Lights | Music | TV’s | Karaoke | WiFi
How does the music work, Can I use my phone?
You can connect your smartphone to our awesome sound systems via Bluetooth, aux cord, or iPhone lightning cable which are provided and have complete control over the music. Extra cables are available from your chauffer just in case.
Can I control the lights, fog, and AC?
Yes, you will have complete control over the lights, and AC. For the fog experience please ask your driver to activate during the trip.
What can we watch on the TV’s?
Video can be displayed on the TV’s using DVD’s only. We provide viusal effects for background ambiance. The TV’s do not connect to local TV, streaming services, mobile phones, or YouTube.
How does the Karaoke work?
The Karaoke machine is a stand alone device that is installed for your use during the event. There are two wired microphones and hundreds of songs to choose from on CD-G discs from different musical genres. The lyrics are displayed on the bus TVs and music played thru the bus stereo system. Please be advised this system is not like going to a Karaoke bar, you cannot select individual songs nor play songs from your mobile device.
How does the WiFi work?
The WiFi package allows guests to connect up to 20 devices to the Tmobile 4G cellular network. The wifi SSID is calipartybusmobile and the password is calipartybus.
Cancellation | Changes
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations can be made at any time up until 15 days prior to the reservation date without penalty. A cancellation fee of $500 will be charged to the credit card of the client on file for any cancellation made within 14 days of the reservation date, regardless of reason. Cancellations must be submitted in writing via this form or email to info@calipartybus.com. Phone or voicemail requests are not accepted. Cancellation fee’s are non negotiable. Additional {terms & conditions} may apply. If the Client attempts to cancel the Contract at the time of pickup or after pick up has occurred, Company is authorized to charge the credit card of Client on file the remaining balance in full.
SUBMIT CANCELLATION FORM HERE.
Can I change the date of the reservation inside the cancellation fee window?
Yes, one date change per reservation inside the cancellation window is permitted. The date must be within 12 months of the original service date, selected at the time of cancellation. The cutoff time to apply the cancellation credit to a new reservation is the pick up time and date of the original reservation. The cancellation fee will be applied as a credit towards the reservation and an additional $250 hold is required via the new reservation. Additional date changes will result in the forfeit of cancellation credit. Date changes after the scheduled pick up time has passed are not permitted and cancellation fee becomes non-refundable. Date Changes must be submitted in writing via webform or email to info@calipartybus.com.
Payments | Deposit
What forms of payment do you accept?
Please see QR codes for payment methods HERE. We accept cash, all major debit/ credit cards +3% admin fee, cashier’s check, money order, or corporate check made out to Cali Party Bus. Digital payments accepted are Venmo @caliaprtybus, PayPal info@caliaprtybus.com, Cash App (+3%) $calipartybus and ZELLE: payments@calipartybus.com. We DO NOT accept personal checks. You may split the payment if you would like and pay part cash, part credit card.Payment is required in lump sum. We do not offer payment plans or accept partial payments over time. Please include your confirmation number in the memo or notes of a digital payment. Credit Card payments can be made online via advanced written request for payment link.
When is payment due?
Payment is due in full at the beginning of the trip or in advance. Advanced payment can be made via Zelle, Cash App, or by mailing a cashier’s check, money order, or corporate check to our office at 4911 Coliseum Way Oakland CA 94601. Checks to be made out to “Cali Party Bus”
Does the $250 security hold get applied to the total?
No. The $250 security hold is a temporary and refundable transaction held in the case of cancellation or incidentals. It will be released back to the card the following business day after service pending no incidentals. Just like when you rent a car or check into a hotel.
When will I receive my deposit back?
Your security hold will be released the business day following your trip, upon clearance of vehicle inspection for incidentals. The hold can take 1-2 business days to disappear from the pending transaction column of your online bank statement. Once released, the transaction will not appear as a positive credit back into your account as the funds were only “held” as an authorization and not fully captured. An “authorization hold” is the practice within the banking industry of verifying the availability of funds to a debit or credit card and holding this balance as unavailable until the merchant clears the transaction.
Why was my card processed for $250 a second time?
Your security hold is only valid for 30 days. After 30 days the original $250 hold will expire and a new $250 security hold will be processed. Company will maintain a valid $250 security hold at all times until the service is complete.
What is an appropriate tip for the driver?
