Your group needs highway transportation services to another State for an event, tour, or on an on-going basis. You need to find out the most appropriate means of transportation. There are a number of important issues to consider in making your decision. While cost is one important issue, it should not be the primary consideration. The safety of your group must be your most important concern.

We have listed some questions and information to assist you in deciding what type of transportation service (motorcoach, school bus, minibus/van, limousine, etc.) best meets your needs.

Some States mandate that only school buses be used to transport school children. If your group is comprised of school children, please check with your State authorities for possible requirements. Some school bus operations are private companies under contract to the local school system, but provide transportation services with school buses to the general public for a fee.

Federal law prohibits the sale or lease of new 12 and 15-passenger vans for the school-related transportation of high school and younger students because of a higher rollover risk. Some colleges, universities, and college organizations have established policies against the use of 12 and 15-passenger vans.

1. How many people are going to be transported?

A motorcoach (also called an over-the-road bus) can typically transport 40 to 50 passengers. School buses vary in size and seating capacity, but can typically transport 10 to 80 passengers. A mini-bus is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, and is typically built on a small truck chassis. A minibus has a smaller seating capacity than a motorcoach. A passenger van can typically transport 15 or fewer passengers. Limousines (and airport shuttles) vary in size and seating capacity, and can typically transport 15 or fewer passengers. A limousine is usually built on a lengthened automobile chassis.

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, has shown that 12 and 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases significantly as the number of occupants increases from less than 5 to more than 10. Passenger vans with 10 or more occupants had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that were lightly loaded.

2. How long is the trip in terms of time?

Drivers of vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in interstate commerce are subject to driving time limitations. Check whether the driver can complete the trip within a normal workday (no more than 10 hours of driving and no driving after 15 on-duty hours). Relief drivers may need to be arranged to legally complete the trip.

Many motorcoaches are equipped with restroom facilities that can be used while the vehicle is in operation. School buses, mini-buses, vans, and limousines do not typically have such facilities. The type and style of seating on the vehicle should be considered in determining its comfort and appropriateness for the type and length of trip. A longer trip may suggest more comfortably designed passenger seats and an air ride vehicle suspension. Generally, motorcoaches and limousines may be more comfortable for drivers and passengers on long trips.

3. Will the trip require the passengers to have baggage or equipment? Where will the baggage or equipment be stored during the trip?

Baggage and equipment should not be kept in the aisles or stacked in empty seats. Both of these practices are unsafe. Nearly all motorcoaches have storage areas for luggage and equipment. Most school buses have no storage capacity. The storage capacities of mini-buses, vans, limousines, etc., vary. Check with the companies that operate such vehicles to determine whether your storage needs can be met.

4. Over what terrain will the vehicle be operated?

A trip over mountains requires different transmission ratios than local routes over flat terrain. The performance capacity (hill climbing and braking) of the vehicle must be appropriate for the terrain. Most importantly, all safety equipment must be in proper operating condition. Verify with the company that your preferred vehicle type can adequately handle the terrain that will be encountered during your trip.

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