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WheWhenn you cchoosehoose FFreightlinerreightliner CCustomustom CChassis,hassis, you get the REAL COST OF powepower toto ccustomizeustomize yyourour ttransportationransportation to meet yyourour nneeds.eeds. OWNERSHIP™ And with its reputation for durability, reliability, automotive styling and maneuverability, the S2C chassis is the premier choice for o public transportation, resort and hotel shuttles, day-tour operations, armored and utility applications, and any business FUEL EFFICIENCY with special transport needs.

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MAY/JUNE 2018 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. MAGAZINE www.buslinemag.com Providing Services For 6 Cities In Virginia Hampton Roads Transit ...... 8 In Business Just 12 Years; 5th Largest In U.S. Windy City Limousine ...... 26 Touring America From Iowa Offices Legacy Tour & Travel, Hawkeye Stages...... 38 2018 CTAA Expo Heads For Pittsburgh June 10-14 ...... 42 CTAA Product Showcases...... 43-45 — Busline Buyers Guides — Software ...... 46 Video, Safety, Entertainment & Tracking ...... 57 Busline Vehicle Showcase: Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles ...... 50

ON THE COVER: Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) Manager RAPID RESPONSE...... Page 6 of Bus Maintenance Training Mike Glaeser, left, and HRT Director of Rolling Stock Mike Perez are shown next to one INDUSTRY NEWS...... Page 58 of the transit system’s trolley buses produced by Hometown Trolley. See page 8. CONTENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES JUNE 2018 AUGUST 2018 OCTOBER 2018 June 10-14 August 7-10 October 1-3 Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. Community Transportation International Motorcoach BusCon 2018 Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers Association of America Group (IMG) Indianapolis, IN (CTAA) Expo Strategic Alliance Meeting Info: 800-576-8788 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Pittsburgh, PA Sonoma, CA Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Info: 800-891-0590 Info: 888-447-3466 JANUARY 2019 Email: [email protected] January 6-10 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com JULY 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018 United Motorcoach July 21-25 September 23-26 Association (UMA) (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 National School APTA Annual Meeting Motorcoach Expo Fax: (217) 268-4815 Transportation Association Nashville, TN Fort Lauderdale, FL Annual Meeting & Convention Info: 202-496-4800 Info: 800-424-8262 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Philadelphia, PA Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Info: 703-684-3200 September 30 - October 3 MARCH 2019 Design: David Opdyke, Kris Bott National Conference on March 19-21 July 29-August 1 Rural Public & Intercity Bus2Bus Trade Show Reception: Mary Jo Dunn Association For Commuter Bus Transportation & Congress Transportation (ACT) Breckenridge, CO Berlin, Germany Advertising International Conference Info: www.ribtc.org Info: www.bus2bus.berlin Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 813-502-6672 Anaheim, CA Email: [email protected] Info: 202-792-5801 Or Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2018 Rankin Pub- Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 lishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent of Rankin Fax: 217-268-4815 Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net Email: [email protected]

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Mike Glaeser Mike Perez Tom Holden

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor ceanfront property in Virginia Beach, VA, is highly prized by area residents, community leaders, business owners and — perhaps most importantly — tourists. For generations, people have flocked to the city’s Atlantic Avenue, which like its name suggests, runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. They came to see Othe sights, enjoy the ocean, shop and dine. They are also now there to ride one of the 14 trolley buses provided by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), which is headquartered in nearby Hampton, VA. “These vehicles are designed to service the tourist season along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and become operational in the spring. The service is branded, ‘the VB Wave,’” said HRT Manager of Bus Maintenance Training Mike Glaeser.

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water in Virginia and the surrounding metropolitan region. “HRT provides transit services for six cities in Virginia — Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News. The population of this service area is approximately 1.7 million,” HRT Media Relations Specialist Tom Holden said. “HRT provides four basic modes of transportation: bus, paratransit, light rail and ferry. Included are 56 regional bus routes and 8 metro area express routes, the latter of which are bus routes that include interstate travel. The HRT light rail system runs in Norfolk on 7.4 miles of track. It travels between the eastern edge of the city through downtown to a major medical center.” HRT was incorporated in 1999 through a Hampton Roads Transit CEO William Harrell (standing) is shown at the merger of Tidewater Regional Transit (TRT) HRT operations control center with Franklin Dalmida and Sherry Scott. and the Peninsula Transportation District Commission (PENTRAN). In FY17, the The 14 trolley buses, produced by Hometown Trolley, of Cran- overall ridership count at HRT was 14,267,178 and the revenue don, WI, and officially known as “Hometown Trolley Streetcars,” miles for the same period was 14,695,009.84. were introduced to Virginia Beach in 2015. They are part of a “HRT’s service area is both urban and suburban, comprised larger fleet at HRT that includes 283 buses, 78 paratransit and 9 of different cities that are surrounded by a lot of water,” light rail vehicles and 5 ferries. Holden said. HRT is the regional transit provider for six cities in an area Indeed, when looking at a map of Hampton Roads, it becomes known as “Hampton Roads” — the name of both a large body of quickly clear just how much water is part of the area’s geograph-

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ical landscape. Hampton Roads is one of the world’s largest nat- “We also have a seasonal facility in Virginia Beach that houses ural and ice-free harbors. It includes the mouths of several area our 14 trolley buses. Therefore, we don’t have to transport those rivers and eventually empties into the Chesapeake Bay, leading vehicles every day to and from one of our main facilities.” to the nearby Atlantic Ocean. “There are a lot of bridges to travel on as well as underwater tunnels. This can cause traffic issues for everyone who travels by wheeled vehicle, especially with the tunnels,” Holden said. “The na- ture of these underwater highways is that they are incredibly expensive to build, and so when built, they tend to be on the narrow side. Two lanes are typical for a tunnel, which can slow traffic as multiple lanes are reduced prior to entering one of these tunnels. “There are also a lot of drawbridges in the area, which are often raised due to different maritime demands. Be- tween the water, tunnels and bridges, it Keeping the Hampton Roads Transit fleet clean and attractive helps maintain the system’s image. can present different transportation challenges. This is true, not only for HRT, but everybody else traveling in the region.” SURF, FUN & TROLLEY BUSES Due to the large body of water located between two main sec- tions of its service region, HRT operates two main facilities — irginia Beach is a lot of things to a lot of people. For one, one each in the cities of Hampton to the north and Norfolk to it’s the most populous city in Virginia with an estimated the south. 450,000-plus residents living in mostly suburban neigh- “The two facilities have been kept intact since the merger that borhoods. It’s also home to three military bases, a number of large formed HRT. We informally call the two facilities ‘Northside’ and Vcorporations, two universities, several historic sites and — of ‘Southside,’” Glaeser said. “These facilities allow us to maintain course — miles of beaches, with the mighty Atlantic Ocean serv- our fleet on both sides of the water. ing as a backdrop.

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For many tourists, Virginia Beach’s eastern most street, Atlantic Avenue, is the place to be. It traverses an area filled with restaurants, hotels/motels and various places to shop. Not far from the avenue is a three-mile concrete “boardwalk” and miles of beaches, as well as several fishing piers. Atlantic Avenue is also the working home of the HRT VB Wave service, which features 14 trolley buses. Those vehicles make stops to such popular destinations as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Mu- seum, the Ocean Breeze Water Park, the Virginia Beach Convention Cen- ter and area campgrounds. “The trolley buses on Atlantic Av- enue provide a wonderful service for Hampton Roads Transit representatives are shown next to a VB Wave trolley bus. The service operates in Virginia Beach, VA. area tourists. They help riders travel to and from their hotels, restaurants and/or to see a show,” Holden said. “The city of Virginia but then took a hiatus and were replaced by more traditional Beach also provides a lot of free summertime entertainment transit buses. That change did not please everyone — especially at designated public parks along the oceanfront. Our trolleys the tourists. are a great way for a family to travel on the avenue to check “The buses lacked the same charm as the trolleys, and many peo- out different venues.” ple were confused by their presence. There were tourists who didn’t Today’s fleet of trolley buses are not the first to find a home want to get on a bus because they weren’t sure where that bus was on Atlantic Avenue. Such vehicles were popular many years ago, going to go. They just wanted to stay on Atlantic Avenue,” Holden

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said. “Besides, the trolleys had always conveyed a message of, that many of the passengers would rather ride in the open-air sec- ‘Summertime at the beach.’” tion of the trolley rather than the compartment that is climate It became clear to Virginia Beach officials that a new fleet of trol- controlled.” leys was needed for the city and its throng of tourists, who were Perez added that Virginia Beach officials continue to look for just looking for good times and memorable experiences. ways to increase trolley bus ridership in the area. This is not only Eventually, HRT Director of Rolling Stock Mike Perez was good for tourism, but also alleviates traffic congestion. asked to help. He became the project lead in finding a new fleet of “At HRT, we feel the project has been very successful, and trolleys for Atlantic Avenue. Hometown Trolley has been a “The city of Virginia Beach “Our transit system undergoes continual evaluations, good partner,” Perez said. wanted to bring trolley service so that we can make sure the services provided with Holden added: “Today’s VB back to the oceanfront. Those public funds are the best services possible.” Wave trolley buses speak to vehicles were seen as much carefree, summertime travel. more than just a means of —HRT Spokesman Tom Holden They have a specific quality to transportation. They were an them that includes wooden attraction all to themselves. The fact remained, the public really benches and a ‘back porch.’ This is all part of their charming appeal. liked those trolley buses and wanted them back,” Perez said. “The During the height of the summer tourism season, we have 12 of the first step to returning trolley service to Atlantic Avenue was to ask trolley buses in operation, with two more serving as backups. The for the city’s requirements for these vehicles. Since the city was in- vehicles include the same basic electronic features as our buses, in- stalling bike lanes in the area, one requirement was that the new cluding wheelchair accessibility. The fair to ride is $2 for adults trolleys had to include bike racks. Other requirements included and $1 for seniors. Children 17 and under ride free with a paying finding a vehicle that was low-floor and Altoona-tested. And, we adult.” wanted to make sure they featured open air ‘back porches,’ where Among the riders are those who go camping at different sites in riders could stand if they wished. the area. Many of these people find that the ideal mode of trans- “After putting out bids for this type of vehicle, Hometown Trol- portation after parking their campers is to hop on one of the trolleys. ley was the only manufacturer that met all the requirements. I have “It’s very convenient for the campers. They can travel downtown, found Hometown Trolley to be a great company to work with dur- have dinner, see the sites, and then get back to the campground ing this process. They did very well. The city of Virginia Beach is using a trolley,” Glaeser said “It’s a great way to get around the At- very pleased with these trolley buses, as are the riders. I have found lantic Avenue area.”

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AREA FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES, currently being studied,” Holden said. “HRT just completed a CHALLENGES FOR TRANSIT study for one corridor and is going to soon start the other study. HRT will give the city of Norfolk and the U.S. Federal Transit long with the sights and sounds of Virginia Beach, there Administration an assessment of potential capital costs for each are plenty of other cities, attractions and features within the corridor, along with potential ridership numbers. Operating and HRT service area. The metropolitan region of Hampton maintenance costs for either corridor would be about the same. Roads itself has an estimated population of 1.7 million people, who Those are all things to be considered before the next step. Alive within 3,729 square miles. “This expansion in high-capacity transit brings tremendous potential for the region. Naval Station “We recognize that paratransit is an expensive mode of transportation, and Norfolk is the world’s largest, in- look for ways to get more people out of the vans and, if possible, to volving upward of 78,000 people. use our fixed-routes. We have gone so far as to offer — for our traditional Many of these people currently paratransit customers — no-fare service if they use fixed-routes.” commute using a nearby interstate and it gets very crowded, espe- —HRT Director of Rolling Stock Mike Perez cially during the morning and evening rush hours. A dedicated The area is home to shipyards, places of higher education, large transit line would be ideal.” corporations and an expansive military presence that includes fa- Holden added that HRT bus routes and other transportation serv- cilities manned by the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. ices are constantly evaluated and adjusted. “There are many HRT riders who are connected with the military “Plans are in the works at HRT to make adjustments to some of in some capacity. For example, we provide bus service to the Naval our regional routes. This will soon be addressed by the HRT board Station Norfolk as well as Langley Air Force Base, in Hampton,” of directors,” Holden said. “Our transit system undergoes continual Holden said. “This involves many routes. Since the military pro- evaluations, so that we can make sure the services provided with vides transit vouchers, those routes have become very popular. public funds are the best services possible. “HRT is currently studying the possibility of expanding high- “There are routes doing so well that additional services are re- capacity transit to Navel Station Norfolk. It would be from a point quired. Other times, we find routes that have decreased in popular- on our light rail line to the naval base. There are two corridors ity and are sometimes dropped.”

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WHO IS ONBOARD?

o gain a better understanding of ridership, transit systems often conduct surveys. HRT is no dif- Tferent. According to Holden, a survey highlighting ridership origins and destinations was conducted for each HRT route from August 2016 to February 2017. It helped HRT officials gain a better understanding of passenger demographics. Results from the 8,000-plus surveys collected showed the Hampton Roads Transit operates 14 trolley buses for its VB Wave service. following: Nearly 56 percent These popular trolleys make stops at favorite tourist attractions. of riders were between 18 and 34 years of age; 55 percent were woman; 73 percent were of owned smartphones. It also made us very hopeful,” Holden a minority race; 95 percent spoke English; 69 percent were said. “Many professionals who work in transit know that the from low-income households; 76 percent were either part- or biggest challenge with customer relations is helping people find full-time employed; 25 percent were students; 49 percent used their next bus arrival times. There are people who will avoid the HRT service because they didn’t have a driver’s license; taking a bus because they don’t know exactly when that bus is 89 percent didn’t have a car available for their specific trip due to arrive. The use of smartphones can help us convey this while taking the survey; and, 88 percent of the respondents type of important information to more riders.” owned a smartphone. Perez added that HRT is currently putting the pieces in place to “We were surprised by the high percentage of people who provide greater automatic vehicle location technology for riders.

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“We are also looking at different ways for our fares to be paid, such as through cashless and/or smartphone technology,” Perez said. Other survey results that Holden shared included: 91 percent of riders paid in cash; 82 percent used the HRT bus system, and of those riders, 37 percent were on personal trips, 33 percent were going home, and 30 percent were going to work. Along with the strong military presence in Hampton Roads, the area is also home to many colleges and universities, several “Today, many websites of which use HRT’s services in are leaner and faster. a variety of ways. “Many services essentially in- That is what we are volve regular city routes, where hoping to achieve at the fares have been negotiated HRT. We will still with different cities that want to provide such support specific colleges/uni- information as studies, versities,” Glaeser said. “HRT typically offers a free or re- policies and budgets, duced ride to these students. Hampton Roads Transit provides public transportation but they won’t be as They simply bring their student services for six Virginia cities. prominent on the site.” ID to one of our ticket purchasing locations.” variety of vehicles, including lift-equipped vans. —HRT Spokesman Tom Holden Paratransit services are also “We recognize that paratransit is an expensive mode of trans- provided by HRT. It’s an origin- portation and look for ways to get more people out of the vans and, to-destination, shared-ride service for the cities of Chesapeake, if possible, to use our fixed-routes. We have gone so far as to offer Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia — for our traditional paratransit customers — no-fare service if Beach. HRT provides paratransit services to and from locations they use fixed-routes,” Perez said. “However, our main paratransit within three-fourths of a mile of existing fixed-routes, using a ridership continues to increase.”

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for their employees. “The TRAFFIX program is funded separately from HRT. It’s sponsored by regional transportation funds,” Holden said. “Along with its other services, TRAFFIX is actively involved in bike share programs. The City of Norfolk will be launching such a program this spring, and TRAFFIX is one of the sponsors. Bike share programs help many people with their first-mile/last- mile transportation issues in relation to transit-related stops.”

