Our tool below helps you find OMCA Bus Operators. Our members have the highest standards in safety, service, and regulatory compliance. Whether chartering an OMCA member or non-member, read our details below on what questions to ask and what things to consider in making your selection.
Shopping for a motor coach charter company to transport your group can be a confusing and uncertain experience for consumers. Prices and services vary from company to company, and healthy competition exists for your business.
Selecting a company on the basis of price alone could lead to disappointment down the road. There are some unscrupulous operators who exploit a competitive advantage gained through non-compliance with the laws that regulate the motor coach industry. Canada’s motor coach industry is proud of its exemplary safety record and continuously strives to provide the highest level of safety, service, and value to consumers. Transport Canada has praised the bus industry for its remarkable safety record as compared to other modes of travel.
While safety and compliance pays, it also “costs”. Responsible, legal, and reputable coach companies make considerable investments to recruit and train suitable drivers, monitor driver condition and performance, inspect and maintain their vehicles to prescribed standards, obtain required insurance coverage, comply with hours of service limits, etc. Unfortunately there are a few companies that don’t. These companies can operate, albeit for a limited time, by cutting corners and shaving operating expenses in areas of safety, maintenance, insurance, and evading other government regulations.
The law restricts driving time to 13 hours in a day, after which the driver must take 8 consecutive hours off-duty before driving again. In the US, these hours are 10 and 8 respectively. It is unlawful for any person to request or require a driver to break these rules.
The law requires buses to undergo a periodic mechanical inspection. The safety sticker must be placed on the front right corner of the coach and indicate the day and month of inspection
A Carrier Abstract is a document issued by the province/territory available to the general public summarizing a company’s safety performance for a two-year period.
If the trip is beyond the provincial/ territorial borders, the company may require an Extra-Provincial Operating Licence issued by the province/ territory.
Provincial/territorial laws require a public vehicle operator to carry $8 million in public liability insurance for buses.
The US DOT number can be verified through the US DOT website at www.safersys.org/ In addition, insurance required by US DOT for US travel (US $5 million) can be verified on this web site. The US DOT number must be displayed on the side of the coach.
The US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all bus drivers who enter the USA to be enrolled in a drug and alcohol-testing program.
Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR)
Be sure to check CVOR numbers on the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website.
Don’t be afraid to ask searching questions when it comes to the company’s vehicle maintenance practices, such as “Who inspects and maintains the coaches?” and “Where are the coaches maintained?”
Be wary of companies that will not provide references attesting to their safety performance and service quality.
Ask questions to satisfy yourself that the company conducts regular driver training and evaluation.
Determine the age of the coach if that’s important to your group. Motor coaches are solid and well-made vehicles that have a much longer service life than cars, so older equipment that has been well cared for can indeed provide safe, clean, and reliable transportation. Be sure to ask about amenities that are important to your group, such as video and sound systems, lavatory, reclining seats, wheelchair lifts, luggage storage, air conditioning, etc.
Even the most modern, well-maintained coaches can experience an unforeseen mechanical failure. Reputable and experienced companies have 24-hour back-up measures and contingency plans in place to minimize disruption and delays en-route.
Legal, responsible, and safe companies have nothing to hide and will proudly show you their maintenance and operations facility. If you’re unsure whether the company’s services will meet your needs, ask to drop by to see before you buy.