VanGo Charter Bus Rental Company | Coach & Party Bus Rentals Los Angeles

"Our motor coaches and buses are 40-45 feet in overall length. Vehicles less than 40 feet are NOT motor coaches and are distinctly different in comfort and driving characteristics from smaller vehicles such as mini buses."

What's the difference between a motor coach and a mini bus or mini coach?

"Aside from the obvious seating capacity difference, mini buses typically seat from 20-30 passengers, and motorcoaches seat from 47-61 passengers. There are also very distinct differences in comfort, safety and driving characteristics. Because of their size and construction, motorcoaches have a much smoother and quieter ride. Motorcoaches are also inherently safer vehicles because of their wieght and size.

How many passengers does a motor coach or bus generally seat?

“Each manufacturer utilizes various seating layouts. Standard seating for a 40' bus is 47-49, and standard for a 45' bus is 56-58. When a motorcoach or bus seats more than the above, you should know that each seat is loosing inches to the leg space. Please see Our Fleet for all AskVanGo seating configurations.”

Do your motor coaches and mini buses have bathrooms on them?

"All AskVanGo motorcoaches and buses are equipped with lavoratories. Mini buses do not normally have bathrooms on board.” At this time AskVanGo Bus Rentals does not operate mini buses with bathrooms.

I hear that some of the newer buses have VCR's, DVD's and more?

"All of VanGo motorcoaches are equipped with VCR's playing on 4-6 video monitors. All AskVanGo motorcoaches and buses have DVD players as well. Please speak with your AskVanGo representative regarding availability”. Mini buses have 1-4 video monitors depending on model and size. Other extra's include CD players, wired and wireless microphone systems, on board camera's, etc.. Please speak with a AskVanGo representative regarding how your bus is outfitted or what your personal preferences are."

Are AskVanGo motor coaches and mini buses air-conditioned?

"All AskVanGo rental vehicles are equipped with Air conditioning and personal overhead A/C and heating controls."

Why should I select a motor coach or bus?

“AskVanGo Bus Rental recommends that you charter a motor coach when you are traveling long distance, or of course if you require the large seating capacities available only on a bus or motor coach.”

Why would someone choose a mini bus over a motorcoach?

“AskVanGo Bus Rental recommends chartering a mini bus when you have a small group of passengers as well as a relatively short drive time (2-3 hours is recommended). Please speak with a AskVanGo representative for more specific information.”

What kind of amenities are found on motorcoach?

“Motorcoaches have many amenities that smaller buses do not. Among the most popular are of course; comfort, larger aisles, bathrooms, luggage capacity, multiple video monitors, DVD and CD players, microphone systems, personal A/C and heating comfort controls, larger more comfortable seats and much more. Please go to Our Fleet in the navigational bar for details of VanGo vehicles.”

Does AskVanGo Bus Rental provide food or other services on board buses?

"Not on mini buses, but you are welcome to bring what you would like so long as it is not; alcohol, (unless pre-arranged with AskVanGo staff) glass containers, or foods that may cause damage.”

"Yes, on motorcoaches with additional charge and depending on what you require for alcohol or food. Servers for food, alcohol and entertainment services may also be available. Always ask your AskVanGo representative”

“Alcohol consumption on AskVanGo vehicles require an additional refundable deposit of $300.00 or more and a non-refundable cleaning fee of $100.00.”

How far in advance should I reserve AskVanGo buses or motor coaches?

“To best insure you receive the specific vehicle you require it is always best to make your reservations at least 1-2 months in advance. When booking for Holidays and high travel season it is recommended to book 2-3 months ahead. When booking Grad and Prom nights for schools, AskVanGo Bus Rental recommends you reserve your vehicle(s) in September or October to insure availability."

How do I pay for my bus charter services?

“For our institutional customers AskVanGo may arrange terms pursuant to usage and requirements.”

"For the occasional customer that AskVanGo Bus Rental is unfamiliar with, a 50% deposit is required at time of reservation. Payment in full is required 10 days prior to your reservation. Reservations should be made well in advance of thirty days to insure availability.”

How does the AskVanGo booking or reservation process work?

“Once you have submitted your reservation (either online, verbally or via fax) you will receive a hard copy fax confirming your reservations. This confirmation must be signed, dated and faxed back to AskVanGo Bus Rentals within three days to ensure availability.”

What method of payment does AskVanGo accept for charter and tour service?

“AskVanGo accepts all major credit cards and can have a credit card voucher faxed along with your confirmation. If your reservation is made well in advance, we can also invoice and accept personal, company and institutional checks. We do NOT accept cash or checks issued to our operators at the time of service. Credit card use will require the card to be seen at time of transportation.”

