School Bus Rental Tips

Do you need a school bus? A school bus service offers bus hire services to schools that do not own buses or those requiring an extra bus. So what considerations should you make when renting a bus from the service? Below are some insights. 

Visit the school bus service yard to establish what buses are available to hire. Your immediate concern would be whether the bus meets the legal requirements. For instance, some states have laws on the service life of school buses. Ensure that the bus you rent does not exceed this service life. Moreover, the school bus should meet other mandatory requirements such as signage, seatbelts, fire suppression systems and markings. The law expects you to ensure the bus is in excellent mechanical condition. For example, the brakes, suspension, tires and transmission must be in perfect condition. Conduct an inspection and test the vehicle for mechanical defects. For instance, an engine with strange sounds or vibrations could fail. You should also look out for leaks and handling issues. The best approach would be to ask the rental service for inspection records to ensure the bus is in excellent condition. 

What type of bus do you need? There are different types of buses, each with varying features. For example, consider buses with TV screens, a music system, reclining seats, charging ports, Wi-Fi and an onboard washroom when going for a long trip. Preferably, the coach should have large windows to allow passengers to enjoy the landscape during the trip. Kids are known to carry a lot of baggage when going on excursions. Therefore, ensure the rental coach has adequate storage space. If the trip involves off-road driving, ensure the bus has all-wheel drive capabilities. This way, you do not get stuck in muddy or rocky terrain. 

Assess the rental conditions. For example, is the bus available for the entire rental period? Can you extend the rental period? Most school bus hire services ask their clients to prepare an itinerary for their trip. It helps them determine where and when the bus will go. In some cases, the company could need to apply for permits. For example, it could be that you plan to cross state or international boundaries. The itinerary also helps the company determine the number of drivers needed. For long trips, the company deploys two drivers to avoid driver fatigue. Finally, assess the bus rental charges. Ask for discounts and complimentary services.