Sunway Charters is proud to introduce its highly respected Director of Safety & Compliance, Raecine Reeves, a dedicated professional known for her strong work ethic, passion for safety, and ability to bring out the best in those around her.

With a warm personality and a deep commitment to helping others, Raecine has always sought careers that make a difference. Her journey into transportation began with a desire to make a meaningful career change. After spending over a decade as a nursing assistant, Raecine sought a new path — one that still involved helping people but in a different capacity. Having previously worked as a school bus driver, she found her calling in the transportation industry and never looked back.

The transition into safety and compliance was a natural progression for Raecine. After relocating to Charlotte to be closer to family, she wanted to remain in transportation but needed a role that didn’t require her to be on the road full-time. Her experience as a dispatcher and professional driver, coupled with a strong work ethic, opened the door to becoming an interim Safety Manager at Sunway Charters. With extensive training from mentor Jack Wingerter, whom she deeply admires for his vast wealth of knowledge, Raecine quickly adapted to the responsibilities of ensuring compliance, driver training, and regulatory adherence. Now, after nearly a year in the role, she has successfully stepped into the shoes of a true legend as Sunway Charters’ Director of Safety & Compliance.

A lifelong love of driving and exploration has made this career especially fulfilling for Raecine. From driving large vehicles to seeing breathtaking scenery and meeting diverse customers, she has experienced places she never would have imagined visiting. These experiences, along with a deep appreciation for different cultures and the opportunity to ensure passengers have a smooth journey, make the transportation industry a perfect fit.

Now, in her leadership role, Raecine focuses on maintaining Sunway Charters’ high safety standards. Her daily responsibilities include overseeing driver qualification files, ensuring federal compliance, monitoring vehicle safety systems, and playing a key role in driver hiring and training. While the job presents daily challenges, she thrives on the dynamic nature of safety management, always seeking solutions and staying ahead of industry trends. She actively engages with FMCSA, ABA, and UMA updates to remain informed on the latest regulations and advocate for practical improvements, such as modifying ELD regulations to prevent unnecessary drive-time losses.

Beyond work, Raecine’s personal life reflects the same passion and dedication. She enjoys crafting custom items, spending quality time with her children, and spreading positivity through her infectious laughter and smile. Her belief that a simple smile can brighten someone’s day is a testament to her uplifting presence, making her a valuable leader at Sunway Charters. With a strong commitment to safety and a heart for people, she is set to lead Sunway Charters’ safety initiatives into a bright and secure future.

by Dr. David C. Robinson, Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains (CAPT), dba “All Aboard Carolinas.”

Effective January 15, 2025*, the NCDOT contracted with Charlotte-based charter bus operator Sunway for daily intercity bus service (“Triad Danville Connector”) of two round trips between Winston-Salem and Danville, Virginia, with intermediate stops in Greensboro and Reidsville.

For the first time in years, Danville and Reidsville residents will have a direct and inexpensive (the fares are $8 and $4 respectively each way) path to Greensboro (arriving 8:40 am.) In Greensboro, they may take either Piedmont 73 (11:35 am) to Charlotte, or Piedmont 72 (11:59 am) to Raleigh. While the waiting times between bus arrival and train departures in Greensboro are long and preclude any reasonable-length same-day out-and-back train trip, the bus train combination would work well for an overnight trip to Charlotte or Raleigh (or intermediate stations. Bus and train fares must be paid separately, but reservations can be made for both.

In addition to the Triad Danville Connector, Sunway also daily operates three other routes in North Carolina. These are (1) “Mountaineer North/South” between Boone and Charlotte; (2) “Mountaineer East/West” between Boone and Greensboro; and (3) “Mid-State” between Winston-Salem and Fayetteville. Go to https://sunwaycharters.com/bus-tickets/ for more information.

Under a separate contract, Sunway operates two daily Amtrak Thruway bus routes meeting the northbound and southbound Palmetto trains (as well as the northbound Carolinian) at Wilson Amtrak Station, allowing ticketed bus-train connections to and from (1) Greenville, New Bern, Havelock, and Morehead City; and (2) Goldsboro, Kinston, Jacksonville, and Wilmington. Details on this service may be found at: https://www.ncbytrain.org/passenger-services/Pages/connector-services.aspx

CAPT welcomes these intercity bus initiatives and encourages residents of all cities served by Sunway to consider adding a train component to their trip.

***

This article is scheduled to be published in the March 2025 issue of CAPT’s monthly newsletter “From The Cab.” Download Original Article

*Date correction: The actual implementation year is 2025. The previously stated year, 2024, was a typographical error.