If we travel out of town, who pays for the operators accommodations?

“The chartering party pays for the operators accommodations not. You may find a less expensive room away from your group, but this may cause communication or delays in your itinerary. We recommend the operator always stay with your group.”

Does AskVanGo charge a minimum hourly rate?

“Yes, there is a four hour minimum charge on ALL charters. Additional hours are charged over the initial four hours. AskVanGo Bus Rentals also has rates for ten, twelve and over-the-road charters that will save you money.” See Tariff for all posted rates. "

What is a service charge?

“Our service charge is from 10-20% on the charter rate only. Service chages are for driver gratuity as well as cleaning fees.” You may elect to pay a gratuity directly to your bus driver.”

Does AskVanGo charge any additional fees or taxes to their posted rates?

“The only additional charges our customers may pay are for tolls, parking, entrance fees, operator room(s), and/or non-standard costs. There is no tax when chartering a AskVanGo bus or motorcoach. Arrangement may be made in advance for AskVanGo Bus Rentals to pay all fees while on the road.”

Where does AskVanGo Bus Rental travel?

“Your wish is our command. AskVanGo Charter can travel the 50 contiguous states as well as Canada. AskVanGo does NOT travel to Mexico."

Can I bring a cooler on board AskVanGo vehicles?

“Coolers are typically allowed on AskVanGo vehicles, but they are required to be strapped into a seat and not left loose on the floor.”

Does AskVanGo allow alcohol on board?

“Yes, with a non-refundable $75.00 - $100.00 cleaning deposit as well as a refundable deposit (to be determined) for any physical damage to vehicles.”

What is a SPAB (School Pupil Activity Bus) vehicle?

“The State of California requires all vehicles larger than 10 passengers (including the operator) to be SPAB'ed. This certification process requires annual CHP inspection of each vehicle and a certificate (form 292) to be conspicuously posted in each vehicle."

Do bus drivers of SPAB certified vehicles require special certification?

“Yes, your operator/driver must carry a CHP issued certificate indicating their certification to operate a Youth Bus, SPAB vehicle or School Bus. Operators carrying these certificates must be California Justice Department background checked, have 40 hours of specific training, and ten hours of in-service training on an annual basis.”

Does AskVanGo Bus Rentals operate SPAB motor coaches or buses?

“Yes, all of AskVanGo vehicles (buses, mini buses and motorcoaches) are SPAB certified through the California Highway Patrol on an annual basis. Vehicle records are available for public viewing upon request.”

What are the responsibilities of a school when utilizing a SPAB vehicle?

“Although AskVanGo carries medical emergency kits on all vehicles, it is the responsibility of the school to carry their own medical kit as well as an accurate list of all student names, address' and contact information while on board. School and SPAB vehicles are NOT allowed to carry any toxic or combustible materials or fluids on board or in the luggage bays.”

Are SPAB regulations different for driver operators?

“Yes, operators are NOT allowed to go off duty when operating a SPAB charter. SPAB bus operators are allotted a maximum of 16 continuous hours on duty time, and a maximum of ten hours drive time in any 24-hour period. Operators are required by law to indicate to all passengers where emergency exits are located.”

How do I know if a vehicle has been SPAB ceritified?

“Every SPAB'ed (School Pupil Activity Bus) vehicle must have a CHP (form 292) certification card prominently located in view of all passengers upon boarding. Please ask your AskVanGo driver to view this document upon boarding our buses and motorcoaches."

What are the legal limits that a bus driver or operator may drive?

"Your VanGo operator may drive 10 hours in a twenty-four hour period according to Federal and State regulations. AskVanGo prefers to keep the hours of drive time to 8-9 [daily] in order to insure our clients safety."

What does on-duty hours mean and how many are allowed?

"Operators are allotted 15 hours on-duty time daily for non-school charters. For SPAB (School Pupil Activities Bus) charters your bus operator may be on-duty for 16 continuous hours. Please keep in mind that your operator drives too your group pick up location, as well as to get to the AskVanGo terminal at the end of the day when calculating hours."

What if there are delays due to by inclement weather?

"State and Federal regulations allow bus operators to drive twelve hours, but only if there is an unforeseen delay such as a snow delay or you are stuck behind an accident. If this should occur it is required by law that the operator reduces their ten (10) hours, to eight on the following day."

How many hours is a bus driver allowed in a 24-hour period?

"State and Federal regulations require a driver have at least eight hours off before they can drive again or go back on duty. For safety, AskVanGo always recommends that you allow for 10 hours rest time for your bus driver.

How large (long) are AskVanGo motor coaches and buses?