Darlene Frances Gallop, Frances Lee Gallop, Burwell Ray Gallop Junior, Burwell Ray Gallop Senior (Left to Right)

Venture Bus Transportation is a family-owned enterprise now in its third and fourth generations, proudly dedicated to motorcoach transportation. Our roots in the industry stretch back to 1949, when our journey began with Gallop Bus Lines. The founders of Venture, Darlene and Jimmy, were raised in this world—starting out at just 5 and 8 years old, cleaning and driving buses under the guidance of their father and grandfather. They remained with Gallop well into adulthood—Darlene into her 40s and Jimmy into his 20s—developing a deep-rooted passion and a wealth of experience along the way. Over the years, they took on leadership roles within the company: Jimmy as shop foreman, overseeing fleet operations and maintenance, and Darlene as the head of office administration, dispatch, and reporting. Their work ethic and love for the business never wavered.

By the mid-1990s, the landscape at Gallop had shifted. In 1996, Darlene and Jimmy took a leap of faith and founded their own company: Venture Bus Transportation. They carried forward the values they had grown up with—integrity, dependability, and personal service—while infusing their new venture with a spirit of innovation and ambition. From the start, Venture distinguished itself with a more diverse, forward-thinking fleet designed to meet a wide variety of customer needs. Over the years, the company steadily grew—adding specialized vehicles, expanding operations, and eventually moving into the very garage where their journey first began. Jimmy and Darlene worked side by side for nearly their entire lives, sharing not only a business but a profound personal bond. Their partnership remained strong and unwavering until Darlene’s passing in 2023.

 Today, that same passion lives on in the fourth generation. Mary, Jimmy’s daughter and Darlene’s granddaughter, officially joined the company in 2020 at just 18 years old. Raised in the family business, she trained closely under her Nana, quickly absorbing the operations, values, and vision that have long guided Venture. Her close relationship with her father mirrors the special connection once shared by Darlene and Jimmy. Following Darlene’s passing, Mary stepped confidently into her grandmother’s role, bringing a fresh perspective while honoring the legacy laid before her. She and Jimmy now lead Venture side by side, blending tradition with innovation as they guide the company into a new chapter.

Looking ahead, Venture Bus Transportation moves forward with confidence—dedicated to preserving our legacy for generations to come. Built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and family, Venture has grown into a premier motorcoach provider serving Hampton Roads and Coastal Virginia. Our commitment to friendly, courteous, safe, and reliable transportation continues to earn the trust of the communities we proudly serve.