This page is intended to answer important and common questions about the minibus services we offer. If there is something not covered within our FAQs that you would like to know, please get in touch, or to read our full booking T&Cs, please click below.
FAQs
All your questions answered
What is the best way to contact Blackpool Minibuses?
We are often out and about on jobs, but have a team in the office during normal office hours 6 days a week. If it isn’t an urgent matter, you can either contact us via email or through Facebook. These accounts are checked regularly by several staff, and we always aim to provide a quick response. If you prefer the personal touch, or the matter is a little more urgent, you can of course always give us a call on 01253 206 205 – our office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday. If we’re not available to answer, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How many passengers can you take?
We have 8-16 seater minibuses, so can carry up to 16 passengers with no luggage, or fewer with luggage. We also offer safe and modern trailers to allow for extra luggage, meaning more space for people on the bus. If you have more than 16 people in your group, we can also run more than one bus but the price will increase to cover the second bus. For groups of 4 or less, we work with a select group of trusted suppliers to offer saloons and estates at a more competitive price, when available.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
To secure your journey, we require a 20% deposit within seven days of placing your booking with us. The easiest way to pay is via the link in your confirmation email, or over the phone by debit or credit card. For ease, most people get it out of the way when placing the booking. If you place your booking within seven days of the journey date, we ask for payment of the 20% deposit up-front.
When do I need to pay the remaining balance by?
The balance must be paid anytime up to 72 hours before the journey, by any of the methods mentioned above. If the balance isn’t paid on time, the booking will unfortunately be cancelled, and will need to be re-booked and paid in full if still required. The 20% deposit payment will be forfeited if such an occurrence does happen.
Why does my confirmation email mention ‘RedRaw Travel’? Is this a different company?
No, RedRaw is our other more adventurous alter ego. Blackpool Minibuses is a trading name of RedRaw Travel Ltd and all bookings go through the same booking system. Blackpool Minibuses is to RedRaw as Clarke Kent is to Superman!
Do I need to ring/email to confirm my booking the day before my journey?
No, if you have paid your deposit you only need to contact us if your booking has changed. You should receive a reminder email of your journey from us 48 hours before your journey, and your assigned driver will message you beforehand also.
Can I change my booking after I have paid my deposit?
We try to be as flexible as possible for any changes you need to make to your booking; however this is at our discretion. Please contact us as early as possible to increase the chances of us being able to accommodate your change. We pride ourselves on our customer service, and we are always happy to help.
How does it work with pick-ups and drop-offs?
The price includes one pick-up and one drop-off point. If you require extra stops, we will customise your quote to include these, at often little or no extra cost, but we must know in advance in order to plan our route and timings for other bookings. We operate a fair pricing policy towards additional stops, and will only charge enough to cover the additional time and fuel on the journey. Please don’t wait to ask the driver on the day, as there’s a good chance they will have other jobs, and therefore may not be able to fit in extra drops if not planned in by the office team.
Why are your prices cheaper than many other companies?
We are a genuine local company, not a broker pretending to be, and our prices reflect this. Whilst not totally brand new, our buses are modern, clean, reliable and comfortable, many only being a few years old. We care about our customers and want you to return, so we always charge a fair price.
Can we drink alcohol on your minibuses?
Yes, of course. We even have a Bluetooth sound system which you can hook your own music up to; our buses are the perfect way to get your party started. We simply ask that you respect the driver and leave the minibus tidy for the next passengers.
Can we leave belongings on the minibus?
We can’t guarantee the second leg will be covered by the same driver or in the same vehicle, so please do confirm this with your driver before the journey, or by calling the office on the day of the job. The decision is totally at their discretion, however we take no responsibility for anything you do leave, and strongly advise against leaving valuables.
Do you have wheelchair access?
Currently our buses don’t have wheelchair facilities, although this is something we are hoping to add in the future.
Do you offer tours or multi-day trips?
We will be able to help you with all kinds of journeys, just contact us with your requirements and we’ll do our best to help. We offer Illumination tours and can help you plan out a sightseeing tour or adventure tour if required. Whatever your itinerary, we can work with and offer helpful suggestions.
Do you have an office I can visit to make a booking?
It isn’t the best way to book, as it takes time out of your day, but yes… we are based on Clifton Trade Park, Studio 8, Brinwell Road, Blackpool, FY4 4QU. If you would like to pay a deposit or discuss your requirements, you are welcome to drop by. You’ll usually find us there between 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, but it’s always worth calling beforehand to make sure the correct person is about.
Do you offer self-drive minibus hire?
No, this is not currently a service we can provide. Let us take the stress out of your trip for you; who’d want to be designated driver anyway!