This blog is meant to be informative for all of you who have inquired about using TAP ROYAL bus service between Phoenix and Puerto Peñasco. Thanks to the people who used it and loved the convenience of it. Due to no fault of the bus line, service, schedules or anything, service has been suspended. Currently we don’t know if it is permanent or temporary. The issue is that Omnibus de Mexico which is a part of Grupo Toluca which is a conglomerate of bus companies is in the midst of purchasing Transportes y Autobuses del Pacifico (TAP) and although TAP Royal has its own ownership structure, it is still an affiliate with TAP and it will now be in the hands of Omnibus de Mexico.
Needless to say this is a blow to people wanting to use TAP to commute between Puerto Peñasco and Phoenix and now especially at Christmas time. It offered affordable transportation as well as a fairly good schedule.
If you feel as strongly as I do, that we need to have this service running, let me know. Perhaps if enough people feel the same way, our sentiments can be delivered to the new owners. I think we all agree that the service should be daily and consistent and perhaps the trip from here to Phoenix should leave in the morning for those who want to rent a car to shop or catch a plane and these are things that can be tweaked. We have had too many airlines come and go, so this is a let down to our community in my opinion. Feel free to send me your thoughts or concerns and I will pass them on. Hopefully, Omnibus will see the value of this service to us and will resume the service soon.
Over the years we have had I believe 3 airlines start up service only to prove they are not in it for the long haul. Any entity planning to offer service need to listen to the communities they are serving so that it not only cost effective for both the passenger but the companies themselves. It is understandable with the airlines as you need to fill a plane. Rocky Point, however has always been a drive to city. Even though on many holiday weekends our visitors can experience lengthy delays coming into Mexico but also returning to the USA. People don’t want to drive all over Phoenix to find a small airport and then wait and clear customs, etc. So driving has been the answer and now many of the visitors either come a day early and may leave on a Monday or even a Tuesday to avoid the delays.
However, with a reliable bus service that has convenient schedules, it would be economical for people coming here for a holiday, dentist visit or just to sit on the beach for a day or 2. With the proper promotion, they could probably attract “Spring Breakers“ and senior citizens from the R.V. Resorts in the Sun City areas of the West Valley of Phoenix as well as those in the Chandler/Gilbert/Mesa areas. In the days before people were told it was unsafe to go to Puerto Peñasco, there were tour buses that would fill up with these Senior Citizens and they would come down and spend a few days and spend money in the community. These tour groups had a huge financial impact on businesses of all sizes.
Hopefully Omnibus will look at what happened previously and take into consideration not only the financial impact on our community but the convenience of leaving the driving to someone else. If you have ever thought of traveling to Mexico by bus, I would love to hear from you.
Come out and join the fun while enjoying the beautiful weather in Puerto Peñasco and the stunning Sea of Cortez views. Remember Rocky Point is only a 4 hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson.
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