Busline's Vehicle Showcase TRANSIT BUSES • Motor

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Vossloh powers buses in Seattle, San Francisco, Dayton, Philadelphia, Vancouver and around the world. We provide electric bus drives for battery, fuel cell, hybrid and trolley buses. Stop by our Booth #4013 during the APTA Expo October 13 – 15 Join us at our ‘Beer & Brats’ reception Tuesday, October 14 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com MAGAZINE IN THIS ISSUE Metro Transit Approaches 50 Years Of Service To Kalamazoo, MI, Area...... 8 Commuter Coach Makes History The MCI Way ...... 24 Public Transit Demand Increasing As Millennial Generation Seeks Alternatives ...... 28 APTA EXPO Heads To Houston...... 34 APTA EXPO 15,000 Expected ...... 35 APTA EXPO Booth Numbers Current As Of 09/11/14, courtesy of www.aptaexpo.com.

RAPID RESPONSE ...... Page 63 Busline Vehicle Showcase INDUSTRY NEWS...... Page 45

TRANSIT BUSES ON THE COVER: Motor Coach Industries has helped shape today’s commuter landscape with its MCI Commuter Coach. Such vehicles are 64 – 66 currently in use around the country, including at Houston (TX) Metro. See page 24. CONTENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES OCTOBER 2014 JANUARY 2015 MAY 2015 October 12-15 January 10-13 May 3-6 Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. APTA Expo 2014 American Bus Association APTA Bus & Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers & Annual Meeting (ABA) Marketplace Paratransit Conference Houston, TX St. Louis, MO Fort Worth, TX 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Info: 202-496-4800 Info: 202-842-1645 Info: 202-496-4800 Email: [email protected] October 15-19 January 16-18 JULY 2015 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com Taxicab, Limousine International Motorcoach July 18-22 (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 & Paratransit Association Group (IMG) National School Fax: (217) 268-4815 Annual Convention Maintenance & Safety Transportation Association & Trade Show Forum (NSTA) Annual Meeting Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor San Antonio, TX New Orleans, LA & Convention Info: 301 984 5700 Info: 888-447-3466 Minneapolis, MN Rick Mullen, Associate Editor ‐ ‐ Info: 703-684-3200 Design: David Opdyke NOVEMBER 2014 January 18-22 Reception: Misty Douglas November 15-19 United Motorcoach Visit Canadian Urban Transit Association (UMA) Busline Magazine Advertising Association (CUTA) Expo At Travel Exchange At APTA EXPO Trans-Expo New Orleans, LA Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959 # Niagara Falls, ON Info: 800-424-8262 BOOTH 2306 Email: [email protected] Info: 416-365-9800 Or Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2014 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written con- Fax: 217-268-4815 sent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Email: [email protected] Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net

Page 4 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 5

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 See us at APTA Expo Booth #3037 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 6

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com MAGAZINE Busline’s Buyers Guide To Bus Shelters & Busline’s Vehicle Showcase Street Furniture TRANSIT 54 BUSES

Busline’s Buyers Guide To • Motor Coach Industries 64 Fare • ABC Companies/New Flyer 65 Collection • Nova Bus 66 58 • Alexander Dennis 66

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Metro Transit Approaches 50 Years Of Service To Kalamazoo, MI, Area By Rick Mullen, Associate Editor

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Kalamazoo is a resilient city that has been bouncing back, and playing a big part in its resurgence has been Metro Transit, serving the public transportation needs of riders for nearly 50 years. ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ÏÏ Page 8 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 9

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Kalamazoo’s economic history during the past few decades is not management; development of an agreement to transfer system employ- unlike that of many Midwestern cities. Located in what has been called ees, facilities and fleet to the KCTA; creation of a new urban transit “the Rust Belt,” the city fell victim to declining industry and population authority to provide fixed-route bus service; and the development of a growth during the 1980s and into the 1990s. It was also impacted by the governance structure for the new urban transit authority.” recent recession. In August of this year, The “Metro Transit serves the city of Kalamazoo Board of County Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County, Commissioners approved the creation which encompasses roughly 561 of the Central County Transportation square miles,” said Metro Executive Authority. Director Sean P. McBride, during a “We are targeting Oct. 1, 2015, to recent interview with Busline complete the transition to a regional Magazine at the system’s headquar- system,” said McBride, who will also ters in downtown Kalamazoo. be the executive director of the new “The countywide population is regional system. “The region is 255,000, and the population of the embracing public transit as a key urbanized portion of the county is just service — something on which we over 200,000. With the last census, we can bond together to accomplish went from a small urban to a large regional cooperation. Regional coop- urban system. Along with Kalamazoo eration sounds good, but it is not all (population of about 75,000 resi- that easy to accomplish; however, we dents), the city of Portage is the other are making great strides.” large jurisdiction in the county, with a population of about 55,000 people.” The Kalamazoo Promise Currently, Metro Transit is owned, operated and managed by the city of or its 19 fixed-routes, Metro Kalamazoo. However, changes are Transit operates 36 buses, uti- underway. Flizing a hub and spoke system “One of the things we are working branching out from the Kalamazoo on is regionalizing the system,” Transportation Center, located next McBride said. “What we are trying to door to Metro’s main headquarters do is transition Metro from a city and maintenance facility. The histori- owned and operated system to a cal Transportation Center is an inter- regional, countywide authority. One modal complex, originally built in of the first steps to making this hap- 1887. It was placed on the National pen has been putting together about Register of Historic Places on July 20 regional stakeholders. They are 11, 1975. In addition to a Metro tick- elected and administrative officials et office, the center houses Amtrak, from Kalamazoo and several sur- Greyhound Bus and Indian Trails Bus rounding jurisdictions, cities and offices. townships.” The Transportation Center’s inte- According to the Kalamazoo County rior design features elements from Transportation Authority (KCTA) 2013 Kalamazoo’s early 20th century train Annual Report, as a part of the transi- station. Parts of the original structure tion process, the KCTA was formed in are also evident on the outside of the January 2006 by the County Board of sprawling facility, which acts as the Commissioners. In 2013, the team of main transfer hub for Metro buses. stakeholders was established to guide The station was rebuilt as a multi- the process for transitioning to a coun- modal facility in the early 21st centu- tywide public transit system. ry. The project was a collaboration This group is now called the Metro Transit staff members include, top: Executive Director Sean between local, state, and federal Transitional Leadership Team and McBride and Operations Supervisor Terecita Potts. Middle, left to right: authorities, with the Department of includes representatives from Kal - Coach Operators Larry Gordon, Guy Stevens and Earl Cox. Bottom: Transportation awarding a $3.8 mil- amazoo County, KCTA, Kalamazoo Senior Maintenance Supervisor Rob Branch, left, lion grant. Transportation Authority Board and Class B Mechanic Aaron Connors. McBride explained the Trans - (KTAB), city of Portage, Comstock Township, Kalamazoo Township, portation Center is also somewhat of a centralized location for the Oshtemo Township and Kalamazoo Area Trans portation Study (the regions served by Amtrak, Greyhound and Indian Trails. regional metropolitan planning organization). “It is one of the larger transit centers in the region, and is open Also last year, the Transitional Leadership Team developed a plan to Saturdays, Sundays and into the evening hours,” McBride said. “Many guide the process of transitioning the public transit system from the man- of the other transportation centers along the Interstate 94 corridor close agement, ownership and oversight of the city of Kalamazoo to the at earlier hours. We have had many conversations with Amtrak and KCTA. Greyhound and they tell us they really like using the Transportation “The plan provides an enhanced level of detail and specificity on the Center and want to maximize their service. We have plenty of access to steps necessary to regionalize the system,” the annual report said. “Key the north to Grand Rapids, MI, to the south into Indiana and Chicago and components of the plan include consolidating public transit executive east to Detroit.” Page 10 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 11

See us at APTA Expo Booth #1163 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 12

When it comes to other modes of transportation other than riding the 62 years or older and individuals with a disability who are certified as bus, McBride doesn’t see “competition,” rather he sees “choices.” Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible. “Our challenge as a public transportation agency is to provide options At one time, it basically ran as two separate services — an ADA and flexibility for people,” McBride said. “We want to create more service and a demand and response service, McBride explained. options for people. After that, our challenge is to make sure people con- “Around 2009, it was all put under one roof and is now operated by Take 25 Years. tinue to ride the bus. the city of Kalamazoo,” he said. “We make no distinction between the “We currently run 11 hybrid-electric buses on our fixed-route sys- ADA service and the rural demand and response service. We wanted tem out of a total of 36, and we are purchasing three more this year. to make a seamless service for our riders. Riders can go through the In addition, we have 48 demand-response vehicles, which are vans ADA certification if they want the discounted fare. and cutaways. We also operate 10 vans for our community service “One of the challenges is making people aware of this pretty amaz- van program.” ing service. Currently, we average about 132,000 rides per year on this Metro’s demand-response paratransit system is called “Metro service.” County Connect.” It is a shared ride, origin-to-destination service. It The Community Service Van Program is a specialized service provid- can be used by all residents of Kalamazoo County. Discounted fares ing vehicles to approved agencies serving elderly and individuals with are available to people who are certified as having a disability, seniors disabilities at no cost. “For this program, we partner with other municipalities and non-profit organizations,” McBride said. “The organizations enter into an agreement with Metro and utilize the vans for free. They also use their own drivers. Vans can be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. The vans are stored at the Metro facility.” In 2013, Metro logged in 650,000 miles traveled for all three systems, fixed-route, Metro County Connect and the Community Service Van Program. “The mileage was split almost 50-50 between the fixed route and demand response systems,” McBride said. “Our ridership was just under 3 million passengers last year. Ridership for the demand/response service was 132,000 and 14,000 for the community service program. We are growing this year about 3 percent overall from last year. The community service program went from 6 to 10 vans and we have doubled the ridership so far this year.” The increase in ridership is reflective of the area’s population growth, following years of decline. “There is an interesting story to be told along these lines,” McBride said. “Kalamazoo was one That’s how long we’ve been writing transportation risks. We have the best markets and of those typical Midwestern Rust Belt cities that experienced significant industry population knowledgeable underwriters who are experts at evaluating your risks. Ask your agent to call declines in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Then in 2005, the ‘Kalamazoo Promise’ was born.” Five Star Specialty for your transportation needs. We’ll get you the coverage you need, no The Promise was introduced on Nov. 10, 2005, at a special Kalamazoo school board matter the conditions you face. Our solutions will get you on the road, feeling secure. meeting, when it was announced anonymous donors were funding scholarships for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools, beginning with Trust is easier when you know your partner has endured. Get in touch with the best. the Class of 2006. “A graduate of the Kalamazoo public school system who has remained in the system throughout his or her career (K-12), will receive a free 5 Star Service. 5 Star Solutions. 5 Star Specialty Programs. college education in any state college or university in Michigan,” McBride said. Recently, the program was expanded to include some private colleges and universities in Michigan, as well. Currently, the program cov- Specialty Underwriting for: ers up to 100 percent of tuition and mandatory Trucking Waste fees for up to 130 credits at Michigan’s 15 pub- Public Auto Professional Liability LI>

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kindergarten get 100 percent of “In addition to expanding and developing new tuition, down to 65 percent to those who transferred into relationships with our college-age student riders, KPS at the start of ninth grade, we are planning to begin communicating with the according to www.mlive.com/ news/kalamazoo. younger students. We would like to partner with According to www.kalama- our high schools to teach students how to use zoopromise.com, the process of activating a Kalamazoo Pro - and embrace public transportation even earlier in mise Scholarship occurs during —Sean McBride, Metro Executive Director a student’s senior year in high life than college.” school. While attending a college or university, a scholarship recipient must make regular One result of the Kalamazoo Promise has been to promote city progress toward a degree or cer- growth, McBride explained. tification, maintain a 2.0 grade “Many families, rather than moving out to the suburbs, are staying point average (GPA) and com- within the strong, tightknit neighborhoods here to take advantage of the plete a minimum of 12 credit educational opportunities presented by the Promise,” he said. “We also hours per semester. If the stu- have a large secondary school student population. We have a partnership dent’s GPA drops below 2.0, a with Western Michigan University. Students comprise about 30 percent student may be reinstated if he of our ridership. We are also seeking to partner more with Kalamazoo The Transportation Center’s interior or she is able to bring the GPA Valley Community College (KVCC). design features elements from back to at least a 2.0. “Millennials — they are an interesting group. Students use the transit Kalamazoo’s early 20th century train The program is expanding to 15 system when they are at Western Michigan or KVCC. What we are see- station. The intermodal complex, private liberal-arts colleges in ing as our community is prospering, is a lot of these students are gradu- originally built in 1887, houses a Metro Michigan, with tuition covered up ating and staying within the community. They have grown to know and ticket office and offices for Amtrak, to 100 percent for students in use the bus and they are staying with public transportation. They are liv- Greyhound Bus and Indian Trails. Kalamazoo Public Schools, acc - ing in areas that access the bus system. We’ve seen some growth and I ording to a press release issued recently by The Kalamazoo Promise and the am confident that is going to continue. Michigan Colleges Alliance. The change will begin with the Class of 2015. “We are exploring how to better serve KVCC students, who don’t live

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on campus such as Western Michigan University students. We are work- Kalamazoo’s growth, and the improvement in the overall U.S. ing on a new fare program for them right now that will be implemented economy are opening doors for Metro to establish new partnerships, this fall. McBride said. “In addition to expanding and developing new relationships with our He added: “The improved economic outlook is creating many new college-age student riders, we are planning to begin communicating with the “The improved economic outlook is creating many new opportunities younger students. We would like to part- to interact with different organizations, be it non-profits, for-profits, or ner with our high schools to teach students how to use and embrace public transporta- other government agencies that we didn’t have in the past.” tion even earlier in life than college. “Today, the main reasons people are using the Metro fixed-route service is to go to school or to work. There opportunities to interact with different organizations, be it non-prof- is a small ridership among seniors — most seniors use the demand and its, for-profits, or other government agencies that we didn’t have in response service. There is some ridership growth in that demographic as the past. We want to see how we can find mutual ways to benefit each Baby Boomers are start- other and find efficiencies by working together. I think this is one of “At times we have made ing to retire and are the benefits of today’s economy. It is making us operate better and it adjustments on routes and moving more to the is making us communicate with different organizations that we urban center. haven’t in the past. added some routes to meet “When I talk to peo- “To be a successful government organization, the modus operandi in an employer’s specific needs. ple, the biggest thing I the future will be to find these opportunities and collaborations.” always hear is the need to While the economy has improved, McBride said employers are real- Partnering with companies is operate later and offer izing that it is becoming more difficult to recruit employees these days. also essential.” Sunday service. Many of There is competition among employers seeking to hire people, and one the retail and religious of the barriers, according to McBride, is how to get employees to and institutions would like from work. Sunday service. We would love to expand, but it is going to take finan- “We’re having conversations now about how can we get employees to cial investment. We would like to pilot some Sunday service in the work and the things we can do differently to make it happen,” McBride upcoming years, if our financial situation allows, to see if it is viable.” said. “At times we have made adjustments on routes and added some

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See us at APTA Expo Booth #4163 Page 16 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 17 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 18

routes to meet an employer’s specific needs. Partnering with companies “We stress paying attention to the details. We reinforce to our drivers is also essential. that they are our frontline when it comes to communicating with riders. Our new space “One of the major employers in Kalamazoo is Bronson Methodist Our employees try to make every interaction with the riding public a Hospital. They are having parking issues at their campus and there are positive one, although sometimes you have to say ‘no.’” going to be some major new developments in that area. As a result, we One critical aspect of taking care of riders is making sure they feel safe are going to try and partner with the hospital to see how we can meet while riding the bus. their transportation needs.” “We have an extensive surveillance camera system at Metro’s facili- program ties,” McBride said. “We also have five cameras on each of “We run Metro Transit like a business. We listen to our our buses, and we are working on upgrading that system to customers and make adjustments from the feedback we have six cameras on each bus. This is really helpful in handling complaints, both from drivers and the public. launches receive... We stress paying attention to the details.” “The next training session for bus drivers in September will emphasize how to defuse confrontations on the bus. The session will explore methods that drivers can use to solve issues. Intelligent Transportation System “Metro also has a strong relationship with the county public safety in Houston department. We contract with two police officers who are located on-site t Metro, passengers are considered “customers,” according to at the Transportation Center.” McBride. As such, transit system employees listen to riders and To enhance the riding experience for passengers even further, Metro Stylish, lighter, more fuel efficient and with 80 passenger Atry to stay aware of their needs and wants. introduced its Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) in 2013. ITS tech- seats, the all-new Enviro500 has turned another corner… “Our passengers, as customers, have choices regarding what they want nology allows passengers to access real-time information via smart and is now available at the reduced height of just 13’ 6” to do, although some may have limited choices,” McBride said. “If we phones, computers and tablets. (4.1m) meaning that it can now operate in virtually 13 ’ 6 ” H i g h are not doing a good job providing friendly customer service; clean and “The ITS information technology is providing a significant amount safe facilities; and reliable on-time performance, they are going to find of robust data,” McBride said. “For example, using ITS data we are every part of the USA and Canada. other alternatives, such as riding a bike or riding with a friend, neighbor figuring out how to make runs to areas that have been seeking service or colleague. for years. We have reconfigured two routes to gain enough time to “We are customer service oriented. We run Metro Transit like a busi- grow service in an under-utilized area. During the past six months, we ness. We listen to our customers and make adjustments from the feed- have made much progress in gathering data to use in our decision- back we receive. We really want to be responsive and receptive to what making process.” our customers are saying. ITS also provides operational enhancements by enabling computer

Designed exclusively for North America the Go-Anywhere Enviro500 remains as maneuverable and popular as ever and has stepped up a gear in terms of reliability, durability, low-cost maintenance and best-in-class whole-life costs. Little wonder that the Enviro500 remains the world’s best-selling, three-axle, high capacity double deck bus.

