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 1-705-235-3058 (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 vehicle (motorcoach or mini-bus), trip distance, duration, number of passengers, and time of year. 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.
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), Sudbury, and North Bay, and we charter across Northern Ontario and beyond. 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 holds Platinum status on the Northbridge Insurance Transportation Best Practices Profile — 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 1-705-235-3058 or send a note — someone from our team will answer.