August 15, 2004

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE BUS AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY LimoLiner appears on verge of success Operators BOSTON — LimoLiner may just turn out to be the “little luxury face tight coach that could.” Approaching the end of its first year of operation, the luxury bus security service that operates between the Delays, canceled trips and re- business centers of New York and routings were the norm for many Boston not only is still around but motorcoach operators and their it’s even grown. passengers in New York and Wash- Since it began making the ington early this month as a federal 200-mile, four-hour run last Octo- terrorist alert spawned new traffic ber, LimoLiner has expanded to restrictions and increased inspections. a seven-day-a-week operation by Operators reported that many of adding Sunday service. and it has the problems in the New York area purchased a third coach for its were caused by the closing of the fleet. Holland Tunnel, Williamsburg “We’re not breaking even yet, Bridge and Brooklyn Battery Tun- but we are growing steadily,” says operators say is among the tough- habits has proven to be a major marketing program that zeros in on nel to commercial traffic. founder and owner Fergus est in the industry — has not come challenge for the fledging compa- the business communities in the The crackdowns during the first McCann. “Sure we would like to easy, though. ny. two cities with targeted advertise- week of August were said to be even grow faster but we believe we are “This is a brand new concept To draw riders from the trains ments in local newspapers and more intense than in the months on track.” and we have to get established,” and planes that also shuttle busi- business magazines, some radio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Finding success in the fickle says McCann, stressing that get- ness people between New York and commercials, a few carefully select- One operator reported the run- luxury bus business — the type of ting business travelers and corpo- Boston, LimoLiner has been ed direct mailings and promotion. ning time from Elizabeth, N.J., to service that most motorcoach rations to change their riding counting on a half-million-dollar CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ New York increased by an hour, to two hours and 15 minutes. The congestion reportedly was Red Arrow: The great luxury success story not as bad as it could have been CALGARY, Alberta — Red because many commuters appar- Arrow Motorcoach has a secret, ently were either on vacation or and it isn’t telling. avoided rush hour. It’s not that the company In Washington, nearly all vehi- won’t share; rather, it’s because it cles approaching Capitol Hill expe- can’t quite figure out exactly what rienced delays because of closed the secret really is. streets and security checkpoints The Edmonton, Alberta– instituted overnight. based company has been beating Traffic was especially slow near the odds for 25 years by operating the World Bank and IMF buildings, a highly successful luxury coach which reportedly had been targeted service between the business cen- by terrorists. Some streets were ters of Edmonton and Calgary. closed and commercial vehicles Over the years, a number of near the area were being inspected. companies have tried their hand at Homeland Security Director similar services, but only a handful Tom Ridge raised the terror threat have found much success. Most level for financial institutions in cashed in within a year or so, say- New York, Washington, and ing not enough travelers were Colborne and General Manager secret of success. it. So, it’s really hard to say why Newark, N.J., to orange, or high willing to pay the price for the Joel Trudell have some ideas as to “A lot of companies have start- we’ve been so successful,” said alert, the second-highest level on nontraditional service of luxury why their company has been able ed similar operations and failed Trudell. the government’s five-point system. and special attention. to defy the trend, but neither can and some have even used us as He believes much of the Ridge said terrorists using trucks loaded with explosives could be Red Arrow President Michael pinpoint with certainty their true their model and still didn’t make CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ

BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 3 OPERATOR NEWS Rimrock Stages grabs runs in North Dakota BISMARCK, N.D. — On Aug. tain I-94 bus service and connec- 18, Rimrock Stages Trailways of tions with Minneapolis and Bill- Billings, Mont., will begin serving ings,” said Gov. Hoeven. all North Dakota towns along Greyhound’s big announce- Interstate 94 that have stops being ment in June that it was restructur- abandoned by Greyhound Lines. ing its northern and western region Initially, however, there will be hit North Dakota about as hard as only one Rimrock Stages coach in any state. It said it was dropping each direction and its westbound North Dakota service except for trip out of Fargo, N.D., will be Fargo, which would become the overnight. end of the line for westbound North Dakota Transportation Greyhound coaches across the Wrap promotes popular games Director Dave Sprynczynatyk an- northern U.S. nounced that Rimrock will start The new schedule looks like wearer in a high-tech walking com- bureau is using a bus wrap to pro- with one bus and assess ridership this: From Minneapolis, Grey- Operator donates mercial. Upwards of 10,000 cabs in mote the massive 2005–2007 patterns. “If it’s warranted, they will hound will arrive in Fargo at 10:20 coach for program major cities will soon be sporting Keystone Games, the state’s largest do more,” he said. Picking up a new p.m. and Rimrock will depart west wheel covers that promote Taco athletic festival. route through North Dakota is at 11 p.m. Previously, Greyhound YORK, PA — Marketers across Bell, Jiffy Lube and others. A coach owned by Bailey “quite an adjustment” for a region- had two westbound buses leaving the U.S. are trying all sorts of new But while marketers experi- Travel Services and Bailey Coach al line like Rimrock, he added. Fargo, at 1:15 and 9:30 a.m. gimmicks to capture increasingly ment with the new mediums, the Inc. of York has been wrapped with “The critical thing is that Rimrock will keep stops in fragmented audiences. ubiquitous bus wrap continues to a swimmer on one side and the they’re making all nine stops” that Valley City, Jamestown, Steele, Two of the latest advertising capture its share of the action. passing of a runner’s baton on the Greyhound is dropping along I-94, Sterling, Bismarck, Richardton, fads are ads placed on the wheel That’s because bus wraps are high other. Company owner John Bailey noted Don Canton, spokesman for Dickinson, Medora and Beach. covers of taxicabs and T-shirts with impact, mobile and cost effective. donated the coach for the promo- North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven. Rimrock service will continue west 11-inch embedded video screens In Pennsylvania, the York tional program. “It’s critical to North Dakota’s to Billings, Spokane and Seattle. County Convention & Visitors economic well-being that we main- and mini-speakers that turn the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 þ