See the new Go-Anywhere Enviro500 double deck on the Alexander Dennis www.vanner.com booth (2419), APTA EXPO, Houston, Texas, October 13-15 2014.

Alexander Dennis Inc 31566 Railroad Canyon Road 342 Canyon Lake CA 92587-9446 See us at APTA Expo Booth #4400 Tel: (951)244-9429 Fax: (951)755-0318 Email: [email protected] Page 18 BUSLINE September/October 2014 www.alexander-dennis.com 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 19 Our new space program launches in Houston

Stylish, lighter, more fuel efficient and with 80 passenger seats, the all-new Enviro500 has turned another corner… and is now available at the reduced height of just 13’ 6” (4.1m) meaning that it can now operate in virtually 13 ’ 6 ” H i g h every part of the USA and Canada.

See the new Go-Anywhere Enviro500 double deck on the Alexander Dennis booth (2419), APTA EXPO, Houston, Texas, October 13-15 2014.

Alexander Dennis Inc 31566 Railroad Canyon Road 342 Canyon Lake CA 92587-9446 Tel: (951)244-9429 Fax: (951)755-0318 Email: [email protected] www.alexander-dennis.com 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 20

aided dispatching and automatic vehicle locating (AVL) capabilities. McBride said. “There are no ‘magic bullets’ out there. It is just some- DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS The ITS also gives Metro the ability to produce reports on scheduling, thing that we are going to have to deal with as a government agency and FREE SEMINAR! routes, ridership, trends and other statistics that enable adjustments to be work to become more efficient over time. made on real-time data. “How do we provide better service with the same amount of resources Other technological upgrades include the installation of electronic or fewer resources? We are in the government business to figure out ADA-compliant bus stop signs to help keep riders informed of arrival these kinds of tough challenges.” and departure times. This information is also on the Metro website, www.kmetro.org under the “Track My Bus” or “How do we provide better service with the same amount “Plan My Trip” icons. of resources or fewer resources? We are in the government Metro also offers free travel training. The sessions are designed to teach individuals how to travel safely and business to figure out these kinds of tough challenges.” PUBLIC independently use the fixed-route bus system. Training covers the following topics: bus routes, trip planning, TRANSPORTATION transferring, emergency skills, bus rules, safety skills, schedules, Metro receives funding from federal and state governments as well as fares/fareboxes and bus passes/ID cards. from local property tax millages. According to Metro, the goal of training is to give an opportunity for “We used to get 55 percent of our funding from state and federal all community members to gain independence, mobility, and confidence grants. Now it is more in the 45 percent range,” McBride said. “The state CLAIMS by utilizing the fixed-route transit system. By expanding the client base of Michigan has been very supportive of public transit. As far as capital of the fixed-route system, there is a potential to save transportation purchases are concerned, we get 80 percent from federal government agency dollars while contributing to the sustainability and longevity of grants and the state has historically provided the 20 percent match, which public transportation. Training can involve individual sessions up to is great. I hope that can continue long into the future. large group settings. “Furthermore, we have had very strong support when it comes to voter-approved property tax millage revenue. SAFETY Employee Retirement Program Presents Challenges “Local support would seem to indicate that Metro has been successful in developing a strong relationship with residents, riders and the voters. erhaps a universal challenge for public transit systems across the However, these groups must continue to see the benefits of public tran- board is funding. While traditional funding avenues for Metro sit in the community, because they have the ultimate say in voting up or 2014 SEMINAR PTransit have remained relatively in place, dollar amounts coming down on millage renewal and/or millage increases. into the system have decreased somewhat from some sources. “For our last four millages, the approval rates were 63 percent, 76 per- “Funding is always a challenge. This is just a way of life these days,” cent, 63 percent and 72 percent respectively. The approval rates were a

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Turn dual wheels with drum off the vehicle Turn directly on the bus Get the knowledge to enhance your risk management solutions. Sign up for this Hosted by Protective Insurance Company in Indianapolis, Ind., FREE SEMINAR! the Public Transportation Claims + Safety Seminar is your chance to hear from industry experts and network with other safety professionals. Seminar topics include, among others: Space is limited! • creating a safety culture Contact Stacy Renz for details at • retaining drivers (800) 644-5501 ext. 2570 or • minimizing vehicle downtime [email protected].

© Copyright 2014 ARI-HETRA 0914 We’ll also have a panel discussion, a networking session, and at least one bus simulator on site to demonstrate how simulators can be used as effective driver training tools. REQUEST OUR FULL EQUIPMENT CATALOG! GS-07F-291AA We hope to see you there! protectiveinsurance.com

Page 20 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 21

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Get the knowledge to enhance your risk management solutions. Sign up for this Hosted by Protective Insurance Company in Indianapolis, Ind., FREE SEMINAR! the Public Transportation Claims + Safety Seminar is your chance to hear from industry experts and network with other safety professionals. Seminar topics include, among others: Space is limited! • creating a safety culture Contact Stacy Renz for details at • retaining drivers (800) 644-5501 ext. 2570 or • minimizing vehicle downtime [email protected]. We’ll also have a panel discussion, a networking session, and at least one bus simulator on site to demonstrate how simulators can be used as effective driver training tools. We hope to see you there! protectiveinsurance.com 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:54 AM Page 22

at Booth #2837 APTA EXPOVisit 2014 combination of the city of Kalamazoo and countywide millages. Our chal- SOLVING TOMORROW’S lenge is maintaining that strong relationship and success moving forward. SANITATION PROBLEMS TODAY! “Through the regionalization process that we have been going through, we are seeing a strong buy-in, not just in the urban core, but also in suburban and rural areas. People are really embracing the use of public transit in different ways. #1 GREEN CHOICE “There are a lot of Baby Boomers living in the rural areas who may want REVOLUTIONARY NEW to retire there, but will need access into the center of the city for doctor serv- DYNA-BACT ices and shopping, etc. Therefore, Metro has strong support in the rural Liquefies waste & tissue areas.” Cleans tank system Unmatched proven performance Dramatic savings on dumping fees Convenient toss in pack ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEED! Designed for the TOP MOP Concentrated Floor /Surface Cleanerer Economical highway, Superior Fragrance Industrial Strength GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE! Located adjacent to the Transportation Center is Metro’s main headquarters and maintenance facility. built for commuter BUS WASH For Variety of Road-Related Soils & Stains express Attacks Dust, Mud, Diesel Exhaust Pleasant Citrus Scent Safe for automated systems M5000 Toilet Deodorizer High Traffic, High Heat Superior Odor Control Increased Color, Fragrance & Actives Formaldehyde Free Buses pull into the Transportation Center. Metro Transit operates 36 buses, Super Concentrate Formula utilizing a hub and spoke system branching out from the Transportation Center. McBride alluded to the fact that employers (as a part of embracing economic development) are understanding that the suburban areas contain a The MCI Commuter Coach population of good, potential employees. By supplying public transit to these areas to allow more people a means to get to and from work, The MCI Commuter Coach has earned its position as the proven, North American leader in Commuter Express bus service employers can draw from a wider area than just a mile or two from their for public transit systems due to its safety, reliability and comfort at highway speeds. locations. Our coach is strong and durable, with a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above “In addition, a couple of our outlying areas have also been supportive traffic, plus Electronic Stability Control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring system and fire suppression system that make of joining the (countywide) transportation authority,” McBride said. express routes, BRT and Bus-on-Shoulder service safer. “These outlying areas are not serviced right now, but it is a part of our master planning process to do so. We see this as a major corridor for Our other strengths? Value and comfort. The MCI Commuter Coach offers a highly competitive per-seat price, plus low future development.” cost of operation and the best MDBF rate over all other types of bus models. Proven in the fleets of some of the nation’s The aging of the U.S. workforce as the large demographic of Baby most demanding transit agencies, it’s a hit with passengers too, thanks to comfortable forward-facing seats, reading Boomers are at, or reaching, time to retire is a problem for many compa- lights, 110v outlets and high-capacity air conditioning. nies in industries across the board. At Metro, the challenge of an aging workforce took an unexpected turn recently. Plus, the MCI Commuter Coach is Buy America-compliant and available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG McBride explained that about three or four years ago, to help shave the options. So whether you’re looking to build capacity, serve new markets, improve passenger safety and city’s deficit, Kalamazoo offered an Early Retirement Initiative (ERI) to comfort or simply build on your reputation for reliability, service eligible employees. and value, the Commuter Coach is ready to transform your commutes. Experience the Monochem difference today call us 512-267-5190 “Citywide there were 700 employees and about one-third of them retired or visit us at www.worldwidemonochem.com To learn more about the MCI® Commuter Coach, go to Continued On Page 44 ©2014 MCI www.mcicoach.com/commuter Page 22 BUSLINE September/October 2014

Commuter ad 2013_BusLine_APTA2014.indd 1 8/25/14 10:38 AM 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 23

at Booth #2837 APTA EXPOVisit 2014

Designed for the highway, built for commuter express

The MCI Commuter Coach The MCI Commuter Coach has earned its position as the proven, North American leader in Commuter Express bus service for public transit systems due to its safety, reliability and comfort at highway speeds.

Our coach is strong and durable, with a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above trafﬁc, plus Electronic Stability Control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring system and ﬁre suppression system that make express routes, BRT and Bus-on-Shoulder service safer.

Our other strengths? Value and comfort. The MCI Commuter Coach offers a highly competitive per-seat price, plus low cost of operation and the best MDBF rate over all other types of bus models. Proven in the ﬂeets of some of the nation’s most demanding transit agencies, it’s a hit with passengers too, thanks to comfortable forward-facing seats, reading lights, 110v outlets and high-capacity air conditioning.

Plus, the MCI Commuter Coach is Buy America-compliant and available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG options. So whether you’re looking to build capacity, serve new markets, improve passenger safety and comfort or simply build on your reputation for reliability, service and value, the Commuter Coach is ready to transform your commutes.

To learn more about the MCI® Commuter Coach, go to

Commuter ad 2013_BusLine_APTA2014.indd 1 8/25/14 10:38 AM 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 24

ADVERTORIAL

Every industry has its high-profile players as well as its unsung heroes, and transit is no different. While rail has long attracted the most public attention, Motor Coach Industries (MCI) has helped build today’s commuter landscape just as surely as the subway car and train.

Indeed, the MCI Commuter Coach has become a fixture in the High-Speed Merits fleets of forward-thinking regional transit authorities like New Jersey Transit, LA DOT and Houston Metro, where “express” sub- Compared to a low-floor transit bus, an MCI Commuter Coach is urb-to-city center commutes over highway routes are the norm. a high-floor vehicle that is designed to operate at highway speeds, with comfortable forward-facing seats and amenities such as read- “We’ve seen an increase in interest in commuter ing lights and personal airflow coaches over the years due to growing suburbs and controls—and, oftentimes, extras like Wi-Fi, passenger power out- exurbs as well as the resurgence of the inner city, lets and video monitors. and there’s this incredible need for transit.” Altoona-tested and Buy America compliant, it is the — Tom Wagner, vice president of MCI Public Sector sales. only such vehicle currently available in diesel, hybrid, and CNG configurations as well as “We’ve seen an increase in interest in commuter coaches over the both 40- and 45-foot models. It is also loaded with safety fea- years due to growing suburbs and exurbs as well as the resurgence tures, not the least of which is a driver’s cockpit that is elevated of the inner city, and there’s this incredible need for transit,” says above most other traffic, offering an incomparable vantage point. Tom Wagner, vice president of MCI Public Sector sales. MCI’s newest Commuter Coaches are additionally available Fortunately, the MCI Commuter Coach is remarkably well-suited with seatbelts; offer electronic stability control; and come stan- to meet the demand. dard with fire suppression and tire-pressure monitoring systems.

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The MCI Commuter Coach’s seating capacity is larger than Making Milestones With New Jersey Transit that of a typical low-floor transit bus, and it offers an exception- ally high MDBF (mean distance between failure) rate that is 191 New Jersey Transit has been one of MCI’s most important tran- percent better than BRT vehicles and 55 percent better than low- sit partners, with a relationship that goes back to the 1960s, when floor buses. Thanks in large part to the semi-monocoque frame several MC-7s made their way into the agency’s fleet. The agency and heavy-duty axles that absorb road energy, the ride is quiet made its first big MCI order in 1982, taking 700 MC-9 cruisers. and stable even on the highway. This is ideal for commuters who But in the late 1990s, a true alliance was forged. That’s when the want to get a little work done as well as for those seeking a agency asked MCI to develop alternate-fuel coaches for their fleet. peaceful bit of shut-eye. In 1999, MCI delivered 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses to the With its impressive list of attributes, the MCI Commuter Coach agency, followed by another 27 the following year. The agency is by far the market’s best-selling commuter-style coach, favored for its long life, competitive per-seat price and low total cost of ownership. Nor should anyone be surprised by the vehicle’s long highway pedigree. The MCI Commuter Coach is, after all, based on the leg- endary MCI D4500, part of the industry’s all-time best-selling coach family, with more than 13,000 units on the roads today.

Back To The Beginning Of course, today’s Commuter Coach has its roots in earlier MCI models that served line-haul carriers and regional operators of the pre-Interstate era. In fact, the rise of the Commuter Coach is tied to the larger history of motorcoach travel. also placed a history-making order in 2000, purchasing 1,400 Says Wagner, “When it comes to a legacy in the Public Sector, Commuter Coaches. no one can hold a candle to MCI.” Those long-running CNG coaches will finally be retired when The MCI lineage goes back to 1965, to Gray Coach in MCI delivers its next big order— 147 new CNG Commuter Canada, which was eventually absorbed by Ontario’s GO Coaches that will begin to arrive later this year. In all, MCI has Transit agency. At about the same time in the United States, delivered more than 2,350 coaches to New Jersey Transit. Chautauqua Transit purchased an MC-5A for its operations. “New Jersey Transit was instrumental in our development of MCI new-coach sales representative Lee Kemp remembers CNG and hybrid models — they were our initial customer,” similar small-transit purchases in the Denver area, and he ties says Wagner. “We’ve been extremely honored to partner with those purchases to a larger trend of the 1960s: the creation of the New Jersey. We have a strong history and legacy with New regional transit authority. Jersey Transit, and this most recent order is a continuation of During that era, small transit operators were struggling as more that relationship.” Americans became dependent on their cars. Meanwhile, there New Frontiers were still plenty of passengers in desperate need of safe, over-the- road transit. The federal government sought a solution by creating The MCI Commuter Coach has been making important inroads far- the Urban Mass Transportation Administration in 1964, then ther west, too, where highway commutes are the rule rather than the renamed the FTA in 1991, which in turn led to the rise of region- exception. In 2011, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation al transit authorities. signed a contract for 84 MCI Commuter Coaches powered by CNG to As the regional transit authorities absorbed smaller local agen- serve express routes, replacing older diesel equipment and underscor- cies, they acquired their equipment as well—including lots of ing the city’s commitment to improved air quality. MCI coaches. Because MCI had enjoyed a reputation for building And most recently, Houston Metro ordered 95 MCI Commuter extremely durable coaches, many of those regional agencies did- Coaches to serve its commuter express routes. The agency has n’t need to replace their coaches for a long time. But when they ordered nearly 300 MCI Commuter Coaches since 2001, includ- did, MCI was the logical choice. ing 122 diesel-electric hybrid models. Wagner is especially A few major orders never hurt either. impressed that Houston continues to make such a commitment to September/October 2014 BUSLINE Page 25 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 26

public transit in a region that is often thought of as more car-cen- “Many transit agencies understand the advantages of passenger tric than its neighbors in the Northeast. comfort and safety, and the reliable performance of the purpose- Wagner is also seeing growing interest in “bus on shoulder” pro- built MCI Commuter Coach.” grams across the United States, including in MCI’s own back yard. Pace Suburban Bus, which serves the suburban Chicago Making Better Coaches area, including MCI’s Des Plaines headquarters, last year ordered 13 MCI Commuter Coaches to run between Chicago and south- MCI has been making significant investments to support growing west suburbs. This service includes routes where buses are demand for the Commuter Coach. Most notably, the company has allowed to run on expressway shoulders during heavy traffic. instituted “Quality at Source” manufacturing principles at its Due in part to the shoulder provision’s ability to reduce travel Winnipeg, and Pembina, ND, plants. The manufacturing principles, most famously adopted by Toyota, are, at their essence, a bid for perfection. A highly struc tured lean manufacturing process, QAS is intended to help MCI create repeatable successes, empower employees and measure progress along the way to create flaw-free vehicles. “It’s a common-sense app roach,” says Jim Macdon ald, executive director of engineering. “Eliminate failures at every point, and you deliver perfect quality.” Wagner likens it to building quality into the process as opposed to “inspecting” it in. “It’s very important to keep ‘Reliability Driven’ as our focus,” says Wagner. There have also been significant investments in tooling, including a high-tech “Sheer Genius” metal cutter. The production line has also recently introduced a way to automate the lifting of the driver’s seat into place, improving the ergonomics for workers. Such tweaks to “Ultimately, it’s about safety, the production line are expected to yield happier, healthier workers capacity, performance, and lower operational costs in the long run. ride quality and service. Improvements Afoot It’s about being MCI continues to engineer improvements to the Commuter Reliability Driven.” Coach as well. CNG coaches will soon include a larger engine, which will offer improved performance during operation in hilly — Tom Wagner, vice president of MCI Public Sector sales. terrain and with heavy loads. Engineers are also working on increased use of electrification in the cooling system to fine-tune times and congestion, the routes have seen ridership surges of as the coach’s power demand. Projects to optimize accessibility are in much as 120 percent. The use of the MCI Commuter Coach grants the process as well. passengers a greater feeling of safety and security when riding the MCI, which also makes the best-selling MCI J4500 for the tour highway, or its shoulder, according to Wagner. and charter market, continues to invest in new technology as well as “Today, smaller urban areas are growing and we are seeing old-fashioned customer service. Transit customers enjoy their own more on-highway usage of buses making trips over 15 miles at MCI team, including a dedicated technical support. speeds of 35 mph and more,” said Brent Maitland, MCI vice Says Wagner, “Ultimately, it’s about safety, capacity, performance, president of Marketing and Product Planning. ride quality and service. It’s about being Reliability Driven.”

