|
GENERAL
|
|
Where does Vamoose Bus travel?
|
|
Vamoose Bus is providing daily bus transportation between New York City and 3 suburbs in the Washington, DC metro area. The NYC stop is located in Midtown Manhattan. The Washington, DC area stops are located in Downtown Bethesda, MD; Lorton, VA and in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, VA. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Where exactly are the Vamoose bus stops located?
|
|
New York City – At the corner of West 30th Street and 7th Avenue, 1 block south of Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
Bethesda, MD – 7400 Waverly Street, Between East-West Highway and Montgomery Avenue.
Arlington, VA – At the corner of 19th Street and N. Lynn Street, in front of Cosi Cafe.
Lorton, VA - In the parking lot of the Lorton VRE Station.
For additional details on our locations, please access the Bus stops page on our website.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Are your stops close to any Metro or Subway stations?
|
|
YYes, all our bus stops are located near metro/subway or rail stations.
|
City
|
Closest Metro Station
|
|
New York City
|
Penn Station:
- 7th Avenue side: 1, 2, 3 subway trains.
- 8th Avenue side: A, C, E subway trains.
- NJ Transit, Long Island Railroad (LIRR), and Amtrak.
- New York Airport Service (bus)
Herald Square Station:
- 6th Avenue: B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W subway trains. PATH train.
|
|
Bethesda, MD
|
Bethesda Station: Red Line
|
|
Arlington, VA
|
Rosslyn Station: Blue, Orange and Silver lines
|
|
Lorton, VA
|
Lorton VRE Station: VRE Fredericksburg Line
Lorton Amtrak Station: Amtrak Auto Train (located approx. 1 mile from bus stop)
|
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can we catch your bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC or Union Station in Washington, DC?
|
|
No, all of our buses depart from and arrive at the above-referenced locations only. We do not stop in Washington, DC. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
What is the Vamoose “Gold Bus”?
|
|
The Gold Bus is a business-class service primarily targeting business passengers who are willing to pay-up for additional upscale amenities, i.e. wide seats, more leg room, fewer passengers per bus.
More information on the features and amenities of the Gold Bus can be found on Vamoose Gold Bus page on our website. The lowest fare for a seat on the Vamoose Gold Bus starts at $40.00 (compared with a starting price of $20.00 on most of our regular schedules). (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can I change between a regular bus and the Gold Bus?
|
You can request an upgrade to the Gold Bus online or by contacting our call center. The difference in price will be charge by credit card.
Prior to the day of travel, if you change from a gold bus to a regular bus, you will be issued a company credit for the difference.
Note: Changing a ticket from a higher priced bus to a lower priced bus on the day of travel will not result in a credit for the price difference. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
THE TRIP
|
|
I booked a reservation; is my seat guaranteed?
|
All reservations that have been booked in advance either online or by phone are guaranteed, as long as the passenger shows up on time at the bus.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How early should I show up at the bus stop?
|
|
We recommend passengers arrive at the stop at least 30 minutes prior to the schedule. We reserve the right to release the seat should the passenger not arrive 5 minutes prior to departure. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can I select a particular seat?
|
|
We don't offer the option to choose specific seats in advance. We operate on a first come, first serve basis. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
What is the duration of the trip?
|
|
The average trip between NYC and Bethesda, MD is 4 to 4.5 hours. The average trip between NYC and Arlington, VA is 4.5 to 5 hours.The average trip between NYC and Lorton, VA is 5 to 5.5 hours.
We are not liable for delays caused by accidents, breakdowns, road, weather, or other conditions beyond our control and do not guarantee to arrive at or depart from any point at a specific time. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
What is your luggage policy?
|
We allow 2 pieces of luggage 50 lb. each, which will be stored in the luggage compartment at the bottom of the bus. We also allow one carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Luggage may not be placed at the passenger's legs or in the isle.
We recommend that you properly tag your bags and place your contact information on the inside. Luggage left at the bus will be handed over to the Vamoose Bus Lost & Found department. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can pets be brought on the bus?
|
|
Dogs, cats, birds or other animals are NOT allowed on the bus.
However, we will allow service dogs that are trained for the purpose of accompanying or assisting a disabled person. The service dog must be under the control of its owner at all times. The dog must ride within the customer’s space, and may not ride in the aisle or occupy another seat.