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Air brake FMCSA to target outlaw buses, trucks WASHINGTON — Rogue The agency likely would work of Transportation numbers. “I can tell you that nearly every bus operators and truckers would with state and local law enforce- Hoemann believes there’s a sig- beating heart within FMCSA is roadchecks be the target of a new initiative ment authorities, as well as suppli- nificant number of over-the-road working on this issue,” he said. being planned by the federal gov- ers of equipment and services, such carriers that aren’t registered, and Horan said he believes the on Sept. 1 ernment. as new and used bus and truck they probably are the carriers in rejected rules represented an excel- Safety enforcement officials dealers or truck stops. greatest need of safety oversight, lent compromise among the de- WASHINGTON — The would go after carriers that try to Horan discussed the proposed Horan says. “We want to level the mands of safety advocates, eco- Operation Air Brake Campaign escape regulatory scrutiny and in- program at a meeting earlier this playing field and get unsafe guys off nomic needs of the trucking indus- is adding a new feature next surance responsibilities by operat- month of the Highway Committee the road.” try and mandates from Congress. He month to its annual program ing without federal motor carrier of the National Industrial Trans- Asked about the FMCSA’s re- noted that the regulation wouldn’t designed to improve commercial authority. portation League in Toledo, Ohio. sponse to last month’s federal court necessarily have to be changed if vehicle brake safety. The Federal Motor Carrier The league is an organization that rejection of the current hours-of- FMCSA successfully appeals the This year’s second Operation Safety Administration is consider- represents truckload shippers. service regulations, Horan said the court’s decision or comes back with Air Brake inspection program ing the “non-entrant” inspection Horan said the program is the agency is weighing its options and a regulation that offers further justi- will be Sept. 1, for 12 hours at program in an effort to ferret out brainchild of FMCSA Deputy Ad- would have a plan of action by fication of the agency’s choices. roadside locations across the renegade interstate operators, said ministrator Warren Hoemann, Aug. 30. That is the deadline for “I’m hoping (the regulation) U.S. and Canada. Charles Horan, director of the who’s concerned that virtually all the 45-day automatic stay of the goes right through the way it sits,” In addition to the brake FMCSA’s office of enforcement of the FMCSA’s efforts are aimed decision by the U.S. Court of Ap- Horan said. “To change back inspections, several truck stop op- and compliance. at carriers having U.S. Department peals for the District of Columbia. would be a Herculean task.” erators have volunteered to help sponsor Brake Safety Inspection/ Awareness events, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Blood alcohol limit is now .08 nationwide Alliance, which organizes Oper- DOVER, Del. – A blood alco- Puerto Rico also have adopted .08. recipients excluded Colorado, Del- 1, while the Minnesota law goes ation Air Brake. hol limit of .08 percent for drivers Six years ago, when Congress aware and Minnesota. Those states into effect Aug. 1, 2005. “These activities are intend- is now the law of the land. approved the Transportation had 2 percent of their federal high- According to preliminary esti- ed to further educate drivers and Delaware has become the last state Equity Act for the 21st Century, it way construction funds withheld as mates, 40 percent — 17,401 of mechanics on the importance of to change the legal limit to .08 per- provided $500 million in incen- of Oct. 1, 2003. The three passed 43,220 — of highway deaths in proper brake inspection, mainte- cent for drivers in that state. tives to states adopting .08 blood- the .08 limit this year, but missed 2003 were alcohol-related. nance and operation,” CVSA In signing the new Delaware alcohol laws. the fiscal 2004 deadline. A man who weighs 170 pounds said in announcing the event. law, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said At the end of June, the U.S. However, once a state’s law and consumes four drinks on an “This is especially important that lowering the threshold from Department of Transportation becomes effective, all withheld empty stomach would reach a because braking systems on com- .10 to .08 percent was “a major leg- announced fiscal 2004 incentive funds are restored to the state. blood alcohol concentration of .08 mercial vehicles are complicated islative victory.” She had backed grants totaling $47.8 million to 47 Colorado and Minnesota percent, according to National and contain many parts that the measure since 2001. states that had the .08 limit. adopted the .08 limit in May. The Highway Traffic Safety Admin- need frequent inspection and The District of Columbia and The 2004 incentive grant Colorado law became effective July istration attention to ensure proper opera- tion and safe performance.” Tougher air standards opposed The Truck Stop Brake Safety Five transit agencies seek WASHINGTON — A dozen The issue revolves around EPA Inspection/Awareness demonstra- trade associations are requesting a efforts to find a way to clean up the tions will be conducted by private charter operators meeting with Environmental Pro- exhaust emissions of older buses and CVSA-certified commercial ve- tection Agency officials to try to trucks. Adding PM filters could cost The following public transit 04915. Phone: (207) 338-4769. hicle inspectors and will be educa- head off possible tightening of air $8,000 to $10,000 per bus or truck. providers have informed the Martinsburg, West Va. Dead- tional rather than enforcement in quality standards for fine particu- In a letter to the EPA’s assistant United Motorcoach Association line: Aug. 31, 2004. Write to: nature. The demonstrations and late matter in the agency’s planned administrator for air and radiation, of their intent to provide charter Lynn Weiger, Director of Oper- the educational material will help review of a 1997 regulation. the group said EPA had not updat- bus service unless willing and able ations, Eastern Panhandle Transit drivers better understand proper It is believed that stricter soot ed health studies it used to set the private operators step forward to Authority, 446 Novak Dr., Mar- brake operation, how to recognize regulations could mean over-the- regulations and the associations offer their services, or to bid on tinsburg, WV 25401. Phone: potential brake problems and the road buses and trucks would have were concerned EPA would imple- need for properly maintained to be retrofitted with particulate ment stricter standards without contract opportunities. (304) 263-0876. brakes, says CVSA. matter filters. considering new studies. UMA urges appropriate oper- Monroe County (Woods- The educational material also ators to take the time to respond field), Ohio. Deadline: Sept. 8, will be available to drivers whose EPA funds biodiesel fuel study to these notices: 2004. Write to: Denise Potts, vehicles will be inspected at the Austin, Texas. Deadline: Aug. Transit Coordinator, Monroe Operation Air Brake roadside WASHINGTON — The En- biodiesel to meet the school’s diesel vironmental Protection Agency is fuel needs, said EPA. 16, 2004. Write to: Fred Gilliam, County, P.O. Box 507, Woods- inspections. President and CEO, Capital Met- field, OH 43793. Phone: (740) In May, “unannounced” Op- funding a pilot project at the Uni- “Recognizing that biodiesel fuel versity of Nevada in Reno intend- provides numerous environmental ropolitan Transportation Author- 472-2531. eration Air Brake inspections ed to reduce production costs for advantages over petroleum diesel, ity, 2910 E. 5th St., Austin, TX Ottawa County (Port Clin- were conducted at locations biodiesel fuel, as well as the this pilot will produce a more cost- throughout North America. 78702. Phone: (512) 474-1200. ton), Ohio. Deadline: Sept. 17, amount of nitrogen oxides emitted effective biodiesel formulation that For more information about Waldo County (Belfast), 2004. Write to: Ottawa County during biodiesel production. should reduce the amount of nitro- Maine. Deadline: Aug. 16, 2004. Transportation Agency, 1702 W. Operation Air Brake, contact The university received nearly gen oxides emitted during the Write to: Waldo County Transpor- Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH Steve Keppler at CVSA, (202) $70,000 that it is using for a mobile biodiesel production process,” the 775-1623 Ext. 106. processing unit to produce enough agency said. tation, P.O. Box 130, Belfast, ME 43451. Phone: (419) 732-7433. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 5 THE DOCKET Illinois to rollback fees; gets tough on large vans SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The these vehicles for maintenance their passengers’ safety,” said Bla- ing state law to classify large vans maintenance and safety require- business climate may soon get and safety, even though they are gojevich. “Studies have shown as commercial motor vehicles. The ments and drivers would be noticeably better for motorcoach run as commercial vehicles. these vans are more likely to be change only applies to vans being required to meet specific qualifica- operators in Illinois. “This was a loophole in the involved in a rollover accident, driven a distance greater than 75 tions and hours of service. Late last month, the Illinois law, an oversight, that allowed placing their customers at a higher miles and charging customers for Currently, there are no minimum House approved a bill (HB714), these companies to operate these risk of injury or even death.” their service. Under the new law, requirements for drivers. which had been passed earlier by vans without regulations ensuring House Bill 4833 amends exist- the vans will be inspected for The law is effective immediately. the state Senate, that restores some of the rolling stock exemptions and reduces the Commercial Dis- tribution Fee that was imposed as a result of legislation passed last year. The bill is now on the gover- nor’s desk awaiting his signature. The Illinois Motorcoach Associa- tion reports that indications are good the governor will approve the bill, but the association is urging its members to write to Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, asking him to sign the bill. The bill provides that the Commercial Distribution Fee, cur- rently calculated as a 36 percent surcharge on a motorcoach regis- tration, will be reduced to a 21.5 percent surcharge on July 1, 2005, and then to 14.35 percent on July 1, 2006. For a 36,001–40,000-pound motorcoach registration, the Com- mercial Distribution Fee would be reduced from the current $432.72 to $258.43 in 2005, and $172.49 in 2006. That means the total plate fee for a 40,000-pound coach, including the Commercial Distri- bution Fee, will drop from the cur- rent $1,634.72, to $1,460.43 and then to $1,374.49. Additionally, the sponsors of the bill have indicated they plan to revisit the schedule during the 2006 legislative session to repeal the fee. Illinois legislators also made substantial changes to the rolling stock sales tax exemption. Retro- active to July 1, to qualify for the exemption, the vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight rating over 16,000 pounds and must be used for commercial purposes and be engaged in interstate commerce for 50 percent of its trips or miles. The bill restores the point-to-point provision that allows in-state vehi- cles whose trips originate or termi- nate outside the state (even if that trip occurs entirely within the state) to qualify for the rolling stock exemption. Meanwhile, Gov. Blagojevich has signed into law a measure aimed directly at improving the safety performance of companies operating 9–15 passenger vans. Prior to the governor’s action, the Illinois Department of Transporta- tion had no authority to inspect 6 — August 15, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS THE DOCKET On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices NTSB recommends Cents per Gallon Price of diesel 200 185 recorders for autos hits new record, 170 WASHINGTON — The Na- 42 data elements, including the Y G R

E tional Transportation Safety Board time it takes for air bags to deploy. N

155 E F O wants the federal government to The NTSB recommendation . . T P

140 E

averages $1.81 D require data recorders, or “black arose from an investigation into a . S . U

: boxes,” in all individual passenger crash last year in Santa Monica,

125 E

Diesel fuel prices soared off the charts during the C R U

O vehicles so speed, seat belt use, brak- Calif. Safety investigators were second week of August, climbing past $1.80 a gallon 110 S ing and other factors will be recorded. unable to interview the elderly for the first time since the federal government began Jul Oct Jan Apr Jul The recommendation appears driver who stepped on the gas tracking prices 10 years ago. 2002-03 2003-04 to be at odds with a statement ear- pedal instead of the brake, plowing The national average retail price increased 6 lier this summer from the National into an open-air market, killing 10 cents a gallon during the most recent two-week peri- Diesel Fuel Prices Highway Traffic Safety Adminis- people and injuring more than 60. od, climbing to $1.814. The U.S. average for diesel Cents per Gallon Change from Price Week Ago Year Ago tration which said it saw no need The board concluded investiga- fuel is 32.2 cents per gallon higher than the same U.S. 181.4 L-3.4 L32.2 to require black boxes in vehicles tors could have gained a better sci- week one year ago. East Coast 180.3 L-3.8 L32.1 because automakers are adding entific understanding of the driver’s Prices soared on the East Coast, in the Midwest New England 188.9 L-3.2 L31.8 them voluntarily to more models. behavior had his vehicle been out- and in Gulf of Mexico states. West of the Rockies, Central Atlantic 189.1 L-3.5 L31.8 The NTSB, which only has the fitted with an event data recorder. prices actually dipped, falling a modest 0.2 cents in Lower Atlantic 175.8 L-4.1 L32.4 power to investigate and recom- Proponents of black boxes in California to $2.113. Prices fell by 0.6 cents for the Midwest 178.1 L-4.3 L30.7 mend, did not mention commercial passenger vehicles say they could entire West Coast. Gulf Coast 175.6 L-3.4 L30.9 vehicles in its recommendation. provide investigators with an ex- Still, California coach operators are paying 40 Rocky Mountain 184.9 L-2.6 L34.4 The NHTSA says that haustive database that could high- West Coast 203.0 -0.6 38.2 cents a gallon more than a year ago, and all West M L between 65 and 90 percent of light flaws in auto and road designs. California 211.3 -0.2 L39.8 Coast drivers are paying at least 38 cents a gallon M 2004-model vehicles have some Critics worry about who would more than last year. prices on the horizon. sort of recording ability, and about get access to the information. Motorcoach companies are paying the least in Higher prices may, in fact, be coming. Crude oil 15 percent have data recorders. AAA, the nation’s largest auto southern states, particularly along the Gulf Coast and futures have been trading in the $42-to-$44 a barrel Any requirement would have to be club, says it would support requir- in the Lower Atlantic region, where prices averaged range, the highest level since oil futures began trad- imposed by the NHTSA. ing black boxes only if protections around $1.76 a gallon. ing on the New York Mercantile Exchange in 1983. The highway safety agency has were in place to assure the data are Record oil prices, terror threats and concerns over Legal issues with a Russian oil producer, ongoing proposed that by September 2008, used just for safety research and fuel supplies are being blamed for the push of diesel concerns over terrorism and record demand have recorders be able to collect up to can’t be traced to specific drivers. prices to record highs. After months of flirting with a pushed crude prices to new levels. new record, the average national retail price of diesel On the plus side, Saudi Aramco, the world's broke through during the first week of this month. largest oil company, said it started production at two Animals blamed for 26,000 The previous record had been set in March 2003, new fields in Saudi Arabia three months ahead of during the build-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, schedule and may delay the shutdown of older wells vehicle crashes annually when prices of crude oil, diesel and gasoline surged. to help meet increased oil demand. ATLANTA — Critters, from of Bus & Motorcoach News, quoted By the end of April 2003, however, the diesel aver- The Department of Energy said gasoline supplies deer to squirrels, are to blame for the Maine Department of Trans- age was back around $1.50 a gallon. gained 2.4 million barrels to 210.1 million, the high- more than 26,000 injuries along portation as urging driver to aim The current run-up in prices has been more sus- est since February 2003. That resulted in an easing of the nation’s roads each year, the for the tail of a deer or moose if a tained. The national average has been above $1.70 gasoline prices at the retail pump to a national aver- federal government reports. crash is unavoidable. That suppos- for more than four months, with no sign of lower age of $1.88 a gallon. For the first time, the U.S. edly reduces the chances of an Centers for Disease Control and antlered animal crashing through Prevention has examined how the windshield. many people suffer nonfatal Each year, about 200 people Test not required until driver hired injuries in accidents involving ani- die in animal-related crashes out of WASHINGTON – Federal reg- tation of the rule in response to a (drug) test and results, as specifi- mals. The CDC says 9 out of 10 the nearly 44,000 traffic fatalities ulations specify that before a motor- request submitted by Consolidated cally required by (49 CFR Part car-animal accidents involve deer. nationwide. There were 247,000 coach driver can transport pas- Safety Services Inc. of Fairfax, Va., 382.301, be completed and provid- In half of the animal-related crashes involving animals in 2000, sengers in interstate commerce, he on behalf of the North Carolina ed to a motor carrier prior to the accidents surveyed in 2001–02, according to the latest federal or she must have passed a drug test. Motorcoach Association; Carolina road test, when one is conducted, motorists were injured by hitting highway data available. But does that mean a driver American Tours of Greensboro, required by 49 CFR Part 391.31?” the animal, while the other half Although most accidents in- must have taken and passed a drug N.C.; the United Motorcoach In her response, Sandberg said were hurt when they swerved to volve deer, the CDC study also found test before he or she completes a Association, and the American the rules specify that “an employer avoid hitting the animals, said that cows, squirrels, bears, dogs and Ann Dellinger of CDC’s motor raccoons are frequently involved. road test as part of the hiring Bus Association. must obtain a verified negative vehicle injury prevention team. The CDC said putting tall process? The issue arose when school controlled-substance test result “We can’t really say whether it’s fences at deer crossings and chan- Or, does an individual who is bus authorities in North Carolina prior to dispatching a driver on his better to brake or better to swerve neling deer to underpasses would applying for a job as a driver have hired an inspector to conduct pre- or her first trip.” “His or her first and avoid the animal,” Dellinger help reduce incidents, but noted to successfully pass a drug test business audits of motorcoach trip” is set apart from the road test- said. “You have to drive responsibly.” the cost might be prohibitive for before they’ve actually been hired? operators that want to conduct ing activity and is therefore treated An article in the May 15 issue many public road budgets. The answer to both of those charters on behalf of schools in differently in the matter of pre- questions is no, says the adminis- North Carolina. employment testing, said Sandberg. trator of the Federal Motor Carrier The overzealous inspector was The road test required by feder- Delco Remy changes name Safety Administration Annette M. failing coach operators for not con- al regulations, she continued, is ANDERSON, Ind. — Vehicle It said it would continue to Sandberg. ducting drug tests on drivers that separate from an actual dispatch parts maker Delco Remy Inter- market starters and heavy-duty Drivers must have a negative haven’t completed the hiring on a road trip. The drug test national Inc. has changed its cor- alternators for original equipment drug test before they take the process or been road tested. requirement set out in the federal porate name to Remy Inter- and aftermarket customers under wheel with paying passengers sit- Bradford Watkins, assistant rules is not required until a job national Inc. the Delco Remy trademark, which ting behind them. It’s not manda- project manager for Consolidated offer is made and before the dri- Delco said in a statement that is licensed to the company by GM. tory they have one before then, Safety Services, in a letter of ver’s performance of the first safety August marks the 10th anniversary The company headquarters according to Sandberg. Sandberg posed the following sensitive function, Sandberg of it becoming a separate company and technical center will remain Sandberg offered her interpre- question: “Must a pre-employment added. from General Motors Corp. in Anderson. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 7 INDUSTRY NEWS MCI is with you all the way.

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We are America’s coach. © Motor Coach Industries, Inc. 2004, All Rights Reserved 8 — August 15, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS OPINION Trading down to trade up Highway Watch continues A new study by a management one-size-fits-all offerings from ume niche of an industry, or they to gear up operations consulting group suggests consumer Greyhound, the Trailways affiliates, sell large quantities at a relatively WASHINGTON — In its re- renting commercial vehicles with- spending is polarizing across a num- and a handful of other regional low price. port on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, out the proper identification. ber of industries. Consumers are operators. The Boston consultants make the 9/11 Commission concluded The goal is to train more than trading up to more luxurious goods However, in the competitive the point that if companies are able that the absence of information 400,000 sets of eyes to monitor the in areas that matter to them, while Boston-to-New York market, cus- to tap into a polarization of cus- about potential threats and the nation’s highways. In addition, the trading down and shopping for bar- tomers have an opportunity to shift tomer spending, they can sell a inability of intelligence and law en- establishment of the Highway gains in areas that matter less. their spending away from these tra- higher-priced product and increase forcement agencies to share infor- Watch Hotline allows the trained When trading up, consumers ditional offerings. volumes at the same time. mation effectively rendered the U.S. individuals to report suspicious are willing to pay more for high- At the high end of the spec- Starbucks is the classic exam- blind to what was about to happen. activity. Calls are taken at the pro- quality branded products and serv- trum is LimoLiner, a luxury bus ple. Coffee consumption in the With this in mind, the U.S. gram’s call center, where profession- ices. They fund their high-priced service whose coaches seat 28, in U.S. was decreasing before Transportation Security Adminis- als collect relevant information such purchases by trading down and comparison to the 55-seat capacity Starbucks entered the market; tration — under the Department of as location, time and descriptions. seeking the lowest-cost items — of a conventional 45-foot coach. since its entrance, the volume of Homeland Security — is trying to This information is then re- often switching brands or buying (See story on Page 1.) coffee sold in the U.S. has bridge the gap between law ported to local authorities who can private-label products — in cate- Launched last October, Limo- increased despite the fact that a cup enforcement agencies and those in quickly respond to and investigate gories that matter less. Liner charges $138 round-trip, of coffee at Starbucks can easily the private sector that may hold any irregularities. This trend has important impli- more than double the $55 charged cost more than $3. missing pieces to the puzzle known The information also is sent to cations for a number of industries. by Greyhound (but significantly Profits are weighted at the ends as counterterrorism intelligence. intelligence analysts at the High- For example, traditional grocery less than the airline shuttles). of the spectrum. The consultants Specifically, the TSA has estab- way Information Sharing and chains are caught between dis- LimoLiner provides roomy leather estimate that in most product cate- lished the Highway Information Analysis Center at the TSA opera- counters like Costco that offer seats, Internet access, TV, power gories, new luxury goods (goods on Sharing and Analysis Center and tions center. They in turn collate, much lower prices (but less variety) outlets and an on-board concierge. which consumers are splurging) it has reoriented the American analyze and disseminate any rele- and stores like Whole Foods that At the other end of the spec- account for only about 20 percent Trucking Associations’ Highway vant incidents originating from the have a higher quality offering. trum is Fung Wah Bus. This service of industry volume, but as much as Watch Program. Highway Watch call center. The Boston Consulting Group, has been carrying passengers from 60 percent of profits. At the same Although the Highway Watch In addition, these analysts have a management consultancy, re- Chinatown in Boston to China- time, the low-cost end of the spec- program began in 1998 as an ATA access to other information re- leased a report last month that town in New York for $10 for the trum can also be highly profitable highway safety initiative, the pro- sources, such as law enforcement examines this trend across several past eight years. The seats on Fung for companies with the leanest cost product categories — everything Wah are cramped, there are no on- structures, as Wal-Mart and gram has been expanded to link contacts and private sector busi- from transportation to beer. The board services, and there is no ter- Southwest Airlines have clearly transportation professionals with nesses that may have otherwise report is an update on the book minal at either end — passengers demonstrated. law enforcement and the intelli- remained untapped by the intelli- Trading Up: The New American are picked up and dropped off curb- Though still not yet readily evi- gence community in an effort that gence community. Luxury that two of the consulting side. dent in all consumer segments of works to reduce the possibility that Together with colleagues from group’s partners published last year. But, the company claims to be the economy, the polarization of a commercial vehicle is ever used as federal agencies such as the FBI, The report includes an in- the largest bus service operating customer spending appears to be a a weapon. ATF and the military, these ana- depth discussion of the travel between New York and Boston. fundamental and growing trend. Highway Watch is training lysts can begin to detect patterns industry, with a particular focus on The Boston Consulting Group The next time you find yourself truck and bus drivers, truck stop and trends that may give vital a seemingly unlikely segment: over- report suggests that traditional shelling out $60 for a ticket to a operators and other transportation information concerning the where, the-road bus transportation. The demand curve economics don’t Cyndi Lauper concert and show up personnel to identify and report when and how terrorists may strike. study authors say bus travel pro- always hold. In Economics 101, we for the event in slacks you had dry suspicious activity that may be con- If you would like to participate vides an outstanding illustration of were taught the demand curve is cleaned for $1.75, it may be worth sidered a security threat. or know more about the Highway the polarization of consumer fundamental in a competitive mar- thinking about where you person- This could include reporting Watch or the Highway ISAC, go to spending. ket. There is a trade-off between ally trade up and trade down, and stolen buses or trucks, suspicious the ISAC website at www.highway- Traditionally, bus travel has price and quantity, and companies whether there is an application to surveillance activity of critical isac.org or send an e-mail to been dominated by standardized, either have a high-price, low-vol- segments of your business. infrastructure or suspicious persons [email protected].

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 36 To submit or report news, To contact the United Motorcoach Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: Association: Oklahoma City E-mail: [email protected] Call: (800) 424-8262 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 or go to: www.uma.org Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. or (877) 510-5602 Stauton, Va. To e-mail advertisements Mail: 717 West Pierson #160 or photographs: Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Phoenix, AZ 85013 Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines E-mail: [email protected] Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (602) 242-7361 or upload at www.jezac.com/uploads Sales Director Senior Editor Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh West Point Trailways Travel Mates Trailways Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To advertise or to mail To subscribe or inquire Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. advertising-related materials: about your subscription: Government Editor Art Director David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Call: Johnny Steger Call: (602) 242-7361 Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines (602) 980-0840 Norman Littler Mary E. McCarty Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. To send subscription orders E-mail: [email protected] or changes of address: Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie Mail: Post Office Box 12903 ABC Companies Paradise Trailways Suburban Charter Services E-mail: [email protected] Tara Sheehan Ellen Balm Faribault, Minn. West Hempstead, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Tempe, AZ 85284 Fax: (877) 510-5602 To complain: Accountant Editorial Assistant Steve Haddad Joan Libby Alan Spachman or (877) 510-5598 Carl R. Bieber Tourways Cavalier Coach National Interstate Insurance Co John Giddens Amy Stalknecht Call: (602) 242-7361 Mail: 717 West Pierson #160 Kutstown, Pa. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] Phoenix, AZ 85013 Rick Hillard Warren Miller T. Ralph Young Tri-State Tours Pacific Coach Bus Service Young Transportation ©2004 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part Galena, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Ashville, N.C. without written permission is prohibited. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 9 INDUSTRY NEWS New FMCSA hiring rules challenge to operators ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Two Associations has petitioned the suggestions from Mertz: priority. new rules from the Federal Motor FMCSA requesting a change to “…just managing Hiring Management Tech- Databases. Utilize and inte- Carrier Safety Administration will five days. nology. Utilize technology to auto- grate third-party companies into soon have a substantial impact on The Driver Investigation His- the employment mate the hiring and starting your hiring workflow that have the way motor carriers hire new tory Files rule, which is scheduled processes. Not only can technology employee-verification databases. drivers and put them to work, says to take effect Oct. 29, requires car- verification streamline these steps but it can By scanning these databases for a hiring specialist. riers to create a driver investigation also eliminate a great deal of paper- previous verified work histories, Adam Mertz, a senior manager history file for a holder of a com- process can be a work and administrative burden. you can save time and money by for Beaverton, Ore.-based Unicru mercial driver license whenever Prioritize. Prioritization is the immediately seeing results rather Inc., which markets sophisticated the carrier performs a background major challenge.” key to maximizing recruiting effi- than waiting for a carrier’s response. hiring systems, says the FMCSA’s investigation of a driver applicant. ciency. Develop a system that While presenting new chal- new Safety Performance History The file is to be kept with the dri- solve the entire problem. How- assures that the “hottest” prospects lenges to the industry, Mertz says and Driver Investigation History ver’s employment record, and is to ever, he says that with the aid of — those with the highest potential the new rules also present an Files regulations, should help oper- follow him from employer to technology and solid business to pass your checks — are high- opportunity for carriers to restruc- ators make better hiring decisions employer and contain at least three processes, operators can remove lighted. Automated assessments ture their hiring processes and but present administrative chal- years employment history, back- some of the sting from the paper- and other pre-qualification tools technology infrastructure with a lenges. Writing in Transport Topics, ground on any traffic violations and intensive process and focus on that illustrate a driver’s potential focus on finding and hiring the a leading trucking industry publica- results of any previous drug or alco- improved internal communication impact to your organization can highest quality drivers — drivers tion, Mertz has a few suggestions for hol tests. and productivity in the hiring be used early in the application who will be around for years to helping separate the good from These new rules are already process. Here are a few best-practice process to help define a driver’s come. the bad. testing motor carriers, says Mertz, The rule on safety performance adding that just managing the history for new drivers changes an employment verification process important step in the hiring process can be a major challenge. by adding requirements for motor Employees who might not carriers to verify the driving and remember their full work history, employment history of new drivers misstatements on applications and for the past three years. Plus, carri- even poor handwriting are just a ers must now also verify accident few of the headaches faced by oper- involvement, a driver’s alcohol and ators, contributing to a constant controlled substance history, and back-and-forth between recruiters, any drug and alcohol rehabilitation applicants and other carriers as efforts and/or failed efforts. they seek to verify a driver’s safety While carriers must respond history, according to Mertz. within 30 days to a request for this Given there will always be new information made by a driver’s new and evolving FMCSA rules, Mertz employer, the American Trucking says there isn’t a silver bullet to MCI touts benefits of online warranty system SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — company engineers for ways to Motor Coach Industries says its refine vehicles. “Already, the sys- new online warranty tracking sys- tem has helped MCI improve new- tem is already providing benefits to coach quality — in effect, address- operators. ing many potential warranty issues MCI’s Customer Care online before they ever affect operators,” warranty tracking system was creat- says MCI. ed to simplify the warranty claims To use the online system, cus- process for operators by eliminating tomers with coaches still in warran- time-consuming paperwork. Oper- ty register by phone with MCI’s ators can use the system to file a warranty department — (800) 241- claim, order replacement parts and 2947. Customers are given a pass- check on reimbursement status. word, allowing them to use the sys- However, the system also re- tem for filing or tracking a claim. ports customer warranty claims and MCI Chief Executive Tom issues to MCI’s manufacturing and Sorrells said the company is com- engineering divisions. MCI says mitted to providing easy access to the claims data are reviewed by its aftermarket services. Dana to sell aftermarket business TOLEDO, Ohio — Dana The sale includes 52 facilities Corporation, a long-time supplier employing about 13,000 people. to the motorcoach industry, has Combined annual sales for these signed a definitive agreement to operations totaled approximately sell its automotive aftermarket $2 billion last year. The transaction business to The Cypress Group for involves several replacement product approximately $1.1 billion in cash. brands including Raybestos brakes. 10 — August 15, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Prevost opens facility in northern New Jersey SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. — in-stock inventory includes more Prevost Car officially opens a than 25,000 parts for coach and state-of-the-art parts and service transit vehicles. Plus, there are center here this month. The OEM parts for most makes of 58,800-square-foot facility replaces coaches and transit buses, as well Prevost’s long-time service center as parts for motorhome and other in Lyndhurst, N.J. specialty conversions. Mike Colborne Joel Trudell The service area of the new “Whether it’s a matter of pre- complex occupies nearly 15,000 ventive maintenance or perform- While business travelers were the main target of square feet and has eight service ing small or large accident repairs, the service — and still are today — others have joined bays. Service at the New Jersey customers will be in good hands the ridership mix. The men and women who ride the branch runs the gamut of coach, with our experienced and well- coach regularly to business appointments and meetings motorhome and transit bus repairs. trained personnel,” said Service in Edmonton or Calgary, now share the 200-mile trip In addition, accident repairs, com- Manager Anthony Cirillo, who Red Arrow with young people who attend the universities and col- prehensive renovation projects for was hired to manage the new facil- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 leges in the two cities, senior citizens, families and large fleets and a wide array of ity. “We work on all makes and success is due to the personal touch and quality service unaccompanied children. other services also are available. models of coaches,” Cirillo added. passengers get when they travel on one of Red Arrow’s Colborne said unaccompanied children have The center’s parts warehouse Customers waiting for a vehi- coaches. become a big part of the weekend runs, many of which occupies almost 39,000 square feet cle the customer lounge, which has Colborne, on the other hand, points to the compa- are sold out regularly. of space and is managed through cable television, coffee machine ny’s efforts to market its service to more than just the “There are a lot of divorced parents who