JUST WANTED TO LET ALL MY FELLOW NY PEOPLE TO KNOW NOT TO USE THIS BUS COMPANY. WE TOOK IT ON FRIDAY NIGHT UP TO AUBURNE/CAYUGA AND OUR BUS BROKE DOWN FOR OUR RETURN HOME. WE WAITED FOR AN HOUR TO FIND OUT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FROOZEN OVER. APPARENTLY THE DRIVER KNEW HE WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF OR IT WOULD FREEZE. THE MOTEL HE WAS STAYING IN WOULD NOT LET HIM KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE HE WAS IN HIS ROOM. THIS "INTELLIGENT" GUY TURNES IT OFF ANYWAYS AND COMES TO FIND IT WOULD NOT START AS EXPECTED. WE WERE ALL STRANDED. LUCKILY ONE OF THE VAN SERVICES CAME AND A CAR SO THEY WER ABLE TO TAKE 3 OF US BUT LORD KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE THERE. I AM SO PISSED. THE ONLY THING THEY KNOW HOW TO DO RIGHT IS COLECT THE MONEY AS SOON AS YOU GET ON THE BUS. THE LAST TIME I WENT THE HEAT WAS NOT WORKING AND WE FROOZE DAMN NEAR TO DEATH. MY SON NEARLY HAD AN ASTMA ATTACK. THE OWNER IS DUE BACK AT AROUND 12 AND I HAVE A FEW CHOICE WORD. SO WORD TO THE WISE IF YOU WANT TO RIDE WITH HEAT AND MAKE IT BACK HOME FIND ANOTHER SOURCE OF TRAVEL!

WHAT A PAIN IN THE A**! SO SORRY TO HEAR YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS- HOPE SOME OTHERS WILL BENIFIT FROM YOUR HEADS UP-

damn that is f***ed up! thanks for postin it though yani...mean to say but glad you were one of the three wo didn't have to remain stranded!

Prison Gap is the worst. Johnny used to tell that if it was a choice between using Prison Gap or not visiting, that I shouldn't visit. And you know they would never give up a visit.

Yes Yes YES,

Prison Gap is the worst,money hungry people in the world.they charge me 50 dollars to go to gouverneur correctional facility and the bus has no damn heat.one time my bus started smoking not once but twice.this was around thanksgiving day.what a visit.no heat for the whole 8 hours and a bunch of cold crying babies.
i agree with you 100%.they either need to lower there prices or get new buses.there the worst i tell you.the man comes on the bus armani down or versace down, all tailored out and we cant get expensive rides.some parents bring 2 to 3 kids and besides the arguing about why someone is saving a empty seat for someone who is not even on the bus, the bathroom is stinking the whole 8 hours.eventhough the B----y a-- Lady who gets free rides who calls herself the coordinator makes the announcement "DO NOT SH-- IN THE BATHROOM".they still do it.Prison Gap Sucks For Sure.

Operation Prison gap is a great bus service, Now some People say $50 is alot, But if you go on gray hound or amtrak you will pay double that and the cab fee to get to the prison, Now if the bus did not start then, Sometimes things happen, That does not mean that they are the worst bus service out there, Because if thats so why would they be doing this for over 25 to 26 years, They must be doing something right, Now in 25 years there must have been a few break downs and i know how that feels, when you are stuck and want to go home, But in this world things happen, Now if the company the rented the bus to prison gap would have put gas antifreeze in the gas tank then that would never happen, Now why would he leave the bus running for eight hours, That makes no sences what so ever then you would have blamed him for running out of gas, He had no wins with you at all, I know people that take prison gap every week and never has a problem, I am sorry for your ordeal But as they say things happen.:rolleyes:

Do you know of another bus company that goes to RIVERVEIW

Sorry about anyone who has had a bad experience with traveling to see their loved ones on a bus service but sometimes things do happen. With that in mind a new company named Time Travel Transportation will start providing service to most NYC correctional facility's over the next couple of months.

That sucks, to have such an experience like that! I've been riding these buses off & on for about 7 years. I've ridden with Prison Gap, Flamboyant, Grits....while I've got some horror stories too, there's one thing we need to keep in mind. These are MAN MADE machines and bottom line...sh#t happens. That's not to say I don't think these people should keep better maintenance with all the damn money they charge. But...there's gonna be breakdowns, there's gonna be flat tires, etc. YES, the bathroom STINKS. YES, you gotta deal with people who are b#tchy (starting w/the coordinator :))and yeah, it's really uncomfortable to be cramped up on there for 6 hours. BUT....if you take Greyhound or Amtrak, you're going to pay DOUBLE the fare AND...you're NOT going to get dropped off at the front door, either. This is the part of the life we've chosen to deal with. Hugs to you {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Oh wow! i am sorry to hear about that bus!! I guess i need to stop complaining about me driving 2 hrs to get to Gowanda, and be thankful that my car provides heat in the winter and a/c in the summer and never broke down (knock on wood!)

I just posted a thread about how bad a trip I had going to Franklin this past weekend under the Visitation forum. I took F&M because I was fed up with bad service from Prison Gap (ie. confusion while boarding, small busses with no leg room, etc.). F&M was even worse. Our bus was consumed with urine fumes and the driver couldn't stay in his lane. On the way back a lady got left. I have been on a Prison Gap bus where we took a passenger home who they had left at the facility the day before. These companies lack professionalism and organization. The rides can be uncomfortable and unsafe and that is sickening because what choice do I have if I want to see my husband? Do any of you know another company that you like?

Well i am not sure about any bus companys but isn't there a free bus that you can catch once a month provided that your husband gives the info to the prison ministries??? I drive but i once caught the free bus and it was just like a greyhound with tv's and all.
I feel bad for those of you that have to go through that $hit, i wouldn't mind giving rides if you guys were living here and going to Gowanda.I hate driving out there alone.

My son's father did give me a ticket for a free bus but it left at 1:00 am from 42nd street on 9 ave which is not a very safe place to be in the day let alone in the night I rather pay the $40 and be safe.

ohh I totally understand, I dont live in Ny but i know catching any bus at that time is not safe at all. I caught the free bus right from the greyhound station and it was at 5.00am so it was pretty safe from there.

I recently moved out of state (Maryland) but before I left NY I took OPG at least once a month. I especially miss it when I make that drive, in the dead of night on deer infested I81. OPG is not perfection but then what is? Like I see others have said, Greyhound and other bus companies charge double and then you still have to taxi it to get to the facility. Thankfully, I've never experienced a problem with a bus breaking down although I have heard horror stories. I do think that if you ever experience an issue like a bus breaking down then the powers that be at OPG are sympathetic to that and they will do what they can if you choose to use them again. Like a free or discounted ride depending on the severity of the incident. Honestly, I admire the owner who after doing a bid of his own, pulled himself up by the bootstraps and started this company b/c he knew there was a demand for this type of service. And yeah, he's making crazy $ but this is America ... that's what this country was founded on ... capitalism. :)

Has anyone had a good experience with Prison Gap? Also, what is F&M and OPG? Do they have full names? Details on their services (ratings included) and what institutions they service would be helpful so everyone knows what they are looking at..
Thanks!
David

David,

On NYIF, there's a whole page with info on the bus companies. Feel free to copy and paste any information.

Val

New Yorkers we can visit www.prisonhelp.com and it will provide you with quite a few diffrent bus companies with a list of the facilities it visits and the cost of travel. This site also sells many of the items aloud in the NY facilities. It's very helpful.

I'm not sure what F&M is but OPG is the "official" or "old school" name for Operation Prison Gap. :p

I haven't had a "bad" experience with OPG, necessarily. I just think the whole thing, meeting the bus at 11pm, midnight, or 2am, then hoping you get on the right bus w/a "good" seat and everything else that goes along with it is nerve-racking in and of itself. And then if something should happen to go wrong on top of that (i.e. bus breaking down, sitting near the funky bathroom or behind an inconsiderate person who needs to put their seat all the way back on an 8+ hour ride :( that doesn't really make it any better. And then when you get there you have to deal w/all of the extra stuff that goes with being processed in ... it's just not the best of experiences but we do what we have to in order to see our loved ones, right? C'est la vie!

There are alot of people that want something for nothing, Buses break Down, Do you think that Gray Hound Buses don't break down But they Charge Double and you would still spend the money to Ride them. There was a point where there was NO BUS SERVICE to the prisons, If that was still the case what would you complain about then, There are good and bad and prison gap has been around longer than 25 years and they will be around alot longer, They are not the Greatest, But they are not the worst, If there is a Problem call Ray and he talks to everyone and he helps where he can, Try talking instead of trying to give the company a black eye.

Originally posted by Prisonbodega
There are alot of people that want something for nothing, Buses break Down, Do you think that Gray Hound Buses don't break down But they Charge Double and you would still spend the money to Ride them. There was a point where there was NO BUS SERVICE to the prisons, If that was still the case what would you complain about then, There are good and bad and prison gap has been around longer than 25 years and they will be around alot longer, They are not the Greatest, But they are not the worst, If there is a Problem call Ray and he talks to everyone and he helps where he can, Try talking instead of trying to give the company a black eye.

you have a point. but i've talked to ray and the buses are still the same. bus drivers making way toooo many stops so they can lite up a cigerate or drink a beer or 3 AND YES I'VE SEEN IT

favoritism when it comes to siting arrangements is a constant. i have witness on numerous occasions the coordinators allowing their friends to board the buses before their names are called. they go on the bus and put blankets bags and everything else in the front seats so the people who names are called before theirs cannot take them.


they are always over booking , if you know that there are only 40 seats why make reservations for 200 people :rolleyes:


all ray cares about is collecting money and sporting his same ole tired 3 piece suit!

i only go to see bryan 2x out of the year because prison gap is the only company that i know of that goes to riverview.
i love bryan dearly but i dont love him enough to endure the horrific bus ride

God knows i wish that there was another alternative

Lets not forget about those long as heck SMILER'S stops where the bus just sits there forever for no reason. I too agree about the favoritism that is displayed. I don't feel that Prison Gap is very welcoming to new people. The first time I went they treated me as if I was crazy or something when I was trying to figure out what bus was going to my facility. Having said all this I will still use their service as I have no other options and I don't go that often so to suffer for one day won't kill me. I know alot of you might have been ofended when I began this thread but oh well because I'm sorry I too was very offended when I had to come home with a sick child from being on a freezing bus in the winter for 6 hours. I don't feel it's fair to take people's money and make them travel in this kind of conditions. We are not animals we are humans and even a dog should not be left to freeze in the winter. Yes we want to see our loved ones but we as customers deserve to be provided with a good service and fair conditions. Ray is not riding us for free we are paying so please don't act like he is doing us a favor and we should be glad to take whatever crap he gives us. Luckily for me I don't have to endure it too often.

