FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THIS THE PERFECT CHARTER BUS SCHOOL TRIP
If you’re planning a school trip in the Minneapolis Saint Paul region, you’ve got plenty of good choices, but some are better than others. In our experience at Lorenz Bus Service, there’s no better option for a charter bus school trip than the Science Museum. Here’s why.
Location. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, right next to the Mississippi River, the Science Museum is easily accessible from any direction.
Good for all types of students. Too often, a charter bus destination for a school trip is thrilling and engaging for some students, and deadly dull for others. The Science Museum tends to be ideal for all ages and interests. The combination of tours, events, hands-on exhibits, and planetarium shows brings kids into the world of science without it ever seeming like an extension of the classroom. Read the reviews.
Great for groups. The Science Museum excels at combining science, entertainment, culture, and education. Look into their online resources for educator guides and lots of school trip planning resources.
The Collector’s Corner. This unique feature of The Science Museum is where “traders of all ages can bring in the objects they find outdoors” and trade them for other natural objects. Students can earn points by demonstrating knowledge about the objects they bring in, and use those points to trade. It’s a way to exchange stories, information, and keep students thinking like a scientist!
The Omnitheater. The William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater is a huge, domed, digital screen used to display natural wonders such as volcanoes, outer space, and other physical phenomena. Be sure to investigate it when booking your charter bus school trip.
Charter-bus friendly. One of the best ways to get to the Science Museum is to take a charter bus. When you arrive at the Science Museum, you’ll be received at the special education entrance on Eagle and Chestnut street. There will be museum maps for everyone, and educators and students will start the visit on level five in the lobby. Snacks, sandwiches, pizza and more are located on the 6th floor. Pickup will be in the same location as dropoff. You’ll find features for wheelchair accessibility and storage, as well as support for students of any ability level.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.
When it comes to group travel, charter buses offer an array of amenities that make them a popular choice for individuals, schools, businesses and other organizations.
From luxurious seating and climate-controlled interiors to modern entertainment systems and on-board bathrooms, charter buses and motor coaches offer an array of amenities to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a quick look at the most popular charter bus features.
Seating. High-end charter buses come equipped with comfortable and spacious seating. Depending on the size of the bus, passengers can enjoy adjustable reclining seats with leg rests, head rests, arm rests and plenty of legroom.
Climate Control. Charter buses are equipped with air-conditioning and heating systems to keep passengers comfortable in any climate. On hot-weather trips, your bus becomes an air-conditioned oasis. On cold-weather trips, it’s a place to be warm and dry.
Entertainment Systems. Many charter buses come equipped with modern entertainment systems, such as flat-screen TVs and DVD players, USB outlets, and PA systems for announcements and music. Even though many passengers use their phones for personal entertainment, watching a movie or show together can get people ready for their destination, and give everyone something to talk about.
On-Board Bathrooms. Some charter buses come equipped with on-board bathrooms. This feature increases passenger comfort, but it also keeps your trip on time with fewer stops. Plus, anyone who suffers from motion sickness will have a private, sanitary place to recover or freshen up.
Wi-Fi. Many charter buses offer free Wi-Fi, which allows passengers to stay connected and entertained during their trip. It’s also an important feature for people who need to stay connected to the office or home. These days, charter bus travel is often shared on social media platforms, for which Wi-fi is essential.
Storage. Charter buses are designed with plenty of storage space for luggage and other items. This means passengers can enjoy a clutter-free ride. It also means having the things you need to make your trip what you want it to be: Bicycles, golf clubs, folding chairs, and coolers are just a few examples of bulky items that can add a lot to a trip.
Safety. Charter buses are designed for safety and comfort. They are also designed for economy and space efficiency, but passenger safety clearly is priority one. It starts with the engineering of the steel bus frame for strength and stability, but also includes regular maintenance, handrails, seat belts, nonslip steps and dozens of other features. Finally, charter buses have impeccable safety records because they’re regulated by the Department of Transportation, which examines a charter bus company’s drug-testing policies, service records, and driver records. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has some good information on how to “search for safety.”
