Shuttle businesses provide useful transportation for two types of
riders. Customers with airport reservations, but who want to avoid
driving and parking inconveniences, ride to the airport’s door in a
regularly scheduled shuttle bus or van. Vehicles pick up pre-booked
customers at home or office locations, although last-minute customers
can frequently be accommodated en route to the airport. On-demand
shuttles function within many outlying regions that lack public
transportation. Some shuttles transport customers to regional or hub
airports, while other vehicles provide rides to customers on personal
business.
Step 1
Organize your shuttle business. Select a business structure with a Certified Public Accountant familiar with transportation businesses. Consult with a commercial insurance agent with similar expertise and strong liability background. Visit your city or county clerk’s office for a business license, and inquire about local permits. Ask your state department of revenue about applicable sales taxes. Contact your state department of transportation about state regulations or permits.Step 2
Analyze the shuttle service market. Obtain a regional map, and pinpoint the regional and hub airports within a two-hour drive. Identify shuttle services that currently serve those airports, and note any areas that lack airport transportation. Research local and regional transportation networks to uncover potential need for on-demand shuttle service.Step 3
Establish your shuttle service area. Determine a geographic area within which you can provide reliable shuttle service. Identify area airports and other possible destinations, and travel those routes at different times to estimate drivers’ travel times. Utilize this information to create an operations framework for your shuttle business.Step 4
Develop commuter and tourism packages. Encourage repeat commuter business by creating discounted packages for frequent airport commuters and business users. Design tourist-focused packages that include airport transportation, shopping or attraction transport and meal options.Step 5
Obtain multi-passenger shuttle vehicles. Estimate the number of vehicles needed for your shuttle routes, and work with your accountant to determine if a purchase or lease option better meets your needs. Obtain handicapped-accessible vehicles to ensure that disabled passengers can easily be accommodated.Step 6
Hire qualified shuttle drivers. Find courteous, experienced drivers with demonstrated customer service experience. Former bus drivers and other large vehicle operators may be good candidates. Contact your state department of motor vehicles to determine specific driver license requirements for shuttle vehicles.Step 7
Market your shuttle business regionally. Work with a graphic designer to create rack cards and business cards. Place these promotional materials at hotels and tourist attractions, and consider a kiosk at regional and hub airports. Place ads featuring introductory discounts in regional newspapers' business pages. Join your city’s Chamber of Commerce, and market to fellow business members at networking events and expos. Find your chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Things Needed
- Business structure documentation
- Insurance documentation
- Business license
- Local permits (if applicable)
- Sales tax license (if applicable)
- Permits from state department of transportation (if applicable)
- Regional map with airports and existing shuttle services
- Shuttle business operational framework
- Commuter package documentation
- Tourism package documentation
- Shuttle vehicle documentation
- Shuttle driver license requirements
- Rack cards
- Business cards
- Ad rates and copy for newspaper ads
References (6)
- IRS.gov: State Revenue Sites
- United States Department of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration: State Transportation Web Sites
- Airport Shuttle Operators Directory: Search by State
- Veolia Transportation: Providing Value to Passengers and Airports
- Department of Motor Vehicles: Search DMV by State
- How to Start a Public Transportation Business
Public transport is one of the most common challenge for all people and there are many ways where people can travel.There are some vehicles as well as automobile instruments can be used for that.
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