LOCAL BUS COMPANY CELEBRATES 100^TH ANNIVERSARY

In 1912 the average yearly wage was $1,033 equating to less than $20 per week. A car cost on average $941, almost a whole year's pay. Gasoline was seven cents a gallon. The need for transportation beyond the horse and buggy was on the rise. Ford, Chrysler and Buick founders were building vehicles and creating dealerships all over the country.  Economical transportation for the masses was still clearly needed for the "working man".

John A. Collins was initially inspired to start Collins Bus Service in 1912 to transport local children to and from school. He saw them walking miles to school in all types of weather. He started his "fleet" with a two-horse sleigh in the winter and a horse drawn wagon in the fair weather.

The sleigh and wagon were replaced with motorized school buses. The company continued to transport school children and expanded its operation to school and church charters. By 1938, the Collins family business was awarded school contracts in the towns of East Windsor and South Windsor. By now, John's sons Leslie and Harold had joined their father as the company continued to grow.

During World War Two, Harold served the Broad Brook and South Windsor areas providing transportation services to workers of Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford seven days a week to help in the country's war effort. The company diversified in local farm labor transportation to supply the famous tobacco runs in the area.

John Collins passed away in 1957 leaving his forty-five year legacy of Collins Bus Service to his two sons. At this time, Harold Collins purchased the franchise of Stafford Bus Company, a Stafford to Hartford transportation route.  The franchise was renamed Post Road Stages and was incorporated on January 1, 1958. Later the route was extended into Munson, Massachusetts giving the company interstate charter authority on a national level.

Between the years 1960 and 1970, the charter business grew at an unparalleled rate, aided by such events as the New York World's Fair and the Montreal World's Fair. The senior citizen travelers grasped onto the joys of bus traveling to see the country. They were able to see the sites in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Collins Bus Service/Post Road Stages were offering such a variety of trips that their fleet quadrupled during these two decades. The expansion of their fleet included deluxe Motor Coaches with lavatories, card tables, and bars. In 1980, the Collins family incorporated a new division called Post Road Tours for individuals and families to book their trips on country wide tours planned throughout the year.

Priscilla and Alden, the third Collins generation, assumed full responsibility of the family business upon the passing of their father Harold in 1989. "I had been working in the company since I was in high school as my father's secretary. Every day after school I met with my father and he had me type up all his business correspondence. So, I learned then how the company operated at a very young age," said Priscilla. Alden retired in 1998, and his son Todd filled his position as president of Collins Bus Service. Together with Priscilla and her son Bruce, they continued the family tradition. In 2007, Jeffrey Myers, Pricilla's grandson, added a fifth generation when he took the position of Safety Director. There are still more grandchildren in the wings not yet ready to make any commitments, but always a possibility. No doubt, the family business will be seeing generations to come.

Post Road Stages' fleet consists of 12 luxury motor coaches, 2 mini coaches, and 6 coaches operating under Collins Bus Service in contract with the Connecticut Department of Transpiration to provide commuter service between Vernon and Hartford.  Amenities on board the vehicles include lavatories, window shades, reclining seats, wheelchair lifts, DVD players, and WiFi. Post Road Stages and Collins Bus Service also utilize the latest safety technology including remote tire pressure monitoring and AERs (Accident Event Recorders). Looking ahead, Mr. Snow stated, "Our future is bright! The plan is to continue as a family operated business. We've started to incorporate zero emission vehicles into our fleet and are looking at other new technologies to further enhance the traveling experience. In light of recent, less than favorable industry headlines, I think it's important to spread the message of how safe, fun, and reliable traveling by motor coach can be. Trust me; we've been doing it for years."

Groups of all types now charter buses to take them to shows, shopping, fishing trips, birthday parties, sporting events, ski trips, golf outings, weddings, proms, family reunions, church group gatherings, school exchanges and corporate shuttles.

The tour services provide a year round calendar of trips all over the country from one to multi-day excursions.

The Collins family business is the oldest bus service under the same family ownership in continuous operation in the United States. They operate their enterprise in South Windsor with 35 loyal, personable staff and drivers with an outstanding safety record.

They are launching their 100^th Anniversary beginning January, 2012 and will celebrate it with special offers, giveaways, and incentive programs for their travelers throughout the year.