Recently, Sunway Charters faced a situation every charter company might encounter—but their response earned special recognition from a client.

Driver Alex was on his way to pick up Grand Strand Young Life of Myrtle Beach for their trip to Carolina Point, a Young Life Camp, when he spotted damage to one of the bus tires during his pre-trip inspection. Although staying on schedule is crucial at Sunway, passenger safety always comes first.

Without hesitation, Alex took the bus out of service and handed it over to the maintenance team. Meanwhile, Sunway Terminal Manager Terri called the group leader to explain the delay and reassure them that their safety was the top priority.

Rebecca, the Young Life group leader, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The bus worked great, and we appreciated that there was a vehicle pre-check so they could get a tire changed out before they got to us.”

A Commitment to Comprehensive Inspections

At Sunway, safety starts with meticulous pre- and post-trip inspections. Using a phone app, drivers follow a detailed checklist that covers every aspect of the vehicle — from mechanical systems like brakes and tires to ensuring safety items like fire extinguishers and reflective triangles are in place. Drivers also document their inspections with photos and report any issues immediately, ensuring no defect goes unnoticed.

Post-trip inspections provide an added layer of accountability, allowing drivers to note any problems experienced during the trip. Any safety defect takes the bus out of service until repairs are completed.

Regular Maintenance and Thorough Inspections

In addition to daily checks, Sunway’s 90-day inspection program ensures vehicles undergo a bumper-to-bumper evaluation by the maintenance team. Over 100 components are inspected, including brakes, lighting, wheelchair lifts, and even onboard amenities like toilets and DVD players.

Routine preventative maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, keeps vehicles running smoothly, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for passengers.

Ongoing Training for Excellence

Sunway’s commitment to safety extends beyond its vehicles to its people. All drivers, mechanics, and shop staff participate in quarterly safety meetings that address topics like Hours-of-Service regulations, passenger safety, and fueling protocols.

Drivers also engage in continuing education through a Learning Management System, completing tailored courses on defensive driving, safety protocols, and more — all designed to keep their skills sharp and their passengers safe.

Sunway’s Philosophy: Safety, Reliability, and Care

At Sunway Charters, safety isn’t just a policy, it’s a way of life. From rigorous inspections and preventative maintenance to ongoing driver training, every step is designed to protect what matters most: our passengers. We believe the journey is as important as the destination, and by prioritizing safety and reliability, we ensure every trip is a positive and memorable experience.

Sunway Charters is proud to announce the return of HR Director Paige Frazier, whose commitment to employees forms the foundation of her approach to human resources. Having first joined the company in 2014, Paige served in Sunways’ HR role for five years before taking time away to explore new challenges. However, the unique, close-knit culture at Sunway stayed with her, and she felt drawn back to the company. “I was ready to do something different, so I called Art and Lee, and they offered me my job back,” Paige shared. Her return marked not only a professional homecoming but also an opportunity to deepen her impact on Sunway’s culture and its people.

In her role, Paige oversees a variety of responsibilities that keep the company running smoothly. A typical week includes payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and managing benefits—all critical tasks that support the well-being and success of Sunway’s team. For Paige, the true reward lies in seeing employees thrive. She views her role as one of service to the staff, explaining, “I work for the employees, while everyone else works for our customers.” By focusing on employee success, she contributes to a workplace where team members feel valued and motivated, which ultimately translates to exceptional customer service.

One of Paige’s greatest joys is Sunway’s “small, family atmosphere,” a culture she actively works to maintain. Her commitment to open communication and accessibility is evident, as she makes herself available for employees who need guidance or support. Building strong relationships with staff is key to fostering loyalty, and it’s a value Paige takes to heart. While she admits that confrontation doesn’t come naturally, Paige handles difficult conversations head-on to ensure transparency and fairness. She believes that this balance of empathy and directness is essential for building trust within the team and maintaining a positive work environment.

Looking to the future, Paige is excited about streamlining Sunway’s hiring and onboarding processes to improve employee retention and satisfaction. She believes that a smooth start helps set new employees up for long-term success and is eager to implement these changes. With a genuine dedication to helping others succeed, she focuses on continuous improvement to make Sunway a great place to work. For Paige, it’s not only about filling roles but also about ensuring each team member feels prepared and supported from day one.

