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Home » Turner Law Offices Blog » Milwaukee-bound Megabus Aflame with Passengers Onboard

Milwaukee-bound Megabus Aflame with Passengers Onboard

megabusBye Megabus

A Megabus traveling from Chicago, Ill. to Milwaukee, Wis. caught fire in suburban Chicago Sunday afternoon. The bus driver pulled over to the side of the interstate midway through the trip and told passengers there was nothing to be worried about. The bus continued its way north to Wisconsin, but stopped several times before the driver announced they would have to turn around and take another bus to Milwaukee. On the way back to Chicago, there was a loud bang coming from the back of the bus that caused concern among those on board. The bus driver told everyone not to worry, it was just a flat tire. Little did the passengers know, it was not just a flat tire — it was a fire. As the bus became smoky, everyone raced off the bus. Shortly after, the bus went into flames. No one was hurt, fortunately.

Megabus: Tough Crap, We’re Not Paying

Though no one got injured, some passengers were unable to recover their luggage in the fire. One University of St. Thomas student lost all of his textbooks and schoolwork. Another man lost his “whole life:” clothes, iPhone, iPad, Social Security card and birth certificate. Worst yet, it does not appear as if Megabus will recompense the passengers that lost essentially everything in the fire. In Megabus’s terms and conditions, it states, “Our maximum liability to you for any loss or damage to your luggage is $250 per passenger for any such loss or damage to luggage.”

Well, is that not just poor customer service? I hardly doubt any of those passengers will be taking a Megabus ever again, and if they do, they will not bring any valuables on board.

Personal Experience

When I read about this story, I was not shocked at all. I was in Milwaukee a week ago on business and was planning to take a 8:30 pm Megabus back to Chicago where I attend school. There was light snow in the area, and Megabus sent an email saying the bus will be delayed two to three hours. It was unfortunate, but it gave me time to finish work. As the clock ticked to 10:30 pm, a Megabus traveling to Chicago arrived. I was about to board the bus, but the bus driver said the bus driver headed to Chicago will be here in an hour. It was already late, so I was very frustrated that I had to wait even longer. At 11:30 pm, another bus arrived. Finally, I was going back to Chicago — or so I thought. I checked in, found a seat and got comfortable. I began talking with the passengers, and they said the bus was traveling to Minneapolis. I thought they were joking, so I went to the driver, and he said the bus going to Chicago left an hour ago, and this bus was travelling to Minneapolis. First off, thank God I did not end up in Minneapolis. Secondly, how did I get checked in and admitted into a wrong bus? Lastly, why was I not notified of the Chicago bus arriving?

Angrily, I walked back into the bus station and got the first bus ticket back to Chicago on a Greyhound at 3:50 am. I voiced my complaints loud and clear on Twitter, seeking a refund for the poor customer service. Unfortunately, Megabus denied my refund and, instead, offered me half off my next bus trip. The offer was nice, but I am never going to ride Megabus again. Though the ticket was only $11 plus a booking fee, I wanted to be reimbursed for the inconvenience and horrendous customer service. They did not care. For that reason, I will never ride or recommend Megabus to anyone.

Product Liability in Tennessee

No one should be surprised and inconvenienced while traveling. The main objective of product liability is to ensure consumers they are getting what they have paid for. Those on board the Megabus to Milwaukee were getting that, until the bus caught fire. Many of the passengers lost their possessions and other valuables, and despite the terms and conditions stating they will only pay up to $250 in damages, the paying customers should still be fully recompensed.

Hire a Tennessee Product Liability Lawyer

This is the perfect situation to hire a lawyer, and if you are in a similar boat, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer to be on your side. At Turner Law Offices, P.C., we have over 20 years of experience in handling product liability cases. We will work tirelessly to help you win your case. Call our offices or go online to Request a Free Initial Consultation online today.

(615) 259-2660

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