Friday, March 25, 2011

Tips to Hire a Minibus


There are a number of occasions where there is a need for a minibus. Some of these occasions include a company tour, a social gathering or a family outdoor travel trip. For these occasions, the perfect transportation vehicle is the minibus, which usually has a capacity of 15 to 20 people.

The travelling group can look for the information on the internet regarding the availability of minibuses on hire. There are quite a few minibus hire providers in the UK and the group can compare the rates charged by various providers. The group also has to consider the reputation of the minibus leasing company before deciding to get the minibus on hire. Generally, if the company has been there in the business for more than 10 years, it has been in the market long enough to build a solid reputation. Moreover, with more than 10 years in the hiring market, these hiring providers will have a good range of minibuses available with them. If the hiring company is just 2 or 3 years old, then it may have fewer minibuses and also the range of brands will be limited. Hence when searching for the mini bus hiring providers, one has to limit the search based on the number of years it has been in the hiring business.

After comparing the range of minibuses and the hiring cost of different companies, the group can choose a couple of minibus hiring companies and begin discussions with them. When discussing the deal with the hiring provider, the group has to specify the number of hours or the number of days needed clearly, as the rate will be based on the number of hours the minibus is being hired for. Discounts are readily available for an extended trip or a trip in the low season.

With respect to the range of minibuses, reputed manufacturers include Fiat, Peugeot, Renault, Ford, Mercedes and Volkswagen. Among these the most preferred minibus is perhaps the Ford Transit, which is a 15-seater minibus with an all-wheel drive. Fiat has a minibus called the Ducato which can carry 10 to 17 passengers and also has a good reputation. Mercedes manufactures minibuses in the luxury category with extra facilities such as rest rooms available. Nowadays manufacturers are remodeling their minibuses to make them comfortable for handicapped and elderly citizens. The wheelchairs carrying the handicapped person can roll directly into the minibus.