#travel news york

[triflingthing]

Winter on the High Line, New York City

[ssavaart]

Went to New York City and sketched and sketched and sketched...

[gooseontheloose41]

[breathtakingdestinations]

New York City - New York - USA (by Diana Robinson)

[maureen2musings]

Adirondacks roads

codymayer22

[vvnnie]

NYC // Instagram / Website

[pwh3]

Sunrise skies over The Bronx, as seen through the windows on the number 6 subway train.

[aloesthetic]

Path through the hydrangea

Bailey Arboretum

September 14th, 2023

[galina]

[deewellsosd]

Remembering the Fung Wah Bus: NYC to Boston’s Wildest Ride

If you ever needed to get from New York City to Boston (or vice versa) on a tight budget, chances are you’ve heard of the legendary Fung Wah Bus. For years, Fung Wah wasn’t just a cheap way to travel—it was an experience. From its unbeatable prices to its wild reputation, Fung Wah was the stuff of urban travel folklore. Whether you loved it, hated it, or were just slightly terrified by it, one thing’s for sure: it was unforgettable.

The Birth of a Legend

Back in 1996, Fung Wah Bus started out as a little-known service shuttling people between Chinatown in NYC and Chinatown in Boston. Tickets were dirt cheap—sometimes as low as $10! Founder Pei Lin Liang had no idea he was about to start a revolution in intercity travel.

While companies like Greyhound and Amtrak charged way more for the same trip, Fung Wah attracted students, immigrants, and broke adventurers. The buses were simple: no Wi-Fi, no comfy seats, no frills—just a bus, a driver, and a promise to get you where you needed to go (more or less).

The Fung Wah Experience

Let’s be honest—riding the Fung Wah wasn’t for the faint of heart. The buses weren’t exactly luxurious, and the drivers? Let’s just say they had skills—skills that often felt like they were auditioning for NASCAR.

The stories from Fung Wah rides are legendary. Overheated engines? Check. Buses randomly pulling over on the highway? Oh yeah. Packed seats and questionable smells? You bet. But somehow, that was part of the charm. It was like a rite of passage for college students and budget travelers.

Despite the occasional chaos, people loved it. Where else could you spend a few bucks and make it to another city with enough left over for lunch?

The Rise of Chinatown Buses

Fung Wah’s success kicked off an entire industry of “Chinatown buses.” Suddenly, other companies were offering the same cheap rides between cities like Philadelphia, D.C., and Boston. These low-cost buses gave traditional carriers like Greyhound a run for their money, forcing them to drop prices and rethink their business models.

For a while, Fung Wah ruled this space, becoming the go-to option for anyone looking to save cash. Sure, it wasn’t the safest option, but hey—it got the job done.

The Downfall

But all good things must come to an end. Fung Wah’s fast-and-loose approach eventually caught up with it. Over the years, the company faced growing scrutiny for safety violations. There were crashes, breakdowns, and federal investigations.

By 2013, regulators had had enough. The U.S. Department of Transportation shut Fung Wah down, citing major safety concerns—like cracked bus frames. They tried to make a comeback in 2015, but it didn’t stick. And just like that, Fung Wah was gone.

A Legacy That Lives On

Even though it’s no longer around, Fung Wah lives on in the hearts (and memes) of those who rode it. It wasn’t just a bus—it was an experience. For many, it symbolized freedom, adventure, and a chance to explore without breaking the bank.

Today, plenty of budget bus options exist, and they’ve learned from Fung Wah’s mistakes. They’re safer, more reliable, and (sadly) less chaotic. But ask anyone who remembers Fung Wah, and they’ll tell you—it was something special.

Fung Wah in Pop Culture

Over the years, Fung Wah has become a bit of an urban legend. It’s been mentioned in stand-up routines, memes, and indie films. For those who rode it, these nods bring back memories of cramped seats, fast drivers, and the thrill of cheap travel.

Why We’ll Never Forget

Fung Wah wasn’t perfect, but it was iconic. It made travel accessible for people who couldn’t afford Amtrak or didn’t want to deal with Greyhound. It connected communities and opened up a new way to explore on a budget.

If you ever rode a Fung Wah Bus, you’ve got a story to tell. And if you never did? Well, you missed out on one of the most chaotic, thrilling, and oddly charming travel experiences ever.

Fung Wah may be gone, but its legacy is still rolling. Here’s to the little bus line that changed the game—and made the NYC-to-Boston trip one heck of an adventure.

[arikasugar]

[travel-with-kat]

Watkins Glen State Park

New York

[morningcallsphotography]

Indian Head Trail Adirondack Mountain Reserve, New York

Contact ©morningcallsphotography

[gooseontheloose41]

[aroaceleovaldez]

i am always eternally amused by the idea that the Mist hiding baby Jason being a human child in Lupa's pack to mortals just. made him look like a wolf pup. so as far as mortals are/the state of California is concerned Jason is legally a wolf.

[mahgnolias]

hernewyorkedit