WORKING ON FUNDING, ALTERNATIVE FUEL OPTIONS

s with many U.S. transit sys- Shown is Hampton Roads Transit’s Norfolk, VA, headquarters. tems, challenges with overall funding at HRT continues. Holden explained that at HRT, there is no HRT also participates in a program called TRAFFIX, which is dedicated funding source Ato meet the transit system’s operational designed to promote and implement different commuting options. and capital needs. Therefore, HRT officials must annually negotiate Established in 1995, TRAFFIX is a state funded transportation de- service contracts with representatives of the six cities within its mand management program that assists with Virginia’s efforts to service region. decrease traffic congestion during peak travel times. TRAFFIX “Each of these cities has different needs,” Holden said. “It’s up staff encourages the use of transportation alternatives to help, not to HRT to formulate a regional plan, based on varying funding only reduce traffic congestion in the Hampton Roads area, but also amounts, and then deliver that service.” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The service area includes the According to Holden, it’s always the objective of HRT officials cities and counties that comprise Hampton Roads. to work on resolving funding challenges in the effort to better meet The staff at TRAFFIX works with area employers and military upcoming capital and operational needs. He added that the cities installations to develop and implement transportation programs that participate in the HRT service area are very welcoming to pub-

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lic transportation, but like most “We had to stop service for a day in January due to a winter storm. Instead of municipalities, face their own staying home, however, we had our drivers report for refresher training.” budget battles. “There is a lot of pressure —HRT Manager of Bus Maintenance Training Mike Glaeser placed on cities, finding funds for police and fire departments, etc. — all things that cities need to sake, the backs of the seats are upholstered, while the bottoms run properly,” Holden said. “It would be easier if there was a re- feature vinyl-covered inserts. That has made a marked improve- gional way to fund our area’s public transportation services.” ment in our ability to maintain the seats. We have also explored While HRT representatives work to find more available fund- different options in flooring to help with cleanliness.” ing, they are also exploring future alternative fuel options for the Using clean and attractive vehicles within a transit system can transit system’s fleet of buses. This includes CNG and electric. go a long way in improving that system’s overall image, accord- “We haven’t decided which direction we are heading when it ing to Perez. comes to alternative fuels. There are many people representing “Nationally, not all transit operators are in a position to keep our area communities who favor electric vehicles, but it comes their equipment cosmetically attractive. They are functional and down to having the resources to launch such a program,” Perez safe, but the appearance of something that looks a little banged said. “Preliminary engineering and studies on alternative fuel up makes a bad impression,” he said. “Keeping vehicles cosmet- projects have been conducted, and we (at HRT) have talked to ically attractive can be a big boost to the image of a transit sys- our peers, within the transit industry, about different advantages tem, and is something that we work on every day at HRT.” and disadvantages. As an organization, our current fleet of buses almost entirely operates on clean diesel fuel.” GETTING THE WORD OUT Keeping this fleet of vehicles clean is also a high priority. Ac- cording to Perez, HRT vehicles are aggressively deep-cleaned on ith 1.7 million people living within its service region, a regular basis. standing out and becoming heard is an ongoing ob- “With our buses, we have sacrificed a little comfort for the jective for those in charge of HRT’s marketing and ability to keep them clean. This includes the removal of uphol- communications. stered seat bottoms. Functionally, the seats that we have installed W“Many of our regular customers have signed up for what we are no less padded than their bottom-upholstered counterparts, call, ‘Go Alerts.’ This is information that is sent to our customers, but they are easier to keep clean,” Perez said. “For appearance via email, and focuses on changes to routes and services. Alerts

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are sometimes sent on an hourly basis, depending on what is going on,” Holden said. “We also have a marketing and communications department that produces advertising — both for print, radio and televi- sion, and we use Insta- gram, Facebook and Twitter as well to get our message to the public. Facebook is particularly helpful in terms of customer feedback.” The HRT website (www.gohrt.com), mean- while, is currently under- going a redesign that is Passengers depart a VB Wave trolley bus on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, VA. expected to be completed The vehicles are maunfactured by Hometown Trolley. this year. “Analytics taken from our website are pretty clear. Most people hoping to achieve at HRT. We will still provide such information visit this site to get route and fare information. We are working as studies, policies and budgets, but they won’t be as prominent to better meet those needs and make it more mobile-friendly,” on the site.” Holden said. “Website design has evolved over the past decade. HRT officials also take part in community outreach programs, It used to be, websites included everything but the kitchen sink. allowing them to talk directly with area residents. That, and other Today, many websites are leaner and faster. That is what we are marketing/communication efforts, are part of the transit system’s

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desire to improve and expand customer service in the years ahead. “We have a work progression process where there Drivers and other HRT employees play a big part in those efforts. are employees eligible for promotion based on “Drivers are the main ‘point of contact’ for our customers, while acquired skills, rather than traditional seniority.” our vehicles and bus stops serve as ‘storefronts,’” Holden said. “It’s therefore critical that our employees are well trained. This training —HRT Director of Rolling Stock Mike Perez includes customer service. We expect a lot out of our employees.” Currently, approximately 1,087 people work at HRT, in a wide Some of our employees are more gifted in this area than others. variety of capacities. That is where training can help,” Holden said. “Our drivers often help customers with important information, such as how to make their next connection. Drivers should also always be that one person on the bus who can be counted on to show a friendly face. That goes a long way when it comes to customer service.” It’s been said that customer service never takes a holiday. The same can be said about driver training — or in a recent case at HRT — a snow day. “We had to stop service for a day in January due to a winter storm. Instead of staying home, however, we had our drivers report for refresher training,” Glaeser said. As with many transit systems, there is a shortage of drivers and mechanics at HRT, something that does not surprise either Glaeser or Perez. “If you look at our nation as a whole, there is a Hampton Roads Transit’s trolley buses are maintained at skills gap within all trades. This affects the number a facility in Virginia Beach, VA, during the tourist season. of people, for example, who are becoming mechanics. Not as many people are taking technical and “Like any organization with hundreds of employees, there are skills classes. Yet, those positions can be very attractive and lu- different levels of performance, when working with customers. crative. It’s a nationwide issue,” Glaeser said. “We hold many

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job fairs and have offered signing bonuses in hopes of attracting daily trips. That is a lot of economic activity as we transport people future employees.” to work, to school and to buy things — all through the use of our Perez added: “When it comes to mechanics, we have gone services.” from hiring a ‘body’ to hiring someone who has “We want people to see HRT as not just something that is taking mechanical skills, and we are in the process of de- people down the road, but a system that plays an important role veloping enhanced training programs to better develop these people. We also have a work in the economic development of Hampton Roads.” progression process in place where there are employees eligible for promotion based on acquired —HRT Spokesman Tom Holden skills, rather than traditional seniority.” Perez, Holden and Glaeser all concur that working in public DRIVING THE ECONOMY transportation can be very rewarding. WITH BETTER TRANSIT “I have been at it for 34 years, and feel it’s been a good career choice. You won’t get wealthy working in public transportation, t’s believed the first colonists arrived in the area now known but you will always have a purpose. It’s also generally a sound and as Hampton Roads around 1607. Since then, a steady rate of stable environment,” Perez said. “There is a tremendous amount of commerce and population growth has taken place, to the point personal satisfaction that comes with this type of work.” that the region is now listed as the 37th largest metropolitan statis- Holden added: “This industry allows those who work in it to help Itical area in the United States. deliver services that many people truly want and need. There are With this growth comes challenges to maintain and improve an always challenges when working in this industry, but there are also efficient transportation network that involves large bodies of water, many opportunities to meet those challenges.” bridges and underwater tunnels. HRT officials continue to work Glaeser agreed: “I feel there will always be a need for public hard in helping the region with these challenges. transportation. In return, it provides a stable working life.” “One of our goals is to always help the public better understand the value of our system to this region. We want people to see HRT Contact: Hampton Roads Transit, as not just something that is taking people down the road, but a sys- 3400 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, VA 23661. tem that plays an important role in the economic development of Phone: 757-222-6100. Hampton Roads,” Holden said. “HRT provides roughly 48,000 Website: www.gohrt.com.

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In Business Just 12 Years 5th Largest In U.S.

We know motorcoaches “are our future. We will always love our limousines, SUVs and sedans — but the future of the limousine industry Windy City is offering motorcoach Limousine options.

— Windy City President Kathy Kahne ” By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor

n business for 12 years, Windy City Limousine, of Broad- run shuttles for major corporations in downtown Chicago, trans- view, IL, a suburb of Chicago, has grown to be the fifth porting employees from train stations to their corporate headquar- largest chauffeured limousine provider in the nation, accord- ters. We have a plethora of vehicles that we work with every day.” ing to the company. The company was founded in 2006, and, in October 2007, it began I“We have a little more than 300 vehicles in our fleet, which in- to establish its motorcoach division, based on customer demand. cludes sedans, SUVs, limousines, 14-passenger minicoaches, 23- “We had a great customer base with our minicoaches, but passenger minicoaches, 39-passenger minicoaches, 56-passenger they began demanding motorcoaches,” Kahne said. “We knew motorcoaches, limousine buses, and transit vehicles,” said Windy there was a need in Chicago for motorcoaches. It was not a sat- City President Kathy Kahne, during a recent interview with urated market and there weren’t any high level luxury providers Busline Magazine at the company’s facility in Broadview. “We of motorcoaches in our sector.

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“It was a road we had never been down. We weren’t quite sure how to get involved with motorcoaches, so we started with two used coaches.” As the motorcoach side of the business began to grow, it wasn’t long before a customer contacted Windy City who needed motorcoaches, and needed them quickly. As a result, the company became involved with a motorcoach manufacturer that is no longer in business. “The motorcoach company didn’t offer the best quality vehicles, but we were able to establish a foothold in the market,” Kahne said. “We got our name out on the street, which really helped us to grow our motorcoach division.” An early milestone for Windy City’s mo- Windy City Limousine’s facility in Broadview, IL, includes 10,000 square feet torcoach division was when ABC Compa- of office space and a 30,000-square-foot maintenance shop. nies came calling. ABC is the North American representative for Van Hool, which manufactures mo- and they have been partners ever since.” torcoaches in Belgium. Windy City operates Van Hool CX45 models in its motorcoach “ABC said, ‘We know what you are capable of, and we know fleet. Customers use the company’s motorcoaches for a wide va- Windy City is a leader in the marketplace from a motorcoach per- riety of reasons. spective in the limousine world. You have touched the motor- “We have a really good footprint in the sports world, transport- coach market before anyone else even thought about it, and we ing professional football, basketball and baseball teams; Big Ten would like to partner with you,’” Kahne said. “It was a match Conference college teams; and high school sports teams,” Kahne made in heaven. They came to the table with a good proposal, said. “We also handle such group movements as a grade school

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field trip to the state capital in Springfield, family reunions, weddings, etc. — it runs the gamut. We also use motorcoaches for a lot of local charter work. We will go on over-the-road trips, but it is nice to keep those vehicles at home.” Because of the way such companies as Uber have changed the dy- President Kathy Kahne and CEO George Jacobs namic in the transportation marketplace, Kahne said limousine companies that do not offer a bus component are at a disadvantage. “Companies that have not entered the bus world, whether it be minicoaches or motorcoaches, it does- n’t matter, are on the outside looking in,” Kahne said. “If a limousine company is in a market that Director of Operations Dave Lahr (left) and CFO Craig Gardner doesn’t have strong com-

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petition, and is able to give customers a great chauffeured mo- With economy of scale in play, other customers began calling torcoach at an affordable price, it has a gold mine. for motorcoaches, including Windy City’s DMC (destination “We got ahead of it. We knew what markets to tap into and just management company) partners, hotel customers and major cor- kept giving customers that service, growing that piece of the busi- poration clients. ness. It is a wide open market, but you have to have deep pockets “There was not a high-end limousine company providing mo- to be able to get into it, and you have to know which customers torcoaches in our market,” Kahne said. “Our customers liked the to go after to make it successful. high-level luxury touch offered by a good service provider in the “We know motorcoaches are our future. We will always love limousine industry, and they wanted that same customer experi- our limousines, SUVs and sedans — but the future of the limou- ence in larger vehicles. sine industry is offering motorcoach options.” “We knew we had the expertise to deliver that kind of service. We weren’t going to just put a bus driver in a vehicle, we A DIFFERENT BUSINESS CLIENTELE were going to offer a chauffeur-driven motorcoach. That was our approach. We are not a bus company per se. Rather, s Windy City continued to develop its motorcoach divi- Windy City is a chauffered limousine company that also offers sion, it was apparent early on that this segment attracted motorcoaches.” a different type of clientele, Kahne said. Windy City’s “high-end” customers also want the same luxury “What forced us to move over into the motorcoach world was amenities that come with smaller vehicles. Acustomer demand,” Kahne said. “The pharmaceutical industry is “We offer free Wi-Fi to all of our customers. All motorcoaches a big piece of what we move in Chicago. When government reg- are equipped with power sources (110-volt outlets and UBS ulation changed what pharmaceutical companies could do from ports),” Kahne said. “Other amenities include GPS, televisions, an expense standpoint, they had to figure out how to not use black CD players, stereo systems, washrooms, overhead lighting and car service any longer. The answer was to use motorcoach travel. leather seats. “Where we have seen the biggest growth is with people try- “The safety aspects of modern motorcoaches are unbelievable. ing to maximize their dollars. We do not sell individual tick- For example, Van Hool offers a product that is made to last, with ets, rather we sell the entire vehicle. What has made the chauffeur and passenger safety a high priority.” difference is ‘economy of scale’ — that per person price, Safety is also the No. 1 concern at Windy City Limousine. Also which is calculated by dividing the total price of chartering a ranking high on the company’s priority list is offering clean and motorcoach by the number of people in the seats.” attractive vehicles. EFFICIENCY RELIABILITYITY Air Conditioning Electric PERFORMANCEDiscover electricityNC

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“People will not accept anything but a pristine vehicle. We Major League Baseball — the teams used us for their ground have a 30,000-square-foot shop that includes our own bus wash transportation in Chicago. If you saw the overhead TV shots from equipment,” Kahne said. “Both the interiors and exteriors of the helicopters flying over Wrigley Field, you saw a line of Windy vehicles are washed daily. They get a detailed cleaning about City buses sporting logos on the top.” once a week.” While the company’s “rolling billboards” on the streets of To enhance the company’s image of a luxury transportation Chicago are effective marketing tools, Windy City also takes ad- provider, all of its vehicles are black. vantage of its partnerships with local professional sports fran- “We have chosen to go with black vehicles. They are a little chises to market the company. bit harder to keep clean, especially during Midwest winters, “We do a lot of advertising with sports teams. We are very but when they are clean and shiny, they are sexy and beautiful heavy in the sports market,” Kahne said. “We are at Guaranteed going down the street,” Kahne said. Rate Field for the Chicago White Sox and at Wrigley Field for On any given day, Windy City has about 100 pieces of equip- the Cubs. We advertise with the Chicago Bears and the Chicago ment on the streets in Chicago, sporting the company’s distinc- Bulls. We also do a lot of radio promotions in the sports world. tive logo. “We partner with the Big Ten college basketball conference, as “All of our vehicles are a kind of rolling billboard for the well. Northwestern University, a Big Ten school in Chicago, is company; however, motorcoaches are our ‘true’ rolling bill- one of our large accounts. We actually have a motorcoach that is boards,” Kahne said. “We definitely logo our vehicles loud logoed for Northwestern.” and proud, and when there are 100 of them rolling around When Windy City partnered with the Chicago Bears, it gave the city of Chicago, it is really hard for someone not to the NFL franchise its choice of vehicles. The Bears chose to have know who we are.” the team travel in Van Hools. Windy City’s motorcoaches also have the company’s logo on “The Bears will only travel in Van Hool motorcoaches,” Kahne their rooftops. said. “They are the team’s preferred mode of ground travel. Van “We are in Chicago. So, in downtown Chicago, if someone is Hools are fantastic. We have no issues with ABC’s products. ABC waiting for his/her vehicle, he/she may be looking down from has been true to its word. When ABC said it was going to do some- a high-rise. With our logo on the tops of our vehicles, cus- thing, it did it. Its parts and labor division is fabulous, and its sales tomers can spot their Windy City coach when it arrives,” team is lights out one of the best in the industry. ABC really ap- Kahne said. “Two years ago, when the Chicago Cubs were in the proaches everything as a partnership. It has been a good match.” World Series — a giant deal for the city of Chicago, and for Word-of-mouth and being active in giving back to the commu-

