FAQ
Safety
Your safety is our primary focus. Cairns Bus Charters is an industry leader, with our safety and maintenance programme focusing only on best practices by international standards. All of our vehicles undergo daily maintenance and safety inspections including mandatory reporting and review by our expert Operations Managers. Our vehicles also undergo regular and rigorous Government Inspections to ensure that they meet all requirements to ensure safety and reliability. Our experienced Coach Captains are subject to a strict and ongoing professional development programme and are required to review and report on their vehicles prior to every vehicle dispatch. Driver training and education is a pillar of our organisation with a focus on exceptional performance as licenced operators of heavy vehicles being the key to our flawless record in the safe transport of our valued customers.
24 hour Backup
Cairns Bus Charters offer 24-hour vehicle back-up for all organisations requiring temporary replacement vehicles for any reason. If your organisation has experienced vehicle loss or damage, contact our staff, 24-hours a day, for the immediate provision of a replacement vehicle to ensure your operations can continue and your customers are satisfied in any event of any unforseen occurrence. Special fees may apply for emergency bus services.
Insurance
Cairns Bus Charters offer a comprehensive range of Risk Protection Options for our Self-Drive Hire vehicles. The table below provides an overview of our Risk Protection Options and further details are available within our “Risk Protection Policy (PDS).pdf”.
| What is covered? | Platinum $49 | Gold $29 | Silver $20 | Bronze $15 | Windscreen & Tyre $5 | 24h Assistance $5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to other people’s property |
YES | YES | YES | YES | N/A | N/A |
| Damage from Storm or Hail |
YES | YES | YES | NO | N/A | N/A |
| Theft of secured vehicle by unknown third party |
YES | YES | YES | NO | N/A | N/A |
| Accidental damage from collision with another vehicle |
YES | YES | YES | NO | N/A | N/A |
| Malicious Damage or vandalism by unknown third party |
YES | YES | YES | NO | N/A | N/A |
| *24 Hour Road-side assistance |
YES | YES | NO *Optional Extra |
NO *Optional Extra |
N/A | YES |
| *Windscreen Damage |
YES | YES | NO *Optional Extra |
NO *Optional Extra |
YES | NO |
| *Tyre Damage | YES | YES | NO *Optional Extra |
NO *Optional Extra |
YES | NO |
| Minimum Excess | YES *$250 Excess |
NO *$750 Excess |
NO *$1,500 Excess |
NO *$3,000 Excess |
N/A | N/A |
Cairns Bus Charters also offer 24-hour roadside assistance packages to ensure a risk-free service for you and your guests. Please ask our friendly staff for more information on this service (fees may apply).
Extras
GPS, Eskys, Water, DVD player, music systems (MP3, CD etc.)
Avoid Regrets
Ask to See the Company’s vehicles
Check out the vehicle you plan on chartering. You don’t want to be surprised on the big day when a relic shows up at the event when you were expecting much more!
Get A Signed Contract for Any Reservation
Reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can’t supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfil your reservation.
Ask About Insurance & Permits
All busses and coaches are required by law to be registered, have insurance, carry currant certificate of inspection, and proper permits. Unfortunately, the internet and advertising services do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from “dodgy companies”, ask for proof of these before you enter a contract.
Ask About Industry Associations
Companies who belong to industry and government associations usually must abide by special regulations and service rules. Associations such as the Australian Bus and Coach (ABC) and Queensland Department of Transport are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence.
“We don’t have your reservation”
Don’t be the bride or events coordinator which gets the “We don’t have your reservation” story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pick up a better paying fare.
Maintenance
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… where are the coaches maintained?”
References
Be wary of companies that will not provide references attesting to their safety performance and service quality.
Driver Training
Ask questions to satisfy yourself that the company conducts regular driver training and evaluation.
Do you have on-staff certified Driver Trainers, certified by Queensland Transport?
Vehicle Age & Amenities
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, reclining seats, wheelchair lifts, luggage storage, air conditioning, etc.
Back-up in the Event of an Emergency
Even the most modern, well-maintained coaches can experience and 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.
When in Doubt… Check It Out
Legal, responsible and safe companies have nothing to hide and will proudly show you their maintenance and operations facility. If you’re unsure the company’s services will meet your needs, ask yourself “is it worth it?”