How do bus companies make any money ???
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- Опубліковано 2 лют 2021
- This video describes what Privately Owned bus company owners and managers go through to make a buck. Its not a easy industry to work in and those who work in it have a lot of passion for what they do.
Long hours, high stress, high risk, low profit margins, high capitol.
Also, A lot of fun, and very rewarding.
James, you have created, entertained, and educated us. Thank you for your passion. Good Wishes for you, your family, and all of us that love transportation 🤗 Well Done
Martie! You are too kind. Thank you. I'm glad these are entertaining. Honestly I didn't think anyone would watch me talk about buses. I could talk about them all day! LOL
You probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me
I have my cdl license.....for 18 wheelers these are educated videos....that I enjoy watching as well....keep up the good work?? What is it that you don't know about your job as a bus driver??
"So far in the hole you're smelling street food in China" - I laughed way too hard. Thank you. Love your videos.
If I had a small fleet I would consider trying to network with other operators to handle simultaneous bookings so that you never have to turn away a customer so that you can provide continuity of service
That is a great idea. You should start something like that.
@@MotorcoachWorld I thought limo and bus companies routinely farm out work to each other if they can't handle the size of the job. Order calls for 22 buses. You only have 18 available that day. Joe Blow bus company supplies the other 4.
It's called Subcontracting. Companies already do this
You passion is palpable, your information fantastic. You're a real credit to your company and the industry!
Usatourpros! Wow what a compliment. Thank you so much I really appreciate it.
Not to mention, managing paying all the employees(payroll system), managing the ins and outs of the odd little requirements like airport drop/pick up fees. The list goes on!
Hey 1 2 Review. It sure does. If I actually listed every thing that cost us money I think my video would be an hour long .
So did you used to run a bus company?
Regarding the issue of overlapping trips, you might want to address affiliate work. You subcontract the shorter trip to a bigger fleet doing the work as "your company" or "in affiliate with". Your company. Typically in this case you get 10 % of the fee for that run, and free up your vehicle for the longer trip.
Thanks for the suggestion Gary.
Great perspective and insight James! I drive for a small company and take nothing for granted when it comes to day-to-day tasks that help keep those buses moving.
I had the exquisite "pleasure" of being on the wqsh crew back in 2018. Dumping the toilette....priceless. Hardest part was cleaning the interiors during the summer.
Lol yes I know what you mean. That's awesome that you did the other jobs. It's nice to know what each job entails.
Love all your videos! As a motorcoach driver, I can understand exactly where you're coming from on the break downs. It's never a fun situation, especially when your passengers are already in a bad mood.
In 2024 February, please know that this information is very much so still valuable. Thank you for all of your efforts. 😊
This is a great video, informative. Because I, like many people in the St Louis metro area was wondering how Gillespie Illinois based Cavallo Bus Lines went out of business. Thanks to this video I have a better understanding. But the way they suddenly closed permanently and gave no warning or compensation to their employees was cruel. I dispatched for a bus and limousine company before. The transportation industry fascinates me.
Love that retro 80s music...takes me back to my teen years 😀
I was waiting someone to comment on the music 😂 thanks Steve!
@@MotorcoachWorld here in the UK we have to do first use checks before we use the bus/coach do you do this in the USA if so could you do a video on it? Also I would be interested in seeing what the difference is and so on so would be happy to tell you our checks. I'm currently in training so not a qualified driver yet. Also in the UK we have to do a CPC license and do 35 hours training over every 5 years to keep the licence do you have anything like that in the USA? Also happy to talk about that to. The CPC is a different licence from the Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence you get by doing the driving test. The CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a card we must carry by law.
