Blog - A&A Metro Transportation

How To Select A Charter Bus Company

Jan 14, 2020 | Blog, News

Helpful Tips to Finding the Right Charter Bus Company

Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, a trip to the symphony, transporting athletic teams or traveling to another state, it’s important to know how to select a charter bus company. Here are some helpful tips to finding the right charter bus company for your group. Above all, no matter what type of group you have, you want to assure safe, reliable, comfortable transportation at affordable rates. In addition, coach buses are in great demand these days so take special care to plan your trip carefully and look for the best charter bus company to provide this service.

Gather the Details for Your Trip

First, gather information to get an accurate quote such as exact pickup and drop-off details, the day or days of the trip, and the number of people traveling. It’s important to know whether there is space needed for luggage or equipment. If anyone is traveling in your group with a physical disability, make sure the coach bus is wheelchair accessible.

Depending on the size of the coach bus, you can request amenities to keep your group more comfortable. Many of the full-sized charter buses have WiFi, power outlets, DVD players, and an on-board restroom.

In addition, while booking your charter bus trip check out the policies and ask about deposits, refunds and cancellations and any add-on costs.

Use an Established, Reputable Charter Bus Company

When selecting a charter bus company, it’s imperative to find an established, reputable company, like A & A Metro Transportation, to help assure all Department of Transportation (DOT) rules are being followed and has earned the highest rating. For instance, vehicles that transport over 15 passengers are required to have at least $5M in liability coverage.

Above all, drivers need to be experienced and properly licensed with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and certified to transport passengers. This all requires hours of experience driving a coach bus and classroom time. In addition, for safety reasons, drivers cannot operate the coach bus for more than 10 hours a day and may necessitate an additional driver be transported to a location and require additional accommodations.

A reputable charter bus company has a hiring process in place that undergoes pre-employment screening. Background checks are conducted, CORI and SORI reports are run and driving records are checked. A drug and alcohol test is run and once hired, the drivers are added to the random list in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Whether your group is taking a long trip or just transferring from one location to another, make sure your charter bus company is compliant in all these areas.

In conclusion, a reputable coach bus company has a driver training process in place that provides the skills and knowledge needed to always be prepared and provide customers the best, professional experience possible.

How to Select A Charter Bus Company – A&A Metro Transportation will help you with all your transportation needs. A&A Metro is a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call 508-697-0117 or email us at info@aametro.com or go online and give us the details of your trip and one of our customer representatives will contact you.

amenities to keep your group comfortable

Reasons to Use a Professional Car Service Over a Ride-Share Service

Sep 6, 2018 | Blog | 1 comment

Except for last-minute decisions and quick trips home from a restaurant, the benefits of using a professional car service heavily outweighs ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. For occasions like corporate events, travel to and from the airport, concerts and other special occasions, professional car services are safer, the drivers are more professional and reliable, and the pricing is more consistent and transparent.

Safety
Ride-share companies are not regulated so many do not undergo thorough background checks like those conducted by a professional car service. In fact, the drivers are often just looking to make a bit of extra money on the side. They operate as independent contractors, rather than employees, so the vetting process is typically nowhere near as stringent as that of professional car service providers. Most professional car services, like A&A Metro Transportation, complete pre-employment drug screening as well as checking past drug and alcohol records. During the hiring process, CORI checks are conducted through the Department of Criminal Justice and SORI checks are performed through the U.S. Department of Justice which scans the National Sex Offender list. A&A Metro’s Safety and Training Manager, Sahviana Katura, with approximately 30 years of experience, conducts an extensive training class. In addition, all drivers are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Professionalism & Comfort
Since ride-share drivers are independent contractors, they do not receive the level of training that a reputable car service does. At A&A Metro, all Black Car Drivers complete a Chauffeur Training Class that provides the skills and knowledge needed to always be prepared and provide customers the best, professional experience possible. Whether for personal, leisure or business, guests will always ride in comfort never feeling like they’re in someone else’s personal vehicle.

