The simple mention of “third-party booking” is enough to make most bus operators cringe – and understandably so.
The traditional bus broker model, with a reputation for squeezing operators into tight corners, has left a trail of distrust and skepticism in its path.
At a cursory glance, CharterUP might seem to mirror the familiar scenario – an offer to connect bus operators with eager travelers – but don’t call us the “B-word.” CharterUP is a marketplace, not a broker, offering a major shift from the conventional.
The Broker Model: A Road to Nowhere
For years, bus operators have navigated the murky waters of the traditional broker model, where the focus has often been on securing the lowest possible price for services, leaving operators grappling with the challenges of maintaining quality and profitability.
Upon receiving a request, brokers would quote a price and then frantically search for an operator willing to take the job at the lowest possible cost. The broker would pocket the difference, leaving both the traveler and operator in the dark. This lack of transparency led to unpredictable charter bus pricing and inconsistent service quality.
For bus operators, the broker model was a race to the bottom. Pressured to offer lower prices, many struggled to maintain quality or invest in upgrades. Meanwhile, travelers were left rolling the dice, unsure if they’d end up with a state-of-the-art bus or a relic from the past.
CharterUP is different. We’re not a broker, but a marketplace that puts you, the bus operator, in the driver’s seat.
Enter the CharterUP Marketplace
CharterUP’s online marketplace is a game-changer, offering a direct line between travelers and operators. Customers requesting a quote on CharterUP get real-time pricing based on actual bus availability. No guesswork, no haggling—just fair, transparent pricing.
This direct connection fosters trust on both ends. Bus operators can showcase their services without the shadow of broker markups, while travelers can book with confidence, knowing they’re getting a fair deal.
Your Rates, Your Control
In the CharterUP marketplace, you have the power to set your own rates and adjust them at any time, ensuring that your pricing reflects your services, quality and operational costs accurately. Unlike traditional brokers, who may prioritize the reservation price above all, CharterUP recognizes and respects your expertise and operational needs.
Expert Support for Seamless Trips
Our team of reservation agents and account managers are not just focused on pricing; they are experts in all things group travel. They work diligently to ensure that both groups and bus operators, like you, experience seamless, well-coordinated trips. From flagging reservations that require overnight accommodations for drivers to automatically increasing trip bids to account for mountain travel, CharterUP supports operators and their drivers every step of the way.
Navigating with Precision and Care
We understand that the road to successful trips is often laden with unexpected challenges. CharterUP actively keeps track of various factors that might affect your routes, such as street regulations and special events that might impact traffic. We alert you in advance, ensuring that you can plan your routes effectively and provide a smooth, timely service to travelers.
Fair Pricing with Your Depot in Mind
CharterUP takes into account the location of your bus garage when pricing trips. We ensure that the pricing is fair and accounts for additional time or miles needed to travel to the group’s pick-up and drop-off destinations. This means you won’t be left out of pocket for those extra miles, and your services are valued accurately in cities across the country, from major metropolises like New York City to smaller tourism hubs like Alexandria, Virginia.
A Partnership for the Future
The CharterUP marketplace is more than a platform; it’s a partnership that aims to elevate your business and the entire industry. By providing a direct line between you and the travelers, we foster an environment of transparency and trust. Your services are showcased accurately, and travelers book with the assurance of fair, transparent pricing and high-quality service.
Harnessing Technology for Your Growth
Our cutting-edge technology does more than connect you with travelers; it provides valuable insights and a data-driven approach to managing your business. From vetting operators to ensuring compliance with standards, CharterUP’s technology is designed to support and elevate your operations, propelling your business into a future of sustained growth and success.
Driving Forward Together
CharterUP is not just reshaping the booking process; we’re redefining the relationship between bus operators and travelers. By eliminating the broker model and providing a transparent, supportive marketplace, we ensure that you have the autonomy, resources and respect that your services truly deserve.
As we journey forward, CharterUP is committed to being your partner, ensuring that as the industry evolves, your business thrives amidst the changes, steering towards a future of prosperity and elevated service in group travel.
Join Our Network
