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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. MAGAZINE www.buslinemag.com
90-Year-Old Family Company Where Systematic Approach Rules James River Transportation ...... 8 Uses Technology And Data To Win 94 Percent Community Acceptance Illinois’ Rock Island County MetroLINK...... 28
Busline Buyers Guide To FLOORING ...... 38 Busline Buyers Guide To BRAKES & TIRES...... 41
47
ON THE COVER: James River Transportation Vice President RAPID RESPONSE...... Page 6 Diane Story Hall, and her brother, President Stephen Story, are shown next to one of their company’s Van Hool CX35 motor- INDUSTRY NEWS...... Page 37 coaches. James River is based in Richmond, VA. See page 8. CONTENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES JANUARY 2019 March 19-21 AUGUST 2019 January 6-10 Bus2Bus Trade Show August 6-9 Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. United Motorcoach & Congress The International Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers Association (UMA) Berlin, Germany Motorcoach Group (IMG) 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Motorcoach Expo Info: www.bus2bus.berlin 2019 Strategic Alliance Meeting Fort Lauderdale, FL Halifax, Nova Scotia Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Info: 800-424-8262 MAY 2019 Info: 888-447-3466 Email: [email protected] May 19-22 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com January 25-29 APTA Bus & SEPTEMBER 2019 (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 American Bus Association Paratransit Conference September 23-25 Fax: (217) 268-4815 (ABA) Annual Meeting Louisville, KY BusCon 2019 & Marketplace 2019 Info: 202-496-4800 Indianapolis, IN Louisville, KY Info: 800-576-8788 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Info: 800-283-2877 May 23-29 Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Community Transporta- OCTOBER 2019 Design: David Opdyke, Kris Bott MARCH 2019 tion Association of America October 13-16 Reception: Mary Jo Dunn March 17-19 (CTAA) Expo APTA Annual Meeting APTA Legislative Palm Springs, CA New York, NY Advertising Conference Info: 800-891-0590 Info: 202-496-4800 Washington, DC Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 813-502-6672 Info: 202-496-4800 Email: [email protected] 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]
Page 4 BUSLINE November/December 2018
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James River Transportation 8 38
Rock Island Co. MetroLINK 28 41
47
Company Website Page # Company Website Page #
ABC Companies www.abc-companies.com 51 Gerflor USA www.gerflortransport.com 38 Almott www.almottusa.com 26 Hometown Trolley www.hometowntrolley.com 13 Altro www.altro.com 39 Hudson River Corporation www.lavdump.com 31 Amaya-Astron www.amaya-astron.com.mx 10 Kelderman Air Suspension Systems www.kelderman.com 14 ARBOC Specialty Vehicles www.ARBOCsv.com 23 Marathon Brake Systems www.MarathonBrake.com 19 Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison www.atlanticdda.com 18 Midwest Bus Corporation www.midwestbus.com 21 Bitimec Wash-Bots www.wash-bots.com 25 Motor Coach Industries (MCI) www.mcicoach.com 2 Bitzer www.bitzerus.com 27 Motorcoach Tire Sales www.motorcoachtiresales.com 12 BYD www.byd.com 7 Prevost Car www.prevostcar.com 5 CBM NA www.cbmna.com 34 Relational Bus Systems www.rbs2000.com 20 Chestnut Ridge Foam www.CRFOAM.com 32 REV Coach LLC www.revcoach.com 52 CHTC Bus Group www.chtcbusgroup.com 11 Safety Step www.safetystep.net 35 City of Culver City www.culvercitybus.com 37 Service Insurance www.serviceins.com 35 Complete Coach Works www.completecoach.com 15 Sutrak www.sutrakusa.com 30 Diamond Manufacturing www.diamondmfg.com 34 Thermo King www.thermoking.com 9 Dixie Electric Ltd. www.dixie-electric.com 43 TIAA Bank www.TIAABank.com 24 DriveWare Software www.driveware.com 22 TransitWorks www.Transit-Works.com 33 EnerDel www.EnerDel.com 29 UMA Motorcoach Expo www.motorcoachexpo.com 17 Freightliner www.freightlinerchassis.com 3 Vanner Power www.vanner.com 16
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James River Transportation
90-Year-Old Family
Company Where SYSTEMATIC
APPROACH RULES
By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor
President Stephen Story Ninety years of creating and building lasting relationships has paid off well Vice President Diane Story Hall for James River Transportation, a Richmond, VA-based bus/motorcoach operator that provides a wide variety of services along the East Coast. This includes such well-known metropolitan destinations as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.
To help service this large region, ( ( the company also has a a a a facility in Norfolk, VA.
“It’s important to have a businesslike approach to doing things. This includes knowing your company’s financial numbers, setting specific goals and hiring talented people.”
— Stephen Story busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:55 AM Page 9
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Among these vehicles are four Van Hool CX35 38-passenger motorcoaches, purchased from ABC Companies. “I would estimate that 60 percent of our business today is considered charter work, satisfying the travel needs for a variety of clientele. This includes field trips for schools, transportation to sporting events, corporate outings, ski trips and casino runs,” James River Transportation President Stephen Story said. “Approximately 30 per- cent of our work centers on contract trans- portation. This includes services for area transit systems, a parking lot feeder service for Amtrak and private commuter work for corporations. Contract work can involve providing the same trips every day. It may be temporary transportation, such as taking commuters daily to certain destinations The main facility of James River Transportation, located in Richmond, VA, was built in 1998. while a parking lot is being worked on; or it may involve a five-year contact, where we A family business throughout its nine-decade history, the Story transport a company’s employees to and from work during that family has run the company for the past 40-plus years, helping to, specific period of time. not only maintain its reputation as a solid transportation provider, “We are also the recommended transportation provider for Rich- but also expand the many services and types of vehicles now being mond (VA) Region Tourism, taking passengers to and from the area provided by James River Transportation. convention center, hotels and local events. Years ago, some in the Its fleet of approximately 90 vehicles includes full size and bus/motorcoach industry felt it was imperative to put ‘heavy miles’ smaller motorcoaches, shuttle buses, vans, SUVs and sedans. on their vehicles in order to make money. However, after carefully
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“Years ago, some in the bus/motorcoach industry felt it was imperative to put ‘heavy miles’ on their vehicles in order to make money. However, after carefully looking at our costs, we found that we could make just as much money transporting a lot of people within a small area around Richmond — basically just going in circles.”
looking at our costs, we found that we could make just as much proximately 95 miles south/southwest of Washington, D.C., it money transporting a lot of people within a small area around Rich- makes sense that James River Transportation has many customers mond — basically just going in circles.” connected with local, state and federal governmental agencies. The final estimated 10 percent of business at James River Washington, D.C., is also a huge draw for tourism, a fact that is Transportation involves the company’s airport service, in both very familiar to Stephen Story and his employees. Richmond and Norfolk. “There is definitely a lot to see and do in our nation’s capital. This includes an amazing number of museums, many of which are free for “It’s good to not only diversify a transportation company’s visitors,” he said. “If a person can get beyond traffic and parking issues, the city itself is very beautiful and clean. There is a lot of history and entire service offering, but also within each segment, majesty surrounding the area. It’s one of those awesome places that such as found in charter, contract and airport work.” people feel they can’t miss if they are visiting the East Coast.” Philadelphia, New York City and many other well-known desti- nations are other common travel stops for James River Transporta- “We provide cars, vans and some shuttle bus service at both tion, as the company mainly focuses on the Eastern Seaboard. airports. Most of our airport clientele are corporate business “In the ‘old days’ we would travel farther west, but it’s been our travelers as well as military personnel. There are many military experience over the past few years that demand for this type of bases in, and around, Richmond and Norfolk. We work closely long distance travel by motorcoach has decreased. We have found with the USO, and have transportation contracts in place with our passengers just don’t have the time, and it’s too easy for them most of the area military bases,” Stephen Story said. “We oper- to fly to longer distances,” Stephen Story said. “Four to seven days ate a small office and counter at both airports, very similar to a is the extent of our overnight trips, and even that makes up just a car rental facility.” small percentage of our business. Most of our trips can be made Since Richmond is the state capital of Virginia, and located ap- within a day.”
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No matter the distance traveled, seek- ing a consistent revenue stream, one that feeds from diverse product offerings, re- mains paramount for officials at James River Transportation. Past experiences have proven to Stephen Story why this is essential. “Charter work, in particular, is not only seasonal by nature, but if some- thing tragic happens, such as the terror- ists events of 9/11, demand for charters can dry up rather quickly,” Stephen Story said. “It became very clear after 9/11 of the importance of having a di- verse revenue stream.” James River Transportation’s main complex is located near downtown Richmond, VA. He added it’s good to not only diver- sify a transportation company’s entire service offering, but also within each segment, such as found in 90 YEARS OF SERVICE charter, contract and airport work. ames River Transportation began in 1928 with one bus and a “Within our charter service, for example, there is work directed line run that followed the James River, a major waterway that at schools, corporations, athletic programs, community clubs, etc. bisects both Richmond and Virginia. The company had This all makes for a good mix,” Stephen Story said. “Meanwhile, changed hands from its original owner when the late L. Woodrow our contract work is very beneficial if leisure travel demand, J“Woody” Story, father of Stephen Story, was hired in the 1950s through charters, goes down for any reason. The same can be said to serve as general manager. for our airport service. Woody Story had gained past experience in the bus industry after “It’s all about keeping our overall company strong when one, or serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had purchased a more parts of the travel business, are negatively influenced by out- bus and operated a part-time charter business, with the help of his side forces, beyond our control.” wife, Anne Story. Soon, he became a natural fit for James River
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Transportation. Over the years, his talents and responsibilities grew 94 and extremely active up until a short time prior to his death. Our to the point that, in the 1970s, he purchased the business. mother, Anne Story, died in 2000.” “The company has gone from Being the youngest in the family, one family business owner to the Stephen Story said he greatly ben- next family business owner efited by learning the transporta- throughout its 90-year history, tion business from the ground up which is quite unique,” Stephen from his father. Story said. “We have remained “My father was in his late 30s friends with members of the family when I was born. By the time I was who owned James River Trans- 19, I had become vice president of portation prior to my father’s pur- the company, and five or so years chase over 40 years ago.” later, was general manager. This al- As with the case of many family transportation companies, the lowed my father to retire from day-to-day operations. In 1990, I be- second generation of Story children “grew up in the business.” came company president,” Stephen Story said. “I was very fortunate “My sister, Diane Story Hall, started working at James River that my father and I worked very well together as I learned the busi- Transportation in the travel department after graduating from high ness. The same is true today with my sister and myself. We make school. Today, her official title is vice president. She concentrates a good team, sharing many of the same ideas and goals about the on human resources and ac- direction of our business.” counting,” Stephen Story “I have often been asked, ‘If you only focus on numbers, what about The siblings have seen said. “I started working here many service changes take in 1980 while earning a de- customer service?’ I respond, ‘I use the numbers to measure and place over the years since gree in human resource man- correct performance. That is how to give great customer service.’” becoming involved with agement from the University James River Transportation. of Richmond. Diane and I This included a shift away have an older brother, Dr. L. Woodrow Story Jr., who is a retired from a heavy focus on line run work in the 1980s to a more char- optometrist. He never became involved with the family business ter-driven organization. on a full-time basis, but is a silent partner. “As we worked years ago to move away from some of our line “Our father, Woody Story, passed away in March 2018. He was runs, it became apparent that the charter business was extremely
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seasonal, especially in our area, due to winter weather. This, of was an early participant of a 20 Group through his involvement with course, influenced revenue,” Stephen Story said. “My goal was to the International Motorcoach Group (IMG). A 20 Group is com- fix that problem. Back in those days, some bus operators seemed prised of representatives from non-competing companies, working to be OK with the idea of making small profit margins. The attitude in the same industry, who share financial information and successful was, ‘That is just how the industry operates.’ However, it seemed practices. A main goal is for members of the group to receive ideas crazy to me to do all that work, with all the related risks, for a small and strategies, from similar businesses, for future success. profit margin. “It’s important to realize that no company is great at everything. I “Therefore, my two goals at James River Transportation were to found the 20 Group experience helped me identify our weaknesses increase margins and smooth out the ‘bumps in demand’ from our and strong points as a company,” Stephen Story said. “Participation charter customer base. We started to look for in a 20 Group forces you, as a company leader, ways to accomplish those goals.” “It’s important to have real data to look at your financial numbers, set goals and One way was to partner with various area to back up your key decisions.” make adjustments when your business is not corporations, allowing the company to provide meeting those goals. more contract transportation work, starting in “To be successful, I believe it’s important to the 1980s. This often involved private shuttle services. have a very businesslike-systematic approach to running a com- “I think we were also one of the first transportation companies to pany. A lot of people in small business show plenty of desire and partner with Amtrak. This allowed us to provide feeder transporta- effort, but there has to be more than that to truly be successful in tion bus service to and from some of the train stations in Virginia,” today’s environment. It’s important to have a businesslike approach Stephen Story said. “We focused on being a very numbers and per- to doing things. This includes knowing your company’s financial formance-based operation — knowing precisely what our costs were numbers, setting specific goals and hiring talented people. and how much to charge for every single trip that we provided.” “I have often been asked, ‘If you only focus on numbers, what He added that some companies make it a practice to wait until about customer service?’ I respond, ‘I use the numbers to measure the end of the year to see if they have been financially successful and correct performance. That is how to give great customer serv- or not. Officials at James River Transportation, however, monitor ice.’ If I didn’t do this, I would always be using my gut feelings, each trip and every contract throughout the year. This allows them and I can prove, through past company mistakes, that gut feelings to better understand, on a continual basis, what revenue is coming don’t always work. It’s important to have real data to back up your in and what costs are going out — eliminating any surprises. key decisions.” To help him better understand pricing and costs, Stephen Story He noted that every person who has owned James River Trans-
