Bus Safety, Conduct & Terms

Passenger Safety and Travel Terms

These Conditions of Carriage set out the terms under which passengers travel on services operated by Minsterley Motors.

By boarding or travelling on our vehicles, you agree to comply with these conditions. These rules are designed to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of all passengers, staff and other road users.

1. Waiting for the Bus

Passengers should follow these guidelines while waiting for a bus:

• Arrive at the bus stop in good time before the scheduled departure.
• Stand well back from the kerb as the vehicle approaches.
• Ensure the driver can clearly see you if you wish to board.
• Children should be supervised and should not play near the road.
• In areas without a marked stop, passengers should signal clearly to the driver and stand in a safe location.

2. Boarding the Bus

For safety and efficiency:

• Allow passengers to leave the bus before boarding.
• Only board once the bus has come to a complete stop and the doors have opened.
• Use handrails when boarding.
• Have tickets, passes or payment ready where possible.
• If assistance is required, please ask the driver.
• It the bus is fitted with seat belt please use that seat and the seat belt. 

3. Passenger Conduct

Passengers must behave in a safe, respectful and considerate manner at all times.

Passengers must not:

• Behave in a threatening, abusive, intimidating or antisocial manner.
• Use threatening, abusive, obscene or offensive language.
• Harass, intimidate or deliberately interfere with the comfort, safety or convenience of other passengers.
• Distract the driver while the vehicle is moving.
• Smoke or vape on board the vehicle.
• Consume alcohol unless specifically authorised on a private hire service.
• Travel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that their behaviour may affect the safety or comfort of others.
• Damage, deface, mark, soil or interfere with any vehicle, equipment or company property.
• Leave litter or rubbish on the vehicle.
• Play loud music or create excessive noise.
• Use mobile phones, speakers, tablets or other devices in a manner that disturbs other passengers.

Audio Devices

Music, videos and other audio should be listened to using headphones or earphones and at a volume that does not disturb others.

Passengers whose behaviour affects safety, comfort or convenience may be refused travel or asked to leave the vehicle.

4. Passenger Safety While Travelling

Passengers should:

• Remain seated where possible while the vehicle is moving.
• Hold handrails when standing.
• Wear seatbelts where fitted.
• Keep aisles, gangways and exits clear.
• Store bags safely and avoid placing them on seats when the bus is busy.
• Offer priority seats to elderly passengers, disabled passengers or pregnant passengers.

Passengers standing should place bags between their feet to avoid obstruction.

5. Getting Off the Bus

Passengers should:

• Press the stop bell in good time before their stop.
• Remain seated until the vehicle has stopped completely.
• Use handrails when leaving the bus.

After leaving the bus, passengers should wait until the vehicle has moved away before crossing the road.

Passengers should never cross directly in front of or behind a stationary bus.

6. Tickets and Fares

Passengers must hold a valid ticket, pass or other proof of entitlement to travel.

Passengers must:

• Purchase the correct ticket for their journey.
• Present tickets or passes when requested.
• Retain their ticket during the journey.

Tickets are generally:

• Valid only for the journey or service purchased.
• Non-transferable unless otherwise stated.

Passengers without valid tickets may be refused travel.

7. Refusal of Travel

Minsterley Motors may refuse travel or require a passenger to leave the vehicle if they:

• Behave in a disorderly, threatening or unsafe manner.
• Appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Carry dangerous or prohibited items.
• Have an open container of alcohol where the driver considers it may pose a nuisance or safety risk.
• Are likely to cause discomfort, alarm, distress or risk to others.
• Fail to comply with reasonable instructions from the driver or company staff.

8. Luggage and Personal Belongings

Passengers may carry reasonable luggage provided it does not:

• Block gangways or exits.
• Occupy additional seats.
• Cause inconvenience to other passengers.

Passengers remain responsible for their belongings at all times.

Minsterley Motors cannot accept liability for lost or damaged property unless caused by negligence.

