Business class bus line could make Memphis-nashville travel easier

Looking for an easier and more comfortable way to get between Memphis and Nashville? One could be rolling down Interstate 40 later this year.

Memphis native and University of Memphis graduate Jonathan M. Toles is planning to launch Bizbus, a business class bus service, in May. The bus service will aim to give people a more efficient and comfortable way to get between the two cities than flying or driving a personal vehicle.

Bizbus will have comfortable seating, Wi-fi and an onboard attendant offering the same sort of services one expects on a commercial flight and is intended to provide a superior experience to existing bus lines. Other amenities include light meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, pillows and blankets, and free checked bags.

Toles said the establishment of the bus service was a direct result of negative experiences with commercial air travel.

He said he wants the service to be the “Chick-fil-a of intercity scheduled bus services” and provide exceptional customer service at reasonable prices.

The bus line is starting by offering service over major holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. Those weekends there will be one departure from each city on both Saturday and Sunday with oneway fares priced at $49.99.

“We have big plans to add daily service year-round,” Toles said. “We’re so excited to give travelers the option of convenient and comfortable trips between Memphis and Nashville. We won’t need the Amtrak train after Bizbus takes off!”

The company is also looking to establish a Memphis to Birmingham route for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bizbus does not have its own fleet but plans to contract with private charter companies to provide buses and professional drivers.

Tickets for the Memphis-to-nashville route will be available for purchase at ridebizbus.com starting April 1.

Corinne S Kennedy, Memphis Commercial Appeal