For New England, New York trips, there's a new bus company in town

CUMBERLAND - Putting an emphasis on easy, friendly and reliable travel, Daniel Siwy has started his own bus service in town that arranges transportation for various functions.

Siwy Express Bus Service provides charter group service throughout New England and New York. In addition, bus service is available to Montreal. Local and long-distance events have included weddings, shopping excursions, casinos and leisure trips, as well as social and sporting events.

The business has been running for two months.

"I wanted to create a smaller, more streamlined bus service that offers all the latest amenities of a larger bus, including an oversized restroom, reclining seats, DVD and audio system," said the 62-year-old Cumberland resident, who owned a local painting company. Previously, he worked and managed restaurants and a pub in New York City.

On his 29-passenger bus, there's a lot of visibility. He had four seats removed so the bathroom could be enlarged.

The upholstered seating features a three-inch divider for extra space between the seats. The bus has large windows for viewing. There is overhead and rear luggage storage and reading and aisle lights. The bus features easy entrance and an emergency exit.

His original plan was to make daily bus runs from Rhode Island to New York City. He still wants to offer the service, but it's on hold at the moment because Siwy is waiting to get a permit that would allow his vehicle to make bus stops in Manhattan.

However, he can drive into Manhattan for specific destinations such as Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and Central Park, to name a few.

For more information, call 495-4232 or visit their Web site siwyexpressbus.com.