Living in the North Country the buses that we usually see are heading to and from school during the week. Unless we live in one of our few cities, many of us just do not think about the bus as an option when considering modes of transportation for travel. But, thanks to the innovation of Caz Limouisine, Syracuse, New York, that will soon be changing.
Caz Limousine, with its main headquarters located at 311 Wavel Street, Syracuse, is branching out. Since March 2000, Caz Limo’s has offered large motor coach and limousine transportation throughout Central New York. Currently, the company owns forty vehicles, including limousines, mini-buses, executive class motor coaches, and a “new” escalade. Their recurrent customers include twelve college sports teams on top of their charters and private rentals, making over a hundred trips a month to New York City alone. With sixty-five employees, Caz Limousine is the fastest growing motor coach operator in the United States.
A short time ago, the company began discussions with the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and an assembly of interested parties from New York State and South Eastern Tier of Ontario to discuss opportunities to increase International travel and intra-state travel to and from the Thousand Islands Region. In Ontario, the closest airports are quite a distance away in Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto. And then, they have to pay for an “international” flight to come to New York. The conclusion: The Thousand Islands Express—a solution that not only offers more travel opportunities for the Thousand Islands, but also better pricing and even increases business to the Syracuse Airport.
The Thousand Islands Express
The Thousand Islands Express service will begin June 1, 2009. A large halfmillion dollar executive class motor coach will pick up and drop off twice daily at the Thousand Islands Bridge and the Ramada Inn, just off of Arsenal Street, Watertown, New York. The service will transport its passengers to the Syracuse Airport, and if desired, to the Courtyard Marriot where the passengers can transfer to the Manhattan Business Express traveling into Manhattan.
The Manhattan Business Express travels from the Courtyard Marriot in Syracuse to New York City via a southern route through Binghamton and Scranton. An additional route via Albany will begin in August 2009. Both transports will travel to Weehawken, New Jersey and drop passengers off at Port Imperial. At this port, individuals can hop the ferry for a seven minute ride to 39th Avenue and 12th Street, Midtown Manhattan. The fares for this Express service are quite reasonable, especially during these tough economic times. Traveling from
Watertown to Syracuse is $35 one-way—add an extra $10 if you would like to be picked up at the Thousand Islands Bridge instead. If you choose to continue on the Manhattan Business Express, it is an additional $65 one-way, plus the ferry toll. Free New York Waterway service in Manhattan is part of this Express package.
Owner, Paul Dugal calls this a “Pilot Project.” He urges that “ridership is what makes it successful.” The Manhattan Business Express begun mid-2008, and the company has seen over 3,500 passengers since its inception. Mr. Dugal recognizes that there may be less of a demand in the Thousand Islands Region. But, he is certain that “if you maintain consistency, and people expect it, it will work out in the end.” He continues, “Basically it is the quality of the service that we are offering here. It’s not like some other bus companies, we have high-class executive buses, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power at each seat, a gallery with complimentary snacks and beverages, power seats, restrooms facilities, etc.”
Why Take the Bus?
When choosing the right mode of transportation for you, there are a few things to consider with regards to traveling by bus.
Frequency of Schedule & Affordability
You should consider the frequency of the bus schedule. The Thousand Islands Express has two pick ups and drop offs at the Thousand Islands Bridge and the Ramada Inn, just off of Arsenal Street per weekday. The scheduled times are the same all week, with the exception of a half of an hour later schedule on Saturday evenings and a special Sunday schedule.
Flexibility of Travel Plans
One of the most beneficial aspects of booking with Caz Limo on the Thousand Islands Express or the Manhattan Business Express is the flexibility that comes with your tickets. If you book a round-trip ticket, you are not bound to return that same day. Mr. Dugal asserts that there are “No surcharges if changing the dates are arranged. You can even leave the return trip open. You just have to call and arrange your return so that the driver has you listed on the manifest.”
Travel Ease
There are many characteristics that can lend to ease of travel. One of the most prominent is the lack of necessity to use several types of transportation to complete your trip. The bus is capable of taking its passengers from Point A to Point B—and without layovers or delays, lending to its high reliability. There is unlimited luggage room. In fact, Mr. Dugal claims that passengers can “bring the whole band.” There is no surcharge for luggage. And, if you are traveling with a group of friends or co-workers, passengers can book a 4-person booth for an extra $25.
Going Green
For those who try to make environmentally conscious decisions, traveling by bus makes sense. Clearly there is much less carbon emitted from one bus than, say, from all 21 or 32 passengers driving their vehicles separately. Even more, it is believed that one flight produces the same amount of CO2 per person, per mile, as if each passenger was driving alone in separate cars. Bryan Walsh, in his Time Magazine Article “Does Flying Harm the Planet?,” from August 20, 2007, stated “…the unique chemistry of high-altitude jet emissions may produce an additional warming effect, while the explosive growth in air travel makes it one of the fastest-growing sources of carbon gases in the atmosphere.”
Travel Delays & Travel Time
Although there can always be unforeseen traffic incidents that cause traffic delays, travel by bus experiences much less delay than traveling by airplane. And, although a bus passenger may not be able to travel from Syracuse to New York City in forty-five minutes (not including check-in and security), they are well-equipped to spend the three hour trip working or relaxing. Each seat has power access and free Wi-Fi is available on the motor coaches. Restrooms and free snacks and beverages are also provided.
What Other Services Does Caz Limousine Offer?
Caz Limousine Service also offers drop off’s to all destinations, hourly limousine service, nights on the town, weddings, hotel pickups and dropoffs, golf tours, wine tours, casino tours, sporting event transportation, and the company also has arrangements with the Radisson Martinique for overnight accommodations in New York City. This is, of course, in addition to their uniformed limousine drivers, guaranteed promptness, reasonable rates, mini-buses available, long distance travel, business meetings, door-to-door service, travel agent accounts, and direct billing accounts. All limousines are equipped with TV’s, AM/FM Stereo Cassettes, CD players, privacy dividers, tinted windows, and full bar with complimentary beverages. All vehicles are non-smoking and advanced reservations are recommended.
Whether it is affordability, timing, convenience or comfort, the bus is a mode of transportation that is gaining in popularity across the country. Caz Limousine’s new Thousand Islands Express is sure to find its niche in our region. For more information on the Thousand Islands Express, or any of Caz Limousine’s other services, call 315-849-1007 or visit www.cazlimo.com.
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