Reminder: There are many types of charter buses and they range in size as well as amenities. Be sure to shop around and talk to a professional planner at a charter bus company. He or she will be able to give you specific answers about the amenities you need for your trip.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.
You’ve seen and heard of fans who rent a charter bus or motor coach to go to a Minneapolis – Saint Paul pro sports game, and the stories they bring back speak for themselves: Everyone reports having a great time with zero worries. Charter bus rentals are crowd pleasers.
What they may not tell you is that there are lots of benefits to renting a bus for a Big Game or a little one. Add them all up and it’s a slam dunk.
Or a home run. Or whatever sports metaphor works for you!
7 REASONS TO RENT A CHARTER BUS FOR SPORTS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
A professional designated driver. A professional driver will keep you safe, secure, and on schedule, so you can be a full-time fan. Plus, experienced drivers will know where to park to provide the best access to the stadium. Lastly, fans who want to enjoy beer on game day will not have to worry about DUIs/DWIs while a professional driver is in charge.
You might be amazed at what a modern bus includes. Many of our buses include restrooms, DVD players, comfortable seats, Wifi, power outlets, and more. This is not your father’s motor coach!
Fun in numbers. There’s nothing like spending more time with your friends, family, and fellow fans, and less time behind the wheel. If you’re giving away tickets to employees, supplying a charter bus makes the gift even better because everyone can share in the team-building and camaraderie.
Tailgating encouraged! If tailgating is your thing, many bus rental and charter companies can advise you on a plan, including how to pack your equipment, when to arrive, where to go, and logistics for setting everything up and breaking it down. It all starts with a conversation with a professional planner at your charter bus company.
Economics. Renting a bus can also be a cost-effective option. When you factor in the cost of gas, parking, and other expenses for each person driving to get to the game, renting a bus is often the most economical way to go. Not to mention the fact that chartered buses can travel in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane which can often get you there faster.
Don’t miss a minute. Hiring a professional bus or motor coach company and a professional driver means there’s a lot less concern about getting there on time. Drivers know the routes, the parking, and different ways to and from the venue.
The ride home. When the game is over and the win is won (we hope), you can climb aboard your chartered bus or motor coach, settle in, and debrief with your fellow passengers. No battling bumper-to-bumper traffic. No stress or anxiety. Just a relaxing, comfortable ride home (with reclining seats).
KEEP IT SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND CONVENIENT
The benefits of renting a bus on Game Day are almost endless, but at Lorenz we focus on safety, comfort, and service. Those are the values the company was built upon. So give us a call.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.
The hours you spend on a charter bus trip can be fun and interesting or difficult and draining. A lot of that depends on you and how you plan for your trip.
At Lorenz Bus Service we believe in embracing the experience and making the most of it. Here are some ideas for how to do that on a multi-day charter bus excursion.
Do your research. Before you get on your motor coach, know about the area you’ll be travelling to. Look into the top attractions, restaurants, and hotels to get an idea of what’s available. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your trip.
Choose the right bus. All we mean by this is to make sure to choose a bus that fits your needs. Consider the size of the bus, the features it offers, and the cost. Also, make sure the bus is clean, safe, and has adequate heat and air conditioning. Last, don’t neglect entertainment features; ask about charter buses with Wifi, DVD players, and electrical outlets on board.
Book accommodations early. As soon as your itinerary is set, lock in your lodging decisions. You’ll be amazed at what a stress-saving tip this is. Also, make sure to research the hotel you’re booking and double-check their cancellation policy.
Choose a driver. Work with the charter bus company you hire to get a driver that’s right for your trip. You want him or her to be experienced and knowledgeable about the area, but think about other attributes you’d want to see in a driver. Maybe you want someone who’s talkative – or maybe the silent type is what you’re looking for. Some drivers may be better with kids than others. Share your details with the charter bus company and see how they respond.
Plan for entertainment. Make sure to plan for entertainment on the bus. Whether it’s music, movies, or games, having something to keep everyone occupied will make the time pass more quickly. Here are some ideas from our friends at Amazon.
