COVID Update: Due to increased bus service beginning in Fall 2020, Charter availability will be limited. All requests will be reviewed and applicants will be notified by Transit if their requests can be filled. Any charter requests that are approved will be subject to all passengers following COVID safety protocols. These include, but are not limited to, wearing face coverings, reduced capacity and operating with all passenger area windows open. Charter requests that transit services cannot perform will be directed to our contracted transportation vendors.
Departments and authorized student organizations may charter University buses with drivers. Charters are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited capacity, charters may not be available for all requests and LTP can advise on other options. Charters are limited to a 50-mile radius from Ann Arbor. Overnight trips are not available. University departments should contact the number listed below.
Requesting A Charter
Departments with valid University of Michigan account numbers should complete a requisition at least 2 weeks prior to the event. A confirmation e-mail will be sent by a Transit Supervisor to notify you that the requisition has been received. A Transit Supervisor approves or declines all charter requisitions. Please note: simply receiving a confirmation receipt e-mail does not constitute the approval of a charter requisition.
In order to ensure that we provide consistent, safe service that exceeds our customers’ expectations. If you have any questions about the form or your charter, please feel free to contact us at the number listed below.
Charter Rates
| Hourly Rate | Minimum Charge |
|---|---|
| $105.00 | $315.00 |
Charters cancelled with fewer than 72 hours notice will be subjected to the minimum charge per vehicle.
Additional Charges
In addition to the hourly rate and minimum charge for chartering a vehicle and driver, the chartering group is responsible for any fees incurred during the charter, including road or bridge tolls, parking or storage fees, and admission fees for the driver (e.g., to facility that charges admission for each occupant of the vehicle, including the driver). Any of these costs must be paid by the chartering group at the point of sale; drivers are not permitted to pay these costs. Typically, vehicles are cleaned at no charge to the chartering group. If, however, the chartering group abuses a vehicle so that it requires repair or extensive cleaning, it will be assessed an additional charge.
Chartering groups must provide Transit Services with all appropriate and necessary directions, maps, and itineraries prior to the day of the charter. The chartering group is responsible for selecting a route that accommodates the size, weight, and limited maneuverability of a bus. Buses can accommodate 32 passengers on trips that require highway driving and approximately 60 passengers (including standees) on local trips. Chartering groups must comply with the decision of the driver should s/he judge that any area or structure is impassable by the bus.
Rules And Regulations
Neither smoking nor the possession of alcohol and other drugs is permitted on University buses. Violation of this policy may result in instant termination of the charter. Drivers are responsible and accountable for the safe and legal operation and parking of the vehicle during the charter. At no time should the driver be asked, encouraged, or pressured to break a law or to circumvent our policies. Also, drivers must adhere to on-duty limitations in accordance with federal regulations.
Emergencies
Drivers are supplied with phone numbers of Transit Supervisors who will assist them as soon as possible in the event of an emergency such as a vehicle malfunction. Chartering groups are required to have at least one contact person who either will be present or will be contactable by telephone during the operation of the charter