i took prison gap up to auburn. the driver use to fall asleep. i had to sit in the front and be up 6 hrs straight to make sure he wouldnt go off the road while everyone else was sleeping. one time a huge fight broke out and food went flying all over. then another time the bus broke down and we were up at the holiday inn one night.
things happen. i experience it also on jeffs bus service. last thursday he had no ac and it was 98 degrees out we were dying.

hi yanigirl, i'm new to this forum, and i had a friend who used prison gap and the same thing happened to her. i've been posting and maybe you can help me. my fiance at great meadows in ny. do you happend to know of a bus/van service that goes up there during the weekday. thanks

I said it somewhere else and I'll say it again....UNITED BROTHERS IS DA BOMB!!! The guy's name is Corky, his # is 917-731-4286. They meet in Brooklyn, Queens and in the City. In the city, they meet on 33rd between 7th & 8th, right across from McDonalds. Right in front of that big store. Footaction I think it is. HOWEVER....any bus is going to break down from time to time. Corky don't play that 10 stops b.s. He'll make a couple and you'd better believe you got about 5 minutes to do what you gotta do! The thing I liked the most about United, was that it was QUIET, Corky tells you where to sit and the coordinators are NICE. Not snotty and nasty like some others I've come across. I CAN"T STAND that heffa on P.G. She's got a NASTY NASTY NASTY attitude!!! But like I said...United is the move. I don't mess with Flamboyant anymore. He went up too much on his prices and the service SUCKS. Hugs to all.

After talking with Ramel with Operation Prison Gap he said that he will welcome the chance to fix and concerns that any rider may have. He is well aware of the Neg Post here and would like the chance to explain or other wise fix and problems that anyone had on any trips. All he ask is that you give him the chance to fix the problem and if when you present your problem to him and nothing is done then all you can say is that you gave them the chance. Please call Ramel at 914 287 0800 He is waiting to Address any Problems that you may have about the Bus service.

Prisonbodega:

Thanks for the information and discussion that you had with Ramel. I am sure that there will be many that appreciate what you did.

Thank you Mimi

[email removed] Please see PTO policies and Rules. If you have any questions please contact PTO adminstration.

i've heard tons of horror stories about a lot of services. i've trying to start an all female run van service from 125 and lexington ave, i figure start out there then soon we'll have vans in every boro going to all the facilities, it's just a huge goal of mine to make this happen, with a some prayer and hard work it can be done, along with partners who can be trusted. anybody have any ideas holla, i'm starting to research everything and would love so input. god bless

Originally posted by marisol1477
i've heard tons of horror stories about a lot of services. i've trying to start an all female run van service from 125 and lexington ave, i figure start out there then soon we'll have vans in every boro going to all the facilities, it's just a huge goal of mine to make this happen, with a some prayer and hard work it can be done, along with partners who can be trusted. anybody have any ideas holla, i'm starting to research everything and would love so input. god bless

good luck marisol!! :)

my sister and i were thinking about the same thing. i wanted - I WANT to get a bus to go up to ogdensburg and all surrounding areas im looking into licensing and all aspects of owning a small(transportation) business

[email removed] Please see PTO Rules and Policies. If you have any questions please contact PTO adminstration.


thanks for the email address. i used pg a few weeks ago and the ride was still horrible. and it wasnt because of the driver . i believe if it were up to him we would've left on time and returned home on time.

but because of the "coordinator" we didnt get back to 58th street until MIDNIGHT!!

this person wanted the driver to make stops for {{{her}}} cigarettes. cigarettes which could've been purchased on the way to the facility .

then there was someone who couldnt eat fast food so she asked the driver to take her to FRIENDLYS which was all out of the way. :rolleyes:

it was just a mess as usual... hopefully there will be changes made

There is alot in owning a Bus service and this is not to discourage anyone who seeks the american dream, But as you do the research, There will be alot of steep hills to climb.

Originally posted by bryanssong
thanks for the email address. i used pg a few weeks ago and the ride was still horrible. and it wasnt because of the driver . i believe if it were up to him we would've left on time and returned home on time.

but because of the "coordinator" we didnt get back to 58th street until MIDNIGHT!!

this person wanted the driver to make stops for {{{her}}} cigarettes. cigarettes which could've been purchased on the way to the facility .

then there was someone who couldnt eat fast food so she asked the driver to take her to FRIENDLYS which was all out of the way. :rolleyes:

it was just a mess as usual... hopefully there will be changes made


Wow i did not know that was going on and i am sure that Prison Gap don't know, But if you could Please tell me who the Person was the Day and date of the trip and if possible the drivers Name that will be takin care of, I am getting on the phone with Prison Gap Right Now. I will post the results of the meeting.

