Bus Companies Change Hands Under Federal Watch
Published Date: 6/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Reliant Transportation Group and its partners want to take control of two bus companies, Southwest Coaches and Minnesota Motor Bus, by buying them from the current owners. The government is giving a thumbs-up to this deal unless someone objects by July 27, 2026. If all goes well, the change will happen quickly, but no money details were shared yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Employee Job Stability Preserved
Reliant says it has no current plans for employee layoffs or staffing reductions and does not expect material adverse changes to wages or benefits for workers at Southwest Coaches (about 55 employees) and Minnesota Motor Bus (about 31 employees). If the transfer of control goes forward, those employees are expected to continue working under existing contracts and operating authorities.
School Bus Service Continuity for Families
Applicants say Southwest Coaches and Minnesota Motor Bus will continue to operate under their existing school transportation contracts and will not consolidate routes, discontinue service, or change service patterns. If the Board's approval becomes final on July 28, 2026 (no opposing comments by July 27, 2026), families with children who ride these buses should expect continuity of the same school transportation and charter services.
Access to New Investment Capital
Applicants state they will finance the acquisition with current available funds and equity capital and that access to funds from Tiger Infrastructure and affiliates will help the acquired carriers maintain financial stability. They do not expect resulting fixed charges to prevent the carriers from continuing safe, quality service.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11831 — Kean Burenga and Chesapeake and Delaware, LLC-Continuance in Control Exemption-Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC
Kean Burenga and Chesapeake and Delaware, LLC are keeping control of Delaware and South Branch Railroad as it becomes a new Class III rail carrier in New Jersey. This move lets DSBR lease and operate nearly 32 miles of rail lines from two other local railroads, starting soon. No big money changes are expected, but it’s a smart shuffle to keep things running smoothly in the region’s rail network.
Next: 2026-11833 — Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC-Lease and Change of Operator Exemption-Black River & Western Corp. d/b/a Black River & Western Railroad, and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway Company, Inc.
Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC (DSBR) is taking over the lease and operation of about 32 miles of rail lines from Black River & Western Railroad and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway. This means DSBR will replace BDR as the operator on a key segment, starting on or after June 28, 2026. The change won’t cost more than $5 million in revenue and won’t limit future rail connections.