July 1, 2011

Bus operators: Congress eyes busload of safety measures WASHINGTON — For two-and- What makes the maelstrom par- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- er, United Tours in North Carolina, Seatbelt issue one-half years, the safety bull’s eye ticularly galling to many in the indus- ministration Administrator Anne S. was using unqualified drivers. And a on the back of the motorcoach indus- try is that it appears to be primarily Ferro said the rash of incidents that third, JCT Motor Coach of East Point, try has been growing ever larger as the result of “a few bad actors,” began earlier this year, resulting in 25 Ga., was charged with falsifying ve- still big worry high-profile crashes, egregious safe- screwing things up for everyone else. deaths and scores of injuries, has be- hicle maintenance records and using ty practices and irresponsible opera- At the hearing before the impor- come the “worst period in recent his- drivers that tested positive for drugs ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The tors thrust the industry deeper into tant House Transportation and Infra- tory” for the over-the-road bus and alcohol, problems that have ex- looming issue of seatbelts in mo- the clutches of regulators, Congress structure Committee, much of the at- industry. isted for more than two years. torcoaches continues to be the and the news media. tention focused on giving regulators Her statement came after a week- Ferro said her agency is commit- leading area of concern for bus And, as a Congressional hearing the tools and wherewithal to better end during which her agency de- ted to an “all-out crackdown” on ille- company owners and managers, a last month made clear, the torrent of identify and take action against bad clared three operators “imminent gal passenger carriers. new survey of operator members new regulations, stepped-up enforce- actors that are ignoring laws and safety hazards” and shut them down. Since Jan. 1, the FMCSA has is- of the United Motorcoach Asso- ment, expanded inspection regimens, rules, crashing in disproportionate One of the companies, Haines sued out-of-service orders for 18 op- ciation shows. greater Congressional scrutiny, and numbers, and giving the industry an Tour in Michigan, was caught carry- erators, with another 15 orders More than 93 percent of the heightened media attention isn’t unwanted and largely undeserved ing passengers in the luggage bay. pending. operators responding to the sur- going away anytime soon. black eye. (See related story on Page 8.) Anoth- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c vey indicated they were very con- cerned or somewhat concerned about the “seatbelt issue.” A year ago, 88 percent of the Court strikes blow against charter rule operators participating in the WASHINGTON — A federal versity sports teams without fear Supreme Court appeal. came in a lawsuit filed last year same annual survey said they appeals court has dealt the motor- of being punished by the Federal “We probably will not appeal against the FTA by UMA and the were very concerned or some- coach industry a severe blow to its Transit Administration. this ruling to the courts,” said Vic- American Bus Association after what concerned about the issue. long-running effort to prevent any Such shuttles are generally tor S. Parra, president and chief the amendment was passed by The National Highway Traffic softening of the federal charter prohibited under the federal char- executive of the United Motor- Congress and signed into law by Safety Administration is current- service rule. ter service rule and public transit coach Association. President Obama. ly developing rules covering the The U.S. Court Appeals for the agencies that violate it can face He noted the Supreme Court The amendment, which was at- installation of seatbelts in new District of Columbia overturned a civil penalties, including the loss accepts very few cases and it prob- tached to a U.S. Department of motorcoaches. year-old lower court ruling that of federal transit funds. ably would be very difficult to be Transportation appropriations bill The big uncertainty — and a had declared the so-called Murray Industry executives expressed heard at that level, especially since by Washington Democrat Sen. primary cause of operator anxiety Amendment unconstitutional. disappointment with the decision the court ruling made it clear that Patty Murray, was worded so the over the issue — is whether the The reversal clears the way for and vowed to step up their drive to Congress establishes laws and that FTA could not spend an money to federal rule will extend to retrofit- King County Metro in Seattle to get rid of the amendment, appar- is exactly what it did when it ad- enforce the charter rule against ting seatbelts in existing coaches, operate charter shuttle bus service ently by working through Con- opted the amendment. King County Metro. and whether at some point Con- for the city’s professional and uni- gress rather than through a U.S. The appeals court decision CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c gress might get in on the act and mandate seatbelts for all coaches. More UMA members partici- pating in this year’s survey, versus Court OKs firing for medical marijuana use those participating last year, think OLYMPIA, Wash. — The the pseudonym Jane Roe, was sentative, contingent upon refer- that month, upon receiving the posi- seatbelts will improve the safety Washington Supreme Court has pulled out of a training class after a ence and background checks, and tive drug test, she was terminated. of passengers (49.7 percent ver- ruled that a company was within week on the job and was fired be- a negative drug screening. Roe filed a wrongful termina- sus 45.1 percent). its rights when it fired a woman — cause she failed a pre-employment The policy emphasized that tion lawsuit, saying TeleTech ter- Regarding other hot button is- with a valid medical marijuana drug test. noncompliance would result in minated her employment in viola- sues, nearly 63 percent of the UMA card — after she tested positive for According to court documents, being ineligible for employment. tion of the Washington State operators returning surveys indi- marijuana. Jane Roe was under the care of a Upon getting the job offer, Roe Medical Use of Marijuana Act and cated fatigue was a concern in their The woman, who was fired in doctor who authorized her to use informed TeleTech of her medical in violation of a clear public policy company. Virtually the same per- 2006, sued and lost on an 8-1 vote, medical marijuana to treat her de- marijuana use, and offered to pro- allowing medical marijuana use in centage of operators said they have with the court saying that even bilitating headaches, which caused vide the company with a copy of compliance with the state medical a fatigue management program. with a valid medical marijuana chronic pain, nausea, blurred vi- her doctor’s authorization. She marijuana use act. Related to that issue, only 25 card and even with no claims from sion and sensitivity to light. also noted she only used the medi- TeleTech asserted that the Med- percent of the operators surveyed the company that she was working The case had its origins in Oc- cal marijuana at her home. The ical Use of Marijuana Act does not said they operate overnight charter while impaired, the company was tober 2006, when a company company declined a copy. provide employment protections to bus service or overnight scheduled still within its rights in firing her. called TeleTech offered Roe a po- Roe took a drug test and began medical marijuana users or a civil CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c The plaintiff, who sued under sition as a customer service repre- training for work as a CSR. But later CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c Get Ready To Beat The Heat 800.882.8054 with our Setra Summer Preventive Maintenance Package Offer expires 8/31/2011 www.daimler-busna.com ABC C o m p A n i e s FeaturedFeatured Pre-OwnedPre-Owned EquipmentEquipment available Now at abC Companies New Jersey

