April 15, 2003

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE BUS AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY Downsizing of USA is role reversal In the late 1990s, Coach USA built itself into the largest motor- coach operator in North America with an aggressive acquisition plan that involved knocking on the doors of independent companies across North America. Today, its parent company is employing a similar strategy in an effort to sell off many of the 80- plus companies Coach USA reeled in during its growth years. , a trans- portation company based in Perth, Scotland, bought Coach USA in 1999 for $1.2 billion and is now marketing its holdings to anyone in the industry who will listen to its ideas and is encouraging calls nesses and other non-core busi- an extensive, top-to-bottom two earlier studies were done by Among the fundamental find- from others it might miss. nesses,” reports Stagecoach analysis of Coach USA that was former Chief Executive Keith ings in the Souter report were that “We are proceeding with dis- founder and Chief Executive Brian personally conducted by Souter. Cochrane, who resigned last July Coach USA faces a soft charter cussions for the sale of various Souter. The months-long review was after being told he would have to and tour market in the United parts of Coach USA, including The formal decision to shrink the third major analysis of the do yet another analysis of Coach States, strong competition from charter- and leisure-related busi- the company came last year after company in as many years. The USA. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

TheThe Bills are adopted to alter Operators seek to reduce DOCKETDOCKET Illinois bus licensing law impact of customer fears Security Identification By Karen Crabtree ators, it’s also a good time to look The Transportation Security Motorcoach operators in As the effects of the war in Iraq at refinancing coaches or loans on Administration is about to Illinois and surrounding states continue to weigh heavily on the facilities. unveil a security ID card for are on the verge of winning a motorcoach industry, business “People need to look at how bus and truck drivers. major victory in their fight to experts, operators and the associa- they’re financing their businesses,” Page 4 revise a law requiring coach driv- tions that represent them are look- says Norm Littler, senior vice pres- ers to have Illinois ing for—and in some cases find- ident for government and industry drivers licenses before they ing—solutions that can help relations at the United Parking Progress A partnership in Washington, transport children on school coach companies deal with the Motorcoach Association. “They Rick D.C., appears to be making trips. tough business environment. have to examine the long-term Hillard progress on district parking Both houses of the Illinois Refinancing, SBA loans, outlook and how they’re going to General Assembly passed bills made on restructuring it since a aggressive marketing, looking at reorganize their business around issues. Page 4 earlier this month that signifi- lobbyist was hired in February,” new niches, altering business the changed environment.” cantly scale back the most oner- says Rick Hillard, vice president strategies and being proactive are The key, says Littler, is to do it To be honored ous provisions of a three-month- of Tri-State Tours in Galena, Ill., tools and tactics being used suc- now. “Don’t wait until it’s too late” Sen. Craig Thomas of old law that has threatened and chairman of the United cessfully by operators. Refinancing coaches and build- Wyoming will be honored by scores of operators. Motorcoach Association. ings can lessen the financial strain UMA for his role in winning “When you consider it took Tim Hennessey, a lobbyist Refinancing and loans on a business immediately. the axle-weight exemption for three years for the existing hired by UMA and the American With interest rates hovering at Lengthening payment periods can coaches. Page 4 school bus-motorcoach bill to Bus Association, working with 40-year lows, most people aren’t help, as well. become law it is truly amazing operators and others being thinking twice about refinancing For 35 years, loan programs Fuel Taxes how much progress has been CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 their homes. For motorcoach oper- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Fuel prices may be declining but state fuel taxes certainly aren’t. Page 5 INSIDE Lowballing Operator News ...... 3 People ...... 13 The Bush Administration proposes a small increase in Opinion ...... 8 Classifieds ...... 14 highway spending. Congress, of course, wants much more. Industry News ...... 12 Calendar of Events . . .15 Page 6 • 17 – 1993 -1995 40ft. Buses • Excellent Interiors • 33 – 1995 -1997 45ft. Buses • 43 Coaches Equipped with • Seating up to 58 Passengers 6 Monitor Video • Automatic Transmission • Many Coaches with • Low Total Coach Miles Aluminum Wheels • Restroom Equipped • Financing Available DETROIT SERIES 60 ENGINES QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHWEST 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2877 SOUTHEAST WESTERN 877-222-2879 800-222-2871 800-322-2877 For additional photos and information visit our website www.abc-companies.com BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — April 15, 2003 — 3 OPERATOR NEWS Trailways honors members, elects directors Trailways Transportation across the industry, said Trailways System has honored eight of its President Gale Ellsworth. operator members with safety and • The Outstanding Operational achievement awards, and elected Achievement Award was given to two new members to its board of Alpha Trailways for its “extraordi- directors. nary organizational growth and The corporate fleet, individual evolutionary achievements” since safety and achievement honors joining Trailways four years ago. were presented during Trailways’ • The Generational Award for Ron Moore Ron Cornell 67th Annual Conference and Outstanding Motorcoach Service Meeting in Palm Coast, Fla. porting the Trailways organization, went to Susquehanna Trailways of Elected to the Trailways board using Trailways services and bene- Avis, Pa. This award honors a Kincaid Coach Lines in Kansas at the meeting were Ron Cornell, fits effectively, showcasing the company that does an outstanding president and CEO of ABC Trailways service mark, and other job of carrying on the Trailways’ buys Good Life Transportation Companies of Faribault, Minn., team-oriented actions. legacy. The company was founded Kincaid Coach Lines of business,” said Dale Bohn, general and Ron Moore, president of • The Leadership by Example 60 years ago by the grandfather of Edwardsville, Kan., has purchased manager at Kincaid. “We’re look- Burlington Trailways in West the current president, Carl Good Life Transportation of ing forward to being up there.” Burlington, Iowa. Kephart Jr. Lincoln, Neb. The former Good Life locations Awards presented at the ‘Trailways’ Trailways’ two new board mem- The acquisition brings Kincaid’s in Lincoln and Omaha are now Trailways’ safety awards gala were: bers are experienced coach indus- motorcoach fleet to 58, and operating under the Kincaid name • The Fleet Safety Award for new board try professionals. Ron Cornell has Kincaid has taken over Good Life’s and are being directed by terminal Excellence, which went to Arrow more than 30 years experience. services in Lincoln and Omaha, managers. Trailways of Kileen, Texas; Capitol members are The company he heads is the U.S. Neb., as well as Panama City Kincaid is a charter and tour Trailways in Harrisburg, Pa.; distributor of motor- Beach, Fla. operation that began in 1977. Alpha Trailways of Cincinnati, experienced coaches and ABC cutaway buses. Kincaid continues to provide Good Life, which was founded Ohio; Abbott Trailways of Ron Moore is a 40-year indus- service from its existing locations in 1979, was co-owned by Jim Roanoke, Va., and Pine Hill coach industry try veteran and previously served in metropolitan Kansas City; Holt and Tom Shannon. Trailways of Hurley, N.Y. on the Trailways board. His com- Wichita, Kan.; Oklahoma City and In addition to a fleet of 15 The fleet safety award is based professionals.’ pany operates scheduled routes, as Ft. Smith, Ark. motorcoaches, the company also on a ratio of miles driven to the well as offering tour and charter “We know Omaha and Lincoln operated 6 school buses, 4 transit number of recorded preventable services. are great additions to our current buses, 4 vans and a trolley. accidents. Award went to Paradise Trailways Re-elected to the Trailways • The Most Team Spirit Award of West Hempstead, N.Y. Paradise board were Wayne Phillips, presi- was shared by Dixon Meyers Trailways owners Lauren and dent of Capital Trailways in Louisiana coach operators Trailways of Mount Morris, Ill., Godfrey LeBron cut a wide swath Montgomery, Ala., and James near Rockford, and Capitol when it comes to setting positive Gaspard II, vice president of the organizing state association Trailways. This award honors com- examples for other operators to coach division of Neoplan USA in Efforts are under way in manufacturers, Sanders adds. panies that do the best job of sup- follow, both within Trailways and Lamar, Colo. Louisiana to organize a state asso- An organizational meeting was ciation of motorcoach operators. being hosted by Motor Coach Louis Sanders, director of oper- Industries in Metairie, La., as this On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices ations at Louisiana Coaches Inc. issue of Bus & Motorcoach News Diesel prices tumble Cents per Gallon 185 in Marrero, says a number of oper- was going to press. The overarch- ators have expressed interest in ing goal of the meeting was to for- The average price of diesel fuel continued to 170 forming an association to address a mally begin the process of setting decline early this month, dropping 11 cents a gallon range of pressing issues. There are up an association. since late March. 155 roughly 30 private coach compa- Among the hot-button issues The average price in the U.S. for a gallon of diesel Y