Motor Coach Industries; 200 E. Oakton St., Phone: 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Email: [email protected]; Des Plaines, IL 60018 Fax: 847-285-2013 Website: www.mcicoach.com

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Parts Of The Whole: Supplying An Industry

Perhaps it’s fitting that MCI Parts was once known as Universal Coach Parts. After all, the company stocks parts not only for MCI coaches, but also for most other coach and transit-bus brands. In fact, about 40 percent of the parts MCI sells are to transit customers. With an extensive inventory of OEM and proprietary Coach Guard parts, MCI has spent the last couple of years boosting its stock levels and introducing programs such as “Coach Critical,” designed to assure that commonly used parts are consistently available for immediate delivery. It also has introduced product lifecycle management into the mix. By learning how long parts are actually lasting in customer fleets, product lifecycle managers have been able to get a better handle on forecasting demand, which in turn helps fine-tune inventory levels and control pricing. The group is also helping to spread the word to customers about value-added services and to get new products into the works to meet customer demand. In the former instance, MCI enhances OEM starter offerings to help make sure they don’t fail prematurely. As an example of the latter, the PLM group has spearheaded efforts to introduce new Coach Guard parts to give customers more non-OEM alternatives. “Transit operators will find MCI competitive and able to supply all their parts needs and maintain their buses.” — Scott Robertson, vice president of the MCI PLM group

Scott Robertson, vice president of the MCI PLM group, says, “We want to grow customers’ confidence in us, so they don’t have to spend a lot of time price-check- ing. They’ll know they’re getting the right product at the right price.” MCI has been in the transit parts business since the 1960s, and has a dedicated bids-team, along with in- field technical representatives responsible for public sector accounts. “Transit operators will find MCI competitive and able to supply all their parts needs and maintain their buses,” says Robertson. “Additionally, many of our representatives in the field were formerly transit technicians, which gives us a lot of expertise and credibility serving public transit agencies.”

September/October 2014 BUSLINE Page 27 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 28

More and more public transportation has come into the forefront in the early 21st century as a viable option to helping preserve the environment. This is done by limiting carbon emissions on the country’s roadways, as well as helping to reduce traffic congestion that plagues many areas. There is also increasing demand for public transit as the aging population and the younger generation, sometimes called The Millennial Generation, opt for travel alternatives other than the automobile. Busline Magazine recently spoke with executives from three public transit operations who spoke about how their systems are meeting the ever-growing needs of their respective riderships.

— By Rick Mullen Busline Magazine Associate Editor

ince 1976, the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA), fleet is a possibility in the near future, Thomas said. Located beneath of Parkersburg, WV, home of the Easy Rider bus system, much of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York is the Shas been on a mission to provide safe and dependable service Marcellus Shale natural gas field. The massive shale field also to the residents of the Parkersburg and Vienna areas. touches small parts of Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, “Easy Rider is considered a small urban fixed-route system,” said according to www.geology.com. MOVTA General Manager Tim Thomas. “We operate 21 vehi- As the natural gas industry becomes more developed in the cles, including the small variety of rail-chassis buses and 22- to 24- region, Thomas said the Parkersburg area is anticipating “a natural passenger cutaways.” gas boom.” The system has eight fixed-routes and also offers paratransit and He added: “Here in the Parkersburg area, we are looking, hope- shuttle services, traveling an average of 650,000 miles per year. fully, to get a natural gas cracker plant that “Our ridership will be around 518,000 boardings this year,” could be a very big plus to our economy and Thomas said. “Easy Rider transports many people to our communities. We will know in the next work. We also have a bus route that goes by a local col- H couple of years whether that will happen. If lege (West Virginia University at Parkersburg). In Parkersburg, WV the ‘boom’ times come and CNG fueling sta- addition, we carry senior citizens and other individu- tions are constructed in the area, we will look to als who need transportation to go grocery shopping, retrofit some of our current vehicles for CNG, as well for medical appointments, etc.” as opting for CNG with any new purchases.” Easy Rider’s paratransit system is called “Easy Making sure passengers get to where they need to go in a Lift,” and is an ADA certified point of origin to desti- safe and efficient manner is a team effort at Easy Rider. nation service. “We have great employees at all levels, whether its office per- “(Easy Lift) meets all the new ADA requirements,” Thomas said. sonnel, management, drivers and mechanics. It is a total team “One of our points of emphasis is paratransit, making sure we are effort,” Thomas said. “Our people are the biggest asset we have. providing quality service on that end, as well as on the fixed- Without the drivers buying into quality customer service, we don’t routes.” have a transit system. We have good route managers and we have While Easy Rider does not have any alternative fueled vehicles in one of the best safety guys in the business — Certified Safety and its fleet at this time, moving toward a compressed natural gas (CNG) Security Officer Bob Tanner.” Page 28 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 29 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 30

Under Tanner’s leadership, Easy Rider safety training and policy. Among other “We have been conducting training to developed a safety program that garnered an achievements, the agency created an reflect how important passengers are to the APTA Gold Award for Safety for bus sys- improved accident tems with fewer than 4 million passenger register that tracks “We have been conducting training to reflect trips annually. The award was announced by accident claims start how important passengers are to the transit system. APTA at the organization’s annual Bus & to finish.” We have had customer service and safety training Paratransit Conference in May in Kansas Thomas said, “It City, MO. was an honor to sessions on a monthly basis for the past four According to an APTA news release, the receive the award. years.” — MOVTA General Manager Tim Thomas authority “enhanced the existing training When APTA noti- and coaching programs to promote safety fied us, it was very humbling. The award transit system,” Thomas said. “We have had culture and employee engagement. This reflects the dedication this transit system has customer service and safety training ses- toward security. I think it sions on a monthly basis for the past four might be the first time anyone years. In addition, all of our mechanics, in the state of West Virginia drivers and staff are trained in the PASS has received an honor like (Passenger Service and Safety) Program this, when it comes to safety that CTAA (Community Transportation and security. Association of America) offers.” “I gave (Tanner) the task to According to its website, CTAA is a enhance our safety program, national nonprofit membership organization and he accepted the challenge. representing public and private transporta- We owe the award to his hard tion providers and offers transit education, work and dedication.” training and information. The PASS pro- At Easy Rider, safety and gram includes comprehensive training on customer service go hand-in- the assistance that drivers should be provid- hand. Thomas began his career ing to passengers with special needs. at Easy Rider as its operations As Easy Rider displays its dedication to Easy Rider operates 21 vehicles, including the small variety of manager four years ago, and meeting riders’ needs, evidence indicates the rail-chassis buses and 22- to 24-passenger cutaways. was named general manager system has earned the support of local gov- on December 3, 2011. He has ernments and the general public. improvement allowed for better reporting of made customer service a high priority since “There are two city councils we have to hazards and more efficient dissemination of his arrival at the transit system. go before, for a levy to receive local match-

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See us at APTA Expo Booth #3907 Page 30 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 31

ing funds,” Thomas said. “We are treated ral gas industry in the state, Easy Rider is 520 Juliana St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. with great respect, in my opinion. They do planning ahead for the possibility of Phone: 304-422-4100. ask questions, but they also see the product expanding services. Email: [email protected]. that we put out there. I feel we have one of “We want to make sure our drivers and Website: www.easyriderbus.com. the best systems in the nation. As a result, other staff members provide the best quality the councils and citizens are eager and will- service. Our board of directors is behind us his past summer marked the third ing to work with Easy Rider.” 100 percent,” Thomas said. anniversary of Solano County Thomas thanked taxpayers who voted for In the meantime, Thomas is keeping a TTran sit (SolTrans), of Vallejo, CA, the levy during the May election. watchful eye on the U.S. Congress as the that serves the cities of Vallejo and Benicia, “The percentage of voters approving the current authorization for federal spending both located just north of the San levy was possibly the highest we have ever on highway and public transportation pro- Francisco/Oakland metro areas. “Prior to the inception of SolTrans, both “When a good product is offered, people will be supportive.” cities operated their own separate transit systems,” said SolTrans Executive Dir - had,” Thomas said. “This shows how impor- grams, as well as surface transportation ector Mona Babauta. “It was at the end of tant transit is to our citizens. When a good safety and research and some rail programs, calendar year 2010, when both cities, in the product is offered, people will be supportive. expires Sept. 30, 2014. interest of establishing a sustainable transit “We want to continue to provide the best “I hope Congress takes a hard look at system of south Solano County, signed a quality, safe, reliable transit service that we making sure public transportation is funded Joint Powers Agreement to establish can. We want to look at ways to continue to for the next four to six years so there won’t SolTrans. Approximately six months later, keep the system financially constrained, be any service cuts throughout,” Thomas the agency then assumed the full responsi- making sure we spend taxpayer dollars said. “We have the possibility to expand bility of operating transit services for each wisely, earning the trust to do so from the service down the road, but it depends on city.” public.” how the federal government acts.” As a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), In anticipation of an economic boom Contact: SolTrans is considered its own governmen- brought on by the development of the natu- Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority, tal entity in California and outsources its

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transit operations to National Express averages 1.6 million revenue miles per year. Because of California’s stringent air emis- Transit. “We operate seven local fixed-routes and sions standards, SolTrans is finding it more “SolTrans is an urban system,” Babauta five regional routes,” Babauta said. “Our and more difficult to purchase diesel-elec- said. “In addition to providing services tric hybrid buses. to both Vallejo and Benicia, it also runs “There is a compliance commuter service to BART (Bay Area issue currently with CARB Rapid Transit) stations in the cities (California Air Resources Walnut Creek and El Cerrito. Both of Board) that is prohibiting us these BART stations are from buying diesel-electric in Contra Costa County. hybrid buses at this time,” “From both stations, Babauta said. “Every year customers can also trav- manufacturers need to go el to major destinations through CARB to certify their in the Oakland or San diesel-electric hybrid sys- Francisco areas by tems, resulting in significant catching a BART train. procurement delays.” We also operate service up H As a result, SolTrans is Vallejo, CA to the city of Fairfield, looking to CNG vehicles for which is here in Solano the future, which the Sol - County. Trans Board of Directors “Furthermore, SolTrans offers recently authorized during its SolTrans Executive Director Mona Babauta. complementary bus service for the June 2014 board meeting. San Francisco Bay Ferry to aug- local fleet is largely SolTrans ridership is around 1.4 million ment is ferry service between downtown diesel-electric hybrids. passengers per year. Vallejo and San Francisco. Essentially, bus Three of our local buses “About one-half of our ridership travels service is provided between ferry trips and and our entire commuter on our commuter routes,” Babauta said. when the ferries are not available.” fleet are of the old diesel variety, and they “These are folks going to San Francisco, SolTrans’ fleet includes 45 fixed-route, all need to be replaced in the next one to five Oakland, Walnut Creek, etc., for work or and 12 paratransit vehicles. The system years.” school. I would consider these customers to

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“We have a lot of promotions. We are at community events. We set up booths and public. This wasn’t always the we educate people on transit. We work very closely with the press to let them know case, at least in the beginning. what progress we have made.” “Gaining local support has — SolTrans Executive Director Mona Babauta been an ongoing process,” Bab - auta said. “A year after Sol Trans be primarily choice riders. allows eligible individuals to buy $100 was formed, we had to cut serv- “The commuter service is popular worth of taxi script from SolTrans for $15. It ice. The communities involved in the former because it is extremely expensive to park in is a popular service for people who need to separate systems, at that point, were very San Francisco or anywhere in the urban core go up to Fairfield or Vacaville, or other disappointed. People wondered if their of the Bay Area. In addition, to get from places within the county. Mostly, these peo- elected officials made the right decision in Solano County to downtown San Francisco ple are traveling to medical appointments or creating SolTrans and reducing services in by car, people must pay two bridge tolls, to work.” each of the cities. which adds up to $10 per day on top of pay- While under Babauta’s leadership, “What people didn’t know at the time was ing for parking. SolTrans now enjoys the support of local the cuts were eventually going to happen — “The other half of our ridership is local and state governments, as well as the riding Continued On Page 40 customers, of which a good portion are youths getting to and from school, in addition to seniors and the disabled.” According to SolTrans, its ADA paratransit service is available to qualified, certified persons with disabilities who are unable to board a regular fixed-route bus, access a bus stop, or otherwise navigate the regular fixed-route bus system due to a disabling condition as defined by the ADA. This does not include disabilities that only make use of accessible transit service difficult or incon- venient. “The paratransit service is origin to destination,” Babauta said. “Our drivers go out of their way to help people receive the service they need. Drivers are tuned in to their clients’ special needs.” SolTrans also offers two subsidized taxi services. The Solano County Intercity Taxi Scrip Program is a flexible option limited to qualified ADA paratransit certified riders. This service provides premium curb-to- curb, same day transportation at a reduced cost for trips within Solano County. This program is in addition to ADA paratransit bus services available by public transit providers throughout Solano County. In addition, the SolTrans Local Taxi Scrip Program provides alternative transportation at a reduced cost for Medicare cardholders, seniors 65 and over, and persons with disabilities living in the cities of Vallejo and Benicia. “The subsidized taxi programs are a life- line,” Babauta said. “When our buses stop running about 8 p.m., our paratransit system shuts down as well. Let’s say someone is on a commuter route, and he or she arrives downtown where there is no local route that would take that person the rest of the way home. He or she would have the option of taking a taxi. We work with the local taxi companies to address that transportation need. We subsidize 50 percent of the ride. “We also subsidize what we call inter-city taxi service within Solano County, which

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A P T A E X P O Heads To houston

Dear Public Transportation Colleagues: On October 12-15, 15,000 public transportation professionals from across the world will gather in Houston for the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) International EXPO, the world’s largest public transit-related conference, held in conjunction with the APTA Annual Meeting. The triennial APTA EXPO showcases the latest innovations, products and services in the public transportation industry. EXPO is the must-attend event for the entire public transit industry, and offers unique opportunities for all participants to enhance their organizations, their careers and their professional networks. This year, we are delight- ed that METRO, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX, will serve as our host with the theme of “Powering Possibilities.” More than 750 exhibitors will display the latest advancements and state-of-the-art technology, including 60-plus buses and at least two mock-up rail cars. With hands-on demonstrations, and a tremendous amount of exhibitor information available, you can walk the showthe floorEXPO (or, tradeyour in other showpublic words, floor), transit you and system can explore traverse or business the thetechnologies 280,000forward. net that square will move feet of EXPO is held in conjunction with APTA’s Annual Meeting, which means you can expect a wide-ranging lineup of educational sessions, general forums, technical tours and extensive networking opportunities. New in 2014, EXPO features seven Learning Zones around the show floor, as well as an area dedicated to exhibitors showcasing products and services related to livable and sustainable communities, complete streets and transit-oriented development. We look forward to meeting you in Houston!