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Only two of the six working on the plan have cau- them, intercity carriers getting 28 city carriers and tour-and-charter moting around-the-clock bus major intercity operators serving tioned there might not be enough and the district-run circulator bus operators to share the facility. parking, and many tour-and-char- Washington currently have space in room for everyone. buses getting three. The intercity However, the plan being devel- ter operators began leaving their the garage for their operations and “At this stage of the design bus spots would include 12 for oped by Sam Schwartz Engineer- coaches in the 90-space garage others are pushing to join them. process, SSE has not determined Greyhound Lines and its BoltBus ing would only permit the tour- while passengers visited Union “We are trying to meet the whether it will be possible to ac- sister company, 11 for megabus. and-charter buses to load and Station, one of the most-visited needs of the intercity buses and the commodate the ideal number of com, two each for DC2NY and unload passengers at the busy destinations in Washington, and drop-off and pick-up needs of the berths determined for each carrier, Washington Deluxe, and one for transportation hub and not park other nearby tourist attractions or tour buses,” noted Nzinga Baker, as well as for projected tour bus the KnowItExpress. there as many now do. jumped on sightseeing buses vice president of the redevelop- activity,” the company said in a Baker said a final proposal is Instead, the tour buses would around the Capital Mall. ment corporation that manages the memo sent to the development expected to be ready for review have to park elsewhere, including Development of the plan to federally owned Union Station. corporation. this month. BusRates.com implements ‘all-encompassing’ website ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Bus- directory solely of bus and motor- aimed at making planning for a needed and began to work with our “These enhancements improve Rates.com launched a much ex- coach companies used by group motorcoach trip easier and less partners at NTA to make BusRates. the user’s experience by allowing panded and revamped website last travel planners and individuals time consuming. com a more full-service resource.” them to more easily find the bus month. looking to charter a bus. “We are excited to be provid- In addition to expanding its company and other travel suppliers Working with NTA and the Launched six years ago, the ing a straightforward, all-encom- reach, the site has also gone through with whom they want to do busi- United Motorcoach Association, site has become an overwhelming passing process for group planners a redesign to improve operability ness,” said Elliott. the site has been expanded to in- success, drawing visits by more and tour operators to find new for both users and subscribers. “They can now see more de- clude a wider spectrum of the than 100,000 group travel planners group destinations for their travel- Expanded maps and featured tailed search results, photos and group travel market, offering list- monthly. ers,” said Eric Elliott, program content on the site help users learn see other customers’ reviews to ings for hotels, restaurants, attrac- With the addition of travel in- manager for BusRates.com. about the options for a given desti- quickly and easily make an in- tions, events and other group ac- dustry supplier listings, the site “When our customers started nation, and listed companies now formed decision when booking tivities. (See April 15 Bus & has increased from 1,000 listings looking for the group contacts for have the ability to post more im- their group travel.” Motorcoach News.) to more than 7,500, making it a hotels, restaurants, attractions, and ages, brochures and social media To learn more, go to www.Bus- Until now, the site has been a more comprehensive resource the like, we knew a change was links to enhance their listing. Rates.com. 4 July 1, 2011 Bus & Motorcoach News

USEPA proposes tougher guidelines for SCR engines WASHINGTON — The pollu- tention that SCR systems are easily around SCR systems. American Trucking Associations highly effective controls to protect tion control systems most diesel en- circumvented. In a test conducted by a contrac- and Cummins Engine showing that the operation of SCR systems.” gine manufacturers are using to meet “EPA does not believe Navistar’s tor Navistar hired, drivers operated the overwhelming majority of driv- The agency now contends, how- current federal emission standards finding reflect the overall efficacy SCR trucks for extended periods ers do not wait for warning systems ever, that revisions are needed be- have been effective, but technical de- of SCR systems on heavy-duty die- without DEF, ran engines with water to go off before they refill their DEF cause of new developments in SCR velopments justify tougher guide- sel engines currently in operation or rather than DEF and manipulated tanks. If the warnings did go off, the technology. lines, says the U.S. Environmental the way they are actually used,” the DEF warning systems. drivers tended to refill before in- New sensors are better able to Protection Agency. agency said in its proposal released But the agency said that these ducements such as engine slowdown detect poor quality DEF, for exam- New guidance issued by the last month. findings arose from deliberate at- took effect, the agency said. ple, and engine manufacturers have agency for selective catalytic reduc- Navistar, the only diesel engine tempts to circumvent the systems, The evidence shows that the in- been improving their inducement tion systems specifies requirements manufacturer that does not use SCR and it contends that most drivers ducements that are now required are systems. for warning drivers when the sys- technology to meet the 2010 stan- make the effort to comply. working, the agency said. “It appears Specifically, the agency is sug- tems are running low on diesel ex- dard, had challenged the standard on The EPA cited surveys by the that manufacturers’ past SCR designs gesting that the DEF warning sys- haust fluid. grounds that drivers could get California Air Resources Board, and EPA’s guidance have resulted in tem should have a dashboard or The proposed guidelines also message center light and possibly an call for slowing the vehicle down to Regular as rain, problems with IFTA vehicle decals audible signal when the level is low, 5 mph if the DEF tank runs down to and that the signals should increase CHANDLER, Ariz. — One of decal violations, others impose ru- Neither state feels the problems empty or the SCR dosing is not in intensity as the DEF tank ap- the nuisances of licensing through inous audit assessments if carriers are widespread enough to warrant a working, and it would require the proaches empty. the International Fuel Tax Agree- are careless about their decal in- recall of the decals, but both will system to identify and respond to The proposed guidance also ment is dealing with IFTA vehicle ventories, and, every year, one or issue free replacements to carriers poor-quality DEF. would require a system for detecting decals. more states’ decals cause trouble that request them. Plus, it proposes guidelines for poor quality DEF, or the use of some As one trucking industry by falling off or fading out. To contact the appropriate folks better tamper resistance. fluid other than DEF, within an hour newsletter observed, these creden- This year, Virginia and Ver- in Virginia, call the state Depart- In its discussion of the pro- of it being introduced. Detection tials are essentially worthless for mont have reported to IFTA that ment of Motor Vehicles at (804) posed guidelines, the agency re- should be followed by warnings and fuel-tax enforcement, some states some of their 2011 decals are 249-5140. For Vermont, call its jects Navistar International’s con- inducements. impose terrific fines for trivial cracking, peeling or falling off. DMV at (802) 828-2070. RELIABLE HIGH-OUTPUT POWER

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2021 Lee Street | Evanston IL, 60202 | USA C.E. Niehoff & Co. Phone: (847) 866 - 6030 | Fax: (847) 492 - 1242 CHARGING AND POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS [email protected] | www.CENiehoff.com Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET July 1, 2011 5 Fuel efficiency proposal Colorado law sets idling limits DENVER — Colorado has a not more stringent. However, local However, an exception for gets White House study new law that limits idling of com- authorities are not required to en- cold temperatures kicks in when WASHINGTON — The first- one year for heavily used over- mercial vehicles, including pas- force the state standard. the thermostat dips below 10 de- ever heavy bus and truck fuel-ef- the-road commercial vehicles. senger buses. The city and county of Denver grees or if the temperature has ficiency proposal has been sent to The National Research Coun- Gov. John Hickenlooper now limit idling to 10 minutes been below 20 degrees for the pre- the White House Office of Man- cil, which issued a report early signed the bill that sets the new each hour. vious 24 hours. Under such cir- agement and Budget for review. last year that formed the back- statewide idling standard for com- Violators of the state legisla- cumstances, idling is allowed for Although details of the joint bone of the proposed rule, says mercial vehicles weighing in ex- tion face fines of up to $150. Re- up to 20 minutes per hour. proposal from the U.S. Environ- that advanced technologies could cess of 14,000 pounds. (See May peat offenses could result in up to The list of other circumstances mental Protection Agency and the lower fuel consumption in motor- 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) $500 fines. that exempt operators from the re- National Highway Traffic Safety coaches by up to 32 percent by As of July 1, affected vehicles Under measure HB1275, bus striction is lengthy. Valid reasons Administration remain secret, 2020. (See May 15, 2010, Bus & will be limited to idling for no operators would be able to idle to idle include situations when the press accounts suggest it remains Motorcoach News.) more than five minutes per hour. coaches for up to five minutes in vehicle is stuck in traffic; when little changed from when it was However, achieving the im- There are exceptions. any 60-minute period to maintain the vehicle is being serviced, or at introduced in October. proved fuel economy would cost Communities are authorized to passenger comfort while nondriv- the direction of a law enforcement That proposal would cut emis- an estimated $36,350 per bus, ac- adopt the idling standard — if it is er passengers are on board. officer. sions from large commercial ve- cording to the report, which said hicles by 7 to 20 percent by 2017, it would be a cost-effective ex- depending on the size of a vehicle pense if the price of fuel is $1.70 Oregon adopts 5-minute idling law and the way it is used. per gallon or higher. The proposal would take ef- Diesel fuel currently averages SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is resentatives objected to a pre- weight rating that is greater than getting a law that limits idling by emption clause that prohibits cit- 10,000 pounds. fect with 2014 models and ratchet just under $4 per gallon nationwide. commercial vehicles to five min- ies and counties from adopting Exceptions in the bill include up through 2018 models. The standards would apply to utes an hour. Like similar legisla- stricter standards. idling to: President Obama announced the manufacturers of both engines tion elsewhere, the new measure Backers supported a single • Maintain the comfort of in May of last year that the EPA and vehicles, not to the compa- has a list of exceptions. statewide standard so drivers commercial bus passengers while and NHTSA would team up to nies that use them. House Bill 2081 cleared the wouldn’t have to worry about dif- passengers are on board. create the proposed rules. (See Engine makers have said the Oregon House in April and was ferent rules in different places. • Deal with traffic. June 1, 2010, Bus & Motorcoach 2014 fuel standard is attainable, approved by the state Senate last The penalty for violating the • Maintenance, service, repair News.) The rules would raise the but that future reductions in car- month. The legislation was re- law is $180 and would be levied or diagnostic purposes or for par- cost of buses, trucks and the die- bon emissions will be challenging quested by Gov. John Kitzhaber. against drivers, not the owners of ticulate matter trap regeneration. sel engines most of them use, but and costly. The bill was adopted by the commercial vehicles. • Comply with state or federal the government says the payback The final rule is expected to House by 34-26, a narrower mar- The law applies to commercial inspections to verify that all equip- in fuel savings would be as fast as be released by July 30. gin than earlier tries. Several rep- vehicles with a gross vehicle ment is in good working order.

