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James River Transportation Tests Fully Electric Motorcoach and Shuttle Bus

James River Transportation recently invited guests to DRIVE a fully electric motorcoach and shuttle bus. The event allowed JRT guests to learn more about the new technology, its benefits, and the transportation systems they best fit.

A variety of guest were invited including government agencies, corporations, colleges, environmental associations, other transportation companies and our own JRT Team.

The two vehicles were a Van Hool CX45e motorcoach and an Optimal Phoenix DRW shuttle bus. Both vehicles are fully electric and provide a Carbon Neutral option for a variety of transportation services. There were representatives from the manufacturer available to  make sure everyone in attendance became a “Pro” with electric passenger vehicles. While there remains a range limitation with most electric vehicles, there are many applications that are suitable for their use. Commuter systems, school bus routes and local charters are prime examples of transportation perfect for electric vehicles.


Learning the technical aspects of the vehicles was educational, but everyone also had the opportunity to drive the vehicles. Since the obstacle course was on private property and under close supervision, no one needed a commercial driver’s license. Stephen Story, President of JRT commented, “our goal was to get clients familiar with this technology, but after watching all our guest drive today, we were able to identify potential recruits for our next class, you know, in case their current career doesn’t work out.”

JRT continues to evaluate a variety of electric vehicles to ensure we can support our client’s EV needs when they arise. In 2019, we began an Electric Van shuttle in downtown Richmond. Last year our Team visited the Proterra Electric Bus Manufacturing facility in Greenville, SC to learn more about the recent advancements in safety, weight reduction and new production techniques.

More information about JRT sustainability efforts is on the company’s website https://jamesrivertrans.com/about/environment/ .

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles.

James River Receives Green Transportation Service Award

On April 25, 2022, James River Transportation received the Green Transportation Service of the Year Award. The Travel Star Award is given by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

James River utilizes a variety of methods to conserve energy and dispose of waste responsibly.

  • James River utilizes high-capacity passenger vehicles, removing millions of passenger miles from the roadways each year. Carpooling at the highest level.
  • James River recycles all of it maintenance fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze.
  • James River’s HQ utilizes Geothermal HVAV for its office’s climate control system.
  • The building also utilizes skylights for natural lighting and high efficiency lighting fixtures for energy conservation.
  • James River utilizes Clean Burning Diesel engines that dramatically reduces emissions.
  • James River implemented a fully electric van shuttle to learn best practices for this new technology.

James River saves more energy than it produces. Each year the operation provides over 10,000 tons of Carbon Credit because of the above strategies.

The conservation plan began in 1998 when the existing head quarters was constructed. The adoption of conservation best practices was not incorporated for “Green PR”, it was done because it made sense and was the right thing to do. It only became trendy years later.

James River Transportation is a full-service passenger transportation organization providing a large variety of service utilizing many types of vehicles. The company will celebrate its 95th Anniversary next year.

8 Reasons to Think Outside the Limo on Your Wedding Day

There’s more to wedding transportation than just an expensive limo.

James River Transportation has been providing great wedding experiences for decades. We’ve helped thousands of couples enjoy a smooth start to their new journey together.

While it’s nice to show up in a white Limo for that special day, there is so much more to consider.

1. Is it comfortable getting in and out of a limo when dressed to perfection?

Our vehicles (Executive Van and Deluxe Minicoaches) have large entry doors and a step or two leading to the center aisle.

2. Will it wrinkle my clothes for photos?

Our vehicles have more space inside so that you do not have to squeeze your dress into tight spots.

3. How will the bridal party get there?

We have vehicles ranging in size from 13-passenger to 24-passenger to 32-passenger that are great for bridal party transportation.

Wedding Bus and Minibus Shuttle Transportation
Minibus Charter Interior


4. Why are limos so expensive?

Limos are “specialty” vehicles that are typically only used on weekends, so they need to earn their money on a limited number of days.  Also, limited supply plus high demand = expensive.

5. What sort of Safety and Customer Service training does the limo driver have?

Many limos are provided by small owner-operators who have not received any safety or customer service training.  We have a rigorous hiring process that includes a comprehensive and extensive background check, including of the national sexual offenders database.  All of our drivers go through a 4 to 6 week training course that includes driving skills as well as Customer Service training.

