Drivers' legacy shines at International Stage Lines

Some 30 years ago, George Pullman and Bob Myhre were drivers for Pacific Stage Lines, British Columbia's well-known transport system. But when the provincial government announced it would sell the Vancouver-area company's charter rights, the men sensed an opportunity.

In 1978, Pullman and Myhre bought the rights and formed International Stage Lines. In 1986, they bought their first new MCI coaches — 19 of them — and started on a fast road to growth.

Today, as one of the province's largest operators, Richmond-based International Stage Lines is an all-MCI company that still considers its drivers its most important asset. With a fleet of about 40 coaches and about 50 full- and part-time drivers, the company is dedicated exclusively to charters — though one of its best customers is its sister company, International Coach Tours. ISL prides itself on a strong on-time record, clean vehicles and drivers that are dedicated to customer service.

The company employs about 60 people, including a well-regarded mechanical staff that takes care of the coaches (ISL is also a licensed inspection facility for the provincial government).

ISL's newer coaches include a dozen MCI® J4500s as well as some new-look D4505s. The company recently redid the interiors of several of its older MCI vehicles, some of which date back to the late '80s.  Brad Sidjak, director of sales and marketing, says the MCI coaches have served the company well. "I never have to worry about these coaches breaking down," says Sidjak.

Next on the company's agenda is positioning itself for the 2010 Olympics, which officials expect will require the services of about 1,000 motor coaches and 2,000 drivers. Already, International Stage Lines has converted one coach to offer a roomy 28-seat passenger configuration with separate meeting area and plenty of table room — an ideal vehicle for traveling press, parties of officials or sports teams.

Sidjak believes that bus travel is in many ways a "tough sell," but he sees plenty of opportunity, especially in corporate and school travel. Speaking of the industry as a whole, he says, "We have to find ways of doing our job better. The Internet is great, and our website draws a lot of people to us."

He also believes that having an all-MCI fleet is a benefit for reasons beyond the durability of the product. He likes the consistency. "Our name on the coach is the only real advertising we have. When there's a standard quality of equipment, people tend to remember you better. We're proud of the name we put on the coach."

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