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portation over the past 90 years has wanted the company to become cility is a large parking lot. It serves as a place to not only board its very best. This has been achieved by focusing on being a high- passengers, but is the location of our obstacle course where we con- end transportation provider — one that is not afraid to charge a fair duct CDL training and defensive-driving courses. price for a quality service. “Our headquarters is located about one-half mile from downtown “We are often more expensive than other companies, but we feel Richmond. It’s a great location for our company, helping us save like James River Transporta- money when picking up tion is worth that extra ex- “We measure job performance for just about every position... This groups within the Richmond pense. To get the business, we area. If we were located on tell people why we are differ- includes a detailed calculation on how each person performs on a the edge of the city, it would ent, why we are worth the extra weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Almost every position offers cost us more, both in time and money,” Stephen Story said. money, to reach many of our “We offer far more than the incentives and bonuses as part of its compensation package.” customers. It helps, as well, bare minimum, which is on- that our headquarters is one time performance and well- mile from the Greater Rich- maintained vehicles. Everybody should provide those things. Our mond Convention Center and many downtown hotels. company highlights the other great services that we offer customers “As a company, James River Transportation is very visible in — beyond just showing up on time with a clean vehicle.” Richmond. Everyone who drives downtown has probably seen our facility and buses. We encompass an entire block. It’s good that A CAN’T MISS LOCATION our company is viewed as an important part of the community. We t’s hard to not notice the headquarters of James River Trans- are also very active in the Greater Richmond Chamber Of Com- portation. It’s that rather large facility and grounds, surrounded merce, the Retail Merchants Association in Richmond and other by company vehicles, near the heart of downtown Richmond. local organizations.” “This entire area covers around 12 acres. We had our main facil- James River Transportation has a second facility in Norfolk, lo- Iity built here in 1998 when there was not much else going on in cated on the east coast of Virginia, near the Atlantic Ocean. This this part of town. Economic development has since followed us in facility, which includes a maintenance garage, caters to charter cus- this area. It’s where we do most of our heavy vehicle maintenance tomers, contract transportation work and operates an Amtrak bus work. Our corporate office is also located here as well as the train- feeder service. ing staff,” Stephen Story said. “Across to street from our main fa- “There are very large military bases in the Norfolk area. We pro-
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vide transportation for not only the military, but also contractors new tasks, than to have that person with past experience bring in a who work for the military,” Stephen Story said. lot of bad habits,” he said. “I feel it’s more important to hire a good As mentioned, James River Transportation also has a presence person, with a good personality, who we feel will buy into our cor- at Norfolk International Airport. porate values — integrity being among the top of these values. We will then properly train the person according to what he/she has HIRING ON TALENT, NOT EXPERIENCE been hired to do at our company. aving focused on human resource management in college, “We focus a lot on training. This involves all positions — from Stephen Story feels that certain hiring practices put into drivers to customer service personnel.” place at James River Transportation over the years have There are approximately 150 people who work at James River proven to be beneficial. Transportation. H“When we hire people, we rarely hire those who have past expe- “We always say that our company looks big, because we take up rience in a particular field. Once exception would be employees in- a lot of space with our vehicles and our property, but we really are volved in accounting. We would rather teach a person completely a small company,” Stephen Story said. “Of our 150 or so employ- ees, 13 are in leadership or office positions, approximately 10 are in maintenance and cleaning, and the rest are drivers. “We measure job performance for just about every position that is offered at James River Transportation. This includes a de- tailed calculation on how each person per- forms on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Almost every position offers incen- tives and bonuses as part of its compensation package. This includes drivers as well as members of our leadership and sales teams. We believe in helping our employees make good money. After all, they are the ones helping our company generate income. If they succeed, we succeed as a business.” He added that when a company is able to attract and hire quality candidates, the “domino effect” often follows. “Great employees attract other great em- ployees. When word gets around that you are a good company to work for, that also improves employee retention,” Stephen Story said. “Employe recognition is key. Many people don’t leave a company because of the pay. They leave because they do not feel valued.” To help improve its level of employee recognition, James River Transportation of- fers monthly “WOW” awards. “We receive nominations for these awards in different ways, such as from customers,” Stephen Story said. “It’s important to recog- nize and celebrate employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.” The company has been presenting its “WOW” awards for nearly 10 years, and has seen an overall improvement in customer service. “The funny thing is, what could have won an employee a ‘WOW’ award 10 years ago is now often considered normal behavior. Our employees have raised the bar as to what a ‘WOW’ award is today,” Stephen Story said. Winners of these awards receive a
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“WOW” pin for their clothing at work, as well as a gift card. “When it comes to driver candidates, we look for good person- “Last year, we had over 400 ‘WOW’ nominations and 60-plus alities and communication skills. Approximately 90 percent of the winners,” he said. “We receive 20 or so nominations every month. drivers we hire are taught from scratch. They have no professional Winners are determined during our monthly managers’ meeting.” driving experience. We have been running our own driving school since 1996,” Stephen Story THE BENEFITS said. “We will hire some expe- OF TRAINING rienced drivers if they have o further improve cus- moved from another area, but if tomer service, James they are already in our area, River Transportation in- there is probably a reason why stituted a corporate trainer posi- they are looking for another Ttion approximately 12 years ago driving job — and it’s usually to teach a variety of skill sets, not a good reason. We have not including what Stephen Story been very successful in hiring refers to as “soft/personal” experienced drivers. We started skills. For examples, drivers are recognizing that fact decades taught dinner table etiquette and ago, and decided to hire more other social skills, as many find people with no experience and themselves eating with cus- then train, train, train. tomers. Proper telephone eti- Technicians Chris Wells, left, and Leon Fisher are shown next to “Again, along with all of our quette is also discussed. one of James River Transportation's Van Hool motorcoaches. employes, we set goals for “Numerous group sessions also drivers, measure and monitor take place at our company throughout the year, to discuss customer their performance, coach them, and modify their training when service ‘best practices.’ This type of activity helps to generate and share necessary.” ideas. Obviously, one of the problems when hiring inexperienced peo- Officials at James River Transportation also work with a com- ple is their lack of experience in their new field. This is where our more pany that specializes in background checks prior to hiring an em- seasoned employees can help during these group sessions, sharing what ployee, such as a driver. The idea is to fill in any areas that may they have learned while driving a bus, selling a charter trip, etc.,” have been missed by traditional FBI checks. Stephen Story said. “Our corporate trainer is also constantly identifying “The company we work with has developed its own database, needs that we have, and adapting training programs.” searching and monitoring records at the county courthouse level. Of course, special training is a necessity when hiring people to This company seeks a 10-year history of a candidate to see if there drive large vehicles full of passengers. is any past criminal record,” Stephen Story said. “Having these ex-
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tensive background checks conducted is very important to our DIFFERENT VEHICLES clients, especially when transporting school children, professional FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS athletes and corporate personnel.” hen it comes to transporting various customer groups, one size and type of vehicle doesn’t fit all. Simply put, “I tell our employees, we are a ‘performance-based different groups have different demands and transporta- organization.’ Everything we do must make sense, and tion needs. Therefore, the 90-vehicle fleet of James River Trans- Wportation includes full- and medium-size motorcoaches, buses, we have to justify why we do it based on set goals.” vans, SUVs and sedans. On the motorcoach side, the company has experienced an indus- try trend felt by many North American operators that involves James River Transportation also has its own driving simulator to group sizes becoming smaller. To better accommodate these groups, better train and retrain drivers. This simulator is in a trailer and can James River Transportation recently put into service four new 38- be transported to different locations. passenger Van Hool CX35 motorcoaches, from ABC Companies. “We can teach a driver how to properly react to different situa- These vehicles include 38 seats with extra legroom, three-point tions that can happen on the road. This includes what to do if a tire seat belts, power outlets at each seat, Wi-Fi capabilities, luggage blows or a child walks in front of a vehicle,” Stephen Story said. bay, restroom, DVD players and monitors, satellite tracking and “Having our own driving simulator is a hugh investment, but it’s cameras. an important part of our training process. “Every current driver also goes through a “We heavily focus on preventative maintenance. A mechanic taught me years twice-a-year assessment. This involves not only ago the ‘three-foot rule’ when conducting an inspection. The rule states that our simulator but actual on-the-road driving with a trainer. This helps the trainer identify any bad you not only properly inspect the specific item in question on a vehicle, you also driving habits that have developed. These habits inspect three feet around that item to see if anything else needs attention.” are then corrected. “I tell our employees, we are a ‘performance- based organization.’ Everything we do must make sense, and we “These motorcoaches have been a hit with customers who are have to justify why we do it based on set goals. Therefore, it’s im- looking for a smaller vehicle that comes with big-coach features,” portant to make proper adjustments when needed.” Stephen Story said. “In the past, we have taken seats out of our
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larger motorcoaches in hopes of TVs, in-vehicle camera systems and meeting the needs of these smaller GPS tracking. groups, but they are still large vehi- These amenities not only make cles. When I heard that ABC Com- the passenger experience more en- panies was offering a 38-passenger joyable, comfortable and safer, they Van Hool vehicle, based on the ex- also help James River Transporta- isting Van Hool C-model, it was an tion’s drivers. easy decision for me to buy those For example, two years ago, com- coaches. pany officials introduced newly “My relationship with ABC Com- government-mandated electronic panies goes back many years, and logging device (ELD) technology the CX35 motorcoach opens up fu- for its drivers. However, instead of ture opportunities with passenger purchasing ELDs as just another groups. This helps us provide a piece of equipment to be installed in more efficient operation. vehicles, the company was able to “I was also impressed by how rep- connect ELD technology to each resentatives of ABC Companies set driver’s smartphone through the up conference calls every two weeks company’s transportation app, with our company after we had James River Transportation employees showcase a wedding which is available to all of its em- taken delivery of the Van Hool vehi- services award. They are, left to right, travel consultants Lynn ployees. cles. They wanted to make sure Brockwell, Kizzy Taliaferro (holding the award), and Sheila “We didn’t just want to install an- those vehicles were doing well, and Alexander, along with administrative assistant Bonnie Miles. other piece of equipment in our ve- to see if we had any questions or hicles that would eventually become problems. This is very similar to the type of customer service that outdated and would need replaced. That seemed silly. Therefore, we try to provide for our own clients.” we gave our employees incentives to purchase smartphones, if they Like many of today’s bus/motorcoach operators, James River did not have them already, so that we could incorporate current Transportation provides a wide variety of vehicle amenities for its ELD technology. We also installed driver-vehicle inspection report passengers. This includes Wi-Fi, electrical seating outlets, satellite (DVIR) technology on these phones for our drivers’ pre-trip inspec-
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tions,” Stephen Story said. “Our company transportation app is for internal purposes only, and was not designed for passenger or client use. It includes a system to help em- ployes complete, during their free time, any required company training program. Drivers can do this on their smartphone while wait- ing for a group to arrive, etc.” The company’s transportation app also fea- tures various operating manuals, emergency check lists and an internal newsletter that in- cludes special announcements. “We also send monthly quizzes to many of our employees through this app, as part of our continual training program. The employees have to type in their answers for these quizzes for better retention,” Stephen Story said. Another focus point for James River Trans- portation, over the years, is making sure every vehicle in its fleet has seat belts. A process of retrofitting older vehicles with seat belts started five years ago for the company. James River Transportation Director of Sales & Marketing Craig Treanor “Obviously, when we purchase new buses, tests his driving skills while using the company’s bus simulator. they now come with seat belts. Many of our older vehicles, however, did not have them, which is why they have ment, many of which do have seat belts. How would you decide who, been retrofitted,” Stephen Story said. “There is no way we are going among a large group of passengers, would be in the vehicles with to keep a small number of vehicles in our fleet without seat belts, seat belts and who would be in the vehicles without seat belts? and then send those vehicles out as part of a larger group of equip- “That is an example of our company being extremely proactive.
