METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Gray Line Tennessee Named IMG Operator of the Year

Gray Line Tennessee was named the 2025 International Motorcoach Group (IMG) Operator of the Year, recognizing the company’s operational excellence, safety leadership, and community impact.

Gray Line Tennessee team poses in front of a custom motorcoach wrap celebrating the company’s recognition as 2025 IMG Operator of the Year.

Gray Line Tennessee’s recognition as IMG Operator of the Year highlights more than five decades of service and commitment to the Nashville community.

Photo: Gray Line Tennessee via Jill Kelly / Terrapin Blue

1 min to read


Gray Line Tennessee was named the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) Operator of the Year at IMG’s Annual Strategic Alliance Meeting in Richmond, Virginia.

Leadership Perspective

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said Chuck Abbott, CEO and president of Gray Line Tennessee. “We are honored to receive this award from IMG, which sets high standards across our industry.”

Ad Loading...
Gray Line Tennessee leaders accept the IMG Operator of the Year Award at the 2025 Strategic Alliance Meeting in Richmond, Virginia.

The annual Operator of the Year Award celebrates leadership, safety, and innovation across the motorcoach industry.

Photo: Gray Line Tennessee via Jill Kelly / Terrapin Blue

Award Tradition

Each year, the recipient of the award is kept secret until unveiled with a specially wrapped motorcoach. Gray Line Tennessee’s bus arrived with a design featuring Nashville landmarks, including the skyline, Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, representing the company’s local roots.

Company Background

Gray Line Tennessee has served the Nashville community for more than 50 years, providing:

  • Sightseeing tours

  • Charter services

  • Shuttle operations

  • Specialty transportation solutions

“This award is also a tribute to our founders, Chris and Dennis Levering,” said Kristin Levering, VP, sales and operations. “They began in 1973 with a vision built on integrity, service, and commitment to the community. That foundation continues to guide us today.”

Industry Significance

The IMG Operator of the Year Award is presented annually to a member company that demonstrates:

Ad Loading...
  • Operational excellence

  • Innovation

  • Safety leadership

  • Industry contributions

Recipients are nominated by IMG members and evaluated by past award winners.

More Motorcoach

Gavel and measures of justice.

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 →
Maintenance officials examining a vehicle on a lift.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 8, 2026

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 →
New and Pre-Owned Sales 2023-2025
Motorcoachby StaffMay 6, 2026

ABA Report: Motorcoach Sales Tick Up in Q1 2026 as Market Stabilizes

The Foundation produces the report each quarter, using data collected from surveys of major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the US and Canada.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Read More →
METRO Product Showcase for the motorcoach industry
Motorcoachby Alex RomanApril 27, 2026

Inside the Next Generation of Motorcoaches

From advanced driver-assist systems to upgraded passenger amenities, leading manufacturers are refining proven coach platforms to meet evolving operator and rider expectations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Virginia Breeze's new Van Hool motorcoaches with branding, which were delivered by ABC Companies.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 20, 2026

Virginia Breeze Launches New Tidewater Current Service

The Tidewater Current is the first east-to-west Virginia Breeze route, expanding access to key destinations including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Technologyby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
Six people in business wear pose for a picture in front of the Empire State Building in the distance.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 15, 2026

New York City Receives 1,000th Prevost Motorcoach

The milestone delivery caps a historic contract as MTA expands its fleet to serve more than 1 million daily riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
MotorcoachApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →