Note: Bob Bergey is a driver for Hagey Coach Inc. in Franconia, Pa. He has come up with a list of tips for "Group Leaders on Motorcoach Trips." Bergeys complete list is posted on a website he maintains called EightWheels.com.

Have you chartered a motorcoach for your groups trip? Great - smart move! Here are tips for you, the group leader, from my perspective as your driver for your charter trip.

1. Introduce yourself, as the person in charge, to your driver. Youd be amazed how often we have to guess or ask around the group to find out whos in charge of things like letting us know when youre ready to depart, confirm destinations and time schedules, letting us know that all passengers have boarded, etc. Sometimes our paperwork tells us whos in charge and we can find you, but just as often the person listed on our paperwork is the person who booked the coach for the trip, not the person whos actually in charge on trip day.

2. Ride Bus No. 1, and sit in the front of the coach. If youve booked multiple coaches for your group, the overall group leader should ride on the first coach in the group. Sometimes last minute "executive decisions" need to be made en route, and its difficult to do that when theres no one in charge on the first coach. Sit up front where the driver can talk to you if or when necessary, or at least be prepared to move to the front quickly when needed.

3. Make sure your group understands that youre in charge. Introduce yourself to your group (or other bus captains) as the "go-to" person if theres a problem or a decision that needs to be made on behalf of the group. Dont put the driver(s) in the position of having to navigate between passengers, group leaders and previously arranged trip plans. The group leader is the contact person between the driver and the group.

4. Allow time to review trip plans with the driver before you depart the pickup point. Drivers are usually pretty good at double checking trip plans with the group leader, including things like selection of the route, plans for rest stops along the way, etc. But sometimes trips are less well organized and the group leader is so rushed, were on the road before weve confirmed the details.

If things have changed since the original itinerary was given to the driver, it can make it difficult for the driver to make adjustments en route. Also, give the driver the overall picture for the day if its not clear from the itinerary. We like to research things like directions and bus parking ahead of time when possible.

5. Remember, the driver likes to eat, too. Too often groups will try and make up time by eating meals on the bus. Thats not a problem, as long as the group hasnt already been traveling all day and the driver has had time for a meal. Expecting the driver to eat while driving, or to skip meals altogether, is definitely not a good idea.

Make sure your driver has time off - 30 minutes, at least - to get a meal and eat before he has to continue driving at meal times.

6. Allow adequate time for rest stops along the way. Yes, the coach has a bathroom. But its not really designed to handle everyone on the bus using it multiple times during the day - its there for emergency use for those who just cant wait until the next rest stop. With a full bus, you need to allow a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes every 2-3 hours for a bathroom break. Even those who dont need the bathroom break will enjoy being able to get off the coach and stretch their legs.

7. Exchange cell phone numbers with the driver. This will usually be initiated by the driver, but dont hesitate to ask if he/she forgets. You may not need to use the phone numbers, but just in case - things do change - you want to be able to communicate with your driver. He/she needs your number, just as you need theirs.

But, dont give the drivers cell phone number to the rest of the passengers, especially if its his personal cell phone number - give them yours, instead.

Your motorcoach driver is a professional and can help make your trip a success. We want it to be a great experience for everyone, including you, the group leader. Just a little time, planning and good communication are all it takes.

Your comments or questions are welcome.