Pocatello Transportation Company Acquires Yellowstone Transportation

Acquisition boosts regional transportation provider's capacity and versatility.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Southeast Idaho Transportation Company, a Pocatello-based transportation business, has acquired its competitor Yellowstone Transportation. The buyout combines Yellowstone's experience and trust with Southeast Idaho Transportation's expanded capacity, making it a stronger regional transportation provider. The owner of Southeast Idaho Transportation, Michael Blakey, says the acquisition has 'really boosted a lot of things' and expects it to continue growing in the coming years.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows the combined company to better meet the transportation needs of the southeastern Idaho region, providing more options for locals, newcomers, and visitors to explore what the area has to offer. As a longtime Pocatello resident, Blakey is passionate about showcasing the natural beauty and attractions of Idaho.

The details

Southeast Idaho Transportation Company, founded by Michael Blakey in June 2026, started with a single private bus and now has a fleet of three buses, a party bus, a shuttle bus, and a charter bus, two cargo vans, and one black SUV. Yellowstone Transportation was started two years ago by the owners of a popular downtown Pocatello restaurant, The Yellowstone. Blakey says Yellowstone Transportation mainly served 'VIP clients' like artists, singers, and performers coming to Pocatello, and he is excited to take on that business. The combined company now offers transportation services for a variety of needs, including birthday celebrations, bachelor/bachelorette parties, private and group shuttles to the Pocatello and Idaho Falls airports, and custom shuttle trips and community event support.

  • On Tuesday, Southeast Idaho Transportation Company and Yellowstone Transportation finalized the acquisition deal.
  • Blakey started Southeast Idaho Transportation Company in June 2026.

The players

Michael Blakey

The owner of Southeast Idaho Transportation Company, a longtime resident of Pocatello who started the company in June 2026.

Rory and Jennifer Erchul

The owners of the popular downtown Pocatello restaurant The Yellowstone, who started Yellowstone Transportation two years ago.

Southeast Idaho Transportation Company

A Pocatello-based transportation company that has acquired its competitor Yellowstone Transportation.

Yellowstone Transportation

A transportation company started two years ago by the owners of The Yellowstone restaurant in Pocatello, which has now been acquired by Southeast Idaho Transportation Company.

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What they’re saying

“I was very fortunate to be able to purchase this company from them at this time. (The acquisition has) really boosted a lot of things so far, and I can tell it's going to be even bigger this year and next year and every (year).”

— Michael Blakey, Owner, Southeast Idaho Transportation Company

The takeaway

The acquisition of Yellowstone Transportation by Southeast Idaho Transportation Company allows the combined entity to better serve the transportation needs of southeastern Idaho, providing more options for locals, newcomers, and visitors to explore the region's natural beauty and attractions.