S-1/A

   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 27, 1998
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-42541
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                     ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP.
             (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
                                                              
            NEW YORK                            4151                          13-392-4567
(State or other jurisdiction of     (Primary Standard Industrial            (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)     Classification Code Number)           Identification No.)


 
                            ------------------------
 
                                 7 NORTH STREET
                       STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK 10302-1205
                                 (718) 442-7000
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                            ------------------------
 
                      SEE TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
                            ------------------------
 
                                NATHAN SCHLENKER
                            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                 7 NORTH STREET
                       STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK 10302-1205
                                 (718) 442-7000
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
 
                        COPIES OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO:
 
                                                          
   PETER R. SILVERMAN, ESQ.        ROBERT A. ZUCCARO, ESQ.          MICHAEL WORONOFF, ESQ.
SILVERMAN, COLLURA, CHERNIS, &    JONES, DAY, REAVIS & POGUE    SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER
         BALZANO P.C.                599 LEXINGTON AVENUE                   & FLOM
    381 PARK AVENUE SOUTH          NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022         300 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE
          SUITE 1601                    (212) 326-3939          LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90017
   NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016                                             (213) 687-5000
        (212) 779-8600


 
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
 AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE.
                            ------------------------
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                            ------------------------
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
 
    The address of the principal executive offices of each of the additional
registrants listed below, and the name and address of the agent for service
therefor, is the same as is set forth for Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.
on the facing page of this Registration Statement.
 


                                                                                 PRIMARY STANDARD        I.R.S.
                                                                 JURISDICTION       INDUSTRIAL          EMPLOYER
                                                                      OF          CLASSIFICATION     IDENTIFICATION
NAME                                                             INCORPORATION        NUMBER             NUMBER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------------  --------------
                                                                                            
Amboy Bus Co., Inc.............................................       New York            4151          11-2501369
Staten Island Bus, Inc.........................................       New York            4151          13-2616818
Raybern Capital Corp...........................................       New York            4151          11-2556990
Metropolitan Escort Service, Inc...............................       New York            4789          13-3129197
Merit Transportation Corp......................................       New York            4119          13-3768298
Temporary Transit Service, Inc.................................       New York           4151.1         13-3240973
Atlantic-Hudson, Inc...........................................       New York            4111          13-3625121
Courtesy Bus Co., Inc..........................................       New York            4151          13-2975239
K. Corr, Inc...................................................       New York            4151          11-2574233
Raybern Equity Corp............................................       New York            4151          11-2543830
Metro Affiliates, Inc..........................................       New York            6512          13-3330142
Midway Leasing Inc.............................................       New York            6512          13-3137793
Brookfield Transit, Inc........................................       New York            4119          13-3768247
Atlantic Paratrans, Inc........................................       New York            4119          13-3563789
180 Jamaica Corp...............................................       New York            6512          13-3847630
Atlantic Express Coachways, Inc................................     New Jersey            4111          22-2982867
Atlantic Express of Pennsylvania, Inc..........................       Delaware            4151          52-1820389
Atlantic Paratrans of Kentucky Inc.............................       Kentucky            4119          13-3852086
Raybern Bus Service, Inc.......................................       New York            4151          11-1739412
G.V.D. Leasing Co., Inc........................................       New York            4119          13-2990595
Block 7932, Inc................................................       New York            4119          13-3903439
Atlantic-Conn. Transit, Inc....................................    Connecticut            4151          13-3502325
Atlantic Express of Missouri, Inc..............................       Missouri            4151          13-3823116
Atlantic Express of L.A. Inc...................................     California            4151          95-4631639
201 West Sotello Realty, Inc...................................     California            6512          95-4662981
Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc....................       New York            5012          16-1107009
Jersey Bus Sales, Inc..........................................     New Jersey            5012          16-1333349
Atlantic-Chittenango Real Property Corp........................       New York            6512          16-1540931
Jersey Business Land Co., Inc..................................     New Jersey            6512          22-3553850


   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 27, 1998
    
 
PROSPECTUS
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES OF ANY SUCH STATE.

                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                     10 3/4% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2004
                          FOR ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING
                    10 3/4% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2004 OF
 
   
                                     [LOGO]
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
                     ON FEBRUARY 26, 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
    
                            ------------------------
 
ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP., A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("ATLANTIC" OR THE
"COMPANY"), A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION GROUP
INC. ("AETG"), HEREBY OFFERS (THE "EXCHANGE OFFER"), UPON THE TERMS AND SUBJECT
TO THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL (THE "LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL"), TO EXCHANGE ITS OUTSTANDING 10 3/4%
SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2004 (THE "OLD NOTES"), OF WHICH $150,000,000 AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IS OUTSTANDING AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, FOR AN EQUAL AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NEWLY ISSUED 10 3/4% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2004 (THE "NEW
NOTES"). THE NEW NOTES ARE BEING OFFERED HEREBY IN ORDER TO SATISFY CERTAIN
OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED
FEBRUARY 4, 1997, AMONG THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OTHER SIGNATORIES THERETO, AS
AMENDED (THE "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT"). THE FORM AND TERMS OF THE NEW
NOTES WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE OF THE OLD NOTES EXCEPT THAT THE NEW NOTES WILL
HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), AND CONSEQUENTLY WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TRANSFER
RESTRICTIONS, REGISTRATION RIGHTS AND RELATED LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISIONS
APPLICABLE TO THE OLD NOTES. THE NEW NOTES WILL EVIDENCE THE SAME DEBT AS THE
OLD NOTES AND WILL BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF AN INDENTURE, DATED AS OF
FEBRUARY 4, 1997, BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS
TRUSTEE (THE "TRUSTEE"), AS AMENDED (THE "INDENTURE"). THE INDENTURE PROVIDES
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOTH THE OLD NOTES AND THE NEW NOTES. THE OLD NOTES AND THE
NEW NOTES ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN COLLECTIVELY AS THE "NOTES" AND HOLDERS OF THE
NOTES ARE SOMETIMES REFERRED TO HEREIN AS THE "HOLDERS."
 
THE NEW NOTES WILL MATURE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2004. INTEREST ON THE NEW NOTES WILL BE
PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY ON FEBRUARY 1 AND AUGUST 1, COMMENCING FEBRUARY 1, 1998.
THE NEW NOTES WILL BE REDEEMABLE AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY, IN WHOLE OR IN
PART, ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2001, AT THE REDEMPTION PRICES SET FORTH HEREIN,
PLUS ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST, IF ANY, TO THE DATE OF REDEMPTION.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, AT ANY TIME OR FROM TIME TO TIME PRIOR TO
FEBRUARY 1, 2000, THE COMPANY MAY REDEEM UP TO ONE-THIRD OF THE AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE NEW NOTES AT THE REDEMPTION PRICE OF 110.75% OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT THEREOF, PLUS ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST, IF ANY, THROUGH THE
DATE OF REDEMPTION, WITH THE NET CASH PROCEEDS OF ONE OR MORE PUBLIC EQUITY
OFFERINGS (AS DEFINED); PROVIDED, THAT AT LEAST $100.0 MILLION AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE NEW NOTES REMAINS OUTSTANDING IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER.
UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL (AS DEFINED), THE COMPANY WILL BE REQUIRED TO OFFER TO
REPURCHASE ALL OF THE OUTSTANDING NEW NOTES AT 101% OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
THEREOF, TOGETHER WITH ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST, IF ANY, TO THE DATE OF
REPURCHASE. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF NOTES."
 
THE NEW NOTES WILL BE SENIOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND WILL RANK
SENIOR IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO ALL SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE COMPANY, AND
PARI PASSU IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT WITH ALL SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS OF THE COMPANY. THE
NEW NOTES WILL BE FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY,
BY EACH OF THE CURRENT AND FUTURE RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES (AS DEFINED) OF THE
COMPANY AND INITIALLY SECURED BY A FIRST PRIORITY SECURITY INTEREST IN AND A
PLEDGE OF ALL OF THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES (AS
DEFINED) AND A SECOND PRIORITY SECURITY INTEREST IN THOSE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY
AND ITS RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES (INCLUDING CASH, ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, INVENTORY,
AND CERTAIN RELATED ASSETS) SECURING INDEBTEDNESS OUTSTANDING UNDER THE
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (AS DEFINED). HOWEVER, THE NEW NOTES WILL BE
EFFECTIVELY SUBORDINATED TO ALL OTHER SECURED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE COMPANY AND
ITS SUBSIDIARIES, INCLUDING INDEBTEDNESS UNDER THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY, TO
THE EXTENT OF THE ASSETS THAT SECURE SUCH INDEBTEDNESS. THE INDENTURE CONTAINS A
COVENANT THAT PROHIBITS THE COMPANY AND ITS RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES FROM
CREATING CONSENSUAL LIENS ON CERTAIN OF THEIR EXISTING VEHICLES. AS OF SEPTEMBER
30, 1997, ON A PRO FORMA BASIS AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, THE
COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES WOULD NOT HAVE HAD ANY SECURED INDEBTEDNESS
OUTSTANDING, OTHER THAN THE NEW NOTES AND $8.6 MILLION OF OTHER FINANCING.
 
   
THE COMPANY WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY PROCEEDS FROM THE EXCHANGE OFFER. THE COMPANY
WILL PAY ALL EXPENSES INCIDENTAL TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER (WHICH SHALL NOT INCLUDE
THE EXPENSES OF ANY HOLDER IN CONNECTION WITH RESALES OF THE NEW NOTES). THE
COMPANY WILL ACCEPT FOR EXCHANGE ANY AND ALL VALIDLY TENDERED OLD NOTES ON OR
PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON FEBRUARY 26, 1998 (SUCH DATE AND TIME,
IF AND AS EXTENDED, THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). TENDERS OF OLD NOTES MAY BE
WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT
CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OLD NOTES BEING TENDERED FOR
EXCHANGE. OLD NOTES MAY BE TENDERED ONLY IN INTEGRAL MULTIPLES OF $1,000. IN THE
EVENT THE COMPANY TERMINATES THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND DOES NOT ACCEPT FOR EXCHANGE
ANY OLD NOTES, THE COMPANY WILL PROMPTLY CAUSE THE RETURN OF ALL PREVIOUSLY
TENDERED OLD NOTES.
    
 
THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER
AND MAY BE USED BY JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC. ("JEFFERIES") IN CONNECTION WITH
OFFERS AND SALES RELATED TO MARKET-MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE NOTES. JEFFERIES
MAY ACT AS PRINCIPAL OR AGENT IN SUCH TRANSACTIONS. SUCH SALES WILL BE MADE AT
PRICES RELATED TO PREVAILING MARKET PRICES AT THE TIME OF SALE.
 
                         ------------------------------
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 14 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS PRIOR TO TENDERING THEIR OLD NOTES IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER.
                             ---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
     EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
           COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
              PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                           --------------------------
 
   
January 27, 1998
    

   
    Based on interpretations contained in no action letters issued to third
parties by the staff of the Commission, the Company believes that the New Notes
issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered
for resale, resold, and otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than
(i) a broker-dealer who purchases such New Notes directly from the Company to
resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the
Securities Act or (ii) a person who is an affiliate of the Company (within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act)), without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided
that the holder is acquiring the New Notes in its ordinary course of business
and is not participating, and has no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate, in the distribution of the New Notes. Holders of Old
Notes wishing to accept the Exchange Offer must represent to the Company that
such conditions have been met.
    
 
    Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a Prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states
that by so acknowledging and by delivering a Prospectus, a broker-dealer will
not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time
to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes
received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period of up to 180 days after
the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer
for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
    Prior to this Exchange Offer, there has been no public market for the Notes.
The Company does not intend to list the Notes on any securities exchange or to
seek approval for quotation through any automated quotation system. There can be
no assurance that an active market for the Notes will develop. To the extent
that a market for the Notes does develop, the market value of the Notes will
depend on many factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest
rates, market conditions, general economic conditions, the Company's results of
operations and financial condition, the market for similar securities, and other
conditions. Such conditions might cause the Notes, to the extent that they are
actively traded, to trade at a significant discount from face value. See "Risk
Factors -- Absence of Public Market for the Notes."
 
    Certain totals in this Prospectus may not sum due to rounding adjustments.

                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INCLUDING NOTES THERETO) INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS
OTHERWISE INDICATED OR THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES TO THE
"COMPANY" AND "ATLANTIC" ARE TO ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES, AND, FOR PERIODS PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 4, 1997, THE SUBSIDIARIES OF
ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION GROUP INC. (TOGETHER WITH ITS PREDECESSORS,
"AETG") ENGAGED IN THE TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS. ATLANTIC CONDUCTS ITS BUSINESS
THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARIES. REFERENCES TO FISCAL YEARS ARE TO YEARS ENDING JUNE
30.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Atlantic is one of the largest providers of school bus transportation in the
United States. The Company has contracts with 63 school districts in New York,
Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. In addition to
its school bus transportation operations (the "School Bus Division"), the
Company provides services to public transit systems for physically or mentally
challenged passengers (the "Paratransit Division"), transportation for
pre-kindergarten children and Medicaid recipients (the "Pre-K/Medicaid
Operations") and express commuter line and charter and tour bus services (the
"Coach Division"). Atlantic has a fleet of approximately 3,800 vehicles
operating from 31 facilities. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the
Company generated revenues of $166.1 million, approximately 81% of which was
derived from the School Bus Division.
 
    The Company's school bus transportation contracts have provided a relatively
predictable and stable stream of revenues over their terms, which range from one
to five years. Since 1979, Atlantic has achieved a contract renewal rate of
approximately 98%, which management believes is due to (i) its reputation for
passenger safety and providing efficient, on-time service; (ii) its
long-standing relationships with the school districts it services; (iii) the
preference of school districts to maintain continuity of service with their
current proven contractor rather than risk the uncertainty associated with a
replacement; and (iv) the disadvantage of prospective competitors who generally
would have to make substantially greater investments than the Company in new
equipment and who may experience difficulty obtaining suitable parking and
maintenance facilities in Atlantic's primary markets, especially in the New York
greater metropolitan area.
 
    By capitalizing on the stable revenue stream provided by its existing
contracts and its reputation for passenger safety and service, Atlantic has
become one of the fastest growing major school bus companies in the United
States. This growth has resulted from (i) securing additional contracts from
existing and new customers (including replacing underperforming contractors);
(ii) expanding into new markets; and (iii) consummating a series of strategic
acquisitions.
 
    Management believes that three major trends affecting the school bus
transportation industry provide the Company with significant opportunities for
continued growth in its largest division, the School Bus Division. First,
privatization of student transportation is becoming an increasingly attractive
cost-cutting option to school districts, which reportedly operate approximately
two-thirds of the approximately 400,000 school buses in the United States.
Consequently, since 1990, while the total number of school buses in the industry
overall has only grown by 11%, the number of school buses operated by the
private sector has increased by over 60%. Second, continuing consolidation is
occurring among the over 5,000 private contractors representing the remaining
one-third of the industry. Management believes that this consolidation is driven
largely by the inability of smaller companies to absorb the costs of complying
with increasingly stringent government regulations while still providing
commensurate levels of service at competitive prices. Capitalizing on this trend
towards consolidation, the Company has acquired over 20 school bus companies in
the last 15 years. Third, the expected increase in school enrollment,
attributable to a rise in the U.S. birth rate since 1984, will lead to growth in
the school bus transportation industry. In addition, the Company believes that
the demand for school bus transportation is generally insensitive to economic
cycles and is fundamentally strong, with an industry source projecting increases
in school
 
                                       3

enrollment each year through 2006. Management believes that resources required
to effectively capitalize on the above-mentioned industry trends favor larger
school bus contractors such as the Company.
 
                               BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    Atlantic believes that the proven strength and experience of its management
team and its reputation for passenger safety and service provide a strong
foundation for continued growth and increased cash flow. To capitalize on the
opportunities presented by Atlantic's business environment, Atlantic's
management team is concentrating on the following areas:
 
    EXPANSION INTO NEW MARKETS.  Atlantic seeks to continue expanding its
operations into new geographic markets. In 1993, the Company made its first
major expansion beyond the New York greater metropolitan area by winning a
school bus transportation contract in Philadelphia that generated $5.9 million
of revenues in fiscal 1996. Currently, the Company has school bus operations in
six states. The Company is presently targeting large urban markets in the
midwest, pacific and southeast regions of the United States because management
believes that (i) these areas offer opportunities to win contracts from smaller
regional contractors; (ii) the trend towards privatization in these areas should
result in the availability of additional large contracts; and (iii) the
projected total increase in school enrollment should be larger in major urban
markets in these areas. The Company recently expanded its operations into the
Los Angeles, California market, where it was awarded contracts for up to 150
school buses and an additional 18 vehicle contract. The Company believes there
are significant growth opportunities in this market. In addition, the Company
recently acquired Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc., Jersey Bus
Sales, Inc. and related real property (collectively, "Central"). Central is the
leading authorized distributor of school buses manufactured by Blue Bird Body
Company ("Blue Bird"), which is the leading manufacturer of school buses in
North America. Central also currently operates 158 school buses in New Jersey.
The Central acquisition will significantly reduce the Company's capital
expenditures in the purchase of buses and substantially increase the number of
relationships with school districts in the states of New York and New Jersey,
which the Company believes may lead to future business opportunities.
 
    EXPANSION WITHIN EXISTING MARKETS.  Atlantic plans to continue strengthening
its presence in its existing markets by aggressively pursuing additional
contracts and by consummating tuck-in acquisitions of smaller contractors.
Management believes that the Company's reputation has enabled it to win
additional contracts in existing markets. The Company has also consummated over
20 tuck-in acquisitions in its existing markets. Management believes that
expansion in regions where it already has established operations, whether
through additional contracts or through tuck-in acquisitions, has enabled it to
capitalize on its existing maintenance, parking and administrative
infrastructure, thereby improving profit margins and reducing capital
expenditure requirements. Most recently, the Company acquired substantially all
of the assets of V. Sabella Bus Co., Inc. ("Sabella"), which operates 87 school
bus routes in New York City. Given the Company's significant presence in this
market, management believes it can achieve significant cost savings as a result
of the Sabella acquisition. In general, the Company plans to benefit from
economies of scale as its business grows by (i) spreading the costs of its
administrative staff and facilities over a larger revenue base and (ii)
capturing savings in expenses such as insurance, workers' compensation and
vehicle and parts purchases.
 
    GROWTH OF THE PARATRANSIT DIVISION.  The Paratransit Division is Atlantic's
second largest and fastest growing division. The Paratransit Division's revenues
have increased from $3.4 million in fiscal 1994 to $19.0 million in fiscal 1997.
Management believes the demand for paratransit services in the United States
will continue to grow over the next several years. Pursuant to the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA"), certain public transit systems are
required to provide comparable services to disabled persons who are unable to
use standard public transportation. The ADA required over 500 public transit
systems in the United States to implement fully operational paratransit systems
by January 1997. Because the ADA was enacted in 1990, the paratransit services
industry is relatively young, with most existing contracts awarded in the last
five years. Management believes many small companies that have been providing
 
                                       4

paratransit services may be unable to fulfill the complex service requirements
of paratransit contracts, and thus many of the contracts presently held by such
operators may not be renewed. For example, in May 1997, the Company was awarded
a six-month paratransit contract in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, an area
previously serviced by a smaller company. Since 1990, the Company has gained
substantial experience in satisfying the rigorous demands of paratransit
contracts and plans to compete aggressively to obtain new paratransit contracts
as contracts awarded to other operators expire. Most recently, in July 1997, the
Company was awarded a three-year contract to provide paratransit services in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation
Authority ("SEPTA").
 
    FOCUS ON PASSENGER SAFETY AND SERVICE.  Management has developed a corporate
culture focused on passenger safety and service. For example, Atlantic
participates in the "Safe Bus" program, under which complaints regarding school
bus drivers' performance and safety are registered by an independent party and
forwarded to the Company for remedial action. Furthermore, unlike many of its
competitors, the Company requires its drivers to wear standardized uniforms,
thereby reinforcing its professional image. In addition, all drivers are
required to attend periodic safety workshops and training programs, which
emphasize defensive driving and courteous behavior. Management believes that its
emphasis on passenger safety and service is a competitive advantage and a major
contributor to its success in winning new contracts.
 
                              RECENT TRANSACTIONS
 
    ACQUISITION OF CENTRAL.  On August 14, 1997, the Company completed the
acquisition of Central, which became effective on July 1, 1997, for total
consideration of $26.5 million of cash less long-term indebtedness, which as of
June 30, 1997, was $4.8 million, and its agreement to issue a $2.2 million
mortgages and notes relating to certain real property. Central is the leading
authorized distributor of Blue Bird school buses in North America, serving the
states of New York and New Jersey. The Company believes Central has a greater
than 45% market share for sales of school buses in its distribution territory.
In addition, Blue Bird is the leading manufacturer of school buses in North
America, with a reported 43% market share. Central also currently operates 158
school buses for school districts in New Jersey.
 
    The Company believes that the Central acquisition will provide it with
significant synergistic opportunities, including an expanded customer base,
reduced capital expenditures and a reduction in the impact of seasonality on the
Company's financial results. For the six months ended June 30, 1997 on a pro
forma basis, approximately 70% of Central's customer base consisted of school
districts in central and upstate New York and New Jersey that operate their own
school buses. The Company currently has minimal operations in those areas and
believes that the relationships gained through the Central acquisition will
enhance the Company's ability to capitalize on the potential privatization in
certain of these markets. If the acquisition of Central had occured on June 30,
1996, the Company believes that it would have reduced capital expenditure
requirements by approximately $1.9 million in the year ended June 30, 1997 by
purchasing buses through Central at more favorable prices. The Company also
believes the Central acquisition will partially offset the seasonal effects of
the Company's school bus operations, as Central's seasonal peak occurs during
the months of July and August, the Company's seasonal low period. Central
accounted for 24.8% and 47.6% of the Company's revenues for the pro forma year
ended June 30, 1997 and the three months ended September 30, 1997, respectively.
 
    ENTRANCE INTO THE LOS ANGELES MARKET.  In May 1997, the Los Angeles Unified
School District (the "LAUSD") awarded the Company contracts for up to 150 school
buses (collectively, the "L.A. Contract") and in July 1997, a private school
awarded an 18 vehicle contract to the Company. The L.A. Contract is a five-year
contract, with service scheduled to commence in September 1997. The entrance
into the Los Angeles market required $12.6 million of capital expenditures,
including $2.9 million for the purchase of real property, $8.5 million for the
purchase of vehicles and $1.2 million for real property improvements. Prior to
September 30, 1997, the Company had made the majority of these capital
expenditures.
 
                                       5

    The Company believes that the Los Angeles market presents the Company with
significant expansion potential. This market consists of approximately 2,200
school buses, of which approximately 1,250 are contractor-operated. In addition,
the Company believes there are approximately 800 contractor-operated school
buses adjacent to the LAUSD and approximately 7,000 contractor-operated school
buses elsewhere in California. The contractor-operated market in Los Angeles is
currently serviced by five principal contractors, the largest of which maintains
an approximately 60% market share. The Company believes that the LAUSD desires
to increase the number of contractors in this market with additional major,
national school bus contractors such as the Company. To the extent the Company
is able to obtain additional school bus routes in the Los Angeles and adjacent
markets, the Company believes that it will have an opportunity to significantly
improve its EBITDA margins and improve its return on investment. These benefits
will result from operating leverage created by the Company's initial capital
expenditures and administrative infrastructure.
 
    NEW PARATRANSIT CONTRACTS.  In July 1997, the Company was awarded a
three-year contract to provide paratransit services in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania by SEPTA (the "SEPTA Contract"). Pursuant to the SEPTA Contract,
SEPTA will provide the Company with all of the required vehicles and, as a
result, the Company will not need to make significant capital expenditures to
fulfill its obligations thereunder.
 
    In May 1997, the Company was also awarded a six-month paratransit contract
in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
 
    ACQUISITION OF SABELLA.  On April 30, 1997, the Company acquired
substantially all of the assets of Sabella, a New York City school bus
contractor which currently operates 87 school bus routes, for $1.1 million.
 
    The events described above are collectively referred to as the "Recent
Transactions."
 
                           RECENT FINANCING ACTIVITY
 
    On February 4, 1997 the Company issued $110,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of its 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004 (the "Original Old Notes")
in a private placement. The offering of the Original Old Notes was part of a
refinancing plan designed to extend the maturity of the Company's indebtedness,
provide the Company with additional financing and operating flexibility, and
enhance the Company's financial liquidity. The Company applied the net proceeds
of the offering of the Original Old Notes (i) to repay existing indebtedness;
(ii) to terminate certain operating leases and purchase the vehicles and other
assets leased thereunder; (iii) to acquire a Medicaid Business (as defined) and
purchase additional vehicles to perform the Company's obligations thereunder,
and (iv) for general corporate purposes. See "The Old Notes Offerings."
 
    Upon consummation of the offering of the Original Old Notes, the Company
entered into a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit
Facility"). See "Description of Revolving Credit Facility."
 
    On August 14, 1997, the Company issued an additional $40,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004 (the "Additional
Old Notes," and together with the Original Old Notes, the "Old Notes") in a
private placement. The Company applied the net proceeds of the offering of the
Additional Old Notes to (i) acquire Central; and (ii) to fund the Company's
entrance into the Los Angeles market. See "The Old Notes Offerings."
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    The Company is offering (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange its Old Notes, of
which $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount is outstanding, for an equal
aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004
(the "New Notes"). The form and terms of the New Notes will be the same as those
of the Old Notes except that the New Notes will have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and consequently will
not be subject to certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and related
liquidated damages provisions applicable to the Old Notes.
 
                                       6

 
   
                                            
THE EXCHANGE OFFER...........................  The Company is offering to exchange an
                                               aggregate of $150,000,000 principal amount of
                                               New Notes for an equal aggregate principal
                                               amount of Old Notes. The Old Notes may be
                                               exchanged only in multiples of $1,000
                                               principal amount. The Company will issue the
                                               New Notes on or promptly after the Expiration
                                               Date (as defined below). See "The Exchange
                                               Offer."
 
EXPIRATION DATE..............................  The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
                                               New York City time, on February 26, 1998,
                                               unless extended in which case the term
                                               "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date
                                               and time to which the Exchange Offer is
                                               extended.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER.............  The Exchange Offer is subject to certain
                                               conditions, which may be waived by the
                                               Company in whole or in part and from time to
                                               time in its sole discretion. See "The
                                               Exchange Offer -- Certain Conditions to the
                                               Exchange Offer." The Exchange Offer is not
                                               conditioned upon any minimum aggregate
                                               principal amount of Old Notes being tendered
                                               for exchange.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES...........  Each Holder desiring to accept the Exchange
                                               Offer must complete and sign the Letter of
                                               Transmittal, have the signature thereon
                                               guaranteed if required by the Letter of
                                               Transmittal, and mail or deliver the Letter
                                               of Transmittal, together with the Old Notes
                                               or a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any
                                               other required documents (such as evidence of
                                               authority to act satisfactory to the Company
                                               in its sole discretion, if the Letter of
                                               Transmittal is signed by someone acting in a
                                               fiduciary or representative capacity), so
                                               that such materials are received by the
                                               Exchange Agent (as defined) at the address
                                               set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange
                                               Agent" prior to the Expiration Date. Any
                                               beneficial owner of the Old Notes whose Old
                                               Notes are registered in the name of a
                                               nominee, such as a broker, dealer, commercial
                                               bank or trust company and who wishes to
                                               tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer,
                                               should instruct such entity or person to
                                               promptly tender on such beneficial owner's
                                               behalf. See "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures
                                               for Tendering Old Notes."
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES...............  Holders of Old Notes who wish to tender their
                                               Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are not
                                               immediately available; or (ii) who cannot
                                               deliver their Old Notes or any other
                                               documents required by the Letter of
                                               Transmittal to the Exchange Agent prior to
                                               the Expiration Date (or complete the
                                               procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely
                                               basis), may tender their Old Notes according
                                               to the guaranteed


    
 
                                       7

 
                                            
                                               delivery procedures set forth in the Letter
                                               of Transmittal. See "The Exchange Offer --
                                               Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."
 
                                               The Letter of Transmittal provides that each
                                               Holder of Old Notes (other than participating
                                               broker-dealers) will represent to the Company
                                               that, among other things, the New Notes
                                               acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are
                                               being obtained in the ordinary course of
                                               business of the person receiving such New
                                               Notes, that neither such Holder of Old Notes
                                               nor any such other person has an arrangement
                                               or understanding with any person to
                                               participate in the distribution of such New
                                               Notes and that neither the Holder nor any
                                               such person is an "affiliate" of the Company,
                                               as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities
                                               Act. Any tendered Old Note not accepted for
                                               exchange for any reason will be returned
                                               promptly after the expiration or termination
                                               of the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange
                                               Offer."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS............................  Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any
                                               time prior to the Expiration Date. See "The
                                               Exchange Offer -- Withdrawal Rights."
 
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES AND DELIVERY OF NEW    The Company will accept for exchange any and
  NOTES......................................  all Old Notes which are properly tendered in
                                               the Exchange Offer prior to the Expiration
                                               Date. The New Notes issued pursuant to the
                                               Exchange Offer will be delivered promptly
                                               following the Expiration Date. See "The
                                               Exchange Offer -- Terms of the Exchange
                                               Offer."
 
RESALES OF NEW NOTES.........................  Based on an interpretation by the staff of
                                               the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
                                               "Commission") set forth in no-action letters
                                               issued to third parties, the Company believes
                                               that New Notes issued pursuant to the
                                               Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may
                                               be offered for resale, resold and otherwise
                                               transferred by any Holder thereof (other than
                                               any such Holder which is an "affiliate" of
                                               the Company within the meaning of Rule 405
                                               under the Securities Act) without compliance
                                               with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                               provisions of the Securities Act, provided
                                               that such New Notes are acquired in the
                                               ordinary course of such Holder's business and
                                               that such Holder has no arrangement or
                                               understanding with any person to participate
                                               in the distribution of such New Notes, and
                                               provided, further, that each broker-dealer
                                               that receives New Notes for its own account
                                               in exchange for Old Notes must acknowledge
                                               that it


 
                                       8

 
                                            
                                               will deliver a Prospectus in connection with
                                               any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of
                                               Distribution." If a Holder of Old Notes does
                                               not exchange such Old Notes for New Notes
                                               pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Old
                                               Notes will continue to be subject to the
                                               restrictions on transfer contained in the
                                               legend thereon. In general, the Old Notes may
                                               not be offered or sold, unless registered
                                               under the Securities Act, except pursuant to
                                               an exception from, or in a transaction not
                                               subject to, the Securities Act and applicable
                                               state securities laws. See "The Exchange
                                               Offer -- Consequences of Failure to Exchange"
                                               and "Description of Notes."
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE..........  Holders of Old Notes who do not exchange
                                               their Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the
                                               Exchange offer will continue to be subject to
                                               the restrictions on transfer of such Old
                                               Notes as set forth in the legend thereon. In
                                               general, Old Notes may not be offered or
                                               sold, except pursuant to a registration
                                               statement under the Securities Act or any
                                               exemption from registration thereunder and in
                                               compliance with applicable state securities
                                               laws. In the event the Company completes the
                                               Exchange Offer, holders of Old Notes will
                                               have no further rights to registration or
                                               liquidated damages pursuant to the
                                               Registration Rights Agreement between the
                                               Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein)
                                               and Jefferies & Company, Inc. ("Jefferies")
                                               dated February 4, 1997, as amended (the
                                               "Registration Rights Agreement").
 
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS...................  There will be no federal income tax
                                               consequences to Holders exchanging Old Notes
                                               for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer
                                               and a Holder will have the same adjusted
                                               basis and holding period in the New Notes as
                                               in the Old Notes immediately before the
                                               exchange. See "Certain U.S. Federal Income
                                               Tax Considerations."
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT................  The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy the
                                               registration rights of Holders of Old Notes
                                               under the Registration Rights Agreement,
                                               which rights terminate upon consummation of
                                               the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT...............................  The Bank of New York is the Exchange Agent.
                                               The address and telephone number of the
                                               Exchange Agent are set forth in "The Exchange
                                               Offer -- Exchange Agent."


 
                                       9

 
                                            
                                       THE NEW NOTES
 
SECURITIES OFFERED...........................  $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
                                               10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004.
 
MATURITY DATE................................  February 1, 2004.
 
INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT DATES..............  The New Notes will bear interest at a rate of
                                               10 3/4% per annum. Interest on the New Notes
                                               will be payable semi-annually in cash in
                                               arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each
                                               year, commencing February 1, 1998.
 
GUARANTEES...................................  The New Notes will be fully and
                                               unconditionally guaranteed by each of the
                                               current and future Restricted Subsidiaries
                                               (as defined) of the Company (collectively,
                                               the "Guarantors"), jointly and severally
                                               (subject to insolvency and fraudulent
                                               conveyance limitations).
 
SECURITY.....................................  The New Notes will initially be secured by a
                                               first priority security interest in and a
                                               pledge of all of the capital stock of the
                                               Company and its subsidiaries and a second
                                               priority security interest in those assets of
                                               the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
                                               (including cash, accounts receivable,
                                               inventory, and certain related assets)
                                               securing indebtedness outstanding under the
                                               Revolving Credit Facility. The indenture
                                               relating to the New Notes (the "Indenture")
                                               contains a covenant that prohibits the
                                               Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from
                                               creating consensual liens on their existing
                                               vehicles. See "Description of the Revolving
                                               Credit Facility" and "Description of Notes --
                                               Collateral."
 
RANKING......................................  The New Notes will be senior secured
                                               obligations of the Company and will rank
                                               senior in right of payment to all
                                               subordinated indebtedness of the Company and
                                               PARI PASSU in right of payment with all
                                               senior indebtedness of the Company. However,
                                               the New Notes will be effectively
                                               subordinated to all other secured
                                               indebtedness of the Company and its
                                               subsidiaries, including indebtedness under
                                               the Revolving Credit Facility, to the extent
                                               of the assets that secure such indebtedness.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION..........................  The New Notes will be redeemable at the
                                               option of the Company, in whole or in part,
                                               on or after February 1, 2001, at the
                                               redemption prices set forth herein, plus
                                               accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
                                               date of redemption. Notwithstanding the
                                               foregoing, at any time or from time to time
                                               prior to February 1, 2000, the Company may
                                               redeem up to


 
                                       10

 
                                            
                                               one-third of the aggregate principal amount
                                               of the New Notes at the redemption price of
                                               110.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus
                                               accrued and unpaid interest, if any, through
                                               the date of redemption, with the net cash
                                               proceeds of one or more Public Equity
                                               Offerings (as defined); provided, that at
                                               least $100.0 million aggregate principal
                                               amount of the New Notes remain outstanding
                                               immediately thereafter. See "Description of
                                               Notes -- Redemption."
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION.........................  None.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL............................  Upon a Change of Control (as defined), the
                                               Company will be required to offer to
                                               repurchase all of the outstanding New Notes
                                               at 101% of the principal amount thereof,
                                               together with accrued and unpaid interest, if
                                               any, to the date of repurchase. See
                                               "Description of Notes -- Repurchase Upon
                                               Change of Control."
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS............................  The Indenture contains certain covenants
                                               which limit the ability of the Company and
                                               its Restricted Subsidiaries to (i) incur
                                               additional indebtedness; (ii) make restricted
                                               payments; (iii) issue and sell capital stock
                                               of subsidiaries; (iv) enter into certain
                                               transactions with affiliates; (v) create
                                               certain liens; (vi) sell certain assets; and
                                               (vii) merge, consolidate or sell
                                               substantially all of the Company's assets.
                                               See "Description of Notes -- Certain
                                               Covenants."


 
    For a more detailed discussion of the terms of the New Notes, see
"Description of Notes."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    An investment in the New Notes involves a high degree of risk. For a
discussion of certain matters that should be considered by Holders in connection
with the Exchange Offer, see "Risk Factors," commencing on page 14.
 
    Atlantic Express Transportation Corp. is a New York corporation. Its
principal office is located at 7 North Street, Staten Island, New York
10302-1205 (telephone number (718) 442-7000).
 
                                       11

             SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The summary historical financial data of the Company for each of the years
in the three-year period ended June 30, 1997 and for the three-month periods
ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 were derived from the historical consolidated
financial information of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
pro forma financial data for the year ended June 30, 1997 was derived from the
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The summary pro forma financial data is presented for
informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the Company's
results of operations would actually have been if the Central acquisition or the
offering of "Old Notes" had occurred on the assumed dates or project the
Company's financial position or results of operations at any future date or for
any future periods. The Company's unaudited consolidated financial information
includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, that the
Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position
and the results of operations for those periods. Operating results for the
three-month period ended September 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of
the results for the entire year ending June 30, 1998. The following data should
be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information" and the historical consolidated financial statements of
the Company, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 


                                                                               HISTORICAL                          PRO FORMA(2)
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------  ---------------
                                                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                                  YEAR ENDED JUNE
                                                               YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,            SEPTEMBER 30,             30,
                                                         -------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------
                                                           1995       1996       1997       1996       1997(1)         1997
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------------
                                                                                                
                                                                                     ($ IN MILLIONS)
OPERATING DATA:
  Revenues.............................................  $   114.0  $   142.6  $   166.1  $    25.2   $    59.2      $   227.4
  Gross profit.........................................       22.6       27.4       30.0        2.3         7.9           40.3
  Income (loss) from operations........................        5.8        7.3        7.4       (2.8)        0.8           11.8
  Net Income (loss)(3).................................        2.6        1.4       (1.7)      (2.5)       (1.9)          (2.6)
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(4)............................................       13.4       17.0       17.8        2.6         4.1           25.2
  Depreciation and amortization........................        7.6        9.7       10.4        2.6         3.3           13.4
  Total capital expenditures...........................       18.0       20.7       26.3       11.5        18.9           36.3
  Number of vehicles(5)................................      2,116      2,760      3,257      3,101       3,806          3,637
  Number of contracts (6)..............................         91         93         97         85         136            140
  Ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense (7)..........                                                     1.1            1.6
  Ratio of Net Debt (8) to EBITDA......................                                                     5.5           36.9



                                                                                                                  HISTORICAL(1)
                                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                       AT
                                                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                                      1997
                                                                                                                 ---------------
 

                                                                                                                 ($ IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                               
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................                                                            $     6.3
  Net property, plant and equipment.....................                                                                 99.1
  Total assets..........................................                                                                204.1
  Total debt............................................                                                                158.6
  Total stockholder's equity............................                                                                 25.9

 
(FOOTNOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
                                       12

- ------------------------------
 
(1) The financial information as of and for the three months ended September 30,
    1997 reflects the acquisition of Central effective July 1, 1997.
 
(2) The pro forma financial data gives effect to the Central acquisition and the
    offering of the Old Notes and the application of the net proceeds therefrom
    as if they had occurred on July 1, 1996. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
    Consolidated Financial Information." Penalties upon early extinguishment of
    debt of approximately $0.9 million and a further $0.9 million write-off of
    remaining unamortized deferred finance charges relative to existing
    indebtedness have not been reflected in the pro forma financial data for the
    year ended June 30, 1997 as these costs are reported net of their related
    tax effects as extraordinary items.
 
(3) Net Income (loss) includes extraordinary income (net of taxes) pertaining to
    forgiveness of indebtedness of $1.1 million in 1995 and an extraordinary
    loss (net of taxes) pertaining to loss on early extinguishment of debt ($0.6
    million) and write-off of deferred finance charges ($0.5 million) for the
    year ended June 30, 1997.
 
(4) EBITDA represents income from operations before depreciation and
    amortization. EBITDA is used in certain financial covenants in the Indenture
    and is frequently used by securities analysts and is presented here to
    provide additional information about the Company's operations. EBITDA is not
    a measurement presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation; as a substitute
    for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or other income
    or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles; or as a measure of the Company's profitability or liquidity.
    EBITDA as used in this Prospectus may not be comparable to "EBITDA" as
    reported by other companies.
 
(5) Vehicles include the Company's fleet of school buses, paratransit vehicles,
    coaches and other service and support vehicles that are either owned, leased
    by the Company or provided by municipal authorities as of the last day of
    each period. See "Business -- Fleet Management and Maintenance."
 
(6) Represents the number of contracts as of the last day of each period. See
    "Business -- School Bus Division -- Contracts" and "Business -- Paratransit
    Division -- Contracts."
 
