fi and outlets for plugging things in. There is still a bathroom on board. And you also don’t make nearly as many stops. And the best part is, and maybe I forgot to mention this, it’s way cheaper!
My bus ticket to NY for this current gig cost me $14. Compared to a $40-60 train ticket that is a huge improvement. But get this! I just bought three more tickets, one quick round trip home between performances and my final ride home, and the total cost of all three tickets combined was $11. ELEVEN DOLLARS! Are you kidding me!? The cost of a trip to New York and back is now around $6 plus food! This is amazing!
So if you live in Vermont and would like to visit New York, first make sure you are well-versed in proper bus etiquette, and then hop on board the ol’ Megabus! The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper it is! You just can’t lose!
(still excited)