Reliability
When you have an important meeting or an event you want to be on time for, don’t leave anything to chance. Hiring a professional driver with a well-maintained vehicle can make all the difference when you need a service that you can depend on. The knowledge of having reliable transportation will be less stressful and the experience will be much more enjoyable for everyone. If you are attending a sporting event or concert at a popular venue, you don’t want to compete for vehicles since the demand will be so high. Price surges are also a well-known issue with ride-share apps that occur during peak times. During surge periods rates are increased forcing riders to pay more than they had planned.

A&A Metro Transportation will help you with all your transportation needs. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call 508-697-0117 or email us at info@aametro.com or go online and give us the details of your trip and one of our customer representatives will contact you.

Wedding Venues in the Boston Area

Mar 9, 2018 | Blog | 2 comments

Boston is an amazing city offering a range of wedding venues from waterfront hotels and museums to a rustic, classic feel of a vineyard. Here’s an overview of the many wedding venues the area has to offer with links to specific locations in the Boston area:

Boat/Yacht

Whether you exchange your vows on the Charles River in a classic vessel or on a yacht with stunning skyline views, a wedding cruise is an unforgettable experience. Boston Harbor offers an abundance of vendors that provide this innovative wedding venue. Vessels will range from a historical paddlewheel boat to a large luxury entertainment yacht and can accommodate small intimate ceremonies or larger weddings with up to 380 guests. You can tailor your wedding to your specifics needs and budget with a variety of menu, décor and bar packages and entertainment options all in one place creating lasting memories with your friends and family. Boat / Yacht wedding venues in Boston area: http://bit.ly/2meYvz6

Country / Golf Club

A country club wedding makes the venue search fast and simple and Boston houses some of the most remarkable country clubs and golf courses in the country. This type of venue often features stunning natural settings, beautiful water features, and luxuriant halls and many of them have an exclusive, upscale quality to them. It is a great choice for a larger wedding and can usually accommodate hundreds of guests for the reception and often the food is prepared on-site. Country / Golf Club wedding venues in Boston area: http://bit.ly/2Es0qIb

Inn / Bed & Breakfast

A small Inn or Bed & Breakfast can be a great option for a wedding venue. The small intimate setting might make you feel more relaxed because your wedding will feel more like a celebration with close-knit friends and family, than a production. You can also save thousands of dollars and pull out all the stops and have a truly lavish wedding. With fewer guests, you can splurge on the things that really matter to you. For some that might be an out-of-this world dinner, for others it might be a five-piece jazz band or a designer wedding gown. You will get to spend time with your guests making them feel welcome and chances are that many of your guests will know one another and have a more enjoyable time. Because your wedding won’t be typical – the kind your guests have been to over and over again – your wedding is more likely to be remembered. Inn/Bed & Breakfast wedding venues in Boston area: http://bit.ly/2ANEKE3

Historic Site

What could be more traditional than a wedding in a historic home? Welcome guests into the great room for cocktail hour. Dance the night away in the ballroom. Get dressed upstairs in an actual bedroom. There should be plenty of space to say your vows, move to another room for cocktails and then another for dinner and dancing. A historic home usually has beautifully manicured grounds that you can use for wedding photos. The lawns also make a great place to give your guests some breathing room from the formal dining room throughout the event. The furniture, art on the walls, drapes and rugs will all give your venue a specific look. And everything from your place settings to flowers to wedding attire can be subtly themed to match the look of the home. Historic Site wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2Fo9hMp

Hotel

Hotel wedding venues are among the most popular and convenient venues especially if you are hosting out-of-town guests. A reception in the ballroom of a beautiful hotel is what many people think of when they picture a classic wedding. If you need to book a room block at a hotel anyway then your guests will have the convenience and comfort of not having to navigate an unfamiliar area. Most large hotels can accommodate a wide range of events—and that includes large or small weddings. The venue is pretty much a one-stop-shop with catering, linens, rentals, beauty services, flowers and more all available on-site. Hotel wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2CZVKfj

