BUSRide publisher Judi Victor presents 2025 BUSRIDE Good Stewardship Award to Scott Riccio
Scott Riccio wins 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award at ABA Marketplace
Every year for more than a decade , the coveted BUSRide Good Stewardship Award has recognized one individual who is considered an ambassador ; a dedicated professional who not only provides the highest level of customer service , but who also helps guide the industry forward as a champion of ethics , strong values , safety , operational excellence , and unparalleled leadership . BUSRide , in tandem with the American Bus Association , is proud to announce Scott Riccio , owner of Northeast Charter & Tour , is the winner of the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award . A dynamic leader in the motorcoach industry , Riccio ’ s influence has been apparent since he founded Northeast Charter and Tour in Lewiston , Maine , in 1999 with just one motorcoach . Under Riccio ’ s leadership , the company has grown to a fleet of 13 coaches , three minibuses , plus passenger vans and SUVs , offering a variety of charter and tour services . Through his tireless efforts , Riccio has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility towards his community and the environment . During COVID-19 , Riccio lobbied U . S . Senators from Maine for muchneeded federal relief for the motorcoach industry . He participates in The Institute for Family-Owned Business , which serves family business owners , executives , and employees through a wide range of continuing education programs , networking opportunities and consulting services . The Institute is a comprehensive resource for family-owned businesses throughout Maine . Northeast Charter & Tour participated in the annual “ Potato Palooza ,” a charity event that donates tons of potatoes ( literally ) to food banks and shelters to feed the hungry . “ This was a fun event ,” said Riccio , adding that the companies made direct donations . “ In turn , we all received one ton of freshly harvested Maine potatoes . We gave them away to employees , friends , and family , plus we provided hundreds of pounds to food shelters and food pantries in our towns .” Northeast Charter also sponsor the annual “ Stuff the Bus ” school readiness program that provides backpacks , school supplies and
other items to prepare low-income students for the first day of school and to ensure their success throughout the school year . When a Northeast Charter driver lost his home and possessions last year , Northeast Charter & Tour organized a GoFundMe that raised almost $ 20,000 . In addition to his deep involvement in community initiatives , Riccio has been a fervent advocate for eco-friendly business practices for more than a decade . His unwavering dedication to sustainability has garnered his company several awards in recognition of its environmental achievements , including :
• In 2013 , Northeast Charter and Tour won the ABA Green Spirit Award for environmental stewardship
• In 2014 , the company won the UMA Green Highway Award by switching to natural gas to head the company ’ s headquarters , running a robust waste oil and product recycling program , and moving to all-digital for driver logs and company communications .
As involved in the motorcoach industry as he is in his own company , Riccio is an active member of the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association , the International Motorcoach Group ; the United Motorcoach Association , and the American Bus Association . Riccio ' s outstanding leadership , steadfast dedication to ethical business practices , and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability have left a profound impact on the motorcoach industry . His ceaseless advocacy for the industry and his countless contributions to the community serve as a shining example of what it means to be a true steward of the industry . His work not only sets a high standard for others in the industry but also inspires future generations to follow in his footsteps . BUSRide and the American Bus Association applaud Riccio , winner of the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award .
24 | BUSRIDE . COM | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025