G nies in Louisiana. for operators in Louisiana, says

140 R

fuel was $1.55 at the start of the second week in April, E N

E “We have about a dozen opera- Sanders, are school buses being

compared to $1.66 a gallon at the end of March. F 125 O . tors” who want to focus on the key used for charter work, charter . Regionally, prices fell between 9 and 15 cents a T P E competition from public transits,

D issues and speak with one voice,

gallon during the period, with the biggest decline 110 . S . motorcoach restrictions in the May Aug Nov Feb May U says Sanders. Support for an asso- coming in states where the average : E

C ciation also has been received French Quarter of New Orleans, R

price dropped from $1.89 a gallon to $1.74. Still, 2001-02 2002-03 U O

S from convention and visitor and problems at New Orleans New England continues to be the high-price leader. bureaus and at least two coach International Airport. Prices declined the least in California, which recorded a 9 cents a gallon price dip during the two- Diesel Fuel Prices week period. The average price in the Golden State Cents per Gallon Change from Turner Tours expands in Michigan is about $1.70 a gallon. Price Week Ago Year Ago Turner Tours & Charter has a expand Turner Tours’ bus service The most recent survey of fueling stations by the ® U.S. 155.4 -4.8® 23.1 new address following the compa- and maintenance business. Turner U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information ® ny’s move to expanded facilities in performs both minor and heavy East Coast 163.4 -5.8® 31.2 Administration also revealed that prices in Midwest ® Redford, Mich. repair, dump services and coach New England 174.6 -7.7® 36.8 and Gulf Coast states were the lowest in the U.S. ® Turner Tours previously was cleaning for other operators. Larry Central Atlantic 173.3 -6.3® 33.5

Along the Gulf, the average price per gallon was less ® based in Southfield, Mich. Both Gardner is maintenance director. than $1.47, while in the Midwest the price averaged Lower Atlantic 158.2 -5.3® 29.8 ® Redford and Southfield are west- Turner Tours operates a fleet of

just under $1.50 per gallon. Midwest 149.6 -3.0® 18.1

® ern suburbs of Detroit. 10 MCI coaches and has been in

Currently, the outlook for diesel fuel prices appears Gulf Coast 146.5 -6.4® 18.1 John Turner, president of the business since 1994. Its Web ®

favorable. Crude oil imports remain high, hitting a Rocky Mountain 162.5 -4.7® 28.0 company bearing his family name, address is www.turnertours.com. record level the last week in March. Oil analysts ® West Coast 166.2 -6.2® 25.7 said the new facility has 22,000 The new company address is reported a huge armada of oil tankers docked in the ® California 169.5 -4.0® 23.9 square feet. A key aspect of the 12130 Dixie Street in Redford. The U.S., off-loading more than 10 million barrels per day. move was the opportunity to new number is (313) 255-8190. 4 — April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET Progress reported in dealing TSA prepares to unveil with Washington parking bus, truck driver ID card Progress is being reported in analyzed and used in conjunction The Transportation Security longer pick-up or drop-off pas- the new effort to address the with the information already Administration is close to unveil- sengers without being issued a decades-old problem of motor- gained from stakeholder inter- ing a pilot transportation worker security badge by the Broward coach parking and movement in views to develop long-term tour identification credential that has County Sheriffs Department. Washington, D.C. bus management solutions.” the potential of eliminating the Getting the badge requires a The advisory board oversee- The data collectors have a long multiple ID cards commercial background check at a cost of ing what is called the District of list of sites where they will be seek- drivers are having to obtain in $50 annually. Columbia Tour Bus Manage- ing information, including the many parts of the United States. One Florida operator esti- ment Initiative says a new Web Lincoln Memorial access and Sen. Craig Thomas As TSA spokesman Brian mates that if he were to obtain site will help operators cope egress roads, Arlington Memorial Turmail told Bus & Motorcoach badges for all 40 of his employ- with parking in Washington Bridge, around the Capitol, and Sen. Craig Thomas News in an interview last week, the ees it would cost thousands of during the Spring tourist season, near the Washington Monument. credential program has a dual goal dollars after he pays wages, trav- while the start of a research Two-person teams will sample to be honored for of enhancing security at a broad el time, badge fees and inciden- project will provide guidance in for a wide range of information, range of sensitive areas and improv- tals. finding long-term tour bus man- including tour bus traffic flows, axle-weight change ing convenience for bus and truck “Worst of all,” says the opera- agement solutions. locations where buses stop, pull-in The United Motorcoach drivers. tor, “it’s only The new Tour Bus Informa- and pull-out times, incidents of Association plans to honor Sen. Since govern- good at Port tion Web Page has been posted double-parking, parking in illegal Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) for his ment units and pri- ‘One trucker Everglades. on the District of Columbia areas, difficulties merging into steadfast efforts to exempt over- vate organizations Fortunately, Department of Transportation traffic and pedestrian interference. the-road motorcoaches from axle- began tightening has had to pay most other ports Web site. The Web page offers Certainly the picture they’ll weight limits on federal highways. security across the have chosen not “one-stop shopping” for tour bus glean this spring will be vastly dif- “Sen. Thomas will be presented U.S. in the wake of for 23 separate to create a secure parking information, regulations ferent from a typical year. The war the Pete Zanetti Excellence in the September 11 zone at the cruise and points of contact. in Iraq has drastically reduced Government Award for leading terrorist attacks, background ship terminals, “These details, which are motorcoach traffic throughout the the Congressional effort to win the commercial vehi- but that could available immediately to all tour District of Columbia. “There were axle-weight exemption for the cle drivers have investigations.’ easily change as operators, will continue to be no tour buses for the National industry,” said Norm Littler, senior often had to run a municipalities updated as the Tour Bus Cherry Blossom Festival this year,” vice president of government and gauntlet of credentialing authori- grapple with budget shortfalls.” Management Initiative progress- said one industry observer. industry relations at UMA. ties. The situation has been most Many coach company es,” says David Levy of the The District of Columbia Tour Thomas was able to insert pronounced among truckers serv- employees have been directed to National Capital Planning Bus Management Initiative is a exemption language in the ing ports, private terminals and undergo a FBI background check Commission, a member of the partnership involving a number of omnibus spending resolution distribution centers. TSA Ad- and badging process to satisfy Tour Bus Management Initiative organizations with a stake in adopted by Congress in late ministrator James M. Loy tells of requirements of contracts for Technical Advisory Board. The Washington’s tour bus traffic. Both February and later signed by one trucker who has had to pay for long-term services. This type of Web site is at: http://ddot.dc.gov the United Motorcoach Assoc- President Bush. 23 separate background investiga- check is far more complete than /main.shtm. When the page iation and the American Bus Zanetti was a founding director tions so he can pick up cargo at the one being conducted in opens, look under the heading of Association are key stakeholders. of UMA (previously known as the the various places he must stop. Florida by Broward County, but “Information” and click on The partnership has contracted United Bus Owners of America) While examples on that scale Port Everglades doesn’t accept it. “Tour Bus Parking.” with the Volpe National Trans- and a long-time member of the have yet to surface in the motor- It is TSA’s expectation that The advisory board is seeking portation Systems Center to con- UMA board. In his home state of coach industry, there have been the Transportation Worker input, additions or corrections duct a study of the problem. Volpe Wyoming, he and his wife, Donna, instances of drivers having to jump Identification Credential pro- on the Web information. E-mail is to develop long-term recom- operated Zanetti Bus & Fast through security hoops. In Florida, gram—to be pilot tested in a few suggestions to: david.levy@ mendations for solving motor- Express in Rock Spring, and he was for example, when the Florida weeks at a port on the West ncpc.gov or [email protected]. coach management and parking a member of the Wyoming legisla- Department of Law Enforcement Coast—will be valid for a “range The second noteworthy item problems in the district. The folks ture. Sen. Thomas and Zanetti directed the seaports to create of destinations,” Turmail said in is a data-collection program at Volpe, one of the nation’s pre- worked together when both were “secure areas” with restricted a phone interview. “That’s been being conducted this month. mier transportation research insti- members of the legislature. access, Port Everglades decided to our thinking all along, to have Researchers for the Tour Bus tutes, are being guided by a seven- UMA hopes to present Thomas make the cruise ship terminals one criminal background check. Management Initiative are page document that outlines the with the award at next year’s restricted areas. And we’re working on that observing tour bus movements project tasks and deliverables. Motorcoach Expo in Atlanta. That means a driver can no process.” and parking patterns throughout By summer there should be a Lobbyists for UMA, the the District of Columbia, with bus full of ideas for reducing con- American Bus Association and data collectors posted at major gestion, idling, cruising, pollution, others had been trying for more CVSA relocates to new headquarters city gateways and tourist attrac- parking, loading and unloading, than a decade to win exemption The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has moved its head- tion areas. and suggestions for improving the for over-the-road buses from quarters to Washington, D.C., from Bethesda, Md. The new location “We will be collecting such experience of tourists coming to weighing on the national network is at 1101 17th Street N.W., Suite 803, Washington, D.C. 20036. data as the origin of each bus, it’s Washington. of highways. Sen. Thomas inserted The telephone number is (202) 775-1623 and the fax number is travel patterns, destinations and Levy of the National Capital the axle-weight language into the (202) 775-1624. E-mail addresses have not changed. The organiza- choice of parking areas.” said Planning Commission also can be fiscal 2003 Transportation tion’s Web address remains www.cvsa.org. Levy. “This information will be reached by calling (202) 482-7287. Department appropriations bill. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — April 15, 2003 — 5 THE DOCKET

Dakota, and 9 cents higher than in tional revenue for transportation. • Washington Gov. Gary • Virginia diverted $63 mil- Diesel fuel taxes Iowa and in South Dakota. Under the measure, diesel taxes Locke has endorsed a proposal to lion from the state transportation In other diesel fuel tax news: would increase 5 cents per gallon increase the state fuel tax by 3 fund to help balance its budget. continue to rise • The Oklahoma House has over a four-year period, bringing cents per gallon to create addition- • Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich passed a bill allowing voters to the state diesel fuel tax to 18 cents al funding for transportation proj- proposed using $500 million across the U.S. decide whether to raise diesel and per gallon. On July 1, 2031, the ects. Washington’s fuel tax is 23 from the state transportation Diesel fuel prices may be gasoline taxes to generate addi- tax would drop back to 13 cents. cents per gallon. fund to prevent budget cuts. coming down (see story and charts on page 3) but fuel taxes continue to climb—a trend seemingly with no end in sight. On April 1, expanded its lead as the state with the highest diesel fuel tax rate. Wisconsin's tax on diesel fuel went up .4 cents, climbing to 31.5 cents per gallon. The national average for state diesel fuel taxes is about 22 cents a gallon, making Wisconsin’s rate 9 cents per gallon higher. There are four states with a diesel fuel tax at or above 30 cents per gallon: at 30 cents, at 30.05, at 30.8, and Wisc- onsin. Since 1985, Wisconsin’s fuel taxes have been indexed, mean- ing the taxes change each April in line with the Consumer Price Index. When the CPI goes up, so do Wisconsin fuel taxes. In the 18 years since the state adopted the taxing formula, 9 cents has been added to the price of a gal- lon of diesel fuel. Fuel retailers and truck stops near the Wisconsin state line have trouble competing with fuelers in neighboring states. Wisconsin’s tax is 11.5 cents per gallon higher than in Minnesota, 10 cents higher than in North Poll rates fairness of liability systems A U.S. Chamber of Com- merce poll on the fairness of state liability systems says 65 percent of state court liability systems are “fair” or “poor.” Delaware, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Indiana were ranked by respondents as the best states in which to do business. The worst states were Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, Louisi- ana and Texas. Those surveyed were corpo- rate counselors and senior litiga- tors. They graded all 50 states on: Treatment of class-action suits, punitive damages, timeliness of summary judgment/dismissal, dis- covery, scientific and technical evidence, judges’ impartiality and competence, and juries’ fair- ness and predictability. The poll is available online at www.litigationfairness.org. 6 — April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET Fuel truck Operators voice insurance complaints hijacking try Three New York motorcoach reform has become an issue in New operators at a significant competi- willing to write insurance in metro operators have taken their com- York and for motorcoach operators tive disadvantage when trying to New York should be addressed by in Indiana plaints about soaring insurance it could not come too soon. He compete for regional business with removing outdated and restrictive During the last week of rates to the state capital in said the Bronx borough of New operators based in and laws that prohibit insurance com- March, two men attempted to Albany. York has become elsewhere. panies from operating in New hijack a fuel tanker truck in John Silvanie, president of the worst place Silvanie indi- York, she said. Martinsville, Ind. Suburban Charter Service in in the U.S. to be cated there is Prince also advocated caps on The State Police reported the White Plains; Godfrey LeBron, a defendant in a ‘Legislators anecdotal evi- jury awards in liability suits, revis- incident happened around 10:45 vice president of Paradise liability case. were urged dence that redlin- ing state tax and regulatory laws in the morning on southbound Trailways in West Hempstead, and “Even if 1 per- ing is occurring in that drive up operator costs, and State Route 37. A late-model- Sheila Prince, manager of Allen cent of the negli- to launch an greater New York adopting seasonal insurance rates white GMC Yukon with flashing A.M.E. Transportation in gence in an acci- City. that decline during nonpeak peri- blue and red lights in the grille, Jamaica, met with a group of state dent is assigned investigation He said opera- ods. but no license plate, pulled along- lawmakers to make them aware of to a motorcoach of alleged tors based in “The procurement of insurance side the fuel tanker and motioned the impact of soaring insurance operator, the and its associated costs has for it to pull over. There were two rates on their businesses. Both operator can end redlining and have no difficulty become an exasperating experi- men in the Yukon. Silvanie and LeBron are directors up footing the getting insurance ence for bus operators,” says The red and blue lights were of the United Motorcoach Assoc- entire bill ordered it written, while Prince. “It’s unconscionable that activated several times in an iation. because the deep stopped.’ those in and the small- to medium-size opera- attempt to stop the truck. “We wanted to tell them that pocket is the around New York tors have to contend with the The truck driver was able to enough is enough,” said Silvanie. operator and his City cannot. probability of the unavailability of describe for police a gun-wielding Of particular concern to the insurance company,” said Silvanie. Sheila Prince urged the legisla- insurance and, if it is available, its man riding in the passenger side trio were outsized jury awards that He said operators in metro tors to launch an investigation of burgeoning costs. of the vehicle but did not get a threaten to put both motorcoach are having an the alleged redlining and order it “These operators are struggling good look at the Yukon’s driver. companies and their insurers out extraordinarily difficult time stopped. to remain in business,” she said. Following the incident, there of business, and apparent insur- obtaining insurance and when During the meeting, Prince “They deserve as much of an was immediate speculation about ance redlining in metropolitan they do get it they likely will pay presented a list of a half-dozen key opportunity to remain in business terrorists’ interest in trucks and New York City. from $25,000 to $35,000 per issues and possible solutions. For as other industries that are faced their cargoes as potential According to Silvanie, tort coach. Such rates put New York example, the dearth of carriers with a crisis.” weapons. Others suggested the hijackers may have been inter- ested in the fuel because of the current high prices. Bush proposes less highway spending than Congress In any event, anyone with information on the attempted The dimensions of the fight tion proposes the federal govern- way safety improvement program dent is seeking. They propose pay- hijacking should call the FBI at over the next major surface trans- ment pay all the costs of “trans- and a blue-ribbon commission to ing for the increase with higher (317) 639-3301. portation bill have become clearer portation security” projects study transportation safety. taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. in recent days with the surfacing designed to “access or mitigate The draft bill is in line with the The Senate is calling for six Ontario declares of the draft version of the Bush security vulnera- Bush adminis- years of surface transportation administration highway spending bilities” and tration fiscal spending of $310 billion, with no health emergency bill. accelerate their ‘Lawmakers 2004 budget mention of an increase in fuel The government of Ontario, The administration proposes adoption by submitted request, which taxes. Canada’s most heavily populated pumping $242.3 billion over the streamlining many lawmakers Dozens of members of Congress province, has declared SARS next six years into highway rules governing more than have said does have served notice they want to (Severe Acute Respiratory upgrades and construction, transit environmental not provide increase highway and other trans- Syndrome) to be a provincial improvements, rail subsidies and reviews and 5,000 requests enough money portation spending in their dis- health emergency. safety programs. That is far less property acquisi- for highway for highway and tricts. Lawmakers submitted more The declaration followed the than many in Congress want. tions. mass transit, the than 5,000 requests to the House deaths of several individuals For example, the heads of the To speed the spending.’ largest compo- Appropriations Transportation from SARS and the apparent House Transportation Committee movement of nents of the bill. and Treasury Subcommittee for manifestation of the disease in say $375 billion is needed to keep military convoys, the The Bush proposal calls for more than $500 billion worth of more than 50 individuals across with highway building needs Transportation Department would spending only modestly more than projects to relieve local and the province. during the next six years. That is have authority to exempt them the $218 billion in the current sur- regional highway and transit con- Canada is attempting to limit roughly 35 percent more than the from highway weight limits and face transportation law, known as gestion. the spread of the SARS outbreak administration is proposing and from paying tolls. TEA-21, which was passed in With the budget outlook par- by screening all passengers at air- the gap between the two proposals The administration’s bill, 1998 and expires Sept. 30. ticularly iffy this year and next, ports for symptoms. represents a huge battleground. which is labeled the Safe and In the House, the primary the prospects for this volume of For information on travel to The administration spending Flexible Transportation Efficiency movers behind a much-expanded projects is extremely uncertain. Canada, consult the State plans, which are headed for Act of 2003, or SAFETEA, highway program are the members You can bet, however, that this Department Bureau of Consular Congress this month, emphasize includes a number of new or of the Transportation Committee won’t stop aggressive lawmakers Affairs Web home page at road safety and homeland security. expanded safety initiatives. For who want to boost spending by from pressing for federal highway http://travel.state.gov. For example, the administra- instance, it would establish a high- $133 billion more than the presi- dollars for the folks back home.