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BITZER U.S., Inc. To learn more, visit www.bitzerus.com Phone: 770-503-9226 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 6 July 1, 2011 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Getting the message: States reducing corporate taxes Three more states have cut serves to reduce the state surplus. ties and included a gross receipts U.S. rates remain near top and sales taxes on business pur- their corporate taxes, one as a part Effective this year, the corporate tax element. The tax also featured WASHINGTON — A study by chases and asset-based taxes that of a major business tax reform. tax rates are reduced by about 20 large tax breaks for favored indus- the libertarian Cato Institute says serve to raise the rate. In Indiana, legislation (H.B. percent (in the highest bracket, to tries. The new tax covers only C the marginal effective corporate The report notes that many 1004) effective in July 2012 will 5.15 percent to 6.4 percent). (regular) corporations. Pass- tax rate in the United States is the countries have begun lowering reduce that state’s relatively high Personal income taxes are re- through entities are exempt from second highest of any country in their corporate taxes to improve corporate tax rate to 6.5 percent duced by a similar proportion it, and there are essentially no the Organization for Economic the competitiveness of their busi- from 8.5 over four years. (from 4.86 to 3.99 percent in the credits. Cooperation and Development, nesses, with the result that the av- To pay for the change, which is top bracket). The change to the The change is offset by $2 bil- which includes the world’s major erage rate among the OECD na- estimated at $80 million in lost corporate rates will cost some $25 lion in new personal income taxes, developed countries. tions is 18.6 percent. revenue to the state during the year million and the change to the indi- mostly on pension income and Only Japan has a higher rate. Cato suggests the U.S. would the transition is final, the bill elim- vidual rates roughly $120 million. from reductions in the state earned That country had been scheduled have to cut its statutory corporate inates net operating loss carry- In Michigan, whose longer- income tax credit. to lower its tax this year but the tax rate to below 20 percent for the backs and the exemption for inter- term fiscal prospects are as dire as Earlier this year, Arizona ap- nuclear disaster has delayed those effective rate to come below the est earned on government bonds any state in the country, the legis- proved a 30 percent reduction in plans. OECD average, and adds that state issued by other states. lation (H.B. 4361 and 4362) elimi- that state’s corporate income tax, That leaves the U.S. No. 2, tax reforms would help in this re- Indiana made the move to im- nates the complex and unpopular to be phased in by 2018. The mea- with a federal effective rate of spect too. prove its economic competi- Michigan business tax and replac- sure will cut the state rate to 4.9 about 34.6 percent on new invest- In a summary of the Cato tiveness. es it with a flat corporate income percent from nearly 7 percent. ment, and state corporate rates av- study, The State Laws Newsletter In North Dakota, which tax and higher income taxes on Arizona’s move is designed to eraging 5 to 6 percent. pointed out that many of those skipped the recent recession by individuals. give the state one of the lowest Cato said its calculations take urging a rate reduction for the fed- virtue of swelling energy reve- The old business tax covered rates in the nation among states into account depreciation, deduc- eral corporate tax add that it must nues, new legislation (H.B. 1047) all but the smallest business enti- that impose a corporate levy. tions and credits that lower taxes, be accompanied by broader re- forms of the federal personal in- come tax as well — if the changes Big NYC contract for articulated buses goes to Nova Bus are not to hurt smaller businesses, NEW YORK CITY — MTA burgh plant in upstate New York. customize our product to address expected to take place between many of which are no longer orga- New York City Transit has ordered “Nova Bus is proud to contin- the unique operational needs of August 2011 and April 2013. They nized as traditional corporations. 328 Nova Bus articulated buses. ue its partnership with MTA New New York City.” will be equipped with Cummins Find the Cato study, entitled The contract is valued at $231 mil- York City Transit,” said Nova Bus A test fleet of 90 articulated engines and ZF transmissions. New Estimates of Effective Cor- lion, or the equivalent of $704,000 President and CEO Gilles Dion. Nova Buses was introduced in Nova Bus is a sister company porate Tax Rates on Business In- per bus. The 62-foot artics will be “Since 2009, our teams have 2009-2010. of Prevost Car and a subsidiary of vestment, at www.cato.org/pubs/ assembled in Nova Bus’ Platts- worked in close collaboration to Delivery of the 328 buses is Volvo. tbb/tbb_64.pdf.

