Jasmine Sayah Named Busline Magazine’s ‘Women To Recognize In Busing’ Award Winner

Jasmine Sayah is Operations Manager of Best Tours & Travel, located in Fresno, CA. She also the current Vice President of the California Bus Association’s Board of Directors. (Photo courtesy of Best Tours & Travel)

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

The second annual Busline Magazine’s “Women To Recognize In Busing” award is being presented to 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.

This award recognizes female leaders in the public and private bus industries whose accomplishments have set a solid foundation for all women to succeed in the future.

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.

The company’s mission is to provide safe and dependable transportation for such customer groups as universities and schools, athletic teams, churches, government agencies, and emergency responders. Its vehicles can be seen within the Central Valley and beyond, including long-distance travel across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“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 in the California Bus Association. As mentioned, she currently serves as Vice President of the organization’s Board.

“Such involvement has helped me further advocate for the needs of bus/motorcoach operators before regulators, legislators and community leaders,” she explained. “One of the greatest challenges has been navigating the regulatory pressures that are facing our industry, especially in California involving the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Work continues in our industry to balance environmental goals with operational realities. That includes collaborating with operators across the state to make sure both large and small companies in our industry have a voice when it comes to advocacy.

“Important topics and challenges that we face together include systemic sustainability mandates and insurance costs. Another ongoing challenge is workforce recruitment and retention. I have been involved in helping develop various mentorship programs, training partnerships and outreach efforts. That includes work to better reach underrepresented groups of people who are interested in career opportunities within the bus industry. I believe our industry thrives on our stories of success and struggle.”

The Road To Success

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.”

She added that people who are successful in the bus transportation industry learn to build their careers around connections, purpose and service.

“As a transportation provider, it’s not just about moving people from one place to another. It’s about giving students access to education, supporting communities in emergencies, and creating opportunities for travel and togetherness,” Sayah said. “For people who want a career that combines responsibility with high impact, then this is the industry to choose. It offers a unique and meaningful path toward success and fulfillment.”

Sayah is optimistic about not only the future of Best Tours & Travel, but the overall bus industry as well.

“As a company, our foundation is strong, built on decades of service, a dedicated client base and a committed workforce. We are also exploring sustainable practices and technologies for the future while ensuring our operations remain practical and affordable for the communities we serve,” Sayah said. “Best Tours & Travel’s focus is about ‘balance embracing innovation,’ while staying true to the company’s mission involving service.”

Regarding the overall bus industry, she said the future will be shaped by regulatory changes, environmental expectations, and workforce dynamics.

“While challenges are ahead, I believe our industry will continue to play a vital role in transporting people and groups involved in education, tourism and public service,” Sayah said. “Motorcoaches, in particular, remain the most efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly form of group travel. That gives us a strong foundation.

“With the right advocacy and collaboration in place, I see a future where bus/motorcoach travel will remain indispensable within the North American transportation network.”

Sayah is also a big believer in the growing number of career opportunities available in the bus industry today for women.

“It’s very encouraging to see more women stepping into different roles within this industry, including those that involve leadership and advocacy. More women are realizing that this industry provides many career paths where they can thrive,” she said. “I also feel it’s important to highlight the past and current accomplishments of women in our industry so that others can see what’s possible.”

Reflecting on her own career experiences and accomplishments thus far, Sayah said she wants to emphasize that everything she has done, and will do, is guided by her faith, family, and commitment to service.

“I am proud to be a wife and a mother of three children, and I believe those roles strengthen my perspective as a leader,” Sayah said. “I also believe in giving back, whether through advocacy, mentorship, or community service. This (Women To Recognize In Busing) award is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a reminder of the power of service-driven leadership.

“My role is not just about management, it’s also about ensuring our company remains rooted in service, faith, and family values while preparing for the future.”

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 be read in this September/October 2025 issue of Busline Magazine.