The following checklist was compiled with the assistance of
Brian Scott, vice president of Escot Bus Lines, 6890 142nd Ave.
North, Largo, Fla.; (727) 545-2088; www.escotbuslines.com
INITIAL QUESTIONS
For how long has the company been in business?How often are coaches mechanically inspected?What is the average age of the motor coaches?Are vehicles cleaned nightly?What is the seating capacity of vehicles the company uses?Is it possible to visit the company’s facility and look at the
coaches before making a decision?Can the company provide proof of insurance coverage?Can the company provide proof of workers’ compensation
insurance?To which professional associations does the company
belong? What is the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation or
Department of Defense rating and date of last audit?Does the company have mobile communications and uniformed
drivers?What languages do the drivers speak? Are bilingual drivers
available, if necessary?What is the average job tenure of the firm’s drivers? (High
turnover rates may be an indication of substandard service.)Does the company conduct thorough background checks on its
drivers (proper licensing, traffic violations, etc.)?Who will be the contact person at the firm? Will that person be
available during the event?Does the company have an after-hours emergency phone
number?What happens if a motor coach breaks down while in service? Ask
the firm to outline its backup plans. What is the minimum hourly usage charge? When do overtime
charges apply?Does the quoted price include gratuity, airport pickups, tolls,
fuel surcharges, etc.?If coaches are needed for several hours, is a more economical
daily rate available?Does the firm offer a volume discount if several vehicles are
needed?Does the firm keep careful tabs on local road closures, repairs
and traffic? Do they plan alternate routes?Does the firm have local permits to work in areas such as
airports, piers and parks?Can the firm supply you with references? (Be sure to call the
references yourself.)OUTLINING NEEDS
Provide dates, times and places of required services.Include the number of coaches required, as well as their
passenger-carrying capacity.Provide basic information about the organization and profiles
of the attendees.Note any special services required, such as wheelchair-
accessible vehicles, other ADA requirements or VIP needs. Spell out requirements regarding subcontracting to other
carriers. Ask that any subcontracted work be specifically addressed
in the written contract.Specify if the group will require on-site dispatchers and/or
coordinators from the company.Specify if the group will require any special A/V equipment,
such as a videotape player or a public address system.Indicate whether rest room-equipped coaches are
necessary. Note whether the group will require signage on coaches.Indicate peak times for maximum shuttle service and times
intermittent shuttles will be needed.Find out if drivers have allotted or required break times.Notes: