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

SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
MotorcoachJanuary 12, 2026

Nashville’s Anchor Transportation Named METRO’s 2026 Innovative Operator of the Year

METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to Anchor’s President Jared Stancil during the American Bus Association’s Marketplace, which is taking place in Reno, Nevada.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 9, 2026

Biz Briefs: Hitachi Rail, GreenPower, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two people standing in front of a white charter bus parked at a transportation facility.
Motorcoachby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 8, 2026

Charter Bus Company Helps California District with School Transportation

Busloop is helping Oakland Unified School District with field trip and other travel needs to aid in combatting effects of budget cuts and support underserved communities.

Read More →
Motorcoachby StaffJanuary 6, 2026

ABC to Honor Industry Roots and Future Tech at ABA 2026

ABC will showcase its full range of fleet solutions at Booth 301, featuring a fully equipped 2026 Van Hool CX45 and an interactive virtual showroom that highlights the company’s latest products, services, and innovations.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 5, 2026

Forest River Working to Redefine Reliability, Responsibility in the Bus Industry

As the transportation landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, few manufacturers have faced, or embraced, change as decisively as Forest River Bus.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby Alex RomanDecember 31, 2025

Best of METROspectives: Industry Leaders Driving the Future of Transit & Motorcoach

From navigating post-pandemic growth to rethinking customer engagement and operational efficiency, these five standout interviews offer invaluable insights from leaders who are shaping what’s next.

Read More →
Managementby StaffDecember 19, 2025

American Bus Association Partners with Great American Road Trip

Through this partnership, The Great American Road Trip and the ABA aim to highlight the essential role of motorcoach travel in connecting communities.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 12, 2025

Biz Briefs: Fare Collection, Motorcoach Orders, and More

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffDecember 1, 2025

DRPT Taps Academy Bus to Operate Virginia Breeze’s Tidewater Current

With a provider in place, the route is now set to launch in Spring 2026.

Read More →