Bus & Motorcoach News

UMA’s Scott Michael writes about being among the many who attended the celebration of life yesterday for industry leader Vickie Cole. She had been the President of the California Bus Association since 2019. ow.ly/7IBa50R6tWO

Jeff Greteman, President and CEO of Windstar Lines, testified before the House Subcommittee of Highways and Transits, speaking on the importance of private bus operations in meeting the public transportation needs of rural communities. ow.ly/mj6H50R5kkf

“Anderson is excited to begin its partnership with Napaway, which will diversify our vehicle offerings with sleeper-style coaches,” said Anderson COO Evan Anderson. “The Napaway seats are designed for comfort, privacy, and luxury." ow.ly/aOaC50R0xVC

“We simply don’t understand this decision,” said Trans-Bridge Lines President Tom JeBran. “It doesn’t make sense and punishes bus operators who are part of the solution to the congestion problem.” ow.ly/cYQM50QKqrf

A celebration of life service is planned for the late CBA President Vickie Cole on April 1 in Pleasanton, California, with an RSVP date of March 24. More details in the story. ow.ly/TI2H50QIrlJ

Cline Tours is the recipient of the 2024 International Motor Coach Group Safety Award, while Anderson Coach and Travel was chosen for the IMG Spirit Award. ow.ly/jw1J50QHysf

The 2024 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in Raleigh, NC, provided the perfect place for people to reconnect. It also marked the 40th anniversary of the first EXPO. Check out our photos and videos to see what happened during these 4 busy days! ow.ly/ZEjU50QHshr

“Anything I learned that I know about this industry I learned from every one of you out here, and all your predecessors,” said Bob Crescenzo said in accepting the inaugural UMA Safety Professional Lifetime Achievement Award. ow.ly/RSCs50QH5N0

“20 years ago was the first time that I sat in your seats ... when they were presenting the Vision Awards, I turned to my dad and said, ‘Someday Panorama will be on that stage.’ We did it!," said Michelle Petelicki, President of Panorama Tours. ow.ly/6GJn50QGAEW

This year’s UMA International Driver Competition drew 18 of the top motorcoach drivers from across the country. They completed an extensive written exam, then navigated a challenging course to prove their skills. ow.ly/Gj3j50QF0x4

Juan Velasquez, of Windstar Lines was named the Grand Champion. Dave Meyerhofer, of Kobussen Buses, a three-time Grand Champion, was first runner-up, and Jon Thomas, of All Aboard America!, was second runner-up. ow.ly/bLGR50QEpi3

“We are honored to have been chosen by SFMTA to perform this major overhaul project,” said Brad Carson, CCW’s Chief Operating Officer. “CCW has a long history of performing similar scopes of work for other transit agencies.” ow.ly/tC7r50Qv5Y4

“Brenda brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a strong combination of leadership, product development and incomparable industry and customer-specific insight to the new role,” ABC Companies CEO Roman Cornell said. ow.ly/BK9A50QuCLQ

Robin Hutcheson is leaving after 16 months on the job. She was confirmed as FMCSA administrator in October 2022. Her departure comes in the same month that Earl Adams Jr., FMCSA deputy administrator, resigned less than a year after he was sworn in. ow.ly/EX5Y50QtVLs

“It’s a great loss,” said Charles Williams, her business partner. “Vickie’s contributions established AST as the tour and charter company to turn to for charters, senior trips, and travel throughout the Western U.S. and Canada." ow.ly/Mhfi50QtF95

“We will move with the times and do our part to help find solutions, like we always have,” said Donald Storer, President and CEO of Storer. “It’s an honor to have Storer’s history of innovation and service recognized by the state.” ow.ly/TrJE50Qsw5x

“She was very instrumental in the company early on when my dad was trying to grow the business and all of us family worked in it,” Dennis Streif said of his mother, Judy. “She’d put in long hours and take on any challenge." ow.ly/BjB450Qqk4Z

Pamela Martinez, of DATTCO Inc., and Dennis King, owner of King Gray Coach Lines, have been elected to the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA) Board of Directors. ow.ly/gO8z50Qk6cV

“We have become aware of an incident that took place on Nov. 14, wherein charter customers from another bus company were left stranded on their way to a rally in D.C. Coach USA was not in any way involved in this incident,” said VP Colin Emberson. ow.ly/5xa650Q97pu

Last week, Gary Shimshock was surprised to learn that his story of how his company is struggling under the weight of inflation and a labor shortage was shared on the U.S. Senate Floor by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). ow.ly/5RVL50Q87J8