Pack wisely. Traveling light is always a good idea but make sure you have enough clothes and supplies for the entire trip. Consider the weather and terrain of your destination, as well as any special items you may need. Here are some of the most important ones:
Medications. You’d be surprised how many passengers forget their meds and have to arrange to get them on the road.
A neck pillow. Great for avoiding a stiff neck from napping with no support.
On-board footwear. Sitting for hours will make your feet swell. Using slip-ons will keep you more comfortable than laced up shoes.
Earplugs and a sleeping mask. These two sleep aides can work wonders on board a bus or in a hotel room.
Good snacks. Fruit is portable, and GORP – Good Old Raisins and Peanuts – comes in handy.
Hand sanitizer. For on the bus and off the bus, at restaurants, hotels, stores, and so forth.
Energy drinks. Some believe that water is best and that’s fine. But energy drinks will keep you hydrated and provide calories to keep your energy level up.
Headphones. Sometimes you need to listen to music privately or just enjoy quiet time. In either case, headphones are a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.
HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO A GOOD CHARTER BUS DECISION
The #1 reason school trip planners decide to rent a charter bus for a school trip is consolidation. Hiring a charter bus usually means one vehicle, one group, one trip. Reducing variables means reducing headaches.
For example, when you rent a charter bus or motor coach for a school trip, you don’t need to coordinate multiple forms of transportation. Schedules and arrival times are easier to manage, and you get better overall safety and more manageable risks.
As you probably know, buses come in multiple shapes and sizes. So start with the number of students and adults who are on the trip and use that number to start your search for the right-sized vehicle. Many planners enter this process thinking that a basic K-12 school bus (which seats 47) will work best for a school trip, but we at Lorenz Bus Service encourage customers to consider a luxury bus or motor coach to keep everyone comfortable. “Comfort” doesn’t just mean reclining seats. It also refers to having a restroom, wider aisles, and adequate climate control.
Also, if you have passengers who have special needs, be sure to ask about ADA-accessible buses and special features such as handrails and wider aisles.
Ultimately, the vehicle you choose should be based on the number of passengers, the duration of the trip, any special needs, and how much luggage is being taken along.
SAFETY
Charter buses are the safest form of group travel, for the reasons we outlined above. But you should keep safety front and center throughout your selection process.
Be sure to ask about your charter bus company’s safety record. Be ready to ask about safety training, health practices, maintenance protocols, and other standards the company has for safety. Here’s a safety guide for reference.
SPECIAL FEATURES AND AMENITIES
Everyone knows that kids (and teachers, too) need some distraction and entertainment on bus trips. Ask about Wifi access on board as well as DVD players and electrical outlets. It’s also worth remembering that if students need to do work while on the trip, a luxury bus ride can be a great time to catch up on homework, or sleep (reclining seats make it easy!)
Consider bathrooms to be an essential feature. Ask any bus company you’re considering about onboard toilets, including cleaning practices and procedures. Having a toilet accessible is important for comfort, saving time, privacy, and giving anyone suffering from motion sickness a safe place.
Last but most certainly not least is AC. If your trip is taking place during hot weather, air conditioning can make the difference between a great trip and a tough one.
YOUR DRIVER
A bus or motor coach driver can be a person who gets you from A to B and back. Or he or she can really add something special to the trip.
When hiring a charter bus company, ask how they fit the driver to the trip. Is the driver good with kids? Is the driver knowledgeable about the destination? Is he or she experienced with sports-related travel, cultural outings, or whatever the focus is of your particular trip? It’s worth the effort to get a good fit with your driver.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.
If you’re planning a group trip on a bus or motor coach, you’ve probably considered renting a charter bus, and for good reasons. Charter bus rentals are safe, comfortable, and allow everyone in your group to socialize and share time together.
Many people start local in their search, and that is usually a good place to begin. But it’s good to shop around and look beyond the charter bus companies that are near you. Many competitive companies have large fleets and serve a wide area. Others may specialize in certain types of transportation (such as large motor coaches) or certain types of trips (such as casinos or airports) that may be just what you’re looking for.
