Monthly Archives: January 2019

How Did It All Start? Public Bus Transportation’s History

Traveling and commutes have become necessary in today’s society. From cars to trains to planes, there are many ways to get around. One of the most popular and convenient ways is traveling by bus. We see them everywhere, from rural to urban areas. Were they always this popular? Let’s learn the history of public bus transportation.

In the 1600s, a man named Blaise Pascal launched the first ever public bus line right in his home country of France. These “buses” weren’t like those of today; they were horse-drawn carriages that carried about 7 or 8 passengers along different routes in the city.

You would think that such a useful invention would be open to all the people of France, but no – it was only available for the nobility for five pennies. After a decade, even the nobility lost interest in public bus commute, and the idea was only picked up once again after a century and a half.

 

The Omnibus: The Beginning of Bus Travel

Around 150 years after Pascal, France once again brought back the idea of public land transportation. At that time, the only mass-travel method was by ferry. In 1826, the Omnibus came out as the first land-based public transportation.

The Omnibus was similar to Blaise Pascal’s idea, but with more modern features. It was still a horse-drawn wagon, but the number of horses required to pull it depended on the size of the carriage.

The Omnibus was open for all, from low-class to nobility. The idea of these type of vehicles became popular. It became so popular that New York City formed their own line of Omnibuses by 1828. In the following years, many other American and European cities also offered Omnibuses in their streets.

Many liked the idea of the Omnibus, but they weren’t too fond of the uncomfortable ride. Still, many preferred this over walking. Many set out to find more ways for the Omnibus to be upgraded, which led to improvements in public bus transportation within the next few years.

 

The Horsecar: A Wagon on Rails

The horsecar, which was a wagon situated on rails and pulled by horses, started popping up in the United Kingdom in the 1830s. Railroad trails were laid on preexisting routes from the Omnibus. The wagon was grooved to fit on these rails, offering a much smoother ride than the Omnibuses. Since the horsecar was placed on rails, it was also easier for the horses to pull them, meaning more passengers could ride at once.

These dropped the prices from 12 cents to 5, making rides more cost-friendly. As more people approved on riding the horsecars, more rails were laid out. After about 50 years, over 30,000 miles of street rails had been placed, with over 20,000 horsecars using them each day.

Horses were absolutely necessary for the horsecars. Without them, even the name wouldn’t make sense. Horses, while serving a very beneficial purpose, also began having negative effects on the cities. Their manure littered each route the horsecar traveled on. They also could only work for 2 hours at a time, putting time restraints on rides. When an equine outbreak in 1872 killed thousands of horses, inventors knew they would have to find a more efficient way of city travel.

Horses for traveling would soon become outdated, so this meant more improved ways of traveling needed to be found.

 

The Cable Car: More Efficient but Dangerous

With horses out of the equation, people began to think of the carriages traveling without a labor animal. The innovators at the time would insert a moving cable between the rails for the horsecars and place a tram on top, eliminating the need for horses. To brake, pressure would be applied on the rails and the cable would be released.

The cable car was created and first tested by Andrew Hallidie in the 1870s in San Francisco, California. San Fran was a prime place to test this new creation out because of its never-ending rolling hills.

Cable cars thrived at the time but began to lose momentum after several accidents occurred. The cables were prone to breaking or the cars would come off the rails, resulting in several tragedies. Cable cars were stopped, and innovators now needed to find another method for travel yet again. (There are safe, more modern cable cars still in San Francisco, California, mainly for the nostalgia.)

 

The Streetcar: Greatest Innovations of the late 19th Century

The streetcar was arguably one of the greatest innovations towards the end of the 1800s. Also known as the electric streetcar, these “buses” kept the idea of the cable car, but they were now powered by electricity. The streetcars were moved by electric power lines over the routes, and the wheels were made with metal acting as “grounding” so no one would get electrocuted. The electric current kept the buses moving at a fair pace, making this a very influential invention.

