If you live in New York City and you haven’t taken dollar vans for a spin, then you are truly missing out. These van-like vessels transport passengers on fixed routes throughout the boroughs of NYC. While still somewhat unknown, they can be found traversing the streets of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. This may sound like conventional components of the public bussing system, however the classic dollar van industry is anything but. From flexible and unique pickup practices to eccentric drivers, dollar vans bring much more to the table when it comes to public transportation. Here are three ways dollar vans are better than the bus.
More efficient.
Commuters that regularly use MTA buses are no strangers to unexpected waits and delays. Whether it be from limited buses per route or worker contract disputes, NYC commuters are often left waiting for the bus at the worst times. This seldom happens with dollar vans.
Typically, dollar vans follow the same routes as the buses do, but because there are many more vans on the road, riders don’t need to wait long. Even when commuters miss their opportunity to catch one on time, some places will see another dollar van approaching in less than a minute. Vans are also much smaller than the traditional commercial bus, thus allowing for a speedier trip. In some areas of the city, bus services that can take more than an hour per trip can be traversed in 20 minutes via dollar van.
Better communication between drivers and passengers.
Dollar vans are prominent in the Caribbean, Chinese, and Latinx communities of New York City. But, the fact is, many of these communities are located on the fringes of the metropolis -- in far out areas of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. For commuters in these communities, English is not always the first language. This language barrier between city-run transportation workers and the far out members of certain communities can cause frustration. Dollar vans are often operated by members of the community who speak the language and are privy to the culture in which they serve.
More flexible, reliable, and fun!
One of the biggest reasons dollar vans are better than the bus is their willingness to meet specific needs of passengers when need be. Riders are known to make small requests like where to stop for drop-offs, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to wait for at-risk passengers to reach the front door of their home before driving off.
During events like weather emergencies, when larger buses may have trouble navigating the roads, the smaller more nimble dollar vans are often there to pick up the slack. Often dollar vans will play music and decorate their vans in a way that speaks to their passengers and the members of their community. It’s this flexibility and sense of responsibility that truly sets the dollar van industry apart.
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