Gratuity can be paid in cash directly to the driver at the time of pick up or at the end of your trip. A Gratuity of 10-20% is strongly encouraged for ALL trips unless a pre-determined gratuity has been determined with your sales agent and included in your total balance. You can also add a gratuity to a credit card transaction at the time of processing, at the end of the trip, or the following day via pay pal in your thank you email.
What specials or discounts do you offer?
Repeat customers receive a discount on all future trips. Other specials change month to month so please check our website or call a reservation specialist for more information and details. Lower rates are offered Sun-Thursday reservations. Free hour special valid for all trips Monday-Thursday with a minimum 6-hour rental. Certain holidays exempt.
Services | Rates | Overtime
What is included in the rental?
The rental service includes a private chauffeur and exclusive use of vehicle for transportation and entertainment purposes. Travel mileage to all stops listed on the itinerary are included in the rental price. Changes to the itinerary or duration of rental incur additional fee’s in accordance with our terms and conditions.Itinerary and overtime is subject to company approval and not guaranteed.
Can we just drive around for the rental time?
No, we do not offer “drive around” service. The vehicle must have a physical destination at all times with all stops listed in order on the paperwork. All stops must be provided by client in advance and are subject to company approval. Alterations to the itinerary during the trip are not guaranteed and subject driver/company approval. For trips that commence after 7pm, at least one 21+ bar or venue is required as a stop in which all guests will enter.
What comes inside the bus?
The bus comes included with bluetooth/aux hookups to play music from your smartphone, 50 clear plastic cups, 1 roll of paper towels, and trash bags. Specific vehicle features can be found on the vehicle pages.
Does the vehicle come with seatbelts?
Seatbelts can be exposed inside the vehicle upon written request. Seatbelts do not come exposed standard inside the limo buses. Seatbelts are currently not required on buses in CA.
When will I receive my Chauffer information?
Driver information is emailed to the email on file 5 hours prior to pick up, and sent via text 45 minutes prior to pick up.
Are tastings included in Winery and Brewery Tours?
No. We provide transportation services only and recommend calling your venue of choice in advance to make reservations. Please take a look at our Winery suggestions and brewery suggestions page for some great options to visit. We will reach out to you via email the week of your event to request your final itinerary.
Is there a minimum number of hours for the bus rental?
Yes. Sunday-Friday there is a 4-hour minimum, Saturday, there is a 5-hour minimum and 6-hour minimum for pick up times between 2-7pm. Certain events like school dances have other minimum requirements. Rentals are for consecutive hours and cannot be split into smaller blocks such as 2 hours from 10am-12pm and 2 hours from 8pm-10pm. Minimums are financial minimums only, client is not required to use vehicle for all hours rented.
Why are there time restrictions on Saturdays?
On Saturdays, we offer three different rate blocks; daytime block (6am-6pm) cross over block (pickups between 2pm-7pm) and evening block (730pm-3am). This is to maximize vehicle efficiency during our peak times. Rates vary for each block. Exceptions can be made for trips greater than 10 hours. Our charter buses are excluded from this restriction. Please inquire for additional information or a custom quote.
At what point in time does my reservation begin. And end?
Your reservation starts at your scheduled pickup time. This means, unlike other companies, we do not charge for travel time. Your trip ends once the last patron exits the bus.
What happens if we go over our scheduled drop off time?
Overtime will be permitted, upon vehicle ability and is not guaranteed. Overtime is billed for each 30 minutes over the pre-scheduled drop off time by the hourly rate, and will be collected at the end of the trip by or will be charged to the credit card of the Client on file. Unused time is non-refundable.
Is there an additional charge for trips that travel or are picked up outside of the Bay Area?
Sometimes. We have a 40-mile service area radius from our bus terminal in 94601 zip code where there is no fuel charge. Anything outside of the 40-mile radius, there may be an additional charge depending on a few different factors: How many hours the bus is rented for, what day of the week the bus is being rented and a few others. Typically the travel charge is an additional $100 – $250. Please call or email for details.
Alcohol | Food | Decorations | Smoking | Vaping
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
Yes, alcohol is permitted on the vehicle long as EVERYONE on the bus is at least 21 years old. If there is a mixed group of both 21+ and under 21 onboard, or all under 21 guests, alcohol is not permitted. Guests are subject to id verification at anytime for any reason and the trip is subject to terms and conditions for violation of alcohol policy.