(7) Net interest expense is defined as interest expense less interest income,
    and does not include amortization of debt issuance costs of $1,276,488 and
    $259,801 for the year ended June 30, 1997 and the three months ended
    September 30, 1997, respectively.
 
(8) Net Debt is defined as total debt, excluding premium on issuance of the Old
    Notes, less cash and cash equivalents. At September 30, 1997, the Company's
    Net Debt was $152.2 million.
 
                                       13

                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    AN INVESTMENT IN THE NEW NOTES INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS SHOULD GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE SPECIFIC FACTORS SET FORTH
BELOW AND THE OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN, PRIOR TO TENDERING THEIR OLD
NOTES.
 
SIGNIFICANT LEVERAGE
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company's total debt and stockholder's equity was
$158.6 million and $25.9 million, respectively. The Company also had borrowing
availability under the Revolving Credit Facility of $27.9 million, subject to
the borrowing conditions contained therein. For the year ended June 30, 1997,
and for the three months ended September 30, 1997, earnings were inadequate to
cover fixed charges by $1.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively. During those
periods, the Company generated net losses of $1.7 million and $1.9 million,
respectively. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Results of Operations." The ratio of EBITDA to net
interest expense would have been 1.6 to 1.0 for the pro forma year ended June
30, 1997 and 1.1 to 1.0 for the three months ended September 30, 1997.
 
    The Company's high level of debt and debt service requirements will have
several important consequences, including (i) a substantial portion of the
Company's cash flow from operations will be dedicated to servicing its
indebtedness; (ii) the covenants contained in the Company's debt instruments
will impose certain restrictions on the Company which, among other things, will
limit its ability to borrow funds; (iii) the Company's ability to obtain
additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions and general corporate purposes may be impaired; and (iv) the
Company's ability to withstand competitive pressures and adverse economic
conditions may be adversely affected.
 
    The Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations and to reduce its
total indebtedness will depend upon its future performance, which will be
subject to general economic conditions, its ability to achieve cost savings and
other financial, business and other factors affecting the operations of the
Company, many of which are beyond its control. If the Company cannot generate
sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service its debt, it may
be required to refinance all or a portion of such debt (including the Notes),
sell assets or obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any
such refinancing or asset sales would be possible or that any additional
financing could be obtained.
 
COLLATERAL; OTHER SECURED INDEBTEDNESS
 
    In the event of a default under the Notes, the proceeds from the sale of the
collateral securing the Notes may not be sufficient to satisfy in full the
Company's obligations under the Notes. The amount to be received upon such a
sale would depend upon numerous factors, including the timing and the manner of
the sale. In addition, the book value of the collateral, particularly the
outstanding capital stock of the Guarantors, should not be relied upon as a
measure of realizable value.
 
    The Notes will be effectively subordinated to all other secured indebtedness
of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including indebtedness under the Revolving
Credit Facility, to the extent of the assets that secure such indebtedness. As
of September 30, 1997, the Company had $158.6 million of secured indebtedness.
 
GUARANTEES
 
    The repayment of the New Notes will be fully and unconditionally and
irrevocably guaranteed by the Guarantors (subject to insolvency and fraudulent
conveyance limitations). If the Company becomes insolvent or is liquidated or if
the indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is accelerated, the lender
under the Revolving Credit Facility would be entitled to exercise the remedies
available to a secured lender. Accordingly, such lender will have prior claim on
the assets of the Company and the Guarantors. In
 
                                       14

such event, it is possible that there would be no assets remaining from which
claims of the holders of New Notes could be satisfied or, if any assets
remained, such assets might be insufficient to fully satisfy such claims. See
"Description of the Notes -- Certain Covenants" and "-- Fraudulent Transfer
Considerations."
 
RELIANCE UPON AND CONCENTRATION OF SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTS WITH
  SCHOOL DISTRICTS
 
    Historically, the Company's school bus transportation contracts have had
terms between one and five years, generally subject to extension upon expiration
at the discretion of the school districts with the agreement of the Company for
additional contract periods. Although since 1979 the Company has achieved a
contract renewal rate of approximately 98%, the decision to renew contracts is
not made solely by the Company and may be based upon factors beyond the
Company's control. Any significant decrease in this historical renewal rate
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no assurance
that any of the Company's current or future contracts will be extended, or if
extended, that the rates of compensation for such extensions will be acceptable
to the Company. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the school districts
that currently employ the Company's services will not seek to satisfy their
transportation needs in the future by alternative means. A loss of a significant
number of contracts, or those contracts specified in the next paragraph, which
account for a significant percentage of the Company's revenues, would have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    For fiscal 1997, the Company derived 51.3% of its revenues from the Board of
Education of the City of New York (the "New York Board of Education"). For
fiscal 1997, no other customer accounted for more than 7% of the Company's
revenues. The New York Board of Education contracts, most of which originated in
1979, do not expire (because of renewals) until June 30, 2000. The loss of the
foregoing contracts would have a material adverse effect upon the Company. There
can be no assurance that all or some of such contracts will be extended
following their scheduled dates of expiration, or, if extended, that the rate of
compensation will be acceptable to the Company, nor can there be any assurance
that the Company will be able to fulfill its plans to expand and diversify prior
to the dates of such scheduled expirations.
 
    In 1995, the Company received five-year extensions on all 17 of its New York
Board of Education school bus transportation contracts. To receive these
extensions, the Company agreed to a reduction in its rates in fiscal 1996 and to
a ceiling on rate increases in fiscal 1997 and 1998 not to exceed the applicable
Consumer Price Index ("CPI"). Thereafter, the contracts provide that the Company
will receive increases up to the applicable CPI increase. There can be no
assurance that the applicable CPI increases will be adequate to cover the
Company's costs of performing the contracts, which costs could increase more
rapidly than the applicable CPI.
 
TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
 
    The Company's school bus transportation contracts generally provide for
performance security in one or more of the following forms: performance bonds,
letters of credit and cash retainages. The contracts also require the
maintenance of minimum amounts of insurance coverage, the maintenance of
appropriate facilities and transportation equipment; and the implementation of
various operating rules and regulations. There can be no assurance that either
letters of credit or performance bonds will continue to be available to the
Company as security for its contracts or, if available, at a cost that does not
adversely affect the Company's margins. The failure of the Company to procure
the required security or maintain required levels of insurance coverage could
result in the default of a school bus transportation contract by the Company and
subject it to damages as a result thereof or prevent the renewal or extension of
such contract. In addition, the number of school buses to be provided under the
Company's contracts generally may be decreased, and hence the revenues generated
under such contracts may decrease based on the requirements of the relevant
school district. All school bus contracts can be terminated by school districts
for certain performance related factors.
 
                                       15

FRAUDULENT TRANSFER CONSIDERATIONS
 
    The obligations of any Guarantor under the Indenture and the grant by any
Guarantor of a security interest under the Collateral Agreements (as defined)
may be subject to review under applicable fraudulent transfer or similar laws in
the event of the bankruptcy or other financial difficulty of any such Guarantor.
In the United States, under such laws, if a court in a lawsuit by an unpaid
creditor or representative of creditors of any such person, such as a trustee in
bankruptcy or any such person as debtor in possession, were to find that at the
time such person incurred its obligations under its guarantee or pledged its
assets, it (i) received less than fair consideration or reasonably equivalent
value therefor; and (ii) either (a) was insolvent, (b) was rendered insolvent by
such guarantee or pledge, (c) was engaged in a business or transaction for which
its remaining unencumbered assets constituted unreasonably small capital, or (d)
intended to incur or believed that it would incur debts beyond its ability to
pay such debts as they matured, such court could avoid such obligations under
its guarantee and/or the security interest in its assets and direct the return
of any amounts paid with respect thereto. Moreover, regardless of the factors
identified in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), a court could take such action
if it found that the guarantee was entered into or the security interest granted
with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. The measure of
insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending on the law of the
jurisdiction being applied. Generally, however, an entity would be considered
insolvent if the sum of its debts (including contingent or unliquidated debts)
is greater than all of its property at a fair valuation or if the present fair
salable value of its assets is less than the amount that would be required to
pay its probable liability on its existing debts as they become absolute and
matured.
 
REORGANIZATION
 
    On March 2, 1992, AETG and certain subsidiaries of the Company filed a
voluntary petition requesting relief from creditors under chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code of 1986, as amended (the "Bankruptcy Code"). A major cause of
the chapter 11 filing was the seizure of the Company's principal bank by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on the maturity date of the Company's
outstanding notes due to such bank (and the consequent non-renewal of such
notes) during a period when the Company was experiencing liquidity constraints
due to, among other things, certain non-recurring expenses. On August 23, 1993,
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the
"Bankruptcy Court") entered an order confirming a Joint Plan of Reorganization
(the "Plan"). The Plan has been consummated and a final decree closing the
chapter 11 proceeding was entered by the Bankruptcy Court in January 1994. As a
result of the emergence from bankruptcy in fiscal 1994, AETG's consolidated
financial statements recorded forgiveness of debt of $11.1 million (net of
taxes) and certain other nonrecurring items. Accordingly, certain financial
information included elsewhere in this Offering Circular for fiscal 1994 and
prior periods is not directly comparable to financial information for fiscal
1995 and subsequent periods. Although management believes that circumstances
similar to that which gave rise to the chapter 11 proceeding will not recur, no
assurance can be given that such circumstances will not recur. See "Business --
General."
 
FLUCTUATION IN THE COST OF FUEL
 
    The Company, which operates a fleet of approximately 3,806 vehicles,
consumes substantial quantities of fuel for its operations. The Company's fuel
costs for fiscal 1997 were approximately $6.8 million. Historically, the Company
has been unable to pass through increases in the price of fuel to the school
districts it services. The average fuel cost per gallon for the Company in
fiscal 1997 increased by approximately 19% compared to its average fuel costs in
fiscal 1996. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- General." There can be no assurance that future
market conditions will not result in further increases in the cost of fuel,
which increased costs may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Historically, the Company has not entered into hedging contracts to protect it
from fluctuations in the cost of fuel, but it may seek to do so in the future.
No
 
                                       16

assurance can be given that such hedging contracts, if entered into, would
adequately protect the Company from fluctuating fuel costs.
 
LABOR RELATIONS
 
    At September 30, 1997, approximately 72% of the Company's employees were
members of various labor unions and the Company was party to 17 collective
bargaining agreements, four of which, covering approximately 1,400 employees,
expire over the next three years and one of which, covering 281 employees of the
Paratransit Division has already expired. Although no assurance can be given,
the Company does not believe that the expiration of the lapsed collective
bargaining agreement will have a material adverse effect on its labor costs. In
the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Transport Workers Union of America won an
election to unionize a subsidiary of the Company that has approximately 390
employees. No assurance can be given as to the outcome of negotiations with the
representatives of the newly unionized employees.
 
    Labor contracts are not necessarily co-terminus with school bus
transportation contracts. Although the Company believes that historically it has
had satisfactory labor relations with its employees and their unions, the
Company's inability to negotiate acceptable union contracts in the future or a
deterioration of labor relations could result in strikes or work stoppages and
increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union
members, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition,
labor shortages in selected markets could materially adversely affect the
Company's ability to enter or expand in such markets. Although the Company has
had no strikes or work stoppages in the last 10 years, there can be no assurance
that the Company will not have a strike or work stoppage in the future. See
"Business -- Employees."
 
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
 
    The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local
environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, including those governing
discharges into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of solid
and hazardous wastes, the remediation of soil and groundwater contaminated by
petroleum products or hazardous substances or wastes, and the health and safety
of employees ("Environmental Laws"). The nature of the Company's operations and
the history of industrial uses and presence of asbestos at some of its
facilities expose the Company to the risk of liabilities or claims with respect
to environmental and worker health and safety matters. In connection with its
ownership and operation of its properties, the Company may be potentially liable
for costs in connection with Environmental Laws (including costs of
investigation and remediation), which costs could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. See "Business -- Environmental Matters."
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
 
    The Company is required to comply with laws and regulations promulgated by
various federal and state regulatory agencies including, among others, state
motor vehicle agencies, state departments of education, the Federal Highway and
Safety Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the
ADA. The Company cannot predict whether new laws or regulations relating to the
Company's transportation services will be adopted and, if adopted, no assurance
can be given that the implementation of such laws or regulations and any
additional compliance costs associated therewith will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company. See "Business -- Government Regulations."
 
INSURANCE COSTS; CLAIMS
 
    The Company's cost of maintaining automobile liability, personal injury,
property damage and workers' compensation insurance is significant. The Company
could experience higher insurance premiums as a result of adverse claims
experience or because of general increases in premiums by insurance carriers for
reasons unrelated to the Company's own claims experience. As an operator of
school buses and
 
                                       17

other high occupancy vehicles, the Company is exposed to claims for personal
injury or death and property damage as a result of accidents. Under its present
insurance coverage, the Company self insures for the first $250,000 of losses
per accident subject to a maximum aggregate of $3.4 million in claims per year.
The Company is also responsible for the first $250,000 of losses per claim
subject to a maximum aggregate of $2.8 million in claims per year for workers
compensation claims. Generally, the Company's insurance policies must be renewed
annually. The Company's ability to continue to obtain insurance at affordable
premiums depends upon its ability to continue to operate with an acceptable
safety record. A significant increase in the number of claims against the
Company, the assertion of one or more claims in excess of its policy limits or
the inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage at acceptable rates, or at
all, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the
running of statutes of limitations for personal injuries to minor children
typically is suspended during the children's legal minority. Therefore, it is
possible that accidents causing injuries to minor children on school buses may
not give rise to lawsuits until a number of years later, which could also have a
material adverse effect on the Company. See "Business -- Risk Management and
Insurance."
 
RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    The Company intends to grow by winning new school bus contracts (from other
contractors and as a result of privatizations) and through selective
acquisitions. The Company expects that there will be substantial competition for
new contract bidding and for prospective acquisitions. Such competition may
decrease the profitability associated with any new contract and increase the
cost of acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
identify, acquire or profitably manage additional contracts. In particular,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully
integrate the acquisition of Central into the Company without substantial costs,
delay or other operational or financial problems. In addition, there can be no
assurance that either school bus transportation contracts or acquired businesses
will achieve anticipated levels of revenues and earnings. See "Business --
School Bus Industry Overview."
 
    Moreover, in order to expand its school bus fleet, the Company will be
required to invest significant capital. There can be no assurance that adequate
financing will be available to the Company on terms which will enable the
Company to acquire a sufficient number of new vehicles or make capital
expenditures necessary to implement any expansion of service. The Company's
inability to procure the financing necessary to acquire additional school buses
or make needed capital improvements could delay or prevent the Company from
achieving its growth objectives and would have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Business -- Fleet Management and Maintenance."
 
DEPENDENCE ON MANAGEMENT AND KEY PERSONNEL
 
    Domenic Gatto, who is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and Thomas Denney, who is the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Central, are key to the management and direction of
the Company and Central, respectively. The Company has entered into an
employment agreement with Thomas Denney, which is scheduled to expire on June
30, 2002. After June 30, 2002, either party has the right to terminate the
agreement upon 30 days notice. The agreement includes a non-compete clause which
terminates 24 months after termination of employment. The loss of the services
of Mr. Gatto or Mr. Denney could have a material adverse effect on the Company,
and there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to find
replacements for Mr. Gatto or Mr. Denney with equivalent business experience and
skills.
 
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY
 
    The Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of seven directors, three
of whom are designated by Domenic Gatto and his brothers, Michael Gatto and
Patrick Gatto (collectively, the "Majority Stockholders"), and two of whom are
designated by the holder (the "Preferred Stockholder") of
 
                                       18

AETG's Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Series A Preferred Stock"). There are two vacant seats on the Board of
Directors, one of which is to be designated by the Majority Stockholders and one
of which is to be designated by Jefferies.
 
    The Majority Stockholders own a majority of the voting stock of AETG, which
owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. Pursuant to a
stockholders agreement (the "Stockholders' Agreement") among the Majority
Stockholders and the Preferred Stockholder, the Board of Directors of AETG
consists of five directors, three of whom have been designated by the Majority
Stockholders and two of whom have been designated by the Preferred Stockholder.
The Series A Preferred Stock is currently convertible into 45% of the full
voting power of all of AETG's outstanding voting securities, assuming full
conversion thereof. Prior to a Default (as defined in the Stockholders'
Agreement), the Majority Stockholders have the power to direct the affairs of
the Company and to determine the outcome of all matters required to be submitted
to stockholders for approval; provided, that the approval of a supermajority of
the directors of each of AETG and the Company is required before the Company or
any of its subsidiaries may take any action with respect to any Significant
Transaction (as defined in the Stockholders' Agreement). Following any such
Default, the Preferred Stockholder is entitled to vote on stockholder issues as
though it had four times the vote it would have on conversion, and the Board of
Directors of each of AETG and the Company will be increased to a number so that
the ratio of the directors designated by the Preferred Stockholder is maintained
at a level of four to three. There can be no assurance that conditions will not
arise which will result in the Preferred Stockholder obtaining voting control of
AETG, and therefore of the Company.
 
    Beginning on February 28, 1999, the Preferred Stockholder has the right,
subject to certain exceptions, to require AETG to redeem all of the Series A
Preferred Stock then outstanding. However, it is unlikely AETG will have
sufficient cash to make such redemption. In addition to any other rights the
Preferred Stockholder may have if AETG fails to make such redemption, the
Preferred Stockholder will obtain the right to control the following matters
relating to the capitalization of AETG and its subsidiaries (including the
Company and its subsidiaries): (i) the issuance of securities of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries to the public or in a private placement (provided that
it is fair to the stockholders overall); and (ii) the reduction, refunding or
defeasance of the offering of the Notes, or to obtain waivers thereunder
(provided that it is fair to the stockholders overall), in each case, to
facilitate the sale or redemption in whole or in part of the Series A Preferred
Stock then outstanding. See "Ownership of the Company -- Stockholders'
Agreement."
 
SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION; INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION
 
    The school bus transportation industry is highly competitive. Contracts are
generally awarded pursuant to public bidding, where price is the primary
criteria for a contract award. The Company has many competitors in the school
bus transportation business including transportation companies with resources
and facilities substantially greater than that of the Company. Although the
Company has historically been competitive in the market for new contracts as
well as for acquisitions of other companies, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete effectively in the future. In particular, the
school bus transportation industry is undergoing significant consolidation which
has intensified the competition for contracts and acquisitions. From time to
time, the Company makes unsolicited inquiries with respect to possible
acquisitions and from time to time has received unsolicited inquiries with
respect to a possible acquisition of the Company. Whether such inquiries will
result in further communications, or ultimately, an acquisition, has depended
and will depend upon the facts and circumstances in each case. Any failure to
compete effectively could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See
"Business -- Competition."
 
LACK OF PUBLIC MARKET
 
    The Old Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and are
subject to significant restrictions on resale. The New Notes will be new
securities for which there is currently no public market.
 
                                       19

The Company does not intend to list the Notes on any national securities
exchange or to seek the admission thereof to trading in the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. Jefferies has advised the
Company that it currently intends to make a market in the Notes. However,
Jefferies is not obligated to do so and any market making may be discontinued at
any time without notice. In addition, such market making activity may be limited
during the Exchange Offer. Although the Old Notes sold to qualified
institutional buyers are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resale
and Trading through Automatic Linkages ("PORTAL") market, there can be no
assurance as to the development of any market or the liquidity of any market
that may develop for the Notes. If a trading market does not develop or is not
maintained, holders of the Notes may experience difficulty in reselling the
Notes or may be unable to sell them at all. If a market for the Notes develops,
any such market may be discontinued at any time. If a public trading market
develops for the Notes, future trading prices of the Notes will depend on many
factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's
results of operations and the market for similar securities. Depending on
prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors,
including the financial condition of the Company, the Notes may trade at a
discount from their principal amount.
 
SEASONALITY; FLUCTUATION IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
 
    The School Bus Division, which accounted for over 80% of the Company's
revenues for each of the last three fiscal years, is seasonal in nature and
generally follows the pattern of the school year, with sustained levels of
business during the months of September through June. As a result, the Company
has experienced a substantial decline in revenues during the months of July
through September. The Company's quarterly operating results have also
fluctuated due to a variety of factors, including variation in the number of
school days in each quarter (which is affected by the timing of the first and
last days of the school year, holidays, the month in which spring break occurs
and adverse weather conditions, which can close schools) and the profitability
of the Company's other divisions. In particular, historically the Company has
generated net losses during the first quarter of each fiscal year. Consequently,
interim results are not necessarily indicative of the full fiscal year and
quarterly results may vary substantially, both within a fiscal year and between
comparable fiscal years. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
 
SCHOOL BUS SALES INDUSTRY; RELIANCE ON BLUE BIRD
 
    Due to the acquisition of Central, the Company is exposed to risks
associated with the school bus sales industry and to risks associated with being
dependent upon Blue Bird as its sole supplier of school and commercial buses.
Central is potentially liable for products liability claims regarding the
products it sells. The ultimate outcome of pending claims, or potential future
claims, against it cannot presently be determined and, because the amount of
Central's product liability insurance coverage varies from year to year, such
claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "-- Insurance
Costs; Claims."
 
    The Company's school bus sales business is substantially dependent upon Blue
Bird. Pursuant to distribution agreements between Central and Blue Bird (the
"Distribution Agreements"), Central has the non-exclusive right to distribute
specified Blue Bird school buses, commercial buses, and certain other products
in portions of New York State and all of New Jersey. During their respective
terms, Central is not permitted to represent any other supplier of goods
competitive to those covered by the Distribution Agreements. The Distribution
Agreements automatically renew on August 31 of each year for an additional
one-year period unless either party gives notice of cancellation on or before
the prior July 31. Blue Bird has the right to terminate the Distribution
Agreements upon a subsequent change of control of Central, which for the
purposes of such agreements, includes Mr. Denney ceasing to function as chief
operating officer of Central in control of its day to day operations. If such
distribution agreement was terminated, Central would lose the ability to sell
Blue Bird buses and other products and the Company expects that its costs for
obtaining additional buses would significantly increase.
 
                                       20

    Central also sells Blue Bird buses to third parties. Central's third-party
sales are subject to risks associated with Blue Bird and the public perception
of its products. Adverse publicity or recalls affecting Blue Bird products could
have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, disruption in the
timely supply of Blue Bird products, whether due to market-induced shortages,
labor interruptions, manufacturing problems or other factors, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company. The following information with respect
to Blue Bird and bus chassis has been derived from Blue Bird's public filings.
 
    In general, buses consist of a body mounted on a chassis, which includes the
bus engine. A substantial portion of the units sold by Central are "Type C"
buses for which Blue Bird does not manufacture a chassis. Because of the
importance of the Type C bus to Central, the ability of Blue Bird to obtain an
adequate supply of chassis could become critical to Company's ability to compete
in the school bus sales market. There are presently only three major chassis
manufacturers in the United States. In May 1991, Blue Bird and one of these
suppliers, General Motors Corporation ("GM"), entered into a chassis supply
agreement (the "GM Chassis Agreement"). If the GM Chassis Agreement were to be
terminated or if, for any reason, GM were to cease manufacturing chassis or
cease selling them to Blue Bird, there can be no assurance that Central would be
able to meet its demand for Blue Bird school buses.
 
    School bus manufacturers' products must satisfy certain standards applicable
to vehicles established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(the "NHTSA") and certain products must also satisfy specifications established
by other federal, state and local regulatory agencies, primarily dealing with
safety standards applicable to school buses. In August 1996, the NHTSA announced
its determination that approximately 11,500 school buses were not in compliance
with federal requirements for fuel systems. Of the affected buses, 11,300 were
Blue Bird Type D models in which the chassis were manufactured by Blue Bird,
which failed crash tests when fuel tanks were punctured upon impact. In January
1997, Blue Bird issued a recall of the affected buses, and management of Blue
Bird estimated that the cost of the repairs required to be paid by Blue Bird to
bring the vehicles into compliance would not be material.
 
BLUE SKY RESTRICTIONS
 
    In order to comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, the
New Notes may not be offered or resold by any Holder unless they have been
registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from
registration or qualification is available and the requirements of such
exemption have been satisfied. The Company does not currently intend to register
or qualify the resale of the New Notes in any such jurisdictions. However, an
exemption is generally available for sales to registered broker-dealers and
certain institutional buyers. Other exemptions under applicable state securities
laws may also be available. Holders must ensure their own compliance with
respect to such laws, which could limit the ability of Holders to resell New
Notes.
 
FAILURE TO EXCHANGE OLD NOTES
 
    The New Notes will be issued in exchange for Old Notes only after timely
receipt by the Exchange Agent of valid tenders of such Old Notes. Therefore,
holders of Old Notes desiring to tender such Old Notes in exchange for New Notes
should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. Neither the Exchange
Agent nor the Company is under any duty to give notification of defects or
irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes for exchange. Old Notes that
are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following consummation
of the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the existing restrictions upon
transfer thereof. In addition, any holder of Old Notes who tenders in the
Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the New
Notes will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
Each broker-dealer who receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for
Old Notes, where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result
of market-making activities or any other trading activities, must acknowledge
that it will deliver a Prospectus in connection with any resale of such New
Notes. See "Plan of Distribution." To the extent that Old Notes are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered
but unaccepted Old Notes could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
                                       21

                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    The Original Old Notes were sold by the Company on February 4, 1997 (the
"Closing Date"), and the Additional Old Notes on August 14, 1997, to Jefferies.
Jefferies subsequently resold the Original Old Notes and the Additional Old
Notes to "qualified institutional buyers" (within the meaning of Rule 144A under
the Securities Act ("Rule 144A")) and certain of the Original Old Notes to a
limited number of institutional "accredited investors" (within the meaning of
Rule 501 under the Securities Act) in transactions not requiring registration
under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws, including sales
pursuant to Rule 144A. As a condition to the sale of the Old Notes, the Company,
the Guarantors and Jefferies entered into the Registration Rights Agreement.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to (i) file
within 90 days after the Closing Date a Registration Statement with the
Commission with respect to the Exchange Offer and the New Notes; and (ii) use
its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective under
the Securities Act within 150 days after the Closing Date. If applicable law or
interpretations of the Commission do not permit the Company to effect the
Exchange Offer, or if certain Holders of the Notes do not receive freely
tradeable Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer or if the Exchange Offer is not
consummated within 240 days after the Closing Date, the Company will use its
best efforts to cause to become effective a registration statement (the "Shelf
Registration Statement") with respect to the resale of the Notes and to keep the
Shelf Registration Statement effective until three years after the Closing Date.
The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that unless the Exchange Offer
would not be permitted by a policy of the Commission, the Company will have
commenced the Exchange Offer and will use its best efforts to issue on or prior
to 30 business days after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration
statement was declared effective by the Commission New Notes in exchange for all
Notes tendered prior thereto in the Exchange Offer. A copy of the Registration
Rights Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 voluntarily filed by the Company with
the Commission. This description of the Registration Rights Agreement is
qualified by reference to such exhibit. The Registration Statement, of which
this Prospectus is a part, is intended to satisfy certain of the Company's
obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
   
    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept any and all Old Notes
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date. As of the date
of this Prospectus, $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes is
outstanding. This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is first
being sent on or about January 27, 1998, to all Holders of Old Notes known to
the Company. The Company's obligation to accept Old Notes for exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions as set forth under "--
Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer" below. The Company will issue $1,000
principal amount of New Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of
outstanding Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or
all of their Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See "Risk Factors --
Failure to Exchange Old Notes." However, Old Notes may be tendered only in
integral multiples of $1,000.
    
 
    The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes for which they
are exchanged, and are entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. The form and
terms of the New Notes are the same as the form and terms of the Old Notes
except that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and
hence will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof.
 
    Holders do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under the New York
Business Corporation Law or the Indenture in connection with the Exchange Offer.
The Company intends to conduct the Exchange
 
                                       22

Offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of Regulation 14E under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
 
    The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old Notes
when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to the
Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering Holders
for the purpose of receiving the New Notes from the Company.
 
    If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, such unaccepted tenders of Old Notes will be returned, without
expense to the Holder thereof, as promptly as practicable after the Expiration
Date.
 
    Holders whose Old Notes are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted in
the Exchange Offer will continue to hold such Old Notes and will be entitled to
all the rights and preferences and subject to the limitations applicable thereto
under the Indenture. Following consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Holders
will continue to be subject to the existing restrictions upon transfer thereof
and the Company will have no further obligation to such Holders to provide for
the registration under the Securities Act of the Old Notes held by them. To the
extent that Old Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted Old Notes could be
adversely affected. See "Risk Factors -- Failure to Exchange Old Notes."
 
    Holders who tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer will not be required to
pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges and expenses,
other than certain applicable taxes, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See
"-- Fees and Expenses; Solicitation of Tenders."
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS AMENDMENTS
 
   
    The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time on
February 26, 1998, unless the Company extends the Exchange Offer, in which case
the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to which the
Exchange Offer is extended.
    
 
    In order to extend the Expiration Date, the Company will notify the Exchange
Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will make a release to the
Dow Jones News Services prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
 
    The Company reserves the right at its sole discretion (i) to delay accepting
any Old Notes; (ii) to extend the Exchange Offer; (iii) to terminate the
Exchange Offer and not accept Old Notes not previously accepted if any of the
conditions set forth below under "-- Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer"
shall have occurred and shall not have been waived by the Company, by giving
oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the Exchange
Agent; or (iv) to amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner. Any such
delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as
promptly as practicable by oral or written notice thereof to the Holders. If the
Exchange Offer is amended in a manner determined by the Company to constitute a
material change, the Company will promptly disclose such amendment by means of a
Prospectus supplement that will be distributed to all Holders, and the Company
will extend the Exchange Offer for a period of five to 10 business days,
depending upon the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to
Holders, if the Exchange Offer would otherwise expire during such five to 10
business day period. During any extension of the Expiration Date, all Old Notes
previously tendered will remain subject to the Exchange Offer and may be
accepted for exchange by the Company.
 
    The Company shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise
communicate any such public announcement, other than by making a timely release
to the Dow Jones News Service.
 
                                       23

INTEREST ON THE NEW NOTES
 
    Interest accrues on the Notes at the rate of 10 3/4% per annum and will be
payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on each February 1 and August 1, having
commenced on August 1, 1997. No interest will be payable on the Old Notes on the
date of the exchange for the New Notes and therefore no interest will be paid
thereon to the Holders at such time.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
 
    The tender to the Company of Old Notes by a beneficial owner thereof as set
forth below and the acceptance by the Company thereof will constitute a binding
agreement between the tendering Holder and the Company upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and the Letter of
Transmittal. At September 30, 1997 substantially all of the Old Notes are held
of record by a nominee of the Depository.
 
    Except as set forth below, a Holder who wishes to tender Old Notes for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer must ensure that a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, including all other documents required
by such Letter of Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent at one of the
addresses set forth below under "Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration
Date. In addition (i) certificates for such Old Notes must be received by the
Exchange Agent along with the Letter of Transmittal; (ii) a timely confirmation
of a book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") of such Old Notes into
the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry
Transfer Facility") pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described
below, must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date; or
(iii) the Holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described
below. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES, LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDERS. IF SUCH DELIVERY
IS BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL, PROPERLY INSURED, WITH
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE
ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY, NO LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL OR OLD NOTES SHOULD
BE SENT TO THE COMPANY.
 
    Each signature on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be guaranteed unless the Old Notes surrendered for exchange
pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered Holder of the Old Notes who
has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or the box
entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" in the Letter of Transmittal; or (ii)
for the account of an Eligible Institution (as defined below). In the event that
a signature on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, is required to be guaranteed, such guarantee must be by a firm which is
a member of a registered national securities exchange or a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a commercial bank or
trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or
otherwise an "eligible guarantor institution" within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15
under the Exchange Act (collectively, "Eligible Institutions"). If Old Notes are
registered in the name of a person other than the person signing the Letter of
Transmittal, the Old Notes surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be
accompanied by, a written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in
satisfactory form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, duly
executed by the registered Holder with the signature thereon guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution.
 
    If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person or persons other than the
registered Holder or Holders of Old Notes, such Old Notes must be endorsed by
the registered Holder with signature guaranteed by an Eligible Institution or
accompanied by appropriate powers of attorney with signature guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the
registered Holder or Holders that appear on the Old Notes.
 
    If the Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or powers of attorney are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
 
                                       24

representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing and, unless
waived by the Company, proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of its
authority so to act must be submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
 
    By tendering, each Holder will represent to the Company that, among other
things (i) the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being
acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New
Notes, whether or not such person is the Holder; (ii) neither the Holder nor any
such other person has an arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of such New Notes; (iii) if the Holder is not a
broker-dealer, or is a broker-dealer but will not receive New Notes for its own
account in exchange for Old Notes, neither the Holder nor any such other person
is engaged in or intends to participate in the distribution of such New Notes;
and (iv) neither the Holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as
defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of the Company. If the tendering
Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in
exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, it will be required to acknowledge that
it will deliver a Prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a
Prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE DEPOSITORY OR THE COMPANY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
    All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of Old Notes tendered for exchange will be determined by
the Company in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders
of any particular Old Notes not properly tendered or to not accept any
particular Old Notes which acceptance might, in the judgment of the Company or
its counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right in its
sole discretion to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of the
Exchange Offer as to any particular Old Notes either before or after the
Expiration Date (including the right to waive the ineligibility of any Holder
who seeks to tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer). The interpretation of the
terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer as to any particular Old Notes either
before or after the Expiration Date (including the Letter of Transmittal and
instructions thereto) by the Company shall be final and binding on all parties.
Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with the tenders of
Old Notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as
the Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any
other person shall be under any duty to give notification of any defect or
irregularity with respect to any tender of Old Notes for exchange, nor shall any
of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF NEW NOTES
 
    Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange Offer,
the Company will accept, promptly after the Expiration Date, all Old Notes
properly tendered and will issue the New Notes promptly after acceptance of the
Old Notes. See "-- Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer." For purposes of
the Exchange Offer, the Company shall be deemed to have accepted properly
tendered Old Notes for exchange when, and if the Company has given oral or
written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.
 
    In all cases, issuance of New Notes for Old Notes that are accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt
by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Old Notes or a timely Book-Entry
Confirmation of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures
described below, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
and all other required documents. If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for
any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer or if
 
                                       25

certificates representing Old Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount
than the Holder desires to exchange, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Notes
will be returned without expense to the tendering Holder thereof (or, in the
case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer
procedures described below, such non-exchanged Old Notes will be credited to an
account maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility) as promptly as
practicable after the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
    The Exchange Agent will make a request to establish an account with respect
to the Old Notes at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility for purposes of the
Exchange Offer promptly after the date of this Prospectus. Any financial
institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's systems
may make book-entry delivery of Old Notes by causing the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility to transfer such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") procedures for transfer.
However, the exchange for the Notes so tendered will only be made after timely
confirmation of such book-entry transfer of Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account, and timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of an Agent's Message (as such
term is defined in the next sentence) and any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the Expiration Date or pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below. The term "Agent's Message" means
a message, transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility and received by the
Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states
that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgement
from a participant tendering Notes that are the subject of such Book-Entry
Confirmation that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the
terms of the Letter of Transmittal, and that the Company may enforce such
agreement against such participant.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
    If a registered Holder of the Old Notes desires to tender such Old Notes and
the Old Notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit such
Holder's Old Notes or other required documents to reach the Exchange Agent
before the Expiration Date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be
completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if (i) the tender is made
through an Eligible Institution; (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange
Agent receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) and Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, substantially in the form provided by the Company (by telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and
address of the Holder of Old Notes and the amount of Old Notes tendered, stating
that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within five New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") trading days after the date of execution of the Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery, the certificates of all physically tendered Old Notes,
in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be,
and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited
by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and (iii) the certificates
for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a
Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required by
the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent within five NYSE
trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
    Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration
Date.
 
    For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be
received by the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below under
"Exchange Agent." Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the
person having tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn, identify the Old Notes to
be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Old Notes), and (where
certificates for Old
 
                                       26

Notes have been transmitted) specify the name in which such Old Notes are
registered, if different from that of the withdrawing Holder. If certificates
for Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent,
then, prior to the release of such certificates, the withdrawing Holder must
also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn
and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution unless such Holder is an Eligible Institution. If Old Notes have
been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above,
any note of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn Old Notes and
otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. All questions as to the
validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices will
be determined by the Company, whose determination shall be final and binding on
all parties. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly
tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer. Any Old Notes which
have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will
be returned to the Holder thereof without cost to such Holder (or, in the case
of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer procedures described above, such
Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with such Book-Entry
Transfer Facility for the Old Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal,
rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old
Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under
"Procedures for Tendering Old Notes" above at any time on or prior to the
Expiration Date.
 
CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall
not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue New Notes in exchange for,
any Old Notes and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer, if at any time
before the Expiration Date, there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any
action or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been
issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or
administrative agency or commission (i) seeking to restrain or prohibit the
making or consummation of the Exchange Offer or any other transaction
contemplated by the Exchange Offer, or assessing or seeking any damages as a
result thereof; or (ii) resulting in a material delay in the ability of the
Company to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of the Old Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer; or any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction
shall be sought, proposed, introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable
to the Exchange Offer or any of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange
Offer by any government or governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any
action shall have been taken, proposed or threatened, by any government,
governmental authority, agency or court, domestic or foreign, that in the
reasonable judgment of the Company might directly or indirectly result in any of
the consequences referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above or, in the reasonable
judgment of the Company, might result in the holders of New Notes having
obligations with respect to resales and transfers of New Notes which exceed
those described herein, or would otherwise make it inadvisable to proceed with
the Exchange Offer.
 
    If the Company determines in good faith that any of the conditions are not
met, the Company may (i) refuse to accept any Old Notes and return all tendered
Old Notes to exchanging Holders; (ii) extend the Exchange Offer and retain all
Old Notes tendered prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, subject,
however, to the rights of Holders to withdraw such Old Notes (See "-- Withdrawal
Rights"); or (iii) waive certain of such unsatisfied conditions with respect to
the Exchange Offer and accept all properly tendered Old Notes which have not
been withdrawn or revoked. If such waiver constitutes a material change to the
Exchange Offer, the Company will promptly disclose such waiver by means of a
Prospectus supplement that will be distributed to all Holders.
 
    The foregoing conditions are for the benefit of the Company and may be
asserted by the Company in good faith regardless of the circumstances giving
rise to such condition or may be waived by the Company in whole or in part at
any time and from time to time in its discretion. The failure by the Company at
any
 
                                       27

time to exercise the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such
right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted
at any time and from time to time.
 
    Holders have certain rights and remedies against the Company under the
Registration Rights Agreement. Upon the occurrence of certain Registration
Defaults (as defined), the Company will pay liquidated damages to each Holder
during the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such
Registration Default in an amount equal to $0.05 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes held by such Holder. Thereafter, the weekly liquidated
damages amount will increase to $0.10 per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes
until such Registration Default is cured. All accrued liquidated damages will be
paid in the same manner as interest payments on the Old Notes on semi-annual
damages payment dates that correspond to interest payment dates for the Old
Notes. Following the cure of a Registration Default, the accrual of liquidated
damages will cease. The Company delayed commencing the Exchange Offer to
consummate the Central acquisition and is currently required to pay liquidated
damages to the Holders of the Old Notes.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
    The Bank of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of
this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the
Exchange Agent addressed as follows:
 
   
                                                        
 BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED      FACSIMILE TRANSMISSIONS:         BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT
            MAIL:                                                       DELIVERY:
                               (Eligible Institutions Only)
 
    The Bank of New York              (212) 815-6339              The Bank of New York
   101 Barclay Street, 7E                                          101 Barclay Street
  New York, New York 10286        TO CONFIRM BY TELEPHONE       Corporate Trust Services
                                                                         Window
Attn: Reorganization Section/    OR FOR INFORMATION CALL:             Ground Level
       Nathalie Simon                                           New York, New York 10286
                                      (212) 815-5788              Attn: Reorganization
                                                                        Section--
                                                                        Floor 7E
                                                                     Nathalie Simon


    
 
DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF
INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
VALID DELIVERY.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES; SOLICITATION OF TENDERS
 
    The expenses of soliciting tenders will be borne by the Company. The
principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation
may be made by telegraph, telephone or in person by officers and regular
employees of the Company and its affiliates.
 
    The Company has not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will pay the
Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse
it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
   
    The cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer will
be paid by the Company and are estimated in the aggregate to be $225,000 and
include fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee and accounting and
legal fees.
    
