CHARTER A COACH WITH CONFIDENCE
Selecting a motor coach to provide your transportation needs should not be difficult. In fact, the decision you make should be based on what common sense dictates - safety, service quality (customer service), equipment, and price.
While price is important, the cost of service should include the confidence that safety, driver competence, vehicle integrity, cleanliness, and customer service expectations can and will be met. Southwestern Illinois Bus Company is confident that we satisfy your all your important questions.
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The Company:
HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN IN BUSINESS?
- An established company has a reputation. A fledgling company is untested. Ask for proof of federal, state and or provincial operating authority.
HOW BIG IS IT?
- Big is not necessarily beautiful, but those desiring to charter motor coaches should be aware that small businesses may not have the full range of technical and management support necessary to provide "world class" service.
THE VEHICLE
HOW OLD IS THE COACH?
- The vehicle's age may be important to you. Remember, however, that modern coaches have a long life and general presentation, cleanliness, and mechanical condition may be more important than actual age.
WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE IS BEST?
- The length and purpose of the journey and any special passenger needs dictates the type of vehicle. Rate the importance to your passengers of things like bathrooms, catering facilities, TV, video, reclining seats, window shades, curtains, air conditioning, wheelchair lifts, etc. Ensure that your requirements are included in the charter price.
DOES THE COACH OPERATOR OFFER A RANGE OF VEHICLES?
- Your passenger numbers may change, so learn whether the company offers vehicles in a range of sizes that may be substituted (should your needs require).
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
- Ask about safety features - anti lock braking systems (ABS). Does the company comply with coach drivers' hours regulations, compiled to avoid risks caused by fatigue. A lax attitude could prejudice the safety of your passengers. Ask to see Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection ratings. NEVER contract with a carrier having an unsatisfactory rating.
ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS?
- What if I need to change route or times? Check that the company is able to meet any unforeseen eventualities, with in the constraints of safety limits. How does this affect price?
ANY SPECIAL NEEDS?
- If your group includes the very young, elderly, or people with disabilities, can the company provide appropriate vehicles and arrange stops at places where their needs can be met?
THE STAFF
WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS OF STAFF TRAINING?
- Drivers should be competent in vehicle handling, people handling and geographical knowlege. Ask about company policy in training drivers in essential customer care.
Uniformed drivers and counter staff speak volumes about company attitudes and standards.
- Southwestern Illinois Bus Co. selects the best qualified professional drivers to complete a comprehensive motorcoach driver training program.
DOES THE COMPANY HAVE A DRUG / ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM?
DO NOT contract with any operator unable to provide evidence that they possess and enforce drug and alcohol testing programs.
WHO PAYS FOR THE DRIVERS' ACCOMMODATIONS?
Avoid any confrontation during or after chartering a coach by establishing at the outset who is booking and paying for drivers' accommodations.
THE BACK-UP
CAN THEY DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES?
- Even the best maintained vehicles develop faults. Vehicles can be damaged.
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CHECK IT OUT
IF IN DOUBT ASK: "CAN I LOOK AROUND YOUR PREMISES AND VEHICLES?"
- Reputable motor coach carriers are proud of their products, services and facilities - they have nothing to hide. Look at the operating and maintenance facility to generate the confidence of contracting with the carrier able to meet your needs.
WHAT ABOUT REFERENCES?
- Avoid any company that will not identify customers for reference purposes.
IS INSURANCE COVERAGE IN PLACE AND VALID LICENSES HELD?
- Ask for evidence of adequate coverage (including liability coverage of at least $5 million); that the company is inspected by the federal, state and/or provincial Department of Transportation; has documented operating authority; that checks are made to ensure that drivers continue to be licensed to drive this class of vehicle.
MAKING AN INQUIRY
- When contacting Southwestern Illinois Bus Company. for a quotation or to make a booking,
please be prepared to give the following information:
FOR DAY CHARTERS
- ·Date of the journey and the starting time and place
- ·Time of leaving destination and probable completion time
- ·Any special requirements at destination (i.e.: local transfer movements,
theatre or other admission tickets)
- ·Any special requirement on route, or about the route
- ·Any extra requirements (i.e.: catering, guides, etc.)
- ·Coach type or specification required (i.e.: bathroom, onboard catering, wheel chair lift, etc.)
FOR MULTI-DAY CHARTERS/TOURS
- ·Information as for day charters (above) as applicable
- ·Number of days of tour and tentative vehicle activity required each day
- ·If the coach company is to make any arrangements (hotel, restaurant, attractions, etc.)
- ·Whether customer or coach company is supplying accommodations for coach driver(s)