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“We measure everything We spend a huge amount of leak that needs attention. It’s all part of proper preventative money on training, safety and maintenance.” we do as it pertains to technology. It does not make Stephen Story is also the first to admit that properly cleaning vehicle maintenance. This business and safety sense, a vehicle, in a timely manner, is not an easy task, and holds the therefore, to have some vehi- people who do the cleaning at James River Transportation in very includes recording every cles in our fleet without seat high regard. belts. Today, we advertise that “It’s very hard to clean a vehicle overnight, getting it looking and breakdown, whether it’s all of our vehicles have seat smelling fresh. Again, we monitor and measure how much cleaning electrical in nature or belts. It’s become a big deal for is done, and the end result,” he said. “We also spotcheck every ve- many of our clients, and it re- hicle before each trip. This involves several people, including the related to problems with a inforces our safety culture.” driver, a maintenance staff member and our safety director. If some- tire, air conditioning, etc.” Keeping all vehicles well thing needs improved upon maintained and clean is another within the cleaning process, “We also spotcheck every important factor when it comes then we will retrain — just like to superior safety and customer service. This comes naturally for every other part of our busi- vehicle before each trip. Stephen Story, as his professional background includes vehicle ness.” This involves several maintenance. “I’m a state inspector as well as a certified mechanic and techni- BECOMING INVOLVED people, including the driver, cian,” he said. “As with other parts of our business, we measure IS KEY a maintenance staff member everything we do as it pertains to vehicle maintenance. This in- ndorsing the philoso- cludes recording every breakdown, whether it’s electrical in nature phy that, “What you and our safety director. ” or related to problems with a tire, air conditioning, etc. put in this life is what “We heavily focus on preventative maintenance. A mechanic you get out of it,” Stephen taught me years ago the ‘three-foot rule’ when conducting an in- EStory has long been an advocate of industry participation and com- spection. The rule states that you not only properly inspect the munity involvement. It started early for him. For example, he is a specific item in question on a vehicle, you also inspect three feet longtime member of the Virginia Motorcoach Association. Ironi- around that item to see if anything else needs attention. For in- cally, it was a competitor who encouraged him to join the group stance, a person might find that a nearby hose is loose or a small when he was just 19 years of age. When time is of the essence... Work smarter, not harder, with our WASH BOTS!
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“I would go to the meetings back then, and other members would these government agencies can gain a better understanding of say, ‘Here comes the new guy. We can get him on the board and he what type of company James River Transportation is, and learn can volunteer for things. He has more energy,’” Stephen Story more about its strict training and maintenance policies. said, with a laugh. “It was a great early experience for me in the “When we do make a mistake, and every company makes mis- industry, and taught me that although the bus industry is full of takes, representatives from these agencies will know that some- competitors, many of these competitors can also be friends and thing we did wrong was not intentional, and that we were not allies. I feel it’s always good to create good relationships within trying to hide something,” Stephen Story said. “Due to these re- the entire industry.” lationships, I have been invited, on occasion, to speak at govern- ment events. I have even brought our bus simulator to “A lot of people are willing to pay good rates for good service. I continue some of these events, emphasizing the different types to feel that many people are starved for better customer service.” of training conducted at James River Transportation. “The end result is, when an official from one of these state agencies sees our vehicle going down the road, Today, James River Transportation continues to participate he/she knows that the vehicle has been inspected and is in good with other local operators when transporting large groups of peo- condition. Overall, the many relationships that we have built over ple, especially during special events. the years with the local community, the state regulatory and en- “This can only be done if you continue to maintain good rela- forcement agencies and our competitors have helped James River tionships with your competitors,” Stephen Story said. “Such co- Transportation to become a much better company.” operation allows for complicated transportation projects to succeed. The end result is helping our own company’s revenue LOOKING AHEAD WITH ENTHUSIASM stream grow.” rganic growth is very high in importance for officials at Other solid partnerships that James River Transportation has James River Transportation. This growth will come developed over the years is with the Virginia Department of through new markets and services, according to Stephen Transportation and the Virginia State Police. Story. For example, the company is getting ready to test an elec- “Because we are such a visible organization in our area, it was Otric downtown shuttle for a client. decided a long time ago to build a positive relationship with the “I am also excited about the possibilities of autonomous vehi- DOT and state police. The same is true with the Virginia Depart- cles. We are looking to partner with a particular software com- ment of Motor Vehicles,” Stephen Story said. pany to test such a vehicle,” Stephen Story said. “As a company, He added that by building such relationships, officials from I feel James River Transportation is the right size to be such a Next Generation of Electric Power for Transit Bus
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experimented, over the years, with just about every type of transportation service. Some were successful and some were not. That is OK. It’s how you learn.” Having spent most of his life in the bus/mo- torcoach industry, Stephen Story said this type of business does have its rewards. “As an owner, I have become involved with all aspects of this line of work. It’s definitely not been mundane. There is also good money to be earned. A lot of people are willing to pay good rates for good service. I continue to feel that many people are starved for better cus- tomer service. This has helped James River Transportation stand out,” he said. “It’s all about finding what type of customer service a client wants, and then how that service can best be delivered. Again, it’s much more than simply showing up on time and with a nice ve- hicle. That is the bare minimum. The first bus James River Transportation owned was this 1924 Studebaker. “You know that great customer service has been provided when a client comes back from partner for this type of project. We can be very flexible.” a trip and has an amazing story to share — not He added that autonomous vehicles could be beneficial when only with you but 10 other people.” providing smaller shuttle services. “It would have to be a vehicle designed for low speed/low risk Contact: James River Transportation, applications,” Stephen Story added. “We are always on the look- 915 N. Allen Ave., out for new transportation services and modifications. We have Richmond, VA 23220. Phone: 804-342-7300. Website: www.jamesrivertrans.com.
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Illinois’ Rock Island County MetroLINK
“We take every opportunity to give Jeff Nelson back to the Jennifer Hirsch community. It is a
Chelsey Hohensee great story to tell.”
— Jennifer Hirsch
Uses Technology And Data To Win 94 Percent Community Acceptance
By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor
eeking and implementing the latest in public transportation technology and innovations is a high priority at the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK). The transit agency primarily services communities on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, which is comprised of Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and SDavenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Mississippi River separates the Illinois and Iowa cities. Page 28 BUSLINE November/December 2018 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 29
“In Illinois, we originally serviced Moline, East Moline, Rock ership has been holding steady at about 3.4 million passenger Island and Silvis,” said MetroLINK General Manager Jeff trips annually. Nelson, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine at the “We are experiencing a slight uptick in ridership,” Nelson said. system’s state-of-the art Metro Operations and Maintenance “We kind of hit a lull for about a two-year period, but now we Center. “In the early 1990s, we expanded service into some of are seeing the numbers starting to creep up.” the smaller villages in the area — Milan, Carbon Cliff, Hampton Nelson said rider demographic data shows more than half of and Colona. We mainly run service on the Illinois side of the the system’s ridership are “choice” passengers. Quad Cities. The Quad Cities metro area’s population is about “Probably 58 percent of the choice riders are people going to 300,000 people, which is pretty much equally divided between and from work,” Nelson said. “The next biggest group are riders the Illinois side and the Iowa cities. Our system and the Iowa going to and from school. The cities of Moline and Rock Island city systems are coordinated to make a seamless connection from do not have school buses. We have done pretty well with discre- one state to the next.” tionary riders.” In its fleet, MetroLINK operates 60 fixed-route buses (branded MetroLINK also offers unlimited ride cards for students of as “Metro”), 15 paratransit vehicles and three ferryboats (Channel three local colleges and universities — Western Illinois Quad Cat). The three Channel Cat passenger ferry boats operate on the Cities University, Black Hawk College and Augustana College. Mississippi River, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Weather permitting, the boats also run on MAKING A DIFFERENCE weekends through October. In addition, the river service has been showcased by National he Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District Geographic and the Mississippi River Geotourism Stewardship was established in 1970. The system was first known by Council as one of the best destinations for travelers seeking an its initials, RICMMTD. The system’s managers wanted a authentic experience of the region, according to MetroLINK. name that would be more easily recognized in the community. In “Offering the ferryboat service makes MetroLINK little bit dif- T1988, a public contest was conducted, and the name MetroLINK ferent from most transit systems,” Nelson said. “Ferryboats are was born. more likely to be seen on the East and West coasts, but not a Since its inception in 1970, the system’s leadership made it a whole lot in the Midwest.” foundational principle to be a leader in the community, and to be Manager of Operations Chelsey Hohensee reported that, on a positive force based on how it impacts the environment and sus- average, MetroLINK logs about 2.4 million miles yearly. Rid- tainability.
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Perhaps the most visible example to the general public of the has a parking deck on top. Some transit facilities have black soot system’s effort to improve the quality of life in the Quad Cities covering their ceilings, as well as clouds of dirt everywhere, and we area by being environmentally friendly is the evolution of the didn’t want that to happen here. So, shifting to that No. 1 high cetain MetroLINK bus fleet. was a great experience for us. In 1983, Nelson, a native It gave us our first taste of of Moline, came to clean burning energy,” Nelson MetroLINK as a transit plan- said. ner. He was named general In the early 2000s, John manager in 1986. Deere & Co., based in Moline, “When I started here, our began producing compressed board provided a lot of the natural gas engines for on- goal setting and vision ele- road vehicles. The company ments. They truly wanted to was seeking a marketplace for make a difference in the the CNG engines, and it ap- community,” Nelson said. proached MetroLINK. As a When he first arrived at result, in 2002, the transit sys- MetroLINK, the primary tem began operating CNG ve- fuel being used in the sys- hicles powered by the John tem’s buses was No. 2 diesel. Deere engines. “That grade of diesel fuel The Metro Operations and Maintenance Center is designed to be “John Deere was manufac- produced a lot of soot and environmentally responsible, sustainable, and to support the ultimate turing natural gas engines particulates,” Nelson said. in human potential and mechanical efficiency, according to MetroLINK. with electronic fueling, which Working with the Chicago was new to the public transit Transit Authority, an additive product, called No. 1 high cetain, industry at the time. We worked with ElDorado National to put was developed. the John Deere engines in city buses,” Nelson said. “So, we took “No. 1 high cetain significantly reduced the particulates and, delivery of our first 12 CNG buses, and, a short time later, an- probably more importantly, the soot coming out of the buses. We other 10. Within a two-year window, we were operating 22 clean just finished our new Centre Station in downtown Moline that burning natural gas buses with John Deere engines.” EFFICIENCY RELIABILITYITY Air Conditioning Electric PERFORMANCEDiscover electricityNC
hermetic electric scroll compressor/s ʓ a.c. motors ʓ self-contained refrigerant loops ʓgenerator or hybrid bus power
:<;9(2*VYWVYH[PVU , [O(]L*VTTLYJL*P[`*6 4HPU^^^Z\[YHR\ZHJVTPUMV'Z\[YHR\ZHJVTJV
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When the federal government began pushing for clean diesel “It is amazing to look back at the ribbon cutting we had for technology, incentives for clean-burning energy shifted, Nelson the electric buses. There were more than 100 people from the explained. business community and elected officials who attended. That “As a result, John Deere left that market and Cummins Inc. be- was a significant number of people for a city our size, and it came the primary CNG engine manufacturer in the industry,” speaks to what Jeff (Nelson) does to promote public transit.” Nelson said. “We are now retiring the last of our buses with the One thing riders notice, when traveling on one of the electric John Deere engines.” buses, is how quiet they are when the engine is running. In fact, MetroLINK continued to build on its CNG program, and its fleet one can stand near an electric bus and not be able to tell if the is now comprised of about 85 percent alternative fueled vehicles. engine is running or not. “We have two in-house CNG fueling compressors. We built a “The electric buses are unique. People can have conversa- redundant station at the Moline Public Works, which also runs tions on these buses without having to talk loudly,” Nelson said. compressed natural gas vehicles,” Nelson said. “We put the fuel- “When we first started, if you were in the back of a bus, you ing station at the Public Works as a backup to be able to continue weren’t going to have a conversation.” service in the event we have a catastrophic issue at the Metro Operations and Mainte- nance Center.” As a side note, MetroLINK’s first set of CHARTER CNG buses left the factory and went straight to the 2002 Winter Olympic games in Salt Lake City, UT. Dump “They went to the Olympics before they arrived here, because there was a big push for clean energy for the Olympics,” Nelson CLEAN... said. “When they arrived after the Olympics, each bus had a nice little Olympic plaque inside.” Dump THE NEXT STEP n keeping with its commitment to be a LEGAL! leader in the communities it serves by seeking the latest in sustainability technologies, in April of this year, IMetroLINK unveiled three all-electric WASHROOM WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT fixed-routes buses. Also, in April, it was announced that Installs directly into your MetroLINK will receive about $3.2 mil- existing sewer system! lion from the U.S. Department of Trans- portation’s Bus and Bus Infrastructure Program to purchase electric buses, charg- avatory dump hopper is assembled and ready ing stations and passenger shelters. As a re- to install in your existing sewer system. Its Washroom sult, an additional five electric buses have cover plate is easily rolled back with the waste is been ordered and are expected to be deliv- L ered in 2019. remover tool. Each of your service lanes can easily be removed “We have stepped into the next phase equipped with this time-saving unit, which has been the quickly, of clean energy, and that is battery elec- industry standard for over thirty years. All major credit easily and tric buses,” Nelson said. “We now have cards accepted. three battery electric buses, and we have safely ordered five more, which will arrive in Call 1-866-LAV-DUMP or email February 2019. We have been very im- [email protected] for additional information. pressed with the all-electric buses.” MetroLINK Manager of Administra- tion Jennifer Hirsch added: “We take every opportunity to give back to the com- munity. It is a great story to tell. When HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION CNG first came out, we worked really hard Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 to make that known to the community. When we brought in the electric buses, we www.lavdump.com conducted a pretty significant campaign.
