Three Peaks Challenge Transport & Minibuses

[Merseyventure]

Transport for the Three Peaks

Many teams organising their own 3 Peaks Challenge have problems sourcing suitable transport - minibuses or mpv vehicles. Some teams entering organised charity events, such as the NDCS, Fire Service, VSO or Red Cross Three Peaks Challenge events find that they have no minibus, and no willing drivers...

Recent changes to the law regarding driver experience and qualifications, driver hours, minibus speed limits, etc., can make this whole subject a nightmare for anyone organising a 3 Peaks with more than 8 walkers.

Minibus rental companies that previously used to allow collection at Glasgow Airport, and return at a London branch no longer allow the minibuses to be returned outside of Scotland - which has caused huge problems for many team organisers. Other, more local rental or hire companies will now restrict rental to 250 miles per day, with an excess payable on any excess mileage which can easily add some £400 to a minibus rental for a south-east based group.

When Merseyventure started offering a 'transport only' service in 2000, the cost was a little under £600 including all fuel, parking charges, vehicle and driver - for up to 5 walkers. Sadly, these days are well behind us now. And the Bongo Bus is retired, but living out it's final years with a loving family.!
Nearly a decade on, we must jump various hoops to provide this service.

Merseyventure vehicles are now subject to numerous rules and regulations, as are drivers , with vehicle insurance often costing more than the vehicle itself. Vehicles are tested and serviced every 6 weeks regardless of useage.

Unfortunately, this means transport costs to you - the charity walker - have now doubled since 2000. A typical transport service will cost around £1200. Our 'profit margin' has remained the same. However, if you work out the alternatives, we are still pretty comptitive.

4 days minibus hire: £400
1000 miles fuel: £250
Driver accommodation: £50
Driver wages: £300
Not getting lost: Priceless

We can offer transport services for groups of 4 to 40, and we still reckon that not only do we have more experienced and friendly drivers and guides than any other company - but we still offer the best value for money by far. We will price match any other genuine deal - but have never had our quotes tested..!

For example - we can provide a fully qualified and experienced mountain guide for your group of 10, plus a minibus and driver, with collection at Glasgow and drop-off at north Wales or Manchester, for only £1600 - that's £160 each..! Other companies charge some £189 each WITHOUT TRANSPORT..!

We offer a place on our Open Challenge Bus at just £299 - that's £100 cheaper than the nearest quote.

For more details, email [e-mail]

[Richie]

Got a call this morning asking if we could provide a quote for a minibus and driver for the Three Peaks.

"Yes, of course. And what dates are you looking at?"

The line went quiet for a minute, then the person informed me they were at Heathrow waiting for their flight to Glasgow....  Dogh..!

Come on guys - plan, plan, plan... Don't be let down by your transport provider at the last minute. And remember, even if we can organise transport for you at short notice, it still takes us five hours to reach Glasgow...