[email removed] Please see PTO Policies and Rules. if you have any questions please contact PTO Administration.
:confused: :eek:

Originally posted by Prisonbodega
Wow i did not know that was going on and i am sure that Prison Gap don't know, But if you could Please tell me who the Person was the Day and date of the trip and if possible the drivers Name that will be takin care of, I am getting on the phone with Prison Gap Right Now. I will post the results of the meeting.


:confused: :eek:


To follow up this Last post, I just go off the phone with ramel at Prison Gap and he would really like for you to call him at 914-287-0800, He is very disapointed with what happened and he wants to make sure that it does Not happen again, Please take atleast 5 min out your time and give him a call he is waiting Now.

Thank you
Tyrone

[email removed] Please see PTO rules and Policies. If you have any questions please contact Administration.

Tyrone


i dont remember the bus drivers/coordinator's name but i went on the visit july 19th for a sundays visit. and it was the bus going to ogdensburg/governour.


and i know that i havent rode with prison gap since last year, but do they now make two drop offs ?? because the coordinator told the driver to drop people off at 42nd street as well

thanks for notifying pg.

Originally posted by bryanssong
Tyrone


i dont remember the bus drivers/coordinator's name but i went on the visit july 19th for a sundays visit. and it was the bus going to ogdensburg/governour.


and i know that i havent rode with prison gap since last year, but do they now make two drop offs ?? because the coordinator told the driver to drop people off at 42nd street as well

thanks for notifying pg.

As far as i know NO there is only one drop off, But i will contiue to work close with this group and the Problems with the NYS Prisons and Vendors and Bus services, I will give that information to ramel and we will track down the driver, But as i talk to him we have come up with the idea to have a set of Rules that each driver will have to sign and follow and if one driver does not follow these guidelines the there will be penaltys for that, I am working togeather with OPG and To give the inmates famliys the best possible service out there, We welcome your input and your suggestions and they will be addressed, Again we are very sorry for your ordeal and we hope that you will forgive OPG for this mishap and come Back, In fact i think i can talk him into giving you a discount on the next trip if you give them another chance, Please respond.


Tyrone
:D :cool:

[email removed] Please see PTO rules and Policies. If you have any questions please contact PTO adminstration.

thanks alot tyrone

i dont know when i will be going back upstate but i would definitely appreciate a discount for a future visit.:)

Mike is the best Prison Gap driver

Man, I'm taking prison gap next weekend, As i'm reading these posts i'm getting a little nervous, but the thing is, I know of NO other buses that go to Orleans Correctional Facility, does anyone know of any??? Please HELP!

Hey girl, try Flambouyants thier number is 718-324-3603 or 718-325-6784.

They charge $45

I don't ride any buses (thank God) so I do not know how well thier service is but hey anything is worth a try at least once u know!! Good Luck

Your lucky you have your car, my piece of crap car just takes up space in my driveway..lol.but thank you for the info, I will be looking it up tomorrow.

I ride to Eastern Correctional Facility with Prison Gap. Their driver, Jose, is courteous and helpful.

During July/August they had a promotion in which you could ride for $15.00, but when Ramon sent someone to collect the money, they would charge you $20-$25. I contacted Ray and the problem was resolved. Ray is a very professional individual.

I am sorry to hear about the bad experiences with OPG, but you know what SH... happens and we are all only human. I have rode with Prison Gap off and on for the past 10yrs to deifferent CF. Overall, I feel it provides a good service. You can't get this type service anywhere else unless you go to similar bus company that travels to prisons. BUT, if you go with another company it doesnt mean that you will avoid problems or mishaps. I can't totally speak for Prison Gap, but one thing I do know is that these mishaps aren't done on purpose and their whole objective is to reunite families with their loved ones in prison and get you there safely as possible. I drive to see my man, and I can't guarantee that a mishap will not happen. In defense of your situation though, I advise you to put things in writing when problems arises on the bus. Having a verbal confrontation with the owner is not going to bring much change to the situation. Talk can go through one ear & out the other. All you are doing is venting off steam. What is more powerful is for you to put your concerns in writing. If you don't get a repsonse within 30 days and nothing is done about the situation then file a small claims complaint. Money is always the bottom line to everything.

i would like to know of any bus service from rochester, NY to bedford hills prison

Booba..prisonhelp.com should help you out, just follow the links..
I took prison gap over the weekend to Orleans Correctional To see my baby & had a wonderful trip. We got there in great time & got back to the city about 11pm. I spoke to the driver & a few people on the bus about bad experiences & they said everyone has at least one. I thank god I havent had mine yet. I will only ride on prison gap if the driver who took me this weekend drives. Hope to go again soon though I miss my baby like crazzzzzzy! Good luck on finding transportation all!

Originally posted by Prisonbodega
As far as i know NO there is only one drop off, But i will contiue to work close with this group and the Problems with the NYS Prisons and Vendors and Bus services, I will give that information to ramel and we will track down the driver, But as i talk to him we have come up with the idea to have a set of Rules that each driver will have to sign and follow and if one driver does not follow these guidelines the there will be penaltys for that, I am working togeather with OPG and To give the inmates famliys the best possible service out there, We welcome your input and your suggestions and they will be addressed, Again we are very sorry for your ordeal and we hope that you will forgive OPG for this mishap and come Back, In fact i think i can talk him into giving you a discount on the next trip if you give them another chance, Please respond.


Tyrone
:D :cool:

If your going to have the driver sign an agreement don't you think you should have the bus coordinator sign an agreement also being that he just said bus driver would have gotten passengers home sooner if it wasn't for the coordinator wanting to stop every so often for a smoke. Where are these buses pulling over at? Aren't these buses driving on the highway and don't tell me they pull off on the shoulder to have a smoke.

[email removed] Please see PTO rules and Policies. If you have any questions please contact PTO adminstration. :rolleyes:

Well I took OPG this weekend cause I had no other choice and dispite what Ive heard about it I still took it so I could go see my husband. Everything ive heard is true, sorry to say, but from the second I stepped on that bus and smelled it I almost got sick and of course since I was new I had to sit in the back so I could smell it even more. I understand that there are rules on the bus about the bathroom but they could at least clean it real good before they pick up another bunch of people to do a run back upstate. The ride going home was even worse, that smell was so discusting. It wasnt that someone pooped in it either, it was straight up urine and it was nasty. I had to sleep with my hoody on my face and my jacket over it cause I was so sick to my stomack from the smell and that was the only thing that made it better. Even the spray that the girl next to me kept spraying wasnt working. Then the coordinator told her she couldnt spray it, but we did anyway cause damn no one should have to go through that. If I would of had my kids with me I definetly wouldnt have gotten on that nasty bus. I dont know how people go through that every weekend. Thats why im just gonna stick to the nice clean bus I always use, even though he only goes up on fridays, but every other weekend is better then that.
...KD...

I would,nt say prison gap sucks for the simple fact that if you have a problem with there services all you have to do is talk to ramel or ray and they will give you either a discount and defintly look into fixing your problems. My main issue was the smell of the bathroom and complaining to ramel is finally paying off hes looking into how and what he needs to do to restore the problem. as far as buses breaking down and heat not working how can a person prevent that shit happens thats like saying when your driving and you crash your car how can that be preventable but if and when an incident like that happens all you have to do is call ramel and he will give you some sore of discount. So you cant say that they suck because they try to cater to our needs. If they didnt they wouldnt try to resolve any problems.

:confused: :D :confused:

Originally posted by Monique281
:rolleyes:




Call ramel at 1914-287-2094 and explain to him your problem with the smell of the bathroom and what you have experienced and he will look into any issue that you may have.

A discount on OPG huh? Wow, hope that's true. Never in my life have I heard of those cheap, ghetto ass %#$%$# giving someone a discount for what 9 times outta 10 turns out to be the ride from hell.

Lisa

Originally posted by lisac117
A discount on OPG huh? Wow, hope that's true. Never in my life have I heard of those cheap, ghetto ass %#$%$# giving someone a discount for what 9 times outta 10 turns out to be the ride from hell.

Lisa

I have complained about certain situations and yes a discount was given. As far as ghetto goes what is your terminology of ghetto because the only ghetto bus ride that i have experienced has been flamboyant!!

:confused: :D :confused: :confused:

I don't know about flambouyant being ghetto. I take them at least every two weeks and don't have any problem. There is no yelling,screaming,arguing, fighting or any of that on the bus. I take them to Gowanda, I have always had a seat to myself with no problems, until this weekend. But even that was something that could've happened even if I were in a car. I'd rather ride with flambouyant anyday than prison gap. If they offered me ten rides free, I wouldn't take them.

-Tanya

Originally posted by Amira
I don't know about flambouyant being ghetto. I take them at least every two weeks and don't have any problem. There is no yelling,screaming,arguing, fighting or any of that on the bus. I take them to Gowanda, I have always had a seat to myself with no problems, until this weekend. But even that was something that could've happened even if I were in a car. I'd rather ride with flambouyant anyday than prison gap. If they offered me ten rides free, I wouldn't take them.

-Tanya


But honestly i really want to know what is so bad about prison gap because i have taken them numerous times and the only problem i have encountered was the bathroom smell and i complained and ramel said he is defintly going to look into fixing that problem a.s.a.p

My beef with prison gap is that when it's time to board the bus, everyone crowds the door and when they call your name to get on the bus, you got to be telling people to move out the way. And then.. they play too much favortizm, from what I seen, the regulars get to have two seats when it's not crowded and then they make that stupid stop at Smileys. If people eat before they come that would be unnesessary.

Originally posted by usopwilly
My beef with prison gap is that when it's time to board the bus, everyone crowds the door and when they call your name to get on the bus, you got to be telling people to move out the way. And then.. they play too much favortizm, from what I seen, the regulars get to have two seats when it's not crowded and then they make that stupid stop at Smileys. If people eat before they come that would be unnesessary.

So why dont you call and complain to them about that maybe they can do something about it because like i said before how are they supposed to know of our problems or issues that we may have if no one addresses them i spoke with him about the favortizm and he indicated that that problem was taken care of because my issue was how coodinators always save seats for friends and stuff and he did fix that problem so try calling him its worth a try

:cuffs: :D :confused:

I called and complained a few times in the past. I don't take them unless I really got to. YUCK!

Originally posted by usopwilly
I called and complained a few times in the past. I don't take them unless I really got to. YUCK!


