The Situation

An English school group of 90 students and teachers arrived at a French port via ferry for their planned educational trip to Switzerland. Upon arrival, they discovered their pre-booked bus provider had failed to show up, leaving the group without transportation to continue their journey.

Challenge Points

  • 90 students and teachers requiring immediate transportation
  • No-show from contracted transport provider at port location
  • Cross-border journey from France to Switzerland needed
  • School schedule and hotel bookings at risk
  • Limited options at port location for large group transport

Our Response

When the school group contacted us from the French port, we immediately arranged alternative transportation, deploying two coaches within hours to ensure their journey to Switzerland continued safely.

Response Timeline

Initial Contact

Received call at 14:00 from school group leader at French port. Confirmed group size (90 students + teachers), current location, and destination requirements for Switzerland.

Vehicle Sourcing

Located and secured two 50-seater coaches with drivers holding Swiss permits within 30 minutes. Verified vehicle insurance coverage for international student transport.

Logistics Coordination

Arranged port pickup authorization, confirmed Swiss border crossing documentation, and communicated precise arrival time (18:00) to group leaders for student preparation.

Journey Completion

Buses arrived at port at 18:00, departed at 18:30 after organized boarding, and delivered the group to Swiss accommodation by 23:00 - maintaining most of the original schedule.

Operational Efficiency

  • 30-minute vehicle confirmation after initial contact
  • Two qualified coaches with appropriate permits deployed
  • Cross-border coordination handled including documentation
  • 5-hour total delay minimized from potential overnight stranding
  • Direct communication maintained with group leaders throughout

Results

The school group reached their Swiss destination the same evening, only 5 hours behind their original schedule. The educational program continued as planned from the next morning, with no activities missed.

Key Takeaway

"We could have said 'not our problem' when the school called, but instead we mobilized two buses in 4 hours because 90 kids deserved to reach their destination, not spend the night in a port."
— Eugene Bulan, CEO

About the author

Eugene Bulan

CEO of BCS Bus Travel

Eugene Bulan, CEO of BCS Bus Travel, steers the company with not just a keen business mind but a true traveler's spirit. Managing the ins and outs of the company, his days are often filled with making big decisions, ironing out operations, and ensuring each journey offered by BCS is special and seamless for every traveler.