WHAT DOES THE DRIVER DO DURING A CHARTER BUS RENTAL
When people hire a charter bus rental they often wonder about what the driver, or drivers will be doing throughout the trip. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the driver can not only be interesting, but it can also help ensure your trip runs more smoothly and you avoid any unnecessary delays or other problems.
SHORT TRIPS
When you book a charter bus for a fairly short trip, which typically means a one day or shorter event, your driver will begin the day by doing a general inspection of the bus. This is just to make sure the cleaning and mechanical inspections have already been completed, and that the bus is fueled up and ready to go. Once done, they will drive the bus to the designated meeting area to pick up the clients.
Once they arrive, they will park the vehicle and begin helping the guests with any luggage they may have. Luggage can be stored in the large storage compartments underneath the bus or on some buSses, in the storage areas on board. Once everyone is seated, the driver will typically give a quick explanation of the itinerary of the trip and explain all the features of the bus so everyone can enjoy them. Finally, he will take a head count and get out on the road.
The bulk of the job is going to be driving on the road, of course. Once you arrive at your destination, the driver will park the bus and help everyone unload. He will likely also let people know what time they need to be back on the bus, and where he will meet them. While you are off enjoying the day, the driver may relax on the bus or spend some time in the local area. Once everyone is back on the bus after the event, he’ll take another head count and get back on the road toward home.
LONG TRIPS
Longer trips often start out in much the same way, but there are a few extra things that take place. First, there are legal requirements in most states that say that a driver must take at least an eight hour rest after driving for ten hours. If you need to drive for more than ten hours per day, you’ll have to book two drivers. There will likely also be several brief breaks for meals, which you can work with your driver to plan.
When you reach the end of the first day of driving, customers will be responsible for providing the driver with a room in the hotel where you are staying, so keep that in mind. The driver will help passengers with loading and unloading and any other customer service type things while at the stop. The same type of thing will happen at each overnight stop as well as at the final destination.
OTHER OPTIONAL SERVICES
There are many other optional things that some bus drivers are able to do as well. For example, if you are taking a sightseeing tour through New York, your driver can likely help by pointing out key things to look at. They can also answer any questions you may have along the way. If there is something special that you would like your driver to do on your trip, don’t hesitate to ask. If it is something important, it is a good idea to mention it while booking the bus charter rental so your driver can be prepared.