Here in Indonesia, some intercity bus companies have their own restaurants and parcel services. Some companies based in Jakarta Area would be contracted to operate Transit buses although they have to buy buses that conform to Transjakarta's Standards beforehand
Very informative. I appreciate you for making this. Although I didn't want a large fleet maybe 2 26 passenger bus but after viewing this not sure anymore. 😭😭 I really wanted my own business. Tired of working for others that is totally unappreciative to their employees. Working for alltown and infinity has worn me completely out. Thank you again for the information 🥺
Love our passion
Great job
Awesome stuff - I'm now a Patron! Hopefully my brothers and sisters in the business will join in. I'm that first generation company builder trying to build the foundation for my kiddos and then theirs. Thanks for the great effort James. Keep on Rolling, Dan Goff.
Hey Dan. I have so much respect for people building from nothing, especially in this industry. I wish you nothing but luck and success. Email me your business name and location I'll do what I can to mention you're company anywhere I can.
Thanks for supporting me!!
I manage a fleet of 10 that consists of coaches, shuttle buses and vans. I and my student workers spend a lot of time making them ready for trips. I could not imagine managing a fleet of 60. I can relate to the owner waiting for buses to return safely on a snowy night. This is not for the faint of heart.
John Wright, much respect to you and what you do. 10 buses or 60 buses, we all know what it's like to have sleepless nights. Thanks for your comment.
Most bus owner die because of heart attack
When it comes to motorcoaches, I rely on your very informative videos!
Hey James, thanks for this informative and entertaining look into running a bus company. Great video!
Appreciate the comment John! Much appreciated.
This guy is always on point with everything about motor coaches
well done again James! thanks!
Lots of operational wisdom packed in this video. Also very enjoyable.
Appreciate the kind words! Thank you for writing!
Glad you like what you do. I tried motor coach driving after years of being a CDL hazmat truck driver. Was always a dream of mine. I didn't last very long though as I quickly learned " the Business ". It was a horrible lifestyle for me never being home. I found myself driving a lot of college sports teams. As you are probably well aware, college sports teams typically travel at night for a game the following day or night. Driving at night 4-6 hours in all weather conditions wasn't my forte. I have high energy so the sitting around and do nothing all game day waiting to drive 4-6 hours back strained my nerves. I could go on and on but just wanted to drop a comment as I watch a lot of your videos. You seem like you have the kind of personality O/O's love to have on the pay roll.
Learned a lot while being entertained! Liked and subscribed!
James My brother, you have done it again, what an amazing insightful video😃 Keep up the great work!💪🏽👊🏽
Lol thanks buddy. Love it when you leave a comment. Really appreciate it.
Awesome Video James Really Appreciate The Content That You Upload....Stay Safe and Keep Up The Good Work!!!!!!
Thank you Yoda Twolf! Really appreciate it man. Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for all of the UA-cam video you make avalible to public. I've always had an ifinity for Motorcoaches from when I was teenager and in the high school band. High school bands are a resource for business for Motorcoach owners and operators. We chartered a Greyhound Americtuiser when I was in band to go our state band contest where even out attire & uniform were & the way we presented them were part of our judgement as we approached the field march in performance of our show. I hope you folks can get some high school & perhaps university band business. They usually have respect for the Motorcoach and the staff too.
Wow what great memories. Thank you for your comment. Really makes my day to read stories like these. I hope you are well. stay tuned more on the way!
You said it james. as a lighting production business owner for many years it was almost the same thing and honouring a school function that pays $$$ then getting asked to do a job the same date that pays $$$$$$ you have to honour the first booking customer its a tough pill to swallow sometimes but good reviews pay off in the long run. Ive found some of the jobs that pay the big money are not always the repeat customers and in the long run the ones that paid less but booked more often was the deal:)
You are absolutely right Brian. Thanks for th comment. Hope you are well.
@@MotorcoachWorld You didn't mention subcontracting out the job. I don't know if you can actually make money when you sub out a customer, but that's what you do, and keep everybody happy.
@@sunahamanagai9039 The risk with subcontracting a job out is, if the customer has a bad experience its still your reputation that suffers, you took the booking.
