WELLS – Two bus services will soon connect York County to Boston and New York City, a move seen as boost for the region’s tourism industry.

On April 17, Greyhound buses running between Bangor and Boston will begin stopping at the Wells Transportation Center.

From May 22 to Labor Day, C&J Bus Lines will offer daily bus service between Ogunquit and New York City, using the same “executive class” motor coaches that operate between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and New York City. The 30-passenger buses feature leather seats, power outlets at each seat, WiFi, full-length movies and a full self-service galley in the rear of the coach.

Karen Arel, president of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, said the town’s businesses are excited about the new service because New York City is one of Ogunquit’s biggest markets. She said she often takes phone calls from New Yorkers who don’t own cars and want know how to get to Ogunquit. There is currently no direct service.

“Our members are thrilled,” she said. “This is huge for us.”

The bus will stop at the chamber’s parking lot on Route 1. It will depart Ogunquit at 1:45 p.m. every day, except Saturday, when it will depart at 9:45 a.m.

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From New York, the bus will depart at 9:30 a.m. The bus stop is at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. A roundtrip will cost $160 and can be purchased at www.ridecj.com.

Arel said several of the town’s hotels plan to meet customers at the chamber of commerce and take them to the hotel. The chamber is also near the Ogunquit Trolley stop.

Jim Jalbert, president of C&J, said he believes there is a strong market for the bus service, and he was also impressed by the enthusiasm for the service expressed by Ogunquit businesses.

The bus company on May 22 will also add a third daily roundtrip between Portsmouth and New York City. The additional service will operate only in the summer.

Greyhound hasn’t stopped in Wells since 2005. Company spokesperson Ashley Sears said the company is returning because it believes there is strong demand.

Greyhound will offer two southbound trips to Portsmouth and South Station in Boston, and two northbound trips to Portland and Bangor, with some buses also stopping in Brunswick.

The prices and schedules are not yet available. Sears said the company is working to make it possible to buy tickets at the Wells Transportation Center, but until then tickets will be available only online at www.greyhound.com.

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UPDATE: This story was updated at 3:30 p.m. on April 13 to reflect the changed date for the scheduled start of the bus service.


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