Wi-fi and business class on the buses to Sydney?

Grrrr said :

It sounds like Wifi is a strong selling point here .. Do none of you have a data plan on your mobile nor own a pre-paid mobile broadband device, EG an inexpensive 3G Wifi router?

Presumably the busses just run an “industrial” 3G wifi router, thus using the same internet provider as passengers with their own access..

Agree. Sharing a single connection between 40 people couldn’t be good for the download speed either and it’s not like they’re going to let you stream high def movies. I’ve never had noticeable network dropouts on the trip and the iPhone hotspot option gives the laptop access. Generally I just plan ahead and dump a couple of movies onto the iPad, make sure the battery is charged and take a good set of headphones.

dtc said :

I know everyone talks about the VF train, but if the train was only a medium fast train – maybe 3hrs Kingston to Sydney – it would be a winner for a lot of people. Slightly slower than flying (taking into account waiting times and getting into Sydney) but the same time as driving.

Surely nowdays a train can go as fast as a car (dont answer that). 4 1/4 hrs for the train is just too long.

Shhhh – I would have been happy with this but if the powers that be start thinking of this idea again (wasn’t the tilt train supposed to do this) they might start their planning and costings from scratch which could add years to a never eventuating project.

I would 100% opt for this from now on when travelling to Sydney by coach!! Extra leg room, power for my laptop + wifi hell yeah, well worth the ticket price. Best Idea Ever Greyhound!! You have me sold!

It sounds like Wifi is a strong selling point here .. Do none of you have a data plan on your mobile nor own a pre-paid mobile broadband device, EG an inexpensive 3G Wifi router?

Presumably the busses just run an “industrial” 3G wifi router, thus using the same internet provider as passengers with their own access..

I know everyone talks about the VF train, but if the train was only a medium fast train – maybe 3hrs Kingston to Sydney – it would be a winner for a lot of people. Slightly slower than flying (taking into account waiting times and getting into Sydney) but the same time as driving.

Surely nowdays a train can go as fast as a car (dont answer that). 4 1/4 hrs for the train is just too long.

$36 sounds like a great price for a powerpoint and extra legroom. Thanks for letting us know!

Wireless is fantastic. It has only ever dropped out on me once (on about 6-7 trips) and that was only for a 10minute period. It was in the hills behind Mittagong and there was extreme high wind that day so I can accept that.

I also prefer Greyhound over Murrays as I almost always get a seat next to me as there are fewer people. There is also more legspace and some buses go by the western suburbs (Liverpool, Parramatta and Campbelltown) which really helps me out as I travel to the Blue Mountains and Richmond a fair bit)

The train is okay but the bus is quicker. And I find it much easier to get to Jolimont than to bloody Kingston.

If I have the time, I take the train. More leg room, to the extent that you can move! Drops you at Central. Delights of the buffet, including wine. It really is a nice form of transport. No wi-fi, but you can read, write, or stare out the window.

Since I moved to Queanbeyan, I haven’t seriously contemplated either bus operator. It’s either driving, or maybe the train, whenever I want to visit Sydney. Usually driving.

A fare from Queanbeyan to Civic and back again ($7.80 each way) costs almost as much as the bus to Sydney. Combine the two and Countrylink’s fares don’t seem quite as outrageous as they used to.

I’ve used it too. The wifi is good and you get your own power point. The leather seats are comfortable but could be slightly better padded. Also, unlike the European luxury buses, the seats are 2×2 (ie four to a row) not 1×2 (three to a row) so they could be wider. Surprisingly I eventually got travel sick using the laptop, which I haven’t been on trains, so I might not read so much if I use it again – which defeats the purpose a little bit.

There was probably only a dozen or so people on my bus so unless it takes off I doubt the service will last. I’d certainly think about catching the train next time if time is not an issue.