Richmond, Va.-based transportation provider James River Transportation, along with its parent company James River Bus Lines, said it will not renew its franchise agreement with Carey Transportation, a Virginia-based Carey International Independent Franchisee, when it expires in September.

In September 2001, James River Bus Lines purchased VIP & Celebrity Limousines Inc. The purchase fit James River's Strategic Plan to diversify its service offerings and expand the business while maintaining the high standards that had distinguished the organization for 83 years.

The purchase included a Carey Independent Franchise with a territory from Richmond, Va., to Virginia Beach. The challenge over the years has been to act as one organization but utilize the strength of two highly regarded names in the industry.

Although the partnership between the two entities had flourished for years, it was recently acknowledged that the business models for each company were no longer aligned and the separation would provide flexibility for each organization to continue its growth strategies, according to James River.

The company will begin trading under the name James River Transportation, along with its parent company James River Bus Lines.