"Ridin' the Dog" 1989 Greyhound Buses Documentary

A complete version of a documentary about a Greyhound bus journey from Seattle to Chicago. Narrated by author and historian, Studs Terkel shown in 1989.
I noticed a few people had been looking for the complete version of this show. I recorded it when it was shown in the UK in 1990 so posting here so others can enjoy it. Perhaps even more interesting to look back on it from 2018 as it captures the world of the late '80s, an era before everyone was connected by smartphones... This documentary is now a bit of timepiece which makes it all the more charming to watch..

[@Polemic-2525]

I remember my trip as a homeless man from Chicago to Phoenix in the winter of 1989. That Greyhound trip saved my life. I started a new life. Thank God for Greyhound.

[@Yui789esss]

Wow good to hear, Chicago in the winter would have been horrible...: stay bless

[@carlospwk]

you should make a youtube video about your journey:)

[@cassidypresley3271]

......Amen!!!!!

[@paulsuprono7225]

Yes . . . we are all a few paychecks, from being homeless ! 💀🇺🇸

[@ReglazeRX]

Same here, I lived on that thing from 92-97

[@Michael9-23-15]

Thank you to the driver who picked up myself and my friend hitchhiking during a snow storm. The nice driver pulled over on the on ramp and asked if we needed a ride. We told him we didn't have any money, but he let us on anyways. I'll never forget that day. Thanks for having a heart!

[@larryb982]

That's awesome

[@incognitonegress3453]

It's very few of us out here. N yes, u were def blessed 2 of been touched by an angel! 🙏🏽

[@thecapone45]

That’s so nice!!

[@nikkibenson3413]

My dad has been a coach operator for 30+ years! Almost 3 million miles and ZERO accidents!

[@alfderbabybenz7092]

Wish him another 3 Million Miles of save travelling!

[@MiguelHernandez-rw4xu]

That is a good driving record 👌

[@TBgunsandbutter]

BOSS

[@willtheclimatealarmistsall7728]

I wonder how many people he has safely delivered to their destinations?! How many loved ones has he quietly done his bit to reunite and how many people has he delivered into new lives or just taken to where they need to be? Everyday hero 😃

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

@@willtheclimatealarmistsall7728 Something to think about, Well done...

[@davidgriffin14]

Oh god, do I have a Greyhound story. I took the bus from L.A. to Washington D.C. in 1988. Some colorful people rode with me. When I arrived at the D.C. terminal my sister had not gotten there yet to pick me up, so I just sat inside the terminal bc there was a blizzard going on. Well, after a couple hours waiting I fell asleep in my chair. The cop there saw it and immediately kicked me out of the terminal. I was broke, freezing cold with no place to go. I found a pay phone and my mom told me to go to the Smithsonian and wait for my sister since it was free and warm. I did. 6 of the best hours of my life. That museum is absolutely mind blowing. Wish I could go back sometime.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Hahaha. We have all been there. Once, or twice. Or three times 😅

[@chuckruckus3648]

Go now you’d get stabbed outside

[@ryana8022]

@@chuckruckus3648 shut up and just go outside

[@chuckruckus3648]

@@ryana8022 just did. Was a close call

[@ryana8022]

@@chuckruckus3648 I’m sure

[@hatednyc]

It’s bittersweet watching these docs I grew up with because I love them but it kIlls me to see how far we have fallen as a country.

[@michaelhatcher5264]

My uncle worked for Greyhound for 47 years. He died from covid19. His name was phillip Debarry. He was a driver- instructor. Rip driver.

[@garryharriman7349]

Your Uncle may have driven me accorss the country during my 1995 Ameripass trip. Think of all the people he must have met and interacted with during his very long Greyhound career! All the best to you. Garry H. South Carolina!

[@karimrasheedwilson2160]

I had the honor of Meeting your uncle ! Back in 2007 he was one of my trainers in Atlantic City! I remember I was using the training bus bathroom… He said “ I hope your didn’t Blow up my Bathroom!! My he RIP.

[@BluffCreekStudio]

RIP prayers for him. this bus has been a godsend to so many people with so little. i'll pray for him next time on the bus

[@robintaylor680]

@@karimrasheedwilson2160 lmao are you serious

[@donavan4481]

@Daniel Kintigh please shut up

[@SternDrive]

I drove for Greyhound for 43 years and had a great career. I could write a book about my experiences traveling millions of miles in sunny weather and in snow storms. I had to kick a few naughty passengers off the bus, but I can honestly say that most people I met were great, and I made lots of wonderful friends.

[@t.g.1234]

You should!!

[@Opps5.0]

Hi l live in brazil the roads here are terrible, l'm not driver but am love buses on track and starded watch these videos about greyhound company and l loved big hug ...

[@brianthom-dp5vc]

To stem Drive, Why don't you write a book I know I'd buy it!I love buses. I sold my old Kenworth/Pacific.I"m waiting for a late '70s Gillig RE . Wonder how long I'll have to wait? B.

[@garryharriman7349]

I sold my car and took a month off from work to tour the USA on an 'Ameripass' with Greyhound for less than $300 back in 1995. I went across the continent and back in less than 3 weeks. It was one of the most memorable journeys of my life. The people I met along the way never leave my mind. I am now a U.S. citizen and my wife and I took the Greyhound from Augusta Memphis back in 2016 and was shocked to see how badly the service had changed in terms of the huge spike in prices. It is no longer the prefered transport of the low paid. Whilst this was sad to observe, those memories from 1995 will always be happy ones!

