It’s got a dance floor, a 2000-watt sound system and LED strobe lighting.
But what really sets Tyler Visscher and Matt Brock’s party place apart is the fact it’s got wheels and a motor.
The two men operate Bash bus tours, a Red Deer business built around a 1993 International school bus that long ago dropped off its last student. The 50-foot vehicle now sports black and lime-green paint, tinted glass and booth-style seating that can accommodate 26 people.
“It definitely stands out,” said Visscher.
Operating since November, Bash bus tours’ bookings have ranged from a local stagette to a cowboy-themed road trip to Canmore. Visscher’s grandmother is even talking about using the bus to transport her choir and band to Drumheller.
With a special event liquor licence, passengers can even enjoy a few drinks while riding in the back.
“There are a few stipulations with Alberta Liquor and Gaming (Commission),” said Visscher. “You can’t drink within city limits and you can only start consuming once you leave town.”
When he and Brock bought the bus this summer, they saw it as a great way to travel with friends on ski trips and such. But it proved more popular than they had anticipated.
“As soon as your friends find out you have a bus, it’s, ‘Hey, I want to go here for my birthday,’ and ‘I’ve got a hockey team that wants to go here,’” said Visscher.
They recognized the business potential and Bash bus tours was born.
Preparations included a major overhaul, including installation of the 3.7-metre dance floor, complete with a dance pole.
“I think we had guys working on it for probably three weeks straight,” said Visscher, who’s a journeyman electrician.
He and Brock, who’s apprenticing to become an electrician, did all the wiring.
Demand for the bus has been brisk, despite the fact promotion has so far only been by word of mouth.
“We’re a little bit scared, actually,” said Visscher of their business’s potential.
Both partners have their Class 2 licences, and they recently hired a third driver.
The cost to book Bash bus tours is $800 for three hours, and $150 per hour thereafter. Capacity is 40.
Additional information can be found on the business’s website at www.bashbustours.com.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com