Peter Pan and Greyhound’s Northeastern Service have pooled together to install a bus line service direct from Boston, Harvard, and Northeastern Universities to New York City.
The one-way fare from BU is $23, with a round-trip costing $46. The buses depart from in front of Warren Towers, and the 15 percent discount from the Student Advantage Card will be honored.
“We researched the marketplace, and college students make up an integral part of the bus industry,” said Robert Schwarz, executive vice president of Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc.
The company decided to serve the needs of college students without outside assistance, and has worked with university administrators to learn how the bus service can meet and exceed the expectations of the student body, according to Schwarz.
“Some students will take connecting routes down to Philadelphia from New York City,” he said.
Although the offer is much lower than most competitors, Schwarz said this service is most likely an introductory offer.
“If the price of fuel increases and we take into consideration a possible increase in tolls, our price could go up,” Schwarz said.
Boston University students said they are interested in the offer. College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Nicole Rimar said the service would be useful because it is affordable.
“I would use this service because it is much cheaper than typical bus fares and much more convenient for me,” Rimar said.
Other students said the service was a good idea, but additional locations should be added for the service to truly become useful.
“I would use the service, but the only problem is that it drops you off in New York City,” said Ellen Rosoff, a College of Communication junior. “I can take the train directly to my hometown in New Rochelle.”
“I think the bus should also drop students off at another location besides New York City during major vacations throughout the school year,” said Steve DaRosa, a CAS junior. “I would definitely use this service though because it is affordable and very convenient.”
Schwarz said Peter Pan will continue to observe the market trends and if a need for a bus to drop off students at other locations should arise, the bus service will work accordingly.
