June 15, 2010

Enforcement of music, movie licensing is stepped up NEW YORK CITY — The minding them if they play record- movies and television programs primer on music and movie from the license holder. three organizations that license bar, ed music or show movies or televi- for artists, writers, and studios. licensing. “By playing pre-recorded music elevator and motorcoach operators sion programs for their onboard The notices have been so wide- The association pointed out (and movies) to the passengers on to play recorded music, videos, customers they must pay a licens- spread the United Motorcoach As- that music and movies are like all your coach, you are essentially pro- DVDs, CDs and tapes for their cus- ing fee. sociation has been inundated with property: they belong to the people viding a public performance of that tomers have stepped up enforce- The notifications to coach op- calls from members with questions who created and own them. To le- (material),” UMA points out. ment of federal copyright laws. erators have come from ASCAP, about the licensing. gally play recorded music or show It doesn’t matter if a passenger Motorcoach operators across BMI and Motorcoach Movies UMA issued an electronic flyer movies to the public, operators brings the music or movie onboard; the U.S. have been sent notices re- which handle licensing of music, to members, providing them with a must, by law, obtain permission CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c NW operators embrace rival to Sen. Murray — Motorcoach op- erators here may have found a can- didate they can support in their ef- fort to defeat their No. 1 political enemy: Democrat U.S. Sen. . He’s two-time gubernatorial candidate , one of the Pitching In state’s top Republicans, who has officially entered the Aug. 17 state Dallas-area motorcoach com­ primary. panies volunteered buses to “I’ll be supporting him because transport hundreds of people he’ll have the best chance of win- last month for the funeral of ning in the general election,” said Jack Colley, chief of the Texas Thomas C. Casazza, president of Department of Public Safety the Northwest Motorcoach Division of Emergency Manage- Association. ment. During his tenure, Colley Operators in the state have helped coordinate statewide vowed to work to unseat Murray emergency services through- because of legislation she authored out Texas, many involving bus last December that exempts King evacuations. See story Page 6. County from the federal charter service rule. Her measure prohibits the Fed- eral Transit Agency from spending Unbelted bus drivers are courting trouble any money to enforce the rule in Motorcoach drivers hear it Not only does it put them at you’re driving an empty bus,” says school bus drivers who were not King County, which cleared the path from their bosses all of the time: odds with federal safety regula- Robert Crescenzo, vice president of wearing seatbelts while driving for King County Metro Transit to “Be sure to buckle up.” tions and possibly jeopardize their Lancer Insurance, who advises the empty buses. operate charters in the Seattle area. When they’re driving a loaded jobs, but if they have an accident it motorcoach industry on driver safe- The latest occurred in Utah last The agency currently is run- bus, they usually heed the call. can have devastating results. Mo- ty issues and accident prevention. month when a 55-year-old school ning parking lot shuttles for the After all, they may have 50 pairs of torcoach drivers who are not wear- “We don’t drive our personal cars bus driver lost control of her empty city’s professional baseball and eyes watching them. ing their seatbelts are much more that way, so why should we drive a bus while coming down a slight in- soccer teams and plans to do them But, when their buses are apt to suffer serious injuries or bus without using our seatbelts.” cline. The bus ran off the road and for the Seattle Seahawks football empty, they sometimes ignore it. even death in an accident. The issue has surfaced in the crashed through a series of fences team in the fall. And that, safety experts warn, can “It’s a terrible idea to drive wake of the fourth recent fatal ac- before spinning around and ejecting CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c lead to big trouble. without your seatbelt, even when cidents involving motorcoach or CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c

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View hundreds of other pre-owned equipment at www.abc-companies.com and www.busbuys.com Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2010 3 Operators cautioned about having trip permits in D.C. — Charter According to police records, of- the current fiscal year, the agency plained in recent weeks they have dmv.dc.gov, and click on “busi- operators planning trips here this ficers issued 97 tickets in March, issued only 9,337 permits, well had difficulty purchasing permits ness” under services and then summer better make sure their April and May of this year, com- below the pace to reach the 29,001 and reaching the DMV by tele- click on “trip permit.” buses display up-to-date District pared with 63 during the same that were issued during fiscal phone, although DMV officials Operators purchasing their of Columbia trip permits. three-month period in 2009. Dur- 2009. say they have not heard such com- permits online can print them and If they don’t, chances are pretty ing last year’s peak months of June, Officials in D.C. aren’t sure plaints or experienced any major have them available immediately. good they’ll be ticketed and fined. July and August, police wrote 111 what’s behind the drop, although problems. Those who do not want to pay on- That’s the word from the D.C. tickets. the economy is certain to be a sig- They acknowledged there was line can mail a check to the DMV Metropolitan Police, which re- Tickets for trip-permit viola- nificant factor. a problem in May with the online and the permit will be mailed ports an increase the past three tions carry a civil penalty of $500. Additionally, some operators purchasing system for permits, but within 15 days. months in the number of commer- In addition to the increase in reportedly have stopped going into they say that issue has been Permits also may be picked up cial buses without valid permits, tickets, the D.C. Department of D.C. and, instead, begun dropping resolved. in person, or purchased at the DMV and if the trend continues over the Motor Vehicles reports that the off passengers at METRO rail The DMV said the permits, information desk at 95 M Street busy summer season the rise in the number of trip permits issued to stops in Virginia to avoid having to which cost $50 for each bus and SW, which is open 8:15 a.m. to 4 number of citations issued could carriers has declined substantially. pay the trip fee. are good for six days, are available p.m. Monday through Saturday. be substantial. During the first six months of Operators also have com- online. For details, go to www. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c November reopening for Opryland; restoration expensive NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Gay- forts,” said Kemp Gallineau, se- tion and rebuild cost for its proper- surance proceeds of $50 million of the flood, including all project lord Opryland Resort & Conven- nior vice president and chief sales ties in Nashville, by the record and a federal tax refund of approx- costs, offsetting items, and $20 mil- tion Center plans to reopen Nov. officer, at Gaylord Opryland. flooding to be between $215 mil- imately $30 million. lion in contingencies is approxi- 15, after spending tens of millions “We have manually inspected lion and $225 million. Also, since the hotel is located mately $169 million to $179 mil- on restoration. and tested every aspect of our me- The costs include approximate- in a federal disaster area, the com- lion. This excludes the cost of The giant hotel and meetings chanical, electrical, (information ly $165 million to $172 million for pany will be permitted to amend pre-flood planned enhancement complex has been closed since technology) and power-generating Gaylord Opryland, $16 million to its 2009 federal tax return and car- projects. early May when a series of storms systems. It is these systems that $17 million for the Grand Ole Opry, ry-back the flood casualty loss The company has cut more caused historic flooding through- will make up the bulk of our resto- $7 million to $8 million for attrac- against its taxable income in 2007. than 1,700 jobs at its Opryland out Middle Tennessee. ration work and have defined our tions, $7 million to $8 million for Additionally, the company said hotel due to the long restoration “Although we still have months timeline to reopen,” Gallineau administrative buildings and $20 it continues to work with the state process. It expects to begin rehir- of work ahead of us, we have al- added. million for contingencies. and local government on other po- ing employees at the Opryland six ready made significant progress in Gaylord Entertainment Co. Offsetting these costs are busi- tential tax relief. to eight weeks before it reopens in our remediation and restoration ef- says it expects the total remedia- ness interruption and property in- The estimated net cash impact CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c 4 June 15, 2010 Bus & Motorcoach News

Feds set record straight on new system, fix timeline WASHINGTON — The Feder- troduce a driver safety assessment “While some third-party ven- The agency also released the the five 100 percent test states in al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- tool to help enforcement staff dors are developing and marketing following updated timeline for the implementing the program. tration has released an updated evaluate drivers’ safety as part of CSA 2010 driver scorecards, con- rollout of CSA 2010: • August — Motor carriers timeline for the roll out of its safety motor carrier investigations,” sumers should know that these • Now through Nov. 30 — will be able to see an assessment enforcement system overhaul, agency officials stated in a flyer companies do not have access to Motor carriers can preview their of their violations based on the called CSA 2010, and addressed about the program. the driver violation histories in own data by seeing their roadside new Carrier Safety Measurement “myths” that already have devel- The agency also took aim at FMCSA databases — despite inspections/violations and crash System (CSMS) which will re- oped concerning the program. (See third-party software purporting to some claims that they do,” agency events organized by behavior anal- place SafeStat later in the year. May 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) give motor carriers an insider officials said. ysis and safety improvement cate- Fall/Winter 2010: One of the prevailing myths is glimpse into CSA 2010 compliance. “FMCSA has not and will not gory (BASIC). • SafeStat will be replaced by that FMCSA developed its Com- The agency even goes so far as validate any vendors’ scorecards or • June 30 — The operational the CSMS. It will be available to prehensive Safety Analysis 2010 to remind stakeholders that the data. Also, keep in mind that CSA model test will end. the public, including shippers and program to remove 175,000 driv- program is still in development 2010 is still a test and the (system) • July — The four “50/50” test insurance companies. ers from the road. The agency as- and third parties do not have ac- may change prior to its launch in states — Colorado, Georgia, Mis- • FMCSA/states will prioritize serts it does not have the authority cess to the data. response to the test results.” souri and New Jersey — will join enforcement using the CSMS. to take away CDLs. • FMCSA will begin issuing “CSA 2010 does not give Oil to reach $108 a barrel by 2020, USDOE predicts warning letters to carriers with de- FMCSA the authority to remove ficient BASICs. 175,000 drivers from their jobs and WASHINGTON — Rising de- ergy Information Administration scenarios, oil could cost as little as • Roadside inspectors will use cannot be used to rate drivers or to mand will push oil prices past $108 said in its yearly International En- $51, or as much as $210 per barrel the CSMS results to identify carri- revoke a CDL. FMCSA does not per barrel during the next decade, ergy Outlook. by 2035. ers for inspection. have the authority to take those the U.S. Department of Energy has In recent weeks, crude oil has Meanwhile, the average price Winter 2010: actions. forecast. been selling for around $72-$75 of diesel fuel in the U.S. dipped • Safety fitness determination “Only state agencies responsi- The improving world economy per barrel. back below $3 a gallon early this notice of proposed rulemaking is ble for issuing licenses, CDL or will swell demand, which will con- In presenting the report, offi- month. During much of May, die- scheduled to be released. otherwise, have the authority to tinue to climb pushing prices to cials stressed that many other sce- sel was above $3 a gallon, with a 2011: suspend them. CSA 2010 does in- $133 a barrel by 2035, DOEs En- narios are possible. In alternative peak of $3.13 a gallon. • Interventions start.