6. What about transportation for guests who are drinking?

Providing transportation in our minicoaches or full-sized motorcoaches is a great, safe alternative to your guests driving themselves.  This is especially important if they have been drinking or are not familiar with the area.

7. Can I really get 10+ Ubers where my reception is being held?

Many wedding venues are in remote areas that have minimal Uber driver availability.

8. Is there cellphone service where my reception is being held?

Lack of cellphone service makes it difficult to use ride share apps like Uber and Lyft.

James River Transportation Completes 1,000 Safe Trips

James River Transportation has completed 1,000 trips since April 1st when unfortunately, much of the passenger transportation industry has been shut down. All passenger transportation companies experienced a dramatic wave of cancellations as fields trips, sporting events and corporate transportation were all affected when the economy shut down.

Fortunately, James River has continued to serve essential workers like hospital staff, Amtrak passengers, flight crews and the military.  The occasional wedding, wine tour or fun event added to the total.

“Our goal was to provide these critical services while keeping both our Passengers Safe and our Team Safe,” said Stephen Story, President.

Covid-19 was new to everyone.  However, James River’s decades of experience enabled us to quickly become experts, train our staff and implement a plan overnight to ensure everyone’s safety. Various types of technology were adopted to address safety, including UV lighting for office and vehicle interiors as well as innovative electrostatic disinfecting foggers that sanitize every crack and crevice. Every week, we learn more about the virus and there is new guidance from medical and government organizations.  As a result, James River’s plans are updated frequently.

James River’s award-winning expertise in safety is legendary. The skills that have protected passengers, employees and the general public for over 90 years on the highways were used to develop a James River Clean Care Program for COVID-19.

For more details, visit the website https://jamesrivertrans.com/covid-19-clean-care/ .

James River Transportation named METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year

James River Transportation was named METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year for 2020 at the United Motorcoach Association’s annual EXPO.  The meeting was held January 19th – 23rd in Nashville, Tennessee.

James River Transportation was chosen because of its:

  • Innovative approach to doing business.
  • Commitment to high levels of Customer Service
  • Exceptional Safety and Reliability

President Stephen Story accepted the award on behalf of all James River Transportation employees, saying in part “Success reflects a great team effort, and there is no question that we have a fantastic team here.”

During 2019, James River received a number of prestigious awards, including:

  • International Motorcoach Group Operator of the Year
  • Virginia Governor’s Transportation Safety Award
  • Virginia Governor’s Honor Award for Public-Private Partnerships

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles.

The company has been in business for over 90 years and is a Certified Member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).  The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability. 

Stephen Story
Stephen Story, President of James River Transportation, accepting the award in Nashville.

James River Transportation Embraces Cutting Edge Technology for Improved Safety

James River Transportation recently completed the installation of Artificial Intelligence based technology to improve safety for passengers, drivers and the public.

A new product from Samsara was chosen because of its innovative design and unmatched ability to keep everyone safe. James River has had video event recorders for over 10 years, but the Samsara product uses Artificial Intelligence to monitor the video feed. Much like driverless vehicle systems, the cameras constantly monitor the vehicle performance, driver actions, pedestrians and highway conditions. If a potentially unsafe action is detected, the driver and our safety supervisor are immediately alerted. The event is on captured on video and available for review and training at a later date.

Here is a video of the system

The system also monitors the performance of drivers and vehicles through an interconnected system of telematics that tracks speed, G-forces, GPS location, engine controls and environmental conditions. The data is compiled to automatically create a report card for drivers and vehicles. The data allows the company to identify even minor trends and make improvements quickly.

Samsara supports James River Transportation’s Hours of Service (driver logs) compliance as well as its vehicle inspection system. Smart phones are utilized to record the vehicle inspection check list procedure, including photos when needed. The report is immediately transmitted to the maintenance department for improved safety and efficiency.

The company began utilizing smart phones in 2017 as its primary communications portal for training, operational procedures, operating manuals, company newsletters and a library safety and training materials.

James River Transportation has always been a leader in utilizing innovative technology to improve safety. JRT was one of the first to utilize GPS tracking, speed alerts, video event recording and an interactive driving simulator.

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles. 

The company has been in business for over 90 years and is a Certified Member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).  The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability.  James River Transportation was named IMG Operator of the Year in 2019.

