2009 - Page 9 of 11 - BUSRide


Shorter tours keep operators afloat

Tour operators have weathered a faltering economy with a focus on short trips and the continued draw of several favorite destinations.

What a difference a driver makes

Hiring and retaining highly qualified drivers is among an operator’s greatest challenges. With increased ridership and greater focus on public transportation, the pressure to find safe and responsible drivers becomes more crucial as bus operations experience further expansion, but it is not necessarily risky business.

Transit has a role in emergency evacuations

During hurricanes, tornados or other catastrophic events, often the first sight evacuees see is a fleet of motorcoaches prepared to transport them to safety. Motorcoach companies have become a natural component in safe and reliable evacuation services.

London looks to hybrids at Euro Bus Expo

Euro Bus Expo 2008 held in Birmingham, England in November was somewhat misleading as nearly all the exhibits targeted the British market. The argument for hybrid buses in Europe grew strong last summer when the price of oil peaked at $147 per barrel.

Double decks take Sightline Tours to new levels

When Rocky Mountaineer Vacations shut down its Gray Line West operation in Vancouver, BC, Canada in 2007, the move created a significant void in sightseeing options for this area. Gray Line was the only large bus sightseeing operation in Vancouver and had been running for years.

Tour operators show resilience

The motorcoach tour business is not recession-proof, but it is resilient in the face of today’s tough economy. Operators say the number of people booking motorcoach tours is down from last year and they attribute more last-minute cancellations and smaller group sizes to the downturn. But as people tighten their belts and purse strings, those who still wish to travel see motorcoaches as the most affordable option.

California Wine Tours earns Best of status for service

Each fall the Great Wine Capitals Global Network presents its Best of Wine Tourism Awards to the most deserving hospitality leaders throughout San Francisco and Napa Valley. Wine tourism services is one of the seven competitive categories, sustainable wine tourism practices is another.

Las Vegas regional transit hits the jackpot with Deuce and ACE

Between the bright neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip and the breathtaking views of Red Rock Canyon, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has a lot of competition.

BoltBus fills first year with historic moments

Longtime industry partners Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound put their heads together to come up with a more inviting a more professional and much safer curbside bus service.

While the Chinatown buses cruised the northeast corridor over the last several years, longtime industry partners Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound put their heads together to come up with a more inviting solution. The two carriers determined with what was going on there was room in the market for a more professional and much safer bus ride.

Riteway delivers a wake-up call

Ronald Bast stepped up to accept the 2008 BUSRide Motorcoach Industry Achievement Award on behalf of his family’s company, Riteway Bus Service, Richfield, WI. This annual award honors the motorcoach owner-operator who demonstrates excellence and innovation throughout the business.