[@LynxStarAuto]

Yeah it's a racket now. Just like the train.

[@sanansa4567]

@@LynxStarAuto Right the train is definitely a racket. Even daily commute to NYC for work is so expensive now I wouldn't consider working in the city, its not worth cost.

[@drakkar7860]

@@sanansa4567 I also use to travel from CT to NYC on metro north. Now work from home.

[@nomadfishermanak]

499$ 30 day rail pass on amtrak did it last year.

[@larryb982]

@@nomadfishermanak wow that sounds expensive.

[@mr.j6837]

21:42 Man openly admits to robbing a bank to finance his current ranch. No big deal.

[@h.mflagler356]

Gotta love statute of limitations

[@polyphemus1268]

@@h.mflagler356 Statute.

[@h.mflagler356]

@@polyphemus1268 thanks

[@SincereSentinel]

😆 yikes 😬 was thinking the same

[@Seawiz21]

That's Greyhound!

[@maplemanz]

My advice,only use the restroom only in emergencies.

[@NickyD]

i can only imagie

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

Don't eat before the trip or during the trip so you don't have to use the bathroom

[@newmanc6619]

I will go for that. The Marin AIrPorter buses from Marin County to SF International are the same make and model is Greyhound buses, and I can say from experience when I was younger, try not to use the restroom on the buses.

[@jimmyc6686]

Do people go in the restrooms when they rail fat lines of cocaine? Or just do bumps in your seats?

[@williampierce4513]

@@jimmyc6686 yes

[@illestone956]

Watching this makes me want to hit up a good diner lol

[@takecareofyrshoes]

i know right? i want a cheeseburger and fries now. greasy too.

[@cleenlivin]

This brings back memories of when Trailways and Greyhound were the only way to travel if you didn't have alot of money or had family in those small off the beaten track towns. I have good memories of riding through those places.

[@terrycarthy4433]

I caught the 'Hound from LA - Vegas ; Vegas- Dallas; New Orleans- Atlanta ; Atlanta- Richmond; Richmond - DC; DC - NYC ; NYC- Bridgeport, CT...I then took a few flights...before the 'Hound from Seattle- San Francisco ! Australian tourist.

[@michaelregan166]

You forgot jack rabbit lines

[@MrMountainMan]

15:39 "Marry me and I'll buy you a Cadillac." HAHA nice pickup line.

[@nomadcowatbk]

he never said a new Cadillac, that could have been a used Cadillac Cimarron

[@SMaamri78]

I don’t think she was falling for it, though

[@webbie021984]

My dad still drives been with greyhound for 47 years. My childhood growing up was so fun

[@thomasparisi5333]

Did he know my Dad? Drove outta NYC

[@nicholaswhitakerii7808]

My father has been there since 1971 out of nyc. It was truly a great childhood riding with him.

[@sanansa4567]

Imagine the stories he must have...a half century of driving to all different places.

[@terrycarthy4433]

Australian tourist...name the place, I've caught the 'hound there ! Real America.

[@thedesertdwellerfromutah4354]

My Mom as well worked for Greyhound for 25 years as an agent. I grew up with Greyhound 😩

[@SincereSentinel]

Some of these old school docs are still so damn good and fascinating. Love it.

[@jeramyjaymes]

I'm impressed by how well this was put together.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

Every production now has childish speaking disturbing loud music and politics and inserted into everything

[@brendongyde]

Biggest problem. With modern doco is the loud music sound effects edited into the video

[@benlotus2703]

@@brendongyde Interesting comment.

[@benlotus2703]

Fascinating documentary

[@keyon4500]

Look at the days of no cell phones, where people actually spoke to and acknowledged one another.

[@tarandajones2154]

YES!! YES!!!... people made new friends, exchanged numbers...you actually held a CONVERSATION...lol... now people don't have friends, they have "followers"..smh

[@lucifersatan6436]

Unfortunately people on the greyhounds refuse to not vocally acknowledging EVERYONE

[@vanzarockin]

It probably isn't their only means of expression, conversation & connection. @Sad But Rad

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

Sorry, I would much rather be entertained with my cell phone, than twiddling my thumbs

[@Justin-Hill-1987]

Back in those days, people had to bring along extra quarters to make phone calls, watch TV, play Pac-Man and grab a snack or soda while waiting for the next Greyhound Bus to their next destination...

[@mauir0x2]

The nostalgia is incredible! 2020 and I wish we were back in simpler times.

[@jorgeneylandt5713]

Also 2020. I knew GH from long time but just now found this doc. from one another youtube film about trucking back in '70s

[@CC-ed7jr]

Technology has its pros and cons. But I think it's largely changing our culture in a way we're not really ready for. In some ways this seems like simpler times.

[@incrediblesimilarity5858]

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be. --- Yogi Berry

[@tomdickens7856]

ok boomer

[@fadermcvlx6580]

@@tomdickens7856 OK Boomer PRODUCT

[@VIVADUDE07]

"Rode the dog" in 1965 at 15 years old (alone) from upstate NY to Miami, FL... a good experience.....

