October 1, 2014

New entry looms Recipe for Trouble in growing, small Misclassifying coach drivers bus/coach sector as independent contractors Vehicles that stretch 45 feet A federal appeals court ruling Presley said there is no way of long and carry 55 passengers are that FedEx misclassified 2,300 knowing how many motorcoach king of the road as far as most mo- drivers as independent contractors operators classify their drivers as torcoach operators are concerned. — instead of as employees — independent contractors, or if But, in some cases, bigger isn’t al- should serve as a wake-up call to those companies are running afoul ways better. motorcoach operators who use in- of labor laws. For several practical and finan- dependent contractors as drivers. There are various factors that cial reasons, an increasing number The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court come into play when determining of operators have supplemented of Appeals ruled in late August the status of drivers. their fleets in recent years with that the 2,300 drivers working for In the FedEx case, one of the shorter buses of every sort. FedEx Ground in California from main factors was the level of con- While quantifying this shift 2000 to 2007 should have been trol the company exerted over its can be tricky, companies that sell classified as employees covered by drivers. The court ruled that be- such models report stepped-up de- workplace protection statutes. (See cause the company imposed sev- Sept. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) eral strict requirements on the mand from motorcoach operators, The ruling, the latest in a series drivers, they should be classified and one major motorcoach manu- of cases that have challenged as employees. facturer — Van Hool — is re- FedEx Ground’s independent con- “The drivers must wear FedEx sponding with a shortened version tractor model, could ultimately uniforms, drive FedEx-approved of one of its bestsellers. have implications for all compa- vehicles, and groom themselves “People are looking at their bot- nies that hire drivers, including according to FedEx’s appearance tom line,” says Carl Restivo, region- motorcoach operators. standards,” Judge William Fletcher al sales manager for Don Brown ‘Balcony’ Seating “It definitely will have an ef- wrote in his opinion. Bus Sales in Johnstown, NY. megabus.com has expanded its reserved seating program — on dou- fect on our industry,” said Ken Pre- “FedEx tells its drivers what “A lot of the larger coach op- ble-decker coaches — to 30 cities across the U.S. and Canada. For a sley, vice president of the United packages to deliver, on what days, erators, they don’t always fill their fee ranging from $3 to $7, passengers can reserve one of 10 seats on Motorcoach Association. “A cer- and at what times. Although driv- coaches with 50 people, so it’s the 81-passenger coaches, including four “table” seats on the lower tain percentage of bus companies ers may operate multiple delivery quite an expense to operate that level, two “balcony” seats on the upper level, shown above, and four out there still use independent con- routes and hire third parties to help motorcoach.” front-window seats on the upper level. Story on Page 13. tractors as drivers.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c His company sells the well- liked Turtle Top cutaways, as well as the relatively new, high-end Grech luxury cutaways with all of Federal Charter Rule decisions the amenities of larger coaches: lavatory, leather seating, frameless Transit ruse beaten back Loophole in rule laid bare windows, outlets, televisions, GAINSVILLE, Fla. — A Flori- Transit Service. WASHINGTON — The Federal The ruling lays bare a gaping front-viewing window, WiFi, am- da motorcoach operator has won a “I’m obviously very pleased be- Transit Administration has ruled that hole in the rule, which the Atlantic bient lighting, A/V systems, and challenge to the public transit agen- cause it affirms what I believed it’s OK to use money from the left City Jitney Association drove right individual-ducted A/C controls. cy practice of “bundling,” that is, from the get-go: that the bundling of pocket of the federal government to through. However, these vehicles — grouping together charter service service is a way of discouraging pri- subsidize transit organizations that Additionally, the ruling says the often called mini-coaches or known opportunities and claiming the vate participation,” Scott said. compete with private operators, but association and New Jersey Transit simply as midsize buses — are package cannot be broken up, there- Scott had appealed to the FTA not OK to use money from the gov- were in compliance with a 2013 about half the cost or less of a con- by discouraging private operators about a charter service notice issued ernment’s right pocket. cease-and-desist order covering the ventional monocoque-constructed­ from seeking the business. by the Gainesville transit agency in That’s the upshot of a new FTA use of federally-funded shuttles in motorcoach because they use body- The acting general counsel of May. The notice outlined three char- decree that says the Atlantic City Jit- charter service and notifications on-chassis assembly. the Federal Transit Administration ter service opportunities to provide ney Association did not violate the given private carriers before provid- While a full-size motorcoach issued an advisory opinion last bus service to the University of federal charter service rule by using ing that service. promises and delivers a smooth month that sided with Brian Scott of Florida Gators’ football games at federally-funded facilities to fuel The ruling came after complaints ride, Restivo says Grech cutaways Escot Bus Lines in Largo, in a dis- Ben Hill Griffith Stadium on seven buses that competed with private were lodged by the owner of the pute with the Gainesville Regional companies for charter business. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c

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VIN 11449, 11450 • 56 Passenger • Detroit / Allison  Photos and info for pre-owned units available at $285,000 www.abc-companies.com/inventory.asp  View ABC’s pre-owned inventory at Contact your ABC Account Manager for more info. www.abc-companies.com & www.busbuys.com WESTERN REGION Costa Mesa, California 800.322.2877 MIDWEST REGION Faribault, Minnesota 800.222.2875 SOUTHWEST REGION Grand Prairie, Texas 800.222.2877 NORTHEAST REGION Camden, New Jersey 800.222.2873 www.abc-companies.com SOUTHEAST REGION Winter Garden, Florida 800.222.2871 9/11/14 Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS October 1, 2014 3 Taj Mahal in Atlantic City may be next casino to go ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Yet Trump Taj Mahal, once the Trump Taj Mahal is expected to Christie convened a meeting of beyond labor issues. Trump Enter- another major Atlantic City hotel/ largest and most glamorous of the close on or shortly after Nov. 13.” elected officials, casino executives tainment did not pay millions of casino is on the verge of closing. city’s casinos, has looked frayed One of the passenger transpor- and union leaders on the future of dollars in property taxes last month, The Trump Taj Mahal Casino around the edges in recent years. tation industry’s annual conven- Atlantic City. and it says it will not be able to pay Resort, like its Atlantic City The white-towered complex, tions, the 2014 Chauffeur Driven “We were all challenged to off its more than $285 million in boardwalk competitors, has been like the other casinos in Atlantic Trade Show and Conference, is come up with new ideas,” said bonds. strained by gambling competition City, has been buffeted by competi- scheduled for the Taj Mahal from James Whelan, a state senator and a Its huge debt is a major issue. elsewhere. tion from dozens of newer gam- Nov. 2-5. former mayor of the city who at- Still, Wall Street financial ana- Last month, Trump Entertain- bling halls that have opened in A few days after the Trump En- tended the meeting. “But it seems lysts were taken aback by the an- ment Resorts filed for bankruptcy Pennsylvania, Maryland, New tertainment bankruptcy filing, the momentum is in the opposite nouncement the Taj Mahal ap- protection and threatened to close York, and West Virginia. Chauffeur Driven magazine issued direction at this point.” peared destined to close. the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Re- Should the Taj Mahal, with its a statement saying the filing would In its bankruptcy filing in Dela- With the Revel, Atlantic Club, sort by Thanksgiving if it failed to nearly 2,800 employees, close, it not impact its trade show “in any ware, Trump Entertainment indi- Showboat and Trump Plaza casi- cut expenses drastically. would bring the casino job losses in way.… The 2014 CD Show WILL cated it would have to close if it nos shutting down this year, ana- The gambling company closed the city to more than 8,000 this go on as scheduled.” failed to gain concessions from lysts expected the remaining casi- down its only other property, year. Reports about the possible clos- union workers at the Taj Mahal, nos would be able to capture their Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, last Trump Entertainment issued a ing of the Trump Taj Mahal began which brought an angry response customers. month, making it the fourth board- statement saying that “absent sig- circulating on the same day last from labor leaders. The current and former owners walk casino to close this year. nificant expense reduction, the month that New Jersey Gov. Chris But the company’s problems go CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c Motorcoach parking in Toronto: Risky, risky business TORONTO — It’s a beautiful of bus parking violations,” said U.S. Still pretty harsh for a parking in here for the Blue Jays games, rush hours. city and a great place to visit, but Dave Carroll of OMCA. infraction. Maple Leaf games, soccer games, Then Toronto parking officers you may not want to park here. “The policy discriminates Toronto is the most-populated the activities on the water front. can be brutal when they find a bus The Ontario Motor Coach As- against the bus industry by having city in Canada and the fourth- or “There is a lot of bus activity sitting in a traffic lane in front of a sociation has issued a warning to a higher fine for buses than any fifth-largest in North America, de- from the other provinces and from hotel or museum, said Carroll. He its members and friends south of other type of vehicle. If you park a pending which census count you the U.S. Quite a few coaches come believes the bus ticketing is driven the Canadian border to be aware of big truck in a no-parking zone or a use. It is loaded with the sporting from the northeast U.S., particu- more by congestion complaints Toronto’s tough bus parking regu- prohibited area, the fine is $40 or and cultural jewels to be expected larly New York, Pennsylvania and than revenue goals. lations and steep, steep fines. $60. For a bus the fine is $300. of a world-class city. New Jersey,” said Carroll. “Toronto has a lot of conges- “Toronto has a pretty strict bus Pretty harsh.” “Tourism is important to the Toronto also suffers the traffic tion. When a bus parks and occu- parking enforcement program At the current exchange rate, a city,” Carroll says. “It’s very popu- congestion and parking shortages pies a lane, particularly during with fines of $300 for most types fine of $300 Canadian equals $273 lar. We get a lot of coaches coming of a major city, especially during CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c