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nity are also effective marketing avenues for Windy City. traveling back and forth between Chicago and California. “We do a lot with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation, which has “I just decided it was time to stay home and be local,” she said. helped us in getting our name out there,” Kahne said. “Again, Kahne said her entry into the Chicago travel market “just kind with 100 pieces of equipment on the street every day, it is kind of happened.” of hard to miss us.” “There was an opening at Carey International. I interviewed for a position and was hired,” Kahne said. “I had a pretty big job STARTING FROM ‘SCRATCH’ in the travel world in California, and I wanted to take a step back. I just wanted go to work everyday and not have a giant job.” n the mid-2000s, Windy City Limousine’s original six found- Her “just another employee approach” didn’t last long, as, ing partners, which included the current CEO, George Ja- within three months, she rose to become the general manager of cobs, and Kahne, all worked for Carey International Inc. her division at Carey International. Previously, Jacobs had owned American Limousine, selling it to “What a great ride it has been,” Kahne said. “The industry itself ICarey in 1999. Three of the original partners are no longer with is just crazy. No two days are alike. The industry, in general, is Windy City. very giving and loving. In February 2006, the original partners launched Windy City “Windy City has a signiﬁcant presence in the limousine chan- Limousine, with a view to offer expanded services that Carey In- nel. Our CEO (Jacobs) is an icon in the industry. He has done ternational did not. wonderful things for the limousine segment in bringing it to a “When we started, we had no cars and no customers,” Kahne professional level. He has conducted his career from a very un- remembered. “We didn’t have a computer system or a phone sys- selﬁsh, giving standpoint, always looking out for the good of tem. We worked off our personal laptops and our own personal everyone.” cell phones. We established the company and, today, we are the With its motorcoach business, Windy City Limousine has up- fifth largest in the limousine industry. It is a true Cinderella story.” held the highest professional standards that has been the bench- Kahne’s career in the transportation industry began when she mark of Jacobs’ career in the luxury chauffeured limousine was the vice president of marketing for an Hawaiian travel com- industry. pany, based in California. A couple of factors led Kahne — a “Buses are our future and we have partnered with exceptional Chicago native, born and raised — to leave the California com- manufacturers,” Kahne said. “We want to have the best equip- pany. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks, the travel ment on the road. We want to have the newest technology and Continued On Page 34 industry underwent some drastic changes, plus she was tired of

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Windy City Limousine: about 15 minutes from the western suburbs, where we conduct a Continued From Page 31 lot of business. Our location also enables us to bypass many of the traffic bottlenecks that can be encountered on the way to the best chauffeurs. I think we have primed ourselves to make downtown Chicago.” that happen. The location also allows the company to reach a vehicle that “We have found niche markets that will keep vehicles has broken down in about 20 minutes, give or take, Kahne said. rolling every day. That is the name of the game. We have very expensive pieces of equipment, and we need to ﬁll them in order KEEPING UP WITH DEMAND AND FINDING to be able to pay for them. We have carved out niche markets that GOOD CHAUFFEURS IS CHALLENGING should continue to get us through and open new avenues for growth.” indy City Limousine has enjoyed dramatic growth in Windy City moved into its current location about 2 1/2 years just 12 years in business, and keeping up with it all ago. It has 10,000 square feet of office space and, as was men- has been a challenging proposition. tioned before, a 30,000-square-foot maintenance shop. “Our biggest challenge is keeping up with supply and “We love our new home. We have a long-term lease on this fa- Wdemand. We are a large company that has done very well in cility. We have no plans to leave anytime soon,” Kahne said. “We what I would say is a relatively short time,” Kahne said. are not a typical limousine company. Most limousine companies “Twelve years is not a long time to be in business. Keeping run with a very small-scale staff. In contrast, we have 110 employ- up with customer demand is a big challenge for us. We ees in the office, plus an- are continually grow- other 300 chauffeurs. Our ing our business. How- executive team is housed ever, along with growth in this building. We have comes additional vehi- a dispatch department, an cles, additional staff and IT department, an ac- chauffeurs.” counting department and It is no secret that many a chauffeur department. motorcoach and limou- We also have a chauffeur sine companies have a compliancy director. In hard time finding good addition, we have an HR drivers, chauffeurs and department, an affiliate Fleet Supervisor Fleet Manager-Operations Call Center Manager mechanics, and Windy department, a groups de- John Pizzi Neil Rhebergen Allison Kubiak City is no different. partment, a reservations “It is hard to find good department, a fleet de- quality chauffeurs who partment and a call center. understand the difference “In our maintenance between just driving a ve- shop, we can wash and hicle and being on the top repair vehicles. We can of their game, when it do such maintenance comes to great customer services as brake jobs, service. That is the name engine overhauls, body of the game for us,” work, etc. We also have Kahne said. “While most an acre and a half of ve- people can drive, not hicle parking. It is a very everyone knows how to large facility.” Events Supervisor Dispatch Manager Director Technology/Content please customers, making Erin Digioia When the company Brian Heneghan Strategy Ryan Kaczmarski sure they are happy and was searching for a new delighted at the end of facility, finding one their journey. This is a big where all the depart- piece of what we stress ments could be under every day.” one roof, and in a con- While Windy City has a venient location, were training/orientation pro- high priorities. gram for newly hired “Our location is great. chauffeurs, the company We are about 20 minutes seeks prospects with some from O’Hare Interna- experience in the field. tional Airport, Midway “Especially for motor- International Airport and IT Support Specialist Chauffeur Manager Chauffeur Manager coaches, we are not a downtown Chicago,” Allen Lamphear Doug Price A.J. Jedrzejewski training ground for new Kahne said. “We are also chauffeurs,” Kahne said.

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“We want experienced chauffeurs who know how to drive and “We will never just hand someone the keys to a $500,000 mo- who understand the safety aspects of those vehicles. We have 56 torcoach,” Kahne said. passengers in a motorcoach who are mothers, fathers, daughters, While finding high quality chauffeurs is a challenge, Windy sons, aunts, uncles, etc., and they are our No. 1 concern. To have City doesn’t lack in people seeking those positions. the responsibility for 56 people, is a big deal. It is not something “Because of the size of our company and the amount of busi- to be taken lightly.” ness that we have, people come knocking on our door from other In determining if a chauffeur candidate is the right fit for Windy companies, because we can keep them busy,” Kahne said. “Our City, several factors are considered. First and foremost, the person name has helped us in that regard.” seeking a position must display a passion for safety, Kahne said. To operate in Chicago, a chauffeur must obtain a special city li- “We also look at how a candidate presents his or herself,” cense. Acquiring a city license involves taking and passing a class. Kahne said. “Does he/she view him or herself as a driver, or as a “You cannot drive in Chicago without a city license. It is a must- professional chauffeur? From there, it is about customer service. have,” Kahne said. “We recruit from the colleges that run the train- Is the candidate going to represent his or herself and the company ing classes.” well? If a potential new hire can hit all those criteria, we probably In the search for the best chauffeurs, Windy City also advertises have a match.” and attends job fairs. Word-of-mouth and referrals are also effective. Once hired, the new chauffeur will undergo an intensive train- “We offer a referral bonus to all of our chauffeurs and employ- ing/orientation period lasting seven days. ees and to the person who is hired — it is a two-way bonus,” “He/she will learn about the history of the company, who are Kahne said. “We treat our staff well. We are really good to our our customers, customer expectations and why one customer is chauffeurs. We look out for them to make sure they make money, different than another,” Kahne said. which has helped us to maintain our level of quality employees. Instruction in driving skills is also a part of the training class. We also put them in new equipment, which makes a big differ- “At the end of the training period, chauffeurs must pass skill and ence to people who are deciding where they want to work. We road tests. If he/she passes all that, we will have a good chauffeur.” also make sure chauffeurs have beneﬁts. Those with minimal experience may start out operating a “Word-of-mouth has been our best friend. When a company smaller vehicle, such as a 14-passenger minibus. As he/she treats its employees well, that gets out. When employees are gains experience, operating larger vehicles will come into play, treated poorly, that gets out faster.” with a view to possibly being able to operate a 56-passenger Windy City gives chauffeurs safety compliance awards every motorcoach. year, as well bonuses for being accident-free for a year. There is

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also a “Chauffeur of the Year” program. ferently, but I think millennials get a bad rap to some degree. “This year, we presented the chauffeur of the year a cash and “They are smart and they are very tech savvy. They are cre- vacation award,” Kahne said. “He and his family will get to ative thinkers, which I think is a really good thing, especially in travel somewhere for a week’s vacation.” our industry. They look at things a little differently. When it The company also maintains what it calls a “props board,” on comes to technology, they have us all beat. You can give them which employees are recognized for doing a good job. anything and they can make it work. “It could be a customer sending in something that says a par- “They like to work the way they like to work. They have it ticular chauffeur was amazing,” Kahne said. “It could be a staff figured out. We have staff members who stand all day, because member saying a chauffeur went above and beyond to make that is what they want to do. They don’t want to be sitting all the his/her life easier on a particular day. We love our chauffeurs. time. A lot of them work while wearing headphones. They are We want them to be happy and safe, and we make sure everyone not listening to anything, but the headphones help them to get knows how good our chauffeurs really are.” into their own space. Kahne said many times when people first get into the industry, “They are our future. We need to figure out how to they view it as just another job. However, some people soon re- work with them. They are ambitious. They make things alize there is a lot more to being a chauffeur than meets the eye. happen and they make them happen quickly. I think that “Our chauffeurs have met people who most people would is the best part about working with millennials. They don’t never meet in their lifetimes,” Kahne said. “Think about all wait. They want it and they want it now, and they are going the sports teams we transport. All those players are on our ve- to make it happen.” hicles. How many times is someone going to meet and shake hands with the entire starting lineup for the Chicago Cubs? FURTHER ON DOWN THE ROAD One of our chauffeurs was one of the first people to hold the World Series trophy. They are exposed to some really fun and ahne discussed some of the new business coming Windy interesting things. City’s way, as well as reflecting on the future of the lim- “A person has to love people to do what we do every day. A ousine industry as a whole, and the company’s commit- little bit of the ‘gift of gab’ is also a good trait to have, but chauf- ment to its motorcoach division. feurs must know when to turn it on and turn it off. The majority K“We just signed the largest account in the history of the com- of younger chauffeurs will say when they got into it, they didn’t pany, which is a five-year deal with the McDonald’s Corpora- know the job was going to turn into a rewarding and exciting ca- tion,” Kahne said. “McDonald’s is moving its corporate reer. Indeed, no two days are the same and no two people are headquarters from Oakbrook, IL, to downtown Chicago. We the same. Chauffeurs love their job because they can be with were honored to be given that piece of business to transport all people all day long.” the company’s employees from downtown train stations to the Chicago is the third largest city population-wise in the country corporate headquarters. This is a big development.” behind New York City and Los Angeles. Its surrounding metro Windy City’s performance in supplying transportation during area, also known as Chicagoland, is home to a wide variety of the past Super Bowl weekend in early February also landed the ethnic groups. In this multicultural environment, Windy City’s company some valuable repeat business for next year’s event. multilingual chauffeurs give the company a huge advantage. The Super Bowl game was played on Sunday, Feb. 4, at U.S. “Our chauffeur workforce is like a league of nations,” Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Kahne said. “We have every nationality and walk of life that “Windy City really took over the Super Bowl from a bus per- you can think of. It is a good thing for our customers. If a spective,” Kahne said. “Minneapolis is unique in that there is customer needs a Mandarin Chinese-speaking chauffeur, we not a lot of motorcoach inventory there. We knew we could do have one. If he/she needs a Bulgarian or Polish-speaking chauf- the job and do it really well. Many of the corporate sponsors at feur, we have them. We get a lot of requests for foreign language- the Super Bowl have already signed contracts with us for next speaking chauffeurs.” year in Atlanta. It was a big coup for us to be able to land that It seems that, in this day and time, discussions about a com- business.” pany’s employees often include how the millennial generation Kahne discussed issues that are having, or will have, a signifi- has impacted the workplace. In recent years, millennials have cant impact on the transportation industry. overtaken baby boomers as the largest demographic in the “Here is what we are seeing. Uber has definitely taken a toll workforce. on our industry, especially on what we call ‘how soon’ business, The reason the subject comes up so often is because the and also at airports, to some degree,” Kahne said. upper leadership of many companies is still baby boomers, Kahn said corporations who use Uber are slowly beginning whose lifestyles and workplace experiences widely differ to come back to more traditional companies, such as Windy from millennials. City, because of “duty and care.” For example, studies have shown that millennials tend to “For example, if a major corporation allows employees to value quality of life issues in the workplace more than job se- travel with Uber and reimburses them for the costs, there is duty curity and wages, which baby boomers highly value. They are and care involved. That is, if something happens in an Uber ve- tech savvy and go about their workday differently, in many hicle, the company using the service is liable,” Kahne said. respects, than their older counterparts. “Uber doesn’t have the same vetting process that we have in our “It has taken me a long time to understand that world,” said industry. They do not have to hold the same insurance that we Kahne, who is the mother of a millennial. “We do treat them dif- hold. Furthermore, their vehicles can be anything out there.

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“Are there bad characters and actors in any walk of life? Of “The question was, do we cut hours and keep all the staff work- course there are. When you put a safety net in place to prevent ing? Or, do we maintain hours and lay off people? Everyone things from happening, you can close your eyes at the end of unanimously agreed to cut hours. We understood it would cut into the day and say, ‘I have done all I can to keep my passengers our paychecks, but it was better than letting people go. When we and employees safe.’ did it, we said, ‘We can weather this storm, but we have to be “We are starting to see that some corporations are waking up smart in the way we do things.’ So, we got ahead of things.” Continued On Page 56 and saying, ‘You’re right. We do have duty of care.” Borrowing a famous line from the movie “Field of Dreams,” Kahne said, concerning limousine companies getting into the bus sector, “Build it and they will come.” “It is not just in the Chicago market, it is pretty universal in the United States. There are a lot of good bus companies out there, but in the limousine industry, we have upped the game. “We are open 24/7. We never close. We have a complete staff who handle nothing but our bus business. While we will always look for pockets of business for our sedans, SUVs and THE DIAMOND FAMILY limousines, buses is really where I see our entire industry going in the future.” Another much discussed issue in the transportation segment is the introduction of autonomous vehicles into the equation. It is pretty much agreed that it is not a matter of “if” there will be autonomous vehicles, but “when.” “I think it is going to happen. I don’t think it will happen as quickly as some people say, but certainly it is going the happen,” Kahne said. “It is going the change the dynamic of transportation across the world. The game plan is no one will ever buy a car again. The car manufacturers will manufacture the vehicles, but the general public is not going to own an autonomous vehicle. There are going to be companies that own them. People will dial up and say, ‘Send me a vehicle.’ I really don’t believe autonomous vehicles will be sitting in our driveways. “On the bus side, I can see it working very well on a ﬁxed- route. I can see it working in a metropolitan city if it has desig- Serving The Industry Since 1947 nated lanes for only autonomous vehicles. Made in the U.S.A. “It is going to happen. It is kind of exciting. Again, our world diamondmfg.com has evolved. If you would have asked me 10 years ago if we would have been as heavily involved in buses as we are today, 800-343-1009 816-421-8363 I would have said no. The world evolves and the business market evolves and we have had to evolve with them.” Looking back on 12 years in business, Kahne said one of the keys to Windy City’s success has been its leadership’s ability to understand the future of the marketplace, while being proactive and not sitting back and waiting for things to happen. “For example, when the Great Reces- sion hit, we had just gotten into business. Instead of waiting to see what was going to happen, we got in front of it very quickly. We were very proactive,” Kahne said. “We didn’t lay off one employee during that time. We approached the management team ﬁrst and said, ‘We have a dilemma here. This is real. It is happening and we have to make some tough decisions. As an executive team, we can make them, but we want everybody to buy in.’

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By Harrell Kerkhoff having to cut back on non-essential purchases. Busline Magazine Editor “Business is starting to come back,” Oliver said. “We’re finding more people are buying longer tours to their ‘dream’ destinations. oday’s bus/motorcoach charter and tour travelers are as var- This includes Alaska and various national parks within the U.S. ied as the wide assortment of trips they can now take. To bet- mainland, as well as Great Britain and the rest of Europe.” ter meet new transportation demands and opportunities for Although local farm income is down, Legacy Tour & Travel these people, Legacy Tour & Travel — with offices in Decorah, has enjoyed success by focusing on an ag-related niche transporta- TFort Dodge and Newton, IA, — provides an assortment of options tion market. This involves technical tours of area farming opera- within the Midwest, North America and beyond. tions, designed for people from all over the world who want to “Legacy Tour & Travel is the name for our group travel depart- learn more about the Midwest’s high-production agricultural ca- ment. A lot of people also know us through our motorcoach com- pabilities. pany, Hawkeye Stages. With a Oliver is the first to admit this type of planning and packaging name like that, it means we are service is unusual for a motorcoach tour operator, but there’s a well-established tradition “We always say that providing fewer of it at Legacy Tour & Travel/ Hawkeye Stages. seats means more passengers.” “Customers are where you find them, and we’ve found a number of them — Robert Oliver based in foreign countries. There are many people located in Iowa, with the home connected to farming who work in our office. When looking at how office in Decorah. The busi- we could expand our transportation services, we realized that Iowa ness has been owned by the and Illinois are leaders in global agricultural production. Therefore, same family since its begin- we started to offer our services to better show the world our area’s ning in 1954,” Legacy Tour & Travel’s Robert E. Oliver said. farming practices,” he said. “We now serve groups from Europe as “We offer motorcoach charter, tour and travel services for both pub- well as Latin and South America. These are people who visit our lic and private groups. The expanding Legacy Travel Group now local farms and the annual Farm Progress Show. includes tour operators and retail travel agencies in Indiana, Wis- “They may have never been to Los Angeles or New York City, consin and Illinois, in addition to our traditional operations in Iowa. but have been all over Iowa and Illinois, looking at farms and meet- “I sell private, custom tours to group leaders. The majority of ing area farmers. They are learning about new farming practices these tours use our own motorcoaches. If a group has a destination and/or technologies to take home. Running a tour like that provides and dates in mind, anywhere in the world, we’ll plan and package us with a lot of satisfaction.” a tour for them; packaging and pricing it by the seat to the traveler. It’s a business model that’s extremely popular at the moment.” THE VALUE OF MODERN Oliver has seen a gradual increase in demand concerning dif- EQUIPMENT/TECHNOLOGY ferent tour options provided by Legacy Tour & Travel. However, there have been setbacks. For example, the company is based in egacy and Hawkeye maintain modern equipment; distin- farm country, and farm families make up a key portion of its cus- guishing between those for charter work (designed to take tomer base. With a drop in farm-related income over the past few groups to events such as ball games), and tour coaches, years, this sector has been somewhat depressed, with its members Lwhich are equipped for greater comfort on longer itineraries. Page 38 BUSLINE May/June 2018 busline0518.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 4/24/18 10:32 AM Page 39

“One of our customers told me that traveling with us was like those passengers who are traveling 500 miles a day during a long taking a cruise without the water. I later thought, ‘That is the coach tour. This allows for a very comfortable way to go down the best compliment you could ever give.’ It speaks to the comfort road,” he said. “The kneeling coach feature is also a must-have, al- and the many advantages of motorcoach travel today,” Oliver lowing passengers to comfortably board and leave the vehicle. said. “You can’t compare today’s travel on “We also work hard to upgrade our a tour coach to equipment that was available equipment as the industry changes. Like 30 or 40 years ago. It involves a different many carriers, we have added electronic product and different experience. We look logging equipment in all coaches. This is for higher-end features, when it comes to a big change for our drivers, but they’re our vehicles. Our owners are willing to add adapting well.” higher-end features in all our vehicles, whether for charter or tour work.” HIRE THE BEST TO BE THE BEST For touring, this includes a high-seating motorcoach platform that raises passengers ne area of importance that hasn’t above the automobile traveler. It also in- changed for officials at Legacy volves large wrap-around glass windows Tour & Travel / Hawkeye Stages and Wi-Fi capabilities. during the company’s many decades of “Whether it’s students or grandparents, Oexistence is the practice of hiring and re- they all have digital devices today and want taining good employees. This, of course, to stay in touch while traveling,” Oliver includes drivers. said. “A dozen years ago, we thought show- “You can have an average motorcoach ing a DVD movie on a motorcoach was Kari and Steve Tjossem are co-owners of and itinerary, but if you have a great pretty high-tech, but now this is an accepted Hawkeye Stages / Legacy Tour & Travel. driver, people are going to have a good requirement.” time on your tour. It’s important to be Keeping passengers comfortable in other ways is also important. very careful during the hiring process of drivers. We look for safety At Legacy/Hawkeye, this is accomplished, in part, by choosing and reliability,” Oliver said. “Once this criteria is met, we want a leather seating and extra legroom on tour coaches. driver who can become part of the group he/she is involved with, “We always say that providing fewer seats means more passen- at a level of participation that is often dictated by the group itself.” gers. Having adequate leg room is very important, especially for He added that many tour group leaders and passengers want to

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know their drivers as individuals. quirements of being a driver — every single day without fail. This “Often, after a tour is over for the day, there will be passengers includes helping each passenger on and off the vehicle. who invite their driver to dinner. He/she can eventually become a “Obviously, it’s also good that a driver is congenial, friendly and critical part of the entire group. When it’s time to say goodbye after makes people feel welcome and comfortable. Passengers want to 10 or so days on the road, there can be have a great time while taking our some shedded tears as the driver has trips, and a driver plays a critical role made a strong connection with the in making sure this happens. The po- group and contributed so much to their sition of bus/motorcoach driver is very enjoyment of the tour,” Oliver said. unique. Some people really enjoy “In terms of finding good drivers, it’s driving, which is another important a matter of hiring the right people with characteristic that we seek. They are the right characteristics, and then willing to perform this important task training them to the standards we ex- regardless of the challenges that will pect for their services.” inevitably be encountered.” Strong management supervision Although the driver often serves as also comes into play, helping drivers the primary company representative for perform to the company’s high standards every day, and for every most passengers, there are several behind-the-scenes positions within type of trip. most transportation companies that are equally as important. In- When asked what are key characteristics to look for when hiring cluded in this group are fully-qualified mechanics, which have been a bus/motorcoach driver, Oliver discussed the importance of finding reported by some bus/motorcoach providers as being hard to find. people who are not easily distracted. “The motorcoach industry is dependent on mechanics trained and “There is so much at stake when you are driving a $500,000 ve- experienced in the motor freight industry. They’re proficient diesel hicle with 50 or more people on board. The main focus should al- mechanics, but haven’t necessarily been properly taught on how to ways be on safety. With every intersection, every turn and every care for a motorcoach, which has unique requirements,” Oliver stop there is an opportunity for an accident. While a driver said. “There are many mechanical and electrical aspects to a mo- shouldn’t live in fear of these facts, he/she certainly needs to be torcoach that can be foreign to a truck mechanic. Today’s motor- aware, anticipate and look ahead in the interest of safety,” Oliver coaches are very advanced. For instance, a mechanic of ours may said. “We also look for candidates who can execute the simple re- be called to fix the recline mechanism of a seat, replace a window

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that has been cracked, or fix a seal in the interior of the vehicle. discretionary travel (virtually all leisure tours fit into this category) There are also very complicated environmental systems, designed during the recession, and the market wouldn’t allow (for higher to curb air and water pollution, on today’s coaches that mechanics rates),” he said. “Now, to make up for it, and as a reflection of the should understand, along with a vehicle’s electronics. expanded features built into today’s hotels — even in the low end “Inside a motorcoach are electronic systems that are expected to of the market — rates have been going up as much as 12 percent a operate in very hostile environments. These systems are bumped year. This can translate as ‘sticker shock’ for our passengers. There- up and down for 10 hours a day while the vehicle is on the road. fore, we’re very careful to ensure our packages remain of good Customers, however, still expect the microphone, video monitors, value for money paid.” speakers and electrical plugs to work properly. All of these items Despite these obstacles, Oliver gave several reasons why he feels should be within the mechanic’s capability to repair. the future is bright for successful companies involved in bus/mo- “Being a mechanic is a tough job, and often is an unseen hero torcoach transportation, such as Legacy Tour & Travel / Hawkeye who doesn’t get the credit when the group leader says, ‘Thank you’ Stages. to the driver. The same is true for the hard working people in our “Every day there are new people who discover the comfort, lux- office who support various tour and charter groups while they are ury and carefree aspects of riding in a high-end motorcoach during on the road. It takes a lot of people with a high level of skill to prop- a long tour or a shorter charter trip,” Oliver said. “It’s also important erly run a transportation company.” to realize that today’s millennials seem to be more open to using Oliver estimated the Legacy Travel Group employs close to 100 the type of transportation services we provide, and they are owning full- and part-time staff members. fewer automobiles compared to previous generations. These are “In our industry, this makes us a medium-sized company,” he people who look at bus/motorcoach travel as not only a viable op- said. tion when traveling within a city, but also across the country. They are very open to the high-quality motorcoach experience. CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES “Our industry has a great future. It’s changing fast, however, and thus a major challenge involves successfully taking mong the other challenges that Oliver spoke about when it advantage of today’s favorable trends, so that we can enjoy comes to operating a full-service tour, travel and charter future growth opportunities.” business today are higher costs associated with lodging, equipment and related expenses. Contact: Legacy Tour & Travel, 703 Dudley St., A“As the recent recession waned, many hotel owners increased Decorah, IA, 52101. Phone: 800-323-3368. rates for rooms. This was understandable as consumers cut back on Website: www.legacytourtravel.com.

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The 32nd Annual Community Trans- • Workshops. Workshops portation Association of America (CTAA) Afternoon Workshops on Wednesday, June 13, and EXPO is scheduled for June 10-14, 2018, at • Trade Fair with lunch, noon to 3 p.m.; Thursday, June 14, will feature sessions the David L. Lawrence Convention Center • Workshops. taught by recognized experts and will be tai- in Pittsburgh, PA. The event offers transporta- Evening lored to meet the specific needs of community tion professionals the opportunity to participate • Pecha Kucha. and public transportation managers, officials in learning events and network with colleagues. and advocates. Speakers and sessions are designed to keep at- Thursday, June 14 tendees up-to-date with innovative technology, Morning Below is a list of the tracks and topics for the workforce development, communication strate- • Two rounds of workshops. sessions. gies, funding and regulations. The EXPO also Afternoon OPERATE features a trade show with all of the latest com- • Membership meeting/lunch; Wednesday, June 13 munity transportation goods and services. • Tours; and, • Transit’s Role in Disasters; Below is the proposed schedule and some of • Roundtables. • Non-Profits and Transportation: Getting It this year’s activities and learning opportunities Evening Right; and, as supplied by CTAA: • Big Night Out. • ADA Reasonable Modification Rule: Learning How to Work with It. SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE GENERAL SESSION Thursday, June 14 • Assessing Your Demand Response Opera- Sunday, June 10 Wednesday, June 13 tions; Morning Learn how three people involved in various • New Technologies in Transit Payment; and, • Roadeo; and, capacities in the transit business stopped • Tribal Transit Moving Forward. • Transportation Camp. merely hoping to achieve an objective, but Afternoon rather made it happen. From resurrecting street- MANAGE • Roadeo; and, cars in El Paso, TX, to winning state transit in- Wednesday, June 13 • Transportation Camp. vestment in Oregon, to breathing new life into • How to Manage Employees Who Resist Evening the coordination model in Ohio, these three in- Change; •Roadeo Dinner. dividuals will inspire attendees to turn thier • Recruiting and Building a Sustainable goals into reality: Driver Workforce; Monday, June 11 Julie Brown: She is the general manager of • Developing and Retaining a Sustainable Morning the Rogue Valley Transportation District in Driver Workforce; and, • Opening Session; and, Medford, OR; president of the Oregon Transit • Succession Planning for Your Transit Sys- • Conference Intensives. Association; and, Oregon Public Transit Advi- tem. Afternoon sory Committee. Her leadership was directly re- Thursday, June 14 • Conference Intensives. sponsible for the state legislature’s passage, for • Why Does Insurance Cost Keep Increasing Evening the first time, of real state transit investment. and What Can I Do About It?; • Delegates Meeting. Peter Svarzbein: An artist turned local • The Regulation Solution Exchange; politician who used his artistic skills to lead an • No-Go for the Go-Go: Preventing Inappro- Tuesday, June 12 effort to re-launch streetcars in his hometown priate Behavior in the Workplace; and, Morning of El Paso, TX. • Understanding Challenges in Drug and Al- • Conference Intensives; and, Chuck Dyer: He is the administrator of the cohol Testing. • Mobility Management Event. Office of Transit at the Ohio Department of Afternoon Transportation, where he has worked for the COMMUNICATE • Conference Luncheon; past eight years. He is helping to lead a coordi- Wednesday, June 13 • Mobility Management Event; nated transportation model that centralizes • Communicating Local Policy Objectives • Speed Networking event with vendors; and, transportation programs for a number of state with Local Leaders; and, • Workshops. agencies at the DOT, with the goal of increas- • Using Data to Communicate Outcomes & Evening ing mobility services throughout Ohio. Value. • Trade Fair opening with dinner, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14 Trade Fair • Redefining Access: The Role of Trans- Wednesday, June 13 Features the latest in transit vehicles, technol- portation in Access to Health Care; and, Morning ogy, equipment, and services, with more than 100 • Communicating Why — Not Just How — • General Session; and, exhibiting companies and dozens of vehicles. To Ride Transit.

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INNOVATE and instruct on vital timely topics. These one-, June 12 Wednesday, June 13 two- or three-day sessions are designed to provide • Capital Maintenance and Transit Asset • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: the proficiencies needed to succeed in today’s Management; Success in an Era of Uncertainty; rapidly evolving transportation landscape. • Your Transportation Business: How to • Pursuing Mobility as a Service (MaaS); Note: Conference Intensives meet the train- Thrive and Survive; and, • Microtransit and Ridehailing: Helpful ing requirement for those seeking CCTM, • The Pittsburgh Transit Tour. Strategies and Potential Pitfalls; and, CTPA, PASS, CCTS, PDS, VMMI, and CSSO • Re-envisioning your Operations and Re- certification or re-certification. All certification Roadeo vamping your Transit System. courses have a testing component. The National Community Transportation Thursday, June 14 Three-Day Classes Roadeo is the only national venue to honor and • How Autonomous Vehicles Will Affect June 11-13 celebrate the value of rural and community tran- Mobility; • Vehicle Maintenance Management and In- sit operators, the backbone of the Community • Moving America Forward: Technology spection (VMMI); and, Transportation industry. This event draws driv- Based Coordinated Transportation and Mobil- • Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity ers from around the country to compete for top ity for All; (PASS): Train the Trainer Workshop. scores on a course that tests skills on every level • Toward an Integrated Mobility: Coming Two-Day Classes of the drivers’ abilities, with a primary focus on Soon!... To Your Community; and, June 11-12 safe operations and passenger sensitivity. • A New Approach to Travel Training. • Certified Community Transit Supervisor PLAN (CCTS); SPECIAL EVENTS Wednesday, June 13 • Professional Dispatching and Scheduling • Welcome to Urban America: What Hap- (PDS); Speed Networking with the Vendors pens When the Census Says You’re No Longer • Certified Safety and Security Officer (Tuesday, June 12) Rural; (CSSO); Offers a chance to talk directly to vendors, • Mobility with a Healthy Twist: Incorporat- • Preparing for the CCTM and CTPA Exam- get questions answered, and learn about new ing Health in Transportation Decisions; and, ination; products in a focused, one-on-one, 5-minute • Transit Planning 101: Addressing Transit • Keys to NEMT Success; session. Wants, Needs, and Demand. • Financial Management for Transit Agen- Pecha Kucha — An informal Evening of Thursday, June 14 cies; and, Crowd-sourced Presentations • Using Public-Private Partnerships to Im- • Find & Retain the Best, Engage or Con- (Wednesday, June 13) prove Your System; front the Rest: How to Wake Up Your Organi- For attendees who wish to share an idea, • Achieving Inclusive Planning; zation and Form a More Perfect Work the fourth crowd-sourced event at EXPO em- • Ohio’s Mobility Transformation; and, Environment. ploys the Pecha Kucha format of a set number • Complete Streets for Small Communities. One-Day Classes of slides with pre-set timing for each slide, June 11 with each presentation running no more than Intensive Training Sessions • Transit Marketing & Communication for 7 minutes. Conference Intensive sessions lead off the Community and Public Transportation; and, EXPO’S Big Night Out training portion of the annual EXPO and fea- • Leading Creative Thinking in Your Organ- (Thursday, June 14) ture leading industry experts to communicate ization Details TBD.

Booth Numbers courtesy of CTAA, 04/23/18 2018 CTAA Expo Product Showcase

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2018 CTAA Expo Product Showcase

American Cooling Technology (ACT) — CTAA Booth #301 AngelTrax — CTAA Booth #135

Vulcan™ Series HCNVRs Engineered for the mass transit industry, new Vulcan™ Series HCNVRs are equipped with Hybrid Component™ slide- rail technology patented by An- gelTrax to cut the long-term cost of ownership in half and to increase efficiency by reducing downtime. The V16HCNVR records up to 16 high-definition IP camera channels of interior and exterior views at 720P up to 1080P; eight additional IP channels are accessible American Cooling Technology (ACT) has released its newest rooftop Air through an optional external switch. AngelTrax offers a full range of interior and exterior IP cameras designed to capture vivid video near or far, with POE power provided through Conditioning System the RTS-290. The RTS-290 rooftop AC unit is available the MNVR. When using an active Internet connection, Vulcan HCNVRs can utilize smart in a cooling capacity up 90,000 Btu/hr. IMACA. 4G cellular/Wi-Fi downloading capabilities to optimize data usage. Please see us at CTAA expo 2018 booth 301 or contact us at Learn more about the Vulcan V16HCNVR, V8HCNVR and V12HCNVR [email protected]. Or by phone at 717.767-2775. at www.angeltrax.com or 800-673-1788.

Apollo Video Technology — CTAA Booth #403 Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc. — CTAA Booth #710

Introducing TRAX® advanced fire-resistant molded cushioning. Intended for rail and bus vehicle seating applications, TRAX® is the ideal solution for modern cushioning designs in combination with high level of fire performance. TRAX® cushioning offers striking aesthetics for a vehicle interior. The mold- ing process allows for multiple contours within a seat design to achieve an impressive and distinct appearance. Also eliminates costly waste and labor associated with cut-to-shape cushions and provides repetitive dimensional accuracy. Apollo Video Technology’s RoadRunner 4K™ on-board video surveillance system pro- The rapid spread of flames with the FMVSS 302 minimum require- vides exceptional clarity for transit and rail applications, delivering a clearer view of ac- ment poses a serious danger to ridership. TRAX® offers a high tivities on and around buses and commuter trains. Coupled with a new high definition 360-degree camera, the system empowers transit level of fire-performance that minimizes this hazard, reducing operators to achieve maximum, panoramic video coverage, virtually eliminating blind both risk and liability. TRAX® is fully compliant spots and coverage gaps. with F.T.A. / F.R.A fire performance criteria verified Join us in Booth 403 to learn more about how Apollo Video’s advancements in video through internal testing capabilities. quality improve the accuracy of video analytics, and support our breakthrough mSET video management software. For more information, visit www.apollovideo.com. 800-234-2734 • www.crfoam.com Tel: 888-AVT-USA1 Email: [email protected] TRAX® Molded Cushioning Assembly Courtesy of Freedman Seating

Freedman Seating — CTAA #411/413 Gerflor — CTAA Booth #501

TARABUS by Gerflor is the world’s leading non-slip transit flooring, dedicated to bus and coach applications. At BUSWORLD 2017, Gerflor launched their new Tarabus Design, a line of digitally-printed flooring. This world first in personalized transport flooring gives customers the possibility to design their own flooring. With The Freedman GO-ES Seat is designed for flexibility to accommodate your passengers’ this new technology, Gerflor will provide totally bespoke designs adding value to their growing needs. Engineered for easy customization, the GO-ES Seat is shipped “option ready” customers brand while making the vehicles more attractive. giving you the flexibility to quickly add accessories in the field. A favorite for buses and The Tarabus Design range offers an infinite number of possibilities for designers transit vans! Now available as a SplitFlip to accommodate strollers, shopping carts, walkers looking for a new approach to the interior design of buses or searching for ways to en- and more. The GO-ES Foldaway Seat is the slimmest, lightest, and most customizable fold- hance the passenger experience. away on the market. Recent engineering and design upgrades have decreased the amount The new product is available with all the well-known services developed to improve the of space between the foldaway seat and vehicle wall, giving more aisle space to your vehicle. manufacturers working environment. Services such as the Self-Adhesive solution, where the Whether creating space for a wheelchair passenger, or making room for luggage, Freedman’s flooring is delivered with an acrylic adhesive and protective layer on the back of the flooring, GO-ES Foldaway will exceed your needs. Pre-cut and Pre-welded kits. [email protected] • (800) 443-4540 • www.freedmanseating.com For more information, visit www.gerflorusa.com or contact [email protected].

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2018 CTAA Expo Product Showcase

Kelderman Manufacturing — CTAA Booth #410 LiquidSpring LLC — CTAA Booth #400 LiquidSpring, the premier suspension for the Transit industry.

Kelderman is the leading manufacturer of air ride suspensions, showcasing our 2 stage air ride for all light/medium duty truck chassis used on buses, limo’s and RV’s. Available on new bus purchases and aftermarket install as well. E-350/450, F-350/450/550/650/750, CLASS® (Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System), a rear suspension Chevy HD and cutaway 3500/4500, Dodge 3500-5500, International Terra Star, Sprinter for Ford, Ram, GM, International, and Freightliner chassis’ designed to improve 3500 dual wheel and soon to be released the Transit 350HD/XL. More models available. ride and handling for transit vehicles, while providing increased operator and Kelderman Manufacturing • 800-334-6150 passenger comfort and safety. www.kelderman.com • YouTube at: keldermantv www.liquidspring.com • [email protected]

MJM Innovations — CTAA Booth #408 Safety Vision — CTAA Booth #406

Safety Vision's best-selling, reliable Observer series of Hybrid Video Recorders is now enhanced with Analog High Definition (AHD) technology. AHD allows for HD quality video and images using standard analog coax cables, delivering greater resolutions at a lower cost. EzTransport® is the ultimate and complete transportation management and For a more modern network solution, Safety Vision has also released a new addition to the software solution for transit agencies, transportation providers and those they serve. Observer line...the Observer 4116 Network Video Recorder. This is the first of the Observer recorders to go completely IP based, offering the ultimate Our solutions are compatible with Paratransit, NEMT, Fixed Route and Taxi Services. in image quality and superior digital zoom capabilities. The features include web-based and mobile software for automated fare collection, Call now to ask about one of our new trip management, participant management and routing and scheduling. robust observer recorders. 800.851.3901 MJM Innovations • 1-866-664-1277 • www.mjminnovations.com www.safetyvision.com/mass-transit

Trans/Air Manufacturing Corporation – CTAA Booth #623

Trans/Air Manufacturing Corporation is an ISO 9001 registered firm, manufacturing a full line of climate control systems for the school, commercial and electric/hybrid vehicle markets. Units, parts, service, training, warranty, and new or aftermarket installations are available through factory- owned operations or a network of distributors throughout North America. The RT65 is a complete compact roof-mounted air conditioning system that can satisfy a variety of climate control requirements & specifications. Rated at 40K (SAE)/64K (IMACA) BTU/hr, the RT65 can be installed in single or dual configura- CTAA Trade Fair Hours tions. Systems are offered with EC4.0 electronic controls, freeblow or ducted air distribution and optional heat. TUESDAY, JUNE 12 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 800-673-2446 • www.transairmfg.com • [email protected] 5 to 8 p.m. Noon to 3 p.m.

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American Trans-Data, Corp. Email: [email protected] Products: For close to 40 years, transit organiza- 3100 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 140 Website: www.distinctivesystems.com/us tions have trusted HASTUS™, GIRO’s suite of soft- Santa Ana, CA 92704 USA Company Officers: Don Greenglass, President; ware solutions for planning, scheduling and Phone: 714-751-3000 Bob Hopwood, Vice President of Support Serv- operations-management, to help them optimize re- Website: www.americantransdata.com ices; Eric Elliott, Vice President of Sales & Mar- sources to provide high-quality and cost-efficient Products: Providing software solutions to the bus keting services, improve practices, and make the best use and tour industries since 1980. Turnkey solutions Products: Distinctive Systems is a leading sup- of data. These solutions are deployed around the for charter bus companies to manage the reserva- plier of software to the coach industry. Estab- world, in more than 25 countries. Devoting 30-per- tion and billing process. ATD also provides air- lished for 30 years, over 1,500 operators rely on cent of the company’s resources to R&D, GIRO co- port and casino shuttle systems with desktop and one or more of the company’s latest Microsoft innovates with clients to take products in new mobile platforms. The company’s shuttle system SQL-based systems for the efficient management directions. offers on-bus ticket confirmation and redemption. of their companies. The main systems at Distinc- HASTUS™ is a complete software application 15 tive Systems include its Coach Manager Charter for public transportation services including bus, and Contract Booking System, the Tour Booking metro, commuter rail, and more. An integrated set busHive System and the Vehicle Maintenance System. of modules and functionalities supports all steps in P.O. Box 155 Distinctive Systems has garnered a reputation the scheduling cycle—from network design, route Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 USA over the years for updating its applications with description and trip building to generating operator Phone: 518-877-2507 additional functionality, on an ongoing basis. 18 schedules—and serves as the basis for providing Email: [email protected] schedule information to customers and for manag- Website: www.bushive.com Enghouse Transportation ing daily operations. The cohesive solution helps Company Officers: Michael Hinckley, Pres ident; 80 Tiverton Ct., Suite 800 improve long-, medium-, and short-term planning Brian Mann, Director of Sales; Jessica Harblin, Markham, ON L3R 0G4 CANADA as well as daily management. HASTUS-OnDe- Director of Support Phone: 905-946-3200 mand™ is a proven, flexible solution for paratransit Products: busHive provides transportation man- Email: [email protected] and other on-demand transport services for the gen- agement software. The company specializes in Website: www.enghousetransportation.com eral public. Two of the five largest paratransit oper- charter management, personnel compliance and Products: With over 33 years experience, Eng- ations in North America use the software to deliver vehicle maintenance systems. 18 house Transportations offers a comprehensive and high-quality service while controlling operating robust suite of software solutions that serve the costs. 18 DDS Wireless International public and private transportation markets. Its 11920 Forge Pl. software solutions include: Sched21 - Fixed Motorcoach Manager, Inc. Richmond, BC V7A 4V9 CANADA Route Scheduling; BusLine - Fixed Route IVR; See Ad On Page 48 Phone: 604-241-1441 TripLine - Paratransit IVR; TeleDriver - Work- 3517 Marconi Ave., Suite 207 Website: www.ddswireless.com force Management; CrewLine - Operator IVR; Sacramento, CA 95821 USA Products: End-to-end, turnkey fleet management FareLine - Fare IVR; CoachWorks - Motorcoach Phone: 916-972-1800 solutions for taxi, limousine, transit and other Management; and TourManager - Tour Manage- Email: [email protected] commercial fleets. Its packaged solutions pro- ment. 18 Website: www.motorcoachmanager.com vide a full range of fleet management software Company Officers: Shirley Campbell, Presi- and hardware for real-time dispatching; vehicle GIRO Inc. dent; Scott Hale, Erik Taylor and Kevin John, location and tracking; routing and scheduling 75 Port-Royal St., Suite 500 Board Members optimization; and mobile data communication, Montreal, QC H3L 3T1 CANADA Products: Motorcoach Manager and Tour Opti- navigation and mobile payment processing. 17 Phone: 514-383-0404 mizer—Motorcoach Manager is flexible fleet Email: [email protected] management software which provides a complete, Distinctive Systems, Inc. Website: www.giro.ca cost-effective system for managing all the logis- 19531 Lost Creek Dr. Company Officers: Jean Aubin, President and tics of motorcoach and tour operations. It tracks Estero, FL 33967 USA CEO; Marc Dupont, Vice President of Marketing charter orders, schedules and dispatches charters, Phone: 646-448-9981 & Sales and schedules line runs and school bus routes

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from the initial request for service to the final ac- Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC tem is hosted and backed up in the cloud using counting reports. An integrated vehicle mainte- 22 S. Main St. AWS (Amazon Web Services). RBS is now dis- nance module is available. The four modules, Allentown, NJ 08501 USA tributing GoTourV4.10, which includes BOPI which may be purchased in any combination, are Toll Free: 866-782-4636 (Blocked Out Passenger Inventory); integrated, Charters, Tours, Maintenance, and Shuttles. Phone: 609-890-4150 highly secure, online credit card authorization Tour Optimizer is a separate product which Email: [email protected] (GoPay) is available; manages and tracks group and retail tours for com- Website: www.ptcllc.com GoChart Charter Management System fea- panies that do not own motorcoaches. It includes Products: A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner fo- tures customer and contract management, sched- an itinerary building tool and a reservation system cusing on human resources and labor manage- ule and dispatch, and accounts receivable. for selling by the seat. There is an extensive re- ment for the transportation industry. Bringing Modules allow system customization to fit a com- porting system to save time. The application is the solutions offered by Microsoft, Enghouse, Collec- pany’s needs and size. Powerful, user definable result of over 20 years of collaboration between tive Data and eFleet as well as PTC’s own Trans- security, requiring unique login and password, is the Motorcoach Manager staff and hundreds of portation Suite. The Paradigm Transportation available; clients and prospects. A complete set of features, Suite (PTS) is a suite of payroll and labor man- Offsite Backup and Recovery provides daily such as built-in email, utilization and availability agement applications designed for operators with offsite data backup and features limited online ac- charts, financial analysis tools, security, equipment more complex payroll and workforce manage- cess to a customer’s data in the event of a disaster; and driver management, driver training records, ment needs including those involving union con- and, payroll and mileage tracking, etc., are available tracts. Paradigm also sells, implements and Web Manager modules include simple, reli- and can be tailored to fit each operation. supports financial systems such as Microsoft Dy- able, real time credit card authorization for Motorcoach Manager can add new reports for namics GP, customer relationship management GoChart and GoTour; online quote generation and clients and export data, so it can be manipulated systems such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, ve- notification; and web access to drivers’ orders for in a spreadsheet as needed. Responsive, timely hicle maintenance systems from Collective Data, GoChart. customer service is the company’s priority. Sin- and Computer-Aided Wireless Dispatch and Fleet Demos for GoTour and GoChart are available gle-user or multi-user (networked) versions are Management solutions from eFleet. 13 by appointment. 18 available or it can be accessed online. Call to schedule a live demonstration. 18 RBS - Relational Bus Systems, Inc. Sys2K Dealership Software See Ad On Page 49 528 Northlake Blvd., Ste. 1000 Norse Systems, Inc. 10 Lancaster St. - Box 215 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 USA See Ad On This Page Cherry Valley, NY 13320 USA Phone: 407-358-2000 245 Sage Hollow Rd. Phone: 607-264-9300 Email: [email protected] Guilford, CT 06437 USA Toll Free: 800-448-7001 Website: www.sys2k.com Toll Free: 800-769-8468 Email: [email protected] Products: Designed for the bus and motorcoach Email: [email protected] Website: www.rbs2000.com industry for both dealers and manufacturers. Lat- Website: www.norsesys.com Products: RBS, Inc. designs, implements and est technologies used reduce costs and maximize Company Officers: Leif E. Peterson, CSP-Pres- supports Tour and Charter Management systems sales revenue. Features include: fully-integrated ident; and David Hopper, Senior Partner with more than 500 customers in North America. Windows-based software, a CRM with endless Products: Norse Systems, Inc. provides a com- Products include: possibilities to manage and grow the customer plete set of integrated products for managing GoTour Management System, a browser- base, comprehensive reporting and management bus transportation. Norse has been providing so- based system, manages tour reservations, itiner- dashboards to monitor the success of each depart- lutions for the bus industry for over 33 years. aries, receivables and payables, and produces ment, mobile apps that take the power of the DMS The comprehensive software product set is com- customer documents and management reports for on-the-go, and cloud hosting to alleviate the cost Continued On Page 56 bined with private “cloud” based virtual servers group and retail tours. The RBS cloud-based sys- and professional support to provide a complete solution for bus operators. The solutions are designed to run on existing computer infrastructure, so there is minimal or no capital cost. Low monthly fees, with no long term contract, keep costs and risks low. Applications include: Charter/field trip sales and operations, dispatching, driver qualifications, human resources, employee time and pay, transit line runs, day trip/commuter/airport shuttle and tour systems, accident management, equipment maintenance, warrantee tracking and recovery, fuel control, fuel tax reporting, trip bidding, school bus routing with automated map interfaces, multi- site inventory control, purchasing, home to school operations, accounts receivable, general ledger, accounts payable, and more. The Norse applications are provided with the “Screen Driver,” The Enter- prise IT environment for developers and users. The system includes user security, system administration, custom reporting, and application development and management tools. Demonstrations and sales presentations are available at no cost. 17

