As with all vacations and group trips, planning is key to an enjoyable experience for everyone involved on the best motorcoach trip. Traveling with a group using chauffeured ground transportation is no different.

When it comes to planning for a motorcoach trip in particular, there are a handful of considerations to keep in mind from the get-go that will provide for the best trip possible. Whether your trip involves being on a bus for a few hours or a few days, thinking ahead will save you some heartache along the way.

Bring Plenty for the Road

From smartphones to laptops to handheld gaming, devices are generally only as useful as they are connected to the internet. Fortunately, modern motorcoaches provide onboard WIFI for passengers so everyone can take full advantage of their favorite electronics for the duration of the trip.

Read, watch, and play to your heart’s content without the need for worrying about connecting to hotspots or using your own cellular plan’s data. With power outlets at every seat, keeping your devices juiced up is easy as well.

Another reason motorcoaches make for a great way to travel is the personal space. Between onboard bins and room underneath that can be accessed at every stop, bringing lots of goodies to curb hunger on the trip along with your personal belongings is easy.

Not Everyone will be as Equipped for the Trip as You

Finally, be prepared! While traveling on a motorcoach can be one of the most relaxing means of getting from one spot to another and provides lots of amenities for passengers, there will be some who will be looking to be entertained!

To keep everyone engaged—especially if traveling with children or teenagers—once their devices are no longer doing the trick, have a handful of games in your back pocket ready to employ.

Magazines, crosswords, and even board games make the ride more enjoyable, allow for special memories, and bring people together!

The professionals with Atchison Transportation Services eat, sleep, and breathe group travel. Therefore, you can rest assured that we have thought through everything transportation related! 

Whatever your reason for traveling with a group via motorcoach, Atchison Transportation Services will help you be as prepared as possible and we stand ready to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Call Atchison Transportation Services at 800-346-7129 or get in touch online where you can reserve your ride today!

The post Tips for Ensuring the Best Motorcoach Trip appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

College football is back! Thanks to COVID-19 vaccinations and other safety protocols that have been put in place, we are on the cusp of seeing fans return to stadiums by the thousands around the country this fall.

With some of the greatest teams in the nation playing the majority of their games right around the corner, this region of the country is very passionate about their Gamecocks and Tigers Football! Of course, there are also other fans who are just as diehard when it comes to South Carolina State, The Citadel, and other programs across the state.

As fans figure out how to make the most of game day this fall, there is one little known secret that provides for a great experience everyone in your crew will really appreciate.

The Best Method for Making Game Day Memories

The pro tailgaters and biggest fans out there are learning of a new hack when it comes to getting to the game. More and more followers of football in the Upstate are choosing chauffeured ground transportation as their preferred means of making their way around on game day.

Both current students, along with alumni, of USC and Clemson are taking advantage of the large fleet at Atchison Transportation Services to arrive safely and in style.

With over 68 years of transportation experience, Atchison Transportation Services are the pros you can count on for game day this fall!

Gameday Transportation Fans Find Well Worth It

Professional, courteous, and even humorous chauffeurs make for the highest quality game day transportation available. From limousines and shuttle busses to sedans and SUV’s, Atchison Transportation Services has the ride that can fit all your fans.

When you book Atchison Transportation Services for your game day transit, you can sit back and relax while enjoying the festivities. Rather than getting frustrated while sitting in traffic, you and your crew will keep the pregame going in style!

As Clemson looks to boast one of the most talented teams in the country again this year and with talk of USC having a breakout season, get started early with your plan on making the most of gameday so you won’t get stuck waiting on your less-than-reliable friends!

Avoid parking headaches and other roadblocks to enjoying gameday by booking car service this season!

Call Atchison Transportation Services at 864-595-1234 or easily book your game day transportation online today!

The post The Best Game Day Ride for College Football appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

Our pre-flight travel checklist seem to change with regularity over the years. Any time a new mandate is handed down from the Department of Homeland Security or the TSA, jetsetters have to adjust and reconsider what to bring along for their next flight.

This year has brought more disruption to the airline industry over a longer period of time than perhaps any other. Thanks to the current pandemic created by the novel Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, travelers have experienced whiplash from the changing regulations.

As long-distance travel returns, it is wise to think about what you will need to include in your carry-on when preparing for a flight. Flying during a pandemic is stressful enough so you will want to make sure and ease the anxiety by being prepared ahead of time.

