Coach services are given by Elite Coaches under an Operator’s Licence in accordance with Department of Transport regulations. Every vehicle satisfies the industry-governing standards for roadworthiness and licencing. Every driver that works for Elite Coaches is certified and capable of operating the company’s vehicles.
Definitions
- “Conditions” refers to the guidelines by which the business offers coach services.
- “Business” refers to Elite Coaches Services Ltd., doing business as Elite Coaches.
- “Client” refers to the company, person, or representative that hires the services.
- “Passenger” refers to the person or people who the company’s vehicle is carrying.
- “Reservation” refers to the Client’s specification of the requirements to the Company.
- “Tariff” refers to the price that has been agreed upon and specified by the company and its client.
- “Price” refers to the agreed-upon cost of renting a car to a non-regular client (not including annual agreements).
- “Private Hire” refers to a Client’s ability to rent the Company’s cars on a need-by-won basis.
- “Agency” refers to a client who contracts with a transport provider on a yearly basis at a predetermined rate.
- “Regulations” refers to the fact that the company offers coach services in accordance with either European Community or British Domestic Regulations.
- “Tachograph” refers to a system that allows the time, distance, speed, and rest intervals for each vehicle during the course of the day to be tracked.
- The agreement between the Company and the Client is referred to as the “Contract.”
Insurance
- Every client or passenger using the company’s vehicles is accountable for keeping an active, sufficient policy for travel insurance.
- The Client’s insurance policy must hold the Company harmless from liabilities that are beyond the Company’s control.
- The Company must be protected by the client’s insurance policy against any direct or indirect service failures or carelessness on the part of the client, their employees, or agents.
- Any personal property belonging to the hirer and their passengers is accepted by the company with the understanding that every effort will be made to prevent loss or damage.
- If something of extraordinary value needs to be carried in the automobile, the hirer needs to let the company or the driver know. When the property is left unattended, it is the hirer’s duty to reduce the danger of loss.
Contract
- Whether a contract is formed orally or in writing, these terms still apply. All of the passengers using the automobiles are represented by the hirer. In the event that the hirer is a firm, group, or partnership, a responsible individual must be identified. Whether or not they truly travel with the party, the hirer bears full liability for the choices and acts of every passenger on board, including any extra expenses incurred in carrying out the contract. The hirer is the only one whose directions the corporation will take. Prior to the hire taking place, the hirer must designate a representative and notify the company if they will not be travelling with the party.
- The Client is solely in charge of giving the Company the necessary service details in writing, via email, or by fax at all times.
- When a client submits a written request for coach services via email, fax, or other means, the company responds with the pricing and, if the client is an agent, the specifics of the reservation.
- Quotes are offered based on the hirer’s supplied information and the most direct route. Unless specifically requested by the hirer, in which case it will be indicated on the confirmation, the route used will be at the company’s choice.
- All quotes are contingent upon the company’s having a vehicle that meets the hirer’s needs at the time the quote is accepted.
- Quotes are good for 28 days unless specified otherwise.
- Only quotes for coaches and drivers are provided. Unless otherwise noted, all extra fees will be disclosed in writing and will be the hirer’s responsibility.
- Generally, the only groundwork for accepting a hiring or subsequently changing its terms is a written confirmation from the company.
- It is the client’s responsibility to provide written confirmation of the reservation details to the company seven days before services are rendered.
- If the client wants to make last-minute adjustments to the requirements, they must be made in writing, via email, or by fax, and they must be made at least 72 hours (3 days) before the service is scheduled.
- The hirer will schedule the time of the vehicle’s departure, and it is the hirer’s obligation to make sure that every passenger is present at that time. If passengers do not follow the directions provided by the hirer, the Company will not be held responsible for any losses they may suffer.
- The applicable tariff terms and conditions or the following scale of charges with respect to the total hire charge will apply if the hirer decides to terminate any agreement; this must be notified in writing.
- The hirer will receive a complete refund if the cancellation notification period is longer than thirty days. 3.12.2 The deposit will be fully charged if the cancellation notification period is less than 30 days (but more than 14 days). There is never a deposit less than 50% of the total hire rate.
- In the event that a cancellation is made within 14 days, the full hire amount will be charged.
- In addition, the hirer will be responsible for paying any additional expenses incurred by the company for administration as well as any lodging, meals, theatre tickets, ferries, and/or shuttles that have already been acquired.
- Cancellations brought on by unforeseen circumstances, natural disasters, or bad weather will be subject to the fees listed above.
- No vehicle on a private hire may have animals in it. We need written notice at least one week before the departure date for guiding dogs and hearing dogs.
- No bill or poster may be affixed to a vehicle without the company’s explicit permission.
- If any party cancels an annual contract that is already in place in writing, all credit conditions would be terminated and all unpaid money will become payable immediately.
Terms of Payment
- Before the trip is started, the client must pay for the coach services, subject to any specific terms.
- According to the Tariff Agreement and Contract, clients who uphold an annual agreement with the Company will receive daily, weekly, or monthly invoices for the supply of coach services.