8 – April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS OPINION

result, even with interest rates at returns for the company, or After the Iraqi war historically low levels, the cost to reviewed or audited financial operate a bus may be higher. statements. Each year about this time, a tinations or times for trips. The difficult economic times • An interim financial state- small group of women who attend- Anything to keep customers trav- also have led to an increase in ment for the current year, ed high school together in Kansas eling and coaches rolling. repossessions, which has badly including an income statement gather to renew their friendship The United Motorcoach Assoc- hurt the banks and finance compa- and balance sheet. that extends back more than six iation is strongly urging operators nies. They want to protect them- • One year of personal tax decades. to keep track of how much business Lee selves from these issues reoccur- returns for the owners. Steinberg They travel from Kansas, they’ve lost during the war. That ring. • A current schedule of buses Colorado and Texas to a small means recording the nature of the Financing today: All of this has led to a winnow- owned and leased that shows retirement community south of lost business, when it was lost, the ing out of lending sources. Those monthly loan/lease payments, Tucson, Ariz., called Green Valley, financial impact and the name of Borrowing money that are still participating in the terms, beginning balance and and spend three or four days gab- the customer. becomes challenge industry must request a lot more who the lenders/lessors are. bing about family, friends, grand- At a minimum, UMA doubtless information on the proposed • A background summary of children, old times and, of course, will ask the Small Business By Lee Steinberg transaction and the company. the company’s operations and their latest aches and pains. It’s a Administration to revive its President Credit standards are much more history, including how it great time. Economic Injury Disaster Loan Avatar Financial Services stringent. acquires new business and its This year, the women didn’t program at some point in the Securing bus financing con- Financing sources will only major source(s) of current busi- hold their get-together. With the future. Following September 11, tinues to be a challenge. While review transactions from compa- ness. Iraq War dominating daily life, the SBA granted $800 million the economy generally appears nies with successful track records, • How the proposed acquisi- two members of the group were worth of disaster loans, many going to be improving slowly, certain eliminating start-up or very young tion will help the business. The afraid to travel. to motorcoach operators geographic areas are showing companies from consideration. more information supplied the Variations of this scenario have Requesting Congress for direct mixed results. The Iraq war and Most lenders today are very con- better. Information on the com- played out thousands of times assistance, perhaps in the form of terrorist situation have caused cerned about the operator’s prof- pany’s management, indicating across the U.S. during the past an industry recapitalization pro- numerous difficulties, while bus itability, cash flow and retained an experienced and knowledge- month as war has raged. For the gram or other aid, is another possi- operators also have had to deal earnings. able management/ownership motorcoach industry, the reluc- bility. To make the case for such with high fuel prices and rising Which brings us to today’s new team, can also assist the credit tance to travel on the part of assistance, the association will insurance premiums. financing rules. When a financial process. adults—and adults prohibiting need concrete evidence of hard- Many operators are experi- source invests in a bus operation By offering a lender or lessor school children from traveling— ship. encing the consequences of this by lending it money, it wants to a complete picture of a compa- has had profound consequences. The U.S. Senate has agreed unfavorable environment: The know where the company has ny’s financial health and a posi- No one quite knows for sure, already to a $2.8 billion aid pack- industry has a higher risk profile been, where it is today and where tive forecast for the future an but travel generally is down any- age for the airlines, and there is a and lessors and lenders are it is going. Full financial disclosure operator will have gone a long where from 20 to 40 percent. Even strong movement among Senate approving fewer transactions is important. If a company does way toward helping get the at the low end, that is a huge busi- Democrats to up the ante to more while being much more diligent not supply a complete financial approval they are looking for. ness loss. than $5 billion. Initially, the and time consuming in process- picture it makes the lending deci- Additional information on And, as the story on the front industry trade organization had ing credit requests. sion much more difficult and slows financing or leasing is available page of this issue of Bus & sought $9 billion. In addition to the uncertain the process. from Lee Steinberg at Avatar Motorcoach News makes clear, Reflective of its independence political situation and the Be prepared to supply the fol- Financial Services LLC, 3916 there isn’t a lot operators can do and entrepreneurial nature, the increased costs of insurance and lowing information: N. Highland Avenue, Arlington about the situation. For the most coach industry has always been fuel, the value of used buses has • A loan or lease application Heights, Ill. 60004. Phone (847) part, they are fighting a defensive reluctant to seek government caused lenders to reflect on how and personal financial statement 253-8831, or e-mail leestein- battle. assistance. For many operators, much they are willing to lend on that are complete with all request- [email protected]. The Many operators are being however, through no fault of their a bus transaction and the terms ed information supplied. company Web address is proactive, of course, urging cus- own, it may be the only option to they are willing to extend. As a • Three years of income tax www.avatarfinance.com. tomers to consider alternative des- survival.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 4 Jeff Polzien To send news, To e-mail advertisements Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: or photographs: Oklahoma City A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. To subscribe or inquire Stauton, Va. or (877) 510-5602 about your subscription: Mail: 717 West Pierson #260 Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Call: Ellen Balm Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 488-8378 Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Managing Editor Senior Editor Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh To advertise or to mail Travel Mates of Virginia Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To send subscription orders Danielle Staudt Bruce Sankey West Point Tours advertising-related materials: or changes of address: Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. Call: Johnny Steger E-mail: [email protected] Government Editor Art Director David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott (602) 980-0840 Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Norman Littler Reid Helms E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (877) 510-5602 Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. Mail: Post Office Box 12903 or (877) 510-5598 Sales Director Associate Editor Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie ABC Companies Paradise Travel Suburban Charter Services Tempe, AZ 85284 Johnny Steger Tracie Tellez Mail: 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Faribault, Minn. Brooklyn, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Mitch Guralnick Joan Libby Alan Spachman Victoria Bus Cavalier Coach National Interstate Insurance Co Mary Merkin Ellen Balm Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio

Accountant Editorial Assistant Rick Hillard Warren Miller T. Ralph Young ©2003 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in Tri-State Tours Pacific Coach Bus Service Young Transportation part without written permission is prohibited. John Giddens Rosa Funn-Bradby Galena, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Ashville, N.C.

10 – April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS

CoachUSA from transit operations included a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 new service contract with other motorcoach businesses and Foothills County, Calif., which insurance premiums that contin- offset a loss of a contract in San ue to soar. Francisco. Reflective of the weak market, Immediately after Stagecoach tough competition and rising costs announced its new strategy, it was a year-over-year decline in began acting on it. For example, revenues, and operating margins the day after Souter’s report was which fell to a worrisome 4.7 per- made public, cent from 9.4 percent. Revenues of Springfield, Mass., announced from the tour-and-charter sector it had signed a purchase and sales were down nearly 10 percent. agreement to acquire five Coach Ready offers alternatives to customers USA affiliates in New England. After September 11 and again There, Ready tours could visit sev- did what he could to assure the Souter’s solution The package included The Arrow at the start of the Iraq War, when eral national monuments, study groups it was a safe destination. Souter’s solution for getting Line, Bonanza Bus Lines, The Tom Ready of Ready Bus Lines in the history of the 13th president, Finally, he called in a little outside the company out of its doldrums Maine Line, Pawtuxet Valley LaCrescent, Minn., was faced with Theodore Roosevelt, and experi- help; he utilized his bus associa- was to implement a strategy that Lines and Coach USA Boston. canceled school trips, he began ence Native American history as tion memberships to assure trips would leave Coach USA smaller During the fourth quarter of suggesting alternatives to his cus- well. went off as scheduled. and with greater management and last year, it closed coach business- tomers—and it worked. “I didn’t lose the reservations,” He asked Victor Parra, presi- geographic focus. es in Indianapolis, Kansas City For 20 years, Ready has taken Ready says. “We generated other dent and CEO of the United Overall, Souter’s plan provides and St. Louis and transferred the school children to Washington, destinations with the same rev- Motorcoach Association, and for: buses to Coach USA units in D.C., for history tours. After 9/11, enue.” Peter Pantuso, president and CEO • Reducing exposure to char- other parts of the country. when school districts didn’t want During the past 19 months, of the American Bus Association, ter- and leisure-related businesses. More recently, Coach USA their children in the nation’s capi- Ready has taken numerous school to call his customers and describe • Reducing corporate and has withdrawn from other cities tal, Ready didn’t want to lose that groups to South Dakota, and the the environment in the capital. regional overhead in line with the and consolidated regional loca- 30 percent of his business. South Dakota tourism industry has “They wanted to hear a real business restructuring and sales tions in California and Florida. He immediately started think- worked hard to help him. person in Washington,” says programs. “If it’s not making money and ing about where else to go and When his adult groups Ready. “We used everything we • Focusing on large business it doesn’t make good business ended up focusing on Mt. expressed similar concerns about could as our tools and that helped units and predictable revenue sense, then there ares going to be Rushmore in South Dakota. visiting Washington, D.C., Ready me a lot.” streams, including commuter and some changes, more than likely,” contract services. stresses Coach USA spokesman ness practices and procedures. rect the SBA disaster loan program • Focusing on businesses that Lee Schissler. Customer fears Get as much as you can out of and possibly expand its financial perform well and where CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 your coach through better mainte- parameters,” says Parra. The infor- Stagecoach has proven manage- Needless worrying? operated under the aegis of the nance practices and improved mation also could be used to help ment experience. When Coach USA made its U.S. Small Business Administra- safety measures. Get your money’s convince the U.S. Department of • Retaining key management. announcement last year, some tion have been a source of credit worth out of tires; the same applies Commerce to initiate a “get travel- Coach USA motorcoach oper- industry observers worried that and working capital for motorcoach to engines. ing again” campaign once the war ations and other businesses that the sell-off of Coach USA proper- operators. Littler calls the SBA’s “All these ‘little’ things are not ends, says Parra. are inconsistent with the strategy ties could turn into a fire sale. 7(a) loan-guarantee program “the little when you put them all “There could be a variety of are being sold or closed. The They worried that Stagecoach’s safety net for the industry.” The together,” says Peter Pantuso, pres- ways we could use this data. We shakeout is expected to be com- unloading of Coach USA’s char- program provides loans to small ident and CEO of the American need to know how this war is pleted within the next 15 months. ter and tour buses would flood an businesses unable to secure financ- Bus Association. impacting our members and our “As a result of these measures, already saturated and depressed ing through normal channels. Not sure how to do it? There are industry,” Parra adds. we will significantly reduce the used-coach market. That has not SBA loan guarantees, offered plenty of industry experts in your The cancellation data that level of our leisure-dependent happened. through banks, provide options that fellow operators. Find one that’s operators should retain, says Parra, operations,” Souter says. “We “We are looking to exit the can help a business, says Littler. running a comprehensive mainte- includes dates, destinations, believe these changes, when more volatile pieces of our bus “Talk to the banks, get a good nance program and see what tips amount of money lost and client implemented, will result in a business while retaining our inter- understanding of the programs and you can apply to your business. contact information. smaller but more predictable busi- est in the northern regions,” says see if there isn’t something there ness in North America with a sus- Coach USA’s Chief Financial that might help.” Again, he stresses Coping with cancellations It’s smart to be proactive tainable earnings profile.” Officer Linda Bell when ques- urgency. “I’d hate to see people get Since the war began, canceled Pantuso is among those urging Coach USA’s taxi division also tioned about the reports. into the situation where they have school charters account for a huge operators to contact groups before is undergoing significant changes Meantime, she said the sales no options but bankruptcy.” drop in motorcoach business. they call to cancel or postpone trips. and may be sold. The division’s campaign being pushed by The U.S. Small Business Littler says operators need to con- Be ready to suggest alternatives if revenues are off 22 percent, which Stagecoach has been drawing a Administration Office of Advo- tact school officials and actively the group has a trip scheduled to an includes a near 50 percent drop in good response with a significant cacy has compiled a report that can promote continued travel. “Talk to area that is perceived to be a poten- taxicab sales to owner-drivers. amount of interest from compa- help coach operators in their search the schools and school districts, tial terrorist target. Rather than the “The management team is nies looking to purchase both for capital by identifying banks in contact the county board of educa- five-day trip to New York, maybe being strengthened and specific individual locations and entire each state that are what the SBA tion and make them aware we are you can interest them in a two-day action plans for improvements are regions. calls “micro-business friendly” in a safe way to travel,” says Littler. trip to Chicago, suggests Pantuso. being implemented,” says Souter. Not unexpectedly, the compa- their lending of amounts under “It’s really incumbent on operators The key is to be proactive; don’t “We will consider opportunities to ny declines to name prospective $100,000. to get the message out.” wait for the phone to ring. exit the taxi market.” buyers, citing confidentiality. The complete micro-business “There are some good things that The business has “We agreed that if there were friendly bank report can be found Tracking business losses happen in difficult economic times,” been the only segment to produce to be any news leaks, they would on the SBA Office of Advocacy Victor Parra, president and says Pantuso. “And that is that peo- an increase in revenues during the not come from us, but would have Web site at www.sba.gov/advo. CEO of the UMA, says operators ple take the time to relook at how past year, although the gain has to come from those people we should keep close track of the busi- they do business, so when things been slight — up only 0.5 percent approached or who approached Business procedures ness lost during the war. “It might turn around they emerge maybe from the previous year. Revenues us,” says Schissler. Take another look at your busi- very well be useful to help us resur- stronger than their competitor.” BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — April 15, 2003 — 11 INDUSTRY NEWS ing drug testing. tract with Illinois schools to take “The national associations do a in Illinois, the legislators asked why Illinois bus license Out-of-state operators that con- children on school-related trips. great job of watching out for our we (the bus industry) waited so CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tract with Illinois school districts That’s because drivers for the out- interests but their plates are full long to say anything about the cur- impacted by provisions of the law, must affirm their drivers have sub- of-state operators can’t get an keeping track of the happenings in rent law. They assumed we had an was able to convince state legisla- mitted to background checks and a Illinois school bus drivers license Washington, D.C. In the case