Company plans bus service from West Chester to New York City

Starting Thursday, Chester County residents could be able to take a motor coach to New Your City for the day.

Buses will depart and arrive from the corner of Chestnut and High streets, twice a day, seven days per week.

There might be several stops in Chester County, but typically after leaving the county, the bus will run an express route to the Big Apple.

Independent bus companies will work with OurBus which does not own or operate any buses.

OurBus amenities include, onboard Wi-Fi, with pre-loaded movies, a restroom, reclining seats, charging ports, free bottles of water and technology that will allow riders to track arrival and departure times.

Tickets will sold online and on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. For the first month of service, one-way trips will run $10 each way and then vary in price, but after that, trips will typically cost about $25 each way.

Busses will also travel to NYC from Malvern, King of Prussia and Ft. Washington, and arrive in mid-town Manhattan.

“We’re filling a much needed gap for people who want to travel to New York City,” said Katherine Kadar, head of communications for OurBus.

A schedule is yet to be determined, and at press time the website did not reflect the Chester County route. The website does not yet allow riders to book trips from West Chester. OurBus staffers suggested that passengers continue to access the site.

“People are reaching out to friends and neighbors,” Kadar said. “We’re trying to offer new options.”

While there is already generic signage at the corner located on YMCA property, at Chestnut Street, borough council voted to allow a new onesquare-foot sign listing the company’s name, at Wednesday’s voting session.

Councilman Bernie Flynn noted that the pickup and drop off point was grass-covered and might soon become muddy. He suggested that a non-slip concrete slab be built to safely accommodate riders.

Borough Manager Mike Perrone said that the borough could build a slab for $400 to $500.

Malcom Johnstone of the Business Improvement District said the BID would pick up the tab for construction of the slab.

OurBus already travels to and from Washington, D.C., Columbia, Maryland, Binghamton, Ithaca and New York City.

For more information, go to www.OurBus.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Buses will soon be running for day trippers to New York City from West Chester.