Similar News: North Carolina's Holiday Tours Named IMG Operator of the Year
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’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
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.”

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:
Operational excellence
Innovation
Safety leadership
Industry contributions
Recipients are nominated by IMG members and evaluated by past award winners.
More Motorcoach

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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →