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The Concise Guide to Employee Transportation with a Minibus
A minibus can be the perfect solution for companies that require transportation of multiple employees between facilities. Many companies overlook the value of adding additional vehicles to their fleet. Whether transporting employees to a neighboring city or across state lines, a bus with reduced seating and better maneuverability may be the answer.
Passenger Count
One of the main perks of a company owned bus is the amount of passengers that can fit in the vehicle as opposed to a car or truck. Seating seven to 14 people make it ideal for trips that require four or more employees. There is also storage space for luggage, laptop bags, and anything else an employee needs to carry to and from their job site.
Convenient and Cost Effective
Unlike full size buses or shuttles, minibuses do not require a commercial driver’s license. As hiring or training a driver can be time consuming and costly, vehicles that do not require a commercial driver’s license to operate can offer greater flexibility. Instead, a group of dedicated employees can take the wheel. Before purchase, check your state requirements.
Options Available
Though not all purchases require a special order, the vehicle can be furnished with additional features. It’s important to talk with a salesperson to get a better understanding of what units are available. A few of the more popular options include.
- Front or rear wheelchair lifts
- Rear and overhead luggage racks
- Destination signage
- Executive style seating
Reduce Parking Clutter
Rather than crowding a facility parking lot with three to four vehicles, a company owned bus takes up only one or two spots. Personal employee vehicles travelling to and from one facility will no longer clutter the parking lot.
Time Saver
The time a company can save by having the ability to commute up to 14 employees at a time from one facility to another is invaluable. Having a caravan of cars can create confusion and cause unnecessary delays. Transporting employees in one vehicle ensures everyone arrives to their destination.
Increased Productivity
Having all the employees in one vehicle is not only a time-saver, it is a way to continue working even while on the road. Having everyone in a central location means employees can continue work-related discussions and have a productive ride.
Fuel Efficient
Many minibuses can be converted to compressed natural gas (CNG), which is great for both the environment and a company’s bottom line. CNG is better for the environment than other fossil fuels like gas and diesel because it does not have the same negative compounds. It also produces significantly less pollutants during processing than gasoline. CNG also costs 15 to 50 percent less per tank per gasoline gallon equivalent.
Save the Environment and the Budget
CNG’s clean-burning properties can also keep expensive maintenance bills at bay. Fleet owners have reported up to 40 percent reduced maintenance costs for a CNG converted fleet vehicle. Pipes and mufflers also last longer in CNG vehicles since natural gas does not have the same reaction with metals as gasoline.
There are many reasons companies should consider buying a minibus to transport their employees from one facility to another. A minibus can save time and money while allowing employees to continue working together.
