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Is the FTA Charter Rule still protecting private operators?
Premier Transportation celebrates new Tri-Cities facility, expanding Northeast Tennessee motorcoach operations
Rustad Tours grows fleet as MCI partnership reaches four decades
NiteTrain restores original brand, welcomes experienced leadership team after ownership transition

Operator News
- Premier Transportation celebrates new Tri-Cities facility, expanding Northeast Tennessee motorcoach operations
  
  July 9, 2026 |
  
  Premier Transportation opened its Kingsport Tri-Cities facility, adding capacity to support charter service, maintenance and regional business growth.
- Jefferson Lines expands Midwest bus service with new Iowa, Chicago connections
  
  June 30, 2026 |
  
  Jefferson Lines launches expanded routes linking Minneapolis, Des Moines and Chicago, improving Midwest travel and connections to eastern destinations.
- Campbell Bus Lines celebrates delivery of milestone 100th Prevost coach
  
  June 29, 2026 |
  
  Family-owned Pennsylvania operator receives its 100th Prevost motorcoach, highlighting decades of growth, customer loyalty and partnership.
- Little Rock Coaches named Arkansas VFW Employer of the Year
  
  June 11, 2026 |
  
  The motorcoach company was named the Arkansas VFW Employer of the Year for veteran hiring and military support.
- NorthEast Charter adds industry veterans to expand training, charter sales operations
  
  May 31, 2026 |
  
  NorthEast Charter hires transportation veteran Bob Patnaude and sales professional Jim Mercier to strengthen driver training and customer support services.
- Maine Tourism launches mobile campaign through regional motorcoach partnership initiative
  
  May 14, 2026 |
  
  Wrapped motorcoach will promote Maine tourism across Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Canada through festivals, highways and community events.
- Premier Transportation opens northeast Tennessee facility, expanding regional service
  
  May 10, 2026 |
  
  New Tri-Cities facility improves efficiency, creates local jobs, and strengthens transportation services across northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia regions.
- Peoria bus trading cards turn rides into collectible marketing tool
  
  May 5, 2026 |
  
  Peoria Charter’s bus trading cards boost engagement, inspire collectors, and follow airline trends while creating memorable experiences and new marketing…
- DATTCO unveils Freedom 250th Coach celebrating America’s anniversary
  
  May 4, 2026 |
  
  DATTCO launches a patriotic-styled motorcoach to mark America’s 250th anniversary, offering tours and charters nationwide that celebrate history, community connections,…
- New president appointed to lead ECHO AFC Texas operations
  
  April 22, 2026 |
  
  Transportation veteran Tommy Balensiefen takes leadership role, bringing experience, operational focus, and commitment to safety and service across Texas operations.
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Opinion
- Is the FTA Charter Rule still protecting private operators?
  
  July 9, 2026 |
  
  Pronto Corp. President and CEO Kumar Shah argues the Oregon Country Fair dispute raises Charter Rule questions.
- Disciplined, consistent decision-making is key to profitability
  
  April 30, 2026 |
  
  Most operators rarely lose money suddenly; losses build through small decisions over time. In his latest column, Brian Dickson says…
Industry News
- Rustad Tours grows fleet as MCI partnership reaches four decades
  
  July 8, 2026 |
  
  Minnesota operator Rustad Tours expands its fleet with a new MCI motorcoach, reinforcing a 40-year partnership.
- NiteTrain restores original brand, welcomes experienced leadership team after ownership transition
  
  July 7, 2026 |
  
  NiteTrain Coach revives its original brand, appoints former executives and renews focus on luxury entertainer transportation.
- Prevost launches first photo contest celebrating owners’ travels and memorable adventures
  
  July 6, 2026 |
  
  Prevost invites customers to submit travel photos through Aug. 14 possible inclusion in the company's 2027 calendar.
- NAMO selects Florence, Kentucky, for 2027 Annual Convention and Marketplace event
  
  June 30, 2026 |
  
  NAMO will host its 2027 convention in Florence, Kentucky, featuring education, networking, exhibitors, and industry updates for motorcoach professionals.
- NCMA, VMA announce 2027 regional meeting in Durham, North Carolina
  
  June 23, 2026 |
  
  Motorcoach industry leaders, operators and suppliers will gather in Durham for education, networking and discussions on transportation's future.
- Flix reports strong growth in regional summer bus travel
  
