Laws Riding a Greyhound Bus While Carrying

[carlson1]

Does anyone know the law concerning carrying while on a Greyhound bus within Texas. I the CHL cover us?

[kauboy]

Hmm, good question. Can the company use 30.06 to keep CHL'ers from carrying on their buses? If so, does it have to be posted on each bus, or just at the station?

Truth be told, having only ridden on a Greyhound once, I saw enough "creatures" to keep me from ever doing it again without protection.

[stevie_d_64]

Not sure about any law that says you can't, but their company policy is:

http://www.greyhound.com/travel_information/bus.shtml

On Board Restrictions
For everyone's safety and comfort, Greyhound asks that customers please follow certain restrictions while on board. Federal law does not permit smoking on Greyhound buses. We have a zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, weapons and unruly behavior.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.greyhound.com/travel_informa ... gage.shtml

Prohibited Items for Checked Baggage
Acids, ammunition, animals, combustible liquids, compressed gases, corpses, cremated remains, explosives, firearms of all types, fireworks, flammable liquids, furniture, hazardous materials (poisons, radioactive materials, etc.), materials with a disagreeable odor, matches, merchandise for resale, protruding articles, or any unsecured articles including those in plastic or paper bags are prohibited. Electronic equipment (television, stereos, etc.), film (flammable), and perishable items (food) may be sent using Greyhound PackageXpress with appropriate packing. Items such as money and prescription medication may not be checked as baggage and are to be carried in the customer's possession.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kinda stinks doesn't it...

[kauboy]

They may have a "policy" against it, but thats still not legally binding against a CHL holder. They can certainly restrict you from boarding if they know you have it, or ask you to get off if its found out after the fact. But there's nothing in their to give precedence to a criminal trespass charge. Now, if there's a (proper)sign posted at the station, then I wouldn't press the issue. But barring that, would anybody ever know that you had it???

[carlson1]

They may have a "policy" against it, but thats still not legally binding against a CHL holder. They can certainly restrict you from boarding if they know you have it, or ask you to get off if its found out after the fact. But there's nothing in their to give precedence to a criminal trespass charge. Now, if there's a (proper)sign posted at the station, then I wouldn't press the issue. But barring that, would anybody ever know that you had it???

My main concern were medal detectors and screeners such as airports.

[kauboy]

Airports are (now)screened by Federal agents who enforce Federal law. So you can't take a gun onto a plane. But, at the bus station, unless there is a sign posted, you should be able to pull aside a security attendant and explain your situation. It's their choice on whether or not you receive "effective notice" at that time and are asked to leave, but at least you will know. Don't worry about getting arrested if there aren't any signs against CHL carry. That means you have not been given effective notice and can't be charged for criminal trespass. The only thing the attendant can do is ask you to leave and might call the police if you refuse. My guess is that they have probably dealt with this before and the situation will go without event. You may be asked to leave, but they probably won't make any scenes or anything.

[stevie_d_64]

They may have a "policy" against it, but thats still not legally binding against a CHL holder. They can certainly restrict you from boarding if they know you have it, or ask you to get off if its found out after the fact. But there's nothing in their to give precedence to a criminal trespass charge. Now, if there's a (proper)sign posted at the station, then I wouldn't press the issue. But barring that, would anybody ever know that you had it???

My main concern were medal detectors and screeners such as airports.

Wife Unit and I had to go pick up a niece at the downtown Houston depot for Greyhound, and I observed zero security and or screening devices anywhere in the facility, loading areas, passenger embarking gates etc etc...

Like "kauboy" stated...I saw all sorts of characters around that place that kept me at "Yellow/Orange" about the entire time we were there waiting...

Stevie was not a happy camper...

