NEW ORLEANS - No one in the motorcoach industry suffered more from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina than the coach operators who are based in and around New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast east of the city.

Virtually every coach operator in the region has been knocked for a loop.

With phone and Internet service spotty, it has been difficult to get a fix on many of the operators who were in the path of the hurricane. However, some companies have gotten word out that they survived and are attempting to pick up the pieces.

Louisiana Coaches Trailways of Marrero, La., has opened a temporary office at its parking facility in Lafayette, La., reports company director of operators Louis Sanders.

"Louisiana Coaches Trailways is fully operational, including maintenance,"
said Sanders. "Our service department and staff are available, including road service.

"We are facing many challenges . . . but with the support of our families, friends and clients, we will persevere. We do have some drivers who are not with us currently due to the devastation of their homes in New Orleans. All we can do is hope and pray for their healing and recovery from this terrible event. It will truly change us all.

"We are . . . letting all our clients and friends know that the "Spirit of Louisiana" will survive. It will not only survive, but it will flourish."

In an interview via his cell phone, Sanders said his company is finding work, thanks to the Bus Bank and fellow Trailways members, including Salter Trailways of Jonesboro, La. "Our Trailways affiliation is really coming through for us," he said.

New Orleans two largest operators, New Orleans Tours and Hotard Coaches, were both shut down by the storm and, according to flood maps of New Orleans, Hotard may have had five feet of flood water in its yard. New Orleans Tour appears to have escaped flood damage.

New Orleans Tours has a message board attached to its Web site (www.bigeasy.com), and in the days following the storm the company was operating out of a Hampton Inn in Baton Rouge, La.

According to its Web site, Hotard also moved to Baton Rouge.
Le'Ob's Tours of New Orleans indicated on its Web site it was safe in Houston, but eager to return to New Orleans.

And the Schulers, owners of Carey New Orleans, sent word they were safe in Woodville, Texas. "All OK. Office, home, vehicles and chauffers," reported Jean Schuler.