Vamoose Secures Cambridge Operating Permit

With eight passengers, one driver, and a 30-minute delay, one of the first Vamoose buses departed from Cambridge headed for the Big Apple—just one week after city officials said the line lacked necessary permits.

Vamoose, a New York-based bus company which offers wireless internet and guaranteed seating, started operating the new daily line on Thursday, after receiving permission for passenger pick-up and drop-off from the Cambridge Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department.

After Vamoose began publicizing its new route, officials from Boston and Cambridge said it didn’t have the appropriate authorizations to park.

A week ago, the director of Cambridge’s traffic department, Susan Clippinger, told The Crimson that she “would love not to approve” the company’s application, citing concerns about traffic congestion.

Vamoose applied for parking permission from Cambridge officials, and the company said the city’s OK came just in time for the first scheduled ride to take place. City officials could not be reached for comment because of the holiday weekend.

Instead of departing from Widener Gate as originally intended, Vamoose buses are now leaving from the Charles Hotel.

But in Boston, Vamoose’s initial plan to start a service from Copley Square has met with a steady disapproval from Boston city officials.

“We’re not going to Boston at all right now,” said company co-owner Florence Bluzenstein, adding that they are waiting for the city to change its position.

Vamoose is a newcomer to Massachusetts, having operated between New York City and the Washington D.C. area. The $40 round trip ticket to New York allows Cantabrigians to travel from a more convenient location than South Station, which is used by most competing bus lines. One way tickets cost $22.

With parking problems out of the way, Vamoose is optimistic about it’s prospects.

“We’re hoping to build up the business and we have a very positive outlook,” Bluzenstein said.