Sincerely,

Peter Varga and Phillip A. Washington

Peter Varga Phillip A. Washington APTA Chair, APTA Chair, 2013-2014 2014-2015

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A P T A E X P O 15,,000 Expected

ver 15,000 transit professionals and companies. Company booths will be located leys featuring the latest in technology. 750 exhibiting companies from around throughout the EXPO showfloor. Meanwhile, the APTA Annual Meeting, held Othe world will gather in October at the concurrently with the EXPO, features a series George R. Brown Convention Center in EXPO hours are as follows: of educational sessions, forums and other learn- Houston, TX, for the American Public n 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ing and networking opportunities. Transportation Association’s 2014 Annual on Monday, October 13; Meeting & EXPO. The event officially runs n 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plaza 3 Added To EXPO from Sunday, October 12 through Wednesday, on Tuesday, October 14; and, Along with the Level 1 showfloor, this year’s October 15. n 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. APTA EXPO also features Plaza 3, located on The EXPO takes place every three years. At on Wednesday, October 15. the third floor of the George R. Brown this year’s event, attendees can visit exhibits Convention Center. Plaza 3 includes the EXPO featuring different types of technology, prod- The EXPO offers a marketplace for the pub- Sustainability Showcase that features products ucts and services, while talking with representa- lic transportation industry. Products on display designed to meet commitments to environmen- tives of 750-plus public transportation-related will include alternative-fueled buses and trol- tal quality, social well-being and economic

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growth. Also featured at Plaza 3 are the General Session will be given by Dr. Stephen L. October 15. COMTO Pavilion, showcasing various DBE Klineberg, co-director of the Kinder Institute Visit www.aptaexpo.com for more informa- exhibitors; The APTA Center, where attendees for Urban Research at Houston’s Rice tion about the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & can learn more about the association; and vari- University. Dr. Klineberg will speak on, “The EXPO. ous restaurants. Changing Face of Houston: The Prospects for Walkable Urbanism in a Car-Centered City.” 2014 APTA Annual Meeting APTA Registration Hours & EXPO Schedule Admission to all scheduled APTA Annual Educational Opportunities (Courtesy of APTA: Current As Of Sept. 11, 2014) Meeting & EXPO activities requires a name There are a variety of educational sessions badge. Attendees must register and pick up their scheduled for the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting Saturday, October 11 individual badges upon arrival. The registration & EXPO. These sessions will be located 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. desk, located in the George R. Brown throughout the George R. Brown Convention APTA Committee Meetings Convention Center, will be open during the fol- Center. This involves three concurrent Annual 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. lowing times: Meeting Education Sessions as well as other Registration Open Saturday, October 11 – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. sessions scheduled at seven Learning Zones. (Exhibitor Registration Opens at 7:30 a.m.) Sunday, October 12 – 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Speakers will discuss topics ranging from Monday, October 13 – 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. fare collection systems and transit shelters, to Sunday, October 12 Tuesday, October 14 – 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mobility management and green solutions. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 15 – 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. APTA Committee Meetings APTA Technical Tours 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Opening General Session APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO registrants Registration Open The Opening General Session will take place are also invited to participate in four technical (EXPO-only Registration Opens at Noon) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Monday, October 13, in tours arranged by Houston Metro. They are as 1 - 2:15 p.m. the George R. Brown Convention Center’s follows: Arts In Transit; Metrorail Operating This is APTA Grand Ballroom. Attendees will hear an update Facility; Metrolift Operations Center; and 6 - 7:30 p.m. on the state of public transportation, and wit- Houston Transtar-Emergency Management. Welcome Reception ness the “exchanging of the gavel” ceremony Those interested are asked to sign up in between the incoming and outgoing APTA advance at the host information desk at the Monday, October 13 chairs. The session concludes with the official APTA registration area in the convention center. 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. grand opening of the 2014 APTA EXPO. The tours will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Registration Open The keynote address at this year’s Opening both Tuesday, October 14, and Wednesday, 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.

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Opening General Session 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15 & EXPO 2014 Grand Opening Ceremonies Registration Open 7:30 - 9:15 a.m. 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. 8 - 9 a.m. General Session & Breakfast Learning Zone Presentations Business to Business Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. for Exhibitors Only on EXPO Floor Learning Zone Presentations EXPO 2014 Open 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1:30 - 3 p.m. APTA’s Annual Awards Breakfast Registration Open General Session 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 3 - 5 p.m. EXPO 2014 Open EXPO 2014 Open Public Transportation Innovations 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. 9:30 - 11 a.m. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Concurrent Annual Meeting Edu. Sessions: Concurrent Annual Meeting AdWheel Awards Ceremony • Good Faith Effort: Live or Memorex? Education Sessions: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. APTA-COMTO DBE Assembly; • Management and Integration of Concurrent Annual Meeting Edu. Sessions: • Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders: Current and New Technologies; • Linking Transit & Land Use: Building & Leadership APTA & The APTF Scholarship • The Transit Board Member’s Role in Sustaining Awards; Procurement; Transit-Oriented Communities; • Promising Practices in Asset Management, • Top Actions to Mitigate Distracted Driving; • Congress & The Federal Transportation State of Good Repair & Performance-Based • Executive Roundtable: Advancing Agenda; Planning; Your Front-Line Workforce; • Big Transportation Infrastructure Projects • It’s All About Advocacy: •You Are a Powerful Force: Worldwide; How to Engage the Public and Stakeholders; Public Transportation • Funding for Public Transportation; and, • Reimagining Transit Services & Orgs: and Real Estate Values; and, • Local Share Funding Sources Pub. Trans. A Texas Roundup; and, • Arts in Transit. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. • Comprehensive Approaches to Financing 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Young Professionals in Trans. Happy Hour New Projects. Closing General Session 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. 2 - 4:30 p.m. 1 - 5 p.m. APTF Reception (tickets required) Houston METRO Technical Tours FTA’s Major Capital Investment Grant 4 - 5:30 p.m. Workshop Tuesday, October 14 General Session 2 - 4:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. Houston METRO Learning Zone Presentations Leadership APTA Reception Technical Tours

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Public Transit Demand Increasing: ing that they are hearing a lot of positive requests and inquiries, etc., making sure Continued From Page 33 comments about the system. This indi- strong safety and maintenance programs cates both communities, Vallejo and are in place is key, according to Babauta. they just happened after SolTrans was Benicia, have really formed. During the past few years, we have come to embrace the “Policymakers are beginning to realize that transit really worked hard to rebuild the confidence system. I think over- really is a solution to reducing our dependency on of the people SolTrans serves. all, we have a strong fossil fuels and improving the environment, while “Now, we are out there in the community. relationship with the We have a lot of promotions. We are at com- communities that we helping to shape healthier communities.” munity events. We set up booths and we serve. In addition, educate people on transit. We work very local and regional governments have been “With regards to safety, we recently were closely with the press to let them know what supportive.” awarded an APTA Gold Award,” Babauta progress we have made. When it comes to customer service, in said. “SolTrans’ board members are now say- addition to responding to customers’ The award was announced by APTA at the organization’s annual Bus & Paratransit Conference in May in Kansas City, MO. It was a Gold Award for Safety for private companies providing contracted transportation management and services. According to APTA, “(National Express Transit and SolTrans) created a vision for building its safety culture and developed a safety action plan.” “Last July we switched contractors,” Babauta said. “National Express Transit came in and really transformed the safety program, reducing the number of preventa- ble accidents. “We want to make sure the community and the people we carry everyday know that when they board our buses they are going to have a safe ride. As a part of ensuring a safe and secure experience, we installed video systems in all of our buses last year. As a result, people feel a lot safer and secure on the bus. Your one stop shop for coach, rail, and ship interiors. “We have taken a comprehensive app - roach to customer service, from both the Upholstery, New & Used passenger & Drivers safety perspective and also the mainte- seats, ooring, oor structural, foam, gas nance perspective. We have really trans- struts and upholstery cleaning machines. formed our maintenance program. We make sure buses are reliable and break- downs have vastly been reduced. Dealers for Isringhausin and National Seats, “Furthermore, SolTrans signed onto we have a full stock of seats and parts for www.511.org last year, where customers can both brands. We also have parts for Ameri- get online and plan their trips before board- ing the bus. In addition, we just recently got can, Amaya, Vanhool and Wakeeld seats. on Google Transit.” Currently, National Express Transit If we don't have it, we can get it. employs about 110 people to operate the SolTrans system, in addition to 10 people Over 40 years of service to the who work for SolTrans at its administrative headquarters. motorcoach industry, all seat covers “The system’s employees are the heart guaranteed for 4 years or 400,000 miles. and soul of what we do every single day, especially the operators who are out in the Any questions about your seats or other needs, please front line,” Babauta said. “Many of these call 425-432-9867 or visit us at www.willinghaminc.com. employees worked for the two separate transit systems before SolTrans was created. When the two systems merged, many of them stuck around. I take my hat off to them. Through all the chaos of consolida-

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tion, they stuck it out and remained commit- adding service, people will say they want being passed in terms of dedicated funding ted, making sure the people they had served expanded hours and service on Sunday. sources, to make sure transit continues to be for years continued to be served well.” However, the solution of what is the best funded efficiently and services to the com- One of SolTrans biggest challenges look- way to add service is not that simple. munities are sustained, at the least.” ing ahead is how to extend services to meet “We all know in the industry that late Contact: Solano County Transit (SolTrans), the growing demand. service and service on Sunday are typically 311 Sacramento St., Vallejo, CA. “Just within the past year on our local sys- the least productive times for a transit sys- Phone: 707-736-6990. tem, we have seen demand increase by more tem,” Babauta said. “It becomes a matter of Website: www.soltransride.com. than 15 percent,” Babauta said. “A year after how do we meet that need, while also trying SolTrans was formed, it was realized there to make sure that we perform well. ocated in the southeast corner of were sustainability issues. As a result, the “Long-term funding is also an issue. We South Dakota, Sioux Falls, popu- board had to make the tough decision of cut- have money right now to expand the service, Llation about 160,000, is served by ting service. Since I have been here, we have but there is going to be a continued demand Sioux Area Metro (SAM), which oper- addressed the sustainability issues. for more and more service. How do we fund ates 12 fixed-routes and four “school trip- “We now have healthy financial reserves, that? Giving back 7,000 per” routes. and we are in a position to put back some of hours doesn’t even come “Our urban system is the service that we cut, which amounts to close to what the com- split evenly between about 7,000 revenue hours. We now operate munities really want fixed-route and para- about 82,000 revenue hours on an annual and/or need.” transit service, with basis. Over the past few months, I have been Looking into the Sioux Falls, SD about 20 vehicles run- talking with my board about how we would future, Babauta feels ning for each daily,” handle an additional 7,000 hours of service public transit is begin- H said SAM General in a way that would make sure our perform- ning to play a more Manager Eric Meyer - ance is as strong as it is right now. dominant role in state and national policies. son.“Our routes run “How we put back that service, while also “Here in California, and nationwide as Monday through Saturday. We also recent- preserving our strong performance, is critical well, I think policymakers are beginning to ly began running a couple of additional in making sure we continue to be competi- realize that transit really is a solution to hours during the week. We run as late as tive for grant funds. Performance is becom- reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and around 9 p.m. on weeknights on five of our ing a bigger factor for grant funding, espe- improving the environment, while helping more popular routes.” cially here in the San Francisco Bay area.” to shape healthier communities. We are According to Meyerson, the fixed-route Babauta said typically, when discussing beginning to see that in legislation that is service logs an average of around 730,000

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miles per year, while the “I think younger people are much more interested in the urban lifestyle. In order to paratransit service travels successfully navigate the urban lifestyle, transit has to be a big part of that package.” nearly 650,000 miles each year. — SAM General Manager Eric Meyerson “All our newer buses use clean diesel fuel,” Meyerson said. “Sioux indicates our passengers are mostly transit- getting away somewhat from depending on Falls officials are undergoing a study look- dependent,” Meyerson said. “However, cars. ing at the entire city fleet, “I think younger people are exploring the possibility of much more interested in the using alternative fuels, such as urban lifestyle. In order to suc- compressed natural gas (CNG), cessfully navigate the urban hybrid-electric, etc.” lifestyle, transit has to be a big SAM carries more than 1 part of that package. I think the million passengers a year on its outlook for the growth of pub- fixed-route service and about lic transportation is looking 150,000 paratransit riders good. annually. “There is a theory that one Meyerson explained that, of the reasons for the change in aside from Sioux Falls and attitudes about public trans- Rapid City, most of South portation has been television. Dakota is very rural. While the When I was growing up, the Sioux Falls economy and families on TV were all subur- quality of life is attracting ban families, like the ‘Brady people from other parts of the Bunch,’ etc. More recently, state, they are likely to not be however, there have been SAM’s fixed-route service logs approximately 730,000 miles per year, well versed in urban living, shows like ‘Seinfeld’ and while the paratransit service travels nearly 650,000 miles each year. including the use of public ‘Friends’ that take place in transportation. choice ridership will likely increase as cities. Younger people relate to these shows “While we haven’t done any official Millennials and Baby Boomers are tending and the lifestyles they depict, which might studies on ridership, anecdotal evidence to embrace public transportation more and be a significant factor in the growing

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acceptance of public transportation.” makes it very difficult to replace vehicles. haven’t had to cancel a single trip due to SAM’s paratransit operation is an origin- We have had to make some operational weather. to-destination shared ride service for per- decisions just based on the availability of “Sometimes when the weather is excep- sons who are unable to use accessible capital funding. tionally severe, we might make some minor fixed-route bus service. Passengers must be “Nonetheless, the city of Sioux Falls has changes for routes that travel through hilly certified eligible as per guidelines estab- been phenomenal. City officials are really portions of the city. All of our vehicles are lished in the Americans with Disabilities committed to making transit work. When kept indoors at night, so we really don’t Act (ADA). have issues with them not starting. “We offer a good, quality para- “When the federal money was reduced, the Many residents have lived here a long transit service,” Meyerson said. city came through and found funding, which I time and are used to dealing with the “We have great drivers and nice thought was exemplary. The state government is weather.” equipment. We also use some of Meyerson said SAM’s goals for the the larger vehicles for this service not really a major factor.” future include improving the fixed- as we do a number of group trips. route network. “SAM is a customer-driven public tran- the federal money was reduced, the city “We want to build up some frequencies, sit system. I think we are blessed being came through and found funding, which I work on more direct routes and expand located in South Dakota. People here are thought was exemplary. The state govern- services into some areas,” he said “The city friendly and helpful and there is a strong ment is not really a major factor.” is growing rapidly. We have been gaining work ethic. This all translates into high Given Sioux Falls location in the upper 3,000 residents a year, on average. We have quality customer service. Our dedicated Midwest, winters can be brutal. While one of the lowest unemployment rates in and skillful employees are key to the entire many areas of the country experienced the country. It is a high quality of life city. operation. They are the ones who make colder temperatures and more snowfall We have really good parks and it is just a SAM successful. We have just over 100 than usual last year, in Sioux Falls harsh pleasant place to live, work and raise a employees.” winter weather is often the norm. The cold family.” SAM is funded primarily at the local and snow typically does not have much of Contact: Sioux Area Metro, level and with federal matches. an impact on SAM’s day-to-day operations. 500 East Sixth St., “The biggest challenge has been the “Our city crews do a phenomenal job of Sioux Falls, SD 57103-7016. reduction of available federal funding for keeping the roads clear,” Meyerson said. Phone: 605-367-7151. capital purchases,” Meyerson said. “This “As a result, during the past two years, we Website: www.siouxfalls.org/sam.aspx.

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Kalamazoo Metro Transit: “Bus drivers, by far, make up the majority “While the new driver is training and work- Continued From Page 22 of our employees,” he said. “The point of ing part time, we will determine if that person entry into our system is at the Transportation is the right fit for Metro,” McBride said. as a part of the ERI program, including the Center, where we have customer service staff Despite the challenges and with the inher- entire top line of executive managers,” processing permits, passes, etc. Dispatch ent excitement of transitioning to a regional McBride said. “Also retiring were three-fourths supervisors are the heartbeat of the organiza- system, McBride is optimistic about the future of line supervisors and one-third of mechanics tion. We also have our top echelon of man- of public transit in Kalamazoo, as well as and bus drivers. It was an amazing turnover.” agers, like myself. nationwide. While the ERI may have cost the city and “I’m not the one out there providing serv- “I am extremely optimistic about the viabil- Metro many employees with years of experi- ice. I depend on operation supervisors to make ity and importance of public transit in the near ence, there is a silver lining as younger the day-to-day decisions. They deal with the future,” he said. “I see bus rapid transit (BRT) employees who have been thrust into top level various issues that drivers bring to them. We routes as a possibility for the future of management and other positions are bringing have a really strong group. They are the heart- Kalamazoo. a fresh perspective to the transit system in beat of the organization, making sure things “I think the demographics of our nation are many ways, McBride explained. run smoothly. I never underestimate, and truly such to embrace public transportation. “The ERI program has provided an oppor- appreciate what they do.” Populations are shifting away from the sub- tunity to see things from a different perspec- When hiring new drivers, Metro has an urbs and outlying areas into the urban core, tive in implementing improvements and find- extensive testing and interviewing process in which is a positive trend for public transit. We ing new ways to doing things,” he said. place. Operator candidates need not have prior are also seeing the Millennials not embracing “Many of the younger employees are coming experience or hold a commercial drivers the car as much, while using other modes of to their jobs without a lot of baggage, such as license (CDL) to be considered. However, transportation, be it the bicycle, public transit being locked into doing things just because it excellent customer service skills are a must. or walking. Also, Baby Boomers looking for is the way it has always been done.” “We look at a candidate’s ‘soft skills’ very options to move into the urban center is anoth- Currently, Metro has 120 employees. closely,” McBride said. “We examine his or er positive development.” McBride explained the system’s structure is her customer service skills and personality. that of administrative people, a maintenance We find out if a candidate wants to embrace Contact: Metro Transit, 530 N. Rose St., division and operations division. Metro has a interacting and communicating with our riders.” Kalamazoo MI 49007. third-party contractor for its demand and New hires start out as part-time drivers, with a Phone: 269-337-8222. response services. view to becoming full-time drivers after training. Website: www.kmetro.org. TransitAd_BuslineMag_Layout 1 8/28/14 10:21 AM Page 1

High Performance Transit Brake Linings & Air Disc Pads

From North America’s #1 Name in Transit Friction Marathon’s industry leading and OE approved KVT brake linings and DiscStar air disc pads are proven performers for transit and coach lines across the country. KVT and DiscStar are quiet, long life materials that are friendly to drums and rotors. To get the most from your bus brakes, count on Marathon!

