Policy
How much of a deposit is required?
25% or $400 Per motorcoach, which is the greatest.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due 14 days before departure. Nonpayment within seven days from departure is subject to cancellation.
What is the cancellation policy?
**Cancellation Policy**
We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. While we are unable to offer refunds, we are pleased to offer a credit for future bookings under the following conditions:
1. **Notification**: To qualify for a booking credit, notify us of your cancellation at least 60 days Via Email before your scheduled booking. This gives us ample time to adjust our schedule and
offer the opportunity to other guests.
2. **Credit Details**: If you cancel your booking within the required timeframe, you will receive a credit equal to the amount you have already paid. This credit can be used towards any future booking within one year from the original booking date. Please note that the credit is non-transferable and must be used by the person or entity that made the original booking.
3. **Booking a New Date**: To use your credit for a future booking, please get in touch with us directly. The booking is subject to availability, and we recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.
4. **Expiration**: The credit is valid for one year from the initial booking date. If the credit is not used within this timeframe, it will expire and cannot be redeemed.
5. **Exceptions**: Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both our guests and our operation. However, we understand that exceptional circumstances can occur. If you believe your situation warrants an exception, please get in touch with us to discuss your case.
How soon do I need to book?
Ideally, you want to book at least 8 weeks in advance to ensure availability. The earlier you book, the more options you will have.
Do I need to tip the bus operator?
The standard gratuity is 10%
Do I pay for parking, tolls, and other fees?
A majority of bus companies include these fees in their initial quote, but some companies separate them and have you pay as the fees are incurred. Just be sure to ask if these fees are included or are separate before booking. Rivers Transport Services does not add this in quote customers pay as the incur.
Do I need to book a hotel room for the bus operator?
Yes, for overnight trips, it is customary to book the operator’s hotel room, but most hotels will comp the bus operator’s room (provide the room for free) when you book rooms for large groups. Ask for someone in group sales at the hotel to ensure the operator’s room gets comped.
Is alcohol or smoking allowed?
About 80% of bus companies allow alcohol with a refundable deposit of typically $150 to $250 in the US. Alcohol is not allowed on buses in Canada. Only a small percentage of bus companies allow smoking. Rivers Transport Services $250
Can I purchase just one or two seats for a trip?
No, Only the entire bus. Greyhound.com provides single passenger tickets.
I have a CDL License, can I charter a bus without a operator?
No, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration & insurance policy doesn’t allow it.
Components Of A Quote
Local Use Charters
Hours of use: Local travel is most commonly based on hours of use. The national average rate per hour for a full size deluxe motor coach in March of 2007 was $90 (2004 was $83; 2003 was $68). Almost all companies have a 3, 4, 5, or 6-hour minimum charge-5-hours being the most common across the U.S.
Gratuity: The standard bus operator gratuity for chartering a bus is 10%. About a third of operator’s pay comes from the gratuity as an incentive to provide good service.
Sales Tax: There is no sales tax when chartering a bus in most states (CA has a 1% tax, and OH appx. 7.75%).
Over the Road Charters
Mileage: buses traveling out of the local area and overnight are quoted based on miles. The average charge per mile across the nation in March of 2007 was $2.94 (2004 was $2.66) with the company’s day rate as a minimum charge per day. 2012 average rate is $3.50
Day Rate: The minimum charge per day if the per-mile charge is not more than the combined day rates. The average day rate in March of 2007 was $821 (2004 was $769; 2003 was $703). 2012 Average day rate $960
Driver Change: for every 10 hours of driving, or 15 hours of stand-by time, law requires 10 consecutive hours of rest. If you plan on driving over 10 hours, an operator change has to be made. Bus Operator changes range from $200 to $900 depending on how far from the departure city the change has to be made.
Local Travel: The amount of local mileage allowed per day once the bus reaches the destination city.
Driver Hotel: Usually the customer books and pays for the operator’s hotel room, but most hotels will comp the operator’s room at no charge when you book several rooms for your group. Ask for someone in group sales at the hotel to ensure the operator’s room is complimentary.
Other expenses: Depending on your destination, you may encounter other fees such as bridge tolls or airport taxes, most companies include these in your initial quote, and some have you pay for them as they are incurred.
Fuel Surcharge: During periods of fuel price volatility, bus companies often charge a fuel surcharge to prevent having to change their primary rates (filed and posted) on a daily basis. Bus companies commonly link their fuel surcharge rate with the Department of Energy’s website: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/wohdp/diesel.asp.