 
    The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange
of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates
representing New Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or
accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued
in the name of, any person other than the registered Holder of the Old Notes
tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed
 
                                       28

for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the
registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering Holder.
If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not
submitted to the Exchange Agent, the amount of such transfer taxes will be
billed directly to such tendering Holder.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    The New Notes will be recorded by the Company at the same carrying value as
the Old Notes, which is face value, as reflected in the Company's accounting
records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting
purposes will be recognized. The costs of the Exchange Offer will be amortized
over the term of the New Notes.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
    Holders of Old Notes who do not exchange their Old Notes for New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the restrictions
on transfer of such Old Notes as set forth in the legend thereon. In general,
the Old Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities
Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to,
the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company does not
intend to register the Old Notes under the Securities Act. The Company believes
that, based upon interpretations contained in no action letters issued to third
parties by the staff of the Commission, New Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold or
otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any such Holder which is an
"affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions
of the Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary
course of such Holders' business and such Holders have no arrangement with any
person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes, and provided,
further, that each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in
exchange for Old Notes must acknowledge that it will deliver a Prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution." If any
Holder (other than a broker-dealer described in the preceding sentence) has any
arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes
to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could not rely on
the applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission; and (ii) must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. In addition, to comply
with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable, the New Notes
may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for
sale in such jurisdiction or an exemption from registration or qualification is
available and is complied with.
 
                                       29

                            THE OLD NOTES OFFERINGS
 
    On February 4, 1997 the Company issued the Original Old Notes to the Initial
Purchaser, who resold the Original Old Notes to "qualified institutional buyers"
(within the meaning of Rule 144A) in transactions meeting the requirements of
Rule 144A and to a limited number of institutional "accredited investors"
(within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act) in transactions not
involving a public offering. The offering of the Original Old Notes was part of
a refinancing plan designed to extend the maturity of the Company's
indebtedness, provide the Company with additional financing and operating
flexibility, and enhance the Company's financial liquidity. The Company applied
the net proceeds of the offering of the Original Old Notes (i) to repay existing
indebtedness (approximately $73.8 million); (ii) to terminate certain operating
leases and purchase the vehicles and other assets leased thereunder
(approximately $5.9 million); (iii) to acquire a Medicaid business and purchase
additional vehicles to perform the Company's obligations thereunder; and (iv)
the remainder for general corporate purposes.
 
    Upon consummation of the offering of the Original Old Notes, the Company
entered into the Revolving Credit Facility. See "Description of the Revolving
Credit Facility."
 
    On August 14, 1997, the Company issued the Additional Old Notes to the
Initial Purchaser, who resold the Additional Old Notes to "qualified
institutional buyers" (within the meaning of Rule 144A) in transactions meeting
the requirements of Rule 144A. The offering of the Additional Old Notes was part
of a financing plan to fund the acquisition of Central. The Company applied the
net proceeds of the offering of the Additional Old Notes to (i) acquire Central;
and (ii) to fund the Company's entrance into the Los Angeles market.
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the actual capitalization of the Company as
of September 30, 1997. This table should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information," and
the respective notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 


                                                                                                SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                                                ------------------
                                                                                             
                                                                                                 ($ IN MILLIONS)
Cash..........................................................................................      $      6.3
                                                                                                    --------
                                                                                                    --------
Debt:
  Revolving Credit Facility (1)...............................................................      $      1.6
  Existing debt (2)...........................................................................             6.9
  The Notes...................................................................................           150.0
                                                                                                    --------
    Total debt................................................................................           158.6
Stockholder's equity..........................................................................            25.9
                                                                                                    --------
    Total capitalization......................................................................      $    184.5
                                                                                                    --------
                                                                                                    --------

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Borrowings of up to $30.0 million are available to the Company for working
    capital and general corporate purposes, subject to the borrowing conditions
    contained therein. See "Description of the Revolving Credit Facility."
 
(2) Consists of $4.7 million indebtedness secured by vehicles and $2.2 million
    of notes and mortgages on real property acquired in connection with the
    acquisition of Central.
 
                                       30

                   SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The selected historical financial data for each of the years in the
three-year period ended June 30, 1997 were derived from the audited historical
financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
historical financial data for the year ended June 30, 1993 and for the
three-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 are unaudited, but in the
opinion of management include all material adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for those
periods. Operating results for the three-month period ended September 30, 1997
are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending June
30, 1998. The information contained in this table should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company,
including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Prospectus.


                                                                                                                   THREE
                                                                                                                  MONTHS
                                                                                                                   ENDED
                                                                                                                 SEPTEMBER
                                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                    30, 1997
                                                        -------------------------------------------------------  ---------
                                                          1993       1994(1)      1995       1996       1997       1996
                                                        ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                               
                                                                                 ($ IN MILLIONS)
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues..............................................  $    93.3   $   101.5   $   114.0  $   142.6  $   166.1  $    25.2
Income (loss) from operations.........................        5.2         5.6         5.8        7.3        7.4       (2.8)
Income (loss) before extraordinary items..............        1.1         1.9         1.5        1.4       (0.6)      (2.5)
Net Income (loss).....................................        1.1        12.3         2.6        1.4       (1.7)      (2.5)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)................        1.6x        1.7x        1.5x       1.3x        --         --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD) (3):
Total assets..........................................       63.1        68.9        83.0      104.4      154.4      118.2
Long-term obligations.................................       11.3        28.9        42.3       59.7      110.5       75.8
Total stockholder's equity............................        2.5        25.5        28.1       29.5       27.6       27.1
 

 
                                                          1997(4)
                                                        -----------
                                                     
 
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues..............................................   $    59.2
Income (loss) from operations.........................         0.8
Income (loss) before extraordinary items..............        (1.9)
Net Income (loss).....................................        (1.9)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)................          --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD) (3):
Total assets..........................................       204.1
Long-term obligations.................................       158.6
Total stockholder's equity............................        25.9

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) In 1994, certain subsidiaries of the Company emerged from bankruptcy. See
    "Risk Factors -- Reorganization." Net income for the year ended June 30,
    1994 included $10.4 million extraordinary income pertaining to forgiveness
    of indebtedness.
 
(2) For the year ended June 30, 1997, and for the three-month periods ended
    September 30, 1996 and 1997, earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges
    by $1.2 million, $4.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Fixed charges
    in 1993 and 1994 exclude $4.0 million and $0.7 million of contractual
    interest not incurred due to the bankruptcy proceedings and in fiscal 1997
    exclude write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges of $0.9 million as
    a result of the refinancing transaction. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
 
(3) The Company paid no dividends during any of the periods in the table.
 
(4) The financial information as of and for the three months ended September 30,
    1997 reflect the acquisition of Central effective July 1, 1997.
 
                                       31

               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE "SUMMARY
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION," "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION" AND THE HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY, INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO, INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
GENERAL
 
    Atlantic is one of the largest providers of school bus transportation in the
United States. The Company has contracts with 63 school districts in New York,
Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. In addition to
the School Bus Division, the Company provides services to public transit systems
for physically and mentally challenged passengers through the Paratransit
Division, transportation for pre-kindergarten children and Medicaid recipients
through the Pre-K/Medicaid Operations, and express commuter line and charter and
tour bus services through the Coach Division. At September 30, 1997, Atlantic
had a fleet of 3,806 vehicles operating from 31 facilities. The Company
generated revenues of $166.1 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.
 
    The School Bus Division accounted for 81.3%, 84.4% and 84.4% of the
Company's revenues for each of fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
Company's school bus transportation contracts have provided a relatively
predictable and stable stream of revenues over their terms, which range from one
to five years. Since 1979, Atlantic has achieved a contract renewal rate of
approximately 98%, which management believes is due to (i) its reputation for
passenger safety and providing efficient, on-time service; (ii) its
long-standing relationships with the school districts it services; (iii) the
preference of school districts to maintain continuity of service with their
current proven contractor rather than risk the uncertainty associated with a
replacement; and (iv) the disadvantage of prospective competitors, who generally
would have to make substantially greater investments than the Company in new
equipment and who may experience difficulty obtaining suitable parking and
maintenance facilities in Atlantic's primary markets, especially in the New York
greater metropolitan area.
 
    The price per day per vehicle varies, depending upon a wide range of factors
including (i) vehicle type (standard school buses, minivans, or vehicles with
wheelchair lifts); (ii) the nature of service to be provided (transportation of
regular enrollment students or transportation of physically or mentally
challenged students); (iii) special requirements of a particular school district
concerning age of vehicles and/or upgrades on equipment; and (iv) the cost of
labor. Salaries and related labor costs are the most significant factors in the
Company's cost structure. In urban areas, particularly those with a strong union
presence, the cost of providing school bus transportation is substantially
greater than in suburban and rural areas, where unions are generally less
prevalent and salaries are lower. As a result, prices paid by school districts
vary accordingly. School Bus Division revenues have historically been seasonal,
based on the school year and holiday schedules. During the months of September
through June, the Company's fleet of school buses has been generally fully
utilized. Historically, during the summer months, only a portion of the
Company's school buses have been needed to fulfill the Company's summer
contracts for school and camp activities and special trips. The Company conducts
periodic maintenance and overhauls of its school vehicles during the summer
months, which increases costs during a season of lower revenues. See "Risk
Factors-- Seasonality; Fluctuation in Quarterly Operating Results."
 
    The Paratransit Division which accounted for 11.4%, 8.3% and 5.3% of the
Company's revenues in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, is Atlantic's
second largest and fastest growing division. The terms of the Company's
paratransit contracts range from one to five years. The contracts are awarded by
public transit systems through a public bidding or RFP process. The Company is
generally entitled to a specified charge per hour of vehicle service together
with other fixed charges. The method of contract compensation also varies. See
"Business -- Paratransit Division -- Contracts."
 
    The Company's Pre-K/Medicaid Operations accounted for less than 6% of the
Company's revenues in each of the last three fiscal years. Pre-K contracts are
generally awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in a public bidding process.
Medicaid contracts are generally awarded through negotiations with private
 
                                       32

agencies. The Company generally services specific Pre-K bus routes during the
months of September through June, and services Medicaid routes throughout the
year. Pre-K and Medicaid contracts are generally paid based on number of
passengers per trip.
 
    The Coach Division, which accounted for 3.4%, 3.9% and 4.9% of the Company's
revenues in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, operates luxury coaches
for express commuter services and charter and tour contracts for individual
special events. The Company's contracts for coach services vary based on term
and length of the trip. Coach Division charter and tour revenues are generally a
function of the size and number of coaches utilized rather than the number of
passengers carried.
 
    The principal elements of the Company's costs of sales are labor, fuel,
parts, vehicle insurance, equipment lease expense and rent. Historically, costs
of sales have varied directly in proportion to revenues, and approximately 88.2%
of fiscal 1997 costs of sales were variable costs consisting of direct labor
(primarily driver wages and related employment expenses), fuel costs and
maintenance costs. At September 30, 1997, approximately 72% of the Company's
employees were members of various labor unions and the Company was party to 17
collective bargaining agreements, four of which, covering approximately 1,400
employees, expire over the next three years, and three of which, covering 184
employees of the School Bus Division, and 281 employees of the Paratransit
Division have already expired. In the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the
Transport Workers Union of America won an election to unionize a subsidiary of
the Company that has approximately 390 employees. Management does not expect a
material increase in its labor costs as a result of such unionization, although
no assurance can be given as to the outcome of negotiations with the
representatives of the newly unionized employees. Although the Company believes
that historically it has had satisfactory labor relations with its employees and
their unions, the Company's inability to negotiate acceptable union contracts in
the future or a deterioration of labor relations could result in strikes or work
stoppages and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits
paid to union members, which would have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Risk Factors -- Labor Relations." The average fuel cost for the
Company has increased approximately 19% compared to its average fuel costs in
fiscal 1996. The Company spent approximately $6.8 million on fuel in fiscal
1997. See "Risk Factors -- Fluctuation in the Cost of Fuel." General and
administrative expenses include costs associated with the Company's headquarters
in Staten Island and terminal office and managerial salaries. In fiscal 1997,
the Company increased the size of its staff in its corporate headquarters to
accommodate the Company's growth. Management believes that it currently has
sufficient staff to support anticipated revenues levels. The above cost
increases are anticipated to be offset somewhat as the Company's business grows
and the Company realizes economies of scale by (i) spreading the cost of the
administrative staff and facilities over a larger revenue base; and (ii)
capturing savings in expenses such as vehicle insurance and vehicle parts and
purchases. In addition, the Company obtained a reduction of approximately $1
million in the initial scheduled premium for its workers' compensation coverage
for calendar 1997 compared to calendar 1996. Such reduction was due in part to
the Company's recent claims experience and to recent tort reform and managed
care initiatives in New York State, where most of the Company's employees work.
The Company's ability to permanently obtain the benefit of such premium
reductions is subject to the Company's future claims experience, which cannot be
predicted with certainty. If the Company's workers' compensation claims
experience is significantly adverse, the Company may be required to apply a
portion or all of its premium savings towards policy retentions and future
premiums could increase.
 
    Commencing June 1995, the Company received five-year extensions on all 17 of
its New York Board of Education school bus transportation contracts. To receive
these extensions, the Company agreed to a reduction in its rates in fiscal 1996
and to a ceiling on rate increases in fiscal 1997 and 1998 not to exceed the
applicable CPI. Thereafter, the contracts provide that the Company will receive
increases based solely upon the applicable CPI increase.
 
                                       33

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 


                                           YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                                THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                    ------------------------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
                            1995                   1996                   1997                   1996                  1997
                    --------------------   --------------------   --------------------   --------------------   -------------------
                                                                                             
                                             ($ IN MILLIONS)
Revenues..........   $114.0      100.0%     $142.6      100.0%     $166.1      100.0%      $25.2      100.0%     $59.2      100.0%
Gross profit......     22.6       19.8        27.4       19.3        30.0       18.1         2.3        9.2        7.9       13.4
General and
  administrative
  costs...........      9.2        8.0        10.4        7.3        12.2        7.3         2.5        9.9        3.8        6.4
Depreciation and
  amortization....      7.6        6.7         9.7        6.8        10.4        6.3        (2.6)      10.2        3.3        5.6
Income (loss) from
  operations......      5.8        5.1         7.3        5.1         7.4        4.5        (0.8)     (10.9)       2.8        0.1
Net interest
  expense.........      3.1        2.7         5.1        3.6         8.7        5.3         1.5        5.9        4.1        7.0
Income (loss)
  before
  extraordinary
  item............      1.5        1.3         1.4        1.0        (0.6)      (0.4)       (2.5)      (9.9)      (1.9)      (3.1)
Net income
  (loss)..........      2.6(1)     2.3         1.4        1.0        (1.7)      (1.0)(2)    (2.5)      (9.9)      (1.9)      (3.1)
 
OTHER DATA
EBITDA(3).........     13.4       11.8        17.0       11.9        17.8       10.7        (0.2)      (0.8)       4.1        7.0

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Includes extraordinary item, forgiveness of indebtedness of $1.1 million net
    of $0 of taxes.
 
(2) Includes extraordinary item, loss on early extinguishment of debt ($0.6
    million net of $0.4 million taxes) and write-off of unamortized deferred
    finance charges ($0.5 million net of $0.4 million of taxes).
 
(3) EBITDA represents income from operations before depreciation and
    amortization. EBITDA is used in certain financial covenants in the Indenture
    and is frequently used by securities analysts and is presented here to
    provide additional information about the Company's operations. EBITDA is not
    a measurement presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation; as a substitute
    for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or other income
    or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles; or as a measure of the Company's profitability or liquidity.
    EBITDA as used in this Prospectus may not be comparable to "EBITDA" as
    reported by other companies.
 
   
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1996.
    
 
    REVENUES.  Revenues were $59.2 million for the three months ended September
30, 1997 compared to $25.2 million for the three months ended September 30,
1996, an increase of $34.0 million or 134.8%. This increase was due primarily to
(i) $28.1 million in revenues of Central as a result of the Central acquisition,
which was effective as of July 1, 1997; (ii) new contracts awarded to and
increases in service requirements of existing contracts in the Paratransit
Division of $1.3 million; (iii) the award of the Los Angeles contract which
added $0.7 million of revenues; (iv) $1.5 million of additional summer contract
revenues; (v) the acquisition of school bus routes in the State of New York in
May 1997 which added $0.7 million of revenues; (vi) the acquisition of a
PreK/Medicaid business in the State of New York which added $.05 million of
revenues; (vii) $1.1 million in contract rate increases and other billings. The
Company's revenues from school bus transportation are significantly curtailed
during the months of July and August due to school holidays while revenues from
the sale and service of buses have historically been significantly higher during
the first three months of the fiscal year. Therefore revenues and results for
the first fiscal quarter are not representative of annual operations. Revenues
were $59.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997. Central
accounted for 47.6% of the Company's revenues for the three months ended
September 30, 1997.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit was $7.9 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended September
30, 1996, an increase of $5.6 million or 242.2%. This increase was due primarily
to the increase in revenues described above and gross profit generated by
Central of $3.7 million. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit increased to
13.4% in the first quarter of
 
                                       34

1997 from 9.2% in the first quarter of 1996. This increase was primarily due to
a decrease of 1.4% in payroll and benefit expenses, a 1.0% decrease in parts and
tire costs and a 1.5% decrease in lease costs due to the termination of certain
operating leases and the purchase of assets leased thereunder.
 
    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.  General and administrative costs were
$3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to $2.5
million for the three months ended September 30, 1996, an increase of $1.3
million or 50.1%. This increase was principally related to additional
administrative payroll and benefits related to infrastructure growth and $0.7
million in connection with the Central acquisition. However, general and
administrative costs as a percentage of revenues decreased to 6.4% from 9.9%.
 
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE.  Depreciation and amortization
expense was $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared
to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996 an increase of
$0.7 million or 28.6%. This increase was due primarily to depreciation expense
of Central of $0.4 million and amortization of goodwill and other items in
relation to the acquisition of Central of $0.2 million.
 
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations was $0.8 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to a loss of $2.8 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1996 an increase of $3.6 million. This
increase was due primarily to increased revenues and higher gross profit margins
offset in part by increases in general and administrative costs.
 
    NET INTEREST EXPENSE.  Net interest expense was $4.1 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 compared to $1.5 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1996, an increase of $2.6 million or 177.2%. This increase
was primarily due to the interest in connection with the Original Old Notes and
the Additional Old Notes.
 
    NET LOSS.  The Company generated a net loss of $1.9 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 compared to a net loss of $2.5 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1996 a decrease of $0.6 million.
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
   
    REVENUES.  Revenues were $166.1 million in fiscal 1997 compared to $142.6
million in fiscal 1996, an increase of $23.5 million or 16.5%. This increase was
due primarily to (i) new contracts awarded to the Paratransit Division, which
added $8.0 million of revenues; (ii) $2.1 million in contract rate increases and
other billings; (iii) the acquisition of school bus routes in the State of New
York in October 1995 and May 1997, which added $2.4 million of revenues; (iv)
the award of a new contract in St. Louis, which was initiated in September 1996
and added $8.3 million; (v) $0.7 million of additional summer contracts; (vi)
$1.3 million of additional Pre-K/Medicaid billings; and (vii) additional runs
awarded in Philadelphia, which added $0.7 million in revenue. Revenues were
$227.4 million for the pro forma year ended June 30, 1997. Central accounted for
24.8% of the Company's revenues for the pro forma year ended June 30, 1997.
    
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit was $30.0 million in fiscal 1997 compared to
$27.4 million in fiscal 1996, an increase of $2.6 million or 9.5%. This increase
was due primarily to the increase in revenues described above. As a percentage
of revenues, gross profit decreased to 18.1% in fiscal 1997 from 19.3% in fiscal
1996. This decrease was primarily due to increases in fuel expenses of 0.7% and
in payroll and benefits expenses of 0.6%.
 
    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.  General and administrative costs were
$12.2 million in fiscal 1997 compared to $10.4 million in fiscal 1996, an
increase of $1.8 million or 17.3%. The increase was principally related to
additional administrative payroll costs of $0.6 million related to
infrastructure growth and an $0.8 million increase in the bad debt reserve.
However, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
remained constant at 7.3%.
 
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  Depreciation and amortization expense was
$10.4 million in fiscal 1997 compared to $9.7 million in fiscal 1996, an
increase of $0.7 million or 7.0%. This increase was due to a net increase in
depreciation in connection with the purchase of new vehicles.
 
                                       35

    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations was $7.4 million in fiscal
1997 or 4.5% of revenues and $7.3 million in fiscal 1996 or 5.1% of revenues.
 
    NET INTEREST EXPENSE.  Net interest expense was $8.7 million for the year
ended June 30, 1997 compared to $5.1 million for the year ended June 30, 1996,
an increase of $3.6 million or 71.4%. This increase was primarily due to $4.9
million of interest in connection with the Original Old Notes issued in the
recent financing activity.
 
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS.  The Company generated a loss
before extraordinary items of $0.6 million in fiscal 1997 compared to income of
$1.4 million in fiscal 1996, a decrease of $2.0 million. This decrease was due
to the following factors: increases in interest expense, depreciation and
amortization, and general and administrative expenses, offset by an increase in
gross profit and increase in benefit from income taxes.
 
    NET INCOME (LOSS).  The Company generated a net loss of $1.7 million
(including extraordinary items consisting of loss on early extinguishment of
debt and write off of unamortized deferred financing charges of $0.5 million
each (net of $0.4 million each of taxes) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997
compared to $1.4 million net income (with no extraordinary items) for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1996, a decrease of $3.1 million.
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
 
    REVENUES.  Revenues were $142.6 million in fiscal 1996 compared to $114.0
million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $28.5 million or 25.0%. This increase was
due primarily to (i) the acquisition of certain routes in the State of New York
in May 1995 and October 1995, which added revenues of approximately $10.3
million; (ii) new school bus contracts in St. Louis, which added revenues of
$9.2 million; (iii) the acquisition of Raybern Bus Service, Inc. and related
companies in August 1995, which added revenues of $4.7 million; (iv) the award
of a new Paratransit Division contract in Kentucky, which added $3.4 million of
revenues; and (v) approximately $2.4 million of additional Paratransit Division
revenues in New York City. These increases were partially offset by a decrease
of approximately $1.2 million in revenues in the Company's Pre-K/Medicaid
Division due primarily to lost contracts and a further decrease of approximately
$0.3 million due to a reduction in other billings.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit was $27.4 million in fiscal 1996 compared to
$22.6 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $4.9 million or 21.6%. This
increase was due primarily to the increase in revenues described above. As a
percentage of revenues, gross profit was 19.3% and 19.8% in fiscal 1996 and
fiscal 1995, respectively. Commencing June 1995, the Company received five-year
extensions on all 17 of its New York Board of Education school bus
transportation contracts. To receive these extensions, the Company agreed to a
reduction in its rates in fiscal 1996 and to a ceiling on rate increases in
fiscal 1997 and 1998. Thereafter, the contracts provide that the Company will
receive increases based upon the applicable CPI increase. Consequently, the
Company's gross margins in fiscal 1996 were lower than in fiscal 1995. See "--
General."
 
    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.  General and administrative costs were
$10.4 million in fiscal 1996 compared to $9.2 million in fiscal 1995, an
increase of $1.3 million or 14.0%. This increase was due primarily to increased
corporate staff to accommodate growth in the Company's operations, although a
portion of this growth was absorbed by existing staff. As a result, general and
administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 7.3% in fiscal
1996 from 8.0% in fiscal 1995.
 
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  Depreciation and amortization expense was
$9.7 million in fiscal 1996 compared to $7.6 million in fiscal 1995, an increase
of $2.1 million or 27.6%. Depreciation increased $1.5 million due to the
increased level of capital expenditures primarily relating to school buses
acquired in connection with contracts in St. Louis, and amortization increased
$0.6 million due to the purchase of certain school bus route contract rights in
fiscal 1996 and amortization of deferred financing costs.
 
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations was $7.3 million or
5.1% of revenues in fiscal 1996 and was $5.8 million or 5.1% of revenues in
fiscal 1995.
 
                                       36

    NET INTEREST EXPENSE.  Net interest expense was $5.1 million in fiscal 1996
compared to $3.1 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $2.0 million or 66.7%.
This increase was due primarily to interest expense in connection with (i)
acquisitions of new subsidiaries; (ii) the purchase of new vehicles; and (iii)
the term loan obtained in October 1994.
 
    NET INCOME (LOSS).  The Company generated net income of $1.4 million for
fiscal 1996 compared to $2.6 million (including extraordinary item, forgiveness
of indebtedness of $1.1 million net of $0 of taxes) for fiscal 1995, a $1.2
million decrease.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company had historically financed both its working capital and capital
expenditures with short-term financing. As a result, the Company had been
subject to significant debt amortization and refinancing requirements which
strained the Company's cash flows, especially during the seasonal low periods.
The offering of the Original Old Notes in February 1997 was part of a
refinancing plan designed to extend the maturity of the Company's indebtedness,
provide the Company with additional financing and operating flexibility, and
enhance the Company's financial liquidity. In August 1997, the Company applied
the net proceeds of the offering of the Additional Old Notes to acquire Central
and to fund the Company's entrance to the Los Angeles market. Management
believes that the sale of the Old Notes together with its cash balance of $6.3
million and its $30 million Revolving Credit Facility of which the Company had
borrowing availability of $27.9 million as at September 30, 1997, will provide
the Company with significantly more liquidity than had previously been
available.
 
    Management anticipates total capital expenditures of $23.9 in fiscal 1998 of
which approximately $18.9 million were made by September 30, 1997 which included
approximately $9.3 million for the purchases of buses for Los Angeles contracts
which were funded from the proceeds of the offering of the Additional Old Notes
and $9.6 million of capital expenditures for additional vehicles and equipment.
In connection therewith, the Company incurred additional purchase money
indebtedness of $6.4 million which included $2.2 million in connection with the
acquisition of Central.
 
    With the current fleet size, management anticipates making approximately
$3.5 million of annual capital expenditures for regular replacement of vehicles
and approximately $2.5 million of annual maintenance capital expenditures.
 
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES.  Net cash used in
operating activities was $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30,
1997 primarily due to a $1.9 million net loss, $3.0 million use of funds for
working capital, a $1.3 million increase in deferred income taxes and $0.3
million of other uses of funds. These uses of funds were partially offset by
$3.6 million of depreciation and amortization. Net cash provided by operating
activities was $4.9 million for fiscal 1997, primarily due to $10.9 million of
depreciation and amortization and a $1.1 million increase in other sources of
funds. This source of funds was offset in part by a $1.6 million net loss and a
$5.5 million use of funds for working capital. Net cash provided by operating
activities was $5.7 million for fiscal 1996, due primarily to net income of $1.4
million and depreciation and amortization of $9.7 million which were offset in
part by $4.7 million of funds used for working capital and $1.1 million of funds
transferred to restricted cash as collateral for a letter of credit.
 
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES.  In July 1997 the
Company acquired Central for $21.5 million (net of $0.2 million cash acquired)
which was funded from the proceeds of the Additional Old Notes and its agreement
to issue a $2.2 million note and mortgage relating to certain real property. For
the three months ended September 30, 1997, the Company made $18.9 million of
capital expenditures to acquire additional vehicles and equipment and to
purchase assets previously leased. Of these capital expenditures $6.4 million
were directly financed and $9.3 million were financed from the proceeds of the
Additional Old Notes. In fiscal 1997, the Company made $26.3 million of capital
expenditures to acquire additional vehicles and equipment, purchase certain
assets previously leased, and for expansion of the Company's corporate
headquarters. Of these capital expenditures, $11.9 million were directly
financed. In addition, the Company purchased $5.0 million of marketable
securities, which securities are held by
 
                                       37

Atlantic North. In fiscal 1996, the Company made $20.6 million of capital
expenditures, of which $17.4 million were directly financed. In addition, the
Company purchased $3.4 million of contract rights in fiscal 1996, of which $2.7
million were directly financed. The Company operates in a capital intensive
industry which has historically required significant capital expenditures to
attain additional bus routes and purchase additional buses to service such
routes. The Company's maintenance capital expenditures were approximately $1.7
million in fiscal 1996.
 
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES.  Net cash provided by
financing activities totaled $26.9 million for the three months ended September
30, 1997, due primarily to the net proceeds from the offering of the Additional
Old Notes plus $1.6 million borrowing under the Company's revolving line of
credit, offset by principal payments on borrowings in connection with the
acquisition of Central (payment of all of Central's debt), and $3.0 million in
deferred financing and organization costs. In addition the Company incurred $6.4
million of indebtedness to directly finance capital expenditures for the three
months ended September 30, 1997. Net cash provided by financing activities
totaled $31.2 million for the year ended June 30, 1997, due primarily to the net
proceeds from the offering of the Original Old Notes plus $8.5 million of
additional borrowing (including an increase of $2.9 million in the Company's
revolving line of credit), offset by $79.5 million of principal and debt
amortization requirement and $7.0 million in deferred financing and organization
costs. In addition, the Company incurred $11.9 million of indebtedness to
directly finance capital expenditures for the year ended June 30, 1997. In
fiscal 1996, net cash used in financing activities totaled $5.0 million due to
$12.1 million of principal repayments and debt amortization requirements, which
were offset by $8.1 million of additional borrowings, used to finance normal
working capital needs and $0.8 million of funds transferred to restricted cash.
In addition, the Company incurred $20.1 million of aggregate indebtedness to
directly finance capital expenditures and acquisitions of contract rights.
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company's total debt and stockholder's equity
were $158.6 million and $25.9 million, respectively. The Company's ability to
meet its debt service obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will
depend upon its future performance, which will be subject to general economic
conditions, its ability to achieve cost savings and other financial, business
and other factors affecting the operations of the Company, many of which are
beyond its control. If the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from
operations in the future to service its debt, it may be required to refinance
all or a portion of such debt (including the Notes), sell assets or obtain
additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such refinancing or
asset sales would be possible or that any additional financing could be
obtained. See "Risk Factors -- Significant Leverage."
 
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ON THE COMPANY'S SYSTEMS
 
    Management is in the process of determining whether all of the Company's
accounting and operational systems are year 2000 compliant. Management does not
expect the costs associated with any required conversions of systems to ensure
year 2000 compliance to be significant.
 
EFFECT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS
No. 130"), which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. Comprehensive
income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from
investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, SFAS
No. 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements.
 
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", which supersedes SFAS No.
14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise," establishes
standards for the way that public enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected
information about operating segments in interim financial statements issued to
the public. It also establishes standards for
 
                                       38

disclosures regarding products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. SFAS No. 131 defines operating segments as components of any
enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to allocate resources and in
assessing performance.
 
    Both SFAS Nos. 130 and 131 are effective for financial statements for
periods beginning after December 15, 1997 and require comparative information
for earlier years to be restated. Due to the recent issuance of these standards,
management has been unable to fully evaluate the impact, if any, they may have
on future financial statement disclosures.
 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION; SEASONALITY
 
    The table below sets forth unaudited summary financial information for the
Company for the last 13 quarters. This information has been prepared by the
Company on a basis consistent with its audited financial statements and includes
all adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of
the results for such quarters.
 
    The Company's operations are seasonal in nature. Historically, the first
quarter of the Company's fiscal year has generated operating losses due to
significantly reduced revenues of the School Bus Division during the summer
months. The Company's school bus contracts generally resume in late August and
early September. The Company's quarterly operating results also fluctuate due to
a variety of factors, including variation in the number of school days in each
quarter (which is affected by the timing of the first and last days of the
school year, holidays, the month in which spring break occurs and adverse
weather conditions, which can close schools) and the profitability of the
Company's other divisions. Consequently, interim results are not necessarily
indicative of the full year and quarterly results may vary substantially, both
within a fiscal year and between comparable fiscal years. For example, in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, in most of the Company's markets, the Company
experienced two additional revenue days and one less payroll day than the same
period in fiscal 1996. This disparity in the school calendar had a positive
impact on operating results in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. See "Risk
Factors -- Seasonality; Fluctuation in Quarterly Operating Results."


                                                                                                 FISCAL 1996
                                           FISCAL 1995                       ----------------------------------------------------
                       ----------------------------------------------------
                        SEPT. 30,    DEC. 31,      MARCH 31,     JUNE 30,     SEPT. 30,    DEC. 31,      MARCH 31,     JUNE 30,
                          1994         1994          1995          1995         1995         1995          1996          1996
                       -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
                                                                                              
                                                                    ($ IN MILLIONS)
Revenue..............   $    15.8    $    31.7     $    32.9     $    33.7    $    18.9    $    40.7     $    41.6     $    41.4
Income (loss) from
  operations.........        (2.7)         2.6           2.7           3.3         (2.8)         3.8           2.6           3.7
Net income (loss)
  before
  extraordinary
  item...............        (2.1)         1.0           1.2           1.4         (2.5)         1.6           0.8           1.5
OTHER DATA
EBITDA (1)...........        (1.1)         4.4           4.6           5.5         (0.5)         6.4           5.2           5.9
 

 
                                          FISCAL 1997
 
                                                                           FISCAL 1998
                       --------------------------------------------------  -----------
                        SEPT. 30,    DEC. 31,     MAR. 31,     JUNE 30,     SEPT 30,
                          1996         1996         1997         1997         1997
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                            
 
Revenue..............   $    25.2    $    45.0    $    45.5    $    50.1    $    59.2
Income (loss) from
  operations.........        (2.8)         2.4          2.0          5.8          0.8
Net income (loss)
  before
  extraordinary
  item...............        (2.5)         0.5         (0.5)         1.9         (1.9)
OTHER DATA
EBITDA (1)...........        (0.2)         5.2          4.7          8.1          4.1

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) EBITDA represents income from operations before depreciation and
    amortization. EBITDA is used in certain financial covenants in the Indenture
    and is frequently used by securities analysts and is presented here to
    provide additional information about the Company's operations. EBITDA is not
    a measurement presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation; as a substitute
    for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or other income
    or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles; or as a measure of the Company's profitability or liquidity.
    EBITDA as used in this Prospectus may not be comparable to "EBITDA" as
    reported by other companies.
 
    Central's school bus distribution business is also seasonal in nature.
Approximately 49% of Central's annual sales have occurred in the quarter ended
September 30 each year, which is typical for the school bus sales industry. In
addition, Central's working capital needs have tended to increase during that
quarter in response to the higher seasonal sales volume and inventory is at its
highest during July and August prior to heavy seasonal school bus deliveries.
The Company believes the Central acquisition will partially offset the seasonal
effects of the Company's school bus operations, as Central's seasonal peak has
tended to occur during the months of July and August, which has been the
Company's seasonal low period.
 
                                       39

                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    Atlantic is one of the largest providers of school bus transportation in the
United States. The Company has contracts with 63 school districts in New York,
Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. In addition to
the School Bus Division, the Company provides services to public transit systems
for physically or mentally challenged passengers through the Paratransit
Division, transportation for pre-kindergarten children and Medicaid recipients
through the Pre-K/Medicaid Operations, express commuter line and charter and
tour bus services through the Coach Division. At September 30, 1997, Atlantic
had a fleet of 3,806 vehicles operating from 31 facilities. For the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997, the Company generated revenues of $166.1 million,
approximately 81% of which was derived from the School Bus Division.
 
    The Company's school bus transportation contracts have provided a relatively
predictable and stable stream of revenues over their terms, which range from one
to five years. Since 1979, Atlantic has achieved a contract renewal rate of
approximately 98%, which management believes is due to (i) its reputation for
passenger safety and providing efficient, on-time service; (ii) its
long-standing relationships with the school districts it services; (iii) the
preference of school districts to maintain continuity of service with their
current proven contractor rather than risk the uncertainty associated with a
replacement; and (iv) the disadvantage of prospective competitors who generally
would have to make substantially greater investments than the Company in new
equipment and who may experience difficulty obtaining suitable parking and
maintenance facilities in Atlantic's primary markets, especially in the New York
greater metropolitan area.
 
    By capitalizing on the stable revenue stream provided by its existing
contracts and its reputation for passenger safety and service, Atlantic has
become one of the fastest growing major school bus companies in the United
States. This growth has resulted from (i) securing additional contracts from
existing and new customers (including replacing underperforming contractors);
(ii) expanding into new markets; and (iii) consummating a series of strategic
acquisitions.
 
    Management believes that the proven strength and experience of its
management team and its reputation for passenger safety and service provide a
strong foundation for continued growth and increased cash flow. To capitalize on
the opportunities presented by the transportation industry, Atlantic's
management team focuses on the following areas: (i) expansion into new markets;
(ii) expansion into existing markets; (iii) growth of the Paratransit Division;
and (iv) focus on passenger safety and service.
 
    Atlantic was founded in 1964 as a school bus company based in Staten Island,
New York. Domenic Gatto, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company, commenced employment with the Company in 1973 and
purchased the Company in 1974, at which time the Company operated only 16 buses.
In 1979, the Company was awarded two major school bus transportation contracts
by the New York Board of Education, which substantially increased the Company's
revenues. These contracts, which were originally awarded for a period of three
years, have been extended successively through fiscal 2000. From 1982 to 1987,
the Company strengthened its presence in New York City through the acquisition
of 14 regional school bus transportation companies which, in aggregate,
contributed approximately $26.3 million of revenues in fiscal 1997. In 1986, the
Company won and purchased additional contracts in New York City, which also have
been extended successively through 2000, and which contributed revenues of
approximately $27.1 million in fiscal 1997. From 1986 to 1989, the Company
further strengthened its presence in New York City through the acquisitions of
four local contractors and expanded its operations to Nassau and Suffolk
counties on Long Island, New York, through a combination of acquisitions and
winning new contracts. From 1990 to 1995, the Company consummated five
additional acquisitions in the New York metropolitan area and three acquisitions
on Long Island, New York, which generated approximately $23.4 million of
revenues in fiscal 1997. In addition to the Company's expansion in the New York
greater metropolitan area, the Company extended its operations to Philadelphia
in 1993,
 
                                       40

where it was the successful bidder for a new contract, which, when combined with
subsequent acquisitions in 1993 and additional new contracts received in 1996
and 1997, contributed approximately $9.8 million of revenues in fiscal 1997.
Continuing its strategy of expanding its operations outside New York City, the
Company established operations in St. Louis in 1995 and 1996 by winning
contracts, which contributed $17.1 million of revenues in fiscal 1997.
 
SCHOOL BUS INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
    According to the most recently available industry source, an estimated 24
million children ride school buses each school day in the United States, at an
annual cost of approximately $12 billion. Approximately two-thirds of the
approximately 400,000 school buses used to transport these children are operated
by school districts, with the remaining one-third operated by over 5,000 private
contractors. Based on 1996 industry sources, Laidlaw Transit, Inc., a division
of Laidlaw, Inc., is the largest private school bus transportation contractor in
North America, followed by Ryder Student Transportation, a division of Ryder
System, Inc., Durham Transportation Inc. and the Company follow, based on fleet
size. Management believes that, if measured by revenues, it would be the third
largest school bus contractor because of its significant operations in
higher-priced urban markets, especially in New York City.
 
    Management believes that three major trends, described below, affecting the
school bus transportation industry provide the Company with significant
opportunities for continued growth.
 
    PRIVATIZATION.  Privatization of student transportation is becoming an
increasingly attractive cost-cutting option to school districts. Management
believes that, by outsourcing school bus transportation and related regulatory
compliance activities, school boards can focus more of their efforts on
education. Consequently, since 1990, while the total number of school buses in
the industry overall has only grown by approximately 10%, the number of school
buses operated by the private sector has increased by over 60%. According to a
recent industry survey, 65 school districts converted portions of their
transportation operations to the private sector in the 1995-96 school year.
School bus transportation contractors, including the Company, are increasing
their efforts to persuade school boards that contracting for student
transportation services will conserve scarce public dollars while providing safe
and reliable service.
 
    CONSOLIDATION.  According to an industry source, in 1996, the 10 largest
contractors accounted for approximately 50% of school buses in the private
sector, with the remaining 50% reportedly operated by approximately 5,000
regional contractors. Continuing consolidation is occurring among private
contractors, driven largely by the inability of smaller companies to absorb the
costs of complying with increasingly stringent government regulations while
still providing commensurate levels of service at competitive prices.
 
    EXPECTED INCREASE IN SCHOOL ENROLLMENT.  The U.S. Department of Education
has projected a substantial increase in public school enrollment in the 10-year
period between 1996 and 2006. In addition, the 1996 school year is projected to
set a new national record for public school enrollment of 51.7 million students.
This growth, which is attributable to a rise in the birth rate since 1984, has
been termed the "baby boom echo." Through 2006, an estimated 6,000 additional
schools would be required to accommodate the projected increase in enrollment.
An estimated 33 states are expected to face substantial rising enrollments, with
a 14% increase in the west and a 6% increase in the south, while the north and
mid-west are estimated to remain relatively stable. An enrollment increase of 6%
has been projected in New York City. The school bus transportation industry will
need to grow accordingly to accommodate the expected increase in school
enrollment.
 
    Management believes that resources required to effectively capitalize on the
above-mentioned industry trends favor larger school bus contractors like the
Company. In addition, management believes that the demand for school bus
transportation is generally insensitive to economic cycles and is fundamentally
strong, with industry sources projecting increases in public and private school
enrollment each year through 2006 from the record level projected in 1996.
 
                                       41

SCHOOL BUS DIVISION
 
    The School Bus Division is Atlantic's largest division. The Company has
contracts to provide school bus transportation in 54 school districts located in
New York, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey. The
Company's revenues from school bus operations have increased at a compound
annual growth rate of 14.3%, from $90.3 million in fiscal 1994 to $135.0 million
in fiscal 1997.
 
    SERVICES.  The Company generally provides services for transportation of
open enrollment ("Regular Education") students through the use of standard
school buses, and transportation for physically or mentally challenged ("Special
Education") students through the use of an assortment of vehicles, including
standard school buses, passenger vans, and lift-gate vehicles, which are capable
of accommodating wheelchair bound students. In most jurisdictions serviced by
the Company, escorts are required to accompany drivers on Special Education
vehicles.
 
    CONTRACTS.  The Company's school bus transportation contracts are awarded by
school districts based on public bidding or request for proposal ("RFP")
process. The Company's school bus transportation contracts have provided a
relatively predictable and stable stream of revenues over their terms, which
range from one to five years. Since 1979, Atlantic has achieved a contract
renewal rate of approximately 98%. Compensation under school bus transportation
contracts is generally based upon a daily rate per vehicle which is established
either by public bidding or by proposal and negotiation with respect to RFP
contracts. Contracts in New York City provide for the payment of the daily
vehicle rate (which encompasses all costs of the Company, including driver and
escorts) for days of scheduled performance in accordance with the school
calendar and provides for payment in the event of school cancellation as a
result of inclement weather or other emergencies. The number of vehicles
required is determined by the school districts, initially pursuant to its bid
specifications and/or RFP, and is subject to change.
 
    Commencing June 1995, the Company received five-year extensions on all 17 of
its school bus transportation contracts with the Board of Education of the City
of New York (the "New York Board of Education"). To receive these extensions,
the Company agreed to a reduction in its rates in fiscal 1996 and to a ceiling
on the increases in fiscal 1997 and 1998. Thereafter, the contracts provide that
the Company will receive increases based upon the applicable CPI increase.
 
    The Company's school bus transportation contracts generally provide for
performance security in one or more of the following forms: performance bonds,
letters of credit and cash retainages. Under current arrangements, the Company
secures the performance of its New York Board of Education contracts through the
use of performance bonds plus cash retainages of 5% of amounts due to the
Company. In most instances, the Company has opted to satisfy its security
performance requirements by posting performance bonds. At September 30, 1997,
the Company had provided performance bonds aggregating $43.3 million. The
Revolving Credit Facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit. See
"Risk Factors -- Transportation Contract Requirements" and " -- Reliance Upon
and Concentration of School Bus Transportation Contracts with School Districts."
 
    CUSTOMERS.  The Company has longstanding relationships with many of the
school districts which it services. School districts with which the Company does
business generally appoint a business manager and/ or transportation supervisor
to oversee school bus transportation operations. Larger school districts have
separate bureaus or divisions which regulate and supervise the provision of
school bus transportation services. Passenger safety, timeliness and quality of
service are among the factors used by school bus transportation administrators
to evaluate the Company.
 
    In the Company's experience, unless a school district is dissatisfied with
the services of a school bus transportation contractor, school districts tend to
extend existing contracts rather than solicit bids from potential replacement
contractors, unless applicable law or the terms of the contract otherwise
require. Management believes that replacing an existing contractor through a
bidding process generally has resulted in higher prices to districts than
contract extensions because of the significant start-up costs that a
 
                                       42

replacement contractor faces. Bidding also exposes a school district to
uncertainty in the quality of service which would be provided by a new
contractor.
 
    Historically, school districts awarded school bus transportation contracts
through a public bidding process by which such contracts were required to be
awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, without regard to quality of service.
However, management believes that due, in part, to the poor performance of
certain low-priced school bus transportation contractors, school districts will
increasingly rely on a RFP process, which enables school administrators to
broaden the factors considered when awarding a contract. Factors such as
passenger safety, timeliness and quality of service, among others, are generally
considered under the RFP process. In 1996, the State of New York (where the
Company has its largest concentration of school bus transportation contracts)
adopted legislation which, for the first time, permits school districts in the
State of New York to select school bus transportation contractors through a RFP
process. Management believes that because of the reputation it has developed in
the school bus transportation industry, it is well-positioned to obtain
contracts which are awarded by the RFP process as well as by public bidding.
 
    The Company's 17 contracts with the New York Board of Education have been
successively extended through fiscal 2000. The New York Board of Education
accounted for 46.1%, 49.8%, and 57.0% of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively. No other customer contributed greater than 7% of
the Company's revenues during these periods. See "Risk Factors -- Reliance Upon
and Concentration of School Bus Transportation Contracts with School Districts."
 
PARATRANSIT DIVISION
 
    The Paratransit Division is Atlantic's second largest and fastest growing
division. The Paratransit Division's revenues have increased from $3.4 million
in fiscal 1994 to $19.0 million in fiscal 1997. Management believes the demand
for paratransit services in the United States will continue to grow over
the next several years. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(the "ADA"), certain public transit systems are required to provide comparable
services to disabled persons who are unable to use standard public
transportation. The ADA required over 500 public transit systems in the United
States to implement fully operational paratransit systems by January 1997.
Because the ADA was enacted in 1990, the paratransit services industry is
relatively young, with most existing contracts having been awarded in the last
five years. The larger public transit systems in the United States rely
predominantly upon the private sector to perform paratransit services, while
approximately one-half of the small and medium size systems outsource
paratransit transportation services. Management believes many small companies
that have been providing paratransit services may be unable to fulfill the
complex service requirements of paratransit contracts, and thus many of the
contracts presently held by such operators may not be renewed. The Company has
gained substantial experience in satisfying the rigorous demands of such
contracts and plans to compete aggressively to obtain new paratransit contracts
in the next five years as contracts awarded expire. With the exception of
relatively minor contributions for some vehicle acquisition costs, the ADA
requirement to provide paratransit services was an unfunded mandate by the
federal government. An industry source estimates that the annual cost of
providing paratransit services in the United States is approximately $1 billion.
 
    Better known national paratransit providers include Laidlaw Transit, Inc.,
Ryder ATE, a division of Ryder Systems Inc., Southeast Transit Management Inc.
and the Company. In addition, paratransit services are also provided by several
hundred smaller local paratransit companies and by local municipalities.
 
    To achieve passenger safety and to satisfy paratransit contract
requirements, the Company has instituted a comprehensive driver training course
which encompasses defensive driving, passenger sensitivity, first aid and CPR
procedures, passenger assistance techniques and a comprehensive knowledge of
disabilities of the passengers which the Company transports. The Company has
also developed and implemented complex and comprehensive routing and scheduling
programs in order to provide its
 
                                       43

paratransit services in accordance with rapid response times which are
contractually mandated. Paratransit services are primarily funded by public
transit systems.
 
    SERVICES.  The Company's paratransit services are rendered based upon
advance call-in requests for transportation, which are generally scheduled by
the Company. At September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately 348 vehicles
consisting of full-size four-door sedan automobiles and lift-equipped vans to
service its paratransit transportation contracts. The Paratransit Division has
developed a substantial degree of expertise in developing and providing
transportation services required by its physically or mentally challenged
passengers in this developing segment of the transportation industry.
 
    CONTRACTS.  The terms of the Company's paratransit contracts range from one
to five years. The scope of services and contract requirements vary considerably
from one jurisdiction to another. The three general components of paratransit
transportation services are (i) providing the actual transportation services;
(ii) reserving passenger requests for service; and (iii) sorting and scheduling
passenger requests for service. Some of the Company's customers require the
Company to perform all three components of service while other customers perform
one or more of such functions themselves. Paratransit vehicles are either
provided by the transit agency or the Company depending upon the terms of a
particular contract. The Company is generally entitled to a specified charge per
hour of vehicle service. Paratransit users pay the Company a fixed amount per
trip determined by the local transit system governmental entity (which may be
equal to or based upon prevailing public transportation fees in the jurisdiction
in question), which is credited against the monthly contract price due from the
local transit system.
 
    CUSTOMERS.  The Company presently performs paratransit services under
contracts with public transit systems in New York City; Yonkers, New York;
Louisville, Kentucky; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Bucks County and Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania. Management believes that its New York City Transit
Authority contract is one of the largest paratransit contracts awarded to date
in the United States.
 
PRE-K/MEDICAID OPERATIONS
 
    The Company provides transportation for physically or mentally challenged
children between the ages of three and five, to and from pre-kindergarten
facilities located in the New York City metropolitan area. At September 30,
1997, the Company transported approximately 155 children each school day with
approximately 13 vehicles pursuant to contracts with the New York City
Department of Transportation. Each vehicle requires the presence of an escort
who is responsible to assist the children on and off the bus. Escorts are
employed and trained by the Company. The Company is compensated on a per child
basis at rates which were determined pursuant to public bidding. In September
1997, the Company returned five contracts utilizing 18 vehicles and transporting
187 children and elected to extend the balance of its contracts.
 
    The Company also performs contracts with private, not-for-profit
organizations, which are funded under Medicaid, for the transportation of
physically or mentally challenged passengers to and from rehabilitation
facilities. At September 30, 1997, the Company utilized 84 vehicles in the
performance of these contracts and receives compensation based upon a daily rate
per person transported, which rates of compensation vary based upon ambulatory
and nonambulatory passengers.
 
    The Company generated approximately 3.9% of its revenues in fiscal 1997 from
its Pre-K/Medicaid Operations.
 
COACH DIVISION
 
    The Company provides express commuter, charter and tour bus transportation
services with a fleet of 32 luxury motor coaches and 15 mini coaches.
 
                                       44

    For the year ended June 30, 1997, express commuter services were provided to
approximately 700 passengers from a "Park and Ride" facility (which is leased
from an affiliate company in AETG's entertainment business) in Staten Island,
New York to and from Manhattan on a daily basis. See "Certain Transactions."
 
    Charter and tour bus operations include single day and multi-day charters
throughout the continental United States and Canada. In addition, the Company
operates scheduled line services between New York City and Atlantic City under
contractual arrangements with tour operators. Luxury coaches are generally
contracted for individual special events. The Company's contracts for coach
services vary based on duration and length of trip. This segment of the
Company's operations generated 3.4% of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1997.
 
REORGANIZATION
 
    In March 1992, Atlantic Express Inc., the predecessor in interest to AETG,
and certain subsidiaries of the Company filed a voluntary petition requesting
relief from creditors under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In August 1993,
the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan. The Plan has been
consummated and a final decree closing the chapter 11 proceeding was entered by
the Bankruptcy Court in January 1994. As part of the reorganization, on August
23, 1993, Atlantic Express Inc. (which operated in two industries:
transportation and entertainment), transferred all of its assets and liabilities
to AETG, which became the new parent company. On January 30, 1997, AETG
transferred all operating assets and liabilities pertaining to the
transportation operations to the Company, which became the parent company of the
companies operating in the transportation industry. A major cause of the chapter
11 filing was the seizure of the Company's principal bank by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation on the maturity date of the Company's outstanding notes
due to such bank (and the consequent non-renewal of such notes) during a period
when the Company was experiencing liquidity constraints due to, among other
things, certain non-recurring expenses incurred by the entertainment operations
of Atlantic Express Inc. The chapter 11 proceedings did not adversely affect the
Company's relationship with any of the school districts which it serviced at the
time of, or subsequent to, the chapter 11 proceedings. All transportation
contracts of the Company were performed without interruption and have since been
further extended by each of such school districts. Moreover, the Company has not
encountered difficulty in bidding for or negotiating contracts with new school
districts as a result of the chapter 11 proceedings. See "Risks Factors --
Reorganization."
 
PREFERRED STOCKHOLDER
 
    In February 1994, an investor group represented by Wafra Investment Advisory
Group, Inc. ("Wafra") purchased Series A Preferred Stock from AETG, in exchange
for $12.75 million in cash and common stock, no par value of AETG (the "Common
Stock"), valued at $2.95 million on the date of purchase. The Preferred Stock
represents 100% of the authorized preferred stock and, upon full conversion, 45%
of the issued and outstanding Common Stock. Wafra is a multi-disciplined
investment manager with over $1.3 billion of capital under management, $200
million of which is committed to direct equity investments. Prior to any such
conversion, all of the Common Stock is owned by the Majority Stockholders. See
"Ownership of the Company."
 
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
 
    ACQUISITION OF CENTRAL.  On August 14, 1997, the Company completed the
acquisition of Central, which became effective on July 1, 1997, for total
consideration of $26.5 million of cash less long-term indebtedness, which as of
June 30, 1997, was $4.8 million, and its agreement to issue a $2.2 million
mortgages and notes relating to certain real property. The Company funded the
acquisition of Central by using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the
Additional Notes. See "The Old Notes Offerings."
 
                                       45

    Central is the leading authorized distributor of Blue Bird school buses in
North America, serving the states of New York and New Jersey. The Company
believes Central has a greater than 45% market share for sales of school buses
in its distribution territory. In addition, Blue Bird is the leading
manufacturer of school buses in North America, with a reported 43% market share.
Central also currently operates 158 school buses for school districts in New
Jersey.
 
    The Company believes that the Central acquisition will provide it with
significant synergistic opportunities, including an expanded customer base,
reduced capital expenditures and a reduction in the impact of seasonality on the
Company's financial results. For the year ended June 30, 1997 on a pro forma
basis, approximately 70% of Central's customer base consisted of school
districts in central and upstate New York and New Jersey that operate their own
school buses. The Company currently has minimal operations in those areas and
believes that the relationships gained through the Central acquisition will
enhance the Company's ability to capitalize on the potential privatization in
certain of these markets. If the acquisition of Central had occured on June 30,
1996, the Company believes that it would have reduced capital expenditure
requirements by approximately $1.9 million in the year ended June 30, 1997 by
purchasing buses through Central at more favorable prices. The Company also
believes the Central acquisition will partially offset the seasonal effects of
the Company's school bus operations, as Central's seasonal peak occurs during
the months of July and August, the Company's seasonal low period. The Company
intends to continue to operate the businesses of Central. Mr. Thomas Denney, the
President and Chief Executive Officer of Central since July 1978, will continue
in such positions with Central.
 
    ENTRANCE INTO THE LOS ANGELES MARKET.  In May 1997, the LAUSD awarded the
Company the L.A. Contract and in July 1997, a private school awarded an 18
vehicle contract to the Company. The L.A. Contract is a five-year contract, with
services commencing in September 1997. The entrance into the Los Angeles market
required $12.6 million of capital expenditures, including $2.9 million for the
purchase of real property, $8.5 million for the purchase of vehicles and $1.2
million for real property improvements. At September 30, 1997, the Company had
made a majority of these capital expenditures.
 
    The Company believes that the Los Angeles market presents the Company with
significant expansion potential. This market consists of approximately 2,200
school buses, of which approximately 1,250 are contractor-operated. In addition,
the Company believes there are approximately 800 contractor-operated school
buses adjacent to the LAUSD and approximately 7,000 contractor-operated school
buses elsewhere in California. The contractor-operated market in Los Angeles is
currently serviced by five principal contractors, the largest of which maintains
an approximately 60% market share. The Company believes that the LAUSD desires
to increase the number of contractors in this market with additional major,
national school bus contractors such as the Company. To the extent the Company
is able to obtain additional school bus routes in the Los Angeles and adjacent
markets, the Company believes that it will have an opportunity to significantly
improve its EBITDA margins and improve its return on investment. These benefits
will result from operating leverage created by the Company's initial capital
expenditures and administrative infrastructure.
 
    NEW PARATRANSIT CONTACTS.  In July 1997, the Company was awarded the SEPTA
Contract, a three-year contract to provide paratransit services in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the SEPTA Contract, SEPTA will provide the Company
with all of the required vehicles and, as a result, the Company will not need to
make significant capital expenditures to fulfill its obligations thereunder. In
May 1997, the Company was also awarded a six-month paratransit contract in
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
 
    ACQUISITION OF SABELLA.  On April 30, 1997, the Company acquired
substantially all of the assets of Sabella, a New York City school bus
contractor which currently operates 87 school bus routes, for $1.1 million. The
Company believes the financial performance of this acquired business can be
improved by taking advantage of other operational efficiencies.
 
                                       46

FOCUS ON PASSENGER SAFETY AND SERVICE
 
    Management has developed a corporate culture focused on passenger safety and
service. Atlantic participates in the "Safe Bus" program, under which complaints
regarding school bus drivers' performance and safety are registered by an
independent party and forwarded to the Company for remedial action. Unlike many
of its competitors, the Company requires its drivers to wear standardized
uniforms, thereby reinforcing its professional image. In addition, all drivers
are required to attend periodic safety workshops and training programs, which
emphasize defensive driving and courteous behavior. Management believes that its
emphasis on passenger safety and service is a competitive advantage and a major
contributor to its success in winning new contracts.
 
FLEET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company had a fleet of 3,806 vehicles and the
average age of the Company's fleet, exclusive of vehicles provided by SEPTA, was
6.4 years (6.9 years for school buses, which account for 62.1% of the Company's
fleet). School buses have an average useful life of approximately 16 years.
 
    At September 30, 1997, the fleet was maintained by the Company's trained
mechanics at its 31 facilities. The Company has a comprehensive preventive
maintenance program for its equipment to minimize equipment down time and
prolong equipment life. Programs implemented by the Company include standard
maintenance, regular safety checks, lubrication, wheel alignments and oil and
filter changes, all of which are performed on a regularly scheduled basis by the
Company's mechanics.
 
    The following is a breakdown of the Company's fleet of vehicles at September
30, 1997:
 


                                                               LIFT/               SERVICE
                                                                RAMP                 AND
                                          SCHOOL   MINIVANS   EQUIPPED             SUPPORT
                                          BUSES    AND CARS   VEHICLES   COACHES   VEHICLES   TOTAL
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------   --------   -----
                                                                            
Owned...................................  2,162      720        362         33        60      3,337
Leased..................................    129       75        112         14        17        347
Total...................................  2,291      795        474         47        77      3,684
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
Average age (years).....................    6.9      5.4        5.5        5.6       5.8        6.4
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----

 
    The following is a breakdown of the Company's fleet of owned vehicles at
September 30, 1997 by age:
 


                                                               LIFT/               SERVICE
                                                                RAMP                 AND
                                          SCHOOL   MINIVANS   EQUIPPED             SUPPORT
                                          BUSES    AND CARS   VEHICLES   COACHES   VEHICLES   TOTAL
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------   --------   -----
                                                                            
Less than 2 years old...................    401       21         33                    4        459
2-5 years old...........................    378      326        113          4        19        840
5-10 years old..........................    456      237        122         29        24        868
10-15 years old.........................    907      136         93                    7      1,143
Greater than 15 years...................     20                   1                    6         27
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
Total...................................  2,162      720        362         33        60      3,337
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----

 
                                       47

    The following is a breakdown of the Company's fleet of leased vehicles at
September 30, 1997 by age:
 
   


                                                               LIFT/               SERVICE
                                                                RAMP                 AND
                                          SCHOOL   MINIVANS   EQUIPPED             SUPPORT
                                          BUSES    AND CARS   VEHICLES   COACHES   VEHICLES   TOTAL
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------   --------   -----
                                                                            
Less than 2 years old...................     79                                                  79
2-5 years old...........................     48       75        109         14        17        263
5-10 years old..........................      1                   3                               4
10-15 years old.........................      1                                                   1
Greater than 15 years...................
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
Total...................................    129       75        112         14        17        347
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----
                                          ------   --------   --------   -------     ---      -----

    
 
    In addition to the vehicles in the table above, the Company will operate 122
vehicles provided by SEPTA pursuant to the SEPTA contract.
 
    The Company used $5.8 million of the net proceeds of the offering of the
Original Old Notes to terminate certain operating leases and purchase
approximately 230 related vehicles and other assets. Currently, the Company's
operating leases have terms which range from five to seven years and require
fixed monthly payments. The leases generally have fixed rates which are
negotiated on the lease origination date.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company had over 5,800 employees to provide
transportation services, consisting of approximately 4,240 drivers, 820 escorts
and 370 mechanics. In addition, there were approximately 410 employees in
executive, operations, clerical and sales functions. The Company's school bus
drivers and escorts are required to undergo background checks, drug and alcohol
testing and fingerprinting as a condition for employment on school buses. All
drivers are licensed to drive school buses and/or motor coaches in accordance
with federal and state licensing requirements.
 
    The Company requires its drivers to complete a thorough and comprehensive
training process in addition to satisfying federal and state requirements. In
some states, such as New York, a special subclass of license is required for
school bus drivers. The Company's paratransit drivers are also required to
complete special training. Drivers undergo a 20 hour basic training course once
a year and a two hour refresher class twice per year. In addition, drivers are
required to be fingerprinted and pass a defensive driving test, as well as
physical, oral and written tests. Further, all drivers must pass a
pre-employment drug test as well as random drug and alcohol tests during the
course of each year. Pursuant to federal and state law, each year the Company is
required to randomly test 50% of its drivers for drug use and 25% for alcohol
use.
 
    At September 30, 1997, approximately 72% of the Company's employees were
members of various labor unions and the Company was a party to 17 collective
bargaining agreements, four of which, covering approximately 1,400 employees,
expire over the next three years and three of which, covering 184 employees of
the School Bus Division and 281 employees of the Paratransit Division have
already expired. In the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Transport Workers
Union of America won an election to unionize a subsidiary of the Company that
has approximately 355 employees. Management does not expect a material increase
in its labor costs as a result of such unionization, although no assurance can
be given as to the outcome of negotiations with the representatives of the newly
unionized employees. See "Risk Factors -- Labor Relations." Management believes
that its relations with its employees are satisfactory. The Company has had no
strikes or work stoppages in the past 10 years.
 
    At September 30, 1997, approximately 30% of the Company's school bus
drivers, escorts and mechanics were represented by Local 1181 of the Amalgamated
Transit Union, which primarily represents
 
                                       48

personnel rendering services on behalf of the New York Board of Education. Labor
agreements with Local 1181 require contributions to the Local 1181 welfare fund
and pension plan on behalf of drivers, mechanics and certain escorts. All
contracts awarded by the New York Board of Education during the past 17 years
contain employee protection provisions and require continued contributions to
the Local 1181 pension plan and welfare fund for rehired employees opting to
remain in such plan and such fund. Pursuant to a plan amendment approved by the
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, withdrawal liability for contributing
employers to the plan, such as the Company, is essentially eliminated, provided
that withdrawal is based upon the loss of New York Board of Education contracts
and that the successor contractor becomes a contributing employer to the plan.
 
    Pursuant to the Central acquisition, the Company employs an additional 141
school bus drivers and seven escorts, and a staff of seven full-time mechanics
for its school bus contract operations. Central's drivers are paid an hourly
wage rate. At July 1, 1997, Central had 124 employees engaged in the school bus
sales business consisting of approximately 16 employees in executive, operations
and clerical functions, 14 employees engaged in sales, 88 full-time and
part-time mechanics and six employees engaged in other business-related
activities. None of Central's employees are members of labor unions and Central
is not party to any collective bargaining agreements. Management of Central
believes that its relations with its employees are satisfactory. Central has had
no strikes or work stoppages in its 22 year history.
 
FACILITIES
 
    The Company is headquartered in Staten Island, New York. Subsidiaries of the
Company, after giving effect to the Recent Transactions, provide transportation
services and sales from 31 facilities (of which six are owned, 22 leased and
three which are partially owned and partially leased) in seven states. The
facilities are utilized for bus storage, repair and maintenance and/or
administrative purposes. Management believes that the Company's current
facilities are adequate for its existing operations. The following table
outlines the facilities owned or leased by the Company or its subsidiaries at
September 30, 1997.
 


                                                                          SQUARE
           AREA                 FACILITY LOCATION        OWNERSHIP       FOOTAGE           TYPE OF OPERATION
- --------------------------  --------------------------  -----------  ----------------  --------------------------
                                                                           
New York..................  7 North Street                   Owned         131,000     Coach
                            Staten Island
                            52 Bayview Ave.                 Leased          37,500     School Bus
                            Staten Island
                            141 East Service Road West      Leased         300,250     Coach
                            Shore Expressway Staten
                            Island
                            46-81 Metropolitan Ave.          Owned         203,000     School Bus/Paratransit
                            Ridgewood                                                  Pre-K/Medicaid
                            107-10 180th St. Jamaica        Leased         221,000     School Bus
                            1752 Shore Parkway              Leased         225,000     School Bus
                            Brooklyn
                            1380-86 Ralph Avenue            Leased         186,840     School Bus
                            Brooklyn
                            Exterior St.                    Owned/         177,000     School Bus
                            The Bronx                       Leased
                            c/o Somers Jr. High School      Leased          87,120     School Bus
                            Route 202 Somers
                            870 Nepperhan Ave. Yonkers      Leased          33,500     Paratransit
                            Gnarled Hollow Road             Owned/         128,763     School Bus
                            Setauket                        Leased
                            1575 Route 112                  Leased          65,000     School Bus
                            Port Jefferson Station
                            Lawson Blvd.                    Owned/         720,000     School Bus
                            Oceanside                       Leased
                            1620 New Highway                Leased         161,172     School Bus
                            Farmingdale(1)

 
                                       49



                                                                          SQUARE
           AREA                 FACILITY LOCATION        OWNERSHIP       FOOTAGE           TYPE OF OPERATION
- --------------------------  --------------------------  -----------  ----------------  --------------------------
                                                                           
New York (cont.)..........  91 Baiting Place Road           Leased         130,680     School Bus
                            Farmingdale
                            7765 Lakeport Rd.                Owned(2)       372,337    Central-Sales
                            Chittenango
                            2926 Lakeville Road Avon        Leased           6,000     Central-Repair Facility
New Jersey................  2701 Fire Road                  Leased          12,000     Paratransit
                            Egg Harbor Township
                            2015 Route 206 Bordentown        Owned(2)       217,824    Central-Sales
                            107 How Lane                    Leased           6,800     Central-School Bus
                            New Brunswick
                            230 Red Lion Road               Leased         307,650     Central-School Bus
                            South Hampton
Pennsylvania..............  3740 East Thompson St.          Leased          54,425     School Bus/Paratransit
                            Philadelphia
                            6940 Norwitch Dr.               Leased           2,000     School Bus/Paratransit
                            Philadelphia(1)
                            6971 Norwitch Dr.               Leased          90,291     School Bus/Paratransit
                            Philadelphia
Connecticut...............  57 South St.                    Leased          78,408     School Bus
                            Ridgefield
Kentucky..................  925 West Broadway               Leased          42,385     Paratransit
                            Louisville
Missouri..................  2711 South Second Street         Owned         148,104     School Bus
                            St. Louis
                            5411 Brown Ave.                 Leased         208,696     School Bus
                            St. Louis
                            1808 So. 3rd St.                Leased         115,200     School Bus
                            St. Louis
                            3675 Chouteau Avenue            Leased         256,000     School Bus
                            St. Louis
California................  201 W. Sotello St.               Owned         158,973     School Bus
                            Los Angeles

 
- ------------------------
(1) These leases are occupied on a statutory month-to-month basis.
 
(2) The Company has exercised its options to acquire ownership of these
    properties.
 
RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE
 
    The Company maintains various forms of liability insurance against claims
made by third parties for bodily injury or property damage resulting from
operations. Such insurance consists of (i) general liability insurance of $50
million per occurrence with no deductible against claims resulting from other
(e.g., non-automobile) liability exposures; (ii) automobile liability insurance
of up to $50 million per occurrence, subject to a $250,000 deductible per
occurrence and an aggregate annual deductible of $3.4 million; and (iii)
statutory workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, subject to
an aggregate annual deductible of $2.8 million ($250,000 per occurrence). Beyond
the deductibles and per occurrence limits mentioned herein, the automobile
liability coverage provides indemnity for an unlimited number of occurrences and
the general liability coverage provides $50 million aggregate coverage per
location. The Company's insurance policies provide coverage for a one year term
and are, therefore, subject to annual renewal.
 
    The Company self-insures its annual automobile and workers compensation
insurance deductibles through Atlantic North Casualty Company ("Atlantic
North"), a wholly owned captive insurance company chartered in Vermont. The
Company believes it is able to (i) reduce the premium expense paid to its third-
party insurance carriers and (ii) increase its investment income through the
retention and investment of premium income in excess of amounts paid under
claims in any given period. Atlantic North's total claims liability is partially
funded by premium income and receivables from the Company, which, in turn, are
 
                                       50

limited to the amount of the combined deductibles on the Company's automobile
and workers compensation insurance policies (currently $6.2 million annually).
 
    The Company's former automobile liability insurance carrier for the states
of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania has been declared insolvent by the
state departments of insurance for those states. Claims made under policies
issued by such carrier are to be settled from property/casualty security funds
administered by the respective state departments of insurance subject to
limitations of $1 million per claim in New York and $300,000 per claim in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania. Additional coverage for each claim may be available to
the Company through reinsurance treaties which apply to the policies of the
insolvent carrier. The Company, which is in the initial phase of a review of all
outstanding claims made during the applicable policy periods (February 28, 1994
through February 28, 1997), believes that there is sufficient coverage under the
respective casualty security funds to cover all outstanding claims. See "Risk
Factors-- Insurance Costs; Claims."
 
    The Company obtained a reduction of approximately $1 million in the initial
scheduled premium for its workers' compensation coverage for calendar 1997
compared to calendar 1996. Such reduction was due in part to the Company's
recent claims experience and to recent tort reform and managed care initiatives
in New York State, where most of the Company's employees work. The Company's
ability to permanently obtain the benefit of such premium reductions is subject
to the Company's future claims experience, which cannot be predicted with
certainty. If the Company's workers' compensation claims experience is
significantly adverse, the Company may be required to apply a portion or all of
its premium savings towards policy retentions and future premiums could
increase.
 
    In addition, the Company maintains catastrophic coverage of $20 million per
occurrence, for an unlimited number of occurrences, subject to a $100,000
deductible per occurrence. This insurance provides replacement cost coverage for
losses on the Company's fleet and insurance against business interruptions
resulting from the occurrence of natural catastrophes. The Company also
maintains property insurance for the replacement cost of all of its real and
personal property.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The school bus transportation industry is highly competitive. The Company
competes on the basis of its reputation for passenger safety, quality of service
and price. Management believes it is competitive in each of these areas.
Contracts are generally awarded pursuant to public bidding, where price is the
primary criteria for a contract award. The Company has many competitors in the
school bus transportation business including transportation companies with
resources and facilities substantially greater than those of the Company. The
Company competes with Laidlaw Transit, Inc., a division of Laidlaw, Inc., the
largest private transportation contractor in North America, Ryder Student
Transportation, a division of Ryder System, Inc., the second largest company in
the industry and Durham Transportation Inc., in addition to other regional and
local companies. See "Risk Factors -- Substantial Competition."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    The Company's operations are subject to a broad range of Environmental Laws.
In addition, a number of the Company's facilities are located in metropolitan
areas where there is a long history of industrial and/or commercial use. The
Company is taking into account the requirements of such Environmental Laws in
the improvement, modernization, expansion and start-up of its facilities and
therefore has retained a consultant to implement a program to assure that
existing facilities comply with such requirements. As with most transportation
companies, the Company could incur significant costs related to environmental
compliance or remediation; these costs, however, most likely would be incurred
over a period of years. Compliance with Environmental Laws or more vigorous
enforcement policies of regulatory agencies, or stricter or different
interpretations of such laws and future regulatory action regarding soil or
groundwater, may require material expenditures by the Company.
 
                                       51

    Under various Environmental Laws a current or previous owner of real estate
or operations conducted thereon may be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of certain hazardous substances or petroleum products on, under or
in such property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or
caused, the presence of the contaminants. The presence of, or failure to
properly remediate, such substances, may adversely affect the ability to sell or
rent such real estate or to borrow using such real estate as collateral. Persons
who generate, arrange for the disposal or treatment of, or dispose hazardous
substances may be liable for the costs of investigation, remediation or removal
of such hazardous substances at or from the disposal or treatment facility
regardless of whether such facility is owned or operated by such person.
Finally, the owner of a site may be subject to common law claims by third
parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination
emanating from a site.
 
    Certain federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances govern the
removal, encapsulation or disturbance of asbestos-containing material ("ACM")
when such materials are in poor condition or in the event of building
remodeling, renovation or demolition. Such laws may impose liability for the
release of ACM and may provide for third parties to seek recovery from owners or
operators of real estate for personal injury associated with ACM. The Company
has not undertaken an environmental assessment or ACM survey at all of its
facilities. However, based on previous inquiries, the Company is aware that ACM
is present at various facilities, some of which may be in a condition requiring
removal or encapsulation at this time.
 
    Underground storage tanks ("USTs") are located at many of the Company's
properties. In the case of USTs operated by previous owner-operators, the
Company has not evaluated whether such USTs were closed in accordance with
applicable legal requirements. The Company has retained a consultant to assist
it in implementing a compliance program to assure that its USTs conform to
applicable legal requirements that become effective in 1998. The Company
estimates the costs of implementing such program will not exceed $500,000. In
addition, property owned and/or operated by the Company may be impacted by
offsite issues, such as leaking USTs or previous or current industrial
operations. Except in certain instances in connection with the removal of a UST,
the Company has not undertaken an analysis of the condition of the subsurface
soils at its properties.
 
    In connection with its ownership and operation of its properties, the
Company may be potentially liable for costs in connection with the matters
discussed above (including costs of investigation and remediation), which costs
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. With respect to Central's
facilities, the Company has sought to reduce the impact of such costs by
obtaining certain representations and indemnities from the sellers of Central.
The indemnity covers environmental matters to the extent that such matters
exceed $200,000 and involve a maximum of $1,000,000. To be indemnified, the
Company must assert any claims within four years of the consummation of the
Central acquisition. The Company has no assurance that the sellers will perform
their indemnification obligations.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
 
    The Company is subject to a wide variety of federal, state and municipal
laws and regulations concerning vehicle standards and equipment maintenance;
qualification, training and testing of employees; and qualification and
maintenance of operating facilities. The Company's vehicles are subject to
federal motor vehicle safety standards established by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"). Specific standards are promulgated by
the NHTSA with regard to school buses pursuant to the School Bus Safety Act of
1974. The Company's vehicles are also subject to the laws and regulations of
each state in which it operates, which are often more stringent than applicable
federal requirements. For example, in New York State, in addition to federal
standards, regulations promulgated by the New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles and the New York State Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT") require
that school buses be equipped with high back seats, lefthand emergency door
exits, 16 gauge side panels and illuminated school bus signs. All school buses
and paratransit vehicles are required to be
 
                                       52

inspected twice annually by NYSDOT inspectors in accordance with a rigorous set
of standards covering each mechanical component of the vehicles.
 
    The Company's employees are subject to various federal and state laws and
regulations pertaining to driver qualifications, and drug, alcohol and substance
abuse testing. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 requires drivers
of commercial vehicles, including school buses, motor coaches and paratransit
vehicles, to obtain a commercial drivers license. Many states have additional
licensing requirements for subclasses of drivers such as school bus drivers
and/or paratransit drivers. Under regulations enacted at the state and/or local
levels, the Company's school bus drivers and paratransit drivers are required to
complete certain minimum basic training and follow-up refresher classes
annually. Pursuant to regulations promulgated by the United States Department of
Transportation under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company's drivers
are required to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and the Company
is required to conduct random testing for drug and/or alcohol abuse. Similar
drug and alcohol abuse testing is also required under various state laws. The
Company's operating and maintenance facilities for its School Bus Division,
Paratransit Division and Pre-K/Medicaid Operations are also required to be
maintained in accordance with regulations promulgated by various federal and
state agencies including departments of education, departments of motor vehicles
and state departments of transportation.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company's subsidiaries have been and are subject to claims for personal
injury or property damage, which are routine and incidental to transportation
operations. These claims are generally defended by counsel designated by the
Company's liability insurance carrier. The Company does not believe that any
such currently pending claims will have material adverse effect on the Company.
 
    The Company is a plaintiff in a multi-party action against the New York
Board of Education. The action, which is pending in the Supreme Court of the
State of New York, New York County, concerns the method of calculation for
increases to the daily rate of compensation paid to the Company under contract
extension agreements. The New York Board of Education has claimed in preliminary
audits that transportation contractors, including the Company, received contract
payments in prior years which exceeded the amount to which the contractors were
entitled in accordance with contract rate adjustment procedures. Following the
commencement of the litigation, the Company and other school bus contractors
agreed that on a prospective basis, contractors would accept the lower contract
rate which the New York Board of Education calculated to be due (based upon
cumulative rate adjustments) and that the difference would be held in escrow by
the New York Board of Education. A favorable result in the pending action would
result in a prospective increase in the Company's daily rate of compensation and
the release to the Company of the funds presently held in escrow. An unfavorable
result would not affect the rates of payment which the Company is presently
receiving, but could result in a liability of up to $1.0 million to the New York
Board of Education for claimed overpayments for past years. The Company does not
believe that such pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
                                       53

                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the members of
the Board of Directors and executive officers of the Company. Directors serve
for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and qualified.
 


                       NAME                               AGE                            POSITION
- ---------------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------------------------------------------
                                                              
Domenic Gatto......................................           48    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
                                                                    Executive Officer
Michael Gatto......................................           41    Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and
                                                                    Director
Patrick Gatto......................................           36    Executive Vice President and Director
Nathan Schlenker...................................           59    Chief Financial Officer
Noel Cabrera.......................................           38    Executive Vice President
Jerome Dente.......................................           52    Director of New York School Bus Operations
David Kessler......................................           57    Vice President and Director of the Paratransit
                                                                    Division
John Shea..........................................           48    Director
Peter Petrillo.....................................           37    Director

 
    The Company has expanded its Board of Directors to seven seats consisting of
two directors designated by the Preferred Stockholder, three directors
designated by the Majority Stockholders, one director to be designated by the
Majority Stockholders and one director to be designated by Jefferies. Neither
the Majority Stockholders or Jefferies has yet designated a director to fill its
respective vacancy on the Board of Directors.
 
    DOMENIC GATTO, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER.  Mr. Gatto has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
the Board of the Company and AETG since their formations. Mr. Gatto, a Vietnam
veteran, began his career in the school bus business as a bus driver and has
been responsible for the development of all facets of the business of the
Company and AETG.
 
    MICHAEL GATTO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, TREASURER AND
DIRECTOR.  Mr. Gatto has been Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and
a Director of the Company since its formation and has held the positions of Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of AETG since 1982. He has been
employed in various capacities by AETG since 1979. Mr. Gatto oversees the
overall day to day operations of the Company's school bus transportation
terminals in the New York greater metropolitan area.
 
    PATRICK GATTO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR.  Mr. Gatto has been
Executive Vice President and a Director of the Company since its formation and
has held the positions of Vice President and Director of AETG since 1990 and has
been employed by AETG since 1982 in various capacities. Mr. Gatto oversees the
paratransit and maintenance operations of the Company and coordinates certain
facets of the Company's school bus operations in the New York greater
metropolitan area.
 
    NATHAN SCHLENKER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.  Mr. Schlenker has been Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since its formation, and has held such position
at AETG since 1991. Prior to 1991 Mr. Schlenker was the Vice President of
Finance of Feuer Leather Corporation, an international leather manufacturer and
marketing firm. From 1973 until 1985, Mr. Schlenker was a partner of Ekstein,
Ekstein & Schlenker, a firm of certified public accountants.
 
    NOEL CABRERA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT.  Mr. Cabrera has been Executive Vice
President of the Company since its formation, a Vice President of AETG since
1994 and Executive Vice President of AETG since July 1996. Mr. Cabrera joined
AETG in 1990 as a management analyst. He was previously employed as a consultant
for Manasia Enterprises, a New York based consulting firm, and as a project
manager for the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines with
respect to financing of industrial projects.
 
                                       54

    JEROME DENTE, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER.  Mr. Dente was appointed Chief
Operations Officer in December 1997. From 1994 to December 1997, Mr. Dente was
the Director of New York School Bus Operations for the Company since 1994. Prior
to 1994 Mr. Dente served 28 years as a Transportation Officer in the United
States Army, achieving the rank of Colonel. Mr. Dente received a Master of
Science in Transportation Management from Florida Institute of Technology, a
Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a
Bachelors of Science from Widener University.
 
    DAVID KESSLER, VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF THE PARATRANSIT DIVISION.  Mr.
Kessler has been Vice President and Director of the Paratransit Division since
1994. He has been employed by AETG since 1989. Mr. Kessler received a Master of
Public Affairs/Master of Science in Engineering from Princeton University and a
Bachelors of Science in Engineering from Cornell University.
 
    JOHN SHEA, DIRECTOR.  Mr. Shea has been a director of AETG since February
1994 and the Company since its formation. Since 1991 he has been responsible for
merchant banking and direct equity investments at Wafra. From 1984 to 1991, Mr.
Shea was responsible for direct equity investments at Lambert Brussels Capital
Corporation. He is a director of CAPMAC Holdings Inc. and Capital Markets
Assurance Corporation.
 
    PETER PETRILLO, DIRECTOR.  Mr. Petrillo has been a director of AETG and the
Company since January 1997. Since January 1995, he has been a Vice President in
the merchant banking and direct equity investments group at Wafra. From January
1991 to December 1994, Mr. Petrillo was a partner at Claymore Partners Ltd., a
strategic and turnaround consulting firm.
 
    All of the members of the Board of Directors and executive officers, other
than Messrs. Dente, Shea and Petrillo, were executive officers of the Company's
predecessors in March 1992, when certain subsidiaries of the Company filed a
voluntary petition requesting relief from creditors under chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code. See "Risk Factors -- Reorganization." There are no family
relationships between any of the aforementioned persons, except that Messrs.
Domenic Gatto, Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto are brothers.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION AND ARRANGEMENTS
 
    Directors who are employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or
affiliates of the Preferred Stockholder do not receive additional compensation
for serving as directors. It is currently contemplated that only one director of
the Company (the independent director of the Company to be designated by
Jefferies) will receive $25,000 as compensation for services as a director. See
"Ownership of the Company -- Stockholders' Agreement."
 
                                       55

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
    The Company has an employment agreement with Domenic Gatto which provides
for his continued employment with the Company as President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors until January 15, 2002, unless
earlier terminated, subject to extension by the Board of Directors for up to
three years. The agreement provides for an annual base salary at the rate of
$510,935 (effective January 15, 1997), subject to annual increases, commencing
on January 15, 1998, by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the
Regional CPI (as defined) provided that such increase shall in no event be more
than 5% nor less than 3% of the base salary. In the event that the employment
agreement is not renewed by the Company, Mr. Gatto is entitled to severance pay
equal to six months of his base salary as of the date of his termination. The
employment agreement between AETG and Mr. Gatto will continue in effect, and has
been amended to provide that no compensation will be provided for the employment
of Mr. Gatto as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of AETG.
 
    Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto are each employed as Executive Vice
Presidents of the Company, and as Directors, and Michael Gatto is also employed
as Secretary and Treasurer of the Company pursuant to employment agreements
having terms expiring January 15, 2002, unless earlier terminated, subject to
extension by the Board of Directors for up to three years. The employment
agreements for Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto include terms similar to the
employment agreement of Domenic Gatto, except that under each such agreement the
annual base salary is $340,252 effective as of January 15, 1997. The employment
agreements between AETG and each of Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto will
continue in effect, and have been amended to provide that no compensation will
be provided for the employment of Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto as Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of AETG and Vice President and
Director of AETG, respectively.
 
    The Company employs Nathan Schlenker as Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
an employment agreement having a term commencing on January 15, 1997, and
expiring on January 15, 1998, unless earlier terminated, subject to extension by
the Board of Directors for up to three years. The agreement provides for base
salary of $191,227 per annum, subject to the same annual percentage increases as
provided for in the employment agreement of Domenic Gatto. Upon the expiration
of the employment agreement, Mr. Schlenker is entitled to severance pay in the
amount of $2,000 per month for 96 months, plus reimbursement for 60 months of
certain medical insurance costs, provided that the amount of such reimbursements
shall not exceed $3,000 per year. A previous employment agreement between AETG
and Mr. Schlenker, due to expire on February 28, 1998, has been terminated
effective January 15, 1997, by operation of the First Amendment to the
Stockholders' Agreement and by a separate consent to terminate signed by Mr.
Schlenker.
 
                                       56

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
                             ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)
 


                                                              FISCAL                           OTHER ANNUAL    ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                                   YEAR(2)     SALARY      BONUS    COMPENSATION    INCOME(5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -----------
                                                                                               
 
Domenic Gatto.............................................        1997   $ 486,755     --        $  94,292     $   3,193
  President and Chief Executive Officer                           1996   $ 467,578     --        $  96,090(3)  $   3,750
 
Michael Gatto.............................................        1997   $ 324,150     --        $  42,224     $   3,050
  Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer               1996   $ 311,379     --        $  40,208(4)  $   3,750
 
Patrick Gatto.............................................        1997   $ 324,150     --        $  42,224     $   2,850
  Executive Vice President                                        1996   $ 311,379     --        $  40,208(4)  $   3,750
 
Nathan Schlenker..........................................        1997   $ 197,725  $  17,000       --         $   2,678
  Chief Financial Officer                                         1996   $ 183,352  $   2,000       --         $   3,750

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) There is no non-cash compensation in lieu of salary or bonus or other
    long-term compensation awards or payouts or any other compensation payable
    to the individuals named in the table. There is no applicable defined
    benefit plan or actuarial plan under which benefits are determined, other
    than under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. See note (5).
 
(2) In accordance with Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, information is presented
    only for the Company's last two completed fiscal years.
 
(3) Includes (i) $25,800 for automobile allowance; (ii) $35,000 for life
    insurance allowance; (iii) $6,516 for disability insurance; and (iv) $28,774
    and $26,976 for vacation time not taken in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
(4) Includes (i) $17,208 and $19,224 for automobile allowance in 1996 and 1997,
    respectively; and (ii) $23,000 for life insurance allowance.
 
(5) Representing contributions under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
    Code.
 
                                       57

                            OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY
 
    AETG owns all of the Company's issued and outstanding capital stock. The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock of AETG as of
September 30, 1997 by (i) each person who is known by the Company to
beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and
Series A Preferred Stock; (ii) each director of AETG; (iii) AETG's Chief
Executive Officer and the other executive officers listed in the Summary
Compensation Table above; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers
of AETG as a group.
 


                                                                                                          PERCENTAGE OF ALL
                                                                              NUMBER                         OUTSTANDING
                                                         TITLE OF               OF         PERCENTAGE          VOTING
                    NAME(1)                               CLASS               SHARES        OF CLASS        SECURITIES(2)
- -----------------------------------------------  ------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------------
                                                                                             
Domenic Gatto(3)...............................  Common Stock                       88          100.0%             55.0%
Michael Gatto(4)...............................  Common Stock                       25           28.4              15.6%
Patrick Gatto(5)...............................  Common Stock                       25           28.4              15.6%
Nathan Schlenker...............................             --                      --             --                --
Noel Cabrera...................................             --                      --             --                --
John Shea(6)...................................             --                      --             --                --
Peter Petrillo(6)..............................             --                      --             --                --
Busco Capital Inc.(7)..........................  Series A Preferred Stock           72          100.0%             45.0%
All directors and executive officers of AETG as
  a group (9 persons)..........................  Common Stock                       88          100.0%             55.0%

 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each beneficial owner is
    c/o Atlantic Express Transportation Group Inc., 7 North Street, Staten
    Island, New York 10302-1205 and each beneficial owner has sole voting power
    and investment power (or shares such power with his spouse) with respect to
    all shares of capital stock listed as owned by such beneficial owner.
 
(2) Under certain circumstances Busco Capital Inc. is entitled to vote on
    stockholder issues as though it had four times the vote it would otherwise
    have. See " -- Stockholders' Agreement."
 
(3) Includes 25 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Michael Gatto and
    25 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Patrick Gatto, as to which
    Domenic Gatto has sole voting power over the shares pursuant to irrevocable
    proxies. See notes (4) and (5).
 
(4) Michael Gatto shares beneficial ownership of all of the shares shown as
    being beneficially owned by him pursuant to an irrevocable proxy under which
    Domenic Gatto has sole voting power as to such shares. See note (3).
 
(5) Patrick Gatto shares beneficial ownership of all of the shares shown as
    being beneficially owned by him pursuant to an irrevocable proxy under which
    Domenic Gatto has sole voting power as to such shares. See note (3).
 
(6) The business address of Messrs. Shea and Petrillo is c/o Wafra Investment
    Advisory Group, Inc., 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019.
 
(7) Busco Capital Inc. is represented by Wafra. The shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock held by Busco Capital Inc. represent, upon full conversion, 45% of the
    Common Stock. Busco Capital Inc.'s business address is Citco Building,
    Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 662, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
    Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote per share
    subject to greater voting rights under certain conditions pursuant to which
    the holders of Series A Preferred Stock may select a majority of the Board
    of Directors. See " -- Stockholders' Agreement."
 
AETG PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
 
    The AETG Certificate of Incorporation provides that AETG may issue 228
shares of Common Stock and 72 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The holders of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock vote
together, without regard to class, with each holder of outstanding shares of
Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock being entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock
may be converted into Common Stock at an initial conversion price of one share
of the Series A Preferred Stock for each share of Common Stock (subject to
adjustment in accordance with certain anti-dilution provisions). The Series A
Preferred Stock
 
                                       58

participates PRO RATA (as if converted to Common Stock) with the Common Stock
with respect to any cash dividends or distributions paid in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock.
So long as the Series A Preferred Stock shall remain outstanding, neither Common
Stock nor any other stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock shall
be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration. In the event
of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of AETG, before any payment or
distribution of its assets shall be made or set apart for the holders of Common
Stock or any other series or classes of stock ranking junior to the Series A
Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled
to receive $218,055.56 per share. AETG may require conversion of the Series A
Preferred Stock upon a public offering providing for at least $20 million in net
proceeds to AETG provided the per share issue price in such offering shall be
equal to or greater than the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock at
the time of the offering compounded at 30% annually from the date of purchase of
such stock and provided further that the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock
have the opportunity to sell 75% of their securities at such price.
 
    Under the Stockholders' Agreement, if Domenic Gatto's employment agreement,
described above, is not renewed or if Domenic Gatto's employment is terminated
by the Company without cause (as defined), Domenic Gatto has the right, subject
to certain exceptions, to resell his shares of Common Stock to AETG for a
purchase price equal to the greatest of (i) $1.5 million; (ii) if such shares
are not then publicly traded, the fair market value of the shares as determined
by an appraiser; or (iii) if such shares are then publicly traded, the market
value of such shares. Such employment agreement includes certain non-competition
and non-solicitation covenants which are effective during the term of Domenic
Gatto's employment and for 24 months after his termination. The employment
agreements for Michael Gatto and Patrick Gatto include terms similar to the
employment agreement of Domenic Gatto except that the minimum purchase price of
the shares of Common Stock subject to the put right is $1.0 million.
 
STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
 
    Pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, the Board of Directors of AETG
consists of five directors, three of whom have been designated by the Majority
Stockholders and two of whom have been designated by the Preferred Stockholder.
Prior to a Default (as defined in the Stockholders' Agreement), the Majority
Stockholders have the power to direct the affairs of the Company and to
determine the outcome of all matters required to be submitted to stockholders
for approval; provided, that the approval of a supermajority of the directors of
each of AETG and the Company is required before the Company or any of its
subsidiaries may take any action with respect to any Significant Transaction.
Following any such Default, the Preferred Stockholder is entitled to vote on
stockholder issues as though it had four times the vote it would have on
conversion, and the Board of Directors of each of AETG and the Company will be
increased to a number so that the ratio of the directors designated by the
Preferred Stockholder is maintained at a level of four to three.
 
    "Significant Transactions" include, among other things, (i) the creation of
any additional classes of common stock or certain other securities; (ii) certain
transactions (including acquisitions outside of the ordinary course of business)
with a value of $3.5 million or more (except that, under certain circumstances,
such threshold may be lower); (iii) any amendment or modification of any
provision of AETG's or the Company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws;
(iv) certain extensions and any amendments or modifications of any employment
agreements between AETG or the Company and Domenic Gatto, Patrick Gatto, Michael
Gatto or Nathan Schlenker; and (v) any consolidation or merger of AETG or its
affiliates with any other entity in which AETG or its affiliates will not be the
controlling or surviving corporation, or the sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of AETG or its affiliates. In addition, the approval of all of the
directors appointed by the Majority Stockholders and the Preferred Stockholder
is required to amend AETG's certificate of incorporation or its by-laws. The
approval of a majority of disinterested directors is required under the
Stockholders' Agreement to approve any transaction between AETG and the Majority
Stockholders, the Preferred Stockholder, or an affiliate of either, except in
the
 
                                       59

case of the renewal of any employment agreements between AETG and Domenic Gatto,
Patrick Gatto, Michael Gatto and Nathan Schlenker, which may be approved by a
majority of directors present at a meeting of the Board of Directors.
 
    The Preferred Stockholder also has the right, subject to certain exceptions,
to require AETG to purchase 100% of its shares of Series A Preferred Stock
commencing February 28, 1999 (subject to six months prior written notice) at a
price based upon the higher of (i) their proportionate share of the fair market
value of AETG appraised as a public company; (ii) if then publicly traded, the
valuation of AETG at market price; or (iii) the liquidation preference value of
such Series A Preferred Stock ($15.7 million). AETG at its option can pay the
price for the preferred stock in three annual installments, subject to a premium
for payments not made within a period of one year. In the event AETG is legally
precluded from redeeming the preferred stock as the result of insufficient
surplus, it is required to redeem such shares at the rate of 60% of its cash
flow. It is unlikely AETG will have sufficient cash to make such redemption. The
ability of the Company to pay a dividend to AETG is restricted by the Indenture.
See "Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants." In addition to any other rights
the Preferred Stockholder may have if AETG fails to make such redemption, the
Preferred Stockholder will obtain the right to control certain matters relating
to the capitalization of AETG and its subsidiaries (including the Company and
its subsidiaries), which right includes matters relating to repayments of the
Notes. See "Risk Factors -- Control of the Company."
 
                                       60

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company's Coach Division is operated through its wholly owned
subsidiary, Atlantic Express Coachways, Inc. ("Coachways"), which leases "Park &
Ride" and administrative facilities from Showplace Bowling Center, Inc.
("Showplace"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AETG which is engaged in the
entertainment business. The administrative facilities consist of an office and
ticket sales facilities. The lease also provides for use of parking facilities
for commuters who purchase express tickets on Coachways' express bus service
between Staten Island and Manhattan in New York City. The lease, which is for a
term of 10 years, with two five-year renewal options, commenced July 1, 1995 for
an annual base rental of $180,000. The Company believes that the rental reflects
the reasonable market value for the lease.
 
    Staten Island Bus, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, leases a
facility from Dom-Rich Associates, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AETG. The
lease, which is for a term of five years, with two five-year renewal options,
commenced January 1, 1997 for an annual base rental of $48,000. The Company
believes that the rental reflects the reasonable market value for the lease.
 
    Certain of the subsidiaries of AETG which make up its entertainment business
were collectively indebted to the Company in the amount of $4.9 million as of
September 30, 1997 (the "Affiliate Loan"). Such indebtedness resulted from
numerous intercompany loans among the various subsidiaries of AETG prior to the
formation of the Company. The Affiliate Loan is evidenced by a note accruing
interest, payable at maturity at 6.8%, commencing January 1, 1997 until maturity
in the principal amount of $4.6 million payable on July 1, 2004.
 
    Pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, Wafra is entitled to receive an
annual management fee from AETG equal to (i) $229,503, subject to the same
percentage adjustment, on an annual basis, as the average of the two highest
salaries paid by the Company to its employees (other than Domenic Gatto); plus
(ii) $120,000. The management fee is payable in equal monthly installments of
$29,126, subject to the foregoing adjustments. Wafra is under common control
with the Preferred Stockholder.
 
    In fiscal 1996, the Company received management fees of $255,000 from
affiliated companies. Such fees represented the affiliated companies'
proportionate share of managerial accounting and legal expenses financed by the
Company. The Company received no such management fees in fiscal June 30, 1997
 
    At September 30, 1997, the Company had amounts receivable from AETG and
another affiliate of the Company of $235,302. Such amounts arose as a result of
advances to these companies from the Company.
 
    In July 1997, Central entered into two five-year leases with Mr. Denney and
a former shareholder of Central to lease the real property which serves as the
primary operating facilities of Central in New York and New Jersey. Also in July
1997, the Company, Mr. Denney and the same former shareholder of Central agreed
to enter into two five-year options to purchase such property from Mr. Denney
and such other shareholder of Central for a purchase price of $2.2 million
which, upon exercise of such options, would be amortized over 15 years with a
five-year balloon paymentsecured by a purchase money note and mortgage on such
property. The Company exercised the options in August 1997.
 
                                       61

                  DESCRIPTION OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
 
    A COPY OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY HAS BEEN FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A PART. THE FOLLOWING
DESCRIPTION IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY,
WHICH SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED BY REFERENCE TO SUCH EXHIBIT.
 
    The Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries entered into the $30.0 million
Revolving Credit Facility with Congress Financial Corporation (the "Bank").
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital
and general corporate purposes, including letters of credit, subject to the
borrowing conditions contained therein.
 
    The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by first priority liens on the
cash, accounts receivable, inventory, general intangibles and documents and
instruments related thereto of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, each of the Borrowers (as
defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) has guaranteed the obligations of the
other Borrowers and each Subsidiary (as defined in the Revolving Credit
Facility) of the Company, other than Atlantic North, has guaranteed the
obligations of all Borrowers.
 
    The Revolving Credit Facility expires three years from the Closing Date,
unless extended. The interest rate per annum applicable to the Revolving Credit
Facility will be the prime rate, as announced by CoreStates Bank N.A., plus
0.75% or, at the Company's option, the adjusted Eurodollar rate (as defined)
plus 2.75% and provides for a one-time 0.25% reduction in rates upon the Company
reaching certain profitability levels. The Company is required to pay certain
fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including but not limited
to an unused line fee of 0.375% on the undrawn portion of the first $22 million
of the revolving credit commitment.
 
    The Revolving Credit Facility contains negative covenants that restrict the
Borrowers from taking various actions and that require that the Borrowers
achieve and maintain certain financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility
includes covenants relating to limitations on mergers or consolidations,
indebtedness, investments, payment of dividends and redemptions, affiliate
transactions, ERISA, and certain corporate activities.
 
    The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default,
including nonpayment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants,
material inaccuracy of representations or warranties, defaults under certain
other indebtedness, bankruptcy events, material adverse judgments and changes of
control.
 
                                       62

                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
    The Old Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture among the Company, the
Guarantors and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The New Notes
will also be issued pursuant to the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include
those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference
to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The
following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture and the Collateral
Agreements among the Company and the Guarantors does not purport to be complete
and is qualified by reference to the Indenture and the Collateral Agreements
including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. The Indenture and
the Collateral Agreements are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is part. The definitions of certain terms used in the
following summary are set forth below under "-- Certain Definitions."
 
    The Notes will be senior secured obligations of the Company and rank senior
in right of payment to all subordinated Indebtedness of the Company and PARI
PASSU in right of payment with all senior Indebtedness.
 
    The Notes will be effectively subordinated to all other senior secured
indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including indebtedness under
the Revolving Credit Facility, to the extent of the assets securing such debt.
As of September 30, 1997, the Company had $8.6 million of secured indebtedness.
 
    The Notes will be issued in registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
 
PRINCIPAL MATURITY AND INTEREST
 
    The Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $150,000,000 and will
mature on February 1, 2004. Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually
on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 1997, to
holders of record on the immediately preceding January 15 and July 15,
respectively. The Notes will bear interest at 10 3/4% per annum. Interest on the
Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or,
if no interest has been paid, from the Issue Date. Interest will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The Notes will be
payable both as to principal and interest at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose within The City of New York or, at the option of the
Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the holders of the
Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of holders of
Notes. Until otherwise designated by the Company, such office or agency will be
the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. If a payment date is a
Legal Holiday, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that
is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.
 
REDEMPTION
 
    The Notes are not redeemable at the Company's option prior to February 1,
2001. Thereafter, the Notes will be subject to redemption at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount)
set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the
applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning
on February 1 of the years indicated below:
 


YEAR                                                                    PERCENTAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                                     
2001..................................................................     105.375%
2002..................................................................     102.688%
2003 and thereafter...................................................     100.000%

 
                                       63

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time or from time to time prior to
February 1, 2000, the Company may, at its option, redeem up to one-third of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at a redemption price of 110.75% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, through the
date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity
Offerings; provided, that (a) such redemption shall occur within 90 days of the
date of closing of such public offering and (b) at least $100,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of Notes remains outstanding immediately after giving effect to
each such redemption.
 
    If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of
Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
Notes are listed, or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a PRO RATA basis, by
lot or by such other method as the Trustee deems to be fair and appropriate,
provided, that Notes of $1,000 or less may not be redeemed in part. Notice of
redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at such
holder's registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the
notice of redemption that relates to such Note will state the portion of the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to
the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof
upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the date of redemption,
interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for
redemption.
 
    The Notes will not be entitled to any mandatory redemption or sinking fund.
 
GUARANTORS
 
    The repayment of the Notes will be fully and unconditionally and irrevocably
guaranteed by all Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, jointly and severally.
The Indenture provides that as long as any Notes remain outstanding, any future
Restricted Subsidiary shall enter into a similar guarantee and the stock of such
Restricted Subsidiary will be pledged to secure the Notes.
 
    The obligations of each Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such
Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or
on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other
Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under
the Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer
under federal or state law or render a Guarantor insolvent. See "Risk Factors --
Fraudulent Transfer Considerations" and "Risk Factors -- Guarantees."
 
COLLATERAL
 
    Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and Guarantees will be secured by a
security interest in all of the Capital Stock of the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such Capital Stock that is owned by a person other
than AETG, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary). In addition, the Notes
will be secured by the cash, accounts receivable, inventory, general intangibles
and documents and instruments related thereto of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries (except to the extent that the terms of any such general
intangibles prohibit the granting of a security interest therein); provided,
that the Lien with respect thereto shall be subordinated to the Liens securing
obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. All of the assets described
above are collectively referred to herein as the "Collateral." The Notes will
not be secured by any other property.
 
    The Company and the Guarantors entered into security and pledge agreements
as of February 4, 1997, as amended on August 14, 1997 and December 12, 1997
(collectively, the "Collateral Agreements") that provide for the grant of a
security interest in or pledge of the Collateral to the Trustee, as collateral
agent (in such capacity, the "Collateral Agent"), for the benefit of the holders
of the Notes. Such pledges and security interests will secure the payment and
performance when due of all of the Obligations of the
 
                                       64

Company and the Guarantors under the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and
the Collateral Agreements.
 
    So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and subject
to certain terms and conditions in the Indenture and the Collateral Agreements,
the Company will be entitled to receive all cash dividends, interest and other
payments made upon or with respect to the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary's
collateral pledged by it, and to exercise any voting, other consensual rights
and other rights pertaining to such Collateral pledged by it. Upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (i) all rights of
the Company to exercise such voting, other consensual rights or other rights
will cease upon notice from the Collateral Agent, which may be pursuant to the
direction of the Holders of a majority in outstanding principal amount of the
Notes, and all such rights will become vested in the Collateral Agent, which to
the extent permitted by law, will have sole right to exercise such voting, other
consensual rights or other rights; and (ii) all rights of the Company to receive
all cash dividends, interest and other payments made upon or with respect to the
pledged Collateral will, upon notice from the Collateral Agent, cease and such
cash dividends, interest and other payments will be paid to the Collateral
Agent. All funds distributed under the Collateral Agreements and received by the
Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Notes will be retained
and/or distributed by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of
the Indenture.
 
    Under the terms of the Collateral Agreements, the Collateral Agent will
determine the circumstances and manner in which the Collateral will be disposed
of, including, but not limited to, the determination of whether to foreclose on
the Collateral following an Event of Default. Holders of the Notes may not
enforce the Collateral Agreements. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a
majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the
Collateral Agent in its exercise of any trust or power under the Collateral
Agreements. Upon the full and final payment and performance of all Obligations
of the Company under the Indenture and the Notes, the Collateral Agreements will
terminate and the pledged Collateral will be released. In addition, in the event
that the pledged Collateral is sold and the Net Proceeds are or will be applied
in accordance with the terms of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on
Asset Sales," the Collateral Agent will release simultaneously with such sale
the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent in the assets sold, provided, that
the Collateral Agent has received all documentation required by the Trust
Indenture Act therefor.
 
    In the event of a Default under the Notes, the proceeds from the sale of the
Collateral may not be sufficient to satisfy the Company's Obligations under the
Notes in full. The amount to be received upon such a sale would be dependent
upon numerous factors including the timing and the manner of the sale. In
addition, the book value of the Collateral should not be relied upon as a
measure of realizable value. By its nature, the Collateral will be illiquid and
may have no readily ascertainable market value. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the Collateral can be sold in a short period of time. While
indebtedness is outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, Holders will
have no vote on any decisions with respect to the Collateral that is subject to
the lien of the Revolving Credit Facility, including the time or method of
disposition thereof. To the extent that third parties enjoy Permitted Liens,
such third parties may have rights and remedies with respect to the property
subject to such Lien that, if exercised, could adversely affect the value of the
Collateral. In addition, the ability of the Holders to realize upon any of the
Collateral may be subject to certain bankruptcy law limitations in the event of
a bankruptcy.
 
    If the Notes become due and payable prior to the final stated maturity
thereof for any reason or are not paid in full at the final stated maturity
thereof and, after any applicable grace period has expired, at a time in which
Indebtedness is outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Collateral
Agent will not have the right to foreclose upon the Collateral that is subject
to the Revolving Credit Facility unless the lender forecloses upon such
Collateral. Thereafter, the Collateral Agent has the right to foreclose upon
such Collateral, which may be in accordance with instructions from the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or, in the absence of
such instructions, in such manner as the Collateral Agent deems appropriate in
its absolute discretion. Proceeds from the sale of Collateral that is subject to
 
                                       65

the Revolving Credit Facility will first be applied to repay Indebtedness
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, if any, and thereafter paid to
the Trustee. The proceeds received by the Trustee will be applied by the Trustee
first to pay the expenses of any foreclosure and fees and other amounts then
payable to the Trustee under the Indenture and, thereafter, to pay all amounts
owing to the Holders under the Indenture (with any remaining proceeds to be
payable to the Company or as may otherwise be required by law).
 
REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
    Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to
offer to repurchase all the Notes then outstanding (the "Change of Control
Offer") at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (the
"Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control,
the Company must mail or cause to be mailed a notice to each holder stating,
among other things (i) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant
to this provision and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment; (ii)
the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days
nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Change of
Control Payment Date"); (iii) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue
interest; (iv) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of
Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment
Date; (v) that any holder electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to a Change
of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled
"Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Notes completed, to
the paying agent with respect to the Notes (the "Paying Agent") at the address
specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third business day
preceding the Change of Control Payment Date; (vi) that any holder will be
entitled to withdraw such election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than
the close of business on the second business day preceding the Change of Control
Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth
the name of the holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase,
and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes
purchased; and (vii) that a holder whose Notes are being purchased only in part
will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of
the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in
principal amount or an integral multiple thereof.
 
    The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the Notes in connection with a Change of Control. To the extent
that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the
"Change of Control" provisions of the Indenture, the Company will comply with
the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have
breached its obligations under the "Change of Control" provisions of the
Indenture by virtue thereof.
 
    On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment the Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant
to the Change of Control Offer; (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount
equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions
thereof so tendered and not withdrawn; and (iii) deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officer's
Certificate stating that the Notes or portions thereof tendered to the Company
are accepted for payment. The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each holder of
Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for such
Notes, and the Trustee will authenticate and mail to each holder a new Note
equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered,
if any, PROVIDED, that each such new Note will be in principal amount of $1,000
or an integral multiple thereof. The Company will announce the result of the
Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control
Payment Date.
 
                                       66

    Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture
does not contain provisions that permit the holders of the Notes to require that
the Company repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a takeover,
recapitalization or similar restructuring.
 
    There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available at the
time of any Change of Control Offer to make required repurchases.
 
    "Change of Control" means (i) the transfer (in one transaction or a series
of transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to any
Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act)
other than to one or more Existing Holders; (ii) the liquidation or dissolution
of the Company or the adoption of a plan by the stockholders of the Company
relating to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company; (iii) the acquisition
by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act), except for one or more Existing Holders, of beneficial ownership, directly
or indirectly, of more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power of the
total outstanding Voting Stock of AETG; (iv) during any period of two
consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted
the Board of Directors of the Company or AETG (together with any new directors
who are designated pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement or approved by a vote
of at least 66 2/3 % of the directors then still in office who were either
directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or AETG, as the case may be,
then still in office; or (v) the failure by AETG to own 51% of the voting power
of the total outstanding Voting Stock of the Company.
 
    "Existing Holders" shall mean the Majority Stockholders and the Preferred
Stockholder.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
    LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS.  The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly (i) declare
or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of any Equity Interests
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than (A) dividends or
distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company or (B) dividends or distributions payable to the Company or any 90%
Owned Subsidiary); (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for
value any Equity Interest of the Company, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate
of the Company (other than any such Equity Interest owned by the Company or any
Wholly Owned Subsidiary); (iii) make any principal payment on, or purchase,
redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Guarantor that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes
or such Guarantor's Guarantee thereof, as the case may be, prior to any
scheduled principal payment, sinking fund payment or other payment at the stated
maturity thereof; (iv) make any Restricted Investment; or (v) make any payment
or transfer any assets to, or on behalf of, AETG or any of its Affiliates (all
such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (v) above being
collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments") unless, at the time of such
Restricted Payment:
 
    (a) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would
occur as a consequence thereof,
 
    (b) immediately after giving effect thereto on a PRO FORMA basis, the
Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Interest
Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant described under "Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness," and
 
    (c) such Restricted Payment (the value of any such payment, if other than
cash, being determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and evidenced by
a resolution set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee),
together with the aggregate of all other Restricted Payments made after the date
of the Indenture (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (i) and
(ii) of the next following paragraph and excluding Restricted Payments permitted
by the other clauses therein), is less than the sum of (1) 50% of the
Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting
 
                                       67

period) from the beginning of the first quarter commencing immediately after the
Issue Date to the end of the Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for
which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted
Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, 100%
of such deficit), plus (2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds (or of the
net cash proceeds received upon the conversion of non-cash proceeds into cash)
received by the Company from the issuance or sale, other than to a Subsidiary,
of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) after the
Issue Date and on or prior to the time of such Restricted Payment, plus (3) 100%
of the aggregate net cash proceeds (or of the net cash proceeds received upon
the conversion of non-cash proceeds into cash) received by the Company from the
issuance or sale, other than to a Subsidiary, of any convertible or exchangeable
debt security of the Company that has been converted or exchanged into Equity
Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) pursuant to the terms
thereof after the Issue Date and on or prior to the time of such Restricted
Payment (including any additional net cash proceeds received by the Company upon
such conversion or exchange).
 
    The foregoing provisions will not prohibit (i) the payment of any dividend
within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said date of
declaration such payment would not have been prohibited by the provisions of the
Indenture; (ii) the redemption, purchase, retirement or other acquisition of any
Equity Interests of the Company or Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary in exchange for Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock); (iii) the redemption, repurchase or payoff of any
Indebtedness with proceeds of any Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be
incurred pursuant to the provision described under "-- Limitation on Incurrence
of Indebtedness;" (iv) payments by the Company to AETG pursuant to the Tax
Sharing Agreement; (v) distributions, loans or advances to AETG in an aggregate
amount not to exceed the Permitted Amount during any fiscal year; provided, that
such amounts are used by AETG to pay ordinary operating expenses and Management
Fees (as defined in the Stockholders' Agreement); (vi) Permitted Affiliate
Transactions; or (vii) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $1.0 million; provided, that with respect to clauses (v), (vi) and (vii)
above, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at
the time, or shall occur as a consequence thereof.
 
    Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company will
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted
Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations
required by this covenant were computed, which calculations may be based upon
the Company's latest available financial statements.
 
    LIMITATION ON INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS.  The Company will not, and will
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, (1)
create, incur, issue, assume, guaranty or otherwise become directly or
indirectly liable with respect to, contingently or otherwise (collectively,
"incur"), any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or (2) issue any
Disqualified Stock; provided, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt or Indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Credit Facility) or
issue shares of Disqualified Stock and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur
Acquired Debt or Indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Credit Facility, in
each case if (x) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of, or would occur after giving effect on a pro forma
basis to such incurrence or issuance, and (y) the Interest Coverage Ratio for
the Company's most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal
financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such
additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would
have been at least equal to the ratio set forth below opposite the period in
which such incurrence or issuance occurs, determined on a pro forma basis
(including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the
additional Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt or Indebtedness incurred under
 
                                       68

the Revolving Credit Facility) had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had
been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period:
 


PERIOD ENDING                                                                                   RATIO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -----
                                                                                          
February 1, 1998...........................................................................        2.00
February 1, 1999...........................................................................        2.25

 
; provided, that in the case of Indebtedness (other than Purchase Money
Indebtedness, Acquired Debt or Indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Credit
Facility) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity and final stated maturity of
such Indebtedness exceeds the Weighted Average Life to Maturity and final stated
maturity of the Notes.
 
    The foregoing limitations will not prohibit the incurrence of:
 
    (a) Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided, that the
aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness so incurred on any date, together
with all other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (a) and outstanding
on such date, shall not exceed $30.0 million, less any repayments thereunder
pursuant to the provisions under "Limitation on Asset Sales,"
 
    (b) performance bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, insurance obligations or
bonds and other similar bonds or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
business,
 
    (c) obligations incurred to fix the interest rate on any variable rate
Indebtedness otherwise permitted by the Indenture (collectively, "Hedging
Obligations"),
 
    (d) (i) Indebtedness arising out of Capital Lease Obligations or Purchase
Money Obligations (collectively, "Purchase Money Indebtedness") in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any time, and (ii) a $2.2
million aggregate principal amount note and mortgage relating to certain real
property acquired in the acquisition of Central New York Coach Sales & Service,
Inc., Jersey Bus Sales, Inc., and related property by the Company.
 
    (e) Indebtedness owed by (i) a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary; or (ii) the Company to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary,
 
    (f) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date, including the Notes,
 
    (g) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial
institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the
case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary
course of business; provided, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within
three business days of incurrence, and
 
    (h) Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or the proceeds of which are
contemporaneously used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, or refund
(collectively, "Refinance") Indebtedness referred to in clause (f) above or this
clause (h) or Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Interest Coverage Ratio test
set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph ("Refinancing Indebtedness");
provided, that (i) the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does
not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus the premiums
required to be paid, and the out-of-pocket expenses (other than those payable to
an Affiliate of the Company) reasonably incurred, in connection therewith), (ii)
the Refinancing Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity that exceeds the
final stated maturity, and a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is equal to
or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity, of the Indebtedness being
Refinanced and (iii) the Refinancing Indebtedness ranks, in right of payment, no
more favorable to the Notes as the Indebtedness being Refinanced.
 
    LIMITATION ON ASSET SALES.  The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at
least equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board
of
 
                                       69

Directors as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an
Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) of the assets subject to such
Asset Sale; (ii) at least 85% of the consideration for such Asset Sale is in the
form of cash, Cash Equivalents or liabilities of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the
Notes or any Guarantee of the Notes) that are assumed by the transferee of such
assets (provided, that following such Asset Sale there is no further recourse to
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to such liabilities);
and (iii) within 12 months of such Asset Sale, the Net Proceeds thereof are (a)
invested in assets related to the business of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, or (b) to the extent not used as provided in clause (a), applied
to make an offer to purchase Notes as described below (an "Excess Proceeds
Offer"); provided, that if (x) the amount of Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale
not invested pursuant to clause (a) above is less than $5.0 million or (y) the
Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale of Collateral with respect to which the Lien
thereon is subordinate to the Lien securing obligations under the Revolving
Credit Facility are used to repay obligations under the Revolving Credit
Facility, the Company will not be required to make an offer pursuant to clause
(b). Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under the Revolving
Credit Facility or temporarily invest such Net Proceeds in Cash Equivalents.
 
    The amount of Net Proceeds not invested as set forth in the preceding clause
(a) constitutes "Excess Proceeds." If the Company elects, or becomes obligated
to make an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company will offer to purchase Notes
having an aggregate principal amount equal to the Excess Proceeds (the "Purchase
Amount"), at a purchase price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date. The
Company must commence such Excess Proceeds Offer not later than 30 days after
the expiration of the 12-month period following the Asset Sale that produced
Excess Proceeds. If the aggregate purchase price for the Notes tendered pursuant
to the Excess Proceeds Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries may use the portion of the Excess Proceeds remaining
after payment of such purchase price for general corporate purposes.
 
    Each Excess Proceeds Offer will remain open for a period of 20 business days
and no longer, unless a longer period is required by law (the "Excess Proceeds
Offer Period"). Promptly after the termination of the Excess Proceeds Offer
Period (the "Excess Proceeds Payment Date"), the Company will purchase and mail
or deliver payment for the Purchase Amount for the Notes or portions thereof
tendered, PRO RATA or by such other method as may be required by law, or, if
less than the Purchase Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered pursuant to
the Excess Proceeds Offer. The principal amount of Notes to be purchased
pursuant to an Excess Proceeds Offer may be reduced by the principal amount of
Notes acquired by the Company through purchase or redemption (other than
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer) subsequent to the date of the Asset Sale
and surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation.
 
    Each Excess Proceeds Offer will be conducted in compliance with applicable
regulations under the federal securities laws, including Exchange Act Rule
14e-1. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations
conflict with the "Asset Sale" provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall
comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be
deemed to have breached its obligations under the "Asset Sale" provisions of the
Indenture by virtue thereof.
 
    There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available at the
time of any Excess Proceeds Offer to make required repurchases.
 
    LIMITATION ON LIENS.  The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien on any asset (including, without limitation, all real,
tangible or intangible property) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or on any income or profits therefrom,
or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, except (i) Liens
securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Revolving Credit
Facility; provided, that the Notes are secured by a second priority security
interest in the assets subject to
 
                                       70

such Liens; (ii) Purchase Money Liens; (iii) Permitted Liens; and (iv) a $2.2
million aggregate principal amount note and mortgage relating to certain real
property acquired in the acquisition of Central by the Company.
 
    LIMITATION ON RESTRICTIONS ON SUBSIDIARY DIVIDENDS.  The Company will not,
and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create
or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary (a) to (1) pay dividends
or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (A) on such Restricted Subsidiary's Capital Stock or (B) with
respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, such
Restricted Subsidiary's profits or (2) pay any indebtedness owed to the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (b) make loans or advances to the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (c) transfer any of its assets
to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, except for such
encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) the Revolving
Credit Facility, as in effect on the Closing Date, or any refinancings,
amendments, modifications or supplements thereof containing dividend and other
payment restrictions that are not materially more restrictive than those
contained in the Revolving Credit Facility on the Closing Date; (ii) the
Indenture, the Collateral Agreements and the Notes; (iii) applicable law; (iv)
restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary that was not a Subsidiary on the
Closing Date in existence at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (but not
created as a result of or in anticipation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary);
provided, that such restrictions are not applicable to any other Person or the
properties or assets of any other Person; (v) customary non-assignment and net
worth provisions of any contract or lease entered into in the ordinary course of
business; (vi) customary restrictions on the transfer of assets subject to a
Lien permitted under the Indenture imposed by the holder of such Lien; (vii)
restrictions imposed by any agreement to sell assets or Capital Stock to any
Person pending the closing of such sale; and (viii) permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness (including Indebtedness Refinancing Acquired Debt), provided, that
such restrictions contained in any agreement governing such Refinancing
Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive than those contained in any
agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced.
 
    MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS.  The Company may not consolidate or
merge with or into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or
sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties or assets (determined on a consolidated
basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in one or more related
transactions to, any other Person unless (i) the Company is the surviving Person
or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other
than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance
or other disposition has been made is a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
(ii) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if
other than the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer,
lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the Obligations
of the Company, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Notes, the Indenture, the Collateral
Agreements and the Registration Rights Agreement; (iii) immediately after such
transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iv) the Company, or any
Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, or to which such
sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been
made, (A) has a Consolidated Net Worth (immediately after the transaction but
prior to any purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the transaction) not
less than 90% of the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately preceding
the transaction and (B) will be permitted, at the time of such transaction and
after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Interest Coverage Ratio test set forth
in the covenant described under "Incurrence of Indebtedness."
 
    In the event of any transaction (other than a lease) complying with the
conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraph in which the Company is
not the surviving Person, such surviving Person
 
                                       71

or transferee shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every
right and power of, the Company, and the Company shall be discharged from its
Obligations under, the Indenture, the Notes, the Collateral Agreements and the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
    LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.  The Company will not, and will
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell,
lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or
purchase any property or assets from, or enter into any contract, agreement,
understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any
Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), except for (i)
Affiliate Transactions, which together with all Affiliate Transactions that are
part of a common plan, have an aggregate value of not more than $1.0 million;
provided, that such transactions are conducted in good faith and on terms that
are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than
those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on
an arm's-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) Affiliate Transactions, which together with all
Affiliate Transactions that are part of a common plan, have an aggregate value
of not more than $5.0 million; provided, that a majority of the disinterested
members of the Board of Directors of the Company determine that such
transactions are conducted in good faith and on terms that are no less favorable
to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have
been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm's-length basis
from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary; (iii) Affiliate Transactions for which the Company delivers to the
Trustee an opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary from a financial point of view, issued by an investment banking firm
of national standing; and (iv) Permitted Affiliate Transactions and other
Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions described above under
"Limitations on Restricted Payments."
 
    RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK.  The Company shall
not sell, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue or
sell, any shares of Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary to any Person
other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, other than directors'
qualifying shares; provided, that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
may sell all of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary owned by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries if the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale
are used in accordance with the terms of the covenant described under
"-- Limitation on Asset Sales."
 
    LINE OF BUSINESS.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than (a) the business conducted or
proposed to be conducted by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the
Closing Date and (b) any transportation business that is ancillary or
complementary to any business described in clause (a) above. The foregoing
restriction will not (i) prohibit the acquisition or operation of Central by the
Company or (ii) prevent the Company from engaging in the same lines of business
conducted or proposed to be conducted by Central as of the date the acquisition
of Central is consummated (the "Acquisition Date"), provided that such business
is conducted only in territories contiguous with the territories in which
Central conducted or proposed to conduct its business as of the Acquisition
Date.
 
    GUARANTORS.  The Indenture will provide that as long as any Notes remain
outstanding, any Restricted Subsidiary shall (a) execute and deliver to the
Trustee a supplemental indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee
pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all
of the Company's obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms set
forth in the Indenture and (b) deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel that
such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
such Restricted Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and
enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary. Thereafter, such
Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor for all purposes of the Indenture.
 
    If all of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor is sold to a Person (other than
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and the Net Proceeds from
such Asset Sale are used in accordance with the terms
 
                                       72

of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on Asset Sales," then such
Guarantor will be released and discharged from all of its obligations under its
Guarantee of the Notes and the Indenture.
 
    The obligations of each Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such
Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or
on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other
Guarantor under its Guarantee of the Notes, result in the obligations of such
Guarantor under its Guarantee of the Notes not constituting a fraudulent
conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law. See "Risk Factors
- -- Guarantees."
 
    REPORTS.  Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the
Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will furnish to
the Trustee, and deliver or cause to be delivered to the holders of Notes (i)
all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be
contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company
were required to file such Forms, including for each a "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect
to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's independent
certified public accountants; and (ii) all reports that would be required to be
filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such
reports. From and after the time a registration statement with respect to the
Notes is declared effective by the Commission, the Company will file such
information with the Commission, provided that the Commission will accept such
filing.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
    Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default under the
Indenture (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the
Notes; (ii) default in payment of principal (or premium, if any) on the Notes
when due at maturity, redemption, by acceleration or otherwise; (iii) default in
the performance or breach of the provisions of "Repurchase Upon Change of
Control," "Limitation on Asset Sales," and "-- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of
Assets;" (iv) default in the performance or breach of the provisions of
"Limitation on Restricted Payments" and "Limitation on Incurrence of
Indebtedness," and the continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; (v)
failure by the Company or any Guarantor for 30 days after notice to comply with
certain other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (vi) default under
(after giving effect to any waivers, amendments, applicable grace periods or any
extension of any maturity date) any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (or
the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary),
whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the date
of the Indenture, if (a) either (1) such default results from the failure to pay
principal on such Indebtedness or (2) as a result of such default the maturity
of such Indebtedness has been accelerated, and (b) the principal amount of such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness
with respect to which such a payment default (after the expiration of any
applicable grace period or any extension of the maturity date) has occurred, or
the maturity of which has been so accelerated, exceeds $2.5 million in the
aggregate; (vii) failure by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay
final non-appealable judgments (other than any judgment as to which a reputable
insurance company has accepted full liability) aggregating in excess of $2.5
million which judgments are not discharged, bonded or stayed within 60 days
after their entry; (viii) breach by the Company, AETG or any Guarantor of any
provision of the Collateral Agreements to which they are a party; (ix) written
assertion by the Company, AETG or any of the Guarantors, of the unenforceability
of their obligations under the Indenture, the Collateral Agreements, the Notes
or the Guarantees to which they are a party; and (x) certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any Material Subsidiary.
 
    If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare by
written notice to the Company and the Trustee all the Notes to be due and
payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of
 
                                       73

Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding
Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of
the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the
Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal
amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of
any trust or power.
 
    The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may on behalf of
the holders of all of the Notes (i) waive any existing Default or Event of
Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or
Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the Notes
or a Default or an Event of Default with respect to any covenant or provision
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding Note affected; and/or (ii) rescind an acceleration and its
consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree
and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal or
interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured
or waived.
 
    The Company is required upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of
Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event
of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
    No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or controlling
person of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any
obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture or
the Registration Rights Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or
by reason of, such obligations or their creation (except as may arise in favor
of holders of Notes under federal securities laws, including anti-fraud
provisions thereof). Each holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and
releases all such liability. The waiver and release will be part of the
consideration for issuance of the Notes and the Guarantees. Such waiver may not
be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is
the view of the Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.
 
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURE AND THE NOTES
 
    The Indenture provides that the Company will be discharged from any and all
obligations in respect of the Notes, other than the obligation to duly and
punctually pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Notes
in accordance with the terms of the Notes and the Indenture upon irrevocable
deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations
that will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally
recognized accounting firm to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and each
installment of interest, if any, on the due dates thereof on the Notes. Such
trust may only be established if, among other things (i) the Company has
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that
the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be
subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not
occurred; (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be
continuing; and (iii) certain customary conditions precedent are satisfied.
 
    The Company may satisfy and discharge its Obligations under the Indenture to
holders of the Notes by delivering to the Trustee for cancellation all
outstanding Notes or by depositing with the Trustee or the Paying Agent, if
applicable, after the Notes have become due and payable, cash sufficient to pay
at the stated maturity of all of the outstanding Notes and paying all other sums
payable under the Indenture by the Company. If the Company has so deposited such
cash, the Guarantors will be discharged from their Obligations under their
Guarantees of the Notes and the Indenture.
 
                                       74

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
    A holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may
require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected
for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any
Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed. The
registered holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
    Except as provided in the two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture and the
Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least
a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents
obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes) and any
existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the
Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents
obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes).
 
    Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting holder of Notes) (i) reduce
the principal amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver; (ii) reduce the principal of, or the premium on, or change
the fixed maturity of any Note, alter the provisions with respect to the
redemption of the Notes in a manner adverse to the holders of the Notes, or
alter the price at which repurchases of the Notes may be made pursuant to an
Excess Proceeds Offer or Change of Control Offer; (iii) reduce the rate of or
change the time for payment of interest on any Note; (iv) waive a Default or
Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest
on the Notes; (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the
Notes; (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to
waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of Notes to receive payments
of principal of or interest on the Notes; (vii) waive a redemption payment with
respect to any Note; (viii) adversely affect the contractual ranking of the
Notes or Guarantees of the Notes; or (ix) make any change in the foregoing
amendment and waiver provisions.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of the holders of Notes,
the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the
Indenture or the Notes to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to
provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated
Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to holders of
the Notes or any Guarantor's obligation under its Guarantee of the Notes in the
case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any
additional rights or benefits to the holders of the Notes or that does not
adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such holder, to
release any Guarantee of the Notes permitted to be released under the terms of
the Indenture, or to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to
effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
    The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; provided, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest it
must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for
permission to continue or resign.
 
                                       75

    The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default
occurs (and is not cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its
power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own
affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any
holder of Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security
and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    A COPY OF THE INDENTURE HAS BEEN FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 VOLUNTARILY FILED BY THE
COMPANY WITH THE COMMISSION AND HAS BEEN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT
TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A PART. THE
DESCRIPTION OF THE INDENTURE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH EXHIBIT.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
    Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full definition of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
    "Acquired Debt" means Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such
Person is merged with or into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or becomes
a Restricted Subsidiary, other than Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or
in contemplation of, such Person merging with or into the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that
Indebtedness of such other Person that is redeemed, defeased, retired or
otherwise repaid at the time, or immediately upon consummation, of the
transaction by which such other Person is merged with or into the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be Acquired
Debt.
 
    "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by"
and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, will mean
(i) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; (ii) in the case of a
corporation, beneficial ownership of 10% or more of any class of Capital Stock
of such Person; and (iii) in the case of an individual (A) members of such
Person's immediate family (as defined in Instruction 2 of Item 404(a) of
Regulation S-K under the Securities Act) and (B) trusts, any trustee or
beneficiaries of which are such Person or members of such Person's immediate
family. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Jefferies nor any of its
Affiliates will be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither Jefferies nor any of its Affiliates will be deemed to be
Affiliates of the Company.
 
    "Asset Sale" means any (i) transfer, other than in the ordinary course of
business, of any assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (ii)
direct or indirect issuance of any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary,
in each case to any Person (other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
and other than directors' qualifying shares). For purposes of this definition,
(a) any series of transfers that are part of a common plan shall be deemed a
single Asset Sale and (b) the term "Asset Sale" shall not include any
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company that is
governed under and complies with the terms of the covenant described under "--
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets."
 
    "Capital Lease Obligation" means, as to any Person, the obligations of such
Person under a lease that are required to be classified and accounted for as
capital lease obligations under GAAP, and the amount of
 
                                       76

such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations
at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "Capital Stock" means (i) with respect to any Person that is a corporation,
any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents
(however designated) of corporate stock; and (ii) with respect to any other
Person, any and all partnership or other equity interests of such Person.
 
    "Cash Equivalent" means (i) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof); (ii) time deposits and
certificates of deposit and commercial paper issued by the parent corporation of
any domestic commercial bank of recognized standing having capital and surplus
in excess of $250,000,000 and commercial paper issued by others rated at least
A-2 or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor's Corporation or at least P-2
or the equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and in each case
maturing within one year after the date of acquisition; and (iii) investments in
money market funds substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the
types described in clauses (i) and (ii) above.
 
    "Closing Date" or "Issue Date" means February 4, 1997.
 
    "Consolidated EBITDA" means, with respect to any Person (the referent
Person) for any period, consolidated income (loss) from operations of such
Person and its subsidiaries for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP,
plus (to the extent such amounts are deducted in calculating such income (loss)
from operations of such Person for such period, and without duplication)
amortization, depreciation and other non-cash charges (including, without
limitation, amortization of goodwill, deferred financing fees and other
intangibles but excluding non-cash charges incurred after the date of the
Indenture that require an accrual of or a reserve for cash charges for any
future period); provided, that (i) the income from operations of any Person
(including, without limitation, any Unrestricted Subsidiary) that is not a 90%
Owned Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting
will be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions
paid during such period to the referent Person or a 90% Owned Subsidiary of the
referent Person; and (ii) the income from operations of any Restricted
Subsidiary will not be included to the extent that declarations of dividends or
similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary are not at the time
permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its organization
documents or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule
or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
owners.
 
    "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the consolidated interest expense (net of interest income) of such
Person and its subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including
amortization of original issue discount, noncash interest payment, and the
interest component of Capital Lease Obligations), to the extent such expense was
deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period.
 
    "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person (the referent
Person) for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its
subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP: provided, that (i) the Net Income of any Person (including, without
limitation, any Unrestricted Subsidiary) that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary
or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included in
calculating the referent Person's Consolidated Net Income only to the extent of
the amount of dividends or distributions paid during such period to the referent
Person or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the referent Person; (ii) the Net Income
of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period
prior to the date of such acquisition will be excluded and (iii) the Net Income
of any Subsidiary will be excluded, to the extent that declarations of dividends
or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of such Net Income are not at the
time permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its
organization documents or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its
owners.
 
                                       77

    "Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person, the total
stockholders' equity of such Person determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude (to the extent included in calculating
such equity) (i) the amount of any such stockholders' equity attributable to
Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person and its consolidated subsidiaries;
(ii) all upward revaluations and other write-ups in the book value of any asset
of such person or a consolidated subsidiary of such person subsequent to the
Closing Date; and (iii) all Investments in persons that are not consolidated
Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
    "Default" means any event that is, or after notice or the passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
 
    "Disqualified Stock" means any Equity Interests that (i) either by its terms
(or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable) is or upon the happening of an event would be required to be
redeemed or repurchased prior to the final stated maturity of the Notes or is
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to such final
stated maturity; or (ii) is convertible into or exchangeable at the option of
the issuer thereof or any other Person for debt securities. "Equity Interests"
means Capital Stock or warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital
Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable
for, Capital Stock).
 
    "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession,
and in the rules and regulations of the Commission, that are in effect on the
Issue Date.
 
    "Guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or
indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any
Indebtedness.
 
    "Indebtedness" of any Person means (without duplication) (1) all liabilities
and obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) in respect of
borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the
assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), (b) evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) representing the deferred
purchase price of property or services (other than liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business which are not more than 90 days past due), (d)
created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement
with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and
remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default
are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (e) as lessee under
capitalized leases, (f) under bankers' acceptance and letter of credit
facilities, (g) to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for
value any Disqualified Stock, or (h) in respect of Hedging Obligations, (2) all
liabilities and obligations of others of the type described in clause (1),
above, that are Guaranteed by such Person, and (3) all liabilities and
obligations of others of the type described in clause (1), above, that are
secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right,
contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property (including,
without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person;
provided, that the amount of such Indebtedness shall (to the extent such Person
has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness in full)
be the lesser of (x) the fair market value of such property at the time of
determination and (y) the amount of such Indebtedness. The amount of
Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such
date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum
liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation,
of any contingent obligations at such date.
 
    "Interest Coverage Ratio" means, for any period, the ratio of (i)
Consolidated EBITDA of the Company for such period, to (ii) Consolidated
Interest Expense of the Company for such period. In calculating the Interest
Coverage Ratio for any period, pro forma effect shall be given to (a) the
incurrence, assumption, guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption or
retirement by the Company or
 
                                       78

any of its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness (other than under the Revolving
Credit Facility) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the
Interest Coverage Ratio is being calculated but on or prior to the date on which
the event for which the calculation is being made, as if the same had occurred
at the beginning of the applicable period; and (b) the occurrence of any Asset
Sale during such period by reducing Consolidated EBITDA for such period by an
amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to
the assets sold and by reducing Consolidated Interest Expense by an amount equal
to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness
assumed by third parties or repaid with the proceeds of such Asset Sale, in each
case as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable period. For
purposes of making the computation referred to above, acquisitions that have
been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and
Transportation Contracts that have been entered into or terminated, subsequent
to the commencement of such period but on or prior to the date on which the
event for which the calculation is being made shall be given effect on a pro
forma basis, assuming that all such acquisitions and terminations and the
effectiveness of all such contracts had occurred on the first day of such
period, in a manner consistent with the calculations described in note 1 of the
"Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information" contained elsewhere in
this Offering Circular. Without limiting the foregoing, the financial
information of the Company with respect to any portion of such four fiscal
quarters that falls before the Closing Date shall be adjusted to give pro forma
effect to the issuance of the Notes and the application of the proceeds
therefrom as if they had occurred at the beginning of such four fiscal quarters.
 
    "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans,
Guarantees, advances or capital contributions (excluding (i) commission, travel
and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in the
ordinary course of business; and (ii) bona fide accounts receivable arising from
the sale of goods or services in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of
Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, and any other items that are
or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance
with GAAP.
 
    "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or
encumbrance of any kind, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected
under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to
sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any
financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes)
of any jurisdiction).
 
    "Material Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary (a) that is a "Significant
Subsidiary" of the Company as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated
by the Commission or (b) is otherwise material to the business of the Company.
 
    "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the net
income (loss) of such Person for such period, determined in accordance with
GAAP, excluding any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for
taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with any Asset Sales
and dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions, and excluding any
extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes
on such gain (but not loss).
 
    "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate proceeds received in the form of cash or
Cash Equivalents in respect of any Asset Sale (including payments in respect of
deferred payment obligations when received), net of (a) the reasonable and
customary direct out-of-pocket costs relating to such Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and sales
commissions), other than any such costs payable to an Affiliate of the Company,
(b) taxes actually payable directly as a result of such Asset Sale (after taking
into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing
arrangements), (c) amounts required to be applied to the permanent repayment of
Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Sale, and (d) appropriate amounts
provided as a reserve by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, in accordance
with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale
 
                                       79

and retained by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other
post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental
matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations arising from such
Asset Sale.
 
    "90% Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary at least 90% of each
class of the Capital Stock of which is owned by the Company or one or more
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
 
    "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other obligations and liabilities
of the Company or any of the Guarantors under the Indenture, the Collateral
Agreements, the Notes or the Guarantees of the Notes.
 
    "Permitted Affiliate Transactions" means (i) employment agreements entered
into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
business with the approval of a majority of the disinterested members of the
Company's Board of Directors; (ii) transactions between or among the Company
and/or its 90% Owned Subsidiaries; (iii) reasonable and customary fees and
compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors,
employees or consultants of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as
determined in good faith by a majority of the disinterested directors of the
Company's Board of Directors or, if none, unanimously by such Board of
Directors; (iv) the "Park & Ride Lease" between Showplace Bowling Center Inc.,
as lessor, and Atlantic Express Coachways Inc., as lessee, and the lease between
Dom Rich Associates, Inc., as lessor, and Staten Island Bus, as lessee, in each
case in effect as of the Closing Date; and (v) annual premiums paid to Atlantic
North, in the ordinary course of business, for insurance; provided, that such
premiums do not exceed the annual aggregate deductibles on the Company's
insurance policies then in effect.
 
    "Permitted Amount" during any fiscal year means the sum of (a) the
Management Fees required to be paid by AETG under the Stockholders' Agreement
during such fiscal year and (b) the Permitted Expense Amount. "Permitted Expense
Amount" means (i) for fiscal year 1996, $100,000; and (ii) for each fiscal year
thereafter, 1.05 times the Permitted Expense Amount for the immediately
preceding fiscal year.
 
    "Permitted Investments" means (i) Investments in the Company, any Guarantor
or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary (including without limitation, Guarantees of
Indebtedness of any such Person); (ii) Investments in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $1 million in Restricted Subsidiaries other than Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries; (iii) Investments in Cash Equivalents; (iv) Investments in a
Person, if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary, or (b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or
into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is
liquidated into, the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary; (v) Hedging
Obligations; (vi) Investments in securities of trade creditors or customers
received pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the
bankruptcy or insolvency of such trade creditors or customers; (vii) Investments
as a result of consideration received in connection with an Asset Sale made in
compliance with the covenant described under the caption "Limitation on Asset
Sales;" (viii) investments in Atlantic North, but only to the extent necessary
under applicable law or reasonably required by certain administrative agencies,
to permit Atlantic North to provide insurance policies to the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business as contemplated under
clause (v) of the definition of "Permitted Affiliate Transactions;" and (ix)
Investments existing on the Issue Date.
 
    "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens in favor of the Company and/or its
Restricted Subsidiaries other than with respect to intercompany Indebtedness;
(ii) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is acquired
by, merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
provided, that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition
and do not extend to assets other than those subject to such Liens immediately
prior to such acquisition; (iii) Liens on property existing at the time of
acquisition thereof by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, provided, that
such Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition and do not
extend to assets other than those subject to such Liens immediately prior to
such acquisition; (iv) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in
respect of Hedging Obligations; (v) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of
business to secure
 
                                       80

the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance
bonds or other obligations (exclusive of obligations constituting Indebtedness)
of a like nature, including, without limitation, cash retainages; (vi) Liens
existing or created on the Issue Date; (vii) Liens for taxes, assessments or
governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being
contested or remedied in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded, provided, that any reserve or other
appropriate provision as may be required in conformity with GAAP has been made
therefor; (viii) Liens arising by reason of any judgment, decree or order of any
court with respect to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is
then in good faith prosecuting an appeal or other proceedings for review, the
existence of which judgment, order or decree is not an Event of Default under
the Indenture; (ix) encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions, survey
exceptions, utility easements, licenses, rights of way, easements of ingress or
egress over property of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property, minor defects in
title, landlord's and lessor's liens under leases on property located on the
premises rented, mechanics' liens, warehouseman's liens, supplier's liens,
repairman's liens, vendors' liens, and similar encumbrances, rights or
restrictions on personal or real property, in each case not interfering in any
material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (x) Liens incidental to the conduct of business
or the ownership of properties incurred in the ordinary course of business in
connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of
social security, or to secure the performance of tenders, bids, and government
contracts and leases and subleases; (xi) Liens for any interest or title of a
lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation permitted to be incurred under the
Indenture; provided, that such Liens do not extend to any property or asset that
is not leased property subject to such Capitalized Lease Obligation; (xii) any
extension, renewal, or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or
replacements), in whole or in part, of Liens described in clauses (i) through
(xi) above; (xiii) Liens securing the Notes; and (xiv) Liens in addition to the
foregoing, which in the aggregate, are secured by assets with a fair market
value not in excess of $100,000 at any time.
 
    "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government
or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity.
 
    "Public Equity Offering" means a bona fide underwritten public offering of
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Commission in accordance with the
Securities Act.
 
    "Purchase Money Liens" means Liens to secure or securing Purchase Money
Obligations permitted to be incurred under the Indenture.
 
    "Purchase Money Obligations" means Indebtedness representing, or incurred to
finance, the cost (i) of acquiring or improving any assets; and (ii) of
construction or build-out of manufacturing, distribution or administrative
facilities (including Purchase Money Obligations of any other Person at the time
such other Person is merged with or into or is otherwise acquired by the
Company), provided, that (a) the principal amount of such Indebtedness does not
exceed 100% of such cost, including construction charges, (b) any Lien securing
such Indebtedness does not extend to or cover any other asset or property other
than the asset or property being so acquired or improved and (c) such
Indebtedness is incurred, and any Liens with respect thereto are granted, within
180 days of the acquisition or improvement of such property or asset.
 
    "Qualified Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, Capital Stock
of such Person other than Disqualified Capital Stock.
 
    "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted
Investment. The aggregate amount of each Investment constituting a Restricted
Payment since the date of the Indenture shall be reduced by the aggregate
after-tax amount of all payments made to the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries with respect to such Investments; provided, that (a) the maximum
amount of such payments
 
                                       81

so excluded shall not exceed the original amount of such Investment and (b) such
payments shall also be excluded from the calculations contemplated by clauses
(c)(1) through (4) under the caption "Limitation on Restricted Payments."
 
    "Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted
Subsidiary.
 
    "Revolving Credit Facility" means the Revolving Credit Facility, entered
into on the Issue Date between the Company and the lenders named therein as the
same may be amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from
time to time, including (i) any related notes, letters of credit, guarantees,
collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection
therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or
refinanced from time to time; and (ii) any notes, guarantees, collateral
documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection with such
amendment, modification, renewal, refunding, replacement or refinancing.
 
    "subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person (i) any corporation,
association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of Voting Stock thereof is at the time owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other subsidiaries
of that Person or a combination thereof; and (ii) any partnership in which such
Person or any of its subsidiaries is a general partner.
 
    "Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company.
 
    "transfer" means any direct or indirect sale, assignment, transfer, lease,
conveyance, or other disposition (including, without limitation, by way of
merger or consolidation).
 
    "Transportation Contract" means a written contract entered into by the
Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which services for school
bus transportation, paratransit, coach transportation or Pre-K/Medicaid
transportation and related services are provided by the Company and/or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to a governmental entity or agency.
 
    "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (a) Atlantic North and (b) any other
Subsidiary that has been designated by the Company (by written notice to the
Trustee as provided below) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, that a
Subsidiary may not be designated as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" unless (i) such
Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock of, or own or hold any Lien on any
property of, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than such
Subsidiary), (ii) neither immediately prior thereto nor after giving pro forma
effect to such designation, would there exist a Default or Event of Default,
(iii) immediately after giving effect to such designation on a pro forma basis,
the Company could incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the Interest
Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant described under "-- Limitation on
Incurrence of Indebtedness" and (iv) the creditors of such Subsidiary have no
direct or indirect recourse (including, without limitation, recourse with
respect to the payment of principal or interest on Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary) to the assets of the Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary (other
than such Subsidiary). The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than Atlantic North) to be a Restricted
Subsidiary only if (i) no Default or Event of Default is existing or will occur
as a consequence thereof; and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such
designation, on a pro forma basis, the Company could incur at least $1.00 of
Indebtedness pursuant to the Interest Coverage Ratio test set forth in the
covenant described under "-- Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness." Each
such designation shall be evidenced by filing with the Trustee a certified copy
of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing
conditions. The Company shall be deemed to make an Investment in each Subsidiary
designated as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" immediately following such
designation in an amount equal to the Investment in such Subsidiary and its
subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation; provided, that if such
Subsidiary is subsequently redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary, the amount
of such Investment shall be deemed to be reduced (but not below zero) by the
fair market value of the net consolidated assets of such Subsidiary on the date
of such redesignation.
 
                                       82

    "Voting Stock" means, with respect to any Person (i) one or more classes of
the Capital Stock of such Person having general voting power to elect at least a
majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such Person
(irrespective of whether or not at the time Capital Stock of any other class or
classes have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any
contingency); and (ii) any Capital Stock of such Person convertible or
exchangeable without restriction at the option of the holder thereof into
Capital Stock of such Person described in clause (i) above.
 
    "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years (rounded to the nearest one-twelfth) obtained
by dividing (i) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness into
(ii) the total of the products obtained by multiplying (x) the amount of each
then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required
payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof,
by (y) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one twelfth) that will
elapse between such date and the making of such payment.
 
    "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary all the Capital
Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) is owned by the Company
or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
 
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
 
    Except as set forth in the next paragraph, the New Notes to be sold as set
forth herein will initially be issued in the form of one or more registered
Global Notes (the "Global Notes"), each of which will be deposited on the date
of the consummation of the Exchange Offer with, or on behalf of, the Depository
and registered in the name of the Global Holder. The following are summaries of
certain rules and operating procedures of the Depository which affect the Global
Notes.
 
    The Depository has advised the Company that it is a limited-purpose trust
company that was created to hold securities for its participating organizations
(collectively, the "Participants" or the "Depository's Participants") and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities
between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its
Participants. The Depository's Participants include securities brokers and
dealers (including Jefferies), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. Access to the Depository's system is also
available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
(collectively, the "Indirect Participants" or the "Depository's Indirect
Participants") that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not Participants may
beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of the Depositary only through
the Depository's Participants or the Depository's Indirect Participants.
 
    The Company expects that pursuant to procedures established by the
Depository (i) upon deposit of the Global Notes, the Depository will credit the
accounts of Participants with an interest in the Global Notes; and (ii)
ownership of the Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof
will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depository (with
respect to the interests of the Depository's Participants), the Depository's
Participants and the Depository's Indirect Participants. The laws of some states
require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of
securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer Notes will be
limited to such extent.
 
    So long as the Global Holder is the registered owner of any Notes, the
Global Holder will be considered the sole owner of such Notes outstanding under
the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Note will not be entitled to have Notes represented by such Global Note
registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical
delivery of Certificated Securities, and will not be considered the owners or
Holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose. As a result, the ability of
a person having a beneficial interest in Notes represented by a Global Note to
pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the
Depository's system or to otherwise take actions in respect of such interest,
may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.
Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely
 
                                       83

on the procedures of the Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant or
an Indirect Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such
Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under such Global
Note or the Indenture.
 
    Neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of Notes by the Depository, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records of the Depository relating to such Notes.
 
    Payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
any Notes registered in the name of a Global Holder on the applicable record
date will be payable by the Trustee to or at the direction of such Global Holder
in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of
the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may treat the Persons in whose names
the Notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners thereof for
the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Consequently, neither the Company nor the Trustee has or will have
any responsibility or liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial
owners of Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest), or to
immediately credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with such payment,
in amounts proportionate to their respective interests in the Global Notes in
principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on
the records of the Depository. Payments by the Depository's Participants and the
Depository's Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Notes will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the
responsibility of the Depository's Participants or the Depository's Indirect
Participants.
 
CERTIFICATED SECURITIES
 
    If (i) the Company notifies the Trustee in writing that the Depository is no
longer willing or able to act as a depository and the Company is unable to
locate a qualified successor within 90 days; or (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of the
Notes in definitive form under the Indenture then, upon surrender by the
relevant Global Holder of its Global Note, Notes in such form will be issued to
each Person that such Global Holder and the Depository identifies as the
beneficial owner of the related Notes. In addition, subject to certain
conditions, any person having a beneficial interest in the Global Note may, upon
request to the Trustee, exchange such beneficial interest for Certificated
Securities. Upon any such issuance, the Trustee is required to register such
Notes in the name of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such person or
persons (or the nominee of any thereof). Such Notes would be issued in fully
registered form.
 
                                       84

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 200 shares of common
stock with no par value. At September 30, 1997, 100 shares of the Company's
capital stock were issued and outstanding.
 
    Holders of outstanding shares of the Company's capital stock are entitled,
for each share held, to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a
meeting of shareholders of the Company.
 
    The Board of Directors of the Company may authorize the issuance of
fractions of shares represented by a certificate or uncertificated, which shall
entitle the holder to exercise voting rights, received dividends and participate
in liquidating distributions, in proportion to the fractional holdings; or it
may authorize the payment in cash of the fair value of fractions of a shares of
the time when those entitled to receive such fractions are determined; or in
lieu of fractional shares it may authorize the issuance, as permitted by law, of
scrip exchangeable as therein provided for full shares, but such scrip shall not
entitle the holder to any rights of a shareholder, except as therein provided.
 
                 CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
   
    The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax
consequences to Holders who are subject to U.S. net income tax with respect to
the Notes ("U.S. persons") and who hold the Notes as capital assets. There can
be no assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") will take a
similar view of the purchase, ownership or disposition of the Notes, and no
ruling from the IRS has been or will be sought. This discussion is based upon
the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, U.S. Treasury
regulations, rulings and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change. It does not include any description of the tax laws of any
state, local or foreign governments or any estate or gift tax considerations
that may be applicable to the Notes or Holders thereof. It does not discuss all
aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular
investor in light of such investor's particular investment circumstances or to
certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal
income tax laws (for example, dealers in securities or currencies, S
corporations, life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, taxpayers
subject to the alternative minimum tax and non-U.S. persons) and also does not
discuss Notes held as a hedge against currency risks or as part of a straddle
with other investments or part of a "synthetic security" or other integrated
investment (including a "conversion transaction") comprised of a Note and one or
more other investments, or situations in which the functional currency of the
Holder is not the U.S. dollar.
    
 
   
    The Company believes that exchange of an Old Note by a Holder for a New Note
will not constitute a taxable exchange. The exchange will not result in income,
gain or loss to Holders who participate in the Exchange Offer, or the Company.
Such Holders will have the same adjusted basis and holding period in New Notes
immediately after the exchange as the Holders had in Old Notes immediately prior
to the exchange.
    
 
   
    The foregoing discussion is not based upon an opinion of counsel and Holders
of Old Notes contemplating acceptance of the Exchange Offer should consult their
own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances and with respect
to the effects of state, local or foreign tax laws to which they may be subject.
    
 
                                       85

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
   
    Each broker-dealer that participates in the Exchange Offer ("Participating
Broker-Dealer") that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the
Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a Prospectus in connection
with any resale of such New Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
connection with the resale of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where
such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. The Company has agreed that for a period of 180 days after
the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any such
resale. In addition, until April 27, 1998, all dealers effecting transactions in
the New Notes may be required to deliver a Prospectus.
    
 
    The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by
Participating Broker-Dealers. New Notes received by Participating Broker-Dealers
for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to
time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination
of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such
resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers
who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any
Participating Broker-Dealer and/or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any
Participating Broker-Dealer that resells New Notes that were received by it for
its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of New Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and
by delivering a Prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
    For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any Participating Broker-Dealer that reasonably
requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
    This Prospectus has been prepared for use in connection with the Exchange
Offer and may be used by Jefferies in connection with the offers and sales
related to market-making transactions in the Notes. Jefferies may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. Such sales will be made at prices
related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale. The Company will not
receive any of the proceeds of such sales. Jefferies has no obligation to make a
market in the Notes and may discontinue its market-making activities at any time
without notice, at its sole discretion. The Company has agreed to indemnify each
Participating Broker-Dealer against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments which each Participating
Broker-Dealer might be required to make in respect thereof.
 
    Jefferies acted as initial purchaser in connection with the offerings of the
Old Notes. Jefferies was paid customary fees and expenses in connection with a
loan which it and another institutional investor made to AETG. Such loan was
repaid with a portion of the net proceeds of the offering of the Old Notes. The
Company has agreed to offer to retain Jefferies as its exclusive financial
advisor, underwriter, placement agent, lender or loan purchaser, as applicable,
if the Company proposes to engage in any financing transaction on or before June
23, 1999.
 
                                       86

                             VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
 
    The validity of the Notes will be passed upon for the Company by Jones, Day,
Reavis & Pogue, New York, New York and Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano,
P.C., New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements on pages F-1 through F-33 included in this
Prospectus have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent certified public
accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report
appearing elsewhere herein and are included in reliance upon such report given
upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
    The Company has filed with Commission in Washington, D.C. a Registration
Statement under the Securities Act on Form S-1 (File No. 333-42541) (the
"Registration Statement") with respect to the New Notes offered hereby. As used
herein, the term "Registration Statement" means the initial Registration
Statement and any and all amendments thereto. This Prospectus does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company, the
Notes and the Exchange Offer, reference is hereby made to such Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such
contract or documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each
such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. The
Registration Statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at certain
regional offices of the Commission located at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048 and Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials can be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a website
on the internet at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants filed
electronically with the Commission.
    
 
    Upon completion of the Exchange Offer, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith,
will file reports with the Commission. The Company intends to furnish to Holders
annual reports containing audited financial statements of the Company audited by
its independent accounts and quarterly reports containing unaudited condensed
financial statements for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year.
 
