Greyhound Offers Free Rides Home To Runaways

Greyhound bus lines have teamed up with the National Runaway Safeline to offer some help to runaway children who want to go home by driving them there, free of charge.

The free passage is available to runaways between the ages of 12 and 21.

According to fox17.com, here are a couple of things you should know about this offer:

Runaways must call the NRS helpline and let them know they want to accept the Greyhound offer. Their number is 1-800-786-2929
The fact that they have run away must have already been reported to the authorities. NOTE: Many people, law enforcement officials included, think there is a "waiting period" to do this. There is not.
The free ride offer can only be used twice by the same individual.
If the runaway is under 15 years of age, the parent or legal guardian may also claim a free ticket

If you believe your child has run away from home, here are the first things you should do.

In the past, the Greyhound offer has helped get approximately 400 runaway kids and teenagers safely back home each year. (fox17) The National Runaway Safeline says that between 1.6 and 2.8 million young people run away each year. I don't have to tell you that these "misadventures" don't end well for many.

A helpline is available to runaways and their loved ones anytime at all, 24/7, before, during, and after a runaway has occurred. The number is 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or contact them online.

To locate the nearest Greyhound station, you can click here. In El Paso, the station is located at 200 W. San Antonio, across from the Abraham Chavez Theater. Their phone number is (915) 532-5095.