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Busforsale.com 813 Louisville Hwy, Goodlettsville, TN. 37072 | Phone: (615) 859-1998 | Fax: (615) 859-1995 E-Mail: [email protected] Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 15, 2010 5 Rockslides are costly Landslide repairs on I-70 complete in Colorado GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Work by the contractor and tons — and punched holes as large Colo. — Repairs have been com- state crews was finished ahead of as 20 feet by 10 feet in the elevat- in southeastern U.S. pleted to a stretch of Interstate 70 schedule, earning the contractor ed roadway. WASHINGTON — Two major to travel 50 to 60 extra miles, in- through Colorado’s rugged Glen- $31,000 in early-completion incen- The busy east-west route was rockslides last fall in southwestern curring additional costs – increased wood Canyon that was battered by tives. Overall cost of repairs to- closed for a few days, forcing traf- North Carolina and southeastern fuel consumption, tire wear, drive a rockslide in March (See April 1 taled $2.18 million. fic onto extended detours. Crews Tennessee caused significant eco- time and similar expenses. Bus & Motorcoach News). The rockslide brought about made temporary repairs, allowing nomic losses to the affected areas The closed segments of I-40 All lanes of the highway have 20 large boulders onto the inter- one lane open in each direction by closing segments of two Appa- and U.S 64 have been reopened. re-opened. state — one weighing about 66 eight days after the landslide. lachian highways, according to a new study. The first landslide, which oc- curred in late October in Haywood County, N.C., resulted in the clo- sure of a section of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border. (See Nov. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) The second rockslide, which occurred Nov. 10 in Polk County, Tenn., closed a section of U.S. 64. The study, undertaken by HDR Decision Economics for the Ap- palachian Regional Commission, assessed the loss to businesses in the areas directly impacted by the road closures. It also assessed the increase in transportation costs. Overall, according to the study, business activity in the af- fected areas decreased by as much as 25 to 30 percent. Specifically: • Revenue decreased by 50 to 80 percent for hotels, motels and inns. • Restaurant and retail busi- ness fell 30 to 90 percent. • Gas stations pumped up to 25 percent less fuel. In addition, transportation costs for businesses increased $3,000 to $60,000 per month, gen- erally depending upon the size of the transportation-reliant business. HDR valued the total in- creased transportation costs to the region at $197 million. The study estimated that 47 percent of the costs were borne by trucks. Motorcoach companies also were negatively impacted. One operator based in Ashe- ville, N.C., the closest large com- munity to the I-40 rockslide, called the road closure a nuisance and inconvenience, but “not an as- tronomical aggravation.” He said the landslide forced coaches going west and northwest Consumer confidence rises during May NEW YORK — U.S. consum- er confidence increased in May, according to the Reuters/Univer- sity of Michigan monthly con- sumer sentiment index. The final index for the month increased to 73.6 from a 72.2 in April. The figure was higher than economists’ forecasts and also higher than the preliminary index, which was 73.3. An improvement in confi- dence may result in increased con- sumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the economy. 6 June 15, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Operators honor Texas DPS official Harrahs in North Carolina DALLAS — Jack Colley, who ness. Gov. Rick Perry called Colley ordinator for resources and logis- unveils spiffy coach lounge headed the Texas Department of a remarkable man with a zeal for tics at the Texas division of emer- CHEROKEE, N.C. — Harrahs level structure features 460 new Public Safety Division of Emer- preparedness and protecting Texans. gency management. Cherokee Casino & Hotel here electronic games and a 15-seat, gency Management during some Because he interacted with so “Given that the Dallas/Fort has opened a lavish “motorcoach full-service bar with seven bar-top of that state’s largest