Having the Super Bowl in Los Angeles this year couldn’t have come at a better time for the California bus and motorcoach industry.
Whether they were official Game Day transportation or ferrying fans to SoFi Stadium, California motorcoach companies scored big with this year’s Super Bowl.
“It was a godsend. We really needed the work,” said Robert Saucedo, President of Carreras Tours in Ontario, which sent its entire fleet of 14 vehicles to Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI.
Other companies celebrating their role in providing coverage to the big game included TCS (Transporation Charter Service) in Orange and H & L Charter Co. in Ontario.
“Every single bus company that had a bus got hired. It was great timing for the California industry,” Saucedo said.
Extra-long workdays are ‘nice’
While hundreds of buses were contracted for official Game Day transportation, other operators — like Pacific Coachways in Garden Grove — picked up contracts with corporations to ferry employees they sent to enjoy the Feb. 13 game and the sights of Los Angeles.
“We got more work by doing that,” said Tom Giddens, owner of Pacific Coachways and a newly elected United Motorcoach Association board member. “It’s very nice having the extra-long days of work.”
Since California has had the strictest pandemic restrictions in the country, the Super Bowl work has been greatly appreciated.
“A couple of weeks ago, when they talked about moving it to Texas because of the restrictions, I was like, ‘No,’” said Giddens’ wife, Connie.
MCI offers fleet support
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) also played a role in supporting the fleets of MCI coaches at the championship game.
“MCI’s luxury #J4500 coaches were seen all over Los Angeles, CA, last week, providing #transportation for pre-game and post-game parties during the Big Game festivities. MCI expanded its #technicalsupport crew for the extended weekend to lend a helping hand to all operators in the area,” the company shared on its Facebook page.
“On game day, MCI was the only OEM with the credentials to be stationed inside the bus lot at The Forum, located directly across from SoFi stadium. Assisting with battery jump starts, Cummins ECM programming and AC service for all vehicles, the MCI team stayed until every last #coach left the lot.”
Transporting NFL players, families
Motorcoaches and buses played a key role in transporting NFL players and fans to the stadium in a city known for its traffic congestion.
TCS posted group photos on its Facebook page of dozens of drivers: “The TCS Team and extended Motorcoach family has done us proud! Thank you to everyone who played a part and to the entire TCS family that worked hard to make this weekend a success!”
It was especially exciting for drivers who were chosen to provide support for the home team, the Los Angeles Rams, now Super Bowl champions.
“One of the best events I have ever been involved with,” wrote TCS driver Jonathan Edward Flores, alongside a selfie in front of his bus with placards indicating it was the ride for Los Angeles Rams families. “Our drivers were outstanding and so professional at all levels.”
Kevin Creighton contributed to this report.
