RENTAROUTEMASTER
Terms and Conditions of Private Hire
QUOTATIONS – All quotations are given subject to the company having available a suitable vehicle at the time the hirer accepts the quotation. Quotations are valid for 28 days unless otherwise notified.
PAYMENT – A deposit of 10% of the hire fee is payable on booking the hire with the balance due 14 days before the date of the hire unless the Company has agreed in writing to vary this condition.
CONFIRMATION OF HIRE – Written confirmation by the Company in the form of a Contract, a letter or an e-mail, is the only basis for acceptance of a hiring, or for any subsequent variation to a hiring. The only exception to this is any operational variation that may become necessary on the day of the hire due to traffic delays, road closures, police, other emergency authorities or highways agency personnel actions, or any other unforeseeable occurrence obstructing the completion of the hire.
CANCELLATION BY HIRER – If the hirer wishes to cancel any agreement, the following scale of charges will apply in relation to the total hire charge. Cancellation 14 days or more before hire date – deposit only, 2 – 13 days – 50% of hire, 1-2 days – 75%, day of hire – 100% of hire.
CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY – In the event of an emergency or an action by the Hirer to vary the agreed conditions, the Company may return all monies paid and without further liability cancel the Contract.
DRIVER’S HOURS AND REST PERIODS – The Driver’s hours and driving and rest periods are strictly controlled by law, and the current regulations must be complied with. The Company will agree the hours of operation of the hire and these must be observed.
SEATING CAPACITY – The maximum number of seated passengers allowed varies depending upon which vehicle is hired. The original Routemaster (RM) has a capacity of 64, The lengthened version (RML) has a total of 72, The double deck coach version with doors instead of an open platform has a capacity of 57 and the single decker has a capacity of 41.
CHANGE OF VEHICLE – If due to unserviceability or any other reason, the agreed vehicle is unable to be provided on the day of the hire, the Company reserves the right to supply a similar vehicle or vehicles with a total seating capacity required of not less than the hirer has agreed with the company . If no suitable replacement vehicle is available, the Company will do all it reasonably can to ensure transport is provided for the hire, up to the total cost of the hire.
CONVEYANCE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND CHILDREN’S BUGGIES – Wheelchairs and Buggies, providing they are collapsible are able to be carried on the bus. The Hirer should make known to the Company at the time of booking of the likelihood of this being necessary. The Hirer should note that due to the Historic nature of the vehicles, specific areas for the storage of Wheelchairs and Buggies are not provided on the Routemasters or Single Decker and that storage of them on the bus will of necessity, occupy seat space and therefore reduce the vehicle seating capacity for the hire. The Conductor will provide assistance to any passenger requiring help to board the bus. A stool is carried on board to assist the step up necessary to board the rear platform.
ANIMALS – will not be carried on any vehicle, except Guide Dogs.
VARIATION OF HIRE – If the vehicle is detained late by the Hirer or used for a longer journey than that contracted for, the Company reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the hire continues beyond the agreed timings. The charges that will apply are £75 for the first hour or part thereof, and £100 for any subsequent hour or part thereof. The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that the passengers to be conveyed are aware of the agreed departure time(s) and location(s) of the bus. The Hirer or their nominated representative are deemed as the only persons with the authority to negotiate and agree any variation or payment of additional cost, associated with an agreed variation to the terms of the hire.
CONDUCT OF PASSENGERS – The Driver and Conductor are responsible for the safety of the vehicle. Any passenger whose conduct is deemed to be inappropriate, or hazardous to the passenger himself, other passengers, or the safety of the bus, will be removed on the Driver or Conductor’s authority. The Hirer will be responsible for all damages caused to the vehicle by passengers during the hiring. If young children are carried, the Hirer is responsible for ensuring that adequate supervision by a responsible adult is provided. Passengers are not allowed to travel on the stairs or platform area whilst the vehicle is in motion.
PROPERTY – The Company will not accept liability for any damage or loss of any property, which belongs to any passengers and is left on a vehicle. Any articles or property recovered from a vehicle will be held at the Company address from where the item may be collected.
BREAKDOWN / TRAFFIC DELAY – The Company agrees journey times in good faith, but does not guarantee the completion of a journey at a specific time and will NOT be liable for inconvenience or loss caused by breakdown or traffic delay.
COMPLAINTS – In the event of a complaint about the Company’s services, the hirer should endeavour to seek a solution at the time by seeking assistance from the Driver or the Conductor, or by contacting the Company by phone on 07 999 987 801. If this has not provided a remedy, complaints should be submitted in writing within 14 days of the termination date of hire to Rentaroutemaster, Copse View, 42C Calder Close, Tilehurst, Reading. RG30 4XL Complaints will be acknowledged within 14 working days and the Company will aim to resolve any complaint within 28 days of it being made.
RETENTION OF VEHICLE – Unless stated it should not be assumed that any vehicle will remain at the destination until time for the return journey.
ROUTE – The route used will be at the discretion of the Company, and may be specified on the confirmation letter. This route may be varied on the day of the Hire at the discretion of the Company and/or the Driver.
ALCOHOL – Under no circumstances may alcoholic drinks be carried on or consumed upon the vehicle without the express permission of the Company in writing. If written agreement is obtained, the drinking vessels used must be of the disposable variety, i.e. non-glass. The Company reserves the right to charge a cleaning deposit of up to £150 in the event of food and/or drink being consumed on the bus. If no spillages or damage occur to the bus during the hire, the deposit will be returned in full.
FOOD and DRINK – Food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on the bus with the prior permission of the Company. The Company reserves the right to charge a cleaning deposit of up to £150 in the event of food and/or drink being consumed on the bus. If no spillages or damage occur to the bus during the hire, the deposit will be returned in full.
SMOKING – All vehicles used on Rentaroutemaster Private Hire agreements are non-smoking.