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• E Contains NO formaldehyde N Y L V D I • R N Biodegradable, enviro-friendly O IE N R M -F ENTALLY • Safe and easy to use BUY DIRECT! CALL 800-423-5350 Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2011 7 Senator calls for bus operators to display safety rating WASHINGTON — In many the internet or have no idea where pany’s safety record before they daylong drives to casinos and other try whose economic model often places across the U.S., safety in- to find the scores on the net or how ever board a bus.” tourist sites have been involved in results in fatigued drivers on the spectors hand out letter grades to to interpret them. Such a system, Schumer said, accidents in several states this road at night or in the early morn- restaurants — as an indication of “If bus companies have a poor also would reward companies with year, resulting in increased calls ing when their bodies naturally their compliance with food safety safety record passengers should strong safety records and serve as for more safety measures at the crave sleep,” said Schumer. laws, and require them to post the know about it before they purchase an incentive for companies to im- state and national level. He said regulators need to de- scores prominently. a ticket,” Schumer said. “It is cru- prove their safety records. “Safety advocates and scien- velop and implement a clear rating So, why shouldn’t regulators cial that passengers are clearly and Additionally, Schumer noted tists who study sleep say the roots system for low-cost tour bus adopt a similar system for intercity unambiguously alerted to a com- that discount tour buses taking of the accidents lie with an indus- companies. buses? a U.S. senator asked the U.S. Department of Transportation last month. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Dem- ocrat from New York, wrote a let- ter to U.S. Transportation Secre- tary Ray LaHood and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- tion Administrator Anne Ferro asking them to implement a sys- tem of letter grades for discount tour bus companies so consumers will be able to easily determine op- Are you MANAGING your safety record? erator safety records. Schumer’s proposal was Could you improve Financial Performance? prompted by the string of deadly bus crashes that began in March, Are you running a Charter Company on a freight system? including one that left 15 dead in Can you PROVE compliance? the New York City borough of Bronx. Since then, New York has Financial Performance inspected hundreds of buses and drivers in a stepped-up program to • Engine-Based, True Idle-Time stop buses for safety evaluations. • Total Fuel Management In announcing his safety-grad- • Maintenance Logging ing proposal, Schumer, who has • I.F.T.A. (“Fuel-to-Forms” Q3, 2011) been a consistent critic of schlocky • Mechanical & Power-Management Alerts operators and poor enforcement, noted that bus safety information Customer Performance and Safety already is public record and the • Documented Arrivals & Departures FMCSA posts safety scores on its • Pinpoint Locations for ETA and Contingencies website. But Schumer said a simple let- • Dynamic Charter-Grouping for Visibility ter grade is needed to clarify the • Proactive Driver-Alerts record, and he said it must be post- ed so customers can see it before Compliance they buy tickets because many bus • Idling & Municipal Ordinance riders either don’t have access to • Aggressive/Dangerous Driving Behavior Trailways seeks • Driver Logs & MDT Integration (Q4, 2011) hostess uniform FAIRFAX, Va. — The Trail- ways Transportation System is on a quest. It’s searching for a piece of its history. Trailways has added a “host- ess” room to its office suite here to honor women who served on board Trailways’ 5 Star Luxury Liners years ago. To outfit the room, Trailways President Gale Ellsworth is search- ing for one of the red uniforms worn by Trailways bus hostesses (think bus equivalent of airline flight attendants). Ellsworth would like to obtain a hostess cap, tie, blouse and skirt or slacks to display on a manne- quin in the room. Anyone who might help Ells- worth locate a hostess uniform should contact Trailways historian www.ComLinkGPS.com Bob Beard by email at square- [email protected]. 800.853.8165 8 July 1, 2011 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News State official, LaHood move puts FMCSA under appeals gun Ga. operators WASHINGTON — Transpor- to Charlotte, N.C.-based Sky Ex- er we believe is unsafe.” made that blanket, bright-line tation Secretary Ray LaHood’s press, a curbside bus operator in- But Annette Sandberg, admin- rule,” Sandberg added. discuss safety emotion-laden decision to end ap- volved in a fatal accident in Vir- istrator of the FMCSA for Presi- Often, a 10-day extension is peal extensions for unsafe bus and ginia on May 31. Sky Express was dent George W. Bush, says La- needed to give a motor carrier ATLANTA — Representatives truck operators could be problem- in the midst of the 10-day exten- Hood’s decision could backfire time to prove to the agency that it from more than two-dozen Geor- atic for the USDOT and the Fed- sion after FMCSA declared it un- and put more pressure on the agen- can correct its deficiencies, ac- gia motorcoach companies met eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- safe more than 45 days earlier (see cy’s four regional service centers cording to attorney Rob Moseley last month with a member of the istration, says a former FMCSA June 15 Bus & Motorcoach News). that oversee the process and are of Greenville, S.C., who repre- state Public Service Commission administrator. The Sky Express crash killed under strict due-process time sents commercial carriers. to discuss ways to better protect Early last month, LaHood or- four passengers and injured frames. And sometimes the extra 10 Georgia consumers from illegal dered the FMCSA to end its prac- dozens. “The secretary obviously days are needed when FMCSA of- bus operators. tice of sometimes granting 10-day “Following (the) horrific bus doesn’t understand the workload ficials are slow to process appeals Also attending the meeting extensions to bus and truck com- crash in Virginia, I have directed that already is occurring out in the while a carrier’s appeals clock is were representatives from the At- panies that file appeals when they the Federal Motor Carrier Safety field,” Sandberg, an attorney who running, said Moseley. lanta Bureau of Taxis and Vehicles receive orders to halt operations Administration to end its practice represents commercial carriers, “Often, when they need that for Hire. following an unsatisfactory safety of extending the appeals period for told a leading trucking publica- extension, it’s the FMCSA that “Charter companies that oper- rating. unsafe motor coach companies,” tion. “Those service centers and needs more time to look at it,” ate without the proper insurance During the first eight months LaHood said last month. the field offices have extremely Moseley said. “So you’re putting and certification not only put their of fiscal 2011, which began Oct. “There is no excuse for delay heavy caseloads — and particu- the auditors under the gun.” passengers at risk, but they hurt 1, 55 carriers had been ordered out when a bus operator should be put larly under the new CSA program If FMCSA does not give a car- ­legitimate businesses run by hard- of service, but only eight 10-day out of service for safety’s sake. On where they’re doing more rier enough time to make its case, working families throughout our extensions were granted. my watch, there will never be an- interventions. it could result in the carrier’s going state,” said PSC Commissioner One of those extensions went other extension granted to a carri- “It’s unfortunate the secretary to the courthouse, Moseley added. Tim Echols. “It is my hope that by building this relationship with our legiti- Seats are for passengers, luggage bay isn’t mate transportation companies we can better educate local law en- LAKE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A the street” responded. Matteson, Ill., wrote in an opera- es and pillows in the cargo area. Un- forcement, school principals, fra- small Michigan motorcoach opera- The discovery led to the FMCSA tions out-of-service order issued to secured baggage also was found in tor has learned a painful lesson: If declaring that Haines Tours’ opera- Roger Haines, the bus company’s the hold, presenting a significant ternities, sororities, youth pastors you want to take family members tion constituted an “imminent haz- owner. threat to the illegal passengers’ and many others who charter buses along on a charter run, you better ard” to public safety, particularly be- Police Chief Hummer said the safety if the bus decelerated quick- to ensure that they are using com- have a seat for them. cause the company had previously bus was carrying a choir group from ly, the out-of-service order stated. panies who are registered with the The Federal Motor Carrier Safe- been warned about using the luggage Roscommon, Mich., to Clyde, Ohio, Lake police cited Haines for car- Public Service Commission. ty Administration has suspended the bay as sleeping quarters for a relief with Haines, 56, driving. While all rying prohibited passengers in cargo “All of us at the commission operating authority of Haines Tours driver. 56 paying passengers had seats in the area and for failure to display an “ap- are concerned with the safety of of Gladwin, Mich., after members of “Based upon your current state passenger compartment, he said, six portioned” license plate on the bus. Georgians and are working hard the owner’s family emerged from the of unacceptable safety compliance members of Haines’ family were Chief Hummer said he did not know each and every day to ensure that luggage bay during a stop at a Lake regarding the unauthorized trans- traveling in the luggage bay below. why Haines’ relatives were traveling these individuals and organiza- Township truck stop. portation of passengers in the cargo Traveling from Roscommon, Mich., with the group. The bus was not tions are protected,” Echols added. Mark Hummer, chief of the area of your motorcoaches, your to Clyde, Ohio, is roughly a five- taken out of service at the time of the Under Georgia law, all passen- township police, said a witness at motor carrier operations substan- hour trip. citations. ger carriers that fall under the the TA Travel Center called 911 to tially increase the likelihood of seri- Officers from the Ohio State The FMCSA letter said the commission’s authority and oper- report the situation involving the ous injury or death if not discontin- Highway Patrol’s Motor Carrier En- company was warned about using ate in the state are required to be Haines Tours’ bus. A township offi- ued immediately,” Darin Jones, the forcement unit were summoned and the cargo bay as a sleeper berth last registered and have proof of insur- cer who happened to be “just down FMCSA’s field administrator in inspected the bus, finding mattress- August. ance on file with the commission. John Keys, representing the the public health and safety on the level playing field and safe opera- said he hoped the meeting was the of business,” Sambdman added. Georgia Motor Coach Operators highways. tions for all folks being transport- first step in cracking down on ille- Jeff Green with GCL Coaches Association at the meeting, said, We are very excited about ed in the state of Georgia.” gal motorcoach operators. of Atlanta said he was encouraged “We are concerned about illegal building a relationship with the Bill Sambdman, vice president “We appreciate the commis- about the prospect of stepped-up motorcoach operators endangering commission. We are interested in a of Samson Trailways in Atlanta, sion helping our business take care enforcement.