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Motorcoach Manager: Your Partner In Success Successful operators in the charter and tour tenance operations, including companies with preventive maintenance and DVIR records, and industry must develop systems for handling all multiple divisions, separate office sites or de- remembers what work needs to be done on each the logistical components of the services they partments. Four fully-developed modules can piece of equipment. The parts inventory can provide. They must be agile in response to the be tailored to the needs of each company. handle separate inventories for multiple changing needs of customers, employees, as Motorcoach Charter Manager provides a garages. well as government entities. Motorcoach Man- systematic process for handling all the details Motorcoach Tour Manager, also available ager is fleet management software that pro- of a trip order — from the initial customer call as Tour Optimizer for companies that don’t vides a time-saving and cost-effective way for through the final reconciliation of the finances, own motorcoaches, simplifies the creation of tracking business data, so operators can be IFTA mileage and fuel reporting, and driver group or retail tours by developing and costing ready for any situation. payroll calculations. It includes visual tools to itineraries, taking reservations, selling tickets to As the industry changes, Motorcoach Man- increase income through effective utilization of groups or individuals, creating rooming lists, ager refines its features and functionality in col- the fleet. It provides control of scheduling and name and luggage tags, etc. It also tracks pay- laboration with its clients. With over 20 years dispatching, whether an order calls for one ments to hotels and attractions. Once a tour of experience, it’s developed a vast collection coach or for several coaches, and drivers run- package has been developed, it can be used of features and reports by building variations ning at different dates and times. When a trip is again on a new date or for a different group. for a diverse client base. The result of this cus- repeated, the data can be entered once and then Companies running regular shuttles with tomer-focused approach is that Motorcoach duplicated. Line runs and shuttles not requiring reservations can use Motorcoach Shuttle Manager is user-friendly software that encom- reservations can be handled with this feature in Manager. Daily shuttles can be pre-entered in passes deep knowledge of the needs of opera- the charter module. School bus companies use batches, and passengers can be quickly booked tors, acquired over time. It provides a powerful the charter module effectively for sports and onto the correct shuttle. Round-trip tickets are blend of innovative features, designed to reduce field trips as well as routes. issued and various reports on the number of rid- costs by making record-keeping easier and Motorcoach Maintenance Manager com- ers, cash receipts, etc., are produced. The shuttle more accurate. The software’s flexible report- plements the charter module by keeping a his- manager requires the charter module to manage ing system is built on data entered one-time tory of equipment maintenance. Parts are the dispatching. and organized to provide in-depth manage- tracked from the purchase to the use of a vehicle For additional information, ment tools. and a parts inventory is maintained. The soft- call Motorcoach Manager at 800-780-6880 Motorcoach Manager is appropriate for all ware can be used to invoice maintenance work or visit www.motorcoachmanager.com sizes of charter, tour, scheduled service or main- done for outside companies. It tracks scheduled or www.motorcoachmanager.net.

Charter Orders Tour Planning Dispatching CHARTER TOUR Retail Tours Mileage and Fuel MANAGER MANAGER Sightseeing Tours Financial Reporting Receptive Services

Working Together.

Work Orders Parts Inventory MAINTENANCE SHUTTLE Airport Shuttles Labor Services MANAGER MANAGER Casino Shuttles Maintenance History

Modular Fleet and Tour Management Software

• Tracks all aspects of your operation • Tracks fuel, mileage, payroll, drivers, vehicles, etc. • Simplifies creating charters or tours • Prints or emails quotes, contracts, invoices, etc. • Multiple dispatch management tools • Single or multi-user licensing. • Extensive financial reporting • Modules may be purchased individually or combined.

Call or email today to schedule a FREE online live demonstration. 800.780.6880 or [email protected]

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RBS, Inc: Providing Tour And Charter Management Software For Over 25 Years n RBS, Inc., is a major provider of Tour and Offsite Backup and Recovery software You will have access for two users, for one Charter Management Software specifically de- and services are designed with disaster recovery month, while you re-establish your network in- signed for the motorcoach industry. For more in mind. A backup client on your server con- frastructure. than 25 years, RBS has been designing, imple- nects remotely and backs up your critical RBS GoText automatically provides scheduled menting and supporting its premier products: data daily. Only you and RBS have access to text messages to drivers, reminding them of up- GoChart and GoTour. The company serves more this data. Notification emails are sent each time coming assignments. than 500 North American customers. the data is backed up. RBS ensures that backup Call RBS at 800-448-7001 or visit GoTour, the company’s cloud based Tour data is properly available for restoration and www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation Management Software, manages reservations, maintains terminal services/remote desktop en- copy of GoChart, or, to schedule a demo of itineraries, payables, receivables, and produces vironment to which your data can be moved. GoTour and start your 30-day trial. management reports and customer documents for group and retail tours. Hosted in the cloud using AWS (Amazon Web Services), GoTour can be accessed using a broadband internet connection. The RBS professional staff actively monitors AWS services health, including continuous data backups, software updates, and network traffic analysis. RBS is now distributing GoTour v4.10, which includes “Blocked Out Passenger Inventory” as well as many feature enhancements. GoChart Charter Management System features customer and contract management, scheduling, dispatching, accounts receivable and numerous accounting/operations reports. Modules allow companies to purchase and cus- tomize the RBS system to fit their needs. The security module is powerful and has strict controls, and requires each employee to access RBS using a unique login and password. User-de- fined permissions allow access to specific areas of the program, depending on job types, such as administrator, salesperson, dispatcher and driver. RBS is now distributing v23, which includes user-definable traits and attributes, batch email- ing of drivers’ orders, customizable coloring of views and many feature enhancements. Traits are used to define properties of buses/customers such as a bus that is “ADA compliant.” Attrib- utes are used to create categories of Customers and Drivers. The new version also includes the ability to track a customer’s requested and un- wanted driver lists. GoChart’s Web Manager provides reliable credit card authorization, online quote generation and notification, driver access to schedules and document storage and retrieval. Web Manger modules include: n Credit Card Processing — Integrated into the RBS GoChart application; n Quote Request — Customers request quotes online by providing basic information, which is used to open a quote in GoChart. Email is forwarded to the customer and sales staff, no- tifying receipt of online quote; n Online Driver Schedule— Provides web access to drivers’ schedules, allowing drivers to access schedules from home, office or anywhere with an internet connection; and,

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles BYD BYD

K9 K11

BYD’s 40-foot bus is the company’s best-selling model, and works BYD’s 60-foot articulated transit bus is perfect for moving large num- great in medium and large cities—or anywhere customers need to trans- bers of passengers. With a capacity of up to 55 seated passengers plus port larger numbers of passengers, but don’t need the extended capac- 65 standing (120 total), it is ideal for urban transit systems and high- ity of BYD’s 60-foot articulated bus. volume shuttles of all kinds—including airports, sport venues, perform- Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the ing arts centers, and parking. cleanest, safest, most cost-effective way to move people from point to Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the point. cleanest, safest, most cost-effective way to move people from point to BYD brings dependable, zero-emission service to public transporta- point. tion, university campuses, airports and corporate campuses—all at a BYD brings dependable, zero-emission service to public transporta- lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG. Clean air and quiet tion, university campuses, airports and corporate campuses—all at a communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation. lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation. BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, BYD Los Angeles, CA 90015 1800 S Figueroa Street, Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Los Angeles, CA 90015 Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Website: www.byd.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.byd.com

Model...... K9 Model ...... K11 Length...... 40.9’ Length...... 60.7’ Width...... 101.6” Width...... 101.6” Height...... 138.6” Height...... 138.6” Engine...... Wheel-hub motors Engine...... Wheel-hub motors Electrical System ...... Zero-emissions high voltage Electrical System ...... Zero-emissions high voltage Chassis...... Three-steel Chassis...... Three-steel HVAC...... High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion HVAC...... High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion Wheelchair Lift ...... Ricon Wheelchair Lift ...... Ricon Steering...... Douglas, tilt and telescope Steering...... Douglas, tilt and telescope Suspension...... Air (with mechanical) Suspension ...... Air suspension Seating Capacity...... Up to 41+1 Seating Capacity...... Up to 54+1 Wheelbase...... 284” Wheelbase...... 238.5/275.6”

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles BYD BYD

C6 Double Decker For customers who want to offer an exclusive, highly personalized experience for their passengers, nothing beats BYD’s 23-foot coach. Up BYD’s all-new 35-foot double decker coach is turning heads in Lon- to 16 guests can travel in quiet luxury–perfect for VIP clients, private don. Ideal as a sightseeing coach or a transit bus where high capacity events, personalized tours, tourist attractions, and shuttles with lower is needed, but a longer articulated bus might not be practical. Upper passenger volumes (hotels, private parking facilities, smaller colleges and lower levels provide panoramic views of the landscape and tourist and universities). attractions. Passengers will experience one of the most comfortable rides avail- Passengers will experience one of the most comfortable rides available—and step off feeling good about their contribution to cleaner air. able—and step off feeling good about their contribution to cleaner air. Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s coaches are the cleanest, safest, Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s coachs are the cleanest, safest, most cost-effective way to move people from point to point. most cost-effective way to move people from point to point. BYD BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.byd.com Website: www.byd.com

Model...... Double decker Model...... C6 Length...... 35’ Length...... 23.3’ Width...... 100.5” Width ...... 81.1” Height...... 174.2” Height...... 111.8” Engine...... Wheel-hub motors Engine...... Wheel-hub motors Electrical System ...... Zero-emissions high voltage Electrical System ...... Zero-emissions high voltage Chassis...... Three-steel Chassis...... Three-steel HVAC...... High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion HVAC...... High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion Wheelchair Lift ...... Ricon Wheelchair Lift ...... Ricon Steering...... Douglas, tilt and telescope Steering...... Douglas, tilt and telescope Suspension ...... Air suspension Suspension ...... Air suspension Seating Capacity...... 54 Seating Capacity ...... 16+1 Wheelbase ...... 234.4” Wheelbase...... 156.8”

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles ABC Companies ABC Companies

Van Hool CX45E — Electric Van Hool Fuel Cell

The Van Hool Fuel Cell retains its place as one of the most The new Van Hool CX45E will utilize the proven CX platform and will technically advanced transit buses available today. This clean, feature Proterra® E2 battery technology. Additionally, a fully-electric quiet, energy efficient low-floor 40-foot transit bus emits only drivetrain designed to deliver exceptional operational, environmental water vapor from the tailpipe. and passenger benefits will power the CX45E. The CX Electric Vehicle Virtually noiseless, yet powerful enough to climb grades in partnership will bring together the resources of three market leaders— excess of 18 percent and reach speeds of 50 mph, the Fuel Cell ABC Companies, Van Hool, and Proterra—each committed to technology is powered by a zero-emission hydrogen-fueled, hybrid-electric innovation. engine, utilizing a fuel cell system, onboard battery power, and The CX45E is designed to: regenerative braking. Its clean operation can have an immediate • Eliminate hundreds of thousands of pounds of greenhouse gas positive impact on street-level emissions. emissions per year; • Save customers tens of thousands of dollars on fuel and mainte- ABC Companies nance costs; and, 1506 30th Street, NW • Provide a more comfortable and quieter coach experience for riders. Faribault, MN 55021 USA Notable CX45E equipment features and highlights include: Ph: 507-334-1871 • Outside dimensions same as current CX diesel models; Fax: 507-334-0246 • Passenger seating same as current CX models; Email: [email protected] • One (1) door version is standard, second door is optional; and, Website: www.abc-companies.com • Center positioned ADA lift is optional. Deliveries will begin in 2019.

ABC Companies 1506 30th Street, NW Faribault, MN 55021 USA Ph: 507-334-1871 • Fax: 507-334-0246 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abc-companies.com Model ...... Van Hool Fuel Cell Overall Length...... 40’ Overall Height...... 11’ 5” Model...... CX45E–Electric Overall Width...... 102” Overall Length ...... 45’ Seating Capacity...... 28 Seated + 4 Fold-Down Seats + Driver Overall Height ...... 11’ 6” Total Passengers...... 57 Overall Width...... 102” Chassis ...... Electrically welded partially steel Seating Capacity...... up to 61 and partially stainless steel structure Total Passengers...... 56 Brakes...... Four Wheel Disc Brakes Brakes...... Four wheel disc brakes Wheelchair Lift Option ...... Fold-Out Wheelchair Ramp at Door 2

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles Motor Coach Industries Motor Coach Industries

MCI® J4500 MCI® D45 CRT LE Now featuring more interior space for best-in-class legroom, and Built for Commuter Rapid Transit (CRT), the MCI D45 CRT LE de- capacity to seat 60 comfortably, the MCI J4500 is slated as the first livers all the advantages of a proven high-floor design, combined all-electric 45-coach developed by the leading North American with a breakthrough mid-door, Low-Entry (LE) vestibule for unprece- coach manufacturer. The industry’s best-selling coach will feature dented accessibility, especially for passengers using mobility de- battery electric technology and a high-torque electric drive system vices. The model will be available in all-electric by 2020. from Siemens. The ADA and Buy America-compliant model was developed with A modern entry and driver dash, with a high definition instru- evaluations from the National Council on Independent Living and ment panel, are additional advancements. Added optional best- the American Association for People with Disabilities, among others. in-class ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) with collision An automatic curb-level ramp that accommodates a wider variety mitigation upgrades are offered, along with latest-generation of mobility aids, including next generation motorized wheelchairs, Bendix Fusion that integrates a forward facing camera with ve- cuts dwell times to match low-floor transit boarding times. Spacious hicle recognition software to detect and stop for stationary ob- comfortable seating accommodates 54 passengers overall, adjusting jects and provides lane departure warning, traffic sign to 52 when accommodating two passengers with mobility devices. recognition and much more.

