Four generations of giving rides, exceeding expectations
- Sr Perspective
- Mar 28
- 5 min read
BUSINESS PROFILE: VOIGT’S BUS SERVICE
By Scott Thoma
Voigt’s Bus Service, Inc. of St. Cloud has been around since 1947 and still carries the same “exceeding expectations” mission statement as it did when it first originated.
“This is accomplished when everyone in our organization consistently upholds our core values — stability, teamwork, integrity, and quality,” said Cortney Voigt-Ely, Recruiting Manager who is a fourth-generation owner/shareholder.
“This creates a synergy that is felt by our internal and external clients; this holds true from small single bus moves to 40-plus bus contracts moving thousands of people.
Each interaction is met with two options: simply going through the motions or taking it to the next level, leaving people with the feeling they’ve been seen, heard, and appreciated.”
Voigt’s Bus Service has experienced trip and transportation logistics planners. Whether you are booking a shuttle bus for an event, or charter a tour to historical sites, a casino run, or transport to an athletic match, they can help you plan it easily, quickly, and safely.
Currently, Voigt’s Bus Service, whose main terminal is located in St. Augusta, also has operations in St. Cloud, which houses the staff and vehicles that are utilized to service the Sauk Rapids/Rice School District; Rockville, the Rocori School District; and Fridley, a sister location to the St. Augusta facility.
The St. Augusta terminal houses most of the office and support staff, as well as the company’s wash bay, technicians, body shop, motorcoach fleet, and a portion of the school bus fleet.
“We are excited to announce our physical expansion into the Chicago Region,” said Voigt-Ely. “This was made possible through our growing partnership with FlixBus, who bought out Greyhound in 2021. What began as a single contracted route from Minneapolis to Chicago has now progressed into an exciting new chapter. By mid-June, we will be servicing a total of 14 routes departing from Chicago, along with providing charter services to many Chicagoland groups.”
Norb Voigt, a farmer and blacksmith, started the company in 1947 with one school bus after being approached by the St. Cloud School Board to gauge his interest in operating a transportation service for the families living in the St. Cloud area. The following year, Norb purchased a second school bus for his wife, Sadie, to drive.
Following the passing of Norb and Sadie in the early 1980s, their son Darwin “Butch” Voigt and his wife Mary (Fritz) Voigt took over operations of the company as the second-generation owners. Their children, Troy Voigt, Lance Voigt, and Lea (Voigt) McStott, joined into the operations and ownership levels at different points of their careers. In 2005, Butch retired and Troy took over as president until his passing in 2022.
“It wasn’t until (Troy) became president that he established resources that allowed him to work on the business instead of in the business,” said Voigt-Ely, his daughter. “Although he enjoyed being included in the day-to-day operations, he really tried to focus on the company’s goals and visions.”
Today, Lance Voigt and his sister Lea McStott, along with Voigt-Ely, their niece, are the primary stockholders/owners of Voigt Bus Service. Lance is the president of the company, and Lea is in charge of the HR department. Other family members are also employed with the company.
One of the main focuses within the company is to make sure their clients are treated with respect and are offered a pleasant and safe experience.
“By definition, ‘pleasant’ does not mean comfort. However, when referring to transportation experiences, they need to closely align to exceed expectations,” said Voigt-Ely. “Keep in mind that pleasant experiences can reach beyond the passengers on the bus. For example, there are many group leaders who were simply tasked to book the bus and never stepped foot in our vehicle. However, they were greeted with an efficient booking process, professional support, and timely follow-ups. Couple that with amazing feedback from the actual passengers and you have a recipe for extremely happy returning clients.”
Safety is always a concern with a passenger who is being transported by an unfamiliar driver. Voigt Bus Service hires drivers who are knowledgeable, confident, friendly and uphold a professional appearance to set the tone before they even get situated behind the wheel.
“On time, nice bus, great driver, fun experience. Would definitely ride with Voigt again,” said Beth S.”
“We have used Voigt’s bus for our youth camp transportation for over 10 years. They are easy to work with and dependable. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for transportation needs in or around Minnesota,” said Matt B.
When hiring drivers, Voigt’s begins with state and federal guidelines that need to be upheld before focusing on the company policies that have been revised over the last 78 years.
“This initiates the alignment of our safe driving goals,” said Voigt-Ely. “Lastly, we continuously monitor how the candidate aligns with our company values.”
Voigt’s school buses transport nearly 3,100 students in the Sauk Rapids/Rice and Rocori School Districts.
“We are currently making advances in onboard technology so parents can track their students/bus,” Voigt-Ely noted. “Also, more and more area high school coaches are working with us to become licensed to help transport the teams they coach.”
Voigt’s Bus Service is also updating its school bus fleet to propane, which can substantively lower the carbon emissions of older gasoline and diesel school buses.
“We’ve converted 85 percent of our school bus fleet already,” said Voigt-Ely.
Voigt’s motorcoaches travel to many destinations, while following seasonal trends.
“In March, we focus on spring break groups traveling to New York, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Nashville, and Orlando,” said Voigt-Ely. “These groups are on the road for about a week. It requires multiple drivers covering different pieces of each trip.
More locally, we travel frequently with ease throughout the Midwest.”
The charter buses are equipped with the following:
• 56 passengers max
• Forward seating
• European-style high-back reclining seats with footrests
• Large restroom
• Overhead rack & bay storage
• Wifi, outlets, microphone
• ADA compliant
Voigt’s Bus Service also takes local schools to various games, as well as to state tournaments.
“Watching our buses receive an escort out of town, with supporters lining the street cheering them on, always gives me goosebumps,” said Voigt-Ely.
Voigt’s Bus Service is continually seeking drivers as they expand operations. To apply for a position or for information on any of its bus or shuttle services, call 320-253-0510 or visit the website at voigtbus.com.
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