Many major cities began using the streetcars, especially through their downtowns. Because of this, citizens who lived outside the city were able to commute into the city for work. This drastically increased the employment rates. Not only did the streetcars help the economy employment-wise, but it also increased the value of the land. If a streetcar ran its route near the property, it could be worth a lot more than before.

Many high-scale businesses and shops took advantage of this and set up their sites near the tracks. This helped boost the city’s own development and economy.

After a few decades, people began to stop using the streetcar for money limitations. This was at the time of the Great Depression, where many had little money to spend at all. Even after the World Wars, many streetcars were shut down due to lack of usage. Some exist today, mainly in Boston and Philadelphia.

 

Modern Day Buses

For the next century, public transport began to get better and better. City trains were put into use, more cars were produced, and buses also updated with increasing technology. From horse-led carriages to modern day buses, public bus transit has come a long way.

While cars are more popular today than buses, traveling by bus is very beneficial. Buses are more environment-friendly and fuel-efficient. Many without cars or in a crowded city still prefer to travel by bus to their work or school.

The history of transportation tells us one thing: that technology has aided transportation and will continue to better it. A century ago, people were dreaming of today’s travel. A century from today, people will be looking back on outdated technology. Even today, we are beginning to see the future’s version of travel.

 

Future Travel

Even today, we are starting to see what the future holds. Battery-powered, electric buses are beginning to come into production for major cities. Within the next decade, several major cities plan to incorporate these eco-friendly buses into their fleet and get rid of their major carbon footprints.

One of the largest electric bus manufacturers is Proterra. They are working on long-lasting electric buses with different charging capabilities, so it can travel for longer. Charging stations on routes are also in development, so buses can charge in just a few minutes. This will prevent any issues in the timings of rides.

Mini, self-driving buses are also being developed. The most adorable one, Olli, is going to make a huge impact on travel. It is a self-driving, intelligent pod that uses IBM’s Watson technology to listen to the passenger’s directions.

Within the next few years, we’ll begin to see a rise in travel technology such as these listed above.

As buses become more advanced, so will our fleet at Prompt Charters. Currently, we are offering some of the latest technology within our vehicles, from high speed Wi-Fi to televisions. As the bus industry develops, so will we. At Prompt Charters, we pride ourselves in our excellent services. To find out more, visit our website www.promptcharters.com. To get a detailed quote for your next chartered bus trip,
call ☎ 1-877-277-6678. We are sure you will be more than impressed with Prompt Charters.

Why You Should Select Prompt Charters for Travel

As days go by, technology is rising, making traveling much easier. There are several popular travel methods, but one of the best ways for travel is by chartered bus. Prompt Charters, one of the industry’s oldest contenders, is also the best option for chartering buses. Let us explain why below.

Reliability

Prompt Charters has over 50 years of history in the bus industry, and we’ve been offering quality service from the start. We’ve done everything in our power to offer amazing service as well as customer support. With these traits, we’ve grown to become one of the largest bus and minibus chartering companies in North America. We’ve developed high reputations as the go-to bus company with many private and public companies, as well as thousands of people.Major corporations such as Cisco, Bank of America, and Microsoft are all partnered with us. Not only do we strive to do the best we can in the industry, we also try to be the safest. From drivers to the buses, we do our best to provide safe service to all our customers.These are the major reasons that prove the reliability and safety of Prompt Charters.

Affordability

Prompt Charters offers one of the best rates in the industry. Our rates are very competitive and discount rates are available for long term contracts and non-profit organizations. Quotes are given based on the type of bus and how long the customer is chartering for. We have a specialized team that focuses on giving a detailed, personalized quote every time you contact us.Reservations can be made online 24 hours a day and confirmation will be emailed to you the same day. Prompt Charters offers Sedans, limos, vans, minibuses, limo buses, school buses and motor coaches for charters. Each type vehicle will have a cost different than that of another, but Prompt Charters will do the best we can to offer that vehicle at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for an affordable charter bus company, Prompt Charters is for you.

