March 15, 2003

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE BUS AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY INSIDE Coach industry wins axle-weight exemption TheThe In an extraordinary victory for Act of 1991, that extends the DOCKETDOCKET the motorcoach industry, over- Thank You, Senator Thomas weight exemption to motorcoaches. the-road buses and coaches are motorcoaches from federal axle- weighing on the national network The amendment uses the Greyhound Crash now exempt from axle-weight lim- weight limits. of highways. The struggle finally Americans with Disabilities Act The NTSB beats up on the its on the federal interstate and “This is huge,” gushed one paid off when both the House and definition of an over-the-road bus, FMCSA in the wake of a highway system. operator. Senate adopted joint spending res- saying it is a bus characterized by crash that kills three. Page 4 The long-sought exemption Lobbyists for the United olutions containing the fiscal 2003 an elevated passenger deck over a was granted when President Bush Motorcoach Association, the budget for the U.S. Department of baggage compartment. signed the fiscal 2003 appropria- American Bus Association and Transportation. The axle-weight language was Fuel Taxes House members don’t believe tions bill that Congress adopted others have been trying for more Section 347 of the bill contains inserted into the 2003 Transport- Bush when he says “no hike in last month. Buried in the 1,200- than a decade to win exemption an amendment to the Intermodal ation Department appropriations fuel taxes.” page bill is language that exempts for over-the-road buses from Surface Transportation Efficiency CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Page 4 Ergonomics Outrageous No new money for Labor Department to pursue new Parking fines ergonomic rules. Page 4 soar for coaches Bus Security in Washington Can Congress possibly find $99 million in new money for over-the-road bus security? With all of the pressures piling up in Washington, the Page 5 good folks on the District of Columbia city council have ADA Grants completely forgotten that a lit- March 28 is the deadline to tle hospitality can go a long apply for ADA grant money way and that the rules of from the FTA.

N Page 6 M

Economics 101 are immutable. & B / S M

Now since the motorcoach L E

H Hours of Service D

industry is comprised of nice, I E An appeals court and FMCSA R .

well-mannered and thoughtful G :

O agree that new hours of serv- T people, we’re volunteering to O H

P ice rules will be released by refresh their memory. We Motorcoach Expo 2003, the coach industry’s largest trade show, exceeded the expectations of the end of May. Page 6 regret, however, they ignored Expo many who feared the industry recession would cut attendance and dampen enthusiasm. The our warning last October and Excels Orlando show was well attended and operators were buying. Stories and photos on Page 12. decided to shoot their foot off anyway. On the first day of this Lobbying effort seeks to change Illinois licensing law INSIDE month, new parking fines The United Motorcoach legislators protect school children ly blocks operators in states sur- Industry News ...... 3 went into effect in the District Association and the American while at the same reduce the rounding Illinois from contracting of Columbia, including raising Bus Association have hired a lob- oppressive nature of the new law. with Illinois schools to take chil- The Docket ...... 4 the fine for parking a bus or byist in a bid to revise an onerous The Illinois school bus driver dren on school trips. motorcoach in front of a resi- new law that requires motorcoach license law went into effect at the Drivers for the out-of-state Opinion ...... 8 dence or other restricted space operators in Illinois to have first of the year despite efforts by operators can’t get an Illinois from $20 to $500. That’s no school-bus drivers licenses before Illinois operators, with support school bus drivers license because Expo Wrap-up ...... 12 misprint: It went from 1 they can transport children on from UMA, to seek a six-month their employers cannot obtain in Coach Deliveries . . . .19 Andrew Jackson to 25 school trips. delay so it could be reconsidered. Illinois employer number. Andrews Jacksons. By the time you read this, bills Its impact has been disastrous Operators from Indiana, People ...... 20 In addition, fines for six likely will have been introduced in for scores of non-Illinois-based Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and other parking violations also the Illinois General Assembly to operators that traditionally have Kentucky are being hurt most by Classifieds ...... 22 were raised but not nearly by modify the law. The goal is to transported thousands of Illinois the law. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 develop legislation that will help school children. The law essential- CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 Calendar of Events . . .23

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CALIFORNIA FLORIDA MINNESOTA NEW JERSEY TEXAS 800-322-2877 800-222-2871 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2877 WWW.abc-companies.com BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 3 INDUSTRY NEWS

Winter 2003 storms Diesel fuel On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices Cents per Gallon 180 exact toll on industry price soars, 170 By Karen Crabtree “The storm was so bad,” said 160 Motorcoach operators in the Tony Alibegu, a dispatcher with Northeast typically face a slow the 14-bus charter company. “We 33% in year 150 February, but business was slowed called everyone we knew with a Motorcoach operators are pay- 140 even more this year when the plow.” Finally, help was found in ing one-third more for diesel fuel

130 Y region was hit by the worst winter the Yellow Pages. “We were so des- than they were a year ago as prices G R E storm in seven years. perate, whatever he asked we were N continue their relentless climb to 120 E F O

Many states reported the willing to pay.” Fifteen hundred record highs. . .

110 T P snowiest February on record, or dollars later, Premier could at least The national average price of E D . S very near it. Up to four feet was turn its buses around. diesel fuel rose nearly 2 cents a gal- Apr Jul Oct Jan Apr . U : E recorded in several cities, with However, every trip was can- lon during the second week in C R

2001-02 2002-03 U

Philadelphia, New York City and celed with little chance of O March, to $1.77 per gallon, the S Washington D.C., receiving up to rescheduling. “We took it as a U.S. Department of Energy report- two feet during the Presidents Day business loss,” said Alibegu. “But it ed in its weekly survey of fueling Diesel Fuel Prices storm. wasn’t only us.” stations. Cents per Gallon Change from Business was completely shut Other operators, whose buses The highest prices are in the Price Week Ago Year Ago down for two-to-three days for also were snowed in, asked Premier New England and central Atlantic ® many operators during the worst of to pick up passengers stranded at states where diesel is fast U.S. 177.1 1.8® 55.5 ® the snow. At Premier Coach in area airports. “Even if our buses approaching $2 per gallon. East Coast 181.5 2.0® 58.8 ® New York City, the staff waited were outside we wouldn’t send Elsewhere, the price ranges from New England 200.1 4.7® 69.7 four days for a plow—just to clear them,” Alibegu said. “It wasn’t an average of $1.70 a gallon along ® Central Atlantic 195.9 3.8® 66.0 its yard. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 the Gulf Coast, to $1.89 on the ® Lower Atlantic 173.7 1.1® 54.8 West Coast. ® Midwest 173.8 0.3® 54.5

As is typical during periods of ®

fuel price spikes and international Gulf Coast 169.7 -0.3® 51.1 ® tension, there are conflicting Rocky Mountain 178.2 4.6® 58.5 views both about the outlook for ® West Coast 188.6 8.1® 55.9 diesel supplies and its price. ® California 186.6 3.4® 47.8 Since the middle of December when prices began crawling non- stop higher, the increases have demand for home heating oil will incurred by motorcoach operators been blamed on everything from lessen, allowing refiners to switch since Dec. 16. the crisis in the Middle East to the more production to diesel, reduc- The soaring prices mean motor- political turmoil in Venezuela, a ing the price. That scenario may coach operators should be major supplier to the U.S. market. be less pronounced this year implementing fuel surcharges in More recently, the severe win- because supplies of home heating their charter contracts or ticket ter weather in the northeast and oil have been significantly reduced prices. Surcharges are a tough way freezing temperatures in the mid- because of the heavy demand to cover incremental cost increas- dle Atlantic states have been caused by the cold and storms. es but the pressure mounts every blamed. Since diesel fuel and Additionally, because diesel time a motorcoach pulls up to a Stout’s Buys Central Jersey Bus home heating oil are both made fuel and gasoline are commodities fuel pump. TRENTON, N.J.—Stout’s known among bus aficionados for from distillates, less diesel is pro- whose price invariably reflects Because legal requirements dif- Charter Service, which is marking its fleet of vintage buses that it duced in winter because of higher future events, the crisis in the fer in almost every state, operators its 20th years as an operator, has rented for movies and other uses. demand for heating oil, driving up Middle East guarantees high prices should consult a contract attorney expanded into northern New Buses from its 1940s-through-1980s the price of diesel. for weeks, if not months, to come. to make certain they are meeting Jersey by purchasing Central Jersey fleet appeared in such movies as A With the end of winter The latest increases mark the local laws when implementing sur- Bus of Basking Ridge. League of Their Own, Forrest approaching, many observers say 13th straight weekly price jump charges or other changes. “The purchase allowed us to Gump, Malcolm X and A House on move into the north Jersey area Carroll Street. The purchase did without having to open an office not include the historic buses. Chicago offers travel guide, motorcoach parking maps or do anything else,” said Stout’s Stout’s did purchase two con- The Chicago Convention and The map also lists affordable developing a Chicago tour product Operations Manager Vivian temporary coaches operated by Tourism Bureau has released two restaurants that are close to the and to provide resources to those Tuccillo-Giglio. “Our exposure in Central Jersey Bus, which it publications that expand its free motorcoach parking lot at 631 who have already decided on the northern part of the state turned around and sold. Stout’s resources for bus and other travel W. Kinzie St., as well as other Chicago. (already) has proved to be a good also purchased the company’s cus- professionals: The 2003 Motor- valuable information for groups. To request a copy of the TPG move for Stout’s.” tomer base and phone numbers. coach Parking Map & Information The Travel Professionals Guide is and motorcoach guide online: Go The company Stout’s pur- Stout’s operates a fleet of 24 Guide and the 2003 edition of the a comprehensive publication to www.choosechicago.com/trav- chased, Central Jersey Bus, traced motorcoaches, 20 Van Hools and 4 Travel Professionals Guide. specifically for tour operators, eltrade.htm. its roots back 65 years. It was MCIs, from its headquarters in Additionally, the bureau is group leaders and other travel pro- To request copies by phone, fax founded in 1927 as a line-run serv- Trenton. A separate company, offering special incentives to those fessionals who plan individual and or e-mail: Phone: 312-567-8578. ice operating between Newark and Stout’s Bus Service, operates 75 who book group travel in Chicago. group leisure travel. The latest edi- Fax requests: 312-567-8504. E- Elizabeth, N.J. In 1994, Chet school buses. The Motorcoach Parking Map tion contains the most up-to-date mail: [email protected] Furmonek purchased the compa- Heading both companies is & Guide features the locations of information on Chicago hotels, For information about incen- ny, which had become a tour and Harry Stout, president, and Tim free downtown motorcoach park- restaurants, attractions and desti- tives, contact: Joleen Domaracki, charter operator serving northern Stout, vice president. The charter ing lots, on-street parking areas, nation management companies. tourism sales representative. and central New Jersey. operation has 18 full-time employ- and the numerous loading zones It’s designed both to sell the Phone: 312-567-8571. E-mail: Central Jersey Bus was best ees, plus 40 drivers. throughout the city. city to those who are considering [email protected]. 4 — March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET NTSB criticizes FMCSA Key congressmen Job safety agency to get want to increase in wake of Greyhound crash federal fuel taxes aggressive with enforcement The National Transport- at a driver-estimated speed of 40 A top official in the U.S. Commission. The benefit of using ation Safety Board has strongly mph. The investigation concluded Despite seemingly strong Department of Labor says the the courts is that they have many criticized the Federal Motor the actual speed of the truck was opposition from the Bush Ad- Occupational Safety and Health more sanctions available to deal Carrier Safety Administration closer to 15 to 18 mph. The ministration, two key members Administration plans to begin with noncomplaint employers, for contributing to the crash of Greyhound rear-ended the semi, of Congress are moving ahead using court orders to get tough says Whiting. a Greyhound coach that killed pushing the truck and trailer near- with plans to boost fuel taxes. with employers who fail to com- For example, violating a federal three people. ly the length of a football field. House Transportation and ply with federal health and safety court of appeals order constitutes In a special report on the acci- The NTSB investigation deter- Infrastructure Committee Chair- regulations. contempt of court and the penal- dent, NTSB investigators zeroed mined that the probable cause of man Don Young (R-Alaska) and In addition, the agency ties can range from fines and court in on what they said was the the crash was the unnecessarily ranking committee member intends to more aggressively pur- costs to incarceration. FMCSA’s failure to properly slow acceleration of the unlighted James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) sue employers who attempt to “So, 11(b) orders are a strong monitor the safe operation of semitrailer onto the high-speed want to hike highway and transit hide behind the corporate veil to enforcement mechanism,” Whit- new bus and truck companies. interstate by an inexperienced and system spending and use higher avoid compliance. ing says. The expanded use of The safety board even criticized unsupervised driver who was fuel taxes to pay for the Criminal prosecutions and Section 11(b) already is being the FMCSA’s new-entrant safety impaired by cocaine. increased spending. incarceration will be considered – applied by the Labor Department. rules that went into effect Jan. 1. The NTSB investigators were The key element of their plan and used, when necessary – as Also according to Whiting, The NTSB said that despite so exercised by what they found is to index the federal motor fuel part of the get-tough strategy. many companies cited by OSHA the new rules the when they user fee to the consumer price The enhanced enforcement are being dissolved by the owners FMCSA still investigated the index. strategy was unveiled by Ron only to be reformed and the haz- lacks the ability NTSB crash they decid- The Bush Administration, Whiting, deputy solicitor of labor, ardous practices continued. In to keep unsafe ed to make it a however, has indicated it is who spoke earlier this month at these cases, OSHA will attempt bus and truck investigators poster child of adamantly opposed to raising an American Bar Association to pierce the corporate veil and companies from the FMCSA fail- fuel taxes in any form. President meeting in Florida on occupa- hold the individuals personally entering the were so exercised ings and issue a Bush stated his personal opposi- tional safety and health law. liable. business. In fact, special report tion in a meeting with truckers The key tool in the expanded Currently, criminal prosecu- the NTSB said by what they that both details last month. A month earlier, the effort is Section 11(b) of the tions under the OSHA Act are new carriers shortcomings president’s Office of Manage- Occupational Safety and Health difficult because criminal viola- should not be found…they and makes ment and Budget issued a formal Act. Under that section, the tions are misdemeanors. Still, the allowed to oper- strong safety rec- statement of policy, saying it Secretary of Labor can petition a Secretary of Labor will continue ate until they’ve decided to make it ommendations. “strongly opposes” higher taxes. federal appeals court to enforce a to attempt to attain indictments clearly demon- As part of its The congressmen contend final order from the Occupational when they are necessary, says strated their a poster child of investigation, they are trying to “protect the Safety and Health Review Whiting. safety fitness. the NTSB con- purchasing power” of federal fuel Instead, the FMCSA failings. cluded that: The taxes, which have remained FMCSA’s new FMCSA’s Form unchanged for a decade. Due to Congress balks rules give start-up companies a MCS-150A, Safety Certification inflation, the purchasing power free ticket for a maximum of 18 for Application for U.S. DOT of the fuel tax is down 25 per- No money for new ergonomic rules months before they face a safe- Number, does not allow the cent, say congressional aides. Congress has stripped all companies thousands, including ty inspection and audit. Federal Motor Carrier Safety The preliminary plan favored money from the U.S. Department $800 to $1,000 per employee in “As the system works now, Administration to determine a by Young and Oberstar calls for of Labor that had been earmarked first-year worker training costs. It anyone can become a motor motor carrier’s level of safety fit- immediately adding more than 5 for issuing new workplace safety also would have made staying at carrier for at least 18 months,” ness prior to operation because it cents to the fuel tax to bring the regulations. home more profitable than going said Jim LeBerte, an NTSB does not require applicants to pro- purchasing power back to its 1993 The fiscal 2003 budget for the to work for many workers who had accident investigator. vide detailed information on level and then protect against fur- department that had been been injured on the job, and it The crash that lead to the operations. Further, no mechanism ther erosion by indexing. approved by the Senate included would have neutered many state NTSB report occurred June 9, is in place to verify the validity of $2 million to write regulations worker compensation programs 2002, at shortly after 5 a.m., an applicant’s statements. By conducting safety audits up designed to help protect workers while doubling employer worker near Loraine, Texas. A MC-12 The current Safety Status to 18 months after carriers begin against certain injuries caused by comp costs. operated by Greyhound Lines Measurement System (SafeStat, operation, the FMCSA potentially repetitive motion, lifting, use of The United Motorcoach and occupied by the driver and which is operated under the aegis allows unsafe carriers to operate force, vibration and awkward pos- Association was one of the first 37 passengers, was traveling of the FMCSA) does not accurate- without oversight and without the tures. The House budget bill did organizations to blow the whistle east on Interstate 20, on a run ly reflect a new motor carrier’s benefit of the educational and not include the spending, however. on the boondoggle, leading the from El Paso to Abilene, Texas. safety posture because the compos- technical assistance that the When Congress approved a bus industry charge against the The driver-reported a speed of ite score is based on areas in which FMCSA provides during a safety merged spending bill the money standards. 65 to 67 mph. a new motor carrier may not be audit. was dropped. The Bush Administration has An over-the-road truck, rated and therefore is unlikely to To correct the situation, the One of the last acts of the proposed that industries develop which was being operated by a provide FMCSA inspectors NTSB recommended that new Clinton Administration on its way voluntary guidelines to protect driver in training with a co- enough data to determine whether motor carriers seeking operating out the door in January 2001, was against job-related injuries. No driver in the sleeper berth, was a safety audit should be performed authority demonstrate their safety to issue new ergonomic standards such guidelines have been devel- entering I-20 from a picnic area sooner rather than later. fitness. that would have cost motorcoach oped for the bus industry. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 5 THE DOCKET