November/December 2018 BUSLINE Page 31 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 32
Operations Supervisor Steve Quested Operations Supervisor Erica Bell Assistant Director of Operations Mitch Pannell
With the transition to CNG, MetroLINK’s mechanics re- Nelson said it is too early to determine if the electric buses ceived significant training on the new technology. have impacted ridership numbers. “John Deere was really good about giving us training on “Currently, the three electric buses are operating on one cor- CNG engines. They actually have a John Deere University,” ridor that goes from the Quad City International Airport to Nelson said. “When we first rolled out the CNG buses, John downtown Moline,” Nelson said. “It is a nice welcoming for- Deere’s trainers spent nearly a month educating our mechanics mat for people coming through the airport to see the battery on natural gas. electric buses. It really denotes a progressive community, as “Fast forward to today, Proterra Inc., produced a nice prep we constantly seek new technologies to improve service.” course for our mechanics to understand how electric buses No matter how high tech its buses are, none of it matters work. Our alternative fuel program has been well received without MetroLINK’s drivers, who are billed as the “face of by the community each step of the way. We received endless Metro.” positive comments when we went to natural gas, and, even The system’s bus operators undergo intensive and extensive more so, with our move to electric-powered buses.” training before they can drive a bus solo. While driver turnover is not a major problem, MetroLINK promotes a unique perspective on how its drivers view their jobs. During Busline’s visit, Hirsch showed a short video on the subject. The video shows that MetroLINK encour- ages operators to view themselves as being almost like independent subcontractors. Driv- ers view their buses as their “office” and rid- ers as “clients.” The video also points out, there are no office cubicles and no desks involved, just the road and a good view. The video also acts as an ef- fective tool to recruit drivers. The video can be seen on the system’s website, www.metroqc.com. As with bus operators, there is not a lot of turnover when it comes to mechanics. However, in attracting mechanics, MetroLINK competes with John Deere and the Rock Island Arsenal, which is a U.S. Army facility located on an is- land in the Mississippi River. MetroLINK’s state-of-the art Operations and Maintenance Center, which was completed in the spring of 2014, was designed with mechanics in mind. “In designing the facility, we knew specifically we would be challenged in the recruiting of me- chanics, so we spent a lot of time developing the maintenance area,” Nelson said. “We sought input from our existing employees as to what would mo- tivate them to want to come to work every day. Page 32 BUSLINE November/December 2018 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 33
Assistant Director of Maintenance Dan Hyett, left, Greg Meldrum, DCS Computer Services, left, and Director of Maintenance Matt Simaytis. and Jim Tuttle, systems administrator.
The result was a maintenance area laid out to be a very attractive FORWARD-LOOKING PROJECTS workplace. “John Deere and Arsenal pay their mechanics a lot more, so uring the past several years, in addition to the electric bus we had to design a value-added work environment. Our main- program, MetroLINK has completed, or is in the process tenance shop has heated floors and plenty of natural lighting. of completing, several progressive, forward looking proj- It is a very clean environment, and is an effective recruit- ects designed with sustainability and improving the quality of life ment tool.” Din the Quad Cities in mind. Hirsch added: “The talk in the community is we have the best Major projects include: n maintenance shop around.” John Deere Commons Ferry Terminal: Environmental
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work is currently underway for this project, and construction is hance intermodal connectivity in the Quad Cities. The project in- expected in 2019. Located at the John Deere Commons landing volved the reuse of an six-story historic structure in downtown in Moline, the terminal will increase safety and security, enhance Moline that was built in 1917 as a Sears warehouse. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, expand Major improvements include common space waiting areas for docking space, and provide new passenger amenities; rail passengers, real-time information signage, restrooms, and a n The Q Multi-Modal Station: The “Q” is a mixed-use, pub- grand passenger hall. Exterior project elements include a soon- lic-private station to serve future passenger rail service and en- to-be-constructed rail platform and pedestrian plaza capable of hosting a range of community events. The facility also includes the 96-room Element hotel; n Moline Riverbend Commons Ferryboat Terminal: In 2016, MetroLINK completed construction on a new Moline ferryboat ter- minal to serve the Channel Cat passenger ferryboat service; n District Station: Opened in early 2014, District Station re- placed MetroLINK’s on-street transfer site in downtown Rock Is- land. The facility includes 2,000 square-feet of interior passenger THE DIAMOND FAMILY waiting area with restrooms, an information kiosk and a monitor displaying next bus arrival information. Ten exterior bus bays with canopies are equipped with real-time signage. In December 2017, MetroLINK announced that District Station had achieved USGBC LEED Gold Certification; n TransLoc® Rider app: The app, which is available on both Android and Apple devices for riders of Bettendorf Transit, MetroLINK, and Davenport CitiBus, offers real time bus tracking and displays a map, which enables riders to locate specific routes and stops. n Centre Station: A signature hub of the MetroLINK system, Centre Station provides connections to nine routes. Located in Mo- line on River Drive and next to the John Deere Pavilion, riders can browse its gift shop and eat lunch. With many amenities close at hand, Centre Station is an attraction worth visiting; n Metro Operations and Maintenance Center: This aforemen- tioned facility is designed to be environmentally responsible, sus- Serving The Industry Since 1947 tainable, and to support the ultimate in human potential and Made in the U.S.A. mechanical efficiency, according to MetroLINK. diamondmfg.com The 150,000 square-foot facility includes an operations corridor, a bus maintenance building, a storage area and fueling bays. 800-343-1009 816-421-8363 The facility was designed to USGBC LEED (U.S. Green Building Council Certification Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards and includes energy efficiency and sustain- ability features such as: • An energy recovery system that cap- tures heat or cooled energy to eliminate the power needed to change the build- ing’s air temperature to inside levels; • Solar arrays that supply the majority of the facility's electrical power and hot water needs; • A water reclamation system that fil- ters water used in the facility’s bus wash for reuse; and, • An indoor compressed natural gas fu- eling station. MetroLINK also operates an Ameri- cans With Disabilities (ADA)-certified paratransit service. “In 1978, we started installing wheelchair lifts on our fixed-route buses. Our board chose many years ago to become a fully-ac-
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Operations Coordinator Facilities Engineer Finance Assistant Planning and Projects Information Systems Jennifer Kincaid Luke Hansen Tammy Fetterer Tanning Osing Coordinator Devon White
cessible fixed-route system,” Nelson said. “Because our fixed-route Works, where we are going out to manufacturers and the business buses are so accessible, we still find today that the bulk of our phys- community promoting our service.” ically-challenged customers use fixed-route buses. As a result, we have an unusually small paratransit fleet, for use by people who don’t BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS have a choice.” “We also do a lot of outreach in the community in terms of travel istorically, one of the major barriers that has kept peo- training for seniors, the disabled population and school children, to ple from considering public transit as a viable trans- help them feel comfortable and familiar with riding the fixed-route portation option has been the perception that buses are system,” Hirsch said. dirty and unsafe. MetroLINK has also established programs with some local fac- H“We spend a lot of time trying to work on perceptions and val- tories to transport their employees. ues,” Nelson said. “We are 100 percent opposite of the old per- “Tyson Foods is probably our best example. It is located outside ception of public transportation as being unsafe with dirty buses, the edge of our service area,” Nelson said. “The company pays etc. We have been successful in this effort. When we survey the MetroLINK a flat fee every year, in lieu of property taxes, which community, we have a 94 percent high acceptance rate. There allows us to operate an express service that takes people to work is no question the community sees value of public transporta- every day.” tion. They see investment in public transit as being critical.” “In addition,” Hirsch said, “we have a program called Metro Nelson said MetroLINK, along with other transit agencies, bat- INSURANCETRANSPORTATION SINCE 1952 SERVICE INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC #ATAWBA ,ANE s 2ICHMOND 6!
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tles a “vocal minority” who are op- posed to public transportation. “It doesn’t make sense. They fight referendums and service expansions, and when you pin them down as to why, they can’t answer the question,” Nelson said. “It is an interesting anom- aly that is starting to pop up in commu- nities around the nation. Unfortunately, sometimes the vocal minority is having more success than the mainstream.” To battle public perceptions, MetroLINK has completed an eco- nomic analysis report, which was a project completed by one of the sys- MetroLINK’s maintenance area, with its heated floors and plenty of natural lighting tem’s interns. makes it an attractive workplace, as well as an effective recruitment tool. “The report shows what the true value of having a transit system in a community means in num- ship with elected officials, and is constantly looking for ways bers,” Hirsch said. “We are working to publish the economic to innovate.” analysis report and getting it in front of our business commu- LOOKING AHEAD nity and the taxpayers. There is some hard data in the report that shows the importance of transit, and how it positively im- s has historically been the case, MetroLINK’s leadership pacts the community. This is something new that not a lot of continues to seek ways to improve upon its progressive communities are doing.” public transportation system. Nelson added: “We have to give APTA (American Public “The whole big data field is very intriguing. The challenge is Transportation Association) kudos because they developed the Ahow can we better use technology and data to create a system framework to allow us to successfully put together such a re- based on need and demand?” Nelson said. “When I started here, port. APTA has done a great job trying to prepare transit agen- it was all guesswork. As much as people would say they had the cies to better discuss their impact on communities. When you fine art of transit down, there was still a lot of guesswork. can talk about the economic impact of transit in a community, “With all the new technology, software and data out there, we that speaks volumes across a lot of lines. APTA has done a great are finding some unique services. For example, we are looking job helping us frame the conversation.” at developing microtransit service to better fill buses more sig- nificantly at the end of the line. We are stepping into the micro- transit arena. We are conducting studies to see if it is really a viable alternative. We will probably do some prototyping on that in the next 18 months to two years.” Nelson explained microtransit involves added service at the end of a fixed-route where, typically, buses are nearly empty. “For example, in a small community at the end of a fixed-route, we might be able to offer service that allows people to move around in the community itself,” he said. “We have one commu- nity that is very small, but it has a post office, a grocery store, convenience stores and a drugstore. The question is, can we de- sign a system that allows people to stay within their village, as well as catching that mainline bus to downtown?” Another futuristic technology that has many public transporta- In April, MetroLINK unveiled three all-electric fixed-route buses. The electric tion officials nationwide pondering on how it will be used at their buses are exceptionally quiet and create virtually no noise when idling. respective agencies is autonomous vehicles. “We are dabbling in the autonomous arena,” Nelson said. In addition to APTA, Hirsch gave credit to Nelson’s leader- “We are looking at how to create an autonomous shop where ship in establishing a progressive approach to public transporta- a bus can drive itself through the fuel line and into storage tion that has resonated positively with the Quad Cities and maintenance areas. community. “As autonomous vehicle technology moves forward, we are “He (Nelson) truly is a visionary and has led this organization trying to take advantage of the value-added features that to do many progressive things,” she said. “He holds us to a come with it, to make our vehicles safer and our operators pretty high standard. He represents our brand in the community, more efficient.” as well as Chelsey (Hohensee) and myself. I would like to think we are a reflection of him. He has been involved with APTA Contact: MetroLINK, 1515 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265. for many years in leadership roles. He also has a great relation- Phone: 309-786-2705. Website: www.metroqc.com.