- Clients engaging in ad hoc contracts shall provide payment under the following conditions:
- 50% of the total amount is payable upon receipt of our invoice, which is given; the remaining amount is due 14 working days before the date of departure.
- All late notice reservations (those made fewer than 14 working days prior to the departure date) must be paid for in full.
- For more miles or time than what was originally agreed upon, the Company reserves the right to charge more. Pro rata fees will be applied using the formula specified on the reservation confirmation.
- Cancellations resulting from unanticipated events or unusual events beyond of our control will be billed in accordance with the payment terms specified above.
- Should the customer terminate an annual contract, the company retains the right to cancel future reservations without providing further notice, without compromising any other legal remedies.
Provision of Coach Services
- Unless otherwise agreed before the travel begins, the Company retains the right to determine the path that any vehicle takes.
- The drivers employed by the Company retain the ultimate say on the path that the vehicle takes, taking into account the security and welfare of all occupants.
- While the Company makes every effort to fulfil pick-up and set-down deadlines, delays beyond its control are covered by indemnity from the Agent or Client.
- Without prior agreement with the company, the hirer is not permitted to use the car during the outbound and return trips or to stay at the destination for their own use.
- Representatives of the client, guides, tour leaders, or escorts assume the risk and are obligated to hold the company harmless in the event that a service is rendered inadequately.
- To represent the Agent or Clients, Representatives must be capable and qualified.
- Representatives need to dress according to the passenger “type” or the client’s directions.
- Clients must insure representatives and reimburse the company for such coverage.
- The authority of representatives cannot in any way compromise the vehicle’s safety.
- Part-time representatives are required to fulfil all of the standard standards for full-time representatives.
- When representatives use company equipment on the cars, they must return it undamaged and in perfect operating order.
- As per the provisions of the contract, liaison is entirely the responsibility of the representative’s meeting cars.
- Such judgements made by the driver, which are in compliance with the Passengers Safety Act and the Road Traffic Act and show the best available path, must be acknowledged by representatives as final.
- When it comes to picking up and dropping off locations, the drivers have the last say as long as they follow local laws and traffic regulations in effect on the day of the trip. In the event that the client, or anyone claiming to represent the client, insists that passengers be picked up or dropped off at a location that has not been approved by the driver, the client agrees to pay any potential parking or traffic violation penalties or fines and to reimburse the company within seven days of receiving information about the penalty or fine from the company.
- The Driver’s Work Ticket contains the details of the Contract and Reservations, including arrival and departure timings.
- Under the supervision of the traffic manager, who keeps an eye on overall traffic conditions, drivers are in charge of moving their cars.
- The Company employs skilled and trained drivers. Regardless of traffic conditions, they will make an effort to arrive on time, wear company uniforms, and help passengers and reps as needed.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to keep bags in designated areas. Baggage is not permitted in the emergency exits, gangways, or vehicle sitting areas. The driver is the only one who decides where to store the bags.
- For legal safety concerns, the company’s cars are all subject to baggage limitations. The hirer acknowledges that the driver will be the only one to determine if and how much property belongs to the passengers is carried. It might not be possible to carry large, bulky objects, so the hirer should make every effort to let the organisation know ahead of time if this is a requirement.
- The client holds the company harmless for any loss or damage to the guests’ personal belongings, including luggage.
- The driver is in charge of the passengers’ luggage storage; however, he or she is not liable for any porterage.
- The driver will keep any belongings left on board during or after the trip, and upon returning to the company’s depot, they will be given to the traffic manager.
- The Client holds the Company harmless from any claim of this kind resulting from loss or damage.
- Since the driver is always in charge of keeping the car safe, they have the right to dismiss any passengers whose actions endanger other people’s safety. During the term of the hire, the hirer is liable for any damage that any passengers may have caused to the car.
- The driver is required by the Company’s operating procedures to keep a log of his or her hours on a tachograph and to be able to prove compliance with the rules.
- Laws govern the driver’s operating hours, and it is the hirer’s duty to make sure the hire adheres to the times and hours set forth by the company. Neither the hirer nor any passenger may cause a delay or other disruption to the travel that could put the driver in danger of breaking laws pertaining to duty time and driving hours. Unless it is due to circumstances beyond the hirer’s control, the hirer should bear any additional costs in the event that a breach is likely to occur.
- The Company retains the right to assign a vehicle that meets the Client’s needs.
- When making a reservation, the client may specify the vehicle’s size; nevertheless, the company reserves the right, at no additional cost, to supply a vehicle that satisfies the criteria.
- The company reserves the right to supply a larger car than what is indicated, but only if no additional seats are needed, in which case the hiring fee will be increased pro rata.
- Mini-coach requests from clients will only be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis, with availability verified at the time of booking.
- Without giving the Client advance notice, the Company retains the right to substitute a vehicle from a subcontractor that, to the greatest extent feasible, satisfies all of the Company’s quality requirements.
