By Kaeli Van CottSPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
The 7Bus service that allowed Hofstra students to ride into New York City was discontinued shortly after its launch.
The shuttle, which began on Oct. 6, cost $7 to $11 each way for a coach bus ride into New York City. 7Bus, a Long Island-based commuter and charter bus company, had a limited daily service Monday through Friday, with one morning and evening run for Hofstra students. The buses stopped in Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. Their coach buses included free Wi-Fi, personal power outlets, a restroom on board and reclining leather seats with cup holders. Students had the ability to reserve their seats online and could pay cheaper fares if they booked early.
Although 7Bus has more features than the LIRR and other public transportation services, it did not last at Hofstra. Karla Schuster, Assistant Vice President of Hofstra University Relations, said that 7Bus made the decision to terminate Hofstra’s 7Bus service “was a decision they had made based on a lack of ridership.”
Erica Mann, senior film major, used 7Bus twice at Hofstra and had a comfortable experience each time.
“I was never in a rush to get to the city so it was pretty convenient in that nature,” said Mann. “Both times never had a full bus, but it was pretty relaxing traveling from Long Island to Manhattan with comfy seats and Wi-Fi.”
Mike Engle, law school student, had a different experience with 7Bus. In January, Engle made plans to spend the weekend in Washington, D.C. and intended to use the service to travel into Manhattan instead of parking his car in a garage overnight.
“Normally, I drive to Mineola train station, park in the garage, ride the train to my internship in NYC and then come home,” said Engle.
According to Engle, he made a reservation five days in advance and on the day he was scheduled to use 7Bus, it never showed up. “I wound up having to take a cab that morning, which really inconvenienced me,” said Engle.
According to Engle, 7Bus refunded the money used on his reservation and gave him booking codes for five free trips in the future. Despite 7Bus’s efforts, Engle is unsatisfied with their services. “Am I going to drive out to Melville just to use free transit to Manhattan? Probably not,” said Engle.
7Bus could not be reached for comments on the their collaboration with Hofstra. The 7Bus service was not affiliated with Hofstra’s transportation services.
Public Safety Briefs
Compiled by Michael Ortiz
On April 7 a student reported to PS that he was being harassed by a female student from March 3 to March 31. As a result, the female was issued a summons.
On April 8, PS found a Hofstra student and two non-students smoking marijuana in the Netherlands South parking lot. A marijuana cigarette was confiscated, the student was given a summons and the two non-students were banned from campus.
On April 10, Hofstra administrators in the law school reported that they had been receiving harassing messages from a male who identified himself only as “Edgar.” There were no specific threats made and police assistance was declined. An investigation is being conducted into this matter.
A student reported on April 9, she left her laptop charger in a room in the law school. When the student returned to the room at 11 a.m. the following day, she discovered the charger was missing. A search was conducted which proved negative.
