The world's most boring destination for a Charter bus

It's not all glamorous being a Motor Coach driver. Not all of your destinations are going to be fun and adventurous. Some trips are right around the corner and in the middle of no where.
This happens to be one of those trips. Enjoy the nothingness of my destination today.
If you want to watch more Motor Coach vlogs, Check out Peoria Charter's Youngest driver. He vlogs his trips too!
‪@alblua‬
/ @alblua

[@Qrail]

I subscribed to the new kid’s channel. 23 with a CDL! I just gave mine up after 54 years. I will encourage everyone considering a bus drivers’ life to jump in. I had a wonderful career starting with hotel shuttle bus, then school bus, charter and tour, line service, then into dispatch, and management. Go James. Learn about line item budgets, writing grants, dealing with diplomacy, and bureaucracy, developing and working your network. That ought to be a good start. And remember that emblem on the door of the coach.

[@JWangvlogs]

Wow! You probably have lots of good stories to share. People like you have a wealth of information for younger people in this industry! Lots of respect! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@crabbymilton390]

Yes that symbol. It’s great that in this world of being fearful of showing anything in regards to our faith is disparaged or downplayed, PEORIA CHARTER proudly wears it on their coaches. Remember, be bold but not obnoxious.

[@Skullitor]

Nice video,James.🎉🎉

[@MartieOgborn]

You gotta love corn fields, skies are so blue, and music. A piece of heaven 😘

[@JWangvlogs]

Thank you Martie! I'm glad you liked the song I choose. I found it fitting for the ride 😁. Hope you are well.

[@jean-claudebonillo1535]

Bonjour mon ami so proud of you 👏 Thanks for posting

[@stevekile1919]

Hi James, I answered my own question when I saw the scenery and the State Farm Center. I knew which location you came out of and even know the area where you're at. Have driven school busses off and on out of Paris, Chrisman, Kansas, Oakland, Shiloh & Martinsville off and on for the past 30 years. Well versed with the area and really enjoy your videos as well as Motorcoach World.

[@rondolan6457]

I just came across your videos.. keep them coming

[@brad_Ca]

Good to see you had the Conn again. 😊

[@robertfinley6288]

Great video. Every charter isn't a great adventure. On the bright side you spent 2 hours in cornfields, it could have been a UofI hog farm. I love watching Alberts videos he is a great driver. Keep hiring the young 20 year old drivers they need a break. I worked as a washer to get tuition money and when I graduated I started driving. Loved driving.

[@Dariusbarron]

Hey Mr James great video I always be looking forward to you posting and thanks for posting. God bless and take care

[@CrownVictoriaNYC]

This video was such a vibe. I love how you made trip video out of "nothing". Such a relaxing vibe and really liked the music choice. Enjoy the vlogs as always!

[@PerTjarnstrom]

We hear you very well even with the wind...It can be even worse.... Nice bus, would be something to drive around with.

[@frederickclause2694]

I'm a retired truck driver and watching you waiting and relaxing reminds me of why I always had some books with me. I still carry some in my car for when I have to wait for my wife.

[@Trukwachr]

Hey James. Congrats on the CEO thing. I know youll do well. Hoping you still get to go out on the road at least some. If youre like me youll have to! Always something interesting on your chann3l. Stay safe!

[@常伟_21]

Congratulations on the new role! Love your vloggs!!!!

[@chillaxinn]

As with any vlog that James posts, I feel like I am tagging along for the ride on his motorcoach! Really liking the Mercedes Tour Rider!

[@katherinerice7921]

Hi James!, great video, as usual! I always hated tight access and exits with lots of trees, sweated buckets and stressed out too many times to count!

[@Johngengelbach2]

Really nice bus it looked like it had a quiet smooth ride. Summer has already started here in Southwest Florida. 90's through next week

[@damon2364]

Got to love them short trips. My shortest trip was 3 blocks. Picked up a soccer team at the Double Tree hotel Freno and drove them 3 blocks to the stadium. Spent more time loading/unloading then driving. I am out of it now. I gave it up to care for my dad. I miss driving coaches.

[@2kpilot5]

I saw your company in Arlington VA a out near old king street near Washington DC a couple weeks back I got so excited I might have not been u but would love too meet u in person one day keep it up your doing great things

[@USroute1]

Good stuff as always. Happy & safe travels on the family vacation.

