Springfield’s Peter Pan Bus Lines takes over Megabus service from Boston to D.C.

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines is taking over Megabus routes in the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states stretching from Boston to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and points in between.

“It’s a big deal for us,” Peter A. Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines.

The move doubles Peter Pan’s operations along the busy northeastern corridor, Picknelly said. Before the changes, Peter Pan offered 14 trips each way every day between Boston and Washington, D.C. Starting at midnight Thursday into Friday, that becomes 28 trips.

In the past, Peter Pan has operated only from about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Starting Friday, it’s a 24-hour operation, said Picknelly, who is the third-generation leader of the company.

The expansion also requires new drivers and 45 new buses at $635,000 each.

“We’re modernizing our fleet, which is what our consumers want: They want a nice, clean, modern bus. We listen to our customers — where they want to go — and expand where it makes sense. We’re hiring drivers left and right,” Picknelly said.

With the expansion, the company has hired 35 driver and has plans to add even more. Also, Picknelly said Peter Pan will add more mechanics and maintenance people along the corridor to support the new operations.

“It’s a great opportunity for Peter Pan,” he said.

Megabus owner Coach USA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June, according to published reports.

Peter Pan had already taken over Megabus routes in Boston, Picknelly said.

In preparation, Peter Pan has reduced fares by close to 40%.

Megabus’ parent company will continue to operate commuter lines in and around New York City.

The Megabus website will still be active selling tickets, Picknelly said. But starting Friday those tickets will be for Peter Pan-run buses.

Most of the destinations are places Peer Pan has long served, he said. But Peter Pan is adding two new cities: one in the Philadelphia suburbs and White Marsh, Maryland, in the Baltimore suburbs where Megabus had a major presence.

“It’s a substantial opportunity for us,” Picknelly said. “We’re looking forward to many customers riding with us for the first time.”

Picknelly said travelers are choosing buses because of their cost and frequent service.