of association or lobbying group that tors to overhaul the legislation. medical examination. because their employers cannot Illinois, this issue was batted kept us abreast of proposed legisla- Hennessey says the version of A slightly different version of obtain an Illinois employer number. around Springfield for three years tion. When they didn’t hear any- the bill adopted 10 days ago by the the bill was adopted by the Senate Operators from Indiana, Wisconsin, before it got to the governor’s desk. thing they assumed it must be okay. Illinois House is the one most like- but Hennessey and industry advo- Missouri, Iowa and Kentucky are Only then did it show up on the The rest is history!” said Hillard. ly to end up on the desk of Gov. cates were busy last week pushing being hurt most by the law. radar screen of the coach industry “A state association would not Rod Blagojevich. It completely the House version in the Senate. The law also required drivers but by then it was too late. only keep pertinent issues in full eliminates the requirement that a Hennessey’s goal is employed by “We can no longer sit back and view but would enhance the image motorcoach driver must have a to get the House Illinois operators to wait for our elected officials to call of the motorcoach industry at the school bus drivers license before version adopted by ‘We can’t wait have a school bus and ask our opinions on issues. state and local level as a safe and transporting school children in a the Senate and for elected license before they They’re not going to do it. In fact, viable means of transportation.” chartered bus. As long as the driv- have that bill officials to transported chil- er has a current, valid commercial moved along for the dren to and from drivers license, the driver can governor’s signa- call and ask school activities. transport school children. ture. The Senate our opinions. Hillard said the Custom Coach of Portland relocates There are a couple of modest version would be They’re not Illinois school bus Custom Coach of Portland (Maine) has moved to expanded facil- “howevers” in the amended ver- allowed to die. drivers license law ities along the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95). sion of House Bill 2840 that was The law that going to do it.’ stands out as a shin- Gregg Isherwood, president of Custom Coach, said the new 8,000- adopted. Schools that contract for went into effect ing example to him square-foot facility on a large site next to the turnpike in Portland charter bus service with Illinois- Jan. 1, has adversely impacted and other operators of the need for provides the company lots of visibility. The old location in nearby based operators must insert a scores of non-Illinois-based opera- state motorcoach associations. Westbrook was cramped, he reported. clause in the contract that indi- tors that traditionally have trans- “The daily pressures of running a Custom Coach is a 15-year-old charter, sightseeing and airport cates the coach drivers providing ported thousands of Illinois school company in today’s climate leaves service provider operating a fleet of seven Van Hool and MCI coach- transportation have been finger- children living in communities little or no time to keep an eye on es, plus vans, school buses, limousines and sedans. printed, have had a criminal back- near the state line. lawmakers and regulators who The company’s new location is at 535 Warren Avenue in ground check and have submitted The law makes it impossible for more and more want a piece of our Portland. The Web address is www.customcoachandlimo.com. to a medical examination, includ- the out-of-state operators to con- action,” said Hillard. 12 – April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Motorcoach leases expands are offered as customer services GREENSBORO, N.C. — Setra airline alternative of North America has expanded COLUMBUS, Ohio — A its service network, customer sup- motorcoach leasing company is port services and staff. marketing luxury coach travel to “We are actively building a corporations and other organiza- strong foundation of service and tions as an alternative to commer- support for our customers,” said cial flying. Patrick Scully, president of Setra “Business people seem to be of North America. looking for alternatives to flying,” Setra has increased its sales and says Ken Gallant, president of service network to 22 locations in Executive Motor Coach. “They’re the United States and Canada. often surprised to find it’s cheaper “Each facility has met Setra’s stan- to travel by luxury coach. For dards for commitment to the example, a round-trip flight from motorcoach customer, capabilities, Columbus to Indianapolis is $364. quality and customer service,” said For $1,100, I can take up to 20 Bob Duke, Setra’s vice president of passengers, which is $55 per per- product support. son. Even if just five people go, it’s Many of the service locations still $220 per person…and that’s are operated by Setra’s sister com- door to door.” panies, Corp. and Executive Motor Coach, which organization that has worked with public affairs, the idea for leasing a meeting area, cellular phone serv- Freightliner. “Combining with is headquartered in Plain City, Executive Motor Coach to have coach was developed after the ice, dinette, restroom, satellite TV these companies has allowed us to Ohio, a community northwest of its own bus on call is the Service union’s president took ride on and VCR/CD/cassette player. The expand quickly, while still provid- Columbus, provides short- and Employees International Union, a campaign coaches, including Sen. coach seats 21 passengers and is ing our customers with the highest long-term coach leases for group Washington D.C.-based union John McCain’s Straight Talk being made available to union level of service,” said Duke. travel, sporting events, weddings representing service occupations. Express. chapters across the country. “We Setra also is broadening the and other special events. The group leased a specially Wrapped in purple vinyl, the believe it could become a valuable maintenance services it offers cus- Another alternative for the equipped MCI from Executive 40-foot DL used by the union is tool,” says Pritchett. tomers. Plans are for each facility corporate and group market, says Motor Coach. hard to miss, with its logo on the Information about Executive to provide services, ranging from Gallant, is having a “company According to Bill Pritchett, sides, back and top. It has lounge Motor Coach can be found at routine service and maintenance motorcoach” at the ready. One SEIU’s assistant to the president of seating, work space, a private www.executive-motor-coach.com. to engine and transmission repair. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — April 15, 2003 — 13 INDUSTRY NEWS MCI posts service bulletins, People In The News product news on its Web site PEMBINA, N.D. — Operators Users of the service can search of coaches built by Motor Coach for bulletins by model, by bulletin Industries are now able to access number or those issued in the last company service bulletins and 90 days. product improvement announce- The company says the new ments directly from MCI’s Web Web service provides MCI opera- site, www.mcicoach.com. tors with information on demand, Ed Adler Robert Lesser Bernard Pacheco John Hagel Dan Hammerbeck Service bulletins can be found and allows it to provide bulletins by clicking on a sidebar link to and other information in a more Motor Coach Industries has named new region- operations manager for New Orleans Tours. Most view the information or to down- efficient and timely manner. al vice presidents for its northeastern and southern recently, he was operations manager at Louisiana load a PDF file to print. This is a The site also provides parts sales territories. Ed Adler, a long-time executive Coaches Inc., a Trailways operator headquartered free service. information and service proce- with Ryder Truck Rental, has joined MCI as north- in Marrero, La. He has more than 12 years of man- The Web site includes all MCI dures. eastern regional vice president and will work out of agement experience in the industry. published service bulletins from MCI has ceased mailing printed the coach manufacturer’s sales and service branch CoachCrafters Inc. has added two new sales 2000 and beyond. Earlier years will product improvement and service in Blackwood, N.J. Robert Lessor, who has been positions to its management team. John Hagel has be added on a continuing basis. bulletins. with MCI for nearly four years, has been promoted been named regional sales manager for the to southern regional vice president. Lessor had CoachCrafters facility in Northfield, Minn. Hagel been new coach sales manager for MCI’s Dallas has more than 20 years of experience in the Big Rig Collision expands repair center branch. national transportation and motorcoach industry. Big Rig Collision has signifi- es, frame straightening, refinish Adler spent 15 years at Ryder, most recently as Most recently, he held a sales position with ABC cantly expanded its motorcoach and graphics/signage installation general manager of operations for the San Cos. in Faribault, Minn. collision repair center in Calgary, for any make motorcoach. It is a Francisco Bay area and Las Vegas. Lessor has more Dan Hammerbeck has been named regional Alberta. government-authorized inspection than 15 years experience in the coach industry and dales manager for the new CoachCrafters South The company says its new facility. will continue to be based in Dallas. full-service bus facility that will open near 40,000-square-foot facility was It offers what it calls a no-has- Calco Travel Inc., a Lutcher, La.-based motor- Orlando, Fla., this fall. Dan has more than 25 years specifically designed and built to sle, life-time warranty and says it coach tour and travel company, has named Bernard of bus industry experience and also previously was address the collision repair require- guarantees the fastest turnaround Pacheco its general manager. Calco Travel operates employed by ABC Cos. in Winter Garden, Fla.. ments of motorcoach owners and for any type repair. a fleet of 11 motorcoaches serving both the charter Both managers will be responsible for sales and operators. The company can be contacted and tour markets. customer relations, as well as representing the new Big Rig Collision specializes in at (888) 848-8686 or by going to Pacheco began his coach industry career as an line of Corbeil mid-size cutaway buses. collision repair, mechanical servic- www.bigrigcollisioncalgary.com.

Yes. Start my one-year subscription (24 issues) EW! “Cover-Up” Hub Covers

E to Bus & Motorcoach NEWS for $49* (only $2 per issue). N Save even more, 2 years for $79. Covers The Axle & The Lug Nuts! I’m a member of UMA, but I want a second (or third or fourth or whatever number) subscription for $39 (each).

B Bill me.** Charge my credit card.**

I My check is enclosed.** * Rate outside U.S. is $59 (U.S.) per year ** Photo copy this ad, complete it, and fax or mail to Bus & Motorcoach News.

NAME R Makes TITLE Cleaning COMPANY Easy For Aluminum ADDRESS Wheels C CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE FAX

E-MAIL S CREDIT CARD NO.

VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS EXPIRATION DATE Over-The-Lug Mounting B Satisfaction is Guaranteed Our promise: If you are not satisfied with Bus & Motorcoach NEWS, we will send you a Low Profile • High Quality Stainless Steel • Pop-in Centers full refund on all unmailed copies. You may cancel at any time, for any reason. 1-800-982-1180

U www.realwheels.com 16845 North 29th Avenue #759, Phoenix, AZ 85053 Fax toll-free to: (877) 510-5602; if busy, (877) 510-5598 RealWheels Cover Co., Inc. • 847-662-7722 • Fax 847-662-7744 Questions: [email protected] . . . or call (602) 488-8378. Made In The U.S.A. • Best Guarantee In The Industry S 14 – April 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS ClassifiedClassified AdvertisingAdvertisingAdvertising For Sale Motorcoaches/ Charter Bus & For Sale School Buses Prevost Coaches Limousine Company Two Prevost LeMirage For Sale Well-established charter bus coaches for sale. DEALERS WANTED! and limo company serving south- VAN HOOL Prevost For Optare's Model 1990 - $72,000 (9) '75-'82, 46-pax, $3,000-$11,000 east. Located in Atlanta. New fleet FOR SALE 1992 - $88,000 (5) '85-'91, 46-pax, $38,000-$85,000 30-LFN heavy duty of motorcoaches and limousines. 1997 Van Hool T940, 49-passenger Very good condition, 47-pax, lav, Setra low-floor shuttle bus. Real estate included. + jump seat, 5-speed auto w/retarder, PA/VCR. Used daily on charter trips. (2) '89s, 48-pax, $55,000 each Contact: Owner retiring. Bank and Webasto, cruise, 3-monitor REI video, (407) 425-9519 or (407) 422-2300 (1) '90, 48-pax, $70,000 John M. Maddox owner financing available. 262K miles, clean interior and body, (2) '91s, 48-pax, $85,000 (1) '94, 57-pax, Series 60, $148,000 Optare International For additional info, contact: new tires, well maintained 40-foot For Sale (1) '97, 58-pax, Series 60, $239,000 US Sales & Marketing Dir. John Adams Assoc. Broker coach, fresh white exterior ready Re/Max Greater Atlanta for your company logo/name. Coach Company Carpenter Transit (School) 760-941-1448 Small motorcoach company in (4) '97s, 72-pax, $28,000 each $134,900 obo. (866) 256-2181 Toll Free Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada Call Phil for details. (209) 465-1053 (beside Alaska). Full two-bay shop (678) 508-1590 with offices and rental unit. Two (800) 223-8044 highway motorcoaches in excellent Fax inquiries: (614) 253-5666 condition (1988 & 1983 MCIs). Includes all shop and office equip- ment. Year-round charters and Classified Advertising COACH many seasonal customer long-haul tours in Yukon/Alaska. Unlimited Display FOR SALE growth potential. Only 100 miles ORDER FORM from Skagway, Alaska, with more Bus & Motorcoach NEWS is published on the 1st and 15th of the month. First-rate MC-8 than 600,000 cruise ship passen- Classified Ad deadlines are one week prior to publication. 1977 MC-8, 8V-71 with less gers every summer. Asking Advertisements $500,000 (U.S.) or best offer. (867) than 30,000 miles on engine, 633-3849. Fax: (867) 633- 3864. 1 column x 2” minimum size. Please print or type your advertising copy. straight shift, auxiliary air, E-Mail: [email protected]. If you prefer, print or type your ad on a separate sheet and attach to this Frequency discounts available. form. All Classified Advertising must be accompanied by payment before 42-pax with built-in bar. CLASSIFIED: insertion. VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted. Coach is in service. Coaches for Sale $20 per column inch. Must be seen to appreciate. RECRUITMENT: MC-9s / 102 Look $30 per column inch. Type of ad you prefer: __Display__Line Asking $13,000. Samples and ad rates on reverse side. 1979-82 MC-9s. Line Classified Number of issues you would like this ad to appear in: 1 2 3 4 5 6 More? Happy Travelers Tours Rebuilt w/102 look. VCRs. Advertisements Wilson, North Carolina Some w/auxiliary A/C. w/ tires. Set in 6 pt. Type, in paragraph Name Price: $19,500 form only, with the first four Person Authorizing Advertisement - Please Print (252) 237-9327 Quick’s Bus Co. words in capital letters. or (252) 243-6255 Staunton, Va. CLASSIFIED: $20 for the first 6 Company (540) 886-6297 lines per insert. $15 each addi- Fax: (252) 243-7560 E-mail: [email protected]. tional line per insert. Address Payment City State Zip Prepayment