Nashville country music fans will ride in style to the airport and beyond, thanks to the Gaylord Opryland’s recent purchase of eight 2011 Motor Coach Industries (MCI) J4500s. The coaches, which have been delivered and added to the company’s shuttle fleet, are being used for airport service and large group moves, according to Tracey Belcher, Gaylord Opryland director of transportation.
The new coaches have Detroit Series 60 engines and Allison B500 transmissions; seating with three-point safety belts; Braun wheelchair lifts; and an ASA color back-up camera. The Blaupunkt Enhanced Audio System and six 15.4-inch LCD widescreen monitors allow the company to show promotional and informational videos to its guests. Ten 110-volt outlets allow passengers to charge their electronic devices.
Newly restored, Gaylord Opryland is one of Nashville’s premier resorts as well as the flagship property of the Gaylord hotel line. It has won many awards and honors, including “Best Hotel” and five other “Best” categories in the Tennessean’s Toast of Music City edition; Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award in 2009 and eight other years since 1999; and the 2010 Professional Convention Management Association Chairman’s Award for leadership in overcoming the city’s historic flood.
The hotel’s transportation division currently maintains about 10 coaches as well as other vehicles. In addition to providing airport shuttle service, it offers service to the Gaylord Springs golf course, downtown Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry and other attractions; it also offers sightseeing tours around the Nashville area.