Planning a group trip, whether a corporate outing, a family wedding, a pilgrimage, or a friends’ getaway, is an exciting endeavor. The cornerstone of any successful group journey is seamless and comfortable transportation. For groups of around 15-17 people, the tempo traveller 17 seater emerges as the undisputed champion of road travel—offering the perfect blend of space, comfort, and economy.
However, one of the most common questions we encounter at Tejas Travel is, “What is your per kilometre rate for a 17-seater Tempo Traveller?”
It’s a logical question, but the answer is nuanced. At Tejas Travel, we believe in transparency. While a simple per km figure can be quoted, the final cost is a tailored package designed to give you the best value, not just the lowest base rate. This article will demystify the pricing structure, explain the factors influencing the cost, and provide you with a clear framework to budget for your next adventure with us.
Why the 17-Seater Tempo Traveller is the Ideal Choice
Before diving into the numbers, let’s understand why this vehicle is so popular:
- Ample Space: With 17 comfortable, forward-facing seats, it eliminates the need for multiple vehicles.
- Comfort and Amenities: Modern Travellers come equipped with air conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, ample legroom, overhead storage, and often amenities like music systems and LCD screens.
- Maneuverability: Unlike large buses, a Tempo Traveller can navigate narrower roads and congested city streets with relative ease, making it perfect for hilly terrains and rural destinations.
- Cost-Effective: When the cost is split among all passengers, it becomes an incredibly economical mode of transport.
The Tejas Travel Pricing Model: Beyond Just Per KM
While many clients search for a per km rate, reputable travel operators like Tejas Travel typically use a **“per day, per km” hybrid model or a **“package-based” model. This is because several fixed and variable costs are involved in providing you with a safe and reliable service.
A standalone per km rate (e.g., ₹XX per km) often does not include critical elements like the driver’s allowance, tolls, and taxes. Here’s how we structure our pricing for complete clarity:
1. The Base Kilometer Package:
Most of our bookings for a 17-seater Tempo Traveller start with a standard package. This usually includes:
- Vehicle rental for 12 hours/250 kilometres. This is a common industry benchmark. You pay a fixed charge that covers the vehicle, driver, and basic insurance for this duration and distance.
- Example: The package price might be ₹X,XXX for 12 hours and 250 km.
2. The Excess Kilometer Charge:
This is the true “per km rate” that comes into play after you exceed the initial 250 km limit.
- For a standard 17-seater AC Tempo Traveller, the excess kilometre charge typically ranges between ₹25 to ₹35 per km.
- Why the range? This cost can vary based on the model of the vehicle (newer, more luxurious models may be at the higher end), the season (peak season may command a premium), and the specific route (difficult terrains can have a slightly higher rate).
3. The Driver Allowance (DA):
This is a crucial and often overlooked cost. The driver is with you for the entire journey, often spanning multiple days. The Driver Allowance covers their food and accommodation expenses.
- This is a fixed charge per night (usually between ₹500 – ₹800) and is separate from the kilometre-based charges.
- This ensures our drivers are well-rested and taken care of, which is directly linked to your safety on the road.
4. Additional Cost Factors:
- Tolls and Parking: All toll taxes and parking fees incurred during the trip are paid by the client. These are charged on an actual basis.
- State Taxes: If your travel itinerary crosses state borders, inter-state taxes may apply.
- AC Charges: While standard in most vehicles, confirm that air conditioning is included in your quoted package.
- Itinerary: A point-to-point trip (e.g., Delhi to Shimla return) is easier to price than a multi-destination tour with multiple stops and waiting periods.
Sample Cost Calculation for Tejas Travel
Let’s create a realistic scenario to understand the total cost:
Trip: Delhi to Agra (2-Day Trip)
Approximate Distance: 500 km (round trip)
Vehicle: 17-Seater AC Tempo Traveller
- Step 1: Base Package Charge: Assume the 12-hour/250 km package is ₹9,000.
- Step 2: Excess KM Charge: You have driven 500 km. Excess = 500 – 250 = 250 km. At ₹30/km, the charge is 250 * 30 = ₹7,500.
- Step 3: Driver Allowance: This is a 2-day, 1-night trip. DA = ₹600 * 1 night = ₹600.
- Step 4: Additional Costs: Tolls and parking (estimated) = ₹1,000.
Total Estimated Cost: ₹9,000 + ₹7,500 + ₹600 + ₹1,000 = ₹18,100.
When divided by 15 passengers, the cost per person comes to approximately ₹1,207 for a comfortable, private, and safe 2-day trip—exceptional value.
How to Get the Most Accurate Quote from Tejas Travel
To ensure you receive a precise and competitive quotation, please have the following details ready when you contact us:
- Pick-up & Drop Location: Exact city and location.
- Travel Dates: Specific dates of travel.
- Detailed Itinerary: A rough plan of your journey, including all destinations and expected waiting periods.
- Number of Passengers: Confirm the group size.
- Any Specific Requirements: Do you need a specific model? Is a child seat required?
Why Choose Tejas Travel?
Beyond competitive and transparent pricing, Tejas Travel offers peace of mind:
- Well-Maintained Fleet: Our 17-seater Tempo Travellers are modern, regularly serviced, and impeccably clean.
- Experienced Drivers: Our professional, courteous, and licensed drivers know the routes well, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
- 24/7 Customer Support: We are available round the clock to address any queries or emergencies during your trip.
- Transparent Billing: No hidden charges. We provide a detailed breakdown of all costs upfront.
In conclusion, while the per km rate for a Tejas Travel 17-seater Tempo Traveller typically falls in the ₹25-35/km range for excess distance, the total cost is a sum of its parts—a base package, driver allowance, and actual tolls. This model allows us to provide you with a comprehensive service where your safety and comfort are the primary metrics, not just the kilometres on the odometer.
Ready to plan your journey? Contact Tejas Travel today for a personalized, all-inclusive quote. Let us handle the road so you can focus on making memories.