USA Bus Lines

How scary is it traveling by greyhound bus alone when you are a young female?

I'm in my 20s and will be taking a Greyhound bus for the first time. The trip will last almost 2 days (yikes)! A few of the cities I will have to go through will be Indianapolis & Birmingham. I'm a little wary about this, since I've heard that the stations there are sketchy. Any advice is gladly appreciated. Thanks

Public Comments

1. Keep some OFF! bastärd repellent (pepper-spray ;] ) on you at all times I guess.
2. Take a plane. If you cant do that carry pepperspray, a knife, a gun if you have a permit, anything at all to protect yourself. Bus stations are a haven for scumbags. Be carefull.
3. Indianapolis has a beautiful safe station, don't know about birmingham.
4. Well if you have a cell phone... then keep it with you at all times. If someone starts seeming like they are ''stalking'' or as some say ''creeping'' on you then just make sure they can vividly see you have a cell phone so they can't really try anything. Also, you will be there with lots of other people (if it's a popular bus, i'm sure it is) You should be fine. Take something to entertain you as well.. or find something to pass the time anyway. I'd have to say that I wouldn't want to ride it for that long by myself... Just be careful. If you think something bad should happen while being ON the bus, just sit in the front next to the driver or close enough to where he/she can see you clearly. No worries, there will be surveillance at all times. I'm sure you'll be fine, just enjoy the time while your there!
5. very scary unless you like being fondled by 6 black guys in the back of the bus...maybe thats how you like to roll.
6. You are getting mostly rant answers. I have not traveled by Greyhound in years, but there have been many answers on YA from people who have done so recently. Safety does not seem to be a problem as long as you use basic common sense (don't leave your wallet on the seat while you go to the restroom, etc.). The main complaint is that some bus passengers are not very appealing since it is often the least expensive way to travel.
7. I traveled through NY and PA stations when I was 19 years old. I met super nice people that helped me get from bus to bus. It was never scary. I sat alone on the bus for 2 days as well. Long trip, but never once bothered. Everyone seems to keep to themselves.