APPLE VALLEY, Calif. — Ebmeyer Charter and Tour celebrated a memorable week at the California Bus Association’s Annual Convention and Tradeshow, receiving the 2025 Operator of the Year award and expanding its fleet with a new 2026 MCI J4500 motorcoach from Motor Coach Industries (MCI).
The CBA Board of Directors presented the award during the convention, held Oct. 26–28 in Visalia, Calif., honoring the Apple Valley-based company for its commitment to safety, service, and professionalism in charter and tour operations across the western United States.
“Being recognized as CBA’s Operator of the Year made the moment even more meaningful,” said Bruce Ebmeyer, president of Ebmeyer Charter and Tour. “Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to earn a reputation as an outstanding player in the motorcoach industry, and we feel blessed to be where we are today.”
The event also marked the debut of Ebmeyer Charter’s newest coach, showcased by MCI on the tradeshow floor. The J4500 is built for long-distance comfort and reliability, featuring clean-diesel power optimized for fuel efficiency, a spacious interior with luxury seating and LED lighting, and a structure compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 227 for enhanced occupant protection. The vehicle also includes the Bendix Wingman advanced driver assistance system.
“We had a wonderful time at the CBA gathering,” Ebmeyer said. “It was a real treat to walk into the exhibit hall and see our newest MCI purchase on display. MCI truly offers a world-class product — and it shows.”
Longtime partnership
The occasion carried special significance for the family-owned business.
“Ebmeyer Charter has been an MCI partner since our founding in 1979,” he said. “Adding a touch of nostalgia to the event was seeing my dad’s first bus — a 1964 MC5 — displayed right alongside our newest coach, the 2026 MCI J4500. Seeing both together was a trip down memory lane and a perfect reflection of how far we’ve come.”
Tom Wagner, MCI vice president of private sector sales and service, said the delivery continues “a strong relationship with Ebmeyer Charter, who shares our commitment to vehicle safety, passenger comfort, and operational excellence.”
“We’re proud to refresh their fleet with the latest J4500 model, backed by MCI’s industry-leading service and parts support through Team MCI.”
Since 2022, Ebmeyer Charter has expanded its fleet with five new MCI J4500 coaches.
“For 45 years, MCI has been a reliable partner, consistently delivering coaches that meet the high standards we set for our passengers and our operations,” said Ebmeyer. “This latest addition allows us to continue providing the exceptional service our customers expect and deserve.”
Ebmeyer said the recognition represents more than an achievement. It celebrates a lasting family tradition.
“This industry has been a joy to be part of,” he said, “and I’m especially grateful that my sons share the same burning desire to carry our family legacy forward.”
