Is there any way to rent a school bus without a driver?

July 1, 2009 2:16 PM

Is there any way to rent a school bus without a driver? I would ideally like to pick up the bus, pay for the time and gas, and return it the next day... Kind of like a Uhaul service.

I'm coordinating an adult sports league, and we need to drive to Brooklyn on a Saturday morning, party all day, then drive back that night. We looked into schoolbuses and charter buses, but they all cost over $1G for the day (because the driver is included). Separate rides are our alternative, but a pain to coordinate.

I would ideally like to rent a bus for a day or so, kind of like you rent a Uhaul truck.

thanks,
-np

posted by ninjuhplease to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

how many people need to be transported?
what about 10-people passenger vans?

i think the problem with renting a bus is that you need a special license to drive one (at least here in Ontario you do). when i tried renting 16-passenger vans for a work event, i was told you had to rent them with a driver unless you could prove you had the license.
posted by gursky at 2:20 PM on July 1

A bus is a different class of vehicle which typically requires a commercial license. A bus carrying passengers requires an even more strict license. Also, most people's insurance doesn't cover this class of car.
posted by bensherman at 2:22 PM on July 1

There would be a huge liability for the owner of the bus should there be an accident. I am certain that there is no way that they will allow anyone other than their own employees (who are tested and insured) to carry passengers.

The cost is a factor of the training, insurance, and cost of equipment.

And, I'm thinking that "party all day" part doesn't thrill them much either..
posted by HuronBob at 2:28 PM on July 1

To drive a school bus, you'll need a CDL in the State of New York. Consider two or more passenger vans.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:29 PM on July 1

I agree with the above. Here's the relevant info from the NY DMV.

26000 lbs. is the limit for a regular Class D license (which is probably what you have). There also seems to be a distinction made at 14 passengers (at least for the commercial licenses).

Also, you should probably just call up a rental service and tell them exactly what you're looking for. It is their job to know this -- and if they don't, don't rent from them.
posted by clorox at 2:36 PM on July 1

Most places, school buses require a CDL with passenger endorsement. Having held one of these in the past, I can say I'd counsel leaving the driving to someone else.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 3:45 PM on July 1

What about an ACTUAL UHAUL TRUCK? That would be pretty badass. Even more badass would be a Penske truck with a liftgate.

They'll rent 'em to anyone, and there are rails inside that you can use to attach hangin'-on ropes.

A more sane and legal idea might be to rent an RV. I don't believe the licensing restrictions are as strict. Plus there's a fridge and a place to take a leak.
posted by pantsonfire at 4:33 PM on July 1 [2 favorites]

You can rent a 12 passenger van from Budget/enterprise/etc. Maybe split into two groups if you have more than 12 people?
posted by Kellydamnit at 10:48 PM on July 1

Renting an RV is a GREAT idea... It to only be ~$700 for "7 people" over 3 days

thanks for the responses, guys
posted by ninjuhplease at 5:28 AM on July 2