Museum

Imagine being surrounded by art and history at your wedding. If you and your betrothed are culture vultures, a wedding at a museum is an option to consider. Whether you’re dining or saying your “I Do’s” near iconic art, museums are a show-stopping venue. Holding your wedding at a world-famous museum means you can host a very large wedding in the grand hall. But engaged museum-goers can also find a smaller (and more affordable) art museum or gallery that offers the same cache of a culture-focused wedding, but for a much more intimate group of guests. Look for local art galleries, niche museums or even a historic library that offers wedding rental space that can match your museum wedding fantasy. Museum wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2FoJP9v

Place of Worship

While a wedding can feature religious elements in just about any ceremony venue, having your wedding in a house of worship puts the religious aspects front and center. The church you belong to may have pews that can seat upwards of one thousand, or you may attend a small synagogue that would only accommodate very close friends and family. Either way, a house of worship shouldn’t limit the size of your wedding because there are a number of options. If you and your betrothed want the focus to remain on the ceremony, you could even choose to hold an understated reception in the house of worship itself, post-I Do. Many religious houses have an event room where you can host your guests for a low-key meal, cake and toasts. A house of worship can hold a special place in your heart if you grew up going there so if you and your fiancé feel at home in a particular house of worship, a wedding there is a wonderful way to start your life together. Places of Worship wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2DjuRkr

Restaurant

If you plan to have a small wedding, a restaurant for the big day could be the way to go. Depending on the size of your guest list, you could book a private room or rent out an entire restaurant. Either way, there are lots of perks for you and your guests if you have your wedding celebration at a restaurant. Unlike venues that only have a catering kitchen, wedding at a restaurant means meals will be cooked on-demand and guests can choose from more than the standard chicken or fish. Plus, the venue research is extra fun. What a great excuse for you and your fiancé to dine out while you search for the perfect restaurant venue! Selecting a restaurant that shares something you both love is just another way to make your wedding personal for your guests. Restaurant wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2CTbEVA

Farm / Barn

Hosting your wedding day in a historic barn has become a hot trend in recent years. Couples can capture that rustic chic look with an authentic barn as their backdrop. And because most barn rentals are simply an empty shell, it’s a great place for the bride who has very specific ideas about what she wants her wedding day to look like. A barn wedding lends itself to getting hands-on with all the little decorative details. From the bar to the favors to the guestbook, a barn wedding is a great place to DIY all your Pinterest-worthy ideas. A wedding in a barn is most likely on a farm surrounded by acres of green pastures and no nearby neighbors so it is a great space to spend some of your budget on a really great band so you can turn up the music and let your hair down! Farm / Barn wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2mttisM

Winery / Vineyard

If a destination wedding sounds like your style, but you want a locale that doesn’t require your guests to get out their passport, a vineyard wedding is a great option to consider. The east coast boasts a bountiful array of wineries and with a winery setting, your guests will have plenty to do (and drink) during your wedding weekend. Some wineries might have their own on-site accommodations, or bed and breakfasts and other cozy hotels abound near wineries. Marrying at a vineyard means your guests will be treated to an impressive (and local) wine list for dinner and any other wedding weekend events. Have fun with your chosen venue and include tasting notes on your menu cards. You could even arrange a wine tasting for your guests as part of the wedding activities. A natural setting for wedding photos usually makes for some great shots, but using a vineyard as a backdrop adds an extra air of outdoor elegance to the photo shoot. Winery / Vineyard wedding venues in the Boston area: http://bit.ly/2Fqa5Af

Whichever venue you choose for you special day, A&A Metro Transportation will help you with your transportation needs. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call Kiley at 508-697-0117 x34 and he will help you with your specific needs or you can email him at kmcwilliam@aametro.com.

A&A Metro Shuttle App Tracks In Real-Time

Jan 16, 2018 | Blog | 0 comments

A&A Metro Transportation announces the release of our new A&A Metro Shuttle app. The app, which can be downloaded for free from the app store, provides graphical vehicle tracking with stop and schedule information allowing you and your riders to see the shuttles GPS location in real-time.

There is a trend towards companies offering their employees group transportation and corporate shuttle service options. Companies see the benefits of providing some relief for their employees’ daily commute, which in turn, contributes to increased productivity. This trend towards have a shuttle app has led us to focus on solutions to make a more positive commuter experience. Adding the ability for our customers to provide this service is just the latest benefit that has contributed to our growth taking our small town cab company to a global transportation leader.