rity systems; train employees; hire programs. with the support of the member William O. Lipinski Bus security bill security officers; install video sur- Among other things, the bill Transportation Committee’s rank- (D-Ill.). Numerous other com- clears first hurdle, veillance equipment on buses and also contains language specifically ing Democrat, James L. Oberstar mittee members signed on to in facilities; create employee ID instructing how Congress wants (Minn.), House Highways, Transit the bill. $99 million sought programs; establish emergency the money spent. and Pipe-lines Subcommittee The bill goes to the House for A new effort to wrangle communication systems and The latest bill was introduced Chairman Thomas E. Petri (R- consideration. A Senate version money from Congress for over- implement passenger screening by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) Wis.), and subcommittee ranking will be introduced. the-road bus security has met with initial success. The House Transpor-tation and Infra- structure Committee moved along legislation that would authorize $99 million in securi- ty funding for the industry. The Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003 (H.R. 875) would author- ize a total of $99 million for fiscal 2003 and 2004 for discre- tionary grants to private intercity operators for security. Leading the lobbying effort on the bill is the American Bus Association and Greyhound. The new bill is about $500 million less than similar legisla- tion that failed to win widespread support during the 107th Congress. The money would come from the General Fund and could be used to construct or modify terminals, bus garages and other facilities to assure security; protect or isolate bus drivers; upgrade, purchase or install passenger ticketing secu-

Bus safety training in Atlantic City The South Jersey Transpor- tation Authority is sponsoring an afternoon training program Wednesday, March 26, on sev- eral aspects of safe motorcoach driving. The 12:30 to 3 p.m. pro- gram, which includes lunch, is free. The 2-hour session will cover inclement weather driv- ing, fatigue, game plans for aging and stress busters. Each attendee will receive a certificate. It will be conducted at Wash’s Catering Service Inc., 128 N. New Road, Pleasantville, N.J., which is six miles northwest of Atlantic City on the Atlantic City Expressway. Shuttle service to Wash’s from the Atlantic City Trans- portation Center and Ruffu Ford bus parking lots will be provided. To sign up , (609) 345-5572, Ext. 423 or (888) 565-7582, Ext. 423. 6 — March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET Deadline nears Hours-of-service to apply for SBA lifts 7(a) loan cap, adds $$$ rules’ deadline ADA lift grants The U.S. Small Business that forecast loan losses. ice to the maximum number of is set by court Administration has raised the The new econometric model, small businesses,” Barreto added. The last Friday of this month cap on SBA-backed loans and combined with the higher appro- The United Motorcoach The Federal Motor Carrier is the deadline for applying for asked banks or other lenders to priation levels contained in the Association championed both Safety Administration has federal money to pay part of the resume submitting applications fiscal 2003 federal budget, will the higher limits and the changes agreed to issue new hours of cost of installing wheelchair lifts for guaranteed loans up to the $2 allow the SBA to approve more needed to make more money service rules for commercial or buying wheelchair-lift million statutory limit. than $9.4 billion in 7(a) loans dur- available under the 7(a) program, motor carriers by May 31. equipped coaches. The return to higher limits ing the current year, an increase of which is popular with motor- The date was fixed to help The Federal Transit Admin- was made possible when $1 billion. coach operators. UMA was a key settle a lawsuit filed by safety istration has nearly $7 million in President Bush signed legislation “We are happy to be able to member of a coalition headed by advocates against the FMCSA grants available this year for coach that allows the agency to imple- help small businesses looking for the Small Business Policy unit of for failing to meet statutory operators to help make their fleets ment a revised econometric access to capital, and we are proud the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, deadlines for several rulemaking more disabled accessible. subsidy model that more accu- to do our part helping them to cre- which was the lead lobbying actions. The statutory deadline The FTA awarded just over rately forecasts the actual costs of ate new jobs for Americans,” said organization pushing the for updating the hours-of-service $7 million in Over-the-Road Bus the 7(a) program. The change SBA Administrator Hector V. changes. rules was 1998. Accessibility Program Grants to was applied retroactively to the Barreto. “The $500,000 cap on •For more information about Since late last year, the new 74 motorcoach companies last beginning of fiscal 2003. our maximum loan size was a man- SBA programs for small business- rules crafted by the FMCSA to year. Of that amount, $5.3 mil- The SBA had lowered the agement tool we had to adopt to es, call the SBA Answer Desk at govern the hours commercial lion went to intercity bus limit on loans to $500,000 address the funding limitations 1-800 U ASK SBA. Or, visit the bus and truck drivers can work operators and $1.8 million was because of budget constraints and placed on the agency in October SBA’s extensive Web site at have been bottled up in the given to charter, tour and com- an outdated econometric model while maintaining continued serv- www.sba.gov. Bush Administration Office of muter operators. Management and Budget. The Ninety-one operators applied OMB has been examining the for grants, with some money costs and benefits of the pro- going to “all qualified appli- Amtrak opens money mouth . . . wider posed rules. cants.” All but about a half Congress’ failure to let Amtrak and operating support for Amtrak “We must address the deteriorated Now, the FMCSA has agreed million dollars went to help offset die last year when it nearly ran out averaged $1.1 billion annually. assets and, over the next several to release them by May 31. the purchase of 149 new coaches of money appears to have embold- According to Gunn this level of years, return our equipment and There has been widespread and the retrofitting of 68 buses. ened the rail system’s ad- funding “was insufficient to sup- infrastructure to a state of good speculation about whether the The remainder went for training. ministrators to the point they are port Amtrak’s true capital and repair if operation is to continue.” new rules will be released in the Because of the high demand, asking for a 50 percent increase in operating needs. Among the proposed major form of a supplemental notice of most applicants received less the federal subsidy for the rail line. Consequently, the company’s capital initiatives for fiscal ’04 are proposal rule making, or a final money than they requested. That In a letter of Vice President previous management increased the repair of 20 damaged coaches rule. The difference is impor- is likely to occur again this year. Dick Cheney and House Speaker Amtrak’s debt by more than $2.5 and 10 locomotives, reconstruc- tant. Complete applications for the Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), Amtrak billion and slowed or halted tion of five major interlockings, A supplemental notice would Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility President David Gunn says the important capital projects and initial reconstruction of three include an extended comment Program Grants must be submit- railroad needs $1.8 billion in fed- deferred maintenance during this important bridges, the installation period, allowing the agency flex- ted to the FTA regional office eral operating and capital period to keep trains running and of 120,000 new ties and invest- ibility to react to criticism of its that covers the state where the investment grants in fiscal 2004 to avoid insolvency,” says Gunn. ments in several maintenance proposal. A final rule, on the applicant is based. There are 10 stabilize the company, improve The deferred investment result- facilities. other hand, likely would gener- regional FTA offices and their reliability and halt the deteriora- ed in a deterioration of rail Since last summer, Amtrak’s ate a firestorm of criticism and locations are listed in the tion of track and equipment. equipment and infrastructure, and workforce has been reduced by trigger lawsuits seeking an announcement of the grants that Amtrak is to receive $1.2 bil- Amtrak’s increased borrowing more than 600 employees, the injunction to block the rule. was published in the Federal lion during the current fiscal year. resulted in annual debt service phase-out of an unprofitable That could doom the process. Register. The announcement also Gunn's proposal for fiscal '04 that has ballooned to more than express business has begun and the Norm Littler, senior vice spells out the application process. includes $1.04 billion for capital $250 million. closure of a reservation center, president of government affairs The deadline is March 28. needs and $768 million to support “Amtrak’s past practice of bor- saving $3 million annually, has and industry relations at the You can find the FTA operations. rowing money and deferring been announced. United Motorcoach Associa- announcement online at In the seven years from 1997 to capital investment to make payroll Amtrak has no plans to propose tion, is concerned the FMCSA www.access.gpo.gov. Click on 2003, combined federal capital cannot be sustained,” says Gunn. route cuts. and DOT may opt to issue a final GPO Access, click on Federal rule. “If they bring it out as a Register under Quick Links, final rule, there’s going to be a check 2003 Federal Register, Two public agencies search for private charter providers line-up at the courthouse door,” under Search Terms type in the The following public transit Operators are urged to take the 53545-0710. Phone: (608) 755- Littler predicted. words: Over-the-Road Bus providers have informed the time to respond to these public 3150. Members of the staff of the Accessibility Program Grants. United Motorcoach Association notices. Wall Walla, Wash. Deadline: American Bus Association have Scroll down to the Over-the- of their intent to provide charter Janesville, Wis. Deadline: April March 24, 2003. Write to: Richard met with and written White Road Bus Accessibility grants service unless willing and able pri- 18, 2003. Write to David J. Fondahn, General Manager, House officials to share industry announcement. Or, you can vate charter operators step forward Mumma, Transit Director, Valley Transit, 1401 W. Rose St., concerns about the inclusion of check at your local library for the to offer their services, or to bid on Janesville Transit System, 900 Walla Walla, WA 99362. Phone: the coach industry in the hours- Feb. 7 Federal Register. contract opportunities. North Parker Drive, Janesville, WI (509) 525-9140. of-service rulemaking.

