You can be in for a treat and a great experience when hiring a charter bus. It is since bus traveling offers the entire family to experience a great event together. In addition, the traveling experience alone is a good time to bond before reaching the destination. But many things come into play in making your experience great. These include the bus type you hire, its condition, and the services of the rental company.
Before you decide on these things, there is a decision to make. And that is to hire a particular company for their bus services or go to the bus hire directory like Insta Bus where you would easily find, compare and choose a bus hire company throughout the UK. This includes considering various factors from money, budget, taxes, and bus conditions. We will outline a guide for you to consider before hiring a bus company.
- What Constitutes their Rental Fee
There is the first thing that every rental company must be asked about. And that is what comprises their rental fees. This first step can almost build your mind against the company and if you want to proceed further or not. Some costs do lie within rental fees such as fuel cost, and per-seat accommodations including refreshments. But some bus companies try to grab extra from your budget. This can come with extra stops even in the case of emergencies. You must decide with them regarding the total number of stops you wish to include. And an emergency stop if there will be necessary.
- Types of Buses on Offer
A good bus hire company does not deal in a single type of bus. In essence, different categories offer diversity to you. At first, the passenger seats can decide for you. Moreover, some buses range from economy to first-class and beyond. It is about the experience that you will get through them. Some people like to book a top-class bus service for longer tours. Whereas for some, it is all about accommodating everyone in a single bus. Different choices will only conclude if the bus service company deals in several bus types.
- Company’s Safety Record
There is no doubt that bus drivers try to get their way when going on tours. To reach early and make extra bucks, they often avoid stopping at rest areas. This costs you the budget that you initially paid for and risks your life. If the bus driver is in a hurry, there is a chance that the bus can suffer an accident, especially on slopes. For this, you must ask for the previous record of the bus company regarding safety. If you find different tickets on the record, it can mean the bus company is not safe. Thus, you can easily skip them for a new one. Moreover, you can include this as a clause in your contract that you will terminate it if the driver disobeys your safe driving orders.
- Service Hours
Sometimes, it is also about the safety and health of the drivers that drive the bus. They can drive for a limited time after which they need to rest a bit. For this, they utilize their service or resting hours. But this will also mean that you will have to wait during this break. If this break is more than you feel is necessary, you can negotiate with the bus company. Some bus companies tend to make more service hours to increase the traveling time and thus charge you more for the trip. You can simply avoid these bus service companies since they can be a scam. At best, you can ask them to lend 2 drivers. When one feels the need to rest, the other can continue.
- Additives Prove Beneficial
Nobody lets go of additives that come along with their purchase. Even the smallest ones prove important, heavenly, and beneficial. With a bus hire, you can expect some of the additives to come within your bus. The basic requirement for travelers is free Wi-Fi on the bus. This enables you to keep busy throughout the trip and enjoy your favorite activities. In addition, refreshments come as a part of your travel. But if you can get a complimentary meal, many people will not ask for anything more. At best, your bus hire company can arrange some onboard activities or small stops to entertain you. These can be stopped at popular spots along the way.
- Backup Plans during Breakdown
It can be a rarity that a bus breaks down, but it can happen likewise. For this, your bus hire company and you need to remain prepared. This will include you discussing with your bus hire company the service you wish to be included as a backup. Mostly, it is to get a substitute bus to carry you from the place of breakdown. Moreover, top companies have an agent or an office in different cities and destinations. They look for the closest distance and send a substitute bus. If you find this condition, do not ask for anything from the company!