See us at Booth 2562 www.MarathonBrake.com

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From Russell Cress Company: Bike Rack Advertising Panels

Russell Cress Company Inc. has announced national distribution of its Bike Rack Advertising Panels, available to transit companies throughout the United States. Large and small systems can place advertiser’s information on the front of buses that already have bike racks installed.

From Handi-Hut: LANTA Uses Solar Power For Shelters

Solar-powered bus shelters are now among LANTA’s (Allentown, PA) fleet of more than 90 covered waiting areas for users of the pub- licly-funded bus service. The new shelters use solar cells to convert sunlight to electricity, “These low-cost panels, 14 inches by 47 inches, present a way to storing the power in batteries to illuminate the waiting area for cus- derive additional income continually with a very small investment in tomers, as well as the advertisements that help pay for shelter main- hardware,” said company officials. tenance, according to Lehigh and Northampton Transportation According to the company, the Chicago System, CTA has had success Authority Planning Director Owen O’Neil. with its program conducted through the Titan Outdoors Advertising Handi-Hut, of Clifton, NJ, provider of LANTA’s solar shelters, Program, and has ordered these panels to install on additional buses, 350 estimates that avoiding the need to install in-ground power lines to units shipped recently. shelters can save its customers $5,000 to $7,000. Russell Cress Company also manufactures and offers king, queen, tail “At about $9,400, each ‘green’ kiosk costs $3,000 more than a and interior frames for buses. model powered by a standard electrical connection. All of LANTA’s Custom design and fabrication services of hardware for mass transit shelters use electricity to light the interiors as well as the ad panels,” displays and advertising are also available. O'Neil said. Visit www.russellcressco.com for more information. Visit www.handi-hut.com for more information.

Keeping You in Motion

Transportation Insurance Brokers

800-248-2877 818-246-2800 www.tibinsurance.com LOS ANGELES • NEW YORK • BALTIMORE • MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL • ORLANDO CA LIC. #0705008

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BITZER To Highlight Products During Chillventa 2014 In Germany

BITZER, a specialist in refrigeration com- “Depending on the operating conditions and For the first time, the company is presenting pressors, will showcase its key 2014 innova- refrigerant, a special control algorithm allows to the public an open-drive screw compressor in tions during the international trade fair in compressors to be infinitely adjusted,” accord- the OS series. The model is based on the con- Nuremberg, Germany, known as Chillventa ing to a news release. struction of the OS series and, for now, is 2014. The event takes place October 14-16. With the CRII, BITZER has a range of con- designed for use with NH3 (ammonia) in medi- trol between 10 and 100 percent for two-, four- um and low temperature applications. and six-cylinder compressors. The increased The CSVH3 series is a new development in switching frequency, however, ensures smaller the field of speed-regulated compact screw com- fluctuations in controlled value, temperature as pressors. BITZER has added two more powerful well as pressure and, in combination with the expanded range of control, optimizes system efficiency. Volker Stamer, BITZER director of sales for stationary products, said, “With the CRII system, we are offering our customers a whole new level of flexibility and supporting customization One of the new products the compressor to suit all possible ECOLINE compressor oper- specialist BITZER will be showcasing at ating conditions. This increases system efficien- Chillventa is the optimized CRII capacity control. cy while protecting the environment.” BITZER is also expanding its range of CO2 Chillventa is a show for refrigeration, air compressors. With the introduction of the conditioning and heat pumps. One of the new 4PTC-6K model for lower displacements and Trade fair visitors can see a new CO2 series products the company will be showcasing is its the 4DTC-25K and 4CTC-30K models for at the BITZER stand. further optimized CRII capacity control. The higher displacements, the series for transcritical system delivers adjustable capacity control for compressors now ranges from 183 to 1,092 larger models to its existing CSVH series. The the ECOLINE reciprocating compressors with cubic feet of displacement per hour at 60 Hz. CSVH37 compact screw compressor has a cool- four, six and – now for the first time – two Fair visitors can see an expanded product range ing capacity of 1,878 kBtu/h (+41/122°F) with a cylinders. and a new CO2 series at the BITZER stand. displacement of up to 33,902 ft3/h.

Holdsworth Fabrics - rolling on with Camira

We hope you’ve heard our name is changing from Holdsworth to Camira.

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denser. The internal volume ratio (Vi) of the n Uneven capacity adjustment through differ- compressor was also adjusted to allow the ent displacements in the unit; CSVW2 series to achieve more efficiency in the n Different compressor housing sizes (GSD6 lower speed and load range than the CSVH and GSD8) can be combined in one unit; and, series. The company modified the frequency n Less warehousing, simpler installation and inverter accordingly. “In the scroll compressor segment, the BITZER Advanced Header Technology (BAHT) for compressor tandems or trios is a BITZER has added two, more powerful, pioneer in the design of air conditioning and larger models to its existing CSVH series; heat pump systems. The newly developed suc- the CSVH37 and the CSVH38 tion gas header plays a key role, as it spcifical- The larger CSVH38 has a cooling capacity of ly directs oil to one of the compressors and 2,254 kBtu/h (+41/122°F) with a displacement then, inside the compressor tandem or trio dis- of up to 40,823 ft3/h. BITZER has developed a tributes it evenly among other compressors. It new housing size that allows this level of per- also works when uneven compressors are com- The BITZER Advanced Header Technology (BAHT) formance. The series is based on the engineering bined and allows frequency of a single com- for compressor tandems and trios. and electronics of the CSVH2 series and has a pressor to be adjusted in the unit,” according to range of applications, from air cooled liquid a company release. error prevention in the production of multi-com- chillers to heat pumps. The unit does not require active oil manage- pressor units. The CSVW2 is also a compact screw com- ment with an oil separator or a lead compressor “The lower oil carry-over rate of the ORBIT pressor, specially designed for liquid chillers into which the oil can flow back. Also, when one scroll compressors, and the new suction gas with a low condensing temperature. Its engi- or two compressors are shut off, oil distribution header, promote longer operation with equalized neering is based on the CSVH2 compact screw is maintained. oil levels in the compressors, even in demanding compressor and combine strengths with new BITZER said Advanced Header Technology conditions. This includes the integration of capabilities at low load conditions. offers the following benefits: reversible heat pumps and iced evaporators,” For high coefficient of performance (COP) n Only one suction line for many compressor said the company. “The oil needs to be able to for this type of application, and a good ESEER, combinations without an individual combina- return to the suction line.” BITZER has integrated a permanent magnet tion of restrictor washers; motor. The drive technology is especially bene- n Reliable functioning at high and low suc- Visit www.bitzerus.com for more information. ficial in liquid chillers with a water cooled con- tion gas volume flows; “Images: BITZER US, Inc.”

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Trans/Air Offers New Driver available through factory owned operations or Air Diverter For Flush Mount 55 Evaporator a network of distributors throughout North America. Trans/Air Manufacturing, a Dallastown, PA, Trans/Air manufactures a full line of climate For additional information on any of U.S. manufacturer of transportation climate control systems. Units, parts, service, warran- Trans/Air’s products and services, visit control systems, now offers a Driver Air ty, and new or aftermarket installations are www.transairmfg.com. Diverter for the Trans/Air Flush Mounted FM55 Evaporator. From Marathon Brake Systems: High Performance Brake Linings And Disc Pads Marathon’s industry OE approved KVT DiscStar Air Disc Pads: brake linings and DiscStar air disc pads are A High Performance Brake Pad Designed designed for transit and coach lines. KVT and For Air Disc Brakes, With Wear And Low DiscStar are quiet, long life materials that are Noise Characteristics friendly to drums and rotors, according to Marathon now offers a high performance air Marathon. disc pad, DiscStar. Trans/Air’s new Driver Air Diverter KVT Transit Brake Linings: A Quiet, Long Life Friction Material The Driver Air Diverter is designed specifi- Designed For Intracity cally to ensure the comfort of the driver and And Intercity Bus Fleets can be added as an option to Trans/Air’s front OE Transit Approved KVT is formulated to flush mounted FM55 evaporator. The design handle the high heat of multiple stopping of a consists of four multidirectional rectangular city bus and the heavy-duty demands of a motor Designed specifically for air disc brakes, louvers to direct air to the passenger compart- coach. Marathon’s DiscStar disc pads were created to ment and a separate adjustable ball louver KVT is an organic, non-asbestos brake lining handle the extreme conditions of transit bus and which directs air directly to the driver. that combines stopping power and quiet opera- coach applications. DiscStar disc pads provide The company says advantages of the Driver tion with a long lining life. KVT meets federal stopping power, a long pad and rotor life and Air Diverter include easy aftermarket installa- regulations for brake effectiveness, fade and significant noise reduction, according to a news tion and compatibility with mirrors on all recovery in accordance with FMVSS 121 test release. Visit www.MarathonBrake.com for more OEM front bulkhead options. procedure and is rated for 28,660 lb. axle loads. information, or call 800-223-5201.

Booth #3129 "15"&YQP )PVTUPO 59

Altro Transflor Wood Safety™ ™ SlipAltro resistant, Transflor wood-look flooring Wood for Safety transportation0VSMBUFTUUSBOTJUýPPSJOHJOOPWBUJPOEFMJWFSTTVQFSJPSTMJQSFTJTUBODFJOBVUIFOUJD applications. XPPEWJTVBMTBOE"MUSP&BTZDMFBO.BYJT163™GPSJOEVTUSZMFBEJOHDMFBOBCJMJUZ t4UBJO3FTJTUBOU t8BUFSQSPPG#BSSJFS t4MJQ3FTJTUBOUt4UBJOSFTJTUBOU t&YUSFNFMZýFYJCMFt-POH8BSSBOUZt-POHXBSSBOUZ t&YUSFNFMZ'MFYJCMFt4MJQSFTJTUBOU t8BUFSQSPPGt%VSBCMFt%VSBCMF

64"]$"/ FYQMPSF www.altrotrans or.com

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stand extreme use where passenger traffic is very From Garavelli Enterprises, Inc.: high. In addition to seating, the company cooper- Commercial Seating For Passenger Waiting Areas ates with other companies to supply airport interior products such as waste receptacles, planters, Garavelli Enterprises, Inc. is a business to sists of seating in perforated steel, extruded or check-in counters and children’s play modules. business global supplier. Its Airport Seating sheet aluminum, contour molded wood, injection All of its products are unique in design, func- Alliance division has supplied seating to interna- molded and roto-cast polypropylene for indoor tion and provide user comfort while being easy to tional and regional airports and other transporta- and outdoor seating. It has an extensive selection maintain. It has innovative custom seating solution facilities for over 20 years. of fabrics and vinyls that meet all international tions for the international and domestic traveler. The company designs, manufactures and sup- commercial safety standards,” said company Visit the company’s website at plies commercial seating for passenger waiting representatives. www.airportseatingalliance.com for areas in airports, first class lounges, train sta- Some of the company’s models offer products and specifications, or send e-mail to: tions, bus terminals, hospitals, cruise ship termi- polyurethane molded cushions designed to with- [email protected]. nals, conference centers, doctors’ offices, and casinos worldwide. From Bitimec: Customers include Amtrak Penn Station NYC, Chicago Union Station, Washington, 1 Detailer; D.C. Union Station, American Airlines, GSA military bases, Social Security offices, Long 8 Minute Bus Wash Island Railway, Port Everglades Cruise Ship “Bitimec bus washing equipment allows one Terminals, Bellingham Bus Terminal and Lynx detailer to soap, wash and rinse a full size coach Bus Terminal. in eight minutes, and up to 40 buses a day.” The “Airport Seating Alliance works closely with ‘pallet size’ bus-wash machines are auto - architects, general contractors, designers and nomous, affordable, self-contained bus wash airport management to provide just-in-time systems which turn a single operator into a delivery, assembly and installation of waiting ‘wash-crew,” said company representatives. area seating. The company’s methods, proce- “The Speedy Wash power bus washers come dures and project management programs chart in electric/diesel/battery and hybrid power ver- the progress of multiple projects to achieve sions. Prices range from $20,000 to $50,000 delivery schedules. Airport Seating Alliance installed,” said the company. supplies only high quality seating. Its line con- Visit www.bitimec.com for more information.

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PERSONNEL NEWS FROM MCI Guy Charron Joins MCI As ing MCI from 1987 through 1993. tions team in Winnipeg. This team also plans and V. P. Regional Sales Eastern Canada Charron, who studied manufacturing engineer- updates forecasts for production and inventory ing, began his career at GMC Trucks in 1977, and planning, working closely with MCI sales repre- Guy Charron has joined MCI as vice president, worked for a time at GM’s diesel division in pow- sentatives and public sector customers on lead regional sales Eastern Canada, succeeding Joe ertrain purchasing. A native of Montreal, he is time and product specifications. Simard, who is retiring after an eight-year career fluent in French, English and Spanish. Wiebe, who had a 17-year career with IBM, at MCI and 31 years in the industry. MCI’s Canadian group includes regional sales Winnipeg, was most recently a negotiating con- Charron is responsible for MCI and Setra new- vice presidents Guy Tessier, responsible for sultant for new deal opportunities and change coach sales, as well as the sale of pre-owned Western Canadian provinces, and John Leone, orders for existing contracts in a variety of fields coaches to private Ontario; Chad Sadowy, MCI technical solutions including public sec- and public operators manager; and Doug DePape, MCI parts solutions tor. He also has sales in Quebec and the manager. In addition, the MCI Sales and Service experience from his Maritime provinces. Center in Montreal serves area operators with previous IBM roles He reports to Patri - factory-trained technicians and offers mainte- as software account cia Ziska, MCI vice nance, repair and regional parts supply. manager and leasing president of New Charron can be reached at sales specialist, along Coach Sales. [email protected]. with technical expe- Charron was for- rience through his merly president of Wiebe Joins MCI As Contracts Manager role as a technical World Bus Corporat - solution manager. ion, a joint venture Bruce Wiebe, a senior contracts professional, Prior to IBM, Wiebe Guy Charron between entities in has joined MCI as contracts manager. Wiebe is held a number of Bruce Wiebe Mexico and Canada responsible for all of MCI’s public sector pro- positions with Manit - to develop an urban bus for the Latin America curement preparation and submissions as well as oba Hydro and began his career at North market. Before that, he was with Corbeil Buses, a contract management. He is based in Winnipeg, American Life Assurance as an APL programmer school-bus manufacturer founded in Quebec by Manitoba, and reports to Tom Wagner, vice pres- after graduating from the University of Alberta. his grandfather in 1936. Charron also has a 21- ident of public sector sales. Wiebe earned a B.Sc. in math from the year career as a production supervisor at an urban- Reporting to Wiebe are MCI’s three contract University of Alberta and an MBA in finance from bus plant in the Saguenay region of Quebec, that administrators, Dale Majury, Mike Harpin and the University of Manitoba. He has a C.M.A. from had been owned by several manufacturers, includ- Brad Driedger, who comprise the sales and opera- the Society of Management Accountants.

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From Specialty Vehicles: Three Supreme Classic platform are available. In 1998, SVI partnered with Supreme American Trolleys Purchased By Seoul City Tours Corporation to become the exclusive worldwide Seoul City Tours in Seoul, South Korea, has capacity from 22 to 39. They are Altoona tested, distributor for both Classic American Trolleys recently bought three Supreme Classic American meeting all U.S. and Canadian DOT codes. and Classic American Trams. Since then, over Trolleys for use in its custom tour services. These vehicles are designed to operate in various 500 trolleys have been manufactured at Supreme environments and feature climate control sys- and sold throughout the United States, Guam, tems. Additional options such as handicap acces- Asia and South America. sibility, removable sidewalls and a conductor’s Visit www.specialtyvehicles.com.

