When Cherrey Bus Lines Inc. moves to Listowel in late May, it will mark the end of an era.
While it also has offices in Stratford and Goderich, the company’s headquarters has been located in Drayton for over 60 years. The company has already sold its property in Mapleton and is awaiting renovations at its new home.
“It’s an opportunity to expand and grow the business,” said owner Allan Cherrey, who several months ago was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA).
He explained that in order to expand in Drayton the company would have to build a brand new facility, and it made more financial sense to move into a location that is already built.
“It’s a business decision, primarily,” Cherrey said.
The move will better facilitate expansion, he added, noting there may be room for more staff members at the new location.
Cherrey Bus Lines was started in Drayton by Cherrey’s father, Alva, in the late 1940s. The company became incorporated in 1979, and has grown from a single school bus operation to the present company consisting of highway motorcoaches, activity buses, school buses and vans.
It also offers vacation tours through its two divisions – Maxey Travel and Robin Hood Tours.