Love it! great content
Highly insightful information . 🎉
Man this was perfect, truth darts 🎯
I've just started working as a bus/coach driver in Australia, and slowly getting an insight into the industry. I've greatly enjoyed your videos and your passion and entertaining way of presenting the business, and because of that... I have subscribed! Look forward to more content, keep them coming!
Yo can you explain why even when customers don't use opal cards the buss still take them do they still make money from it?
I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. Also appreciate you taking the time to write your comment. I hope you love it as much as I do!
@@MotorcoachWorld All good, it's my pleasure to make sure you know your efforts are most definitely worthwhile!
There are alot of passionate creators on UA-cam from many other transportation fields (I.e. Airline pilots, Maritime Officers, Railroad engineers) but there's hardly anyone covering Motorcoaches with the depth of detail, and passion that you have. Hence why I greatly hope this channel (And Peoria!) grows steadily.
Also, I have noticed you have a Patreon, and now have joined that as well. So look forward to any other updates you have there! Cheerio
Excellent job there: informative and entertaining. Thanks!
Hey eyouboua Koubouka! Thank you for your comment! I am glad you are enjoying the content!
Too COOL! Thanks for sharing!!!
see James this is why in the UK we need to have a Transport Manager because of the many requirements of running a business lol. You do a great job!
Hey Andy! Thanks so much my friend!
I was thinking of buying a bus and doing adventure day trips. Hiking /camping /site seeing.
It seemed like fun and good money untill I saw this video lol. I figured this side hustle would allow me to enjoy going on trips while making money
The most embarrassing moments when you announce that you're bus broke down.
LOL that makes for a bad day
I remember seeing Peoria Charter coaches when I would ride through there on Illini-Swallow from Indy to Galesburg. That was in the late 80's.
Very true and realistic description speaking from experience in Australia
Thank you David Sullivan! Its nice to see that bus companies in different parts of the world share the same problems and hardships!
This video was super funny and super informative
damnnnn man I saw that United Federation of Planets logo on your screen ^^ amazing to meet you fellow. A really cool video! Gonna keep your tips in my mind! Live Long and Prosper ;))
Haha always a pleasure to meet a Star Trek fan. Thank you for the comment and your kind words
When I was young, I remember travelling on coaches for like 12 hours. One time the dude behind managed to slip their foot between the window and my seat. I had a pillow, so I just placed the pillow on his foot and slept the night. But, like yeah, fun times.
I think you should do a video into coaches similar to the ones in Vietnam / Asia. Because the entire setup of the coach is a bunch of beds. It's completely different. I've never been on one, because they probably wouldn't let me, I'm 110kg and 6 foot tall. But, it's interesting the way different countries do things like this.
Also, they have these 7 seat vans they call "limo's". For point to point travel. I did the Buon Ma Thuot to Nha Trang at 60 - 80 km/h, basically my wife's mother got so travel sick in the mountains that on the reverse leg we ended up taking the slow bus that does at least 20 cargo stops that take 2 hours just exiting the city. Worst experience ever.
wow thanks for the info, new subscriber here, looking forward to more educational vids like ths 1
Hey thanks for the comment. In glad you enjoyed the content.
Nice information 🤠
Great video! Bonus points for the Starfleet Command screensavers at 3:08 and 4:37!
Dam. I knew all of this, but it reopened a wound that I never had. I just want to do one bus now
local transit just cut service, i wondered how much i would be in for if i got into this.... Holy crap! idk if i love buses that much 🤣
Very nice and informative video. I do have a suggestion, turn down your music when you are talking and find music that is not so busy. Keep this music for your into's and outro's and add softer music to highlight areas of the video you want to enhance or use as filler. If you are editing the videos yourself use a compressor to duck the music down a few DB's when the narration starts. You can find how to do this on UA-cam as compression ducking for narration. Good luck.
Very informative! Wow!
Thanks Paul Jerome! Really appreciate your comment!
