A mini bus is ideal for transporting small groups of people, usually ranging between 15 and 25. Since the bus is normally hired by people that have a common destination, it guarantees that everyone will arrive at the same time. This helps in avoiding delays that are created by those that arrive late in situations where everyone is allowed to use their own means of transport. In addition to that, you don’t have to worry about where the vehicle will be parked because such costs are catered for by the bus company. Moreover, you can’t get stranded on the road in case the bus breaks down due to a mechanical problem. This is because every mini bus rental company usually has a rescue vehicle on standby mode. However, most people don’t seem to realize what it feels like to travel in a rented minibus. Here is a list of things you should know when hiring a minibus for your next road trip.
1. You are Billed an Hourly Rate
Most people expect to be charged based on the distance that they cover while they are inside the mini bus. In fact, it doesn’t matter how far you go with the bus. This is because most bus rental companies bill their clients an hourly rate. They don’t even call to ask how far you have travelled because they can track the vehicle using a GPS system. You can actually minimize the cost by taking the shortest route to your group’s destination. Besides that, you should prepare in advance for the journey to avoid last minute delays.
2. All Buses are Equal
The biggest mistake that you can make when you want to hire a minibus is to assume that the vehicle will be able to accommodate the entire group during the tour. Keep in mind that passenger capacity varies from one bus to another. Some buses are designed to carry 30 passengers at a go while others can only do 16. This means that you have to factor into the number of travelers in your group when booking for a bus. Remember, mini bus rental companies must also follow traffic laws and they can’t therefore allow any of their vehicles to carry passengers beyond the capacity that’s recommended by the manufacturer.
3. They are Safe and Comfortable
The safety of every passenger that travels in a rented minibus is assured by the inclusion of safety belts. In fact, all passengers are required to buckle up before the journey begins. Besides that, their drivers exercise a high degree of professionalism. The drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence or driving recklessly. As a matter of fact, most companies have set up check points at strategic locations. And since the bus is monitored via GPS system 24/7, chances of getting lost are reduced to zero, which in return gives everyone peace of mind. Besides that, the buses are usually customized to make them more comfortable. For a start, the seats are cushioned with foam to make them gentle during long journeys. There is also a TV set, USB ports, mobile phone charger sockets and WiFi internet, meaning you can still catch up with the rest of the world while on the go.