What do I need to Look for when Chartering a Bus?
Questions you should ask when shopping for motor coach charter services:
❑ Can you affirm that our driver will be in full compliance with the Canadian (and US rules) throughout the course of our trip? The law restricts driving time to 13 hours in a day, after which the driver must take 8 consecutive hours off-duty before driving again. In the US, these hours are 10 and 8 respectively. It is unlawful for any person to request or require a driver to break these rules.
❑ Will our motor coach have a valid safety inspection sticker?
The law requires buses to undergo a CVIP mechanical inspection every six (6) months. The safety sticker must be placed on the front right corner of the coach and indicates the month the current inspection expires. (BC Only)
For Travel to the USA
❑ Does your company hold an Operating Authority issued by the United States Department of Transportation? If so, what is your US DOT number? The US DOT number can be verified through the US DOT web site at: http://www.safersys.org/ In addition, insurance required by US DOT for US travel
(US $5 million) can be verified on this web site. The US DOT number must be displayed on the side of the coach.
❑ Are your drivers enrolled in a pre-employment and random drug and alcohol-testing program as required by US DOT? Can you provide proof?
The US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all bus drivers who enter the USA to be enrolled in a drug and alcohol-testing program.
❑ Does your company have a Passenger Transportation Board authority number issued by the Province of British Columbia?
❑ Could you fax to me a recent copy of your carrier performance abstract?
A Carrier Abstract is a document issued by the province/territory available to the general public summarizing a company's safety performance for a two-year period.
❑ What is the name of your insurance company? What is your policy number? Do you have an umbrella policy providing additional "extended" coverage?
❑ Can you provide proof of insurance for public liability in the amount of at least $10 million dollars per incident?
❑ If the Charter involves a BC School and is a school sanctioned activity, is the motor coach school bus permitted? This is a government inspection that is performed by Provincial Government inspectors in British Columbia periodically to ensure the coach maintains a high level of safety compliance.
Additional things to consider:
Maintenance
Don't be afraid to ask searching questions when it comes to the company's vehicle maintenance practices, such as "who inspects and maintains the coaches… where are the coaches maintained?"
References
Be wary of companies that will not provide references attesting to their safety performance and service quality.
Driver training
Ask questions to satisfy yourself that the company conducts regular driver training and evaluation.
Vehicle age and amenities
Determine the age of the coach if that's important to your group. Motor coaches are solid and well made vehicles that have a much longer service life than cars, so older equipment that has been well cared for can indeed provide safe, clean and reliable transportation. Be sure to ask about amenities that are important to your group, such as video and sound systems, restrooms, reclining seats, wheelchair lifts, luggage storage, air conditioning, etc. Remember that some models of coaches are manufactured over decades - just because it is a Prevost H3-45 or an MCI 102 doesn't tell you the age - ask what year coach you are getting.
Support and Back-up
Even the most modern, well-maintained coaches can experience an unforeseen mechanical failure. Reputable and experienced companies have 24-hour back-up measures and contingency plans in place to minimize disruption and delays en-route.
Use of Environmentally Friendly Bio-Fuels
Is the environment a concern to you? All motor coaches in Canada currently run at least a minimum level of Bio-Diesel - mostly 5%. Some coach companies operate on much higher levels of Bio-Fuel - up to 100% or B100 and the environmental benefits are substantial. Ask your carrier what percentage they use - if they don't know it is likely the standard 5%. Higher bio-fuel percentages cost carriers upto twice the rate of regular fuel and show a commitment to the environment. Just because Companies say the run on Bio-Fuel doesn't mean much - it is all in the percentage so if it is important to you - Ask.
Vehicle Satelite Monitoring
Technology now allows coaches to be monitored where ever they are 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Monitoring includes vehicle location, speeds, idling time and mileages as well as such variables as to if the Engine Brake is engaged. These are tools that allow carriers to monitor safety and performance. Connected to GPS Driver Assist allows the drivers to communicate in real time with their dispatch enhancing safety and ensuring that your coach arrives on time and as scheduled.
When in doubt…check it out
Responsible and safe companies have nothing to hide and will proudly show you their maintenance and operations facilities. If you're unsure whether the company's services will meet your needs, ask to drop by to see before you buy.
For a Charter Quote call us today at 250-386-8652 or email us here >
