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Why a Mini Bus Is Crucial to Your Tour Business
Having the appropriate transportation for a tour business is essential. A customers experience is influenced by not only their destination but also how they arrive. Seating arrangements, luggage racks, and vehicle maneuverability are all factors in transportation. Many tour operators think they need to go big, when in reality a smaller bus can expand their offerings.
What Is A Mini Bus
Typically, a mini or short bus seats 7 to 14 passengers with alternative floor plans for wheelchair passengers. These buses are shorter in overall length, only about 19 to 22 feet; meaning they’re about the length of the average American car. The shorter length allows for greater maneuverability and more route options for drivers. A narrow body configuration and lower overall height make them space savers for those tight parking spots. While many don’t think of a bus as compact, a mini bus is suitable for many spaces a larger bus may not be able to handle.
More Drop Off And Pick Up Locations
Though it looks like a bus, the maneuverability is great for business owners for flexible transportation options. The space-saving bus can easily drop off and pick up passengers at a busy airport. A roomy center aisle will allow for quicker entry and exit, ensuring everyone will make it on time.
Customizations For The Best Configuration
Stock units at your local bus dealership may not have the specific options you are looking for. Luckily, customizing a bus straight from the manufacturer can be a great choice. If you do choose to go this route, you’ll have your pick of luggage rack placement, wheelchair seating, and ambulatory seat placement. Of course, if for some reason the manufacturer is unable to perform a very specific build, your salesperson can guide you through the process of working with someone who can.
Cater To Specialized Clientele
If you already have a large tour bus or two, it can be easy to add a smaller vehicle to your fleet. Adding something with a limited passenger range can give you more options when thinking about customer needs throughout the trip. Let’s say you have a large group visiting with forty people, but ten need to attend a special dinner one night. Owning a smaller bus can allow you to transport the individuals that need it without taking away the larger tour bus. You also won’t have wasted space, or gas that would have occurred on the large tour bus.
Emergency Transportation In A Pinch
15 passenger vans and other larger vehicles require special licenses and possibly training to operate. For vehicles with capacity for 15 or less, there are usually no special requirements for operation. No Commercial Driver’s License means anyone with a standard driver’s license can operate. If an emergency occurs, no one will be left without transportation. Most states, including New York and California, require a CDL for vans or buses carrying more than 15 passengers. As always, it’s best to check your state requirements before making the final purchase.
A mini bus can be a great add on for those looking to add something special to their tour business. With so many details to consider, you’ll want to talk to the right person before your purchase. And, as with any big business purchase, make sure you weigh all the transportation options.
