When you think of transporting a large group, a minibus rental is often the first option that comes to mind, and for a good reason. Whether it is planning a family vacation, a business outing or a special event, it can be practical to consider the pros and cons of renting a minibus before making a decision. We are here to break down what a minibus is and the elements you should take into account before deciding to rent one.
What is a Minibus?
A minibus is a type of vehicle that provides comfortable transportation for a large group of people. Van rental companies in Singapore typically use it and can accommodate a number of 10-15 passengers. The minibus has ample room for luggage and other items, making it an ideal choice for long trips outside the city without having to rent two or three separate cars. It is because of this convenience as well as its affordability that has made minibus rental services increasingly popular in Singapore. With the various types and brands of minibuses, you should find no issue getting one that fits your needs.
The Different Types of Minibus Designs
Van Conversions
The most common source of minibuses derives from van conversions, where several modifications are done, such as the reconfiguration of the interior and adjustments to the suspension that will accommodate the weight of a higher number of passengers. With van-conversion minibuses, they offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to larger, more expensive buses while providing plenty of space and comfort for passengers. In most cases, the conversions are carried out entirely by the manufacturer. Its small size and maneuverability make the minibus ideal for navigating through narrow or busy streets on a trip.
Body Builds
Another build of a minibus is for the bodybuilder manufacturer to construct a body that fits a partly done van or light truck chassis, allowing for a greater number of seats and space for comfort. However, the exterior design of this minibus will slightly resemble the van in its original state. The minibus build is excellent for various purposes, including shuttle services, tour groups and charter services, especially with the range of amenities that it usually comes furnished with. This design also comes with safety features that exceed those of a standard van-conversion minibus.
Purpose-Built
A purpose-built minibus is different from the other two builds in that it’s been specifically designed and manufactured for the purpose of transporting passengers. Bus manufacturers usually do this, but larger vehicle companies are taking part in producing their own models. Due to their reliability and security, purpose-built minibuses are a prime option for organizations to utilize for transporting passengers. These minibuses are available in a variety of designs.
Pros of Minibus Rental
Minibus rental offers many benefits that can help make your group journey more convenient and enjoyable. No matter the type of travel you plan, renting a minibus is an excellent way to transport people comfortably and safely.
Group Travel
Ideal for group travel, minibuses allow you to transport a significant number of people together. Whether it’s a family outing, a corporate event, a school trip, or a group vacation, a minibus can comfortably accommodate a larger group of passengers.
Cost-Effective
Renting a minibus can be a cost-effective option compared to individual transportation or hiring multiple vehicles. By sharing the rental cost among the passengers, you can save money on transportation expenses.
Convenience
Instead of coordinating multiple vehicles, a single minibus can transport everyone to the desired destination. This simplifies planning, reduces the chances of people getting lost or arriving late, and enhances overall group cohesion.
Comfortable & Spacious
Minibuses provide ample space for passengers to sit comfortably and move around. They are designed with adequate legroom and headroom, ensuring a more pleasant and relaxing journey, especially for longer trips. Additionally, minibuses often come equipped with amenities like air conditioning, comfortable seating and entertainment systems, further enhancing passenger comfort.
Professional Drivers
Many minibus rental services include the services of a professional driver. Having an experienced driver behind the wheel can alleviate the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, dealing with traffic, and finding parking spaces. It allows everyone in the group to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while leaving the driving responsibilities to a trained professional.
Flexibility and Customization
Minibus rental offers flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule. You can customize the travel plans according to your specific needs, ensuring that you visit the desired destinations and make stops along the way as required. This level of flexibility allows for a more personalized and tailored travel experience.
Safety & Reliability
The vehicles undergo regular inspections and are kept in good condition to ensure reliability and minimize the risk of breakdowns. Additionally, professional drivers are well-trained in safe driving practices, which further enhances passenger safety during the journey.
Environmentally Friendly
Renting a minibus reduces the overall carbon footprint compared to individual vehicles. By consolidating passengers into a single vehicle, minibus rental promotes more sustainable transportation practices and contributes to environmental conservation.
Cons of Minibus Rental
It goes without saying that renting a minibus does have its restrictions and limitations. For one, there are usually age restrictions for some minibus rental services, such as the driver needing to be at least 21 years old or those above the age of 70 having to do a medical re-evaluation. Another disadvantage is that many of these rental minibuses have limited mileage, which can be quite a problem for those looking to travel long distances. Minibus rentals during the holiday seasons often get very busy with the spike in people renting, meaning you might have to commit to booking one earlier than you would’ve liked.
Contact a Minibus Rental Company Today!
Renting a minibus is a great way to get around with a large group of people. The convenience of having everyone together in one vehicle makes it a very communal medium for people to bond with one another whilst on the road. In factoring the different builds of minibuses and the pros and cons of renting one, you’re better informed on renting the right one for you on the next road trip. If you are ever looking for a car rental company in Singapore, check out C&P Rent-A-Car! They offer both self-drive, chauffeur and driver services.
Planning to rent a car in Singapore for the first time?
Tips on Choosing a Car Rental Company in Singapore
Hi
I am requesting information regarding hiring two mini busses while we are in Singapore.
We are a gymnastics club from Sydney Australia, and we will be attending a gymnastics competition in June of 2025. We are hoping to hire two minibuses from Monday the 9th of June till Monday the 16th of June.
Could you please advise if this is possible, and what the cost would be with insurance included.
Kindest Regards
Martin
Hi Martin,
Thank you for your inquiry! I’ve just sent you an email with more details regarding your request. Please check your inbox, and feel free to reply if you have any further questions.
Looking forward to assisting you!