General
Do your buses have seatbelts?
Because seatbelts are not mandatory in coach buses, some of our buses are not equipped with them. About one-third of our fleet offers seatbelts. Since we do not assign buses until 24 hours prior to the trip, we cannot tell you if your bus will have seatbelts.
Does the bus have a restroom?
Yes, all our buses have a lavatory to be used only for emergency. The safest place for you to be while your bus is moving is in your seat. Our Drivers will make every effort to provide a rest stop every 2-3 hours. Children should be accompanied by an adult when they must use the lavatory.
Do your buses have charging outlets?
Because charging outlets are a newer technology, only some of our buses are equipped with them. About one-third of our fleet offers charging outlets. Since we do not assign buses until 24 hours prior to the trip, we cannot tell you if your bus will have outlets.
Can infants/toddlers travel on your buses? In car seats?
Infants and toddlers are welcome to travel on our buses. You may bring a car seat onboard but the bus may or may not have seatbelts to secure it. A cost may or may not be associated with bringing an infant/toddler on board; please discuss with your Travel Advisor. Please note that some of our motorcoaches are equipped with either lap belts or 3 point seat belts and may not be compatible with your car seat. If the car seat is not being used it must be placed in the luggage compartment underneath the bus.
Are pets allowed on board?
Our policy prohibits animals on board our motorcoaches; however, service animals as defined by the ADA, accompanying customers with disabilities, are welcome to travel on Starr motorcoaches. Click here for our policy regarding service animals
How often are your buses inspected?
Our buses are inspected by the NJMVC every six months. At the beginning of EACH trip, our Drivers complete a 30 point pre-trip inspection. They check brakes, lights, steering mechanics, horn, tires, and all signals. In addition, our Mechanics “spot check” at least 2 buses per day. During these “spot checks”, our Mechanics complete the exact 70 point inspection performed by the NJMVC.
Do you have a lost-and-found?
When we clean our buses after every trip, if any items are left behind, our staff will turn them into our lost and found department. You can call to check on items left behind Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm. Call 609-587-0626. Starr is not responsible for any personal items left behind.
Do you repair your buses in-house?
Yes. Our maintenance staff is fully trained in maintaining our buses for safe and comfortable travel. Our 10,000 square foot facility offers state of the art equipment and parts for the optimal operation of our coaches.
Are you hiring?
We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. For current openings, please click here: https://www.starrtours.com/careers/
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on our public tours. Alcoholic beverages are permitted on chartered motorcoaches with a prepaid security deposit. Should individuals become unruly or distracting to the Driver, the Driver will stop the vehicle until the situation is remedied. Coolers must be stored under the bus as aisles need to be kept open and passable at all times. Alcohol may be stored onboard the coach as long as it is unopened and secure. No glass containers will be allowed onboard. Any damage to the vehicle caused by the chartering party will be subject to additional charges in addition to a forfeited security deposit. We thank you for ending your trip with the coach interior in the same condition in which it started.
Are food and non-alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
We do allow food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard but we ask that you keep your area clean and throw away any trash.You may remove your mask while eating or drinking but when you are finished, please put your mask back on. Coolers must be stored under the bus as aisles need to be kept open and passable at all times. We thank you for ending your trip with the coach interior in the same condition in which it started.
Is smoking permitted on board the bus?
In accordance with the law, smoking (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping) is not permitted aboard buses. To be clear, all tobacco products are prohibited from use aboard the motorcoach.
Do you offer any discounts?
We price our trips fairly and consistently with the attempt to offer our customers the best travel value for their dollar.
We do offer a MILITARY Discount – Save 5%
For: U.S. Active or retired Military, Disabled Veterans and Military Reservists
• Does not apply to family members (only the individual)
• Military discounts cannot be combined with any other discounts/coupons
• Cannot apply to existing bookings unless approved by a manager
• Excludes Fly and Cruise trips
• Must provide Military ID# at the time of booking
• The maximum amount of the discount on any one trip is $50
What size buses do you have?
Our fleet consists of 45 foot, 56 passenger buses
Do your buses have WiFi?
Our WiFi service can accommodate basic Internet browsing and checking and sending e-mails. Since this is a shared service with limited bandwidth, you should refrain from streaming video, audio, file downloads and emailing large attachments as a courtesy to other passengers. In addition, overall connection speed may be affected by the number of WiFi users on the bus.
Ask your driver for the WiFi password.
Charter Bus Rental
What if our bus breaks down on a trip?
Starr will work hard to ensure your group is back on the road as soon as possible. We are part of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG), a partnership between many of the top bus companies across the country. We are committed to resolving the mechanical issue as quickly as possible. Additionally, we have both a 24 hour technician and manager on call who are committed to doing what is necessary to get your group to their destination.