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) General Manager Sherrie Fisher Retires

Santa Barbara (CA) Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) General Manager Sherrie Fisher has announced her retirement. Fisher began her career at MTD in May, 1974, when she was hired as the agency’s first female bus driver. She continued as a bus driver until 1979, when she Seoul City Tours offers tailored packages to moved into an administrative role as MTD’s scheduler and planner. foreign visitors looking to enjoy Seoul in a trol- She was next promoted to manager of planning and marketing, fol- ley. Tourists are provided access to popular des- lowed by manager of risk, personnel, and operations. In 1988, while tinations and attractions with headsets offering a retaining that position, she was also appointed assistant general manager. variety of languages to experience Seoul. The MTD’s Board of Directors selected her as acting general manager in 2003 company recently displayed the latest vehicle in and as general manager in 2004. its fleet at the Seoul Expo in April. MTD faced a crisis in 2013, when MTD drivers, supervisors, mechan- All Classic American Trolleys feature vehicle ics, and utility workers (represented by Teamsters Union Local 186) Sherrie Fisher amenities with the appearance of a classic trol- expressed concerns about the impact of California’s Public Employees’ ley. Available in gasoline, diesel, LPG, and Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) on bargaining rights. This disagreement threatened MTD’s CNG, the trolleys are manufactured by Supreme annual federal funding and could have resulted in a major service cut. However, the differences Corporation in Goshen, IN, with a passenger were eventually resolved with no loss of funding. Visit www.sbmtd.gov for more information.

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TEMSA Global And CH Bus Sales Extend international markets. TEMSA Global has a total annual production capacity of 11,500 vehi- Distributor Agreement cles in one shift at its Adana Production Plant, comprised of 4,000 buses and coaches, TEMSA Global and CH Bus Sales, and 7,500 light trucks. TEMSA sells its Inc. recently signed an agreement to products to 64 countries in addition to extend their exclusive distributor part- Turkey. In France alone, more than 3,000 nership. Since February 2010, CH Bus TEMSA branded buses are on the roads,” Sales has been the exclusive distributor according to the company. of TEMSA motorcoaches in the United “The company’s major markets in States, and more recently in Canada, Europe include Germany, Italy, Austria, offering sales, service, and after-sales Sweden, Lithuania and the Benelux support. region, and TEMSA has increased its “Until recently, CH Bus Sales offered market share in the United States through two mid-size models to U.S. operators, increased product diversification,” said the TEMSA TS 30 and TEMSA TS 35. officials. Now, with the newly introduced full- CH Bus Sales also offers full service size coach, the TEMSA TS 45, CH Bus after-sales support, warranty assistance, Sales is able to offer a more diverse Pictured left to right are Dincer Celik, and parts availability. Administrative product offering to the U.S. market,” general manager of TEMSA Global, and Bob Foley, headquarters are based out of Faribault, according to a press release from the president & CEO of CH Bus Sales. MN, with full-service facilities and cus- company. tomer delivery locations in Orlando, FL; Dincer Celik, general manager at TEMSA integral monocoque manufactured coaches in Las Vegas, NV; and Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Global, said, “We are pleased with the progress three different lengths, 30, 35, and 45 feet,” said Company representatives say the company CH Bus Sales has made in this market the last representatives. looks to expand to other locations in the few years and look forward to a long term rela- “TEMSA Global, an automotive company in Northeast and West Coast next year. tionship.” Turkey, manufactures and distributes buses and Visit www.chbussales.com and “TEMSA and CH are the only providers of coaches with its own brand in domestic and www.temsa.com for more information.

Join us in Niagara Falls November 15-19, 2014

Dynamic sessions C Engaging keynote speakers M GREENING Largest transit tradeshow in Canada Y Unique technical tours

CM TRANSIT Enjoyable companion program MY #CUTAniagara Beautiful Niagara Falls

CMY CUTA Fall Conference and Trans-Expo K

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See us at APTA Expo Booth #3354 Page 52 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 53

tions such as truck, bus, off-highway, marine Espar Now Manufacturing Legacy Carrier AC 310 And and automotive. Espar also manufactures AC 350 Roof Mounted Systems In North America rooftop mounted AC systems for the motorcoach, transit and school bus markets, as well Espar Climate Control Systems is now manu- Espar officials said the company is develop- as the IMobile Flex Cool Freezer containers facturing the legacy Carrier AC 310 and AC 350 ing other systems for varied markets requiring for the transportation of temperature sensitive roof mounted AC Systems in North America. primarily roof mounted AC Systems. goods. In 2010, ESPAR’S parent company, Eber - Espar Products is the manufacturer of fuel spaeche, purchased the assets of the Carrier operated heaters, designed for mobile applica- Visit www.espar.com for more information. Sutrak for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and Mexico. Espar Climate Control Systems, a Stout’s Transportation Takes Delivery Of 2 Temsa TS 35 Coaches

Stout’s Transportation, Trenton, NJ, has been serving the tri-state area, and beyond, for more than 60 years. extra durability and safety. An American drive- The company bought its first Temsa in the line is combined with European quality and provider of fuel operated heaters in North fall of 2013, a Temsa TS 30 mid-size coach. craftsmanship to create a high quality driving America since 1974, initially accepted the “The company liked the look and ride of the experience. The TS 35 has independent front responsibility to provide support for the TS 30 and found it was new, different and fit suspension and automatic transmission, con- Eberspaecher AC systems being imported on well within our operation,” said Harry Stout, tributing to a smooth, comfortable ride,” said Van Hool, Volvo and TEMSA coaches. owner/CEO of Stout’s Transportation. company officials. Espar is now manufacturing the LEGACY AC The company has recently taken delivery of CH Bus Sales, Inc., is the exclusive distrib- 310 and AC 350 Roof Mounted AC Systems, two TS 35s, in addition to the TS 30. utor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United which the company said are popular in the “The world class Temsa TS 35 is a fully inte- States and Canada. It is a privately owned cor- school bus and shuttle coach markets. These sys- gral mid-sized coach that offers a luxurious and poration. tems are currently distributed though American spacious interior for passengers and driver. The Visit www.chbussales.com and Cooling Technology/Pro Air and TransArctic. TS 35 is constructed from stainless steel for www.temsa.com for more information.

See us at APTA Expo Booth #1307 September/October 2014 BUSLINE Page 53 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 54

Austin Mohawk and Company Inc. Web Site: www.austinmohawk.com 2175 Beechgrove Pl. Products: A selection of pre-manufactured structures of bus and tran- Utica, NY 13501 USA sit shelters. Built to last with high quality aluminum or steel. Shelters Toll Free: 800-765-3110 Fax: 315-793-9370 are durable, attractive, and can be equipped with budget-conscious E-Mail: [email protected] features such as new LED solar lighting. These bus shelters serve the needs of a community, enhance urban design, and promote infrastructure. All Austin Mohawk shelters meet or exceed International Building Shelter Shelter Shelter Code (IBC) standards. The company also offers fast turnaround times and professional installation anywhere in the continental United States. Austin Mohawk has spent more than 80 years building prefabricated structures. Its product line-up includes pre-manufactured buildings, shelters, press boxes, and overhead metal canopies. Custom built structures are modular, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The company is known for its design options, engineer- Columbia Equipment Co. Inc. has been specializing in Passenger Shelters for ing, and lead times. Austin Mohawk is a Veteran 53 years! When it comes to prefabricated bus and train station shelters, we Owned Business. 13 wrote the book! Columbia shelters are in use from coast to coast and all around the world. May we build a shelter for you too? Please contact: BikeLid LLC P.O. Box 408 Columbia Equipment Company, Inc. 3430 Evergreen Point Rd. 180-10 93rd Avenue / Jamaica, N.Y. 11433 Medina, WA 98039 USA Phone: 718-658-5900 / Fax: 718-526-4110 206-963-7585 800-742-1297 / www.columbiaequipment.com Fax: 206-726-8488 [email protected] Web Site: www.BikeLid.com Products: Durable and secure Class 1 (long- term) public bicycle parking (bike locker). Tough, lightweight, graffiti resistant polyethyl- ene shell, reinforced by steel, is attached by spring-loaded hinge to a steel bike guide/frame, which provides one or two full-sized bicycles protection. Bolts to any ground surface. Moldable in virtually any color. Page 54 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 55

See us at APTA Expo Booth #5637 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 56

according to the company. It has been special- 514-486-2626 izing in this field since 1961. Columbia offers Fax: 514-486-6465 standard and custom designs in a variety of Toll Free: 800-663-0673 sizes and configurations and in all price E-Mail: [email protected] ranges. Product line includes bus stop shel- Web Site: www.enseicom.com ters, train station shelters, windscreens, smok- Products: Enseicom manufactures electric ing shelters, walkway canopies, information signs, billboard structures and street furni- kiosks, ticket vending shelters and custom ture in North America. Staffed with a full in- street furniture. 12 house graphic and technical design team overseen by civil and structural engineers, Daytech Limited Enseicom is constantly designing, redesign- 70 Disco Road ing and developing products with superior Toronto, ON M9W 1L9 CANADA durability and serviceability, all the while Toll Free: 877-329-1907 maintaining state-of-the-art green technolo- Fax: 416-675-7183 gy including solar and wind power applica- E-Mail: [email protected] tions. Its products are installed throughout See us at APTA Expo Booth #2673 Web Site: www.daytechlimited.com North America, The Dominican Republic Products: DAYTECH Limited is a North and Jamaica. 13 Standard locking mechanism is secured by American manufacturer of pre-fabricated the bicyclist’s own lock. Optional pre-stalled transit shelters, bike shelters, canopies, street Handi-Hut, Inc. locks include external U or monoblock locks, furniture and transit signage. It has over See Ad Top Left Of This Page and internal key, combination, or on-demand 60,000 product installations in every corner 3 Grunwald St. electronic locks, including Park-by-Phone. of the continent, from Florida to Alaska, and Clifton, NJ 07013 USA Installed across the country, from Portland, offers a wide assortment of standard products. 973-614-1800 OR, to Portland, ME, 13 In addition, DAYTECH can customize shel- E-Mail: [email protected] ters for exact requirements. 13 Web Site: www.handi-hut.com Brasco International, Inc. Company Officers: Mel Cohen, President & 32400 Industrial Drive Duo-Gard Industries Inc. CEO; John Cozza, Vice President Madison Heights, MI 48071 USA 40442 Koppernick Rd. Products: Handi-Hut has been designing and Toll Free: 800-893-3665 Canton, MI 48187 USA manufacturing bus stop, bicycle and smoking E-Mail: [email protected] Toll Free: 800-872-4404 Fax: 734-207-7995 shelters since 1970, as well as overhead Website: www.brasco.com E-Mail: [email protected] canopies. All shelters are shipped in pre-fab- Company Officers : Daniel Padilla, Web Site: www.duo-gard.com ricated sections that are easily installed on- President; Doug Pew, Executive Vice Products: Duo-Gard transit shelters provide site and make low cost shipping possible. President versatility in size, styles and services that Shelters can be made with advertising panels Products: 100 percent in-house design meet goals for aesthetics, performance and or stand alone ad panels that retrofit to exist- and fabrication, made in Detroit, MI. economy. This versatility is also found with ing shelters. Products include bus stop shelters, BRT Duo-Gard’s canopies, walkways, windbreaks, New dusk-to-dawn solar light kit attaches station shelters, bike shelters, transit shel- stairway enclosures, furniture, bike racks and in minutes to any shelter with just 8 screws ters, solar powered LED safety bollards, other structures needed to complete a project. and costs only $595. The illuminated shelter windscreens, advertising boxes, solar pow- 10 provides security and promotes the bus stop. ered ad box retrofits, custom glass etching, 14 roof retrofits, benches, bike racks, waste EDF, Inc. receptacles, shopping cart corrals, adver- P.O. Box 228 ICON Shelter Systems, Inc. tising signs, solar lighting retrofits, shade Jenison, MI 49428 USA 7900 Logistic Drive, Suite C shelters, leaning rails, covered walkways 616-796-1260 Fax: 616-396-0944 Zeeland, MI 49464 USA and canopies. 14 Web Site: www.edfsolutions.com 616-748-0985 Products: EDF, Inc. manufactures the En Fax: 616-748-0985 Columbia Equipment Co., Inc. Route line of steel framed passenger waiting E-Mail: [email protected] See Ad On Page 54 shelters for permanent installation. Options Web Site: www.iconshelters.com 180-10 93rd Avenue available are windscreen enclosures, benches, Products: ICON designs, engineers and fab- Jamaica, NY 11433 USA display cases and solar powered LED light- ricates pre-engineered open, outdoor struc- Toll Free: 800-742-1297 718-658-5900 ing. All steel components are E-coated and tures. The line of urban transit shelters are Fax: 718-526-4110 powder coated. 12 specifically designed for use as transportation E-Mail: [email protected] waiting structures. ICON manufactures all Web Site: www.columbiaequipment.com Enseicom Inc. structures in steel, and offers a heavy powder Products: Columbia Equipment Co., Inc. is See Ad On Page 55 coat finish over liquid epoxy e-coat primer. the original manufacturer of pre-fabricated 225 Norman Benches and Lexan® windscreens are avail- aluminum bus shelters in North America, Montreal, QC H8R 1A3 CANADA able for each model. 08 Page 56 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 57

Madrax / Thomas Steele power and off-grid options. All shelters are 5000®. Frame finishes are available in 24 1080 Uniek Dr. made with aluminum extrusions and compo- smooth colors and 10 textured colors. The Waunakee, WI 53597 USA nents. Only stainless steel hardware is used company also offers a variety of roof types 608-849-1080 Fax: 608-849-1081 during assembly. The company powder and colors. 12 E-Mail: [email protected] coats to AAMA2604 and 2605 standards; Web Site: www.madrax.com, www.thomas- top in the industry. Mountain Shelter Tolar Manufacturing Co. steele.com Solutions ships to, and can install anywhere, 258 Mariah Cir., Carona, CA 92879 USA Products: Madrax is a maker of heavy-duty, in North America. 12 Toll Free: 800-339-6165 Fax: 951-808-0041 high quality bike racks that are innovative, E-Mail: [email protected] practical, and aestheticallly pleasing. Thomas Poligon by PorterCorp Web Site: www.tolarmfg.com Steele manufactures benches, litter recepta- 4240 136th Ave., Holland, MI 49424 USA Products: Since 1991, Tolar Manufacturing has cles, and tables that create good environments 616-399-1963 Fax: 616-399-9123 been recognized as a leading manufacturer of for people at work and play. 12 Web Site: www.poligon.com transit shelters, kiosks, benches and trash recep- Products: Standard and custom shade cover- tacles. 08 Mountain Shelter Solutions ings for applications in steel, fabric and wood. 6950 Base Line Structures include transit shelters, walkway Transitshelter.com Wallaceburg, ON N8A 1A1 CANADA covers, pavilions, trellises, signs and fabric 1953 N. 17th Ave., 877-588-8858 shade. Streamlined process to make finding Melrose Park, IL 60160 USA Fax: 519-627-6475 the perfect product easy and efficient. An 847-678-8425 Fax: 847-678-8471 E-Mail: [email protected] experienced sales staff can guide customers E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: through the entire process and will work with Web Site: www.transitshelter.com www.mountainsheltersolutions.com them from initial design to completed instal- Products: Transitshelter.com is a street furni- Products: Provides transit shelters, smoking lation. Wide selection of standard shelters can ture, urban decor project of Tafco shelters, bicycle shelters, covered walk- be fully customized. Ability to create new Corporation. Products include bus shelters, ways, canopies, advertisement signs and all designs is offered for a unique structure. windscreens, smoking shelters, kiosks and street furniture. The company offers both Protected with the powder coat finish Poli- street decor. 10

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September/October 2014 BUSLINE Page 57 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:55 AM Page 58

Avail Tech, Inc. Brush Industries 1960 Old Gatesburg Rd., Suite 200, State College, PA 16803 USA 301 Reagan St., Sunbury, PA 17801 USA Phone: 814-234-3394 Phone: 570-286-5611 Website: www.availtec.com Website: www.brushindustries.com Products: A fully integrated suite of products, designed to meet the spe- Products: Long life magnetic recording heads and card readers for the cific needs of small- to medium-sized transit properties. Avail’s offerings smart card and magnetic stripe card industries. 14 include automatic passenger counters and fare collection products. 14 Cubic Transportation Systems 5650 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 USA Phone: 858-627-4587 Website: www.cts.cubic.com. Products: An integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions. Turnkey solutions support all public transport modes including bus and bus rapid transit. Every year, nearly 7 billion rides are taken worldwide using Cubic fare collection systems. 14

