| rev:text
| - This company has gotten more unscrupulous over the years.
When I first started using LEX, it was because it was one of those few bus services that offered frequent rides between the Chicago airports and UofI (even during the wee hours of the morning). Like other reviewers have mentioned, LEX isn't the most punctual or dependable bus service out there - they usually get the job done if you *willing* to allocate a 1-2 hour window for miscellaneous unprofessionalism (delays, cramming people into buses, transfers at weird locations, driver getting lost, etc).
Anyway, LEX started charging for the what they term "non-carry-on items". Each "non-carry-on item" cost an additional $2.00. And they have this ridiculously long "NON-CARRY-ON (N.C.O.) BAGGAGE DECLARATION FORM" at http://www.lincolnlandexpress.com/baggage_check.php that you can read. It's almost as strict at the ones on airplanes! It feels like they are trying to nickel-and-dime you for everything!
Now, LEX started charging for "fuel surcharge". However, they do this in very shady way. You go to the website, click on the route you want, read the nonsense about "non-carry on items", click to review, and suddenly you see an extra "fuel surcharge" charge on your payment. In my case, it was an extra $26 dollars for two tickets. I promptly canceled my order.
I don't know about other people but I find this extremely dishonest. If you are going to charge a "fuel surcharge", you should mention this up-front instead of advertising a base price and adding charges on top later.
LEX tries to justify their behavior by providing a lengthy FAQ about prices at http://www.lincolnlandexpress.com/lex_faqs.php?fc=FAQ&faq_id=65& where they talk about minimizing cost and maximizing profit - basically their business plan.
If you are sympathetic to them, then everything at the FAQ reads quite reasonably. However, LEX needs to realize that it is not the customers' responsibility to help them stay in business. Instead, it is LEX's responsibility to provide honest and valuable service for their customers. If they intend to minimize cost, how about operating more efficiently by reducing the locations and frequency of travel? Now, that's Business 101 for them.
It is this level of dishonesty that makes me stay away from LEX. In fact, their current practice is so detestable that I now choose a less convenient travel option from Chicago to UofI. It will take a lot from them to change my mind about their business practices.
The next time you think about using LEX, think hard whether you want to help an unscrupulous company stay in business. Reviewer Michael N. has mentioned a list of alternatives that you can try.
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