Flagship Bus Co. of Johnston today announced it has become affiliated with the national and international Trailways Transportation System, becoming Flagship Trailways of Rhode Island.
“We are very proud to be chosen as a member of this impressive organization and their great worldwide recognition,” said Thomas McCaughey, Flagship’s president. “This is the latest chapter in our company’s continued growth. … What began as a small Rhode Island company over 25 years ago is now positioned to grow business through this association and the expanded network it represents.”
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Founded in 1936, Trailways has 78 member companies – in 31 states, plus Ontario, Germany and The Netherlands – that operate more than 3,000 late-model vehicles.
“Essentially, Trailways is a franchise,” Flagship’s Dennis Ryan explained in a telephone interview . “So you do have to pay to become a part of them, but they do have some pretty exacting standards.
Negotiations were initiated by Trailways Transportation System, Gale Ellsworth, president and chief executive officer of Trailways National, in Fairfax, Va., told the PBN in an e-mail interview.
“Trailways approached Flagship,” Ellsworth said. “We had heard of their success and reputation … [and] sought this company to become a member of the Trailways Team.
“We are very honored they received our interest favorably,” she added. “They are the first Rhode Island motorcoach company to represent the Trailways brand in many, many years.”
“The financial terms are confidential between Flagship and Trailways,” Ellsworth said, echoing the comments of Ryan, at Flagship. But both confirmed that Flagship paid an initial licensing or franchise fee. And when asked whether Trailways would get a portion of Flagship’s revenue, or vice versa, Ellsworth replied: “A partnership with Trailways is a quid pro quo relationship (yes and yes).”
The Johnston company, a U.S. Department of Defense-certified charter operator, has 10 blue motor coaches. It provides transportation for school, corporate, sporting and special events throughout the northern seaboard, including New York, New England and eastern Canada, and also operates daily service to the Mohegan Sun.
“We were impressed with the brand recognition and great reputation Trailways represents,” said Flagship’s McCaughey, “as well as [its] progressive actions in partnering with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Defense to ensure passenger safety and security.”
“A good fit between Trailways and independent ownership is one where the company is managed in a team-oriented fashion,” Ellsworth said. “Requirements of motor coach operators wishing to affiliate with the well-known Trailways brand are quite stringent. Flagship passed these musters, and many others, with flying colors.”
Additional information on Flagship Trailways of Rhode Island can be found at www.flagshipbus.com; information on the Fairfax, Va.-based Trailways Transportation System and its member companies can be found at www.trailways.com.
