Switzer-CARTY Transportation has announced the purchase of R&L Bus Lines in Bancroft, Ontario. The deal closed on March 31, according to an announcement on Switzer-CARTY Transportation’s Facebook page.
“We are pleased to welcome the R&L Team to Switzer-CARTY,” President, CEO and co-founder Jim Switzer said in the announcement of the acquisition. “We want to assure everyone that all of the professional drivers, technicians and operations staff that have been serving the local communities will continue in their current roles moving forward.”
Switzer-CARTY was founded in 2011
Switzer-CARTY, was founded in 2011 by industry veterans Switzer and Doug Carty. Headquartered in the Greater Toronto Area, the company provides student transportation to more than 96,000 students daily. It has grown to become the fastest-growing privately held school bus company in Ontario, according to its website.
Two years ago, the company was acquired by Terramont Infrastructure Partners, a middle market-focused North American infrastructure investment firm. As part of the deal, Switzer remained CEO and Carty joined the board of directors, with both remaining as shareholders of the company, according to a release announcing the purchase.
R&L Bus Lines, owned and operated by Laurie and Wendy Evans, transports students for the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, Renfrew County District School Board and Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.
Laurie and his brother, Kevin, grew up in the school bus industry. Their parents, Doug and Dianne Evans, founded Evans Bus Lines in 1973. In 1992, Laurie and Wendy founded R&L Bus Lines, after purchasing their first three buses from Laurie’s grandfather, Russell Evans, inspiring the company’s name.
Kevin joined Evans Bus Lines as their mechanic in 1992 and continues to work as R&L’s shop foreman today.
30 years of growth
Over the past 30 years, R&L grew as the owners purchased routes from fellow bus operators with deep community ties who were wishing to retire from school bus operations.
This included Laurie’s parents, who operated Evans Bus Lines in Bancroft for 35 years. Many school bus operators continued to work alongside Laurie and Wendy, driving the school buses they operated, some even today.
“Just as these operators trusted R&L Bus Lines to continue safely transporting their students to and from school each day, Laurie and Wendy are equally excited and confident Switzer-CARTY will serve the Bancroft and Renfrew school communities well,” according to the release. “The Evanses recognize a key part to their success has been their committed staff and feel extremely grateful to have been surrounded by such dedicated employees throughout the years.”
Both Laurie and Wendy plan to remain in their current roles as part of the Switzer-CARTY team.