As Paige continues her journey with Sunway, she sees her role as integral to the company’s growth. “I plan to stay with the company and help it grow,” she shared, underscoring her commitment to both Sunway’s future and the success of its employees. Her approach to HR, grounded in partnership and teamwork, has a transformative impact on the company. By championing employee well-being and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, Paige is once again helping Sunway Charters thrive—one dedicated employee at a time.

Sunway Charters is thrilled to announce the appointment of their new Winston-Salem Terminal Manager, Jimmy Watson, a seasoned professional with an impressive 35-year background in the transportation industry. This exciting addition to the Sunway family is poised to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the terminal, promising an era of growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Jimmy’s journey in transportation began decades ago with a brief stint at Greyhound, quickly followed by a role driving a charter bus for Carolina American Tours, which is no longer in business. Over the years, he navigated through various positions, each one adding a unique layer to his extensive experience. From driving for different companies to taking on office responsibilities such as dispatch and mapping and routing trips for drivers, his career path has been both diverse and enriching. His roles in dispatch and driver supervision further honed his skills, eventually leading him to a long-term career driving trucks and an eventual transition to the role of safety director.

The opportunity to join Sunway Charters as Terminal Manager came about through a conversation with Ronnie Stanley, one of Sunway Charters’ most tenured drivers, at church. Finding that Sunway was looking for a terminal manager, Jimmy saw it as the perfect chance to leverage his extensive experience and make a significant impact. The application marked the beginning of his exciting new chapter with Sunway.

With a career spanning multiple facets of transportation, Jimmy Watson brings invaluable skills and insights to his new role. His experience in managing drivers, coupled with a deep understanding of motorcoach safety, makes him well positioned to oversee the terminal’s operations. His hands-on experience ensures he comprehends the challenges drivers face and equips him with the tools to manage them effectively.

In his new role, Jimmy is committed to ensuring every customer experiences the “wow” factor that sets Sunway Charters apart. He envisions a terminal where the best drivers in the business provide top-notch service, creating enjoyable and memorable experiences for all passengers. By continuing to foster a customer-centric culture, he aims to further elevate Sunway Charters’ reputation and drive its growth.

“My immediate focus is on continuing to build a robust driving staff capable of handling any business that comes their way,” says Jimmy. “It’s important to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.” Jimmy is dedicated to addressing any challenges that arise. Personally, and professionally, he aims to enhance the well-established Sunway work environment where drivers feel comfortable voicing their concerns and engaging in open discussions.

Integration into the Sunway Charters team is a priority for Jimmy. He is committed to building strong relationships with his colleagues and drivers, ensuring they know he has their best interests at heart. His open-door policy and approachable demeanor are set to create a positive and collaborative work environment.

Looking ahead, Jimmy aspires to make the Winston-Salem terminal a bustling hub of activity, with increased trips and a growing team of drivers. His ultimate goal is to find Sunway to be a fulfilling place from which to retire, having made a lasting impact on the terminal’s success and growth.

Outside of his professional life, Jimmy enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife and their beloved 12-year-old shih-poo. Camping and outdoor cooking are among his favorite pastimes, providing a relaxing escape and an opportunity to indulge in his passion for grilling and smoking foods.

With his extensive experience, dedication to customer satisfaction, and a clear vision for the future, Sunway Charters’ new Winston-Salem Terminal Manager Jimmy Watson is set to lead the terminal to new heights. His commitment to excellence and passion for the industry make him an invaluable asset to the Sunway team. The future looks exceptionally bright as he embarks on this exciting journey with Sunway Charters.

A typical day in Shatoria’s role is a whirlwind of activity, from providing bus schedule times to generating quotes and ensuring driver paperwork is in order. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, Shatoria finds several moments of fulfillment. “What I find most rewarding about my job is when I book a trip, and the trip goes smoothly, with no issues,” she shares. “It’s the best feeling in the world; I feel accomplished.” It’s this sense of accomplishment that drives Shatoria to go above and beyond for her clients, day in and day out.

What sets Shatoria’s approach to charter sales apart is not just her skill set, but her attitude. “I am a very positive and friendly person, very resourceful and reliable,” she asserts. It’s these qualities that underpin her exceptional customer service skills, making her a trusted partner for clients seeking transportation solutions. In an industry often characterized by impersonal transactions, Shatoria brings a human touch that leaves a lasting impression.

In the fast-paced world of charter sales, where deadlines loom and schedules must be met, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element. But for Shatoria and Sunway Charters, personalized service and dedication are not just buzzwords—they’re the cornerstone of their success. With Shatoria at the reins, clients can rest assured that their transportation needs will be met with efficiency, reliability, and above all, a personal touch.

