About

All of our employees are subject to CORI, criminal background checks and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. All drivers must have required drivers' licenses and certifications to operate company vehicles. Drivers are also required to attend monthly safety and training meetings for driver's license renewal. We offer a full training program for new drivers, taught by our staff of licensed trainers.

Our facilities include onsite vehicle maintenance by our certified mechanic staff; onsite fueling operations; direct driver and office communications for emergencies and dispatching requirements; and computerized systems for business controls.

We will provide performance bonds upon request.

History of McCarthy Bus

“McCarthy Bus” is how the phones have been answered here for decades. In fact, the same phone number used in the 1970’s is still in use.

I got my start sweeping buses and washing vans for $2.35 an hour.

My dad Robert L. McCarthy began operating school buses in 1956 from my uncle George’s car lot in North Brookfield. Bob, as he was known to all is pictured left, built a garage on Lincoln Street Extension in Brookfield with the help of my grandfather. During the 1960’s the business grew as regional school districts formed in the area. The business name became Robert L. McCarthy & Son, Inc. in 1970.

Our family vacations occasionally involved picking up a bus at the factory in Ohio. My mom drove a special needs route until I was out of high school. As a teenager in the 1980’s I spent my summers working at the garage washing buses. My sister Rosemary worked in the office. Everyone in the family would drive a bus or van when needed.

During the 1990’s I worked full time alongside Rosie who managed the office. My sister Phyllis trained and helped out in the office. Gradually my dad spent more and more time away. In 2000, at the height of our operations, my dad sold the company. (Click here for the acquisition press release)

Six months after the sale, my dad passed away. I stayed on with the new company as did Rosie. Over the next 13 years I was the regional vice president for AE. Rosie managed a substantial special needs operation.

The parent company, plagued by financial difficulties, filed bankruptcy in December of 2013.

"Adversity Brings Opportunity"

Encouraged by my fiancé Tara, my family and close friends, I established J.P. McCarthy & Sons, LLC. I was fortunate to assemble key people I had worked with for years into a new organization. (Click here for the newspaper article) After a few years of retirement Rosie returned to join the company as well.

Over the last ten years the company has grown to serve a dozen school departments with both regular and special needs transportation.

J.P. McCarthy & Sons is committed to quality transportation with family values. Each employee and customer is treated like family. I am very proud of our team.

As we embark on our next decade I recognize the shoulders I stand on and look forward to my kids working with me.