Since 1914, the Michaud Family has had an unwavering dedication to public transportation.

In 1914 Eudger J. “Mike” Michaud purchased a Ford Model-T Jitney and began operating regular route service on Boston’s North Shore. By the late 1920’s Mike had moved to a new location at 250 Jefferson Ave. Salem, Massachusetts and expanded his fleet to include some REO’s and a few White Buses as well.

1948 began a new chapter in Michaud Bus Lines’ history as J. Alex Michaud retired from the U.S. Navy, as a full Commander, to take the helm of the company that owned six buses and had minimal operating authority. “Alex”, realizing the importance of operating authority, worked diligently on obtaining more rights through the purchase of other bus companies, and by pioneering the first ever “round-trip special” tour authority. This, combined with the safest, cleanest, well-maintained fleet of modern coaches, helped Michaud Bus Lines to become one of America’s most respected charter and tour operators. With the help of his sons Jay, Spike, Biff and Gig, Alex built Michaud Bus Lines, Inc. to 40 motorcoaches, 55 transits, and 440 school buses, operating regular route service, thousands of charters and more than 1,500 escorted tours per year throughout the 49 states, Canada, and Mexico.  

In 1964, Alex’s second son, James R. “Spike” Michaud was entrusted with the position of Superintendent of Maintenance and Safety for Michaud Bus Lines. The title Vice President of Maintenance and Operations was awarded to Spike in 1970. He served on the Board of Directors of the New England Bus Association, Eastern Bus Maintenance Management Conference, and the New England Passenger Transportation Association. His maintenance and operations position also led to the buying and selling of new and used coaches as the company fleet grew. The experience and respect he received in the bus industry helped Spike to become extremely successful in the bus sales division of Michaud Bus Lines, Inc.

In 1991, Spike decided to branch off on his own, creating Michaud Bus Sales, Inc. He concentrated on selling quality pre-owned equipment to include inter-city coaches, conversion coaches, minibuses, and transits. In 1997, his son Jim joined the company and together they grew to be one of the largest independently owned bus sales companies in the country. Through the years, they also provided professional appraisals for bus companies as well as banks and leasing companies throughout the United States.

As busy as they were selling buses, Spike and Jim were hired more and more for their appraisal services and Michaud Bus Appraisals, LLC was created.  Time and again, their knowledge and expertise have been called upon and time and again, they have proven to be extremely accurate, with a keen sense for future projections.  Fast forward to 2023 and at the age of 79, Spike finally decided it was time to retire.

Jim continues today with his newly formed business, Michaud Bus Services, LLC where he offers the same appraisal services as before. He also offers consulting work and select bus sales & brokerage as well.