New Documents Are Now Required for Travel in Many Cases

Fortunately, there is some sense of normalcy when packing your pre-flight bags. Being in the midst of a pandemic does not negate the need for proper documentation. Therefore, make sure to have your state issued identification—including a passport or visa for international flights—and clearly labeled boarding pass on hand at all times.

Some locations and airports may also be requiring documented COVID-19 test results proving that passengers are not currently carrying the virus. Depending on the local guidelines, results must be received within a certain time frame prior to takeoff.

It is also possible that travelers may be required to quarantine once reaching their destination. Double check the requirements for your airline and destination to know exactly what you will need as far as testing and quarantine.

Current Travel Demands Some New Carry-Ons

Just as if you were getting out and about around town, you will be required to wear a face mask at all times. Make sure to have a couple of comfortable face coverings on hand and within reach to make for a much smoother experience. A small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of disinfectant wipes will also go a long way in keeping you safe.

Whatever your need for airport service, a chauffeured ground transportation service like Atchison Transportation Services can provide a safe and convenient means to get you to the airport on time. Call Atchison Transportation Services at 800-346-7129 or use our online booking tool to relieve even more stress from your travel.

The post Pre-Flight Travel Checklist appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

The rise of ridesharing is a fascinating story. Most average users are completely unaware of the soap opera origin story, which has been told on the popular podcast Business Wars. And like many stories—the reality is much more complex and less romantic than the idea on paper.

Ridesharing Has Not Proven to be the Product that was Promised

Ridesharing was originally pitched as a more convenient and all-around better option for people to get wherever they need to be in a pinch. However, ridesharing has not always proven to be a safe and reliable choice for its users.

On top of the preexisting issues and unknowns that accompany the use of ride sharing, now users have to take the threat of COVID-19 into consideration. As recently as the past November, the LA Times reported that experts are still urging passengers to avoid them.

On the other hand, chauffeured ground transportation providers like Atchison Transportation Services remain a steady and reliable option. Punctual, vetted, and well-trained drivers provide clean vehicles while protecting passengers. Although popular rideshare companies claim to require face coverings for everyone in the vehicle, there is simply no way for them to enforce this policy.

Hiring a Professional Provides the Best Protection

Professional drivers wearing gloves are the only ones who will be touching the handles and door frame as you enter and exit our vehicles. These are all spaces that are also properly cleaned and sanitized in between each passenger or group of passengers. No rideshare service can guarantee the level of cleanliness you receive from a chauffeured ground transportation provider like Atchison Transportation Services. Serving your transportation needs while following health guidelines.

The team at Atchison Transportation Services is committed to the highest standards and even goes beyond the recommendations from experts to ensure safe travel for both their drivers and all passengers. Unfortunately, rideshare companies are simply stocking their vehicles with wipes and expecting passengers to wipe down the seat belts, buckles, window buttons, or other high-touch areas themselves.

Given the time crunch under which many of us operate, it is likely that passengers are skipping the self-sanitation and seeing it as optional. This can leave you vulnerable to whatever is left lurking in the vehicle.

For the safest ride and peace of mind, call Atchison Transportation Services at 800-346-7129 or schedule a trip from any device using our online booking tool.

Read more…Beware of Using Ride Sharing Services for Airport Transportation

The post Why You Should Choose Chauffeured Ground Transportation Over Ridesharing appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

We could all use a road trip right about now! Fortunately, there is a recently reopened destination that serves as the perfect getaway for you, your family, and your friends. When following the proper CDC guidelines and recommendations from other health experts, a trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC is a safe bet for a fun time.

The Perfect Ride for The Perfect Weekend Away

Leave your vehicle in the garage and allow the journey to be part of the fun! With a quality chauffeured service, you and your family or friends can enjoy your time on the road as much as you enjoy your time at the casino.

Hiring an experienced transportation service for your trip provides a professional and courteous driver who is well trained to get you to your destination safely. Whatever the size of your group, riding in a luxury motor coach or a chauffeured sedan will only add to the overall experience for all passengers and be a special memory everyone will remember for years to come.

Choosing a professional driver can mean access to amenities like WIFI, satellite television, onboard restrooms, and charging stations depending on which vehicle you choose for your trip. These types of conveniences make your time on the road much more enjoyable for everyone!

