Greetings Ted and Randy, and all the ITMI staff!
The question of the week has really intrigued me, and I would like to make a few comments about motor-coach operators.
For the past 4 years I have been doing a lot of tours each Summer season, usually 12-18 week-long trips into our nations National Parks. I have had the opportunity to work with many drivers, and I can tell you that a good relationship with the driver is a major key to having a successful trip! I’m pleased to say that most of the trips I have done have been with very good drivers, and there have only been a few that I have struggled with. For the most part they realize that it can be very bennificial for them if the trip goes smoothly, and we all know that that just means great tips from the passengers along with gratitude for a safe and enjoyable tour.
As you might remember I worked as a driver for several years before attending ITMI, and I learned a great deal from some really good tour directors. I also learned some things when I worked with a tour director that was not all that good, and there are a few of them out there on the road. As a result I consider myself to be a very “driver-friendly tour director”, because I know what they must do to keep everyone safe ,and to make the tour run smoothly. Once in awhile I have to be a “driver- tolerant tour director”, but not very often, I I try very hard to win them over. I always introduce them the first day as “The most important person on the bus”, and let the people know that they can depend on them to do a great job for us. That usually works quite well.
I always try to visit with them before a trip starts if that is possible, and to talk with them about the schedule, routes, and other things that could affect our trip. Good communication is the key, and not asking them to do things that are not legal, like driving extra hours, or stopping on the interstate to let people out for a photo op.
Those kinds of things do happen, and can ruin a good relatioship very quickly. Drivers are under some very strict rules concerning driving hours, and keeping to the trip that their company has bid on. Insisting that they do extra things puts them in a difficult position.
I have a great relationship with the drivers from Lakeshore Motor Coach Lines from Provo ,Utah. They have been doing the Mt. Rushmore-Yellowstone tour for Caravan Tours for many years, and are doing a great job.
It has been my privilege to work with several great drivers from Lamoille Valley Lines, from Vermont also. If I start giving names I will probably leave someone out, and I don’t want to do that.
Many of the drivers ask me for my entire schedule, so as to request that we work together again. I think that shows a mutual respect for each other, and will make for many more enjoyable trips together.
I still drive a bus during the off season, and really enjoy doing that also, but the tour-director job just has to be the very best job around!
I am very grateful for my experience at ITMI, and all the opportunities it has opened up for me. What a ride it has been so far, and I hope I can continue doing it for many years! Caravan Tours has treated me very well also, and I think the world of Karen Duffy, and the rest of the staff in the office. When I call in they are always very helpful and friendly. I can hardly believe that they actually pay me to do this!
I have to close now- I leave for another great tour in the morning.
Thanks again,
Gordon Hodgson