7. What affiliations are they members of ? How involved in the industry are they?
8. Can they provide a insurance certificate showing they have the state required $5 million in coverage?
9. Does the bus operator have a cell phone and the company a 24 hour phone line in case of a breakdown?
10. Who pays for the driver's hotel room?
Top 10 Components of a Charter Quote
Hours of use: Local travel is most commonly based on hours of use.
Gratuity: The standard bus operator gratuity for chartering a bus is 5-10%.
Sales Tax: There is no sales tax when chartering a bus in most states.
Mileage: Buses traveling out of the local area and overnight are quoted based on miles.
Day Rate: The minimum charge per day if the per-mile charge is not more than the combined day rates.
Driver Change: For every 10 hours of driving, or 15 hours of stand-by time, law requires 8 consecutive hours of rest! NOTE: If you plan on driving over 10 hours, an operator change has to be made.
Local Travel: The amount of local mileage allowed per day once the bus reaches the destination city.
Driver Hotel: Usually the customer books and pays for the operator's hotel room, but most hotels will comp the operator's room at no charge when you book several rooms for your group. Ask for someone in group sales at the hotel to ensure the operator's room is complimentary. (it is usually preferred that the driver's room and bus be with or near the groups just in-case of an emergency, or something is left on the bus.)
Tolls & Airport Tax: This can be calculated in the initial quote or you may choose to pay for them as they are incurred.
Other expenses: Depending on your destination, you may encounter other fees such as additional hotel expenses, meals, bus parking, & etc. You pay for them as they are incurred.
Charter Bus Safety Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the charter bus industry.
Bus operators are required to carry a current DOT Physical Exam Card, be drug tested under DOT rules and regulations, and maintain a log for miles and hours of service.
Coaches are not required by state or federal law to have seat belts.
Some states require that operators be certified for all school sponsored trips, grades 12 and under.
The DOT regulation 395.10 restricts the bus operator's driving time. There are three parts:
10 Hour Rule. The bus operator cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty (except in emergencies)
15 Hour Rule. After 15 hours on-duty (driving and non-driving tasks), an operator cannot continue driving until 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time is taken.
70 Hour Rule. On-duty time cannot exceed 70 hours for any period of 8 consecutive days.
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