Cheap Trips between NYC > Washt'n DC, Arlington VA & Bethesda MD
 

I've just found a couple of leaflets which some recent visitors left behind and thought I'd share the info.

For anyone whom has looked at fares to fly or take AmTrak between NYC and Washington DC it costs a fortune!

Understandably, few people want to take the Greyhound buses.

There are a couple of coach services plying the route between NYC and DC and also between NYC and Arlington, Virginia and Bethesda, Maryland. (I know that some posters on this board live in those areas).

The photos on the leaflets showing the coaches seem to be v. nice, like the ones you see in Blighty doing the holiday tours.

It might be interesting to save/bookmark as a 'favourite' for when you get visitors over from Blighty and they can go off on their own for a few days, or if you just fancy a long weekend (Thanksgiving? Christmas shopping?) in the Big Apple or capital city without the hassle of driving up the I-95 and extortionate parking fees. You can book online or just turn up but those with reservations get priority.

NYC to/from Washington DC is $20 one way or $35 return (journey approx 4.5 hours). They pick up/drop off in parts of Brooklyn as well as Manhatten.

NYC to/from Arlington or Bethesda costs $25 each way.


Here are the links:

http://www.WashingtonDeluxe.com

http://www.vamoosebus.com

Re: Cheap Trips between NYC > Washt'n DC, Arlington VA & Bethesda MD
 

There are plenty of Cheap Bus Lines plying routes between DC - New York - Boston.

The question is "Are you safe getting on the "Lowballer Curbside Operators" as opposed to Greyhound?"

The answer is definately not. One Curbside operator has picked up a whopping 34 speeding tickets in the 2 or 3 years they have been in operation.

Granted, Greyhound isn't very appealing. However, you will be a damn site safer, with a driver who has a knowledge of the English Language and a company that carries more than adequate insurance coverage and carries out maintainance on a regular basis to it's vehicles.

The 1st company mentioned in the link operates 2 vehicles, whilst the 2nd sub-contracts out for it's transportation requirements.

You can check out a Bus Company's safety record (or Truck Company for that matter) by visiting;

http://www.safersys.org

Don't put $$$ before safety, because it can bite you in the ass!


Jim
(20 years Experience of Driving Coaches)

Re: Cheap Trips between NYC > Washt'n DC, Arlington VA & Bethesda MD
 

wasn't that the one that crashed a few weeks back because the driver was going to fast around a bend and ended up rolling down the embankment?

Seems that company has had plenty of other issues, with one coach bursting into flames and a few other crashes because the tyres weren't replaced when needed etc...

Re: Cheap Trips between NYC > Washt'n DC, Arlington VA & Bethesda MD
 

Bob,

In this day and age, any Motorcoach Company that does things on the cheap has serious issues :scared: :scared: :scared:

http://www.safersys.org

Then click on Company Snapshot, then enter Company Name for a quick profile and then Click on "Safe Stat Results" for all the particulars.

You can also check the insurance history of any carrier through this website.

Jim.

Re: Cheap Trips between NYC > Washt'n DC, Arlington VA & Bethesda MD
 

Here's an example of what I was on about earlier in this thread.

Jim.



Today, October 30, 2006, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it has fined Fung Wah Bus Transportation Inc. $31,110 for violating federal safety regulations.




In September, a bus operated by Fung Wah overturned on a freeway ramp outside Boston, MA, injuring 48 people, some seriously. Following the crash, as is standard procedure when a motorcoach incident of this nature occurs, FMCSA investigated Fung Wah and found the company to be in violation of multiple federal regulations and has initiated enforcement action for two specific violations:


1) using drivers unable to speak the English language and

2) drivers exceeding the posted speed limit.



“Motor coach operators must ensure that their operations are safe and their drivers are reliable,” said John H. Hill, FMCSA Administrator. “Travelers should be able to know that the bus they are riding is safe, well maintained, and capably driven.”



The agency noted that this is not the first time it has reviewed Fung Wah’s operations. Federal authorities visited the company eight times over the past three years, including a May 2006 review that resulted in a $12,950 fine for safety and traffic violations.



Fung Wah will have the opportunity to contest the alleged violations and the amount of penalties in an agency proceeding.