ISSUE NO. 195 Godfrey Lebron How to contact us Paradise Trailways Hicksville, N.Y. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Boston, Mass. E-mail: E-mail: Marcia Milton [email protected] [email protected] First Priority Trailways Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Brookfield, Conn. Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Tom Ready To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Ready Bus Lines To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. LaCrescent, Minn. subscription: Industry Editor: Ken Presley Larry Benjamin Thomas Foley Brian Scott E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines Transportation Insurance Brokers Escot Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. North Oaks, Minn. Largo, Fla. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Gladys Gillis Dennis Strief Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Starline Luxury Coaches Vandalia Bus Lines Bristow, Va. Seattle Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Larry Hundt Tim Wayland Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Dan Diepert Coaches Great Canadian Trailways ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas Kitchner, Ontario Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Dale Krapf T. Ralph Young ©2011 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Krapf Coaches Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. West Chester, Pa. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2011 9 Tighter enforcement isn’t going to solve safety issues By Dave Millhouser aggressiveness, carelessness or past, I’ve advocated for monitor- speed limiters on their engines to identify and re- driver fatigue. Many of the new ing your federal safety scores. But 68 mph. Drivers hate it but they’ll d u c e “ n e a r It was as if my Crown Victoria metrics being used by the Federal you can’t depend on them alone to get fewer tickets. It’s tempting to misses” (and was wrapped in Harry Potter’s “In- Motor Carrier Safety Administra- know how you’re doing. jack up speed in the open country, the drivers who visibility Cloak” as I passed (rap- tion are still being refined, and may Companies have personalities but coach manufacturers will tell a r e h a v i n g idly) through a radar trap. Officers some day evolve into fair predictors and it seems every market has one you that exceeding 72 MPH in a them), then seem to assume that Crown Vics are of risk, but that will take time. operator whose drivers are perceived loaded coach is unsafe. you get it. It’s police vehicles and rarely stop Government agencies have a as taking liberties with the speed There are many reasons to con- important that them. different agenda than we should. limit, tailgating or driving aggres- centrate on safety. One of the best yo u r wh o l e Dave Millhouser In many cases, motorcoaches They must be as concerned with sively. Management can say that, un- involves the ability to sleep well, staff see safety get similar treatment. looking effective… as they are less drivers are ticketed, there’s no knowing that if the unthinkable as a key component of every part of Stopping a bus presents logisti- about actually being effective. way of knowing. ’Tain’t so. happens and you have a fatality your corporate culture. cal problems, like inconveniencing Many operators have experienced Companies serious about safe- you’ve done all you could to pre- We’re the ones with the most at passengers, finding a place to inspections or audits where it ty find numerous ways to get a feel vent it. risk, and we’re the only ones who safely park a large vehicle, and seemed regulators had to find for their drivers’ behavior, and to The other is financial. A single can really do it. Bear in mind, the figuring out what to do if the driv- SOMETHING wrong. make it clear that both the drivers’ accident where your company is same governments that do regula- er needs to be detained. Unless the The point isn’t that regulators and the company’s future depend perceived to have been negligent tion built the U.S. Postal Service violation is extreme, the simple so- are bad, but rather we can’t count on safety. can put you out of business. and run Motor Vehicle Registries. lution is to ignore it. on them to get the job done. Seri- Some methods are anecdotal; One operator who’s voracious- They’ll be just as successful at leg- At first blush that may seem a ous enforcement would involve you hear stories from other drivers ly committed to safety spends islating safety. It’s up to us to make good thing, but a case can be made patrolling highways to stop ag- or customers, see dings. Some are $7,000 per coach on various forms the industry safe. that they are doing us no favor. gressive commercial drivers, crafty science, like noticing a driv- of safety monitoring equipment… Management needs to be clear Despite recent high-profile ef- tracking bad actors operating be- er managed 900 miles in a 10-hour and feels it’s a bargain. He’s par- that safety trumps all, and that you forts to improve safety regulation, neath the radar (rather than doing shift. tially self-insured, and sees a real are paying attention. When we do in real life rules and bureaucracy inspections at destinations the bad In addition, there are techno- return on his investment. that the regulators become a useful will never get the job done. guys avoid). Even when regulators logical advances that make it pos- He thinks that if every operator tool, not a menace. One problem is they may not find miscreants, they’ve been re- sible to monitor performance. paid the first $100,000 in each ac- Pogo got it right: “We have met be measuring the right things. luctant to pull the trigger. Event recorders, web-based GPS cident, corporate cultures would the enemy and he is us.” Every highly visible accident In real life, safety is about cor- monitors and other new gizmos stress safety. He’s also willing to Dave Millhouser is a bus in- results in a call for more inspec- porate culture. If an operator is can let you know if a driver has discipline drivers quickly, letting dustry marketing consultant and tions — even though few crashes committed to doing the right been speeding, off route, or in- them know he’s serious. freelance writer. Contact him at are caused by mechanical prob- things, the FMCSA stuff will gen- dulging in sudden stops. Statistically there are 13 “near his new email address: Davemill- lems. Most seem to be caused by erally take care of itself. In the Many operators are setting the misses” for every accident. If you [email protected]. 10 July 1, 2011 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Safety measures would hurt legitimate, well-run posed by federal highway and safety Among those legislative initia- • Adopting legislation or regula- companies. legislation adopted more than six tives that seem certain to be consid- tions that limit operators’ ability to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I hope we don’t go overboard in years ago. ered by the committee as it develops move buses and drivers between “The behavior by these few (op- reaction to a couple of bad opera- A major issue, according to the the next federal highway and public companies. erators) is outrageous,” Ferro told tors,” said Rep. John Duncan, pair, is simply ferreting out noncom- transportation law are these: This practice appears to be com- members of the committee. R-Tenn. pliant operators that frequently pick • More stringent standards or re- monplace among companies or indi- Others appearing before the com- “I want to make sure we don’t up and drop off passengers in little- quirements for state bus inspection viduals that lose their operating au- mittee, including United Motorcoach come up with a bunch of regulations used parking lots, at abandoned strip programs. thority. They simply transfer Association President and CEO Vic- that punish the good companies al- shopping centers, along curbsides, • Additional incentives for states everything to a different company tor Parra, American Bus Association most more than the bad companies,” and at other out-of-the-way locations. to expand or create bus-specific in- that previously was granted operating President Peter Pantuso, and Jacque- said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md. Additionally, many operate late at spection and enforcement programs. authority. line Gillan, vice president of Advo- Those testifying before the com- night or during early morning hours. • Requiring background checks • Developing rules that regulate cates for Highway and Auto Safety, mittee, as well as committee mem- Destination inspections don’t of new operators in an effort to iden- third-party bus ticket sellers, making also expressed concern — and some- bers themselves, by and large agreed snare these operators, and the elimi- tify individuals who have previously their transactions more transparent times disgust — with unsafe and il- that more effective enforcement and nation of roadside inspections helps operated a motorcoach company that and assuring ticket buyers know on legal operators. regulations were needed to identify the noncompliant operators more has been shutdown or had other seri- which bus company they will be Gillen charged that regulators noncompliant companies and get than it hurts the responsible opera- ous safety/regulatory issues. riding. had dragged their feet during the past them off the road. tors, stated Rep. Peter DeFazio of Or- • Larger fines for operators that • A higher fee for registering new five years, a period when 108 motor- However, as both Ferro and egon, the ranking Democrat at the have reincarnated after being shut- motorcoach companies, with the ad- coach crashes resulted in 136 fatali- Major David Palmer of the Texas De- hearing. down for safety violations. ditional revenue used to help pay for ties and hundreds of injuries. partment of Public Safety, who was DeFazio, more than any other Ferro said she’d like to see the top expanded enforcement. “Further delays cannot be toler- representing the Commercial Vehicle member of the committee, attempted fine raised from $2,000 to $25,000. “I can support (a higher registra- ated,” she asserted. Safety Alliance, made clear, that isn’t to develop a consensus among those • Requiring an annual safety in- tion fee) if it’s reasonable,” said Parra. At the same time, some members always easy. attending the hearing on possible reg- spection of every bus operated in the “You have to remember that these of the committee joined Parra and Hurting their efforts, said Ferro ulatory and legislative fixes that U.S. companies create jobs and are good Pantuso in voicing concern about and Palmer, was the restriction on would target noncompliant • Eliminating the prohibition for for the economy. You don’t want to possible “over regulation,” saying it roadside motorcoach inspections im- operators. in-route safety inspections. over regulate them.”

