1. Introduction & Applicability
These Terms and Conditions govern all commercial and private hire, vehicle reservations, package tours, and transport services provided by Bharat Bus Service Chandigarh (Bharat Travels). By making an inquiry, paying a booking deposit, or boarding any vehicle operated by Bharat Bus, the client ("Hirer") agrees to comply with and be legally bound by these terms.
2. Reservation Confirmation & Payment Schedule
- Advance Deposit: A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a mutually agreed advance token payment (usually 20% to 30% of total estimated fare).
- Balance Settlement: 50% of the remaining fare must be settled upon vehicle arrival at the initial pickup point. The remaining balance must be cleared prior to or at completion of the journey before passenger disembarkation.
- Payment Channels: Accepted modes include UPI, Bank NEFT/RTGS, and Cash against official receipt. Cheques are accepted only when cleared at least 4 working days prior to trip commencement.
3. Tariff Calculation, Inclusions & Exclusions
- Garage-to-Garage Calculation: Unless explicitly agreed as a fixed lump-sum package, distance (kilometers) and time are computed starting from our designated depot (Hallo Majra, Chandigarh or Bishanpura, Zirakpur) and terminating upon the vehicle's return to our depot.
- Standard Exclusions: Toll plaza taxes, state entry passenger taxes (e.g., entering Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Delhi), green taxes, border border-entry permits, and public parking fees are payable directly by the hirer as per actual government receipts, unless explicitly bundled into an all-inclusive quotation.
- Night Chauffeur Allowance: A driver night allowance (typically applicable between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM) applies on multi-day outstation itineraries.
4. Cancellation & Refund Policy
If the hirer cancels a scheduled reservation, cancellation charges apply as follows:
- More than 7 days prior to departure: 90% of advance deposit is refundable (10% retained for administrative charges).
- Between 48 hours and 7 days prior to departure: 50% of advance deposit is refundable.
- Less than 48 hours prior to departure: Advance deposit is non-refundable due to vehicle staging and driver roster commitments.
- Force Majeure / Natural Closures: In the event of government road blockades, natural cloudbursts, or border closures, Bharat Bus will provide a credit voucher valid for 12 months for rescheduled travel.
5. Mountain & Hill Route Operational Directives
To ensure supreme safety across Himalayan terrains (Shimla, Kinnaur, Spiti, Manali, Rohtang, Atal Tunnel, Leh Ladakh, Dharamshala, and Char Dham Uttarakhand):
- Night driving on steep ghat roads is strictly restricted between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM in compliance with Himachal Pradesh Police and RTO road safety directives.
- AC may be temporarily turned off during steep high-altitude climbs to prevent engine overheating and maintain optimal vehicle horsepower.
- The chauffeur has full authority regarding road passability during active snowfall or landslide risks.
6. Passenger Conduct & Prohibitions
Passengers must maintain decorum. Smoking, consumption of alcohol inside commercial transport, or carrying banned substances/contraband is strictly prohibited under Indian law. The number of passengers must never exceed the registered seating capacity on the vehicle’s RTO registration certificate.
7. Vehicle Substitution & Contingency Guarantee
All our fleet vehicles are systematically serviced and pre-inspected. In the rare circumstance of a mechanical breakdown on the road, Bharat Bus guarantees immediate dispatch of an equivalent backup vehicle or swift repair coordination through our pan-India network with zero surcharge to the client.
8. Jurisdiction
Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of or relating to services rendered by Bharat Bus Service Chandigarh shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent civil courts at Chandigarh / SAS Nagar (Mohali), India.