[casselthief]

no offense to anyone, but I laughed reading that line "Metal Detectors"

you see, I rode the GreyHound from Wichita Falls, Tx to Dover, De when I was a senior in high school. and the thought of the small, miniscule, dot of a bus station in WF having clean bathrooms, a vending machine that worked, much less a Metal Detector got me chuckling.

anyway, back on topic, I think the thing to remember is this, whenever you see terms like "Policy, and strictly prohibits" I always think of this, they aren't talking to you. they're talking John Q.
if they were talking to you, it'd have all kinds of words like Pursuant and Section and SubChapter and most importantly 30.06 or CHL.
but it don't, so I'd be loaded to the gills.
just don't check it in yer luggage!

and contrary, I see more seedy people at WalMart, long as you stay to yourself, all should be well. (take snacks, however!!)

[stevie_d_64]

Sure, we can have loads of fun with this issue, and I know at least I and others are not trying to disrespect anyone who needs to take advantage of this mode of transportation...I know there are people who need to get to places during the holidays, and it's a very sensitive issue...I've been there...

Following the law in our community is a top priority, and I am glad we discuss this from time to time...I will never tire of it...

But seriously, the only thing I see as a real issue is where the bus goes from your "A to B"...If the route takes you through a state where your licenses and permits do not cover you...Then plan accordingly...

Also be aware that routes can be effected by weather, and can take you through an area that may or may not be friendly to you in this capacity...Especially this time of year...

All of this is common sense, and I think its good to get reinforcement from your friends here to be comfortable with this issue...

I'm just laying out what I see as some serious things to think about before setting out like this...

[seamusTX]

I did a quick Google search on this topic. Greyhound randomly wands passengers as part of new homeland security efforts. This could really get you if you make it onto the bus, then get wanded at a rest stop.

You probably wouldn't be arrested, but it would be awfully inconvenient to find yourself stuck in Laredo with no way to continue your trip.

My experience with Greyhound buses was in the 1970s. I would do anything to avoid them. The stations in Chicago and Detroit were nightmares, and it seemed like half the passengers were drunk or smelled bad. Maybe it's better now, but I doubt it.

- Jim

[stevie_d_64]

(take snacks, however!!)

This just has me rolling!

One of my trips had this guy, who in and of himself, was an walking offensive odor...Had the gall to break out his sardine tins in mustard sauce...Started laying them all out on a cloth napkin and eating them on Ritz crackers...

I thought I was going to die...

The lady behind me was spritzing out what she had left in a Banaca sprayer for about 150 miles...Then it ran out...

The Stuckey's we stopped at ran out of air freshener on that pit stop...ugggg...

[kauboy]

With my experience, it was still about the same. Only now, they don't speaka de english...

[stevie_d_64]

I did a quick Google search on this topic. Greyhound randomly wands passengers as part of new homeland security efforts. This could really get you if you make it onto the bus, then get wanded at a rest stop.

See, since I haven't ridden in years as well...This would be something to take into account...

[seamusTX]

But seriously, the only thing I see as a real issue is where the bus goes from your "A to B"...If the route takes you through a state where your licenses and permits do not cover you...Then plan accordingly...

The original question was about Texas, but now that you bring this up, there have been cases where the police searched everyone on a Greyhound. If you're in a state where you can't carry legally, you're in a heap of it.

Being poor hurts in a lot of ways. Poor people are more exposed to crime (by living bad neighborhoods and taking public transportation) and less able to protect themselves legally.

- Jim

[stevie_d_64]

But seriously, the only thing I see as a real issue is where the bus goes from your "A to B"...If the route takes you through a state where your licenses and permits do not cover you...Then plan accordingly...

The original question was about Texas, but now that you bring this up, there have been cases where the police searched everyone on a Greyhound. If you're in a state where you can't carry legally, you're in a heap of it.

Being poor hurts in a lot of ways. Poor people are more exposed to crime (by living bad neighborhoods and taking public transportation) and less able to protect themselves legally.

- Jim

One of which leads us to this thought...

Some day we may be witness to either a great tragedy, or a hero emerge from a serious attack or threat on this mode of transportation...

I believe we would all hope for the latter...