[cybermuda]

Do not use the airport bus run by The Villages - it is a scam

The web site clearly states $40 per person each way yet my credit card has been charged $50 and they are baulking at refunding the difference

On the bus I took there were 16 people - if each had paid the lower rate the trip would have generated $640 - not bad for just over an hour's work. Is this any way to treat seniors who are on a budget?

Plus, the bus runs only every two hours (so you can be waiting a long time for it at the airport) and drops you off at either Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs - necessitating another $5+ in cab fare to get you where you actually want to go - your home!

So for two people, at $50 each plus tip, plus cab fare (plus tip) it cost us $120.

We returned to the airport using Jack's Limo Service (352-406-1851) for $85, door-to-door, at the time we wanted to go, with a very safe and courteous driver.

[rshoffer]

Good info... especially Jack's...Thanks

[chuckinca]

Renting a car from Enterprise with no drop off charge at TV from MCO is our fav

[Muncle]

There are several options from which one can choose to get to and from the airport. They come in a variety of prices and provide a variety of services. The Villages bus is one of them. Car rental is another. And there are several advertised in the Daily Sun. You're free to choose whichever tickles your fancy. But buyer beware, as noted a few days ago: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/sm....html#msg86515

By the by, per their web site, the cost for the shuttle varies depeding on the status of the rider.

Village Resident and Resident Guests
Staying within The Villages $40.00 per person, each way
Renters $40.00 per person, each way
Renter's Guests $50.00 per person, each way
Non-Residents $50.00 per person, each way

[nitehawk]

-

Originally Posted by cybermuda

Do not use the airport bus run by The Villages - it is a scam

The web site clearly states $40 per person each way yet my credit card has been charged $50 and they are baulking at refunding the difference

On the bus I took there were 16 people - if each had paid the lower rate the trip would have generated $640 - not bad for just over an hour's work. Is this any way to treat seniors who are on a budget?

Plus, the bus runs only every two hours (so you can be waiting a long time for it at the airport) and drops you off at either Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs - necessitating another $5+ in cab fare to get you where you actually want to go - your home!

So for two people, at $50 each plus tip, plus cab fare (plus tip) it cost us $120.

We returned to the airport using Jack's Limo Service (352-406-1851) for $85, door-to-door, at the time we wanted to go, with a very safe and courteous driver.

I took the shuttle two weeks ago and there were only three passangers - that is only $120

[graciegirl]

I read another post by you Cyber that said you were looking to buy in The Villages.

Muncle tells us that non village residents are charged $50.

I looked to see your other posts because you had so few and sometimes when a "new" person comes on with such a negative post, I wonder if they have changed their name on here.

You paid five dollars more for the limosine service, is that correct?

Are you a village resident and were overcharged? Or are you not a village resident and charged the proper amount?

How is this a scam? Is it a scam because 16 people on the bus is profitable?

[cybermuda]

One would expect that mass transportation would be the cheapest way to travel, so if a couple can get a door-to-door limo cheaper than the bus (and apparently a hire car for even less) then seniors are not getting a fair deal when using the bus.

I would suggest that The Villages web site should include information on the various ways to get in from the airport, with costs and contact numbers, otherwise people who haven't done that trip before would assume that the bus was the cheapest way to go.

Incidentally, if you get on the bus without having pre-paid then the driver will ask you for $40 each, regardless of whether you are a resident, a guest, the guest of a resident, the guest of a guest, or any of the other confusing options that dictate how much you are charged if you make a reservation.

[Cassie325]

I agree with Muncle...there are so many options to get to and from the airports. Just like everything else here and the world....we have options. I am glad you found something a little less expensive for the second time around...perhaps it evened the trip out a little! Seems like you got a great savings! TV bus however is very handy to many people and they enjoy taking it....again...their choice. Thankfully for your next trip you have found an alternative.

[Muncle]

Originally Posted by cybermuda

I would suggest that The Villages web site should include information on the various ways to get in from the airport, with costs and contact numbers, otherwise people who haven't done that trip before would assume that the bus was the cheapest way to go.

I went out on the Avis, Alamo, and Hertz web sites and, hard as it may be to accept, none posted the prices or contact information of their competitors. Enterprise didn't even have it.

Who'd a thought???

Oh, and CVS doesn't post Walgreen prices either, unless they beat them.

[cybermuda]

That is fine if you have been a resident for many years and know that The Villages web site is run on a commercial basis, like Avis and Alamo.

However, for first-timers, the expectation is that The Villages web site is a source of unbiased information.

Even the DisneyWorld web site lists contact numbers for a rival bus service, a limousine and town car service and Alamo and National car rentals.

I apologise if I have upset some people. I just assumed that this web site was the best place to voice opinions that are not always 100% pro management of The Villages.

[graciegirl]

Allow me to start again. Welcome to you Cyber. I hope you love my treasured home and enjoy it as much as I do. NO one can believe how wonderful this place is and how friendly. We are so used to people speaking in positive terms about almost everything that I was rude to you for which I apologise.

Come on down and make Paradise your home.

P. S . Hadley is the best Village.

[JohnN]

Well, it's not a good deal, I don't know that I'd call it a scam though.
I think of scams as no value for the money.

Plenty of businesses overcharge when they can.
Just gotta learn your way around and find the deals.

I wouldn't use TV limo service unless necessary, but I don't think of it as a scam either

[`willy]

You would think FLORIDA's FRIENDLIST HOME TOWN would have a friendly bus service.
When you feel you have been taken advantage of. Justified or not , You still feel
betrayed.
What if We said FLORIDA'S HOMETOWN with the FRIENDLIST PEOPLE and the rest is
big business.
Sorry! Its really a great place to live, but it could be better.

It be a shame to lose a house sale for 10 bucks.

just my thoughts
Willy

[cybermuda]

I raised the "expensive bus" issue because it negatively affected my opinion of The Villages.

However, let me reassure everyone that the vast majority of my experiences at The Villages were very positive:

1) everyone was friendly and helpful
2) the sports facilities were excellent
3) car drivers were courteous to golf cart drivers
4) the whole area was clean and well-maintained
5) the real estate sales people were not pushy
6) even tropical storm Fay did not dampen people's spirits

You have a lovely community, of which you should be proud.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by cybermuda

I raised the "expensive bus" issue because it negatively affected my opinion of The Villages.

However, let me reassure everyone that the vast majority of my experiences at The Villages were very positive:

1) everyone was friendly and helpful
2) the sports facilities were excellent
3) car drivers were courteous to golf cart drivers
4) the whole area was clean and well-maintained
5) the real estate sales people were not pushy
6) even tropical storm Fay did not dampen people's spirits

You have a lovely community, of which you should be proud.

You are just right for TV. Come on down!!