BusRates.com, a categorized online directory of more than 4,300 charter bus companies in the U.S. and Canada, has officially begun operation. During its two-month pilot phase, which began in November, the site received more than 17,000 inquiries and transactions. The Website lists buses in nine categories including, minibuses, school buses, entertainer coaches, executive coaches and limousine buses. Traffic to the site is driven through strategic search engine optimization and advertising. The directory serves as a guide to consumers on all aspects of bus renting, allowing for searches by bus type, local rates, specifications and amenities. Other search aspects include, current tours and events in cities across the U.S. and worldwide.