All of which is to say that before you make a commitment, you’ll want to understand your options and how the pricing of charter buses works.
The 3 main cost variables
Charter bus prices can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The Big 3 are:
Type of vehicle(s). Today’s charter options cover a range of vehicle sizes. Bigger buses such as today’s luxury motor coaches typically offer more amenities – and higher costs. This is due to higher fuel costs as well as higher maintenance costs. Some groups prefer to charter 2 or more vehicles, which also impacts the price. This is why working with a professional trip planner at a charter bus company can be helpful.
The size of the group. This will determine both the size and cost of the rental bus. You’ll need to get a precise estimate of your total headcount before finalizing the vehicle selection.
The length of the trip. Generally, the longer the trip, the more expensive the rental cost. Plus, longer trips usually involve larger vehicles, which also affects cost.
How destinations and the calendar can impact cost
Where you travel to plays a role in pricing as well. Generally, the farther you travel, the higher the cost will be.
When you take a trip can also have an impact on the cost. Peak travel times such as summer and holidays typically have higher rates than off-peak periods. Historically, charter bus rentals are more heavily booked during the school year, with April, May and June being the months associated with heaviest usage and comparatively expensive prices. In addition, the day of the week matters as well. Charter buses typically sell out every weekend and are more available on weekdays. Prices are often higher on Saturdays than they are on Mondays.
Group logistics and additional drivers
Sometimes groups that need to be picked up in different locations will increase the overall cost of your charter.
So will one-way trips. One-ways costs are typically greater than round trip costs because of a “deadhead fee,” which refers to the charter bus company having a stranded vehicle that needs to be brought back to its home location with no one aboard.
And that brings us to your driver. Drivers cost the company money – their wages, lodging, food, and other expenses are all reflected in the cost you pay. Also, drivers can’t work beyond a certain number of hours behind the wheel; a 10-hour shift must be followed by an 8-hour rest period. This is why long distance trips often require two drivers for safety.
Hourly rates vs total miles travelled
Shorter trips are usually are charged by the hour, and you can expect there to be a minimum number of hours to qualify for a charter bus rental. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250+ per hour, depending on the size, type, and length of time you charter the bus.
Longer trips – which often means any trip of a day or more – are usually charged by the total miles traveled. Trips involving overnight stays are often billed by the day.
Another important thing to remember is that supply and demand play huge roles in charter bus costs. Where there are competitive companies (as in big cities), you may expect to see more competitive prices, whereas small town prices may seem high by comparison.
The company you keep
The company you rent from will certainly affect the cost of the charter bus. Different companies have different rates and fees. Some offer services that others may not. So it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Also important:
Background research. Know the company you’re hiring. Know their history, reputation, and service record for problem solving. Read reviews and remember that large sample sizes of reviews may have some negative reviews but are statistically more legitimate.
Safety record. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask about safety training, health practices, maintenance protocols, and other standards a company has for safety. Here’s a safety guide for reference.
Keeping it clean. What’s the #1 complaint customers have about a charter bus? You guessed it: Dirty buses or poor equipment. Make sure you ask about cleaning procedures before booking.
If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.
Lorenz buses bring crowds to a holiday train ride across North America
In December, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in 20 Minnesota towns on its annual ride through the northern U.S.
This is a train ride with a mission. Specifically, feeding people who might otherwise go hungry during the holidays. The train’s journey raises record donations for food banks across North America. It’s a mission we at Lorenz have been proud to support as the transportation management company handling the event.
Next Stop: Cottage Grove, MN
To make the most of the train’s stop in Cottage Grove, we worked with the City of Cottage Grove and Canadian Pacific to develop a detailed logistical plan that involved parking lot selection, routing, and on-site management for 20,000 attendees.
Turning a cold day into a warm reception
This one-day event in Cottage Grove featured a concert by a major performing artist, which resulted in a large number of people coming to town within a small time frame. Plus, there was limited parking lot options due to snow, as well as extensive local traffic in a small geographical region. Our work to manage the transportation issues involved designating routing paths to ensure quick travel times. We also provided on-site personnel to facilitate quick vehicle turn-around times. Last of all, we had to prepare all vehicles for temperatures that can cause valves and other engine parts to freeze.
