How to Hire a Routemaster Bus
London's double-decker, or Routemaster, buses are very popular vehicles to hire for corporate or entertainment events, especially since they are discontinued on regular routes around London. Enterprising companies bought them and hire them out as an interesting and unusual way to transport guests/delegates or a party around London. This also helps the environment as one bus can carry 72 seated guests and runs at double the miles per gallon of the new buses.
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Instructions
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Read your itinerary and check your budget so you have the times and funding available. Find Routemaster bus hire companies' websites. Note the various restrictions such as motorways or long distance trips. Read FAQs for this information.
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Check prices by phone or email that are not on listed on websites. Have all your hire information detailed: numbers; type of event; date; time; extras required; pick up and drop off times and any additional information you feel will be useful. Compare two or three sites for price and quality comparisons and examine cancellation policies.
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Ask for testimonials and ask to speak to someone who has used a facility in the recent past. Speak to one or two of the people who will be on the trip to get their views.
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Make the booking in writing and get written confirmation. If the company sends a contract, read it carefully before signing. Check the cancellation clause again.
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Double check a few days before the event that the company is ready and will be there on time and with any of the extras you have requested. Ensure all the attendees know the itinerary and timings.
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Tips & Warnings
A guide price is $570 per day, as of 2010, around London and there is no VAT on bus hire. Bookings can be available at short notice but generally are booked well in advance.
Routemaster buses can be used for a number of events and are often seen in films and TV programs depicting the past.
Uses include weddings, corporate events, parties, birthdays, trips around London and sporting days out.
Personalized items to go with the trip such as bus tickets and banners on the bus about the trip are an added bonus.
Be prepared for late arrival of attendees, traffic problems and illness.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit double decker bus image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
