COACH APPROVALS AND STAR CLASSIFICATION

Conditions for Failte Ireland/CTTC Approval

1. Each operator must:

• hold a current European Community Licence with all vehicles listed on the Vehicle Identification Schedule.

• hold a current PSV Licence and where applicable a DOE Certificate for each vehicle.

• comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts and any other relevant legislation.

• comply with all relevant EU Directives relating to the carriage of passengers by road and to adhere to Failte Ireland standards.

• effect and keep in force a policy of motor insurance in the name of the company, which complies with the relevant Road Traffic legislation.

• be engaged in the business of coach tourism and to make available for annual inspection by the appointed Approvals Inspector all vehicles used for the carriage of tourists, together with all relevant documentation.

2. A minimum fleet of two coaches must be approved under the star classification system. One of these coaches must be at least 12 metres in length, the second not less than 8 metres in length. Both vehicles must be at least 2.4 metres in width and to full coach specification. One of the vehicles must be under 3 years old and the other one must be under 7 years old and be available for hire at all times for tourism work.

Alternatively, a minimum fleet of two coaches can be approved under the star classification system, provided that they are a minimum of 8 metres in length and are both under 3 years old.

An operator who does not have a minimum of two vehicles can have one vehicle approved under the star classification system, provided that he/she can provide proof that agreement has been made with an approved operator to provide back up in the event of a breakdown.

At base, each operator shall provide:

• Sufficient off street parking to accommodate all vehicles used for coach tourism.
• Office facilities for taking bookings, dealing with complaints and maintain a lost property facility.
• All complaints received from clients must be replied to within two weeks.

3. Each coach offered for coach tourism work must be:

• Mechanically sound and in roadworthy condition.
• Equipped with spare wheel, suitable tools, fire extinguishers and a well stocked first-aid kit.
• Maintained in a clean fresh condition inside and out, with particular attention being paid to windows and ashtrays.
• Fitted with adequate heating/ventilation and public address system.
• Equipped with adequate cleaning and washing equipment.
• Contain adequate luggage capacity and overhead racks to serve the needs of the number of passengers carried.

4. Coach Tour Drivers

Each operator must:

• Ensure that the driver holds the appropriate driver's licence for the type of vehicles being driven.
• Provide the driver with instructions as to the procedures to be followed while engaged in tour operations.
• Ensure that the driver is well groomed.

5. Servicing Facilities

For the purpose of providing adequate servicing facilities, the coach operator shall provide a workshop to the standard of SIMI as follows:

Fleets of 1 to 10 vehicles

(a) A service pit, ramp or hoist adequate to accommodate the largest Vehicle operated.

(b) An equal area of flat working space (both these areas to be under Cover)

(c) A suitably trained mechanic to carry out approved servicing procedures must be employed.

(d) Operate an approved system of maintenance recording.

An operator who does not provide their own servicing facilities must enter into a maintenance contract with a competent service contractor for the maintenance of the entire fleet. The operator must keep proper maintenance records using an approved recording system.

Facilities as described in (a) and (b) above, but with double the facilities specified and one additional full-time mechanic to be engaged.

Fleets of over 20 Vehicles

An additional service arrangement on a pro-rata basis must be provided. In any event the operator must maintain the coach fleet no less comprehensively than as specified above.

A combination of the operator’s own facilities and contracted-out servicing arrangements would satisfy this requirement.

Star Rating for Touring Coaches

1. Approved

• At least 8 metres in length, 3.1 metres in height and 2.4 metres in width
• Not more than 7 years old.
• Seating and flooring spotlessly clean, showing no signs of fading or wear, seat spacing 685mm, with headrests or head restraints.
• Fresh air ventilation and heating system.
• Courier seat with seat belt.
• Individual reading lights.
• Saloon heater.
• Luggage racks.
• Ashtrays spotlessly clean and in good condition where fitted.
• Magazine racks if fitted as new.
• Adequate equipment and materials for cleaning.
• Bodywork clean of rust and damage, paintwork in good condition including wheel paintwork.
• Side window demisters in good working order or if double-glazed, seal intact.
• All locks working, door and luggage door seals in good condition.
• Luggage area in clean condition with a minimum capacity of 3.1 cubic metres.
• P.A. system in good condition.
• Full air suspension or assisted air suspension.
• Reclining seats.
• Full draw curtains/blinds to side windows, spotlessly clean and in good condition.
• Radio and Tape deck in good working order.

• Not more than 6 years old and in addition to Approved specifications:
• Full size coaches to be a minimum of 3.1 metres in height.
• Capable fresh air ventilation system operational when vehicle is stationary.
• Footrests.
• Centre aisle carpet.
• Arm rests to isle and wall side of seats.

3. Four Star

• Not more than 5 years old and in addition to Three Star specifications:
• Full air suspension.
• Condition of seating as new, spacing 750 mm.minimum.
• Thermostatically controlled heating.

4. Five Star

• Not more than 4 years old and in addition to Four Star specifications:
• Paintwork in pristine condition.
• Saloon fittings to an exceptionally high standard.
• Air conditioning.
• Engine independent heater.
• Wheel trims/chrome wheels.
• Seating to a high standard
• Video player/DVD
• CD player.
• Seating in Leather/High Quality Velour or WC fitted.

Star Classification for Midi/Mini Coaches

1. Approved Mini/Midi Coach

• Not more than 7 years old.
• Not more than 8 metres in length.
• All fittings and equipment in good working order.
• Full width soft trim seating with head restraints.
• Arm rest to aisle.
• Saloon heater.
• Adequate luggage compartment under floor/boot/paneled off section at rear. A luggage trailer will satisfy this requirement, provided that it is properly insured and satisfies the regulations relating to use of such a trailer.
• Cleaning equipment and materials on board.
• Tape deck and radio.
• Luggage racks.
• Radio and Tape deck in good condition.

• Not more than 6 years old and in addition to Approved specifications:
• Capable fresh air ventilation system operational when vehicle is stationary.
• Footrests.
• Centre aisle carpet.
• Adequate luggage compartment under floor/boot/paneled section at rear. (a luggage trailer will not be adequate) .
• Reclining seats.
• Decretive blinds, spotlessly clean and in good condition.

3. Four Star

• Not more than 5 years old and in addition to Three Star specifications:
• Air Conditioning.
• Full draw curtains or blinds to side windows, spotlessly clean and in good condition.

4. Five Star

• Not more than 4 years old and in addition to Four Star specifications:
• Paintwork in pristine condition.
• Saloon fittings to an exceptionally high standard.
• Wheel trims, chrome wheels or alloy wheels.
• Video player/DVD
• CD player.
• Seating in Leather/High Quality Velour or WC fitted.

The seal of approval to Failte Ireland/CTTC Standards will be awarded every year following inspection and will feature Approved Classification, the current year, maximum seating capacity and the registration number of the vehicle. The operator must remove the seal of approval from the vehicle if the vehicle is being sold.

5. Vehicles used to provide Day Tours

Vehicles used in the provision of Day Tours can be approved provided that they meet the criteria for the approved category.

Operators providing Day Tours who only operate one vehicle must have a written agreement with an approved operator to provide back up in the event of a breakdown.

The seal of approval to Failte Ireland/CTTC standards will be awarded every year following inspection and will feature approved, For Day Tours, the current year, maximum seating capacity and the registration number of the vehicle.

The seal of approval must be removed from the vehicle by the operator if the vehicle is being sold.

6. Open Top City Tour Providers

Operators providing Open Top City Tours may be approved provided that the company adheres to the following minimum standards: