By Mailynne
Baseball is as American as apple pie, and Anchor Trailways is excited for the new season. To celebrate we decided to share a few things that you may not know about Nashville’s very own team – The Nashville Sounds!
1) Anchor Trailways is proud to be the official transportation partner for the team!
2) The Sounds are launching 2012 Waste Management Charity of the Night program. At each home game a local charitable organization will be featured, be at the ballpark and available to educate fans about their organization, and increase awareness for their cause. For more information (and Application Form) click here.
3) Meet “Ozzie” the mascot! Ozzie entertains fans of all ages at Greer Stadium with his enthusiasm as well as his dance moves. Here are some stats about Ozzie you probably didn’t know:
Height: Tall
Weight: Varies
Bats: Scared Of ‘Em
Throws: Southpaw
Number: 1
Born: April 11, 2000
Resides: Nashville, TN
You can even follow @OzzieTheMascot on Twitter!
4) Each player has their very own walk-up music as they may their way to the plate. Yes, even Ozzie has an intro song! You can see the full list of songs here.
Now that you have the inside scoop on The Sounds, are you ready to go to a game? Click HERE to register for a chance to be one of four winners for tickets to any Nashville Sounds home game. (Tickets are undated and will be valid at any home game this season).
The full schedule can be seen here. We hope to see you at Greer Stadium soon!
By Mailynne
Once again, Anchor Trailways partnered with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau and local area hotels and vendors to provide ground transportation for the nearly 35,000 attendees of the 28th Annual AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Paducah, Kentucky!
This four day event was held April 25–28 and showcased some of the most creative quilting art being produced by both local and international artisans. It was our mission for the fourth year in a row to ensure that each attendee had access to every venue and event that was being held during this show.
Anchor Team Leader, Charlotte Barks, helped us accomplish this goal 
yet again in 2012! We created a complex ground transportation system that originated from more than a dozen local hotels to the show’s events by utilizing nine routes and over fifty-four stops. Anchor was about to provide service for twelve hours each day to ensure attendees had easy access to the show’s events.
This year’s AQS Quilt Show & Contest was the most successful show to date! It was a privilege of Anchor Trailways to experience such a talented group of people and to see our quilting friends again.
To learn more about Paducah AQS Quilt Show, click here.
Want to see the creative work of these talented quilting artisans? Watch here
By Mailynne
When economic hardship strikes, brotherly love and common courtesy often go right out the window. When times get tough individuals and businesses alike become inward-minded out of a heightened sense of self-preservation. We often become laser-focused on cost-saving measures, decrease our charitable giving (or stop altogether), and rarely keep our eyes open for opportunities to help our peers, let alone perfect strangers.
But every now and again, people just might surprise you. They do the unexpected, and perform acts of kindness that are not the regular duties as part of their job descriptions. An Anchor Trailways driver displayed the type of selflessness and compassion that is hard to come by these days at a local event last week.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and the Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School presented “Family Math Night” on Tuesday April 10th. With a Math Matters Parent Workshop, games, artifacts, and the World of Math online, the Family Night was a star-stunned event featuring TSU Cheerleaders, local mascots, special guests DJ Kenny Smoov and Dirty Dozen from 92Q, and even a surprise Titan!
Our very own Anchor Trailways motor coach driven by Audrey Vaughn was on site for students and parents to explore. While a few parents were touring the bus, they explained that several parents from the Cumberland View area (better known as “Dodge City” due to prevalence of gun violence), had no transportation; therefore, they were unable to attend the Family Math Night event. That was all Audrey needed to hear. She took Verda Gibbs, Special Projects Manager for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, and drove the motorcoach downtown! The two held up flyers asking if there were any parents of students at Robert Churchwell Elementary who would like a ride to the event. Twenty-two people loaded the bus, and at the end of the evening, Audrey drove them all back home. Gibbs said, “Many of the teachers said this was the first time they had seen parents of their students and were glad to have them at school with their children.”
Audrey wasn’t asked to do what she did. Dodge City was not on her itinerary for the evening. But she saw a need, and decided to meet it. That is the very heart of Anchor Trailways. Driving the miles between Point A and Point B might be our business, but having a team of dedicated, observant, and sensitive drivers who are equally (if not more) concerned about the extra mile is our mission. Kudos to Audrey!
By Mailynne
Being responsible for the safety of an entire group while on a bus trip can seem overwhelming. Here are some simple travel tips to discuss in your planning meetings before your trip that will certainly give everyone confidence during your travels.
Traveling with students? Plan to travel with enough chaperones. Check with your school administrators to see if a student to adult ratio has been pre-determined by your school district. If so, request parents to volunteer as chaperones with plenty of advanced notice. Some may need to request time off from their employers. Make a list of chaperones available to other parents as the travel dates get closer. Emphasize expected responsibilities and obligations to each chaperone, making each aware of the seriousness of their job.
