In the world of group transport, efficiency is everything. For years, the industry has battled a common problem: “dead mileage.” This is when a coach drops off a group in one city and returns to its depot empty, burning fuel and wasting time without generating revenue.
Enter Don’t Travel Empty (DTE)—a revolutionary concept and platform that is changing the game for operators and passengers alike.
What is ‘Don’t Travel Empty’?
At its core, Don’t Travel Empty is a network designed to match empty coach legs with passengers looking for a ride. It connects coach operators who have empty vehicles returning to base with groups who need transport along that same route.
For example, if a London-based operator takes a group to Manchester and needs to drive back to London, that return journey is typically empty. Through DTE, a group in Manchester needing to get to London can book that specific “empty leg” at a competitive rate.
The Benefits for Passengers
1. Cost-Effective Travel
Because the operator is already making the journey, they can offer these empty leg trips at significantly reduced rates compared to a standard charter. It’s a win-win: you get premium coach hire for less, and the operator covers their fuel costs.
2. Eco-Friendly Choice
Utilizing an empty vehicle that is already on the road significantly reduces the carbon footprint of your journey. Instead of dispatching a second vehicle from London to pick you up, you are using capacity that would otherwise go to waste. It’s one of the greenest ways to travel by road.
3. High-Quality Vehicles
Empty leg matches are often with premium touring coaches that have just completed high-profile jobs. This means you often get luxury amenities—reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard restrooms—for a budget-friendly price.
How The Coach Company Group Uses DTE
As part of our commitment to efficient and sustainable travel, The Coach Company Group actively leverages the principles of Don’t Travel Empty. Our vast network of operators ensures that we can often find these smart connections for our clients.
Whether you are planning a corporate event, a school trip, or a wedding, asking about available empty leg matches can save you money and help the planet.
Ready to Book?
Don’t let your budget travel on empty. Contact us today to see if your itinerary matches one of our existing routes. Smart, sustainable, and cost-effective—that’s the future of coach hire.