I’d just like to address a few points mentioned in the comments:

My tone was honestly just as stated in my letter: polite but business-like — frustrated (as anyone would be in missing a connection and being told that they’re going to have to sit in a near-empty terminal for 4 hours) but not at all indignant. As a saavy businessperson/traveler would, I politely stated requests thusly: “I would like..”

..rather than pleading like a little kid at a candy store hoping I might get my own way.. “Puhhleeeaaasee??” :)

Their response was just as stated: dismissive, abrasive, and “I want to be preened, you’re gonna be the one to do it.” Maybe it was a full moon, I don’t remember.. ha.

Thalassa asked a relevant question: “How loudly was he making his call to Greyhound customer service, and what sort of language was he using?”

…to which I would respond: not loud at all, and no language was used; I was actually typing — not speaking — my call to Greyhound Customer Service via Relay on my BlackBerry, at the end of the counter as requested.

After speaking with me, the Transit Police Officer was… ah.. interestingly chummy (good friends?) with the woman predominately involved in the situation at the front counter. That might be why he treated me like he did: evidently, a call from the front counter to their in-station Police is taken at its word, regardless of the reality of a situation.

As for my girlfriend, she was inconvenienced in that she was already planning on staying up past midnight (on a work night) to pick me up… and then to be told she has to wait 4 more hours to pick me up was twice inconveniencing her.

‘Love’ didn’t mind being inconvenienced, this time. ;)

Long story short, folks: if you’re gonna travel Greyhound, by all means don’t travel when their limited-hours Customer Service is unavailable by phone, and have the number handy: http://www.greyhound.com/en/contactus.aspx

My kids in NY take Mega bus from Penn Station to either Baltimore or DC (and I know it goes elsewhere). If you book in advance, you get a reserved seat, AND more important for students, they often ride for $2 (yes, two), with nice accommodations and wifi.

After much difficulty with Greyhound, none of them will use Greyhound again.

I think we’ve taken the same bus across Turkey. My ride from Istanbul to Damascus was memorable for the scenery, friendly people, free lemon cologne at every stop, and unbelievable amount of cigarette smoking done by every single passenger on board but me. Holy emphysema, Batman.

But I stand behind my comment. A bus, compared to a train, airplane, or private taxi, is clearly the inferior of the group. That doesn’t mean I don’t still take them, but I do so because they are cheap. And since you’ve never taken a bus in the U.S., may I direct you to New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal? It’s quite breathtaking (meaning you’ll want to hold your breath the entire time you’re there).

“lowest form of transportation on earth?” I have taken bus fares many times (granted, it was all in other countries), and have not had any complaints. Just because someone is taking the bus does not mean shoddy or inept customer service.

My memorable experience was taking the a bus from Istanbul across Turkey. We choose the bus instead of an airplane because the bus would take us directly to the town, and it was an overnight trip (saved us time). The agent assured us it was super luxurious, and I guess it was. The seat was comfortable and the bus was even air conditioned. I didn’t expect to see chickens on the bus though. Couldn’t argue with the fare, it was only $9 round trip!

With the continued pulling out of smaller markets by airlines, bus travel may just make a comback here!