HASTINGS, Minn. — Pat Regan, longtime leader and owner of Minnesota Coaches, has been inducted into the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of leadership, commitment to student safety and service to the transportation industry.
Regan received the award July 21 during NSTA’s annual meeting and convention in Denver. The Hall of Fame honor is presented to one recipient each year.
Regan’s connection to the school transportation industry stretches back to his childhood. His father, Don Regan, and uncle, Bob Regan, founded St. Paul and Suburban Bus Company in 1959, where Regan worked when he was young. Don Regan also served two years as NSTA president in the early 1970s.
Regan joined Minnesota Coaches in 1980 after graduating from college. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 1,300 employees and a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles.
“I can only consider this a team award. I’ve been blessed with wonderful business partners and, in turn, we’ve been blessed with phenomenal employees over the decades, many of whom became our heroes,” Regan said. “Our families have blessed us with love, patience and support. The loyalty of our cherished clients inspires and sustains us, and our ultimate gratitude goes to the Almighty, who calls us to this road and protects us on our way.”
Active dedication
Throughout the company’s growth, Regan remained involved in front-line operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when a shortage of school bus drivers threatened service, Regan got behind the wheel himself to help keep students moving. After a major hurricane struck Louisiana, he organized the donation of several school buses and other vehicles to help a Catholic school reopen.
Regan served on the board of the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association, where his work included efforts to improve transportation safety, efficiency and reliability, develop educational programs and strengthen the business environment for operators.
“Pat has truly demonstrated a lifetime dedication to student safety, service and leadership,” said Tom Nightingale, CEO of Minnesota Coaches. “He has always led by example, going above and beyond in terms of putting in the time and effort needed to support both students and transportation personnel. That unwavering commitment makes him uniquely deserving of this honor.”
The recognition comes as Regan begins stepping back from day-to-day leadership of the family business.
Minnesota Coaches recently adopted the name Reliant Transportation Group and named Nightingale CEO. Regan remains an owner and serves on the company’s board of directors.
The Regan family’s involvement in the transportation industry also continues into another generation. Regan’s son, Garrett Regan, is vice president of corporate development.
Founded in 1959, Minnesota Coaches and its affiliates have grown to nearly 1,500 employees operating more than 1,000 school buses and other vehicles from more than 20 locations across the Midwest. The company transports more than 40,000 motorcoach passengers and students each day.
Photos courtesy of the Reliant Transportation Group.
