Operator for Mich.'s Indian Trails Retires After 45 Years

Philip “Al” Kline recently retired after 45 years as a bus operator for Owosso, Michigan, inter-city motorcoach carrier Indian Trails Inc.

Upon his retirement, Kline had logged 2,516,384 miles of driving without an avoidable accident. He’s reportedly one of five drivers in the company’s 110-year history to have reached the two million mile mark as a safe driver. (Kline received his first “Million-Mile Award” for safe driving in 1998.)

As an Owosso, Michigan, native, Kline first signed on with Indian Trails in 1976. He first sought a position in maintenance, but those jobs were filled so he signed on to become a driver. After thorough training, he started out with a regular daily route, and then later switched to piloting group charters. During his career, he traveled through all but six U.S. states, and every province of Canada except Newfoundland.

“At Indian Trails, I was fortunate to be trained by the best veteran drivers. I was also lucky to develop some lifelong friendships, and to meet some amazing people along the way,” Kline said. “I had a wonderful time working for this company, and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.”

“The entire Indian Trails family offers a heartfelt salute to Al Kline on his nearly five decades of exemplary service,” said Chad Cushman, president of Indian Trails. “In addition to recognition for more than two million miles of safe driving since [his start in 1976], he has received countless annual awards and well-deserved accolades from employees and customers alike.”

For now, Kline is enjoying a part-time job driving a big rig to grain elevators around Michigan for a local farmer.