The Virginian-Pilot
©
Area residents have a new option for traveling to New York City and Washington.
Sprinterbus launched express bus service to New York last week and begins runs to Washington in a few weeks.
Edgar Vasquez, general manager of Destiny Tours, which operates Sprinterbus, said market research demonstrated a need for an alternative to high-priced air travel, slow train service and other bus service in Hampton Roads.
"People's expectations of a bus ride are so low in your area," said Vasquez, whose business is based in the Washington metropolitan area.
Sprinterbuses offer nonstop service on coach-style buses with free wireless Internet and AC outlets in every seat at what Vasquez called discount prices. Buses include a table at the rear and guaranteed seats with reservations. " You can work on the bus," he said.
Councilman W. Randy Wright, who is active in public transportation, said, "It's a good thing more people are thinking about transportation and more people are trying to find minor solutions to a broader problem."
"When new companies enter the market, it introduces more potential customers to bus travel and everyone benefits," said Maureen Richmond, a Greyhound spokeswoman.
Sprinterbuses leave from the Wesleyan Commons Shopping Center on Wesleyan Drive in Virginia Beach.
New York tickets are $35 one-way and $60 round-trip. The bus stops at 34th Street between 6th and 7th avenues, near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
Washington tickets will be $20 one-way and $35 round-trip. The bus will stop at 14th and Irving streets near the Columbia Heights metro station.
New York departures are at 12:30 a.m. with arrival about 7:30 a.m. Washington buses will depart at 8 a.m. with arrival about noon.
Vasquez said the arrivals will depend on traffic conditions.
Sprinterbus has an office in the shopping center and priority boarding for families, elderly and disabled people.
Tickets may be bought at (888) 799-5170. Online sales will soon be available at www.sprinterbus.net.
Vasquez said he expects to compete with Chinatown bus services from Norfolk and Virginia Beach to New York City, which have comparable ticket prices and schedules.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com
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Bus Service To DC
I love it, the only downfall is the location in Virginia Beach, I dont have a car by the time I catch a cab there it's about $15.00 from Military Circle plus tip. On the return trip in the evening a cab from the bus stop to my house in Norfolk is over $20.00 plus tip. for $15.00 dollars more I can catch Amtrak and catch the bus from downtown Norfolk that will take me straight to Amtrak, and get off at Union Station/Metro. The service is needed but think about it you get dropped off in DC by a Metro stop Columbia Heights Station, but you catch and get dropped off in a isolated part of Virginia Beach. I have told a lot of college students about this service they want to use it but the location in Virginia Beach is the problem.
security???
I'd feel alot better about riding those buses if some of the passengers passed through the same security measures as we have with boarding planes. I've heard and read stories about some of the things that get transported between those cities on the buses (very seldom ever checked by anyone).
4 buses
This will be the 4th VB-NY bus to leave nightly...why not be innovative and choose another time other than 12:30AM!
Bus trip to NYC
I think its a great Idea. If the bus does have wireless and an outlet I'd do it ! . Not sure about lugging my laptop all over NYC for the day but I would think about a net-book for the trip. Im planning a NYC bus trip for some teens and this is right in the budget
Good Idea
I think this is a great idea. I hope it works out.
Chinese Bus Service
At Newtown Rd. and Va. Beach Blvd. Has been there for years, goes directly to the "Big Apple", best rates in town... Drops you off in China Town in NYC. CHEEEEEEEEP 2 !!!
Great!
This is good news!
I think this is great
And, I plan on using this bus service.
Interesting Alternative
Given the overhead when flying to DC, this may be a less stress inducing, delay prone service. The price is right too... Even Southwest's discount fares into BWI cannot compete.
My only real concern here is that the ubiquitous DC corridor traffic may make this impractical for business travelers.
Given the price, hassle, and stress of air travel, though, I may use this service when next I head to DC for fun. Heck, I might even take my first trip to NYC!
Sounds good! Have a VP reporter try it out and report back.
Round trip to/from DC for $35. About four hours. I'd do it as opposed to driving it. I do want to hear from anyone who's done it. I hope the VP has a reporter make the trip and report on the experience.