ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Josue Garcia of Peter Pan Bus Lines won the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association’s second annual driver safety competition Sept. 30 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
Thirteen motorcoach drivers from companies across the region competed in tests of driving skills, safety knowledge and industry expertise.
The top five finishers were:
- Josue Garcia, Peter Pan Bus Lines
- Angelo Concert, Martz Bus
- Jenny Dacierno, Hampton Jitney
- Sean Hatch, Starr Tours
- Clive Wallace, DATTCO
Garcia will represent the association and Peter Pan Bus Lines at the national driver safety competition during the 2027 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in San Antonio in January.
The top finishers received trophies and cash prizes during the association’s annual meeting and luncheon.
“The Driver Safety Competition is about much more than determining who finishes first,” said Patricia Cowley, the association’s executive director. “It gives us an opportunity to recognize the professional drivers who safely transport millions of passengers and represent our industry every day. Every driver who competed should be incredibly proud of what they accomplished.”
The other competitors were Peter Newsome of Bailey Coach; Manuel Costa of Coach USA/Suburban Transit; Crawford Lassiter of Greyhound Lines; Bryan Maxwell of Krapf Coaches; Levi Newton of Panorama Tours; James Jackson of Silver Star Transportation; Ricky Goldsmith of Stout’s Transportation; and Kendal Rohan of Trans-Bridge Lines.
Sponsors and participating motorcoach companies provided equipment, funding and other support. Volunteers and judges helped plan and set up the course, guide competitors, score performances and oversee safety.
The competition is open to drivers employed by the association’s operator members. Participants must have a valid commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement and a current medical certificate. They must also be actively employed as professional drivers and meet the association’s safety standards.
Drivers must have at least two years of driving experience without a preventable accident and no license suspensions or out-of-service violations during the previous 24 months.
The Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association represents motorcoach operators and industry partners throughout the Northeast, providing advocacy, education, professional development, networking and safety programs.
