Lyle "Shorty" Nichols
Nichols Bus, Inc.
Jim Nichols
Nichols Bus, Inc.
Family-owned for Three Generations
About Nichols Bus, Inc.
Welcome to Nichols Bus, Inc.! For over 75 years, we have been a trusted name in passenger transportation. As a third-generation family-owned business, we are proud to serve our community with safe, reliable, and professional transportation services. Take a few moments to read our story and learn about the business.
How It All Started
Our story began in 1941 when Lyle “Shorty” Nichols started Nichols Bus with just one school bus. Every day, he operated a single route for Benton Township School (now part of the Lackawanna Trail School District). By 1955, Shorty had expanded the business by adding a second bus.
When Shorty retired in 1969, his son, James, took over. James continued to grow the company while staying true to the family’s commitment to quality transportation.
Expanding to Serve More Needs
Under Jim’s leadership, Nichols Bus grew into a regional transportation provider. The fleet expanded to 12 school buses, and the company proudly handled multiple daily routes for the Lackawanna Trail School District, including their activities transportation.
But that’s not all. Jim saw a need for flexible charter services and responded by adding motorcoaches to the fleet. This allowed Nichols Bus to offer year-round transportation for schools, camps, church groups, and private parties. The motorcoach business quickly became popular for long-distance trips and special events.
A New Chapter of Growth
In 1997, Jim’s daughter Robyn joined the company as Operations Manager, marking the start of the third generation of family leadership. Together, Robyn and Jim expanded the business in exciting new directions.
First, they introduced CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training and testing as an authorized third-party provider. This included specialized school bus driver training, which further strengthened the company’s focus on safety and professionalism.
However, in 2010, changing customer needs led Nichols Bus to retire the motorcoach business. This shift allowed the company to focus entirely on its core services: school transportation, private charters, and driver training.
Carrying on the Family Tradition
Jim and Robyn worked side by side until Jim’s passing in 2018. Since then, Robyn has taken the lead as President of Nichols Bus, continuing the family legacy with the same dedication to excellence.
What We Do Today
Today, Nichols Bus, Inc. is proud to provide:
- Safe, dependable transportation for local school districts
- Charter services for camps, community organizations, and private groups
- Third-party CDL testing and training
- School bus driver training classes offered throughout the year
Whether you need transportation for your group or want to become a certified driver, Nichols Bus has the experience and resources to meet your needs.
Why Choose Nichols Bus, Inc.?
At Nichols Bus, Inc., our focus has always been on safety, reliability, and exceptional service. With decades of experience, we remain committed to serving our community and making transportation stress-free.
Let’s Get Moving!
If you’re looking for safe, reliable transportation or professional driver training, we’re here to help. Contact Nichols Bus today and let us show you why we’ve been a trusted name in passenger transportation for over 75 years!
S & K Nichols
The Fourth Generation
Nichols Bus, Inc.