Editor’s Note – September/October 2025

The September/October 2025 issue of Busline Magazine features a special section dedicated to the publication’s second annual “Women To Recognize In Busing” award. The section highlights female leaders in the public and private bus industries whose accomplishments have set a solid foundation for all women to succeed in the future.

This year’s winner is Jasmine Sayah, Operations Manager of Best Tours & Travel, located in Fresno, CA. Sayah is also the current Vice President of the California Bus Association’s Board of Directors.

As Operations Manager for Best Tours & Travel, Sayah oversees daily operations, workforce development and client partnerships while also focusing on long-term strategy and sustainability goals. Best Tours & Travel is a family-owned charter and tour provider, founded in 1978 and based in California’s Central Valley.

“Along with my other duties, I oversee all aspects of scheduling, compliance, contracts and employee recruiting, including the hiring and retaining of drivers. Another part of my role as operations manager is helping to secure exclusive contracts with school districts and other institutions and customer groups,” Sayah said. “Beyond daily operations, I also focus on industry-related advocacy and partnerships — ensuring that companies like Best Tours & Travel have a voice in the broader transportation conversation and policy making.”

That latter focus has led Sayah to becoming very involved with the California Bus Association.

“Such involvement has helped me further advocate for the needs of bus/motorcoach operators before regulators, legislators and community leaders,” she explained.

When asked what it takes to be successful in the bus transportation industry, Sayah stressed the importance of resilience, adaptability, and possessing a service-driven heart.

“This is not an industry for the faint of heart. It often involves long hours, regulatory complexities and constant problem-solving skills,” she said. “However, it also can provide unmatched rewards for those who succeed by navigating various challenges, staying focused on safety and service, and treating both employees and passengers with dignity and care.”

Busline Magazine would like to thank Jasmine Sayah for her hard work and dedication to the bus industry. We would also like to recognize the other nominees for this award. Their stories can also be read in this issue’s special section.

The cover story for this issue focuses on Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), located in scenic Traverse City, MI.

BATA officially started in 1986 with the consolidation of two dial-a-ride transit systems. Since that time, it has grown from a small rural transit provider to now being designated as a small urban transit agency due to the region’s expanding population.

“We are very fortunate, as a public transportation provider, to serve a popular and growing area full of well-known winter and summer activities,” BATA Director of Communications and Development Eric Lingaur said. “More people are discovering the benefits to living in our part of the state, in northern Michigan. There are all kinds of opportunities to enjoy nature here, but at the same time, our area has a ‘small city’ feel with many amenities and comforts of urban living.”

I would like to thank everyone for their continual support of Busline Magazine. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net. 

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Busline Magazine