San José to Los Angeles for a buck? Megabus.com, a subsidiary of Coach USA, has begun a daily express bus service from the Bay Area to LA. Not to be confused with Green Tortoise, where one may encounter backpacking naked hippies, Megabus is a low-cost alternative way for travelers on a budget to get to Los Angeles and back.

Reservations are made via its Web site, or by telephone. (toll free hotline 877-GO2-MEGA)

Megabus one-way fares start as low as $1, plus a 50-cent booking fee. As demand for seats increase, on each trip, fares will increase as the departure date nears and the bus begins to fill. It will be important to book early and to carefully read the restrictions.

See the Terms and Conditions section of the site.
* You must give the driver your reservation number when boarding the bus.
* Bring a copy of the payment confirmation page/ reservation confirmation email.
* Buses are unable to carry bicycles.
* No dogs or other animals (with the exception of trained service animals)
* One piece of luggage per passenger.
* Be at the departure point15 minutes before the selected trip is scheduled to depart.
* No refunds or credits will be given if you miss the bus.

The San José stop is on Cahill Street. The web site will direct passengers south of the entrance to the Diridon Caltrain station, though I have heard it may be just about anywhere near the station. Hint: Might even look near the shelter designated for VTA route 180.

For megabus information and reservations: megabus.com

From the site:  Accommodations for passengers with disabilities.
Passengers who have walking difficulties and those passengers who normally use wheelchairs are very welcome on Megabus.

For passengers with walking difficulties, the driver will assist you to climb a few steps into the bus and help you into your seat. You should purchase your ticket on megabus.com in the usual way.

If you normally use a wheelchair and are able to climb the few steps into the bus, we will store your wheelchair in the luggage bay and the driver will help you into your seat.

However, if you normally use a wheelchair and you need to remain in it for your trip on the Megabus, please do NOT purchase your ticket on megabus.com, but call 877-GO2-MEGA and explain to the customer service agent the date, time and destination of your travel plans. Please have your credit card handy. The agent will check that there is space on the trip you want. If there is room on the trip, then a bus with a wheelchair lift will be allocated to that trip. If the trip you want is full, the agent will suggest another departure. Please also tell the agent if a personal care attendant (PCA) will be accompanying you and a reservation will also be made for them.

It is very important that you make your reservation as early as possible, but no less than 48 hours before the date of intended travel.

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