Vamoose Bus reserves the right to refuse a service dog that is out of control or poses a threat to the health or safety of others.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Is smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed on the bus? What’s your policy towards food and snacks?
|
Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in our buses.
Passengers are not permitted consume or bring alcoholic beverages on board. Vamoose Bus reserves the right to refuse any passenger under the influence of alcohol or whose conduct is such or likely to be such as to make him/her objectionable to other passengers.
Food and snacks are allowed as long as it is not objectionable to the other passengers and the bus is kept clean. All trash should be put in the trash bags provided.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
What your policy towards cell phone use on the bus?
|
|
We do not restrict passengers using the cell phone on the bus. However, we recommend that all phone conversations be of short duration and spoken in a low tone of voice in consideration of the other passengers.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
What amenities do you provide?
|
Standard amenities: Reading lights, WiFi, power outlets.
Additional Gold Bus amenities: Folding tray table, cup holder, bottled spring water.
Disclaimer: We make an effort to provide these amenities free of charge. For operational reasons, we may need to substitute a replacement vehicle which may not have all of the standard amenities. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you. However, if for whatever reason any of the amenities mentioned above are not available on your trip, we will not issue a credit or refund. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Are your buses equipped with reading lights?
|
|
We provide reading lights on all buses. Please note that the driver may restrict the use of reading lights in the front rows, especially on after dark trips. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do you serve food or beverages during the trip?
|
|
We do not serve food or beverages on board. Passengers are encouraged to stack up on food and drinks prior to the trip. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do the buses have Bathrooms?
|
|
Yes, all Vamoose buses are equipped with a full functioning bathroom. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do you offer free internet on the bus?
|
We make an effort to provide free WiFi on all buses. Please note tahat some areas have limited or zero coverage; we are limited to the strength of the signal in the areas the bus passes by. The speed may also be affected by the number of users who are logged on at the same time.
Also note that bus Wi-Fi does not support streaming video like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, etc. You may wish to download a movie before leaving.
If this service is not available, no credit will be issued.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do your buses have power outlets (plugs)?
|
All our buses have power outlets, either at every row or at every other row. On some buses, the outlets will start at the 3rd row. The gold bus has an outlet at every row.
If this service is not available, no credit will be issued.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can I place a wheelchair, walker or bicycle in the luggage bin?
|
|
Yes. We will try our best to assure that it's handled with care, but we can't be held responsible for any damages to items stored below. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can I send luggage or a package for someone to pick up at the destination?
|
|
No, we cannot transport any package or bag unless the owner is traveling on that bus. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do you show movies on the bus?
|
|
By popular demand from our passengers, we do not show movies on the monitors on the bus. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Does the bus stop at a rest area?
|
|
There may be a stop along the route to stop at a rest stop, or to exchange drivers.
Any rest stops are to be made at the driver’s discretion. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
|
RESERVING A TICKET
|
|
How can I make a reservation?
|
|
Reserving online: We reccomend that you reserve your bus ticket online on our website. The online booking system also gives you the flexibility to change a ticket to a different schedule, place a reservation on hold, and track your trip history.
Reserving by phone: If you shoose to reserve by phone, you can do so by calling our customer service call center at (212) 695-6766 or (301) 718-0036.
Walk-ups: We allow walk-up customers to purchase a seat at the bus. Open seats will be made available only after all pre-reserved passengers have boarded, and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fare can be paid in cash or by credit card. Walk-up tickets cannot be credited towards Vamoose Bus Rewards.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can I modify or cancel a reservation?
|
|
Vamoose allows you to modify your reservation at no additional fee. Click on the Reschedule button on the home page and follow the steps thereafter. All changes need to be made no later than 2 hours before the trips. If you need to modify a reservation within 2 hours of the trip, please contact our customer service department.
Tickets are non-refundable. If your travel plans have changed and you are not sure when you are going to travel in the future, you may place the ticket "on hold" valid for one year. Your existing reservation will be canceled and you will receive a new "on hold" ticket via email. The "on hold" ticket can be reactivated whenever you plan to travel again in the future.