[@Dcsk8kid89]

Thanks KZbin recommended list, didn't know I'd find this so entertainment

[@LeeDfined]

Proud driver 2008-...have worked out of Cincinnati, Columbus, Syracuse, Orlando, Cleveland, Tallahassee, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Tampa FL...as well as all of the places those terminals service. I have wanted this job since childhood...and have now been doing it since my 20s. Did I mention I started off as a baggage guy.

[@squareteam88]

Glad you like it.

[@willieclark2735]

Yes Sir!! MY Hometown Orlando fla The John Young Pwy Terminal

[@SLAYER-nm5zw]

That's awesome

[@ericamiles666]

I remember riding Greyhound back in the 80's, it was so much fun. One time though I got stuck with the back seat, next to the restroom, and the smell made me vomit twice. Lol

[@MiguelHernandez-rw4xu]

That must have been a shitty experience

[@all_the_bad_news5614]

Damn the smell is def bad and worse you embarrassed yourself by throwing up like a little baby hahahaha

[@tacolover6934]

Never again will i ride graydog

[@Brutal_truthus]

Got nauseous just thinking of the smell of the chemical toilet mixed with diesel bus fumes.....

[@ericamiles666]

@@Brutal_truthus 🤢🤮

[@stevengallant6363]

28:55 Jennie "Jane" E. Smith 1890-1994... Jane passed away March 12th 1994... 33 years ago today March 12th 2022 my mother's birthday 71st birthday... when I was younger I wish I would have talked with the older people because they possessed a wealth of information that is now gone forever

[@Den12334]

Have you looked up anymore from the video?

[@penapluis]

I still remember my trip on the greyhound from San Diego to Los Angeles California back in 1991 after me and my tio cross the border from Mexico it was the most beautiful and relaxing trip of my life.

[@mikepierce1724]

Like school bus ride lmao my first long trip trucking east shore nova Scotia to la then Salinas to Halifax

[@timbuktug3321]

Riding Greyhound today is far from how nice it used to be.

[@timbuktug3321]

The High Priestess well not really but it just depends on the situation. You should be fine.

[@duvac12]

The High Priestess It’s not bad at all. Just be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine.

[@daviscampbell9020]

@The High Priestess it's not bad but a far cry from what it was.

[@ChrisSmith-ig9jq]

they all look crazy as fuck!

[@TheMNrailfan227]

Yup, today you should take an Amtrak train instead.

[@tarandajones2154]

Greyhound had trip planning like a travel agency...with tickets to each stop, siteseeing and hotel.. we went from Chicago to LA with stops in between on the double-decker bus in 1967...you had actual meal stops, NOT McDonalds (was none...lol) at a Howard Johnson's for a full, hot meal...my dad worked for Santa Fe (for those who don't know, this was when trains WERE wonderful) so we traveled every summer ...wow!!, .wonderful memories..🤗

[@glorfindelchocolateflowery6392]

They didn't have McDonalds back in your day? How Old are you🤣

[@cceatl]

I'm lovin it!

[@durandholiness9984]

n b?ggabcv c xvvycssssa---‐-]

[@BB-fp9ce]

It's a cool story

[@unconventionalideas5683]

McDonald's is entering its own struggles. I wonder if in 20 years time we'll be looking at McDonald's wondering what happened to them...

[@stevengallant6363]

I was 15 years old in 1989 and I miss THIS Country... I don't recognize the Country today...

[@HPM619]

I was 18

[@rebeccamiller8434]

I was 20. It doesnt seem like that long ago.

[@vodnurse5702]

I love the peoples stories.

[@dondoyle8474]

My mom what is terminal manager of LA bus depot and we took a bus all the way to Chicago and back when I was in the eighth grade. I still remember that trip today and it was fun😎

[@crankychris2]

I expected a Greyhound promo, but what this is, is a slice of American life a third of a century ago. Those over 60 will feel a little sad... Life before cell phones, kids...

[@andrewharvey6400]

Yes you are right Chris, I am 68 an d almost shed a tear to see how the world has deteriorated.And if one thinks further back the change is far more and worse..

[@pittsburghpirate58]

@@andrewharvey6400 I’m 62 and I can say thank god the “world” has changed! I don’t get called racial epithets as much as I did in 1989! Cops don’t hassle me either like they did back then! Oh I’m African American by the way so now you know I have no interest in returning to those times!

[@iliaderry8212]

I'm 21 and not even American, but the documentary really surprised me. People seemed genuine and didn't have any problems talking with strangers about themselves and their families. Nowadays they're all about themselves on their smartphones and nobody talks with anybody. You shouldn't though forget the progress we've made in human rights, technology, and the general well-being of the populace at large..

[@bertholini2810]

I was born in 1953. A "little sad" I think would be an understatement. We have watched Greyhound decline to the point it is now. It used to be really nice.

[@NickyD]

@@iliaderry8212 well people dont want to talk to strangers you also taught not to plus people cant be trusted now a days

[@maggy3418]

Greyhound used to be such a wonderful way to travel, and had outstanding customer service back in the 80s and 90s. After 2005ish, thing really went downhill to the point where people avoid it at all costs, and even a lot of the staff are ashamed to even admit working for them. Being a Greyhound driver used to be something people were damn proud of. Sadly, those days are long gone- especially in Canada because they literally ran the company into the ground to the point where Greyhound Canada doesn’t even exist anymore.