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

Model ...... D45 CRT LE Seating Capacity...... Up to 54 Overall Length ...... 45’ Model...... J4500 Overall Height...... 138” Seating Capacity ...... Up to 60 Headroom...... 78.25” Length ...... 45.58’ Wheelbase...... 315” Height...... 140.75” Turning Radius...... 40’ 11” Headroom...... 78.25” Fuel Tank Capacity ...... 164 gal. Wheelbase...... 315” Fuel Options...... Clean-diesel, all-electric Front Suspension ...... Independent front GVWR ...... 54,000 lbs. GVWR ...... 54,000 lbs. Brakes...... Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes Brakes...... Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles New Flyer of America Nova Bus

The Xcelsior CHARGE™ builds on the industry-leading Xcelsior® tran- LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) sit bus platform, with extended range battery technology made in Amer- ica, electric motors with efficient regenerative energy recovery, the Based on the proven performance of the LFS platform, the LFS highest torque available for steep grade cities, and charging infrastruc- HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) upgrades its already advanced fuel- ture compliant with industry standards. efficient engineering by adding a powerful, ultra-low emissions hy- Passengers on the battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ will experience brid drive to cut fuel and maintenance costs. the quietest and most accessible transit bus ride available, with improved Given optimal operating conditions, the LFS HEV offers up to 30 step height, expanded front door width, the best entry ramp ratio (1:7) percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emis- in the industry for passengers with mobility assist devices, and best-in- sions compared to conventional diesel-powered buses. Other bene- class passenger carrying capacity. All is accomplished by optimized bat- fits include a significant reduction in noise levels, particularly at the tery placements to comply with maximum gross axle and gross vehicle rear of the vehicle and outside. legal weight limits. The Xcelsior CHARGE™ extended range 40-foot con- Nova Bus offers two different types of hybrid systems: parallel figurations allow for up to 545 kWh battery capacity, obtaining realistic and series. In both parallel and series vehicles, braking energy nor- transit ranges of over 260 miles on a single charge based on Federal mally lost as heat is recuperated through a generator and stored in Transit Administration test protocol. the rooftop batteries. That’s why hybrid technologies are best suited Xcelsior CHARGE™ is available in 35-, 40- and 60-foot articulated bus for frequent stop-and-go conditions. rapid transit models. Also available, the high-capacity LFS Artic HEV is an attractive al- New Flyer of America, ternative for growing cities focused on sustainable development. 6200 Glenn Carlson Drive, St. Cloud, MN, 56301. Starts and stops are smooth and the ride is stable, even in snowy Website: www.newflyer.com conditions; the end result is a more enjoyable passenger experience. Developing vehicles to help cities meet their sustainability objectives is part of Nova Bus’ vision to be the leader in green efficiency and Electro Mobility. Model...... Xcelsior CHARGE™ XE40 Seats...... Up to 40 Nova Bus: 260 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Length...... 41’ over bumpers/40’2” over body 518-566-6682 • Fax: 518-957-2002 Width ...... 102” Email: [email protected] • Website: www.novabus.com Roof height...... 11’1” over charging rails Interior height...... 79” over front and rear axle; 95” mid-coach Wheelbase...... 283.75” Model ...... LFS HEV Motor...... Siemens ELFA2 Electric Drive System, Seating Capacity...... up to 41 standard or optional high gradeability Length...... 40’ Curb weight hybrid ...... 30,500 lb. (approximate weight; Width ...... 102” varies with ESS configuration) Height...... 132” Floor...... Marine-grade plywood floor, optional composite floor, Engine ...... Cummins ISB 6.7 280 HP, composite rear interior step, Tarabus, Altro, RCA floor covering Cummins ISL 8.9 330 HP Electrical system...... Parker Vansco Traction Drive...... Allison H 40 EP, BAE HDS200 Cooling system ...... Electric cooling fans Chassis ...... Stainless Steel Integral HVAC ...... Thermo King RLFE Fuel ...... Diesel-electric Hybrid Axles...... MAN VOK 07 front disc brakes; Air Conditioning...... Thermo King Athenia, MCC MAN HY-1350 rear disc brakes, single reduction axle Wheelchair Lift Option...... Lift-U, Fedico Rapid charge ...... 100 kWh, 150 kWh, 200 kWh Steering...... TRW TAS85 Long range charge...... 280 kWh, 454 kWh, 545 kWh Suspenion...... ZF

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE AlteAltern natativ vee FFuFuels/Hyuelss//Hybr id Veh ic cleles Complete Coach Works GILLIG

ZEPS Bus

The ZEPS (Zero Emission Propulsion System) drive system technology, developed exclusively by Complete Coach Works (CCW), provides customers with a clean, cost-effective and viable alternative GILLIG Low Floor Hybrid to fossil fuel. CCW can integrate ZEPS into any fleet, helping communities further GILLIG is a leading heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer and after- support the environment for future generations. CCW remanufactures market parts supplier in the United States. From initial design through buses to reduce the cost and the environmental impact of bus man- final assembly, each GILLIG bus is developed and built by dedicated ufacturing. The ZEPS bus relies on the recycle-reuse-reduce philoso- American workers. phy, and is the ultimate in sustainability. CCW takes a previously used GILLIG produces buses incorporating a broad range of drive systems, transit bus powered by a fossil fuel engine, and remanufactures it to including clean diesel, compressed natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, like-new condition, with an all-electric powered drivetrain system. and zero-emission battery-electric. GILLIG is committed to building The ZEPS powered remanufactured electric bus is the ultimate in elim- buses that connect communities, eliminate congestion, and contribute inating environmental impact in the transit industry. to a greener environment. For its entire 128 years, GILLIG has been a family-owned American For 30 years, CCW has led the transit industry in retrofits and business with a long history of creating well-paying, dependable Amer- rehabs, but by far the ZEPS line has made CCW most proud by ican jobs. In that tradition, GILLIG recently moved into a brand new, reaching over 1 million miles driven throughout the United States. state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility in Livermore, CA. CCW has successfully retrofitted and deployed its ZEPS all-electric drive system in many operations around the nation, meeting the GILLIG LLC diverse needs of each operator. The ZEPS system has been utilized for buses, trolleys and other heavy-duty vehicles. Not only is CCW 451 Discovery Dr., Livermore, CA 94551 dedicated to crafting quality, it’s also dedicated to always produc- Phone: 510-264-5000 ing projects on time. Email: [email protected] Website: www.gillig.com Complete Coach Works, 1863 Service Court Riverside, CA 92507 800-300-3751 Website: www.completecoach.com, www.ZEPS.com Model...... Low Floor Hybrid • Zero emission propulsion system Seating Capacity...... 40 • 100 mile driving range Length...... 40’ • Low maintenance Width ...... 102” • Clean & noise free Height...... 133” • Liquid cool system Engine...... Cummins B6.7 • Light and densest battery pack Type of Fuel...... Diesel • Advance latium ion battery Chassis ...... Stainless Steel • .7 cents mile electric = $1.05 mile diesel HVAC...... Thermo King/MCC • All electric power drive train system Wheelchair Lift Option ...... Lift U/Ricon • Improves bus life span Steering ...... TRW Electric Assist • Avoid material waste Suspension ...... Air

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE

AltAlter rnatnativ e FFuuel ls/Hybrss//Hybrid VVehehic clelesWindy City: Continued From Page 37 Another key to success Kahne discussed has been sticking Proterra to the company’s philosophy of putting customers first. “Everyone is in business to make money. So, our philosophy is take care of the customer and we will make money,” Kahne said. Part of taking good care of customers is being honest and acknowledging mistakes. “Things happen. It is how you recover from what happened that makes a difference,” Kahne said. “We don’t em- bellish. We don’t make up stories. We are brutally honest and tell customers when we have done something wrong, and how we are going fix it so it never happens again. “We view our customer relationships as true partnerships. Give them what they need and want and they will come back and we will all make money. Proterra Catalyst® “We have had customers say they were going to fire us. We Battery-Electric Bus told them, ‘This is what happened. This is why it happened, and this is how we are going to fix it.’ By the end of the call they said, ‘You couldn’t have handled this any better. You’re Proterra is rapidly reinventing the transit industry with Catalyst® battery- human. We get it. We are all people. Things go wrong. It electric vehicles. Communities across North America have already put these wasn’t with intent. You’ve addressed it and made well by it.’ high-performance buses to the test through more than five million miles of service. Designed from the start as an exclusively electric vehicle, the Catalyst “Over the years, we haven’t been afraid to take big risks, vehicle delivers exceptional route flexibility and proven operational perform- because without taking risks, there is no reward. So far, the ance, with the greatest range of any zero-emission, battery-electric bus in its reward has been fantastic. We have confidence in ourselves class. and what we are willing to do. We all believe in each other Made with an advanced carbon-fiber-reinforced body and the market’s high- and what we can do as a team. It has been a fun ride. I’m est-efficiency batteries and electric drivetrains, the Catalyst bus is designed to looking forward to what it is going to look like a year from safely and quietly endure nearly two decades of on-road service, with minimal now and 10 years from now.” maintenance required. Proterra offers a modular, technology-centric approach to vehicle configu- Contact: Windy City Limousine, ration. Customers can choose from two vehicle sizes and can select their energy 2801 S. 25th Ave., Broadview, IL 60155. level, as well as charging solutions to meet the needs of their specific routes. Phone: 847-916-9300. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.windycitylimos.com. Proterra Inc. 1815 Rollins Road Burlingame, CA 94010 Phone: 864-438-0000 Continued From Page 47 Email: [email protected] Software: Website: www.proterra.com and hassle of maintaining a server. Interfaces with other Microsoft applications, while providing a quality, cost-effective solution. Dealers can realize significant savings by implementing real-time integration across all departments: Parts, Service, Finance, CRM, Accounting, Pay- Model ...... 40’ Catalyst E2 Max roll and Rental. 15 Seating Capacity...... 40 Length...... 42’6” Trapeze Group Height ...... 11’ 2” 5800 Explorer Dr., Mississaugua ON L4W 5K9 CANADA Width ...... 102” Phone: 905-629-8727 Engine...... Dual independent 190 kW motors Email: [email protected] Website: www.trapezegroup.com Type of fuel ...... Battery-Electric, up to 660 kWh Products: Transit Operations and Workforce Management, designed Chassis ...... Monocoque Carbon-fiber-reinforced to simplify scheduling, frequent sign-ups, complex pay rules and solve other logistical headaches; Transit Enterprise Asset Management, composite material which tracks equipment and infrastructure over time, extends their HVAC ...... Overhead integrated system lives and keeps them safe; Automated Fare Collection, designed for Wheelchair Lift Option...... Front ADA power wheelchair optimal cash management, provides agencies with fare media and pro- ramp (4:1, 6:1 slope) vides higher utility to existing investments; and Traveler Information Steering...... Power delivers schedule and real-time information to transit and paratransit Suspension ...... Multi-Link Air Ride rear suspension passengers. Transit scheduling and planning and paratransit scheduling and dispatch solutions provide flexibility for an agency, while business intelligence tools provide views of an agency’s data. 15 Page 56 BUSLINE May/June 2018 busline0518.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 4/24/18 10:32 AM Page 57

AngelTrax pany’s solutions enhance mobility and help REI See Ad On Page 44 meet the public transportation challenges of 6534 L St., Omaha, NE 68117 USA 119 S. Woodburn Dr., communities around the world. 18 402-339-2200 Dothan, AL 36305 USA Email: [email protected] 800-673-1788 EyeRide Website: www.radioeng.com Website: www.angeltrax.com 2520 SW 30th Ave. Products: REI is a customer-experience fo- Products: AngelTrax provides in-vehicle Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 USA cused, all-in-one solutions provider of pro- video surveillance solutions, including Vul- 888-668-6698 fessional automotive-grade electronics for can™ Series DVRs, cameras and patented Email: [email protected] the transportation industry. 18 mapping technology. 17 Website: www.eyerideonline.com Products: The company provides such Rosco Vision Systems Apollo Video Technology items as DVR camera surveillance sys- 90-21 144th Pl., Jamaica, NY 11435 USA See Ad On Page 44 tems; cameras for commercial trucks, 718-526-2601 24000 35th Ave., SE, buses and transit vehicles; GPS tracking Website: www.roscovision.com Bothell, WA 98021 USA systems for fleet vehicle management; mo- Products: Founded in 1907, Rosco provides 425-483-7100 bile Wi-Fi hotspot routers for buses and such items as backup camera systems, mirrors, Email: [email protected] motorcoaches; and electronic logbook and visors and other visual safety solutions to the Website: www.apollovideotechnology.com DVIR equipment. 18 worldwide commercial vehicle market. 18 Products: Comprehensive solutions for onboard video surveillance. Designed and iDrive Safety Vision manufactured specifically for bus and rail 249 N. Turnpike Rd. See Ad On Page 45 applications, the RoadRunner™ system and Santa Barbara, CA 93111 USA 6100 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. back-end ViM Software™ enhance fleet ef- 805-308-6094 Houston, TX 77041 USA ficiency, reduce maintenance and operating Email: [email protected] 800-880-8855 costs, increase accessibility of data, and Website: www.idriveglobal.com Email: [email protected] mitigate risk and liability. 18 Products: iDrive provides in-vehicle cam- Website: www.safetyvision.com era systems for motorcoach fleets. The Company Officers: Lucius McCelvy, ASA Electronics company provides multiple solutions such Mass Transit Sales Manager 2602 Marina Dr., Elkhart, IN 46514 USA as video event recorders, continuous record- Products: Safety Vision’s suite of mobile 574-266-3135 ing surveillance, fleet management software video recorders offer tough and lasting per- Website: www.ASAElectronics.com and/or live GPS tracking, all with one sys- formance in any transit environment. Products: The company has been designing tem to better manage fleets. The all-new Equipped with HD technology for high def- and manufacturing mobile electronic prod- iDrive X2 is a dual lens video event inition picture quality, Safety Vision’s solu- ucts for the marine, RV, powersports, agri- recorder with iDrive’s all new Visual tions deliver greater resolution at a lower cultural, construction, commercial vehicle Telematics®, combining live GPS tracking cost. Sophisticated and feature-rich soft- and bus industries since 1977. 18 with five second live video ability and si- ware supplies users with all the necessary multaneous continuous recording. The X2 playback and investigating tools needed. 18 Clever Devices, Inc. reduces accidents by 50 percent, saving 300 Crossways Park Dr. users money. Seon Woodbury, NY 11797 USA The iDrive D8 is an eight-camera contin- Unit 111 – 3B Burbidge St. 516-433-6100 uous recording mobile DVR unit, equipped Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B2 CANADA Email: [email protected] with a 250GB Solid State Hard Drive. Both 604-941-0880 Website: www.cleverdevices.com the X2 and D8 run together under the same Email: [email protected] Products: Clever Devices is a provider of infrastructure. All data is owned by the cus- Website: www.seon.com technology solutions for all modes of public tomer and can be accessed at any time once Products: Seon is a manufacturer of video transportation including fixed-route, bus downloaded to the dedicated iDrive base surveillance and fleet management solu- rapid transit, paratransit and rail. The com- station at the customer’s location. 18 tions for school and transit buses. 18

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INDUSTRY NEWS Ethan Sprengeler Joins MCI As Percy, president & transportation and paratransit services firm. Regional Sales Vice President CEO of the Niagara Nova Bus provides sustainable transit solu- Tourism & Convention tions in North America including hybrid electric Motor Coach Industries (MCI) has added Corporation in Niagara buses, high-capacity vehicles and integrated in- Ethan Sprengeler as regional sales vice president. Falls, NY, is vice chair- telligent transportation systems. For more infor- Sprengeler joined MCI on February 26, and is re- man. mation, visit www.novabus.com. sponsible for growing market sh are in new and “We are excited to pre-owned coach sales, reporting to P atricia have both Tom and RTA Receives Bus Safety Award Ziska, new coach sales vice president. John leading the ABA John Percy From APTA Previously, Sprengeler was a sales account Foundation this year,” executive with another company, where he sold said ABA Foundation The Greater Cleveland, OH, Regional Transit new and pre-owned President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “Both individ- Authority (RTA) has been awarded the Gold coaches throughout the uals have been leaders on the ABA board of di- Award for Bus Safety from the American Public Midwest. Before that, rectors as well as the ABA Foundation, and their Transportation Association (APTA). he held a sales role dedication to the Foundation ’s mission of sup- RTA, which is among the nation’s largest tran- with a digital business porting the motorcoach travel and tour industries sit systems, will be presented with the honor for service company after is impressive.” its achievements in safety, security and oper a- graduating from Be- midji State University, tions in May at the APTA Bus and Paratransit in Bemidji, MN. Prevost Regional Sales Manager Conference in Tampa, FL. An avid outdoorsman Serge Gonthier Named To “We’re proud that RTA’s transit professionals enjoying fishing, skiing Ethan Sprengeler OMCA Board Of Directors have achieved another milestone,” said RTA and golf, Sprengeler is CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese. based in his hometown of Minneapolis, MN, and Serge Gonthier, Pre- “We’ve worked as a team to achieve this out- at the Des Plaines, IL, MCI Sales and Service vost sales manager for standing honor, and I couldn’t be more proud.” Center. He can be reached at ethan.spren- its Quebec region, has RTA received the award for its adoption of [email protected] or 507-491-8164. been appointed to the Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles, Ontario Motor Coach said RTA’s Director of Safety Richard Czeck. ARBOC Hires Heidi Smart Association (OMCA) According to Czeck, “SMS relies on data to As Executive Assistant board of directors. understand emerging risk. It’s our agency-wide According to a press approach to managing safety. From the CEO ARBOC Specialty Vehicles LLC. (ARBOC), release, “Serving bus Serge Gonthier down, we’re committed to using data in a proac- a U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., and coach operators tive manner.” has added Heidi Smart as the executive assistant throughout Canada, the OMCA’s mission is to to Don Roberts, presi- enhance the safety and quality of its member Royal Excursion Acquires dent. companies through education, awareness and ad- Excursions Trailways Prior to her position vocacy for all facets of the motorcoach industry. with ARBOC, she OMCA reserves one position on its board of di- South Bend, IN-based Royal Excursion, with worked as a dealer rectors for a vehicle OEM product and service a fleet of more than 80 vehicles and more than sales representative at representative.” 200 employees, has acquired Excursions Trail- Glaval Bus for 12 years Gonthier takes his seat on the board this ways, a Fort Wayne, IN-based charter bus com- and as a sales coordina- month during OMCA’s Annual Meeting and pany. The transaction closed on January 4, 2018. tor at Goshen Coach Marketplace, replacing his predecessor, Guy Terms of the acquisition were not released. for seven years. In the Heidi Smart Tessier of Motor Coach Industries (MCI). With the closing, Royal Excursion, a charter past, she also worked bus and luxury transportation provider in northern Indiana, and serving the greater Midwest, has with special needs adults, providing life skill Ray Little, New VP Sales For Nova Bus grown considerably. Excursions Trailways travels training and transportation to medical treatment. throughout the United States and Canada from its She is also a mentor for high risk children. For Ray Little has been appointed vice president locations in Fort Wayne, and Ottawa, OH. more information, visit www.arbocsv.com of sales, North America, for Nova Bus. Along Founded in 2000 by Thomas Bazow and Pat with his team, he oversees growth across North O’Brian, two full-time teachers, Excursions Tom JeBran New Chair America, particularly Trailways grew into a fleet of 20 buses, from a Of ABA Foundation in the United States. single bus. The company serves corporate and In his 25 years of ex- group outings. Customers include semi-pro, The American Bus perience, Little has collegiate and high-school athletic teams, Association Founda- held several executive- church groups, students and family-focused tion has announced its level positions. He also groups. Excursions Trailways is also certified by 2018 leadership offi- founded and led, for the United States Department of Defense, and cers. Tom JeBran, nearly two decades, a authorized to carry the men and women serving president of Trans- company that supports in the U.S. military, a certification held by fewer Bridge Lines in Beth- transit clients in driving Ray Little than 10 percent of the motorcoach companies lehem, PA, has been profitability. Until re- nationally, according to a press release. named chairman of the cently, he served as vice president of business de- Visit Royal Excursion at www.royalexcur- Tom JeBran foundation, and John velopment for MV Transportation, a private custom sion.com. Page 58 BUSLINE May/June 2018 busline0518.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 4/24/18 10:32 AM Page 59

Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuring… Broward County Transit Has 30 New 2018 MCI Commuter Coaches Thirty new MCI Commuter Coaches have been added to a fleet, including 14 other MCI Commuter Coaches purchased in 2014 and 2015, at Broward County Florida’s Express Bus Service. Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, “Broward County Transit’s (BCT) Express Bus Service, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, runs on a Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out managed lane network via I-95 and I-595 to Miami-Dade County (815) 562-5840 and, coming soon, via I-75 to Miami-Dade County. BCT’s Express Bus Service provides service to the two largest-populated counties in Florida with daily trips from nine Park & Ride locations that are free for Express riders. “The new coaches were sold to BCT at an approximate price of $18 million and delivered in December 2017.” The MCI Commuter Coach features Wi-Fi, forward-facing, high-back seats, LED reading lights, power outlets, pullout bike storage trays and wheelchair lifts. Designed for higher speeds, Super Salad Bar by-the-pound! the Buy-America-compliant, Altoona-tested, MCI Commuter Stromboli, Pizza, Pasta & more! Coach uses a high-floor design that raises passengers and the Hand-Dipped Ice Cream! driver above traffic and features a long-travel suspension for a smooth ride. Safety features include electronic stability control, (815) 561-9595 tire pressure monitoring and fire suppression, plus a clean-diesel engine for near-zero emissions. Designated Bus Parking and Broward County Transit (BCT) serves the area with nearly 40 million rides to customers annually. It operates 44 routes within Pull-Thru Fueling Island 410 square miles of Broward County, and provides service to parts of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. For more information about BCT, visit broward.org/BCT, and Bus Drivers & Tour for information about the MCI Commuter Coach, visit www.mcicoach.com. Guides Eat free! Mini-Mall — 2 Stores Rural And Intercity Transit with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping! Conference To Begin ATM,Major Credit Cards accepted. September 30 In Breckenridge, CO Plans have been announced for the 23rd National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation in Breckenridge, CO. This bi-an- I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99 nual conference, which got its start in 1976 in Greensboro, NC, will be held this year, September 30 - October 3. The year’s conference will focus Rochelle, IL on improving rural, regional and intercity mobility options in the U.S. The conference will cover topics concerning rural public transit, tribal OPEN 24 HOURS and intercity bus operations, highlighting current applied research and best practices. Featured keynote speaker, Donna Griggs, will discuss how to manage change. Please call ahead! For more information, visit www.www.ribtc.org. May/June 2018 BUSLINE Page 59 busline0518.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 4/24/18 10:32 AM Page 60

ARBOC Produces 3,000th Bus Portugal Adds 8 12-Meter BYD Buses “In 2008, ARBOC Specialty Vehicles produced its first bus, and now, BYD has entered a new market for its pure electric ebuses, Portugal 10 years later, it celebrates the production of its 3,000th bus with a new joins Spain as an operator of the BYD ebus. customer, the City of Sarnia, located in Ontario, Canada,” said ARBOC. The Coimbra Municipal Public Transportation Service, SMTUC, has “The City of Sarnia is excited to modernize its fleet with the addition placed an order for eight pure electric 12-meter BYD buses. of eight new ARBOC buses. These new vehicles provide mobility and convenience, allowing us to serve our citizens efficiently today and into the future,” said David Jackson, manager of development and transportation for the City of Sarnia. Under a Metrolinx contract procured by Cre- ative Carriage in Ontario, Canada, the 3,000th bus is a low floor, fully accessible Spirit of Freedom.

Pictured, left to right, are Isbrand Ho, managing director at BYD Europe, and Manuel Augusto Soares Machado, president of the Coimbra municipality.

BYD Begins Operations In Capital

Creative Carriage has supported ARBOC for several years. “It has been City Of Brazil With New Electric Bus a great privilege for Creative Carriage to deliver ARBOC’s 3,000th bus Bus operator, Piracicabana, has launched new electric buses in the city to the City of Sarnia,” said Bob Dunn, president of Creative Carriage. of Brasília, Brazil´s capital. Rodrigo Rollemberg, governor of the Brasilia “Congratulations to everyone at ARBOC Specialty Vehicles for reaching Federal District, attended the launch. Governor Rollemberg highlighted a truly tremendous milestone. It is great to work with the industry leader the benefits of having electric buses in the city. and innovator in mid-size, low floor buses.” “We are moving quickly towards sustainable mobility. And, we hope to “We could not be more pleased to collaborate with the City of Sarnia expand the electric bus fleet for the entire federal district.” on this momentous bus,” stated Don Roberts, president of ARBOC. “With He also mentioned plans to apply tax incentives for electricity to power a well-established dealer like Creative Carriage, that has been supporting electric buses for public transportation. ARBOC since the beginning, we are certain the City of Sarnia, and its customers, will be happy with the vehicle and the support it receives after delivery.”

Calgary Transit Orders 137 Spirit Of Freedom Buses

ARBOC also announced that Calgary Transit has confirmed a contract for 137 fully accessible, low-floor, cutaway Spirit of Freedom buses. “The contract, which supports rejuvenation of community shuttles within Calgary Transit’s 100 percent accessible fleet, was se- cured by Crestline Coach Ltd., ARBOC’s dealer in seven New BYD electric bus D9W provinces in Canada,” said manufactured in collaboration with Marcopolo. ARBOC. “The Freedom exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act BYD D9W uses a BYD chassis produced at the company’s Brazilian (ADA) guidelines with a 1:5 ramp slope. Built on a conventional GM factory in Campinas, and a Marcopolo Torino bus body. It is a 100 percent G4500 chassis with the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) spring electric bus chassis for application in bus bodies up to 13.2-meters long. suspension, it provides a single, non-discriminatory patented angled and With a 300-km driving range and zero-emissions, it offers a quiet opera- accessible entranceway, eliminating the need for riders to navigate steps.” tion. With a low floor, as well as pneumatic front and rear suspension, it Calgary Transit, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has 1,155 active provides comfort, universal accessibility and a smooth ride. The bus also accessible vehicles in service. has air conditioning and low maintenance costs. For more information, visit www.arbocsv.com. For more information, visit www.byd.com. Page 60 BUSLINE May/June 2018 busline0518.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 4/24/18 10:32 AM Page 61

Cardinal Transportation Takes Delivery Of Two 2018 Van Hool TX45s “Roy Alonso founded Cardinal Transportation in 2000, and has since grown the company into a large and diversified transportation company in central Ohio. With a fleet of over 59 vehicles, including 23 full-size motorcoaches, shuttle buses, limousines and towncars, Cardinal can provide transportation options for both large and small groups. Offerings includes charter and tour — both local and national — airport transportation, chauffeured limousine services, along with a variety of contract services. “Alonso’s career in the transportation industry began when he was 18, as a student bus driver with The Ohio State University’s Transportation Department. He later advanced to operations manager for its Campus Bus & Charter Bus Division,” said Van Hool. “I enjoyed this type of work, and decided I wanted to do it for myself,” said Alonso. was a good fit with Cardinal’s business plan, and allowed a bigger footprint in central Ohio. The owners helped with the transition and continue as part-time employees today. Cardinal completed its new 33,000-square-foot facility in October 2017, which houses all operations under one roof. Situated on five acres of mostly paved parking area, the structure features indoor coach parking spaces along with maintenance booths. With three full-time mechanics on staff, the majority of the maintenance work is done in-house. The company also has a new fueling station. Jamey Rismiller, operations manager, has been with the company for over 10 years and, according to Alonso, will “help take us to the next level.” Alonso said, “I decided on the Van Hool product primarily because of the customer service that ABC Companies provides — before and after the sale.” Both new 56-passenger Van Hool TX45s are equipped with 450 HP engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, and feature leather seats with fabric inserts and three-point seat belts. Optional features include passenger side-window shades, woodgrain flooring, enclosed parcel racks, Pictured left to right are Roy Alonso, Cardinal Transportation and cup holders. There is on-board Wi-Fi, multi-media interface and mon- president, and Jamey Rismiller, operations manager. itors, and 110V USB outlets. Van Hool standard safety features include antilock braking system, automatic traction control, electronic stability According to ABC Companies, Cardinal Transportation began as a control, lane departure warning system, a fire suppression system, daytime black-car service with the acquisition of a small limo company in 2000, running lights and adaptive static light system. Cardinal’s graphic package utilizing full-sized sedans and SUVs for corporate transportation. Over was produced and installed by ABC Companies in its Winter Garden, FL, time, the fleet expanded to include shuttle vehicles and full-size motor- location prior to delivery of these coaches. coaches. Two years ago, the owners of America Interstate, a friendly com- For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or petitor, wanted to retire, and Alonso was ready to expand. The company visit www.abc-companies.com.

Complete Coach Works Wins Two First Place Awards In APTA’s 2018 Annual Ad Wheel Awards Competition Complete Coach Works (CCW) was awarded first place in two categories of APTA’s 2018 Annual Ad Wheel Awards Competition. In September 2017, CCW competed against more than 360 entries in 14 advertising categories. All submissions were evaluated by 60 industry experts. CCW was ranked first in two of the 14 categories. According to a press release, “CCW won the first category, Educational – Print Media, for the print ad, ‘Trusted for Decades,’ that was published in 2017. The ad conveyed the history of the Carson family line, and its dedication to public transportation since 1945. “The second category, Educational – Social Media, CCW winner was the photo album of the ‘Creation of the CCW American Bus.’ This gallery begins with a product concept sketch drawn on a piece of paper and finishes with an authentic photograph displaying the CCW American Bus suspended in mid-air at the 2017 APTA Expo in Atlanta, GA. The album was a unique way of showcasing how CCW comes together as a team in all departments from beginning to end.” Dale E. Carson, president of CCW, said, “I am so proud of our creative team, from the administrative staff to those working in production. These awards were made possible by the entire company and the employees’ daily efforts to serve CCW customers.” Complete Coach Works (CCW) is a bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company and provider of transportation solutions with over 30 years of service to the transportation industry. For more information, visit www.completecoach.com.

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Prevost Sponsorship Helps BISC Advance Safety Mission “Prevost announces its recent agreement to sponsor the Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC), in the interest of advancing overall bus safety for all operators and bus and coach passengers,” said the company. “Under the umbrella of the American Bus Association (ABA), BISC is a collective of safety-minded individuals who embody every role of the bus and coach industry, addressing every safety concern from shop safety, driver training to vehicle technology and regulatory compliance. “As part of the Volvo Group, Prevost heralds its safety mission as a core value and guiding principle. Building on its legacy, the Volvo 9700 coach continues to set the highest safety standards possible. Ad- vanced systems for driver assistance, high-efficiency brakes, seat MetroLINK Debuts Proterra belts and world-class protective structures are standard Volvo safety features.” Battery-Electric Bus Fleet In IL Earlier in April, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit Dis- trict (MetroLINK in Moline, IL) debuted its battery-electric bus fleet at a ribbon cutting ceremony. “The three 40-foot buses, manufactured by Proterra, will help achieve MetroLINK’s continuing vision in developing a sustainable Quad Cities through voluntary efforts in reducing vehicle emissions, building efficient and sustainable infrastructure, and communicating transit’s environmental benefits to the community,” according to MetroLink. “The battery-electric bus project was supported primarily with funds provided through the Illi- nois Department of Transportation’s award of a Federal Transit Adminis- tration (FTA) Clean Fuels grant, and an additional FTA 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities grant.” According to a press release, “In 2002, MetroLINK began a clean-air initiative with the introduction of clean-burning compressed natural gas Zero Accident Vision, Volvo’s definitive goal of its safety initiative, buses. With 80 percent of the fleet currently running on compressed natural is to ensure no Volvo vehicle is ever involved in an accident. gas, the introduction of battery-electric buses was the next step in envi- “We have always put safety first, as do the members of BISC,” ronmentally sustainable fleet technology. Fueled with electricity, the buses said Michael Power, vice president, marketing, Prevost and Nova have 30 percent fewer parts, with no liquid fuel or oil changes, thus re- Bus. “It is in our DNA to plan and design vehicles that lead the in- ducing maintenance labor costs.” dustry in safety and protection. Our hope for our sponsorship of BISC Jennifer Hirsch, manager of administration for MetroLINK, said, “We is to help instill all bus and coach operators with a similarly robust are the first public transit system in Illinois to introduce purpose built bat- safety philosophy.” tery-electric buses to our fleet, which speaks to the innovation and forward ABA’s goal in founding BISC in 1999 was for it to serve as a forum thinking of our leadership team. We want to continue to provide our riders for bus and coach operators, safety directors, maintenance supervisors and community with eco-friendly transit options, as well as the most mod- as well as OEMs, vendors and government agencies to focus on ad- ern experience. We are beyond excited to introduce the Proterra battery- vancements in safe bus and motorcoach operations. electric buses to the Quad Cities community, and can’t wait for Quad “Speaking for all BISC members, we greatly appreciate the citizens to take a ride on the future of public transportation.” tremendous boost Prevost brings to our efforts through its sponsor- The public debut of the battery-electric buses came on the heels of a re- ship,” said BISC Chairman Alan Smith, safety director, Greyhound cent award of $3.165 million in Federal Transportation Administration Lines, Dallas, TX. “Not only do we have the backing and support of 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities funds to MetroLINK for the purchase of five a truly, quality company that shares our vision, BISC is now in a po- additional Proterra battery-electric buses and charging equipment. sition to grow and develop from Prevost’s vast safety research and resources.” “We appreciate the commitment and foresight Prevost brings to this sponsorship,” said ABA President/CEO Peter Pantuso. “Prevost will not only help BISC grow its membership and reach new heights, the company will further establish itself as one of the pre-eminent safety leaders in the motorcoach industry.” Prevost manufactures intercity touring coaches and produces conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com. For more information, visit Proterra at www.proterra.com.

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