Surface Transport

An Overview Of Surface Transportation

Here is a brief presentation about Surface Transportation and its various forms. The presentation specifically covers Car Rentals, Coach Tours & Camper Van Rentals.

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Presentation Transcript

                                             
History of Transport: One of the oldest stories in the tale of the development of human civilizations. In ancient times, when people wanted to get from one place to another, they had only a few options. If traveling across land they had to walk, run or use domesticated animals. If crossing a body of water, they had to swim. The Sumerians in Western Asia were probably the First to use the Wheel. Most important invention in transport.

The Chou Dynasty in China developed an elaborate system of roads. The Romans too were excellent road builders. Some of their roads are still in use today in parts of Europe.

Travel has always depended upon technology to provide the means or mode of travel. The single biggest development, since the wheel, was development of the power engine. Has made rapid transport from one side of the globe to another, not only possible, but fortunately for the Travel industry, affordable.

Transport In Europe: The history of transport in Europe is long and complex. The steam locomotive made an indelible impression on Europe’s transport history when it was first introduced in the 1800’s. In 1883, the Orient Express began its first trans-continental service, carrying pax from Paris to Istanbul. Cars remain an extremely important mode of transport for million of Europeans.

Water transport is also extremely important in most of Europe. Barges, ferries, pax ships and other ocean-going vessels are vitally important. Used not only for transport of goods & raw materials, but also by millions of traveling and commuting pax. France’s TGV high-speed train carries 6 million pax a year at 270 kms an hour between Paris and Lyon.

Transport In Asia: The immense size of Asia, coupled with vast cultural diversity, has led to development of complete range of transport modes – ranging from the very primitive to technologically advanced. Every conceivable transport mode can be found in Asia. The most basic forms include animals such as camel, yaks, elephants, buffaloes and water. But buses, trains lorries, car, ferries bicycles, motorcycles & scooters are all an integral part of the Asian transport.

Transport In North America: One of the most developed & efficient transport systems in the world. Railways played a significant part in development of North America, particularly in the USA. By 1920’s, cars were gaining popularity. This led to the development of extensive systems of motorways connecting major metropolitan areas. Currently there are approximately 700 commercial airports in United States, which serve nearly 500 million pax annually – approximately half of the world’s total flights.

Transport in Africa: Colonization of Africa established an early pattern for systems of transport that have developed in Africa . Railways & roads for vehicles were developed to link areas of economic, strategic, military & administrative importance to the continent’s ports.
Transport in Australia: The continent’s overall size , coupled with distance between metropolitan areas & outlying farm settlements and mining towns , makes transport challenging . A 16,000 k.m. national main roads systems was completed in 1986. Connects all major metropolitan areas. Australia is one of the most motorized of countries, with 1 car for every 2 persons.

Modes of Land Transport: Railways, Coaches, Car Rentals & Campers

Railways: One of the most convenient, economical and popular modes of transport. Rail networks cover more destinations than air. Provide closer connectivity as compared to airports. It is possible to book trains well in advance. A well planned rail travel can significantly reduce costs.

Some popular Rail Networks…

Eurocity Network. Covers more than 13 European countries and over 200 cities. Eurorail passes are available for different durations throughout Europe. The Canadian Pacific Railways & Canadian National combine together for Canrail Passes. Amtrak serves the important cities of U.S.A. Japan is known for the Bullet trains. India has a huge network of trains including heritage & luxury trains like The Palace on Wheels & Deccan Odyssey.

Buses & Coaches: Usually used for urban and suburban scheduled travel; where the level of comfort is not expected to be high; and where at peak hours pax might even have to stand.

Coaches are usually much more comfortable and used for regional or cross-country journeys.

Buses & Coaches have the advantage that they can cover more destinations than trains. Main bus stations are usually situated in the centre of large cities near hotels and restaurants. Long–distance coach journeys require an adequate preparation… E.g. Documentation, clothing, food and drinks etc.