Diamond Manufacturing Inc. THE DIAMOND FAMILY (See Ad At Left) 2330 Burlington, N. Kansas City, MO 64116 USA Toll Free: 800-343-1009 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.diamondmfg.com Company Officers: Todd Cull, General Manager Products: Diamond Manufacturing offers a line of fare collection equipment to the transit industry. It supplies traditional, manual fare boxes, donation boxes and a fare box with a remote fare dump option. Diamond’s traditional fare boxes are the round units (Models H, E-5, D), which are designed to accept coins, tokens and tickets; and, rectangular units (Models RV, SV, XV, NV), which are designed to accept dollar bills, coins, tokens, tickets, passes and similar fare media. Donation boxes come in three sizes to fit most applications. These units can be mounted in a variety of ways: on the modesty panel or stanchion pole in either a vertical or horizontal position. Models F-1 and F-24 remote dump fare boxes can be mounted away from the driver with a push button dump feature. These models can be paired with smart card readers. 14

Serving The Industry Since 1947 Electronic Data Magnetics, Inc. Made in the U.S.A. 210 Old Thomasville Rd., High Point, NC 27260 USA diamondmfg.com Phone: 800-336-8115 E-Mail: [email protected] 800-343-1009 816-421-8363 Website: www.electronicdata.com See us at APTA Expo Booth #3407 Products: RFID and Magnetic Striped products on thin gauge paper and Page 58 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 59

plastics. EDM provides both high and low coercivity magnetic stripe Scheidt & Bachmann USA, Inc. cards and tickets, while offering encoding services. 14 31 North Ave., Burlington, MA 01803 USA Phone: 781-262-6655 Evolis Card Printers Website: www.scheidt-bachmann.de 3201 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 110 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 USA Products: The company’s fare collection systems division is a global suppli- Phone: 954-777-9262 er in fare collection technology. It has been providing local and regional tran- Website: www.evolis.com sit solutions since 1978. All products and services appear under the brand Products: Fare products for public transportation companies and agen- FareGo. 14 cies to better control their revenues. Products help optimize efficiency. 14 TransitFare & Systems Genfare, a Division of SPX Corporation 125 Don Hillock Drive, Unit 2, Aurora, ON, L4G 0H8 CANADA 751 Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 USA Phone: 416-993-2503 Phone: 847-593-8855 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.genfare.com Website: www.transitfare.com Products: SPX Genfare provides customized fare solutions to transit Products: A developer of integrated fare management solutions for small agencies of all sizes throughout North America. Genfare integrated sys- to medium sized transit operators. The company’s solutions integrate fare tems encompass the latest in electronic validating fareboxes, smart card management, ticket issuing and validation, revenue management, and and mobile payment options, ticket vending and point of sale card distri- financial and ridership reporting. The TFS1200B is the company’s latest bution systems. These are all managed by sophisticated local and web- onboard ticket issuing device. It is a key component of an integrated fare based data processing systems. 14 management solution. TransitFare & Systems officials work with public and private transit operators in the North American, South American, INIT, Innovations In Transportation, Inc. African, Asian and European markets. 14 1420 Kristina Way, Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320 USA Phone: 757-413-9100 Xerox Website: www.initusa.com 7160 Riverwood Dr., Products: MOBILEticket is a smart phone application that helps transit Columbia, MD 21046 USA authorities connect with their riders, reduce operating costs, and move Phone: 443-259-7196 into the future of open payment systems. With MOBILEticket, riders can Website: www.xerox.com/transportation buy and use their public transit passes from their mobile phones. 14 Products: An integrator of computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location systems (CAD/AVL), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), LECIP Inc. and fare collection solutions for public transportation services, public 1011 East Touhy Ave., Suite 140, Des Plaines, IL 60018 USA works and school bus fleets. 14 Phone: 312-626-2528 Website: www.lecip.com Products: Automated fare collection systems including fareboxes, smart card systems, transfer voucher issuance ThinkThink FMVSSFMVSS 302302 ProtectsProtects machines and digital fare displays. 14 PassengersPassengers and Equipment?Equipment? MJM Innovations 1501 Sulgrave Ave., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21209 USA Phone: 410-664-0700 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.mjminnovations.com Company Officers: Jeffrey Venick Products: MJM Innovations’ EzTransport automated fare collection solution streamlines fare collection for agencies. State-of-the-art card technology makes it possible to totally automate the collection of fares, whether it’s a contactless smart card or magnetic swipe card. The EzTransport solution includes a back-end software management system, in-vehicle fare collection and a transac- tion processing platform. These technologies can imme- diately save time and money. The EzTransport solution F.R. Cushioning CR SAFGUARD™ XL works for paratransit, deviated route and fixed-route. 14 (meets FMVSS 302) Fire-Resistant Cushioning Both seats above were subjected to BS 5852 Source 2 Ignition. MEI, Inc. 3222 Phoenixville Pike, Suite 200 SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning… Malvern, PA 19355 USA • Complies with advanced F.T.A. fire safety criteria. Phone: 610-203-6587 • Minimize risk and liability related to vehicle Website: www.meigroup.com fire safety. Products: MEI is a manufacturer of electronic note • O.E.M. and maintenance seat retrofit applications. acceptors, coin mechanisms and other unattended trans- Telephone: 800-234-2734 action systems. Today, MEI electronic payment systems Call for specifications. Easily added to seating Fax: 724-537-9003 are relied upon for over 2 billion transactions per week requirements within vehicle bid packages. e-mail: [email protected] in more than 100 countries worldwide. 14 See us at APTA Expo Booth #1913 September/October 2014 BUSLINE Page 59 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 60

NEWS FROM ABC Wise Coach, Nashville, TN, depends on responding quickly to their Purchases 3 2014 Van Hool TXs thoughts and needs,” Wise said. The company recently took delivery of three “I started working as a coach cleaner when I 2014 Van Hool TXs. was 16, and fell in love with the business,” said ABC Companies is a provider to the trans- Alan Wise, owner of Wise Coaches of portation industry with product and service Nashville, TN. “By my early 20s I figured out offerings including new and pre-owned full size that I love travel and liked the people in the bus highway coach equipment, mid-size shuttle business, and decided there was no reason I transport vehicles, and advanced design heavy- couldn't run my own company successfully.” duty transit equipment. ABC offers an after-sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts for transit, Department of Transportation is an effort to motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from 11 stress the role of seat belts in saving lives. The locations throughout the United States and artwork of the winners as well as that of 10 Canada. Private and municipal financing and other students will be included in the 2015 “Be leasing options are also available through the Ready. Be Buckled” art contest calendar, avail- company's financial services group. able this fall. Call 800-222-2875 or visit Heather Li, a third grade student in Orlando, www.abc-companies.com. FL, won top honors in the third through sixth Starting in 1997, Wise has built a fleet of 25 grade age group. The winning entry had a Van full-sized motorcoaches and 15 mini-coaches, Van Hool Drawing Wins Hool TX45 motorcoach in the foreground. Her and offers nationwide charter and tour services, Be Ready, Be Buckled Safety Contest father, Yao Li, works at ABC Companies Parts as well as convention shuttles and military Division. transportation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx The ceremony was held at the U.S. “Our business model isn’t ‘rocket science’ — and FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro Department of Transportation headquarters in we offer the best equipment and service we pos- recently participated in a ceremony honoring Washington, D.C., and was followed by a spe- sibly can. Nashville is a high quality market, the winners of the 2104 “Be Ready. Be cial program for the winners at the Smithsonian and we work hard every day at being the best. Buckled” safety belt contest. National Air and Space Museum on the We listen to our customers because our future The national contest, sponsored by the U.S. National Mall.

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From ARI-HETRA: Motorcoach Marketing Heavy-Duty Drum & Disc Lathe Council Will Auction A 2015 TEMSA TS 35 ARI-HETRA introduces the WS-BL2000 allows turning and grinding of tapered flywheel Heavy-Duty Drum and Disc Lathe designed surfaces with an optional cutting adaptor. The During Travel Exchange specifically for bus, truck and trailer wheels. adjustable travel end stops on both tables. The “The model WS-BL2000 Brake Lathe pro- ergonomically positioned and easy-to-use con- The Motorcoach Marketing Council has duces an evenly cut drum trol panel, the built-in announced its 2015 Silent & Live Auction will (Max. Drum Turning oiler and tilt up safety include a 2015 TEMSA TS 35 coach donated Dia. 33.5 in.), rotor guard are also elements by CH Bus Sales. The coach will be available (Max. Disc Turning Dia. that make the WS- to view at the Sneak Preview — UMA EXPO 20 in.) or flywheel. The BL2000 a good choice. Floor Opening on Monday, January 19. extra-large 60 mm diam- ARI-HETRA is a pri- “On behalf of the Motorcoach Marketing eter arbor and oversized vately held company Council, I wish to thank CH Bus Sales/TEMSA spindle dampens vibra- offering the heavy-duty for their generous donation to our auction,” tions allowing it to work mobile lifting equip- said Chairman Peter Shelbo. “The auction is without the use of a tail- ment, exhaust extraction our number one funding mechanism to help stock - even for dual systems, and wheel serv- continue the council's mission of providing wheels with the drum ice equipment. quality marketing tools to every motorcoach attached,” said company Its systems are used operator in North America.” spokespeople. in over 40 different The year 2015 marks the fifth year for the Advanced functions industries. Customers Motorcoach Marketing Council’s Silent & Live include powered in/out include airlines and air- Auction on the expo floor during the United and left/right table mot ion, continuous or inter- port authorities, fire departments, military Motorcoach Association’s Travel Exchange mittent variable feed in both working directions bases, transit, bus and coach companies, utili- Convention. (to avoid spiral effect) and spindle rotation ty companies, school districts and other The Motorcoach Marketing Council is an speed (20-120 RPMs) controlled by a dial. The heavy-duty automotive repair facilities. operator-driven coalition of motorcoach opera- WS-BL2000 variable spindle speed helps con- tors, coach vendors, state, regional, and nation- trol acceleration and deceleration, useful when Visit the website at www.ari-hetra.com for al associations, suppliers, vendors and travel turning heavy brake components. The machine further details, or call at: 800-562-3250. and tourism partners.

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IEEE Honors Vanner Of Ohio power product design. It was part of a multi- day conference intended to advance IEEE's Engineering Team At ITEC14 Conference mission of providing sustainable technologies for humanity. Vanner Senior Engineer-Power Conversion agement for vehicles to market. With new Specialist Alexander (Sasha) Isurin and Alec topologies coming from Vanner’s engineering Cook, vice president engineering and chief department, we bring to market cost-effective technology officer, were the recipients of the Best Paper Award at the 2014 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Vanner Incorporated is a privately held Transportation Electrification Conference and company producing commercial vehicle ener- Expo in Detroit, MI. gy management systems since 1977. Vanner Isurin presented the paper titled, develops energy solutions for transit and "Philosophy of Topology and Components coach buses, ambulances, trucks, mobile Selection for Cost and Performance Con - office and military vehicles. Over 1,200 verters" at the conference, where he detailed Vanner hybrid beltless alternators are now in the critical requirements of electronics equip- service worldwide providing conversion of ment for the automotive industry — cost, reli- 600VDC to 24VDC. ability, and electromagnetic compatibility. “We’re very honored that Sasha’s and Visit www.vanner.com Alec’s paper was selected as the conference's for more information. best paper,” said Steve Funk, president of Vanner Incorporated. “The automotive and commercial vehicle energy management mar- Visit ket is extremely competitive and to have IEEE recognize the significance of their findings Busline Magazine speaks volumes about the quality engineering designs with 100 percent on-time delivery.” At APTA EXPO team we have here at Vanner. It also reinforces Sasha Isurin presented the paper at the con- # Vanner’s business model and its commitment ference that focused on methodologies engi- BOOTH 2306 to bring cost-effective advanced energy man- neers must use and topologies to consider in

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&$1$'$ (;32576$/(6 500 Bailey Avenue 'L[LH(OHFWULF/WG 7HO %DVDOWLF5RDG )D[ New Hampton, IA 50659 &RQFRUG21 (PDLOVDOHV#GL[LHHOHFWULFFRP 800-447-0343 ~ Fax: 641-394-2392 &DQDGD/.: ZZZGL[LHHOHFWULFFRP www.trimarkcorp.com See us at APTA Expo Booth #4367 Page 62 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 63

RAPID RESPONSE • RAPID RESPONSE • RAPID RESPONSE • RAPID RESPONSE • RAPID RESPONSE Company Website Page # Company Website Page #

5 Star Specialty Programs www.5starsp.com 13 Handi-Hut, Inc. www.handi-hut.com 56 ABC Companies www.abc-companies.com 7 Hometown Trolley www.hometowntrolley.com 29 ABC Companies/ Muncie Baker www.abc-companies.com/transit_parts.asp 6 Marathon Brake Systems www.MarathonBrake.com 44 Aesys www.aesys.com 60 Midwest Bus Corporation www.midwestbus.com 30 Alexander Dennis Inc. www.alexander-dennis.com 19 Mile-X www.mile-x.com 53 Altro Transflor www.altrotransflor.com 48 Monochem www.worldwidemonochem.com 22 American Cooling Technology, Inc. www.actusa.us.com 38 Motor Coach Industries www.mcicoach.com 23 APTA EXPO www.aptaexpo.com 67 Onspot www.onspot.com 63 ARBOC Specialty Vehicles www.arbocsv.com 32 PEX German O.E. Parts LLC www.pexna.com 57 ARI-HETRA www.ari-hetra.com 20 Prevost Car www.prevostcar.com 5 Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison www.atlanticdda.com 14 Protective Insurance Company www.protectiveinsurance.com 21 Auto Meter Products, Inc. oem.autometer.com 63 Relational Bus Systems www.rbs2000.com 12 Bauer Compressors www.bauercng.com 39 Russell Cress Company, Inc. www.russellcressco.com 61 Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation www.bauerscertifiedpreowned.com 33 Safety Step www.safetystep.net 57 Bitimec www.bitimec.com/ 42 Service Insurance www.serviceins.com 61 Bitzer www.bitzerus.com 35 Shriver Insurance Agency www.shriverinsurance.com 70 C.E. Niehoff www.ceniehoff.com 47 Sutrak www.sutrakusa.com 50 Camira Fabrics www.camirafabrics.com 46 TEMSA www.temsa.com 15 Chestnut Ridge Foam www.chestnutridgefoam.com 59 TIB www.tibinsurance.com 45 Clean Seal www.cleanseal.com 31 Transit Sales International www.transitsales.com 17 Columbia Equipment www.columbiaequipment.com 54 TriMark www.trimarkcorp.com 62 Crosspoint Kinetics crosspointkinetixs.com 9 Turtle Top www.turtletop.com 11 CUTA www.cutaactu.ca 52 UMA Motorcoach Expo www.motorcoachexpo.com 69 De Leo Textiles www.deleoco.com 53 Vanner Power www.vanner.com 18, 51 Diamond Manufacturing www.diamondmfg.com 58 Vehicle Inspection Systems www.VISCheck.net 36,37 Dixie Electric Ltd. www.dixie-electric.com 62 Voith Turbo Inc. www.usa.voithturbo.com 43 Ensiecom www.enseicom.com 55 Volvo www.prevostcar.com 72 Espar Climate Systems www.espar.com 16 Vossloh North America www.vossloh-north-america.com 2 Euramtec Corporation www.euramtec.com 49 WEH Technologies Inc. www.weh.us 60 Freightliner www.freightlinerchassis.com 3 Willingham Inc. www.willinghaminc.com 40 Garavelli Enterprises, Inc. www.airportseatingalliance.com 41

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Motor Coach Industries Motor Coach Industries

MCI® Commuter Coach MCI® J4500 Available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG, the MCI Commuter A 10-year industry best-seller, the MCI J4500 provides premium Coach is built for highway speed. It’s ideally suited for commuter workhouse reliability, low total cost of operation and significant express service with forward-facing seating, a 42 percent greater fuel economy gains, thanks to powertrain optimization. Recently seating capacity than a typical transit bus. Buy America-compli- redesigned for heightened curb appeal and a more elevated pres- ant and Altoona-tested, the model offers a highly competitive per- ence, the 2015 J4500 will feature a new ZF independent front sus- seat price, plus low cost of operation, and the best mean distance pension, offerng a turning radius nearly seven feet tighter than between failure (MDBF) rate over all other types of bus models, before. A new Bendix braking system delivers car-like control, according to MCI. along with a collision mitigation feature. Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: [email protected]; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: [email protected]; Website: www.mcicoach.com Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model...... MCI® Commuter Coach Passenger Capacity...... 57, 49 Length...... 45’, 40’ Model...... MCI® J4500 Height...... 137” Passenger Capacity ...... 56 Wheelbase...... 318”, 279” Length...... 45.58’ Headroom ...... 78.25” Height...... 140.75” Turning Radius ...... 47’, 44.70’ Headroom...... 78.25” Interior Height...... 78.25” Wheelbase ...... 315” Fuel Tank Capacity...... 164 gal. CNG, Engine ...... Cummins ISX 12L, 425 hp engine w/engine brake; 114.6 Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE) optional Detroit Diesel Chassis ...... Monocoque Transmission...... Allison B500 6-speed automatic transmission Fuel Options...... Clean-diesel, hybrid, CNG with prognostics capability with fuel saving Transmission Options...... Allison B500, RELS-Reduced Engine Load at Stop Allison EP 50 Hybrid drive Brakes...... Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes Engine Options...... Cummins ISL, ISX or ISL G Fuel Tank Capacity...... 183 gal. Brakes...... Air, Meritor all-wheel EX-225 disc Fuel Options ...... Clean Diesel with unitized hubs and preset DEF Tank Capacity...... Cummins/Detroit Diesel 15 gal/10 gal GVWR...... 50,000 lbs., 46,000 lbs. GVWR...... 54,000 lbs.