Range of Service

Prompt Charters prides itself on what we do and how far we reach. Currently, we offer chartered services at around 200 locations across North America. Through our network of affiliates, we offer plenty of buses in the United States and Canada. Our team strives to add new locations to the map, so you and others can benefit from our work. Some major cities we offer direct charter services in include New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Toronto, Washington DC, Denver, Boston and Chicago. You can read about these and other cities we offer services in on our city blogs.

Special Services

Prompt Charters arrange all characters meticulously and efficiently work to make your trip a successful and memorable one. Our account executives will work with you to customize your travel needs. We can arrange meet and greet at the airport, plan the route and wrap the bus with your corporate logo, products or brand. Our vehicles can be used for an types of campaign, such as elections for offices. One of our most important features is that we will add your company or organization as additionally insured suits. This will protect your organization from any future lawsuits. Prompt Charters does everything we can to make your trip everything it must be.

No matter what your needs are, Prompt Charters will be able to fulfill your every desire. From events to campaigns, we got you covered. To learn more about our vehicles, visit our website  www.promptcharters.com. To receive a detailed quote from our team, call us at ☎ 1-877-277-6678. Prompt Charters works hard so you don’t have to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charter Buses and Their Uses

If you’re looking for a great place to charter a bus, Prompt Charters is your ultimate destination. Featuring ten vehicles that include eight buses, the impressive fleet of Prompt Charters is sure to impress you and fulfill all your needs. From sporting events to corporate outings, Prompt Charters’ serve a variety of purposes. Below are the company’s buses and their uses.

15 Passenger Minibus

 

The 15-passenger minibus is perfect for a small, traveling group. Depending on the amount of people, it is perfect for a church trip, city visit, or even an out-of-state visit. Just because the bus is relatively small doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the amenities of others. It features reclining seats with footrests, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating, DVD system, GPS, and is also wheelchair accessible. The 15-passenger minibus is best for a small group luxury mode of transportation.

24 Passenger Minibus

 

If you’re looking for a slightly larger bus than the 15-passenger one, this one will be perfect for you. This minibus is perfect for most sporting events. It will fit most sports teams, like basketball, soccer, and maybe football. It also features flat screen monitors, so it will be easier for coaches to show game tape, plays, etc. There is a sizeable luggage compartment where the group can leave their belongings. Like the 15-passenger minibus, this one features air conditioning and heating, and a DVD system.

30 Passenger Minibus

 

The 30-passenger minibus is perfect for a decent-sized church trip, group outing, and slightly larger sports teams. It features everything from the 15 and 24 passenger buses, along with leather seats, power outlets, larger windows for optimal viewing, and larger flat screens. If you’re looking for something large but not too large, the 30-passenger minibus is for you.

Mini Coach Bus

 

If you want something a bit fancier than the 30-passenger minibus, choose the mini coach bus. It features a total of 37 leather seats, along with every feature of the minibuses. For a longer trip, this mini coach bus is for you. Popular uses of this bus are wedding trips, out-of-state traveling, church trips, and more.

Deluxe Motor Coach

The most popular option for traveling with Prompt Charters is the Deluxe Motor Coach. It is very spacious as it seats 47 to 61 people with plenty of legroom with each seat. For long trips (or even shorter ones), this bus should be your pick. One of the main reasons is that it comes with a bathroom, so passengers won’t have to get off the bus to relieve themselves. For a large group, not only is this perfect seating-wise, but also entertainment-wise. The DVD system, large flat screens, and Wi-Fi all make traveling with the Deluxe Motor Coach even more enjoyable. Not only is this bus the most popular, but it is also the most eco-friendly mode of transportation. Think about that whenever you decide to charter this bus.

School Bus

 

If you want just a basic bus with plenty of seats, you might want to choose the school bus. While it doesn’t feature most of the amenities of the buses listed above, it can still seat up to 48 people in its vinyl seats. This is the perfect option for a low-cost, non-luxury mode of transportation. The most common use of this bus is school trips and other school transportation needs.

