Going To Texas

Luxury bus operator in Austin launches daily route across Texas

Gogo Charters is kicking off its first daily routes.

Photo courtesy of Gogo Charters

A charter service for buses, minibuses, and motorcoaches is now launching its first intercity line to major hubs through Central Texas, from San Antonio to Dallas. Gogo Charters is launching a daily luxury bus service meant to "provide a sophisticated alternative to air and rail travel," according to a press release.

The route will stop in San Marcos, Austin, Temple, and Waco along the way. There are also new buses making this journey, offering perks like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, onboard restrooms, and a mobile app with real-time tracking.

For fares and schedule, visit gogocharters.com.

"At GOGO Charters, we're not just offering an alternative to air travel; we're elevating the overall travel experience," said Gogo founder Mark Thronson in a news release. "With decades of expertise in transportation and significant investment in technology, we are delivering a superior, luxury travel experience for our customers. The launch of these routes will make it easier for people to stay connected and for cities to thrive, all while offering a seamless, premium travel option."

Texas is the first area to get connected in the United States, but Gogo operates non-daily services in many cities including Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York, and more. A blog post by the company sets a timeline of two years for adding more connective daily routes across the country.

As the name suggests, Gogo Charters largely focuses on rentals for group trips like field trips, conferences, and off-site parking shuttles.

bus travel

the bigger the better

Enchanted Rock to double in size after 3,000-acre land purchase

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

state parks hill country fredericksburg enchanted rock