A Comprehensive Guide To Renting A Bus In Singapore | 3S Transport

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

There are various logistical hurdles to resolve when planning an event. One of the most crucial issues, regardless of the scale of your event, is transport. How do you plan to transport yourself and your guests to the event venue? Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem – rent a private hire bus in Singapore.

Shuttle buses are among the most versatile transport options available to event organisers. Given the different types of shuttle buses for rent, you can easily find one that accommodates your trip type, group size, and budget.

However, if this is your first time renting a bus, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the process. What is the ideal type of shuttle bus for my group size? When should I engage a private transport service? Your mind is undoubtedly filled with plenty of these questions. But fret not. We are here to help! You can refer to our helpful bus rental guide as you begin planning your event.

PART 2 – TYPES OF SHUTTLE BUSES AVAILABLE FOR RENT

The first question that pops into your mind when you are looking to rent a shuttle bus is likely, “What is the ideal bus to rent?” After all, the type of bus you wish to rent will determine the cost. Ultimately, your decision will depend on an essential factor – your group size. Let us share the different types of private buses available at 3S Transport so that you can understand which is best suited for your needs.

2.1. Mini-bus

Our mini-buses are the ideal choice for those travelling in small group sizes. It has a maximum accommodation of up to 13 passengers or 9 passengers with some space for luggage. Thanks to its compact size, it can navigate narrow streets with ease, making mini-bus rental the ideal option for trips involving various stops, such as corporate events, field trips, or weddings.

2.2. Mini-coach bus

Our mini-coach buses strike a nice balance between a mini-bus and a full-sized coach bus, giving you ample flexibility when booking. These shuttle buses can accommodate a maximum of 23 passengers, and thanks to its amenities (comfortable seating and vehicle-wide air conditioning), your guests can relax for the duration of the trip – whether it is a short or long-distance journey.

2.3. Coach bus

Our coach buses are the most luxurious transport option for rent. They can transport up to 45 passengers and come with vehicle-wide air conditioning and comfortable seating, ensuring your guests are comfortable throughout the trip.

Furthermore, our coach buses provide undercarriage and overhead storage for those seeking additional baggage space. These amenities make them the ideal transport option for corporate retreats and tour groups. It can also serve as group transportation to shuttle employees to and from work.

PART 3 – WHEN TO RENT A BUS TRANSPORT IN SINGAPORE

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of shuttle buses available for rent, it is time to address another pressing question – when should you rent a shuttle bus? Well, the answer is fairly straightforward; whenever you need a means of transport!

Since these private buses are incredibly versatile, it is only natural for them to be the go-to option for those looking to transport various group sizes to and from any venue with ease. Here are some of the most common uses for these shuttle buses.

3.1. Daily remote to and from work

Every employer values punctuality in their employees. However, it can be time-consuming for your employees to travel to and from work daily when your workplace is located in a remote area like Tuas. To circumvent this issue, businesses can hire a corporate bus service. Coach buses are the perfect choice for company bus transport thanks to their passenger capacity.

You can select an accessible pick-up and drop-off point, like an MRT station, to ensure it is convenient for all your employees. Moreover, as COVID-19 remains a health concern among Singaporeans, with new variants emerging in Singapore, company bus transport helps to minimise your employees' exposure to large crowds, thereby reducing their risk of contracting the virus.

3.2. Shuttle bus service for commercial and residential buildings

Some commercial and residential buildings in Singapore are situated somewhat off the beaten track. Therefore, you have to board several transit services before arriving at your destination.

To make it more convenient for people to access these buildings, the estate management may provide free shuttle bus services at convenient pick-up and drop-off points near MRT stations. As a result, more people will visit the location, which translates to better business for the retail shops in these commercial buildings.

As for those living in the aforementioned residential buildings, the shuttle bus service makes it more convenient for them to travel to and from home daily.

3.3. Field trips/School events

It is no easy feat to watch over a group of students on a field trip or school excursion. And the last thing a teacher wants is for someone to wander off from the group. By renting a shuttle bus, teachers can maintain their entire group together when they travel to their destination, making it easier to monitor every child. Plus, with the transport taken care of, teachers have more time to focus on keeping their students entertained. Furthermore, bus rentals are suitable for other school events like intra-school tournaments or track and field events.

3.4. Corporate events

There are plenty of moving parts to oversee when planning a corporate event, and transport is certainly a primary concern for organisers. Thankfully, bus rentals make it easy for event planners to arrange the safest and most cost-effective way to transport everyone. Once the event details are finalised, you can arrange for the bus transport and select a pick-up location. Your driver will be there to greet your team on your event day.

Whether your team is attending a conference, team-building exercise, or corporate retreat, our corporate bus services are guaranteed to meet your needs. Renting a shuttle bus allows your employees to travel together in a single vehicle, offering unique team-bonding opportunities. Furthermore, they do not have to worry about figuring out their own transport to the event, allowing them to focus on the experience.

