ABC delivers Van Hool CX45s to Mich., Wis.
METRO's 2015 Innovative Operator BLue Lakes Charter and Tours takes delivery of four, while incoming ABA Chairman John Meier of Badger Coach and Badger Tour & Travel took delivery of his new vehicle at ABA's Marketplace in January.

Pictured left to right: ABC's Dane Cornell, Blue Lakes' Dave Cupp and Debbie Cupp, and ABC's Roman Cornell.

Clio, Mich.’s Blue Lakes Charter and Tours recently acquired four Van Hool CX45s from ABC Companies to provide luxury transportation for their clients in Michigan and Northern Ohio.
Blue Lakes’ new coaches are powered by Detroit DD13 engines coupled to Allison transmissions and offer Van Hool's innovative contoured parcel rack with 23-inch video monitors, an REI Elite entertainment system and 110-volt outlets.
The coaches are also equipped with Amaya Torino seats, passenger sunshades and Alcoa Dura Bright aluminum wheels.
RELATED:2015 Innovative Operators: Blue Lakes Charters and Tours

Additionally, John Meier, president of Madison, Wis.-based Badger Coach and Badger Tour & Travel and chairman of the American Bus Association’s (ABA) board, took delivery of a new Van Hool CX 45 coach during ABA marketplace 2015 in January.
A preferred provider to the University of Wisconsin, as well as the school district of Madison and Edgewood College, Badger Coach has enjoyed an enduring relationship with ABC and Van Hool, which includes the Van Hool TD925 double-deck models and the new CX45 coaches in their 60-coach fleet.
For 95 years the company has remained in the Meier family and is now operated by third generation cousins John, David and Jim Meier.
More Motorcoach

EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators
The EPA is proposing to remove DEF-related engine derates for new heavy-duty diesel vehicles, a change bus operators say would improve safety and reliability while sparking debate over the future of emissions enforcement.
Read More →
Minnesota's Rustad Tours Takes Delivery of New MCI Motorcoach
The latest addition represents Rustad Tours’ 17th new MCI coach, marking more than four decades of partnership between the two companies.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Endera Delivers to California, Safety Vision Teams with San Antonio's VIA, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Modernizing Mobility with CharterUP CEO Armir Harris
From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility
From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUSES Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.
Read More →
ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs
Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.
Read More →