If you have a large group, such as a class or club, for whom you are trying to organize a trip, hiring a charter bus is a great option. You and your fellow travelers will get to sit back and relax while someone else does the driving. While riding in a charter bus can be a great experience, not all companies are the same. To ensure your experience is what you expect, be sure to ask these questions when hiring a charter bus company for your long trip.
What is the company's safety record?
You want a company that takes pride in getting their customers from point A to point B as safely as possible. Ask the company about their Department of Safety Transportation rating. Keep in mind that "satisfactory" is the highest rating to be given out. You definitely want any company you hire to have a "satisfactory" DOT rating. Also ask them to confirm that they provide regular safety training for their drivers.
Are there restrooms on board?
Most charter buses do have bathrooms on board, but there are some that do not. Having restrooms on board will save you a lot of time since you won't have to stop for many bathroom breaks. Keep in mind, however, that you will still have to stop periodically for the driver to use the restroom and refuel the bus.
What technology amenities are offered on board?
Many charter buses come equipped with televisions, but you can even find some that have personal screens on the backs of all of the seats. Others have charging ports for smartphones built in. These amenities will go a long way towards keeping your passengers entertained. You want to know in advance what technologies are available so that you can tell your group what items -- like headphones, tablets, etc. -- to bring with them.
What do the fees include?
Different charter companies have different fee structures. Make sure you know what the price you are quoted includes. Does it include just the driving? Is there an additional charge for cleaning the bus out afterwards? Is a tip for the driver included in the quote, or are you expected to pay that separately? (In most cases, the tip will be paid separately to the driver after the trip.) Try to get as specific an estimate of the total cost as you can so that you can divide the costs for the charter bus rentals between attendees accurately.
Share19 July 2016
Many travelers face the same dilemma while on vacation -- is it better to rent a car or take taxis? I made some guidelines for myself to determine which transportation option to use during each vacation. First, I always rely on taxi-cabs in large cities, as I can walk many places and driving in heavy traffic is not for me. Rental cars are best for quieter locations. Second, I determine what is on my itinerary, if I have one at all. If I have a strict plan of where I need to go and when, then I take a cab. If I don't have a tight, planned-out schedule, then a rental car is more useful for driving around and checking out scenery. I created this blog to encourage others to stop stressing over which transportation option you choose and when. Make your own guidelines to make the choice easier.