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Operator News
- Hotard Coaches returns to Baton Rouge, expanding operations and community partnerships
  
  March 5, 2026 |
  
  Family-run transportation company Hotard Coaches reestablishes Baton Rouge operations, bringing jobs, community outreach and regional transportation investment back to the…
- Master’s Transportation honored for Kansas City headquarters investment and job creation
  
  January 27, 2026 |
  
  Master’s Transportation earns economic development award for $72 million headquarters project, consolidating operations, creating hundreds of jobs and boosting South…
- Chicago operator invests in Marcopolo fleet as market trends shift
  
  January 7, 2026 |
  
  Infinity Transportation’s purchase of Marcopolo shuttles marks growing demand among U.S. operators for smaller, flexible, and more efficient vehicles.
- How fourth-generation Arrow Stage Lines uses tech to modernize operations
  
  January 6, 2026 |
  
  Omaha-based motorcoach company adopts cloud infrastructure to improve connectivity, security, and scalability while preserving a family legacy spanning generations.
- Trans-Bridge Lines offers limited-time reduced fares on select PA–NY routes
  
  December 19, 2025 |
  
  Trans-Bridge Lines announces $39.95 one-way adult fares on select Pennsylvania–New York routes through Jan. 4.
- Peoria Charter files for bankruptcy to restructure pandemic-era loan
  
  December 17, 2025 |
  
  Peoria Charter filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure a COVID-19 loan while continuing service and avoiding layoffs or trip…
- Royal Star Hawaii fuels growth with $4 million fleet expansion
  
  December 16, 2025 |
  
  Oahu transportation leader adds 10 new vehicles, strengthening safety, capacity, and premium service ahead of its 30th anniversary in 2026.
- Overland Charters buys former Village Travel site to expand operations
  
  December 12, 2025 |
  
  Overland Charters acquires former Village Travel facility in Oklahoma City, adding maintenance capacity, enhancing visibility along I-35, and centralizing operations…
- GTL Transportation expands fleet with 10th MCI J4500 luxury coach
  
  November 4, 2025 |
  
  GTL Transportation enhances its executive travel services by adding its 10th MCI J4500 motorcoach and opening a new Fort Worth…
- DATTCO expands into Central Massachusetts with new Millbury facility
  
  November 2, 2025 |
  
  Family-owned DATTCO Inc. opens a 48-acre Millbury site to grow its fleet, create jobs, and enhance regional transportation services.
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Opinion
- 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.
- Bus industry: Tame variable costs before they tame you
  
  January 31, 2026 |
  
  Brian Dickson explains practical steps to control payroll, maintenance, and fuel before they control operators in the bus and motorcoach…
Industry News
- MCI J4500 remains North America’s top-selling motorcoach for decades
  
  March 18, 2026 |
  
  Motor Coach Industries says its J4500 model has led U.S. and Canadian motorcoach sales since 2004, according to industry data.
- Busbud Travelers awards honor Peter Pan, Amtrak, Red Coach
  
  March 17, 2026 |
  
  Busbud names top U.S. operators, honoring Peter Pan, Amtrak, and RedCoach for reliability, comfort, and customer service excellence nationwide.
- Prevost expands Goodlettsville service center to boost motorcoach maintenance capacity
  
  March 12, 2026 |
  
  Prevost expands its Goodlettsville, Tennessee, service center, adding bays and parking as part of a broader North American strategy to…
- Portable welding training helps bus manufacturer build skilled workforce locally
  
  March 11, 2026 |
  
  Finger Lakes Community College brings portable welding simulator training directly to the bus plant, helping employees gain skills and manufacturers…
- Adventure Tours acquires Sterling Worldwide Limo Brand, expands Charlotte transportation presence
  
  March 9, 2026 |
  
  Adventure Tours acquires Sterling Worldwide Limo’s brand and client assets, expanding services and strengthening its luxury transportation presence in the…
- Prevost claims top North American coach market share with H3-45
  
  March 9, 2026 |
  
  Citing industry sales data, Prevost says it leads the North American motorcoach market as its H3-45 becomes the continent’s best-selling…
- First-time competitor John Matthews wins 2026 UMA International Driver Competition
  
  March 4, 2026 |
  
  In his hometown, John Matthews wins the UMA driver title; Previous champion Wren Nance takes second, and Dirk Armstrong is…
- First-time competitor Lance Salik is 2026 UMA Maintenance Competition Grand Champion
  
  March 2, 2026 |
  
  Lance Salik won the Grand Champion title, Juan Velasquez earned first runner-up, Sean Piersall placed second runner-up, and Kurt Johnson…
- Canada’s top bus operators honored with 2026 Traveller’s Best Awards
  
  March 2, 2026 |
  
  The 2026 Traveller’s Best Awards recognize Canadian bus operators and frontline staff for outstanding service, based on verified traveler reviews.
- UMA EXPO Legislative update highlights industry policy challenges ahead
  
  February 26, 2026 |
  
  Industry leaders discuss transportation laws, tariffs, insurance concerns, and advocacy priorities shaping the motorcoach industry’s future during UMA Motorcoach EXPO.
- FMCSA Administrator Barrs highlights frontline workers during UMA EXPO visit
  
  February 25, 2026 |
  
  Barrs’ UMA EXPO visit emphasized partnership, safety leadership and recognition of the drivers and technicians who transport passengers nationwide each…
- Everyday sustainability drives Panorama Tours’ Environmental Leadership Award win
  
  February 25, 2026 |
  
  Michelle Petelicki accepts 2026 Environmental Leadership Award, highlighting Panorama Tours’ sustainability practices, operational efficiency, and advocacy for environmentally responsible motorcoach…
- Huskey Trailways earns UMA Vision Award after adversity, leadership transition
  
  February 24, 2026 |
  
  Missouri motorcoach company is honored at UMA Motorcoach EXPO after pandemic recovery and second-generation leadership expansion under Julie Huskey and…
- John Hall’s Alaska earns UMA Vision Award at EXPO
  
  February 23, 2026 |
  
  Family-run Minnesota tour company is recognized at the 2026 UMA Motorcoach EXPO for innovation, hospitality and four decades of expanding…
- National Bus Sales highlights fleet strategy, service at UMA EXPO
  
  February 19, 2026 |
  
  National Bus Sales discussed fleet planning, financing, and customer experience initiatives during the 2026 UMA EXPO held Feb. 11–14.
- Visionary John Hall Sr. dies days after celebrating 82nd birthday, company’s industry honor
  
  February 18, 2026 |
  
  John Hall Sr., the founder and guiding vision behind John Hall’s Alaska, died peacefully in his sleep Monday after a…
- American Safety acquires Dixieland Tours, expanding regional fleet
  
  February 12, 2026 |
  
  Acquisition adds 21 buses, growing American Safety’s fleet beyond 400 vehicles and strengthening its presence in Gulf Coast hospitality transportation.
- Daimler Coaches opens Florida HQ, expands U.S. operations
  
  February 11, 2026 |
  
  New 43,000-square-foot facility boosts service capacity, parts distribution, and workforce growth while strengthening Mercedes-Benz Tourrider presence in America.
- ABC Companies showcases 2026 Van Hool CX45, design lab at UMA
  
  February 10, 2026 |
  
  ABC Companies highlights the 2026 Van Hool CX45 and debuts an interactive design lab experience at UMA EXPO 2026.
- UMA to officially announce Legislative Fly-In dates at EXPO
  
  February 6, 2026 |
  
  UMA will officially announce dates for its annual legislative fly-in, inviting industry leaders to advocate directly with lawmakers.
- Fresh faces, familiar leaders named to TMCA 2026 board
  
  February 4, 2026 |
  
  The Tennessee Motorcoach Association names its 2026 board, highlighting leaders committed to advancing safety, advocacy, education, and member services.
- Smith System launches Trainer Center to modernize fleet driver safety programs
  
  February 4, 2026 |
  
  New digital platform helps fleets manage trainer-led safety programs, digitize assessments, generate driver scorecards, and improve risk management outcomes.
- Meet the influencers and journalists covering the 2026 UMA EXPO
  
  February 4, 2026 |
  
  A global team of journalists, creators and bus driver/influencers will deliver real-time coverage and behind-the-scenes stories from the 2026 UMA…
- Busie, TDS launch nationwide direct charter booking platform on Bustickets.com
  
  January 31, 2026 |
  
  New partnership connects charter operators directly with travelers, eliminating brokers while streamlining booking, dispatch, payments and revenue growth.
- Suzanne Thornburg elected chair of Trailways board
  
  January 26, 2026 |
  
  Suzanne Thornburg, president and CEO of Capital and Colonial Trailways, was elected chair of Trailways, succeeding Robert Brisman of West…
Opinion
- 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.
- Bus industry: Tame variable costs before they tame you
  
  January 31, 2026 |
  
  Brian Dickson explains practical steps to control payroll, maintenance, and fuel before they control operators in the bus and motorcoach…
- Why fleets are embracing natural gas, electric vehicles for energy independence
  
  December 29, 2025 |
  
  Amid volatile fuel markets, fleet operators gain stability through CNG and EV solutions, driving smarter, sustainable transportation operations for the…
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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