disasters, many local, state and federal agen- Worth-based bus operators were lounge,” enabling the casino to ac- games. More than 100 games are public emergencies and incidents, cies and individuals, Colley’s fu- heavily committed in support of commodate greater numbers of designated as non-smoking. To re- died late last month after suffering neral and internment became huge year-end school activities and the group visitors. duce the effects of smoke through- a heart attack. He was 62. events. annual Byron Nelson Golf Tourna- The formal opening was at- out the casino, a new HVAC system During his 12 years at DPS, To handle all of the people, the ment, among other weekend activ- tended by the presidents of region- that continuously pumps fresh air Chief Colley was involved with the Texas division of emergency man- ities, we considered the contribu- al motorcoach associations and into the complex has been installed. Space Shuttle Columbia crash agement put out a call for local bus tions of the local operators a very owners/operators of area motor- The motorcoach lounge, new (2003), Hurricanes Rita and Ka- operators to help move attendees significant action on their part,” coach companies. parking garages, casino expansion trina (2005), Hurricane Ike (2008), from the funeral site to the Dallas- said Maddry. The nearly 100-seat lounge and renovation, and the 21-story and numerous other catastrophic Fort Worth National Cemetery. “Without question, it was a provides a comfortable waiting Creek Tower of guest rooms and events. “Four of our contingency con- very positive reflection on their area for motorcoach guests, state- suites are part of a $633-million In many of those incidents, tract operators, plus the Dallas civic pride and interest in serving of-the-art digital arrival and de- expansion. motorcoaches were used to help County Schools, offered their ser- their community and the state.” parture screens, and a large, well- Scheduled for completion in evacuate citizens, transport work- vices and resources in recognition The four operators who provid- ers and shuttle officials, making of the chief and his past support in ed a total of six coaches were Day- appointed drivers lounge with 2012, Harrahs says the expansion Colley a familiar figure to many relying on the national bus indus- star Coach and Tours of Waxa- seating, TV monitors, a desk for is the most significant hospitality coach operators. try as a team member in respond- hachie, Executive Coach of Irving, computers, and vending machines development currently under way Texas leaders said he was a na- ing to emergency events within and Buses by Bill and National close by. in the Southeast and one of the tional icon in emergency prepared- Texas,” said Ted Maddry, state co- Tour Bus Service, both of Dallas. The motorcoach lounge, which largest in the U.S. also includes a dedicated “total re- Opening Labor Day weekend wards center,” connects to the first will be an events center, with per- Motorcoach Network 2010 Invitational is next month floor of the casino’s new eight-lev- formances by Hank Williams Jr. GLEN ALLEN, Va. — The Na- Richmond, Va. the Sesquicentennial Commemo- el parking garage, containing five and Lady Antebellum. That will be tional Motorcoach Network will The Wyndham Virginia Cross- ration (150th anniversary) of the motorcoach bays for pick-up and followed by new entertainment and conduct its annual Network Invita- ings Hotel & Conference Center in Civil War. Richmond served as drop-off of passengers. VIP lounges, an 18,000-square- tional 100 meeting here next Glen Allen will host the invitation- capital of the Confederacy, and The new parking facility also foot spa, a digital poker room, month, with operators, suppliers al July 15-18. A special rate is Civil War history abounds through- has spaces for 2,311 automobiles. Asian gaming room, and a variety and others from across the country available to network registrants. out the region. The motorcoach lounge is a of restaurant and retail outlets. coming to this community about a The educational focus of this For more information, go to key element in the Earth/water- For more information, go to dozen miles northwest of historic year’s meeting will be planning for www.motorcoach.com. themed zone of the casino. The bi- www.harrahscherokee.com.

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Daimler Buses North america • 1.800.882.8054 • www.setra-coaches.com • [email protected] 8 June 15, 2010 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Tolling existing highways is a bad idea, dangerous too By Dave Millhouser as many people die in them as in accidents the cost of increased highway mayhem. bother? It’s always a on the road itself How many folks is it OK to injure or kill to shell game. It was the shortest of “micro naps,” but • 30 percent of all accidents on the Penn- fund the “greater good”? An honest approach the consequences were dramatic. sylvania toll highway system happen at toll The hypocrisy is breathtaking, and there would involve spending An Eagle, carrying an Ivy League college plazas isn’t space here to go into the whole deal less and raising neces- athletic team, was cruising south on the Con- • 38 percent of all crashes on New Jer- where they create problems, then solve them sary (but visible) taxes. necticut Turnpike one rainy night when the sey toll highways are toll plaza accidents with our money, or tax us for one thing, and That would be a driver momentarily lost focus, and was slow Electronic toll collection makes the use it for another. risky position for a poli- to interpret lights flashing in front of him. problem worse. When private enterprise mucks up and tician facing election. The lights were a toll booth and the driv- Mohamed Abdel-Aty, associate profes- hurts people, there are monetary settlements Too bad, but it shouldn’t Dave Millhouser er’s sudden attempt to stop caused the coach sor in the department of civil and environ- and sometimes jail terms. Government bur- be about their re-election. And guess what, to slide sideways, slamming into the piers mental engineering at Central Florida Uni- ies its mistakes in statistics. despite what they think, the Republic will protecting two booths, and ramming the versity, studied the Orlando-Orange County It seems clear to many that the real crisis not collapse if it is deprived of the “service” bogey axle halfway through the bus body Expressway system in Florida. is not revenue, it’s spending. (Again, I stole of any of the current crop of elected leaders, into the fuel tank. Between January 1994 and June 1997, that, this time from New Jersey’s new gover- of either party. Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt 31.6 percent of all crashes on the express- nor Chris Christie). The Wizened Exec who helped with this but the bus was totaled. way system occurred at the 10 main toll pla- Instead of sneaking about, looking for column told me “tolls were usually a dime The driver, who had a fine record, was zas and 46.3 percent at the 38 toll booth more “acceptable” sources of revenue, if and they tore them down once the road was fired despite the fact there had been no hint ramps, Abdel-Aty’s research showed. politicians REALLY believe they need more paid for. It is a very different world now. It is of speeding or log violations. He found that introducing E-PASS elec- money, they should have the courage to raise likely the era of highway tolling as a good Connecticut, in one of those rare in- tronic toll collection lanes beside the regular existing fuel taxes. idea for all the right reasons has passed. stances where government actually learns lanes increased the accident rate at the busy Gee whiz, fuel taxes raise money effi- “The politicians may say we need more from mistakes, stopped collecting tolls after Holland-East Mainline Plaza. ciently (while a substantial percentage of toll money to build and maintain safe uncon- a number of serious accidents at toll booths. Why then are politicians in several revenue is used to pay toll takers), and also gested highways, but what we really need is Some were fiery and fatal. states (notably Pennsylvania and Virginia) encourages economy and clean air. The folks a priority correction. That will not happen at Tolls kill ... and they waste enormous looking to add tolling to several interstate who use the roads the most pay more. People a toll booth but rather the voting booth.” amounts of fuel, while adding pollution to the highways? who buy efficient vehicles pay less. Am I It seems that the ballot box is the way to environment. Could it be revenue? missing something? stop this nonsense before more micro naps A wizened (and real smart) transportation Ask yourself (and your elected officials) The “real” agenda here is to somehow turn into dirt naps. executive provided the following information. what would happen if any business decided raise revenue without us seeing the big pic- Dave Millhouser is a bus industry mar- In 2006, the National Transportation to cut back on safety to improve profits? Re- ture. Make it complex and “fair.” There are keting consultant and freelance writer. Con- Safety Board determined: member the Ford Pinto? no “business taxes,” only hidden taxes. They tact him at: [email protected]. • 49 percent of all Interstate accidents in That’s exactly what adding tolls would will never really “substitute” one tax for an- Illinois were at toll plazas, and three times do. Government would gain revenue, but at other. If there is no added revenue, why Operator’s suit against NYMTA gains support of public official SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — A pri- in March 2009, is unconstitutional. .34 percent of their payroll. It was de- $200,000 annually, actually is being employees earned more than vate motorcoach operator who is suing “It’s a bad idea, with bad implica- signed to rescue the financially used to subsidize his competitors, in- $200,000. And salaries continue rising the New York Metropolitan Transporta- tions that could not have come at a strapped transit agency that was facing cluding Long Island Rail Road, Metro even as New York City and the state tion Authority and several state offi- worse time,” said Southampton Coun- a budget shortfall of $1.8 billion and North and several public bus systems. struggle with gaping budget deficits cials over a new employers’ tax has cilman Christopher R. Nuzzi. “We’re numerous service reductions. “This tax hurts my ability to be and pile on more billions in debt. picked up an ally. trying to do more with less; we can’t The court papers filed by the competitive and profitable,” he said At the same time, MTA is cutting The Southampton Town Council afford to bail out the New York transit Southampton Town Council allege when he filed the suit. costs by reducing service and may re- has joined in the lawsuit that William system.” several violations of the state constitu- Meanwhile, New York news out- move cars to save electricity. Schoolman of Hampton Luxury Liner He said the town already has paid tion, including a violation of town lets continue to issue reports of seem- Now, New Yorkers who live in the and Schoolman Transportation Sys- $155,000 towards the tax. home rule powers to transact business ingly outlandish practices and spend- MTA region and drive motor vehicles tems filed in December in Suffolk The tax, which impacts businesses without suffering an overly burden- ing by New York MTA. must pay a new fee when they buy County Supreme Court. in a dozen counties and burroughs some payroll tax. One report last month revealed new license plates. An MTA transit Schoolman claims in his suit that where the MTA operates, requires em- Schoolman has maintained that that 8,074 MTA employees earned surcharge of $50 has been tacked onto the tax New York MTA put into effect ployers to make annual payments of the tax, which costs him about $100,000 or more last year. Fifty MTA auto registration fees.