  June 22, 2026 |
  
  Rising travel costs are driving passengers toward affordable regional bus routes, with Northeast and leisure destinations posting growth.
- New UMA Member spotlight: Meet the founder of BookIT Rides
  
  June 22, 2026 |
  
  Transportation veteran Moses Koktsidis created BookIT Rides to help operators modernize reservations, communications and customer experiences, using a platform that…
- UMA Board creates task force to address rising insurance costs
  
  June 19, 2026 |
  
  UMA's board approved a special task force to pursue tort reform and address escalating insurance costs affecting operators.
- Senate Committee moves to expand National Park fees for foreign visitors
  
  June 18, 2026 |
  
  A Senate committee approved legislation providing $9.5 billion for national park repairs, funded partly through expanded visitor surcharges.
- NEBA honors McCaughey, Wilcox with Hall of Fame induction
  
  June 17, 2026 |
  
  The New England Bus Association inducted Tom McCaughey and Randy Wilcox into its Hall of Fame at its annual meeting.
- NEBA members gather in Newport for annual industry conference
  
  June 16, 2026 |
  
  New England Bus Association members gathered in Newport for networking, education, tours, awards and discussions on industry trends.
- NYCFC, FlixBus partner to connect soccer fans across region
  
  June 16, 2026 |
  
  New partnership links New York City FC supporters with FlixBus transportation network during a summer of major soccer events.
- NAMO appoints Josephine Arrington as OEM representative to board
  
  June 13, 2026 |
  
  MCI service center manager Josephine Arrington joins NAMO's board, bringing manufacturer and service expertise to support operators nationwide.
- MCI technical manager earns Master Technician certification
  
  June 9, 2026 |
  
  Joel Aguirre completed MCI's Master Technician program, strengthening his technical expertise and support capabilities.
- PBA members meet lawmakers during annual Capitol Lobby Day
  
  June 9, 2026 |
  
  Pennsylvania Bus Association members held 20 legislative meetings on June 3, advocating for workforce development, safety standards, and industry policies.
- Jordan Pearson scholarship honors rising motorcoach leader’s community impact
  
  June 9, 2026 |
  
  Family, friends and UMA colleagues remember Jordan Pearson’s leadership, community service and scholarship by supporting future young industry leaders.
- Industry veterans launch TCM Coach Parts to target aftermarket repair savings
  
  June 3, 2026 |
  
  Tim Ott has returned to the bus and motorcoach industry with TCM to deliver affordable aftermarket coach and transit replacement…
- UMA files complaint accusing transit agency of charter violations
  
  May 27, 2026 |
  
  Two Pennsylvania charter companies allege public transit agencies improperly provided event transportation, costing private operators significant revenue and opportunities.
- Greyhound executive Matt Maglio joins GNEMA board
  
  May 27, 2026 |
  
  Transportation leader Matt Maglio brings operational safety expertise and industry leadership to the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association board.
- Greyhound launches ‘America 250’ buses celebrating nationwide travel and connectivity
  
  May 23, 2026 |
  
  Greyhound debuts commemorative “America 250 Fleet” connecting major cities and rural communities during nationwide anniversary celebrations this year.
- PBA renames Marketplace event, announces Lancaster as 2027 host city
  
  May 22, 2026 |
  
  The Pennsylvania Bus Association unveiled its renamed Group Travel Marketplace and selected Lancaster County for the 2027 industry event gathering.
- Prevost president navigates industry shifts as it nears introduction of first electric bus
  
  May 18, 2026 |
  
  Francois Tremblay discusses regulation, innovation, and customer focus as Prevost prepares to launch its first electric bus amid industry change.
- Coach USA unveils Freedom Bus honoring America’s 250th anniversary celebration
  
  May 16, 2026 |
  
  Coach USA debuted its Freedom Bus in Philadelphia during America 250 festivities that featured students, dignitaries, and Transportation Secretary Sean…
- Busie launches custom booking technology for charter bus operators nationwide
  
  May 16, 2026 |
  
  New API lets charter operators build branded booking experiences while maintaining pricing control, customer ownership and operational flexibility.
- Alabama Motorcoach Association taps Mary Presley as executive director
  
  May 14, 2026 |
  
  Mary Presley will lead Alabama Motorcoach Association initiatives focused on member engagement, partnerships, advocacy and statewide industry growth.
Opinion
- Is the FTA Charter Rule still protecting private operators?
  