[@paulbergen9114]

One could see that little look on your face that you were having fun for a few hours. When you initially said you were going out to the cornfields it made me think of the scene where Cary Grant gets off the bus at the Indiana Crossroads. There is still something about that scene in North by Northwest. You are quite right about that nice opening window and all that room all those little extras add up. Have a pleasant summer

[@brentcoan5145]

Mr. Wang I am a Big Big fan of yours. I love your videos and I know other companies definitely need to use your videos for training in every way. Bus etiquette is a must and you are the perfect example. Congrats to your new and deserving position !!

[@JWangvlogs]

Thank you for your kind words. Such high praise. I'm honored.

[@RSanjay-tk2sj]

I love this video! It's great to see Leon (I haven't seen him in a while), and of course Albert (he just did a video on the Mercedes bus, like what you're using here). Even though the destination may be boring, this trip seems unique and interesting!

[@kpgamer23op]

I plan to come visit you this summer and I like your video congrats on Ceo.

[@johnslanicky]

Fun video. Glad the CEO got to do a run! 👍

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

Hi James. I went to agricultural college here in the uk and spent 10 years milking cows and looking after livestock so your visit today although short was interesting for me. I ve done lots of those low mileage trips for schools to swimming pools, leisure centres and places of interest. Caroline

[@jeffthompson4911]

Hello James Wang, interesting new vlog, thanks....... The way you put these together is great........ I vote James Wang best CEO. It really shows your people like you, Peoria Charter seems like a great bunch of people.........Thanks for the videos. Jeff Rockford Illinois

[@ThemeParkBazza]

Well, congrats on the new role 🎉. Having worn the CEO hat myself, I know one of the hardest things is letting go of tasks for others to do. You have a great crew around you and soon you will find you do not need to be involved in every decision. I managed to get out of their way and let them do your job, but I was always there to coach, guide, and help problem solve when needed

[@amyparquette6336]

Good afternoon, I hope you're having a great weekend so far and it is nice and sunny and warm. I just finished my third week of training at my company driving coach. I was a semi truck driver for 20 years, so my trainer has been trying to get me to break my habit of "Button Nosing" my turns with the coach. 🤷 I'll break it one of the days, but getting better at it.

[@philstone5195]

Want more videos, James! Thanks for this one!

[@JWangvlogs]

@@philstone5195 I'm on it! Thank you for your support

[@kevinanderson5658]

Awesome vlog James

[@ivanaragon9032]

James, I was in Orlando the other weekend and I found a coach at a mall that belonged to PC. I wish i could send a picture but I don’t see how from here. Nice jobs with your videos.

[@patrickpepper2490]

Your videos just get better and better every time man. Keep it up. I love the just another day in the neighborhood type music haha😂

[@BillSchlichting]

That was a fun video. I enjoyed it.

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

Finally…..😂😅🤣……hand over hand steering at 16:53, about time James, watch it five times….lol. Signs of boredom at 20:00……😆…..opps. Enjoyed ur videos.

[@ewelmo3921]

Hey James, It should be said like the military, the coach drivers life consists of "Hurry up and wait". There's certain cornfield near Lawrence, KS that we take Bachelor parties to that's definitely more "exciting". The club there comps drivers too! LOL If you remember my earlier stories I got my CDL at 19 and started driving at 18. Over 40 years have gone by and I still wait around... I keep going near your shop, but never empty, so I can't stop by and share war stories! BTW congrats on the promotion! I think... It sounds like a lot more paperwork!

[@JWangvlogs]

Thank you. I hope you get to come by one day and visit. Just let me know ahead of time so that I can make sure I'm there. I would love to trade some army stories haha. A lot more paperwork but at least they didn't desk me.

[@kevinb7810]

😂 “I only used up 5 minutes”. Hey I’m relatively new here and I love your videos and how well they’re done and edited and how much time you take to put them together… So I work in DC but live in Maryland and I saw some coaches from Chicago the other day in DC and thought about you… We see coaches from up and down the East Coast… And Ohio, but I think Chicago was definitely the furthest away!

[@JWangvlogs]

Hi Kevin thank you for the kind words. This all started as a hobby back in 2019. And then I started my other channel motorcoach world during COVID. It typically takes me about an hour of editing for every 3 minutes of footage you see. And then I usually am very meticulous about finding the right music for each scene. Yeah our coaches are everywhere. We have a fleet of about 60. And we do go to DC quite often. If you're ever in the neighborhood shoot me an email I'll give you a tour of the place. [e-mail]

[@tdvandy2]

Great video! Peaceful!

[@MrDavidcanet]

So proud of you

[@PhilippSvinarski]

Way to go MY MAN! Excellent video as always!