3.5. Weddings

You would want everything to go off without a hitch on your special day! This includes having everyone present for the wedding reception on time. However, various unforeseen circumstances may occur that causes your guests to be late. But what if there is a way to alleviate this concern? Well, you can accomplish this by arranging for bus transport for your guests.

Indeed, opting for bus rental is a smart and responsible decision, especially if you have an open bar. By arranging for transport for every guest, everyone can safely enjoy the night away without anyone having to assume the role of the designated driver. A dedicated bus driver will be on-hand to pick up your guests to and from the wedding venue, ensuring everyone has a safe way of getting around.

3.6. Holiday camps

School holidays are a joy for the kids but a dilemma for the parents. Given the length of specific school holidays, many parents do not want their children to idle their time away. And the solution to this issue? Holiday camps. In fact, they are an excellent way for children to socialise and form lifelong bonds!

As an organiser of a holiday camp, how do you safely transport a group of kids to and from the camp location? The answer lies in bus rentals. For the children, there is nothing quite like a bus ride to the camp surrounded by their friends. The echoing laughter, fond memories, and budding friendships will undoubtedly be a highlight for them.

3.7. Tour groups

Source: Klook

Multi-stop itineraries are a staple for many tour groups. Therefore, it is paramount to secure group transportation to ensure everyone has adequate time to take in the scenery. With proper bus transportation, tour guides can shuttle visitors between the various tour sites and landmarks without having to rush from one locale to the next.

For local guides with smaller group sizes, you can opt for a mini-bus rental for your intra-city tours. Conversely, you might want to rent a coach bus for oversea tour groups. These tour groups tend to be larger in group size, so the extra capacity will definitely come in handy. Moreover, visitors can store their luggage in the undercarriage and overhead storage compartments when travelling to and from the airport.

3.8. Family trips

Kids are naturally curious and want to cover every nook and cranny when they explore the great outdoors. So you should dedicate ample time for each locale on your itinerary when planning your family trip. However, without efficient group transportation, you will find yourself rushing from one location to the next. Fortunately, you can easily sidestep this issue with a mini-bus rental, allowing your family to travel in comfort and style.

PART 4 – BEST PRACTICES FOR RENTING A SHUTTLE BUS

4.1. Benefits of shuttle bus rentals

The amenities and comfort that come with renting a shuttle bus for your event easily justify the bus rental price. Furthermore, with the various rental options available, you are sure to find one that matches your needs and budget. If you are still hesitant about whether bus rental is the best choice, we are here to convince you! Read on to learn about the many benefits you stand to gain.

Benefit #1: Comfortable and spacious

Being cramped in a car is uncomfortable for anyone, particularly when you are travelling in a large group. Now imagine if you have to endure this for the duration of your trip. Your limbs and joints will undoubtedly be sore at the end of the day.

In contrast, when you rent a shuttle bus, you and your travelling companions will have ample room to stretch your legs. Specific vehicles even come with reclining seats, allowing you to adjust your seat to your preference. We would not be surprised if you fall asleep during the drive, especially if your trip lasts the entire day.

Benefit #2: Environmentally-friendly option

If the majority in your travel group have an automobile, you might be wondering if it is more convenient to travel by car. Sure, this option might be less of a hassle, but spare a thought for the environment. After all, more cars on the road mean more carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

So why not play your part in conserving the environment by travelling in a single vehicle instead? In fact, studies have shown that buses produce less CO2 emission than other popular modes of transport like cars and planes and use less fuel per passenger.

Benefit #3: More affordable for groups

With rising gas prices in Singapore, you might find it cheaper to rent a private hire bus when travelling in a group, especially if you plan to visit multiple locations. Fuel cost is not the only expense you can save on when you opt for bus rental. You also do not have to worry about parking fees and ERP tariffs. You only have to pay for the bus rental price; everything else is covered by the bus company.

Benefit #4: No driver duties

Have you ever been on a road trip? In that case, you will understand that every road trip needs a designated driver. However, this is likely a role that no one in your group wants to be saddled with, including you. After all, the designated driver must plan the ideal route to the destination, take note of when to refuel the car, and locate a parking space at every stop. Worse, their efforts mostly go unappreciated.

But these concerns disappear when you rent a shuttle bus. The logistics of getting you and your companions from point A to point B rests on the designated bus driver’s shoulders. As such, you can enjoy yourself for the duration of your trip without worrying about getting to and from your destinations on time.

Benefit #5: Avoid getting stuck in traffic

Do you wish there was a better way to utilise all the time you spend in traffic? Now imagine the number of sights you are missing because of traffic congestion. However, traffic is unpredictable, and you never know when and where you might experience a traffic jam.

