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Turtle Top, a renowned bus manufacturer based in New Paris, Indiana, proudly marked its 60th anniversary in 2022 as a leading name in the industry. Now in its 61st year, the company has released a new video that takes viewers on a journey through its history, showcasing the production process and recognizing the five generations of leadership (Cripe and Tom families) who shaped Turtle Top into the successful enterprise it is today.
Founded by Earnest Cripe in 1962, Turtle Top has consistently upheld a legacy of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and dedication to customer satisfaction. The video showcases the vehicle that started it all—Cripe’s aptly named Turtle Top, which was a recreational van that featured a liftable roof. The company later moved on to other recreational vehicles, including luxury conversion vans, but the release of its wildly popular Terra Transit in 1978 ushered the company into the commercial bus industry.
Moreover, the video offers a peek behind the curtain of its massive 200,000-square-foot plant, which features several stages of the build process and highlights many of the 200+ craftsmen who make it possible. The video unveils the intricate process involved in manufacturing Turtle Top's renowned buses—including its latest models, Terra Transit LD, Terra Transit MD, and Terra Transit HD—showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the cutting-edge technology employed. From design and engineering to fabrication and assembly, viewers will gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into every Turtle Top vehicle.
The video is currently available on Turtle Top’s Youtube page here.
Visit turtetop.com for more information.
[06.27.23]
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Fresh off their General Member Meeting, which was held June 18-21 at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celeron, N.Y., the Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) announced the results of their board elections. All newly elected officer and board member terms run through June 2025.
The PBA Board, including newly elected members
Officers elected for 2-year term:
- Treasurer: Douglas Rydbom of Premier #1 Limousine
- Secretary: Robert Chepalonis of Martz Trailways
Board members re-elected for 2-year term:
- David Benedict of David Thomas Trailways
- Thomas Brynan of Werner Bus Lines
- Robert Chepalonis of Martz Trailways
- Jeffrey Mayo of Greyhound
- Brian Kurtz of Elite Coach
- Dale McMichael of Executive Coach
- Jay Newswanger of R&J Transportation
- Bill Scully of Freedom Excursions by Scully
Supplier/Associate members elected for 2-year term:
- Nicole Boyer of Mount Hope Estate & Winery
- Tony Mongiovi of TEMSA North America
The full PBA leadership team can be found at their website here.
The elections, presided by PBA Chair Tammy Wolf-Baker, were voted on by the members attending. The membership accepted the slate as presented by the Nominating Committee, which includes Sandy Borowsky (Chair) of Starr Bus Charter & Tours, John Bailey of Bailey Coach, Tom Brynan of Werner Bus Lines, Jay Newswanger of R&J Transportation, and Bill Scully of Freedom Excursions by Scully.
The event also offered networking and education sessions, including speakers from the national bus associations—American Bus Association and United Motorcoach Association—on their legislative efforts. Outside the classroom, members enjoyed the company of their fellow operators at the association’s breakfasts, a special comedy show, and even outdoor activities like kayaking, yoga, and nature walks.
PBA is also celebrating its centennial anniversary this year and released a video to commemorate the milestone, which is available here. They marked the occasion at the meeting with a cake.
Next up for the PBA is their 10th Annual Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop (August 16 in York Springs, Pa.), Marketplace 2024 (March 25-26 in State College, Pa.), and its Annual Conference (June 17-20 in Ithaca, N.Y.). Details are available on their website.
Visit pabus.org for more information.
[06.26.23]
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VLA President Paul Walsh
A joint open meeting of the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) and Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) will be held at Hampton Inn Dulles Cascades in Sterling, Va., on June 28. Previously scheduled for the headquarters of American Executive Transportation, the event has been moved due to increased interest and attendance.
MLA President Len Joseph
Co-chaired by VLA Vice President Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation and MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousine, the meeting’s chief purpose is to address the “Clean Hands Code” currently in effect in Washington, D.C. This legislation, put into effect in April 2020, requires operators to pay a $650 per vehicle biannual fee in order to provide point-to-point service within D.C. city limits (although it does not apply to trips that originate outside district limits). Agents of the Washington, D.C. Department of For Hire Vehicles (DHV) are reportedly cracking down at popular destinations like airports and stadiums, and impounding vehicles on site if their paperwork is not in order.
“With three major airports, there is a huge amount of opportunity for operators within the District of Columbia,” says Walsh. However, he says the Clean Hands Code makes providing service within the city very complicated and difficult, particularly for smaller operators.
At the meeting, Walsh and Joseph state that they are looking to assemble a committee of dedicated operators to approach the DHV with their “asks.”
“I realize that we aren’t going to resolve anything at this first meeting,” says Joseph. “But we hope to create a blueprint of expectations and establish a committee so we can put a plan of action in place.”
While the meeting is free for all operators to attend (membership in the VLA or MLA is not required), the associations ask that interested parties RSVP to admin@virginialimousineassociation.org.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org or mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[06.23.23]