9. Animals

• Assistance dogs are welcome on all services.
• Other dogs may travel at the driver's discretion and must remain on a lead.
• Small animals must be transported in secure carriers.

Animals must not occupy passenger seats or obstruct aisles.

10. Accessibility and Assistance

Minsterley Motors aims to provide accessible transport services.

Where vehicles are equipped with accessibility features:

• Wheelchair users have priority use of designated spaces.
• Buggies or prams may need to be folded if a wheelchair user requires the space.
• Priority seating should be given to passengers who need it.

Drivers will provide reasonable assistance where it is safe to do so.

11. Children

Parents and guardians remain responsible for children travelling with them.

Children must not:

• Play on the vehicle.
• Stand on seats.
• Interfere with safety equipment.
• Block aisles or exits.
• Distract the driver.

12. Alcohol and Prohibited Items

Passengers must not consume alcohol on board Minsterley Motors vehicles unless authorised for a private hire service.

Passengers must not carry items that may:

• Endanger passengers or staff.
• Cause nuisance, discomfort or alarm.
• Damage the vehicle.
• Be reasonably considered dangerous by the driver or company staff.

The driver may refuse carriage of any item considered unsafe.

13. Respect for Staff and Other Passengers

Passengers must treat drivers, company employees and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect.

Abusive, aggressive, discriminatory, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards staff or passengers will not be tolerated and may result in refusal of travel, removal from the vehicle or referral to the police where appropriate.

14. CCTV

CCTV may operate on Minsterley Motors vehicles for the safety and security of passengers and staff.

Recordings may be used for:

• Crime prevention.
• Incident investigation.
• Passenger and staff safety.

Footage may be shared with relevant authorities where required by law.

15. Service Operation

Minsterley Motors aims to operate services according to published timetables. However, services may be affected by circumstances beyond our control, including:

• Traffic congestion.
• Road works.
• Weather conditions.
• Accidents.
• Vehicle breakdowns.

Services cannot be guaranteed to operate exactly as scheduled.

16. Service Disruption

Where possible, we will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and provide service updates.

Minsterley Motors cannot accept liability for consequential losses arising from delays or service interruptions beyond our control.

17. Driver Authority and Enforcement

The driver is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and may:

• Refuse travel.
• Request passengers to leave the vehicle.
• Limit passenger numbers.
• Enforce these Conditions of Carriage.
• Take reasonable steps to protect passengers, staff and the vehicle.

Passengers must follow all reasonable instructions given by the driver.

Minsterley Motors will seek to resolve issues through engagement and education wherever possible. However, persistent breaches of these conditions may result in passengers being refused travel,

18. Lost Property

Any property found on our vehicles and handed in to the company will be retained for a reasonable period where practicable.

Passengers who have lost property should contact Minsterley Motors as soon as possible with details of the item and the journey made.

 

19.Scooter Rules

Minsterley Motors allows approved mobility scooters on low-floor, ramp-equipped buses. You must meet strict size limits and hold a valid travel permit before boarding. Class 3 Mobility scooters are generally not permitted on many public bus networks due to size and weight.

Size and Scooter Rules

• Scooter Type: 3 or 4-wheeled Class 2 mobility scooters.
• Maximum Dimensions: No longer than 100 cm and no wider than 60 cm.
• Turning Circle: Must not exceed 120 cm.
• Ramp Limits: Must stay within the weight limit shown on the bus ramp.
• Priority: Wheelchair spaces have legal priority over pushchairs and scooters.
• How to Get a Permit

• Assessment Required: You must complete a scooter pass assessment through Arriva before you can travel.
• Contact Number: Call Minsterley Motors 01743 791208 to arrange an assessment.
• Permit Check: The assessment checks your scooter's dimensions, stability, and your ability to manoeuvre it safely on board.

 

20.Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) and Electric Bikes

• Standard E-Scooters/Bikes: Private electric scooters are generally not permitted on many public bus networks due to fire and safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

 

 

Coach Safety, Conduct & Terms

 

1. Application
   These conditions apply whether or not a Contract of Carriage has been entered into as a result of a quotation being offered and accepted or whether a Contract has been made verbally or in writing.

2. Liability
   The Company shall not be liable for loss to the hirer or any of the passengers in the coach resulting from:

• Stoppages of work howsoever caused, preventing performance of the contract hire.
• Loss of, or damage to, luggage or any property which belongs to any passenger that is left in a vehicle unless such loss or damage is caused by any act or default of the Company. All articles of lost property recovered from a vehicle will be held at the depot at which the vehicle is based.
• Breakdowns of the Company's vehicles.
• Breakdowns of vehicles or ferries belonging to third parties.
• The conditions of any vehicles, ferries or premises belonging to third parties.
• The Company hereby limits its liability resulting from vehicle hire to the total cost of the hire.
• Any delay caused by an Act of God or any other circumstance not under the Company's control.
• Breakdown of onboard facilities (when provided) e.g. toilets, drink machines, videos, radio/cassette and public address systems.

3. Quotations
   Quotations are made subject to a vehicle suiting the Hirer’s requirements being available at the time of acceptance. Quotations are based on costs prevailing at the time and in accordance with details provided by the Hirer. Unless otherwise stated admission charges, meals, accommodation and parking charges for special events are not included in the price quoted. Quotations are valid for 28 days from the date of issue or for any other period specified in writing.

4. Confirmation
   Written confirmation by the hirer is the only basis for the acceptance of a hiring of a coach.

5. Payment
   On the Hirer confirmed with the Company then a non-refundable deposit of 10% is payable at the time of booking and the remaining balance will be invoice.

• The remaining balance of the hirer you will receive an invoice at the end of the hire. Payment is due within 14 days of the date of invoice. The Company reserves the right to add interest at the rate of 3% above National Westminster Bank plc base rate in force at the time being, after the date by which payment should have been made.
• Subject to prior arrangement with the Company, the Company will accept payment from a non-UK clearing Bank-by-Bank Transfer. Such a payment shall be the full sterling value of the invoice rendered. All charges, negotiation fees, interest or any other costs relating to the transfer of funds are to be the responsibility of the Hirer.
• Cancellation by The Company
  In the event of any emergency or force majeure or of any action by the Hirer to vary agreed conditions unilaterally, the Company may, by returning all money paid and without further or other liability, cancel the Contract.
• Cancellation by the Hirer
• Should the Hirer wish to cancel any agreement, the Company reserve the right to apply the following scale of charges in relation to the total hire charge:

Period before departure within Cancellation is received

• Amount of Cancellation charge shown as a % of Hirer
• From time of booking up to 7 days prior to date of hire 10%
• From 6 days up to 72 hours prior to date of hire 50%
• From 48 hours to 24 hours prior to hire 75%
• Less than 24 hours prior to hire 100%

8. Cancellation due to inclement weather will be charged at £50.00.
9. Should the Hirer have credit facilities with the Company and the Hirer cancels a booking, then the Company reserves the right to apply the above scale of charges to the account.
10. Route and Time Variation
    Should a vehicle be detained by the hirer or taken on a longer journey than that contracted for or times alter by the hirer over two hours, the Company reserves the right to make an additional charge commensurate with the costs incurred. In any event the vehicle(s) will depart at times agreed with the hirer and the Company will not be liable for any loss or injury sustained by any passenger who fails to join a vehicle at the appointed time.

9. Delays
   The Company gives advice on journey time in good faith but does not guarantee the completion of any journey in any specified time and will not be liable for loss, delay or inconvenience caused by the actual time of the journey.

10. Substitution
    The Company reserves the right to hire in vehicles from other operators also to provide a larger than specified vehicle at no additional charge, unless any seats are used. If extra seats are used an additional charge will be made pro-rata to the hire charge. The Company reserves the right to substitute other vehicles (including those of other operator(s)) or ancillary facilities for all or part of the hiring subject to such substitute, so far as possible in the circumstances, being of similar quality.