Excellent vid! Many thanks.
What is the average max daily utilization for over-the-road coaches in line srvc?
It would be nice if there is a national competition to Greyhound and serve areas that Greyhound, Amtrak and the airlines have abandoned. In the Northeast Peter Pan is big along with Amtrak. The airlines tried shuttles in the 1980s, but most of them either went bankrupt or gobbled up by the big airlines.
Great video!
Thank you! appreciate the kind words!
God bless you
Awesome video
Thanks Brew Masuisui! Appreciate that man!
could you video show what happen if you have blow out tire on the front of the bus . . . would it not be better if you have double tire or two axles in the front of buses . . .
I am going to chime in on the software because we make software like this. If you want your own scheduling platform you are looking at a minimum of 1.5 million dollars to own the code and to host it. The second option is to pay a subscription a monthly subscription to use a software in the cloud which you will never own because you are just paying a fee.
I'm also considering trying to purchase my first Motorcoach as part of my ten year plan in my life. There probably like potato chips, buying just one gets a person hooked if they have the strategy to keep the Motorcoach over road & bringing revenue and profits which is the amount above all costs involved in the whole deal each month.
I wish you all the luck Little Joe Lewis! They are money suckers to make sure you have a nice customer base or cash flow!
I would love to know more about what it takes to start and run a bus company. What are the first five years typically like?
Hey James Can you do a video about why city transit buses stop at railway crossings in US and Canada?
sweet bus
Good video. A real reality check for sure when coming to grips with costs and trying to make a profit. I always wondered how airlines do it too. I figured it might be creative accounting and kicking the debt down the road while minimally servicing it. Many bus companies in New Jersey are subsidized and or controlled by the state under mass transportation plans. Just wondering if that is a universal thing nowadays?
You may want to check out Wendover Productions' airline videos, where he goes into great detail on how airlines operate. It's a cutthroat business, where every single cent has to be torn off the runway, and seasonal variations in demand routinely bankrupt companies.
Many, but not all New Jersey private carriers operate state owned buses, and some have direct subsidies to cover operating costs.
Do you prefer the ZF astronic transmission?
120% true!
3:07 oh I do that
I actually want to start a transit company. I still need a really good name for it though.
hello James I have a quesion; the 2002 EPA rules for on road heavy vehicles (which includes tour buses) how are the pre 2002 vehicles affected? the reason I am asking is because I want to purchase a tour bus and converting it to a motorhome but dont want to get stuck with junk. I am currently looking at a 1997 Prevost. the EPA rules don't say how the rules affect pre 2002 tour busses. after several inquires (including to and AI chat bot) the answers are confusing and unclear. Some answers I have gotten were ; sell it, junk it, conversions to meet EPA rules re too costly. what is your opinion on the subject?
Thanks for the video im starting my own looking for a motorcoach now.
Hey Vinson Morgan. Thanks for the comment. I wish you the best of luck. I will be doing a video soon how what to look for when buying a used coach bus!
@@MotorcoachWorld I appreciate it, I will be looking forward to that video.
Did Yu start bro ?
@@babatundeodunbaku2970 no still looking for a bus
Good money bus wow
What's the name of the intro song it's so good
Love watching your videos. Always informative. I'm a MCO myself. Thanks for the videos.
Thanks Phillip!
The saying is if the wheels are not turning then your not earning
Hey I like that slogan! Thank you for sharing this! Love it!
I currently own a bus company I got to Mexico but I’m wanting to get into the charter business I’m in Dallas tx
Hey Benny! I wish you luck my friend! Its a great industry!
I work as a large bus driver, I have an international certificate, I live in Iraq, I have 17 years of experience in this field. I would like to work in your country. Thank you
Hi thank you for posting. Wow that is awesome! I love hearing from bus drivers from other parts of the world.
I hope you get the opportunity one day to come here and work! We are so short on drivers!
