MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- July 1 began Coach America’s partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation with a new seasonal bus service route running from New Bern to Havelock to Morehead City and back.
Buses now run the route twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. The new route is expected to improve the mobility of the civilians and military members in the area.
“This is an affordable means of transportation that’s been missing in this area,” said Virginia M. Owens, the terminal manager for Coach America in Jacksonville, N.C. “This is especially good for young Marines who have no cars.”
Lance Cpl. Edson R. Ramirez is an aircraft rescue fire fighter with MCAS Cherry Point’s Crash Fire Rescue who does not own a car. To get around, he has relied on others for rides.
Asking for rides is unreliable, and there’s not always someone going where Marines want to go, but with a new bus route, Marines can come and go as they please without worrying about asking for rides, said Ramirez.
On occasion, Ramirez has waited an hour or more in order to get a ride to where he wants to go.
Not only is the bus system a more reliable mode of transportation, it is also more cost effective. Owens said it costs only four dollars to get from Havelock to Morehead City or New Bern.
The buses are employed by Coach America and have several amenities that can be used by the passengers. Among them are Wi-Fi, satellite TV, large storage spaces and an onboard restroom.
Though this particular line transits between New Bern and Morehead City, it is not the extent of the travel possibilities. Owens said the Coach America schedules are made to connect with the Greyhound bus schedules, so passengers can also travel to places like Raleigh.
Additional information on exact schedules can be found on the Coach America website at http://www.ncdot.gov/nctransit.