Update 11/20/2018: This route has been cancelled. Sorry, West Chester.
Everything you need to know about the new West Chester route
Now there is an affordable ($19/one way) and convenient (daily and direct) way to take a trip into the city (New York. Philadelphia remains a complicated mess of cars, buses and trains).
The new bus route which began quietly in December is run by OurBus. OurBus, which describes itself as a community-based bus service, is already serving other communities in the area including Malvern, Fort Washington and King of Prussia making West Chester a natural next step.
“We identified West Chester as an area with very limited transportation options to New York City,” OurBus Transportation Planner Axel Hellman explained in an email.
So far the bus has been popular.
“Response to the OurBus West Chester route has been very good. During our second week of service, we sold out buses three days in a row,” wrote Hellman.
The company claims a clean ride, free WI-FI, charging ports and even provides free water on all its buses. Early feedback has been positive – one review posted on their website from a West Chester rider described the experience:
“The bus ride was smooth and great. It’s very clean. The first trip was fast (2hrs) from NY to W. Chester. I’m so glad this is available.”
Your questions answered:
Q. How much does it cost?
A. $19 one way (M-Th); $25 one way (F-Su). There are no discounts offered including for military, seniors or children. Infants are free if they can ride on your lap (I was told if they need a seat, they need a ticket.)
Q. How often does it run?
A. Once a day, Monday through Thursday and twice a day, Friday through Sunday.
Q. When does it leave West Chester?
A. 7 a.m. daily and arrives in New York around 9:45 a.m.; F-Su there is also a second bus that leaves West Chester at 3 p.m. and arrives in NYC around 6 p.m.
Q. When does it get back?
A. The return bus leaves NYC at 7:30 p.m. arriving in West Chester at around 10:15 p.m. On the weekend there is a second bus that leaves at 11 a.m.
Q. Where do I get my ticket?
A. Tickets must be purchased in advance through their website. Don’t just show up at 7 a.m. with cash and expect a ride.
Q. Where do I pick up the bus?
A. 4 Chestnut Street, (corner of Chestnut and High St.)
Look for this sign:
Q. Where does it drop me off?
A. 368 Park Avenue South (Between 26th and 27th)
This corner:
Q. Where do I get the return bus?
A. 51 Madison Ave. between 26th and 27th. It’s about a block away from the Park Ave drop off – just take E. 26th St. to Madison Ave. See the map below:
Q. Can I bring luggage?
A. You are allowed space for one bag. You can bring more as long as there is space to accommodate.
Q. Can I cancel my tickets after purchase?
A. On an inter-city route like WC-NYC you can cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure without a penalty. No refunds if you are within a day of your travel.
This new route helps to round out the public transportation options available in West Chester. Whether for a weekend trip or a weekday meeting, residents now have a fast and convenient way to get to New York. Now if it was only this easy to get to Philadelphia.
Have you had a chance to try the new bus out? I’d love to hear what you think.