Well my opinion i dont think that they suck i think they try there best to provide us with the best service as possible

I NEVER HAD TO RIDE THAT OR ANY BUS CAUSE I WAS THE ONE GETTING VISITS BUT NOW I KNOW WHAT EVERYONE WHO CAME TO SEE ME. THEY DIDNT TELL ME ABOUT IT MAYBE THEY WERE TOO HAPPY TO SEE ME OR WAS IT THAT THEY WERE HAPPY TO GET OFF THAT BUS?:HMM:

Originally posted by COUNTLOVE69
I NEVER HAD TO RIDE THAT OR ANY BUS CAUSE I WAS THE ONE GETTING VISITS BUT NOW I KNOW WHAT EVERYONE WHO CAME TO SEE ME. THEY DIDNT TELL ME ABOUT IT MAYBE THEY WERE TOO HAPPY TO SEE ME OR WAS IT THAT THEY WERE HAPPY TO GET OFF THAT BUS?:HMM:



how long have you been home

:cuffs: :D

Wow I can't believe people are still writing to this post i posted so long ago. It seems nothing has changed with OPG. I am however grateful for the times it did get me and my child to visit his father. I must agree that it is one of the most ghetto running operations I have heard of. The girls I know who take Flamboyant always say it is good. I now take Happy Journey and I have no complaints. Everything is handled very professionaly. OPG seems to be more worried about collecting the cash then anything else. I just feel like they get enough of our business to ensure that the buses are in good condition before taking people way upstate. They also need to stop with the favoritism and realize that everyone money is green and they are running a business.Thank God that my son's father will be home in two months and i don't have 2 deal with any of the hustle and bustle of getting upstate. To all you ladies who do i just pray you find a service you can be satisfied with

do any of the free busses or prison gap stop in albany on there way upstate further

how do you go about getting the free ticket to go the jail and want other bus companies go to cape vincent besides operation prison gap.

Originally posted by Prisonbodega
There are alot of people that want something for nothing, Buses break Down, Do you think that Gray Hound Buses don't break down But they Charge Double and you would still spend the money to Ride them. There was a point where there was NO BUS SERVICE to the prisons, If that was still the case what would you complain about then, There are good and bad and prison gap has been around longer than 25 years and they will be around alot longer, They are not the Greatest, But they are not the worst, If there is a Problem call Ray and he talks to everyone and he helps where he can, Try talking instead of trying to give the company a black eye.


I really don't think the issue is people wanting something for nothing, I think the issue is professionalism. I wouldn't mind spendng $40-60 on a bus ride if the coordinator was professional, courteous, and respectful. Being that it is a bus we know we can't get that damn comfortable on it, is it too much to ask that we get a seat when we make reservations, get heat or A/C, get spoken to like adults, and get to our destination on time (Not 2 hours early or 2 hours late)? I mean answer me this, why does the coordinator get to sit down in a 2 seater by herself and somewhere in the back a mother has to hold her child in her lap (that she bought a seat for) and sit next to someone else due to over booking...is that right??? And why tell riders to get there at 9pm when they don't leave until 10:30pm. It's not like weget to board at 9pm becasue they have us standing in the cold until they're ready. We can't ever get to have a 2 seater to ourselves because they wait until damn near 11pm for late comers to fill up the bus so they can as much money possible, and why not ? It's not like they're the ones that's going to be uncomfortable on the bus for mad hours. This type of Sh*t, excuse my french, happens all the time on Prison Gap. I believe the only reason why people continue to ride Prison Gap is because they're one of the only ones that go to all of the facilities, but that is not a reason to do what you want to riders. You sound like you know Prison gap personnel personally, sorry if these comments we're making upsets you, but it's the truth.

Originally posted by ladyarmani25
So why dont you call and complain to them about that maybe they can do something about it because like i said before how are they supposed to know of our problems or issues that we may have if no one addresses them i spoke with him about the favortizm and he indicated that that problem was taken care of because my issue was how coodinators always save seats for friends and stuff and he did fix that problem so try calling him its worth a try

:cuffs: :D :confused:


Hi,

I called and complained particularly about the bus coordinator that goes to Attica and Wyoming, nothing was done to date becasue she is still very rude. I am so upset my husband was moved from Lakeview to Wyoming only because I miss that coordinator, they called her Sister. She was very nice, we got there on time, made just enough stops.

Originally posted by Prisonbodega
There are alot of people that want something for nothing, Buses break Down, Do you think that Gray Hound Buses don't break down But they Charge Double and you would still spend the money to Ride them. There was a point where there was NO BUS SERVICE to the prisons, If that was still the case what would you complain about then, There are good and bad and prison gap has been around longer than 25 years and they will be around alot longer, They are not the Greatest, But they are not the worst, If there is a Problem call Ray and he talks to everyone and he helps where he can, Try talking instead of trying to give the company a black eye.



IF PRISON GAP HASN'T CHANGE IN 25 YEARS THEIR NOT GOING TO CHANGE BECAUSE RIDERS CONTINUE TO PUT UP WITH RUDENESS. IF I PASSENGER PAID FOR THEIR CHILD TO HAVE A SEAT ON GREYHOUND I BET YOU COULDN'T GET THEM FROM COMPLAINING UNTIL THEY GOT A REFUND BUT THEY LET PRISON GAP GET AWAY WITH IT . I HAVE NEVER RODE WITH PRISON GAP AND NEVER PLAN TO BECAUSE SOME OF THE STORIES I READ HERE ARE ENOUGH TO MAKE ME NOT WANT TO.

you know what i have to finally agree there full of shit in all aspects i've stuck up for them so much and for what because all they care about is making there money as*****

hi iam taking prisoin gap next weekend does anyone know of another bus that would take me from ny to adirondack correctionla facility. reading all of this is making me scared to take prisin gap.. help

hugs to all

I see prison gap is still unprofessional and rude:rolleyes:
I'm going to see bryan in 2 weeks and God knows i wish my poor little car could make it upstate. i dread getting on that bus!!!