Medical marijuana TeleTech argued that the Medical only an affirmative defense to acknowledging that the drug con- juana use or forbid an employer Use of Marijuana Act has a narrow criminal prosecution under state tinued to influence her for some from discharging an employee be- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 purpose, namely to provide users drug laws and does not imply a time after ingestion. cause she uses medical marijuana. cause of action against a private and physicians with an affirmative civil cause of action. The court also said the Medical Thus, it concluded, the Medical party. defense under state drug laws, not Furthermore, the court said Use of Marijuana Act, as well as Use of Marijuana Act does not pro- The company also said federal to broadly entitle users to employ- that because Roe claimed her med- court decisions interpreting it, do hibit an employer from discharging law precluded Medical Use of ment protections. ical marijuana use at her home at not support a broad public policy an employee for medical marijuana Marijuana Act authorization of The court ruled that the Medi- night allowed her to be productive- that would remove all impedi- use, nor does it provide a civil rem- medical marijuana use. Finally, cal Use of Marijuana Act provides ly employed the next day, she was ments to authorized medical mari- edy against the employer.

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Register today at www.uma.org/academy Clarence Cornell School of Business Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2011 11 Greyhound, partner target convenience stores for stops GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Grey- has increased,” said Mansfield bring in more than 300 customers Mansfield provides individual “For one or two buses a day, a hound has signed a partnership Vice President of Retail Sales and to our location daily and the ma- convenience store operators the typical (convenience) store can deal that could lead to the transfer Operations Rick Cosmer. jority of those riders are spending buying power of a large store handle (the traffic),” said Cosmer. of scores, if not hundreds, of Grey- “For Greyhound’s customers $6 apiece in our store. They’re able chain. Now, it will bring customers “Now if you have three, four, five hound pick-up and drop-off loca- this partnership puts agent coun- to relax, have a drink and get to its convenience store customers or six hundred people a day — not tions to highway convenience ters at the convenience store right something to eat. through Greyhound ridership. to mention people dropping folks stores. off the highway, making bus travel “It has made the Greyhound Dave Leach, president and off and picking them up — at that The arrangement not only has more accessible than ever before. experience more enjoyable for the CEO of Dallas-based Greyhound, point, you need a mini-travel the potential to move Greyhound “For our retail convenience riders and I’ve seen an increase in said: “As the largest provider of in- center.” stops from downtowns and other store customers it’s providing the in-store sales of at least 25 to 30 tercity bus travel, Greyhound is Other requirements for the re- sites, but also to upgrade the na- opportunity to serve an additional percent on merchandise, and 30 to constantly looking for innovative tailers include a stand-alone device ture of many stops. 200 to 600 customers per day. The 35 percent on food. It’s a win-win ways to improve the customer ex- for ticketing and freight sales, Under a five-year agreement, potential increase for in-store sales situation.” perience. Mansfield has the strong proper restroom facilities for the Mansfield Oil Co. of Gainesville offers substantial growth in gross Mansfield has served custom- retail relationships we needed to number of people estimated, and will assist Greyhound in finding profits for each location.” ers in the retail convenience store complement our nationwide reach. uniformed staff. and arranging locations for its Mansfield has already set up a business since 1957. Leveraging “This partnership provides us Internally, the main motivation agents in convenience stores that sales team dedicated to seeking Greyhound’s riders will drive a with a growth strategy to provide for Mansfield to seek out such the are on major thoroughfares or off and developing new Greyhound new generation of customers to greater access to communities that partnership is to support its cus- interstate exits — rather than with- sites, with the potential for several participating retail locations, the may have limited transportation tomer base of fuel retailers and dif- in city centers. hundred locations nationwide. companies say. options.” ferentiate itself as a supplier. The companies are currently “The Greyhound-Mansfield Mansfield says it’s the only en- Mansfield and Greyhound are Cosmer points out two addi- evaluating 85 locations for reloca- partnership is incredibly beneficial ergy company with the capability assessing potential sites based on tional components to the program. tion with more to follow. for everyone involved,” said Pete to implement this type of partner- the location of current bus stops, A little-known fact about Grey- Mansfield is a large fuel distri- Patel, owner/operator of SR 82 ship nationwide. Through its Pre- number of passengers, and how hound is that it offers package-de- bution and delivery company with Truck Stop in Tifton, Ga. “It helps ferred Vendor Services program, often buses pull up. livery service, much the same as an integrated network of refiners, FedEx or UPS. Because buses run terminals, carriers and retailers BoltBus buys 15 MCI D4505s for Northeast routes multiple times a day between cit- throughout North America. It op- ies, “sometimes deliveries are SECAUCUS, N.J. — BoltBus, to its fleet of more than 90 in several northeastern markets. erates in 48 states. quicker than FedEx,” he said. the joint-venture curbside line op- coaches. The coaches also feature Cum- “As our national demographics Separately, Greyhound is erated by Greyhound and Peter Pan The new MCIs are equipped mins engines and Allison trans- have changed, the need for afford- working with 7-Eleven, the major bus lines, has made its first-ever with custom seats, three-point seat- missions, electronic stability con- able and convenient public trans- purchase of new MCI coaches. belts, Wi-Fi, 110-volt outlets and trol, SmartWave tire-pressure convenience store chain, to estab- portation outside of the city center BoltBus added 15 MCI D4505s extra legroom, and are being used monitoring, and wheelchair lifts. lish a ticket-selling joint venture.