live in an automated inventory handling and Internet access. business community. “We attract students, seniors, the Edmonton and Calgary and every weekend our coach- process known as a radio frequency The facility also is headquar- disabled and unaccompanied children,” he said. “If we es have numerous children riding alone to visit one of inventory management system. It ters for Dan Marrazzo, Sue Evans had focused only on the business traveler, I don’t think their parents,” he said. provides real-time inventory and Tony Febbo from the Prevost we would have survived.” Red Arrow allows children to travel alone if they updates. new coach and pre-owned sales’ Red Arrow, which offers six daily runs from are between the ages of 6 and 12 and those under 6 to Additionally, a wire guidance departments. Edmonton and Calgary and also has twice-daily service travel if they are accompanied by someone 13 or older. warehouse system is being used to The address of the new center from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, puts quite a punch Also, a maximum of three youngsters per family are increase warehouse capacity and is 201 South Avenue in South into its service. permitted to travel before adult supervision is required. parts availability. To minimize Plainfield, which is situated in the The company uses 45-foot Prevost coaches that Colborne said the number of businesswomen using delivery time and increase accu- triangle formed by Interstates 78 have been modified to accommodate 36 passengers in the service also has grown substantially over the years racy, the inventory management and 287 and the Garden State over-sized seats — all leather in some coaches — in a and they now makeup a large portion of the weekday system interfaces with the ship- Parkway – just east of Piscataway. two-plus-one configuration. ridership. “Women see the service as productive and ping companies’ software. The local phone number is “The aisles are two-foot wide,” noted Trudell. safe,” he said. “They can reserve a single seat (under New Warehouse Manager (908) 222-7211, and the toll-free The coaches offer television and movie monitors, the two plus one seating arrangement) and know that Mike Feretich said the facility’s number is (800) 223-0830. credit card–activated cell phones, a fax machine and a they won’t be harassed by someone.” ing for the announcement. galley where customers can help themselves to coffee, Red Arrow passengers, many of whom ride weekly Bailey “It was really, really neat,” says tea, sodas, juices, cookies, crackers, breadsticks and or even more often, have become the company’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 John Bailey. other snacks. Each seat is equipped with an individual biggest marketing tool. The coach will travel the East The Bailey Coach represents electric port for a laptop computer and headsets for the While the company buys radio and television spots Coast for the next 16 months as it’s the first time a wrapped bus has entertainment system. And, there’s even a daily news- and does promotions at community events and busi- chartered by Bailey Travel custom- been used to promote the games. ness conferences, it has found that the best method of paper to read. ers. When it is not being chartered, The Keystone Games feature The company also offers a reservation service that getting the word out is from riders talking up the serv- it will be used as a mobile billboard multi-sport competition, providing can be accessed by telephone or the Internet; discount ice to others. at malls, on public squares and amateur athletes an opportunity to fares for frequent travelers, students and passengers “Our most effective form of any type of media or along roadsides, promoting the compete against others throughout who bring along a friend, and a pay-the-driver option advertising definitely has been word of mouth,” Trudell games. the state in the Summer Games, a for last-minute travelers. Car rental and hotel pack- said. “Every year, that beats any amount of money we The bus even played a key role Winter Sports Festival and the ages, city and national park sightseeing tours and spend on radio or TV advertising or any other pro- in revealing the news that York had Pennsylvania Senior Games. Be- depot-to-depot and door-to-door parcel delivery serv- motions.” been named host city for the tween 15,000 and 20,000 people ice also are available. It’s all been good, too. Not only did the company will attend. th games. A media event to announce “It’s real quality service,” emphasized Trudell. reach its 25 year last month, but it is drawing riders the selection featured the wrapped Modeled after the Olympics, The special attention provided passengers actually in near record numbers. “We’re having a banner year,” coach rolling into the York Expo the games are expected to boost the was what allowed Red Arrow to begin offering the said Trudell. “If it is not the best ever, then it is coming Center and dignitaries disembark- local York economy by $21 million. service back in 1979. very close to it.” Colborne said the company needed the blessing of He said that while an upturn in the motorcoach Rimrock stages in Montana. “We want to do this government regulators at the time to begin running industry in Alberta and much of Canada has helped because we think we can do it prof- between Edmonton and Calgary and had to prove that with the surge in ridership, the high price of gasoline CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 itably,” he said. “But, second, we the proposed service would not compete with also has been a major contributor. “In my conversa- Eastbound, Rimrock will arrive have to do it in order to preserve Greyhound Canada, which already operated service tions with customers, I am finding that people are get- in Fargo at 2:05 p.m. to connect our schedule base here in between the two cities. ting tired of paying the price at the pump and they with Greyhound’s eastbound bus Montana.” “We proved it by showing that our type of coach know the service we offer, so they are using us as an to Minneapolis that leaves at 3:30 Still, Forseth is gambling. was different than Greyhound’s and we would not be alternative to driving.” p.m. “We’re really going to have to going after the same type of customers that Greyhound With all of that success behind it, is Red Arrow Service north and south of scramble to make this work,” he had,” he said. “We said we did not want to be the trav- looking to spread its good fortune further? Fargo on Interstate 29 is provided said. el of last resort as Greyhound was.” “We’ve kicked around possibly expanding from by Jefferson Lines of Minneapolis. Rimrock serves major Montana Greyhound fought the proposal, but after a 45-day time to time, but right now we don’t have any plans to Tom Forseth, president of Rim- cities, including Billings, Great hearing, the regulators sided with Red Arrow and do so,” said Trudell. “Our main focus is to concentrate rock Stages, said his company felt Falls, Kalispell, Missoula, Butte and allowed the company to go ahead with its luxury on our current market and get everything just right.” compelled to take over the service Helena, and many smaller commu- service. It seems like they may have already done that. to protect its existing route system nities in between. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 11 NEW DELIVERIES 25 coaches from ABC go to Belize BELIZE CITY – The premier Tourism is flourishing in Belize, line executives and their travelers tour operator in the Central Amer- which is the northern-most coun- the best possible customer experi- ican country of Belize is expanding try in Central America. ence through services that meet its motorcoach fleet with the acqui- Cruise Solutions was formed by the highest expectations for safety, sition of more than two dozen used long-time Belizean tourism leader convenience and reliability.” coaches from ABC Companies of David Gegg, who set up one of the Ron Cornell, president and Faribault, Minn. first tour companies in Belize more CEO of ABC, said the Cruise Solu- Cruise Solutions Belize Ltd., than 20 years ago. In addition to its tions expansion represents and which was formed five years ago to many land-based excursions, important partnership for both Coach Canada develop and promote cruise-ship Cruise Solutions also offers expedi- companies. “We can make equip- tourism in Belize, is upgrading its tions involving snorkeling, scuba ment readily accessible anywhere Peterborough, Ont. fleet with the addition of 25 40- diving, kayaking and canoeing, and around the globe, but more impor- Coach Canada has upgraded its vehicles that are easy to maintain. foot MCI 102A3s. airplane sightseeing. tantly we can support operations operation with the purchase of 16 In addition, they have great curb- The 47-passenger coaches will “Our destination offers a wealth with advanced maintenance and new Prevost H3-45 motorcoaches, side appeal and that’s important. allow thousands of cruise-line pas- of cultural, historical and recre- fleet service.” bringing the total number of Potential customers notice them sengers to travel in clean, air-con- ational activities,” says Gegg, who ABC’s deal with Cruise Solu- Prevosts in its fleet to 55. on the road.” ditioned comfort when they come is managing director of Cruise tions includes a service agreement The Canadian affiliate of Coach Canada’s new Prevosts ashore for excursions ranging from Solutions. “As our operation con- that assures the Belize company of Coach USA, which bills itself as a are equipped with Detroit Diesel exploring ancient Mayan ruins, to tinues to evolve we want to reflect greater performance and minimal one-stop shop for ground trans- Series 60 cooled-EGR engines, biking, to horseback riding, to bird- that vitality in the service we pro- downtime for its newly acquired portation, offers scheduled service Allison B500 transmissions, Jake ing, to city tours. vide. Our mission is to offer cruise- equipment. and chartered tours, as well as spe- Brakes, Prevost seating, Carrier cialized bus services. A/C systems, REI five-monitor James Devlin, president of A/V systems, Isringhausen driver Coach Canada, said the new seats, and Goodyear tires. Prevost coaches are appealing to While Coach Canada’s head both the company and potential office is in Peterborough, the com- customers. “I find the Prevost pany has a presence in major cities motorcoaches are good performing of Ontario and Quebec.

