COMMUTING BY STREETCAR
The electric streetcar era began in 1888 when Richmond hosted the first successful system in the U.S., quickly converting from horsecars to electric lines. By 1907, the Richmond & Chesapeake Bay Railway Co. operated a line to Ashland, though costs outpaced revenues, halting service by 1917. A new company, Richmond Ashland Railway Co., took over local service.

THE TRANSITION TO BUSES
In the 1920s, streetcar companies shifted to buses. Virginia Overland’s predecessor bought its first bus in 1928, forming a bus subsidiary by 1930—now Virginia Overland Transportation Services, Inc. (VOTS), the oldest part of the organization. By 1939, streetcars ceased, and the focus turned to bus services, including wartime support near military bases. Post-WWII, smaller bus operations merged into Virginia Overland.

TRI-CITY COACHES, INC.
In 1957, new owners renamed a bus line Tri-City Coaches, Inc., serving city transit and suburban routes. By 1972, it operated school buses, joining Virginia Overland in 1980.

VIRGINIA OVERLAND TRANSPORTATION CO.
Formed in 1973 as a school bus consulting firm, it became a full-service bus company by 1975, expanding to 25 buses within 18 months. In 1976, it added commuter and charter services and became a school bus dealer. In 1983, it gained interstate charter rights, focusing on regional services by 1988. In 1990, it won a contract with Virginia Commonwealth University.

JL ASSOCIATES, INC.
In 1990, amid economic challenges, Virginia Overland sold its transportation operations to JL Associates, Inc., becoming a subsidiary under VOTS in 1991. It grew, securing school bus contracts in multiple areas.

TRANQUEST, LLC
In 1993, Virginia Overland split from JL Associates. In 1998, JL sold to Serco, and in 2003, Tranquest, LLC formed, taking over school bus operations and assets.