[@benbean1940]

As a retired greyhound driver in Canada I have to agree, it’s such a shame, but it was a downward spiral for many years

[@straightpipediesel]

Bus travel simply can't compete against low-cost (Southwest, WestJet), ultra-low-cost (Spirit) airlines over the distances in North America. Airline deregulation hit in the 80's and made this possible, combined with a general increase in standard of living. The one place in the US where short hops make bus travel competitive with air travel, the Northeast Corridor, decent high-speed rail came in starting 2000.

[@lard_lad_AU]

I think its also the prevalence of drugs - meth, crack and fentanyl - that is plaguing the cities where the bus stations are located.

[@williamcarlson2916]

A retired Greyhound Driver myself, 70's and 80's still prowd how I was part of an over 100 yr Company. With an ICON, owned by other countries (management, and a WEAK union) it has lost it's way! SO SAD.

[@bl00dline360]

@@straightpipediesel true story I used to travel from NYC to Atlantic City a 2 1/2 ride bus was is always full

[@mayhemmike1789]

Some sad & depressing stories in this vid here 😔

[@Pgd10020]

Damn Teri Lilly the Indian is a player

[@terryjones9784]

you know he pulls

[@christianmarche993]

The Dog got me out of a bad situation once and once only. Life lesson and I'm glad the Dog was there.

[@Dannyedelman4231]

My dad was a driver for 37 years and only 2 accident I believe in his whole career

[@redcomic619]

28:55 Wow! Amazing to hear from a woman who was born in 1890. She definitely didn’t look that old. I wonder what became of her..:

[@rickross8172]

she died

[@redcomic619]

@@rickross8172 Of course she died, but I wonder how much longer she lived after this. And what happened to her motel? She just seems like an interesting character of a long lost time.

[@laThirst]

I said the same thing! The experience was awesome actually seeing & hearing a person from the 1800’s! What an experience 🤟🏾🌹

[@adamc0707]

She lived to 103 or 104

[@MYOBASSUME]

She's still trying to get her courting down. Lol

[@brianstockwell4069]

In 1976 bought a one-week ticket in New York. Travelled along the Great Lakes, down into the great plains, over the Rockies and through Death Valley to San Francisco. Straddled the Pacific en route to LA and back east via Texas and the deep south. Back in New York with less than an hour to spare, thanks to the comprehensive routes on offer and drivers sticking diligently to the timetable. Incredible service then and sad to hear it's only a shadow of its former self.

[@Griswaldization]

My Late Grandfather drove for Greyhound after WW2 until he retired in the Early 1970's !! R.I.P. Captain Frank💪⚘

[@drakkar7860]

Wow

[@Griswaldization]

@Kilo Byte Honestly I dont know he had retired before I was born.

[@Ormonard]

RIP Captain Frank

[@Griswaldization]

@@Ormonard Thankyou kindly🙏

[@hollyinhell]

I took that exact bus route in reverse order, Chicago to Seattle, back in 1992. The bus was filled with kids heading to Job Corps, drug runners and perverts.

[@williampierce4513]

How many times did you have to poop?🙈

[@hollyinhell]

@@williampierce4513 I didn't keep a written tally and since it was 29 years ago my memory of the amount of time I pooped escapes me, but if I were to guess I'd say 3 times. I hope that answer satisfies the reason why you asked. Whatever floats your boat dude, who am I to judge.

[@windermere2330]

Don’t forget felons fresh out of prison!

[@calvincrews3885]

I've missed the older MCI Coaches like the 102A3 96A3 and the MCI MC9 Crusader ii Coaches those were blast from the past

[@MonsterMidi]

Yeah... I have an MCI MC9 that I love. It has a great sound to it!

[@davidhamm5626]

Yes, I cut my teeth on those.

[@georgec4917]

I learned on mc7 crash box 4 speeds. In 1980. Went through a 6 week course in Seattle. Final was a 10 day road trip. Mt Saint Helen's messed it up.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

It is so fascinating to have a glimpse into the lives of so many people.

[@davidwhite3180]

I’m watching this and reading some of these comments and responses. Suddenly tears begin to roll down my face. The older I get the easier I cry about anything. I don’t know why. GOD BLESS each person that was on this footage the creators the person that posted this documentary living or posthumously. 🙏🏿

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Enjoyable documentary

[@guomondur9248]

The people, landscape, background music, the stories…I feel like I’m watching Every Which Way But Lose

[@stephendacey8761]

I remember Greyhound was looking for new bus drivers, and it was 1989, and I was a young man looking for a good paying job that involves travel, so I interviewed for the job, but was not hired. Oh well.

[@AnitaBeerstein]

Some of these shots are soo good, like the view from inside the tractor trailer and the greyhound bus passing by. And the shot of from inside a radio broadcasting station with another greyhound bus on its merry way. Fantastic!

[@jayt1077]

My mom taped this for me when it first aired because she knew how I liked the bus trips we used to take from Chicago to see her parents in West Virginia. I still remember the old Chicago bus terminal featured in this documentary, and even things such as those plastic chairs with the coin operated TVs attached to them. Thanks to the uploader. I haven't watched this in decades.

[@jackmack1670]

I rode The Hound for years and before Reagan deregulated the travel industry The Hound went everywhere. After that, the service died off to small towns. They kept only profitable routes. It killed one of the most unique travel experiences in the US. The only thing constant in life is change.

