Group transportation has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Travelers now expect reliability, comfort, value for money, and better communication from their providers. This is especially true in larger groups, where logistics can often be a bit of an issue.
That’s what Metropolitan Shuttle claims to offer, and more. But, there’s often a difference between what a company says it offers and what it actually offers. Does Metropolitan Shuttle actually live up to the hype or should it hit the road?
Let’s dive into a review to see if it’s actually worth using for your next group travel arrangements.
What is Metropolitan Shuffle?
Metropolitan Shuttle is a national charter bus and shuttle service provider that connects customers with a wide network of transportation partners across the U.S. Rather than owning a fleet of vehicles, the company operates as a transportation broker, giving customers access to vetted bus operators and assigning a dedicated account manager to oversee every trip.
This personalized service model is what separates Metropolitan Shuttle from many of its competitors. Instead of sending customers through a maze of call centers or automated systems, the company assigns one point of contact who becomes responsible for all trip logistics.
These logistics include:
- Trip Planning and Route Mapping
- Vehicle Selection
- Real-Time Monitoring During a Trip
- Handling Unexpected Changes
- Serving as the Group’s Advocate During the Process
Then there’s the fact Metropolitan Shuttle supports multiple group sizes, offering various vehicle types to best suit a traveler’s needs. These include 14-passenger minibuses and coach buses suitable for inter-state travel.
Who Needs Interstate Bus Shuttle Services?
Shuttle services are often used for local travel, but many organizations and groups rely on them for inter-state or long-distance travel when more traditional options mightn’t be the most appropriate. The kind of travelers that could benefit most from this include:
- Corporate Teams – Companies hosting retreats, off-site meetings, trade shows, and conferences often need to move large groups quickly and reliably.
- Schools and Universities – From college tours to out-of-state competitions, educational institutions frequently rely on shuttle services.
- Sports Teams – High school, collegiate, and amateur sports teams all need reliable buses to get to and from games across the city or in different cities.
- Large Groups Avoiding Air Travel – Some groups just prefer ground travel over air travel for various reasons, making this a great option.
More than a few groups, regardless of size, could benefit from these kinds of services. But, does that mean that Metropolitan Shuttle is worth using for any of these groups? It’s worth going through a review to see if it lives up to the hype.
Metropolitan Shuttle Review: Getting Between the Weeds
Pros:
- Dedicated account manager for every client and project.
- Excellent nationwide coverage with access to a variety of buses.
- High reliability with real-time trip monitoring and quick problem resolution.
- Streamlined communication with your account manager.
- Solid safety standards because of operator vetting.
Cons:
- Pricing can vary by region and may be noticeably higher than some competitors.
- Vehicle quality can often differ by operator.
Bus Comfort
Metropolitan Shuttles works with a wide network of bus operators, so the exact experience can vary depending on the exact location and vehicle a traveler picks. But, most of the buses available through the service meet or exceed the industry standard for comfort.
Some of the common amenities travelers can take advantage of include:
- Reclining seats
- Air conditioning and climate control
- Onboard restrooms
- Luggage bays and overhead storage
- Power outlets and wi-fi
- Cushioned seating suitable for long-distance drives
For inter-state travel, the full-size coach buses are usually recommended. These tend to offer the most features, making them the more comfortable options to go for. Travelers will have the smoothest experience and best possible ride, even if it means spending a little bit extra.
The only real variance here comes through the operators themselves. Generally, though, travelers can expect a comfortable experience.
Customer Service
Customer service is where Metropolitan Shuttle really stands out. The company’s dedicated account manager model exceeds industry standards, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why customers keep coming back.
Their service is different from many of their alternatives, with this being seen in:
- One Point of Contact – You’ll only need to contact one person to find out anything about your trip and manage your booking.
- Trip Monitoring – Staff check in during mult-day or long-distance trips to make sure everything stays on track.
- Real-Time Support – Travelers don’t have to wait hours to get help when they need it, and staff proactively address any issues that could come up.
Instead of a more reactive approach to communication, like many other service providers take, this is a much more proactive approach.
Value for Money
Metropolitan Shuttle is one of the higher-priced options on the market, so it’s not exactly the most budget-friendly option to go for. But, that doesn’t mean it’s an overly expensive option. The personalized service, dedicated account manager, and more than a few other factors all play a role in this.
There’s a lot of value for money on offer here. And, the price is a lot more transparent than many competitors. While some alternatives could seem more affordable at face value, that doesn’t take into account any hidden fees or extras you could need to pay later on.
While you might have to pay a relatively high amount here, it doesn’t mean that money’s going to waste. You’ll get a comfortable and relatively luxurious experience from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
With how much Metropolitan Shuttle can charge for its services, it’s natural to be a little hesitant to hire them. But, the responsiveness, reliability, and customer service make this one of the more recommended options to go for if you’re planning any kind of group travel.
It’s ideal for sports teams, corporations, schools and universities, and even relatively small groups outside of that. For long-distance journeys, the wide selection of vehicles should make sure you have a comfortable time with the rest of your group as you travel.
