King Ward History

Originally purchased by Robert King in December 1987, Terrien Transportation, Inc. was formed. A transportation company servicing special needs children, transporting them to and from school.

Terrien continued on with this service and expanded to a motorcoach company in January 1989, when Robert King, President & Owner of Terrien Transportation, Inc. and Russ Ward, Superintendent of Transportation of Holyoke Street Railway, acquired the operating rights of the old Holyoke Street Railway and started King Ward Coach Lines.

In July of 1994 we lost Russ due to a courageous battle with cancer. His legacy lives on and continues to be seen everyday as we continue to operate King Ward Coach Lines.

In July of 1997, Terrien Transportation, Inc. d/b/a King Ward Coach Lines purchased the assets of U.S. Express and double its size overnight, becoming the second largest bus company in Western Mass.

Robert King retired in October 2003, assuming the position of Vice President and passing presidency over to his son Dennis King.

Terrien Transportation, Inc. d/b/a King Ward Coach Lines has moved to many different homes, beginning with a small 2 bay garage on Union Street in West Springfield, then moving to a facility in Agawam on Main Street near the old Riverside Park, now Six Flags. Then it was back to West Springfield to large warehouse facility at 380 Union Street. In August of 1996 it was on to Holyoke, 110 North Bridge Street. Finally moving to a building of their own in Chicopee, 70 Justin Drive.

King Ward continues to grow in size; running over 30 pieces of equipment, all groups regardless of size can be transported. The fleet consists of 55 passengers, 29 passengers, 23 passengers, 40 passenger activity buses,  school buses, and even a luxury limousine. 

The company employs approximately 75 employees and is capable of doing service and repairs on any type of motor coach and school bus.

The company looks forward to continued growth.

King Ward Coach Lines is proud to be a member of the following industry associations:

• Trailways
• American Bus Association
• United Motor Coach Association
• Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Chicopee Chamber of Commerce

In addition, King Ward is certified by The Department of Defense to support our service men and women as a DoD carrier.