Gaylord Opryland Revitalizing Luxury Bus Fleet

NASHVILLE— Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is in the midst of a five-year program to replace its entire fleet of 21 luxury buses. The replacement program was launched last year at the 2,881-room resort when 10 new luxury buses were purchased from Motor Coach Industries for more than $4 million. The MCI J4500 buses are 45 feet long and provide seating for 56 passengers. Each bus is equipped with reclining seats; six televisions; VCR, DVD and CD capabilities; and a passenger restroom. The interior color schemes of the buses vary but all of the exteriors feature wraps that call attention to various amenities and entertainment options at the hotel. So far this year, the resort has purchased two more MCI J4500 buses with two more slated to arrive in December, noted James Mills, transportation manager for Gaylord Opryland. “We’ll have a total of 14 J4500 buses by the end of the year and we’re also purchasing low-floor transit buses from Nova Bus. They’re great for short distances as they can seat 41 or accommodate 80 with people standing,” Mills said. “We now have one low-floor bus and will have one more by the end of the year.” When the replacement program is completed, Gaylord Opyrland’s bus fleet will consist of 15 MCI J4500 buses, each costing $470,000, and six Nova Bus vehicles, which cost $330,000 each. The buses are used to provide guests with transportation to attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry, the General Jackson Showboat and Opry Mills mall. Those services are complimentary for overnight hotel guests. Bus service is also available for a fee to downtown Nashville and the Wildhorse Saloon. Airport shuttle service is likewise offered for a fee. Additionally, the transportation department at Gaylord Opryland can arrange charter services for convention groups or local organizations that want to transport large numbers of people. The vehicles in Gaylord Opryland’s fleet are busy much of the day, noted Mills. “One of the buses last year carried 134,000 passengers to Opry Mills mall,” he said. “As for the airport, our vehicles transport 100,000 people annually to and from. With the group business, which is primarily dinner and golf, we do an average of 15,000 people a month.” Not surprisingly, the transportation department has a large staff that includes 46 drivers and 14 maintenance technicians. “We have a full-service maintenance facility to do all the maintenance necessary and we also have full fueling capability,” Mills said. The facility has five bays to service vehicles and a bus washing system. In addition to purchasing the new buses, Gaylord Opryland has ordered a new “executive style coach” from Motor Coach Industries for special events and meetings. Due for delivery in November, Mills predicted the vehicle will “wow” guests.