The Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association (GNEMA) celebrated the skill, safety and professionalism of the motorcoach industry’s drivers during its 2nd Annual Driver Safety Competition, held Wednesday, September 30, at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
Thirteen professional motorcoach drivers representing companies throughout the region competed in the event, putting their driving skills, safety knowledge and industry expertise to the test.
Josue Garcia of Peter Pan Bus Lines captured first place, followed by Angelo Concert of Martz Bus in second place and Jenny Dacierno of Hampton Jitney in third. Sean Hatch of Starr Tours finished fourth, with Clive Wallace of DATTCO rounding out the top five.
Garcia will represent both GNEMA and Peter Pan Bus Lines at the National Driver Safety Competition during the 2027 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in San Antonio, Texas.
Trophies and cash prizes were presented to the top finishers during the GNEMA Annual Meeting & Luncheon.
2026 Competitors
GNEMA congratulates all 13 professional drivers who stepped up to compete:
- Peter Newsome, Bailey Coach
- Manuel Costa, Coach USA/Suburban Transit
- Clive Wallace, DATTCO
- Crawford Lassiter, Greyhound Lines
- Jenny Dacierno, Hampton Jitney
- Bryan Maxwell, Krapf Coaches
- Angelo Concert, Martz Bus
- Levi Newton, Panorama Tours
- Josue Garcia, Peter Pan Bus Lines
- James Jackson, Silver Star Transportation
- Sean Hatch, Starr Tours
- Ricky Goldsmith, Stout's Transportation
- Kendal Rohan, Trans-Bridge Lines
“The Driver Safety Competition is about much more than determining who finishes first,” said Patricia Cowley, GNEMA Executive Director. “It gives us an opportunity to recognize the professional drivers who safely transport millions of passengers and represent our industry every day. Every driver who competed should be incredibly proud of what they accomplished.”
The competition would not be possible without the tremendous support of GNEMA’s sponsors and participating motorcoach companies. GNEMA extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, equipment and financial support to make the second annual competition a success.
GNEMA also recognizes the many volunteers and judges who worked throughout the day, helping with course guide, planning, setup, scoring, safety oversight and other competition activities. Their commitment to the event reflects the motorcoach industry’s shared dedication to safety and professional excellence.
The competition is open to eligible drivers employed by GNEMA Operator Members. Participants must hold a valid commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement and a current medical certificate, be actively employed and driving professionally, and meet GNEMA’s established safety standards. Competitors must also have at least two years of preventable-accident-free driving experience and no license suspensions or out-of-service violations during the previous 24 months.
The annual competition is part of GNEMA’s ongoing commitment to promoting safety, professionalism and excellence throughout the motorcoach industry.
About GNEMA
The Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association represents motorcoach operators and industry partners throughout the Northeast. GNEMA provides advocacy, education, professional development, networking and safety initiatives designed to strengthen the motorcoach industry and support the companies and professionals who keep passengers moving safely.
For more information, visit gnema.org or contact:
Patricia Cowley, Executive Director
Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association
908-750-4538
pcowley@gnema.org