A&A Metro has many years of industry experience operating transportation services for organizations. We understand the challenges and how to meet the various needs using our sedans, SUVs, van, mini-buses and charter buses. A&A Metro Transportation takes pride in its strong connection with the Massachusetts communities we serve and a commitment to providing quality, safe, and reliable customer transportation.

If you are considering offering your employees a more positive commuter experience and offering a shuttle app, A&A Metro Transportation will help you customize your transportation plan. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call Kiley at 508-697-0117 x39 and he will help you with your specific needs or you can email him at kmcwilliam@aametro.com.

Tour Destinations In and Around Boston – Fall 2017

Oct 6, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

Boston has an abundance of museums and activities that can be explored in fall and winter. Here is a list of some of our favorite destinations in the city and beyond. A&A Metro will help you plan your excursion for your group and work out the details for your groups particular needs.

Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Located in Springfield, MA, hundreds of the museums interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, and shooting contests. Website

Foxwoods
Spend a day at either Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun. Try your luck at the slot machines, poker tables, keno, spin the wheel and other games of chance. There are ample opportunities to enjoy a quick meal or a quiet lunch. There are boutiques and gift shops for you to browse in when you need to pause from your gaming experience. Foxwoods MoheganSun

Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill Orchards, has been a family owned and operated farm since 1926. We are committed to creating a fun family-friendly atmosphere and providing a variety of orchard treats and activities! Located in Stow, MA our 180-acre farm offers bountiful fruit available to pick-yourself or purchase at our farm store. Website

Isabella Steward Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is at once an intimate collection of fine and decorative art and a vibrant, innovative venue for contemporary artists, musicians and scholars. The galleries house works by some of the most recognized artists in the world and the spirit of the architecture, the personal character of the arrangements and the artistic display of the enchanting courtyard in full bloom all create an atmosphere that distinguishes the Isabella. Stewart Gardner Museum as an intimate and culturally-rich treasure. Website

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy. Come tour the Museum which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President. Website

John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a multimedia exhibit designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod. The Museum’s exhibits features videos and photographs spanning the years 1934 to 1963 and is arranged in thematic groupings to reflect John F. Kennedy, his family, his friends and the Cape Cod he so dearly loved. Website

Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees, displayed in the Hunnewell Building, offers beautifully decorated holiday trees that are donated and decorated by local businesses, garden clubs, and individuals. Visitors “vote” with their raffle tickets, in hopes of being the tree winner at the end of the festival. Visitors can also enjoy the decorated buildings and grounds at The Gardens at Elm Bank with a stroll or a horse-drawn wagon ride. For the young at heart, there are Santa Visits and other activities. Website

MIT Museum
Explore the MIT Museum your way. Choose a Self-guided Gallery Visit, where students and adults of all ages can examine high-tech objects, intriguing robots, amazing holograms, and ingenious kinetic sculptures. Or book a Guided Gallery Tour with a museum educator and tailor the experience to your group’s interests. Website

Museum of Science
Long respected as a leader in science education, the Museum of Science promotes thoughtful participation in today’s increasingly technological society. With over 700 permanent exhibits and ever-changing temporary exhibits, films, and shows, groups can encounter the fresh and unfamiliar, ask questions, and actively address the provocative issues raised by innovations in science and technology. Website

New Bedford Whaling Museum
Discover the underwater world of whales, the dramatic story of whaling and its impact, and the maritime history of Southcoast Massachusetts at the New Bedford Whaling Museum – located in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Website

Newport Playhouse
The Newport Playhouse was established in 1983 and has been a favorite with locals and tourists ever since they first opened their doors. Their dinner theatre is unique…enjoy a great buffet–a wonderful play and a fun-filled cabaret. Their extensive, hearty buffet does not skimp on quality or selection. Website

Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell art. The Museum presents, preserves and studies the art of illustration and is a world resource for reflection, involvement and discovery inspired by Norman Rockwell and the power of visual images to shape and reflect society. Website

