Charter busses are a Godsend when you need a large vehicle to get people from point A to point B.
In fact, they’re probably even more efficient than airplanes. This is because keeping track of everyone in the party, waiting through the hour-long lines for security, and a whole mess of reasons that make airlines horrible… is just a bunch of wasted time.
Time, you could have used, on your gorgeous charter bus, to connect EVEN MORE with your fellow workers.
One issue that comes up frequently (as well it should) is cost, and hidden costs. Let’s tackle this today and show you exactly why charter busses end up saving you a lot of money.
Bigger = Better
More often than not, the type of charter you select determines the cost of the entire trip. I’ll explain what I mean in just a bit.
But first, let’s make something clear: one of the biggest advantages of picking a charter bus for your trip is this: it prevents workers from “getting lost.”
Even if your colleagues or workers are respectable people you can depend on… the tendency to wander off and take a joy ride is too great a chance to pass up. And if they miss the trip, they can make the excuse that they “got lost” due to lack of directions.
That said, let’s take a look at some average bus prices (depending on the company). Various prices may differ.
- Deluxe Motor Coaches
For larger parties (40-60 people), a Deluxe Motor Coach is just PERFECT. These spacious “monsters” are luxurious and certain to seat enough people (reasonably). Some even have leather seats! How comfortable.
On average, the going price for Deluxe Motor Coaches is usually $500-900. This price is per 4-6 hours. If you have to use this coach for more than 10-12 hours, expect to pay anywhere between $800-1500.
Expensive? Absolutely! But, as you’ll fondly remember, it is a LOT less expensive than buying airline tickets. And, since it’s just you and your colleagues/workers/party, without the added annoyance of strangers and whining children… the journey is a lot less chaotic 🙂
Great as Deluxe Motor Coaches are for company travels, they just aren’t practical (or wallet-saving) if you’re travelling less than 150 miles.
- Minibuses
Minibuses are amazing. Plus, they as well seats 14-40 passengers. This is perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings, parties, or tidy-sized adventures, no matter what your day’s plans are.
Because, in reality, you probably shelled out a few thousand dollars for the day’s events. Which is understandable. Nobody in their right mind would expect something for nothing, not in today’s world.
That’s why a lot of corporations use Minibuses (or shuttle bus, or small bus, or mini coach, etc) for their company shuttles to and fro between many business outings. You do get something – the money you invested BACK in your pocket, as opposed to filling up your personal vehicle every few hundred miles.
Charter uses are a win-win however you look at them.
Whenever you have a planned outing to hotels, or construction sites, or airports, Minibuses are a cost-effective decision. This is because prices for using a Minibus for 4-6 hours are typically anywhere from $400-800. Using one from 10-12 hours may cost you between $600-1300.
- School Buses
It’s hard to board a school bus without thinking back to those horrible high school times. But, luckily, this form of charter busses are the most economical choice. They are perfect for destinations outside a 150 mile radius. School busses are great because they seat up to 40-70 people.
I told you that this is the most economical choice.
Here’s why: a 4-6 hour trip will cost you anywhere between $300-700. Per. And, if you estimate your journey will take more than 12 hours, you’ll only be paying typically anywhere between $650-1200.
There Are Downsides, However
Seeing how much MONEY you save yourself (and your employees/colleagues, which puts ‘em in a good mood – and who can’t use a bit of a good mood right now, eh?) by choosing charter buses… there’s one drawback to them.
You’re stuck with people.
People who may or may not be car-sick, are liable to throw up, or decide to bring their children. Maybe someone in your group is incessantly annoying and incompetent. Whatever the case is, there are people who just rub others the wrong way.
…Sometimes, through no fault of their own. I mean, you’re cramped in a small room with someone who could potentially ruin the entire experience. That’s a BIG drawback, right? Might put a dim on your whole day.
Nowhere To “Go”
Another drawback is some bus options have no restroom. This is a huge deal for some people.
I’d be TERRIBLE on a 4-5-hour trip with no restroom, as I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a small bladder. Hence my reasoning for hardly going on road trips: we’d make terrible time were I in the car.
A lot of people are the same way.
Imagine, if this hasn’t already happened to you before, that you’re surrounded by 6 or 7 people with equally small bladders – all piping up every hour or so, going to the bathroom. Stinking up the place.
It’s a nightmare, I tell you. A pure nightmare.
STILL, going with a charter (no matter your option – be it executive, school, or mini) is one sure-fire way to ensure no employees or colleagues get lost en route. I’d say this one trade-off alone is worth the hassle of enduring people’s… “misgivings.”
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the advantages and disadvantages of going charter, I hope you’ll consider choosing one the next time your business has an outing.
They are hands-down the most economical way to save your money during trips. Plus, they’re also a great way for your workers and colleagues to get to know each other. Maybe bring along a pack of gaming cards, or “Cards Against Humanity”. Any fun card game that helps people relax, take off their ties, let their hair go and have some fun on this experience together.