Fairfax, VA—Team Trailways continues its own record-breaking year for member-operator additions with the latest network affiliation of King Ward Trailways, which is based in Chicopee (Springfield area), Massachusetts. The family-owned company meets Trailways’ stringent safety and security requirements for member-affiliation, including certification from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for transport of military and other defense-related personnel. King Ward was founded in 1987 by Robert (Bob) King, who was a police officer prior to purchasing a small transport company and building the business. Son, Dennis King, and president of King Ward Trailways, said the company now operates 30 vehicles, including 21 full-sized motorcoaches, and employs 75 people. The company’s core businesses include daily runs between western Massachusetts and major casino resort locations in Connecticut. Other charters include schools, colleges, and senior groups.
“We have wanted to join the Trailways team for some time; and, when the territory we cover became available, we jumped on the opportunity,” said Dennis King. “The Trailways name-recognition, plus operational support from other team members while on-the-road are two ways we believe Trailways will benefit our company,” he added.
Because King Ward Trailways has strategic location-proximity to both Boston and New York City, the new brand-enhancement will help boost opportunities for large convention business, added King. He also expects to glean more military transport contracts from nearby Westover Air Reserve Base.
King also looks forward to participating in the wide selection of Trailways operator discount programs for purchase of vehicles, fuel, insurance, and other operational needs. One of King Ward’s first orders is for four new MCI motorcoaches. Another resource King expects to tap in the near future is Trailways member assistance with procuring grant funds to purchase vehicles that are compliant with ADA guidelines, as well as GPS (Global Positioning Systems) tracking technologies to heighten security coverage.
For more information contact King Ward Trailways at 413-593-3939; or visit their website at www.kingward.com.
Established in 1936 as North America’s first organization supporting and promoting independent motorcoach owners and operators, Trailways is expanding, once again, across the continent and worldwide. Besides providing scheduled-route and charter-and-tour transportation, today’s Trailways offers a variety of travel-related services, including air, rail, and cruise ship connections.www.trailways.com