Using a charter bus instead of a regular school bus can elevate the field trip experience for students and faculty alike, especially if you expect long hours of travel. These buses are fully equipped with amenities and safety features that will make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
How to Choose a Charter Bus for School Field Trips
The following steps will help you choose the right field trip charter bus to get the most out of your travel experience:
1. Consider Capacity and Amenities
The first thing to consider is capacity. The number of people going on the trip will determine whether you should choose a minibus or a motor coach. Mini buses are suitable for shorter distances with 20 passengers or fewer, while motor coaches are handy for those with more. Vans are also an option if you’re traveling with a small group. Compare the cost of renting multiple mini buses with one larger motor coach and see what makes sense for your budget.
Different charter buses also have varying amenities, such as:
- Recliner seats
- Overhead reading lights
- Rear or overhead storage spaces
- Wi-Fi
- Public address (PA) system
- Drop-down monitors
- CD and DVD compatibility
- Outlets
- Bathroom
Because charter buses are built for long rides, you can also expect more legroom and wider aisles. Larger buses will have more amenities than their minibus counterparts. If someone in your group requires accessible accommodations, look for a charter bus that is ADA-compliant. Unless the rental company can provide an equivalent service, the Americans with Disabilities Act states that an accessible charter bus must have:
- A lift or other configurations to help passengers board the bus.
- Two areas that can secure wheelchairs and prevent them from sliding.
- Other features that can ease the travel of people with disabilities.
2. Inquire About Driver Expertise
Most charter bus rentals provide drivers with the vehicle. You should ask how the rental company selects its drivers, what level of experience they have, and how the driver will take steps to ensure passenger safety. Drivers who are familiar with your locale or the route to your destinations may be able to provide a smoother trip. It can also help to have a driver who has experience with groups of children or teens. Be sure to discuss how you and the driver will communicate before and during the trip, as well as who to contact if there is a change in your plans or schedule.
Review the driver’s credentials if you can. In Pennsylvania, the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that is valid in Pennsylvania. This is required for any person who drives a commercial motor vehicle, including vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers.
Knowing your bus is being operated by a trusted, experienced driver frees teachers up to focus on helping the students have a safe, fun experience. You can even use onboard amenities like outlets and Wi-Fi to conduct pre-field trip activities or assignments.
3. Check the Serviced Locations
Check whether your departure and destination locations are part of the charter company’s service area. Work with the driver to designate break points halfway through the journey or more often if you choose a bus without a bathroom. Make sure each chaperone, teacher and student group has a copy of the departure time and meeting place to minimize the chance of running behind schedule.
4. Review Schedule Availability
Once you’ve found a good charter bus, the last step is to check whether the company has enough mini buses or motor coaches available for the dates of your field trip. Note whether you can change schedules at the last minute in case of emergencies, as well as how early the driver can arrive before departure.
Check online reviews or ask other teachers about their experience with the company’s timeliness and professionalism. You want a reliable company and driver who will be there on time.
Benefits of Charter Buses for School Trips
Choosing a charter bus for your upcoming field trip is a great way to enhance the students’ experience. With comfortable seating, convenient amenities and plenty of space to stretch out, the ride itself can be just as enjoyable as the destination.
Here are the other benefits of riding a charter bus:
- Peace of mind: Renting a bus that comes with a licensed and experienced professional driver can help you stick to your planned schedule with enough room to accommodate potential obstacles. If you take multiple buses from the same company, you won’t have to waste time waiting for everyone to arrive — every student will reach the destination at the same time. This makes planning the agenda much easier compared to students arriving in separate private vehicles.
- Reduced traffic: Using bus lanes can help reduce the time it takes to get to your destinations. This minimizes the chance of falling behind, so your students can take advantage of every minute they have during the field trip.
- Environmentally friendly: Because charter buses are larger than private vehicles, they can accommodate more passengers, leading to fewer vehicles on the road. This helps reduce carbon emissions during your field trip. You could even incorporate the bus into an onboard lesson or activity about making more sustainable, eco-conscious choices.
- Comfortable and accessible: Amenities not present in other modes of transportation make charter buses unique and comfortable to use. ADA-compliant buses also ensure that students and teachers with disabilities can enjoy their journey.
School buses are designed to serve one purpose — to get students from point A to point B. They lack the legroom, plush seating and versatility that charter buses provide. As someone who has spent a lot of time around students, you know what a difference these features can make in keeping the class happy, focused and ready for their adventure.
Trust Premiere #1 Limousine for an Enjoyable Experience
If you are looking for a charter bus rental in the greater Harrisburg, Hershey, York or Lancaster areas, Premiere #1 Limousine has your back. Our clean, comfortable buses and motor coaches have everything you need to make this your students’ most memorable field trip yet. Whether you need transportation for a small group or multiple classes, our professional, courteous drivers are ready to get you where you need to go.
Our team has the training and road experience you need for a smoother, easier trip. We also offer ADA-compliant buses to accommodate everybody’s needs. If you’re ready to get started, book a reservation today!