[@thegodblogger3812]

You are so right. Before dereg Greyhound was king, lots of routes, convenient schedules, professional service, the works. Dereg killed intercity bus travel, and as far as customer service it killed the airlines too.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

@@thegodblogger3812 Given how much new funding Amtrak has and the new, much more competent (and very activist) management team at Amtrak, I wouldn't be surprised if they get their 2035 route network built out, at which point, I wouldn't be surprised if Amtrak ends up as the last long distance travel method standing.

[@missbritt288]

Childhood memories .... What more can you say .. If you are from the south you know how this line of transport makes one feel , the late night stops at roadside eateries, the never ending rolling hills and rural scenery .... I remember getting motion sickness frequently as a child when we were riding deep into North Carolina and someone kindley offered my mother a plastic bag for me to Chunk up in .. Good times hahaa

[@helenhoward5346]

5:28... You'll never see that many white folks on a greyhound bus again lol.

[@DrewMIATL]

Exactly what I was thinking lmao

[@goliathsinatra2912]

Depending what part of the country you are traveling.

[@rolandpotter479]

This was a beautiful film the people and the moving landscape were the stars, not forgetting the marvellous Studs Terkel narration.

[@jorgevargas9769]

9 dollars for a stay at a hotel WOW beautiful!

[@bigbluemsp]

And undoubtedly the best hospitality around unlike today.

[@MrPland1992]

You know that’s about $30 today right? The same price as a cheap hotel today.... right?

[@r5t6y7u8]

I was hoping they'd show the room. For nine bucks - even in Nowhere USA in 1989 - you'd get an old bed, wood dresser, threadbare carpet, 1930s bathroom and TV that gets five channels.

[@jimfrisk688]

@@MrPland1992 hard to find a hotel room for that price...anywhere in the U.S. Unless its in a flophouse or middle of drug dealing central. Even than the price is prob going to be 40 or 50 dollars.

[@MrPland1992]

@@jimfrisk688that’s fine with me. I don’t need a $2500 a night room on a mountain side with lamb blankets and a gold toilet just so I can go straight to sleep for 6 hours. Stayed in a lot of $30-40 hotels and they’re great. I’ve stayed in $5000 motel rooms also. Only difference was I got a cool Snapchat to show my broke ass friends

[@11xr1east]

I love this documentary. Brings back memories of when I was a child, mom and I traveled to Arkansas one summer then to Michigan the next summer. It was fun being a child. I loved hearing that Detroit diesel engine roaring, shifting gears. We traveled on Trailways buses in the 70s.

[@ramencurry6672]

It looks like a good small organized camera crew. Good editing and producing. Nicely done.

[@ramencurry6672]

I took a greyhound from Philadelphia to Oakland California. I probably wouldn’t do it again but it was a great memory

[@fidikvien7682]

I love videos like this, shows how everyone even just on a bus has a unique story of their life and journey.

[@johnallen2771]

The people you meet on Greyhound are pretty down to earth, I'd call it the workingman's transportation. This is a beautiful country and people should explore it more thoroughly than just driving past on the interstate. Even in the desert there is so much going on. I like to take a walk around the town and it's amazing how much you can learn by just walking around and talking to people. To me the bus always represented freedom. There was a time when I got on the bus to go live in a city where I didn't know anyone to start a new life. It's there for any one of us who can't stand the same old BS in their hometown.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

it was like that in the 1980s but not now. if someone takes a bus somewhere and they don't have any money they're going to end up living on the streets

[@LPTV84]

Depends on the town and how you look tbh, but yeah that sounds nice.

[@reimannx33]

Down to earth? That's putting it mildly.

[@wakawaka5131]

😂😂Funny how my eyes are yelling at the low resolution and they were quite content watching this in black and white back in 1989.

[@wyn2647]

15:51 So this documentary was released in 1989 but it was probably recorded in 1988 and Perry turned 24 on October 10th. That means that Perry is gonna turn 58 in 2022. I hope Perry is still alive and well, he must have children who are probably adults by now and he’s probably a grandpa.

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass, Can I take a bus back to 1989? I would like that. Great video, thanks.

[@rodneykitchen3869]

I was production manager on this series, so good to see it again, thanks for posting. Rod Kitchen London 2024

[@philipjones3793]

Wow, I remember this time frame. I was feeling it was early 80s but I looked back and see it's 89. It's so crazy to be able to look and think back of this time. Thanks.

[@anetajohnson8446]

i was a charter and route driver for45 years, believe me, it was nothing like this movie! Iv been shot at three times, actually robbed at gun point once. as a driver. R ockford Ill and CHICAGO! iV MET ALOT OF REALLY NICE PEOPLE, AND SAW THE WHOLE COUNTRY! iV driven in blizzerds, wind storms, and done night trips.The worse things as drivers we have to put up with, are beligerant passengers, and not getting enough sleep.bus bearkdowns, and emptyheaded managers . There have been many times through Angelic help, accidents have been avoided! I have been blessed with not having any chargable accidents behind the wheel! I am now retired, Anetas husband..Do i miss it? yes and no!

[@philipcallicoat9947]

The rolling insane asylum.😣

[@gailmiller6333]

Sadly, that’s what it is now, wasn’t always that way. Stop using it in the late 80s.

[@MiguelHernandez-rw4xu]

Good One, Philip

[@davebeat]

Are we just ignoring the part where the guy just unappologetically confesses to robbing a bank to build a ranch?

[@frannyy9309]

I think that was part of the song maybe

[@Shaquille796]

I love seeing the world and people back in the 80s, i was born in the 90s but it’s nostalgic nonetheless

[@clevername8832]

Totally! I was born in 84 so don't remember much of the 80s either but I tend to feel like it was a better time. I dunno it probably just was though since times seem like they always are getting worse.

[@Redmallard]

I miss the old 😪 U.S of A I was born in 1965 that bus is true American classic.

[@LASVEGASRAIDERS21]

That poor kid listed Europe as one of his favorite bands lol

[@faronanderson2536]

If you want to look at another angle of America's past/history and it's people who live there,I have to say, "Have a look at this!" Instead of the usual historical glorification of major hubs like ,Hollywood,Las Vegas,the Big Apple with Broadway and it's stars,also the nations politics and armed forces,national landmarks and sports doco's(which is great),this looks at something completely different.The real diversity of America's heartland right across the nation and all of it's inhabitants,away from the spotlight,as it was back then. Once I started to watch,it drew me further and further in,and could not move until the end.I've never seen anything like this before.What a wonderful insight to the American people and their way of life,as it was.This is real America to me.This was a breath of fresh air. Thankyou so much for posting!

[@summer_xo]

KZbin algorithm works in mysterious ways but im not complaining.

[@BeyondChange]

Smoking used to be allowed everywhere, In shopping malls even on Airplanes. How things have changed.

[@salutations5749]

I remember going to a Skating Rink somewhere in TN, i believe, and just being able to light up. Not while skating, but as long as you weren't on the rink, it was cool !

[@Amerikanerer]

Rode Greyhound between Bakersfield and Los Angeles a few times back in 90/91. It was very basic at the time and most of the riders were those who could not afford a car or a plane ticket. The seats were cheap vinyl and the floor was rubber. I remember the driver having to really gear down to pass through the mountains between the two cities. We were traveling like 30-40 Mph climbing and , then, descending so the bus would not stall on the way up or run away on the way down. Cars and trucks were wizzing by us. It still brought us safely and efficiently to downtown L.A. or Bakersfield in the other direction for about fifteen dollars in fare!

[@markmaese9495]

I’m from Bakersfield myself. I rode greyhound all the time from Bakersfield to las cruces New Mexico and back many times among many other destinations

[@fairfaxcat1312]

Lol.

[@Ladybug-no9sc]

This feels me with nostalgia from the last period of which this service was Great❤ In 2001 I rode from Chicago to Georgia....23hr Trip with my then 3 year old Son. Most people were Friendly & excited to get going, Drivers were Great Bus Host, Clean and bustling Bus stations some of which had Great Food. I ended up having to take the Greyhound recently to Wisconsin dells with my Family because the Train tickets we needed were sold out. It...was....Disgusting and depressing. Mostly displaced travelers and inmates recently released. It was filthy, littered with homeless vagrants and addicts, the Driver didn't speak until 2 hrs into the trip...I worried I might be on the wrong bus since there was NO pull off conformation. It's sad what happened to this service, it's still the cheapest way to travel but gone are the days when you could just sit back and appreciate the trip making friends along the way😪😪 R.I.P Greyhound. Their days are numbered.

[@markmcc78]

Great post. Riding the bus when i was a kid was always a big adventure and like you said, the bus stations were always bustling and packed. At least you had the good memories from the past.

[@Ladybug-no9sc]

@@markmcc78 So true and I'm really Greatful now.

[@markmcc78]

@@Ladybug-no9sc 🙌

[@paulramsey8187]

Greyhound Canada just closed friday May 13 2021. Leave the driving to us

[@Ladybug-no9sc]

@@paulramsey8187 Wow

[@Nowitsfound]

You can have your smart phones, flat screen tvs and apps.. I'd be happier going back to these times.. much different and much better

[@andysmith7554]

I agree with you! I would ruther go back to them times!!!!

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

The internet •You tube videos •70 years of good music to listen too, instead of 10 years of good music • If I want to hear a song, I can get in two seconds on KZbin or a Playlist app, instead of looking for an album. Or praying it comes on the radio • 500 channels to watch, instead of 3 black and white channels • Netflix and Hulu • if I want to read a book, I have it in 3 seconds on my kindle • I don't have to rush to the bank every Friday, to cash my check •If I get lost In my car, my gps can easily get me to my destination SORRY, TIMES ARE MUCH BETTER, TODAY

[@JoeyCrackization]

Still not worth it.

[@fluxthecynic]

@@vicepresidentmikepence889 I think you're missing the point

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Technology has made our lives much better.

[@skinnerhound2660]

Thank you for posting this in its complete form. I use to drive this night run from Seattle to Billings MT. It was a four day return back to Seattle run with overnights in St Regis and Billings. Beautiful scenery especially Montana big sky nights. Winter driving was a challenge especially Look Out Pass. You has to be on your game on the night run, black ice, deer, wildlife, ect. Probably the most challenging run of my career but the one that I remember most fondly and made me more skillful.

[@jimfrisk688]

maybe you were my driver a time or two, i caught many a Hound out of my hometown of Livingston.

[@thegodblogger3812]

Wow, was your run before the '87 merger with Trailways? I always thought driver runs broke at Spokane, Butte, and Billings.

