
DeCamp Bus Lines, the oldest privately owned bus company in New Jersey, which began with stagecoaches in 1870, is shutting down.
The Montclair-based business was run by six generations of DeCamp family members.
“After 155 years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce theclosure of DeCamp Bus Lines,” said Robert DeCamp, the company’s owner. “This decision was not made lightly, but it comes as I look forward to retirement and spending more time with my family. Reflecting on the millions of passengers we’ve served and the dedicated employees who’ve worked tirelessly to make this company what it is, I’m filled with gratitude and pride.”
Over the course of its history, the DeCamp business overcame many challenges, including the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, the terror attacks on 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The company’s last day will be Feb. 28.
News of the its closing follows similar news from peer companies like Paramus-based Coach USA, which settled bankruptcy proceedings last year, and A&C Bus Company, a Jersey City-based carrier that shuttered in 2023. The three bus companies all ended commuter bus service in 2023 as ridership struggled to recover after the pandemic, with the companies receiving little federal aid while insurance, fuel and bus expenses grew exponentially.
DeCamp had stayed afloat for the last two years by relying on its charter bus business to New York City, Atlantic City and other casinos and private bookings.
Wallington-based Panorama Tours is helping DeCamp with the transition and will honor future trips booked with DeCamp after Feb. 28. Panorama will also take over DeCamp’s phone lines to assist customers through the closure.
“While DeCamp Bus Lines’ closure marks the end of an incredible era, we are dedicated to providing their customers with the same high standards of care and professionalism they’ve trusted for generations,” said Michelle Petelicki, president and partner of Panorama.