Our bus transportation for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train was a success. That means a lot of people were entertained – and even more were able to get needed food for themselves and their families during the holidays and beyond.
Run or Dye is a color-run race that came to St. Paul, MN to stage a race on Harriet Island. For anyone not familiar, in a color run race the participants are bombarded with colored powder as they race.
Nearly 12,00 attendees were coming to the event. There was no available parking due to several other events that day.
So the City of St Paul required a parking and transportation plan, which we designed. A fleet of over 50 school buses and transit buses got all the people in place in a several hour period.
Urban planning: Finding 4,500 parking spaces
We knew that nearly 4,500 parking spaces were needed in downtown St. Paul. Our project managers communicated with all nearby parking facilities and found eight that would participate.
This meant obstruction permits, meter hooding, teardrop signage at loading and unloading zones, and on-site supervisors at certain facilities and at the loading zones.
Due to several closed roads, all buses were forced through one intersection. City law enforcement officers took control of the intersection to make sure a bottleneck was not created.
The race is about to begin
At the event site, Lorenz provided 12 on-site supervisors to facilitate loading, unloading, and control traffic within the parking lot.
Lorenz also rented barricades from Highway Technologies to safely queue and control the waiting and loading zones. And, when the race was over and people were covered with colored powder, we cleaned all vehicles to ensure zero damage from the color dye used for the race.
Health Partners connects health plans and health providers with people who need care.
When they decided to hold an internal marketing function called Connect the Dots at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, it required the attendance of each Health Partners employee.
That’s 13,450 Health Partners employees from locations around the Twin Cities Metro Area.
274 bus trips for 24 events
To prepare for passenger pickup, our project managers made site visits to each of the hospitals. They selected loading and unloading zones, communicated with volunteers and coordinators, and determined preferred routing.
Coordination with police and parking and traffic enforcement involved meter hooding and additional No Parking signs. Continual adjustments to staffing and vehicle assignment plans due to changing ridership counts from each location kept us right on the clock.
A great client and a great day
Health Partners managed their operation beautifully, ensuring proper staffing levels at each of its 96 hospital locations. Each pickup and drop off had to happen with the utmost precision, due to helicopter landing pads, and emergency vehicle procedures, plans, and zones.
Upon arrival at the State Fairgrounds, conferences and meetings happened like clockwork due to strong signage and clearly designated locations.
A convention for craft industry professionals required the right layout of motor coach, bus and shuttle services
Creative Memories sells scrapbooking materials
The company meets with their sales and distribution professionals through localized consultants who host parties. Like a Tupperware Party (for those of you who remember), only the products under discussion are scrapbooking supplies.
Imagine 3,500 to 7,000 scrapbook consultants
The annual Showcase convention, where the company teaches its employees and partners about the newest products and strategies, was in Minneapolis, and we were the transportation management company.
From the Airport to 14 Hotels
People arrived at MSP airport over the course of two days. We handled for routing, vehicle allocation and quantity decisions, and frequency decisions based on the flight information provided on a manifest.
Our PMs analyzed all flight arrival and departure times to put together a schedule with wait times 20 minutes or less at each terminal. They left no passenger behind.
Baggage? We can handle it.
At both terminals of MSP airport, we rented kiosks that flashed with Creative Memories messages, and provided over 10 greeters within the terminals.
They played a truly valuable role, walking along the baggage carousel and bringing people to a kiosk where they escorted groups down the escalators, on the tram, and to the buses.
Ten of our staff carried and stored their bags. They even had storage diagrams so that drivers could unload the right bags quickly.
Staff work makes all the difference
Throughout the convention, we provided daily shuttle service between the hotels, 12 hours per day with 6+ transit buses, depending on traffic and the event schedule. Somewhere along the way, we drove 1,000 show attendees to St Cloud, MN for a scrapbooking plant tour.
Thanks for letting us share a great memory. Isn’t that the whole point of scrapbooking?