@@MotorcoachWorld
Awesome love the videos! You need a tik tok lol
Hey Jordan Keating! I don't know how to use it yet but I've been thinking about it lol. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
After all that I don't want to do it anymore I'll stick the trucking
I think I'll leave running the company to my boss. I'm perfectly content with being able to drive the big, luxurious machines, and take people to fun and exciting destinations.
What is going rate of driver in your company on a charter
When I retired my pay was 20 percent of charter. I like the final 4 in San Antonio our buses where 1200 per day.times 4 . 4800.
I actually did a video on that. Check it out ua-cam.com/video/lDnGJkYlT_g/v-deo.html
From my experience the most profit comes most likely from the cigarette dispensers at the bus stations.
Thanks for the comment!
My company used to transport bull sperm and other wonderful items!
Hi James how many coaches should I have in my fleet before I hire my own mechanic? I have 4 now.... Thanks
Hey Checker Elite Inc. That is a good question. It varies depending on each company and their needs. I would say do the math on how much you are spending to 3rd party all repairs and create a spread sheet on how much you would pay your mechanic and what initial equipment you would need to hire your own team. Compare them together and when the price of having your own team is lower than sending your units out for 3rd party repair, its time to hire in house. Also if the 3rd party repair company is being too slow to fix your buses and you start having to cancel trips, I would say its time to think about hiring in house.
Hi what I need to do to get my bus license do they have school so you can get a license to drive a bus
Class B with passengers and airbreak enforcement and a charter endorsement.
Some bus companies provide training like us. And some do not. There are schools and classes out there that does offer courses but they are expensive
So is the answer to how they make money is barely??Do people start bus companies to make a lot of profit or is it mainly for tax incentives and if so what kind?
James!!!!
I never knew that the
Van hool they build them in Scopie (north Macedonia) FYROM
Now i know why they are nothing but junk
Joining your Patreon , I looked at it once and thought it said $30 a month? So is that not right then?
Heynl jay. No definitely not right lol. You can pledge as low as $1 a month. Thanks for considering
Hello, I work as a bus driver. I have experience in traveling long distances. I would like to work in your country. I live in Iraq
I wish you luck. Its so hard to immigrate these days. Especially to the US. Take care and good luck. Happy new year!
@@MotorcoachWorld
Revenuers are the biggest drain on any business. One of my mentors once told me “The government to your business is like sand to a wheel bearing. It is a perfect recipe for catastrophic failure.” Keep the government out of your business as much as possible and you will make money.
Hey BIGDAVE5352! Yes I agree with you!
By cancelling services
LOL
Thousands and more thousands 😅
I have watched 6 of your videos but I don’t even like buses. I came here for the comedy
Do I have a bus company...if I own a bus, and maybe money from making on line videos about the bus? hmmm....
LOL
Haha I know how to make websites lol
That is awesome Samuel Hulme!
USA and buses "today" are like what several countries in Europe use to look like in the 70s and '80s... You are so far behind... But, you sure have nice cars and planes though...
Hey B Noname. You are right. The US has less need for public transportation because most people here own and drive their own cars. So its expected that our public transportation technology is a bit lacking in comparison to that of Europe. Also our population density is less in comparison to land mass.
@@MotorcoachWorld Hey. I agree, but not at the same time! You see, in Norway, most people have 2-3 cars, but still.... ua-cam.com/video/zesoLKzyQJs/v-deo.html Just some city buses...
@@MotorcoachWorld Love your channel though...
@@buss8009 yes but this goes back to population density and culture. In big cities in the US more people will take public transit. But Compared to Europe, rural areas and small towns out number the big cities here in the US. Look at how many bus manufactures and different brands you guys have access to in Europe. We only have MCI and Prevost here. There simply isnt a demand here in the US for that much public transportation.
@@buss8009 Thanks!
Ffq
What the fuck he is talking abt
Nothing positive on this video.