@trinidad

ita with everything you typed!!

i really dont think its the drivers or the bus(even though they stank bad bad:argh ) the problem is with those so called coodinators all the ones that i've rode with , with the exception of 1 were ridiculous:rolleyes:

that favoritisim has got to end as well as all those unneccessary stops.

damn greyhound doesn't even make that many rest stops :rolleyes:

Where are these buses pulling over at? Aren't these buses driving on the highway and don't tell me they pull off on the shoulder to have a smoke.

Um yes they are pulling over to smoke . believe it or not

quote:Where are these buses pulling over at? Aren't these buses driving on the highway and don't tell me they pull off on the shoulder to have a smoke.



Um yes they are pulling over to smoke . believe it or not




Ooh no they don't stop on the shoulder to have a smoke. That's ashame. I never took PG and don't plan to either

well dont because they suckkkkkkkk

I Heard and it's ashame they don't care about their customers and they get so much business.

Hey everyone,

I called United Brother and spoke to Corky...you guys were right he is a sweetheart. I am riding with him on Christmas, I actually look forward to it. I'll let you know how it goes.

You guys want to hear another PG horror story???? I just rode with them on Sunday and it was okay until a the coordinator was coming around to ask what facility we were going to. An older spanish woman said she was going to Wyoming COUNTY jail, she even wrote it down for teh coordinator. Now the coordinator thinking she knows it all and thinking that the older woman made a mistake tells the woman yes we go there. Do you know that the spanish woman really was suppose to go to Wyoming County jail and not Wyoming correctional facility, so she paid $50 for nothing. She didn't get to see her loved one because she was at the wrong place had to wait there until all our visits were over and did not get reimbursed (well at least not to my knowledge, I didn't see her give her her money back at all and I was one of the last people on the bus). And that's not it. Towards the end of the ride back home we were complaining how it was hot on the bus, and asked her if she could turn on the A/C. I mean it was really hot back there, we're next to the toilet, and people have asthma. Do you know the woman kept saying the heat is not on, we only have an hour left until we are back in the city , and "some" people are cold in the front (meaning her) so she's not turning it on, not even for a little while. Do you know someone in the back of the bus had to open the emergency exit at the top of the bus so that we cut get some air. That's how drastic clients have to be to get service.

Damn, sorry to hear about that. I guess I'm lucky I don't have to deal with them for awhile since my husband got sent to the box and only gets special night visit.


...KD...

Damn Trini:(

I'm riding with them this weekend. they really need to get their act together. but i seriously doubt if they ever will, they know that they are the only bus service that caters to 99% of the correctional facilities.

people who have no other alternative will always use them, so why should they change. :mad:

i'm glad i only go see bryan 2x out of the year. next week is my second visit for the year and i don't go again until the summer.

i told him i love him and all but not enough to suffer through some prison gap bus ride

I took pg friday nite and i must admit. It was a good ride. THANK GOD!!!!

the drivers' name was mike, he got us there before the prison opened :D he only made 2 stops, . Smily's ( i never will understand the reason for that stop :confused: ) and the 2nd stop was in pennsylvania.

on the way home we only made one stop and we reached nyc at 9:45 :)

The coordinator was also nice and wasn't ghettofied like some of the others.

I hope the next time i go upstate mike is the driver.

well guys i have to say I took prision gap this weekend and everything went ok we left at 12oclock and i was sitting waiting for my man to come out by 8:30. the driver was nice and so was the corornator was nice to.. and we had heat. so they really aren't that bad for 50.00..

love to all

well i go just about every visit to see my man to lakeview so if any one knows of any car pool please let me know because i am so tired of prison gap its drama after drama

Originally posted by babygirl81364
well guys i have to say I took prision gap this weekend and everything went ok we left at 12oclock and i was sitting waiting for my man to come out by 8:30. the driver was nice and so was the corornator was nice to.. and we had heat. so they really aren't that bad for 50.00..

love to all


Yeah but United Brothers is even better for $40. I'm happy to hear it went well though, because that is almost always not the case for many others.

Does United Brothers go to Lakeview ?

I don't know but here's their number 1-888-834-2700 or 1-917-731-4286.

I thought you would all know by now from all the horror stories. That's how I learned not to experience that. I took someone's advice and used United Brothers, my ride was spectacular! Hope that helps.

