Everything you need to know about buses and their amenities

Some transport companies can provide you with a wide range of interesting coaches and minibuses to hire. These days, coaches are like homes on wheels. And even if your coach trip isn’t very long, it’s still nice to be in a comfortable coach where you won’t be too cold or too hot, and won’t have to breathe in exhaust fumes, diesel fumes or, worse still, the driver’s breath. It’s also important to remember that, in terms of equipment and purpose, coach buses are very similar to intercity buses, but there are still differences due to the specific nature of the service.

Differences in tourist coaches

When booking a tourist excursion with a transport company, you should pay attention to the layout of the coach. In such a coach, the space between the seats is wider and the seating is arranged in four rows. Furthermore, there may be a designated area for the tour guide. Everything should be as safe and comfortable as possible for passengers. Such tourist coaches have a longer wheelbase and, as a rule, two doors – at the front and in the centre of the passenger compartment.

As for long-distance journeys on intercity coaches, their comfort depends on the heating and ventilation systems; travellers’ comfort will also be significantly improved if the coach is fitted with a water dispenser, a toilet, a fridge and a video system. The type of passenger seats is also important. For a comfortable coach journey, the seats should be reclining so that passengers can relax in a position close to horizontal; this position will be more comfortable for your back. And, of course, it would be much more enjoyable to spend time on a coach with large windows, which provide a good view and make the journey more colourful, informative and interesting.

Facilities

When you’re planning to book a coach for your trip, be sure to check its facilities. Check whether there are seatbelts, whether the seats are comfortable, and whether there is air conditioning and on-board kitchens, so you don’t have to bring coffee or tea in a thermos flask with you; and the presence of a microwave will make your snack on the go a real treat. After all, this is now a reality.

It would be great if the coach were equipped with multimedia facilities, such as LCD televisions, a sound system and high-quality microphones. This will make the tour a more complete experience. With the facilities provided by your transport company, even your shortest journey will be comfortable. Please also note that there are different classifications of bus comfort levels. Currently, all buses that carry passengers over very long distances are classified in this way. The number of decks is categorised as single-deck, double-deck and one-and-a-half-deck.

There are five categories, each corresponding to a number of stars.

1 star

The bus is equipped with a ventilation and heating system and has good interior lighting. Seats are spaced 68 cm apart. This type of bus carries passengers over short distances and can be used as a sightseeing or local city transport service.

2 stars

This category is for regional passenger transport. The distance between seats is 72 cm. There is protection from sunlight and a spacious luggage compartment.

3 stars

These buses are used on medium- and long-distance routes. They are fitted with more comfortable passenger seats, have a wider floor, and feature adjustable armrests. They also feature a fold-down table, and the cabin climate is controlled by an air-conditioning system. The comfort of the journey is enhanced by a compact kitchenette and a toilet. The distance between adjacent seats is 77 cm.

4 stars

Hiring a coach of this class is intended for long-distance journeys. Seats are spaced at least 83 cm apart, with seat backs at least 40 mm thick. Comfort during the journey is ensured by air conditioning, a small kitchen and a toilet.

5 stars

Buses that meet the highest comfort standards for long-distance and extended journeys. Their seats are spaced 90 cm apart. Passenger seats are at least 50 mm thick. In addition to the standard fittings, these modern vehicles must feature a cloakroom, a fully-equipped kitchen and, of course, a toilet.

The transport company Transmarine provides comfortable coaches for a wide variety of purposes and destinations. And, most importantly, take note of our extensive fleet of vehicles, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities – all at affordable prices.

We’d be delighted if this short article has been of help to you!