COVID-19 – #StaySafe
The safety of passengers and driver is our top priority at Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd and we all have to do our part during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sydney Charter Bus is 100% committed to the safety of our office staff, drivers and passengers. As public transport services still have social distancing rules in place this is not the case for private transport such as charter bus and hire services. All our coaches and minibuses are sanitised prior to all services and drivers will always have access to a face mask and hand sanitiser but we do ask passengers to follow hygiene recommendations set out by NSW Health.
- All minibuses and coaches will be sanitised before or after each service
- Driver has a face mask to use at his/her own discretion
- Driver to use hand sanitiser
- Record keeping of passengers, seating allocation, rest stops and destinations.
The safety of passengers and driver is our top priority at Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd and we all have to do our part.
Although private charter bus service companies are not affected by social distancing regulations set out by NSW Government, we need to do our best to limit the spread of coronavirus in our community.
It is everyone’s responsibility to keep each other safe.
The NSW Government has said charter buses are not currently restricted under the COVID-19 Public Health Orders. However, it is strongly recommended that all passengers follow physical distancing on any private charter, tour or hire service. Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd strongly recommends upgrading your vehicle to accommodate physical distancing on all charters, tours and transfers for the safety of the community.
Seating
Hand Sanitiser
Stay at Home
Wash Hands
Record Keeping
Seat Allocation
Face Mask
Personal Items
Personal Checks
Baggage Handling
COVIDSafe app
The bus will be sanitised prior to your services even if no one uses the bus before your return so it is important that you take all your belongings so there is no chance of sanitiser staining or spoiling your belongings.
Please keep in mind that although there are no limitations (except the vehicle capacity) to the passenger numbers on private charter buses, there still may be limitations at the location you are travelling to. Please check current NSW Health laws prior to placing your booking to avoid disappointment on the day.
With the easing of restrictions in New South Wales for private charter buses, Sydney Charter Bus drivers and staff are continuing with a range of measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus in our community.
Wellbeing of drivers & Passengers
- Exclude drivers who are unwell from conducting charter bus and tour services. Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd will temperature check all drivers on a daily basis and look for signs of illness or flu-like symptoms.
- Any drivers who have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days are encouraged to have a COVID-19 test every 7 days even if asymptomatic. They are not required to isolate whilst awaiting test results.
- Any driver with symptoms will have a COVID-19 test and isolate immediately.
Physical Distancing on the Minibuses & Coaches
- Drivers are to reduce contact with other passengers wherever possible while working.
- Take steps to ensure drivers maintain physical distancing from other drivers at pick-up or destination sites where practical, including at meal breaks.
Hygiene, Cleaning and Baggage Handling
- Drivers are to reduce contact with other passengers wherever possible while working.
- Take steps to ensure drivers maintain physical distancing from other drivers at pick-up or destination sites where practical, including at meal breaks.
- Drivers to wear disposable gloves when luggage and baggage handling.
Record Keeping (Passengers & Locations)
- Keep a record or log of all stops, including work or rest stops, and close contacts (name and mobile number or email) for at least 28 days. Ensure these records have a date and time.
- Keeping record of passenger seat allocation.
- Making drivers and passengers aware of the COVIDSafe app and the benefits of the app to support contact tracing if required.
- Cooperate with NSW Health if contacted in relation to a positive case of COVID-19 of a passenger or driver.
COVID-19 News & Updates
Latest News from Transport for NSW, Service NSW and NSW Health
26 June 2021
COVID-19 guidelines for long distance, tourist and charter services
Under current Public Health Orders which came into effect on 26 June 2021 (until 9 July 2021 at this stage), long distance, tourist and charter services should ensure that all passengers travelling in a long distance, tourist or charter service, including the driver, are wearing a fitted face covering.
Operators should also:
- while the current Public Health Orders are in force in NSW, ensure that drivers from outside Greater Sydney avoid leaving their vehicle while in Greater Sydney. If you leave your vehicle while in Greater Sydney, you will be subject to stay-at-home orders
- manage the risk of COVID-19 to workers and others in the work environment
- comply with national and State public health directions
- follow all guidelines for hygiene practices, especially social distancing requirements
- be reminded that under the Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme you are required to assess and manage health and safety risks in line with your Safety Management System (SMS). That risk assessment must now include COVID-19
Transport for NSW will continue to monitor public announcements and provide updated information accordingly. NSW Public Health Orders
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27 August 2020
Community and private bus operators, including inter-regional and charter bus services
Long distance bus travel such as inter-regional bus services or charter buses (which includes buses hired for group travel and tour buses) are not currently restricted under the COVID-19 Public Health Orders. However, bus companies need to provide a safe environment for their customers and staff.
COVID Safe recommendations for passengers and bus operators
- use physical distancing when travelling and seated on services.
- anyone that is unwell or has COVID-19 symptoms should not travel.
- take extra care around vulnerable people.
- practise good hygiene.
Bus operators should also
- provide hand sanitiser
- clean surfaces thoroughly particularly all high contact areas such as doors, handles and toilets
- maintain a record of customers and their seating allocation using a QR app or similar measure
- have signage on board services to remind everyone of their responsibility to keep each other safe
- Encourage passengers, drivers and staff to wear a face mask, particularly if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Bus companies like other businesses should have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that addresses how they will protect their staff and customers.
Further COVID-19 related content
by Sydney Charter Bus
Western Sydney Airport Transfers
Charter Bus Hire Pricing in Sydney
Australasia Bus and Coach Expo
Bus Safety Week
Private Bus Operators COVID-19 Update
Coach Parking Central Station
Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney
