Varsity Travel / Schrock Travel

Varsity Travel, which operates under the legacy of the well-known Schrock Travel name, represents a significant transition in the local transportation and travel sector. Originally founded as Schrock Travel in 1973 by Larry and Dottie Schrock, the company built a reputation over decades as a reliable local provider. In 2018, the business was purchased by Tyler and Kim Tummolo and rebranded as Varsity Travel, shifting its focus primarily towards serving schools and universities. This change marked a new chapter for the long-standing company, moving it from a general travel agency to a more specialized transportation provider.

The information indicating that the Berlin, PA location is "permanently closed" appears to reflect this corporate restructuring rather than a complete cessation of business. The original Schrock Travel, as known to many locals in Berlin for years, has effectively ceased to operate under that name and model. The rebranding to Varsity Travel involved a strategic pivot and likely a consolidation of operations, which explains the closure of the Main Street office. The company has since grown significantly, expanding from a fleet of eight motorcoaches to over 20, plus more than 70 other vehicles for various transportation needs. This growth occurred despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Varsity Travel acquired assets from other local businesses that did not survive.

Services and Reputation Under New Ownership

As Varsity Travel, the company has carved out a niche in providing transportation for educational institutions and large groups. Their services are centered around bus tours and charter services, focusing on safety, reliability, and community connection. The new ownership, spearheaded by a U.S. Army veteran, emphasizes discipline and a commitment to safety in its operations. They have successfully secured major clients, including a notable partnership with Shenandoah University, for whom they provided a custom-wrapped team bus. This move highlights their focus on building strong, lasting relationships with institutional clients.

Customer feedback for Varsity Travel is generally positive, emphasizing strong communication and reliability. Clients, particularly those organizing large events like weddings, have praised the company's efficiency and the seamless booking process managed by its team. The fleet is described as modern, clean, and comfortable, with amenities such as Wi-Fi and charging ports available on their buses.

What Happened to Schrock Travel?

For former patrons of Schrock Travel, the transition can be confusing. The friendly, local travel agency they knew, praised for being "Berlin's best for many years" and having "friendly people," has evolved. The reviews from seven and eight years ago reflect a different business model, one more akin to a traditional community-based tour operator. The current iteration, Varsity Travel, while carrying on the legacy, has a different target market and operational scale. The closure of the Berlin office is a direct consequence of this strategic shift.

The Positives:

• Strong Legacy: The company is built on the foundation of Schrock Travel, which had a multi-decade history of service in the community.
• Growth and Modernization: Under the Varsity Travel brand, the company has significantly expanded its fleet and modernized its services.
• Specialized Focus: Their focus on schools, universities, and large group charters allows them to provide tailored and efficient transportation solutions.
• Commitment to Safety: With veteran ownership, there is a strong emphasis on safety and disciplined operations.

The Negatives:

• Closure of Local Office: The permanent closure of the Berlin, PA office means a loss of a physical, local point of contact for the community that had relied on Schrock Travel for years.
• Shift in Focus: The move away from being a general vacation packages provider to a specialized transportation service may alienate individual customers or smaller groups who used the former agency's services.
• Potential for Confusion: The dual branding and history can be confusing for customers searching for the old Schrock Travel and finding a company with a different focus.
• Scheduling Issues: Some feedback, though generally positive, has noted occasional scheduling challenges that require flexibility from clients.

In conclusion, while the physical presence of Varsity Travel / Schrock Travel on Main Street in Berlin is no more, the company itself has not disappeared but rather transformed. It has evolved from a community-focused travel agency into a larger, more specialized transportation provider under the name Varsity Travel. For those seeking large-scale bus charters and group transportation, the new company is a robust and growing option. However, for residents of Berlin who fondly remember the personalized service of the original Schrock Travel for their individual travel needs, this evolution represents the end of an era.