When planning your next group trip, the topic of transportation is sure to come up fairly early on in the process. Safely getting your guests from point A to point B while having a great time on the trip is surely a priority, regardless of what kind of trip you are planning. Whether you’re looking to plan a school field trip, a summer camp excursion, a wine trip for friends or a weekend getaway for your extended family, there are a few different transportation options that you might come across.

School bus vs coach bus for your next group trip

At Switzer-Carty Transportation, we offer school bus rentals to any group, going anywhere in South-Central Ontario. Whether from Toronto to Casino Niagara, or Mississauga to Muskoka – we’ll get you there safe and on-time for group fun. Get a quote online!

While hiring a coach bus might seem like the most obvious option, there is another way to go that might actually be better for your group: a school bus! A school bus has many perks compared to a coach bus, but it’s an option that is often overlooked by those planning a trip. A school bus is a great transportation option for groups, and you don’t need to be school-aged to benefit.

1. School buses have a lower cost

While prices will vary depending on where you are going, what days you’re booking and how many people you need to accommodate, coach buses typically run anywhere from $600 to $1000 for a 5-hour booking, with an additional charge for each hour over that. A school bus will often come in at about half of that, so you’ll save quite a bit of money when planning your group trip.

2. The training school bus drivers go through is excellent

There’s not much more important to a group trip than getting to and from your destination safely. Hiring a bus that comes with a thoroughly trained driver will allow all attendees have the best day possible, because they know they are in good hands. School bus drivers regularly undergo training to ensure they are on top of all safety requirements for both the vehicle they’re driving, and their skills behind the wheel.

3. School buses and extremely safe

Since school buses undergo daily inspections every time a driver is going to drive one, you can rest assured that you are riding in safety for your entire journey. School buses in Ontario are held to strict provincial and district maintenance requirements, so every school bus on the road is frequently checked for numerous safety markers.

4. Attendees will have a fun throwback to their youth

What’s more fun than going on a trip with friends, and reliving the fun that came with riding a school bus with them as kids? Trading seats, playing car ride games and sitting at the back of the bus were so much fun when we were younger, so bring those memories into your group trip to get it started on the right foot.

5. Many bus sizes available

Regardless of what size of group you are putting together, school buses come in a variety of sizes to accommodate them. From small groups of 10 or 15 to large groups of up to 48, there is a school bus to fit your needs. There is no sense booking a coach bus that is bigger than you’ll need when your group would fit perfectly in a mini school bus. There are also buses that can accommodate wheelchairs so that no one will feel left out!

A school bus is a great choice for group trips

A school bus is an extremely safe, cost effective and fun way for your group to get to where they want to go. Whether you’re heading out to watch a sports game, are planning on a hiking trip to some nearby provincial parks or are planning a day of visiting breweries and wineries, your school bus driver will ensure that you get there safely and have fun along the way. There’s really no better alternative to a fun day trip with safe and budget friendly transportation!