Most places use a Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day. That means fewer buses, longer waits, and earlier last runs. If your city runs a “Sunday schedule” on holidays, you’re in for a slow crawl. Don’t expect a bus at 1 AM to take you to the after-party. That bus is probably asleep.
But here’s the twist: Some cities run a special holiday schedule. They add extra buses to help the revelers. New York City? Yes, they run extra service, especially late on New Year’s Eve. But New Year’s Day morning? It’s still a Sunday schedule. Go figure.
I once waited 45 minutes for a bus on January 1st in Chicago. I was wearing a party hat. The driver looked at me like I was a ghost. No joke. So please, check your local transit authority’s website. Do it now. Before you forget.
The Early Morning Horror
If you’re planning to catch a bus at 6 AM on New Year’s Day, you have serious optimism. Or you’re a morning person. I don’t trust either of you. Most buses don’t start running until 8 or 9 AM on a holiday. Some start as late as 10 AM. That’s a long time to stand in the cold.
And don’t even get me started on Express Buses. Those fancy, limited-stop routes? They often take the whole day off. You’ll be stuck on a local bus that stops at every single corner. You know the one. The one that smells like damp socks and regret.
In pics: New Year's Day Parade in London - Global Times
I’ve seen grown adults cry over a missed New Year’s Day bus. Okay, maybe not cry, but they looked real sad. Their voices got quiet. They stared at their phones. It’s a mood.
