With Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching, the time has come to focus on travel options. Vamoose buses now offer WiFi access and guaranteed seating, but perhaps it is time to take another look at its oft-maligned competitor, the Fung Wah Bus.

Established ten years ago, Fung Wah, which is Cantonese for “magnificent wind,” has gained notoriety for buses slamming into guard rails and getting stuck in a toll booth.

But even with these occasional hiccups, could Fung Wah really be less safe than riding a Greyhound, squished next to some dude on the run from his most recent manslaughter?

Although there is no guaranteed Fung Wah seating, the “magnificent wind” blows by South Station almost two-dozen times each day. That’s far more than Vamoose which, many days, runs only once.

And in spite of that unfortunate incident with the seeing-eye-dog, we cautiously point out that it has been a solid seven months since Fung Wah went Crab Rangoon on I-90.

With its drivers treating the Mass Pike like the Grand Prix, it is no surprise that the “magnificent wind” completes the Boston-NYC journey up to one hour faster than does the average bus line.

The fact is that for barely more that a PuPu Platter, one can travel quickly between two world class cities. Fung Wah is currently $15 one-way. Vamoose checks in at $22 dollars one-way (nearly 50% more). Fung Wah remains the best deal in town.

Post contributed by Ray Cavanaugh. Image of the Fung Wah bus from Wikipedia.