Premiere Transportation, one of largest transportation providers in the Capital Region of New York, has acquired Northeast Shuttle of Troy in a move that expands its presence and enhances its capacity to serve educational institutions, corporations, and group travelers across Upstate New York.
The acquisition, finalized earlier this spring, adds several shuttle vehicles and longstanding client relationships to Premiere’s operations. Northeast Shuttle will continue to operate under its existing brand, but with all day-to-day operations now managed from Premiere’s Albany facilities. Customers are promised a seamless transition under the new ownership.
“When John Ryan, from Northeast Shuttle, approached us with this opportunity, we were thrilled,” said David J. Brown, president of Premiere Transportation. “This acquisition allows us to further strengthen our brand awareness by integrating with a company that has built a strong reputation in the region. The synergies between Premiere and Northeast Shuttle made this a natural fit, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our customers.”
According to Brown, the two companies already shared many of the same clients, including several universities and private schools. That overlap made the acquisition a smooth fit with immediate benefits.
“He told me, ‘You do this university, I do this university. We both run similar shuttle programs. You’d be the best person to take it forward,’” Brown recalled. “When I looked at the reservation logs and met with his clients, it all made sense.”
35 years of growth
While financial details of the deal remain confidential, the acquisition is Premiere’s ninth purchase since its founding in 1990. From modest beginnings with just a handful of used limousines, Brown has built the company into one of the region’s largest full-service transportation providers.
Today, Premiere’s fleet includes eight 40-passenger buses, six 56-passenger coaches, seven or eight minibuses, 23 sedans, eight SUVs, and several specialty vehicles such as limo vans and buses. The fleet’s primary coach manufacturer is Van Hool, supported by models from Temsa and Grech, with engines powered by Cummins and Detroit Diesel, paired with Allison transmissions.
“We’ve evolved from a limousine company to a comprehensive transportation business,” Brown said. “We still offer high-end transportation for weddings and special occasions, but that’s a small part of what we do. Our focus is really on corporate clients, universities, schools—customers who need consistent, professional service every day of the week.”
That shift away from weekend social events was intentional. Brown said that corporate and institutional clients provide not only steady revenue but also greater reliability and professionalism.
“Corporate work is cleaner work,” he said. “With limos, we were dealing with bachelor parties and wedding groups tearing up the vehicles. Now, our days are spent working with industry-leading pharmaceutical and tech companies as well as leading universities. These are stable, long-term partners.”
Started by washing cars
Brown’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1987 when, as a college student at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he took a summer job washing cars at a limousine company. Although he initially wanted to become a driver, he was turned away for being too young. However, after turning 21, he was allowed behind the wheel, then quickly worked his way up to manager.
He credits much of his drive to his military background. Brown trained with the Army’s 82nd Airborne and 10th Mountain Division, completing nine years of service across active duty, reserves, and the National Guard.
“The discipline and leadership I gained in the military gave me the foundation to run a business,” he said. “When I had the chance to buy the company I worked for, I was ready.”
The original company, Carey of Albany, had just a few vehicles when Brown bought it. Through a combination of acquisitions and steady organic growth, Premiere expanded into new service areas and markets over the years.
“We’ve grown carefully, always focused on where we can deliver value,” Brown said. “That’s why we’ve turned to acquisitions when it made sense—like with Northeast Shuttle, where the culture and clientele aligned with ours.”
Brown also attributes his success to staying engaged with the industry. He serves on the board of the Bus Association of New York and is a member of the American Bus Association and the National Limousine Association. These affiliations allow him to stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and opportunities for collaboration.
“Being part of these associations isn’t just about networking,” he said. “It’s about staying relevant, sharing best practices, and advocating for the industry as a whole.”
Brown said Premiere Transportation will continue to seek opportunities to improve its operations and expand its services.
“We’ve come a long way in 35 years,” he said. “But there’s still room to grow. We want to keep providing top-tier service to schools, universities, and corporate clients across the region — and we’re always looking for ways to do that better.”
