Quotations
Quotations are based on the most direct route and the details you provide. The route will be at our discretion unless a specific one is requested. Quotations are valid for 28 days, subject to vehicle availability. A deposit is required to secure your booking, along with your full requirements. Once received, we’ll confirm your hire. Please review the confirmation carefully and notify us of any errors or changes. Written confirmation is required for booking acceptance and changes. Unless specified, quotations cover only the coach and driver, with additional costs for entry fees and parking not included.

Price guaranteed
The quoted cost for coach hire is guaranteed as long as the payment schedule is followed and the original booking details remain unchanged. However, we cannot guarantee the price of third-party services, particularly those outside the United Kingdom, as prices may vary due to currency fluctuations and additional charges. If third-party suppliers are involved, we will indicate this in the booking confirmation.

Payment of balance
The full balance for all hires must be paid at least 14 days before the departure date. For bookings made within 14 days of departure, payment must be made in full at the time of booking. We accept payment via bank transfer, cheque, cash, credit card, or banker’s draft. If paying by cheque, it must be received at least seven (7) working days before the departure date to allow for clearance.

Cancellation charges
If you need to cancel your booking, please call us to inform us of the cancellation and then confirm it in writing. The cancellation fees are outlined below:

• Timeframe before departure when written notice is received
  Cancellation fee as a percentage of the total hire cost

• More than 14 days
  Deposit only

• Fewer than 14 days but not more than 48 hours
  50% of the total cost of the hire

• Less than 48 hours
  100% of the total cost of the hire

Cancellation by us
In the case of an emergency, force majeure, or if you unilaterally alter the agreed terms of the coach hire booking, we reserve the right to cancel the contract by returning any payments made, with no further liability.

Route or time variations
We reserve the right to charge for any extra mileage or time beyond what was initially agreed in the hire, with charges reflecting the costs incurred by us.

The vehicle will depart at the agreed times, and it is your responsibility to ensure all passengers are accounted for. We are not liable for any losses incurred by passengers who fail to follow your instructions.

The agreed hours for your coach hire must be adhered to, except in the case of a serious emergency or diversion, to comply with regulations on drivers' hours and rest periods. Under no circumstances will we allow the hire to exceed these regulated hours.

Use of the vehicle
Unless we have agreed in writing beforehand, the vehicle should not be considered available to remain at any stop between the outward and return journey, nor for any incidental use while parked at those stops.

Seating capacity
At the time of confirming your booking, we will specify the seating capacity of the vehicle provided. The number of passengers on board must not exceed the maximum capacity stated.

Vehicle to be provided
While we will make every effort to provide a 1st Bus Stop Executive or Standard Luxury coach, there may be times when such vehicles are unavailable. In these cases, we will supply the highest standard of vehicle available, which may include vehicles from other operators. We reserve the right to provide a larger vehicle than initially specified at no extra cost, unless additional seats are used, in which case an extra charge will apply based on the additional capacity.

Breakdowns and delays
We provide estimated journey times in good faith; however, we cannot guarantee the arrival of any journey at a specific time. We are not liable for any loss or inconvenience caused by factors beyond our control, such as breakdowns, traffic congestion, or other delays.

Changes to the itinerary
Occasionally, 1st Bus Stop may need to adjust certain elements of the itinerary. We will inform you of any changes in advance whenever possible.

Passengers belongings
For safety reasons, there are restrictions on the amount of luggage each vehicle can carry. The driver has full discretion regarding the transport and storage of passengers' luggage. Typically, one suitcase and one small piece of hand luggage per person can be accommodated. We do not take responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property left in the vehicle. Any lost property recovered from a vehicle will be stored at the vehicle's base depot for three months before being disposed of.

Passenger conduct
For the comfort of other passengers, musical instruments, radios, or any audio devices may not be played without the company's prior permission, which will be specified in the booking confirmation if agreed.

The carrying or consumption of drugs is strictly prohibited, unless legally available over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. Medical evidence may be required, especially when crossing borders.

The driver has full responsibility for the vehicle's safety. Any passenger engaging in disruptive behavior or violating regulations may be removed at the driver’s discretion. You are responsible for the conduct of your passengers and any damage caused to the vehicle.

Alcoholic drinks may not be carried or consumed without our permission, and it is illegal to do so during trips to or from sporting events. Food and drink, other than small confectionery items, may only be consumed with prior consent from us or the driver.

Only guide dogs and hearing dogs, with prior notification, may be carried on the vehicle. No bills, posters, or notices may be displayed without our prior written consent.

Currency and passports
You are responsible for ensuring you have the correct currency for each country visited, along with a valid passport and any necessary visas for those countries.

Duty free & duty paid goods
You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with current duty-free and duty-paid regulations. We will not be held accountable for any delays or confiscations of goods due to violations. Copies of these regulations are available at all departure points from Great Britain. The driver will determine the legal limit for heavy goods the coach can carry, and their decision is final.

Travel insurance
While travel insurance is not mandatory, we strongly recommend it, particularly when travelling outside the United Kingdom. Please note that it is your sole responsibility to ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage and the correct travel documents for international travel.

Our responsibility to you
We are committed to fulfilling the terms of the hire as outlined in the confirmation. We take responsibility for the actions and omissions of our employees and maintain full indemnity insurance to cover any death or personal injury of passengers or third parties arising from the hire.

Complaints
We strive to resolve the rare complaints we receive amicably. If you encounter any issues during the hire, please inform the driver or our representative immediately, and they will make every effort to address the problem.

If the matter cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, please submit a written complaint within 14 days of the hire to: The Coachyard, Wharf Rd, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2RU

We will acknowledge your complaint within 14 days and aim to provide a full response within 28 days.

Contract
The agreement between us is outlined in these booking terms and conditions, along with our written confirmation after receiving your deposit. This contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales, with exclusive jurisdiction resting with the Courts of England and Wales.

Telephone
+44 (0) 1474 326777

Email
info@1stbusstop.co.uk

Address
The Coachyard, Wharf Rd, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2RU