[@JWangvlogs]

Hey thank you old friend!

[@DsVlogs360]

Back with another video nice!!!!!

[@JPlum4090]

when this came out Thursday i was on my 8th grade trip and on bus 1 of 4 and it was a 15 J4500 and i had so much fun and i had been looking forward to it since October. Great Video James :)

[@matthewb9824]

Hi James, glad to see you back out again. I agree with you on hotel parking lots and how tight they can be. The other thing I find stressful is the trees/bushes. Lots of low branches that I always am mindful of and try very, very hard to avoid so as to now scratch up my bus. Not only is it bad for the glass and paint, but it’s also not a great look from the perspective of the passenger to see their driver scraping the bus along trees. I like to return my bus in the condition in which I picked it up! Also - how do you become a five star driver at your company?

[@JWangvlogs]

Our drivers can earn stars like military personnel earn stripes. We go through a promotion board every quarter. We track all of our drivers performance from safety to attendance to customer service. We also track every time they go above and beyond to help out when the company is in need. This plays into the decision of whether they earn another star or not. Their pay as well as responsibilities reflect their stars. Responsibilities such as leading convoys.

[@matthewb9824]

@@JWangvlogs, sounds great.

[@crabbymilton390]

I’m glad those TOURRIDER’s are working out so well for you folks. Some of those lots don’t seem very well planned. I know one of our plants has a lot with limited access points. It confuses the heck out of emergency responders. Planning has become a lost art. Who knows perhaps there is an old bus with trees growing out of it back there. That seems to be a prerequisite for a farm to have long dead vehicles on the property. The MERCEDES BENZ quality must be good with these. I hear their cars are now fair. Oh well that’s their problem.

[@rodeliot]

I have to believe your videos are encouraging people to become tour bus drivers. Not to mention great marketing for your company. Good all around videos. Best of everything for the future!

[@DarnellFernandes]

Great video James

[@hakhan25]

Hi James, Nice to see you again.

[@f3r9and0]

Hi James, I recently traveled with my university to Fayetteville, AR for a regional track meet and when I got off our bus I noticed a peoria charter and it was just nostalgia because it goes from watching it here to in person, totally different experience. Safe travels!

[@travisspiva]

Great to see you post a new adventure on this channel!

[@thomasmcmanus6575]

Thx James for the cool video. I was a Motor Coach operator for 40 years. Keep them coming. God bless you and your family.

[@hankosky]

Just booked an event in June with Peoria Charters based on your Videos!

[@JWangvlogs]

Wow thank you! I hope it will be a pleasant trip ☺️

[@thembones1895]

Winston sending you a nice letter and pack of pictures is so damn cool.

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

I drive the Tourriders itty bitty baby brother, a 144 Sprinter, as my daily, and I can relate to having to put some thought to getting in and out of the smallest spaces.

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

The gopro rant was funny as heck!

[@texasabbott]

Did you have a video on Motorcoach World on how to choose a new passenger motorcoach fleet, comparing between models and their features from different manufacturers, what options to order and who chooses the powertrain? If not, I hope you would make one and it hopefully sparks a lot of interest!

[@cdocker3070]

Greetings James, love what you do man, quick question, well questions, if at all and when you feel it's right, could we get a behind the scenes of how your outfit purchases new coaches/ retires old ones? Second will they(Peoria) be getting the new H3-45s? Keep up the good work, congratulations on the promotion my friend!!!! Be safe!

[@winstonlu350]

Bonjour, This is Winston from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I love the Tourrider Motor Coach Bus. I love the videos the your create. Illinois and British Columbia are very similar. Vancouver is Not as large in size as Chicago, but our Vancouver Canucks Hockey Team can match the Chicago black hawk Hockey Team. I am thinking of sending you a Vancouver Canucks T-Shirt or Baseball Hat.

[@JWangvlogs]

Hi Winston. Thank you for the letter. I would be honored to receive a baseball hat from you. But please don't trouble yourself for me.

[@winstonlu350]

@@JWangvlogs It is not a problem from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Winston 吕. I think one day I can visit Illinos States like British Columbia, Canada. 早 安。

[@Opinionatedguy1989]

I'm in your neck of the woods.

[@Phylonyous]

Great seeing you back in the Captain’s Chair! But again, congrats on the super promotion! You deserve it!!! ..and hey, was Alex your second cameraperson!?

[@JWangvlogs]

Thank you! I did not have a second camera person on this one. I did all the camera work myself as well as the editing.

[@Phylonyous]

@@JWangvlogs I meant to ask “The new Bus Driver Alex, did he go with you to a BusCon as your second camera?”

[@kevinanderson5658]

I follow Albert vlogs awesome content You should do one together with Jimmy John's

[@JWangvlogs]

We are definitely hoping to do a trip together and both vlog it so that viewers can see the trip from both of our perspectives! However, We may venture out a bit more than jimmy johns lol.

[@apl175]

As someone that has lived along the west and north-east coasts, I do still believe the Midwest is very underrated. I do wonder if I'd be saying the opposite if I lived in the midwest.

[@merrittvillekid]

I never look at it as any place is boring. I always say I could be working in a factory or napping in a bus I think I like option 2 the best

[@westerlywinds5684]

I have done both. 35 years in offset printing, now driving a Prevost for a living.

[@LuvLight44]

I looooooove driving boring trips 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I catch up with all of my sleep🤣🤣🤣💯

[@joeluppino824]

Your the Boss You can pick Your trips and bus You want to drive

[@JWangvlogs]

I'm the boss. I need to do what's best for my staff and my company.. so no I cannot drive any bus I want and any trip I want. 😊

[@Qrail]

At 18:08 James is outstanding in his field.

[@joshuahill6153]

Shortest charter I know was about 3.2 miles from a school to the city. However, it was the logistics of 1000 students which fun.

[@brentcoan5145]

You are like me i like to plan my work.....lol....customers just don't know !!

[@BigT-d5h]

I see that the new 2023 vanhool cx45 bus are out and about would be nice if u did a video of that and a video of an old one to show what has chang

[@jamesrossi4260]

Still watching did you fram the Newsday ny article I sent thanks , I lost my wife recently and was not really watching so safe travels

[@JWangvlogs]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that James! My thoughts and condo lenses to you and your family! I cant imagine what you are going through!

[@victorvargas842]

Hello James, like all your videos. Was wondering what equipment are using to move with your body motion from left to right, up and down?

[@JWangvlogs]

Dji osmo pocket 3. I got the creator combo. You can find this camera on Amazon. A bit pricy but worth every penny.

[@winstonlu350]

Bonjour, This is Winston from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The view of University of Illinois look like University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There are city and Motor Coach Buses the pick up the Student in the University of British Columbia, Canada. There are many green spaces in the place where you live and where I live in Canada.

[@JWangvlogs]

Hey Winston. Thank you for your letter. I was hoping you'd watch this video!

[@winstonlu350]

I was born is the Davao City, Philippines and my Great Grand Parent are from Xiaman, Fukien Province in China.

[@discatcher]

Nice to have a steerable tag axle… it helps.

[@JWangvlogs]

Yes but downfall is there is a insane tail swing.. not to be underestimated

[@discatcher]

@@JWangvlogs true that, Same with our Setra’s being a Mercedes. Drivers are very often coming in with tailwag damage. Even our veteran drivers(TH)still get stung from time to time… but I personally love them. It’s definitely a drivers coach over an owners coach. The heated windshield is also amazing, too many things to list that make them an incredible platform.

[@jollygreen4639]

Is there a switch to engage/disengage the tag steering?

[@stevedavenport1202]

Corn fields have an eco system all their own...kinda cool.

[@michaelrocker9000]

I am trying ot imagine while you're driving on a charter and you get a customer complaint and they demand to talk to your supervisor. Do you give them the supervisors phone number? BTW I seem to remember that the Setra coaches had a divers window that rolled down.. What engine and transmission is in that bus? is it a Detroit or some MB. I remember in my driving day picking up groups on either a J4500 or a Van Touring model with less than 20 people aand doing less that 50 miles. Stay safe BOSS.

[@JWangvlogs]

LOL I never tell my passengers that I am anything other than a driver for Peoria Charter. I think it maintains a healthier dynamic while on the trip that way.

[@crabbymilton390]

Hehe. I remember my 2014 extended motorcoach trip vacation. The driver was a great guy and absolutely a hoot. He took the the microphone before we started and said that he needed to show us a safety DVD. He holds it up and says can everyone see this? Ok I just showed it to you. Of course he explained it briefly anyway. Then he asked a few days into the trip that we fill out survey on how everything was going. Then he added that they throw away the bad ones. Drivers like that make all the difference in their own way.

[@karimrasheedwilson2160]

Hey James ! What’s that tune you was playing?

