We’ve all enjoyed a nap on Metro-North. The swaying action seems to induce a
nodding-off, especially on the way home after a long day in the city. But it’s sleeping comfortably during long
distance travel that seems like the holy grail for travelers.
On overnight flights to Europe we’re envious of those
business class folks with their lie-flat seats.
And on Amtrak, even the comfiest reclining coach seat can’t compare with
the beds in the sleepers… be it a one-person roomette or a deluxe bedroom. And of course, on cruise ships, everyone has
some sort of a bunk in a stateroom or otherwise.
Now, you can add a new form of transport offering
“sleeper” accommodations: the bus.
Yes, a new California start-up called Cabin is offering nightly
bus service between Los Angeles and San Francisco in specially equipped
coaches, each offering 24 “cabins” (bunk beds).
The coach leaves each city at 11 pm and arrives at its destination at 7
am the following morning.
Driving time from LA to SF can be as little as six hours,
but this “hotel on wheels” looks for the smoothest route, not the fastest, so
as to not disturb slumbering passengers.
The “cabins” look small but offer clean linens, duvets,
free earplugs, melatonin-infused water and free Wi-Fi. One six-foot tall reviewer said she had
plenty of room to stretch out, though she did have trouble sleeping. Mind you, all cabins are single occupancy
only, so don’t get any ideas.
For the insomniacs, there’s a small
passenger lounge and a 24-hour attendant. All passengers share one lavatory and, unlike
Amtrak’s overnight trains, there is no on-board shower. In the morning, there’s coffee available to
wean you off the melatonin water.
Each passenger can bring two pieces of luggage at no
additional charge. And you can show up as little as 10 minutes before departure
time. Try doing that at an airport.
The Cabin isn’t the cheapest way between California’s
twin cities. Megabus makes an overnight
run (regular coach seating) for $20 one way.
The average airline fare is about $220 while Amtrak’s celebrated “Coast
Starlight” makes the daylight run for as little as $64 in coach ($178 in a
Roomette). Cabin’s fare is $115 each way
and the bus often books up days in advance.
Clearly, the attraction is one of making best use of your
time, not the speed or comfort of the trip.
To the mostly-millennial target audience, sleep is a necessary
distraction from work, so if you can multi-task during your overnight hours
(sleep and travel), all the better.
Cabin’s backers have secured $3.3
million in underwriting and have their sights on expanding
service to other cities like Portland and Las Vegas. Their real dream is to use self-driving
technology and eventually have the Cabins cruise without drivers. (Now that
could induce some sleeplessness!)
Alas, I couldn’t find anyone on the east coast copying
the Cabin’s service. New York and Boston
are only four hours apart, by bus or Acela.
From the Big Apple to DC is just 3 hours by train and maybe 4 by
bus. Both are just too short for a good
night’s sleep.
So, for now, to sample the concept of “sleeper” bus
transport, you’ll just have to “Go west”, young man… “Go west!”
Posted with permission of Hearst CT Media
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