Quality Standards: European quality label has been especially developed for buses. It defines pax leg-room & other on-board amenities that rate the quality of the buses with number of stars.

Comfort Class: Leg- room 77cm, kitchenette & toilets on board.

First Class: Leg-room 83cm, kitchenette & toilets on board, and air-conditioning.

Deluxe Class: Leg-room 90 cm, kitchenette & toilets on board, air conditioning and cloak-room.

Who Takes the Bus? – Until the 70’s, bus travel was normal way of travelling for short and long distance alike. Due steady decline of air-fares & pressure of time constraints, bus travel lost a lot of its customers to flying. Travel by bus for tourist has qualities that a journey by plane cannot offer.

You see much more of the region you are travelling through. Tourists can appreciate the richness of the country much better. The journey itself is the holiday. Opportunity to meet people & have interesting, rich conversations may be greater on a journey by bus than on plane.
Some Popular Coach Services: India has extensive roadways coach services run by State transport Corporations & private operators. Greyhound International offers a complete network across the USA and Canada. European railways created Europabus to complete their already extensive rail network, providing luxury coaches for their 50,000 km scenic routes across Europe. Eurolines also offers travel within Europe.

Car Rentals: The Three main reasons for renting a car:

  1. Commercial / Business
  2. Leisure / Social
  3. Replacement

Fewer than 10 big global players dominate car rental industry. They operate large and varied fleets of cars in thousands of location. Car rentals include more than just a vehicle. Amenities, insurance and maintenance form an integral part of any rental.

Car rental is the right means of getting around in these situations: With lot of luggage With small children / with pets When wishing to visit many different places in a given area with in short period of time. When intending to discover the countryside and meet local people.

Car rental May Not be the right choice for point-to-point trips. For estimated car travel times of more than 4 hours, a close look at alternatives such as rail and / or air travel is highly advisable.

How it works… : Globally operating car rental companies sell their services directly to: The Public Travel Agents / Tour operators Airlines Specialized Car Rental brokers. The brokers resell back to the travel trade. The legal contract however remains between the client and the car rental company. Brokers and travel trade act only as intermediaries.

Inclusions in a Car Rental: The basic of car rental is obviously the use of a vehicle. The clients gets: Amenities & Services Insurance Maintenance.

Extra Amenities: Toddler and baby car seats Roof luggage racks Ski/winter equipment All-weather or snow tires.

Special Requests & Services: For physically challenged or handicapped drivers, services such as designated parking at car rental stations & easy-access transfer buses in airport location are provided. Special equipment is usually available on request for particular passenger requirements.

Insurance: General Rule – Cars usually DO NOT come with insurance. Insurance options depend on the rate type / programme you book for your customers. Insurance charges have a high impact on prices.

Four broad categories of insurance options are offered by the car rental companies: Collision Damage or Loss Damage Waiver Theft Protection (Vehicle & personal belongings) Personal Insurance Liability.

Maintenance & Fuel: Normal wear & tear is included in the rental fees. However fuel is the client’s concern. Three choices of schemes at the pick-up rental locations: Bring the tank back full; OR Leave the filling up to the rental company and pay heavy extras; OR Buy a tank-full of fuel at a relatively low rate from the car rental company at the beginning of the rental.

Car Rental Distribution: From the customer’s point of view there are three ways to book a car: Directly. Through travel agents and airlines offices. Through car rental offices and their Web sites.

Car rental, as part of many business and leisure trips, can respond like no other means of transport to very individual needs. The client has to qualify for car rental and must be able to pay for the car as well as the services.

Calculating Car Rental Costs: Time Formula: Daily Weekends usually Weekly rentals Monthly rentals Package Distance Formula: Every Mile / Kilometer Fixed number of Miles / Kilometer Unlimited Mileage / Kilometers

Rental cost per day decreases as the length of the rental period increases. One way rentals often have an extra fee. Following costs are not part of the car rental contract: 1. Toll fee 2. Parking charges 3. Trans-border crossing fee 4. Fines for speeding / other traffic violations.