[@JWangvlogs]

Piece of Heaven By TAGE

[@person12307]

i see those buses a lot in the st louis area

[@manishparashar2279]

Hi James. Good Day from India 🇮🇳

[@zerofett5362]

12:14 🤣

[@allansheldrake4832]

wee call the tour rider a turismo in the UK

[@jamieg5419]

Hey James, as CEO do you get to choose your own motor coach lol

[@JWangvlogs]

I mean... Technically yes.. I'm sure whatever I say my staff will listen to.. but I will lose their confidence if I start making certain demands and instructions that does not benefit the welfare of the company and the people within. Trust me there are days I wish I could request that they bring a certain coach from one facility to another facility just so I can drive it and play with it.. but that would not be cost-effective. And I want things to be cost-effective. Because ultimately I want Peoria Charter to thrive Rather than making it into my personal playground if you get my gist lol. That's a good question though.

[@mcibus2000]

Just curious as to who came up with the companies logo?

[@JWangvlogs]

It was a team effort.

[@hikingvlogs5645]

does the Mercedes have strobes by the headlights

[@user-TheresaMarie59]

What is the title of this song...so peaceful?

[@JWangvlogs]

Piece of heaven by Tage

[@Joukkoliikenteenkuvaaja]

if those mercedes buses have a second door they be beter :)

[@BryantHubbartSr]

You know you've made it when your name is on Wikipedia. Good Job James

[@JWangvlogs]

What?! I am?!

[@markkeeler]

Was that a brand new J sitting in the lot on your return to the lot or one thats being retired?

[@JWangvlogs]

That's actually a demo Prevost H3-45. I really want to take it out for a test drive!

[@markkeeler]

@@JWangvlogs My bad. Sorry

[@JWangvlogs]

@@markkeeler no need to be sorry

[@lexiegreen2538]

Can you show me what mirror you use to look when making turns so you don’t hit the curb? Also do you have a class b license with passenger endorsement

[@lelelosooelelelosooe-pj7dx]

Hry j wang are you the company ceo or boss can you tell me about your company more and whats the minimum age to go join that company is it 21?

[@JWangvlogs]

23 to be a driver.

[@MrDavidcanet]

Location Illinois. USA. Amazing

[@lelelosooelelelosooe-pj7dx]

And one question james is that mercedes benz Tourrider an new bus for that company or it already on that vompany many years ago

[@JWangvlogs]

New

[@Thurmpods56]

how far are you from Chicago?

[@JWangvlogs]

2 hours

[@benwilson9150]

So when you introduce yourself to the pax are you now throwing in you are the CEO? How are you going setting into the role?

[@JWangvlogs]

I honest never tell the passengers that i am anything other than a motorcoach operator. Its healthier that way lol.

[@johnp139]

That’s a weird trip. Doesn’t the university operate campus buses that could have been used for this?

[@JWangvlogs]

I never question my customers request. I'm greatful for the business and opportunity.

[@MrCgs60649]

Been there done that

[@res887]

@21:40 do you want to tell us more about that New PREVOST coach?

[@JWangvlogs]

It's a demo. I am trying to find a time slot where I can have it for a few hours to do a drive and review. But it's not around a lot.

[@res887]

@@JWangvlogs Ha ha, this time Albert beat you, he just posted a review clip of the demo bus!

[@JWangvlogs]

@@res887 who do you think gave him the keys lol

[@res887]

@@JWangvlogs 😁

[@jonlambersobnkokkbnnn.nog.5093]

Are you the owner now?

[@JWangvlogs]

Ceo and CO Owner with Bill Winkler who is the Majority Owner

[@Tysonkennedy4ya]

What happened to the older 5 star

[@JWangvlogs]

Older 5 star? Our drivers can earn stars like military personnel earn stripes. We go through a promotion board every quarter. We track all of our drivers performance from safety to attendance to customer service. We also track every time they go above and beyond to help out when the company is in need. This plays into the decision of whether they earn another star or not. Their pay as well as responsibilities reflect their stars. Responsibilities such as leading convoys.

[@Tysonkennedy4ya]

@@JWangvlogs I mentioned to say 4 star Gary or Kerry when one you when to Madison with for big 10

[@JOYR1234]

need a new office chair

[@JWangvlogs]

Why? Mine is perfectly fine 😁

[@JWangvlogs]

There is nothing wrong with my office chair. Perfectly comfortable.

[@MartinIbert]

Did you at least get a free coffee? I hope you did.

[@JWangvlogs]

Unfortunately I did not. I'm sure if I walked into the office they probably would have offered me something. But I did not want to impose.

[@Shuttletrain]

No a college geologist day out is the worst boring .