City of Austin

The City of Austin Transportation Department on Friday issued a “cease and desist” order to the Megabus inter-city bus company who planned to use a busy public street to receive and board passengers and their luggage beginning June 19. The private company announced plans online they would begin operations in Austin without proper authority. The City regulates vehicles used in its public streets or alleys that carry passengers or freight for compensation.

The company’s website shows up to seven boardings and disembarking times listed for the intersection of W 21st St. and Guadalupe St. at Dobie Mall near the University of Texas. Passengers are advised to check with the company for a revised boarding location.

City officials notified the company that they are required to conduct operations at an off-street terminal facility to provide as little disruption to normal traffic operations as possible, as well as provide for a safer environment for passengers. They added, with the use of an appropriate off-street terminal facility, the Megabus service would be a welcomed addition to providing ground transportation service to the visitors and citizens of the City of Austin.

The cities of Dallas and Houston similarly rejected MegaBus’ plans to operate in the busy public rights-of-way or without proper permitting for commercial ventures.