Partnerships Overview

About Napaway /

  • Napaway is a new kind of premium coach service that combines the comfort, privacy, and service of a first-class airline suite with the convenience and flexibility of bus travel. Napaway operates as a brand through a network of strategic partner operators to provide this service to customers across the country.

    • Our standard version has 18 private, flexible suites (each with its own full-flat bed) that convert to 36 business-class seats.

    • Our UltraLiner model boasts the 16 Butterfly flexible suites, and one couch seat, but includes up to 11 additional overhead bunks—increasing the sleeping capacity to 28.

    • Hybrid versions that include our proprietary suites and regular seating can be considered case-by-case, particularly for line-run services.

  • Each Napaway coach can be used in a variety of ways, within a variety of different use cases. Depending on need, Napaway coaches can be:

    • A best-in-class sleeper: sleeping up to 18 passengers in a standard configuration (28 for the Ultra-Liner), offering each passenger a full-flat, super-comfortable, 6.5-foot-long bed within their private suite. Each bed can also convert into two business-class, extra-legroom seats—so groups with more than 18 passengers can also travel in comfort.

    • First class day coach: each of our 18 private suites is perfect for high-comfort daytime use. This makes Napaway extremely attractive for major league and D-1 college athletic programs, touring entertainment groups, executive groups, and beyond.

    • A 36-passenger business-class coach with extra-legroom seats.

    • A substitute for a standard 55 passenger coach. For any group of 36 or less, a Napaway coach can be substituted in for a regular-seated coach.

Partnerships /

  • You can join the Napaway network as a partner operator for charter services, line-run services, or both.

    • Napaway charter partners become the exclusive providers for a particular region. In other words, if you have availability, nobody else is allowed to compete for trips in your region!

    • You are free to set your own pricing and schedules.

    • You purchase and install the Napaway seating system with no margin to Napaway.

    • Napaway receives commissions, which vary depending on whether a customer is new to you or pre-existing, or based on premiums achieved.

  • Line-run partnership structures differ based on several factors, including (but not limited to) whether you have an existing line-run business, where you are located, and, most importantly, the type of partnership you are interested in. We offer partnerships based on revenue percentages, fixed-price operator contracts, and beyond.

  • While we would love for some of our charter partners to become line-run partners eventually, this is not required.

  • Send us an email at partnerships@napaway.com, or give us a call at 1-833-NAPAWAY to discuss further (and to get an NDA in place for sharing more detailed information).

  • Yes, we have current partnerships with Black Tie Transportation, Anderson Coach & Travel, Starr Tours, and Venture Tours.

The Installation Process /

  • The installation of our seating system is simple and straightforward, and it does not require rebuilding a coach. Our system is designed to fit within the existing interior and is bolted to the seat track.

    The only non-standard element required is a second seat track along the ground. This can be included in the factory spec for a new coach or installed by Prevost onto an existing coach.

  • If a second track is needed, this conversion will be completed at the Prevost service center in Quebec City.

    We can install the suites at our site in Maryland, or we may be able to do it on site at a partners location.

  • Seat installation takes approximately one week, with an additional two weeks to install a second rail if required.

  • Yes! It can be reversed because installation does not require any significant alterations to the coach's interior. Napaway suites can be unbolted and removed, and the previously existing seats can be reinstalled.

  • Yes, both are options. Existing coaches from your fleet or used coaches (2017 model or later) are acceptable—they require a second-seat track installation. New coaches can be spec’d to include the second track from the factory.

  • Prevost H3-45 coaches are the preferred model. Prevost X3-45 coaches can also be considered. The UltraLiner uses a Prevost X3-45 VIP shell.

  • Yes, the UltraLiner uses a Prevost H3-45 VIP shell (new or used), and additional time is required to build out the overhead bunks.

  • Yes, our seating system is compliant with FMVSS 210 and FMVSS 302. Pull tests have been performed, and documentation can be provided upon request.

Requirements /

  • Napaway coaches in charter service are typically co-branded with our partners. Branding requirements for line-run operations depend on the details of that operation.

  • For scale and redundancy reasons, we prefer all charter partners to start with two Napaway coaches. However, depending on the region, starting with one coach is also an option.

What are the benefits of partnering with Napaway for charter service? /

  • Installing our seating system is simple and does not require rebuilding a coach. Our system is designed to fit within the existing interior and is bolted to the seat track.

    The only non-standard element required is a second seat track along the ground. This can be included in the factory spec for a new coach or installed by Prevost onto an existing coach.

  • Because our seats are factory-manufactured and designed to be quickly and easily installed onto an existing coach—and because of the straightforward process of putting back regular seats if you don’t like working with Napaway—we’re able to help you differentiate your product with low risk to you. In addition, even with our seats installed, the coach can still be used as a stand-in for a regular coach for any group of 36 or fewer. 

  • Many groups want Napaway coaches for some trips, while regular coaches are used for other trips—and sometimes, a combination of both. Being a Napaway partner puts you in a pole position to win the regular coach business along with Napaway trips.

  • Enjoy the brand recognition that comes from our national marketing and line-run business, as well as central marketing support from Napaway corporate.

  • Being a part of a network of operators means that there are opportunities to find an equivalent replacement coach if something happens mechanically before a trip, on the road, or in case of overbooking. Additionally, this network allows for leasing or repositioning coaches seasonally or for special events.

  • At Napaway, we spend our time optimizing for a premium experience—both for passengers and operators. We provide bulk sourcing of items, including bedding, amenity kits, and beyond, as well as the processes to manage these items daily. We also work with our partners to develop best practices for operating, marketing (including marketing materials), and passenger experience, which are shared across our operator network.

What are the benefits of partnering with Napaway for line-run service? /

  • Acquire a differentiated first-class product that attracts a higher-end and less price-sensitive customer base than typical bus line runs.

  • Offer a multi-class service aboard the same coach, with first-class suites for less price-sensitive customers—while still filling up the coach at a lower price point.

  • Be part of a branded network, with ticket sales and marketing support from Napaway Corporate.

Can you tell me more about the seats? /

  • Within each Napaway suite, you will find two extra-legroom seats—one staggered slightly in front of the other. Upright, they can be used as two separate business-class seats. Or, as one private suite, you can lie one flat to create a sofa—which we call lounge mode. Or, lay them both flat to create a 6.5-foot-long bed to relax while sitting or sleeping.

  • Yes, please follow this OneDrive link for a folder of photos and videos of version 1 and the latest version 2.

  • Yes, there are three-point seatbelts at every seated position and a two-point seatbelt for each bed.

  • Yes, the suites were developed and patented by our partners, Butterfly Flexible Seating Solutions.

How does marketing work? /

  • Everybody. Napaway handles national-level marketing and works to build brand awareness. We will refer you to any trips in your region that are sourced by our marketing or sales team (or that are requested on our website).

    Partners market the product to their existing customers and other potential local customers.

  • Yes! Napaway’s line-run business has received significant public and media attention. It has been profiled in the New York Times, Washington Post, Good Morning America, and many other outlets, which also provides brand awareness for the charter business.

  • For charter, the core customer base includes athletic teams (including collegiate, minor league, and major league), entertainment groups, executive groups, corporations, colleges, tour groups, and retail clients.

    For line-run, the core customer is intercity travelers in the upper half of the income distribution.