At the bustling heart of 3636 N Glenn Avenue in Winston-Salem, nestled amidst the ebb and flow of travelers, lies a terminal with a history as rich and enduring as the roads it serves. This terminal, which started out as Piedmont Coach Lines in the late 1960s and is now one of the thriving terminals of Sunway Charters, has been witness to half a century of relentless dedication and unwavering service, all embodied in the life and career of one man – Ronnie Stanley.

For half a century, this terminal has been his sanctuary, a place where he has embarked on adventures and forged connections that transcend the miles traveled.  We asked Ronnie to reflect on his journey, from sweeping floors as a wide-eyed 10-year-old to training the next generation of drivers. Talking with Ronnie, we can’t help but realize the profound impact of a life spent behind the wheel.

The story begins in the late 1950s, as Piedmont Coach Lines opened its doors and embarked on its own journey into the world of transportation, with the senior Mr. Stanley in the role of General Manager. It was during his formative years in the early 1960s, at the tender age of 10, that Ronnie was given the opportunity to take his first steps into this world of wheels and roads, earning his stripes with a broom and mop, courtesy of his father’s guidance and a modest payment of 25 cents.

Fast forward to 1974 when Ronnie, now a seasoned presence at the terminal, approached Kenneth Chilton, Piedmont Coach Lines’ owner, with a simple request: to test the waters behind the wheel. What began as a fleeting curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion, spanning six different bus companies over five decades of service. From Piedmont Coach Lines to Sunway Charters and every organization in between, these transitions marked another chapter in Ronnie’s enduring love affair with driving.

But what truly sets this journey apart is not just the miles covered or the companies served; it’s the ethos that defines his every moment behind the wheel. For Ronnie, being a bus driver has been more than just a profession; it’s been a calling – a commitment to excellence and service that transcended mere duty.

Throughout the years, Ronnie honed not only his driving skills but also his dedication to the passengers entrusted to his care. From meticulously maintaining his appearance to fostering a warm and welcoming environment onboard, every detail mattered. Whether it was keeping the windshield spotless or personally providing cup holders for added comfort, his attention to the little things spoke volumes about his commitment to passenger satisfaction.

But perhaps the true measure of his legacy lies in his role as a mentor and trainer. With retirement on the horizon, Ronnie has taken it upon himself to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Sunway drivers. Armed with a handbook crafted from years of hands-on expertise, he guides new recruits and tenured drivers alike, through the nuances of the job, emphasizing not just the technicalities but also the personal touch that sets great drivers apart.

As he reflects on his journey, Ronnie leaves behind a simple yet profound message for those who follow in his footsteps: driving is more than just a job; it’s a vocation, a privilege, and a responsibility. It’s about embracing the challenges, cherishing the moments, and above all, putting passengers first.

In an ever-changing world, where technology reigns supreme and trends come and go, the timeless virtues of dedication, service, and compassion endure. And at the heart of 3636 Glenn Avenue in Winston-Salem, amidst the hustle and bustle of the Sunway Charters terminal, one man’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the open road.

Here’s to you Ronnie – Sunway Charters is grateful for your many years and we look forward to exploring this new journey of onboarding new drivers and having them all take a chapter from your book.

Greensboro, NC – Sunway Charters, a leading provider of charter bus services, is pleased to announce a schedule change for its Mountaineer East / West route service between Greensboro, NC, and Boone, NC.  This bus service will continue to be provided by Sunway Charters, providing passengers with a reliable and comfortable transportation option between the two cities.

The change in route times comes at the request of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), who identified the need for an adjusted timing for passengers traveling between Greensboro and Boone. The new route times are designed to better support passengers who rely on this route for their travel needs – especially those utilizing Amtrak in Greensboro.

“We are committed to providing our passengers with the best possible travel experience,” said Lee Helms, President of Sunway Charters. “We believe that this route change will make it easier and more convenient for passengers to travel between Greensboro and Boone, and we are excited to be able to offer this improved service.”

Passengers are encouraged to take note of the changed route times and plan their travel accordingly. The new route times will go into effect on Monday, February 26, 2024. Tickets for the new route times can be purchased online at https://sunwaycharters.com/bus-tickets/.

For more information about Sunway Charters and its services, please visit www.sunwaycharters.com or contact us at 704-348-1200.

Contact:
Jacob Hooks
Operations Manager
Sunway Charters
704-348-1200
info@sunwaycharters.com