Chartering of Buses by Schools

Regulation

1. COMMERCIAL CARRIERS
   1. Schools may charter buses from a carrier possessing a valid School Bus Certificate or valid class "A", Class "C" or class "D" Bus Charter Certificate. The Carrier shall at its expense, procure and maintain in full force and effect a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy with Bodily Injury, Death and Property Damage coverage with a total limit of liability of not less than $20,000,000.00 for each occurrence or accident. The Carrier has also, at its expense, procure and maintain in full force and effect, an Automobile Liability insurance policy with a combined single limit for Bodily Injury, Death, Passenger Hazard and Property Damage. The coverage must have total limits of liability of not less than $20,000,000.00 for each occurrence or accident and have Accident Benefits coverage. The total limits as requested above ($20,000,000 each Automobile Liability and Commercial General Liability) may be achieved in conjunction with umbrella liability policy(ies) and appropriate extensions.
      
      
   2. A list of carriers who provide student transportation to the Division on a contract basis, and who meet the above requirements is available from Student Transportation Services or Purchasing and Contract Services.
2. NON-COMMERCIAL CARRIERS
   Schools may arrange to hire "private buses" with class "2" or class "3" registrations that are owned by individuals or non-profit organizations such as community leagues or service clubs provided the owner:
   1. has obtained authorization from the Motor Transportation Board to transport students; and
   2. has the following minimum coverage:
      1. a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy with Bodily Injury, Death and Property Damage coverages with a total limit of liability of not less than $5,000,000 for each occurrence or accident.
      2. an Automobile Liability insurance policy with a combined single limit for Bodily Injury, Death, Passenger Hazard and Property Damage. The coverage must have total limits of liability of not less than $5,000,000 for each occurrence or accident and have Accident Benefits coverage.
      3. The total limits as requested above ($5,000,000 each automobile liability and commercial general liability) may be achieved in conjunction with umbrella policy(ies) and appropriate extensions.
3. DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS AND PAYMENT
   1. Parents or guardians who will be traveling on such vehicles shall be notified of the vehicle's ownership in advance.
      
      
   2. All charters or hirings shall be arranged by the school.
      
      
   3. All arrangements between the school and the owner of the vehicle shall be fully documented and signed.
      
      
   4. All costs shall be borne by the school. 

References