James River Transportation Receives International Award

James River Transportation was named Operator of the Year by the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) at its annual meeting.  The meeting was held August 6th – 9th in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

James River Transportation was chosen because of its:

  • Exceptional safety and maintenance.
  • Innovative approach to doing business.
  • Commitment to the local community.
  • Unparalleled support for the Travel and Tourism industry.

A desk top award was presented to Stephen Story, President of James River, but unique to IMG, a James River motorcoach was secretly transported to Nova Scotia where it was “wrapped” with a custom designed Operator of the Year theme.  Diane Story Hall, and Dr. L Woodrow Story, officers and partners, also secretly travelled to the event for the presentation along other family members and JRT team members. While accepting the award, Stephen commented, “with our tracking system, I generally know where all of our vehicles are. I had to reset my phone recently and the tracking system app was never reinstalled. For months, my entire staff kept this secret from me. I was totally surprised and shocked. I also discovered that my app credentials were disabled just in case”.

The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability.

Being named Operator of the Year by IMG is perhaps the highest honor that can be bestowed on a transportation company.

The IMG was established in 1996 by a small group of motorcoach companies in order to act like a small local company, but have access to resources that only the largest organizations have. James River was a founding member of the group which has now grown to 57 companies.

The combined power of the 57 IMG companies:

  • provides tremendous buying power for vehicles, supplies and services.
  • exceptional access to the best vendors and travel partners.
  • allows the development of world class training systems.
  • facilitates the sharing of best practices.

James River has received numerous Safety Awards, multiple Innovative Operator Awards and exceptional customer service recognition. The IMG Operator of the Year award is the company’s greatest achievement yet. James River Transportation is a family owned full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles. The company has been in business for over 90 years.

James River Receives Governor’s Transportation Safety Award

Governors Safety Award

James River Transportation received the Governor’s Transportation Safety Award at the 2019 Virginia Highway Safety Summit. The company has a long history of incorporating innovative methods and technology into its safety and training systems. 

The company’s technology includes a driving simulator, a GSP tracking system with speed alerts, video event reorders to monitor driver performance and a company app that provides a communications platform for sharing information among team members, vehicle operating information, emergency procedures and James River’s Award-winning training platform.

Last year, James River partnered with the State of Virginia to test a new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). “Since we know are drivers do not drink and drive, we volunteered to test this technology in real world conditions, providing thousands of breath samples so the system could be perfected for consumer use.”, Stephen W. Story, President, said. “Partnering with the State of Virginia and DMV provides an opportunity to test innovative safety technology and reinforces the Safety Culture within our team.”

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles.

The company has been in business for over 90 years and is a Certified Member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).  The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability. Stephen Story, President and Jason Hall, Airport Division Manager are pictured in the attached picture with DMV Commissioner Rick Holcomb and Ryant Washington, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

James River Transportation Adds to Fleet

James River Transportation recently added two vehicles to their fleet in order to address continued growth in their Corporate and Wedding business segments.

Both vehicles are deluxe minicoaches, one with 32 seats and the other with 24 seats.  These vehicles feature the following:

  • Reclining, leather seats
  • Seat belts
  • Rear seats that fold up to create more luggage space
  • DVD players and monitors
  • Satellite tracking and cameras

The company’s president, Stephen Story, said “These vehicles are ideal for smaller groups needing comfortable, affordable, local transportation.  They are great to use for event shuttles as well.”

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles.

The company has been in business for over 90 years and is a Certified Member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).  The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability.

James River Transportation Expands Fleet

James River Transportation is proud to introduce two new vehicles to its fleet.  The vehicles, 2018 Van Hool CX35 motorcoaches, have the following features:

  • 38 seats with extra legroom
  • 3-point seat belts
  • Power outlets at each seat
  • Wi-Fi available upon request
  • Luggage bays underneath
  • Restroom
  • DVD players and monitors
  • Satellite tracking and cameras

The company’s president, Stephen Story, said “We purchased 2 of these vehicles in 2016 and they have been a big hit with our customers who were looking for a smaller vehicle with big coach features”.

James River Transportation is a full-service transportation provider and event planning organization with facilities located in Richmond and Norfolk. The company also has on-site operations at Richmond International Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Services include motorcoach and minicoach transportation, airport transfers, transportation management, contract services, and convention shuttles.

The company has been in business for over 90 years and is a Certified Member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).  The IMG is an invitation only partnership of the top transportation companies in North America.  IMG members are committed to high levels of safety, service and reliability.