I just posted a thread about how bad a trip I had going to Franklin this past weekend under the Visitation forum. I took F&M because I was fed up with bad service from Prison Gap (ie. confusion while boarding, small busses with no leg room, etc.). F&M was even worse. Our bus was consumed with urine fumes and the driver couldn't stay in his lane. On the way back a lady got left. I have been on a Prison Gap bus where we took a passenger home who they had left at the facility the day before. These companies lack professionalism and organization. The rides can be uncomfortable and unsafe and that is sickening because what choice do I have if I want to see my husband? Do any of you know another company that you like?

hey faithII i need to go to franklin this weekend so please let m+e know if you find a better bus service.. than the one you experienced

Just stoppin in to tell about my ride up with United Brothers (contact info ~Corky ~ ~917~731~4286). He's got a seating system so there's NO overbooking and NO seat saving. If you call after he's booked a full bus he got a standby system and he'll let you know you're on standby. He runs the book himself, not the coordinator. Speaking of coordinator, his coordinator is an alright lady -- no power-crazy, stank-tail chick there, and I feel she coordinates so well that she should be on salary. She accounts for everyone after a stop because Unity Bros. are NOT trying to leave anyone. Might I mention Saturday morning two people on the OPG bus got off at a wrong facility (Wyoming) and when they realized it and went outside, their bus was gone!! See, that's that bullshit. So the lady who works the hospital center drove them in her car to their correct facility. The weather wasn't bad so the ride went smooth. Corky drives the bus himself and he does Groveland/Livingston and Wyoming/Attica EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT FOR SATURDAY VISITS. With more air freshener than the law allowed and no pee drops on or around the toilet, the bathroom was and remained fresh and clean. Corky picks up then brings you back to a convenient stop in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan and we made no stops going and one food stop returning which is good b/c they just wanna get you where you're going without all the extra. HOWEVER, if somebody has to do #2 or change your sanitary, he will pull over with a smile and a laugh so you can handle that in a public bathroom. Someone in an earlier thread mentioned contests on the bus during the ride back home. Four people get a chance to win and I was one! Winners get a non-transferrable coupon worth ten bucks off a future ride so the next time I go I'm goin for $30 instead of $40, providing, of course, I don't lose my coupon. Comfortable ride, clean environment, movies, alert driver so no swerving on the road. Also, cordialness on the bus seemed to be contagious b/c I heard no arguing, cussing, cell phones ringing or the like -- just talk, smiles, laughter, and when the movies are playing -- quietness. I'd really like to take my husband that last January food package this weekend but b/c his visit falls on Sunday I'm choosing FedEx to get it there rather than spending that $50 with OPG to get me and the package to the facility. I love my husband as much as the next, and I go thru my fair share of bullshit in this prison game trying to meet NYS DOC requirements fars what my husband can and can't have. I don't need the bullshit on my ride there an back too! I'm not bashing Prison Gap, I'm just not up for the bullshit, that's all.

this goes to prison gap.......... a good letter for once. thank you so much for providing us trips to go see our loved ones. i have been going up to see my husband for three years if it wasnt for you guys i wouldnt know what to do. and ray you dress very nice these comments about the way you dress are really stupid look at junior for instance he makes good money i've never seen him dress once. but i have to tell you one thing the coorinaders do have there prefrences they do hold seats for alot of people and its not fair to those who stand out in the cold waiting for buses only to get pushed in the back.

i've heard tons of horror stories about a lot of services. i've trying to start an all female run van service from 125 and lexington ave, i figure start out there then soon we'll have vans in every boro going to all the facilities, it's just a huge goal of mine to make this happen, with a some prayer and hard work it can be done, along with partners who can be trusted. anybody have any ideas holla, i'm starting to research everything and would love so input. god bless
hi Marisol my name is marisol torres good luck on your idea holla at everybody when the time comes we'll take it from there :fb:

i have been looking into starting a service as well so let me know how serious you are about partnership...................

.ray you dress very nice these comments about the way you dress are really stupid look at junior for instance he makes good money i've never seen him dress once

Well I don't know who junior is, but i would assume he is there to work and to make sure that his customers make it to their destinations promptly and safely and not there to put on a fashion show like ray.


It would be a different story if ray's shyt was together and he was out there making sure his business was run professionally.

A nice suit and tie combined with poor business/customer relations isn't saying anything .

Well I don't know who junior is, but i would assume he is there to work and to make sure that his customers make it to their destinations promptly and safely and not there to put on a fashion show like ray.


It would be a different story if ray's shyt was together and he was out there making sure his business was run professionally.

A nice suit and tie combined with poor business/customer relations isn't saying anything .



I agree 1000%

I agree as well b/c clothes don't make the person, the person makes the clothes.

Does anyone know of a bus service that goes to Lakeview besides Prison Gap???

Call the Facility in the morning and when you hear the recording hit "0". When you get the receptionist ask her and she'll transfer you to someone who can tell you. The number is 716-792-7100. You may also want to find out on what days can your loved one there -- alternating weekends or whatever because that is TOOOOOOOO far to go only to be told "today's not his day".

:) Thanks for the information, it was very helpful

I am very happy that the owner has made a well $$$ life for himself and his family. I just wish that they would be a little more professional. I used to take prison gap for almost a year and if there were not a certain amount of people on the bus they would cancel our trip without regard to our feelings. They had no idea if that was our first trip in months, our only weekend off or that we were going through a stressful time and seeing our loved ones would make us feel better. They make so much money off of the other buses. i dont see why they would need to make a quadruple profit on each bus. I do see that compared to other modes of transportation that they are less expensive, but i would just assume that the owner and his crew would have more compassion on us seeing that they should know how we feel.