Check the facilities. You can tell a lot just by looking at someone's place of business. Are they open to having you visit?

You are welcome to visit us anytime. We are located in Delta on the south shore of the south arm of the Fraser river 10 miles south of Vancouver. If you make arrangements before coming we would be happy to show you around our yard, government certified maintenance facility, and reservations and dispatch centre.

What level of maintenance can they do in-house? How many staff are dedicated to maintenance? Do they have full-service capabilities?

The maintenance department of Charter Bus Lines is a key element to the quality that we provide. Our shop is a government certified preventative maintenance site. We have full service pits plus lifts to do all the work required to keep a large fleet in operation. With certified commercial transport mechanics as part of a staff of more that fifteen you can be assured that the CBL coach that you charter is expertly maintained.

Has the carrier been given a realistic itinerary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding the terms and services required?

Our reservation department will help you with your itinerary. Not only will we be sure to understand your needs but we will also help you create an itinerary that works. If you send your itinerary in email it will be copied directly into our reservation system to be included with all driver and dispatch paperwork.

How large is the fleet? A carrier with more units has more flexibility to supply alternate vehicles, to serve large movements, and to handle seasonal capacity. It also comments on their success.

We have a fleet of over 100 coaches making us one of the largest independent bus companies in British Columbia. We also have coaches in a variety of seating capacities to better meet your needs.

Ask for references. Get referrals from similar types of groups and gauge by their experience how reliable and competent a carrier will be when you travel with them.

Please see our Satisfied Customers page for some samples of the many hundreds of letters we have gotten about our services. If there is a specific kind of service that you are looking for references for we would be happy to provide them.

Ask for proof of insurance. Reputable carriers will have at least $5 million in current liability and third-party coverage.

CBL carries $10 million in current liability and third-party insurance.

Don't just consider the average age of the fleet. Though you might conclude that newer equipment will have fewer problems systematic maintenance is the key to reliability.

We are continuously upgrading our coaches. We buy new models regularly. For example our H345s are Prevost's latest model. We also scrupulously maintain the entire fleet. A lot of resources go into safety inspections and keeping our coaches in excellent working order. And not only do we do regular maintenance we also retrofit older coaches with modern upgrades such as more powerful engines and modern styled accessories. We have a reputation for having some of the best maintained coaches in the industry.

Is there a quality and safety program in place?

CBL management conducts regular driver reviews and evaluations. We also exceed the standards set by the National Safety Code of Canada for transportation companies.

Do you need video equipped coaches, wheelchair lifts, or special services?

Please ask! We can provide all of this and other special services as well.

Drug and alcohol testing programs are required if you are entering the USA.

CBL complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation's policies on drug and alcohol testing. Our drivers are certified to drive in the United Sates. As well we have implemented a zero tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol.

Do they offer training and upgrading to their drivers? This often determines the level of professionalism you will experience.

As well as undergoing testing before being considered for employment we also offer additional training on our coaches and procedures. We have a staff of senior driver instructors who provide instruction in everything from how to do driver commentaries to how to drive in winter driving conditions. To drive our larger coaches a junior driver must go through additional training. We are very careful to ensure that our drivers are prepared for anything they might encounter on the road.

Does the carrier follow DOT driver service regulations? Drivers are limited to 10 hours of driving per day in the USA, 13 in Canada, as well as other restrictions. Enforcement of these rules is increasing every year. If your coach is caught while the driver is out of regulation time, you will be parked on the spot, which is very inconvenient.

We follow all DOT driver service regulations. For example we monitor all driver logs and note in our computerized dispatch system when a driver will be out of hours. This way we do not send drivers who may run out of hours out on extended trips. For more information on the rules governing driver's hours in North America click here.

Ask about their ability to handle things when a problem does occur. Do they have relationships with other carriers to help in event of a breakdown?

We have reciprocal agreements with many coach companies in and outside of British Columbia. We believe in maintaining solid relationships within our industry. We are a member of the The International Motor Coach Group.

