| There are many instances when chartering a bus | | | | as they will vary depending on the type and |
| is a good idea. Whether you are organizing a tour, | | | | length of trip. |
| or putting together an event, bus charters can | | | | Know the average pricing for mileage of a |
| serve a purpose, as they will insure that | | | | chartered bus, as this will help you decide on a |
| everyone is in one central location. There are, | | | | company. This can vary with the increased gas |
| however, things you should know before taking | | | | prices, but should not deviate much from one |
| on this responsibility. Below are ten tips that can | | | | company to another. Take this into account when |
| help you when choosing a company and organizing | | | | choosing a company. |
| the details. | | | | When planning a trip, understand the driving rules |
| Check the government safety rating and | | | | where time is concerned. Operators cannot drive |
| insurance of the companies you are considering. | | | | more than ten hours following eight consecutive |
| This is a good idea as it will tell you how reliable | | | | hours off-duty. You should plan your trip around |
| they are, and why other people do or don't use | | | | this. |
| them. You can do this on the Internet by | | | | Understand that prices do not typically rise as the |
| conducting a search for charter companies and | | | | travel date draws nearer in times of low |
| government safety ratings. There are web sites | | | | availability. Keep this in mind when choosing a |
| that can provide you with this information. This is, | | | | company, and stay away from those that might |
| perhaps, the most important tip and the first thing | | | | increase their prices during such a time. |
| you should do before deciding on a company. | | | | Be aware that a company may subcontract your |
| Check the availability of each company you are | | | | bus trip out to another company if should the one |
| considering. Remember, it varies depending on | | | | you booked become over-sold. While this isn't |
| season, day of week, and area. It also may | | | | likely to happen, know that it can. |
| require you to book 21 to 90 days in advance. | | | | Understand how charters are typically priced. |
| Check the distance each company will "deadhead", | | | | When used locally, charters are usually priced by |
| that is travel empty before picking up passengers. | | | | the hour. For trips, they are priced by the mile |
| Typically, companies will do this for a time of up | | | | averaging more than 300 miles per day. |
| to one hour multi-day trips, and sometimes less | | | | Also, keep in mind that many companies will allow |
| for those only lasting one day. | | | | alcohol on-board with a refundable deposit. Check |
| Check around for good prices on booking a bus. | | | | with each company you consider for the rules |
| On average, the deposit is 10 percent for trips | | | | and regulations surrounding this. |
| over the road. Also, check for competitive prices, | | | | |