Safety Provisions Are Standard from Start to Finish

When you choose a ride from a reliable transportation service like Atchison, you can rest assured that all surfaces have been adequately cleaned and disinfected. The current cleaning protocols provide peace of mind for all riders and guests of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort’s health and safety protocols meet or exceed those currently recommended by health experts. Social distancing at gaming tables, slot machines, and restaurants are helping to keep people safe from contracting viruses. Employees wear masks that cover their nose and mouth while staff also frequently cleans high-touch areas throughout the property.

Whether it is a large group on a bus, a small group on a shuttle, or just a few of you in a limousine, comfort and style are included with every trip when you book your getaway with a reputable transportation service like Atchison Transportation Services. Call Atchison Transportation Services toll free at 800-346-7129 or use the online booking tool for your trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort today.

The post Enjoy a Trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

On May 13, 2020 Atchison Transportation Services will join hundreds of motorcoach companies from around the country for a rolling rally around the U.S. Capitol and National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

“Like many local small businesses, my operations have been absolutely devastated by the coronavirus. My buses sit idling while my employees remain at home. We all want to be back on the road, bringing people from point A to point B while serving our communities again. Without help from the federal government, I fear our buses may never return to the road and our passengers will be stranded without access to the nation’s transportation system,” said Charlita Atchison Moss. “I look forward to joining hundreds of my fellow motorcoach operators in Washington to showcase the strength in numbers of our industry and the positive benefits we provide to every community in America.”

The“Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness”is a one day, one time grassroots event born from independent motorcoach operators, industry suppliers and state associations, represented by a joint initiative between the nation’s two largest associations, American Bus Association and United Motorcoach Association. This is a positive event showcasing how big buses and small businesses move America. Buses will be decorated with informative signs about the motorcoach industry including: the groups they serve, the economic impact they make and the people they employ. 

Motorcoach operators are seeking to remind Members of Congress and the Trump Administration that the industry – which has laid off or furloughed more than 90 percent of its workforce nationally in the wake of COVID-19 – needs federal assistance. The motorcoach industry has requested $15 billion in federal grants and loan guarantees and modifications to Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program.

About the USA Motorcoach Industry: 

Companies: nearly 3,000, the majority are family owned, small businesses.
Employees: nearly 100,000. Workforce includes owners, drivers, dispatchers, maintenance and repair, safety, cleaning crew, finance, administrative personnel, etc.
Buses Sitting Idle: nearly 36,000
Annual Passenger Trips: nearly 600 million, which is in line with domestic airlines’ trips.

More information available at www.busesmoveamerica.com. 

About Atchison Transportation Services

Atchison Transportation Services has been providing quality chauffeured ground transportation for over 70 years for group travel, business travelers and special events throughout North America. 

The post Press Release – Rolling Rally in DC appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

Do you have an aging family member that needs transportation? Many older Americans in the Upstate need help getting to their home or around town to get essential items. Atchison Transportation is available and working with elderly members of our community and families that need us.

With the COVID-19 it is a difficult time for all of us and we are in this together. If you need to travel to get to a loved one or for yourself, we can help arrange private vehicles that are fully sanitized. Our vehicles will pick you or your loved one up and drive you to your destination. 

We take the safety and comfort of our passengers seriously. Call us today or book your ride online to help you get to your location.

The post Helping Aging Americans with Transportation appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

Weeks into the Coronavirus pandemic and the group tour and travel industry is being decimated. Spring is known to be our busy season. This is the time when we would be welcoming motorcoaches and tours filled with school classrooms, families and other Americans who love to see all the amazing sites America has to offer, but there is no one traveling. The hundreds of thousands of students visiting capital cities and educational and destination sites are home. Spring break family trips are not happening. At a time when 50 to 90 percent of this motorcoach, group tour and travel industry’s profits are made, everyone has had to close their doors. This story sounds so far away but it is happening right in our community. 

Our company, Atchison Transportation Services, Inc, one of the oldest and largest transportation companies in South Carolina employs sixty-one people in our community. We have been forced to dramatically reduce our workforce, park our motorcoaches, most of our other vehicles and watch our Airport and VIP services almost disappear. The roads are silent where usually there would be hundreds of motorcoaches on the road, taking schools on field trips, forcing businesses and other groups to cancel their transportation plans. No more visitors in our museums, attractions and stores. No airport travel, no tourism dollars coming in at all, and we will never make this loss up.

