DALLAS Greyhound appears to have found a winner in the priority boarding/seat assignment system it began testing late last year. (See Dec. 1 issue of Bus & Motorcoach News.)

The program, which has been expanded to more than 30 major cities across the U.S., allows passengers to pay $5 to reserve a specific seat on select departures and board before other passengers.

From the passengers' perspective, the system helps alleviate the stress of wondering if they'll get a seat on the bus they want to take, or have to wait for the next bus.

It also makes it much more likely passengers will get their preference of either an aisle or window seat. Since the system lets passengers pick their seat, riders also can say goodbye to the risk of getting stuck next to the bathroom.

And for those passengers traveling with a child, it helps guarantee they will not have to ask another passenger if he or she would move so they can sit with their child.

For Greyhound, having less-stressed customers could mean they'll be more likely to take the bus again.

However, from a customer perspective, the program, as currently practiced, has shortcomings. No. 1, passengers cannot arrange priority boarding over the Internet. It's only available at the bus station, which means waiting in line at some point unless a passenger drops by the station during a non-busy time.

Customers can go to a Greyhound station up to 30 days in advance of their travel date to purchase the priority boarding. Or, those willing to take their chances can purchase priority boarding up to 45 minutes before their trip.

Also, reserved seating is only sold one way, meaning customers must go through the reservation process twice for round trips. And it is only valid on the exact date and schedule for which customers have booked their trip.

For a passengers priority seating reservation to be honored, he or she must be at the gate at least 20 minutes before departure time.

Still, Greyhound President and CEO Dave Leach said the company continues to see strong customer response since the concept was introduced in November.

"So, we wanted to expand to more markets as quickly as possible," said Leach. "Now customers have more opportunities in dozens of locations to have first choice and a guaranteed seat on many of our schedules."

A list of eligible cities and schedules can be found at www.greyhound.com. Click on the "Priority Seating" banner.