Making Moves: Academy Bus Expands Commuter Service
Academy Bus Introduces Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Coach
Academy Bus also plans to add 20 additional charter buses this year.

The Tourrider Coach, unveiled in 2021, was designed for the North American market.
Photo: Mercedez-Benz
Academy Bus announced the launch of its first Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Coaches from Daimler Coaches North America, the first of 10 to be added to the company’s fleet this year.
Academy Bus also plans to add 20 additional charter buses this year, the first expansion of their fleet since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the company's news release.
“Academy Bus has been a long-time operator of Daimler brand coaches, and we are thrilled to continue that decades-long partnership with a number of new motor coach vehicles,“ said Francis Tedesco, CEO of Academy Bus. “This new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Coach is emblematic of the comfort and luxury we strive to provide our clients, and we are looking forward to hearing the reviews from customers as more of these coaches get on the road."
Meet the Tourrider Coach
The Tourrider Coach, unveiled in 2021, was designed for the North American market. Equipped with in-house-made seats and a host of features, the three-axle high-deck coach is also the first motorcoach outfitted with Daimlers’ Active Brake Assist-5 emergency braking system.
The automated emergency stop system detects and responds to pedestrians and stationary objects immediately, regardless of driver response or reaction.
“Academy’s input and experience during the design phase of our coach have been instrumental,” said Thomas Rohde, president/CEO of Daimler Coaches North America. “We are happy to see the first Mercedes-Benz Tourriders in Academy’s fleet and are thankful for the trust in our product and in our company.”
More Motorcoach

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
ABA Report: Motorcoach Travel Generates $161.6B Economic Impact
The 2025 analysis finds motorcoach travel supported nearly 900,000 jobs and generated $28 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
Read More →
CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility
In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.
Read More →
People Movement: ABC Names John Walsh as Chief Commercial Officer
In this edition, METRO also covers recent appointments and announcements at the DART, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone 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 →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →