Group Transport

Church group charter bus travel

Many congregations already own a van. Before the next retreat, compare what that van actually costs in compliance with what a charter takes off your plate.

Owning the bus makes you the carrier

FMCSA is clear that an organization owning its own bus may itself be a regulated passenger carrier. That covers faith-based, educational and non-profit organizations alike. A vehicle designed for 16 or more needs a driver with a CDL passenger endorsement, and the organization must run drug and alcohol testing for its CDL drivers. Some driver-file rules are relaxed for non-business private carriers; the testing duty remains.

A charter moves those duties to the operator. The congregation picks the dates and the destination.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19-seat minibus, exterior
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19-seat minibus, exterior

What the rules require

  • Vehicles designed for 16+ need a driver with a CDL passenger endorsement.

Choosing the vehicle

A midsize coach (about 29 to 35 seats) suits a youth group or a choir. It has under-floor bays and, on some models, a restroom. A motorcoach of 49 seats or more suits a whole-congregation trip or a long interstate run. A 16- to 19-seat minibus handles a Sunday outing across town.

For a multi-day retreat, send the full itinerary. A long day on the road may need an overnight. For youth trips, note that buses over 26,000 lb built since November 28, 2016 must have passenger seat belts.

Planning a day trip

Pick destinations the coach can reach and park at. In Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park welcomes groups; in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium; in Washington, the National Mall with its signed loading zones; in Philadelphia, the Independence Transportation Center on Race St between 5th and 6th. Ask the venue for its bus instructions before promising a door drop.

Questions

Can our volunteers drive the church bus?

For a vehicle designed for 16 or more, the driver needs a CDL passenger endorsement, and the organization must test its CDL drivers for drugs and alcohol.

Can the coach take us on a multi-day retreat?

Yes. Send the full itinerary; the quote covers each day and the driver's overnight arrangements.

What size coach for 45 people?

A 49-seat motorcoach, with room for bags.

Can a wheelchair user travel with the group?

Yes. Give at least 48 hours notice for an accessible coach.

Cities

Vehicles

Plan the group trip

Dates, headcount and destination. One quote for the vehicle with driver, and nothing is charged before you accept.

Request a quote or call 15722344442