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ABC Companies ABC Companies

New Flyer Xcelsior® New Flyer MiDi® ABC Companies now distributes the New Flyer Xcelsior® transit bus ABC Companies now distributes the New Flyer MiDi® transit bus direct to private bus and shuttle operators in the United States. ABC direct to private bus and shuttle operators in the United States. ABC provides after-sales service through its established service locations provides after-sales service through its established service locations and select independent dealerships. All New Flyer products purchased and select independent dealerships. All New Flyer products purchased through ABC will be fully supported by New Flyer’s warranty, genuine through ABC will be fully supported by New Flyer’s warranty, genuine New Flyer spare parts, and lifetime customer care programs. New Flyer spare parts, and lifetime customer care programs. Since its introduction in 2008, more than 4,400 Xcelsior® buses with The New Flyer MiDi® is a medium-sized, low-floor bus that is ideal a variety of propulsion systems - in 35’, 40’ and 60’ lengths - have built for use in medium-duty transit and shuttle services. The streamlined or are on order. The objective to deliver life-cycle savings and improve design offers passengers accessibility with one or two doors and the experience for passengers and drivers has been accomplished. user-friendly features including low, step-free entries, a wide The vehicle features better fuel economy, lighter weight, disc brakes vestibule, and large windows. Available in 30’ and 35’ lengths. and the industry’s first LED headlights, combined with New Flyer’s product reliability and aftermarket parts and services. ABC Companies 1506 30th Street NW; Faribault, MN 55021 USA Phone: 507-334-1871; Fax: 507-334-0246 E-mail: [email protected]. Model...... New Flyer Xcelsior® Website: www.abc-companies.com. Capacity (with Wheelchair barrier protection...... 35’ - up to 32 seats, up to 33 standees 40’ - up to 40 seats, up to 43 standees 60’ - up to 59 seats, up to 64 standees Length ...... 35’5” Over Body/40’2” Over Body/60’0” Over Body Model...... New Flyer MiDi® Width ...... 102” Capacity...... 30’ - One Door - up to 27 seats, up to 26 standees Height...... 126” over A/C Two Door - up to 24 seats, up to 30 standees Propulsion ...... Transmission/Hybrid Drive - Allison; 35’- One Door - up to 35 seats, up to 31 standees Voith and ZF options available Two Door - up to 32 seats, up to 33 standees Hybrid Drive - Allison hybrid drive; BAE HybriDrive® Length...... 30’ and 35’ Engine Options...... Width...... 8’ 35’ - Cummins ISL 280/Option-Cummins ISB 280 (Hybrid) / ISL-G 280 (CNG) Height...... 10’1” 40’ - Cummins ISL 280/Option-Cummins ISB 280 and ISL 330 (Hybrid)/ISL-G 280 (CNG) Engine ...... Cummins ISB Diesel, 250 HP 60’ - Cummins ISL 330/Option-Cummins ISL 330 (Hybrid)/ ISL-G 320 (CNG) Transmission...... Allison B300R, 6-speed HVAC ...... Chassis...... Weight-optimized Steel chassis with 35’ - Thermo King RLF-1 (A/C and heat or heat only) Aluminum body structure for Diesel and Hybrid, Thermo King T-15 for CNG HVAC...... Thermo King roof-mounted heater/air conditioner 40’ - Thermo King RLF-1 (A/C and heat or heat only) for Wheelchair Accessibility...... Entrance 32” width/ step height 10.4” Diesel and Hybrid, Thermo King T-15 for CNG knelt/ADA Compliant with 2 forward-facing wheelchair 60’ - Thermo King Dual RLF (A/C and heat or heat only) for Diesel and positions with tie downs and 3-point belts Hybrid, Thermo King RLF front unit and Brakes ...... 4 wheel disc brakes (pneumatic) T-15 evaporator rear unit for CNG

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Nova Bus Alexander Dennis

Nova LFS Smart Bus

Nova Bus is driven by the cities of its customers and strives to design Smart Buses that meet their needs. The value-added offer includes an extensive list of Smart Features engineered to provide Enviro500 the best in terms of safety, accessibility and life cycle cost. The new ‘Go-Anywhere’ low height Enviro500 Double Deck The entire line of vehicles at Nova Bus is based on a single from Alexander Dennis Inc. offers a combination of high capac- proven platform that requires minimal maintenance and far ity, maneuverability and passenger comfort. Still with over 80 exceeds APTA’s White Book crashworthiness requirements, seats and capable of carrying almost 100 passengers, it brings according to the company. Its built-in Swivel Zone offers conven- a new dimension to public transport and builds on the reputa- ient access space to accommodate any type of mobility device. tion that has made the Enviro500 a winner in New York, Las The completely redesigned Nova eCooling system has shown fuel Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, savings of up to 31 percent when combined with the latest trans- Ottawa and Toronto. mission technology. At the end of the day, Smart Features add The new reduced height model ushers in a stylish look for value to a transit service where it really counts. the ADI Double Deck Range, whether it is for transit or interur- And as a Volvo Group company, Nova Bus has a network (to ban operations. develop complete transit solutions) who can handle the toughest challenges. From standard 40-foot buses to high-capacity articu- Alexander Dennis Inc lated BRT vehicles, from clean diesel to hybrid-electric and natu- 31566 Railroad Canyon Road #342 ral gas drives, the Smart Buses have the capacity to respond to Canyon Lake, CA 92587-9446 USA service demand at any time. That’s why Nova Bus vehicles are a Tel: 951-244-9429 Smart choice. Fax: 951-755-0318 Nova Bus; 260 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 USA Phone: 800-350-6682; Email: [email protected] Website: www.novabus.com

Model...... Nova LFS Smart Bus Seating Capacity...... 41 Length...... 40’ Model...... Enviro500 Width...... 102” Seating Capacity...... 80 Height ...... 124” with A/C Length...... 42’ 5”/ 12.9m Engine...... Cummins Width...... 8’ 3”/ 2.5m Type of Fuel...... Clean diesel, diesel hybrid-electric and natural gas Height...... 13’ 6”/ 4.1m Transmission ...... ZF, Allison, Voith, BAE Engine ...... Cummins ISL 330HP & 380HP Chassis...... Integral Stainless Steel Type of Fuel ...... Diesel Fuel Capacity ...... 125 gal. (diesel), 82 or 125 gal. (hybrid), Chassis ...... ADI Enviro500 ...... 18.765 SFC (natural gas) Air Conditioning...... Thermo King Fuel Options ...... Clean diesel, diesel hybrid-electric and natural gas Wheelchair Lift Option ...... Ricon 1:6 Floor ...... Low Steering ...... ZF Brakes...... All-wheel air disc ABS with traction control

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See us at APTA Expo Booth #7440 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 68

TriMark Corporation: Quality Handles, Latches, Striker Bolts, Linkages, Electronic Access, And Complete Door Access Systems

A designer and manufacturer of hardware products, TriMark Corporation is an employee-owned company. Its products are for on- and off-highway vehicle markets including bus/mass transit, recreational vehicle, agricultural, truck, construction, specialty vehicle (fire/rescue/utility Home of the Best Full-Service body), power sports, armored vehicle and industrial enclosure markets. Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois “TriMark offers a range of handles, latches, striker bolts, linkages, electronic access, complete door access systems and related components Featuring… of truly exceptional quality. TriMark’s main strength is the hardware used on doors that secure occupants because of the sophistication and mandatory requirements to meet federal standards for strength and safety,” said company officials. TriMark’s Mass Transit Access Hardware Solutions are a combination of products and systems Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, that were developed by TriMark, Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out and the Prima Industries products (handles and locking devices) for (815) 562-5840 which TriMark is the exclusive North American distributor. Access panels, baggage doors, exterior doors, window systems and ignition systems are some of the areas where TriMark products are a viable off-the-shelf solution for this market. “One of TriMark's strategic strengths is the ability to provide complete door systems; our keyless access control system adds a further dimension of functionality, convenience and security to our systems. This selection of compatible components allows for complete keyless entry for on- or off-highway vehicle applications,” according to representatives. Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches, TriMark’s products include latches, handles and linkages for mechan- Homemade Soup, Fresh Salads & Sides, ical products and RF transmitter FOBs, keypads, I/O modules, power Blue Bunny Ice Cream! lock actuators and a variety of accessories for electronic products. (815) 561-9595 Visit www.trimarkcorp.com for more information. Designated Bus Parking and Go Riteway Sponsors Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT) Pull-Thru Fueling Island On June 16, one of GO Riteway’s motorcoaches introduced a new look Bus Drivers & Tour to promote the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust’s (OWLT) new fundraising initiative, Washington County-Opoly. Guides Eat free! Washington County-Opoly is a board game created to support the nonprofit organization’s mission including their summer youth corps program. Played much like the long-time favorite Monopoly, County-Opoly Mini-Mall — 2 Stores is marked with local land- marks and businesses who with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping! participated as sponsors in the fundraising effort. ATM,Major Credit Cards accepted. GO Riteway’s origin as a ground transportation company began 56 years ago when the Bast Family founded Riteway Bus I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99 Service, Inc. With three generations of family members at the lead, it continued to expand and provide dependable and safe transportation for Rochelle, IL business travelers, tourists, students and local residents. It operates out of 14 locations in Wisconsin with a fleet that includes OPEN 24 HOURS school busses, motor coaches, shuttle coaches, limo coaches, limousines, executive sedans and vans. GO Riteway is the official transportation provider of the Milwaukee Bucks, and embraces green technology, receiving 12 green awards and certifications since 2009. Please call ahead! Visit www.goriteway.com for more information. Page 68 BUSLINE September/October 2014 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 69

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BOWMANSDALE 2112 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd. Off Rt. 15 • Mechanicsburg, PA HARRISBURG LEMOYNE NEWPORT 717-697-5383 2929 Paxton St. • 717-561-8050 Rts. 11 and 15 North across from Rt. 322 and Rt. 34, Newport Exit CAMP HILL 4605 Jonestown Rd. Radisson Hotel • 717-761-7992 717-567-9344 4230 Trindle Road • 717-737-3896 717-652-7035 LEBANON PALMYRA CARLISLE 7845 Linglestown Rd. 1202 W. Maple St. • 717-273-8691 901 E. Main St. • 717-838-6815 60 Noble Blvd. in Super Walmart 717-545-8580 757 E. Cumberland St. • 717-273-9023 PINE GROVE 717-960-9400 Rt. 83 and Union Deposit Rd. 1725 Quentin Rd., Lebanon, PA l-81 , Exit 31 • 717-345-6400 608 E. High St. • 717-249-7721 717-564-9320 717-306-6565 RED LION 1176 Harrisburg Pike • 717-243-7774 4403 N. Front St. • 717-238-1048 LEWISTOWN 897 West Broadway • 717-246-1802 905 Walnut Bottom Rd. • 717-249-0694 Harrisburg East Mall/Rt. 83 & Paxton St. US 522 & US 22 • 717-248-5255 655 Lombard St., Cape Horn Plaza CEDAR CLIFF 717-561-0703 121 Electric Avenue • 717-248-4447 717-246-7801 Exit 19 off I-83 • Camp Hill, PA Eisenhower Blvd. I-283, Exit 1 LITITZ SCOTLAND 717-737-6404 717 -939-6972 990 Lititz Pike, Rt. 501 N. 3347 Black Gap Rd. • 717-263-7507 CHAMBERSBURG 5590 Allentown Blvd., Rt. 22 717-627-4666 SHIPPENSBURG 1075 Lincoln Way East • 717-263-4601 Exit 26 off I-81 • 717-652-9123 LITTLESTOWN 333 East King St. • 717-532-7945 NORTH CHAMBERSBURG Kline Plaza, 101 S. 25th St. 430 North Queen St. • 717-359-8946 SHREWSBURY 2891 Philadelphia Avenue (US 11 N.) 717-232-0008 LYKENS VALLEY Exit 1 off I-83 • 717-235-4663 717-263-2970 Uptown Shopping Center 4660 Rt. 209 • 717-362-8416 SILVER SPRING CLEONA 720 Division St. • 717-236-6226 MANHEIM Rt. 114 and Shadow Oak Dr. 493 W. Penn Avenue • 717-272-5677 Harrisburg Airport • 717-948-3900 711 Lancaster Rd., Rt. 72 Mechanicsburg, PA • 717-697-3460 COLUMBIA 6535 Grayson Rd. in Wal-Mart 717-664-4944 SPRINGETTSBURY 1788 Columbia Ave., off Rt. 30 717 -561-0445 MECHANICSBURG Hallam Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-684-7048 HERSHEY Wesley Dr. Exit, Rt. 15 717-757-9655 DILLSBURG Rts. 39 and 322 • 611 E. Main St., 717-761-7525 WAYNESBORO 898 North US Rt. 15 • 717-432-9500 Hummelstown • 717-566-6041 KMart Plaza, 5600 Carlisle Pike 302 East Main St. • 717-762-9201 EAST MANCHESTER JONESTOWN 717-766-9675 YOCUMTOWN 4245 North George St. • 717-266-3170 Rt 72 & I-81 • 610-562-8462 6250 Carlisle Pike in Wal-Mart Exit 14A off I-83 • 717-938-5705 ELIZABETHTOWN LANCASTER 717-591-9864 YORK 1284 S. Market St. • 717-367-6471 1880 Hempstead Rd. • 717-509-6988 MERCERSBURG 2125 York Crossing Dr & Rt 74 ENOLA Willow Valley Square • 717-464-5119 11924 Buchanan Trial West 717-767-1381 Enola Rd., Exit Rt. 11 1829 Oregon Pike • 717-569-7898 717-328-0111 Exit 4, I-83, 133 Leader Heights Road 15 S. off Rt. 81 • 717-732-4228 1434 Manheim Pike • 717-394-3417 MIDDLETOWN 717-747-9191 EPHRATA Rt. 30 and Centerville Rd. 2270 W. Harrisburg Pike • 717-944-9535 York Galleria Mall • 717-757-3026 140 N. Reading Rd.• 717-733-1660 Lancaster, PA • 717-393-9523 MIFFLINTOWN 60 Arsenal Rd. • 717-699-4600 GETTYSBURG 68 East Town Mall, Rt. 30E Rt. 322 and Rt. 35, Mifflintown Exit Exit 6W off I-83 • 717-845-9360 517 S. Steinwehr Ave., Bus. Rt. 15 Lancaster, PA • 717-394-8957 717-436-9779 3141 Carlisle Road, Dover 717-334-5920 1755 Columbia Ave. MYERSTOWN 717-767-2594 1090 York Rd.• 717-337-1030 Millersville Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 295 West Lincoln Avenue (Rt. 422) 144-158 S. George St. • 717-846-1021 GREENCASTLE 717-397-5112 717-866-2278 Rts. 30 & 74 in Wal-Mart Rt. 16 and I-81 • 717-597-2589 575 N. Franklin St., next to McCuskey NEW CUMBERLAND 717-764-8923 HALIFAX High School • 717-394-7938 101 Limekiln Rd. • 717-774-1027 380 Memory Lane • 717-757-2912 3761 Peter's Moutain Rd.• 717-896-2535 2034 Lincoln Hwy East in Wal-Mart NEW HOLLAND Tell us you saw this ad in Busline Magazine, HANOVER 717-390-1099 828 W. Main St. • 717-354-9300 and 1 driver and 1 tour guide will receive a 991 Carlisle St., Rt. 94 • 717-632-7531 King & Water Streets • 717-299-6699 NEW OXFORD FREE MEAL! 350 Eisenhower Dr.• 717-632-0005 Manor Shopping Center 6040 York Rd., Rts. 30 and 94 Please call ahead to the phone number listed by 1448 Baltimore St. • 717-630-0337 1296 Millersville Pk. • 717-293-5706 717-624-4266 the McDonald’s of your choice. 0914Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 9/12/14 10:56 AM Page 71

VOLVO PERFORMANCE BACKED BY unparalleled SERVICE. TALK ABOUT A WINNING COMBINATION.

When you pair unbeatable operational efficiency with the highest standard for service in the industry, you have one powerful machine on your hands. The Volvo 9700 uniquely combines the proven performance and fuel efficiency of the Volvo D13 engine with the exceptional and experienced network of Prevost professional service. But it doesn’t stop there. This workhorse ups the ante on fuel economy with integrated features, like the I-Shift transmission, which ensures that the engine runs at the ideal speed for maximum fuel savings. Advanced safety features and passenger comfort round out the list of features that make the Volvo 9700 the best investment your business can make.