One major advantages of the rise in gas prices you have probably heard about is the increase in use of mass transit. One of the biggest winners in this game are bus lines, which have seen their first increase in ridership in 50 years!

As this transportation market re-emerges from its slumber, new businesses are cashing in by providing an improved riding experience.

One of these players is the Bolt Bus, which features sleek, brand-new buses which commute non-stop between major cities. Previously these routes were only run by bargain bus lines like Fung-Wah and Lucky Star, and catered to lower-income riders.

These new buses are beautiful, and feature bigger seats, real flush toilets, and even wireless internet access.

Checking the site just now, I found $10 and $15 fares between NYC and Boston - although Bolt Bus has this marketing gimmick where one seat on every bus is always just a dollar.

Not a bad deal, considering I spent $20 in gas this weekend driving from the NY border to Hartford and back! Curiously, on the way home, I saw a Bolt Bus.

Read more on Bolt Bus at Time