CHARLESTON, W. Va — Whether you’re a sports fan going to cheer on the Mountaineers or a college student coming home for a home-cooked meal, the trip from Charleston to Morgantown has never been easier. The inaugural bus trip for the new I-RIDE 79 service left the Greyhound Terminal in Charleston on Tuesday morning.
I-RIDE 79, created by Barons Bus Lines, will make daily trips between Charleston and Morgantown with additional stops along Interstate 79 in Clendenin, Flatwoods, Weston, Fairmont, and Clarksburg.
Patti McIntyre said she’s happy she can easily send her grandson, who is a West Virginia University student, back to Morgantown with no hassle. “We’ll go up and come back the same day which is a five hour trip, plus your gas and your time. We enjoy being with him the whole time, however it just makes it easier. He can get on the bus and sleep, where he’s usually in my car sleeping,” McIntyre said.
In addition to saving time and energy, people are saving money by using the service. Round trips from Charleston to Morgantown can cost more than $40 in a typical car. Fares for the I-RIDE 79 service begin at $3 and do not rise above $15 for the full one way trip.
Kat Monday said she is excited about the savings and other opportunities that the bus service offers.
“I have a gas hog and I like to travel home at least once a month. This is an opportunity for my family to sit and let somebody else drive us home to Morgantown to visit. For $15, it’s not that expensive at all. I can see day trips and Game Day trips. I think it’s a wonderful service that they’re providing for us, ” Monday says.
Officials with Barons Bus Lines said the transportation service is part of a solution to growing traveling costs in West Virgina. The federally funded I-RIDE 79 line will also connect with other Greyhound bus services in Charleston and Morgantown to provide access to other cities like Pittsburgh.
Each bus is equipped with WiFi, power outlets, and flat screens. Every seat in each bus also has a seatbelt.
In celebration of the new I-RIDE 79 service, tickets are free through Monday. To view the bus schedule or reserve a seat, call 888-378-3823 or visit www.baronsbus.com.