METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

N.Y.'s Brown Coach named IMG Operator of the Year

Brown Coach began in 1980 with just nine motorcoaches that proudly bear the family name.

August 17, 2017
N.Y.'s Brown Coach named IMG Operator of the Year

Each year, IMG recognizes one of their own for this great honor, with the award based on a criteria of operational excellence; safety performance; best practices; community and motorcoach industry involvement; and engagement within the IMG.

2 min to read


Each year, IMG recognizes one of their own for this great honor, with the award based on a criteria of operational excellence; safety performance; best practices; community and motorcoach industry involvement; and engagement within the IMG.

The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) announced Brown Coach as the 2017 “Operator of the Year” at their annual Strategic Alliance Meeting in Nashville. The award was accepted by Stephen Brown, VP, Brown Coach, on behalf of his brother Robert, their families, and the entire team at Brown Coach who made this recognition possible.

Each year, IMG recognizes one of their own for this great honor, with the award based on a criteria of operational excellence; safety performance; best practices; community and motorcoach industry involvement; and engagement within the IMG.

Ad Loading...

A panel of the past three winners, Autocar Excellence, Starr, and Southern Coaches had the unenviable task of choosing the eventual winner. In front of IMG member and partner companies, Brown said: “Over 17 years ago, we were invited to become a Shareholder company of IMG. Our involvement in the IMG organization has helped Brown Coach achieve many milestones, raise the bar in service excellence, and grow to where we are today. I am truly honored to receive this award.”

Brown Coach began in 1980 with just nine motorcoaches that proudly bear the family name. Over 37 years the company has grown into a diversified fleet that provides charter, commuter, and tour services with 36 motorcoaches and over 225 school buses. Brown Coach has been active in many areas of IMG, including the development of the IMG Driver Training program, one of the first such training programs in the industry.

Very proud to announce Brown Coach as IMG's operator of the year - congratulations! pic.twitter.com/qw0tQXDYKF

— IMG (@IMGmotorcoach) August 9, 2017

“This is a wonderful choice as IMG’s Operator of the Year. Brown Coach is committed to safety, training and customer service excellence, a true testament to outstanding core values that mirror IMG’s,” said IMG President Bronwyn Wilson.

As is tradition, IMG unveiled the “Operator of the Year” Motorcoach, designed and painted by Turbo Images, featuring Brown’s logo along with a background collage depicting signature travel images of their Upstate New York location.

More Motorcoach

EPA Proposal Targets DEF-Related Engine Derates
Motorcoachby Alex RomanJuly 10, 2026

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 →
An MCI J4500 for Rustad Tours
Motorcoachby StaffJune 26, 2026

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 →
Endera electric buses for California’s Mendocino Transit Authority
Technologyby StaffJune 25, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
New MobilityJune 19, 2026

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 →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

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 →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

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 testifies for federal bus regulations

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 →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
The cover of the ABAF's Motorcoach Census 2025
Motorcoachby StaffMay 20, 2026

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 →