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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20783, First Student, Inc.-Acquisition of Control-Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc.
First Student, Inc. wants to take control of Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc. by buying all their shares. The Surface Transportation Board is giving a thumbs-up to this deal, but people have until November 23, 2026, to share any concerns. If no one objects, the deal will go through on November 24, 2026, potentially changing how these transportation services operate.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
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 disturb some local marine mammals. NOAA is thinking about allowing this but wants your thoughts before deciding. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and there’s a chance for a one-year project extension if all rules are followed.
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. Applications are due by May 14, 2026, and winners can get up to $1.3 million a year to support their programs. This is a great chance for organizations to expand education access and help more students succeed!