[@skinnerhound2660]

@@thegodblogger3812 I started after the 1990 strike ended. In 2004 Greyhound cut hundreds of small town stops between Seattle and Chicago. The Billings MT drivers board was then disbanded. Schedules 1274/1276 EB (Seattle to Billings) would then cut and pull to Jefferson Lines in Billings and we would run back to Seattle. Later on we would cut in Missoula, now it is Spokane.

[@thegodblogger3812]

@@skinnerhound2660 Ok. So much changed after 1990. Thanks for the info.

[@ladybug234]

1989 Greyhound is fine..Now 2020/ 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 I use to do security for greyhound and boy do I have evidence of greyhound employees doing wrong big time i guess corporate don't care about your safety 🤔🤔🤔

[@SuperOlds88]

Studs must have had a hand in the music for his film, Key to the Highway sung by Connie Williams, is very good. Elizabeth Cotton singing Freight Train.

[@jermainscott9518]

I loved being a greyhound driver...Not a moment I don't dream about driving grey blue dawg

[@45bjleigh]

Have u drove to Wilmington Delaware

[@LeeDfined]

Hey bro...subscribe to my channel. Didn't know you were on KZbin

[@jermainscott9518]

@@LeeDfined ok

[@jermainscott9518]

@@45bjleigh anything along 95 I touched....I'm finna look at my map to make sure I have.....I remember the Delaware house...

[@kevinfacey6975]

Just watching this documentary, I am reminded of my time riding the Dog. My mother and I would travel to Clarksdale, Ms from Milwaukee, and you looked forward to the trip. Between Chicago and Memphis, we would stop in places like Effingham, IL, and Sikeston, MO, on our way down south. Kind of miss those days.

[@captaindoeverything]

I rode the dog as a kid when my parents sent me to gramma's for the summer, we'd make one stop to pick up other riders and I always went into buy one of the homemade dates squares, I'm not a loner but I really enjoyed being on my own on these trips, riding the dog and watching the world go by while munching on a tasty date square. Ride on dog.

[@jasoness]

Starting working at Greyhound in Central Wisconsin in 1987. I was 15 years old. Worked there all the way through High School up until I left for College. Oh the stories... I grew up real quick. Wouldn't change a thing. The best years ever. The best.

[@SLAYER-nm5zw]

Thanks for sharing

[@sergiocontreras9436]

Mexican bus companys got better way better service then this crap greyhound company, continental trailways are better

[@jd4224]

Continental Trailways was taken over by Greyhound in late 1986.

[@buckeyewill2166]

Rode a Greyhound from Ohio to Oklahoma. Guzzled V8 veggie juice and light munchies. Avoided the heavy food that would have ripped my stomach apart. Pulled up at Memphis , changed buses in the wee hours of the morning and saw a pimp waiting outside the terminal waiting for a runway. Got to my destination.

[@deealone5191]

I remember that when riding the dog and you'd end up in these big cities in the middle of the night. Like in this doc, they would have signs up in the bus stations warning teenagers of their surroundings because the pimps and predators were on the prowl.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

Still have every single ticket stub from many, many trips all over the country and Canada. Great times!

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Everyone has their dream of making it big in Hollywood And that dream begins on a cross country motor coach with a paperback on their knee and an eye on the passing American landscape. A $1.99 breakfast in the Greyhound bus terminal diner with several refills of fresh coffee before climbing back aboard for the continuation of the journey....

[@mynewyork165]

All that history for what the company is today; one that can't find drivers to drive their busses, decrepid & unsafe bus stations, dirty & old busses that break down &/or don't leave on time, & they will never refund your ticket.

[@Mikerojo1985]

Greyhound was better during those years those iconic Red, white and blue color scheme buses

[@lukesanchez]

This is incredible. Really well done. Makes me wish I was alive to experience life in the 80’s.

[@BlanketyBlank9050]

I was and it was great! Rode the dog from Florida to West Virginia. 80s was a great time to be alive and young to.

[@HPM619]

I was 17 in 1989 and it was an amazing, simpler time

[@alexsummy7509]

Anyone who thinks greyhound sucks should take a greyhound in the Northeast Corridor (DC to Boston). The busses I took from DC to NYC and Philly had leather seats, were clean and always on time. It's amazing what a little healthy competition will do for a business.

[@uglyhobo4602]

I took a Greyhound from Atlanta all the way to Vegas during the peak of the summer. Took 7 days to get there due to the busses breaking down and layovers. Imagine my experience.

[@alexsummy7509]

@@uglyhobo4602 That sounds rough, man. I wish there was another bus company that went nationwide.

[@The_RadicalOne]

this WILL BE THE PERFECT WAY FOR ME TO MEET MY best FRIEND Marcus WHO LIVES OUT OF TOWN. that's greyhound!

[@golchf1]

Early to Mid 90s it was a 68$ ticket anywhere in the country. Portland OR. to Worcester Mass. Was my trip

[@thisdickbitch]

I love the history of greyhound but hate riding them

[@maldmc2873]

wait .. how can that be

[@carlself1485]

The history IS AMAZING. I LOVE seeing the older busses. I hope someday to see the Greyhound museum.

[@businessbuilding1]

I would choose Amtrak any day over Greyhound

[@TheMNrailfan227]

@@businessbuilding1 🚂 > 🚌

[@thomasjsanford9991]

I love riding Greyhound...

[@mattb.7761]

That woman was 98!!! Wow I know she is resting with the angels.