Party Bus

 

The Party Bus is another popular option. Like the name suggests, it is perfect for those looking to have a good time on the bus. It features high-back seating, tables, and U-couches. The total seating is for 15 to 50 passengers. Like the Deluxe Motor Coach, the party bus features a bathroom and flat screen monitors along with a CD and DVD system. The party bus is perfect for Birthdays, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Weddings, Pub Crawls, Club Hopping, and Corporate Outings.

No matter your needs, we’re sure that Prompt Charters will be able to assist you. To learn more about the buses and the other vehicles, head to the Prompt Charters website. If you would like a detailed, personalized quote, call our team at

☎ 1-877-277-6678. Prompt Charters will do all we can to make your trip better.

 

The Top Benefits of Using a Chartered Bus for Travel – Prompt Charters

Travel has come a long way. From horse-driven carriages to cars, transportation is necessary for society. There are many options today such as cars, planes, trains, buses, boats, and more. So, you’re thinking of a means to travel to that city you’ve always wanted to visit. Should you take a car, plane, or even a train? Many think they are limited to these options but traveling by chartered buses are continuing to increase in popularity, with plenty of reasons. Here are the top benefits of using a chartered bus for your travel, no matter the destination.

Safety

One of the top concerns when it comes to travel is safety. Chartered buses are one of the safest transportation methods for several reasons. First, all the drivers are highly experienced, especially in driving through all types of weather. With his experience, he will choose when its best to pull over or keep going. Another reasons chartered buses are safe is the crash-detection technology. Like most modern cars, the buses have integrated safety precautions that aid the driver. In an event the bus does crash, passengers are safer than they would be in a car. But with the experienced drivers that come with Prompt Charter’s buses, a crash is highly unlikely.

Comfort

Another popular reason Promptcharter’s buses are for you is the provided comfort. With an experienced driver at the wheel, you can sit back and relax in the comfortable seats. You can use this time to interact with the other travelers, and even play games with them. Check our other blogs for fun activities to do within a chartered bus. Prompt Charters also provides many amenities within the buses, such as bathrooms, televisions, reclining chairs, spacious legroom, and much more (depending on the type of bus). This means you won’t even have to get out of the bus on the trip other than to eat. Even this can be avoided if you pack your meals. The comfort in riding on a chartered bus is incomparable.

Stress-free Travel

Traveling comes with its stress, especially when traveling in a group. From security lines to keeping cars together on a highway cause stress on the road. When you travel on a chartered bus, these stressors are eliminated. You also don’t have to worry about where you’re going or driving on new roads, as you have drivers that are both reliable and knowledgeable about the roads. Give him the address and prepare to enjoy the ride, especially with the amenities provided with the buses.

Environment-friendly Travel

If you were to take a decently large group and put them in cars, there would be several cars in the pack. This increases the fuel charge for each driver, as well as the carbon footprint on the environment. Instead, put the whole group on a chartered bus that fits the size of the group. The cost for fuel would be significantly less if divided by each adult traveling on the bus. A bus is up to six times more fuel-efficient than cars. And one bus is better for the environment than several cars. Chartered buses are among the most eco-friendly methods of travel.

Safety, comfort, stress-free travel, eco-friendly travel — these are just a few reasons you should use chartered buses. If you try out Prompt Charters, we’re sure you’ll be able to find more. Prompt Charters has been providing quality, chartered bus services for years now. To find out more about the services we offer, visit our site www.promptcharters.com. For a detailed quote, call ☎ 1-877-277-6678. Around the clock, we offer expert customer support. To book the trip of your dreams, contact us today!

Fun Games to Play on a Chartered Bus Trip

 

So you’re traveling on a chartered bus trip, and you’re wondering what you can do to pass the time. Since it’s a chartered bus, there’s obviously a sizeable group of travelers. Yes, you can sit there in complete silence or use your phone, ORRRR you can break the ice by playing some fun games. Not only do games help pass the time and break the ice, it also helps you learn more about your fellow travelers. Which games are the best to play? Below are some of the easy games you can play to keep away boredom on a bus trip.

 

  • I Spy, We All Spy

You probably remember playing this game as a kid, but it is actually quite entertaining on a bus trip no matter the age. All you have to do is look out of the large windows of your bus and find something to describe. Then say, “I spy something… (describe what you found). You’ll see people getting out of their seats to look out and find the object before it disappears from sight. Whoever finds the object gets to be the next person to describe something. To make it even more fun and competitive, keep track of the points.

 

  • Telephone

This game can be absolutely hilarious. One person whispers a phrase or a sentence to the first person in the bus. That “first” person whispers it to the next person, and the next person whispers it to the person sitting beside them. Keep the pattern going to the back of the bus and have the last person say the phrase out loud. Is it close to the original or is it completely different? In most if not all cases, it will be something absurdly funny. Can you find who made the mistakes?

 

  • Tic Tac Toe

Okay so who doesn’t know how to play this game? All you need is a pencil and paper, making it a super convenient game. You make a # on the paper, but probably a little bit bigger than this one. Out of the two players, one is X and the other is O. To win, a player must get three of his characters in a row. It can be diagonal, horizontal, or vertical. It doesn’t matter as long as they all are in a row. Keep track of how many rounds you win, with the loser buying a drink for the other when they get out of the bus.

  • The Alphabet Game

Raise your hand if you know the ABC’s. Well, that and basic thinking is all you need for this game. There are two versions of this game. For the first version, you say something from the depth of your imagination (or a topic like a movie, songs, etc.) that starts with the letter “A”. The next person says something that starts with “B.” The pattern continues until the end of the alphabet. The second version is slightly more complicated. The first person says a word that starts with “A.” The next person says a word that starts with the last letter of the word from the first person. For example, player 1 says “apple.” Since it ends in an “e”, the next person says something that starts with “e.” Players who can’t think of a word in a few seconds is disqualified.

 

  • Charades

Another really fun game is charades. Pick a topic for the group, and a duo acts out a scene from that topic (such as a popular movie, song video, etc.). The group frantically hurries to guess what it is before the time runs out. To make it even more fun, split the group into teams. Whichever team gets the most points wins. When they stop, the winning team is first out of the bus.

 

  • Guess that Tune

No matter what culture it is, they always have songs specific to that culture. Split the traveling group into teams. Have a designated person play a specific song over the clear bus speakers. The team that guesses the song wins that round. After ten rounds (or more/less), find out which team has the most points. Not only is this game fun, but it can also help you learn more about the musical preferences/tastes of others.

 

  • Karaoke

Speaking of tunes, how about singing a couple? All you need to do is sing a song of your choice (or the group’s) and hear the crowd cheer. And moreover, hearing your best friend singing would be perfect material for your snapchat story. Oh, make sure they don’t see you recording 😊

  

Need a Charter Bus?

Whatever game you pick to play, do so within the luxury of Prompt Charter Buses. From school buses to party mini-buses, we offer a variety of spacious coaches. If you’re looking for chartered buses to travel, Prompt Charters is the way to go. Each vehicle is equipped with everything from entertainment to safety. To learn more about what we offer, visit our website www.promptcharters.com. If you would like to find out more about prices, call our team for a quote at  ☎ 1-877-277-6678.

Fun in Philadelphia

Places to Visit/Things to Do

If you enjoyed history class, you must visit one of the most historic sites in the United States, Independence Hall. The red-brick structure was where some of America’s founding fathers met for the duration of the War for Independence. It was also at Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed. Throughout the site, you can find famous artifacts, such as surviving copies of documents that formed the country we know now today. From January to February, tickets are free but you’ll have to join a guided tour. During the months of March to December, tickets are still free, but you must pay $1.50 for ticket-handling. Independence Hall is open every day, and tours begin at 9 am and they close at 5 pm.

