The UK's Only Independent Star Rating for Coach and Minibus Safety
Helping all passengers choose safe, compliant travel providers. BUSK Benchmark sets the standard for group travel safety.
Anthony's Travel, longest serving Benchmark member since 2013
Challenging Cheap Coach Hire
What does BUSK do?
BUSK promotes safer coach and minibus travel for passengers of all ages across the UK and trips abroad.
Since 1993, we've offered practical road safety advice, free resources for schools and parents, and in-school training focused on how to keep safe in transit, and what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. Our Benchmark accreditation is the only independent star rating system for coach and minibus operators, based on legal and safety standards; recommended by The Department for Education.
Independent Audits
Our Benchmark accreditation is the UK'S first and only star rating for the coach and minibus industry based on legal & safety compliance.
Education & Training
We offer school workshops and training to help students understand why seat belts and safe travel matter.
Parent & School Support
From choosing a safe operator to understanding legal responsibilities, our resources make it simple.
Transport Policy Documents
We provide transport policies for schools including enforcement of seatbelt wearing policies.
What is BUSK Benchmark?
BUSK Benchmark is a star rating for the coach and minibus industry, focused on legal compliance and passenger safety.
BUSK Benchmark uses independent audits to review how transport companies are managed, how drivers are trained, and what safety systems are in place. Operators must meet strict standards to join and are reassessed periodically to stay approved.
Only companies that pass these checks can display the Benchmark logo - a clear sign to schools, parents, and passengers that safety comes first.
How BUSK Benchmark Works
A clear, independent process to verify safety and compliance.
Each operator is assessed through a detailed audit covering driver training, vehicle safety, and legal responsibilities. It's not a one-off — we follow up regularly to make sure standards stay high.
Apply
Operators complete an online application form - couldn't be easier!
Audit
We carry out an independent audit checking compliance with key safety and legal standards.
Approval
If they meet our requirements, they become a verified Benchmark member and earn their star rating.
Reassessment
Ongoing checks make sure high standards don't slip once approved.
Ready to Join BUSK Benchmark?
View the full application pack or get in touch.
Certified Benchmark Operators
Scotland & Bates
South East
Selwyns Travel Ltd
South East
Coach Hire Edinburgh
Scotland
Bennetts Coach Hire
South West
Browns Coaches (SK) Ltd
North East
Coastal Coaches
South East
Hills Coaches Ltd
Midlands
AMB Travel Limited
South East
MET Travel Ltd
South East
Safeguard Coaches Ltd
South East
Imperial Coaches Ltd
South East
Introducing Michael Imperato
Partner & Head of Public & Administrative Law at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, and BUSK's honorary legal advisor
"If you are responsible for hiring coaches for school trips, then you need to understand what the law requires from you. I was a school governor for over 25 years and it is important that school governors take time to be reasonably satisfied that they have safe procedures in place, including a transport and seat belt policy. These procedures must give assurances that pupils, teachers, helpers and drivers are safe as far as reasonably possible. It's crucial to evidence and demonstrate, that a governing body takes seriously, its legal duties of care, that it has a culture of safety and responsibility."
Working With BUSK
Hear from people who have worked with BUSK
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is 5 years old, can she safely wear a lap belt on a coach?
A 3 point all generation belt is a safer option, or a 3 point belt using a crash tested seatbelt adjuster to ensure the belt fits correctly, away from the face and throat. Lap belts can (in specific impacts) cause severe injury to a child under the age of 8 years. For more information Contact Us directly.
The school transport driver is distracted by the children. What can I do about this?
Who provides the transport is key - a local authority or a school. Whichever it is, they should conduct a risk assessment based on your concern to identify the risk involved if the driver is distracted and how they will reduce the risks. For more information you should contact BUSK directly.
My daughter's school hires a coach for trips but when I asked for information about the safety standards of the coach I was told that they always used this company without any problem. That does not answer my question. How can I get the information I need?
The school must provide any information related to the school trip, including transport there and back. Ask the school to find out about the transport company’s compliance records and pass rate of MOTs on first presentation. If they still do not give you answers, contact BUSK directly for help.
If a coach company does not belong to BUSK Benchmark does this mean they are not safe?
No of course not. Not all companies want to belong to an accreditation scheme for a number of reasons. You can ask a coach company if you can make an appointment to come and view their compliance records. If they refuse, walk away. A reputable passenger transport company will not mind you looking at how well they maintain their fleet.
I am concerned about driver fatigue on long haul trips. What can I do about this?
I would refer you to BUSK's Nightcap campaign LINKHERE about driver fatigue and the regulations governing drivers on long haul trips. You should find information on our website to assist you but you can also contact BUSK directly for help.
Still have a question?
If you couldn't find what you're looking for, we're here to help. Get in touch with us directly and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Contact UsContact Us
Contact Information
Whether you're a school, parent, or operator, we're happy to help with any queries surrounding the transport of children and adults by road.
Email:
buskuk@btinternet.com
Phone:
07926 116631
Address:
BUSK Benchmark Limited
15 Burr Point Cover
Ballyhalbert, Co. Down
Northern Ireland
BT22 1SU