But what if you can circumvent a congested road by driving in a designated lane only for your transport? No, this is not just a pipe dream. When you rent a private hire bus, your driver can navigate around heavily-congested roads by utilising the bus lane. This way, you do not have to worry about wasting precious time in traffic and can visit the various places in your itinerary. And if your driver is experienced, they may be familiar with the fastest route to your destination.

4.2. Tips for choosing your ideal private bus company

After reading about the various benefits of renting a shuttle bus, you might be convinced to give these services a try. But it is challenging for you to narrow down your options given the number of private bus companies in Singapore. To help you simplify the selection process, let us outline the tips to keep in mind when selecting your ideal bus rental company.

Tip #1: Determine your ideal transport choice

Earlier, we mentioned that your group size will impact your bus rental decision. If your plan is still in flux, it will be difficult for you to ascertain the ideal bus to rent. In that case, it is crucial for you to engage the services of a private bus company that can offer a variety of buses. This allows you to pick the bus most convenient for your journey.

However, you should be sure of the number of passengers before confirming your bus booking, as it is tough for the service provider to accommodate last-minute changes to the bus transport, especially during peak season. Nevertheless, if you have the budget to spare, you should opt for transport that can maximise your guests’ comfort. After all, when everyone feels comfortable during the trip, they are more likely to enjoy their experience.

Tip #2: Take note of the condition of the transport

The last thing you want is for your shuttle bus to break down mid-transit. When this happens, you will have to wait for a replacement or for the bus to be fixed, resulting in a delay. As such, you should only work with a private bus company that ensures its fleet is in pristine condition.

At 3S Transport, we understand that our buses’ reliability can impact customer satisfaction. As such, we strive to maintain a high standard of reliability and safety in our bus fleet by conducting regular maintenance, upgrade, and replacement of all of our shuttle buses.

Tip #3: Ensure the company has the proper business credentials

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulates the use and ownership of private buses in Singapore. Therefore, private bus companies must comply with the organisation’s safety regulations and license conditions. Moreover, a private bus driver must have a Bus Driver’s Vocational License (BDVL) to operate the vehicle.

So when you are searching for your ideal bus rental services, you should ensure that your preferred choices are fully registered and accredited by LTA and that their drivers possess a valid driving license. These accreditations offer you confidence that you will enjoy a smooth and safe ride.

Tip #4: Check reviews and ask for referrals

What is the first course of action you will take when you seek a solution to a problem? Your answer is likely: search the internet. That’s right! The web is a treasure trove of information. So when you are seeking the best private bus company to work with, it is natural for you to turn to Google.

Checking out the online reviews for your selected bus companies is an excellent starting point, as it can help narrow down your options. Alternatively, you can consider asking around for referrals. Sometimes, a first-hand account can better paint a picture of what to expect when you engage a particular bus rental service.

4.3. Common bus rental questions you may have

We hope that we have clarified several burning questions you may have about renting a shuttle bus in Singapore. However, we also understand that you might have several lingering queries about bus rental services. So allow us to consolidate and answer the common questions you may have.

Question #1: How much does it cost to rent a shuttle bus?

There are several elements that can affect your bus rental price. The size of your bus transport is the most obvious factor. Beyond that, renting a newer bus with more amenities will also bring up the cost. Lastly, aspects such as duration, distance, and peak or odd-hour rentals can also affect the price of renting a shuttle bus in Singapore. Therefore, you should ask for a quotation before proceeding with your booking.

Question #2: Do I need to book in advance?

We always advise our customers to book in advance once they know the dates they require bus transportation. Doing so ensures you can obtain your desired transport when needed, especially during peak travel seasons.

At 3S Transport, we require our customers to make an online booking at least 2 working days in advance. For urgent bookings, you can contact our office at 6252 0996 to enquire about our bus availability.

Question #3: Are there any cancellation charges?

At 3S Transport, we provide a full refund for any cancellation notices made more than 48 hours in advance. Cancellation notices made less than 48 hours in advance will incur a 50% cancellation charge. Lastly, there will be no refund if the cancellation notice is made less than 24 hours from your booking time. All refunds will be made by bank transfer to a valid bank account number within 14 days.

Question #4: Are the shuttle buses handicap accessible?

Not every shuttle bus is designed to be handicap accessible. However, some buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift. If you require wheelchair-friendly bus transport, you need to make your needs known during the booking so that the appropriate vehicle is reserved for your group.

PART 5 – CONCLUSION

Regardless of the occasion, no one enjoys rushing from place to place, as it can dampen one's experience. And when you are planning an event, that is not the outcome you wish to achieve. So if you want to avoid such issues, you should consider bus rentals. After all, there are numerous benefits you stand to gain from doing so.

At 3S Transport, we are one of the leading bus companies in Singapore, with over 45 years of experience in the industry. We have a fleet of approximately 50 shuttle buses of various sizes that cater to both personal and business needs. If you require bus transport, do not hesitate to contact us today to enquire about the availability and rental prices of our bus fleet.