Everything You Need to Know About Chartering a Bus

Everything You Need to Know About Chartering a Bus

Chartering a bus than can carry 40 to 60 passengers can seem like a daunting task if you have never done it before. At Ecko Worldwide Transportation Group, we invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into our vehicles, our facilities, training, preventative accident/incident education and customer service. All of these investments are important to a safe and enjoyable journey and we take these investments seriously.

While price is important, your confidence in the company, safety, driver competence, vehicle integrity, cleanliness, and customer service expectations should be an even more important consideration since as 60 human lives are trusting your decision.

Here are five separate areas to consider when chartering a bus:

About the Company

• How long has the charter bus rental company been in business?
  Ask for proof of federal and state permits.
• Check records at - https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx
• How many vehicles are in the fleet?
• Ask if you can view the fleet in advance
• Can the company provide references?
• Ask for a Certificate of Insurance

About the Vehicle

• How old is the bus?

*Note that modern coaches have a long life and general presentation, cleanliness, and mechanical condition is more important than actual age.
 

• The length and purpose of your journey should be considered for the right vehicle. Amenities such as bathrooms, catering, TV’s, A/V systems, reclining seats, window shades, curtains, air conditioning and wheelchair lifts should be considered.
• Does your group include very young kids, elderly, or people with disabilities? Can the company provide appropriate vehicles and arrange stops at places where their special needs can be met?
• Passenger numbers can change. Ask about different size buses.

Bus Safety Program

• Ask about safety features such as anti-lock braking systems.
• Does the company comply with Hours of Service laws?
• Does the company provide driver training to avoid risks caused by fatigue?
• What are the standards of staff training?
• Do drivers wear uniforms?
• Do the drivers speak your language fluently?
• Who maintains the buses?
• Does the company have a drug/alcohol testing program?
   

What About Changes After the Order

• What if you need to change the route, times or even the day?
• How do changes affect the price?

Other Concerns

• Who pays for the driver’s accommodations?
• What is the plan for handling a mechanical failure?
• What systems are in place to avoid unacceptable delays?
   

Why People Charter Buses

• Wedding Transportation
• Team Sports Transportation
• Group and Private Event Transportation
• Convention & Meeting Transportation
• Government and Military Motorcoach Transportation
• Student Bus Transportation
• School Bus Company Directory
• Sightseeing and Bus Tour Companies
• Church Group transportation