Robbie Woodward/Contributing Photographer Mogana Jayakumar, a junior double-majoring in biochemistry and music, and Sandra Gaona, an undeclared freshman, sell bus tickets in the Escape office in New University Union room 320. Megabus recently began offering low-cost daily express service between Binghamton and New York City that will compete with Escape.
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Binghamton University students looking to travel to New York City can now purchase tickets through Megabus for as little as $1.

The company began offering daily express service, provided through Short Line, between Binghamton and New York City last Wednesday.

Buses depart from the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center at Henry and Chenango Streets and arrive at New York City’s Port Authority.

Tickets are available online at www.megabus.com and are priced based on availability. Though prices can start at $1, rates can increase sharply as buses fill up.

“I have to believe for Binghamton University students this has to be a great deal that they can really take advantage of,” said George Bagnetto, commissioner for the Broome County Department of Public Transportation. “Most students know well in advance the dates for extended breaks, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Rosh Hashanah and spring break, as well as weekends.”

Tim Stokes, a spokesperson for Greyhound, said his company welcomes the competition.

“The more competition there is, the greater flexibility there is for travelers and the better it is for the industry,” he said.

Matt DeSaro, executive director of the student-run bus company Escape, believes students will notice a major difference on these cheaper bus rides.

“With Megabus they are going for quantity over quality. They are going to stuff these buses full. It’s just logical,” DeSaro said. “There is no other way they can turn a profit. You get what you pay for.”

According to DeSaro, what Escape offers is a guaranteed seat on a chartered bus with other students that leaves from campus at a particular time.

“If you purchase a Short Line or Greyhound ticket, what you are buying is a ticket to take you from point A to point B. What bus and what time is all up in the air. It’s based on first-come, first-serve basis,” he said.

Escape charges $35 for a one-way ticket and $60 for a round trip. Tickets at Short Line and Greyhound are comparatively priced.

“We already charge the lowest prices that we can,” DeSaro said.

Students may be willing to give Megabus a shot.

“It’s better than paying $60 for Escape,” said Alexander Sallahian, a junior majoring in management. “We college students need to conserve our money for things that matter.”

Abe Kolt, a junior majoring in accounting, traveled with Megabus from New York City to Baltimore.

“The ride was smooth, there were no problems,” he said. “I guess the reason they charge so little is similar to airline and hotel discount sites. It’s better to sell a seat for half price than not sell it at all.”

Both Megabus and Coach USA, of which Short Line is an affiliate, are part of the Stage Coach Group, an international coach bus operator.