Peabody Essex Museum
There are many reasons to come to PEM. Whether it be looking at a work of art with someone special by your side or sitting in the light-filled Atrium, watching the expression on a child’s face as she makes a collage — each experience is worth the trip. PEM is the place to come for enjoyment, enrichment, sharing with family and friends, and creative stimulation. Website

Salem Haunted Happenings
Salem Haunted Happenings Celebration is truly unique since Salem is the Halloween capital of the world. Have a “spooktacular” October by visiting Salem and taking advantages of the many museums, historic sites, and walking and trolley tours. Website

The Discovery Museum
Field Trip to The Discovery Museums is a compelling and fun way to introduce STEM themes and provide hands-on opportunities for students to practice science and engineering. The hands-on exhibits and attentive education staff make learning exciting and memorable, while our topics and methods support the new Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework. Website

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
The ICA offers a robust variety of exhibitions, music, dance, film, talks, tours, family activities, and teen programming throughout the year. Expand your horizons with every visit and discover something new. The ICA’s dynamic visual arts program features major thematic exhibitions, surveys of leading contemporary artists, and new commissions, and introduces emerging artists in first-ever solo museum shows. Website

The Old State House
Discover why the Revolution began here, with people and events that changed the world forever. Hear from famous revolutionaries like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams, who debated basic ideas about self-government that we all believe today. Experience the true stories of ordinary people, whose lives were turned upside-down by revolutionary events and ideas. Explore the site of the Boston Massacre, where five men lost their lives. Relive the moment in July 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people of Boston. Learn important things you never knew – things that are still important today. Website

The Paul Revere House
Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only home on the Freedom Trail. Paul Revere purchased the former merchant’s dwelling in 1770, when he was 35 years old. He and his family lived here when Revere made his famous messenger ride to Lexington on the night of April 18-19, 1775 that would be immortalized by Longfellow’s famous poem Paul Revere’s Ride. Website

USS Constitution Museum
Only yards away from “Old Ironsides,” the Museum is a “must see” for everyone visiting Boston, where interactive galleries take adults, families and children of all ages on a 200-year voyage. Learn how a wooden hull helped earn the nickname Old Ironsides. Discover how “Old Ironsides” has remained undefeated since being launched in 1797. Find out how school children contributed pennies to help save “Old Ironsides.” See how sailors ate a diet of hardtack and grog, and climbed masts 200 feet in the air. Website

TD Garden Calendar of Events 2017-2018

Sep 19, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

Boston’s TD Garden is hosting a variety of concerts and events over the course of the next few months for major artists, sports teams and performers coming to Boston.

Getting to and from the TD Garden on the night of a busy concert can be a major hassle. If you need help, let A&A Metro Transportation take care of your transportation needs to and from the arena. Whether you need a motor coach, mini-coach or a Black Executive Sedan, we are here to provide our services to you.

If you’d like to reserve a vehicle you can call one of our booking agents anytime at 508-697-0117.

Here’s what’s happening at TD Garden:

September 12: The Weeknd
September 14: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
September 15: Arcade Fire
September 19: 2017 NHL Preseason: Bruins VS. Red Wings
September 21: 2017 NHL Preseason: Bruins VS. Flyers
September 22: Ed Sheeran
September 23: Ed Sheeran
September 25: 2017 NHL Preseason: Bruins VS. Blackhawks
September 27: Roger Waters
September 28: Roger Waters
September 29: Katy Perry – Witness: The Tour
September 30: Katy Perry – Witness: The Tour
October 2: Preseason: Celtics VS. Hornets
October 3: Barry Manilow
October 5: Bruins VS. Predators
October 6: Halsey: Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
October 7: Bruno Mars
October 8: Bruno Mars
October 9: Bruins VS. Avalanche
October 9: Preseason: Celtics VS. 76ERS
October 12: Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias Live! With CNCO
October 18: Celtics VS. Canucks
October 19: Bruins VS. Canucks
October 21: Bruins VS. Sabres

You can visit the entire TD Garden calendar here.

A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call 508-697-0117 and we will help you with your specific needs or you can email us at info@aametro.com.

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