Charter a VIntage Bus

These classic buses are available for charter. They are ideally suited for historical tours, weddings, family gatherings, theatre parties or other occasions where a unique, historical vehicle is wanted. Each bus is equipped with a public address system. To charter these historical buses contact American Stage Tours in Concord, CA at 925 687-7705. Their website address is:

www.americanstagetours.com

About Niles Coach Lines

The Niles Coach Lines bus is project of the Niles Golden Spike Association, the Pacific Bus Museum and American Stage Tours to operate historic museum buses in conjunction with Niles Canyon Railway trains now boarding passengers in the Niles district of Fremont, California. The buses operate from 10:45 AM to 3:45 PM on select Sundays throughout the year. Visitors to the Niles area are welcome to board a Pacific Bus Museum bus operated by American Stage Tours at several stops along Niles Blvd. for a ride through historic Niles. The ride includes a stop for passengers boarding the Niles Canyon Railway trains. Equipment for this operation includes a restored 1957 General Motors TDH 4801, (bus 517) that will alternate with the museum's restored 1958 General Motors model TDH 4512, (bus 128).

About Bus #128

After operating a number of years as bus #4507 for Unitrans, the transit system serving the UC Davis campus and Davis, CA area, the PBM acquired the bus from Unitrans in 1997. Renumbered back to its original Sacramento Transit Authority fleet number #128 for the Niles Coach Lines project the bus was chosen for its GM Hydromatic (automatic) transmission ideally suited for the service and for its good mechanical condition. The distinctive "art deco" look of the Niles Coach Lines bus was inspired by designs seen on city buses in the 1930s and 40s including San Francisco's Market Street Railway buses of that era.

About Bus #517

San Diego Transit Lines, GM TDH4801 # 517 was delivered new to San Diego in 1957. After its career with San Diego Transit ended 517 was sold to Yuma Bus Co. in Yuma, Arizona. Some years later 517 was moved back to the San Diego area where it was eventually bought by Chris Stauffer. The opportunity to acquire 517 as a back up or reserve bus for the Niles train shuttle came in the fall of 2006 when the PBM acquired the bus from Chris. Complete and operable 517 was restored during 2008. It is painted in the same "art deco" livery as bus 128 but in the colors of DC Transit (Washington D.C.). 517 will alternate with bus 128 carrying Niles Canyon Railway train passengers in the Niles area of Fremont, CA on Sundays.

Learn more:

PBM Roster - Sacramento Transit Authority #128

PBM Roster - San Diego Transit #517

Pictures of STA #128 during restoration

Pictures of Niles Coach Lines 128 in service

A picture of 128 running for the Sacramento Transit Authority in 1966

Pictures of SDT #517