[@SANJOSE1919]

80 percent of this people in this video have passed away... except for the Youngest

[@badgerattoadhall]

@@SANJOSE1919 died at 103 years old.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

The fact this documentary is 32 years old anyone who's 60-65yrs and older lookkng is probably dead now and whoever looks like they're in their 30s now look like those who were in their 60s

[@pietsnot22]

That woman looked amazing for her age!

[@badgerattoadhall]

www.findagrave.com/memorial/77838000/jennie-elizabeth-smith

[@stormewebber835]

Not listed in Music Credits above: The great Elizabeth Cotton playing and singing her composition "Freight Train".

[@aldofhister6859]

Greyhound is fine if you're an 18 year old kid ! but when you get older it sucks!! I'll FLY

[@catrashoo]

I still remember my trip from Bronxville Texas to Washington DC back in 1990 , after I crossed the border , it was a very long ride 🤔

[@MrJorgito89]

Do you mean Brownsville, Texas...I lived there in 1990...I remember you passing by

[@catrashoo]

@@proudboricua6102 No , I was caught by the BP , I paid a bail of $3,000 , and continued my way into the US , everything is about money here as you all know 🙂

[@catrashoo]

@@proudboricua6102By the way, I have been to Puerto Rico twice ,very nice place.

[@proudboricua6102]

@@catrashoo brother i have nothing but respect shame on me for trying to ask you something that i don't have business asking i m the first person that always defend central American people SPECIAL HONDURANS when i was 21 in 2012 and still in services i was post in comajagua Honduras in palmerola it was my first time that i was in a different country We were there for 7 months I met nice people beautiful women's i feel bad for what Honduran people going through right now is so many dam killings you GUYS NEED A PRESIDENT LIKE THE GUY FROM EL.SALVADOR i love to read news from latin america Venezuela Honduras El Salvador etc right now you guys going to elections and for what i m seeing the candidates that going to the last round are awfully corrupt politicians the ex first lady a guy that was in prison for money laundering anyway sorry fory stupid question i delete the msg

[@catrashoo]

@@proudboricua6102 Yep , first of all thanks for your service , our country is devastated by nature and by the corrupt government , I hope the DEA does its work the right way.

[@fredmartin3117]

Brings back a lot of memories for this old man. Rode many miles on the bus during the 50s & 60s in my Marine Corps years as a passenger and then as a Greyhound Driver in the timeframe of this documentary.

[@shogged]

All you people romanticizing taking the bus for 16 hours 😂😂😂

[@thegodblogger3812]

You had to be there to understand. It's not just riding the bus, but where you were in life, where you thought you were headed, dashed hope, bright dreams, everything. You must be very young, if not in age, in the mind and experience.

[@calvincrews3885]

Me and my family rode together in a Greyhound lines buses in 1996 from Atlantic city NJ to Tallahassee FL those were the days when buses were built with less technology now these buses have lots of technology even Wifi

[@dontaviouschandler3961]

My hometown Tally ho (Tallahassee)

[@littlecasino60]

*I remember watching this doc when it came on PBS. I had taken 'the dog' from Louisiana to Los Angeles around 1981 and loved seeing this film. I mostly remember the elderly couple who said they got a contact high from the pot smokers sitting behind them, LOL.*

[@thomasjsanford9991]

Since smoking isn't allowed on intercity buses, I'm going to assume you are joking..

[@bookerk4388]

@@thomasjsanford9991 used to be able to smoke at the back of the bus.There were ashtrays built in the seats.

[@littlecasino60]

@@bookerk4388 Exactly! I remember once we got into liberal/progressive California I think people went from smoking tobacco to Weed in the back of the bus. Today they might smoke weed on the bus no matter what state they are in. Back then they would check for fruit flies if you had fruit when leaving California, but they never checked for dope. Those were the days!! LOL!

[@unconventionalideas5683]

@@littlecasino60 They do not allow any smoking on Greyhound, and if they catch you they will stop the bus and kick you off at any random place, including right beside the freeway, unless you beg and plead really hard, at least, that's what I have been told. It does not seem to matter what you are smoking, just that you are smoking.

[@roccozecca9302]

Oh yeah, What an experience it was for me crossing from San Francisco to Philly back in 1988.. Standard ticket 🎫 price was $ 58 bucks. Took me 16 buses to my destination... What a long trip it was!

[@jaysmith1408]

Now it’s only two. New York to Los Angeles, sometimes signed for Denver, sometimes signed for LA, then in LA a northbounder, forget what it’s signed.

[@NickyD]

now its most likey triple that price

[@LynxStarAuto]

Let me tell you, 58 bucks in 88? That's not that cheap I say. It's like what 130ish today?

[@vincentmeadows1]

When the cowboy greeted his fellow passengers at 5:14 he got quite the friendly reception. I wonder what people would say now-a-days?

[@davidmihevc3990]

I was wondering that same thing. Would probably depend on what part of the country you are in. Small town folks are still generally friendly, but I think most people just keep to themselves these days, its usually safer.

[@mr.cardguy7635]

They'd be telling him to put his mask on.

[@vincentmeadows1]

@@mr.cardguy7635 😂😂😂too funny

[@Reub3]

So an old cowboy walks up onto a greyhound bus. The passengers "Reeeeeeeeeeeeee"!

[@goliathsinatra2912]

@@mr.cardguy7635 🤣😂🤣😂