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Str eng Financial th Rating increasing web presence. A

M BEST

The views of coach operator A Excellent members of UMA were obtained through the association’s annual Membership Survey and Industry Assessment, which was conducted DDS-0884 National Interstate General Ad Gayle Bentkowski | Media Media Relations Specialist | National Interstate Insurance Co. | 330.659.8900, ext. 1447 early this spring. The survey was Deemer Design Studios | 216.544.6385 sent to all 800-plus UMA operator members via email and fax. A total of 203 operators com- Save the Date! pleted the survey (down from 249 in 2011, 243 in 2009 and 234 in 2008), for a 24 percent response rate. Most UMA members complet- ed the study via the internet, pro- viding their views through an on- line link, making the survey very green. Lubrizol sold OMAHA, Neb. — Berkshire Hathaway, the giant holding com- pany headed by billionaire investor Warren Buffet, is buying Lubrizol Corp., the world’s largest producer of lubricant additives. Berkshire will pay about $9 bil- lion, or $135 a share, for Lubrizol. The companies expect the pur- chased to close during the third quarter of this year. February 8-12, 2012 | Long Beach, California The deal will be the second largest for Berkshire since 2006. www.motorcoachexpo.com In 2009, it acquired Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2011 13

Stagecoach Group is the par- more than $3.23 billion. CoachCrafters announces People ent company of Coach USA, “Having started my career in Coach Canada and megabus. public transport as a young bus LONDON — Stagecoach com. conductor, I am delighted to re- female ownership team Group co-founder and Chief Ex- Souter, 57, co-founded Stage- ceive this prestigious honor,” Sout- TAVARES, Fla. — After dominated industry,” she said. ecutive Brian Souter has been coach with his sister, Ann Gloag, er said in a statement released by spending more than 25 years as CoachCrafters has served pub- awarded a knighthood in the in 1980 with two buses, and has Stagecoach. president and majority shareholder lic and private bus systems Queen’s Birthday Honors List developed the company into a However, the achievements and of CoachCrafters Inc., company throughout the U.S. for more than published last month. Souter will leading international transport innovations would not have been founder Wayne Wolf has placed two decades. It offers a wide range become Sir Brian Souter for his group in the United Kingdom and possible without the dynamic Stage- service to transportation and North America with 35,000 em- coach team who support me and I controlling interest in the business ofbusrates bus rebuilding,FP ad_hay_7.1.11:Layout repowering and 1 6/17/2011 1:57 PM Page 1 with three company executives — repair services. charities. ployees and annual revenue of accept this award on their behalf.” who happen to be women. Sale of company stock to Jack- ie Guerra, vice president of admin- istration, and Anne Ryan, vice president of sales and marketing, together with the shares held by Are you just a needle in a Anne Wolf, vice president of human resources, is the first step in a long-term succession plan. Wayne and Anne Wolf are husband haystack? and wife. “I have no plans for immediate retirement,” said Wolf. “However I’ve been doing this for over a quar- ter of a century; it’s time to take a step back from the front line. “I began to look at the people who were managing the various as- pects of the company and realized that the contributions (of his wife, plus Guerra and Ryan) were key to our long-term success,” he said. Wolf offered to sell shares to Guerra and Ryan, who between them have more than nine years experience with the company. Both were appointed to the com- pany board last year. Anne Wolf has stepped into the role of CEO and will set strategy and vision for the company, as well as managing high-value contract negotiations and capital allocation. “We haven’t really looked at resetting some of our corporate goals and strategies for a number of years,” said Anne World. “Times have changed and I’m currently looking at our company culture and what we can do on an executive level to make subtle yet transparent changes that will have a positive impact on our labor Only BusRates.com has top placement in Google, Yahoo, and Bing searches for over force and customers,” she said. 100 charter bus-related search terms. There’s a reason for that—BusRates.com works Wayne Wolf will continue as chief operating officer, working hard at making sure we have the top search engine placement so that charter-seeking with the operations and technical customers can find our subscribers quickly and easily. support staff. He has turned his pre- vious responsibilities in finance With an average of 119,000 visitors each month, BusRates.com has generated 17,000 and sales over Guerra and Ryan. “I’m thrilled to be part of the customer-driven requests for quotes for its subscribers since the beginning of 2011. There is leadership team that will guide this no comparison—being listed on other online directories is like being a needle in a haystack. company towards being the domi- nant player in the bus rebuilding and repowering industry,” said Now listing Ryan. attractions, hotels, Guerra said she was confident and restaurants the trio of female managers is “up more—providing to the challenge. We’re looking for- full-service Test it out for free! Contact us to begin your Free Trial resource a ward to partnering with other wom- gr oup tra for en-owned companies as suppliers Month and help potential customers find you today! vel pla nners! and to setting new standards in 866-375-0800 / [email protected] / www.BusRates.com what has historically been a male- 14 July 1, 2011 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