Discount Schemes: Several discounts / membership schemes in the car rental industry. Corporate Discounts ,Memberships, Partnerships, Upgrades, Bulk discounts etc.

Car Rental Procedures: Driver Qualifications: Client must be 25 years of age & must have a valid Driving License. Should possess a valid international credit card. Should have passed the driving test at least one year or more before the start of the rental.

The Booking Procedure: Customer’s membership number Corporate Agreement number Family name and given name of renter Rental Location Return date.

Return length expressed in days; Return Location; Special Remarks; Rental Plan / Car Group IATA or Travel agent Identification number etc.

SOME KEY PLAYERS…….

Avis worldwide network today serves 20 million customers across 164 countries at 5000 locations with a fleet of nearly 450,000 vehicles.

Europcar has 2650 rental stations in 118 countries with a fleet of over 203 000 vehicles worldwide.

Founded in Munich in 1912, Sixt car rental company today is a worldwide mobility service provider, and still expanding steadily. In Germany and Austria, Sixt is already the market leader.

Hertz Corporation (also known as Hertz Rent a Car or simply Hertz) is the second largest general-use car rental company in the world, with 1,900 locations in the United States and 5,100 worldwide.

Camper Van Rentals: Vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation. The term mainly describes vans that have been fitted out for use as accommodation. Also considered as recreational vehicles or motor-homes because of smaller size and more van-like handling. Sometimes referred to as motor-caravans or campers. Usually equipped either with a “pop-up” roof which is raised during camping or has a fixed high-top roof.

Usually have a small kitchen with a gas / electric refrigerator and a 2-3 burner gas hob and grill. Generally have dual-voltage lighting – can work off either a dedicated battery (other than the van battery), or off AC power, supplied at a campsite via a hook-up cable. Larger models may include a water heater, a portable toilet and even a shower.

Renting a Camper: Camper rental requires timely & intensive counseling and advice. No MNC / global player in the camper van trade. No camper van offer in any CRS or GDS. Huge seasonal differences in price, peaking during the summer periods.

Early reservations can qualify for a huge reduction in price. Older vehicles are less expensive to rent than new ones. Long term rentals often qualify for discounts, additional free miles or reduced extra miles. Camper vans guzzle up petrol in large quantity: 30 to 35 litres per 100 kilometers are normal.

Terms & Conditions: Minimum age – only 21 years. Basic Collision & Damage insurance is always included. Roof & undercarriage damages have to be insured separately. 4-wheel drive capmer vans exist in Australia and Southern Africa. May be driven off-road on designated tracks.

Where & Why they are popular: North America, Australia , New Zealand and more recently in South Africa and its neighbouring countries. In Europe, Scandinavia leads. They are all spacious. Even in town centres parking is basically no problem. Roads are wide.

Infrastructure – large and well-equipped camping grounds – is abundantly available. Camper vans need to “fully hook-up” for electricity, fresh water and sewage. In North America , camper vans are often called “RV”s, meaning Recreational Vehicles.

For Whom ? Families with Children & younger couples tend to be the typically camper van renter. Anyone who likes the outdoors and is not keen on the “pack-unpack” challenges of the traditional driving holiday.

Requirements & Options: Pick-up procedure, including personal instructions & individual van checks lasts upto two hours. Generally, vans are picked up the day after one’s arrival; a night at a local hotel is standard. To fully equip a van, the customer has to purchase a mandatory starter kit. The charge for starter kit is USD 50-80 per vehicle.

Optional – Convenience Kit, including items such as bed linen, towel, dishes and cutlery. Costs USD 30-35 per person. Upon pick-up, a deposit has to be left with rental company for possible damages and extra cost. Camper vans have to be returned on time and cleaned at the prearranged location. The petrol tank should be full.

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