The following outlines our complaints in order of experience:
Monday, 13 June-Day 1:
No Air Conditioning for an 17+ hour scheduled trip from Southern Pines, North Carolina to Dallas, Texas. Bus owner offered no solution beyond a 6 hour detour to Florida for a bus swap, which was not feasible. Noted a mechanic would be available upon arrival to Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, 14 June, but no one showed up.
Drivers did not have the correct destination and drove out of the way, lengthening the trip and breaking travel itinerary as scheduled. They were completely unreceptive and unprofessional regarding questions and concerns that were shared concerning this incorrect route.
There was a small tissue box in the bathroom that quickly ran out; no replacement tissue or toilet paper available. We had to provide our own.
Ceiling was dripping water onto flooring and entry stairs causing a slipping hazard.
Stops were made every two to two and half hours, which was not consistent with the agreed upon itinerary, an additional factor to the late arrival time.
Tuesday, 14 June-Day 2:
Due to the late arrival at our destination, we were 30 minutes late for our only option of a scheduled one hour practice. Even with our later than scheduled arrival, we could have made the practice on time, had they not had to then stop for gas on the way.
Wednesday, 15 June - Day 3:
Bus drivers were not ready to depart on time as scheduled. We had to leave one bus driver behind at the hotel as the team needed to depart to be on time for the field.
A mechanic was scheduled to report to repair the air conditioning in the afternoon, which was continually pushed later and later throughout the day. No mechanic ever arrived on Wednesday.
Thursday, 16 June - Day 4:
The team was scheduled to depart at 10:00am, according to the shared itinerary. At 9:45am, we were informed that the bus did not start when the driver attempted to start it at 9:00am. With no communication from the drivers, we were forced to find alternative rides to the field to ensure we arrived on time. After rides were set, we then discovered a replacement bus was called to come. That bus and driver transported the remaining parents and staff to the field and remained at the field to transport all passengers back to hotel. He also transported all passengers to dinner and back to the hotel this same evening.
At some point during the day, a mechanic arrived to assess the bus. Upon inquiring about the status of the bus, the mechanic relayed that there was an issue with the high pressure fuel pump and that it was a gamble of whether the bus could make the trip back to North Carolina or not. The mechanic shared he would not feel comfortable putting children on the bus and sending them across the country. The mechanic had been instructed to leave the bus running for fear that if it was shut off, it would not start again. It was at this point, we collectively made the decision among the parents, coaches and staff, that allowing our children back on this bus would be an irresponsible decision, with the known problems, that could result in a breakdown on the way to North Carolina.
Friday, 17 June - Day 5:
Alternative transportation arrangements were again made to transport our players, parents and coaches to and from the field. Owner of the bus company called and was very rude and disrespectful because we didn't use his bus. Parents left him bad reviews on Facebook and Google and he took them down saying we shouldn't do that and proceeded to tell us that we were made because our kids were losing their soccer tournament. This is a very very bad bus company. read more