RELATED: Diverse Fleet, Skills, and Services Help Brown Coach Stay Ahead
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.

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.
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

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 →Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
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 →
ENC Lands Additional 10-Bus Order From Academy Bus
The latest purchase brings Academy Bus’ AXESS fleet orders to 35 vehicles as ENC continues expanding its heavy-duty transit lineup.
Read More →
American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.
Read More →
Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A
John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.
Read More →