EVERY YEAR, NEARLY HALF A MILLION PEOPLE VISIT THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, FOR THE ANN ARBOR ART FAIR.
“Renowned as the largest juried art fair nationwide, it showcases the talents of nearly 1,000 artists, spanning an impressive 30-city-block footprint throughout Downtown Ann Arbor.” The Ann Arbor Art Fair is comprised of 3 independently juried, nonprofit art fairs:
- The Ann Arbor Art Fair, The Original
- The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
- Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair
The shuttle service transports nearly 15% of the total number of fair-goers each year, making the shuttle service a fundamental operation to fulfill for the overall experience of fair-goers and participating artists alike.
IN 2023, NATIONAL TRAILS BECAME THE SHUTTLE SERVICE PROVIDER TO-AND-FROM THE ANN ARBOR ART FAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME
Yet like many first-time projects; on the first day, the brand was unprepared for the sheer number of fair-goers seeking transportation in the early morning hours. Many fair-goers had waited for over an hour for the school bus vehicles to complete the shuttle circuit. Passenger complaints exceeded compliments. Combined with the volatile weather throughout the 2023 event weekend; it was unclear if the brand was fully prepared to deliver the excellent customer service that its passengers have come to know and consistently expect.
Many had questioned if the brand had the operational magnitude to take on such a project in the coming years…
“Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.”
-Tony Robbins
NATIONAL TRAILS CAME OUT ON TOP FOR THE 2024 ANN ARBOR ART FAIR SHUTTLE SERVICE
Through the efforts of collaborative teamwork, organizational planning, and a mindset of live and learn, National Trails came out on topfor the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair Shuttle Service! Austin Arksey, President of National Trails had this to say about the operational improvement in shuttle service for the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair; “This year we had historical data to make calculated decisions based on the equipment needed, down to the hour. Coupling that with motor coaches equipped with A/C, a plush ride, and voila; services are instantly upgraded for a better operation.”
Customers of the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair Shuttle Service gave glowing reviews to National Trails for the improved shuttle service.“Everything was great and the bus was nice and cool!” one passenger said. Other passengers left reviews stating, “Pick up and drop off to the Ann Arbor Art Fair was seamless!” and “Everything was perfect and [they had] very polite drivers!”
FOR THE 2024 ANN ARBOR ART FAIR SHUTTLE SERVICE,
National Trails incorporated a total of twenty (20) Charter Buses and two (2) small, wheelchair lift-equipped passenger vehicles; dispersed between the Briarwood Mall & Huron High School shuttle locations. In preparation for the increased volume of passengers, National Trails enlisted the help of fellow local Motor Coach Operator Brands. A special thanks to Gary Brewer Travel, NuLine Motor Coach & Tours, andTriumph Transportation.
With the increased number of vehicles in shuttle circulation, wait times for the shuttle were decreased to less than 5 minutes. Another passenger mentioned, “The drivers were courteous and waited for [passengers] as they saw them [approach] even after the expected leave time. [The driver] truly cared for her passengers.” The increased service not only had a positive impact on Art Fair passengers, but also created a positive experience for National Trails employees.
“The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair was a remarkable event that left an indelible mark on my professional career. The well-planned route was a testament to the organizers’ attention to detail, and the warmth and kindness of attendees made it a truly enjoyable experience.”
-Yolanda C. Driver, National Trails
It’s clear that National Trails had embraced the feedback from the 2023 service, and had improved shuttle services tremendously for the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair. The brand truly shined amongst fair-goers, solidifying National Trails as a trusted company for shuttle services.
It just goes to show that hindsight, teamwork, and a drive for continuous improvement; is what it takes to make each day a success!
NATIONAL TRAILS; THEN AND NOW
National Trails began charter bus transportation services in 1982 with a singular Motor Coach. Over the years, the brand grew through traditional marketing techniques and word-of-mouth referrals.
When the company was purchased by Mr. Arksey in 2019, there were a total of 10 employees, while the fleet consisted of five (5) Motor Coach vehicles and one (1) School Bus. Through the advancement of investing in technological resources, and superb team-building skills; National Trails has grown to a brand consisting of over two-hundred and fifty (250) employees, with a fleet of over twenty-five (25) Motor Coach vehicles, and over seventy-five (75) School Buses.
Today, National Trails is the trusted pupil transportation provider for numerous local school districts, and athletic transportation provider for many reputable Michigan Collegiate institutions.
LOOKING TO BOOK A SHUTTLE SERVICE OR CHARTER BUS TRANSPORTATION RENTAL?
National Trails provides affordable yet luxurious transportation services to groups of all sizes; anywhere in the USA and Canada! Our team of professionally licensed CDL Operators are Federally licensed to transport you and your guests in a safe and timely manner. Our charter buses are equipped with on-board restrooms, free wi-fi, USB and electrical ports, comfortable seating, HDMI-equipped entertainment systems, and full climate control.
Let us show you the National Trails difference – request your FREE Quote and receive a response by next business day.
We can’t wait to have you Ride With Us!