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Diesel price falls to $3.80, Feds run safety sweeps at parks WASHINGTON — The Fed- ing buses and trucks. Indeed, fed- Darling. lowest level since July ’12 eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- eral and state inspectors executed a More than 300 bus and truck istration has issued a post-mortem 12-week truck and bus inspection inspections were conducted dur- The national average price for ing oil prices and higher refining on a 12-week bus and trucking in- blitz throughout the Grand Teton, ing the four-month initiative. a gallon of diesel fuel in the Unit- capacity were pushing down fuel spection initiative it and state law Yellowstone, and Mt. Rushmore The results: 29 commercial ed States has fallen to its lowest prices, in contrast to last year, enforcement agencies conducted national parks,” wrote Darling. motor vehicles were put out of ser- level in more than two years, the when diesel gained a dime from this past summer at three national Working with the highway pa- vice for being unsafe. That’s an out- U.S. Department of Energy Memorial Day through Labor Day parks. trols of each state and with the as- of-service rate of 9 percent plus. reports. to near $4 a gallon. The acting administrator of sistance of National Park Service In addition, 19 drivers found Through the middle of last At the pump, 2013 prices the FMCSA, Scott Darling III, rangers, FMCSA inspectors exam- to be violating safety regulations month, the price of diesel fuel had started at a low on Memorial Day published an overview of the in- ined motorcoaches transporting were removed from the road. fallen for 10 consecutive weeks, and peaked on Labor Day, and this spection program on the U.S. De- visitors to the parks, as well as large That’s an out-of-service rate of 6 totaling roughly 11 cents per gal- year, it was the reverse. partment of Transportation “Fast trucks passing through the area. percent. lon, to roughly $3.80 per gallon. At the same time, refiners re- Lane” blog. “At each inspection, investiga- Darling did not offer a break- That means the commercial portedly are now in position after “If you visited our national tors checked brakes, lights, tires, down of the figures for just buses bus industry’s main fuel has numerous upgrades to take advan- parks in Wyoming, Idaho and and emergency exits. They also or just trucks. dropped to its lowest price since tage of heavy oil feeds that are South Dakota this summer, you verified that drivers held the prop- During most inspection blitz- July 30, 2012, when it was $3.796 cheaper to refine. might have noticed these men and er licenses and were medically es, the truck out-of-service rate per gallon. Refiners’ capacity to process women diligently at work inspect- qualified to be on the road,” wrote typically is double that of buses. Diesel is down 17 cents per more heavy fuels and feeds, such gallon from the same week a year as sour crude oil from Canada, are ago and more than 20 cents below the biggest year-over-year change, Cops: Western Nebraska is going to pot this year’s high of $4.02, reached according to one analyst. on March 10. The U.S. Energy Department OGALLALA, Neb. — Law- rado’s legalization of marijuana dramatically. Prices have at least The retail price of gasoline predicts that for all of this year the men on Nebraska’s marijuana for recreational and medical use. tripled and there is a marked in- rose slightly in mid-September to national average price of diesel frontier are asking for help to “Colorado’s legalization of crease in the number of kids — as about $3.46 a gallon. will be $3.86 a gallon, down from identify drug-fogged drivers and marijuana has completely changed young as 14 — who are being tick- Gasoline had fallen by a quar- $3.92 last year. to stem growing marijuana access the landscape involving the mari- eted for possession. ter a gallon in eight previous de- The department expects diesel and use by young people. juana we encounter,” said Scotts Overman was one of about a clines, but the mid-September to average $3.74 during the cur- During a hearing last month of Bluff County Sheriff Mark dozen law enforcement officials price remained almost 15 cents rent quarter. the state legislature’s judiciary Overman. and others who outlined challeng- below the corresponding week a The decline is being led by committee in Ogallala, western Overman said the potency of es Nebraska has faced since Colo- year ago. lower crude oil prices, falling to Nebraska law enforcement offi- the pot encountered by law en- rado legalized pot. One fuel analyst said moderat- an eight-month low last month. cers outlined the impact of Colo- forcement agencies has increased Colorado opened dispensaries for medical marijuana in 2009. And licensed stores started selling retail weed on Jan. 1 to adults 21 POT SHOT and older. However, unregulated sales reportedly have spread like wildfire across the state, spilling TRY IT over into neighboring states. State Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogal- SPECIAL lala said it’s a statewide issue. “Every Interstate 80 county is a border county,” he said, referring 128 to the illicit transport of Colorado marijuana across Nebraska. PREMEASURED Although marijuana use is SERVICES legal in Colorado, it remains an il- licit drug under federal law and in WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS Nebraska and the six other states $37.95 bordering Colorado. FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! State Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis said after the hearing that he or WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER DELIVERED other state senators probably would STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S ANYWHERE introduce legislation next year to SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. address some of the concerns pre- PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. IN USA AND sented during the hearing. POT SHOT IS AVAILABLE IN 2 OZ, 8 OZ, GALLONS, PAILS AND DRUMS TERRITORIES But Davis said he would move cautiously. (800) 879-8648 - (702) 564-6454 - www.unitchemical.com “Are we ruining people’s lives who are really going to be good 29¢ people down the road? I don’t 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products PER SERVICE think any of us want to do that,’’ he said. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET October 1, 2014 5 U.S. highway travel increased in first half of 2014 WASHINGTON — Cars, in January and February relative to half total of 1.46 trillion vehicle While highway congestion is a In 2005, when the highway trucks and buses logged 1.47 tril- the same months in 2013 due to miles traveled, and 1.23 percent frequent complaint among drivers, funding law was adopted, contin- lion vehicle-miles during the first harsh weather in many parts of the higher than during the first half of it dissipated during and immedi- ued growth in mileage was the as- half of this year, the highest level nation. 2011, when the total was 1.45 tril- ately after the recession, and now sumption. But when mileage de- since 2008, the Federal Highway First-half vehicle miles traveled lion vehicle miles, the lowest point it’s growing again. clined because of the recession, so Administration reports. in 2008 was 1.48 trillion, and the after the Great Recession. Vehicle miles traveled is an im- did revenue, and that became a FHWA also said June was the record first half was 2007, when The Federal Highway Admin- portant statistic for the federal major contributing factor to the fourth straight month of year-over- the figure hit nearly 1.5 trillion. istration aggregates mileage re- Highway Trust Fund. When actual Highway Trust Fund running out year growth in vehicle miles trav- The first-half 2014 figure is ports from the states to get a na- vehicle miles traveled differs from of money, requiring an infusion of eled. The travel indicator declined 0.44 percent above the 2013 first tional figure. projections, it can cause problems. general revenue funds. Kansas announces highway spending to total $1.2 billion TOPEKA, Kan. — State offi- cials here are touting a $1.2 billion Get Lancer behind transportation plan, which they Before you said will help improve traffic flow your fleet! and upgrade roadway systems take a turn Since 1985, motor coach companies around the state over the next two years. have known that, when disaster The plan will provide $399 for the worst... strikes, no insurer has their back million to rehabilitate 82 bridges, $397 million to add lanes or inter- like Lancer. Today, more than 1,250 changes, and $242 million for 195 highway projects. industry clients rely on lightning The largest piece of the plan is on-site support from our exclusive a $116 million expansion of the In- terstate 235/U.S. Highway 54 in- Catastrophic Response (CAT) Team... terchange in west Wichita. The interchange has needed to and over 100 nationwide bus claims be rebuilt for years because of its specialists whose only job is to get unsafe, very short on-and-off ramps and congestion in the area. them back on the road to profits fast! The plan is the latest install- ment of a 10-year program to mod- For a fast quote, call your agent ernize and expand more highway projects, bridges and interchange or 800-782-8902 x3264. projects, said Transportation Sec- Email: [email protected] retary Mike King. Other projects in the plan in- clude a $95 million expansion of Highway 54 in Wichita, $52.6 mil- lion to improve nearly 12 miles of Interstate 70 in the western part of the state, and $43.4 million to im- prove nine miles in Gove County near Trego County. Tell us your Construction crews are also Road Story! scheduled to replace a bridge along Tell us about the most U.S. Highway 69 over the Missouri surprising problem your drivers faced on the River in Wyandotte County, up- road and you could win an exclusive numbered, grade an 11-mile stretch of road- signed and framed lithograph. way in Columbus in southeast To enter, visit us on Facebook. Kansas, and fix parts of Interstate No purchase necessary. 435 by Quivira Road junction, east to Metcalf Avenue in Johnson County. Kansas has two major U.S. highway corridors, I-70, running east and west across the state, and Interstate 35, running north and south.