- In good faith, the Company offers advise regarding journey time. However, trips may take longer than expected due to mechanical failure, traffic jams, or other factors outside the firm’s reasonable control. In such cases, the company will not be held responsible for any damages or inconveniences the hirer may experience.
- The Company retains the right to park the car only in locations designated by the Road Traffic Regulations or by municipal parking regulations.
- Any “onboard services” that the company offers are free from liability and hindrance. The Client agrees to hold the Company harmless from any lawsuit or damage resulting from the supply of “onboard services,” such as audio and video equipment, restrooms, hot and cold beverages, and meals.
- Any such notice posted in the coach for the benefit of the passengers’ safety or well-being is assumed to be understood and will be complied with without additional explanation from the Company or Driver, unless asked otherwise.
- The driver is free to accept a tip from the client or other passengers in appreciation for his services. The invoice will reflect any such contractual agreements on gratuities that may exist between the client and the company.
Safety
- Every safety precaution is followed in compliance with industry regulations and the Road Traffic Act.
- It is requested of passengers to heed the international seat belt sign next to their seat and make sure they are always sitting with their lap or seat belt properly fastened while the vehicle is moving.
- It is advised that passengers wait to disembark until the vehicle is stopped at its destination before getting out of their seats.
- The hirer should advise passengers to get familiar with emergency exits and protocols.
- Young children who require assistance to sit must ride on their parent’s or caregiver’s lap; nevertheless, they are not restricted by seat belts or lap belts.
- Our cars are only allowed to transport the number of occupants that fit within them in accordance with the construction and use requirements, in order to comply with vehicle insurance regulations.
- There isn’t currently any legislation requiring coaches to use booster seats, nor are there any certified seats for them. Therefore, the choice of whether or not to utilise a baby seat, kid seat, or booster belongs to the parents.
- Any parent must make sure that their child is securely restrained in the appropriate manner. Three point seat belts are installed in several of our cars, while lap belts are installed in the other cars.
- It is necessary for wheelchair users to travel with carers so they can help passengers board and disembark. According to our Health and Safety standards, drivers are not encouraged to help if a passenger or themselves suffers a bodily harm.
- On request, clients who have an Agency contract with the Company may participate in a pre-season safety and familiarisation induction.
- If there is an incident or accident, the driver, if able, will get out of the car, check on the safety of the passengers, and notify the traffic manager right away. The traffic manager will then either start the process of replacing the vehicle, if necessary, or give the driver instructions on what to do next.
- The client representative will always help the driver ensure the safety of the passengers.
- The company is nevertheless obligated to swap out a vehicle for one with a similar specification in the case of a breakdown.
- When making a reservation, travellers with potential disabilities must specify any specialised needs. The Client or the Client’s agent shall bear all liabilities concerning the support and welfare of passengers with disabilities. Acceptance of the Terms releases the Company from any such claims, save a particular disclaimer.
Alcohol, Food and Drugs on Coaches
- The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act of 1985 prohibits drinking while travelling to football games in a public transportation vehicle, and this policy is upheld by the company.
- Except for football match transfers, when the driver is in charge of storage, alcohol may be transported in the vehicle.
- Any alcohol that is brought or consumed in a company vehicle is at the driver’s discretion.
- Food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) may not be consumed on the vehicle without prior written consent from the company. This policy is in place to protect the safety and comfort of passengers. It is not intended for use in other situations.
- It is never acceptable to carry or consume drugs in or on a corporate vehicle.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Elite Coaches and Customs & Excise Drugs Alliance states that Elite Coaches shall notify the appropriate authorities of any suspicions pertaining to drugs.
Quality Control
- The business does everything it can to maintain strict quality control standards.
- Without informing the client, the company may occasionally inspect vehicles for quality control issues.
- As long as the services remain unaffected, any necessary Quality Control actions may be carried out without giving the client advance warning.
- If the client has a complaint regarding the services provided by the firm, they should try to resolve the issue right away by asking the driver or the company for help. If this hasn’t resulted in a resolution, grievances must be filed in writing within 14 days of the hire’s termination date.
Liability, Indemnity and Force Majeure
- Unless the precise representation is provided in writing, by email, or by fax and is demonstrated to be substantiated through arbitration, the company’s sole liability to the Client shall be judged to have been achieved, regardless of the provisions of the Contract or any remedy that may otherwise be available.
- The Company shall not be liable to the Client for any reason or under any implied warranty, condition, or other terms under common law or under the express provisions hereof, with the exception of death or personal harm caused by the Company’s proven negligence.
- The Company provides coach services to the Client in compliance with the laws that apply in England and Wales. The Client’s acceptance of the Contract shall be interpreted as the Client’s acceptance of the laws (including Company Law and Road Traffic Law) governing the performance of such coach services.
- Because of an Act of God or other force majeure, the Company disclaims all duty for any event, accident, damage, or injury, including death.
General
- Any notice of a change that either party may make to the other under the current terms must be sent in writing, by email, or by fax, and the original notice provider must provide an acknowledgement of the notice in writing, by email, or by fax.
- Should the necessity arise, any such disagreement between the Client and the Company shall be heard in English courts.
