This is a "must-read" for anyone who wants to Charter/Book a Bus or Motor Coach.
The Ontario Motor Coach Association, also known as the OMCA is a organization that represents reputable charter bus operators (members) mostly in the Province of Ontario but also all of Canada and the United States. The OMCA has a mission to enhance the growth and viability of their members’ organizations, and the safety and quality of industry services through education, awareness and advocacy. The tips and introduction below are questions and information the OMCA has created for consumers to ask and educate themselves when shopping for a charter bus company. At Equinox Bus Lines, we also want to educate our clients and the general public about the charter bus industry and therefore have created (with the guidance of the OMCA) this page to educate when shopping for a charter bus company. Even though Equinox Bus Lines is currently not a member of the OMCA, we were created with the guidance of the OMCA for the purpose of staying in compliance and operating in fairness with the members of the OMCA and non-members. One example of the guidance we've received from the OMCA is purchasing our compliance materials (inspection report books, log books and etc) through the OMCA.
Shopping for a charter bus company to transport your group can be a confusing and uncertain experience for consumers. Prices and services will vary from company to company, and healthy competition exists for your business.
Selecting a company on the basis of price alone could lead to disappointment down the road. There are some unscrupulous operators who exploit a competitive advantage gained through non-compliance with the laws that regulate the charter bus industry. Canada’s motor coach industry is proud of its exemplary safety record and continuously strives to provide the highest level of safety, service, and value to consumers. Transport Canada has praised the bus industry for its remarkable safety record as compared to other modes of travel.
While safety and compliance pays, it also “costs”. Responsible, legal, and reputable bus companies make considerable investments to recruit and train suitable drivers, monitor driver condition and performance, inspect and maintain their vehicles to prescribed standards, obtain required insurance coverage, comply with hours of service limits and etc. Unfortunately there are a few companies that don’t. These companies can operate, albeit for a limited time, by cutting corners and shaving operating expenses in areas of safety, maintenance, insurance, and evading other government regulations.
Below are some questions you should ask when shopping for charter bus services.
Shopping for a charter bus company to transport your group can be a confusing and uncertain experience for consumers. Prices and services will vary from company to company, and healthy competition exists for your business.
Selecting a company on the basis of price alone could lead to disappointment down the road. There are some unscrupulous operators who exploit a competitive advantage gained through non-compliance with the laws that regulate the charter bus industry. Canada’s motor coach industry is proud of its exemplary safety record and continuously strives to provide the highest level of safety, service, and value to consumers. Transport Canada has praised the bus industry for its remarkable safety record as compared to other modes of travel.
While safety and compliance pays, it also “costs”. Responsible, legal, and reputable bus companies make considerable investments to recruit and train suitable drivers, monitor driver condition and performance, inspect and maintain their vehicles to prescribed standards, obtain required insurance coverage, comply with hours of service limits and etc. Unfortunately there are a few companies that don’t. These companies can operate, albeit for a limited time, by cutting corners and shaving operating expenses in areas of safety, maintenance, insurance, and evading other government regulations.
Below are some questions you should ask when shopping for charter bus services.
- Amenities for your group - This would include, Wi-Fi, Power Outlets, USB Outlets, On-board DVD System, Microphone, A/C and etc.
- Providing a detailed itinerary - Safety comes first and by saying that we are making sure that your driver will be in compliance with the Canadian Hours of Service or US Hours of Service rules (This also applies to our Passenger Van Service) as we have a obligation to comply with Federal Hours of Service rules in both Canada and the United States of America. Don't be surprised if we kindly ask for a detailed itinerary, after all it's all about safety for you, your group and your driver.
- Driver Regulations - Canadian Hours of Service rules state 13 hours of driving in a 24 hours period in which your driver must be off-duty for 8 Consecutive Hours. US Hours of Service rules state 10 hours of driving in a 24 hours period in which your driver must be off-duty for 8 Consecutive Hours. We have implemented modified Hours of Service for Canada of 11 hours for driving instead of 13 hours to reduce fatigue!
- Company's Existence - Find out how long the Company has been in service for. Equinox Bus Lines has been in service since 2012.
- Company's References - Inquire on the current and past Clients that have used the Company's Services. If a Company is unwilling to provide references upon your request, it may not be wise to give them your business. We have been reviewed on Trip Advisor for customer confidence!
- Ask about Fleet Size - Does the Company have more than one vehicle in their fleet? This would provide you peace of mind that should your vehicle breakdown, another vehicle can continue your trip. This would be the best opportunity to ask the Company if they have resources to provide a replacement vehicle if they can't provide one due to long distances and etc.
- Insurance - This is probably the most talked about subject in the Passenger Transportation Industry. Ontario Law requires that Public Vehicle Operators, who have Vehicles with 1-7 seats carry $2 Million in Bodily Injury Coverage, 8-12 seats carry $5 Million and 13 or more seats carry $8 Million in Bodily Injury Coverage. The mentioned Bodily Injury Coverage amounts are in addition to the $1 or $2 Million Liability Coverage for the Driver. You should request the name of the Insurance Carrier and Policy number to verify that there is Bodily Injury Coverage on the Vehicle you are about to Charter/Book. Vehicles that operate in the United States of America must carry an additional $1.5 Million USD Bodily Injury Coverage for vehicles that seat less than 15 passengers and $5 Million USD for vehicles that seat more than 16 passengers.
- Public Vehicle License - This is another talked about subject in the Passenger Transportation Industry. Vehicles that seat 10 or more must have a valid CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration) to operate anywhere in Canada. As of July 1, 2021, The Ontario Bus Industry has been deregulated and the OHTB has been dissolved. Public Vehicles Licences are no longer issued or are no longer valid. Vehicles that operate in the United States of America must have a valid US DOT and Operating Authority which is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also known as the FMCSA. For reference our US DOT is 3084729 and our Operating Authority is MC-68661.
- Maintenance - Does the Company have a Maintenance Program in place? Our Vehicles are maintained at third party garages that we work closely with ensure all maintenance is up-to-date. Our vehicles goes through Federal Law mandated pre-trip inspection on a daily basis. Management would also perform maintenance checks on a every other day basis to locate and repair all defects found before our drivers find them.
- Annual and Semi-annual Inspection Stickers - Ontario Law requires buses with 10 seats or more to be inspected every six (6) Months by a qualified Mechanic. The current sticker colour is orange and the sticker would indicate the month and year of inspection.
- Driver Training - Ask if your driver has been properly trained. We don't just mean trained to drive on the road but trained on the bus or van they drive and trained in how to handle a on-board emergency. Ask if the Company evaluates their drivers on a on-going basis.
- Drug and Alcohol testing/screening - Ask if your Company has a Drug and Alcohol policy in place which includes random testing. It is our policy that all drivers must be Drug and Alcohol tested. Never Charter/Book a Company who cannot enforce a Drug and Alcohol free workplace. US DOT Operators are required to be registered under the FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- On-road-emergencies - Ask if the Company has policies and procedures in place in an event of a breakdown or collision. Also, ask if your driver has access to a maintenance network when your trip is far and wide from origin. For peace of mind, some of our vehicles are equipped with emergency equipment to cope with minor breakdowns. We also have a contract with a Roadside Service Provider who has a network of roadside assistance vehicles and tow trucks to respond to breakdowns. If your trip is high profile, we even have a Crisis Management System in place to deal with the unexpected professionally.
This is what you should expect from a Professional Charter Bus Company! Why not Charter/Book a trip with us and experience the equinoxbus.com difference! Book Now!
Remember this: If other Charter Bus Companies have not provided tips and education about their industry, why would you jeopardize yourself and your groups safety?
