Carpool or minibus? When more seats makes sense

We'd all like to do more for the environment but, all too often, it feels like what's good for the planet ends up being less good for our wallets and our wellbeing. Yet canny, climate-friendly actions can surprise us by saving money and hassle, at the same time as saving the planet. Self-drive minibus hire is a great example. 

There are tonnes of reasons why you might need to transport a group of people from A to B. Perhaps you're active in your local community and you'd like to arrange a trip for a dance club or faith group. You might be planning to take some elderly folk or home-schoolers for a day at the seaside. Or maybe you're a sports fan trying to get a bunch of your mates to the big match.

Whether the adventure you're planning is a life-changing gig, a family day out or a glorious hen-do, you'll face many of the same decisions and challenges as you choose between public transport, separate cars or a minibus. 

Holiday from hell

Say you're going on holiday in Wales with your sister Carol, your recently retired parents and all the kids. Nine people in total (if your fella can get the time off work). You also need to squeeze in everyone's stuff for a week and one very cute border terrier named Bingo.

You all live a couple of miles apart and each household has a car. You've always travelled independently to family holidays in the past, thinking it will save you time and money.

Your folks have a five-seat hatchback, but Dad's arthritis means driving long-distance is getting more difficult these days. Carol's a single Mum with a four-year-old, so it might be nice for the grandparents to share childcare on the road, especially as Carol's such a confident driver.

So maybe two cars is the way to go this time? Except that Carol's beat-up old Ka's a bit the worse for wear, and none too comfy! Dad's six foot three, so he'll moan all the way, which is going to annoy Mum no end. Carol gets impatient with her snarky comments by the time they hit the first roundabout, so she's much more tetchy than usual with little Robin, who ends up screaming non-stop.

Meanwhile, your own car's packed to the rafters with five people, five bikes, five bodyboards, one exhausted husband and one stinky, hyperactive, stressed-out dog, who wees on the back seat halfway there. By the time you all arrive, frazzled and exhausted, your long-awaited holiday's off to a miserable start

And it gets a whole lot worse three days in when the neighbours ring to say poor Carol's been burgled.

The happier alternative

So… what if you'd chosen a minibus instead?

Well, for starters you've got more storage space, as minibuses come equipped with plenty of space for your stuff, and handy overhead shelves – so everyone's trip feels a lot less cramped! 

You pick up Carol and Robin, and then your parents, from their respective houses en route. Carol leaves her car in the driveway, so it's less easy for the thieves to tell she's away, and she doesn't get burgled!

Meanwhile, you share the driving with Carol instead of your husband. He gets a nap in on the way and all three of you are much less tired by the time you reach the cottage. Dad gets to sit in the seat by the door for extra legroom, while Robin is amply entertained by the older kids and gorgeous pup Bingo (who, in turn, gets more attention and is less stressed, keeping her bladder in check).

This makes for a calmer, quieter and much more fun journey. It also means you get to stop for a nice family lunch at a country pub halfway, getting some quality time in right from the outset. 

You snuggle up in bed that night safe in the knowledge that you've spent less on fuel and have done your bit for the planet (and your children's lungs) to boot.

Mates dates

If what you've got planned is less family-focused, you might wonder whether public transport is for you – especially if the social side's important to you, and most of your party are hoping to enjoy a drink or two.

But with train prices soaring and minibuses competitively priced, you might well find vehicle hire is your best bet. With a minibus, you'll all be much more comfortable too – and still enjoy a good laugh and a singalong on the way. Most of your party can have a drink, too.

Meanwhile, you'll save yourself the stress of arranging public transport for large numbers of people, and you'll keep everyone together so nobody gets lost en route. Plus, you're in control if things change: you can easily make an unplanned detour if people fancy it, or adapt to unexpected changes in timings.

The small print

• Minibuses have between nine and 17 seats.
• Generally, the rules are stricter for driving minibuses than smaller vehicles.
• You'll need to be 25-70 years old to drive a minibus – and you must have been driving for at least two years.
• Drivers of minibuses with 12 or more seats need a D1 entitlement on their licence, but this isn't required for nine-seaters.
• The law says you can't take payments to carry passengers without a special licence, so you'll need to make sure you're using the minibus for recreation or work trips, not for profit!

If you think a minibus might be just what you need for your next trip, you'll need a reliable, comfortable and high-quality vehicle. At Metro, we provide nine-, 12-, and 17-seater minibuses for hire in Newcastle. So whatever you're looking for, just get in touch – we're here to help.