11. Agency Agreements
    Where the Company hires in vehicles from other operators and where the Company arranges ancillary facilities, such as meals, accommodation, ferries, admission, tickets or any other service provided by another supplier, it does so as agent for and on behalf of the Hirer. Any terms and conditions imposed by such other suppliers through the Company shall be binding on the Hirer as if he had directly contracted for such services.

12. Drivers’ Hours and Rest Periods

The hours agreed with the Company for the operation of any hire must be strictly observed (other than in the case of serious emergency or diversion) so that current regulations governing driver’s hours and rest periods can be complied with. The Company reserves the right to curtail or otherwise alter any hire that does not comply with the relevant regulations.

13. Driver’s Accommodation
    Unless agreed otherwise, in writing, driver’s accommodation (where applicable) must be provided and paid for by the Hirer. This should be single en suite accommodation including bed, breakfast and an evening meal.

14. Use of Vehicle
    Unless confirmed in writing by the Company the vehicle should not be assumed to remain at any point between the outward and return journeys nor to remain available for the Hirer’s incidental use when parked at such points.

15. Seating Capacity
    The Hirer must not load any vehicle beyond the number of passengers that it is legally permitted to carry. The Company reserves the right to supply a larger coach than is ordered at no extra charge. Should there be room to accommodate additional passengers, other than stated at the time of booking, the Company reserves the right to apply an additional charge.

16. On Board Facilities
    If needed, then a request by the Hirer for a toilet, drinks machine, video, radio cassette and public address system etc, should be made at the same time as the quotation is given.

17. Refreshments & Alcoholic Beverages
    Other than on a vehicle fitted expressly for that purpose, no food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, may be consumed on the vehicle without prior written consent from the Company.

18. Passengers Property
    The recommendation of the Department of Transport is that for safety of passengers each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 10 kilos per person. Unless previously agreed with the Company the driver is the sole arbiter as to the carriage of a passenger’s luggage and its storage. The Company will not accept liability for any damage to or loss of any property left on a vehicle by a passenger. All articles of lost property recovered from a vehicle will be held at the depot at which the vehicle is based for a period not exceeding one month, after which the Company reserves the right to dispose of the items.

19. Conduct of Passengers
    The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle. Any passenger whose conduct is in breach of statutory regulations may be removed from a vehicle or prevented from boarding on the driver’s authority. The Hirer will be responsible for the conduct of passengers and for any damage caused to the vehicle by passengers during the hire.

20. School Parties
    The ‘organiser’ shall be the Hirer and not the School. It shall be the absolute responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that the necessary arrangements have been made for the safe supervision and conduct, including the wearing of the seatbelts, of all students in the party. A member of staff must occupy the seat situated alongside the Emergency Exit at the rear of the vehicle.

21. Animals
    On a private hire no animal may be carried without prior agreement, in writing, of the Company.

22. Complaints
    Any complaint in respect of the Company’s services should be made in writing to the Company’s registered office as soon as possible and in any event within 28 days at the end of the hire.

23. Lost Property
    If any property is found on the coaches, it will be kept at the depot for a period of one month. Any lost property claimed must be collected from the depot or posted at the expense of the customer. Minsterley Motors Ltd does not take any responsibility for any lost property that cannot be found.

24. Notices
    No bill, poster or notice is to be displayed on any vehicle without the consent of Minsterley Motors.

25. Insurance
    Hirer and individual passengers are advised to insure themselves for those events not covered under the Company’s Policy, for example, delay and loss of luggage. The Company can arrange additional insurance cover on request.

26. CCTV

    CCTV may operate on Minsterley Motors vehicles for the safety and security of passengers and staff.

    Recordings may be used for:

• Crime prevention.
• Incident investigation.
• Passenger and staff safety.

• Footage may be shared with relevant authorities where required by law.

26. English Law governs this Contract.