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

you for help. Analyze how much time you’re Watch out for (unfair) competition spending with troublemakers and In most Top 10 lists of smart business practices Always keep in mind there are exceptions under top achievers. If you are spending N you’ll invariably find this one: Keep an eye on the which transit agencies can provide charter service. M more than 50 percent of your & B / competition. In the coach industry it’s always a good They’re permitted if the transit system can’t honestly S employee coaching time with M L E idea to keep an eye out for someone who isn’t sup- find a willing and able private operator to handle the H troublemakers, begin to decrease D I E R posed to be your competitor but may, be just the same. work, or if the private charter operator doesn’t have . that time by 5 percent. Then, G : O

For the past 16 years, since the Federal Transit the capacity for a particular charter, or if the private T decrease it by another 5 percent O

H Wolf Rinke Administration revised its charter service regulations operator can’t provide equipment accessible to the P for the next several months until (49 CFR Part 604), public transit agencies have been elderly and disabled. virtually all of your time is spent largely prohibited from providing charter bus service. Since the FTA rules were adopted in 1987, they Leadership— with the team members who are The prohibition is based on the principle that federal- have been under assault. In the late 1980s, the rules How to attract, responsible for your success. ly funded equipment and facilities should not be used were amended in three areas. The changes allowed Take a look at how people are to compete (unfairly) with private charter operators. nonprofit social service agencies that work with the keep the best told they have done a good job in Transit agencies by and large abide by the regulation. disabled to contract for service directly with public Dr. Wolf Rinke, management your organization. If fewer than Nonetheless, there have been occasional violators. transit agencies; nonurbanized areas could provide consultant and author, was one of two-thirds of your team members A rogue agency, managed by an over-zealous execu- direct charters for the elderly, and public transits the key Solution Seminar Speakers have been publicly recognized tive director, decides he can supplement fare box could provide charters if they reached an agreement at Motorcoach Expo. Here’s some during the past year, change your revenue by violating the regulation. When violations with local private charter operators under the willing- of what he has to say about recognition program so that ulti- have been documented, complaints have been filed and-able provisions of the regulations. Winning Leadership: Tomorrow, mately 75 percent of all team with the FTA, and the practice abated. In 1991, transit forces were able to insert a provi- analyze your calendar to figure out members receive public recogni- The current operating environment for transit sys- sion in the massive transit funding bill, known as how much time you are spending tion every year. tems, like that for private operators, is anything but ISTEA, calling for a demonstration program that with your team members and your During the next five days, keep optimum. In many locales, transit agency revenues are would give transit systems more “flexibility.” Based on customers. If it is less than 70 per- a written record of how many coming under severe pressure as states and cities fight the demonstration program, an effort was made in cent, you need to take action. Set times you say something positive huge budget shortfalls. Those pressures could tempt 1997, to water down the rules. More than four years up an action plan to increase the or negative to your team mem- one or two transit managers to cast about for ways to after the changes were proposed, they were withdrawn time you spend with your team bers. If the positives do not supplement their budgets with charter revenues. by the FTA. The FTA concluded the private sector members and customers by 5 per- outweigh the negatives ten to Catching violators is hard. The really bad actors was doing a good job of meeting demand and there cent each month until it is up to an one, set up an action plan, which disguise their charters. They claim they’re “shuttles” was no consensus the changes would really help tran- average of 70 percent. will force you to practice leader- or they’re providing “special services.” sit operators utilize the exceptions. Check your compensation ship by appreciation. Track your The FTA is not a watchdog agency, so it is incum- Some believe a new effort to weaken the rules may practices to see if there is a clear progress on a chart. bent on coach operators to monitor their local transit be mounted in connection with the reauthorization of connection between how well a If you have not conducted a system. Operators should be vigilant but not obses- the TEA-21 bill this year. ABA and UMA certainly job is done and the reward comprehensive employee satisfac- sive. Enlist your drivers to be your eyes. Ask them to will work to head off any such effort and it does not received. If your top performers get tion survey during the past 12 watch for unusual circumstances, including transit appear the American Public Transportation the same compensation and recog- months, conduct one during the buses that are not on fixed routes or traveling off the Association is supporting such a move. UMA has taken nition as the slackers, do next month. Address any unsatis- beaten path. the initiative in recent weeks to open up a dialog with something about it now. factory ratings immediately. Then, If telltale indications pop up, here’s what to do. the Federal Transit Administration, asking the agency When assigning projects to let employees know what you First, make sure the transit agency is aware of the to—among other things—host a roundtable with par- your team members, break down have done to address their con- charter service rule. Contact the United Motorcoach ticipants from the public and private sectors discussing the projects into manageable steps, cerns. Get aggressive about Association, American Bus Association or one of the ways of creating mutually beneficial partnerships. remind them of when they suc- consistently exceeding your team marketing organizations (if you’re member) for a copy So, here’s this week’s No. 1 Business Operating Tip: ceeded before, and express your members’ expectations by repeat- of the rule. If the transit agency isn’t responsive, Keep your eyes open. You don’t need another com- confidence in their ability. Then ing this process every six months appeal to the regional FTA counsel. That’s usually suf- petitor, especially one whose operations are propped take your hands off until they ask thereafter. ficient under the current FTA leadership. up with tax dollars.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 2 Jeff Polzien To send news, To e-mail advertisements Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: or photographs: Oklahoma City A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. To subscribe or inquire Stauton, Va. or (877) 510-5602 about your subscription: Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Mail: 717 West Pierson #260 Call: Ellen Balm Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 488-8378 Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Managing Editor Senior Editor Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh To advertise or to mail Travel Mates of Virginia Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To send subscription orders Danielle Staudt Bruce Sankey West Point Tours advertising-related materials: or changes of address: Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. Call: Johnny Steger E-mail: [email protected] Government Editor Art Director David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott (602) 980-0840 Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Norman Littler Reid Helms E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (877) 510-5602 Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. Mail: Post Office Box 12903 or (877) 510-5598 Sales Director Associate Editor Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie ABC Companies Paradise Travel Suburban Charter Services Tempe, AZ 85284 Johnny Steger Tracie Tellez Mail: 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Faribault, Minn. Brooklyn, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Mitch Guralnick Joan Libby Alan Spachman Victoria Bus Cavalier Coach National Interstate Insurance Co Mary Merkin Ellen Balm Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio

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

10 – March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Winter storms 3 new directors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 safe, it wasn’t worth it.” join UMA board The February storm was in Three new directors have sharp contrast with last winter joined the board of the United which didn’t bring much snow. In Motorcoach Association. fact, no snow fell at all in Attending their first UMA Philadelphia. Winter this year board meeting since their elec- started early, in November in tions in November were Daryl G. many areas, and it had a major Johnson, co-owner of J & J impact on business. Charters in Crosby, Texas, and T. “This winter was a tough one,” Ralph Young, chairman and presi- said David Benedict, president of dent of Young Transportation/ David Thomas Tours in Young Tours in Asheville, N.C. Philadelphia. “It started early and Also joining the board for the it set the tone with the seniors, first time was Robert Foley, chief who hold off booking trips.” operating officer of ABC Benedict’s company, a 24-bus Companies in Faribault, Minn. charter, tour and line-run opera- Foley was elected to a three-year tion, saw a marked decrease in term as the lone coachbuilder rep- mid-week day trips in January and resentative on the UMA board. February, compared to the same David Thomas Tours in Philadelphia didn't cancel its line runs even though most customers couldn't get to its buses. He was selected at a meeting of time last year. Once the big snow coachbuilders and coach sales com- storm hit last month, everything Richmond received very little panies attending Motorcoach Expo stopped. Most trips were canceled snow but lots of freezing sleet and 2003. He succeeds James P. and half of the line-runs halted. Quick Facts rain. Either way, it was felt at Bernacchi who became the first Even when the buses finally got Philadelphia: Snowiest February since 1899, breaking that Story’s business, he said. James coachbuilder representative to sit out that didn’t mean people could record of 31.5 inches. River Bus Lines has a contract on UMA’s board when he was get to them. New York City: Presidents Day storm was fourth largest with Amtrak for rail transfers. elected at Motorcoach Expo ’97. “We never cancel line-runs snowstorm in city history. NYC sanitation crews plowed 6,300 Amtrak trains were canceled when Directors who were re-elected because of low ridership,” said miles of city streets and roadways within 24 hours of the storm the track switches were frozen. in November were Bob Hume of Benedict of the company’s trips to Atlantic City International Airport: Received 33.2 inches in Once everything was back to Travel Mates of Virginia in Atlantic City. “But (Presidents February, second snowiest February ever. normal for a few days, then the Harrisonburg; Godfrey LeBron of Day weekend) there was nobody. flooding began and the trains were Paradise Trailways in West The buses were moving by Tuesday called off due to flooded tracks. Hempstead, N.Y.; Joan Libby of but people couldn’t get out of their General Manager Wayne But…it doesn’t cover the work All in all, 10 Amtrak trips were Cavalier Coach in Boston, and houses.” Braunwarth. “Drivers didn’t get and time we put in. We really pass canceled. Tom Ready of Ready Bus Lines in Major storms cause more eco- paid because they are paid on com- any money on to anybody we Additionally, for two days, vir- LaCrescent, Minn. nomic damage than just canceled mission and we had a lot of snow hire.” tually everything was canceled, Re-elected board officers were trips. They also impact future sales to clean up,” he said. Canceled school trips are often including corporate trips, airport LeBron, who remains board secre- when phones aren’t being Passaic Valley was able to the most common trips that can’t transfers, ski trips and school field tary, and Brian Scott of Escot Bus answered and the maintenance reschedule many of the charter be rescheduled. But the snow’s trips. Story estimates 70 percent of Lines in Largo, Fla., who was re- crew is removing snow instead of trips that were canceled but impact on school also causes a rip- that business won’t be rescheduled. elected board treasurer. repairing coaches. because they’ll be in the busy ple effect on the industry. But you’ve got to look for the Two UMA directors who did “It disrupts the whole office,” spring season, Braunwarth may Schools now have snow days to bright spot, said Story. This year’s not seek re-election to the board said Benedict. “We are in a big not have enough coaches to han- make up, said Stephen Story, pres- storm occurred in the middle of a in November and were honored at selling season and we had to shut- dle them. To keep his customers, ident of James River Bus Lines in driver training school. Usually Motorcoach Expo were Ian Patton down because nobody could get to Braunwarth will hire other coach- Richmond, Va. “This is where it they can’t find snow to practice of Star of Indiana in Bloomington work. That’s lost opportunity.” es to help. That means the trips really hurts us,” Story said. “At the driving in. That wasn’t a problem and Sandra Allen of Royal Coach At Passaic Valley Coaches in won’t be moneymaking ventures. schools . . . they’ve canceled their this year. “The drivers got some Tours in San Jose, Calif. Chatham, N.J, everything was “It’s a service we provide so the future field trips and that’s very good experience. That was a good They and Bernacchi received canceled for two or three days, said customers come back to us. unusual.” thing for us.” crystal gifts.

Axle weight and Pete Zanetti worked together on the issue. Finally, the American Bus been a major problem and is the when both were members of the Engineers from Van Hool Association successfully worked its reason behind our push to the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Wyoming legislature. Zanetti also shared computer models that responsibility, the House of change the law,” Littler said in a bill thanks to the persistent efforts was a founding director of UMA allowed Federal Highway Representatives,. letter to CVSA’s top executive, of Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.). (previously known as the United Administration engineers to “This demonstrated that a few Stephen Campbell. “Sen. Thomas refused to give up; Bus Owners of America). essentially run a fully loaded 45- people can get things done,” said “Unfortunately, if we have to he kept on it; he dug in his heels,” In addition to UMA, whose foot motorcoach over every bridge Littler. wait for a memorandum from the said Norm Littler, senior vice pres- responsibility in the lobbying in the federal highway system. The ink from the president’s Federal Highway Administration ident of government and industry effort was to deliver the Senate, Passing that test was essential signature had barely dried when to grind through the system it relations at UMA. others playing critical roles in the and the ABC/Van Hool program Littler wrote a letter to the could be many months before Thomas got involved in the effort to win approval of the axle- made it happen. “They convinced Commercial Vehicle Safety those that need to know are made issue at the behest of a long-time weight exemption were ABC Federal Highways that axle Alliance asking it to inform its fully aware,” wrote Littler. “This is friend, Donna Zanetti of Zanetti Companies/Van Hool, Motor weights were not a problem,” said member jurisdictions of the the reason we are asking CVSA to Bus & Fast Express in Rock Coach Industries and the Littler. change to the law. take the lead on notifying the Spring, Wyo. Mrs. Zanetti and her American Bus Association. MCI hired a lobbyist, at no “As you know, the inability of enforcement community.” late husband, Pete, operated ABC Companies and Van Hool small expense, who effectively our industry to get tandem-axle Still, it may be weeks before Zanetti Bus and were active politi- were vital in keeping the Federal worked both houses of Congress status granted to the rear-axle word of the exemption reaches cally in Wyoming. Sen. Thomas Highway Administration neutral on the issue. grouping on motorcoaches has every weigh station across the U.S. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 11 INDUSTRY NEWS

conduct a nine-month study of D.C. parking D.C.’s bus parking problems and to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 develop long-term recommenda- the order of magnitude of the tions for resolving the motorcoach increase meted out to buses and management and parking issues. coaches that stop in front of a The first deliverable from Volpe house or other prohibited spot, is to be a set of “Early Implemen- including a crosswalk, no-parking tation Strategies” designed to help or loading zone, or near a firehouse cope with this spring’s tourist sea- or hydrant. son. That is to be followed by more For the past 18 months, count- long-range plans. less district officials and businesses As any tour operator who has have decried the decline in ever brought a coachload of sight- tourism in Washington. Instead of seers to Washington, D.C., knows, working with groups, like motor- finding a legal parking space or coach operators, who bring loading and unloading zone is thousands of tourists, a majority of Headache No. 1. Until fairly the District council decided that recently there’s been no informa- what are really need are outra- tion to give operators guidance. geous new fines. Well guess what Now, however, the District of folks, there are cheaper, friendlier Columbia Department of Trans- and much more hospitable places portation has dedicated a Web for motorcoach travelers to visit. page to assisting operators. The higher fines were adopted The page lists all current park- by the D.C. city council last fall ing and tour bus regulations that but couldn’t be applied until would impact drivers operating in Congress approved the budget for the district. Additionally, it lists the district. Once points of contact that happened last for specific visitor Illinois BBB honors Peoria Charter Coach month, the fines None of the sites so tour bus Peoria Charter Coach fewer than 150 employees. petition. could go into problems ever operators can Company has received the Two employees, staff accountant Peoria Charter Coach is a 62- effect, which they access additional Central Illinois Better Business Shirley Gergin and reservationist year-old company that was did on March 1. get adequately information Bureau 2002 Torch Award for Donna Wasielewski, took the ini- founded by Winkler’s grandfather, In adopting the addressed, with regarding those business integrity. tiative to nominate their company, Walt. Today, the firm is owned and higher penalties, locations. The award recognizes high unbeknownst to Peoria Charter managed by Bill Winkler and his the District said most “solutions” The info can be standards of ethical business Coach President Bill Winkler. "If wife, Cindy, vice president and its fines had accessed by going behavior in relationships with your employees believe in you, that secretary. In January, Metro maga- remained con- coming in the form to http://ddot.dc. consumers, employees, suppliers, says a lot," says Winkler. zine ranked the company No. 43 stant for the past of stepped-up gov/main/shtm. stockholders and the community. The award makes Peoria out of the nation’s 50 largest coach decade and had Click on Informa- Peoria Charter Coach was picked Charter Coach eligible for the operators. It has a fleet of nearly 50 fallen behind enforcement of tion. It’s not a lot in the category of companies with BBB’s national Torch Award com- coaches. those of neighbor- parking restrictions but it’s a start. ing jurisdictions And, it is part of and “lost much of and new fines. the Tour Bus Driver loses CDL, serves probation due to bus crash their deterrent Management The driver of a motorcoach coach he was driving crashed the being aware that the bus he was effect.” Initiative. that crashed two years ago on first week in April 2001. operating had unsafe brakes. The That was one interpretation of As the United Motorcoach Interstate 95 in Georgia, injuring The bus Britt was operating was day before the crash he had the council action. There are Association and others have noted all 46 passengers, has been prohib- carrying parents, teachers and stu- shopped for brake repairs to the other views. Like those who say time and again, none of the prob- ited from driving for 10 years and dents from Massey Hill Classical bus. Additionally, he was accused the majority of council members lems ever get adequately ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and High School in Fayetteville, N.C., of not getting enough sleep before are simply attempting to turn law addressed, with most “solutions” serve a 10-year probation. to a band competition in Florida. leaving on the trip. enforcement into a profit center to coming in the form of stepped up Darol Britt had pleaded no con- AMA Tours of Fayetteville booked Initially, it was reported that a make up for a budget shortfall. enforcement of parking restric- test in a Georgia Superior Court to two buses for the trip. car swerved in front of the bus, For years, the motorcoach tions, onerous fees and new fines. reckless driving and causing seri- Britt had been charged with which rolled on its side near the industry has attempted to work pos- There likely are more law ous injury by vehicle when the reckless driving and also with Georgia-Florida state line. itively with the D.C. mayor and enforcement agencies authorized city council to solve the District’s to write parking tickets in the a plan for hiring a lobbyist to work tant representative feared there parking challenges. All the indus- District of Columbia than in any Illinois law with the Illinois legislators to would be an accident and the try has gotten for its effort have other municipality in the U.S. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 change the law. General Assembly would look stu- been vague promises and assurances More than 20 different agencies Illinois operators also must The board of directors of UMA pid. the city was working on a solution. can write parking citations. That comply with the law’s requirement meet the final day of Expo and To comply with the law, Illinois The only visible action has been means, of course, that at every that motorcoach operators must voted to authorize the association operators must make sure their more hassling and ticketing. turn there is a different badgewear- have a school bus license before to hire a lobbyist. ABA was invit- drivers have both a CDL and a Finally, last fall, at about the er handing out citations. they can transport children to and ed to participate in the effort and state school-bus license. To get the time the D.C. council was approv- To let official Washington from school-related activities. readily agree. UMA and ABA are school license they must obtain an ing the higher fines, a new know what you think of its policies UMA organized a strategy session sharing the cost of the lobbyist. FBI fingerprinting background public-private partnership, called and practices, contact your last month at Motorcoach Expo There was an unsuccessful check, complete a 6-to-8 hour The District of Columbia Tour Bus Congressman or, better yet, locate 2003 in Orlando to deal with the effort made early this year to post- training course, take an annual 3- Management Initiative, was a list of District of Columbia coun- issue. Operators and representa- pone the law but it was stymied by hour refresher and get a physical. formed. The partnership contract- cil members by going to tives of other trade groups attend- key legislators who blocked the Plus, there are written and driving ed with the Volpe National www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us. ed. Out of the meeting developed bill delaying the law. One impor- tests. Transportation Systems Center to Click on Contact Us. 12 – March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS Y H P A R G O T N O M H & P B S / E S T M A L T E S H N R D I E E T R S . A E G : : O O T T O O H H P P SCRAPBOOK Pianist plays and pedals during Expo Show Preview. Bill Harnett of RBS Systems demonstrates software. Attendance, show exceed expectations

Motorcoach Expo 2003: The still here and we’re still a strong trade show that exceeded expecta- industry,” said Victor Parra, presi- tions. dent and CEO of the United Despite being the biggest event Motorcoach Association, sponsor Y

of its kind in the motorcoach and organizer of Motorcoach Expo. H P A R industry, many approached this The trade show’s heavy sched- G O T O H

year’s Expo with a mixture of anx- ule of educational forums and P S E T

iety, apprehension and outright seminars, Parra promised, would A T S N

angst. No surprise there. help operators be successful. He R E T S A

After all, the industry had just was right. The sessions offered an E : O T finished its fourth straight year of abundance of thought-provoking O H P declining new coach sales. material. Drawings such as this one at the Big Rig Collision were popular at Expo 2003. Everyone knows operators are In spite of the misgivings about being pinched at every turn. The the show and worries that the big economy continues to sputter, war eastern storm would put a dent in fills the front pages, and consumer attendance, vendors generally confidence is not the least bit appeared pleased with the atten- robust. dance and the interest attendees Then, just days before Expo exhibited. opened, the worst winter storm in “We are totally elated with the a half-dozen years hit the north- quality of customers who’re eastern and middle-Atlantic states attending,” said Michael casting doubt on the ability of Rochette, the no-nonsense vice many attendees to make it to president of marketing and sales Y H P

Orlando. administration at Prevost Car. A R G O Clearly, not a great year, a great “We were able to sell here, which T O H P S time or a great environment for a we haven’t been able to do for N E T M A & T B S big trade show. some years.” / S N M R L E E Well, someone forgot to tell the Rochette’s views were echoed T S H A D E I : E

hundreds of operators and vendors time and again by top executives O R T . O G H : who descended on the Orange from virtually every coach manu- P O T O

H Ronnie Vance, operations manager of Corporate Transportation n Tours of County Convention Center in facturer with buses on the show P Orlando during the third week in floor. UMA President & CEO Victor Parra. Phoenix (left) and Juan Lepe of Prevost relax during the opening reception. February. Motorcoach Expo 2003, “It was a very good show; we as it turns out, was better than wrote some business,” said Ron Patrick Scully president and CEO advance what will excite attendees for one supplier of specialty equip- almost anyone expected. Cornell, president and CEO of of Setra of North America. “We and what they will chose to over- ment, asked to comment on his One UMA official reported that ABC Companies. targeted this show for the launch look. Two small vendors, with experience, said the show was only 45 operators who were pre- “It was a good show for us,” of our new coach (the Setra S417) adjoining booths, offered almost much better than he expected. He registered failed to show up and noted Greg Berg, vice president of and we got great attention and diametrically opposite views. Said then asked that his name or prod- they were replaced by walk-ins. sales and marketing at Motor response.” one: “We got a lot of pass-by traf- uct not be identified “because I “Despite everything thrown at Coach Industries. “We were Not all vendors shared those fic.” Said his neighbor: “We didn’t don’t want to tip off my competi- us—insurance rates, low-balling, always really busy.” sentiments, of course. But it’s near- get enough traffic.” tors to how good the show really the economy, the storm—we’re “It has been excellent,” added ly impossible to determine in The top marketing executive was,” he said. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 13 EXPO 2003 SCRAPBOOK Y H P A R G O T O H P S E T A T S N R E T S Y A H E P : A O R T G O O H T P O H The exhibit floor at Expo was busier than many vendors expected. P S E T A T S N R E T S A E : O T O

Several Expo social events took advantage of Orlando’s mild winter weather. H P Y H P A R G O T O H P S E T A T S N R E T S A E : O T O N H M P & B

/ Expo attendees relaxed on the show floor between forays to vendor booths. S M L E H D I E R . G :

O Football and broadcast legend John Madden was interviewed by Expo atten- T O H

P dees via close-circuit satellite TV at MCI’s booth on Friday afternoon. Bus security chief promises to work closely with motorcoach industry The top bus security official at TSA, Commiato is part of the previously headed its operation in ness and preparedness to deal with the Transportation Security TSA effort to set national security Charlotte, N.C. a terrorist strike. Administration says his new standards for the over-the-road bus In previous meetings with offi- Commiato said the industry agency will work closely with the industry. cials from the United Motorcoach must assist the TSA and law motorcoach industry in develop- The goal of the standards, Association, Commiato indicated enforcement agencies in prevent- ing security measures for the according to Commiato, is to pro- the TSA would be mindful of the ing terrorist attacks. “We need industry. tect passengers and enhance secu- coach industry’s current economic everybody to be alert,” he said. “If Highway Passenger Security rity with minimum impact on the situation as it develops policies you see something that doesn’t Branch Chief Dan Commiato efficiency and convenience of that might impact operators. seem right, contact local law delivered that message at the industry. A key component of the effort enforcement. Legislative and Regulatory “It will be a team effort,” he to develop security standards for “Just like when you perform a Update Session at Motorcoach said. Commiato is relatively new to the coach industry is a study under safety check. If you see something N M &

Expo. TSA, having joined the security way by the Volpe National wrong, you let somebody know. B / S M

“You know the industry,” agency after spending 20 years with Transportation Systems Center in You must stay ahead of the curve,” L E H D Commiato said. “We need your Yellow Transportation, the nation’s Boston. Researchers at Volpe are he told Expo attendees. I E R . G

input; you know what works and largest less-than-truck-load freight looking at the threat vulnerabili- Contact Commiato at (571) : O T O

what doesn’t work.” hauler. He was a senior director of ties of the coach industry, as well 227-1229, or by e-mail at H P As the bus security boss for Yellow’s e-commerce business and as security plans, training, readi- [email protected]. Dan Commiato 14 – March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS

electronically controlled 10-speed mechanical gearbox that offers the operational ease of an automatic. The clutch is controlled internal- ly, so drivers don’t have to operate a clutch pedal. According to ZF, the transmission is about 250 pounds lighter than an automatic, uses no filter, holds less oil and can go 185,000 miles between oil Y H P

changes. A R G O T

Because sensors pick the best O H P S

gear, coaches with the transmis- E T A T sion also tend to suffer less clutch S N R E T

wear, according to ZF. A control S A E :

panel nevertheless allows drivers O T O H

to override the system’s gear P choice, and self diagnostics help Caterpillar exhibited at Expo for the first time in a half-dozen years. drivers and mechanics respond to SCRAPBOOK malfunctions. compared to commercial portable High Mount Stop Lamp. “The ZF ASTronic transmis- vacuums,” said Beam’s vice presi- Firestone, the coach sector’s sion is smooth, smart, limber and dent of sales and marketing No. 1 tire supplier, unveiled a new quick,” says Greg Berg, MCI vice Quintin Rottering. “It also gives tire — the FS400 — for over-the- president of sales and marketing. the added advantage of allowing road coaches. The FS400 replaces New at Expo “It’s easy to learn, and operators the operator to clean the coach the HP-3000 as an all-position should enjoy driving it as much as while in service, eliminating the tire. It’s specifically designed for Here’s what was creating a buzz they will appreciate its economy.” need to return to the garage.” intercity coach operations. Its fea- Elsewhere on the Expo show Beam units mount on any new tures include: Every year at Motorcoach Expo even before Expo officially floor: or used coach. Also, prices have • Deep original tread depth there are new products and servic- opened. At the Allison Transmission been reduced. and cross-rib siping for longer life es that seem to create more than On Wednesday, the day prior to booth, representatives were talk- The Braun Corporation was and high traction capabilities in their share of buzz among show Expo’s first full day, Motor Coach ing about extended transmission offering the UVL2000XT wheel- all weather conditions. attendees. This year was no excep- Industries sponsored a well- oil changes made possible with chair lift. The lift features a • Four full steel belts and strong tion. attended seminar for operators TranSynd transmission fluid and space-saving design and conven- ejectors in the grooves for improved Despite the economic down- interested in learning more not Allison’s new Gold Filter technol- ient operation. durability and retreadability. turn that has unsettled the only about the ASTronic but also ogy. Caterpillar, the giant construc- • Dense groove and cap/base industry for most of the past three Caterpillar engines and Vansco Allison says its Gold Series fil- tion equipment and diesel engine compounding for improved irregu- years, Expo 2003 appeared to see electronic multiplexing systems. ters have a more effective filter maker, was exhibiting at Expo for lar wear resistance in line-haul an upswing in new product offer- According to MCI and at least medium and a higher filtration the first time in a half-dozen years. operations. ings emanating from suppliers one other coach builder, the ZF capacity. This means filter change Cat has been receiving encourage- Chip Springer, director of (other than the coach builders. ASTronic is gaining fans across intervals can be tripled or quadru- ment for months from at least two motorcoach maintenance at Separate stories on these pages North America. So many, in fact, pled depending on the application coach builders to get back in the Mears Transportation Group in recount what the OEMs were MCI has begun offering the and severity of duty. motorcoach sector, which it essen- Orlando, says Mear’s drivers like showcasing.) ASTronic as a no-additional-cost For a B500 with a deep dump tially abandoned in the the FS400 because of its handling At booth after booth, there option on its E4500 and J4500 operating in a severe duty environ- mid-1990s. and ride characteristics. were new and improved products coaches. ment, that can mean an oil change Cat was featured along with ZF Freedman Seating introduced and services to whet the appetite MCI projects ASTronic- interval of 75,000 miles with and Vansco at a pre-Expo seminar its newest seat: The Patriot. This of operators looking for an edge, equipped coaches traveling TranSynd in the transmission. conducted by MCI. And, a Cat seat for the midsize bus market has an upgrade or a change. 100,000 miles a year can save up to Double that mileage in the gener- engine is standard equipment in an easy-to-fold-down aisle arm, Few booths saw more action $3,296 in fuel, oil and mainte- al duty environment. the new Blue Bird Express 4500 conveniently located recliner but- than that of ZF Industries, the nance costs during the first year, Amaya Astron Seating was coach that was unveiled at Expo. tons and levers, molded contoured German transmission builder that and up to $16,650 over five years showcasing its Model 2+1 VIP Cat’s engine for the coach sec- back foam with side bolsters and has created a stir with its compared to coaches with an auto- seats. Available in either a double- tor is the C-12, a 12-liter full lumbar support, molded seat ASTronic transmission. The inter- matic transmission. seat configuration or single seat, powerplant designed for the truck- cushion with leg support and side est in the ASTronic was evident The ASTronic is essentially an the 2+1 VIP offers luxury seating ing market. Cat says the C-12 has bolster, knee-saver back design and for executive commuter coaches. the best horsepower-to-weight powder-coated frames and legs. The seat’s features include ratio in the industry. The engine is J.J. Keller introduced safety- adjustable wing-style headrest, available in versions ranging from training videos developed mechanical recline mechanism, 335 to 430 horsepower and it specifically for motorcoach driv- upholstery with fabric or leather, weighs 2,700 pounds. ers. The videos address key tufting for backrest and cushion, Caterpillar also used Expo to safety-related and training issues. standard fold-up food tray, and introduce the industry to its new Also on display was Keller’s new center console for the two-by-two emissions technology called Motorcoach Driver’s Safety seating arrangement. ACERT, or Advanced Handbook, a 168-page safety refer- Beam Industries was displaying Combustion Emission Reduction ence designed to enhance and its improved Motor Coach On- Technology. ACERT is designed reinforce training. Board Vacuum System, including to meet the latest engine emissions Lift-U, a major long-time sup- the 24-volt system that directly standards without using cooled plier of wheelchair lifts to the N M &

B connects to the coach batteries, exhaust gas recirculation technol- transit sector, chose Expo to intro- / S M

L ogy. duce the Model LU-7 Tour Lift.

E eliminating the need for an expen- H D I Dialight was showing three Designed specifically for the E sive inverter. R . G

: “Eliminating the inverter new products this year: LED back- tour, commuter and intercity mar- O T O

H makes the Beam built-in motor- up lamps in two sizes, LED ket, the LU-7 lift is lightweight P ZF’s ASTronic transmission was the focus of considerable Expo attention. coach vacuum a superior value stairwell lamps and an Ultra Thin and requires just 25 percent of one BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 15 EXPO 2003 SCRAPBOOK baggage compartment. Automatic and manual features make the LU- Prevost unveils removable lift, could save operators thousands 7 easy to operate and maintain, As the motorcoach operator legs on the shop floor. said Lift-U Service Representative stood beside the shiny new Prevost The Ricon-made removable Jon Durham. The LU-7 is avail- H3-45 coach on the floor of wheelchair lift is self contained in able for OEM or retrofit. Motorcoach Expo 2003, his own what Prevost calls a cassette. It Motorcoach Manager Software words seemed to amaze him: uses a simple plug-and-play hook- Systems unveiled Motorcoach “This thing will save me up, which includes its own Shuttle Manager, which combines $70,000 a year,” he said. hydraulic system so there’s no the latest version of the company’s The thing he was referring to time-consuming bleeding when charter module with a new sched- was one of the most-talked-about moving it from coach to coach. uled airport shuttle module. It can innovations at Motorcoach Expo Four adjustable carrying legs, be combined with maintenance or 2003: A removable wheelchair lift which are an option, make it easy tour modules. that can be shuffled from coach to to install, remove and store. RBS was showcasing its newest coach depending on the need. The removal process requires charter and tour management soft- The operator said he buys six undoing eight bolts, sliding the lift ware. GoTour Online is an new coaches annually. So, instead out on built-in rails, and afixing N

Internet-enabled, Windows-based of buying six lift-equipped coaches M the support legs. A box-end & B / tour management system. . he can now buy six “lift-ready S wrench and a ratchet with an M L E Safety-Step introduced the coaches,” which cost substantially H extension are the only tools need- D I E R

Folding Safety Step, which has the less. In other words, he only has to . ed. G : O same anti-tip, self-leveling features buy one coach with a lift which he T The lift-ready option adds O H as other models, plus the added can remove and slip it in a coach P $16,510 to the price of a new convenience of easy storage. when a customer needs it. premium motorcoach ADA accessi- The total time needed to move Prevost. Buying a complete lift- Transit Sales International “For operators, the No. 1 benefit ble,” said Abel Zacharie, Prevost the unit from one lift-ready coach ready coach with the wheelchair-lift introduced its Shuttle Bus Leasing of our removable wheelchair lift is marketing manager. “So, there’s no to another is 30 minutes. It takes cassette costs $30,510. The legs are program, providing used city tran- that it is shareable, making any lift- weight penalty when coaches are half that time or less to install if a $500 option. All prices are in U.S. sit buses for various leasing options. ready Prevost H-Series or XLII not required to be ADA complaint.” the unit is sitting on its portable dollars. 16 — March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS increase electrical system reliabili- ty while reducing diagnostics and troubleshooting. The fuel tanks on the E4500 and J4500 coaches have been increased by 40 gallons, to 222 gal- lons. Other changes include simplification of the E4500 dash and redesign of the HVAC sys- tems, incorporating a single, N M &

B high-capacity evaporator. / S M

L Also on display at the MCI E H D I stand were F3500 and G4500 E R

ABC Companies displayed . G coaches. : O two of it’s M-model cutaway coaches. T O

H Prevost Car P Three distinctly different with Mercedes Benz engines and popular over-the-road models. coaches were on display at the Allison 2400 transmissions with Two coaches on display, the Prevost Car stand—an H3-45 parking pawl. The M models fea- E4500 and J4500, have been given model with mid-coach mounted SCRAPBOOK ture oversize Excel tinted what MCI calls mini-makeovers for wheelchair lift, a LeMirage XLII windows, rear air suspensions, 2003, including taking out 1,000 and a LSF low-floor commuter bus ABS, and optional restroom and pounds of weight and adding mul- from Prevost Car’s Nova Bus sub- wheelchair lift. tiplex electrical systems. sidiary. Outside, ABC was offering test The weight was removed by Prevost has made a number of Manufacturers showcase coaches, rides in a prototype of its new modifying the coaches’ frames and upgrades to its H3 and LeMirage choices run the price, style gamut M500 coach that it unveiled at using far less wiring by adopting models for 2003, including Motorcoach Expo. The new cut- multiplexing, which is designed to increasing the cooling capacity, The big excitement at On display were four coaches: A away is expected to have a GVWR Motorcoach Expo most often is Van Hool C2045L, a Van Hool of 19,500 pounds, versus 26,000 found on the exhibit floor and at T2145, an ABC M1030 and an for the M1000 coaches. Like its the stands operated by the major ABC M1035. The flag ship T2145 big brother, the M500 will feature coach manufacturers. Here’s what was equipped with a Cummins 400- steel cage construction with fiber- the coach builders were showcas- horsepower engine and REI’s suite glass exterior sidewalls, luxury ing this year: of A/V equipment. The C2045L seating, bi-fold electric door, and ABC Companies / Van Hool was equipped with a Stewart & roof-mounted air conditioning. One of the special aspects of Stevenson Bay Lift wheelchair lift, Motor Coach Industries Expo is to see the innovative a 370-horsepower Detroit Diesel The largest stand at Expo was graphics and themes the manufac- with Jake Brake, Goodyear tires that of MCI, the No. 1 supplier of N M & turers develop each year to outfit and REI A/V system. over-the-road buses in North B / S M L their coaches. At the ABC/Van The M coaches are ABC’s mid- America. A total of seven coaches E H D I

Hool stand, the theme this year size, luxury cutaway buses built on were on display, including three E R

For 2003, Prevost has made a . G was "magic," and the livery was Freightliner chassis. The M1000 MCI-Busscar concept vehicles : O

number of mechanical improvements T O striking. (see story below) and four of MCI’s H

series coaches are now standard P “It’s our intention to first gauge the concepts’ market potential,” MCI sizes up said Vandiver. “UMA EXPO pro- vides a great opportunity to hear future, offers first hand what operators think about these innovative vehicles.” concept buses A year ago, at Motorcoach Attendees at Motorcoach Expo Expo 2002 in Indianapolis, MCI 2003 got a kick-the-tires glimpse announced it was developing a of what Motor Coach Industries partnership with Busscar. Then, may be offering in the way of this past September, the compa- future product offerings. nies announced plans to develop Three distinctly different con- concept models, focusing on co- cept vehicles developed jointly by manufacturing, shared technology, MCI, North America’s largest branding, marketing and parts over-the-road coach builder, and sourcing. Brazilian bus manufacturer Busscar MCI expects to bring to the Onibus S.A., occupied a large cor- joint venture its manufacturing ner of MCI’s stand at Expo. On expertise; established parts distri- display was the: bution network; technical product • Micruss, a 22-foot minibus support infrastructure, and its sales N that would be made available in M and marketing teams. & B / S

executive or city versions. M Busscar is a private, family- L E H owned, vertically integrated

• Metruss, a 30-foot midsize D I E R vehicle available either as a low- . manufacturer, producing its own G : O T

floor city transport or high-floor O bus bodies, seats, air-conditioning, H P coach. MCI and it’s partner, Busscar Onibus of Brazil, had three concept vehicles on display at Expo. fiberglass, windows and multiplex • Urbanuss, a 40- foot, low- systems. Its product line ranges from floor transit vehicle, also available developing these concept vehicles business development for MCI. uct offerings to fill niches in the 12-passenger mini-buses, to low- in an articulated configuration. for the North American market,” “These vehicles will offer the tour, charter, line-haul and transit floor shuttles, to 50-foot, four-axle, “We are in the early stages of said Joe Vandiver, vice president of opportunity to broaden our prod- markets.” double-decker intercity coaches. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 17 EXPO 2003 SCRAPBOOK switching to a new starting motor, tain and plenty of white smoke. and adding ZF’s ASTronic trans- The S417 has a distinctive profile, mission as an option. the result of a stylized La Linea To handle the hotter-running band that runs horizontally across Series 60 Detroit Diesel engines the upper side of the coach. that meet the latest federal emis- The S417 offers luxury seating, sions standards, Prevost has indirect fluorescent lighting, mul- increased radiator capacity of its tiplexed electrical system, “Top coaches 30 percent by adopting Air” HVAC system, extensive high-capacity Valeo Radiators, diagnostics. which are commonly used in the Scully says Setra has been very trucking industry. careful about the launch of the Other mechanical improve- S417 "to make sure we get off the ment for this year include ground right.” adopting a stronger fan clutch; Part of the launch process was trading the Delco Remy starting to introduce the coach on a 30- motor for a Malco, which Prevost city tour of the U.S. The tour was says is more reliable, and simplify- completed within days of the start N M & ing the air conditioner controls. of Motorcoach Expo. B / S M

The engine compartments have L

Setra expects to see steady E H D been opened up and fins added to I growth from its modest U.S. base E R . compartment doors to improve air G in the years ahead, climbing to : O T O circulation around the engine and 100 units this year and expanding H P the compressor for the A/C sys- upward from that. tem. The openness also improves Craftsman LimBusine maintainability. New to Expo this year is the Blue Bird unveils express coach The XLII has added LED lights LimBusine, a 40-foot coach built in the rear of the bus. on a Freightliner XB rear-engine, A brand new motorcoach in more expensive commuter ent front suspension, American Setra rail chassis. designed to carve out new niches coaches but with a starting price of Seating highback recliners, per- A highlight of Expo 2003 was Developed by a company that for Blue Bird Corporation of Ft. under $300,000, including a two- sonal reading lights and the unveiling of Setra’s new S417 has specialized in building stretch Valley, Ga., was introduced at year, 150,000-mile, bumper-to- overhead adjustable A/C-heat- coach. The S417 is the culmina- limousines, JMRL Sales & Service Motorcoach Expo 2003. bumper warranty. ing units. tion of months of development of Ozark, Mo., the LimBusine is The Blue Bird Express 4500 is Blue Bird also notes that its Serviceability has been work and the investment of $15 designed to offer operators an being touted as a reliable, versa- new 45-foot coach is built to 12- addressed by using a 24-volt million by Setra’s parent company, alternative to traditional mono- tile, high-capacity coach built of year Altoona standards, and electrical system with I/O DaimlerChrysler. coque-constructed coaches. premium components, making it features a distinctly European Controls multiplex electrical At a news conference at Expo’s The body-on-chassis Lim- an optimal choice for day char- look. wiring. A pantographic door to headquarters hotel, top executives Busine is available with standard ters, contractors and universities. The Express 4500 has an inte- the engine compartment puts of Setra outlined long-range plans coach seating for up to 40 passen- “The coach industry has met grated body and chassis, using all important functions right at the by DaimlerChrysler to expand its gers or with limo-style seating and its match with Blue Bird’s all- stainless steel, and seats up to 55 technician’s fingertips. product offerings in the North amenities that handle 26 or more new Express 4500,” says Blue passengers. Options for the Express 4500 American market, including passengers. Bird commercial bus and coach Standard power for the Express include a 430-horsepower adding cutaway, city and school The seated version has a list product sales manager Bill Fay. 4500 is a Caterpillar C-12, 410- Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, buses, plus additional coach varia- price of $175,000, while the lim- “We have satisfied the need for a horsepower engine and it is cooled destination sign, Ricon wheel- tions. None of this is going to ousine version starts at $10,000 reliable, quality product at a by a Carrier A/C 353 roof-mount- chair lift, Webasto auxiliary happen very quickly, but cus- more. With $17,500 down on a price that’s affordable.” ed air conditioner using an 05G heater, National Seating and tomers and competitors can expect seven-year lease and a 20 percent Price appears to be a major compressor. aluminum wheels. to see a full product range from residual, the LimBusine costs competitive thrust for the The bus also uses air disc brakes The Express 4500 is sold fac- DaimlerChrysler, said Patrick $2,125 per month, says Marc Express 4500. Blue Bird says its and has insulated Excel windows. tory direct. Further information Scully, president of Setra of North Haswell, president of JMRL Sales new model offers the same level Passenger comfort is enhanced can be founded at www.blue- American and other Setra execu- & Service. of quality and components found with a Meritor-designed independ- bird.com. tives. The LimBusine has a 275- The S417 is the first of the new horsepower Cummins ISB engine, ABS, air brakes, air rear suspen- products to hit the market and it Allison B300 transmission, two sion and Leece Neville 200-amp was unveiled for Expo attendees Coleman roof mounted A/C units, alternator. with dramatic music, a falling cur- Meritor WABCO four-channel Glaval Bus Glaval manufacturers a half- dozen models of cutaway buses, including the new Concorde XLT. The Concorde is one of Glaval’s largest models, with seat-

ing for up to 46 passengers on a N M & B

276-inch wheelbase. The XLT is / S M L E

an enhanced model that includes H D I E

ride improvements, sound abate- R . G :

ment packages, 2.5-inch tires and O T

The LimBusine is a new entry. O H

wheels, and has a restroom as an P N M

& option. transmission, Carrier or Trans/Air Options for the XLT include an B / S

M The coach comes standard with air conditioning, Penntex 200- all-new Sutrak 160,000-BTU L E

Setra’s S417 unveiling included H

D a Caterpillar engine (Mercedes amp alternator, galvanized body rooftop electronic HVAC system, I E

smoke to add drama to the event. R .

G Benz is optional), Allison 2400 frame and Altro flooring. which includes baseboard heating. 18 – March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS portation, James C. Keleen of Long Branch, N.J. Actions taken to achieve Vision: Mr. Keleen’s company was instrumental assisting with Ground Zero transportation efforts after September 11.

Category: Provides superior service and experiences for cus- tomers Description: This award recog- nizes operators that have made a company-wide commitment to customer service. N M

Winner: Sun Diego Charter & B / S

Company, Rich Illes of San Diego. M L E H

Actions to achieve Vision: Sun D I E R .

Diego Charter Company prides G : O T

itself on attention to detail. The O H SCRAPBOOK commitment to their customers is P Frank Di Giacomo of Metro magazine presents the operator of the year award obvious in the letters they receive to Mike (center) and Rick Hillard of Tri-State Tours in Galena, Ill. from clients. Many clients praise their driver’s courtesy, efficiency and sense of humor. Additionally, Special awards given at Expo, many of their sales staff have roots in the hospitality industry, many as Marty Bowman is safety leader concierge and guest liaison staff. Three special awards were Tours to the highest levels of regu- This background gives the sales given at Motorcoach Expo: latory compliance, Bowman is staff the ability to meet and exceed BUSRide magazine presented its described as having a unique the needs of Sun Diego Charter’s Motorcoach Industry Achieve- capacity to inspire. He learned to clients. The most prominent ment Award, The Daecher speak again, and he regularly vol- aspect of its training are the “feed- Consulting Group and the United unteers to show others how to back boards” in the office. Three Motorcoach Association present- overcome disabilities. large bulletin boards are labeled as ed the Safety Leader of the Year BUSRide Editor and Publisher “Strike Outs,” “Base Hits” and N Award, and Metro magazine gave Steve Cain awarded that maga- M &

B “Home Runs.” Feedback is posted / its 12th annual Operator of the zine’s Industry Achievement S M L E up and discussed by the entire Award to Dave Brown and Holiday

H Year Award. D I

E team - either to congratulate the

R Winning the second annual Tours of Randalmann, N.C. Brown . G

: “Home Runs” or find solutions to

O Safety Leader of the Year Award is a graduate of the University of T O

H the “Strike Outs.” P was Marty Bowman, operations North Carolina and holds an MBA Marcia Fields Milton of First Priority Tours in District Heights, Md., received manager and supervisor of trans- from Duke University. He has been her Vision Award from past winner Jeff Polzien. Category: Increase demand portation at New World Tours in active in the North Carolina from untapped markets Lorton, Va. Motorcoach Association and is Nine coach companies are selected Description: This award recog- Marty Bowman’s story is an vice chairman of UMA. nizes creative marketing strategies inspired one. He started his motor- Metro’s Publisher Frank Di winners of UMA Vision Awards designed to attract new motor- coach industry career 15 years ago Giacomo presented his magazine’s coach riders. as a driver but after contracting a Operator of the Year Award to Tri- The fourth annual United Heights, Md. Winner: Anderson Coach & disease that attacked his vocal State Tours and River Trails Motorcoach Association Vision Actions to achieve Vision: In Travel, Doug Anderson of chords he switched to an office Transit Lines of Galena, Ill., and Awards saw single winners in business since July 1999, First Greenville, Pa. job, eventually becoming New their principals, Mike Hillard and seven categories and one category Priority Tours has made social Actions to achieve Vision: World Tours’ top safety, operations Rick Hillard. The Hillards are where there were two winners. responsibility its first priority. Anderson Coach and Travel and and training executive. cousins and Rick Hillard is chair- The awards were given at a spe- ExecConnect America began Besides leading New World man of UMA. cial ceremony during Expo 2003 Category: Become the pre- offering executive bus service and presented by Jeff Polzien, ferred form of travel for between Pittsburgh and Cleveland whose company, Red Carpet enhancing lifestyles in the summer of 2002. The goal Charters of Oklahoma City, has Description: This award recog- of this new service was to create a won three Vision Awards. nizes operators who provide mode of transportation that is The Vision Awards honor com- special transportation services. relaxing and as accommodating as panies that demonstrate excel- Winner: Red Arrow Express, possible. lence in operations, service, gov- Scott James of Edmonton, ernment relations, marketing, Alberta. Category: Creatively markets product development, innovation, Actions to achieve Vision: A the travel experience as enter- social responsibility, and safety. major focus of its business is tainment The 2003 winners: attracting and retaining the corpo- Description: This award recog- Dave Brown (above) Category: Becomes a solution rate traveler. nizes companies that promote the received BUSRide’s for social issues entertainment reach of the motor- Industry Achievement Description: This award Category: Forms an effective coach industry. Award. acknowledges companies for being partnership with government Winner: Northwest Iowa N M & responsible corporate citizens who Description: This award recog- Transportation, Loren Jones of B /

Christopher Crean of S M are proactive in addressing social nizes companies that have built Fort Dodge, Iowa L E

Peter Pan Bus Lines (left) H D Actions to achieve Vision: The I issues. mutually beneficial working rela- presents the Safety Leader E R .

company brands its tours, for G Winner: First Priority Tours, tionships with government. of the Year Award to : S O T

Marcia Fields Milton of District Winner: J&M Keleen Trans- CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 Marty Bowman. O H P BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 19 NEW COACH DELIVERIES Vision awards Excursions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 example, offering the Ft. Wayne, Ind. AdventureQuest that appeals to Excursions Inc., a three-year-old outdoor and sport enthusiasts of all charter company, has taken deliv- ages, and featuring professional ery of the first Prevost LeMirage sporting events such as NASCAR XLII coach equipped with a ZF and outdoor experiences. ASTronic transmission. The 45- foot LeMirage is outfitted with a Category: Creates new prod- Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, ucts and services based on Prevost seats, Carrier A/C, and REI customer preferences A/V system with VCR and DVD. The driver’s seat is an Isringhausen. Description: This award recog- Excursions is owned by company President Thomas Bazow and Vice nizes companies that uniquely President Patrick O’Brian. The company serves customers throughout tailor their services to satisfy a cus- Bruce Matthews (at podium) talks about his purchase of 12 Setras as Setra northern and central Indiana with a fleet of four XLIIs. tomers unique tastes and demand President Patrick Scully (right) and family and colleagues look on. for specially designed motorcoach services. Upstate Tours orders 12 Setra S417s Grand Junction Transit Winner: Anderson Coach & Soon after the Setra S417 motorcoach was officially unveiled at Grand Junction, Colo. Tours, Doug Anderson of Motorcoach Expo 2003, Upstate Tours of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., signed Two new Thomas Dennis SLF Greenville, Pa. a purchase agreement for 12 of the luxury motorcoaches from Setra of 200 buses are providing fixed-route Actions to achieve Vision: This North America. The new Setras will be delivered later this year and transit services in Grand Junction, is award also honors the replace older vehicles in the company fleet. They will be equipped with Colo. Grand Valley Transit was ExecConnect service. 430-horsepower Detroit Diesel engines, Allision B500 transmissions established two years ago and pro- Second winner: Bailey Coach, with retarders, Alcoa aluminum wheels and Firestone tires. vides services to the area’s schools, John W. Bailey of York, Pa. Upstate Tours operates a fleet of 30 coaches for charters, tours and satellite communities and city resi- Actions to achieve Vision: The scheduled commuter service. “Over the years, to supply exceptional qual- dents. The new, 30-foot SLFs are company created its own database ity and service to our customers and be an industry leader, we make equipped with Cummins ISB reservations and confirmations purchases to set the trend,” said Bruce Matthews, chairman of Upstate engines, Allison 2000 transmis- system, reducing the time spent by Tours. “We’ve been able to differentiate ourselves from other operators sions with Telma retarders, Thermo King HVAC system, Proheat customers waiting for a quote. by offering coaches with a high level of quality, safety and customer auxiliary heaters, Freedman seating and Ricon slideout power ramps. The The time has been reduced from appeal. We’re looking forward to their positive reaction to the S417.” SLF’s also include low-floor kneeling and 42-inch-wide front and rear 10 minutes to 2 minutes to quote a Matthews Group, which purchased Upstate Tours in 1980, also owns doors. normal trip. Confirmations can be Matthews Bus Sales of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; Matthews Distributor Services made in 60 seconds via fax or e- of Greensboro, N.C.; Matthews Specialty Vehicles of High Point, N.C.; mail. and Rifled Air Conditioning Systems of Archdale, N.C. Lakefront Lines Category: Committed to act- Cleveland ing on and achieving the Vision Lakefront Lines, the largest pri- Description: This final award vately-owned motorcoach operator recognizes the company that serving Ohio, Michigan, Indiana embodies the complete spirit of and Kentucky, has taken delivery of the Vision Awards program. 20 J4500 model MCI's equipped Winner: Greene Coach Com- with ZF-ASTronic transmissions. The new coaches also are equipped pany Inc., Russell Ooten of with Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines, Carrier A/C, American Seating Greenville, Tenn. and REI A/V systems with VCRs, CDs and three monitors. Actions to achieve the Vision: Cleveland-based Lakefront Lines operates a fleet of 115 over-the-road The company provides charters E&S Parking & Transportation coaches. Tom Goebel, president of Lakefront Lines, said his company did and pre-formed tours but also its homework before picking the ZF transmissions. “We talked to people packages tours to fit the needs of Pittsburgh who were operating them in the trucking industry and we evaluated a test customers. It has a staff that has E&S Parking and Transportation has taken delivery of five 2003 Blue vehicle. So far we’re very satisfied,” he said. access to many resources and the Bird Xcel 102 low-floor shuttles. The 29-foot Xcel 102 buses are quality of service makes for fun- equipped with Cummins ISC engines, Allison B300 World transmis- filled tours. sions, Hendrickson front and rear air-ride suspensions, Meritor axles and The judges of this year’s Vision brakes, and Carrier RM-35 deck-mounted air conditioning systems. The Awards were: buses are configured with two-step entrance stepwells, front and center Ron Eyre, Eyre Bus Lines and air-powered doors, Freedman perimeter seating and inside, center luggage past Vision Award recipient; Pat racks. E&S Parking and Transportation is located at the Greater Ziska, vice president of sales and Pittsburgh International Airport. The company provides continuous marketing, Motor Coach shuttle service. Industries; Rick Hillard, Tri State Travel and past Vision Award GEORGE Recipient; Carmen Daecher, safe- ty consultant to the motorcoach Falls Church, Va. OK Tours industry; Ray Mundy, executive Falls Church, Va., has a new transit system named GEORGE after the director of the Airport Ground nation's Founding Father. The agency is using four newly delivered San Antonio Transportation Association; Steve Thomas Dennis SLF 200 buses. Operated by the Washington OK Tours, which specializes in providing charters and package tours Klika, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the new SLF 200s transport pas- into Mexico, has taken delivery of its third G4500 MCI. The latest addi- International Motorcoach Group; sengers to and from WMATA's Metrorail stations in the east and west tion is equipped with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, Allison B500 and Brenda Borwege, vice presi- corridors of Falls Church. The 30-foot buses are equipped with Cummins transmission with retarder, Amaya-Astron Seating, Carrier HVAC, and dent of marketing for ABC ISB engines and Allison 2000 transmissions. Thomas Dennis, maker of REI A/V system with six monitors. OK Tours is an 11-year-old company Companies. the SLF 200, is part of DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses. that operates a fleet of MCIs and Dinas. Ana Sarmiento is president. 20 – March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS HEADLINEINDUSTRY NEWS Former VP of N. J. Transit is indicted for fraud TRENTON, N.J. — State ure throughout the transit and charges, transportation charges Obituaries Attorney General David Samson commercial bus industry. and telephone, gratuity and serv- reported that Maureen A. Milan, a Between February 1996 and ice charges at the Grosvenor Rev. Ernest Anderson of Victory Travel former vice president of New July 2002, Milan is accused of House Hotel in London, England, The Rev. Ernest M. Anderson, who with his wife, Fannie, Jersey Transit, has been indicted soliciting and accepting meals, valued at $2,763.19. owned and operated Victory Travel of Glen Allen, Va., died last for demanding and receiving hotel stays and other perks, • Four tickets to the Broadway month. He was 52. Rev. and Mrs. Anderson founded their tour $17,000 in gifts and gratuities from including tickets to Broadway production of The Producers val- and charter business seven years ago, which primarily serves the vendors under contract to do busi- shows, a Madonna concert and the ued at $1,600. Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg markets. Mrs. Anderson con- ness with the transit agency. World Series. According to the • One ticket to the Broadway tinues to operate the business. Her indictment followed a indictment, during the seven years production of The Producers val- “We mourn the loss of a fellow driver, a fellow owner, a business months-long public corruption she was extorting gifts she main- ued at $390. partner and many other descriptions that could fit Ernest investigation conducted by the tained influence over the awarding • Two tickets to a Madonna Anderson,” said his friend David Smith, director of marketing at Office of Government Integrity of contracts to vendors and com- concert at Madison Square Oleta Coach Lines of Williamsburg. and the Division of Criminal panies seeking to conduct business Garden valued at $1,100. Rev. Anderson, an Army veteran, is survived by his widow, Justice of the state Attorney with NJ Transit. Some of the spe- • Two tickets to a Sade concert Fannie; his father, William, and two children. General’s Office. cific kickbacks include: at the Lincoln Center valued at Peter C. Harvey, first assistant • The cost of accommodations $900. attorney general and director of at the Washington D.C. Willard • Beauty services at Ettore Rick McCarthy of Green Bus Lines the division of criminal justice, Inter-Continental Hotel valued at Salon valued at $459. Rick McCarthy, the senior purchasing manager of Green Bus and Edward M. Neafsey, director $878.93. • Two tickets to a 2001 Yankee Lines and its sister companies in Jamaica, N.Y., died Feb. 24, in of the office of government • Two tickets to Game Two of play-off baseball game valued at Southside Hospital in Bayshore, Long Island. He was 59. integrity, said the state grand jury the 2000 World Series at Yankee $1,100. Mr. McCarthy had served Green Bus Lines and its affiliates, returned a 14-count indictment Stadium valued at $320. • Dinner at the Everest Command Bus, Triboro Coach, Jamaica Bus and Varsity Bus, since charging Milan, 53, of Westfield in • Two tickets to Game Seven Restaurant in Chicago, valued at 1989. “Rick was a true leader in his field and a passionate advocate Union County, with official mis- of the 2000 World Series at $290.33. for public transportation,” said his colleague at Green Bus, conduct, unlawful benefits for Yankee Stadium valued at $320. The indictment also charges Anthony Mule. Green Bus is the 10th largest private operator. official behavior and receipt of • Dinner for two at Bellagio that on at least 126 additional and Mr. McCarthy, an Air Force veteran, is survived by his widow, illegal gratuities by a state employ- Restaurant in Las Vegas valued at separate occasions, Milan accept- P. Gayle of the home in Bayport, N.Y.; a daughter, Meagan Janine; ee. $464.14. ed gifts in the form of meals and two stepsons, George and Christian Damm, and a brother, Robert. Milan was the former vice pres- Hotel accommodations, food other services valued under $200. A memorial has been established at Our Savior New American ident and general manager of New and beverage charges, laundry and each from at least 25 different School, 140 Marktree Rd., Centereach, N.Y. 11720. Jersey Transit’s bus and light rail pressing charges, hairdresser and agents employed by contract ven- operations, and a well-known fig- health club charges, concierge dors.

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CREDIT CARD NO. If association membership isn’t for you, you VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS EXPIRATION DATE can subscribe to Bus & Motorcoach News. Satisfaction is Guaranteed The cost is $49 for one year (24 issues; Our promise: If you are not satisfied with Bus & Motorcoach NEWS, we will send you a full refund on all unmailed copies. You may cancel at any time, for any reason. twice a month), $79 for two years (48 issues). 16845 North 29th Avenue #759, Phoenix, AZ 85053 Fax toll-free to: (877) 510-5602; if busy, (877) 510-5598 Questions: [email protected] . . . or call (602) 488-8378. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 — 21 INDUSTRY NEWS Escot Bus Lines People In The News Setra strengthens sales team in Florida opens Setra of North America Inc. has named a new top sales execu- Anderson Coach and Travel in Orlando office, tive and hired a former long-time Greenville, Pa., has been named MCI executive to manage mid- chairman of the American Bus promotes two western sales. Robert Jones was Association Marketplace 2004, promoted to vice president of sales which will be Jan. 16-21, in Escot Bus Lines of Largo, Fla., and marketing for Setra, and Carl New York City. which is celebrating its 20th Ekberg was hired as Midwest Robert Jones Anne Saliers has joined anniversary this year, has promot- regional sales manager. Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Dann Wiltgen American Seating as new busi- ed two employees and announced In his new position, Jones will Mississippi, Indiana and Kentucky. Dann Wiltgen, a veteran bus ness market manager. She will the opening of a branch office in oversee Setra’s sales and market- Ekberg worked 27 years for sales executive, has been named be responsible for research and Orlando. ing activities in the United States Motor Coach Industries, most national director of U.S. coach development of new business Brian Scott, vice president of and Canada, including manage- recently based in California as sales by Prevost Car Inc. In pro- opportunities for the company's Escot, said company employee ment of sales managers and sales western regional vice president. moting Wiltgen, Prevost is fill- three divisions. She previously Beau Langford has been promoted staff. Previously, he was the sales He served more than 11 years on ing a position that has been was a product manager for to manager of the new Orlando manager in charge of new and the board of the California Bus vacant for four years. Wiltgen Steelcase, the office furniture office. pre-owned Setra coach sales in Association. He holds a bachelor joined Prevost five years ago and maker. A graduate of Iowa State Scott also announced the pro- nine states. of business administration degree most recently held the position University, she also holds an motion of Martin Andujar to an Jones has more than 13 years of in marketing and advertising from of national sales manager for the MBA from the University of office position with dispatch and industry experience, including Pace University in Pleasantville, pre-owned coach division. He Connecticut. supervisory responsibilities. working for Coach Finance N.Y. joined the coach industry The American Highway Pamela Scott, operations/gen- Company and Motor Coach “Adding Robert to our man- almost 15 years ago with Eagle. Users Alliance has named eral manager of Escot Lines, has Industries. Jones, who operated a agement team will continue our The White House an- Diane Steed as the organiza- been elected to a three-year term bus company before joining Setra, efforts of growing our business nounced that President Bush tion's new president and CEO. on the board of the Pinellas has a bachelor’s degree in finance with top-caliber employees,” said intends to nominate Annette Steed, who served as the County (Fla.) Chamber of from Florida State University in Patrick Scully, president and CEO Sandberg to be administrator of longest-tenured administrator of Commerce. Tallahassee. of Setra of North America. the Federal Motor Carrier the National Highway Traffic Escot Bus Lines was founded in Ekberg is a veteran with nearly “Further, we are excited about Safety Administration. Since Safety Administration, will lead 1983 by Lewis and Diane Scott, 40 years in the industry. Based in adding Carl to our team. His years December, Sandberg has been the Highway Users during this parents of Brian and Pam Scott. Palatine, Ill., he will oversee all of management experience and acting administrator. year's reauthorization of the fed- The company operates a fleet of new and pre-owned coach sales in market knowledge will be key in Doug Anderson, president of eral highway program. more than 25 coaches. Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, growing our Midwest territory.” 22 — March 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS ClassifiedClassified AdvertisingAdvertisingAdvertising

For Sale COACH FOR SALE Motorcoaches/ Charter Bus & For Sale School Buses First-rate MC-8 Prevost Coaches Limousine Company 1977 MC-8, 8V-71 with less Two Prevost LeMirage For Sale Well-established charter bus than 30,000 miles on engine, coaches for sale. DEALERS WANTED! straight shift, auxiliary air, Prevost and limo company serving south- 1990 - $72,000 (9) '75-'82, 46-pax, $3,000-$11,000 For Optare's Model east. Located in Atlanta. New fleet 42-pax with built-in bar. 1992 - $88,000 (5) '85-'91, 46-pax, $38,000-$85,000 30-LFN heavy duty Coach is in service. of motorcoaches and limousines. Very good condition, 47-pax, lav, Setra low-floor shuttle bus. Real estate included. Must be seen to appreciate. PA/VCR. Used daily on charter trips. Asking $13,000 (2) '89s, 48-pax, $55,000 each Contact: Owner retiring. Bank and . (407) 425-9519 or (407) 422-2300 (1) '90, 48-pax, $70,000 John M. Maddox owner financing available. Happy Travelers Tours (2) '91s, 48-pax, $85,000 (1) '94, 57-pax, Series 60, $148,000 Optare International For additional info, contact: Wilson, North Carolina For Sale (1) '97, 58-pax, Series 60, $239,000 US Sales & Marketing Dir. John Adams Assoc. Broker (252) 237-9327 Re/Max Greater Atlanta or (252) 243-6255 Coach Company Carpenter Transit (School) 760-941-1448 Small motorcoach company in (4) '97s, 72-pax, $28,000 each Fax: (252) 243-7560 (866) 256-2181 Toll Free Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada Call Phil for details. (beside Alaska). Full two-bay shop (678) 508-1590 with offices and rental unit. Two (800) 223-8044 highway motorcoaches in excellent Fax inquiries: (614) 253-5666 condition (1988 & 1983 MCIs). Includes all shop and office equip- ment. Year-round charters and Classified Advertising FOR SALE many seasonal customer long-haul tours in Yukon/Alaska. Unlimited Display Charter Bus growth potential. Only 100 miles ORDER FORM from Skagway, Alaska, with more Classified Bus & Motorcoach NEWS is published on the 1st and 15th of the month. Company than 600,000 cruise ship passen- Ad deadlines are one week prior to publication. gers every summer. Asking Advertisements $500,000 (U.S.) or best offer. (867) Well-established charter 633-3849. Fax: (867) 633- 3864. 1 column x 2” minimum size. Please print or type your advertising copy. E-Mail: [email protected]. If you prefer, print or type your ad on a separate sheet and attach to this bus company serving Frequency discounts available. form. All Classified Advertising must be accompanied by payment before CLASSIFIED: insertion. VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted. central and northern Coaches for Sale $20 per column inch. Florida. Owner “going MC-9s / 102 Look RECRUITMENT: Type of ad you prefer: __Display__Line $30 per column inch. fishing” after 28 years. 1979-82 MC-9s. Samples and ad rates on reverse side. Line Classified Rebuilt w/102 look. VCRs. Number of issues you would like this ad to appear in: 1 2 3 4 5 6 More? Serious inquires only Advertisements Some w/auxiliary A/C. w/ tires. Set in 6 pt. Type, in paragraph please. Fax letter of Price: $19,500 Name form only, with the first four Person Authorizing Advertisement - Please Print inquiry to: (407) 423- Quick’s Bus Co., words in capital letters. 4433 and provide con- Staunton, Va. CLASSIFIED: $20 for the first 6 Company (540) 886-6297 lines per insert. $15 each addi- tact information. E-mail: [email protected]. tional line per insert. Address Payment City State Zip Prepayment required for all ad Wanted: Referals placements unless credit has Signature been established. MasterCard, Don't send away customers who want to lease a conversion coach!Refer them to Visa, American Express Credit Card Information Executive Motor Coach. We'll treat them right and we'll send you $$$ to show our accepted. thanks. Our coaches seat up to 21 and have lounge seating, a galley kitchen, a Deadlines Card No. restroom, TV and many other amenities. Mid- to long-term leasing is our specialty. Seven days prior to publication Executive Motor Coach (614) 733-0006 dates of 1st and 15th of the Expiration Date www.executive-motor-coach.com month. Name on Card Hours Coaches For Sale Call Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. Fax or Mail this form to Bus & Motorcoach NEWS For Sale 1990 MCI 102C3, 4:30 p.m. MST. Midwest Charter 8V92T Detroit Diesel, auto Toll-free fax: (877) 510-5598 & Tour Company 1992 MCI 102C3, Sales Representative Mail to: 16845 North 29th Avenue # 759, Phoenix, AZ 85053 25-bus fleet. L10 Cummins, auto Johnny Steger In business since '53. Both loaded with video, Phone: (602) 980-0840 enclosed parcel racks, flush Good business and reputation. Fax Toll-Free: (877) 510-5598 Make checks payable to: Bus & Motorcoach NEWS toilets and much more. Please write to: E-mail: [email protected] Questions? Call Johnny: (602) 980-0840 Very well maintained. Ima Busowner, Clean and straight Bus & Motorcoach News Email: [email protected] 3717 Watt Road, Ste. 2003, charter coaches. 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Call (800) 447-0116. Phoenix, AZ 85053 BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — March 15, 2003 —23 CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 2003 JULY 2003 Annual Convention, Dover, Del. Info: OCTOBER 2003 26-28 BusCon, Las Vegas. Info: (310) 19 California Bus Assn.: General 18-20 Family Motor Coach Assn.: (434) 376-1150, or go to 12-16 APTA: Annual Meeting, Salt 533-2556. [email protected]. Membership Meeting, Sacramento. Convention, Buffalo, N.Y. Info: (800) www.vamotorcoach.com. Lake City, Utah. Info: (202) 496- Info: www.cbabus.com. 543-3622 or go to www.fmca.com. 4800, or go to www.apta.com. NOVEMBER 2003 10 California Bus Assn: General 1-5 California Bus Assn.: Convention 21-23 Family Motor Coach Assn.: SEPTEMBER 2003 Membership Meeting, LTBA, Ca. 17-22 Busworld, Kortrijk, Belgium. & Trade Show, location TBA. Convention, Ponoma, Calif. Info: 5-9 Virginia Motorcoach Assn.: Info: www.cabus.com. E-mail: [email protected] Info: www.cbabus.com (800) 543-3622 or www.fmca.com.

26 South Jersey Transportation Authority. Driver Safety Training Course on inclement weather driving, fatigue, game plans for aging and stress. Info: (609) 345-5572, Ext. 423 or (888) 5NJ-SJTA Ext. 423.

26-30 National Tour Assn.: Tour Operator Spring Meet, Victoria, B.C. Info: (800) 682-8886. E-mail: [email protected], or go to www.ntaonline.com.

APRIL 2003 1-2 Pennsylvania Bus Assn.: Marketplace 2003, York Expo Center, York, Pa. Info: (717) 236-9042 E-mail: [email protected].

11-13 Bus Conversions Convention ’03, Riverside Resort, Laughlin, Nev.

MAY 2003 4-8 UITP: World Congress/Mobility & City Transportation Exhibition, Madrid, Spain. Info:+32 3 663 66 56. E-mail: [email protected], or go to www.uitp.com.

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

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

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

JUNE 2003 14-18 Pennsylvania Bus Assn.: Annual Meeting, Wisp Mountain Hotel, McHenry, Pa.

19 California Bus Assn.: General Membership Meeting, Ontario, Calif. Info: www.cbabus.com.

21-24 National Motorcoach Network: 20th anniversary Network Marketing Seminar & Invitational 100, Radisson Hotel, Branson, Mo.(888) 733-5287.

22-24 Greyhound Birthplace Bus Bash 2003, Hibbing, Minn. Info will be available at: Info: www.bus- mag.com, click on Bus Bash link., or at (815) 946-2341.