Viral Thread Claims NYC→D.C. Overnight Bus Went Off Route After Driver Swap; BestBus Launches Probe

A late-night BestBus trip from New York City to Washington, D.C., reportedly descended into confusion and alarm after a passenger shared a viral BlueSky thread alleging the coach went off course following a driver change.

The post, by account @musicologyduck.bsky.social and timestamped Monday, Jan. 19 at about 9 p.m., said the rider woke from a nap to discover fellow passengers were convinced the bus was not headed to its scheduled stop. "I just woke up from a nap and somehow while I was asleep, everyone on the bus has figured out we are not going to the right place," the poster wrote.

According to the thread, a replacement driver took over at a rest stop and repeatedly refused to confirm the planned stop at Union Station. The poster wrote that the driver "is telling everyone that they're the ones on the wrong bus" and would not discuss route questions while driving.

Passengers on board said they contacted the bus company and some considered calling police as tensions rose. One update said people were worried they might be taken to locations outside the usual itinerary, such as Vienna or Manassas in Virginia. The route in question is normally simple, with three scheduled stops: Penn Station, Union Station and Dupont Circle.

ShutterstockStock photo of a BestBus vehicle

"The bus company says they are trying to call the driver and he's not answering," the poster wrote. They also claimed a passenger checked Waze and reported the vehicle traveling about 75 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The thread describes passengers bringing the bus company's representative on speakerphone to the front of the coach to try to enforce the planned route. The poster alleged the driver pushed back, reportedly saying he didn't get paid enough and refusing to comply with the company representative's instructions.

BestBus provided a statement to PEOPLE acknowledging the overnight incident and saying the social media description "does not reflect the standards we expect from our team or the service our passengers deserve." The company said it has opened an internal investigation and is reviewing "all available information, including driver conduct, operational procedures, and trip conditions."

BestBus added that it has issued full refunds and provided credit vouchers to affected customers and expressed regret for the disruption. The company did not disclose any disciplinary action while the review is ongoing.

It is important to note that the account of events is based on a single viral passenger thread and passengers' reports; there has been no independent confirmation in public records or from law enforcement (as of publication). The investigation by the operator is ongoing.

What to Watch: Follow BestBus updates and local authorities' statements for confirmation of the timeline, any safety reviews, and the outcome of the company's internal inquiry.