ISSUE NO. 171 Godfrey Lebron How to contact us Paradise Trailways Hicksville, N.Y. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Boston, Mass. E-mail: E-mail: Marcia Milton [email protected] [email protected] First Priority Trailways Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Brookfield, Conn. Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Jeff Polzien To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Red Carpet Charters To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. Oklahoma City subscription: Industry Editor: Ken Presley Larry Benjamin Tira Wayland Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines ABC Companies Ready Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Faribault, Minn. LaCrescent, Minn. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Gladys Gillis Brian Scott Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines Bristow, Va. Seattle Largo, Fla. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Larry Hundt Michelle Silvestro Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Dan Diepert Coaches Great Canadian Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas Kitchner, Ontario Richfield, Ohio Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Dale Krapf T. Ralph Young ©2010 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Krapf Coaches Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. West Chester, Pa. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News NEWS ANALYSIS June 15, 2010 9 Tax worries seen delaying multi-year highway bill WASHINGTON — The chanc- likely to be a bill, and it has been the t-word, nor do they down at the quickly, the debate probably would if this is pushed into the next cycle es of a long-term highway and difficult to even debate funding. White House…between Republi- drag on well beyond 2010. where it’s going to be resolved, public transportation bill winning The bottom line is there is a cans and the White House, we “Unless we get real about how with six months to go before a congressional approval this year substantial need for an increase in aren’t able to have a meaningful we’re going to finance this going presidential election.” are slim, say key Capitol Hill staff direct investment in the U.S. trans- discussion.” forward…we’re going to lose not Mica agreed, saying there was members, with several adding that portation system on a multimodal Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., just another construction season, probably a five- to six-month win- if a bill isn’t passed early next year basis and that means the t-word, a member of the tax-writing House we’re going lose another (session dow (in 2011) to get stuff before then it may be dead until after the he said, referring to taxes. Ways and Means Committee, said of) Congress,” Blumenauer said. presidential politics made it im- next presidential election. “Republicans don’t mention he thought, unless there was a deal “I’m not particularly sanguine possible to pass major legislation. Trying to write a bill when you can’t get a fix on the dollar amount because you don’t know your fund- ing source gets to be a difficult thing, said Tom Lynch, staff direc- tor of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s trans- portation subcommittee. Currently, there is not a great deal of support (on the Senate fi- nance committee) for doing the things that a lot of people in the transportation community want, such as increasing the fuels tax, said Lynch, who works for the Senate Finance Committee chair- man, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. In the absence of something that can supplement or replace the fuel tax, we would have to deal with increasing revenue, and I don’t think there’s a majority of senators who support that, espe- cially those who perceive an elec- tion benefit, Lynch said. Lynch spoke at the Coalition for Americas Gateways and Trade Corridors annual meeting here. MB1 Mobile WiFi BUS-WATCH® Mobile Surviellance GPS/Backup John Drake, a member of the 10.2” LCD Widescreen Monitor Democratic staff on the Senate 1.800.228.9275 • www.radioeng.com Commerce Committee, said that “despite a lot of talk about getting something this year…I think real- istically the conversations for this bill will certainly be next year, when hopefully a lot of the hesita- tion about how you finance this SINGLE USE bill will have subsided.” From the House side of Capitol ® Hill, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., top Republican member of the House POT SHOT Transportation and Infrastructure The power of POT SHOT in a Committee, was similarly pessi- • Easy to Use mistic about the chances of Con- • Measured Dosage convenient, portion controlled, gress agreeing to a fuel tax in- single use bottle. Portion crease or passing a bill in 2010. • Powerful Odor Control Control POT SHOT is more “Let me be candid: There’s • Low Cost probably not going to be a trans- effective then any other portation bill this year,” he said, • Super Concentrated portion controlled product explaining that raising taxes to pay • Pleasant Fragrance on the market. Each bottle is for it would result in Democrats’ defeat at the polls. “If you passed a • Non-Staining Blue Dye individually labeled with use gas tax now, not only would I be • Non-Formaldehyde instructions. No more packets chairman, but there’d be no minor- that melt, stick together, and/or ity members on the committee.” • Biodegradable (UMA’s CEO, Victor Parra, • Safe for Dump Valves damage dump valves. agrees there is no appetite for a tax hike.) UNIT CHEMICAL CORPORATION Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House highways (800) 879-8648 www.unitchemical.com subcommittee, said that without an increase in funding, there’s not 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products 10 June 15, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

