FIRST TIME PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Thank you for support CollegeBus. This information is intended for first time riders and parents.
Please note, we are two Scranton parents doing the best we can, so if we don't communicate enough, or communicate too much, please bear with us.
For the trip details, we will be sending out information to both the parents and the riders via SMS, generally a week prior to the break. This will be the same type of information for each of the breaks. The process will become routine after the first trip or two. All of the departures from the University will be at 17:00 (6:00PM) and the return will be from Westbury at 19:00 (7:00PM), EXCEPT for the return from Winter Break, which will depart at 12 noon, giving the students enough time to get settled back at the University.
As for the Fall Break, the bus will be departing the University on Friday, October 11th at 18:00 (6:00PM). We ask that the students arrive at Brennan Hall (320 Madison Ave), in the Lobby facing Madison Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTyLCEqZJdGBAg469 by 17:30 (5:30PM) so the students can check-in and board the bus. We have a local parent who will supervise the check-in process.
This is a direct, non-stop route from the University to Westbury (1500 Old Country Road, Westbury NY 11590) - In Front of X-Golf, adjacent to the old Fortunoff Building (not Fortunoff Backyard Store). Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ky5jHEsXc9mo15uD9
We will provide updates on their progress as the bus passes the GWB, so that we would know that they have approximately an hour before arriving in Westbury. We will send these notices to the parents via SMS.
As for the return trip, they will be departing from Westbury (same location) on Tuesday, October 15th at 19:00 (7:00PM), we ask that the parents and students arrive at least 30 minutes early, so that we can check-in and send the bus on its way back to the University. The dropoff at the University is on North Webster Avenue, by Condron Hall.
The purpose of doing it this way is so that the students are always walking with their bags downhill and not up it. Driscoll is at the bottom of the campus, while Condron is at the top, I hope that makes sense.
FAQ's
How do I check in?
You will receive an email with a QR code when you purchase your ticket. This QR code may be needed for checkin along with your college ID.
How can I sponsor / donate a ticket
Are there assigned seats?
No, Seats are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Will the bus leave without me?
The bus will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in and get your seat on the bus.
Can I bring a bag with me?
Yes, all students may bring a bag under 40 lbs along with a small carry-on tote or backpack onboard. Please remember that the student will have to carry the bag back to/from their dorm room.
Can a non student take the bus?
Buses are reserved for student use only. All Students will will need to show their college identification in order to board the bus.
Can I return / transfer my ticket
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Are you a for profit business?
No, CollegeBus is a project of Open Access, a 501(c)3 public charity. Our objective is to provide safe, secure, student-only transportation for those in need. We save parents from having to make the trip back and forth and so that families can spend more time with their student during the breaks rather than driving them to and from Campus. All of the monies collected have been used to further this objective with any excess being provided to students who demonstrate need.
What is the donation money used for?
With the support of Open Access, a scholarship fund was established to offer scholarships to students in need. We also learned that a number of students were unable to go home on breaks because their family didn't have the time or means to bring them home. If you know of a student who can't go home during a break or a family who is in need of assistance please email us at [email protected] so that we may provide them with assistance. To make a donation scroll down below.
What happens if you don't sell enough tickets?
We are hopeful that we will sell enough seats to cover the costs associated with the buses. In the event that a specific bus route fills up , we will add additional buses. We will do everything within our power to ensure that bus routes that we commit to performing are run as planned. In the unlikely event that we cannot cover the costs of the bus, the parent and student will be notified 72 hours before that the bus will not be running and that any tickets may be applied to a future trip.
Who will my charge come from?
You will see a credit card charge from College Bus, CB or Open Access depending on the credit card processor. Open Access is the non profit project that College Bus is part of.