David Thomas Tours Philadelphia David Benedict, president of sion, and Jake Brake. David Thomas Tours and Travel, Tours promoted by David said he wanted the top of line when Thomas Tours run the Mid At- EXCELLENT he purchased his latest coach, so he lantic gamut, including such favo- National Interstate Insurance Company is proud bought another MCI E4500. rites as its Baltimore-area seafood to announce that A.M. Best, the most widely “That’s what we like.” buffets, plus gospel, comedy and recognized rating agency dedicated to the insurance industry, has upgraded the financial The company, which has been cruise variations on the all-you- strength rating of National Interstate insurance around for 27 years, has a fleet of 14 can-eat seafood theme. company to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent). MCI coaches, including three Even with the industry-wide This high rating is only assigned to Insurance companies that demonstrate overall excellent other E4500s. setbacks of the past three years, performance. “Our focus is on delivering the Benedict has seen his business latest, well-maintained fleet and grow, posting a 10 percent increase Thanks to our agents, brokers, customers and associates that made this and our other professional service to consistently last year. He expects to carry as accomplishments possible. make our customer’s experience the many as 30,000 passengers by the best,” said Benedict. “Our most end of this year. To experience proven quality in first dollar, deductible and captive insurance options, call us important service is not low-price; Benedict is proud that upwards today. it is service and quality.” of 90 percent of his drivers have David Thomas Tours’ newest joined the company through refer- E4500 is equipped with a Ricon ral, and he’s happy to reward them wheelchair lift and Caterpillar C- for their good work. And, in a 13 engine. It features a REI A/V move Benedict considers good system with six flat-screen mon- both for business and for drivers, he itors, National seating, Alcoa prices trips and pays according to 3250 Interstate dr. Richfield, Oh 44286 * 1-800-595-2553 * Fax: 330-659-8907 wheels, Carrier A/C, Isringhausen actual miles — no deadheading. It’s www.nationalinterstate.com driver seat, Allison B500 transmis- fair, he maintains. 12 — August 15, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS York aboard the LimoLiner and raved about the experience,” said Linda Szymialis, sales manager of ABC expands Web ability Boston radio station WMJX. “I was especially pleased because the trip was not only comfortable but it was with online parts ordering also productive. We were able to check our e-mail, hold a team meeting and even watch a training video.” FARIBAULT, Minn. — ABC it is finished and submitted. Craig Conti, president of the Boston-based Charles Companies has expanded its “This added functionality Technology Group, said he has been talking up the e-commerce capability to include offers a significant time-saver for service to business associates since he gave up waiting online ordering from its parts divi- customers who want to maximize in airports, sitting in cramped seats on planes and sion, ABC Parts Source. flexibility to create custom orders enduring unpleasant taxi rides, and became a The new system enables cus- or make last-minute changes,” LimoLiner regular. “The LimoLiner provides a first- tomers to use their personal com- said Guldin. class seat allowing me to get my e-mail out of the way, puters to easily and quickly search, Web-based orders placed for read the paper and catch up on the news or a movie,” view, price, order and track a com- available inventory are shipped he noted. “The cabin attendant and driver are both prehensive range of parts and within 24 hours — just like regu- professional and friendly and the food should be an accessories, says ABC. lar phone-in orders. example for what should be offered by airlines and “The new online system is ABC expects to continue mak- trains.” designed to provide customers ing improvements to the online Leisure travelers, too, have discovered the service with a cost- effective alternative system, focusing on enhancements Limoliner and have been climbing aboard in increasing numbers, to traditional parts ordering,” said that will further simplify the according to McCann. “I think our price has been the Tim Guldin, vice president and process and ease navigation. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 main reason they have been riding with us,” he said, general manager of ABC Parts The Online Parts Ordering McCann’s total investment in LimoLiner is adding that nonbusiness travelers now account for Source. “It features accurate, up- system is available by clicking on upwards of $2.5 million. close to half the ridership. to-date pricing, as well as a host of the link at www.abc- To gauge its marketing success for yourself, do a While the price has been an important part of the user-friendly tools, including com- companies.com, and completing Google search for LimoLiner on the Internet. The attractiveness of the service, it also has been the prehensive online parts catalogs the online registration. ABC’s amount of publicity is little short of astounding. Achilles heel for the company that is not doing as well and convenient search and sort Customer Care Call Center — LimoLiner has even found a niche among Internet financially as it would like. “Our $69 one-way fare was links to help customers expedite (877) 427-7278 — can provide bloggers. Techno-geek bloggers like to ride LimoLiner an introductory offer for us to get established and we and track parts orders.” technical assistance or answer and broadcast their impressions of the trip via the wanted it to be attractive,” he explained. “But that’s Another feature of the system questions about accessing or using Internet as they roll through the Connecticut country- one of the reasons we have not been able to break even allows users to build “draft orders” the site. side. LimoLiner offers on-board internet service. yet because it is difficult to make money at that price.” during the day, meaning the order ABC Parts Source supplies Once it gets someone new on board, LimoLiner Although LimoLiner is a small company, McCann can be modified with additions, original OEM and aftermarket focuses on getting them to come back, and to bring a indicated expenses probably run well ahead of most deletions or changes right up until parts. friend or business associate with them the next time motorcoach companies its size. In addition to the ele- they travel. To do that, the company flaunts its first- vated cost of its upgraded coaches — about $600,000 Security grounds. Here are the vehicle secu- class equipment, first-class service and competitive each — the company has to pay for two onboard rity checkpoint locations: pricing scheme. employees rather than just one, the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 • Second Street and C Street, NE LimoLiner’s equipment includes “You just don’t food and drink service and a seven- targeting the Citigroup Center • Second Street at Constitu- top-of-the-line MCI E4500 coaches day, 24-hour telephone reservation building and the New York Stock tion Avenue, NE that have been dramatically redone service. Exchange in New York, the Inter- • Second Street and Maryland to include 18 reclining leather seats get that kind To try to fix the problem, national Monetary Fund and Avenue, NE with foot rests in a two-plus one con- McCann said the fare will have to be World Bank buildings in Washing- • Maryland and Constitution figuration in the front of the coach, a of service on increased soon, even though it could ton and Prudential Financial Inc.’s Crossover, NE galley in the center, 10 more leather result in a decline in leisure ridership. headquarters in Newark. • Second Street and A Street, seats with two large worktables in the the train or “Maybe the percentage of leisure rid- The extensive street closings in NE rear, and a restroom with hot and cold ers will decline as the price rises, but Washington became the subject of • Second Street at East Capitol running water. we will have to do it sooner or later,” considerable grousing, not only by Street, NE “Those big leather seats are the the plane.” he said. motorcoach operators but others • Second at East Capitol biggest plus that our customers men- The third coach being added to as well. Street, SE tion when we ask them about LimoLiner,” said the fleet could help bolster revenue, too. With three The complaints centered on • Independence Avenue McCann. luxury coaches, McCann said he will be able to the fact the street closings appeared Second Street, SE Onboard amenities include satellite television and increase the limited amount of corporate charter work to be a knee-jerk reaction rather • Independence Avenue and radio, contemporary movies, charger ports for cellular it is now doing. “It will give us more flexibility,” he than based on sound intelligence or Washington Avenue, SW telephones, and outlets that power laptop computers said. logical thinking. • Maryland Avenue and Third and connect them to the Internet. There’s also an In addition to juggling the fare structure, the com- Ridge identified only two build- Street, SW attendant who provides passengers with newspapers, pany probably will have to add more daily trips to its ings in Washington as being on the • Pennsylvania Avenue and magazines, pillows and blankets and serves them light schedule as well. terrorists’ watch list, but police Third Street, NW meals and a variety of snacks and hot and cold drinks. McCann said the biggest concern he hears from forces that guard many other build- • Constitution and Louisiana “You just don’t get that kind of service on the train business customers is the limited number of weekday ings in the vicinity of the Capitol Avenue, NW or the plane,” noted McCann. trips the company offers. “Having only four a day is not decided they would get in on the • First Street at Louisiana Ave- The $138 roundtrip fare for the luxury trip stacks enough for business people whose plans can change action and close streets around the nue, NW up well against the $198 that the Amtrak Acela constantly,” he said. “If they get out of a meeting early buildings under their protection. • New Jersey Avenue and C Express charges for a roundtrip ticket on its commuter they don’t want to wait around until 6 p.m. to go That meant, for example, that Street, NW trains and the $247 that the airlines typically charge back.” buildings like the U.S. Treasury, The following street will be for their shuttle flights. The lack of frequency results in some would-be which wasn’t on the terrorists’ list, closed: First Street NE between Con- In addition, LimoLiner riders get special rates and LimoLiner customers turning to the train, which runs suddenly became fortresses. stitution Avenue and D Street NE discounts at hotels in New York and frequent riders hourly during most of the day. The U.S. Capitol Police has The Capitol Police is encour- build mileage that can be used for discount travel tick- While McCann would like to see his company released a list of Washington streets aging anyone traveling near these ets. Also, riders who bring along a companion get extra grow, he’s not looking to expand the service to other where increased security, including areas to utilize alternate routes. mileage and their friend gets double mileage. cities just yet. “The New York and Boston route is the vehicle screening checkpoints and Questions about the new pro- For some business passengers, the triple offering of key route in North America for business travelers,” he street closures, is in effect. There cedures can be directed to the Cap- good equipment, service and prices has been an easy sell. said. “I think any other markets would be very difficult are now several checkpoints for itol Police Public Information “Our entire sales team recently traveled to New to make work.” vehicles accessing the Capitol Office at (202) 224-1677. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — August 15, 2004 — 13 INDUSTRY NEWS Edwin Wilbanks: Hands-free cell phones no safer WASHINGTON — New re- The Journal said research has ing people to spend more time on Tour bus owner search by the National Highway found that headsets and speaker- their cell phones and drive faster Traffic Safety Administration and phones do not improve safety while doing so, the Journal noted. dies in crash others has found that using hands- because it’s the mental distraction Last month, New Jersey and CORNELIA, Ga. — Edwin O. trailer. The tractor-trailer then free cellular telephones while driv- of talking on the phone, not simply Washington, D.C., joined New Wilbanks, a business man who struck the pickup. The driver of the ing may actually add to the overall holding the devices, that causes the York in requiring drivers to use developed a love for the motor- Ford Focus and the driver of the risk, compared with holding a cell most danger while driving. headsets or other so-called hands- coach industry at the age of 55, was passenger bus were fatally injured,” phone, The Wall Street Journal In addition, the devices could free devices when they talk on cell killed late last month when the bus Robinson added. reports. actually increase risk by encourag- phones. he was driving apparently caused a The incident occurred about multi-vehicle wreck. 2:30 p.m. in the westbound lanes of Mr. Wilbanks, 69, had operated I-20. The coach Mr. Wilbanks was FAA wants fewer flights to O’Hare BOWA Trails Inc. of Cornelia and driving was carrying a family back CHICAGO — Federal avia- said the agency could take that step connecting hub. Delays at the air- Kingston, Ga., as well as Jackson- home from a reunion. tion officials are threatening to if airlines do not agree to cut their port, many of which are caused by ville, Fla., since acquiring the com- Mr. Wilbanks purchased limit commercial flights in and out schedules voluntarily. bad weather, ripple through the pany in 1990. He also owned Cor- BOWA Trails from a relative early of Chicago’s O’Hare airport to Flight cutbacks at O’Hare could aviation system, causing backups at nelia Tractor & Implement, a farm in 1990, when it had two buses. reduce delays that are causing con- impact many Midwest bus compa- other airports. equipment business he had oper- Today, the company has 10 coach- gestion throughout the nation’s nies that operate shuttle services to There were nearly 59,000 ated since 1964. es and offers tour and charter serv- aviation system. the giant airport from communities delays at O’Hare this year through Mr. Wilbanks was pronounced ice nationwide. Federal Aviation Administra- throughout the region. June. A flight is considered delayed dead at the scene of a four-vehicle “Edwin loved to drive his bus,” tion Administrator Marion Blakey Chicago is the nation’s prime when it is at least 15 minutes late. crash involving the coach he was said John Klapmeyer, BOWA Trails driving on Interstate 20 near general manager. “He was a good Columbia, S.C. man.” Because of his love for driv- Also killed in the wreck was the ing, Mr. Wilbanks included himself driver of an auto; 51 others were in the normal rotation of drivers. WHEELCHAIR LIFTS hurt, said Lance Cpl. J.M. Robinson Mr. Wilbanks was a deacon and of the South Carolina Highway member of Level Grove Baptist Installation and Retrofits Patrol. The pileup involved a pick- Church and a U.S. Army veteran. up truck, a tractor-trailer, a automo- Survivors include his wife of bile and the motorcoach. nearly 49 years, Mozelle; two sons, “They were all stopped in traf- Donald and Danny, and a sister, fic on I-20,” Robinson said. “Then, Patricia DeWitt. for some reason — unknown and A memorial has been estab- still under investigation — the bus lished in Mr. Wilbanks name at the struck the Ford Focus, slamming Level Grove Baptist Church, P.O. the Ford Focus under the tractor- Box 416, Cornelia, GA 30531. Passengers, Greyhound driver killed in rear-end collision JACKSON, Tenn. — A Grey- Group Corp. of Industry, Calif., hound coach rammed into a trac- and Trans-USA. tor-trailer as the truck was pulling The crash happened in the back onto Interstate 40, killing the westbound lanes. The impact bus driver and two passengers. pushed the truck across the median Seventeen other passengers in and into the eastbound lanes, but the coach were taken to hospitals. no other accidents occurred. The Installations The incident occurred just out- weather was dry and clear. for heavy-duty side Jackson, in western Tennessee, The bus was enroute from at about 4:30 a.m. Aug. 6. Louisville, Ky., to Memphis. It had buses and The bus driver was Thomas made its regular stop in Jackson Dickerson, 48, of Memphis. Two just before the crash. Coach puts the hustle and coaches passengers, Charlotte Thompson, The incident is similar to two muscle back in your bus! 76, of Cincinnati, and Willie others that prompted the National Walker, about 60, of Detroit, also Transportation Safety Board to More than 17 years experience died. launch an investigation of motor- “The bus ran into the back of coaches slamming into the back of Full range of repair, retrofit and rehab services the trailer.…The tractor-trailer was tractor-trailer rigs pulling onto in the emergency lane and pulled highways. back onto the interstate,” said The NTSB announced at the Highway Patrol Sgt. Glenn Taylor. end of May it would investigate a “We don’t know why the bus ran May 24 crash near Houston into the truck.” involving a coach returning from a Minnesota 800-334-2871 Florida Two men in the truck — driver casino run. It slammed into a trac- 450 Armstrong Road 27616 “D” Hwy. 561 Alex Yu Chang of Diamond Bar, tor-trailer that was pulling back Northfield, MN 55057 www.coachcrafters.com Tavares, FL 32778 Calif., and Kevin Lin of Walnut, onto an interstate. And the NTSB Ph: 507-645-1640 NEAR ORLANDO Calif. — were not injured. The will probe a similar crash that hap- Fax: 507-645-2739 Certified Ph: 321-229-5455 tractor-trailer is owned by Coastal pened Oct. 13 near Tallulah, La. Technicians Fax: 352-742-7311 14 — August 15, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Arcola named DaimlerChrysler dealer Calendar of Events AUGUST 2004 in U.S. and Canada by CVSA-cer- CARLSTADT, N.J. — One of company President Andy Rolfe. 30 people. Motorcoach Association of tified inspectors. Info: (202) 775- the East Coast’s best-known mid- “There is a growing need for “Partnering with a trusted 15-17 South Carolina 2004 Annual 1623 or e-mail [email protected]. size bus dealers, Arcola Bus Sales, these types of vehicles in our mar- dealer, such as Arcola Bus Sales, Meeting and Market Place, has been added to the Daimler- ket and we believe the Sprinter allows us to provide the highest 10-12 Greyhound Birthday Marriott Resort at Grand Dunes, Chrysler Commercial Buses’ dealer and CL Series models will fit our level of service and support to our Celebration and Retirees Re- Myrtle Beach, S.C. Info: (888) union, Greyhound Origin Muse- network. customer’s application needs very customers,” said Jeff Shank, vice 376-1150 or go to: www.scmotor- Carlstadt-based Arcola will well,” added Michael Forcella, vice president of sales and marketing um, Hibbing, Minn. Info: E-mail: coach.org. [email protected]. offer DCCB products and support president for Arcola Bus Sales. for DCCBNC. services to customers throughout “We’re excited about our new part- Arcola Bus Sales is one of the 17-19 Family Motor Coach 10-12 The Travel Institute 2004 New Jersey. nership with DaimlerChrysler country’s largest midsize bus dis- Association Convention, Red- National Forum, Arizona Biltmore Established in 1977, Arcola Commercial Buses and the new tributors, representing a number of mond, Ore. Info: Go to Resort & Spa, Phoenix. Info: (800) Bus Sales offers a complete line of line of quality products we’ll be manufacturers. A division of www.fmca.com. 542-4282 or go to www.thetravelin- vehicles, from mini- and midsize able to offer our customers.” Arcola Sales & Service Corp., 25-28 International Motorcoach stitute.com. buses and shuttles, to motorcoach- Arcola Bus Sales also provides Arcola Bus Sales also is a distribu- Group Strategic Alliance Meeting, 12-14 Louisiana Motorcoach As- es and transit buses. after-sales support, including a staff tor of school, commercial, transit, Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Info: sociation Annual Meeting, Radis- Arcola’s sales efforts will focus of seven technicians specializing in paratransit and specialty buses. (913) 906-0111 or go to www.img- son New Orleans. Info: (877) 501- primarily on DaimlerChrysler’s bus maintenance, repair and para- For more information, go to coach.com. 1878 or go to www.twmlcm@cen- Sprinter and CL 100 shuttle buses transit and mobility equipment. www.arcolasales.com or call (888) 27-29 Southeastern Regional travelva.net. and the CL 300 midsize coach, said The company employs more than ARCOLA-1. Motorcoach Meeting, Wynfrey 13-14 Eagle Bus Rally, Branson Hotel, Birmingham, Ala. Info: City Campground, Branson, Mo. (866) 376-7770 or go to gamotor- Info: (417) 753-2285 or (417) 840- coachoperators.org. 9343. Florida Motorcoach BusConBusCon ExpoExpo 20042004 31-Sept. 2 OCTOBER 2004 Association 9th Annual Appoint- Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois ment Show, Hilton Sandestin 1–4 Virginia Motorcoach Associ- Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, ation Annual Convention, Valley September 28-30, 2004 Fla. Info: (407) 647-2491 or go to Forge, Va. Info: (434) 376-1150 or www.floridamotorcoach.org. e-mail [email protected]. 6 14th annual South Jersey SEPTEMBER 2004 Transportation Bus Roadeo, At- 1 Operation Airbrake 2004. lantic City Transportation Center. See the “Announced” roadside inspections Info: (609) 345-5572, Ext. 423. Greatest Variety and Number of OMCA sets 75th birthday party Buses in TORONTO — The Ontario “The wall will highlight the mile- One Place! Motor Coach Association will use stones, achievements and signifi- its annual conference in November cant gains of the association since • Low Floor to mark its 75th year of serving the 1929,” said Burley. • Tour Coaches Ontario motorcoach industry and There will a number of other • Paratransit more recently the Canadian motor- displays, including memorabilia • Shuttles coach industry. from Greyhound Canada, which • Motorcoaches The OMCA Annual Confer- also is celebrating its 75th Anni- • Transit ence will be Nov. 7–10 in Toronto versary. • Cut-Aways and planning has begun for a cele- There will be special presenta- • Trolleys bration to recognize the organiza- tions to the organization’s first sup- • Limo Buses tion’s founding in 1929. plier member, the first tour opera- Ray Burley, a past chairman of tor member, the first bus supplier • Chassis OMCA, has been named chairman member, and a grandson of one of PLUS of the 75th Anniversary Commit- the first operator members from • Hundreds of Exhibitors tee. Initial plans call for “A Wall of 1929. Achievement” that will highlight For information, contact • World Class Education 75 years of information, network- OMCA President Brian Crow, • Network with fellow ing, lobbying and professionalism. (416) 229-6622. bus enthusiasts

For more information visit IMG meeting this month in Quebec www.BusConExpo.com MONT TREMBLANT, Que- from IMG-member companies. or contact us at bec — The 2004 Strategic Alliance In addition, the program 4

0 Meeting of the International Motor includes networking and marketing .

3 800-576-8788 5 - Coach Group Inc. and its opportunities during meal func- 7 0

S owner/operator companies will be tions and receptions, open-forum C B Aug. 25–28 at the Fairmont discussions and other scheduled Tremblant resort north of Montreal. events and activities. The annual program includes The goal is to build long-term three Business Trade Meetings that strategic partnerships. provide invited suppliers and ven- For more information on IMG dors an opportunity to meet with and its meeting, go to www.img- decision-making representatives coach.com or call (913) 906-0111. CHARTER Dump CLEAN... Dump LEGAL!

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