                                       87

                        ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION
                             CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATION FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 


                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
                                                                                                          
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants.........................................................     F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1997............................     F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 1995,
  1996 and 1997 and for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1997.................................     F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and for
  the Three Months Ended September 30, 1997................................................................     F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1995,
  1996 and 1997 and for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1997.................................     F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................     F-8
 
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants.........................................................    F-21
Central Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and June 30, 1997.........................    F-22
Central Combined Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
  1996 and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997.................................................    F-23
Central Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for the
  six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997..................................................................    F-24
Central Notes to Combined Financial Statements.............................................................    F-26
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.....................................................     P-1
Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the Year Ended June 30, 1997...............................     P-2

 
                                      F-1

               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
 
  Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic
Express Transportation Corp. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1997, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder's equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Atlantic
Express Transportation Corp. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1997, and
the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
 
New York, New York
September 25, 1997
 
                                      F-2

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 


                                                                                 JUNE 30,
                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                                          
                                                                            1996         1997
                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                                       1997
                                                                                                   -------------
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
                                             ASSETS
Current:
  Cash and cash equivalents............................................  $ 1,211,258  $16,818,889   $ 6,324,597
  Current portion of marketable securities.............................      --         1,030,000       770,000
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $-0-,
    $250,000 and $250,000, respectively................................   25,687,921   31,237,975    36,970,656
  Replacement parts and other inventory................................      994,412    1,969,228    10,324,476
  Notes receivable.....................................................      180,760      191,600     1,448,643
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets............................    5,120,364    4,986,656     7,748,272
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
        Total current assets...........................................   33,194,715   56,234,348    63,586,644
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation...........   58,193,715   74,967,594    99,146,041
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Other assets:
  Goodwill, net........................................................      --           --         12,954,916
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents.................................    1,870,000    2,314,408     2,314,408
  Notes receivable from affiliates.....................................    4,468,974    4,772,974     4,879,880
  Retainage............................................................      513,556      --            --
  Investments..........................................................      229,000      229,000       229,000
  Marketable securities................................................      --         4,139,697     4,211,273
  Deferred lease expense...............................................      655,008      488,212       482,681
  Transportation contract rights, net..................................    3,391,718    3,444,772     4,339,339
  Due from affiliates..................................................                                 235,302
  Deferred financing and organization costs, net.......................      704,781    6,295,318     8,944,356
  Notes receivable.....................................................      293,664      120,992       250,681
  Deposits and other noncurrent assets.................................      858,482    1,343,661     1,395,470
  Deferred tax asset...................................................      --           --            941,777
  Covenant not to compete, net.........................................      --           --            190,000
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
        Total other assets.............................................   12,985,183   23,149,034    41,369,083
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                         $104,373,613 $154,350,976  $204,101,768
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
                              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current:
  Current portion of long-term debt....................................  $11,328,497  $   140,008   $   595,203
  Accounts payable.....................................................    1,760,426      764,293     1,517,202
  Accrued compensation.................................................    3,116,893    4,053,567     5,134,281
  Current portion of insurance reserve.................................    1,447,000    2,336,738     2,336,738
  Other accrued expenses and current liabilities.......................    4,693,025      629,855     3,325,317
  Accrued interest.....................................................      --         4,927,085     2,925,319
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
        Total current liabilities......................................   22,345,841   12,851,546    15,834,060
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Long-term debt, net of current portion.................................   48,326,701  110,488,215   157,970,128
Premium on debt issuance...............................................      --           --          1,364,100
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Other long-term liabilities............................................    2,325,594    2,997,018     3,004,775
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Deferred income taxes..................................................    1,890,000      400,000       --
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, shares authorized 200; issued and outstanding 100......      250,000      250,000       250,000
  Additional paid-in capital...........................................   13,188,926   13,188,926    13,188,926
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities.............................      --           142,032       396,917
  Retained earnings....................................................   16,046,551   14,033,239    12,092,862
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
        Total stockholder's equity.....................................   29,485,477   27,614,197    25,928,705
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                         $104,373,613 $154,350,976  $204,101,768
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 


                                                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     -------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                                                                  
                                                         1995           1996           1997           1996           1997
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
Revenues...........................................  $ 114,005,547  $ 142,551,559  $ 166,078,034  $  25,188,097  $  59,153,376
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of operations...............................     91,428,364    115,108,380    136,068,428     22,879,755     51,254,085
  General and administrative.......................      9,162,140     10,448,420     12,199,150      2,500,924      3,772,320
  Depreciation and amortization....................      7,627,575      9,735,982     10,417,187      2,560,876      3,292,279
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                       108,218,079    135,292,782    158,684,765     27,941,555     58,318,684
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
        Income from operations.....................      5,787,468      7,258,777      7,393,269     (2,753,458)       834,692
Interest...........................................     (3,057,545)    (5,098,443)    (8,739,065)    (1,492,433)    (4,137,672)
Other income.......................................       --             --              133,977       --              108,154
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
        Income (loss) before nonrecurring items,
          reorganization items, (provision for)
          benefit from income taxes and
          extraordinary items......................      2,729,923      2,160,334     (1,211,819)    (4,245,891)    (3,194,826)
Nonrecurring items:
  Cancellation of leases...........................       (185,760)      --             --             --             --
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
        Income (loss) before reorganization
          items,(provision for) benefit from income
          taxes and extraordinary items............      2,544,163      2,160,334     (1,211,819)    (4,245,891)    (3,194,826)
Reorganization items:
  Professional fees................................        (33,595)      --             --             --             --
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
        Income (loss) before (provision for)
          benefit from income taxes and
          extraordinary items......................      2,510,568      2,160,334     (1,211,819)    (4,245,891)    (3,194,826)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes..........       (978,632)      (758,897)       600,936      1,747,703      1,341,827
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
        Income (loss) before extraordinary items...      1,531,936      1,401,437       (610,883)    (2,498,188)    (1,852,999)
Extraordinary items:
  Forgiveness of debt, net of taxes of $0..........      1,054,134       --             --             --             --
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax
    benefit of $390,000............................       --             --             (526,974)      --             --
  Write-off of unamortized deferred finance
    charges, net of tax benefit of $368,000 as a
    result of refinancing..........................       --             --             (525,943)      --             --
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net income (loss)..................................  $   2,586,070  $   1,401,437  $  (1,663,800) $  (2,498,188) $  (1,852,999)
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 


                                                                                    UNREALIZED
                                  COMMON STOCK    ADDITIONAL                           GAIN
                                 --------------     PAID-IN         RETAINED      ON MARKETABLE
                                  NO PAR VALUE      CAPITAL         EARNINGS        SECURITIES        TOTAL
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                   
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1995.........        250,000     13,188,926        14,645,114         --           28,084,040
Net income.....................        --             --              1,401,437         --            1,401,437
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1996.........        250,000     13,188,926        16,046,551         --           29,485,477
Net loss.......................        --             --             (1,663,800)        --           (1,663,800)
Dividends......................        --             --               (349,512)        --             (349,512)
Unrealized gain on marketable
  securities...................        --             --               --               142,032         142,032
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1997.........        250,000     13,188,926        14,033,239         142,032      27,614,197
Net loss (unaudited)...........        --             --             (1,852,999)        --           (1,852,999)
Dividends (unaudited)..........        --             --                (87,378)        --              (87,378)
Unrealized gain on marketable
  securities (unaudited).......        --             --               --               254,885         254,885
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
  (UNAUDITED)..................   $    250,000    $13,188,926    $   12,092,862    $    396,917   $  25,928,705
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
                                 --------------  -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                               -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                   1995          1996          1997            1996            1997
                                               ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                           
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)..........................  $  2,586,070  $  1,401,437  $  (1,663,800) $   (2,498,188) $   (1,852,999)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
    to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
      Extraordinary items....................    (1,054,134)      --           1,836,312        --              (108,154)
      Deferred income taxes..................       294,000      (104,000)    (1,490,000)     (1,880,000)     (1,341,777)
      Depreciation...........................     7,317,828     8,876,163      9,555,463       2,294,438       2,865,361
      Amortization...........................       309,747       859,819      1,311,212         266,439         686,719
      Write-off of doubtful accounts
        receivable...........................       200,000       569,000        500,000
      Reserve for doubtful accounts
        receivable...........................       --            --             250,000
      Interest Accrued on Notes Receivable...       --            --            --              --               (81,570)
      Gain on sale of property and
        equipment............................      (250,937)      --            --              --              (119,761)
      Transfer to restricted cash............       --         (1,120,000)    (1,194,408)
      Other..................................       --           (236,012)      --
      Decrease (increase) in:
        Accounts receivable and retainage....    (7,203,507)   (5,639,761)    (5,786,498)     (4,617,846)       (989,032)
        Inventory............................       (64,150)     (309,169)      (974,816)        (85,000)        258,241
        Prepaid expenses and other current
          assets.............................      (988,766)   (1,669,625)       133,708        (415,632)     (2,395,535)
        Deferred lease expense...............       237,910      (515,176)       166,796          33,383           5,531
        Deposits and other noncurrent
          assets.............................        71,470       (43,640)      (485,179)         39,548          (7,051)
      Increase (decrease) in:
        Accounts payable.....................     1,212,488      (357,467)      (996,133)       (222,343)       (971,001)
        Accrued expenses and other current
          liabilities........................       397,373     3,256,025      2,092,428       1,565,596       1,061,473
        Other long-term liabilities..........     1,300,000       735,619      1,601,137         660,428           7,757
                                               ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
        Net cash provided by (used in)
          operating activities...............     4,365,392     5,703,213      4,856,222      (4,859,177)     (2,981,798)
                                               ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                               ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 


                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                  1995          1996          1997            1996            1997
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                          
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash
    acquired of $207,441)...................       --            --            --              --           (21,519,397)
  Proceeds from sale of fixed assets........       --            --            --              --               182,500
  Additions to property, plant and
    equipment...............................  $ (2,515,843) $ (3,195,750) $ (14,441,800)       (803,147)    (12,575,183)
  Purchase of transportation contract
    rights..................................      (595,300)     (688,833)      (873,192)       --               (16,722)
  Due from affiliates.......................       141,651      (100,596)      (303,999)       --              (260,638)
  Proceeds from disposition of property,
    plant and equipment.....................     1,226,713       --            --
  Notes receivable..........................       150,383       808,983        161,832         (15,438)       (806,414)
  Marketable securities purchased...........       --            --          (5,027,665)       --            (1,880,365)
  Proceeds from sale of marketable
    securities..............................       --            --            --              --             2,431,828
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
        Net cash used in investing
          activities........................    (1,592,396)   (3,176,196)   (20,484,824)       (818,585)    (34,444,391)
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds of additional borrowings.........    10,754,203     8,143,521    118,473,894       7,410,511      43,035,000
  Principal payments on borrowings..........   (12,789,637)  (10,919,409)   (79,580,780)     (1,219,696)    (13,052,950)
  Deferred financing and organization
    costs...................................      (641,978)     (328,384)    (6,975,554)        (49,674)     (2,962,775)
  Return of capital.........................       (33,750)      --            (349,512)       --               (87,378)
  Transfer to restricted cash...............       --           (750,000)      --              --              --
  Payments to creditors under the plan of
    reorganization..........................    (3,988,434)   (1,161,615)      (331,815)       (118,820)       --
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
        Net cash provided by (used in)
          financing activities..............    (6,699,596)   (5,015,887)    31,236,233       6,022,321      26,931,897
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents...............................    (3,926,600)   (2,488,870)    15,607,631         344,559     (10,494,292)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
  year......................................     7,626,728     3,700,128      1,211,258       1,210,988      16,818,889
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year......  $  3,700,128  $  1,211,258  $  16,818,889       1,555,547       6,324,597
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
  information:
    Cash paid during the year for:
      Interest..............................  $  4,077,852  $  5,436,240  $   3,181,000       1,700,000       6,145,081
      Income taxes..........................       430,000       305,000        222,000          84,000         331,527
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing
  and financing activities:
    Loans incurred for purchase of property,
      plant and equipment...................  $ 15,501,260  $ 17,416,258  $  11,887,542      10,720,761       6,368,900
    Loans incurred for purchase of contract
      rights................................       --          2,670,000       --
    Deferral of payment for contract
      rights................................       --            250,000       --
    Note received from purchaser in exchange
      for bus routes and buses..............       680,000       --            --
    Use of restricted cash to pay down
      debt..................................       --            --             750,000         750,000        --
    Transfer of bus from inventory to fixed
      assets................................       --            --            --              --                47,558
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                              ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------  --------------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-7

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1. COMPANY STRUCTURE
 
    Prior to August 23, 1993, Atlantic Express Inc. ("AE") and subsidiaries
operated in two industries, transportation and entertainment. On August 23,
1993, as part of a reorganization, AE transferred all of its assets and
liabilities to the newly formed Atlantic Express Transportation Group Inc.
("AETG"), which became the new parent company. On January 30, 1997, AETG
transferred all operating assets and liabilities pertaining to the
transportation operations to a newly formed company called Atlantic Express
Transportation Corp. ("AETC"), which became the new parent company of the
companies operating in the transportation industry. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements give effect to the January 30, 1997
restructuring as if it had occurred prior to July 1, 1994 and, therefore,
present the financial position and results of operations of the transportation
companies for all periods presented.
 
2. BUSINESS
 
    AETC is primarily engaged in providing school bus transportation services
for various municipalities in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County,
Westchester County, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Missouri and New Jersey. AETC
also provides services to public transit systems for physically or mentally
challenged passengers, express commuter line and charter and tour services, and
transportation for pre-kindergarten children and Medicaid recipients.
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AETC and its
subsidiaries. Separate financial statements have not been included for the
subsidiary guarantors of AETC's 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004 because
(1) AETC is a holding company with no independent operations, (2) the guarantees
of the guarantors are full and unconditional (subject to insolvency and
fraudulent conveyance limitations) and joint and several, (3) each of the
guarantors is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, (4) the guarantors
comprise all of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, with the
exception of a captive insurance company subsidiary, Atlantic North Casualty
Company ("ANC"), and (5) the Company has not presented separate financial
statements and other disclosures concerning each Guarantor because management
has determined that such information is not material to investors. ANC is
precluded from being a guarantor under relevant insurance law, all of the
subsidiaries of the Company are guarantors. ANC does not have a material effect
on the operations of the Company. All material intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.
 
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 1997 and for the
three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 are unaudited, and have been
prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements included herein.
In the opinion of management, such unaudited financial statements include all
adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary to present fairly
the information set forth therein. Results for interim periods are not
indicative of results to be expected for an entire year.
 
                                      F-8

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    REVENUES
 
    Revenues are recognized when services are performed.
 
    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated utilizing
    primarily the straight-line method over the lives of the related assets. The
    useful lives of property, plant and equipment for purposes of computing
    depreciation are as follows:
 


                                                                                        YEARS
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                   
Building and improvements...........................................................   15-31.5
Transportation equipment............................................................    5-15
Furniture and fixtures..............................................................     5-7
Machinery and equipment.............................................................     3-7

 
    MARKETABLE SECURITIES
 
    In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 115,
AETC determines the classification of securities as held-to-maturity or
available-for-sale at the time of purchase, and reevaluates such designation as
of each balance sheet date. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when
AETC has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Held-to-maturity securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of
premiums and discounts to maturity. Marketable securities not classified as
held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale
securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of
tax, reported as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Realized gains
and losses are included in other income. The cost of securities sold is based on
the specific identification method.
 
    CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments which are
readily convertible into cash.
 
    INVENTORY
 
    Inventory at June 30, 1996 and 1997 primarily consisted of fuel, parts and
supplies which are valued at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is
determined on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis.
 
    As a result of the acquisition of Central effective July 1, 1997, inventory
at September 30, 1997 also includes new and used buses purchased for resale (see
note 6). Such inventory is also valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or
market value.
 
                                      F-9

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT RIGHTS
 
    AETC has acquired certain transportation contract rights with respect to
revenue contracts and travel routes. Such costs are amortized utilizing the
straight-line method over five years. Accumulated amortization at June 30, 1996
and 1997 and September 30, 1997 was $4,312,877, $1,301,917 and $1,618,372,
respectively.
 
    DEFERRED FINANCING AND OTHER COSTS
 
    Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related debt.
Other costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Accumulated
amortization at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1997 was $345,334,
$560,040 and $870,727, respectively.
 
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    AETC has recorded goodwill and a covenant not to compete with respect to the
acquisition of Central. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40
years. Covenant not to compete is being amortized on a straight-line basis over
five years. Accumulated, amortization at September 30, 1997 relating to goodwill
and covenant not to compete was $81,477 and $10,000, respectively.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    AETC follows the liability method under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 ("SFAS 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes." The primary
objectives of accounting for taxes under SFAS 109 are to (a) recognize the
amount of tax payable for the current year and (b) recognize the amount of
deferred tax liability or asset for the future tax consequences of events that
have been reflected in AETC's financial statements or tax returns.
 
    AETC files consolidated federal and state income tax returns with its parent
and fellow subsidiaries. The income tax charge allocated to AETC is based upon
the proportion of AETC's income to that of the consolidated group, which
approximates the charge which would be incurred by AETC on a stand-alone basis.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures of certain assets
and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The carrying value of financial instruments including cash and cash
equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable including retainage, notes
receivable, accounts payable, accounts payable to creditors and long-term debt
approximated fair value as of June 30, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1997 due
to either short maturity or terms similar to those available to similar
companies in the open market. Marketable securities are valued at quoted market
value.
 
                                      F-10

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
    Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are evaluated for
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amounts of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted
future cash flows from the use of these assets. When any such impairment exists,
the related assets will be written down to their fair value. This policy is in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," which became
effective for fiscal 1997. No write-downs have been necessary through September
30, 1997.
 
    EFFECT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS
No. 130"), which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. Comprehensive
income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from
investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, SFAS
No. 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements.
 
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," which supersedes SFAS No.
14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise," establishes
standards for the way that public enterprises report information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected
information about operating segments in interim financial statements issued to
the public. It also establishes standards for disclosures regarding products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 defines operating
segments as components of any enterprise about which separate financial
information is available that is evaluated regularly by Management in deciding
how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
 
    Both SFAS Nos. 130 and 131 are effective for financial statements for
periods beginning after December 15, 1997 and require comparative information
for earlier years to be restated. Due to the recent issuance of these standards,
Management has been unable to fully evaluate the impact, if any, they may have
on future financial statement disclosures.
 
4. RETAINAGE
 
    Pursuant to certain municipal school bus contracts, certain contractual
amounts (retainage) are withheld from billings as a guarantee of performance by
AETC. At June 30, 1996, the majority of retainage ($6,272,177 of $6,785,733) was
classified as current since AETC elected to replace its retainage with a
performance security bond and, at June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997 all
retainage is classified as current. All current retainage is included in
accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                      F-11

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
5. RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 1996 consisted of a
$1,120,000 U.S. Treasury Note used as collateral for a letter of credit issued
in connection with AETC's workmen's compensation, self insurance deductible
reimbursement plan and a $750,000 segregated money market account issued as
collateral in connection with AETC's banking facility with Fleet Capital
Corporation.
 
    At June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997, restricted cash and cash
equivalents consisted of a $1,120,000 of U.S. Treasury Note and $1,200,000 of
commercial paper used as collateral for letters of credit issued in connection
with AETC's workmen's compensation and vehicle insurance deductible
reimbursement plans, respectively.
 
    Included in cash and cash equivalents is $1,564,211, $1,307,842 and
$1,565,522 at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1997, respectively, which
represents cash and cash equivalents of ANC which are only available for use by
that subsidiary.
 
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property plant and equipment consists of the following:
 


                                                 JUNE 30,        JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   1996            1997            1997
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                     
Land........................................  $    5,684,372  $    8,484,373  $    9,229,373
Building and improvements...................      12,013,276      15,516,059      19,336,690
Construction-in-progress....................       2,249,815        --              --
Transportation equipment....................      93,879,673     112,863,875     139,231,759
Machinery and equipment.....................       6,533,367       9,138,859      10,573,867
Furniture and fixtures......................       1,114,322       1,801,002       2,579,864
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                 121,474,825     147,804,168     180,951,553
Less: Accumulated depreciation..............      63,281,110      72,836,574      81,805,512
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------
                                              $   58,193,715  $   74,967,594  $   99,146,041
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------

 
                                      F-12

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
7. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
 
    The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the marketable securities at
June 30, 1997 are as follows:
 


                                                                    JUNE 30, 1997
                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                                         
                                                                        GROSS
                                                                      UNREALIZED
                                                            COST         GAIN      FAIR VALUE
                                                        ------------  ----------  ------------
Available-for-sale:
  Equity securities...................................  $  2,467,651  $  136,918  $  2,604,569
  U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government debt
    securities........................................     4,054,254       3,722     4,057,976
  Corporate debt securities...........................     1,218,456       1,392     1,219,848
                                                        ------------  ----------  ------------
    Total available-for-sale..........................     7,740,361     142,032     7,882,393
  Less: Cash equivalents..............................     2,712,696      --         2,712,696
                                                        ------------  ----------  ------------
    Total marketable securities.......................  $  5,027,665  $  142,032  $  5,169,697
                                                        ------------  ----------  ------------
                                                        ------------  ----------  ------------

 
    The above marketable securities are held by a captive insurance subsidiary
and are available for use only by that company.
 
    Contractual maturity dates of the above securities are as follows:
 


                                                                        COST       FAIR VALUE
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                            
January-May 1998..................................................  $  3,163,362  $  3,163,547
August 2005.......................................................       149,531       149,695
July 2006.........................................................       298,201       298,653
November 2007.....................................................       293,070       292,028
November 2008.....................................................       317,935       316,170
July 2014.........................................................        21,060        21,240
February 2026.....................................................     1,029,551     1,036,491
No maturity date (equity securities)..............................     2,467,651     2,604,569
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                    $  7,740,361  $  7,882,393
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                    ------------  ------------

 
                                      F-13

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
7. MARKETABLE SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
    The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the marketable securities at
September 30, 1997 are as follows:
 


                                                                                SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                --------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
                                                                                GROSS       GROSS
                                                                              UNREALIZED  UNREALIZED
                                                                    COST         GAIN        LOSS      FAIR VALUE
                                                                ------------  ----------  ----------  ------------
Available-for-sale:
  Equity securities...........................................  $  2,489,649  $  400,037  $  (43,203) $  2,846,483
  U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government debt securities.....     3,661,820      37,669         ( 3)    3,699,486
  Corporate debt securities...................................     1,218,295       2,597       ( 180)    1,220,712
                                                                ------------  ----------  ----------  ------------
    Total available-for-sale..................................     7,369,764     440,303     (43,386)    7,766,681
  Less: Cash equivalents......................................     2,785,408      --          --         2,785,408
                                                                ------------  ----------  ----------  ------------
    Total marketable securities...............................  $  4,584,356  $  440,303  $  (43,386) $  4,981,273
                                                                ------------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                ------------  ----------  ----------  ------------

 
    The above marketable securities are held by a captive insurance subsidiary
and are available for use only by that company.
 
    Of the marketable securities, while all are available for use in the
ordinary course of business of the captive insurance company subsidiary,
$1,030,000 and $770,000 has been classified as current at June 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1997 respectively, in accordance with that subsidiary's cash on
hand and expected payments of claims in the next fiscal year.
 
    Realized gains and losses on marketable securities included in other income
amounted to $125,000 for the year ended June 30, 1997 and $108,000 for the three
months ended September 30, 1997.
 
                                      F-14

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
8. DEBT
 
    The following represents the debt outstanding at June 30, 1996 and 1997:
 


                                                       JUNE 30,        JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                         1996            1997            1997
                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                        
10 3/4% senior secured notes, due February 2004,
  with interest payable on February 1 and August 1
  annually(A).....................................
                                                    $     --        $  110,000,000  $  150,000,000
The following items denoted by an asterisk (*)
  were repaid prior to June 30, 1997 in connection
  with the refinancing referred to in(A):
(*)        8%-11.88% notes payable in connection
             with transportation equipment(B).....      27,870,715        --              --
8.65%-9.10% Notes payable in connection with
  transportation equipment........................
                                                          --              --             4,119,150
8% Mortgage on real estate located in Bordertown,
  New Jersey......................................        --              --             1,488,572
(*)        9.5% mortgage on real estate located in
             Bronx, New York......................       1,098,926        --              --
(*)        9.5% mortgage on real estate, located
             in Oceanside, New York...............         967,211        --              --
(*)        10% mortgage on real estate located in
             Staten Island, New York..............         829,767        --              --
8% mortgage on real estate located in Chittenango,
  New York........................................        --              --               728,143
(*)        9% mortgage on real estate located in
             Setauket, New York...................         381,130        --              --
(*)        8% notes payable.......................         530,810        --              --
(*)        8.75% note payable.....................         290,400        --              --
(*)        9.5% mortgage on real estate located in
             Queens, New York.....................       1,468,980        --              --
(*)        7% note payable issued in connection
             with acquisition of subsidiaries.....       1,997,137        --              --
(*)        9.75% mortgage on real estate located
             in St. Louis, Missouri...............         643,925        --              --
(*)        9.0% mortgage on real estate located in
             St. Louis, Missouri..................          43,335        --              --
(*)        Prime plus 2% construction loan for
             buildings being constructed in Staten
             Island, New York.....................         392,879        --              --
(*)        Term loan..............................       8,743,663        --              --
(*)        Revolving line of credit(C)............      13,505,039        --             1,635,000
Other.............................................         891,281         628,223         594,466
                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                        59,655,198     110,628,223     158,565,331
Less: Current portion.............................      11,328,497         140,008         595,203
                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                    $   48,326,701  $  110,488,215     157,970,128
                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------

 
                                      F-15

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
8. DEBT (CONTINUED)
- ------------------------
 
(A) On February 4, 1997, AETC issued $110,000,000 of 10 3/4% senior secured
    notes due 2004. The net proceeds from the sale of such notes were used to
    repay its existing indebtedness, buy-out of certain leases and for certain
    other corporate purposes. Such notes contain certain covenants, including
    limitations on payments of dividends. The notes were required to be
    registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission by July 3, 1997. The
    registration did not occur by its given deadline, and AETC is required to
    pay liquidated damages of $5,500 per week for the first 90 days and $11,000
    per week thereafter until such registration is effective.
 
   Penalties incurred upon the above-mentioned early extinguishment of debt and
    related unamortized deferred finance charges written off have been recorded
    net of their related tax benefits as extraordinary items.
 
   On August 14, 1997 AETC issued an additional $40,000,000 aggregate principal
    amount of 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004. The net proceeds from the
    sale of these notes were used to finance the acquisition of two bus
    companies as described in Note 16. These notes also contain certain
    covenants, including limitations on payment of dividends. The notes were
    issued at a selling price of 103.5% of the principal amount, which resulted
    in a premium of $1,400,000. The premium is being amortized over the term of
    the notes. The unamortized balance at September 30, 1997 was $1,364,100 and
    is presented on the balance sheet as a long-term liability. These notes are
    being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission concurrently
    with the registration of $110,000,00 aggregate principal amount of the
    Company's 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004. As mentioned above, the
    registration of these notes did not occur by its deadline. As a result,
    commencing August 4, 1997, AETC is required to pay liquidated damages of
    $7,500 per week for the first 60 days and $15,000 per week thereafter. The
    amount of these liquidated damages covers both offerings.
 
(B) Includes capitalized leases of $7,565,726 and $-0- at June 30, 1996 and
    1997, respectively, relative to vehicles with net book values of $7,532,724
    and $-0-, respectively, as of the same dates.
 
(C) In connection with the refinancing referred to in (A), the line of credit at
    June 30, 1996 was repaid and replaced with a $30 million revolving credit
    facility with a different lender. Borrowings under the revolving credit
    facility are available for working capital and general corporate purposes,
    including letters of credit, subject to the borrowing conditions contained
    therein.
 
   The revolving credit facility is secured by first priority liens on the cash,
    accounts receivable, inventory, general intangibles and documents and
    instruments related thereto of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries.
 
   The revolving credit facility expires on February 4, 2000, unless extended.
    The interest rate per annum applicable to the revolving credit facility will
    be the prime rate, as announced by CoreStates Bank N.A., plus 0.75% or, at
    the Company's option, the adjusted Eurodollar rate (as defined) plus 2.75%,
    and provides for a one-time 0.25% reduction in rates upon the Company
    reaching certain profitability levels. The Company is required to pay
    certain fees in connection with the revolving credit facility, including but
    not limited to an unused line fee of 0.375% on the undrawn portion of the
    first $22 million of the revolving credit commitment.
 
                                      F-16

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
8. DEBT (CONTINUED)
   The revolving credit facility contains negative covenants similar to those
    contained in the senior notes referred to in (A) and customary events of
    default.
 
   As of June 30, 1997, the Company had not drawn on this facility. As of
    September 30, 1997, the Company had borrowings of $1,635,000 at an effective
    rate which approximately is 9.25%
 
    Aggregate yearly maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 1997,
after the refinancing described in Note 8(a), are as follows:
 


                                                                                    TOTAL
                                                                                --------------
                                                                             
1998..........................................................................  $      595,203
1999..........................................................................         657,040
2000..........................................................................         718,099
2001..........................................................................         713,131
2002..........................................................................         647,361
Thereafter....................................................................     155,234,497
                                                                                --------------
    Total.....................................................................  $  158,565,331
                                                                                --------------
                                                                                --------------

 
9. INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
 


                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                   YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                          -------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                                 
                             1995        1996         1997           1996           1997
                          ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Current:
  Federal...............  $  483,000  $  687,000  $    --        $    --        $    --
  State and local.......     202,000     176,000        131,000       --             --
                          ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                             685,000     863,000        131,000       --             --
Deferred taxes..........     294,000    (104,000)    (1,490,000)    (1,748,000)    (1,342,000)
                          ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                          $  979,000  $  759,000  $  (1,359,000) $  (1,748,000) $  (1,342,000)
                          ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                          ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------

 
    Deferred tax liabilities are comprised of the following:
 


                                                      JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                        1996          1997           1997
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                       
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Depreciation....................................  $  6,794,000  $  9,808,000  $   10,762,000
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------
Deferred tax assets:
  Capital leases..................................      (219,000)      --             --
  Allowance for doubtful receivables..............       --           (105,000)       (105,000)
  Loss and tax credit carryforwards...............    (4,685,000)   (9,303,000)    (11,599,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                      (4,904,000)   (9,408,000)    (11,704,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------
Deferred tax liabilities (asset) (net)............  $  1,890,000  $    400,000  $     (942,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  --------------

 
                                      F-17

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
9. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The actual tax expense (benefit) differs from the tax expense computed by
applying the U.S. corporate rate of 34% as follows:
 


                                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                        YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                               -------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                                      
                                  1995        1996         1997           1996           1997
                               ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Tax expense (benefit) at
  statutory rate.............  $  853,000  $  734,000  $  (1,028,000) $  (1,444,000) $  (1,086,000)
Adjustments to tax
  contingency reserve related
  to bankruptcy issues.......     (70,000)   (136,000)      --             --             --
State and local tax expense
  (benefit)..................     202,000     176,000       (331,000)      (304,000)      (256,000)
Other........................      (6,000)    (15,000)      --             --             --
                               ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Actual tax expense
  (benefit)..................  $  979,000  $  759,000  $  (1,359,000) $  (1,748,000) $  (1,342,000)
                               ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                               ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------

 
    At June 30, 1997, AETC had the following carryforwards available.
 


                                                                TAX REPORTING  EXPIRATION DATE
                                                                  PURPOSES         THROUGH
                                                                -------------  ---------------
                                                                         
Investment tax credits available to offset certain future
  taxes.......................................................  $     967,000          2001
Net operating loss carryforwards..............................     13,350,000          2012
Alternative minimum tax credits available to offset certain
  future taxes................................................      2,267,000          None
                                                                -------------         -----
                                                                -------------         -----

 
10. FORGIVENESS OF DEBT
 
    In fiscal 1995, the Company had forgiveness of debt of $1,054,000 as a
result of the resolution of Federal claims following a reorganization in fiscal
1994.
 
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    AETC had amounts payable to the parent company of $82,932 and $17,405 at
June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively. AETC had notes receivable from affiliated
companies of $4,640,536, $4,790,379 and $4,879,880 at June 30, 1996 and 1997 and
September 30, 1997, respectively, and amounts receivable from affiliated
companies of $235,302 arising from cash advances. In connection with an
amendment to the notes issued January 1, 1997, the notes accrue interest,
commencing January 1, 1997, at 6.8% payable at maturity on July 1, 2004. During
the year ended June 30, 1996, AETC received management fee income from
affiliated companies of $255,000. No management fees were charged to or received
from related parties during the other periods presented. AETC incurred rent
expense of $224,550 for the year ended June 30, 1997 and $57,000 for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 under operating leases of real property from
affiliated companies.
 
                                      F-18

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    LEASES
 
    Minimum rental commitments as of June 30, 1997 for noncancellable equipment
and real property operating leases are as follows:
 


                                                                  YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                                            
                                                                     TRANSPORTATION
                                                      REAL PROPERTY    EQUIPMENT         TOTAL
                                                      -------------  --------------  -------------
1998................................................  $   1,887,538   $  2,298,546   $   4,186,084
1999................................................      1,739,191      1,777,038       3,516,229
2000................................................      1,435,849      1,342,829       2,778,678
2001................................................      1,403,551        755,761       2,159,312
2002 and thereafter.................................      7,577,330        713,525       8,290,855
                                                      -------------  --------------  -------------
                                                      $  14,043,459   $  6,887,699   $  20,931,158
                                                      -------------  --------------  -------------
                                                      -------------  --------------  -------------

 
    During the year ended June 30, 1997 and through the period ending September
30, 1997 as part of its normal course of business, AETC entered into various
rental and purchase agreements for replacement vehicles and additional vehicles
to satisfy new transportation contracts.
 
    Total rental charges included in cost of operations were $3,358,818,
$4,539,202 and $5,301,131 for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively, and $430,444 and $560,134 for the three months ended September 30,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
    LITIGATION
 
    AETC is a defendant with respect to various claims involving accidents and
other issues arising in the normal conduct of its business. Management and
counsel believe the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material
impact on the financial statements of AETC.
 
    EMPLOYMENT AND CONSULTING AGREEMENTS
 
    AETC is obligated under various employment and consulting agreements with
certain officers including the chief financial officer, which provide for base
annual compensation aggregating $1,382,666 subject to increase by a percentage
equal to the percentage increase in the Regional Consumer Price Index with a
maximum of 5% of base salary. With the exception of the agreement with the chief
financial officer, the agreements extend through January 15, 2002, subject to an
extension by the Board of Directors for up to three more years. Six months of
severance pay is payable in the event of nonrenewal of the agreements. The
agreement with the chief financial officer extends through January 1998.
 
    OUTSTANDING LETTERS OF CREDIT
 
    Letters of credit totaling approximately $3,527,000, $2,591,000 and
$2,591,000 were outstanding as of June 30, 1996 and 1997, and September 30, 1997
respectively. The letters of credit serve primarily as security in connection
with financial obligations.
 
                                      F-19

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    PERFORMANCE SECURITY
 
    The Company's school bus transportation contracts generally provide for
performance security in one or more of the following forms: performance bonds,
letters of credit and cash retainages. Under current arrangements, the Company
secures the performance of its New York Board of Education contracts through the
use of performance bonds plus cash retainages of 5% of amounts due to the
Company. In most instances, the Company has opted to satisfy its security
performance requirements by posting performance bonds. At June 30, 1997 and
September 30, 1997, the Company had provided performance bonds aggregating
approximately $20 million, and $44 million, respectively. In addition, at
September 30, 1997 the Company provided an additional $1.0 million of
performance bonds for supply of buses.
 
13. EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
 
    AETC offers an Employee Savings Investment Plan (the "Plan") under which
eligible participants can invest up to 15% of base earnings subject to a
specified maximum among several investment alternatives. An employer matching
contribution up to a maximum of 2.5% of the employee's compensation is also
invested. AETC's contribution was approximately $69,000, $69,000 and $64,000 for
the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and $37,000 for the
three months ended September 30, 1997.
 
15. MAJOR CUSTOMER AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    For the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the three months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997, revenues derived from the Board of Education of the
City of New York were approximately 57%, 50%, 47% 41% and 22% of total revenues,
respectively. As of June 30, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1997, AETC had
accounts receivable including retainage from this customer of $13,068,868,
$11,057,558, and $9,264,804 respectively. Fiscal 1997 revenues and accounts
receivable include $750,000 relative to this customer in connection with lost
revenues due to delayed school openings in September 1993. During fiscal 1995,
contracts with this customer were extended through the year 2000.
 
    At June 30, 1996 and 1997, substantially all cash and cash equivalents were
on deposit with one major financial institution.
 
16. ACQUISITIONS
 
    During the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, AETC acquired the
operations of several companies. Such investments included the purchase of
contract rights and vehicles. The acquisitions were not material to the
consolidated financial statements.
 
    Effective July 1, 1997 AETC acquired 100% of the common stock of Central New
York Coach Sales and Service Inc. and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. and related real
property (collectively "Central"). These companies are engaged in the sale and
service of buses as well as school bus contract operations. Total consideration
consisted of $26.5 million of cash less Central's long term indebtedness, as of
July 1, 1997,
 
                                      F-20

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               (INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND FOR THE
          THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
16. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
which was $4.8 million, and the issuance of mortgages of $2.2 million relating
to certain real property. In connection with the acquisition, the following
intangible assets were recorded:
 
                                              
Covenant not to compete........................  $  200,000
Transportation contract rights.................   1,200,000
Goodwill.......................................  13,036,393


 
    The Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 includes the results of operations of Central from July 1,
1997 through September 30, 1997. Had the acquisition of Central occurred on July
1, 1996, the pro forma consolidated results of operations of AETC for the year
ended June 30, 1997 and the three months ended September 30, 1996 after
elimination of inter-company transactions and after giving pro forma effect to
employment agreements, interest and taxes at 45% and 42% respectively would have
been as follows:
 


                                                            THREE MONTHS
                                                                ENDED
                                              YEAR ENDED    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                            JUNE 30, 1997       1996
                                            --------------  -------------
                                                      
Sales.....................................  $  222,451,018  $  49,330,097
Net loss..................................         333,570      1,608,188

 
    In May, 1997, the Los Angeles Unified School District awarded three
contracts to the Company for a period of five years, commencing September, 1997.
Results of operations relative to these contracts were not material through
September 30, 1997. The Company incurred approximately $13 million of capital
expenditures in connection with this entry into the Los Angeles market.
 
                                      F-21

               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
  of Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc.
  and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Central New York
Coach Sales & Service, Inc. and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. as of December 31, 1995
and 1996, and the related combined statements of income and retained earnings
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companies'
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Central New York
Coach Sales & Service, Inc. and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. as of December 31, 1995
and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          BDO Seidman, LLP
 
New York, New York
June 13, 1997
 
                                      F-22

                  CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC.
                           AND JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
 


                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ----------------------------    JUNE 30,
                                                                          1995           1996           1997
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                           
                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
 
                               ASSETS
Current:
 Cash...............................................................  $     169,391  $     606,688  $     207,441
 Note receivable (Note 5)...........................................        118,506        151,341        345,249
 Accounts receivable (Note 9).......................................      7,394,259      5,880,642      4,743,649
 Due from officers..................................................         74,964        293,195        414,222
 Due from affiliates................................................          3,832         36,492       --
 Inventories (Notes 6 and 9)........................................      3,189,687      5,976,831      8,661,047
 Current portion of direct financing lease (Note 7).................         38,781         43,115         45,460
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets..........................         66,707         93,838         80,529
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total current assets............................................     11,056,127     13,082,142     14,497,597
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Property, plant and equipment--at cost, net (Notes 8, 9 and 12).....      9,547,977      8,957,154      8,114,906
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Other assets:
 Note receivable (Note 5)...........................................        220,117         95,661        184,830
 Cash surrender value of life insurance.............................         33,443         41,588         44,758
 Net investment in direct financing lease (Note 7)..................         76,196         33,082          4,779
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total other assets..............................................        329,756        170,331        234,367
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      $  20,933,860  $  22,209,627  $  22,846,870
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current:
 Note payable--bank (Note 9)........................................  $   4,376,323  $   5,887,672  $   8,217,746
 Accounts payable (Note 17).........................................        723,874        614,875      1,723,910
 Current portion of obligations under capital leases (Note 10)......        169,897        196,300        211,003
 Current portion of long-term debt (Note 12)........................      1,614,695      1,599,589      1,543,787
 Accrued liabilities................................................        597,645        938,777        712,937
 Note payable--shareholders (Note 11)...............................        128,720        128,670        128,670
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total current liabilities.......................................      7,611,154      9,365,883     12,538,053
Obligations under capital leases (Note 10)                                  616,059        419,759        310,448
Long-term debt (Note 12)............................................      4,861,313      3,541,112      2,707,924
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total liabilities...............................................     13,088,526     13,326,754     15,556,425
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 15, 17 and 19)
Shareholders' equity:
 Common stock (Note 16).............................................         11,000         11,000         11,000
 Additional paid-in capital.........................................         24,000         24,000         24,000
 Retained earnings..................................................      7,810,334      8,847,873      7,255,445
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total shareholders' equity......................................      7,845,334      8,882,873      7,290,445
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      $  20,933,860  $  22,209,627  $  22,846,870
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------

 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-23

                   CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH & SERVICE, INC. AND
 
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
              COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 


                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                             ----------------------------------------  --------------------------
                                                 1994          1995          1996          1996          1997
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                      
                                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
 
Revenues (Note 18):
  Bus and parts sales......................    41,921,027    60,033,058    65,118,656    15,296,195    13,950,828
  Contract revenue.........................       936,185     2,168,957     4,285,349     3,279,398     3,395,219
  Other revenues...........................     1,589,452     1,592,801     1,267,445       150,720       265,965
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total revenues.........................    44,446,664    63,794,816    70,671,450    18,726,313    17,612,012
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Cost of revenues...........................
  Bus and parts costs......................    37,325,589    53,545,126    58,758,524    13,790,382    12,424,494
  Contract costs...........................       839,111     1,825,521     3,634,941     2,787,488     2,885,936
  Other costs..............................       871,515       965,992       925,855       105,504       186,175
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total costs............................    39,036,215    56,336,639    63,319,320    16,683,374    15,496,605
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Gross profit...........................     5,410,449     7,458,177     7,352,130     2,042,939     2,115,407
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.................................     3,572,167     4,567,730     4,726,644     2,186,572     2,673,118
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Income (loss) from operations..........     1,838,282     2,890,447     2,625,486      (143,633)     (557,711)
Interest expense, net......................       690,163       860,182     1,087,521       393,798       473,743
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Income (loss) before provision for
      income taxes.........................     1,148,119     2,030,265     1,537,965      (537,431)   (1,031,454)
Provision for income taxes (Note 13).......        17,600        31,849         8,426       --            245,974
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net income (loss)..........................     1,130,519     1,998,416     1,529,539      (537,431)   (1,277,428)
Retained earnings, beginning of period.....     5,873,210     5,919,918     7,810,334     7,810,334     8,847,873
Shareholder distributions..................    (1,083,811)     (108,000)     (492,000)     (200,000)     (315,000)
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Retained earnings, end of period...........  $  5,919,918  $  7,810,334  $  8,847,873  $  7,072,903  $  7,255,445
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------

 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-24

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
                   COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (NOTE 4)
 


                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                       --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                           1994           1995            1996           1996           1997
                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                     
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)..................  $   1,130,519  $   1,998,416  $    1,529,539  $    (537,431) $  (1,277,428)
                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    (loss) to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization....      1,248,088      1,583,596       1,814,473        937,078        876,046
      Bad debt expense...............         14,689         13,402          22,616         22,702         34,396
      Gain on sale of equipment......       --             --              --             --             (341,627)
      Changes in assets and
        liabilities affecting cash
        flows from operating
        activities:
      (Increase) decrease in:
        Accounts receivable..........        (17,500)    (2,787,276)      1,491,001        887,135        757,407
      Due from officers..............         40,187        (51,686)       (218,232)       (47,145)       (60,275)
      Due from affiliates............       (145,909)       203,614         (32,660)      (321,252)      (131,467)
      Inventories....................       (427,559)         3,539      (2,272,789)    (1,165,012)    (2,684,217)
      Prepaid expenses and other
        current assets...............        (22,981)        31,365         (27,131)        14,335         18,909
      (Decrease) increase in:
      Accounts payable...............         35,751       (190,581)       (108,999)        10,447      1,109,035
      Due to affiliate...............        110,908       (119,115)       --              325,084       --
      Accrued liabilities............       (292,045)       267,412         341,149         93,505        (57,682)
                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------
        Total adjustments............        543,629     (1,045,730)      1,009,428        756,877       (479,475)
                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------
        Net cash provided by (used
          in) operating activities...      1,674,148        952,686       2,538,967        219,446     (1,756,903)
                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  -------------

 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements
 
                                      F-25

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
             COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (NOTE 4) (CONTINUED)
 
                                                                  
Cash flows from investing
  activities:
  Payments received on note
    receivable................     297,372     127,413      205,254     139,962      62,113
  Increase in note
    receivable................      --        (238,592)    (113,645)    (57,744)     --
  Buses purchased.............    (155,608) (1,653,947)     (91,304)     --          --
  Recovery of investment in
    direct financing lease....      14,721      34,883       38,780      27,056      25,958
  Additions to property, plant
    and equipment.............  (1,174,410)   (361,079)    (502,915)   (272,015)   (178,636)
  Proceeds from sale of
    equipment.................      --          --          --           --         419,615
  Increase in cash surrender
    value of life insurance...      (4,695)     --           (8,145)     --          (3,170)
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by
        (used in) investing
        activities............  (1,022,620) (2,091,322)    (471,975)   (162,741)    325,880
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing
  activities:
  Net proceeds from
    financing.................   1,798,079  15,620,867   17,473,013   1,524,515   2,330,074
  Payments on short-term
    financing.................      --      (12,160,000) (16,182,500)     --         --
  Principal payments on long-
    term debt.................  (1,278,302) (2,103,801)  (2,258,311)   (974,113)   (888,990)
  Principal payments on
    obligations under capital
    leases....................     (33,561)   (147,046)    (169,897)    (81,883)    (94,608)
  Distributions to
    shareholders..............  (1,083,811)   (108,000)    (492,000)   (200,000)   (315,000)
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by
        (used in) financing
        activities............    (597,595)  1,102,020   (1,629,695)    268,519   1,031,476
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
Net increase (decrease) in
  cash........................      53,933     (36,616)     437,297     325,224    (399,547)
Cash, beginning of year.......     152,074     206,007      169,391     169,391     606,688
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash, end of year.............  $  206,007  $  169,391  $   606,688  $  494,615  $  207,141
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------


 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements
 
                                      F-26

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1. BUSINESS
 
    Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. is primarily involved in the sale and modification of
school buses to transportation corporations and school districts in the State of
New Jersey. In addition, the Company is involved with providing contract
transportation to various school districts.
 
    Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc. is primarily involved in the
sale and modification or lease of school buses to transportation companies and
school districts in Upstate New York.
 
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The combined financial statements include the accounts of Central New York
Coach Sales and Service, Inc. and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. (collectively, the
"Companies"). The financial statements of these entities are being presented on
a combined basis due to common ownership and control.
 
    All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    The following represents the more significant accounting policies:
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are comprised of buses and spare parts and are stated at the
lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market value.
 
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
 
    The cost of property, plant and equipment is depreciated over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line and accelerated
methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the asset life
or lease term using the straight-line method.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The Companies' shareholders have elected to be taxed under the provisions of
Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code and New York State tax law. Under
these provisions, the Companies' taxable income and other tax attributes are
passed through to the individual shareholders. Deferred taxes are provided under
the liability method in order to recognize the amount of future tax consequences
of events that have been reflected in the Companies' financial statements and
tax returns.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-27

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The carrying value of financial instruments including cash, notes
receivable, notes payable (including payable to shareholders), long-term debt,
accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to either
short maturity or terms similar to those available to similar companies in the
open market.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenue relating to bus sales is recognized upon delivery of the vehicles.
Revenue for school bus transportation (contract revenue) is recognized when
services are performed. Revenue for bus rentals is recognized over the lease
term.
 
    UNAUDITED INTERIM COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The combined financial statements as of June 30, 1997 and for the six months
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 are unaudited, and have been prepared on the same
basis as the audited financial statements included herein. In the opinion of
management, such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments
consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the
information set forth therein. Results for interim periods are not indicative of
results to be expected for an entire year.
 
4. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    (a) Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information are as follows:
 


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                                        1994         1995          1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                             
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest................................................................  $  629,500  $    930,864  $  1,011,380
Income taxes..............................................................      48,339        14,625        13,054
                                                                            ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                            ----------  ------------  ------------

 
    (b) Noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
 


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                                        1994         1995          1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                             
Long-term debt incurred for purchase of equipment.........................  $       --     2,450,000  $  1,143,786
Capital lease obligations incurred for purchase of buses..................     966,561       --            --
                                                                            ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                            ----------  ------------  ------------

 
5. NOTE RECEIVABLE
 
    At December 31, 1995 and 1996, note receivable consisted of notes with
interest ranging from 9% to 12%, maturing at various dates through September
1999.
 
                                      F-28

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
6. INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consist of:
 


                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          --------------------------
                                                                                             
                                                                                                        JUNE 30,
                                                                              1995          1996          1997
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Parts...................................................................  $    716,877  $    889,821  $  1,423,969
Buses...................................................................     2,472,810     5,087,010     7,237,078
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          $  3,189,687  $  5,976,831  $  8,661,047
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------

 
7. NET INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING LEASE
 
    The following represents the components of the net investment in a direct
financing lease:
 


DECEMBER 31,                                                                                   1995        1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                                  
Minimum noncancelable lease payments receivable...........................................  $  132,489  $   83,419
Less: Unearned lease income...............................................................     (17,512)     (7,222)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
Net investment in direct financing lease..................................................     114,977      76,197
Less: Current portion.....................................................................     (38,781)    (43,115)
                                                                                            $   76,196  $   33,082
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                            ----------  ----------

 
    Future minimum noncancelable lease payments to be received under such leases
through expiration and in the aggregate as of December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
1997...................................................................................................  $  49,070
1998...................................................................................................     34,349
                                                                                                         ---------
Total future minimum lease payments....................................................................     83,419
Less: Interest.........................................................................................     (7,222)
                                                                                                         ---------
Net future minimum lease payments......................................................................  $  76,197
                                                                                                         ---------
                                                                                                         ---------

 
                                      F-29

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Major classifications of property, plant and equipment at cost are as
follows:
 


DECEMBER 31,                                                                             1995           1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                              
Equipment..........................................................................  $     511,459  $     667,230
Office furniture and equipment.....................................................        425,042        507,775
Vehicles...........................................................................        458,441        529,210
Buses under contract agreements....................................................      5,332,212      6,069,111
Buses under operating leases.......................................................      5,964,974      5,430,020
Land...............................................................................         25,500             --
Building...........................................................................        188,866        188,866
Leasehold improvements.............................................................      1,533,232      1,709,783
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                        14,439,726     15,101,995
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization....................................      4,891,749      6,144,841
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     $   9,547,977  $   8,957,154
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------

 
9. NOTE PAYABLE--BANK
 
    Note payable to bank represents demand notes under revolving lines of
credit. The notes are secured by accounts receivable, inventories and equipment
and bear interest at prime plus 1/4%, and prime plus 1/2%. At December 31, 1996,
the Companies had $458,544 of unused lines of credit to be drawn upon as needed.
 
    In February 1997, the Companies entered into an agreement with the bank
whereby $923,000 was converted to a term loan. Accordingly, this amount has been
classified as long-term debt as of December 31, 1996 (see Note 12).
 
10. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES
 
    The Companies are lessees of buses under capital leases expiring in
September 1999. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at
the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value
of the assets. The assets are amortized over the lower of their related lease
terms or their estimated productive lives. Amortization of assets under capital
leases included in depreciation expense for 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $44,188,
$176,754 and $176,754, respectively. The net book value of assets under capital
leases was $486,071 and $309,317 at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-30

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
10. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES (CONTINUED)
    Minimum future lease payments under capital leases as of December 31, 1996,
through the end of the lease terms are as follows:
 


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    
1997.................................................................................................  $   273,096
1998.................................................................................................      273,096
1999.................................................................................................      204,822
                                                                                                       -----------
Total minimum lease payments.........................................................................      751,014
Less: Amount representing interest...................................................................     (134,955)
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       $   616,059
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       -----------

 
11. NOTE PAYABLE--SHAREHOLDERS
 
    Note payable--shareholders represents short-term unsecured notes bearing
interest at 9%.
 
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt consists of the following:
 


DECEMBER 31,                                                                              1995           1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                               
Loan payable to affiliate by common ownership in monthly installments of $1,681,
  including interest at 9%, through March 1996, unsecured...........................  $       4,967  $    --
Loans payable to supplier in aggregate monthly installments of $16,473, including
  interest at various rates ranging from 8.13% to 10.6%, expiring at various dates
  through September 1998, secured by buses..........................................        227,241        103,246
Loans payable to financing institutions in aggregate monthly installments (with the
  exception of skip payments in the months of August and September) of $61,485,
  including interest at various rates ranging from 8.95% to 10.57%, expiring at
  various dates through October 2000, secured by buses..............................      2,598,094      1,557,818
Loans payable to bank in aggregate monthly installments of $51,878, excluding
  interest at various rates ranging from 8.00% to 9.50%, expiring at various dates
  through August 2000, secured by buses.............................................      2,183,256      1,608,924
Loan payable to bank with a monthly installment of $16,785, plus interest at 8.37%
  through July 2002, secured by buses (see Note 10).................................       --              923,000
Loans payable in aggregate monthly installments of $45,034, plus interest ranging
  from 6.86% to 9.44%, expiring at various dates through April 2000, secured by
  buses under operating leases......................................................      1,462,450        947,713
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                          6,476,008      5,140,701
Less: Current portion...............................................................     (1,614,695)    (1,599,589)
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      $   4,861,313  $   3,541,112
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------

 
                                      F-31

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
    Principal payments of long-term debt through maturity are as follows:
 


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
1997................................................................................................  $  1,599,589
1998................................................................................................     1,201,623
1999................................................................................................       896,431
2000................................................................................................     1,157,892
2001................................................................................................       167,851
Thereafter..........................................................................................       117,315
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      $  5,140,701
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------

 
    SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    Subsequent to year-end, the Companies converted $923,000 from the line of
credit to a term note payable in 55 monthly installments of $16,785 plus
interest at 8.37%. The above conversion of debt has been reflected as of
December 31, 1996 (see Note 10).
 
13. INCOME TAXES
 
    Under New York State tax law, Subchapter S corporations having taxable
income in excess of $200,000 are subject to a franchise tax and surcharge. The
provision for income taxes consists of the following:
 


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                                               1994       1995       1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 
Current state taxes...............................................................  $  17,600  $  31,849  $   8,426
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------

 
    Deferred taxes have not been provided as they were immaterial for all
periods presented.
 
14. LEASES
 
    The Companies are lessors of buses under operating leases expiring in
various years through 2000. Minimum future rentals to be received on
noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1996 through expiration are:
 


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
1997................................................................................................  $    955,146
1998................................................................................................       767,536
1999................................................................................................       674,416
2000................................................................................................       167,379
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      $  2,564,477
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------

 
                                      F-32

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
15. RETIREMENT PLAN
 
    The Companies sponsor profit sharing plans under Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of all eligible employees. The plans
provide for the Companies' contributions as determined annually by the Board of
Directors. The contributions for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 were $20,097, $58,279 and $33,331, respectively.
 
16. COMMON STOCK
 
    Common stock as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and June 30, 1997 consisted of
the following:
 
    Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc.:
        Authorized--200 shares of no par value
        Issued and outstanding--100 shares
 
    Jersey Bus Sales, Inc.:
        Authorized--1,000 shares of $1.00 par value
        Issued and outstanding--1,000 shares
 
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    LEASE
 
    The Companies lease office space and shop facilities from their majority
shareholders under a month-to-month lease. Rent expense for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $354,045, $362,359 and $332,695,
respectively.
 
    In addition, the Companies lease computer equipment from their majority
shareholders under a month-to-month lease. Computer lease expense for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $15,000, $16,600 and $18,000,
respectively.
 
    DUE FROM OFFICERS
 
    Amounts due from officers consist of advances made to officers which are
unsecured.
 
    DUE TO AND FROM AFFILIATES
 
    During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Companies, in
the normal course of business, made advances to an affiliate by common ownership
and an affiliate in which a shareholder of the Companies owns an interest.
Advances are noninterest bearing and are payable upon demand.
 
    ADVANCES
 
    The Companies have received advances from an affiliate for operating
purposes. At December 31, 1996, the Companies owed $33,492 to that affiliate,
and such amount is included in accounts payable at that date.
 
                                      F-33

                CENTRAL NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC. AND
                             JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND FOR THE SIX
 
               MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
18. MAJOR CUSTOMER AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Companies had
sales to one major customer totaling approximately 8%, 19%, and 22% of its total
bus revenues, respectively. As of December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Companies had
no amounts outstanding from this customer.
 
    Also, during the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Companies
had contract revenue from three major customers totaling approximately 71%, 79%
and 79% of contract income, respectively. As of December 31, 1995 and 1996,
Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. had amounts outstanding from these customers of $428,000
and $-0-, respectively.
 
    The Companies' cash accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation up to $100,000. At December 31, 1996, the Companies' cash balances
were on deposit with two financial institutions.
 
19. LITIGATION
 
    The Companies are defendants with respect to various claims arising in the
normal conduct of business. Management and counsel believe the ultimate
resolution of these claims will not have a material impact on the Companies'
financial statements.
 
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    Effective July 1, 1997, 100% of the Common Stock of the Companies was
acquired by a transportation company.
 
                                      F-34

             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information (the
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information") has been derived from
the application of pro forma adjustments to AETC's consolidated historical
audited statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 1997 included
elsewhere herein.
 
    The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information gives effect to
the offerings of the Original Old Notes and the Additional Old Notes and the
acquisition of Central as if each had occurred on July 1, 1996. An Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1997 and Statement of
Operations for the three months ended September 30, 1997 have not been presented
because the acquisition of Central, which became effective on July 1, 1997, is
already reflected in the historical financial statements as of and for the three
months ended September 30, 1997. The pro forma adjustments are described in the
accompanying notes.
 
    The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is presented for
informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what AETC's
results of operations would actually have been if the aforementioned events had
occurred on the dates specified or to project AETC's results of operations for
any future periods. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information
should be read in conjunction with AETC's consolidated historical financial
statements, and the notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.
 
    The pro forma information presented on P-2 differs from the information
presented in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements due to
the additional inclusion on P-2 of the pro forma effects of the Original
Offering and other immaterial acquisitions where Note 16 purports only to show
the effects of the acquisition of Central.
 
                                      P-1

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 


                                                HISTORICAL       CENTRAL       ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                  
Revenues....................................  $  166,078,034  $   69,557,149    ($13,184,165 (1) $  227,368,109
                                                                                   1,025,000(2)
                                                                                   3,892,091(3)
Cost and Expenses:
  Cost of operations........................     136,068,428      60,351,956     (12,558,263 (1)    187,091,955
                                                                                     720,000(2)
                                                                                   3,635,182(3)
                                                                                    (166,348 (4)
                                                                                    (959,000 (5)
  General and administrative................      12,199,150       5,240,344        (161,375 (1)     15,055,551
                                                                                      37,500(2)
                                                                                      22,917(3)
                                                                                    (166,348 (4)
                                                                                  (2,116,637 (6)
  Depreciation and amortization.............      10,417,187       1,753,441         (19,553 (1)     13,443,415
                                                                                      75,000(2)
                                                                                      11,462(3)
                                                                                      53,968(4)
                                                                                     546,000(5)
                                                                                     325,910(7)
                                                                                      40,000(8)
                                                                                     240,000(9)
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                 158,684,765      67,345,741     (10,439,585)    215,590,921
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Income from operations......................       7,393,269       2,211,408       2,172,511      11,777,188
Net interest expense........................      (8,739,065)     (1,167,468)        (18,000 (3)    (16,690,893)
                                                                                    (174,477 (4)
                                                                                     111,385 (10
                                                                                    (827,000  11)
                                                                                   5,321,649 (12
                                                                                  (6,897,917  13)
                                                                                  (4,300,000  14)
Other income................................         133,977        --              --               133,977
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit
  from) income taxes........................      (1,211,819)      1,043,940      (4,611,849)     (4,779,728)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes...        (600,936)        254,400      (1,804,342  15)     (2,150,878)
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Income before extraordinary items(16).......  $     (610,883) $      789,540     $(2,807,507) $   (2,628,850)
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                              --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

 
                                      P-2

             ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    NOTES TO AETC PRO FORMA INCOME STATEMENT
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
 (1) Reflects the elimination of intercompany purchases of buses from Central by
    AETC.
 
 (2) Reflects the acquisition of a Medicaid business which occurred in January
    1997.
 
    Upon purchase of this business, AETC also acquired the assets used in
    connection with the performance of the business' contract and became the
    employer of the employees of the former owner of the business which
    performed under the contract. The Pro Forma Income Statement presents only
    the data pertaining to the Medicaid contract acquired with the business; the
    prior operating data and the removal thereof are not presented in the
    statement.
 
 (3) Reflects the acquisition of Sabella which occurred on April 30, 1997.
 
 (4) Reflects the purchase of facilities and the issuance of mortgages payable
    resulting in interest of $174,477 and depreciation of $53,968 in place of
    rent of $332,696.
 
 (5) Reflects the removal of certain historical lease expense and replacement
    with increased depreciation resulting from the termination of certain
    operating leases and the purchase of vehicles and other assets leased
    thereunder.
 
 (6) Reflects the adjustments to officers' salaries, expenses and fringe
    benefits of $2,116,637 to reflect the terms of employment contracts as
    provided for in the Central purchase agreement.
 
 (7) Reflects the amortization of excess purchase price of Central attributed to
    goodwill over a period of 40 years.
 
 (8) Reflects the amortization of excess purchase price of Central attributed to
    covenant not to compete agreement over a period of five years.
 
 (9) Reflects the amortization of excess purchase price of Central attributed to
    transportation contract rights over a period of five years.
 
(10) Reflects the replacement of certain accounts receivable with an interest
    bearing note resulting in interest income of $111,385.
 
(11) Represents the amortization of debt issuance costs for the Original Old
    Notes and the Additional Old Notes net of amortization of premium on
    issuance of the Additional Old Notes over their seven year term.
 
(12) Reflects the elimination of historical interest expense with respect to
    approximately $73.8 million and $13.0 million of indebtedness repaid as a
    use of proceeds from the Original Old Notes and the Additional Old Notes
    offerings, respectively.
 
(13) Reflects the interest expense relating to the Original Old Notes.
 
(14) Reflects the interest expense relating to the Additional Old Notes.
 
(15) Reflects the adjustment to income taxes as a result of the above
    adjustments using an effective tax rate of 45%.
 
(16) The above pro forma information does not reflect penalties from early
    extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.9 million and a further $0.9
    million write-off of remaining unamortized deferred finance costs relative
    to indebtedness retired with the Original Notes which would be recorded net
    of their related tax effects as extraordinary items.
 
(17) For the pro forma year ended June 30, 1997, earnings were inadequate to
    cover fixed charges by $4.8 million.
 
                                      P-3

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY OF THE
NOTES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 


                                                    PAGE
                                                    -----
                                              
Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................          14
The Exchange Offer.............................          22
The Old Notes Offerings........................          30
Capitalization.................................          30
Selected Historical Financial Information......          31
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations...................................          32
Business.......................................          40
Management.....................................          54
Ownership of the Company.......................          58
Certain Transactions...........................          61
Description of Revolving Credit Facility.......          62
Description of Notes...........................          63
Description of Capital Stock...................          85
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
  Considerations...............................          85
Plan of Distribution...........................          86
Validity of Securities.........................          87
Experts........................................          87
Available Information..........................          87
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and
  Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
  Information..................................         F-1

 
   
    UNTIL APRIL 27, 1998, (90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE NEW NOTES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN
THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS REQUIREMENT IS
IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
    
 
                                  $150,000,000
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                          10 3/4% SENIOR SECURED NOTES
                                    DUE 2004
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
   
                                JANUARY 27, 1998
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
    The following is a list of the estimated expenses to be incurred by the
Registrant (the "Company") in connection with the offering of the 10 3/4% Senior
Secured Notes due 2004 (the "New Notes"). All amounts shown are estimates
(except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee).
 
   


EXPENSE                                                                               AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
                                                                                 
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee...............................  $   44,250
Printing and engraving expenses...................................................      75,000
Legal fees (not including expenses)...............................................      50,000
Accounting fees and expenses......................................................      50,000
Exchange agent fees...............................................................       5,000
Miscellaneous expenses............................................................         750
                                                                                    ----------
Total.............................................................................  $  225,000
                                                                                    ----------
                                                                                    ----------

    
 
- ------------------------
 
*   to be filed by amendment
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
 
    Under the New York Business Corporation Law ("NYBCL"), a corporation may
indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or
proceeding, except for shareholder derivative suits, by reason of the fact that
he or she was a director or officer of the corporation, provided such director
or officer acted in good faith for a purpose which he or she reasonably believed
to be in the best interests of the corporation and, in criminal proceedings, in
addition, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In
the case of shareholder derivative suits, the corporation may indemnify any
person by reason of the fact that he or she was a director or officer of the
corporation if he or she acted in good faith for a purpose which he or she
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, except that
no indemnification may be made in respect of (i) a threatened action, or a
pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of; or (ii) any claim,
issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court on which the action
was brought, or, if no action was brought, any court of competent jurisdiction,
determines upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case,
the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for that portion of
the settlement amount and expenses as the court deems proper.
 
    The indemnification described above under the NYBCL is not exclusive of
other indemnification rights to which a director or officer may be entitled,
whether contained in the certificate of incorporation of by-laws, or when
authorized by (i) such certificate of incorporation or by-laws; (ii) a
resolution of shareholders; (iii) a resolution of directors; or (iv) an
agreement providing for such indemnification, provided that no indemnification
may be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a judgment or other
final adjudication adverse to the director or officer establishes that his or
her acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he
or she personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which
he or she was not legally entitled.
 
    The Restated Certificate of the Company eliminates the personal liability of
all of the Company's directors to the fullest extend allowed as provided by the
NYBCL. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that
the Company shall indemnify any director or officer of the Company made, or
threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding if such director or
officer acted, in
 
                                      II-1

good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case
of service for any other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the
Company and, in criminal actions or proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable
cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. No indemnification shall be made
for an action or proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a
judgment in its favor in respect of (1) a threatened action, or a pending action
which is settled or otherwise disposed of, or (2) any claim issue or matter as
to which such director or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
Company, unless and only to the extent a court determines the person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such portion of the settlement amount
and expenses as the court deems proper. In addition, the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company provides that a director's liability to the Company
for breach of duty to the Company or its stockholders shall be limited to the
fullest extent permitted by New York law.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    On February 4, 1997, the Company sold $110,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of its 10 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004 (the "Original Old Notes")
to Jefferies & Company, Inc. ("Jefferies"). The Company believes this offering
was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"). Jefferies has informed the Company that it
resold $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Original Old Notes to persons
it reasonably believes to be "qualified institutional buyers" ("QIBs")(within
the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A")) in transactions
meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and to a limited number of institutional
"accredited investors" (within the meaning of Rule 501 (a) (1), (2), (3) or (7)
under the Securities Act) in transactions not involving a public offering.
 
    On August 14, 1997, the Company sold $40,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of its 10 3/4 Senior Secured Notes due 2004 (the "Additional Old Notes") to
Jefferies. The Company believes this offering was exempt from registration under
Section 4(2) of the Securitites Act. Jefferies has informed the Company that it
resold $40,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Additional Old Notes to persons
it reasonably believes to be QIBs (within the meaning of Rule 144A) in
transactions meeting the requirements of Rule 144A.
 
                                      II-2

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
    (a) Exhibits.
 
   


  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
       3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       3.2   By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.1   Indenture dated as of February 4, 1997, including form of Note, between the Company, the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.2   Guarantee dated February 4, 1997 by certain subsidiaries of the Company and the Company (borrower
             guarantee)
       4.3   Guarantee dated February 4, 1997 by certain other subsidiaries of the Company and the Company
             (non-borrower guarantee)
       4.4   Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of February 4, 1997 among AETG, the Company and the Restricted
             Subsidiaries (as defined therein), and the Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.5   Collateral Assignment of Trademarks (Security Agreement) dated as of February 4, 1997 between the
             Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.6   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 14, 1997 among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined
             therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.7   First Amendment to the Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of August 14, 1997 among the AETG, the
             Company, the Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.8   Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 12, 1997, between the Company, the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.9   Second Amendment to the Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of December 12, 1997 among the Company,
             the Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
      *5.1   Opinion of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
      10.1   Registration Rights Agreement dated February 4, 1997 between the Company, the Guarantors (as defined
             therein) and Jefferies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.2   Loan and Security Agreement dated February 4, 1997 by and between Congress Financial Corporation,
             certain subsidiaries of the Company as borrowers and the Company as guarantor (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,
             filed October 15, 1997)
      10.3   General Security Agreement dated February 4, 1997 by and among the Company and the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) in favor of Congress Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
             to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October
             15, 1997)

    
 
                                      II-3



  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
      10.4   Collateral Assignment of Trademarks (Security Agreement) dated as of February 4, 1997 between the
             Company and Congress Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.5   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Domenic Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.6   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Michael Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.7   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Patrick Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.8   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Nathan Schlenker (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
             June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.9   Lease dated August 5, 1986 between Bonnie Heights Realty Corp. and Amboy Bus Co., Inc. and Notices of
             Option to Renew dated December 26, 1989 and May 10, 1996, respectively, by Amboy Bus Co., Inc. for the
             facility at 1752 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.10   Lease dated June 30, 1993 by and between Rockhill Limited Partnership and Mayflower Contract Services,
             Inc. and Sublease dated May 28, 1996 by and between Mayflower Contract Services, Inc. and Atlantic
             Express of Missouri Inc. for the facility at 6810 Prescott Street, St. Louis, Missouri (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.11   Lease dated August 1, 1995 between Stamar Realty Corp. and 180 Jamaica Corp. for the facility at 107-10
             180th Street, Jamaica, New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.12   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 0070, dated July 19, 1979 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.13   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 8108 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.13 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.14   Extension and Eighth Amendment of Contract for Special Education Pupil Transportation Services, dated
             June 19, 1996 by and between The Board of Education of the City of New York, Amboy Bus Co., Inc. and
             Staten Island Bus Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.15   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 9888 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.16   Extension and Sixth Amendment of Contract for Regular Education Pupil Transportation Services, dated
             January 2, 1996 by and between The Board of Education of the City of New York and Amboy Bus Co., Inc.
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)

 
                                      II-4

   


  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
     10.17   New York City Transit Authority Contract #94E5461B, Five Borough Paratransit Carrier Service: Part I
             Contract Terms and Conditions and Attachment I: Price Schedule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.18   Assumption Agreement to the Registration Rights Agreement dated December 12, 1997 among the Company, and
             the Guarantors (as defined therein)
     10.19   Stockholders' Agreement dated as of February 28, 1994 by and among AETG and each of the parties
             signatory thereto
     10.20   First Amendment to Stockholders' Agreement dated as of January 30, 1997 by and between AETG, Busco
             Capital, Inc. and the Gatto Group (as defined therein)
        12   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
        21   Subsidiaries of the Company
      23.1   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.2   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.3   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.4   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
     *23.5   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
     *23.6   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.7   Consent of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
     *23.8   Consent of Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano, P.C.
        24   Power of Attorney (included in the signature page hereof)
        25   Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1
        27   Financial Data Schedule
      99.1   Letter of Transmittal

    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
*   Filed herewith.
    
 
(B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    No schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Commission are required under the applicable instructions or
are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:
 
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
    (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities
       Act.
 
    (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
       effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
       post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
       aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
       the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
       or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
       securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
       deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering
       range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
       Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
       volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
 
                                      II-5

       maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
       Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement.
 
    (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
       distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
       any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
 
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration
Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising out of the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid
by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense in any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
 
                                      II-6

                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York,
State of New York, State of New York on January 27, 1998.
    
 
                               
                                ATLANTIC EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION CORP.
 
                                By:              /s/ DOMENIC GATTO
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                   Domenic Gatto
                                               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD,
                                       PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
    Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Domenic
Gatto, Nathan Schlenker and Peter R. Silverman, and each of the, as his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with exhibits and
shcedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, thereby ratifying and
confirming all that each said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the folowing persons in the capacities
on the dates indicated.
 
   
             NAME                         TITLE                    DATE
- ------------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------
 
                                Chairman of the Board,
      /s/ DOMENIC GATTO           President and
- ------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer    January 27, 1998
        Domenic Gatto             (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
                                  OFFICER)
 
                                Chief Financial Officer
              *                   (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL
- ------------------------------    OFFICER                    January 27, 1998
       Nathan Schlenker           AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING
                                  OFFICER)
 
              *                 Executive Vice President,
- ------------------------------    Secretary,                 January 27, 1998
        Michael Gatto             Treasurer and Director
 
              *                 Executive Vice President
- ------------------------------    and                        January 27, 1998
        Patrick Gatto             Director
 
                                      II-7


             NAME                         TITLE                    DATE
- ------------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------

              *
- ------------------------------  Director                     January 27, 1998
          John Shea
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director                     January 27, 1998
        Peter Petrillo

*By:  /s/ DOMENIC GATTO
      -------------------------
      Domenic Gatto
      Attorney-in-fact

    
                                      II-8

                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Amboy Bus Co., Inc., Staten Island Bus, Inc., Raybern Capital Corp.,
Metropolitan Escort Service, Inc., Merit Transportation Corp., Temporary Transit
Service, Inc., Atlantic-Hudson, Inc., Courtesy Bus Co., Inc., K. Corr, Inc.,
Raybern Equity Corp., Metro Affiliates, Inc., Midway Leasing Inc., Brookfield
Transit Inc., Atlantic Paratrans, Inc., 180 Jamaica Corp., Atlantic Express
Coachways, Inc., Atlantic Express of Pennsylvania, Inc., Atlantic Paratrans of
Kentucky Inc., Raybern Bus Service, Inc., G.V.D. Leasing Co., Inc., Block 7932,
Inc., Atlantic-Conn. Transit, Inc., Atlantic Express of Missouri Inc. Atlantic
Express of L.A. Inc., 201 West Sotello Realty, Inc. Central New York Coach Sales
& Service, Inc., Jersey Bus Sales, Inc., Atlantic-Chittenango Real Property
Corp. and Jersey Business Land Co. have each duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement of Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York on January 27, 1998.
    
 
                                            
AMBOY BUS CO., INC.                            BROOKFIELD TRANSIT INC.
STATEN ISLAND BUS, INC.                        ATLANTIC PARATRANS, INC.
RAYBERN CAPITAL CORP.                          180 JAMAICA CORP.
METROPOLITAN ESCORT SERVICE, INC.              ATLANTIC EXPRESS COACHWAYS, INC.
MERIT TRANSPORTATION CORP.                     ATLANTIC EXPRESS OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.
TEMPORARY TRANSIT SERVICE, INC.                ATLANTIC PARATRANS OF KENTUCKY INC.
ATLANTIC-HUDSON, INC.                          RAYBERN BUS SERVICE, INC.
COURTESY BUS CO., INC.                         G.V.D. LEASING CO., INC.
K. CORR, INC.                                  BLOCK 7932, INC.
RAYBERN EQUITY CORP.                           ATLANTIC-CONN. TRANSIT, INC.
METRO AFFILIATES, INC.                         ATLANTIC EXPRESS OF MISSOURI INC.
MIDWAY LEASING INC.                            ATLANTIC EXPRESS OF L.A. INC.
NEW YORK COACH SALES & SERVICE, INC.           201 WEST SOTELLO REALTY, INC.
JERSEY BUS SALES, INC.                         ATLANTIC-CHITTENANGO REAL
JERSEY BUSINESS LAND CO., INC.                 PROPERTY CORP.


 
                                                 
                                            By:        /s/ DOMENIC GATTO
                                                       ------------------------------------------
                                                       Domenic Gatto
                                                       Chairman of the Board,
                                                       President and Chief Executive Officer


 
                                      II-9

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   


  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
       3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       3.2   By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.1   Indenture dated as of February 4, 1997, including form of Note, between the Company, the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.2   Guarantee dated February 4, 1997 by certain subsidiaries of the Company and the Company (borrower
             guarantee)
       4.3   Guarantee dated February 4, 1997 by certain other subsidiaries of the Company and the Company
             (non-borrower guarantee)
       4.4   Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of February 4, 1997 among AETG, the Company and the Restricted
             Subsidiaries (as defined therein), and the Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.5   Collateral Assignment of Trademarks (Security Agreement) dated as of February 4, 1997 between the
             Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.6   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 14, 1997 among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined
             therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.7   First Amendment to the Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of August 14, 1997 among the AETG, the
             Company, the Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
       4.8   Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 12, 1997, between the Company, the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
       4.9   Second Amendment to the Security and Pledge Agreement dated as of December 12, 1997 among the Company,
             the Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York, as trustee
      *5.1   Opinion of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
      10.1   Registration Rights Agreement dated February 4, 1997 between the Company, the Guarantors (as defined
             therein) and Jefferies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.2   Loan and Security Agreement dated February 4, 1997 by and between Congress Financial Corporation,
             certain subsidiaries of the Company as borrowers and the Company as guarantor (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997,
             filed October 15, 1997)
      10.3   General Security Agreement dated February 4, 1997 by and among the Company and the Guarantors (as
             defined therein) in favor of Congress Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
             to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October
             15, 1997)
      10.4   Collateral Assignment of Trademarks (Security Agreement) dated as of February 4, 1997 between the
             Company and Congress Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)

    



  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
      10.5   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Domenic Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.6   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Michael Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.7   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Patrick Gatto (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.8   Employment Agreement dated as of January 21, 1997 between the Company and Nathan Schlenker (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
             June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
      10.9   Lease dated August 5, 1986 between Bonnie Heights Realty Corp. and Amboy Bus Co., Inc. and Notices of
             Option to Renew dated December 26, 1989 and May 10, 1996, respectively, by Amboy Bus Co., Inc. for the
             facility at 1752 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
             Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.10   Lease dated June 30, 1993 by and between Rockhill Limited Partnership and Mayflower Contract Services,
             Inc. and Sublease dated May 28, 1996 by and between Mayflower Contract Services, Inc. and Atlantic
             Express of Missouri Inc. for the facility at 6810 Prescott Street, St. Louis, Missouri (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.11   Lease dated August 1, 1995 between Stamar Realty Corp. and 180 Jamaica Corp. for the facility at 107-10
             180th Street, Jamaica, New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.12   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 0070, dated July 19, 1979 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June
             30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.13   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 8108 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.13 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.14   Extension and Eighth Amendment of Contract for Special Education Pupil Transportation Services, dated
             June 19, 1996 by and between The Board of Education of the City of New York, Amboy Bus Co., Inc. and
             Staten Island Bus Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.15   The Board of Education of the City of New York, serial no. 9888 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.16   Extension and Sixth Amendment of Contract for Regular Education Pupil Transportation Services, dated
             January 2, 1996 by and between The Board of Education of the City of New York and Amboy Bus Co., Inc.
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed October 15, 1997)
     10.17   New York City Transit Authority Contract #94E5461B, Five Borough Paratransit Carrier Service: Part I
             Contract Terms and Conditions and Attachment I: Price Schedule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, filed
             October 15, 1997)
     10.18   Assumption Agreement to the Registration Rights Agreement dated December 12, 1997 among the Company, and
             the Guarantors (as defined therein)


   


  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                   DESCRIPTION
- -----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
     10.19   Stockholders' Agreement dated as of February 28, 1994 by and among AETG and each of the parties
             signatory thereto
     10.20   First Amendment to Stockholders' Agreement dated as of January 30, 1997 by and between AETG, Busco
             Capital, Inc. and the Gatto Group (as defined therein)
        12   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
        21   Subsidiaries of the Company
      23.1   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.2   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.3   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.4   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
     *23.5   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
     *23.6   Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
      23.7   Consent of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
     *23.8   Consent of Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano, P.C.
        24   Power of Attorney (included in the signature page hereof)
        25   Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1
        27   Financial Data Schedule
      99.1   Letter of Transmittal

    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
*   Filed herewith
    

EX-5.1

                                                                    Exhibit 5.1

                      [Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue letterhead]
                                          
 
 
 

5130:jr                                                                         
910785-001-003                     January 27, 1998


Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.
The Guarantors named in Annex A hereto
c/o Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.
7 North Street
Staten Island, New York 10302-1205


Gentlemen:

          We are acting as special counsel for Atlantic Express Transportation
Corp., a New York corporation (the "Company"), and each of its subsidiaries
named in Annex A hereto (collectively, the "Guarantors"), in connection with the
proposed issuance and exchange (the "Exchange Offer") of up to $150,000,000
aggregate principal amount of the Company's 10-3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 
2004 (the "New Notes") for an equal principal amount of the Company's 10-3/4% 
Senior Secured Notes due 2004 outstanding on the date hereof (the "Old Notes"),
to be issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of February 4, 1997 (the 
"Indenture") by and among the Company, as issuer, certain of the Guarantors 
and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"), as amended by the First 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 14, 1997, by and among the Company, 
as issuer, certain of the Guarantors and the Trustee, and the Second 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 12, 1997, by and among the 
Company, as issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.  The New Notes are to be 
fully and unconditionally guaranteed (subject to insolvency and fraudulent 
convergence limitations), jointly and severally, on a senior subordinated 
basis (the "Guarantees") by the Guarantors.

          In rendering the opinions expressed below, for each of the Guarantors
organized in a state other than New York or Delaware, we have assumed (i) that
each of such Guarantors is duly organized and validly existing in its
jurisdiction of incorporation and has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Indenture
and the Guarantees and (ii) that the execution, delivery and performance of the
Indenture and the Guarantees have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of each of such Guarantors.

          Our opinions expressed below are limited to the laws of the State of
New York, the General Corporation Law of Delaware and the federal law of the
United States, and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other
law.



                                           



          We have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion, and based thereupon we are of the
opinion that:

     1.   When the New Notes have been duly executed by authorized officers of
          the Company, authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the
          Indenture and issued in exchange for the Old Notes in accordance with
          the Indenture and the Exchange Offer, the New Notes will be valid and
          binding obligations of the Company.

     2.   When the New Notes and the Guarantees endorsed thereon have been duly
          executed by authorized officers of the Company and the Guarantors,
          authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture and
          issued in exchange for the Old Notes in accordance with the Indenture
          and the Exchange Offer, the Guarantees will be valid and binding
          obligations of the Guarantors.

          We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Validity of Securities" in the prospectus constituting a part of such
Registration Statement.


                                   Very truly yours,


                                   /s/ Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
                                   Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue


                                      2



                                       Annex A

                                     Guarantors
              (each a New York corporation unless otherwise specified)


Amboy Bus Co., Inc.
Staten Island Bus, Inc.
Raybern Capital Corp.
Metropolitan Escort Service, Inc.
Merit Transportation Corp.
Temporary Transit Service, Inc.
Atlantic-Hudson, Inc.
Courtesy Bus Co., Inc.
K. Corr, Inc.
Raybern Equity Corp.
Metro Affiliates, Inc.
Midway Leasing Inc.
Brookfield Transit, Inc.
Atlantic Paratrans, Inc.
180 Jamaica Corp. 
Atlantic Express Coachways, Inc. (a New Jersey corporation)
Atlantic Express of Pennsylvania, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
Atlantic Paratrans of Kentucky Inc. (a Kentucky corporation)
Raybern Bus Service, Inc.
G.V.D. Leasing Co., Inc.
Block 7932, Inc.
Atlantic-Conn. Transit, Inc. (a Connecticut corporation)
Atlantic Express of Missouri, Inc. (a Missouri corporation)
Atlantic Express of L.A. Inc. (a California corporation)
201 West Sotello Realty, Inc. (a California corporation)
Central New York Coach Sales & Service, Inc.
Jersey Bus Sales, Inc. (a New Jersey corporation)
Atlantic-Chittenango Real Property Corp.
Jersey Business Land Co., Inc. (a New Jersey corporation)


                                      3

EX-23.5

   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5
    
 
                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
 
Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.
New York, New York
 
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this
Registration Statement of our report dated September 25, 1997 relating to the
consolidated financial statements of Atlantic Express Transportation Corp.,
which is contained in that Prospectus.
 
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectus.
 
   
BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
New York, New York
January 27, 1998
    

EX-23.6

   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6
    
 
                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  Central New York Sales and Service, Inc. and
  Jersey Bus Sales, Inc.
 
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus of Atlantic Express
Transportation Corp. constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our
report dated June 13, 1997 relating to the combined financial statements of
Central New York Sales and Service, Inc. and Jersey Bus Sales, Inc., which is
contained in that Prospectus.
 
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectus.
 
BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
 
   
New York, New York
January 27, 1998
    

EX-23.8

                                                                    Exhibit 23.8



            [Letterhead of Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano, P.C.]
                                          
               CONSENT OF SILVERMAN, COLLURA, CHERNIS & BALZANO, P.C

     We consent to the reference to us under the caption "Validity of
Securities" in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-42541) filed by Atlantic Express
Transportation Corp. (the "Company") and its subsidiary guarantors to effect
registration of the Company's 103/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2004 and the
guarantees thereof.




                              /s/ Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano, P.C.
                              Silverman, Collura, Chernis & Balzano, P.C.




New York, New York
January 27, 1998