A bus line that carried commuters between the Hamptons and Manhattan but abruptly went out of business the previous season returned Memorial Day weekend under a new owner.

Starting May 25, the Hampton Luxury Liner offered daily service through September. On Long Island it stops in Montauk, Amagansett, East Hampton, Wainscott, Bridgehampton, Water Mill and Southampton. It makes five pick-ups in Manhattan on Lexington Avenue between East 40th and East 86th streets, and six stops on Third Avenue between East 40th and East 86th streets.

“This is the new Hampton Luxury Liner,” said president and CEO Mark Vigliante. “Completely revamped. Back and better than ever before.”

The fleet consists of 10 Mercedes coach buses, which hold up to 50 passengers. The buses have Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather reclining seats, rest rooms, complimentary snacks and bottled water.

A one-way peak trip costs $37; off-peak fares start as low as $19 one way. Round-trip costs $69; 10-trip packages are $299.

The bus line has also offered tours of Long Island vineyards on Saturdays and Sundays, providing a popular weekend getaway option for passengers looking to explore the East End wine country.

From June to Labor Day, the line runs a trolley at the Hampton Bays LIRR station, making 15 local stops. Prices are $5 for a one-way ticket, $10 for unlimited one-day rides and $100 for season-pass unlimited rides. Seniors older than 60 and children ages 3 to 12 pay $3 one way, $8 for unlimited one-day rides, while children younger than 3 ride free.

In July the bus line introduced an express Montauk bus on Fridays and Sundays, a route that has proven especially popular with weekend travelers.

The previous Hampton Luxury Liner and a related company, Classic Coach, both based in Bohemia, suspended service after Labor Day, laying off 53 full-time and part-time employees.

M&V Limousines Ltd. of Commack subsequently acquired naming rights to the companies through an auction. M&V, a limo and bus company founded in 1993, spent about $90,000 to purchase client lists, computers, software and a trolley — and has since grown into one of Long Island’s most recognized luxury transportation providers.

Vigliante said his company hired 20 drivers. Two drivers, one mechanic and a staff member that were hired had worked for the previous company.

Article courtesy of Newsday