Bus Bros Get 16-Year-Late Okay for Accidental Company Takeover
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
Back in 2010, Thomas and James Hey accidentally took control of Minnesota Motor Bus without getting official permission. Now, they’ve asked for approval after the fact, and the Surface Transportation Board is ready to say yes—unless someone objects by May 18, 2026. This means the Hey brothers can keep running their bus company smoothly, with no extra costs or delays if no one speaks up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
School Bus Services Remain Unchanged
The Board found the transaction did not impair the adequacy of transportation to the public, and Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches have continued school transportation under contract (Marshall School District ~3,000 students, service area described as 162.9 miles; Fairmont Area School District ~2,100 students, service area described as 175.1 miles). If no opposing comments are filed by May 18, 2026, those services continue without change effective May 19, 2026.
After‑the‑fact Control Approved
The Surface Transportation Board has tentatively approved Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey’s 2010 acquisition of control of Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc. If no opposing comments are filed by May 18, 2026, this approval becomes final on May 19, 2026 and lets the brothers continue operating the carrier under their joint ownership.
No Layoffs; Driver Hiring Reported
Applicants state the 2010 transaction did not cause layoffs or adverse changes to wages or benefits and that it allowed them to expand and hire additional drivers and employees. The application reports Southwest Coaches has about 55 employees (45 drivers) and Minnesota Motor Bus about 31 employees (30 drivers).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09724 — OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund, Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC, and Jaguar Rail Holdings, LLC-Continuance in Control Exemption-Northeast Atlanta Railroad, LLC
OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund and Jaguar companies will keep control of Northeast Atlanta Railroad as it starts running trains on a short rail line near Doraville, Georgia. This move lets Northeast Atlanta Railroad lease and operate about 1.15 miles of track from Norfolk Southern Railway without needing extra approvals. No big money changes or new connections to other Jaguar railroads are planned, so things should roll smoothly and quickly.
2026-09720 — Student Transportation of America, Inc. et al.-Acquisition of Control-Tremblay's Bus Co., LLC, et al.
Student Transportation of America (STA) wants to take control of Tremblay's Bus Co., a company that runs buses. The government is giving a thumbs-up to this deal unless someone objects by June 29, 2026. If all goes well, STA will officially own Tremblay's starting June 30, 2026, which could shake up bus services for students and families.
2026-09453 — OmniTRAX Holdings Combined, Inc., and HGS Railway Holdings, Inc.-Control Exemption-Arkansas Short Line Railroads, Inc. (d/b/a Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad), Camden & Southern Railroad, Inc., and Ouachita Railroad, Inc.
OmniTRAX Holdings Combined, Inc. and HGS Railway Holdings, Inc. are teaming up to take control of three small Arkansas railroads: Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad, Camden & Southern Railroad, and Ouachita Railroad. This change won’t connect these railroads to each other or to Omni-HGS’s other lines, and it won’t involve any big rail companies. The deal is set to close soon and won’t cost taxpayers a dime.
2026-09189 — Updating Class I Rail Carrier Reporting Requirements
Starting June 7, 2026, big rail companies (Class I carriers) will stop reporting certain train control spending but will start sharing two key service stats every week. This change helps the Surface Transportation Board keep better track of train arrival times and industry railcar use without extra paperwork. The first weekly reports are due by July 8, 2026, making rail tracking faster and simpler—no extra costs for carriers!
2026-08776 — Jane Stiles and Thomas Stiles-Acquisition of Control-Safe-Way Bus Co. and Safe-Way Wisconsin, Inc.
Jane and Thomas Stiles each bought half of Safe-Way Bus Co. and Safe-Way Wisconsin without getting permission first. Now, they’ve asked for approval after the fact, and the Surface Transportation Board is ready to say yes—unless someone objects by June 22, 2026. If all goes smoothly, this deal will be official on June 23, 2026, with no extra costs or delays expected.
2026-08747 — Civil Monetary Penalties-2026 Adjustment
The Surface Transportation Board just announced there will be no increase in civil fines for 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This affects anyone who might face penalties from the Board, keeping fees the same as last year. The rule kicks in on May 5, 2026, so no surprise hikes this time around!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06453 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project
The City of Homer wants to replace a float at Homer Harbor, which might accidentally disturb some local marine mammals. NOAA is thinking about giving permission for this but wants your thoughts by May 4, 2026. If approved, the project could get a one-year extension, helping keep things on track without extra delays or costs.
Next: 2026-06456 — Notice Announcing Educational Opportunity Centers Program Competition
The Department of Labor and Education are inviting groups to apply for grants to run Educational Opportunity Centers that help people get into college and understand money better. If you want to apply, submit your proposal by May 14, 2026. Grants can be up to $1.3 million a year, and experienced applicants get extra points to boost their chances.