Make an Informed Decision for Your Charter
Considering that a full motorcoach can take 55 automobiles off the highway, choosing this form of transportation is wise. But when choosing a charter service, getting to and from your destination is only about half the battle. There are many other factors that need to be carefully weighed when choosing who will be the best choice for your needs. This is especially true if you’re looking for an airport shuttle to Philadelphia. With changing traffic conditions and variable weather, you need to eliminate as many controllable factors as you can to help make for a smoother ride and overall enjoyable experience. As we will discuss, some of what goes into picking the right charter company involves things that are unseen—or at least less than obvious—upon first look.
Safety First
Airport shuttle express services will, and should, always present a polished appearance. However, in order to make sure you are getting the best airport transportation possible, you may have to scrape beneath the shiny veneer. Safety should be the first thing you look for. You can ask about several things that will make your venture safer. For instance, antilock braking systems, particularly on busses, should be a requirement. Antilock braking does not necessarily make the bus stop sooner, and it certainly doesn’t do the braking for the driver. However, it can be a crucial component to ensuring the safety of the braking process. They prevent the brakes from locking up—regardless of how quickly the operator steps on the brake pedal. On the other hand, if the brakes lock up, the vehicle may go into a skid. This loss of traction will result in a loss of control. Asking about the braking system is a quick and easy way to ensure your trip is a safer one.
The Age of the Vehicles
There’s nothing wrong with an older vehicle. They often have classy touches that can make the trip a little more pleasant. However, you need to know about how old the vehicle is going to be. If it is older, you should ask about what kinds of maintenance have been performed on it to ensure you will be safe. If you are taking an airport shuttle to Philadelphia, there could be a lot of stopping and going and even some sharp turns that put stress on the vehicle’s components. If these have not been maintained over the years, failure is much more likely.
If the vehicle is newer, there are certain problems that are less likely to pop up. The cooling system, the belts, the fans, suspension, and other important parts are more likely to be in good shape. This can help your trip be a more relaxing one.
Special Needs of Your Group
While you may be used to accommodating the needs of people in your group, some of these may be prohibitive for a charter bus company. Some of these include injuries or illnesses that limit mobility or issues regarding motion sickness, vertigo, or similar concerns. If older people will be traveling with you, they may have special needs as well. Give yourself a nice time cushion and make a list of the needs of your group. Then contact charter buses to see if they have the necessary accessories or procedures to accommodate these needs. If they do not, they may be willing to acquire the things they need in order to win your business. An airport shuttle to Philadelphia should be used to serving a diverse selection of people, including those with special needs, so this should not be a problem.
How Are Staff Trained
Whether it involves accommodating special needs to simply being a good driver, it is important that the staff receives adequate training. If people are simply hired based on their driving records, then they may not be a good enough airport shuttle to Philadelphia because they need a range of expertise. Inquire about how staff are trained. First and foremost, this involves what kind of training they get as part of the hiring process. There should be a list of things they are required to learn when they first join the team. Furthermore, they should have to demonstrate their knowledge. You can politely ask about these procedures.
Taking these steps will make your trip to the airport safer and more enjoyable.