Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions
Booking, pricing, our fleet, and safety: the questions our team answers every day, in plain terms.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book a charter bus with Tisdale Bus Lines?+
Request a quote through our website form, call 705-235-3058 (local) or 1-800-361-7689 (toll-free), or email sales@tisdalebus.com. We will follow up with availability and a quote. Calling is fastest when your trip is coming up soon.
How far in advance should I book a charter?+
Book as early as you can. Popular dates fill first, especially in the busy summer and fall seasons. Large groups take more planning. If your trip is last-minute, call us; we can often fit you in when a vehicle is available.
How is charter pricing determined?+
Pricing depends on the size of the bus, the distance, and the duration of the trip. Tell us about your trip and we will quote it, no obligation.
Is there a minimum rental period or distance?+
We run everything from short local trips to long-distance charters. Minimums, if any, depend on the trip. Tell us what you are planning and we will give you a clear quote.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Cancellation terms come with your booking and vary by trip type and timing. Ask about them when you receive your quote, so there are no surprises later.
What payment methods do you accept?+
We accept credit card and electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Fleet & Vehicles
What types of vehicles does Tisdale Bus Lines operate?+
Our fleet of 35+ vehicles includes 56-passenger MCI J4500 motorcoaches and 24-passenger Blue Bird mini-buses. Every vehicle is well maintained and equipped with climate control.
What amenities are available on your motorcoaches?+
Our 56-passenger motorcoaches feature onboard Wi-Fi, a restroom, entertainment systems, reclining seats with generous legroom, overhead storage, and under-floor luggage bays.
What amenities are available on your mini-buses?+
Our 24-passenger mini-buses include onboard Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, climate control, and comfortable seating. They do not have onboard restrooms, which suits shorter trips and groups that prefer regular stops.
Is there a luggage limit?+
Our motorcoaches have generous under-floor luggage bays. We suggest two pieces per person so everyone's bags fit. Mini-buses carry lighter loads in overhead and rear storage.
Service Area & Locations
Where does Tisdale Bus Lines operate?+
Our bases are in South Porcupine (head office) and Sudbury, and we charter across Northern Ontario and beyond, including Timmins and North Bay. Tell us your destination. We run short trips and long ones.
Can you provide long-distance charters outside Northern Ontario?+
Yes. Our bases are in Northern Ontario, but our coaches travel wherever your group needs to go: Toronto, Ottawa, or points beyond. Call us with your destination and we will confirm the trip.
Do you offer scheduled bus routes?+
Yes, for industrial operations. We run scheduled employee transportation to sites including Côté Gold and Detour Lake. Current schedules are posted at schedules.tisdalebus.com.
Safety & Insurance
What safety certifications does Tisdale Bus Lines hold?+
Tisdale Bus Lines has held Platinum status on the Northbridge Insurance Transportation Best Practices Profile for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025. That puts the company in the top 20% of Canadian fleets for safety management. Vehicles undergo regular maintenance checks, and drivers hold commercial licences with ongoing safety training.
Are your vehicles inspected regularly?+
Yes. Every vehicle follows a preventive maintenance schedule, and drivers perform a pre-trip inspection before each trip. Comprehensive mechanical inspections run on a regular cycle.
Do you carry commercial insurance?+
Yes. We maintain comprehensive commercial liability insurance. Our Platinum standing with Northbridge Insurance reflects the safety and risk-management practices behind it.
Industrial & Employee Transportation
What types of industrial sites do you service?+
We move crews for mining operations, construction sites, remote work camps, and other industrial facilities across Northern Ontario, including IAMGOLD's Côté Gold mine and Agnico Eagle's Detour Lake mine.
Can you accommodate shift-based schedules for industrial transport?+
Yes. We plan routes around your shift patterns and adjust when they change. Crews reach site on time, every shift. Our industrial operation runs 24/7.
Careers
How do I apply to become a driver at Tisdale Bus Lines?+
Apply online at tisdalebus.com/apply. We offer paid training, competitive wages, meal allowance, and benefits after 3 months. You must be at least 21 years old, legally permitted to work in Canada, and able to pass a police check and pre-employment assessments.
Do you offer paid driver training?+
Yes. New hires are trained on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and company procedures, and paid from day one.
Still have questions?
Call 705-235-3058 or send a note. Someone from our team will answer.