Do you supply us with alcohol?
No, however we have partnered with a third-party distributor to provide alcohol packages for pre-purchase. Please email custom beverage requests to info@calipartybus.com Alternatively, you may BYOB (bring your own beverages). You are welcome to bring any beverages you would like onto the bus. We supply cups and paper towels to accommodate your beverages during your trip. There is plenty of space on board to store ice and beverages on the built-in wet bars.
Can we bring food or eat on the bus
Yes and No. You are welcome to bring food with you on the trip and store it in the luggage compartment or under the seats. We discourage groups from eating while the bus is moving to prevent unnecessary messes and clean-up fees. We recommend groups eat their food off the vehicle. Specific items like chips, pretzels, pizza, cupcakes, cakes, or other foods that can crumble or smear are never permitted and are the leading causes of cleanup fees. The vehicle cannot be used as a mobile refrigerator and will be turned off during staging in accordance with CA idle laws. Food and snacks are not permitted for trips with minors.
Can we have a keg or coolers onboard?
No, kegs and outside coolers are not permitted. Kegs and coolers block emergency exits and cause large amounts of spillage which result in excessive mess and damage fees. Please limit your beverage types to cans and glassware. Outside coolers are not permitted. There is plenty of space on board to store ice and beverages on the built-in wet bars.
Can we decorate the bus?
The only decorations permitted inside the vehicle are stand alone balloons. Tape, confetti, streamers, party poppers, taped banners/signs are prohibited.Excessive mess cleanup fee of $250 will be assessed for violation of this policy.
Can we smoke cigarettes or cannabis on the bus?
No. Smoking using fire for cigarettes or cannabis use is strictly prohibited and subject to a $150 per occurrence penalty. Cannabis consumption on board buses is illegal in CA. If you would like to have a smoke break please let the driver know and they will take you to a safe location where you can smoke off the bus.
Can we vape on the bus?
Yes and No. Nicotine-based vape products and pens similar to JUUL, Puff, and Hype are permitted. Cannabis-based vaping devices are prohibited and illegal to consume on buses under California Law.
Customer Service
What should I do if I am unhappy with the service or have a complaint?
Our customer’s safety and satisfaction is our highest priority and we understand sometimes things don’t go as planned. Buses are machines, and unforeseen mechanical issues can occur. Transportation is a fluid business run by humans, mistakes can and will happen. If you are unhappy with the service or we made a mistake, we want to know. Please email us at inf0@calipartybus.com or call us at 415-692-1465 and we are happy to listen and address any valid concerns. If things did not go as planned or to your satisfaction, please allow us the opportunity to make things right.
Rules For Minors
Are mixed ages of over 21 and under 21 guests allowed?
Yes and No. We only perform services for mixed aged groups in certain circumstances: weddings, quincenerra’s, graduations, and other events in which the parent/guardian of the under 21 guest is present on the bus. We do not offer services to mixed age groups who wish desire to “drive around” for the duration of the trip.
For events where minors are present, does there needs to be a guardian on board?
Yes and No. For any non-school-related event, a host 25 years or older is required onboard the vehicle to supervise or follow the vehicle in their private car to supervise at stops. School-related events do not require a parent or host onboard, however, a parent/guardian must be present at the time of pick up and drop off. All under 21 trip guests are required to sign our Minor and Alcohol Agreement. You may ask for a “host/designee” supplied by Cali Party Bus for an additional $25/hr. This host will be a well-trained and trustworthy employee of the company that can act as a liaison between the kids and the driver and assists with supervision and questions regarding features of the bus
What happens if the rules are broken during a trip with minors?
Any violation of our terms and conditions or minor and alcohol agreement will result in the immediate termination of service without refund. The booking parent will be contacted and the vehicle will return to the point of origin or agreed upon location for deboarding. In extreme circumstances such as the threat of violence, violence, or behavior deemed by company to be a threat to employees or vehicle, the company reserves the right to terminate the trip at any location at any time.
What form do minors have to sign?
All minors riding on buses in California are required by law to sign our “Minor and Alcohol Agreement” found below. This is a contract between each guest and our company stating they understand the rules and consequences for violation.
Under 21 Things To Know.
Please review important things to know for trips involving minors. Additional rules and regulations.