Think Safety When Choosing A Charter Bus For Transportation, Cautions Better Business Bureau

CHICAGO, IL – Most colleges are already in the full swing of the school year. Students begin planning their visits home for weekends and holidays. Motor coach buses are a popular mode of transportation for many. There are multiple companies to choose from and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends considering safety as well as pricing when choosing a charter bus transportation company.

“It is important for travelers to remember that safety and convenience are not the only things to be considering when looking into charter bus companies,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Safety should always come first.”

The BBB offers the following tips for college students and their parents when selecting a safe bus company:

• Know the history of the bus company. It is important to know how long the company has been in business and how long it has been established. Check on the compliments and complaints at www.bbb.org
• Verify with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Always ask for the company’s DOT number. This number is assigned by the U.S. government and is required for the vehicle’s drivers to carry at all times. The DOT number can also be used to check the past and current safety rating. The highest possible safety rating is satisfactory. Never ride in a vehicle with an unsatisfactory rating.

• Inquire about equipment. Ask the average age of the vehicle’s equipment. If a vehicle is more than 10 years old and doesn’t have proper maintenance updates, there are more risks for breakdowns.

• Ask how the company handles emergencies. Make sure you are informed how on-the-road emergencies are handled. The carrier should have access to a reciprocal maintenance agreement.

• Make sure the company has a drug and alcohol program. Look on the company’s website to make sure it has a formal drug and alcohol program.Never ride on a bus that doesn’t have a drug and alcohol free workplace

For more tips, visit www.bbb.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.