We all like to win, even if that winning is about choosing the right charter bus service. When it comes to sports team travel, it’s important for each team to arrive well-rested and on-time to their game.
When choosing charter bus service for a game, or a series of sporting events, there are a few simple things to keep in mind to get your road trip started on the right track, quite literally. Because, after all, winning a game is a team event, and a good team is more than just the players on the court or the field; it’s the people behind-the-scenes, too.
Fit Your Whole Team on a Charter Bus
Traveling with a team can be a fun and challenging adventure. It’s not just the people you’re trying to get from point A to point B, but the gear as well. When you’re looking for the right bus for your team, ask the following questions:
How many people are traveling?
Depending on the sport, a team and its staff may only require one charter bus, a minibus, or multiple vehicles. It’s helpful to have a qualified ground transportation consultant to assist you in booking the right vehicle for your needs. They can help you determine if you need a smaller Sprinter Van that fits 12-15 passengers, or a full-size motorcoach that seats 55—or anything in-between.
How much equipment are you carrying?
How much equipment a sports team carries will vary greatly and change the type of vehicle you charter. Additionally, you’ll want to check with your motor coach carrier and ground transportation consultant about what kind of support there is for loading and unloading equipment.
Consider the type of equipment you’re transporting for games and practices and team luggage. Even if the number of people fits in a vehicle, if your equipment doesn’t, you’ll need a reputable consultant to help you decide what your options are, and find motorcoach carriers that offer a wide range of vehicles.
Some sports, like pole vaulting may require extra accommodations. Even though the team is small, the equipment they carry may necessitate a different type of vehicle that a consultant can help to schedule.
Does the team have special accommodations?
Some teams want to travel in more luxury or with special needs in mind, so you’ll want to note that when speaking with carriers and consultants about your travel.
If persons with disabilities are traveling on your charter bus, ask about what accommodations can be made on certain vehicles. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that private transportation companies, like shuttle buses or motorcoach buses, need to provide vehicles that are accessible for all riders. If a certain vehicle doesn’t have accommodations, they are required to offer a comparable vehicle at the same price, to the same destination.
Safety on the Road
Safety should always be a top priority for your team, but also for your charter bus partners. When you’re considering a certain company or charter bus service, ask about vehicle compliance that meets the standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) and the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
It’s important that carriers demonstrate a process for vehicle and driver accountability. Ask how often vehicles are checked, by whom, driver requirements and standards, and vehicle maintenance. A qualified charter bus consultant will know the specific questions to ask, as well as knowledge about various regulatory institutions that manage ground transportation.
When it’s the win you’re after, make sure you’re choosing a winning charter bus service. STM Driven’s knowledgeable team understands the unique needs of their athletic team partners and works closely with them to procure the best charter buses on the road. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get to your next game!
