IN ORDER TO MAKE ANY GROUP TRIP AS SAFE AND PLEASANT AS POSSIBLE, THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ARE TO BE OBSERVED BY ALL CHARTER AND TOUR GROUPS WHEN USING A MOTOR COACH.
All decisions pertaining to the operation of the motor coach will be made by the driver based on legal requirements and company policy.
It is the driver's determination when and where fuel stops shall be made in accordance with the company's policy.
The driver will determine where the bus may be safely stopped during emergencies on the road and where it may be parked at other times.
Allowing food and drinks inside the bus is a privilege granted by the motor coach company and may be rescinded at the discretion of the driver. Should the driver determine that this privilege is being abused, all food and drink will be placed in the baggage area and passengers will have access during stops as needed. A clean-up and damage fee will be assessed if necessary.
Chaperons are responsible to see that passengers put trash in containers provided by the driver and if necessary pick up food and drink trash left by the their group.
Deviation from the itinerary that was presented to the bus company may result in extra costs. Once the trip is in progress, additional itinerary changes may result in greater mileage costs or determined to be impossible if it conflicts with the legal duty time required by the driver.
Passenger behavior on the bus is the responsibility of the chaperons. Safety requirements determine that all passengers should be seated while the bus is in motion; it is the responsibility of the chaperons to see that this rule is enforced. If the chaperons cannot enforce this rule, the driver may park the bus and remain parked until it is enforced.
Commercial bus drivers are strictly regulated as to driving hours in order to comply with the legal requirements for safety. This requires close cooperation between the commercial bus company and the activity group to insure compliance.
The US Department of Transportation regulation 395.10 restricts a driver’s duty time. The rule has three components
- 10 hour rule: A driver cannot drive more than 10 hours after eight (8) consecutive hours off duty. ( Adverse driving conditions and verifiable emergency situations are excepted)
- 15 Hour Rule: After 15 hours on duty (this includes driving and on-duty, not driving time) a driver cannot continue driving until completion of eight (8) consecutive hours off duty. (* On-duty not driving includes time for pre trip inspection and delays)
- 70 Hour rule: On- duty time cannot exceed 70 hours for any period of eight consecutive days
THIS GUIDE WAS CREATED BY THE UNITED MOTOR COACH ASSOCIATION.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO WWW.UMA.ORG FOR CONSUMER SAFETY GUIDES TO CHOOSING A SAFE MOTOR COACH COMPANY.