and Marketplace, Renaissance, Calendar Montgomery, Ala. Info: Go to Montgomery hires private operator www.alabamamotorcoach.org. JULY 2011 under Federal Transit Administra- view and explanation of what the 15-16 Brian Crow Retirement In effort to revive tion and federal charter service tour group is about to pass along 11-14 Florida Motorcoach Dinner and Honorary Golf rules that restricted it from making the route. That way, riders will Association Appointment Show, Tournament, Niagara Falls, downtown tours route and other changes, and pro- have more information when they Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Ontario. Info: Call or email Laura Casino, Hollywood, Fla. Info: Go Huether at (416) 229-6622 Ext. MONTMOMERY, Ala. — One hibited it from leasing the buses to are deciding whether to stay on to www.floridamotorcoach.org. 227, or [email protected]. of the Old South’s most historic groups because the transit system board or exit to visit a site. cities has adopted a fresh approach trolleys had been paid for with fed- Or, riders can sit through the AUGUST 2011 16-18 A Gathering of Buses, in an attempt to revitalize the trol- eral tax dollars. whole tour and get a comprehen- Greyhound Bus Museum and 1-3 NTA Contact, (educational, ley bus tours of downtown sites it Gone, too, are transit agency sive view of downtown Montgom- Hibbing Park Hotel, Hibbing, networking event), Newport Minn. Info: Stan Holter at (952) has been offering. trolleys that, according to one ac- ery’s history. (R.I.) Marriott. Info: Go to www. 881-1111 or stan@richfieldbus. The city anticipates the revised count, struggled to chug up Dexter The annual cost will be ntaonline.com. com, or Charles Wotring at (717) structure will result in a better tour Avenue and offered frequent but $250,000, which is about what the 7-10 Alabama Motorcoach 691-1147 or charleswotring@ and more efficient public service. dull 20-minute trips that traveled city was paying MATS previously. Association Annual Meeting comcast.net. In a nutshell, the new system by internationally recognized his- The city hopes to raise addi- does away with an uninspired tour toric sites. tional money to support the tour that was operated by the Mont- Replacing them will be two service by occasionally leasing the HELP WANTED – MECHANICS gomery Area Transit System and Capital Trailways buses — one a Capital Trailways buses to local Orlando based transportation services company has immediate replaces it with two buses operated trolley bus and the other a coach groups. opening for ASE certified Transit Bus/Motor coach Mechanics. and provided by Capital Trailways that’s wrapped in images that em- Being continued is a program Pay range for this position is $17.00–$21.50/hour commensurate with qualifications. Applicants for this position must possess: of Montgomery. phasize the Montgomery brand, whereby the state pays the city to The revamped operation, offering 45-minute tours that will pick up state workers at a parking Required which costs the city roughly what begin on the hour every day from 8 lot and transport them to and from • 3-5 years experience working as a mechanic on large vehicles with air it was previously paying the public a.m. to 4 p.m. the state Capitol Complex. The brakes and diesel engines. transit agency, has the added ben- Once the tour begins, a video new buses are being used for that • Sufficient tools to complete all assigned work. efit of getting the city out from will play that will give a brief pre- as well. • Refrigerant recovery & recycling certificate from an accredited institution. • Ability to follow instructions and work unassisted or as part of a team. • Ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. Charter ruling appeals court asked in its nine- that ends Sept. 30. • Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. page decision. “We conclude the “Now we will be working with CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Congress can.” UMA and others, and focus our at- Preferred • ASE certifications in medium/heavy truck or transit bus/motor coach. It effectively made the transit The court told UMA and ABA tention on Congress to make sure • Valid, class A or B CDL with Passenger endorsement. agency the only one in the country that if it wants to prevent King the Murray Amendment is not part • Knowledge of audio/video systems. exempt from the rule, which pro- Count Metro from operating shut- of the 2012 appropriation process • Knowledge of and ability to use computer based diagnostic tools for hibits tax-supported transit opera- tles for sports events in Seattle, it or transportation reauthorization, engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and multiplex electrical tions from providing charters would have to take up the issue that would allow this unfair compe- systems. when private carriers are available with Congress. tition to continue,” said Pantuso. to do the work. Peter J. Pantuso, president and Ken Presley, vice president and Murray claimed she took the ac- chief executive of the ABA, agrees chief operating officer of the Unit- tion in response to an outcry from that Congress is most likely the ed Motorcoach Association, said Please resumes to or to fax 407.843.4075 email [email protected] Seattle residents who complained best place to take the fight over the taking the fight to Congress and the they would have difficulty getting amendment. ballot box have become even more 2004 E4500s ~ Low Miles ~ One Owner to sports events without the transit “ABA still believes that the critical in view of the court ruling. 58 Seats ~ More than 1 Available agency’s shuttle service. court was in error in making their “In the final analysis, the ap- Approx. 200,000 original miles King County Transit had been latest ruling,” he noted. pellate court makes one thing per- Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine providing the shuttles for more than Meanwhile, King County fectly clear: elections have conse- Allison B500R trans. (hyd. retarder) 10 years, but had to drop them Metro, which has been closely quences,” he said. Michelin Tires (not retreads) when the charter rule took effect in watching the court action, said it is He stressed that bus operators Enhanced sound system with 2008. looking forward to resuming its no longer can assume their sena- AM/FM/CD/DVD/PA system The UMA and ABA suit ar- sports shuttles. tors or representatives will do the Cordless mic & 6 monitors gued that the special interest mea- “The decision lifts the uncer- right thing, and if they are found sure was unconstitutional because tainty of the service,” said spokes- not to be working in the interest of Asking $215,000 OBO it violated the petition and equal woman Linda Thielke. the motorcoach industry than they Marc: 808.832.6261 or [email protected] protection rights of the private car- She said the transit agency need to be replaced. 2003 E4500 ~ Low Mile ~ One Owner ~ 58 Seats riers in the Seattle area, including hopes to work with both the Seat- “The fact that the so-called Lift Equipped Coach • 8 Tie Down Stations one that several times offered to tle Seahawks and the University of Murray Amendment is still law provide the service. Washington this fall when football speaks volumes about whether Bus converts seats in less than 1 minute In June 2010, U.S. District season begins, and with the Seattle Congress really understands the with Flip Seats Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle agreed Mariners during next year’s base- harm it can bring to businesses and Approx. 240,000 original miles with the two trade groups and de- ball season. if it really cares,” he said. “Where Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine clared the amendment uncon- The agency provided shuttles for do your elected officials stand on Allison B500R transmission stitutional. the baseball team last season after this issue?” (hydraulic retarder) Michelin Tires (not retreads) Asking $215,000 OBO However, she later granted a the lower court decision was stayed, Still, Presley was able to find Enhanced sound system w/ stay in the ruling while the govern- but for undisclosed reasons was not some optimism for the industry in AM/FM/CD/DVD/PA system Marc: 808.832.6261 ment appealed her decision. hired for the current season. its struggles with transit agencies Cordless mic & 6 monitors or [email protected] Her ruling was argued before At the same time, UMA and over the charter rule. the appellate court last September ABA are planning their next moves. “The reality is the folly of the and the reversal by the appeals While the appeals court noted days of over-funded transit is in its REPOS FOR SALE court came last month, a full year in its ruling that the Murray waning days. Local and state gov- Variety of Makes and Models of “Bank Repos” after it originally was decided. Amendment initially only applied ernments are broke and the federal across the United States and Priced to Sell “Can Congress constitutionally to the 2010 federal fiscal year, taxpayers are fed up. Smaller, ef- 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 30716 for more information permit a federally subsidized tran- Congress has passed continuing ficient transit systems operated by sit system to take the residents of spending resolutions that extended private companies is the future,” View repo inventory at www.bus-buys-com Seattle out to the ball game?” the it through the current fiscal year he emphasized. built to protect passengers, drivers and bottom lines.

The Volvo 9700 has a look that communicates quality and style. But beneath the sleek exterior is a business machine built to protect your income and lower your operating costs — all while giving your passengers a fi rst-class motorcoach experience. This unique Volvo coach comes with advanced electronic brake and stability systems to help drivers avoid incidents. We’ve combined a safety-tested body with standard seat belts and impact defense features that protect everyone on board. The driver’s environment offers exceptional visibility and comfort, and the integrated Volvo D13 engine and I-Shift transmission make driving easier and more economical. The entire vehicle is designed for dependable performance that takes uptime to the next level.

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Get a Close Look at an MCI Pre-Owned Coach.

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Comes with a 60-day limited warranty, plus 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!**

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Outlet 1998 MCI 102EL3 DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500R, 2000 MCI 102EL3 2005 PrEvost H3-45 2007 MCI J4500 VIN #60163 $90,000 DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500, West coast DD S60 12.7L, ZF Astronic, West coach/ Caterpillar, ZF Astronic, New upholstery, new bus, low miles, aluminum wheels. Southern unit. VIN #10231. $165,000! paint, coach is ready to go. VIN #64267. Outlet 1987 MCI 102A3 VIN #61223. $137,900! $288,100! DD 6V-71, Allison HT-740, VIN #05869 $8,900 deal deal deal

2001 MCI E4500 2006 MCI D4505 1999 MCI 102EL3 DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500, Southern unit, Caterpillar, ZF Astronic, Lift equipped, clean DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500, Fresh paint, low miles, ready-to-roll. VIN #61572. coach. VIN #56902. $230,000! good mechanical condition. VIN #60875. $168,100! Was $106,900 Now only $100,000!

MC i s a l e s & s e r V i C e C e n T e r s California new Jersey illinois florida Texas Canada 800.777.4101 800.262.1287 800.428.7626 800.390.0287 800.248.4942 800.663.3328 Find our latest * See www.mcicoach.com/preowned for complete POC limited warranty details. Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable news and offers: sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental **Scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and recommended fluid and filter changes at an MCI service center included fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject for 60 Days/30,000 Miles, whichever comes first, as determined by the maintenance manual applicable to the coach. Service to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. intervals assume mileage is zero at date of pre-owned coach delivery. ©MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2011, All Rights Reserved

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