Charter Service

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Waco Transit System provides charter (group) transportation on a limited basis in accordance with federal regulations. Because our primary responsibility is public transit, charter service may not always be available.

Note: Charter requests may be denied or canceled based on operational needs.

Who Can Request Charter Service

Federal rules allow charter service only in specific situations, including:

  • Government officials (limited annually)
  • Qualified Human Service Organizations (serving elderly, disabled, or low-income populations)
  • When no private charter provider is available
  • Agreements with private operators
  • Other federally approved exceptions

Availability & Limitations

  • First-come, first-served
  • Service may be denied or canceled based on transit needs
  • Limited to the Waco Urbanized Area
  • Limited availability during peak hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
  • Vehicle type (bus or van) cannot be guaranteed

Service Holidays

Charter service is not available on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and the day after
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Rates & Payment

  • Standard Rate: $150 per hour, per vehicle
  • Non-Profit Rate: $125 per hour, per vehicle
  • Two-hour minimum per vehicle
  • Additional 30 minutes charged for preparation and travel time

Payment is due 48 hours before the event. Unpaid reservations will be canceled.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • 48-hour written notice required to cancel
  • Refunds are not guaranteed for late cancellations
  • No refunds for unused time
  • Exceptions may be considered for emergencies

Vehicle Capacity

  • Small Bus: 23 seats, plus standing room for 10 – 15 passengers
  • Large Bus: 31 seats, plus standing room for 10 – 15 passengers

Rider Rules

  • No smoking
  • No glass containers
  • No signs or banners on vehicles
  • Routes may be adjusted for safety

Failure to follow these rules may result in service cancellation.

How to Request Charter Service

  1. Submit the Charter Service Request Form
  2. Allow 3 – 4 business days for initial review

All requests are submitted to a federal charter database:

  • Private charter companies have the first opportunity to provide the service
  • If a private provider responds, Waco Transit cannot provide the charter

Response Timeframes

  • Trips within 30 days: 72 hours
  • Trips 30+ days out: 14 days

If any details change (time, location, vehicles), the request must be resubmitted and the review period will restart.

Direct questions to:
Millisa Frazier
Email: millisaf@wacotx.gov
Phone: (254) 640-5271

Important Reminder

Waco Transit prioritizes daily public transportation service. Charter requests are not guaranteed and depend on vehicle and staff availability.

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