Not many companies can say they have been around for a century. However, Turner Coaches in Terre Haute, Ind., joins the motorcoach century club.
Turner Coaches was founded in 1921 as Wabash Valley Bus Lines by Charles Turner. The commuter line between Terre Haute and surrounding communities provided transportation for work, school or shopping.
By the time Charles' children got into the business, the need for commercial transportation was growing in the area and the re-named Turner Coaches Inc., was there to fulfill that need. Soon the company moved its focus from commuter to charter services.
In 1982, John Turner - now the third generation in the business - and Charles “Butch” Beckwith teamed up to take the company to the next level by adding touring to its repertoire. In 2010, Beckwith became president of the company.
Today, Turner Coaches has expanded their tour business to include travel by Air Land Sea Rail, with tours lasting between one and 22 days and traveling all over the world.
"The longevity and reputation of Turner Coaches is well deserved," said Peter Pantuso, president & CEO of the American Bus Association. "Turner represents the gold standard of motorcoach companies. I wish them much success in the next 100 years."