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New settlements — It’s prob- WASHINGTON cidence the U.S. ably not a coin tice announced Department of Jusonth in four ac- Large operators appear ready for critical ADAsettlements deadline last m tions it brought agrsainst and three a major mo- torcoach operato 100% accessibilitygh-visibility r for apparent For 14 years, a hi group tour operatoAmericans with .S. motorcoach violations of the segment of the Ud Oct. 29, 2012, industry has ha nge planning Disabilities Act. appear to be without us! The settlements circled on its long-ra on the Internet timed to show up calendar. ch is now fast That date, whi just before all mottoorcoach file annual opera- re- approaching, is when large, fixed- tors are required the ADA. (See ports mandated by route operators mususest have wheelchair 100 per- cent of their b Oct. 1 Bus & Motorcoach accessible News.) Whether they have accessible. after Oct. 29, hether they pro- buses or not, or w That means that disability should vice or not, all any person with a ticket on any vide accessible sertors are required be able to buy a at any time, and motorcoach opera by Oct. 29, or Greyhound bus, able to access to file ADA reportsty of large fines, be assured of beingpulls into a sta- face the possibili ngly becoming that coach when it . or what is increasiustice Depart- Call 866-930-8421 tion or up to a curb oes for more commonplace: J tating ADA com- And the same g ment lawyers dic ents as part of than 30 other large operators.appears to September 1998. lly went into pliance requirem. Though no one mpliance with ac- When the law rinitia 2000, the rules legal settlements industry sources it will be in co know for certain, mistic that all us As- effect in Octobe for large carriers That is what happesed motorcoachned to three cessibility standards,” Bus a &company Motor- are cautiously optihe operators re- president of the American ludesB ex- were fairly simple ute service. Orlando, Fla.-ba nth, as well as but a handful of t rail- spokesperson told that offered fixed-rodisability who operators last mo ᭤ mplaint with the sociation, whose board inc CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 coach News. , the industry A person with a quired to be co Disabilities Act ecutives from Adirondack Tter Pan r would have to In the mid-1990s29, 2012, ADA ᭤ Americans with ve all of their Academy used a wheelchaiCONTINUED ON PAGE 20 ways, Jefferson Lines, Pe negotiated the Oct. rule will, in fact, leha on Oct. 29. iers. e federal govern- on Bus Lines, Coach USA, deadline with th fixed in law in or email changes to: coaches accessib Bus and other big legacy, the carr nation’s ment and it became “I think they’re definitely.…By Greyhound Lines re going carrier, “believes track to meet the deadline largest intercity Employee misclassification and large, I would say theyr Pantuso,a breathing room” to be all ready,” said Pete represents a chal- bankrupts majorfiling toCarey secure “vers wonunit the large Del. — One after 16 of its dri every complaint WILMINGTON, n a lawsuit claim- from River Cit- lenge for the small operator. ivisions of Carey arbitration award i isclassified as a charter ser- of the largest d rejected an appealit, also of Pierre, That’s because in world’s biggest ing they had been ractorsm and were S.D. operator wins charter decisionTA, which has a International, the ies Public Trans e illegal service vice case, the F independent cont nal wages and which provided th with virtually all chauffeured serviceptcys company, protection has entitled to additio Four years later! tedly continues cozy relationship sit agencies it ees. One of the in 2008, and repor filed for bankru $4.5 million ar- benefits as employ al Chief Fi- PIERRE, S.D. — te the charter ser- of the public tran after being hit by a first — formal to regularly viola very high bar for for treating its Carey Internationitchell Lahr said funds, has set a bitration award first — if not THE by a private bus vice rule. t (the FTA) nt contractors nancial Officer M ge from the ar- [email protected]. t bears the drivers as independe complaints filed a public transit “I’m pleased abou the potential damawas compounded Dawnita Forell, “The complainan rather than as employees.L.A. Inc. list- operator against decision,” said f,” says Rogoff. bitration award California stiff- ll Limousine & burden of proo t must prove its Carey Limousine agency for providiunderng illegal the federal char- who co-owns Fore der $500,000 and in January when mployers that usband, Charles. “The complainan derance of the ed assets of un $150 million in ened penalties on e ter bus service le adopted four Bus with her h a Band-Aide ers. charter service ru case by a prepon debts of nearly in bankruptcy misclassify work ot agree that go has finally “But it’s like putting ᭤ and a half years a evidence.” rators, the documents filed “The debtor does n on an artery.” seven or eight Like other small ope court here. based Carey CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 been decided. r of the Fed- During the past t have the time, Forells do no The Los Angeles-de the Chapter 11 The administratoinistration, Peter es to continually years, the Forells haveule complaintslodged nu- money or resourc ᭤ division said it ma eral Transit Adm CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 d a strong ruling merous charter r ies Public Transit. M. Rogoff, issue A website last against River Cit lose some, but — posted on the FTof Forell Limou- They win most, month — in favor sine & Bus Service of Pierre, and 5440_Lancer_BusMotorcoachNews_FP_Ad.indd 1 2/20/14 5:08 PM 6 October 1, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News California requires paid sick leave for all employees LOS ANGELES — Employers in Califor- rights groups for years. Business groups op- Legislation has been introduced or groups Jot Condie, president and chief executive nia will be required to give part and full-time posed the measure, which they say is costly to are campaigning for laws to make paid sick of the California Restaurants Association, workers at least three days of paid sick leave employers and could hurt hiring. leave mandatory in at least 20 other states. said flexible scheduling or shift swapping in each year under a state mandate that takes ef- Brown, who said there was a growing in- About 40 percent of California’s workforce the food service industry enable employees to fect next July. equality between workers and business own- — an estimated 6.5 million people — have no take off when they need it without penalty. The law, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last ers, called the mandate “really modest.” paid sick leave benefits at all, according to the The state’s requirement adds an unnecessary month, gives workers paid sick leave at a rate “When you look at the power and the governor’s office. expense for businesses, he said. of one hour for every 30 hours worked and lets wealth that is accumulated by a very small per- Supporters of the bill said those workers “Operators essentially have to pay twice them begin using the accrued time after 90 centage, and then you look at the people at the face a choice of working while ill or taking a — for the staffer staying home and for some- days of employment. bottom…this is the least we can do and there’s loss of pay to care for themselves or an ill fam- one to take their place,” Condie said. “A one- The hours also could be used for time off more in the coming years,” Brown said. “This ily member. They also said sick employees size-fits-all approach to sick leave is inappro- to care for a sick family member. is a real step forward.” could infect co-workers or customers. priate and onerous.” The law, which advocates say expands With Brown’s signature, California became But business groups say workers taking Employers could face fines of up to $4,000 paid sick leave benefits to 6.5 million workers, only the second state to pass such a law after time off because of an illness was never a per day for withholding paid sick leave or vio- had been a priority for unions and workers’ Connecticut approved a similar measure in 2011. “real issue.” lating the bill’s requirements. California law requires drivers to give cyclists a 3-foot buffer SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As that climbs to about $150 with more bicyclists take to the streets, court costs. the number of frustrated motorists If a driver injures a bicyclist by unaccustomed to sharing the road failing to provide the required safe- also is growing, prompting a new ty buffer, the fine a motorist can term for the conflict — bikelash. pay rises to $150 to $220 — in ad- Now California has become dition to court costs. the latest state to adopt a law that Plus, there’s a legal presumption mandates a three-foot buffer be- the vehicle driver was responsible tween cyclists and vehicles. for any injury, meaning the bicyclist All drivers are now required to likely will have a clear path to seek ensure that distance exists before damages in a civil lawsuit. they attempt to pass a cyclist, or Among the concerns that have they must wait until there is enough been raised about such laws is that room to pass. they can actually cause collisions if “If there’s one thing that can drivers cross the center line of a come out of this that would be life- road to provide the mandated saving on our roads it’s that a mo- three-foot buffer as bicyclists torist’s first reaction when they see threaded a “perilous course” be- a bike in front of them on a narrow tween parked cars and moving traf- road is to hit the brakes — and then fic on narrow roads. you can pass safely,” said Dave The California law does not re- Snyder, executive director of the quire motorists to cross the center California Bicycle Coalition. “It’s line. The California Highway Pa- important to take a breath.” trol reportedly has informally indi- Failure to do so will cost driv- cated to law supporters that it won’t ers. Under the legislation, the base make it a priority to cite drivers fine is $35 for a violation, a figure who do so to avoid cyclists. California court rules employer must reimburse phone expenses LOS ANGELES — The Cali- them nothing. fornia Court of Appeal has ruled The code provision at issue that a business must reimburse a provided simply that an employer portion of its employees’ personal had to reimburse “all necessary ex- telephone bills, since it required penditures or costs incurred by an them to use their phones in their employee in direct consequence of jobs, even though the employees the discharge of his or her might not actually have incurred duties….” any additional charges for such use. The court found that the legis- The employer was a home-­ lative history of the section sup- delivery service whose drivers ported the conclusion that the law had to use their cell phones in was enacted to prevent employers UMA Safety Management Seminar their work. from passing on operating costs to Some of the drivers brought a their employees, which would be December 3-4, 2014 class action, arguing that a section the case here if reimbursement of of the state labor code required the a reasonable portion of the phone NTSB Training Center | Ashburn, Virginia company to reimburse a portion bills were not required. of their phone bills, even if they And it overturned the trial www.uma.org had a phone plan that provided court’s denial of class certification. unlimited calls. That is, their use The decision left unanswered of their phones on the job cost questions about damages. 855-546-6060 • www.DonBrownBus.com

Carl Restivo Chris Swatt Terry McCart Ned Johnson 862-266-2923 202-660-2797 518-774-5450 518-774-8193 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 8 October 1, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Upgrades to Rainbow Bridge bus inspection plaza begin LEWISTON, NY — An exten- the Canada-bound currency ex- ficiency by Canada Border Ser- and motorcoach processing capa- current ExpressPass, ExpressPass sive renovation of the Rainbow change, and additional parking vices Agency, thereby offering bilities for Canada-bound traffic. Commercial and NEXUS/Toll Bridge Canada bus processing fa- capacity. travelers a more pleasant and reli- The commission is asking bus accounts. cility has begun. “The Rainbow Bridge Canada able border crossing experience.” and motorcoach operators to For inquiries or information The Niagara Falls Bridge plaza bus processing renovation Temporary bus inspection fa- ­consider using the Lewiston-­ regarding ExpressPass and Commission, which operates the effort is intended to upgrade the cilities have been installed while Queenston Bridge for all Canada- NEXUS/TOLL refunds, go to bridge, said construction should port to better handle the steady the work is underway. Processing bound trips during the construc- www.niagarafallsbridges.com and wrap in May. stream of tourists and motorcoach- is expected to be impacted by the tion project. access the “electronic toll” tab. The $4.2 million project in- es that we see on a daily basis,” project, however. No impact to U.S.-bound bus cludes a series of infrastructure said Niagara Falls Bridge Com- Travelers and bus companies traffic is expected at the Rainbow Crossing to be improved improvements and enhancements, mission General Manager Lew are being reminded that the Lewis- Bridge during the construction. LEWISTON, N.Y. — The Ni- including the addition of new Holloway. ton-Queenston Bridge, which is agara Falls Bridge Commission is floors and processing space, exte- “By improving our bus inspec- 7.7 miles/12.4 kilometers to the Crossings accept E-ZPass raising money through municipal rior canopy modifications, reloca- tion area, we will provide added north along the Lower Niagara LEWISTON, NY — Tolls on bonds for the first time in two de- tion of existing boilers, shifting of space for enhanced processing ef- River, offers state-of-the-art bus the Rainbow, Whirlpool and cades to improve the entry into ­Lewiston-Queenston international New York from Ontario. bridges that cross the U.S. border The sale last month of $31 mil- with Canada can now be paid lion in tax-free debt is designed to using the E-ZPass electronic pay- help kick start a project to mod- ment system. ernize the U.S. customs area in The Niagara Falls Bridge Com- Lewiston, said Victor Montalbo, mission announced earlier this year the commission manager of ad- that the E-ZPass tolling program ministration and finance. was being adopted, and now it has About 168,000 U.S.-bound been put into operation. cars, trucks, recreational vehicles Implementation of the system and buses crossed the Lewiston- followed a “very successful period Queenston Bridge in August, ac- of program testing and coordina- cording to the commission. tion,” said Niagara Falls Bridge The bridge has the longest wait Commission General Manager time of the agency’s three spans, Lew Holloway. with those crossing on the bridge The E-ZPass program will lining up for as long as two hours supplement the existing Express- for customs clearance, according Pass, ExpressPass commercial, to Montalbo. and pre-loaded NEXUS/Toll card The first part of the project, ex- offerings currently available to pay pected to be completed by 2016 at a bridge tolls. cost of $35 million, will move a Bridge users are being notified portion of Interstate 190 to create of the availability of the E-ZPass more space in the customs plaza. program through a series of print Subsequent phases, which in- and online communications, as well clude increasing the number of in- as updated signage and placards. spection lanes from 10 to 16, ExpressPass, ExpressPass would come after the commission commercial and NEXUS card receives a commitment from the holders who have E-ZPass are U.S. government to help with being encouraged to cancel their funding, Montalbo said. Canadians issue reminder about U.S. rail crossings TORONTO — Motor Coach need not be made at: Canada, the national trade organi- • A streetcar crossing, or rail- zation for Canadian operators, road tracks used exclusively for ­issued a warning last month to its industrial switching purposes, members about stopping at rail- within a business district way crossings while traveling in • A railroad grade crossing the U.S. when a police officer or crossing The association said that two flagman directs traffic to proceed motorcoaches operated by its • A railroad grade crossing members were ticketed in New controlled by a functioning high- York for not stopping at a railway way traffic signal showing a green crossing, as required by Federal light Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. • An abandoned railroad grade The regulation says the driver crossing which is marked with a of a bus transporting passengers, as sign indicating that the rail line is well as trucks hauling hazardous abandoned materials, shall not cross a railroad • An industrial or spur line track, whether or not the crossing is railroad grade crossing marked protected by gates or lights, unless with a sign reading “Exempt.” he/she first stops the vehicle within Upon conviction, in addition 50 feet of, and not closer than 15 to a fine, the driver’s commercial feet to, the tracks; listens and looks driver license privileges are sub- in each direction along the tracks ject to suspension in the U.S. for a for an approaching train. period not less than 60 days for a The rule goes on to say a stop first offense.

10 October 1, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS / OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News EPA: The United States Government’s ‘green monster’ By John Stossel vironmental rules and watch for tors admit it might only lower tem- $49,000 on every Volt it builds. It’s new pollution problems. ‘Like all bureaucracies…, peratures a fraction of a degree, a ironic that, as environmentalists Thanks, Environmental Pro- But we don’t need what we’ve century from now. talk about “sustainability,” they tection Agency. got: 16,000 environmental regula- the EPA spends every day By that time, we will have create totally unsustainable subsi- You’ve required sewage treat- tors constantly trying to control cheaper ways of dealing with the dy schemes. ment plants, catalytic converters more of our lives. EPA should stand hunting for new things problem, if it is a problem. But “It’s happening with all kinds of on cars and other things that made for: Enough Protection Already. government rarely pays attention alternative energy companies that the world cleaner than the world in But bureaucracies never say to do, even if its new to costs vs. benefits. rely on government subsidies,” which I grew up. Good work. they’ve done enough. That would Today, instead of environmen- Harsanyi says. Politicians, by shift- Today, America’s waterways are mean they were out of work. ­efforts cost much more tal regulations that actually save ing money away from private-sec- so much cleaner that I swim in New Like all bureaucracies — regu- and ­accomplish far less.’ lives, we pay to subsidize politi- tor experiments, “are hurting com- York City’s once-filthy Hudson latory, poverty-fighting and mili- cians’ cronies and pet projects, panies that actually have some River — right beside skyscrapers in tary — the EPA spends every day law professor Jonathan Adler. such as electric cars. innovation that might work better.” which millions of people, uh, flush. hunting for new things to do, even “If we are serious about deal- Voters rarely object to such Since people rarely question The air we breathe is also cleaner if its new efforts cost much more ing with climate change, we need deals, says David Harsanyi of The spending that supposedly is “good than it has been for 60 years. and accomplish far less. to reduce per capita emissions of Federalist, because government for the environment, green subsi- In a rational world, environ- Its biggest current crusade is carbon dioxide to the level they hides their real costs. “If people dies create opportunity for corrup- mental bureaucrats would now global warming — I mean, “cli- were during the period of recon- actually paid what a Chevy Volt tion,” Harsanyi says. say, “mission accomplished. We mate change.” struction after the Civil War.” cost to make, it would probably be “The people who lobby and have set tough standards, so we don’t Even if it turns out that man’s That reduction in our industri- around $200,000. Without govern- the closest ties to government are need to keep doing more. Stick a emission of greenhouse gases is a al capacity would be one of the ment — essentially, government typically the ones who benefit from fork in it! We’re done.” threat, “EPA’s own cost-benefit worst costs the human race had cronyism and all kinds of subsi- the subsidies the government gives.” OK, I went too far. analyses don’t really identify any ever suffered, all for tiny benefits. dies — the Volt wouldn’t exist.” Close associates of President America does still need some benefits” from additional regula- Even if we did everything the en- He says Chevy, even with its Obama, Senate Majority Leader bureaucrats to enforce existing en- tion, says Case Western Reserve vironmentalists want, the regula- government subsidies, loses about CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Partially blind trucker charged Driver in crash takes plea deal CHANNAHON, Ill. — The Federal ers on interstates. MIAMI — The driver of a charter mo- now-out-of-business Miami Bus Service Motor Carrier Safety Administration may Espinal-Quiroz, 51, of Leesburg, Ind., torcoach that slammed into an overpass at Corp., when he crashed into the airport’s have some explaining to do after a truck also was charged with falsifying his hours of Miami International Airport in December lower-level arrival entrance, which has a driver, who was cleared to drive by the agen- service, after the July 21 chain-reaction 2012, killing three passengers, will spend clearance of about 10 feet. cy although he is completely blind in one crash. the next two years under house arrest and A 12-foot section of the bus’ roof was eye, was charged last month with 15 counts Will County (Ill.) prosecutors claim Es- cannot drive for at least the next decade. badly mangled and crunched. of reckless homicide. pinal-Quiroz was speeding through a con- Ramon Ferreiro pleaded guilty last A total of 13 passengers were taken to a Francisco Espinal-Quiroz is being held struction zone, failed to keep a proper look- month to three counts of vehicular homicide local hospital, with most of the other dozen on $1 million bail following a July crash on out for vehicles, and he “had physical resulting from the incident that involved a and a half individuals on board treated at the Interstate 55 near here that killed five peo- conditions that limited his ability to drive group headed to West Palm Beach for a Je- scene. ple. Channahon is about a dozen miles safely.” hovah’s Witnesses assembly. According to police reports based on a southwest of Joliet, Ill. The FMCSA has several programs that As part of the plea deal announced in reconstruction of the crash and passenger When the incident occurred, Espinal- allow drivers with certain physical or medi- court, Ferreiro must also serve eight years of statements, Ferreiro drove past a construc- Quiroz had just been granted a renewed cal issues to operate commercial vehicles, as probation and complete 300 hours of com- tion zone and eight different street signs driving exemption by the FMCSA, allowing long as they can pass certain fitness tests munity service. warning of low clearance ahead before him to drive commercial vehicles even and standards. Relatives of the passengers who were plowing the bus into the overpass. though he is completely blind in one eye, the One such program is the Vision Exemp- killed approved the plea deal. Ferreiro, who had a valid commercial result of an injury in 1984. tion Program, which the FMCSA says is for It appears the religious faith of the vic- driver’s license, continued driving on the re- The family of one of the crash victims is “drivers with a vision deficiency in one eye tims’ families aided in the leniency granted stricted route despite repeated warnings asking its congressman, Rep. Adam Kinz- who have demonstrated at least three years Ferreiro. from passengers. inger, a Republican, to review the federal of safe driving experience operating a The 48-year-old Ferreiro was behind the He was traveling about 33 miles per hour program that allows visually-impaired driv- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c wheel of a charter coach, operated by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c

ISSUE NO. 270 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dennis Strief subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Vandalia Bus Lines Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Caseyville, Ill. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Dickson Godfrey Lebron Alan Thrasher To contact the Elite Coach Paradise Travel Thrasher Brothers Trailways Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Ephrata, Pa. Hicksville, N.Y. Birmingham, Ala. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Gladys Gillis Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Starline Luxury Coaches Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Vander Eems ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Seattle Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Bob Greene Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2014 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Amaya-Astron Seating First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Omaha, Neb. District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. 11Bus &October Motorcoach 1, 2014 News OPINION BusOctober & Motorcoach 1, 2014 News11 The right tools for marketing…just like for maintenance By Dave Millhouser hasn’t done well selling itself. That’s at least in the Sept. 15 and Aug. 15 issues. to be acquired and used, part of the reason we can’t command the One of Chris’ concepts (which I’m but I became buffet boy We had a load of skiers on board, head- kind of revenue we deserve, and overall the shamelessly stealing) is that even gifted and and waddled off to the ing from Dallas to the Colorado slopes, industry still appears to be shrinking. motivated sales people need the right tools open house chow line. when my boss, Joe, found me (I can’t re- There are clearly exceptions — compa- to win business. I’m retired, but you member how he was able to track me down nies that have mastered the art of earning The Motorcoach Marketing Council’s might want to see the in those pre-cell-phone days, but he was a good margins by identifying and serving signature program, announced earlier this whole range of what he, gifted tracker). discreet markets. year at major industry expositions, has di- and folks like him, have Dave Millhouser Joe said we had an empty Eagle sitting But we all suffer from the public’s poor vided the market into distinct segments and to offer. on the shoulder near Guymon, Okla. Guy- perception of buses. We have good people identified what each is looking for, and how Simply go to www.motorcoachcouncil.org. mon is ground zero on the barren Oklahoma but may not be using the right tools. to let them know you can supply it. Our varied skills may be camouflaged in panhandle. A friend who runs a scuba operation Few are looking for a bus but lots of ways that professionals can expose and help The Eagle had run out of fuel and would once told me “I don’t sell equipment or even folks want to do things that a coach can us use. Whether you acquire the expertise we grab that puppy on our way through… dive trips; I sell adventure.” He’s right on make possible or better. from the Motorcoach Marketing Council, or and bring it home? two counts, he knows what his customers Citing a company whose inside sales per- other marketing professionals, successfully Darn right it had run out of fuel. And in actually want, and he knows how to express son turned down a request for a “party bus” selling the variety of services our industry the middle of a blizzard. it in how he offers his services. because “we don’t run that kind of bus,” he can provide requires tools. The driver had sucked the battery dry in We too often think we’re in the transpor- pointed out that the vast majority of “party” Years after I abandoned that Eagle in a futile attempt to start it, before slinking tation business, but for the most part we are requests really do want a regular coach. Guymon, a friend mentioned that you can home, cushioning in another coach. selling ourselves short. What they want is a vehicle that will get trim the end off a ketchup squirt bottle and He’d pumped diesel into it, so all I had to Lest you think I suddenly grew a brain, them safely and efficiently to an event. You cram it against an opening on the fuel filter. do was prime and jump start it. let me admit that these juices started stirring probably DO operate what they want, but Fill it full of diesel fuel and squeeze repeat- Yeah…right. after I met a really bright young guy repre- only get the business when your people are edly until you’ve forced fuel through the As far as I know that bus is still there be- senting the Motorcoach Marketing Council educated to recognize it. heads of an 8V-71 and — voila — the en- cause I didn’t have the proper tools to get it at a manufacturer’s open house. Among other concepts, Chris mentioned gine is primed and ready to start. going. After trying to fill filters, blow fuel Chris Riddell made the same point my the fact that sales people need to understand A tool as simple as a vintage plastic into lines, and sucking on the return line, all scuba friend had stumbled onto. Communi- the specific desires and needs of the group ketchup squeeze bottle would have made me I got was cold and a bad case of diesel cate what you’re really capable of, the big they are approaching, and he went on to a hero that wintry day. Instead, my career breath. picture, but tailor it to fit the specific cus- name a number of unique markets that you spiraled downhill and I became a bus It’s nice to improvise when the right tomer’s actual needs. can “specialize” in. salesman. equipment isn’t available, but consistent As you may have noticed, Chris now The motorcoach itself may be a minor Dave Millhouser is a bus industry mar- success comes when you have good people writes a monthly column that appears in Bus part of the service package you’re providing keting consultant and freelance writer. Con- and tools (clearly poor Joe had neither). & Motorcoach News. Called “Marketing (at least in the eyes of the customer). tact him by email at Davemillhouser@ For years, the motorcoach business Minute,” the first two installments appeared There was a ton more to be learned, tools gmail.com.

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685448_Motorcoach.indd 1 3/12/14 10:37 AM 12 October 1, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS / OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Trucker charged based group that has been critical of the vision waiver process. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Jasny says the FMCSA needs States getting more federal money ­commercial motor vehicle [within to create tougher standards for vi- WASHINGTON — The orga- In all, states have taken in while the federal stimulus pack- the state] where they received their sually-impaired drivers so fewer nization State Budget Solutions $5.27 trillion since 2001; 34 states age from 2009 did create a spike license.” exemptions are granted. has identified yet another reason received 30 percent or more of all in federal money for the states, the A driver who can meet a series Specifically, Jasny argues that a why it’s nearly impossible to their general revenue from the amount they’re receiving has not of safety criteria can get a waiver, driver should have no worse than shrink the size of the federal federal government in the period really declined. or exemption, from the FMCSA, 20/40 vision in his or her bad eye government. 2001-2012; and that this percent- The increase, the report con- which allows them to drive com- — which would prohibit drivers The group reports that U.S. age rose in 41 of the states during cludes, puts both levels of govern- mercial vehicles. The exemption such as Espinal-Quiroz from ever Census data show that states gen- this same time. ment in some fiscal jeopardy. It’s must be renewed every two years. getting the federally-issued waiver. erally are now receiving a good The largest category of federal a strain on the federal budget, but An FMSCA spokesman says The family of one of the July deal more federal aid than they did largesse is welfare grants, includ- nearly any proposed decrease in there are about 2,500 interstate 21 victims wants Rep. Kinzinger at the turn of the last century, and ing Medicaid money, followed by federal spending puts the states at commercial drivers operating with to push for a review of the FMCSA this seems to be a continuing fea- grants for education, and the fed- risk as well. the vision exemption nationwide. Vision Exemption Program. ture of the federal system, not eral-aid highway program. For more, go to www.statebud- “The [FMCSA] is doing an ex- Joliet attorney Frank Andreano connected to the recent recession. The report goes on to say that getsolutions.org. periment on public highways with represents the family of one of the people’s lives,” Henry Jasny, vice victims. He has written to Kinz- vision, has both depth perception Green Monster ficient — and make the environ- president and general counsel for inger requesting an investigation issues and peripheral vision issues ment cleaner, sometimes as an un- Advocates for Highway and Auto into how Espinal-Quiroz was able and driving an 80,000-pound ve- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 intended side effect. But I don’t Safety, told a Chicago TV station. to get a renewal of his vision hicle, I think it calls into question, Harry Reid, former Energy Secre- trust government to pick the Advocates for Highway and waiver. ‘Can this person do it safely?’” tary Bill Richardson and former technologies. Auto Safety is a Washington, D.C.- “Someone who has monocular Andreano said. Vice President Al Gore all benefit- Why should we think govern- ed from well-timed investments in ment’s ideas for cleaning the envi- Driver plea deal at the time of the crash. died and they felt the terms of the green companies that got a leg up ronment are on the cutting edge? The state has permanently re- plea were “best resolution for them from government subsidies and As Harsanyi points out, windmills, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 voked his CDL, although after his (the families).” regulations. one of environmentalists’ favorite in a posted 15 mph zone, accord- probation is up, Ferreiro can apply She added they felt Ferreiro’s Unfortunately, green compa- ideas and biggest subsidy-recipi- ing to the arrest warrant. for a hardship license to be able to final judgement would be in the nies often do poorly even with ents, “have been around since the The driver reportedly cooper- drive for work. He faces up to 45 hands of a higher authority. government assistance, as was the Middle Ages.” ated fully with police, did not test years in prison if he violates his Ferreiro’s attorney told a case with solar panel maker There will be a better way. Gov- positive for alcohol or drugs, and probation. Miami television station his client Solyndra. ernment probably won’t find it. did not appear to be texting or Prosecutor Laura Adams said suffered a temporary lapse in judg- I don’t doubt there are impor- John Stossel is host of Stossel tant technological advances ahead on the Fox Business Network. Re- doing anything other than driving. she had lengthy meetings with the ment and he was very remorseful that will make energy use more ef- printed from TownHall.com. He also had a clean driving record families of the three people who for the deaths he caused.

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1972 361 N. Main St., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Phone (937) 859-3331 • Fax (937) 859-7086 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 www.WhitworthBusSales.com Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 SUBSCRIBE Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS October 1, 2014 13