Take a medical professional – If possible try to take the school nurse or find a parent who happens to be a nurse/doctor/EMT. The chances of having a true medical emergency is low, but having a medical professional along for the ride will certainly provide peace of mind. Traveling with a doctor won’t prevent an injury, but if an accident were to happen, a trained professional would be on-hand to give immediate medical attention.
Detailed itineraries – The more details the better! Your bus and motor coach drivers can pre-plan routes (saving your group time and money) if they are provided with detailed itineraries as early as possible. Also consider giving each chaperone guides that account for exactly where you are going, what you will be doing, and so on. Being informed is being empowered.
Emergency plan - Discuss and decide on an emergency plan in case of a true emergency. What steps will you take if someone is seriously hurt or separated from the group? Who is “second in command?” Thoroughly think through possible scenarios, and create action plans for each. The likelihood of needing to implement your emergency plan is rare, but there is no such thing as being overly prepared.
Contact list and medications - Ask that each traveler bring a list of emergency contacts and any current medications. The group’s leader should keep these in a folder that is easy to find at all times.
Keep a low profile – Teach your group how to minimize drawing attention to themselves. Wear casual clothes, do not wear a lot of jewelry, keep cameras in discrete bags, and avoid wallets or purses. Only carry enough money for immediate needs. Do not discuss your travel plans loudly in public areas or carelessly leave your itinerary lying out in the open.
Always have a “buddy” - make sure each traveler (and his or her buddy) is accounted for prior to each departure after rest stops, sightseeing, meals, etc.
Group bus travel is exciting and memorable. There are always risks in traveling, but being prepared will give you & your group confidence, so you can enjoy the trip rather than stress over it! Plan ahead and think smart, then relax and have fun with your group on your Anchor Trailways adventure.
By Mailynne
Anchor Trailways takes extreme pride in providing our customers safe, affordable and memorable travel accommodations for school trips, family reunions, and group trips! We are always looking for ways to keep our costs as low as possible, and we love passing those savings on to you!
Here are some tips to keep your next trip cost-effective, on-time, and above all safe:
1) Traveling as a school group? Remind students and adult chaperones that for their safety, motor coach doors will remain closed until an adult can accompany the students for boarding.
2) Everyone has a favorite travel snack or drink, but save your group possible spillage and/or damage fines ($250.00 and up) by leaving the following items at the rest-stop:
*Foods: no gum, chocolate, ice cream, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, jelly beans, or other small candy.
*Beverages: No alcoholic beverages or canned soda. Only liquids with lids can be brought onto
the motor coach.
3) R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Aretha Franklin knew what she was talking about! Remember to treat the motor coach equipment with respect. Groups will be responsible for the cost of replacing broken equipment such as seats, window shades, armrests, etc.
4) Shhhh! No, we’re not in a library, but MP3 players, iPods, Video Games, DVD Players, etc. do need to be kept at volume levels that will not disturb passengers or motor coach drivers. Want to turn up the volume? Headphones are always recommended!
5) Say “Cheese!” Making memories for your group travel is a perk we strive to provide when you reserve an Anchor Trailways motor coach. After dark, cameras cannot be used while driving. The flash reflects off interior windows and blinds our drivers.
6) Housekeeping – Groups should throw away trash left onboard the motor coach. Suggestion for school groups: Ask each student to pick up around their seat. The teacher in charge may inspect the coach before dismissing the students.
7) And finally, The Restrooms – There may be a lavatory facility on the motor coach, but remind your group before departure that it is for emergencies only. Scheduled stops are rest areas throughout the trip should be utilized for restroom breaks, but feel free to communicate with your driver if you need to make unscheduled stops. Also keep in mind, the lavatory will not be emptied until the end of the trip.
Please do not hesitate to contact your travel coordinator if you have any questions regarding your next group travel arrangements. We are looking forward to it!
By Mailynne
It is no surprise to anyone that fuel prices are on the rise. In 2011 Anchor Trailways purchased over 248,000 gallons of fuel for our coaches and buses. While fuel expense is a major factor in determining our rates, we strongly believe that maintaining affordable prices for our customers must always be one of our highest goals. In order to do that, we hold a high commitment to fuel conservation and fuel efficient driving. The recent increase in fuel prices has prompted us to remind ourselves and our loyal customers of a few simple tips that will help us go farther on less fuel.
1. Reduce Idle Time - Ensuring a comfortable temperature for passenger boarding requires buses to idle, which wastes fuel and increased fuel costs. While we respect passenger comfort and cabin temperature, we will try to shut down the buses until time for group boarding and departure.
2. Detailed Itineraries - Anchor Trailways drivers can prepare the most fuel -efficient route (including fuel stops) for your group trip if itineraries are provided. The more information provided to Anchor by the customer before depature,the better!
4. Travel Light - The more weight a vehicle carries, the more fuel it utilizes. Help Anchor Trailways keep costs low by packing thoughtfully before your group trip.
We are all looking to save as much as possible on the cost of fuel these days. Anchor Trailways is committed to doing our part to conserve fuel, exercise fuel-efficient driving and driver training, and provide proper vehicle maintenance to ensure that your next group tour is as affordable as it is memorable! Thank you for allowing us to be your group transportation provider and remember, Together We Go Places!
By Mailynne
Anchor Trailways & Tours strives to provide a fun, stress-free, and comfortable group travel experience, but above all our highest goal is always safety!
Many group leaders have spent a lot of time planning and preparing for their trip, but may not have considered what to do in inclement weather. We understand that the weather conditions can change fast and deteriorate rapidly–that is why Anchor Trailways has developed safety plans and procedures for just such events.
Below are some commonly asked questions from group leaders about inclement weather:
What happens if inclement weather is predicted before our trip?
If severe weather is forecasted before your scheduled group trip, Anchor Trailways can reschedule in many cases. Your Charter Sales Representative will do their very best to modify your travel arrangements.
What if our group experiences inclement weather during our trip?
Our drivers are trained to work in all types of weather conditions, allowing them to focus on only one thing – getting your group to their destination safely. Each driver uses discretion as necessary while en route if severe weather occurs. This may result in unavoidable delays, if passenger safety is ever in question due to unforeseen and/or worsening driving conditions.
For further peace-of-mind, Anchor Trailways utilizes a GPS security tracking system. From any Internet connection, we can confirm departure, en route, during stops, and arrival information in real-time guaranteeing the exact location for your chartered group trip.
Finally, a dispatcher may be contacted 24 hours a day by calling our after hours line. Please call 615-860-6800 or 1-800-476-2841. Simply listen for the prompt to be immediately connected to the on-call dispatcher.
To learn more, or to speak to an Anchor Trailways & Tours representative, visit www.AnchorTrailways.com or call 800-476-2841 or 615-860-6800.
By Admin
Keeping yourself entertained on a long bus trip is one key to your enjoyment of the overall travel experience. It doesn’t matter how fun your destination will be; if your bus trip is boring, it can have a negative impact on the rest of the trip. The good news is that it’s easy to keep yourself and your fellow travelers amused. Here are some ideas:
iPad or Kindle. Take an electronic book along with you. You can even watch a movie by yourself or share with your seat mate on the bus. You can plan ahead and download books and movies to your device before traveling or you can take advantage of the wireless internet available on all Anchor Trailways buses. There are also power outlets on each bus for your electronic devices.
Crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Carry a tote bag filled with your favorite puzzles and games. Take a few extra pens and pencils to share with your travel buddies and make the games a group effort!
Small crafts. Unlike commercial airlines, there is more flexibility with what you can carry onto a bus for a long trip. Indulging in small crafts such as sewing, drawing or scrapbooking can make the time fly by.
Snack time. Take a small cooler filled with individual servings of food such as apple slices, veggies and dip, cheese, deli meats, and drinks and ask your companions to do the same. Then you can host a “Snack Party” on the bus. Ask everyone to bring something different and share as a group.
Celebrity magazines. Buy some gossip magazines for a change just for the comedic value. Pass them around among your friends and possibly even make a trivia guessing game about the different celebrity stories. Bring small party favors for winners. These magazines and games always give groups something fun to talk about!
Do something productive. Use the time on the bus to take care of small details you’ve been putting off, such as cleaning out your purse, rearranging your wallet, and updating your address book. Bus trips are always a good time to clear out the old messages from your mobile phone and update phone numbers and contact information. You can also catch up on e-mails and research by using the Anchor Trailways wireless internet on each bus.
Get some well-deserved rest. The bus ride is the perfect time to rest up before or after a busy vacation. Spend several hours dozing so you’ll be in perfect form when you arrive at your destination.
There is no reason to be bored on a bus journey – especially with a group of people. Do a little preparation for the ride and communicate with your group, and you’ll be at your destination before you know it!
By Admin
Click here to open our AnchorNovemberNews and read about the great summer we have had and all the fun trips that we have been a part of. There were so many events, trips, games and more that we were a part of we couldn’t fit it all into one newsletter. Hope you enjoy reading about them as much as we enjoyed making them happen!
By Admin
A lucky group of students boarded 4 Anchor Trailways & Tours motorcoaches and headed off on a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip to Washington, DC. We are so pleased that they chose to ride comfortably and safely aboard Anchor Trailwats & Tours coaches. Click here to see the article published in a recent issue of Tennessee Magazine. We are delighted to have been noted in paragraph two! If you want to learn more about these great trips, visit their facebook page.
Baseball is as American as apple pie, and Anchor Trailways is excited for the new season. To celebrate we decided to share a few things that you may not know about Nashville’s very own team – The Nashville Sounds!