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Berkshire Shows Luxury Coach At BusCon Built On Freightliner Custom Chassis S2C Berkshire, a member of the Forest the type of suspension, ride and handling River Bus Division, recently debuted a that many operators desire.” new addition to its product lineup, one Roberts added that the rear sway bar that is powered by Freightliner Custom of the S2C provides added handling ca- Chassis Corporation (FCCC). pabilities for the benefit of passengers Riding on a purpose-built S2C com- who are seated toward the back of the mercial bus chassis platform from vehicle. FCCC, Berkshire’s Ultra 42 coach offers “That is important, especially in a ve- a full range of standard features and hicle that is full of passengers and their highlights made possible by the chassis’ luggage,” Roberts said. industry-leading design, durability and FCCC Manager of Product Marketing amenities. The Ultra 42 was on display Bryan Henke added that one of the bene- during the recent 2018 BusCon, in Indi- fits to using Freightliner Custom Chassis anapolis, IN. products is access to the company’s 24/7 According to FCCC, features of the Direct app, providing on-demand cus- Ultra 42 and its purpose-built S2C chas- tomer support — any time and anywhere. sis include: “The best visibility in its class and superior cab ergonomics, “The app offers that extra customer support that separates FCCC safety and visibility; leather seating and steering wheel; premium driver products from many commodity-type items,” Henke said. and passenger air-suspension seats; and exclusive front and rear suspen- This type of service now benefits a growing number of Berkshire sion configuration for optimum ride and handling.” customers. Additional features include LED headlamps with daytime running- “We chose S2C because of its design and the outstanding support FCCC lights; an easily accessible slide-out battery tray and battery disconnect puts behind its products,” Berkshire Coach General Manager Troy Snyder switch; and a weather-protected power distribution center. said. “With the S2C, we’re able to develop a fully-loaded, high-end mo- “Berkshire is already setting a new standard in the luxury bus industry, torcoach with very few modifications that fits naturally into our entire line and we’re excited they see the S2C as the best platform for the Ultra 42,” of products. We’re already seeing a lot of excitement among dealers and FCCC Product Manager for Commercial Bus Gordie Taylor said. “The potential end-users.” S2C offers the ideal combination of performance, comfort and durability The Ultra 42 is the fourth Forest River Bus product built on the S2C, — providing the perfect foundation for this exciting addition to the Berk- joining the Glaval Legacy, StarTrans P/S2 and the Starcraft Allstar XL. shire product family.” Visit www.freightlinerchassis.com for more information. FCCC Sales Manager/Commercial Bus Ivan Roberts added, “The S2C has specific features that cater well to the commercial bus market. This involves
BYD Awarded Electric Bus Contract By WESTCOACH Sightseeing RFP #1919
BYD (Build Your Dreams) Canada has been awarded an order for zero Notice is hereby given that proposals will be received by emission, battery-electric buses by WESTCOAST Sightseeing, the first the City of Culver City, California, for the following: tour company in Canada to order clean energy buses, and the first to com- mit to having a 100 percent clean-energy fleet by 2023. WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINT SYSTEMS The largest private bus operator in Vancouver, WESTCOAST Sight- seeing will work exclusively with BYD on converting its entire fleet of In strict accordance with the specifications on file in the 90 buses, which will include open-top buses, double decks, singles and office of the CULVER CITY PURCHASING DIVISION, others. WESTCOAST Sightseeing will also work with the city to develop 4343 Duquesne Avenue, Culver City, California, 90232. charging infrastructure that will also benefit many other companies that want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact. One original, One electronic (USB Drive) and three copies “Our business is built around the natural beauty of our home, and we of the proposal must be submitted to the CITY CLERK in a are especially conscious of the impact our day-to-day operations have on sealed envelope at CITY HALL, 9770 Culver Boulevard, the environment,” said Rob Safrata, CEO of WESTCOAST Sightseeing. Culver City, California, 90232, not later than 3:00 p.m. on “We are working towards a greener and more sustainable future. Adding electric buses and boats is the first step to achieve our goal in 2023 of be- November 15, 2018, at which time they will be opened at coming the first sightseeing firm in Canada with 100 percent electric ve- the City Clerk's Desk on the first floor of City Hall. Late sub- hicles.” WESTCOAST Sightseeing recently added Electric Harbour tours missions will not be accepted. Facsimile proposals will not to its line of sightseeing products, providing the first harbor tour on a 100 be accepted. Any proposer may withdraw his/her proposal, percent electric boat in Vancouver. without obligation, at any time prior to the scheduled closing These buses alone will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions of 4,500 time for receipt of proposals. A withdrawal will not be effec- metric tons of carbon emissions per year based on EPA standards. tive unless made personally or by telephonic notification re- Investing more than $250 million in North America to date, BYD has ceived prior to the closing date. Proposals may later be delivered more than 270 buses in North America, and sold or leased in referred to the City Council for appropriate action. The City excess of 600 buses in total to more than 50 municipal, transit agency, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals as the best in- university, airport, federal and other commercial and private sector clients in 14 U.S. states, and across 4 provinces in Canada, according to the com- terests of the City may dictate. pany. Visit www.byd.com for more information. November/December 2018 BUSLINE Page 37 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 38
AbiliTrax Overfield, Dealer Sales & Marketing Altro 26 Center St. Products: AbiliTrax universal, flexible floor- See Ad On Page 39 Randolph, NY 14701 USA ing systems, stationary and quick disconnect 12648 Clark St. 716-484-7014 seating solutions (CAM Lock, CAM2, and Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 USA Email: [email protected] StepNLock). Also available are state-of-the-art 800-382-0333 Website: www.abilitrax.com ShiftNStep dual access lift system and more. Email: [email protected] Company Officers: Keven Crawford, Manag- All products are FMVSS compliant and patents Website: www.altro.com/transport ing Partner; Scott Fenton, Owner, Inventor; Jen are pending. 18 Products: Altro is a manufacturer of slip-re- sistant floors and has been in the forefront of innovation for almost 100 years. Being the in- ventors of safety floors, Altro’s transport floors have been satisfying the diverse needs of the transportation industry for decades in both bus and rail applications. Put passenger safety first with Altro’s combination of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide and quartz aggregate. All products are lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and have been developed specif- ically to meet the demands of moving vehi- cles. Altro floors are engineered for the latest international smoke, fire and toxicity regula- tions. Investing in an Altro product is an in- vestment in a complete system - a full range of accessories, including adhesives, color co- ordinated weld rods and sealants, nosings, trims and moldings are available. Customers can also take advantage of Altro’s kit-cutting service to save time on installation and get their vehicles back into service quickly. Fam- ily owned and run since 1919, Altro is com- mitted to providing customers with innovative products to serve their needs. 17
Baultar Concept, Inc. 110, J.-E. Lemieux St. Windsor, QC J1S 0A4 CANADA 819-845-7110 Website: www.baultar.com Products: Baultar Flooring Solutions provides
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composite flooring and other products for the Forbo Flooring Systems North America than 50 years, Tarabus offers a complete floor- transit industry. 15 Humboldt Industrial Park ing solution designed to meet customers’ re- P.O. Box 667 quirements and expectations. 18 Better Life Technology Hazleton, PA 18201 USA 9736 Legler St. 570-459-0771 Milwaukee Composites, Inc. Lenexa, KS 66219 USA E-Mail: [email protected] 6055 S. Pennsylvania Ave. 913-890-4619 Website: www.forboflooringna.com Cudahy, WI 53110 USA Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Products: Flooring product portfolio for the 414-571-2788 Website: www.bltllc.com bus and coach sector. Includes entrance sys- E-Mail: [email protected] Company Officers: Brett Sneed, Chief Ex- tems, safety floors, vinyl floors and flocked Website: www.milwaukeecomposites.com ecutive Officer and Founder; Randy Treas, flooring as well as adhesives, accessories and Products: Since 1997, Milwaukee Composites Chairman of the Board; and Terry Terrill, installation tools. 15 has produced its patented lightweight floor for Vice President of Retail Sales the transit industry. 15 Products: G-Floor universal flooring is Better Gerflor USA Life Technology’s signature line of high quality See Ad On Page 38 ProFusion Industries 100 percent polyvinyl flooring, purposefully 595 Supreme Dr. 822 Kumho Dr. designed for easy installation and maintenance Bensenville, IL 60106 USA Fairlawn, OH 44333 USA and for long lasting beauty and protection. This 877-266-2042 330-668-7694 transit flooring won’t scratch, crack, peel, tear, Email: [email protected] Website: www.profusionindustries.com and prevents moisture damage, denting, punc- Website: www.gerflortransport.com Products: Manufactures the Koro-Trans™ turing, and ripping. G-Floor is exceptionally Company Officers: Perry DeGroot, National Astra Flor™ group of flooring, step tread and durable and will withstand heavy traffic over Sales Manager; Kurt Brown, Sales Manager- nosing components for shuttle and transit years of continuous use. Additional advantages: Midwest; Larry Mabery, Sales Manager-NE buses. Manufactured using sustainable pro- waterproof to prevent rust damage and wood and Canada; Walter Yang, Sales Manager-West cesses, Astra Flor features an aesthetically rot; covers entire floor without seams; light- Products: Gerflor is recognized as a specialist pleasing metal flake texture. Astra Flor may be weight material is easier to handle, install and in PVC transit flooring solutions. Tarabus is purchased as a welded one-piece construction provides greater fuel efficiency; special tex- the Gerflor product range designed for bus and in full width rib, full width smooth, or a tured surfaces provide improved traction; slip coach applications. High product quality and smooth/rib combination, as well as in standard resistant and stain resistant; thick, yet cushiony innovative designs make Tarabus a leader in width rolls for pieced installation. Widths range for passenger comfort; cleans with soap and this market. Developing close partnerships from 79 to 114 inches. water; and no rubber odor. 18 with bus and coach manufacturers for more Step tread options include Astra Flor, Astra
safety engineering durability support partnership
Flooring systems engineered for transportation
800.382.0333 altro.com/transport Altro Transflor Figura™
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Flor Ribbed, and the slip resistant Pebbletread™ Website: www.safeguard-technology.com signed for such vehicles as school, metro and design. Nosings can be provided with textured or Products: Anti-slip flooring products for trans- touring buses. 18 ribbed finishes. Proprietary processes provide for portation and other industries. 15 short lead times. Astra Flor is fire, slip, abrasion, TransitWorks and moisture resistant. OEM’s and service de- SpaceAge Synthetics, Ltd. See Ad On Page 33 partments can select custom length flooring kits 1402 39th St., NW 4199 Kinross Lakes Pkwy. or prefabricated welded one-piece flooring. 16 Fargo, ND 58102 USA Richfield, OH 44286 USA 701-277-5631 855-337-9543 Protectolite™ Composites Inc. Website: www.spaceagesynthetics.com Email: [email protected] 84 Railside Rd. Products: Thermo-Lite Board®, a fiber-rein- Website: www.transit-works.com Toronto, ON M3A 1A3 CANADA forced urethane product for applications sub- Products: SmartFloor™ flexible flooring 416-444-4484 jected to static and dynamic loads. The system. The modular technology allows for Website: www.protectolite.com company’s product lines offer a non-absorbent, quick and easy movement of seats and wheel- Products: Protectolite™ has been serving the lightweight, tough material, with lifetime per- chair positions. 18 mass transit bus community for over 50 years. formance, for the bus and other industries. 16 It supplies a wide variety of products, including Wooster Products, Inc. transit seating and seat components, flooring, TransitFlor 1000 Spruce St. exterior and interior body panels, bezels and 1833 E. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691 USA headlamp housings. 15 Akron, OH 44305 USA 800-321-4936 800-321-2340 Website: www.wooster-products.com Safeguard Technology Inc. Email: [email protected] Products: Wooster Products is a USA manu- 1460 Miller Pkwy., Streetsboro, OH 44241 Website: www.transitflor.com facturer of anti-slip safety stair and walkway 330-995-5200 Products: TransitFlor® premium-grade rubber products. This includes anti-slip nosings for E-Mail: [email protected] flooring, stair treads and entrance plates are de- bus entry steps. 17
From RBS GoTour, GoChart, Credit Card Processing And More
RBS, Inc., a provider of tour and charter and numerous accounting/operations re- • Quote Request — Customers request management software specifically designed ports. Modules allow companies to purchase quotes online by providing basic informa- for the motorcoach industry for more than and customize the RBS system to fit their tion which is used to open a quote in 25 years, has been designing, implementing needs. The security module is powerful and GoChart. Email is forwarded to the cus- and supporting its premier products, has strict controls, and requires each em- tomer and sales staff notifying receipt of on- GoChart and GoTour. The company de- ployee to access RBS using a unique login line quote; scribes its offerings as follows: and password. User-defined permissions • Online Driver Schedule— Provides web allow access to specific areas of the program access to drivers’ schedules, allowing driv- depending on job types such as administra- ers to access schedules from home, office or tor, salesperson, dispatcher and driver. RBS anywhere with an Internet connection; is now distributing v23 which includes user • Offsite Backup and Recovery software definable traits and attributes, batch email- and services are designed with disaster re- ing of driver's orders, customizable coloring covery in mind. A backup client on your of views and many feature enhancements. server connects remotely and backs up your “GoTour, our cloud based tour manage- Traits are used to define properties of critical RBS data daily. Only you and RBS ment software, manages reservations, itin- buses/customers such as a bus that is ADA have access to this data. Notification emails eraries, payables, receivables, and produces compliant. Attributes are used to create cat- are sent each time the data is backed up. management reports and customer docu- egories of customers and drivers. Version 23 RBS ensures that backup data is properly ments for group and retail tours. Hosted in also includes the ability to track a customer's available for restoration and maintains ter- the cloud using AWS (Amazon Web Serv- requested and unwanted driver lists. minal services/remote desktop environment ices), GoTour can be accessed using a to which your data can be moved. You will broadband internet connection. The RBS have access for two users, for one month, professional staff actively monitors AWS while you re-establish your network infra- services health, including continuous data structure; and, backups, software updates and network • GoText automatically provides sched- traffic analysis. RBS is now distributing uled text messages to drivers reminding GoTour v4.10 which includes Blocked Out them of upcoming assignments.” Passenger Inventory as well as many fea- “GoChart’s Web Manager provides reli- ture enhancements,” according to a press able credit card authorization, online quote Call RBS at 800-448-7001 release. generation and notification, and driver access or visit www.rbs2000.com “GoChart charter management system to schedules. Web Manager modules include: to request an evaluation copy of features customer and contract management, • Credit Card Processing — Integrated GoChart, or, to schedule a demo scheduling, dispatching, accounts receivable into the RBS GoChart application; of GoTour and start a 30-day trial.