 


Philadelphia is full of historic sites, and the Liberty Bell Center is amongst the most popular. It’s located opposite Independence Hall, another popular attraction (read above). The Liberty Bell once used to grace the belfry of Independence Hall, but now sits in a massive glass pavilion. Back in the day, it was used to notify others of important events, the most important being the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Eventually, it became cracked and was stopped being used. If you’re an American, you have to visit the Liberty Bell Center as well as Independence Hall. These two places are some of the best ways to learn more about the country’s history. Admission to the attraction is completely free. It is open all year, from 9 am to 5 pm.

 


Are you an art fanatic? Even if you’re not, you’re still going to appreciate the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the top of its kind in the country. Throughout the building, you can find paintings and works of art from a massive collection of famous artists, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and many more. You can also learn more about foreign cultures, as the museum features structures from different countries. Some inside include an Indian temple from the 1500s, the 1600s Chinese Palace Hall, and more. The museum boasts a variety of things to see, so you might want to allocate a few hours or better yet a whole day to explore the facility. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, with extended hours until 8:45 pm on Wednesday and Friday. Entrance fees cost $20 for adults and $14 for teenagers. If you visit on the first Sunday of the month or a Wednesday, you can pay as much or as little as you choose.

 


Do you enjoy spending time around animals? If you do, do so at the first and oldest zoo in the country, the Philadelphia Zoo. The 42-acre zoo houses around 1,300 animals, so there is plenty to do for all ages. Visit the zoos different sections, including the Primate Reserve, KeyBank Big Cat Falls, African Plains, and more. This past year, more sections have opened, which contain otters, penguins, red pandas, and more. If you get pecking, there are several eateries and concessions on-site, but they also allow visitors to bring their own food. The museum operates from 9:30 am to 5 pm from March through October. They are open from 9:30 am to 4 pm November to February. Admission for adults costs $24.95 and $19.95 for kids aged 2 to 11.

 

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is another popular attraction in Philly. Interactive exhibits help visitors of all ages learn from a variety of subjects from anatomy to astronomy. If you’re more of a sporty person, visit the SportsZone. Here, you can learn about the science behind sports like surfing, rock climbing, and more. You can also learn past earths borders at the Fels Planetarium. The museum also features a IMAX theater, so you can enjoy a movie. As many know, Benjamin Franklin was a famous person out of Philly, so don’t forget to visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, which houses a 30-ton statue of Ben Franklin. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Adults will have to pay $23 for $19 for kids aged 3 to 11.

 

Best Way to Tour Philadelphia, PA

  • The best way to tour the city of Philadelphia (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every need. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Charters can help you. Prompt Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit promptcharters.com to book your rental bus today!

 

Best Places to Eat/Shop

  • Philadelphia Mills – If you’re looking for a great place to shop, visit the Philadelphia Mills. Featuring over 200 stores and services, they are definitely one of the top shopping destinations in Philly. They also feature plenty of dining options throughout the mall.
  • The Shops at Liberty Place – Another popular shopping destination in Philly is The Shops at Liberty Place. The retail complex features a mix of shops, services, and even a food court. The convenient location in the business district makes it a popular place to shop at.
  • Reading Terminal Market –The Reading Terminal Market is more of a farmer’s market than a mall, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t popular. The place is swarming in retailers and restaurants. If you’re a foodie, this is the perfect place for you.
  • Zahav – If you’re looking for a great place to eat, visit Zahav. Zahav is a Mediterranean/Middle East restaurant that offers prime cultural food. They are rated the #1 fine dining restaurant in Philly by tripadvisor for 2018.
  • Ristorante Pesto – Do you prefer more of a local option? Visit Ristorante Pesto, one of the best restaurants in the city. The Italian restaurant is the Travelers’ Choice 2018 Winner with nearly 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews. For this reason, they are rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Philadelphia by tripadvisor for 2018.

  

Have fun in Philly!