required for all ad Wanted: Referrals placements unless credit has Signature been established. MasterCard, Don't send away customers who want to lease a conversion coach! Refer them to Visa, American Express Credit Card Information Executive Motor Coach. We'll treat them right and we'll send you $$$ to show our accepted. thanks. Our coaches seat up to 21 and have lounge seating, a galley kitchen, a Deadlines Card No. restroom, TV and many other amenities. Mid- to long-term leasing is our specialty. Seven days prior to publication Executive Motor Coach (614) 733-0006 dates of 1st and 15th of the Expiration Date www.executive-motor-coach.com month. Name on Card Hours Coaches For Sale Call Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. Fax or Mail this form to Bus & Motorcoach NEWS For Sale 1990 MCI 102C3, 4:30 p.m. MST. Midwest Charter 8V92T Detroit Diesel, auto Toll-free fax: (877) 510-5598 & Tour Company 1992 MCI 102C3,D Sales Representative Mail to: 16845 North 29th Avenue # 759, Phoenix, AZ 85053 25-bus fleet. L10 , auto Johnny Steger In business since '53. Both loaded with video, Phone: (602) 980-0840 enclosed parcel racks,L flush Good business and reputation. Fax Toll-Free: (877) 510-5598 Make checks payable to: Bus & Motorcoach NEWS toilets and much more. E-mail: [email protected] Please write to: Very well maintained. Questions? Call Johnny: (602) 980-0840 Ima Busowner, O Bus & Motorcoach News Clean and straight Email: [email protected] 3717 Watt Road, Ste. 2003, charter coaches. 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Gahanna, Ohio 43230 CallS (800) 447-0116. Phoenix, AZ 85053 BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — April 15, 2003 — 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 2003 Association Annual Meeting & Show, Bash 2003, Hibbing, Minn. Info: Info: (434) 376-1150, or go to OCTOBER 2003 27-28 National Bus Traffic Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Fla. www.bus-mag.com, click on Bus www.vamotorcoach.com. 12-16 APTA: Annual Meeting, Salt Association annual board meeting, Info: (407) 647-2491 or go to Bash link., or call (815) 946-2341. Lake City, Utah. Info: (202) 496- Adams Mark Hotel, Dallas. Info: (800) www.floridamotorcoach.org. 10 California Bus Assn: General 4800, or go to www.apta.com. 444-2326, ask for SEPTEMBER 2003 Membership Meeting, LTBA, Calif. Group, or (800) 283-2877 ext. 226. AUGUST 2003 5-9 Virginia Motorcoach Assn.: Info: www.cabus.com. 17-22 Busworld, Kortrijk, Belgium. 22-24 Greyhound Birthplace Bus Annual Convention, Dover, Del. E-mail: [email protected] 28-May 1 Managing & Planning for Rural and Small Urban Systems, University of Wisconsin\Milwaukee. Info: (414) 227-3337.

28-May 2 Transit Bus System Safety, Transportation Safety Institute, Phoenix. Info: (405) 954-3682

MAY 2003 4-8 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference, Milwaukee. Info: (202) 496-4887 or go to www.apta.com.

4-8 UITP: 55TH World Congress/ Mobility & City Transportation Exhibition, Madrid, Spain. Info:+32 3 663 66 56. E-mail: [email protected], or go to www.uitp.com.

12-14 National Intelligent Vehicle Initiative Meeting, USDOT/SAE, Washington, D.C. Info: (877) 606- 7323.

12-15 High Speed Ground Transportation Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, Calif. Info: (202) 789-8107.

17-21 Travel Industry Assoc. of America: International Pow Wow, Cervantes Convention Center, Americas Center, St. Louis. Info: (202) 408-8422 or go to www.tia.org.

19-23 Community Transportation: Expo 2003, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

30-June 1 MCI Bus Bash 2003, Louisville, Ky. Headquarters hotel: Holiday Inn Clarksville (Ind.). Info: J4500 www.bus-mag.com, click on Bus Bash link. (815) 946-2341.

JUNE 2003 14-18 Pennsylvania Bus Assn.: Annual Meeting, Wisp Mountain Hotel, McHenry, Pa. ur name says it all. From the factory floor to the sales When you select an MCI model for your fleet, your investment showroom, engineers to field service representatives, brings unmatched experience, integrity and a proven track 19 California Bus Assn.: General O Membership Meeting, Ontario, Calif. Motor Coach Industries is all about building North America’s record of excellence. From design and production to sales, Info: www.cbabus.com. best motor coaches. Not only do we make more motor coaches service, parts and maintenance, MCI continues to make its 21-24 National Motorcoach Network: than anyone, we offer more customer service, more parts and name on North America’s roads. 20th anniversary Network Marketing more trained technicians. Seminar & Invitational 100, Radisson Hotel, Branson, Mo. (888) 733-5287. Now celebrating 70 years of serving the motor coach industry. JULY 2003 It is all we do. 18-20 Family Motor Coach Assn.: MOTOR COACH Convention, Buffalo, N.Y. Info: (800) INDUSTRIES 543-3622 or go to www.fmca.com. www.mcicoach.com 1-800-RIDE MCI (1-800-743-3624) We are America’s coach. 29-31 Florida Motorcoach