Where does the driver stay during my multi-day charter?
Unless specified otherwise, the chartering party is responsible to reserve and pay for a single hotel room for each driver. The hotel location should be at or in close proximity to where the group is staying overnight.
What does my charter price include?
All charter pricing includes anticipated highway tolls based on the itinerary submitted. Parking, entrance fees, and other miscellaneous expenses may or may not be included as specified in the charter details. Charters that extend longer than contracted for will be charged an hourly overtime rate of $65.
How does Starr determine its charter bus pricing?
Pricing is based on the amount of miles traveled, number of hours and availability of coaches. All charter pricing is pending receipt of an accurate and timed itinerary. Starr reserves the right to revise pricing based on times, date, mileage or any detail that has changed since the initial inquiry or contract. In addition, pricing is based on availability; the price quotation is valid for 30 days from the original date of quotation. Starr reserves the right to adjust price prior to receiving a deposit for the trip.
How do I reserve a charter bus?
A 10% deposit (minimum $200 per bus) is required to confirm your charter. All charters must be paid in full 21 days prior to departure date. Contractual agreements may have different terms.
What if I have to cancel my charter bus?
A full refund will be given if cancellation is received 21 days or more prior to departure date. Trips cancelled 20 days to 14 days prior to trip date will forfeit their deposit. Trips cancelled 13 days to 48 hours prior to trip date will be charged 50% of the charter price. Trips cancelled less than 48 hours prior to departure will be charged 100% of the charter price.
When is my final itinerary due?
The itinerary is due at least 14 days prior to departure.
How do I prepare a good itinerary?
To ensure adequate driver preparation, we require a detailed finalized itinerary listing all stops with complete addresses (including cross streets) and anticipated timing. For your safety, Starr will operate your trip in accordance with US/Canada DOT Hours of Service Regulations. Any changes or modifications to the itinerary must be submitted to Starr prior to your trip to ensure these safety regulations are not violated. The Starr Driver will be furnished with your final itinerary and will be instructed to follow it. The Driver does not have the authority to deviate from the itinerary.
What if I have to make changes to my itinerary?
To ensure adequate driver preparation, we require a detailed finalized itinerary listing all stops with complete addresses (including cross streets) and anticipated timing at least 7 days prior to departure. For your safety, Starr will operate your trip in accordance with US/Canada DOT Hours of Service Regulations. Any changes or modifications to the itinerary must be submitted to Starr prior to your trip to ensure these safety regulations are not violated. The Starr Driver will be furnished with your final itinerary and will be instructed to follow it. The driver does not have the authority to deviate from the itinerary.
How do I get a copy of Starr’s Certificate of Liability?
Please request this from your Charter Representative.
When should I book my bus?
As soon as you know your plans, you should reserve your motorcoach. Our inventory is limited and although we will do our best to accommodate you, some days (even months to a year in advance) we may be sold out.
Should we tip our Driver? How much?
Gratuities for Drivers are not included in the price of your trip. If you wish to extend your appreciation, guidelines are $4.00-$6.00 per person per day or a percentage of the price of your charter. We will be happy to add this onto your charter cost in advance if this is more convenient for you and your group.
Can I request a specific Driver?
Driver requests must be made in writing and submitted at least 14 days prior to trip departure. Driver requests are not guaranteed.
How can I pay for my charter bus trip?
Starr prefers payment by check or money order but accepts all major credit cards by phone (609-587-0626). All credit card payments will be assessed a 3% processing fee. You can also pay online using the link that was sent to you when your trip was initially quoted. Cash is also accepted if paid in person at our office. When mailing a check or money order, please identify the group name, contact person, Quote/Contract number, and trip date so we can ensure that your payment is processed correctly.
Can I book a charter bus trip online?
After requesting a quote online at https://www.starrtours.com/bus-charters/bus-charter-quote/, you will be able to confirm and pay for your trip.
What if I have an emergency and the office is closed? (Mon- Fri before 9am, after 5PM / Weekends)
We have a manager on call who can be reached 24 hours a day. This number is for emergencies only. This includes, but is not limited to: last minute cancellation, flight delays and emergency bus relief. This number is not for confirmations, Driver information, or quote requests. (609) 203-3805
Does the motorcoach have video capability to watch a movie?
Yes. All motorcoaches have DVD players and a license for you to play the movie(s) of your choice
Do your buses have WiFi?
Our WiFi service can accommodate basic Internet browsing and checking and sending e-mails. Since this is a shared service with limited bandwidth, you should refrain from streaming video, audio, file downloads and emailing large attachments as a courtesy to other passengers. In addition, overall connection speed may be affected by the number of WiFi users on the bus.
Ask your driver for the WiFi password.
What size buses do you have?
Our fleet consists of 45 foot, 56 passenger buses