Charles E Atchison, Sr, the ninety-year-old owner since its inception in 1949, said, “I have never seen anything like this in my life. All I have worked for and nurtured over these many years are in jeopardy.”  

“I feel so very bad for our employees, who face troubling times, not only with the disease, but with financial questions in their immediate future” explained Charlita Atchison Moss, Charles’ granddaughter and Operations Manager at the company.“ “We are doing all we can to keep our few remaining employees, office and very importantly our customers  safe by implementing extensive cleaning and sanitizing procedures for our vehicles.” 

While we appreciate the efforts that Congress made to include small businesses in the Small Business Administration loan program and the unemployment benefits provisions to assist during the crisis, we are disappointed at being ignored in Congress’ CARES ACT package because it did not carve out specific money for the travel and tourism segment of the U.S. economy. The Small Business Emergency Loan program will take some time before it is up and running.  And, while there are SBA loans available, our businesses, which are mostly shut down, will need to stand in line with every small business hurting in the country. Most of the companies in the industry are like mine, a small business, and many are family owned businesses, which have been a staple in the community for decades. Atchison has been in business since 1949, and sadly we are facing severe financial distress.

Yet Congress has bailed out transit, Amtrak and the airlines. Why are they ignoring us? Our industry employs 2 million people around the country, bringing in an economic impact of $237 billion annually. We will not see those numbers this year. If U.S. government allows our businesses close permanently, we may never see those numbers again.

We need action now! We need Congress to provide us the funds – like they have for other travel sectors – to save our industry and keep America moving and traveling.

Atchison Transportation Services, Inc

120 Interstate Park, Spartanburg, SC 29303

The post Coronavirus is Decimating Group Tour, Travel and Motorcoach Industries. Congress Needs to Help appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

Is it your turn to host the Thanksgiving festivities at your home this year? For some, this may be exciting and for others it may be extremely stressful. When it comes to the transportation needs of your guests, let our team at Atchison Transportation Services be the trusted professionals that you can count on. Our drivers have over 68 years of combined transportation experience, so rest assured that your friends and family will be in great hands on the way to your home. It’s time for you to turn to Atchison Transportation Services for your Thanksgiving transportation needs.

Stress Free Transportation

As the Thanksgiving host, you’ve got enough on your plate to deal with. When your friends or family that may be flying into town ask you about their transportation options, the only name you need to give them is Atchison Transportation Services. We offer stress free airport transportation for both you and your out of town visitors. Everyone knows how hectic the airport can be around Thanksgiving, so turning to Atchison Transportation Services for your Thanksgiving travel needs is a decision that you will never regret. Our courteous, uniformed drivers will be on time and ready to pick up your friends or family no matter what time of day they may arrive.

Transportation Around Town

Do you have other plans around the area while your friends and family are visiting over Thanksgiving? If so, our team at Atchison Transportation Services can handle those travel needs as well. Rather than the headache of trying to figure out which family members should drive, let our staff take care of this for you. Especially if you may be partaking in a few adult beverages while you are out on the town, our staff can allow you to enjoy the night and have some fun without having to risk anyone’s safety. No matter what size group you may have, we’ve got your transportation needs under control. Choose from our limousines, sedans, SUVs or shuttle buses to get you around town in style.

Safety is Key

The safety of our customers is our number one priority. Our focus on safety is what has allowed us to maintain such a large group of business for so long. Our clients count on us repetitively to help them with their travel needs.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s never too early to begin planning for the travel needs of your friends and family. If your guests need transportation from the airport or if you would like transportation services around town, count on our experienced crew at Atchison Transportation Services. Turn to our team for all of your Thanksgiving travel needs by calling 800-346-7129 or Book Your Ride online.

The post Turn to Atchison for Your Thanksgiving Transportation Needs appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.

Apply Today!

We are hiring for an Automotive Maintenance Mechanic position.

Atchison Transportation Services mechanics carry out scheduled servicing and essential maintenance on our cars, vans, and motor-coaches.

2 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!!!

Mechanics must provide their own tools.

Apply online or stop by our office and apply in person today!

The post We’re Hiring appeared first on Atchison Transportation Services.