Check the facilities. You can tell a lot just by looking at someone's place of business. Are they open to having you visit?

You are welcome to visit us anytime. We are located in Delta on the south shore of the south arm of the Fraser river 10 miles south of Vancouver. If you make arrangements before coming we would be happy to show you around our yard, government certified maintenance facility, and reservations and dispatch centre.

What level of maintenance can they do in-house? How many staff are dedicated to maintenance? Do they have full-service capabilities?

The maintenance department of Charter Bus Lines is a key element to the quality that we provide. Our shop is a government certified preventative maintenance site. We have full service pits plus lifts to do all the work required to keep a large fleet in operation. With certified commercial transport mechanics as part of a staff of more that fifteen you can be assured that the CBL coach that you charter is expertly maintained.

Has the carrier been given a realistic itinerary to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding the terms and services required?

Our reservation department will help you with your itinerary. Not only will we be sure to understand your needs but we will also help you create an itinerary that works. If you send your itinerary in email it will be copied directly into our reservation system to be included with all driver and dispatch paperwork.

How large is the fleet? A carrier with more units has more flexibility to supply alternate vehicles, to serve large movements, and to handle seasonal capacity. It also comments on their success.

We have a fleet of over 100 coaches making us one of the largest independent bus companies in British Columbia. We also have coaches in a variety of seating capacities to better meet your needs.

Ask for references. Get referrals from similar types of groups and gauge by their experience how reliable and competent a carrier will be when you travel with them.

Please see our Satisfied Customers page for some samples of the many hundreds of letters we have gotten about our services. If there is a specific kind of service that you are looking for references for we would be happy to provide them.

Ask for proof of insurance. Reputable carriers will have at least $5 million in current liability and third-party coverage.

CBL carries $10 million in current liability and third-party insurance.

Don't just consider the average age of the fleet. Though you might conclude that newer equipment will have fewer problems systematic maintenance is the key to reliability.

We are continuously upgrading our coaches. We buy new models regularly. For example our H345s are Prevost's latest model. We also scrupulously maintain the entire fleet. A lot of resources go into safety inspections and keeping our coaches in excellent working order. And not only do we do regular maintenance we also retrofit older coaches with modern upgrades such as more powerful engines and modern styled accessories. We have a reputation for having some of the best maintained coaches in the industry.

Is there a quality and safety program in place?

CBL management conducts regular driver reviews and evaluations. We also exceed the standards set by the National Safety Code of Canada for transportation companies.

Do you need video equipped coaches, wheelchair lifts, or special services?

Please ask! We can provide all of this and other special services as well.

Drug and alcohol testing programs are required if you are entering the USA.

CBL complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation's policies on drug and alcohol testing. Our drivers are certified to drive in the United Sates. As well we have implemented a zero tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol.

Do they offer training and upgrading to their drivers? This often determines the level of professionalism you will experience.

As well as undergoing testing before being considered for employment we also offer additional training on our coaches and procedures. We have a staff of senior driver instructors who provide instruction in everything from how to do driver commentaries to how to drive in winter driving conditions. To drive our larger coaches a junior driver must go through additional training. We are very careful to ensure that our drivers are prepared for anything they might encounter on the road.

Does the carrier follow DOT driver service regulations? Drivers are limited to 10 hours of driving per day in the USA, 13 in Canada, as well as other restrictions. Enforcement of these rules is increasing every year. If your coach is caught while the driver is out of regulation time, you will be parked on the spot, which is very inconvenient.

We follow all DOT driver service regulations. For example we monitor all driver logs and note in our computerized dispatch system when a driver will be out of hours. This way we do not send drivers who may run out of hours out on extended trips. For more information on the rules governing driver's hours in North America click here.

Ask about their ability to handle things when a problem does occur. Do they have relationships with other carriers to help in event of a breakdown?

We have reciprocal agreements with many coach companies in and outside of British Columbia. We believe in maintaining solid relationships within our industry. We are a member of the The International Motor Coach Group.