NorthEast Charter has added Bob Patnaude as driver trainer and Jim Mercier to its charter sales team as the company expands training and customer support operations in New England.

NorthEast Charter is adding experience to its driver training program as the motorcoach company works to grow its workforce and support rising charter demand across New England.

The Lewiston, Maine-based operator announced that Bob Patnaude has joined the company as a driver trainer. NorthEast Charter also added Jim Mercier to its charter sales team as the company strengthens both driver development and customer support operations.

For bus and motorcoach drivers, the training investment is the most important part of the announcement. NorthEast Charter said Patnaude’s hiring will help expand its in-house driver development programs and support local workforce opportunities.

Driver Training Gets Added Experience

Patnaude brings nearly 40 years of transportation experience to the role, including work in emergency response, public safety, safety instruction, and professional motorcoach operations in Maine.

During his career, he has logged millions of accident-free miles and mentored new drivers entering the industry.

That background gives NorthEast Charter another experienced operator to support drivers who are learning the demands of professional motorcoach work. For new CDL drivers, that kind of guidance can matter because passenger transportation requires more than simply knowing how to handle the vehicle. Drivers also need confidence, judgment, customer awareness, and strong safety habits.

“Bob brings something incredibly valuable to our organization — experience paired with a genuine desire to help others succeed,” said Scott Riccio, president and CEO of NorthEast Charter. “As the need for professional CDL drivers continues to grow across the country, we are excited to increase our training capacity right here in Maine. Bob understands what it means to mentor, to teach confidence, and to help shape the next generation of safe, professional motorcoach operators.”

Why Mentorship Matters in Motorcoach Work

Motorcoach training is not only about learning routes, equipment, and procedures. It is also about learning how to manage real passengers, changing schedules, group travel expectations, and the responsibility that comes with carrying people safely.

That is why experienced trainers can be valuable inside a motorcoach operation. A trainer who has spent decades in transportation can help newer drivers understand the parts of the job that are difficult to learn from a manual alone.

NorthEast Charter said Patnaude’s role will support the company’s driver development efforts as it continues building training capacity in Maine.

Charter Sales Team Also Expands

The company also added Jim Mercier to its charter sales division.

Mercier brings nearly two decades of experience in customer service, sales, event operations, and guest-experience management. His background includes leadership roles at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, where he worked in event coordination and customer relations.

“Jim understands people, relationships, and community,” said Christa McCusker, vice president of sales and business development at NorthEast Charter. “As our charter activity continues to grow, we are thrilled to expand the capacity of our sales team with someone who understands customer experience at such a high level. His energy and professionalism are a wonderful fit for our organization and for the clients we serve every day.”

Growth Across New England Charter Transportation

NorthEast Charter provides transportation for school trips, sports teams, corporate events, weddings, tours, and community travel throughout New England and beyond.

The company’s latest hires point to two areas many passenger transportation operators continue to focus on: developing qualified drivers and supporting customers as charter activity grows.

For motorcoach drivers, the training piece stands out most. Bringing in an experienced driver trainer with a long safety record signals continued investment in building the next generation of professional operators.