up whenever they get behind the accident recorders on his buses so deadheading to the depot, the driv- the bus forward and the driver is Unbelted drivers wheel — regardless of whether he could monitor seatbelt usage. er is required by federal regulation unable to control the bus because CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 they are carrying passengers or “We wanted all of our drivers to always be buckled up,” empha- of not wearing a seatbelt, then the driver out the door of the bus. driving an empty coach. to be aware of what can happen sized FMCSA spokesman Duane some culpability could go to the Another occurred just over a “The common excuse that the when they don’t wear their seat- DeBruyne. driver if someone on the bus or year ago in North Carolina and in- seatbelt restricts them just doesn’t belts,” said one operator. Insurance executive Crescenzo outside of the bus were injured. volved a driver in his early 40s who cut it,” noted one of them. Federal transportation regula- said while drivers are covered by “Not wearing a seatbelt cer- was returning an empty coach from The companies have distribut- tors believe seatbelt usage by driv- workers compensation insurance tainly could be contributory to the Virginia to a dealer in Florida. ed special notices reminding their ers is so important they have ad- and not a company’s main insur- injury,” he added. A truck coming in the opposite drivers of their “buckle-up” poli- opted a no-nonsense rule requiring ance policy, the fact that one of Crescenzo said the insurance direction clipped the rear of a pas- cies and conducted refresher safe- drivers to wear them whenever them is not wearing a seatbelt can industry’s support of the use of senger vehicle during a lane change, ty classes to underscore the point. they get behind the wheel of a impact an insurance claim. seatbelts at all times, though, ex- sending the car shooting across the One even displayed a photograph commercial vehicle. The rule ap- For instance, he said, if a bus is tends to protecting passengers on median and into the opposite lane of the bus showing the bent steer- plies to motorcoaches and trucks, legally stopped for a traffic light the bus and wanting drivers to where it was struck by the bus. The ing wheel and busted windshield regardless if any passengers or and is hit from behind, the driver of obey all federal and state rules of bus then veered off the road and where the victim was ejected. cargo is aboard. the other vehicle likely would be at the road. smashed into a tree, ejecting the The owner of one of the compa- “Whether it is a trucker alone fault. “It’s not really complicated,” he driver out the windshield. nies was so concerned he installed in his or her cab, or a motorcoach However, if the impact pushes said. A third took place in Tennessee two years ago. A 63-year-old driv- Licensing attorney fees and court costs, as for whatever music they play, it’s Motor­coach Movies, which is the er, with more than 30 years experi- well as enter an injunction against best to be licensed by both. sole source of licensing for motor- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ence, was headed for the garage the violator. A license must be obtained for coach public performances of mo- someone has to pay the licensing. after completing a charter when a For years, many coach opera- each coach that plays pre-recorded tion pictures. Purchasing a DVD or CD only cov- semi merged onto the highway in tors have played movies and music music for passengers. UMA members can contact ers private listening or viewing. front of him and the two vehicles without a license, ignoring the law UMA has negotiated a 70 per- Motorcoach Movies directly at Once the movie or music is put on a collided. The collision knocked and seemingly not worrying about cent fee discount for its members (888) 416-2572 to obtain movie coach entertainment system it be- out the front windshield of the bus getting caught. with ASCAP and BMI. UMA col- licenses. comes a public performance. and ejected the driver. However, both ASCAP and lects the fees and license agree- It should be noted that even if a The penalty for playing copy- Also, three years ago, an un- BMI have field representatives ments from members and passes company only plays movies (and righted music or showing movies belted driver, who was described whose sole purpose is to search out that information and payments not recorded music) on its coach- without permission can be stiff — as his company’s safest driver, was businesses playing pre-recorded along to ASCAP and BMI. es, it still must have ASCAP and very stiff. killed in Louisiana when his empty music publicly without a license. To inquire about ASCAP and BMI music licensing. U.S. copyright law provides bus was involved in an accident. ASCAP represents approxi- BMI licensing, UMA members That’s because Motorcoach that a court can assess damages Safety personnel at the bus mately 60 percent of all music la- can call the association at (800) Movies only licenses the visual from a minimum of $750 for each companies involved in the acci- bels and BMI represents the other 424-8262. portion of a movie, while ASCAP work infringed, and require the op- dents used the fatalities to empha- 40 percent. Similarly, UMA has negotiated and BMI licenses apply to the erator to pay the copyright owners’ size why their drivers must buckle To assure operators are covered discounts for members with audio portion. Click. Learn. Succeed.

Summer semester begins July 1, 2010.

