A Minnesota transportation executive is receiving one of the school bus industry’s highest honors.
Pat Regan of Hastings has been inducted into the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame, an award presented to just one person each year.
Regan was recognized for his decades of leadership and commitment to student safety in school transportation.
Regan joined the family business, Minnesota Coaches, in 1980 after graduating from college. During his tenure, the company expanded to more than 1,300 employees and a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles.
He’s also known for leading by example. During the COVID-19 school bus driver shortage, Regan got behind the wheel himself to help keep students on their routes. He also organized the donation of school buses to a Louisiana Catholic school after a major hurricane.
About the award, Regan says, ““I can only consider this a team award. I’ve been blessed with wonderful business partners and in turn, we’ve been blessed with phenomenal employees over the decades, many of whom became our heroes,” Regan also says, “Our families have blessed us with love, patience and support. The loyalty of our cherished clients inspires and sustains us, and our ultimate gratitude goes to the Almighty, who calls us to this road and protects us on our way.”
Regan accepted the Hall of Fame award July 21st at the association’s annual convention in Denver.
Minnesota Coaches recently rebranded as Reliant Transportation Group, where Regan remains an owner and member of the board as he transitions toward retirement.
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