Note: If you wish to modify or cancel a round trip, please be sure to edit both legs of the trip. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
I missed the bus, can I hop on any later schedule?
|
|
A reservation is only valid for the bus schedule that it has been reserved for. If you've missed your bus, the ticket can no longer be rescheduled; however, you may use it as a stand-by ticket for another bus, assuming there is a seat available.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How can I book a group reservation and do you offer any group discounts?
|
|
Bookings for groups and charter buses need to be requested in advance. Click here to submit a Group inquiry. The fare will be discussed upon receipt of the request and cannot be combined with any other discounts, nor will the reservation earn Vamoose Bus Rewards points. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES
|
|
Does Vamoose provide a wheelchair lift for disabled passengers?
|
|
The motor coaches that we provide are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Passengers with special needs are encouraged to advise us at the time of booking, so our staff is prepared to accommodate.
Passengers in need to consume medication should keep the medicine on the bus. Please do not storage the medication in the under-bin compartment. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Do you permit “Service Animals” on your buses?
|
|
Service dogs, trained for the purpose of assisting a disabled person, will be allowed on the bus. The service dog must be under the control of its owner at all times. The dog must ride within the customer’s space, and may not travel in the aisle or occupy another seat.
Vamoose Bus reserves the right to refuse a service animal that is out of control or poses a threat to the safety of others.
The following types of animals are NOT permitted on board: Pets, birds, comfort animals, emotional support animals.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
FAMILY & KIDS
|
|
What is the fare for children?
|
|
Our fares are the same for adults and children.
You must purchase a ticket and reserve a seat for all children, regardless of age.
For safety reasons, we will not allow children to travel on an adult passenger’s lap. All children must ride in their own seat.
Children under age 14 are not permitted to sit in the first row. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
If I am traveling with a young child, am I required to bring along a child safety seat?
|
The law does not require children to be seated in a child safety seat on the bus. However, for the safety of the child, we recommend that they are placed in a child safety seat. It is the passenger’s responsibility to bring along a child safety seat that meets the government recommended quality standards and is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
Can children travel unaccompanied by an adult?
|
No children under the age of sixteen (16) are allowed to travel unaccompanied by an adult. We assume no responsibility or liability for unaccompanied minors.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
VAMOOSE REWARDS
|
|
What are Vamoose Bus Rewards and how do I earn them?
|
|
The Vamoose Bus Reward program is our frequent-traveler discount program which is available to all customers who have registered for an online Vamoose Bus account.
In order to earn rewards, simply log in to your online Vamoose Bus account prior to booking the reservation. The points earned will always correspondent to the amount that was paid for the seat and it will automatically be credited to your Vamoose Bus membership account after the reservation has been completed. The accumulated rewards can be redeemed for free seats on any of the Vamoose Bus schedules.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How many points are required to book a free trip?
|
|
The threshold for a free one-way trip is as follows:
Gold Bus – 240 points
Standard Bus – 120 Points
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How do I redeem Vamoose Rewards?
|
|
Please log in to your Vamoose account when you book a reservation. If you have accumulated enough points for a free ticket, select the option to “Pay With Points” at checkout. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How do I redeem paper promotion coupons from my previous trips (prior to Aug. 11, 2009)?
|
Old paper coupons (for trips that have been booked prior to August 2009) cannot be redeemed online. Please register as a member on our website and mail the coupons to our office with your name, email address, and member ID number (not the account username). Upon receipt, we will credit the coupons to your member account. Each coupon will translate into 30 points.
Following is the mailing address:
Vamoose Bus
360 7th Avenue - 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How come many of my past trips are not showing up in my account?
|
|
In order for trips (and corresponding rewards) to be reflected in your Vamoose Bus account, you’ll have to log into the account prior to booking the reservation. Existing trips can always be attached to your account by clicking on “Attach a trip to my account”.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
CUSTOMER SERVICE
|
|
|
|
|
Whom should I contact to locate an item that was lost on the bus?
|
We maintain a Lost & Found department to assist customers in locating items that were left on the bus. All inquiries should be requested through the Lost & Found form on the Contact Us page on our website.
If the item has been found, the customer will be advised via email and will have have to pick it up from our NYC Headquarters within 10 days. If the customer chooses to ship the lost item, a shipping & handling fee will apply. Lost items that are left at our office for longer than 10 days, will either be donated to charity or discarded.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
|
How can I ensure that I’m kept informed about Vamoose Bus updates?
|
|
You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Check out the Contact Us page for additional social media networks.
We may also send trip updates, important announcements and periodic newsletters to the email address that was used to book the reservation. (Back to top)
|
|
|
|
