There has been an ongoing discussion on TheCityFix about the cool factor of buses – or lack thereof. Though we’ve come to no definite conclusions, the legion of bus companies conveying travelers between DC and NY is one more tally in the “hip” column.

A Washington Post article documents the proliferation of these services, starting with the Chinatown buses in the late 1990s and most recently joined by newcomers like Hola and Tripper Bus. The author counted 12 lines covering the DC-NY route, and ridership is booming. Passengers are of all ages, professions and financial standings.

As a spokesman from the American Bus Association put it, these types of services are “Transportation 2.0.”

What’s behind the buses’ surge in popularity? Is it their recession-friendliness, with fares as low as $1? The leather seats and wireless internet? The convenience of the in-town drop-off and pick-up points? Or have these buses simply become trendy, socially accepted travel modes for a new population of riders?

Whatever the reason, here’s hoping Transportation 2.0 makes its way to other U.S. transportation corridors.

(A note for savvy travelers: a dedicated Post reporter also personally rates 10 DC-NY buses and provides tips for a better ride.)