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AxleTech International Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC Products: Cooper Tire recently introduced a 1400 Rochester Rd. 535 Marriott Dr. new line of commercial tires which are de- Troy, MI 48083 USA Nashville, TN 37214 USA signed and engineered to deliver quality and Phone: 248-658-7200 Phone: 615-937-1000 value. The WORK Series™ line, which has Website: www.axletech.com Website: www.bridgestoneamericas.com been developed specifically for buses––as well Products: Various brake-related products in- Products: Provides lease, sales and service of com- as regional-haul, pick-up and delivery applica- cluding drum brakes - cam; drum brakes - mercial and specially-designed mileage tires, re- tions––offers a wide tread footprint to maxi- wedge; hydraulic dry disc brakes; hydraulic wet treads, wheels and tire service equipment. 15 mize traction. The tire balances fuel efficiency disc brakes and park brakes. 14 and tread life with scrub-resistant properties, CBM NA and offers a full-width, four-steel belt package Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC See Ad On Page 34 to provide the casing integrity needed to handle 901 Cleveland St. 8477 Chemin Dalton multiple retreads. Elyria, OH 44035 USA Ville Mont Royal, QC H4T 1V5 CANADA The Cooper® WORK Series™ RHA is a Phone: 800-AIR-BRAKE, 440-329-9000 877-332-3163 premium 22.5/32nds deep, four rib tread design Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected], all position tire that provides a wide footprint Website: www.bendix.com [email protected] needed to maximize traction. The tapered Products: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Sys- Website: www.cbmcompany.com grooves and stone ejectors are designed to resist tems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, Products: Spare parts for motorcoaches, buses stone drilling-a casings worst enemy. The develops and supplies active safety tech- and trams. 17 Cooper® WORK Series™ RHD provides pre- nologies, air brake charging and control sys- mium 26/32nds deep open shoulder drive tread tems and components under the Bendix® Continental design to provide the footprint needed to max- brand name. Markets include medium- and Commercial Vehicle Tires - The Americas imize traction. The aggressive tread pattern bal- heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses 1830 MacMillan Park Dr. ances fuel efficiency and mileage while also and other commercial vehicles throughout Fort Mill, SC 29707 USA keeping cut and chip resistance in mind. The North America. 14 Phone: 704-583-3900 RHA and RHD are both SmartWay verified. 18 Website: www.continentaltire.com Bremskerl North America, Inc. Products: Tires for various markets including DuraBrake Co. 1291 Humbracht Cir. the bus and motorcoach industries. 14 2311 Calle Del Mundo Bartlett, IL 60103 USA Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone: 800-939-4047 Cooper Tire Phone: 408-748-0400 Email: [email protected] 701 Lima Ave. Email: [email protected] Website: www.bremskerl.com Findlay, OH 45840 USA Website: www.durabrake.com Products: German manufacturer of air disc Phone: 419-423-1321 Products: DuraBrake™ is a manufacturer of brake pads for coach bus applications. Avail- Email: [email protected] medium and heavy-duty brake drums, rotors able for every bus make and model in North Website: www.coopertrucktires.com and hubs for the aftermarket and OEM. The America. 16 Company Officer: Brad Hughes, President & company has over 2,000 part numbers for tran- CEO sit buses, motorcoaches and other vehicles. 18
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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. From the beginning, the company’s goal is Michelin North America, Inc. 200 Innovation Way to provide a better brake lining while offering P.O. Box 19001 Akron, OH 44316-0001 USA dependable service and delivery. Brake linings Greenville, SC 29602-9001 USA Phone: 330-796-2121 are manufactured using state-of-the-art materi- Phone: 864-458-6968 Website: www.goodyear.com als, processes and equipment to ensure reliable Website: www.michelintruck.com Products: Goodyear is one of the world’s largest products are delivered to customers. 17 Products: Tires for various markets including tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 the bus and motorcoach industries. 14 people and manufactures its products from 51 fa- Meritor, Inc. cilities in 22 countries around the world. It has 2135 W. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48084-7121 USA Motor Coach Tire Sales, LLC two Innovation Centers, located in Akron, OH, Phone: 248-435-1519 See Ad On Page 12 and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. 14 Website: www.meritor.com 1133 4th St. Products: Meritor is a global supplier of drive- Columbus, GA 31901 USA Haldex Brake Products Corp. train, mobility, braking and aftermarket solu- Phone: 678-463-4110 10930 N. Pomona Ave. tions for commercial vehicle and industrial Email: [email protected] Kansas City, MO 64153 USA markets. Meritor supplies more than two mil- Website: www.motorcoachtiresales.com Phone: 816-891-2470 lion brake assemblies per year for trucks, trail- Company Officer: Bill Kaiser, President Website: www.haldex.com ers, buses and coaches. 14 Products: Sales of Toyo and Yokohama tires to Products: Haldex develops and manufactures the motorcoach industry. 17 brake systems for heavy trucks, trailers and MGM Brakes buses. The product offering covers all primary 8530 Cliff Cameron Dr. Telma Retarder, Inc. components and subsystems included in com- Charlotte, NC 28269 USA 1245 Humbracht Cir., Ste. B plete air brake systems. The operations are con- Phone: 704-547-7411 Bartlett, IL 60103 USA ducted through two business units: Air Control Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-797-7714 and Foundation Brake. 14 Website: www.mgmbrakes.com Email: [email protected] Products: For over 50 years, MGM Brakes has Website: www.telmausa.com Marathon Brake Systems been providing air brake actuators to the commer- Products: Telma provides frictionless brak- See Ad On Page 19 cial vehicle market, with the addition of MGM’s ing systems based on the physical principle 125 Old Mill Rd. advanced Electronic Brake Monitoring Systems of electromagnetic induction. Telma’s ex- Cartersville, GA 30120 USA (e.STROKE) for drum and air disc brake applica- pertise in the field of induction braking sys- Phone: 800-223-5201 tions. MGM Brakes is an American-owned com- tems has been built from over 60 years in the Website: www.marathonbrake.com pany with products “Made in the U.S.A.” and a market. 14 Products: Marathon Brake Systems has been global reach. Two ISO-certified manufacturing serving the North American heavy-duty market- facilities and technical research centers are lo- Webb Wheel Products, Inc. place for more than 25 years. In that time, the cated in the United States. The company devel- 2310 Industrial Dr. SW company has developed a complete line of fric- ops new solutions to the transportation industry’s Cullman, AL 35055 USA tion materials to satisfy applications ranging needs, from service chambers, to double-di- Phone: 800-633-3256 from general over-the-road freight to the most aphragm and piston-diaphragm spring brakes for Website: www.webbwheel.com severe duty hauling to intercity and intracity use with Wedge, S-Cam or Air Disc Foundation Products: Webb Wheel Products produces transit and school bus fleets. These aftermarket Systems, to the Electronic Brake Monitoring wheel-end equipment. This includes brake and OE approved linings are manufactured in the System. MGM products are available through a drums, hubs, rotors and spoke wheels. 14. company’s ISO-certified facilities. global sales and distribution network. 14
ARBOC Receives Patent For Spirit Of Independence ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI), has received a patent number, U.S. 10,023,243 B2, for its Spirit of Independence (Independence) model. According to a press release, “The Independence is a small low-floor bus used primarily for transit or shuttle applications. The bus is produced using a monocoque body attached to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cab frame, having the chassis removed. The patented passenger compartment floor structure improves accessibility for wheelchairs, pas- sengers assisted by walkers and other riders by providing a sloped en- Pictured from ARBOC are inventors: Kelvin Tetzloff, research and develop- trance with a deployable ramp, and by eliminating any step-up over the ment technician; Don Roberts, president; and, Barry Hines, vice president rear axle. The continuous low-passenger-floor resides at a lower level than of engineering. Photo Credit: ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC the OEM cab frame.” Don Roberts, president of ARBOC, said, “ARBOC is proud to develop vice president of engineering. another fully low-floor option for the transit industry. We are already ex- The addition of patent number U.S. 10,023,243 B2 brings ARBOC’s periencing a significant amount of success with this new product offering, total patent count to six for both its cutaway and rail products. and expect it to escalate well into the future.” ARBOC said that over 70 percent of North America’s low-floor body- Roberts is a co-holder of the patent assigned to ARBOC, along with on-chassis buses (cutaways) are manufactured by ARBOC. Kelvin Tetzloff, research and development technician, and Barry Hines, For more information, visit www.arbocsv.com.
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Prevost Entertains Customers At A Sonoma NASCAR Weekend “Continuing its partnership with NASCAR partners was an absolute treat, and it was that spans more than 30 years, Prevost wel- thrilling to be treated like royalty for the comed a select group of customers to a Pre- weekend,” said Allen. “Our team is big on vost Sonoma (CA) Weekend in late June. In NASCAR, so we appreciated the opportunity the heart of wine country, the event offered a to get a little closer to the action, visit with blend of activities and a lasting finish that the drivers and go behind the scenes. The tour paired wine tasting with action-packed of the garage and pit area was especially in- NASCAR racing,” said the company. teresting for our mechanics.” Prevost Sonoma weekend festivities began According to a press release, “Sayeed with a Saturday morning coach ride to Napa Chaudhury, senior director of commuter op- Valley where Cliff Lede Vineyards welcomed erations for Loop Transportation, San Fran- the group for lunch and a tasting of its wines. cisco, CA, had only recently become familiar That evening, Silver Oak Cellars hosted the with the Prevost brand, and found the group for a reception and dinner at its Sonoma weekend the perfect venue to get Oakville winery. The evening included a tasting of the winery’s cabernet better acquainted. His company is a division of Hallcon, Inc., Lenexa, sauvignon, and a tour of the facility, including the water tower and glass KS, which provides VIP shuttle and contract bus transportation services house library. nationwide.” Sunday, in the Prevost Suite at Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Chaudhury said, “The weekend was casual and relaxed while Prevost Mart 350, a western stop in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, made it very first class. Our day at the wineries was exceptional. Though NASCAR Driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. of Richard Petty Motor- I can’t say I am a NASCAR fan, there was no denying the energy and the sport, more often seen at the wheel of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro, atmosphere when we joined the group on Sunday in Prevost’s suite. I was dropped in for a meet and greet, as did two-time winner of the NASCAR captivated once the race started.” Daytona 500, Michael Waltrip. Keith Hayward, Prevost sales director, western region, said such com- Prior to the driver introductions, the group was led on a detailed tour pany events are a highlight for many. He added that hosting several occa- through the NASCAR pit and garage areas before the race. sions, such as this each year, helps to show appreciation for the people The guest list included Royal Coach Tours, San Jose, CA, a longstanding Prevost works with. Prevost customer of 20 years. Its services run from VIP customer service Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, in Silicon Valley to chartered fun for group tours, all with expectations of Canada, and has 10 parts and service centers located in the United States a polished coach experience. Royal Coach Tours President Sandy Allen and Canada. For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com. said she was pleased to be on the receiving end over the weekend. “While we routinely run wine country tours, my dream was, at some point, to visit Silver Oak Cellars for myself. To do so with our Prevost HD Brushless Alternators Collins Bus Awarded $26 Million designed for Transit and Paratransit Bus Contract From Motor Coach Buses AVAILABLE MODELS: New York City Transit 24Volts from 200 to 600 Amps REV Group, a manufacturer of specialty vehicles, has announced that Negative or Insulated its Collins Bus Corporation subsidiary has been awarded a $26 million contract from the New York City Transit (NYCT) to provide 400 para- transit buses. “The buses will be Series 400 built to NYCT’s custom Series 180-T1 specifications on a Ford F350 chassis. They will Series 180 feature a flexible 20- The DelStar Series alternators are an integral foot length, 138-inch charging system of an innovative air cooled brushless wheelbase, single-rear- design. The compact, heavy duty construction, wheel (SRW) design provides the increased service life expected to match and wheelchair lift.” the longer maintenance intervals of today’s engines, NYCT is a new cus- while providing a performance level without parallel. tomer for Collins Bus, and the contract represents the single largest com- mercial order in the history of the company. “We are incredibly excited to be working with New York City Tran- sit,” said Matt Scheuler, general manager of Collins Bus. “The NYCT Setting the Standard contract comes on the heels of Collins Bus’ 50th anniversary, and the launch of the brand’s new low-floor bus product – that offers passengers CANADA & EXPORT SALES benefits with respect to safety and equal accessibility.” Dixie Electric Ltd. Tel: 905-879-0533 517 Basaltic Road Fax: 905-879-0532 It serves a diversified customer base primarily in the United States Concord, ON Toll Free: 800-461-5799 through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial and Recreation. Canada L4K 4W8 E-mail: [email protected] www.delstar-hd.com For more information, visit www.REVgroup.com. November/December 2018 BUSLINE Page 43 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 44
MCI Awarded Georgia State Transportation Contract For MCI D4500 And D45 CRT LE Commuter Coaches Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. sub- MCI’s ADA-and Buy America-compliant Al- a disability, and a future that includes an aging sidiary of NFI Group Inc., was recently awarded toona-tested D4500 Commuter Coach already workforce with potential mobility issues, we a contract from the state of Georgia for consider the D45 CRT LE to be the right its commuter coaches. The contract, coach to meet passenger requirements,” managed by Georgia’s Department of said Wagner. Other variants of the D45 Administrative Services, permits author- CRT LE are underway including a battery- ized state and local Georgia public enti- electric model, and a high-floor coach ties, including colleges and universities, equipped with a traditional wheelchair lift. as well as local government, municipal- As this contract is not for a specific ities, cities, townships, counties and stated number of motorcoaches, and repre- other political subdivisions in the state, sents an alternative to participating public to purchase the MCI D4500 and next- transit agencies for the purchase of a vari- generation D45 CRT LE Commuter ety of mass transit vehicles, MCI does not Coaches. serves GRTA Xpress routes throughout the record any of the coaches available under this The contract is also available to other states. greater metro Atlanta area, with more than 1.8 contract in its backlog until actual purchase orders “MCI has a long history with the state of Geor- million passenger trips annually. have been received from customers. gia, and welcomes the opportunity to have our The MCI D45 CRT LE, introduced last Octo- MCI offers the J4500 and the all-new J3500 best-selling D4500 and new, all-accessible D45 ber at Atlanta’s APTA EXPO, was developed in model including the ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE as part of the Georgia contract,” said consultation with disability advocacy groups. CRT LE. MCI also supports nearly 30,000 MCI Tom Wagner, MCI vice president of public sector. The model features a mid-coach low-entry coaches on the road with maintenance, repair, “Georgia’s arrangement is particularly innovative vestibule with seating for all passengers, includ- 24-hour roadside assistance and the Automotive as a central purchase point for both in-state and ing those with mobility devices. The design of- Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Acad- out-of-state public entities, permitting agencies to fers an automatic ADA-compliant ramp capable emy technician training center. efficiently and affordably acquire North Amer- of loading and unloading passengers, said MCI. Further information is available at ica’s most reliable commuter coaches.” “With one in five Americans today living with www.mcicoach.com.
