This leaflet has been produced by the Federation of Passenger Transport N.I. (FPTNI), the trade association representing N.Ireland’s leading bus and coach operators.
FPT wants to support you and ensure that you get the best possible service and commitment from the passenger industry.
This leaflet is for the people within your organisation who take responsibility for the transportation of groups – hiring buses and coaches.
There are many different types of operators available to you and it is important that you chose transport operators for the right reasons.
Coach and bus operators who are members of a trade organisation like FPT conform to high standards.
A good operator is easy to contact and responds promptly in a friendly approachable manner. They have knowledge and experience and are happy to advise on travelling times, comfort stops and other options.
IT IS RESPONSIBILITY TO GET IT RIGHT FOR CHILDREN!
Be prepared to pay the going rate. You always get what you pay for. If the school is given a cheaper rate and a dearer rate, instead of asking why the dear one is dear, ask how the cheaper one can afford to offer such a good deal if he/she has to pay for maintaining the coach every four weeks, fuel, tax disc, insurance cover, operators license, all the overheads including the driver’s salary.
Letters to parents explaining that the cost of the trip is because the vehicle is hired from a good company and comes with higher safety standards for their children is enough explanation for parents to help pay for their children’s safety!.
YOU
SHOULD ALSO
REQUEST
A copy of the Road Service License and Insurance Certificates including Motor Fleet, Employer’s Liability and Public Liability plus PSV and motor tax on all vehicles.
Choose a transport company that can offer a vehicle that is well maintained and meets the school’s required safety standards
Look at operators who are members or recognised bodies.
MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS BOOK WITH A PROFESSIONAL, REPUTABLE OPERATOR
Fully qualified drivers and escorts – All Licensed operators use drivers with a full PCV license. This means the driver will take part in a programme of continuous professional training.
CRB check – Staff employed by licensed operators are likely to have been CRB/ISA checked. Ask for confirmation and ensure that your group is safe.
Vehicle maintenance – All Licensed operators adhere to high standards of maintenance. These include daily vehicle safety checks, a defect reporting system and regular inspections.
Don’t leave things to chance – a properly licensed operator will tick all the right boxes on your risk
Always use a professional, reputable operator
A check list of items that you can be sure will be provided by professional & reputable operators.
Ö Properly Licensed
Ö Insurance
Ö Good Reputation
Ö Maintenance Standards
Ö Driver - NI Access Vetting
Ö Well maintained vehicles with seatbelts.
Ö Easy to Contact
Ö Prompt Response
Ö FPT Member
For further information and a list of approved operators in your local area please visit:
www.fptni.org
Are you responsible for organising transport for your school/organisation?
ALWAYS use a properly licensed, professional & reputable operator.
An FPT NI Member
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children
AJ Coaches would like to ensure that everyone travels in Busses and Coaches which are fully legal. The above guidelines should ensure that you receive a quality service in a Properly Licensed and insured vehicle.