DES PLAINES, Ill. — Guy MCI vice president of new coach urban-bus plant in the Saguenay re- People Charron has joined Motor Coach sales. gion of Quebec that had been owned Industries as vice president, region- Charron was formerly president by several manufacturers, including LAS VEGAS — Ryan’s Ex- al sales eastern Canada, succeeding of World Bus Corp., a joint venture MCI from 1987 through 1993. press Premium Transportation, a Joe Simard, who is retiring after an between entities in Mexico and Can- Charron, who studied manufac- diversified motorcoach operation eight-year career at MCI and 31 ada to develop an urban bus for the turing engineering, began his career based here, announced that Kris years in the industry. Latin America market. at GMC Trucks in 1977. A native of Guffey has joined the company as its Charron will be responsible for Before that, he was with Corbeil Montreal, he is fluent in French, safety director in Las Vegas. MCI and Setra new coach sales, as Buses, a school-bus manufacturer English and Spanish. “As we continue to build and im- well as the sale of pre-owned coach- founded in 1936 in Quebec by his “We welcome Guy’s expertise Kris Guffey Guy Charron prove our company, we place safety es to private and public operators in grandfather. and believe in his ability to build on velop relationships with our custom- at the forefront. This makes the safe- Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Charron also has a 21-year ca- the success of the MCI product line ers so important in our industry,” ty director position extremely im- He reports to Patricia Ziska, reer as a production supervisor at an in eastern Canada and to further de- said Ziska. portant to us,” said John Busskohl, CEO of Ryan’s Express. “Kris’s impressive background and track record of success make us confident we found the right person for the job.” Guffey has an extensive back- ground in safety and security. He was a police officer in Arizona for 20 years before being recruited to be the director of security at Grand Canyon West. Ryan’s Express operates a fleet of more than 35 full- and midsize motorcoaches, small buses, vans, SUVs and sedans. Seating plan is expanded by megabus NEW YORK City — megabus. com, the curbside intercity service owned by Coach USA, expanded its reserved-seating program last month on select routes to/from 30 cities in North America. The service allows customers to choose from 10 popular seats on double-decker megabus’ coaches for a fee. Typical charges are $3 for a re- served “table” seat, $5 for a seat at the top of stairs on the upper deck (dubbed a “balcony” seat), and $7 for an upper deck front window seat. The seats can be reserved when tickets are purchased at www. megabus.com. The customer initiative pre- miered in late May on select routes in Baltimore, Boston, Philadel- phia, New York and Washington, D.C., and in June in Canada in To- ronto, Kingston and Montreal. The reserved seats are visually distinct with solid blue upholstery and are identified by a large num- ber embroidered onto the seat fab- ric. The numbers correspond to the specific seat number customers select on the megabus.com web- site at the time of purchase. The reserved seating is only being sold in certain cities on se- lect routes and times, and is only valid on the trip scheduled. megabus currently provides service to more than 120 cities across North America. 14 October 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Smaller is sometimes... can get a cutaway, rather than a well as investment, for one of the velopment stage in Europe.” ing a smaller motorcoach. Van Hool, it’ll be more cost-effec- major players in the motorcoach With more than 40 units preor- “1993 is when the 45-footer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tive. Until Grech came on board industry. dered for a vehicle that is still being came out, so over the last 21 years “ride the best of any on the mar- there wasn’t a comparable product. “We are addressing the market developed, the demand certainly the trend has moved toward the 45- ket” among its type because they Their mini-coaches are a much with a CX35, due to launch in appears to exist. That’s according to foot coaches and away from 40 have air suspension. better product that works for their early 2016,” said Dan Leo, director Roman Cornell, ABC Companies’ (footers),” Cornell said. “You might have to get past fleet size,” says Restivo. of marketing for ABC Companies, senior vice president of eastern re- “Now we think that of the op- that stigma, but they certainly ride But soon there will be a shorter which distributes Van Hools in gion and specialty vehicles. He said erators that want a 35-footer, 10 well,” he said. “More and more op- version of the best-selling Van North America. “It’s in response to he has seen the trend in sizes change percent to 15 percent of their fleet erators are going toward that. Hool model: a 35-foot version of market needs here in the United over time and that it only makes would be 35-foot (coaches). There “They’re thinking if they the CX. It’s a significant shift, as States. It’s still early on in the de- sense for his company to start offer- are 4,000 to 6,000 of those (Van Hool C models) running around the United States, so it’s a proven product. People love them but have been saying, ‘Give us one that’s shorter.’” Many industry observers see a 35-foot Van Hool as a response to the popularity achieved by Temsa and its TS-35 coach. Both come from the same part of the world – Macedonia for the Van Hool CX and Turkey for the Temsas. So why the demand for small- er, monocoque motorcoaches? Laissez les bons Cornell said smaller groups of passengers “still want a big-bus look and feel and a quiet, comfort- able ride” and operators want to temps rouler! give that to them. And for touring groups, it’s far easier to navigate the tight streets of cities like New York, Miami and New Orleans in a coach of a more manageable size. “Our philosophy is when something works, don’t change it,” Cornell said. So, the CX35 will be built very similarly to Van Hool’s other 45-foot coaches, with many common, interchangeable parts. That’s good news, he suggests, for everyone — drivers, custom- ers, dispatch and maintenance. “The driver’s area, windshield, switches, suspension components will be the same,” he said. “You can carry less inventory when you have the same parts, and there’s no learning curve for a new product.” Timm Bledsoe, director of sales and marketing for the popu- lar small-to-midsize brand Turtle Top, also confirms the trend among motorcoach operators to opt for smaller vehicles. “We’ve seen the transition with more interest from that industry,” Good Times. he said. “More companies like us attend the different shows for mo- Good Friends. torcoach operators and there’s more competition. If there are GREAT Business. more people flocking to it, it must be a growing industry.” Turtle Top sells to a diverse customer base, but from motor- coach company owners Bledsoe says he hears more interest in ve- hicles that will offer passengers a great trip but at a cheaper cost to operators. www.motorcoachexpo.com “Our motorcoach industry cus- tomers are looking for a more eco- nomical choice,” he says. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS October 1, 2014 15 Horizon completes refinancing Employer health insurance DALLAS — Horizon Coach zon Coach Lines is third-largest mo- ment Finance to provide an overall Lines has completed a $25 million torcoach operator in North America credit facility that will give (Horizon rates rise; deductibles, too refinancing. — behind First Group America Coach Lines) the ability to maxi- Siena Lending Group of Stam- (Greyhound Lines) and Coach USA/ mize the return on their fleet invest- OAKLAND, Calif. — The price Some health-policy experts credit ford, Conn., announced completion Coach Canada/megabus, according ment. We look forward to working of employer-provided health insur- higher deductibles with helping hold of a three-year, $10 million senior to Metro magazine’s latest annual with the company as they continue ance rose 3 percent this year, a major down medical costs by discouraging secured revolving credit facility that compilation of the 50 largest private to execute their business plan.” survey shows, but workers will be people from getting care or motivat- was part of the $25 million refinanc- bus fleets. Frank Sherman, CEO of Transpor- paying more when they get sick as ing them to be savvier shoppers. ing for Horizon. It operates more than 1,000 lux- tation Management Services, corpo- deductibles continue to climb. But throwing up barriers to The Siena financing was com- ury and standard motorcoaches, rate parent of Horizon, said, “We are Annual insurance premiums for cost-saving preventive care is a po- pleted in conjunction with a capital transit and midsize buses, and other very pleased with Siena’s execution in families increased on average to tential downside. lease from Nations Equipment Fi- vehicles. closing the transaction and their coor- $16,834, according to the survey re- “Higher deductibles may be nance of Norwalk, Conn. David Grende, president and dination with Nations Equipment Fi- leased by the Kaiser Family Foun- good if you’re relatively young and Other details of the refinancing CEO of Siena Lending Group, said, nance. They were able to act quickly dation and the Health Research & healthy,” said Drew Altman, chief were not revealed. “We are pleased to be able to work in and worked very hard in bringing the Educational Trust. executive of the Kaiser Family Foun- Headquartered in Dallas, Hori- conjunction with Nations Equip- transaction to a quick close.” The results reflect a recent trend dation in Menlo Park, Calif. “But of slower growth in healthcare they may be a bad thing if you are costs. But many employers and lower or moderate income or chroni- Aftermarket bus parts study launched health-policy experts predict bigger cally ill. This can be a real burden on increases next year and beyond as the family budget.” LOMBARD, Ill. — A manage- trucks, school buses and trailers. clude vehicle manufacturers, com- the economy continues to recover. For a change this year, the growth ment consulting and research firm has The study is being undertaken, ponent suppliers and manufacturers, “Historically, periods of slow in employer health premiums was kicked off what appears to be a major says MacKay, for multiple clients. It and service providers. growth have always been followed close to the national average increase study of the motorcoach and transit involves both mailed and online sur- A MacKay spokesman said by rapid increases,” said one expert. in workers’ wages of 2.3 percent and bus replacement parts market. (See veys, plus interviews, with motor- those surveyed will remain confi- Even modest changes in medi- inflation of 2 percent. Nov. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) coach and transit bus operators dential; there will be no follow-up cal costs have been difficult to ab- However, the longer-term trend The study by MacKay & Com- across the U.S. calls from salesmen, he added. sorb for many businesses and work- hasn’t been encouraging for U.S. pany is seeking to establish the total MacKay is looking for partici- In exchange for input, MacKay ers hurt by the Great Recession. workers. Since 1999, workers’ share size of the motorcoach/transit bus pants. The research is expected to is offering participants a $10 incen- Many employers have cut their fi- of health premiums has climbed by aftermarket parts business by com- take six to nine months. tive, plus it will share the survey nancial exposure by transferring 212 percent, nearly four times as ponent and in total. The goal is to gauge the after- summary with respondents. more costs on to workers. fast as wage growth nationwide, the MacKay said it’s following the market potential for replacement Anyone interested in participat- The average employee deduct- survey found. format it uses for its “DataMac parts used on motorcoaches and ing or has questions can contact ible has increased 47 percent since This year, the average worker Truck” program, which provides de- transit buses. ­Travis Kokenes, market research 2009 to $1,217 annually. Eighteen paid $4,823, or 29 percent, toward tailed information about the after- The study results will be propri- manager, at (630) 916-6110, or at percent of workers have a deduct- the average $16,834 family market parts business for Class 6-8 etary, shared with clients that in- [email protected]. ible of at least $2,000. premium. 16 October 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Rule loophole them. federal funds for the purchase of 100 jitneys for vice president of industry relations and chief “FTA finds that its charter service require- (Atlantic City Jitney Association). Pursuant to operating officer at the United Motorcoach CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ments do not apply to vehicles and equipment an agreement between (New Jersey Transit) Association. Great American Trolley Co. of North Cape not purchased with FTA funds, particularly in and (Atlantic City Jitney Association), (Atlan- “We routinely receive calls at UMA com- May, N.J. this case, where the CNG fuel systems and the tic City Jitney Association) members directly plaining that taxpayer-funded buses competing “Based on a review of the entire record, FTA CNG fueling station were purchased using purchased the jitneys and acquired title to them, for and taking charter business away from pri- finds that (Atlantic City Jitney Association) and (U.S. Department of Energy) funds. The equip- but (New Jersey Transit) maintained a lien on vate operators. Many believe all entities operat- (New Jersey Transit) did not violate FTA’s char- ment is not subject to FTA’s charter service pro- the jitneys…Through this arrangement, (Atlan- ing taxpayer funded buses are compelled to ter service regulations and it hereby dismisses hibitions merely because a federal agency fund- tic City Jitney Association) became a sub-re- comply with the charter service rule,” he said. (Great American Trolley Co.’s) complaint,” con- ed it,” stated the ruling. cipient of FTA funds, making both (New Jersey “Publicly-funded school buses, senior cen- cluded the order, issued last month by Dana Ni- Transit) and (Atlantic City Jitney Association) ter buses and military buses are not bound to fosi, acting chief counsel of the FTA. It didn’t come from us subject to all of FTA’s applicable statutory, reg- the charter service rule. Only recipients of Complaints filed by Richard Adelizzi, Elaborating further, the ruling stated that ulatory, administrative, and contractual require- grant funds from the Federal Transit Adminis- owner of Great American Trolley, accused the the charter service rule “prohibition only ap- ments, such as the charter service rule.” tration are required to comply. Atlantic City Jitney Association of violating plies to ‘federal financial assistance under the On March 25, 2013, the FTA chief counsel “Publicly-funded school buses used in terms of federal grants used to purchase many federal transit laws,’ and that it does not apply issued a cease-and-desist order that required charter service may be subject to certain state of its shuttle buses that are used to provide a va- ‘to the non-FTA funded activities of private ACJA to halt the use of the federally-funded laws. However, they are not subject to the char- riety of services, including charters, convention charter operators.’ In this case, (Atlantic City shuttles in charter service. ter service rule and it is the same with buses transportation, local resort transit, trolley tours Jitney Association) service was not subject to The latest ruling accepted the jitney asso- that may have been acquired with funds from and casino runs. FTA’s charter service requirements because it ciation’s pledge to honor that order, which “out- other state or federal agencies.” New Jersey Transit was the recipient of the was utilizing non-FTA funded jitneys with non- lined various measures that it would imple- FTA grants issued in 2009 and 2011 to pur- FTA funded equipment. There was no charter ment, such as utilizing only jitneys not Registration request chase 100 shuttles used by members of the At- service violation here.” purchased with FTA funds to support its charter Presley again admonished private opera- lantic City Jitney Association. On its website, the Atlantic City Jitney As- service operation.” tors to be more diligent in registering with the “Because the jitney association received sociation describes itself as “190 individually FTA for notification of charter opportunities “millions of dollars of taxpayer money,” said owner-operated vehicles who service Atlantic Charter notification and participating in the process. He empha- Adelizzi in filings with FTA, the association City 24/7, 365 days a year. We also provide `The ruling also found New Jersey Transit sized one of the FTA counsel’s findings in the was in “the enviable position of being able to shuttle bus service from the Atlantic City Rail and Atlantic City Jitney in compliance with the assignment of the charter opportunity at the offer lower prices on charters than a private car- Terminal to the various casinos located through- 2013 cease-and-desist order in its procedures Atlantic City airport — “No private operators rier can.” out the city.” for notifying private operators of charter oppor- responded.” Adelizzi does business under several Adelizzi asked the FTA to act on his con- tunities when federally-funded buses would be Additionally, as reported in the Aug. 15 names, including Five Mile Beach Electric tention that the Atlantic City Jitney Association used. issue of Bus & Motorcoach News, only 203 Railway Co. and Great American Trolley. He was using federally-funded vehicles to compete Earlier last year, the FTA found the jitney motorcoach operators are currently signed with could not be reached for comment. with private bus operators in violation of the association out of compliance because of de- the Federal Transit Administration’s charter The ruling states that an appeal must be charter service rule. fects in its draft notice for a charter opportunity registry, down from about 570 three years ago filed within 21 days. The rule, written in 2008, places strict lim- to serve Atlantic City International Airport. and 1,400 five years ago. its on the types of charters public transit agen- The notice contained a service-start date “Register to receive notices from public Narrow approach cies are allowed to perform if they have re- that preceded the issuance of the notice and it transits when they intend to pursue charter ser- Addressing federal funding, the FTA ruling ceived federal funding. The rule is intended to did not define a time frame for registered pro- vices, read the notices, respond to the public focused narrowly on U.S. Department of Ener- limit the ability of taxpayer-supported agencies viders to respond. After the notice was amend- transit if interested in the charter service, con- gy grants awarded in 2009 to install com- to compete for business with taxpaying private ed and issued, no private operators responded, tact the charter party, and negotiate in good pressed natural gas fuel systems on the 190 carriers. the ruling noted. faith,” Presley said. shuttles owned by the jitney association’s mem- Those transit agencies that receive a request According to last month’s ruling, “(Atlantic bers. Those grants were funneled through the for a charter that is on the restricted list, but City Jitney Association) provided FTA with Investigative how-to New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition. which they would like to provide anyway, are general measures that it would follow to ensure It is a commonly held notion in the motor- In addition, the ruling noted that “(Atlantic required to promptly notify registered operators compliance with FTA’s charter service require- coach industry that private operators are losing City Jitney Association) members store and of the charter opportunity. If a private carrier ments . . . given (New Jersey Transit’s) willing- business to competition from public transit maintain their jitneys at a maintenance facility responds and says it wants to handle the job, ness to work with (Atlantic City Jitney Associa- agencies fueled by tax dollars. in Egg Harbor Township. The facility was pur- then the transit agency must step aside. If no tion) to strengthen these procedures, FTA Presley advises motorcoach operators to do chased and constructed with funds from the private carriers are interested, then the transit requests (New Jersey Transit) and (Atlantic their detective work before taking a complaint New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development agency is free to take the charter. City Jitney Association) to provide FTA with a to the Federal Transit Administration. Authority. There is a CNG fueling station at the copy of those procedures. The strengthened “If you believe a public transit may be vio- facility, and that fueling station was funded N.J. Transit included procedures should be approved by (Atlantic lating the charter service rule, get the facts be- through a (U.S. Department of Energy) grant The new FTA ruling did acknowledge that City Jitney Association) executive leadership fore filing a complaint or contact UMA to as- award and other private investments.” the 100 federally-subsidized shuttles would be and transmitted to each of its members.” sist you with the process,” he said. “The Because the fuel-related funds came not subject to the charter service rule. It explained burden of proof rests with the private operator. from the Federal Transit Administration, but why FTA added New Jersey Transit as a re- Rule clarification FTA only renders decisions based on the facts another federal agency, Nifosi wrote that the spondent to the complaint: The ruling clarifies the limited scope of the it receives. It does not investigate federal charter service rule does not apply to “FTA provided (New Jersey Transit) with federal charter service rule, said Ken Presley, complaints.” Charter ruse Gainesville Regional Transit Service responded And under the federal charter service rule, 2014, and is based on the facts in the submis- with an email stating, “the service is advertised the agency is only permitted to provide ser- sion combined with additional information CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 as a complete package and cannot be broken up. vices that no private operator is interested in submitted by (the Gainesville Regional Tran- dates from August through November: If you are willing and able to provide all of the providing, the opinion stated. sit Service),” wrote Dana C. Nifosi, the FTA’s • A third-party contract between Gaines- service as advertised, please let us know. Thanks.” “If (the Gainesville Regional Transit Ser- acting chief counsel. ville Regional Transit Service and the Univer- Scott challenged the transit agency’s as- vice) wishes to provide charter service next “Should new or different facts be present- sity of Florida Parking and Transportation Di- sertion that the services were a complete pack- year, it must issue a separate notice for each ed, which are deemed significant by FTA, this vision for service to a recreational vehicle lot age and “one charter service.” service,” the FTA stated. opinion shall have no force or effect.” that would require six buses. The Gainesville Regional Transit Service Scott said he got word about 10 days before Scott, though, expressed optimism the case • A third-party contract between Gaines- countered with an email from the FTA’s charter the Florida Gators’ first game in August that the will have more impact. ville Regional Transit Service and the Univer- service ombudsman, which states: “A private university had put the contract out to bid; he “I hope the industry can get some mileage sity of Florida Athletic Association for service provider cannot cherry pick which part of the won the opportunity to provide service. from this down the road,” he said. “I hope it restricted to Americans with Disabilities Act service it wishes to provide. The private pro- “We’re committed to make it a success, sends the message that private providers overflow parking and University Athletic Asso- vider can either provide all the service or none and even if it was on short notice, we’re happy shouldn’t accept what is printed as gospel.” ciation staff requiring two buses. of the service.” to have the opportunity,” he said. Ken Presley, vice president of the United • A Gainesville Regional Transit Service- However, in its advisory opinion, the FTA According to the FTA, the advisory opin- Motorcoach Association, said the case was im- sponsored service open to the public at a pre- stated that the ombudsman’s advice did not ion is limited to Scott’s case. portant because “we have seen some ‘bundling’ mium fare requiring 40 to 45 buses. apply in this case. The transit agency had “com- “This advisory opinion applies only to the (by public transit agencies) in the past to try and When Scott expressed interest in providing bined three separate charter service requests, service described in Escot’s Advisory Opinion discourage private operators (from getting the two third-party contracted services, the which could have been easily separated.” & Cease and Desist Request dated June 3, charter work).” Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS October 1, 2014 17 UMA announces program for Safety Management Seminar ASHBURN, Va. — The United manages the risk associated with voking couple of days that will give case, you should be clear on legal What I Learned From My Motorcoach Association has an- motorcoach fleet operations and is our members solutions they can put aspects of hiring. Recent Safety Audit. This session nounced the preliminary program limited to the first 130 registrants. into action right away.” Discipline also presents ques- will provide direct feedback from and schedule for its 11th annual The topics at this year’s semi- There also will be sessions fea- tions, such as how strict should safety managers and operators Safety Management Seminar to be nar will focus on the industry’s turing updates and forecasts from policies be; how must issues be who have been through a recent held in early December at the Na- most pressing safety-related needs, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety documented, and should an em- compliance review/safety audit. tional Transportation Safety Board including employee hiring, acci- Administration, Transportation Se- ployee be fired or not when there What they learned during the pro- Training Center here. dent investigations and compli- curity Administration and the NTSB. is an ongoing claim? Legal and cess, changes implemented, and The program will be from 8 ance reviews, and provides take- Here’s a look at some of the claim perspectives will be provid- how it relates to the safety man- a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. away information that attendees session details: ed on issues in both of these areas. agement cycle will help you be 3, and from 8 a.m. to noon, Thurs- can put into practice right away, Employee Hiring and Disci- Back to Basics: Every Day prepared when it’s your turn. day, Dec 4. said Michele Nosko, UMA mar- pline: A Legal and Claims Per- Accident Investigation. Regard- The registration fee is $285 for The seminar features how-to keting and membership director. spective. Pre-offer, post-offer, hir- less of the size of a company and UMA members; $435 for applications of risk management “Based on calls we receive in ing contingent upon, can ask, can’t the number of crashes, you should non-members. to educate participants on elimi- the office and responses on our an- ask — there are a lot of nuances to be getting the complete story; and Complete schedule, registra- nating as much risk from motor- nual survey, information on safety the hiring process. Maybe your not just going through the mo- tion and hotel information is avail- coach and bus operations as and compliance is in demand more role includes safety and human re- tions. This “back-to-basics” ses- able at http://tinyurl.com/ possible. than ever,” said Nosko. “This year’s sources or maybe you coordinate sion will document what data to 2014UMA-SMS or by phoning The seminar is for anyone who seminar is sure to be a thought-pro- with human resources, but in any collect, review and why. UMA at (800) 424-8262. NTA expects more operators, more options at Travel Exchange NEW ORLEANS — NTA cent ahead of 2014, and tour oper- “I’m pleased that the first news A similar number (65 percent) see it as a top-notch destination to (formerly the National Tour Asso- ators are leading the pack with 35 I have to share is that interest in reported serving more clients so explore and enjoy,” she said, adding ciation) says it is preparing for percent more registrants than this our annual event has increased, far this year. And six in 10 said that half of the NTA-sponsored sight- higher attendance at its annual time last year. and this is consistent with what our 2014 bookings are on pace to be seeing trips have already sold out. convention here in January, which The jointly conducted shows operators are telling us about their greater than in 2013. Through the tours, New Or- will be conducted alongside UMA will be Jan. 18-22 at the New Or- business this year.” Along with better business, leans offers attendees a range of Motorcoach Expo 2014. leans Convention Center. According to the association’s Inman attributes the rise in regis- tour product that includes culinary, Although Travel Exchange, as “We know that where buyers mid-year survey of members, 68 trations for Travel Exchange to art, history and adventure tourism. the simultaneous shows are billed, go, sellers will follow, so we are percent of the NTA tour operators strong marketing and great interest In addition to the NTA conven- is more than three-and-one-half planning for a bump in atten- surveyed reported an increased in the host city. tion and Motorcoach Expo, the Trav- months away, NTA leaders say dance,” said Pam Inman, who took sales volume during the first six “New Orleans is a terrific con- el Exchange also includes the Faith overall registration is pacing 6 per- over as NTA president last month. months of 2014, compared to 2013. vention site, and our members also Travel Association conference.

