Party bus business ready to cruise

A spur-of-the-moment idea led to the creation of a new Clearwater business.

Rolling' Transportation, LLC, co-owner Hailey Schlecht said the original plans were to purchase a trolley, but she and husband, Adam, decided it would only offer seasonal use.

On the other hand, a bus would provide party services year round.

"We started talking about it on a Monday, we found a bus by Tuesday and we picked it up by Friday," Schlecht said.

When the Schlechts retrieved the bus from its former owners in Texas, the music system had been removed and the rope lighting was so old "it fell apart, disintegrated."

"It's mechanically sound and made the 10-hour drive to Nebraska," Schlecht said.Perimeter seating for between 20 and 23 individuals had been installed. The Schlechts utilized a Norfolk-based business to install a new sound system and upgrade lights.

"We put the best of the best in," Schlecht said.

Individuals may connect to the stereo via bluetooth or auxiliary cord.

While Adam possesses a commercial driver's license, he needed to add a passenger's endorsement. Hailey enlisted the help of a friend, who will also split drive time. Together, they recorded 16 hours of drive time and took an online theory class, to receive a Class C CDL with a passenger endorsement.

According to Hailey, Rollin' Transportation hired an individual to supervise the driving portion.

"Then we could go to the DMV to get our CDLs. It was a challenge," she said.

Next, the business had to apply for a license through the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

"We've been after our license from the PSC since June. As of Nov. 7, we are officially licensed," Schlecht said.

The process included submission of an application, background checks and formation of an LLC. Public comment could be heard on the application.

Once that portion of the process was complete, a rate sheet needed to be submitted to the PSC and, again, public comment could be heard.

That process took from June until November.

Schlecht said a rate schedule was derived after talking with other party bus owners. If adjustments are made to the schedule, those rates must be presented to the PSC for approval.

"There was a lot to learn with this process. Jumping in feet first, we kind of drowned at first," Schlecht said.

Since then, it's been smoothing sailing.

Rollin' Transportation has been booked for birthday parties and weddings. A contract is required for each trip, with payment due 30 days prior to the booking date.

"A week before, we reach out to you and get where you want to go, so we have a rough idea of what you want to do," Schlecht said.

A minimum booking rate is for up to five hours. After that, a per-hour rate is charged. The first 50 miles are included. For longer trips, a mileage charge will be added.

Schlecht said in addition to birthday and wedding bookings, they eventually would like to offer destination day trips.

The possibilities are endless.

Since opening, the party bus has been rollin' down the highways and byways of northeast Nebraska.

There's talk of adding a larger bus to the fleet in the future.

"We only have one weekend available in December," she said. "It's filling up fast."