Brothers Seek Retroactive Okay for 16-Year-Old Bus Empire Takeover
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
Back in 2010, Thomas and James Hey took control of Minnesota Motor Bus without getting official permission. Now, in 2026, they’re fixing that by asking for approval after the fact. If no one objects by May 18, this approval will become final, letting them keep running things smoothly without any money or timing troubles.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
After‑the‑Fact Control Approved
Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey filed on March 6, 2026 for after‑the‑fact approval of their 2010 acquisition of Minnesota Motor Bus. If no opposing comments are filed by May 18, 2026, the Board's tentative approval becomes final on May 19, 2026 and the brothers will remain the joint 50% owners controlling Minnesota Motor Bus.
Employees: No Layoffs, Some Hiring
Applicants state the 2010 acquisition did not cause layoffs or cuts to wages, benefits, or working conditions and that the transaction allowed them to expand and hire additional drivers and employees. The filings say Southwest Coaches employs about 55 people (about 45 drivers) and Minnesota Motor Bus employs about 31 people (about 30 drivers).
School Bus Service Continues
Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches have continued providing school transportation under the same operations since the 2010 transaction. The Marshall School District (about 3,000 students; roughly 25 full‑size school buses, plus about 6 smaller buses and 7 vans) and the Fairmont Area School District (about 2,100 students; roughly 17 full‑size school buses, plus about 5 smaller buses and 4 vans) will remain served if the notice takes effect on May 19, 2026.
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