Trans-Bridge Lines, a line-run operator serving the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and central New Jersey with service between New York City and the Lehigh Valley, is seeking an It’s Not Just our Name experienced Transportation Manager It’s What We Do in Bethlehem, PA. The qualified candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of Management experience in the transportation industry with extensive prior D.O.T. interaction. Primary job responsibilities are: • Manages the dispatch and driver operations to insure maximum efficiency and cost control. • Directs a program to educate supervisors and employees in safety and prevention of accident producing situations. • Coordinates timely handling of driver discipline and employee grievance resolution. • Responsible for compliance with Department of Transportation regulations and Company policies. • Maintains current set for general files for Operations and Safety. ABC nEW FLyEr Recommends manpower requirements and equipment needs. BCI novA Featuring • Maintains a customer complaint log and summarizes results of DInA orIon The Industry’s Deepest Inventory investigation. GILLIG prEvost Quick Delivery & Shipping • Investigates accidents for cause and prevention and prepares a GLAvAL sEtrA Great Pricing, Exceptional Service monthly report of accident statistics. IrIzAr stALLIon • Performs various assignment/projects as assigned by Executive MCI tEMsA Warehouse Locations Management. nABI vAn HooL Oregon, Indiana, Florida & Arizona nEopLAn voLvo (800) 714-7171 (541) 684-7868 www.CoachGlass.com [email protected] Send resume and salary requirement to: [email protected] 18 October 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Toronto parking and have to be careful about watch- Hiring drivers holding them from their pay- ing the parking signs. Most of all, checks, resulting in an IRS audit of Calendar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 do not park a bus and leave it. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the bus company. rush hour, it generates a lot of There will be no mercy. perform their work, they may do so Another way they are caught is OCTOBER 2014 complaints from motorists who “We have asked the city for only with FedEx’s consent.” when drivers get laid off and file 12-15 APTA Expo and Annual want to get home. They call their more consideration for buses that Presley said that virtually all for unemployment benefits, Meeting, George R. Brown city councilors.” are in the loading or unloading motorcoach companies used to treat prompting the state to go after the Convention Center, Houston. The aggressive bus fine is an process. You can’t expect attrac- their drivers as independent con- company for failing to pay unem- Info: www.aptaexpo.com. artifact of a years-ago Toronto ef- tions and hotels to be off limits to tractors but that most companies ployment insurance. States also tip 14-17 Gray Line 2014 Annual fort to deal with the motorcoach motorcoaches for four hours a day. today hire drivers as employees. off the IRS about companies. General Meeting and Market- parking issue. It is not fair to those businesses or That means that the companies The IRS has an explanation of ing Conference, Four Seasons “Many years ago the city coun- the passengers who come to visit withhold taxes from the drivers’ what makes a worker an employee Hotel Denver. Info: www. cil decided to make available about those locations.” paychecks, pay unemployment in- or an independent contractor. The graylineconvention2014.com. 60 on-street parking spaces that Imagine a coach full of white- surance, and issue W-2 forms for following is a summary taken from buses and coaches could park in haired tourists arriving at their tax purposes. the agency’s website, www.irs.gov: 19-21 LCT-NLA Show East, free-of-charge during certain times hotel after a long day on the road. Independent contractors must The general rule is that an indi- Atlantic City Convention Center of the day and on weekends,” Car- “You can’t expect older passengers pay their own federal and state vidual is an independent contrac- and Caesars Atlantic City (N.J.) roll explained. to go around the block dragging taxes and companies issue 1099 tor if the payer has the right to con- Info: www.lcteast.com. “In exchange for that privilege, their luggage with them,” Carroll forms to them for tax purposes. trol or direct only the result of the the council said it would bump the said. “We have had meetings with There have been cases in which work, and not what will be done performed. fine for buses to $300. There was the city and asked them to bear this bus companies have misclassified and how it will be done. The earn- If an employer-employee rela- not a lot of input from the bus in- in mind. We have had some drivers as independent contractors ings of a person who is working as tionship exists (regardless of what dustry for that.” success. and were ordered by the Internal an independent contractor are sub- the relationship is called), the em- Parking is particularly tense “If a coach is in the active pro- Revenue Service to pay what they ject to self-employment tax. ployee’s earnings are subject to when passengers need to board or cess of loading or unloading and should have been withholding Workers are not considered in- FICA (Social Security tax and Medi- disembark during the rush hours. the driver is with the coach, some from paychecks, plus interest and dependent contractors if they per- care) and income tax withholding. Some parking officers may look of the officers are pretty good penalties. form services that can be con- Presley said another factor that the other way for a few minutes, about using some discretion. They “The companies got turned up- trolled by an employer (what will can help determine how a bus driv- Carroll said, but a motorcoach may not write a ticket and just ask side down,” Presley said. “Most of be done and how it will be done). er is classified involves ownership driver absolutely SHOULD NOT the driver to move things along. them just got taken out.” This applies even if they are given of the bus. leave his vehicle. We are thankful for that. Usually, the IRS catches such freedom of action. In general, he said, drivers who “Drivers up here are pretty “If the driver is off the coach to companies when the drivers fail to What matters is that the em- own their own buses are consid- much aware of the fines. They go inside the building, they pounce pay their taxes and argue they ployer has the legal right to control ered independent contractors. conduct themselves accordingly all over those guys.” thought the company was with- the details of how the services are “If a driver shows up on his own, without a bus, he probably should not be treated as an inde- pendent contractor,” Presley said. “Always consult a tax professional when considering the tax implica- 2009 VanHool, T2145 2012 Stallion 29 passenger mid- tions of individuals who perform LIFT. size. Full size bathroom, underbelly 58 passenger, work for your company.” Cummins, B500. 470,500 storage, REI video system. Nice TCM. Aluminum Wheels. little coach for small groups. Atlantic City Working ADA lift. Freightliner Chassis, Cummins 6.7L One owner since new. ISB/Allison 2000 series. 104,000 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 TCM. Owned since new: $150,000 $315,000 – GREAT DEAL of the Trump casino properties are no strangers to bankruptcy court. 2003 Prevost H3045 LIFT. BEAUTIFUL 1998 Trump Entertainment has struggled since it emerged from bankruptcy 56 passenger, DD60, B500. VanHool T-2145. in 2010. The billionaire investor 677,775 TCM. Aluminum Factory rebuilt DD60, Wheels, Working ADA lift. B500 both with only Carl C. Icahn holds a $289 million Just USDOT inspected: 75,000 miles. Upgraded loan, making him the company’s $139,900 two piece windshield largest secured creditor. and headlights. Newer interior, Flat screen REI system. Donald J. Trump, who still We have photos/videos of ALL listed coaches: One owner since new; $65,000 owns a small piece of the company • 2007 VanHool T-2145 Unit #42547: but has no control over it, recently sought to strip the casinos of his CLASSIFIED400,000 TCM, Cummins, B500 ADVERTISING combo. • Package Deal: (2) 1999 T945’s Presently Call Trenton name. 58 Seats, Aluminum Wheels, Beautiful white in service and a 1994 T840 for parts (Good coach. $215,000 Glass all way around)…All 3 for $70,000 at 616-696-0022 Casino opens in Baltimore • 2000 VanHool T-2145 Unit #61194: • Package Deal: 850,000 (3) 2000 NABI Transit or email: BALTIMORE — The first estimated miles, Cummins, B500. Updated coaches. 40’ long. Excellent transit coaches. guests were welcomed last month two piece windshield. Ready to roll $90,000 All 3 for $55,000 or $22,000 each [email protected] at the new Horseshoe Casino • 2006 VanHool T-2145 Unit #12575: • 2009 MCI J4500. Engine fire. Thousands of All coaches are located Baltimore. 381,400 TCM. Cummins, B500 combo. dollars in parts. Own your own rolling parts in Grand Rapids, MI The two-story gaming com- $185,000 $20,000 (heck of a deal!!) Aluminum Wheels, 58 Seats. bus. plex, the second largest in Balti- more, offers Las Vegas-style gam- REPOS FOR SALE ing (Caesars is part of the joint Excellent Condition–none nicer! venture), with a 122,000-square- Cummins • B500 • 58 pax w/lav •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell • Variety of Makes & Models foot gaming floor, plus restaurants 170K TCM Michelin Tires by celebrity chefs Guy Fieri and Alcoa Rims • Cordless Mics NEW 1-877-737-2221 x30716 John Besh/Aaron Sanchez. CD/DVD • Lots more options LOWER Its location extends the Balti- — View “Repo Inventory” Partial Financing O.A.C. PRICE! www.Bus-Buys.com more tourism district south from $305,000 the Inner Harbor and neighboring Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered • More available To place a Classified Ad, sports venues. Call / Email today for photos and more info! For more information, go to [email protected] / 808.832.6261 call 866-930-8426 www.caesars.com/Baltimore. INCREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY ISN’T MARKETING. IT’S AN UNDERSTANDING.

While other brands may tout increased fuel economy, only Prevost has the reputation to back it up. No gimmicks here, just the innovations that are known for making our motorcoaches run as efficiently as possible. These include features like the PRIME Energy Management System, which keeps operation costs down by using engine negative torque to generate “free” electricity, thus increasing fuel economy. And the Volvo D13 engine with 2014 engine technology gives improved fuel efficiency, even over last year’s engine. Pair that with the I-Shift transmission, and you have the formula for optimal operational efficiency. Safety features, such as AWARE Adaptive Cruise Braking and the Electronic Stability Program, also help you avoid costly downtime by avoiding incidents and keeping your vehicles where they belong—on the road.

www.prevostcar.com Driving Pre-Owned Get a Close Look at a Reliable Back to New MCI Pre-Owned Coach. Call our Coach Concierge at 1-877-428-9624

one-year limited warranty*, and 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** 60-day limited warranty, plus 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** Low prices on all makes and models. These are some of our most amazing deals! your fleet Outlet MCI’s Re-Energized Program provides Best bargains, lowest prices, everything goes! options to significantly update your, or one of our, pre-owned coaches to OEM deal deal deal standards and with OEM warranty on D, J and E model coaches. RePower with an OE remanufac- ütured engine and transmission. RePair critical items based on MCI’s ü210+ inspection. 2010 MCI J4500 2008 MCI D4505 2005 seTra s 417 ReUpholster seating with newer üfabrics, and upgrade flooring to match. Cummins, B-500. New Paint, West Coast/ CAT, ZF. Low Mileage, New Paint, Detroit Diesel, B-500. WCL, 56 Passenger, Southern unit, 56 Passenger, Aluminum 55 Passenger, Aluminum Wheels, Blue Exterior, Aluminum Wheels, 6 Monitor for a like-new coach with Wheels, 6 Monitor Video System. 6 Monitor Video System. VIN #58490. Video System. VIN #00209. Only $150,000! ü ReNew VIN #65624. Only $318,100! Only $240,000! MCI’s and OE powertrain warranties. Plus, pick your components from deal deal deal these three main categories: Safety and Compliance. Add Amaya/ A2Ten/Torino G+seats or National 4210 with three-point passenger seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring, fire suppression systems and more

2005 seTra s 417 2004 seTra s 417 2004 MCI J4500 Mechanical and Operational. Create an entirely new interior from the entryway Detroit Diesel, B-500R. West Coast / Detroit Diesel, B-500R. Newly Available, CAT, ZF. Newly Available, 56 Passenger, Southern Unit, 56 Passenger, Aluminum 56 Passenger, Aluminum Wheels, 6 Monitor Aluminum Wheels, 6 Monitor Video System. to reflooring and switch to a brushless Wheels, 7 Monitor Video System. VIN #00317. Video System. VIN #00042. Was $168,000 VIN #62694. Only $140,700! evaporator and condenser motors Was $185,000 Now only $150,000! Now only $145,000! Appearance and Amenities. Upgrade deal deal deal to LED lighting and Wi-Fi For a complete listing, go to mcicoach.com/reenergize/210inspection or call 877-428-9624

2002 PreVosT H3-45 2002 Van Hool T2145 2002 PreVosT leMIrage XlII Detroit Diesel, B-500. Located in Montreal Cummins M-11, B-500. West Coast/ Detroit Diesel, B-500. 55 Passenger, Canada - 56 Passenger, Amaya Seats, Southern Unit, 61 Passenger, Aluminum National Seats, White Exterior, Steel Wheels, Aluminum Wheels. VIN #14346. Was Wheels, 4 Monitor Video System. VIN #44259. 4 monitor video system. VIN #27751. $138,500 CAD Now only $100,000 CAD! Was $125,000 Now only $79,000! Was $65,000 Now only $62,000!

MCi s ales & serV i C e C enT ers California new Jersey illinois florida Texas Canada 800.777.4101 800.262.1287 800.428.7626 800.390.0287 800.248.4942 800.663.3328 Find our latest * See www.mcicoach.com/preowned for complete POC limited warranty details. Warranty effective on purchases beginning 6/1/13 Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable news and offers: sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental **Scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and recommended fluid and filter changes at an MCI service center included fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject for 60 Days/30,000 Miles, whichever comes first, as determined by the maintenance manual applicable to the coach. Service to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. intervals assume mileage is zero at date of pre-owned coach delivery. ©MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved

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