Once the bus schedule dates are announced in the WhatsApp group, booking is done by filling up a Google form for the specific travel date. The forms are linked to the group description and announcement. Then, make a payment via Zelle as per instructions in the form. Once the Google form is submitted (and paid for), an email notification of Google form submission will be sent to the email address provided.
In addition to the aforesaid notification, there will be a confirmation email sent by Affordable Student Coach within 24 hours of the payment made. This will allow us time to review the Google form and payment and ensure everything is in good order for the trip.
Filling Google Form without Zelle payment will not be considered as valid booking.
One-way and/or round-trip bookings can be made using Google form and relevant Zelle payment.
Prices of one-way and round-trip are published in the Google form and in the group announcements for the specific travel dates.
Around the cut-off date, there will be a date specific WhatsApp group created consisting only of parents with confirmed bookings for their students. The information to join the group will be shared with individual parents via an email.
It is parents' responsibility to join the group in time and keep abreast of announcements therein. Also, it is important to provide a valid email address for communication between Affordable Student Coach and Parent.
Students will ride the 56-passenger deluxe motorcoach. Buses are operated by reputed licensed and insured transportation companies with background-checked experienced drivers and full insurance coverage.
The bus includes various amenities like on-board wi-fi, restroom, air conditioning and heating, plush recline seating with safety seat belts, overhead storage, charging outlets, GPS tracking, luggage space compartment, etc.
DFW: Bus departs from two locations,
Plano - 9720 Coit Rd, Plano TX 75025 - behind Bank of America
Lewisville - 2405 S Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX 75067 - Zion marketplace parking lot
UT: Littlefield Fountain on the campus 201 W 21st St, Austin TX 78705
The arrival locations are the same. The bus is non-stop service with no stopping between DFW and UT (barring any unforeseen circumstances)
Students should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow for onboarding, settling in, and stowing luggage. There is no prior seat assignment. Students’ ID will be checked against the reservation before they can board. Students and/or parent volunteers help with onboarding. The admin might also be present at the DFW locations to help with coordination.
The bus leaves promptly at the scheduled departure time except for events that are out of bus operator’s control.
Students can have a backpack with them as carry-on. In addition, one piece of luggage will be allowed to be stowed in the luggage compartment of the bus. Please check with the admin for any special needs.
Tracking information will be shared in the respective group periodically.
Any change must be made prior to 7 calendar days before the scheduled departure date/time. The deadline will be prominently announced in the WhatsApp group. Rosters are finalized at the cut-off dates to ensure clarity and avoid any confusion.
Members should send an email to affordablestudentcoach@gmail.com with their intent to cancel a specific trip. Details should include the information they used for original booking - Parent name, Parent email id, Student name, Student id, Trip type (one-way/round-trip), Reasons for cancellation etc. If the cancellation is done prior to cut-off date (before roster is finalized), they will be given credit for future use for the amount paid. If the trip price goes up, the difference will need to be paid for future travel. Any swapping without prior email notification and the consent of Affordable Student Coach will be considered invalid. No refunds will be provided.
Change in travel date (if permitted based on availability of service) will still require an email notification along with new Google form submission. Payment should be marked paid
Canceling a trip post cut-off date of the final roster (7 calendar days prior to travel date/time) will result in no future credit and forfeiture of the amount paid for the trip.
Email to admins at affordablestudentcoach@gmail.com or posting question in the WhatsApp group (main group or trip specific group, as appropriate) is the best way to get quick answer.