Arranging ground transportation can be daunting, so we have included some of the most common Questions & Answers, but if we have not answered your particular question here, do not hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call.

Q&A

What kinds of bus tours do Ratho Coaches offer?
Do you organise Hotels, tee-times, etc.?
Do you offer self drive vehicles?
Is our itinerary flexible?
Is there a minimum booking time?
Is there any restriction on our drivers hours?
Do you offer discounts on any services?
How and when are deposits/payments made?
What is your cancellation policy?
How Soon should we make a reservation?
What about Tips/Gratuities?
What is the Smoking Policy
Unsatisfied with the service being provided during your trip?

Q. What kind of bus tours do Ratho Coaches offer?

A. Our bus tours are for groups small or large who wish to hire their own private bus/coach and driver to enjoy their own customised itinerary.

Flexibility is our greatest strength. When you hire one of our vehicles and driver, you decide where you want to go and when you want to go.

Of course we are more than happy to assist you as much as you would like with any aspect of your touring requirements and itinerary.

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Q. Do you organise and book Hotels, tee-times, etc.?

A: Hotels & tee times can be arranged via one of our travel partners, just ask your customer service agent for more details.

Sites of interest would be:

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Q. Do you offer self drive vehicles?

A: No, we feel our competitive pricing and 24/7 availability with a can do attitude, there is no need to self drive
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Q. Is our itinerary flexible?

A. Absolutely, we pride ourselves on our flexibility. And for the duration of our service to you we are at your disposal. You decide when and where you want to go - we'll take care of the rest.

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Q. Is there a minimum booking time?

A. Usually there is no minimum booking time, except for day tours/excursions where we may quote an hourly rate and a minimum of 4 hours booking would apply.

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Q. Is there any restriction on our drivers hours?

A. As with all companies we are legally obliged to comply with the European driver's hours regulations. These are quite complex but the simplified:

Drivers can drive for a maximum of 4.5 hours without taking a break. A minimum break of 45 Minutes must be then taken.

Generally the Maximum driving hours per day is 9

Most importantly a driver must take a daily overnight rest of 11 consecutive hours away from the vehicle. This means that whatever time your driver finishes for the day, the very earliest he can drive the next day will be 11 hours later.

This generally does not present any problems at all. It would be rare that a touring group would want to spend so many hours of actual driving time in one day.

With some simple forward planning you can utilize your bus/driver to best suit your plans.

More often than not, most pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment would be on your doorstep so you will not require the services of your coach/driver. However if you do need transport later in the evening, please bear in mind the drivers 11 hour overnight rest rule.

The regulations are very much common sense and are enforced to ensure your safety which is paramount.

Your safety is our top priority

From the moment the driver starts his day all his/her movements are recorded by a tachograph fitted on the vehicle. This records the start/finish date, time & mileage, driving time, distance travelled, speed and waiting/rest time. A driver who does not comply with the regulations could face a stiff fine and imprisonment. Your tour could also come to an abrupt end at a routine Police checkpoint.

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Q. Do you offer discounts on any services?

A. Yes. Local schools/Clubs/Voluntary groups are subject to discounted rates, particularly where we are hired for contract/regular bookings.

Additionally, we also offer discounted rates for off-peak times/dates. Just ask your customer service agent for more details.

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Q. How and when are deposits/payments made?

A. A deposit of 25% is required to secure your booking.
Without a deposit paid, received and acknowledged, no booking is in place.

Your balance due can be paid when your booking commences by cash or credit card.

The maximum required deposit is GBP £300
The minimum required deposit is GBP £50.00

Deposits can be rounded down to the nearest GBP £10.00

Example 1: Total for entire booking is GBP £2,310.00
25% is GBP £577.50
Deposit is rounded to GBP £500.00

Example 2: Total for entire booking is GBP £285.00
25% is GBP £71.25
Deposit is rounded down to GBP £70.00

For details on how to pay your deposit by credit card contact our customer service agent.

For deposit payments by personal/company cheque, the amount should be a near equivalent of 25% in your local currency and made payable to Ratho Coaches Limited and sent to our address shown at the bottom of this page.

NB Transport can only be undertaken on clear funds.

For Deposit Payments by bank transfer, we will email our bank details to you.

A Quotation does not does not imply acceptance or availability.

A provisional booking does not guarantee your booking is secure. Your deposit must be paid, received and acknowledged to guarantee your booking.

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Q. What is your cancellation policy?

A. Within 7 calendar days of confirming your booking with your deposit, we will give you a 100% refund regardless of your reason for canceling. For example if you receive acknowledgment of your payment on Monday 15th May 2007, you can demand a full refund without exception up to and including Sunday 22 May 2007.

However after 7 days your deposit is non-refundable

Discretionary exceptions can be made to this rule where circumstances are genuinely beyond your control. An example would be where you would have booked a shore excursion but your cruise liner did not make it to your pick up point because of bad weather.

After the 7 day cooling period all exceptions to our no refund policy regardless of reason would be totally at the discretion of Ratho Coaches Limited.

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Q. How soon should we make a reservation?

A: Reservations can be made right up to the day of travel subject to availability.

Due to our regular high demand this is not advisable. We recommend that a confirmed booking should be made as far in advance as possible.

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Q. What about Tips/Gratuities?

A. Tips are discretionary and very much based on your level of satisfaction.
As a guide 5% to 10% is customary for local transfers. 10% to 15% for day trips/excursions
For extended tours £5.00 to £10.00 per adult per day depending on your group size.

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Q. What is your smoking policy?

A. Since July 2006 in Scotland and July 1st 2007 in England, Northen Ireland & Wales we operate a strict no smoking policy on board all our vehicles without exception. However comfort stops can be made on request.

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Q. Unsatisfied with the service being provided during your trip?

A: In the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with the service being provided please call +44 (0) 131 333 2635 immediately and speak to one of our customer service agents, where we shall promptly investigate the matter with the goal to satisfy you completely.

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