Super cheap travel in the Midwest (or England)

MegaBus.com

This site advertises express bus service from Chicago to Minniapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, St Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The cost ranges from $1 to $20 for a one way trip. Wow - $1 only. It seems the lowest prices are for the least demanded times - like 11PM or something. Still, $20 for a trip from Chicago to St. Louis is a pretty good price.

Here's my made up cost comparison for a trip from my house to St. Louis (which is a lovely place to visit by the way). I automatically doubled some of the costs to cover the trip home.

Driving
Leave our house and drive to Union Station in St. Louis - $218 (436 mi. at $.50 per mile)
Stop to eat at least twice, plus snacks at the gas station - $35
Cost - $506

Flying
Drive to the airport - $30
Get coffees and a magazine while we're waiting for the plane - $12
Plane ticket (2 people, round trip) - $525
Rent a car - $50
Cost - $659

Megabus
Drive to Union Station, Milwaukee - $27
Bring food along for the bus ride - $20
Ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago - $2.50 (2 people)
Ticket from Chicago to St. Louis - $16.50
Rent a car - $50
Cost - $132

This is clearly an economical way to travel. Of course you have to deal with bus seats, and you are at the mercy of the bus's timetable. But the savings are pretty clear. Plus the added bonus of public transportation being better for the environment.

If anyone gets to use this service, please let me know how your trip was and if you'd recommend it.