Publish Date
December 10, 2024
Social Share
Is your agency or business responsible for transporting passengers and sometimes their belongings for compensation or public service? Check out the detailed plan below designed to help you identify and select vehicle solutions that best meet the unique needs and goals of your operation.
What is a passenger carrier vehicle?
A passenger carrier vehicle is equipped for safe, comfortable and accommodating movement of people between destinations or along designated routes for:
- Hired Chartering
- Public Transit
- Private Ridesharing
- Guest Shuttling
- Sightseeing
Some examples of passenger carrier vehicles include:
- Buses & Coaches
- Limousines
- Shuttles
- Taxis
- Vans, Cars & SUVs
1. Review vehicle options
How do you know which vehicle is most suitable for your application?
Personal cars, SUVs, vans, or pickup trucks can typically seat up to 8 passengers, including the driver, depending on the make and model. For operations requiring transportation of up to 15 passengers, a commercial passenger van may be an ideal choice. For larger occupancy needs, manufacturers may offer extended versions or, more commonly, commercial chassis with elongated wheelbases designed to accommodate aftermarket bodies. These configurations are frequently available as all-inclusive packages categorized as buses, coaches, limousines, or motorhomes/RVs. When selecting a vehicle, it's also important to consider power, handling, safety, amenities, reliability, and the total cost of ownership including purchase price, insurance, and operating expenses.
2. Assess storage requirements
How much space and payload capacity are required to handle your cargo?
Beyond passenger seating, list all potential cargo that may be on board at any given time, including size and weight information. This can include passenger baggage, carry-on items, or larger, irregularly shaped, or sensitive items (such as strollers, bicycles, or firearms). It’s essential for each operation to establish clear policies outlining the type, quantity, size, and weight of items allowed aboard to ensure adequate space is reserved for passenger belongings. Also, account for any necessary tools or provisions that may be required in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or delay or to accommodate passengers until resolved. Always remain mindful of the vehicle’s “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)”, which defines the maximum weight the vehicle can handle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket additions like equipment or bodies. Exceeding the GVWR can result in significant safety hazards, increased wear and tear, higher maintenance costs, and potential legal penalties if not properly followed.
3. Consider cargo access
How can retrieving and returning your cargo be made more efficient and convenient?
Cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks offer limited cargo accessibility, as items are only available by opening side or rear doors to an enclosed interior or by reaching into an open bed. In some cases, excess cargo may encroach on available seating and hinder passenger entry, exit and even comfort. Consider instead a chassis with an aftermarket body that includes underfloor or overhead storage. Underfloor storage, also known as luggage bays, are beneath the passenger seating area with hinged or sliding access doors along the sides of the body. Overhead storage, commonly referred to as parcel racks, are located inside and above the passenger seating area and will include open shelves or enclosed bins. Additional storage may be integrated at the rear of the vehicle, near the driver’s area or other external compartments too.
4. Safeguard assets
How can your vehicle and cargo be better protected from elements, damage or theft?
Apart from open upper deck buses used in urban settings or for sightseeing, most passenger vehicles feature enclosed body designs by default. This ensures that both occupants and contents are shielded from weather, dirt, debris, and other potential hazards. The vehicle's exterior can be enhanced for greater durability and resistance to impacts, scratches, dents, rust, and corrosion through options such as aluminum or composite construction, protective surface coatings or plating, reinforced bumpers, and more. While passengers are encouraged to properly tag and secure their belongings, many passenger transport vehicles come equipped with or can be fitted with lockable compartments, surveillance systems, alarm sensors, or signage that promotes reporting suspicious activity and reminds passengers to secure their possessions.
5. Prioritize people
How can your vehicle better support the satisfaction and well-being of its users?
Transform a routine journey into a truly enjoyable and worry-free travel experience through features that promote positive health, safety, comfort, convenience and mood among drivers and passengers. Spacious seating that provides adjustable belts, reclining capabilities, ample legroom, cushioning, and lumbar support is paramount. Incorporate climate controls, natural or ambient lighting, entertainment or connectivity systems or noise cancellation options that are well-regulated or individually customizable to create a more personalized and relaxing environment. For long-distance travel, refreshment stations, lavatories or sleeping accommodations may be necessary. Emergency exits, handrails, anti-slip flooring, padded surfaces, waste bins and sanitization product dispensers are additions that foster a safe and hygienic atmosphere.
6. Maximize awareness
How can your vehicle be more recognized and visible to others?
Especially for hired or guest transportation applications like charter bus, taxi or shuttle services, the exterior of the vehicle is a valuable asset for promoting a business. As it traverses roadways and is parked at various sites, inclusion of brand logos, colors, graphics, messaging and contact information is a surefire way to market your service offering to a vast audience and potential customers. In public transportation contexts, such as city or school buses, the same space can serve multiple purposes. Signage may include identifiers for a municipality or educational institution, communicating route, fare or safety information, or for advertising businesses, events, community announcements or public outreach campaigns. To enhance safety and visibility, the application of sound or light signaling systems can further protect passengers and alert other road users during frequent stops for boarding and disembarking, particularly in low-light conditions.
7. Identify support needs
What essential capabilities or assistance should your vehicle provide?
Accessibility equipment and accessories are essential—and often mandated—components of many passenger transportation vehicles, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with diverse abilities, including physical, cognitive, hearing, vision, and language needs. Examples include ramps, lifts, designated securing areas and widened aisles to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Digital displays, static signage, and announcement systems support passengers with auditory or visual impairments and those needing multilingual assistance. Grab bars, standee handles, illuminated pathways, treaded floors, and priority areas toward the entrance for passengers with disabilities, seniors or pregnant individuals are worth incorporating too. To prepare for emergencies or hazardous scenarios, vehicles should also be equipped with fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and essential roadside safety supplies.
