History

• Buses, the large automotive vehicles designed to transport large numbers of people, have been around for more than a century. Originally introduced in London in 1830, according to the Brittanica Students Encyclopaedia, a bus was then referred to as an omnibus, taking its name from Latin word meaning "for all." Now buses are most often used as a form of public transportation with prescribed routes and fee schedules. The transportation of children to and from school is yet another popular use. But this article focuses on the third most common service bus companies provide, making their vehicles and an operator available to the public for day-long and extended trips. These buses are referred to as charter buses.
  
  

Considerations

• When renting a charter bus, the first thing you need to know is the origination point of departure of your planned trip. Because few companies operate in remote areas, this may narrow your search for a company from which to rent your charter. A bus company will also need to know your destination, or an itinerary for longer trips. This could be one city or a list of cities, but the company will want to know not only the destination , but also any attractions you will visit on the way. If the trip will be overnight, many companies require that the travelers pay for the accommodations of the bus driver.
  
  

Identification--Outside

• Companies often place their name on all sides of the bus so passengers will be able to find it once they get off. They also often feature a telephone number along with the company logo and name. Most buses can display destination(s) on a sign just above the windshield atop the front. The driver may change this sign to read "PRIVATE" for an individual rental. Newer buses may offer a scrolling feature here on which the group's name or other information may be displayed.
  
  

Identification--Inside

• The interior on many charter buses features plush seats that recline.
  
  The interior of a charter bus is a bit different from a city or school bus. Charter buses feature higher floors than found on a normal bus so luggage can be stored in space designed for it underneath. The seats in a charter bus are usually plush, with a feature that allows them to be reclined slightly. Televisions, DVD players and VCRs are all commonly found on charter buses for the viewing pleasure of passengers who may grow weary of the scenery. Messages about the bus and its route can be conveyed on these screens as well. A charter bus will also feature a small restroom, normally at the rear.
  
  

Function Beyond Group Tours

• Most of the time, charter buses are used to transport large groups of people, but musicians often rent charters to take when they go on tour. Some artists even own their own touring vehicles. Both typical charters and tour buses offer plush seats and luggage storage space, but tour buses are also likely to include kitchen facilities such as a refrigerator, microwave, range and sink. A larger bathroom is usually part of the layout, with a tub or shower. Sleeping areas are usually included in tour buses, giving them the feel of many a private recreational vehicle (RV) found on the road today.