  July 9, 2026 |
  
  Pronto Corp. President and CEO Kumar Shah argues the Oregon Country Fair dispute raises Charter Rule questions.
- Disciplined, consistent decision-making is key to profitability
  
  April 30, 2026 |
  
  Most operators rarely lose money suddenly; losses build through small decisions over time. In his latest column, Brian Dickson says…
- Diesel is spiking again: A reminder for motorcoach operators
  
  March 12, 2026 |
  
  Peter Shelbo of BUSBooks shares an operator’s perspective on fluctuating diesel prices, taking a long-term view.
NewsFlash
- FMCSA registration center assists carriers with Motus, licensing and safety questions
  
  June 25, 2026 |
  
  FMCSA reminds motor carriers to use its registration contact center for Motus support, licensing assistance, medical programs and registration questions.
- North Carolina bans third-party litigation funding in first-of-its-kind state law
  
  June 25, 2026 |
  
  North Carolina becomes first state to ban third-party litigation funding, a reform supporters say could help reduce claims costs and…
- PBA annual conference brings industry leaders together in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains
  
  June 24, 2026 |
  
  More than 200 operators, vendors and tourism partners gathered for education, networking, familiarization tours and leadership transitions at PBA's annual…
Feature
- From under the Bus: Meet Nathan Mills with Premier Transportation
  
  March 10, 2026 |
  
  For Nathan Mills, a career in motorcoach maintenance started with a recommendation from a friend — and quickly became a…
- From under the Bus: Meet Aaron Moss with Thrasher Trailways
  
  March 4, 2026 |
  
  Thrasher Trailways technician Aaron Moss shares his journey into motorcoach maintenance, highlighting teamwork, preventative maintenance, and pride in safely operating…
- From under the bus: Meet Lorenz Bus Service’s Kurt Johnson, winner of the UMA Rising Star Award
  
  March 1, 2026 |
  
  Lorenz Bus Service technician Kurt Johnson discusses career beginnings, shop challenges, and industry recognition after receiving the UMA Rising Star…
- From under the bus: Meet mechanic Dave Meyerhofer
  
  October 18, 2024 |
  
  Dave Meyerhofer, a seasoned bus maintenance expert, shares insights on his 34-year career, passion for repairs, and leadership.
- From under the bus: Meet mechanic Jon Thomas
  
  September 21, 2024 |
  
  Jon Thomas began his career 16 years ago repairing buses while in high school. He’s now Maintenance Director for All…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Anthony Bowman
  
  September 3, 2024 |
  
  Anthony Bowman has been driving commercial vehicles since he turned 21 in 2006, with jobs that have ranged from ice…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Ethan Fitzgerald
  
  August 22, 2024 |
  
  Ethan Fitzgerald’s love for travel has taken him from guiding students on cross-country trips to navigating the streets of New…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Johanna Hamilton
  
  August 16, 2024 |
  
  Johanna Hamilton recently surprised herself by placing third in the annual motorcoach driver competition hosted by the Midwest Bus and…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Bill Mong
  
  August 15, 2024 |
  
  Veteran driver Bill Mong has been with Compass Coach in Cedar Springs, Michigan, for a decade, the last two years…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Martin Martinez Jr.
  
  April 4, 2022 |
  
  Martin Martinez Jr. is marking his 18th year with Pacific Coachways in Garden Grove, California. He was motivated to apply…
- From under the bus: Meet mechanic Doug Thomas
  
  March 21, 2022 |
  
  Doug Thomas began at Amador Stage Lines in 1991 washing buses. Three decades later, he’s running the company’s shop in…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Vicki Hughes
  
  February 21, 2022 |
  
  After a series of jobs ranging from professional softball player to plumber, Vicki Hughes says she couldn’t be happier driving…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Darren Reever
  
  January 9, 2022 |
  
  After being furloughed for much of the pandemic, driver Darren Reever has been back on the road since fall 2021,…
- From the driver’s seat: Meet Lynette Bittner
  
  December 16, 2021 |
  
  Lynette Bittner has been in the driver’s seat for eight years. Bus & Motorcoach News caught up with Bittner over…
- From under the bus: Meet the Alaska Posse
  
  October 1, 2021 |
  
  You might have spotted the Alaska Posse at a United Motorcoach Association EXPO, where they trek in to take part…
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