CCW Completes Electric TAPCO Launches New Retrofit Project For Weber Connected Vehicle Interface State University Traffic & Parking Control Company, Inc. (TAPCO), a manufacturer, distributor and Complete Coach Works (CCW) has completed service provider of traffic and parking control products, has introduced its new Connected an electric retrofit project awarded by Weber State Vehicle Interface. University (WSU), in Ogden, UT. “This enhancement option upgrades “The project converts the diesel fuel bus into an new and existing AC and solar-pow- all-electric Zero-Emission Propulsion System ered TAPCO Intelligent Warning Sys- (ZEPS) bus. The project included the removal of tems to integrate with connected WSU’s diesel engine power package components, vehicle-ready infrastructure. The Con- and the addition of electric components such as an nected Vehicle Interface communicates electric air compressor, power steering pump, and with Smart City Road Side Units HVAC system,” according to a press release. (RSUs) to relay Intelligent Warning “With the university covering more than 500 System activation data to connected acres, the effective management of resources is a vehicles via Dedicated Short-Range top priority. WSU, which converted the lighting Communication, 4G or 5G networks, in one of its arenas to LED in 2013, can now add providing drivers with instant in-vehi- the conversion from diesel to a ZEPS bus to its en- cle alerts,” according to a press release. vironmentally-beneficial accomplishments.” “The Connected Vehicle Interface transfers system data through integration with local Ad- Brad Carson, director of sales at CCW, said, vanced Traffic Management Systems providing officials with activation trends, status infor- “We are very grateful to be part of an historic time mation and actionable insight into each connected system.” for Weber. We hope this conversion will allow the Jon Zick, director of engineering and marketing at TAPCO, said, “As connected vehicles university to further expand its educational pro- and smart city infrastructure continue to evolve, we grams. CCW is honored to be a part of WSU’s decided now was the right time to ensure all TAPCO goal of greater energy efficiency. The ZEPS bus Intelligent Warning Systems have the capability to be will improve vehicle reliability and significantly connected vehicle ready. The Connected Vehicle In- reduce fuel costs. These savings will enable the terface allows TAPCO to tap into existing RSUs to en- university to allocate more of its budget to the hance driver responsiveness to our Intelligent Warning growth and expansion of its campus.” Systems. This innovation signals to customers that we're dedicated to advancing our tech- CCW has an experienced team of over 350. nology in step with the needs of smart city and connected infrastructure.”
For more information, For more information, visit www.tapconet.com. visit www.completecoach.com.
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Premier Transportation Takes Delivery Of 6 New 2018 Van Hool Coaches Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, with offices cial amenities for its customers. When asked coach solely for charter service. There was an in Chattanooga and Greeneville, Premier Trans- about the acquisition of the new Van Hool undeveloped market which presented a chal- portation recently took delivery of six new Van coaches, Nate Frederick, COO of Premier Trans- lenge and opportunity for the operator. The com- Hool coaches, including three CX35, two CX45 portation said, “What’s not to love about a new pany was successful and creative in establishing models and one TX model with in-seat audio. Van Hool? Our customers enjoy the great ameni- a market for this specialty coach and shortly According to ABC, “Founded in 2003, the ties and fantastic styling and our drivers rave added a second double deck to the fleet.” company began on the premise of supplying east about the incredible ride and solid engineering.” “We are thrilled to have such a close relation- Tennessee with a high level of motor- ship with Premier for so many years,” coach services. The company’s Nick said Jim Morrison, vice president of Cazana, who had a passion for the mo- sales for ABC Companies. “Seeing torcoach industry, demands Premier to this company’s growth over the years be much more than a name for his com- has been exciting and we are very pany, but also a way of doing business. proud to be part of that growth.” That vision, and his passion for building The company is active in the indus- relationships and providing a premier try, and has been a member of UMA, service to customers, has been the cor- ABA and TNMCA since 2005, saying nerstone of the company’s success. Pre- that these organizations give them the mier has grown to become a leader in tools they need to know where to charter service, with a fleet of 51 vehi- focus their attention. cles ranging from 14-passenger shuttles ABC Companies supplies new and to 81-passenger Van Hool Double Deck pre-owned full-size highway coach coaches. Premier primarily runs charter equipment, transit and specialty vehi- service to New York City, Washington, cles. It offers an after-sale service net- D.C., Orlando and Chicago, as well as Pictured from left to right are: Nate Frederick, work for service and repairs, collision other U.S. and Canadian destinations. Premier Transportation COO; Sol Miller, service director; services, OEM and aftermarket parts “A longtime ABC customer, Premier and, Clay Gilstrap, operations manager. needs for transit, motorcoach and began purchasing Van Hools in 2004, heavy-duty equipment from 10 loca- and the two companies have worked tions throughout the U.S. and Canada. well together to satisfy its customer base. ABC “Premier was one of the first private operators For more information, and Premier work together to supply many spe- to purchase a Van Hool TD925 double deck visit www.abc-companies.com.
Hometown Trolleys Offer Features BusBank Group Transportation With Modern Technology Provider Acquires Buster BusBank, a group transportation service provider, has acquired Buster, a startup that books group transportation online. BusBank has a presence in 135 metro areas, and has done charters in all 50 states and every province in Canada. A press release stated, “Everyone from who plans company trips to the association organizing a major convention knows the pain of booking group transportation,” said Buster CEO Harald Kruse. “This market is de- manding more technology, and we’re bringing it to them.” According to the press release, “The acquisition will create a simple booking experience similar to what travelers use for booking plane tickets, The Hometown Trolley features are: rental cars and other travel products, whether they’re booking a single • The streetcar is a heavy-duty vehicle fit for any mass transit, high party van or a fleet of 100 buses. passenger capacity applications; “BusBank and Buster are providing a simple, online platform for bus • Full stainless steel low-floor patent-pending monocoque chassis design; charter bookings.” • 29-foot, 35-foot and 40-foot lengths; BusBank and Buster said their travel and transportation experience sets • Fully warrantied; them apart. Kruse was a director of account management at Priceline, and • Exceeds required 1:6 ratio for ADA loading with fold-out ramp; Jeffery Boyd was chairman of the board at Priceline. He is a future board • Available in hybrid electric and CNG; and, member of BusBank and Buster. In addition, key members of the leader- • All streetcar models are Altoona tested, and meet FMVSS, DOT and ship team at Lancer Insurance Company are invested in BusBank, includ- SAE standards and guidelines. ing David Delaney, Lancer Financial Group’s CEO and president. Hometown Trolleys are recommended for: Buster is an internet group transportation service for event planners, • Historical downtown areas, theme parks, wineries, and breweries; corporate travel departments, and consumers. Vendors input their data, • Public and private tour companies, shopping malls and churches; and Buster creates a market price based on all area vendors’ fees. Vendors • Universities and college campuses and museums; receive emails that trips are available in the marketplace, and can accept • Retirement communities and beach communities; them according to their availability. • Wedding and party charters and resorts. For more information, visit www.hometowntrolley.com. For more information, visit www.busbank.com.
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Cincinnati Metro Senator Gary Peters Visits Transit Bus Remanufactuer Celebrates Safety Midwest Bus Corp. At Annual Luncheon Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) visited Mid- haul program, according to the release. west Bus Corporation for the first time recently, Midwest Bus said, “As Senator Peters learned More than 110 Cincinnati Metro operators seeing the operation of one of the largest public during his visit, Midwest is celebrating 38 years and maintenance employees were recognized for transit bus remanufacturers in the United States. of business with organizations like MBTA because achieving outstanding safety milestones in safe According to a press release, “During Peters’ it incorporates a strict three-phase process – plan- driving and service during Cincinnati Metro's visit, he observed the company processing a $40 ning, production and inspection. It also tailors its 45th annual Safety Awards Luncheon. million-plus, 155-bus project for the Massachu- engineering to implement creative solutions for its setts Bay Transportation Authority. For Midwest, customers as well as maintaining the ability to re- this is the largest contract in the company’s 38- manufacture buses back to OEM specifications.” year history. Due to the size of the project, dozens of new jobs have been created. Midwest has had to bring in welders, painters, auto body workers, electricians and many other manufacturing-related positions. Be- cause of other similar large projects for MBTA in the past – as well as the work Midwest does for its other cus- Pictured left to right are: SORTA Board Chairman tomers locally and across the country Kreg Keesee, Metro CEO/GM Dwight A. Ferrell, – it’s not the first time the company Metro Operator Andrew Rodgers, ATU Local has had to hire large numbers of peo- 627 President Troy Miller, and, Metro ple. Its economic impact has been Executive Vice President Darryl Haley. felt on many levels.” “Remanufacturing saves tax- Milestone awards were given to employees payer dollars by lengthening the life- Senator Gary Peters (left) joins Midwest Bus Corp. who achieved between five and 35 years without cycle of government vehicles, which President/Founder Dan Morrill for a recent tour a preventable accident or injury. A preventable is why I worked to pass a law en- of the company's main facility in Owosso, MI. accident was defined as one in which the opera- couraging remanufacturing in the tor did not exercise every available precaution- federal fleet,” said Peters, who is the ary measure to avoid the accident. top Democrat on the Federal Spending Oversight “It was an honor to have Senator Peters see In total, 514 Cincinnati Metro employees Committee. “I am glad to see a Michigan com- our operation,” said Dan Morrill, owner of Mid- worked a full year without a preventable acci- pany helping to meet the nationwide transit in- west Bus. “It allowed us to demonstrate how we dent or injury. Sixteen employees were recogni- dustry goal of ‘State of Good Repair’ while have stayed in business and grown through hard ized for having reached 10 consecutive years making efficient and effective use of scarce fed- work, innovation and outstanding employees. without a preventable accident or injury. Fifteen eral resources.” We hope we helped provide some insight into employees were honored for 15 or more years Peters’ bipartisan Federal Vehicle Repair Cost the positive, essential, diverse impact manufac- free of accidents. Savings Act, which was signed into law in 2015, turers can have on our economy – locally, One operator, Andrew Rodgers, marked 36 requires federal agencies to encourage the use of statewide and nationally. years without a preventable accident. remanufactured parts in federal vehicle repairs — “We have never rehabbed the same fleet for “It’s been a long stretch, but it feels good,” when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and Boston twice. We’re extremely proud of the work Rodgers said. “I really enjoy the job. I guess performance, and does not compromise safety. we do for them. This contract is the seventh bid that’s what makes it so easy.” The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Author- Midwest has been awarded by MBTA. We go Cinncinati Metro said, “The employees rec- ity, better known as the “T,” has been remanufac- through a strict bidding process for these projects, ognized demonstrate Cincinnati Metro’s com- turing buses over four decades to meet the goal of and we work hard to deliver a quality product. It’s mitment to safety, a commitment that saw the providing reliable, high quality services to the a savings for their taxpayers and riders, not to company make big strides in 2017.” public. Improving on the reliability and safety of mention the environment.” Over the course of the year, Metro: city transit buses is a priority for the agency, which For more information, visit • Reduced overall preventable accidents by is why it invests wisely in a regular midlife-over- www.midwestbus.com or call 800-627-6627. 7.5 percent; • Decreased collisions with parked vehicles by 8 percent; Bailey Coach Awards Safe Drivers • Reduced off-property collisions by 50 per- cent; and, John W. Bailey, president of Bailey Coach (York, PA), announced its Motorcoach Drivers of • Reduced recordable injuries in maintenance the Year awards at the company’s driver safety meeting held recently. by 40 percent since 2007. Bailey Coach recognizes its drivers in gold, silver and bronze categories. The awards are de- Cincinnati Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded termined on safe driving practices based on factors provided by the insurance company that mon- public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional itors each trip the driver has driven during the past 12 months, via its onboard camera system. Transit Authority, providing about 14 million The winners were: Gold: Hal Brook; Silver: Tammie Moore; and, Bronze: Tom Shellenberger. rides per year. The honored drivers received an award certificate along with gift cards for their accomplishments. For more information, visit www.go-metro.com. For more information, visit www.baileycoach.com.
