Bus wars heat up in Hub: Megabus coming in May

And then there were four. Discounter Megabus plans to start offering trips between Boston and New York starting in late May. They will be going head to head with Boltbus, which is launching its service in April.

Both services has a similar pricing deal: It begins at a $1 for a seat if you reserve in advance and gets more expensive the closer you get to departure. BoltBus will offer WiFi and power outlets; Megabus won't. BoltBus will be shoving off from South Station; Megabus from 700 Atlantic Ave.

And both companies are locked in a Texas Death Cage showdown with the Chinatown bus services, Lucky Star and the sometimes-mechanically-challenged Fung Wah, which offer potentially lower cost service without amenities or the guaranteed seating.

The BoltBus-Megabus Battle in Boston is part of a larger war between the Scottish owner of BoltBus, FirstGroup PLC, and Scottish rival, Stagecoach Group, which runs Megabus. A kind of Scottish, Battle Royale for the hearts and minds of the Backpack Brigade.

Still all this fighting over us. I'm thinking it's a good thing.
(By Paul S. Makishima, Globe staff)