This list is offered as a guideline for the consumer who is interested in
chartering a motorcoach. Within the motorcoach industry it is important to
remember that not all bus companies are created equal. Also a company's safety
record,
not price, should be the first priority in choosing a bus company.
An experienced, reliable company should be able to provide information and
company policy on all of the following items:
 | Insurance - Operators should be willing to provide proof of current
insurance coverage for any vehicle which might be used. The insurance
must provide $5 million per incident minimum liability if the carrier is
authorized for interstate service by the United States Dept. of
Transportation (USDOT.) |
| Vehicle Inspection - Proof should be provided upon request that the
company's fleet has passed a complete mechanical inspection within the past
12 months. Upon boarding the vehicle, you will also find a certificate
showing that particular bus's inspection results. Ask about the company's
maintenance program and see if they'll provide you with their official
schedule or maintenance routine. |
| Vehicle equipment - There are many different size highway
motorcoaches ranging from 47 passenger on up. Make sure the coach you
book has enough seats for everyone. Overloading a coach or allowing
people to stand during the duration of a trip is prohibited. Also, does the
coach come with the equipment that the group requires: Restroom, climate
control, reclining seats, stereo, video, public address. |
| Driver Licensing - All drivers must possess a valid Commercial
Driver's License and carry it on their person at the time of your
trip. The license must have a School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB)
endorsement if it is a school sponsored event. |
| Breakdown policy - Ask about any affiliations with state or
national organizations of which other bus companies belong, that can offer
emergency assistance if needed. For local service, does the carrier
have a large enough fleet of buses and large enough staff of drivers to
"change out" coaches should the need arise. What kind of
discounts or refunds will be offered in the course of a breakdown. |
| Subcontracting Agreements - If the motorcoach company will not be
providing all of the vehicles needed for your service, ask them which
companies may be used to provide that service. |
| Trip Costing - Find out how the price of the trip was calculated.
Most companies have either a 4 or 5 hour minimum, plus additional hours
charge for local service and flat rates for surrounding cities. Will you
receive a discount if the trip doesn't go as long as originally planned? |
| Hidden charges and extras - Are there any hidden charges that will
be added to your bill such as sales tax, P.U.C. tax, fuel sur-charge, or
gratuity. Some of these, such as gratuity, can be as high as 15%. |
| Payment Terms - Find out if deposits are required and when full
payment is due. How much of the deposit or payment is refundable if I
cancel? What exactly are the cancellation charges? Quite a few
companies have a variable cancellation policy where the cancellation charge
increases the closer you get to the date of service. |
| Hours of operation - This is very important! What are the company's
hours of operations for sales and their dispatch department. You should be
able to reach a company representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Especially in case of emergency or last minute change to your pick up time
or location. |