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Hometown Trolley Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc. By Double K, Inc.
Villager Mainstreet The Hometown Trolley Villager The Hometown Trolley Mainstreet model is a heavy-duty rear model is a front engine trolley ca- engine trolley combining all the transit components for the high pable of many applications from volume urban areas, such as full air suspension, air brakes, Alli- a small private tour operator to son B300 transmission, Cummins ISB, LED destination signs, Voice a full scale transit agency. The Annunciation systems, instep Villager model is available in ADA lift equipment and more. The gasoline, bio-diesel, CNG and Mainstreet trolley will provide propane. The Villager can be the quality and reliability of any equipped with minimal compo- high demand transit needs while nents to make a more economi- at the same time lending the cal choice for the small operator nostalgic feel of the turn of the or loaded with many transit fea- century cable car. tures such as destination signs, spiral brass railings, bike racks, Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) GPS systems and more. 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) Email: [email protected] 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com
Model...... Villager Length...... 22’, 40’ Model...... Mainstreet Width...... 93”, 96”, 99” Length...... 25’, 40’ Height...... 10’6” Width...... 99” Wheelbase...... 158, 178, 190, 208, 228 Height ...... 11’2” Overhang (front/rear)...... Front 28” / Rear 118” Wheelbase...... 160, 190, 208, 228 Inside Height (min./max.)...... Aisle 88” Overhang (front/rear)...... 42” / 120” Tire Size ...... 19.5x6.75 & 22.5 Inside Height (min./max.)...... Aisle 88” Engine ...... Cummins ISB 6.7 Tire Size...... 22.5 Transmission ...... Allison 2 Engine...... Cummins ISB Fuel Tank Capacity...... 75 gal. Transmission...... Allison B300 Chassis...... Ford, Workhorse, Freightliner Chassis...... Freightliner Baggage Capacity...... Available Baggage Capacity...... Available Wheelchair Lift Option...... Yes Wheelchair Lift Option...... Yes Suspension ...... Spring or Air Suspension ...... Air
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Hometown Trolley Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc. By Double K, Inc.
Carriage The Hometown Trolley Carriage model is a front engine, low-floor Streetcar Trolley trolley providing ease of entry and exit with no steps. The Carriage The Streetcar Trolley low-floor model combines the nostalgic low-floor design allows the ADA ratio of 5:1 and minimal step in features of the turn-of-the-century passenger cable car with the height when pulled to curb locations. The Carriage is available in modern technology of today’s transit advancements.The Street- gasoline, diesel, CNG and full electric. car Trolley is a powerhouse The Carriage is also available heavy-duty trolley capable with LED destination signs, DVD of running in any mass tran- player and monitor, HVAC with cli- sit, high passenger capacity mate control, brass or brushed applications. The Streetcar stainless handrailing, luggage rack, is a full stainless steel low- exterior wood package, forward floor monocoque chassis de- facing or perimeter seating, 110 volt sign, exceeding the required invertor for Christmas lighting on 1:6 ratio for ADA loading with the interior and exterior, and many the fold out ADA ramp. more transit components. Optional equipment such The Carriage is less than 22-feet in length, making it the per- as LED destination signs, DVD fect size for historical downtown areas, hotels, theme parks and flat screen packages, ma- many other shuttle type transportation needs. Capture the nos- hogany finishes and many talgia of a Hometown Trolley in your hometown with the new low- more choices are available floor Carriage, built to preserve integrity and craftsmanship true to customize the Streetcar. to its era of the “turn of the century.” Standard equipment such as a multiplex wiring system, brass or Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) brushed stainless hand railings, as well as simulated wood trim 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 set the Streetcar in a class all its own. Vintage tram interior, tran- 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 sit flooring, HVAC packages and ADA packages are available. Al- Email: [email protected] toona-tested for 10 years/350,000 miles. Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com
Model...... Carriage Model...... Streetcar Trolley Type ...... Low Floor Trolley Passenger Capacity...... 28-48 Passenger Capacity...... 16-20 Length...... 30’ - 40’ Length...... 20’ - 24’ Width...... 100” Width...... 8’ Overall Height ...... 10’6” ADA ...... 1 or 2 Position Wheel Base...... 190”, 208”, 228” Engine...... Gasoline, Diesel, CNG or Full Electric Door Opening...... 48” x 78” Chassis...... Chevy 4500 GVW...... 27,500 - 32,000 Handrailing ...... Brass or Stainless Engine ...... Cummins Diesel ISB and L9N, Comfort Control...... Full HVAC CNG or Full Electric Mileage ...... MPG 12-15 Transmission...... Allison B300, B400
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Hometown Coach By Double K, Inc.
Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuring…
View With panoramic-view windows, heavy-duty construction, outstanding fit and finish, and exceptional shuttle, tour and paratransit performance, the Hometown View is the bus you have been waiting for. Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, With a full array of customization options and floorplans, the View can be Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out modified to meet the diverse needs of cus- tomers, further demonstrating Hometown’s (815) 562-5840 commitment to offering quality, American- made products. As with other Hometown product lines, customer service exceeds ex- pectations. The View is fully integral, providing the same level of technology as other mid-size transit and tour buses on the market today. The customization makes the View versatile Super Salad Bar by-the-pound! for transit needs such as college shuttling, rugged national park tours, prison trans- Stromboli, Pizza, Pasta & more! portation, as well as urban city and small Hand-Dipped Ice Cream! community transit applications. (815) 561-9595 The Hometown View provides seating for up to 45 passengers, each given an outstanding travel experience. The View is built on a Ford F550 chassis, with a Triton V10 gasoline engine and automatic Designated Bus Parking and 5-speed Allison transmission, with the capability to add LPG, CNG or full electric options. The View is seven-year, 200,000-mile lifetime durability Altoona tested. Pull-Thru Fueling Island Hometown Manufacturing Bus Drivers & Tour 750 Industrial Parkway, Crandon, WI 54520 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Guides Eat free! email: [email protected] Website: www.hometown-mfg.com Mini-Mall — 2 Stores Model...... View Length...... 24’, 28’, 32’, 36’, 42’ with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping! GVWR...... 22,000, 24,000-26,000 Body Width...... 99” ATM,Major Credit Cards accepted. Body Height...... 123.5” Int. Height...... 80.5” Wheelbase ...... 158”, 178”, 190”, 208”, 228”, 242” I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99 ADA Location...... Rear Rochelle, IL Engine....Cummins ISB 6.7 L diesel, Triton 6.8 L V10 gasoline, electric Transmission...... Allison PTS 2200 / Ford auto 5-speed OD OPEN 24 HOURS Fuel Options ...... Diesel, gas, CNG, LPG, full electric Brakes...... Hydro-Max power brake assist, 4-sensor ABS/WABCO ABS Seating...... 22-30, 30-45 passenger Please call ahead!
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HART Million Miler Bus Operator Receives U.S. Department Of Third Place Operator Of The Year Award From Transportation Announces The Florida Public Transportation Association Jimmy Suarez, a 15-year bus operator for the $75 Million Grant For Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Bus Rapid Transit Project (HART), received the third place Operator of the Year Award by the Florida Public Transportation In Albuquerque, NM Association (FPTA). “Suarez’s nomination and win celebrates his The U.S. Department of Transportation’s exemplary customer service and safety record, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has including 14 consecutive years of safe driving, announced a $75 million grant agreement and more than 1.5 million miles behind the with the city of Albuquerque Transit Depart- wheel,” said HART. ment (ABQ Ride) for a new bus rapid transit “I have been doing this for a long time. I take (BRT) line. The project will improve the pride in my driving and taking care of my cus- speed and reliability of transit service along tomers,” said Suarez. “I take my job very seri- the city’s Central Avenue (Historic Route ously because I have a responsibility to protect 66), providing connections to the region’s my customers. When I notice a new customer local employment and activity centers. boarding my bus, I consider them a new family According to the announcement, “The member. I do my best to make them feel com- project is a 17.1-mile bus rapid transit line fortable and give them a good experience with with 8.8 miles of exclusive BRT lanes. HART.” The line runs mainly along Central Av- HART said the award is presented annually to enue, which is one of the region’s key operators whose service has enriched and en- Jimmy Suarez east-west corridors and one of the few hanced public transportation in the community. roads crossing the Rio Grande River. It Recently, Suarez was honored with the Mil- Suarez, and our other Million Mile honorees, will serve the University of New Mexico, lion Mile Award and has received numerous who make it possible for HART to receive acco- regional medical facilities, entertainment, rider commendations. lades from our peers for our hard work, dedica- shopping and recreational destinations. “He is known for his enthusiastic attitude, ex- tion and commitment to excellence,” said HART Existing bus service in the corridor ac- cellent driving skills, good judgement and first- Interim CEO Jeff Seward. counts for about 40 percent of ABQ Ride’s class customer service to our passengers,” said daily ridership.” HART. For more information on HART, FTA has agreed to provide ABQ Ride “It is dedicated professionals like Jimmy visit www.gohart.org. with $75 million for the project through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. Funds will be provided on a reim- New BRT System In Richmond Begins Revenue Service bursement basis. The Pulse, a new high-quality, high-capacity and nine curbside stations. Buses come every 10 The CIG Program provides funding for bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Richmond, minutes during the morning and evening rush transit capital infrastructure investments na- VA, has gone into revenue service. hours; every 15 minutes during morning, day- tionwide. Projects accepted into the pro- According to a press release, “Public officials time and nighttime off-hours; and every 30 min- gram must go through a multi-year, praised The Pulse, which runs 7.6 miles east-to- utes after 11:30 p.m. multi-step process according to require- west along East Main and Broad streets in Rich- During its first-week of revenue service, The ments in law to be eligible for and receive mond and Henrico County, as the first of many Pulse served nearly 31,000 riders, surpassing its program funds. planned transportation infrastructure improvement initial goal of 3,500 daily riders. programs in the area. The Pulse provides the city with its first BRT-style service since the late 1940s. The project is operated and administered by the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), with Numbers High For San Diego’s grant oversight by the Virginia Department of Rail First Ever Free-Ride Day and Public Transportation (DRPT), and construc- tion oversight performed by the Virginia Depart- “Tens of thousands of new commuters realized the benefits of taking transit during the ment of Transportation (VDOT).” region’s first ever Free-Ride Day, Oct. 2, as the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS in San The Pulse was financed through a collabora- Diego, CA) experienced a ridership spike of nearly 47,000 trips,” according to MTS. tion of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), “Free-Ride Day was a great success and showed that San Diegans want public transit,” DRPT, VDOT, the city of Richmond, Henrico said MTS Board Chair Georgette Gómez. “As we move forward, we need to invest in the County, and GRTC. Construction on the $65 things that will make transit an everyday choice.” million bus line began in August 2016 and lasted MTS and the North County Transit District jointly held Free-Ride Day, and provided free 22 months. The program was financed by a trips on buses, the Trolley, COASTER and SPRINTER. $24.9 million federal TIGER grant as well as Cities, universities, the U.S. Navy, business groups and many other stakeholders came to- $32 million in state and $8.3 million local fund- gether in support of Free-Ride Day, which was held in conjunction with the SANDAG iCom- ing from the city and Henrico County. mute program to promote National Rideshare Week, and to educate people about The overall scope of services included design transportation choices available in the San Diego region. of five stations located in the roadway median, Page 50 BUSLINE November/December 2018 busline1118.FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/22/18 8:56 AM Page 51
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UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION EXPO 2019 JANUARY 7-10 FT. LAUDERDALE, FL BOOTH #2122
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