www.uma.org/academy Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2010 11 Prevost names top sales executive, new-coach team STE. CLAIRE, Quebec — Pre- vision at Umicore/International Cat- ground and his dedication to quality Prevost also announced it had re- Other regional sales manager re- vost has a new top coach sales exec- alyst Technology. He was responsible and efficiency will lead the sales fined its new coach sales staff, which sponsibilities as of July 1, include: utive, Robert Goodnight, who joins for business development of Umi- team in support of motorcoach op- will be coordinated by Goodnight. • Bill Leonard, sales in Ala- the company after spending more core’s heavy-duty diesel emissions erators,” he added. David Schmidt, formerly director bama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, than 20 years leading manufacturing control market in North America. Kankula, who joined Prevost last of the new coach division, becomes Louisiana, Mississippi, South Caro- and operations teams in the chemical He also has experience manag- year, also is a former executive at regional sales manager responsible lina and Tennessee and automotive industries. ing automotive/chemical manufac- Umicore. for Delaware, District of Columbia, • Eloy Torres, sales in Arkansas, Goodnight, whose title is vice turing plants and engineering teams Goodnight holds a bachelor-of- Maryland, New Jersey, western New New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas president of new coach sales, will in the automotive catalyst field. science degree in chemical engineer- York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsyl- • Tony Febbo, sales in Connecti- lead company sales’ efforts for Pre- “Robert will be a great asset to ing from the University of South Ala- vania, Virginia and West Virginia. cut, Maine, Massachusetts, New vost H-series and X3-45 coaches, as Prevost as the industry moves for- bama and an MBA from Business Recently appointed regional sales Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, well as the Volvo 9700. ward,” said Andrew Kankula, Pre- School Netherlands International. In manager Ron Rogers will be respon- and eastern New York Most recently, Goodnight was vost senior vice president for sales addition, he earned an executive sible for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, • Ward Hicken, sales in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, director, North America diesel oper- and marketing. MBA from Vlerick Leuven Manage- Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and and Washington. ations in the automobile catalyst di- “Robert’s engineering back- ment School in Gent, Belgium. Wisconsin. • Keith Hayward, sales in Arizo- na, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Ne- braska, North Dakota, Montana, ABC names G.M., account rep for Northeast South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. CAMDEN, N.J. — ABC Compa- tral California, Arizona, Utah and portunity and feel my expertise and • Glen Gendron, sales in Alber- nies has named Mike Laffan as gen- Nevada. background in this industry will ta, British Columbia, Manitoba, eral manager of its Northeast region Just over a year ago, Laffan prove beneficial to all of our custom- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, On- and rehired Frank Sorvino as senior came back to the Northeast as senior ers in this region,” stated Laffan. tario, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. account executive for the area. account executive, covering New “Mike’s experience in our indus- • Serge Gonthier, sales in New Laffan began his career at ABC Jersey, New York City and Long try and knowledge of his customers’ Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova 10 years ago as account executive Island. businesses will help provide solu- Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and for New England. In 2003, he joined As general manager, Laffan will tions that meet or exceed their Quebec. DATTCO where he worked as sales oversee the regional sales team and needs,” said Dane Cornell, president Mike Laffan Frank Sorvino • Dann Wiltgen, formerly vice manager for the school and commer- is responsible for all equipment sales and CEO of ABC. City, Westchester County and Long president of coach sales, remains cial bus division. and sales-related activities. He also Sorvino, who worked for ABC Island. vice president of seated coach key Early in 2007, Laffan returned to will manage the day-to-day service for 17 years before joining Trident, During his years at ABC, Sorvino accounts, bus shell and pre-owned, a ABC as senior account executive for and parts operations at ABC’s Cam- the bus distributor based on Georgia, was recognized for his achievements position he moved to last year. ABC’s West region, responsible for den facility. has rejoined ABC as senior account in sales on multiple occasions and for • Goodnight will be based in sales and customer support in cen- “I am excited to have this new op- executive for New Jersey, New York his commitment to customers. Greensboro, N.C. 12 June 15, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Senate support Clint Didier and Republican State “This year, Republicans were years,” said Gallineau. Senator Don Benton also are in the faced with the prospect of not hav- Opryland “We have chosen to move for- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 primary race. ing a top-of-the-ticket candidate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 ward with these improvements While Rossi hasn’t talked about Although Washington voters with any statewide name familiar- November. now while the facility is closed so the charter rule yet, many in the in- have not elected a Republican to a ity or the ability to raise significant In addition to having to repair we will not need to further inter- dustry say they’re confident he U.S. senate seat since 1994, pun- campaign money,” he said. “That or replace key systems, the exten- rupt our business at a later date.” would be much better than Murray. dits say this could be the year they has all changed.” sive rehabilitation also will Reconstruction also has begun “It’s ‘Anybody but Murray,’” do it again, especially because of Rossi’s campaign web site is include: on the Grand Ole Opry House, the stressed Casazza, who added that what is perceived as an anti-in- www.dinorossi.com. • Wholesale replacement of Gaylord Springs Golf Course, the he plans to discuss the issue with cumbent wave that is expected to the Cascades Lobby, Cascades Wildhorse Saloon, and the General Jackson Showboat. These facilities Rossi as soon as possible, and will help Republicans. Sodrel loses primary bid Atrium, Cascades Restaurant, Sushi Bar, and Lobby Bar are expected to reopen in the months invite him to speak to association “If the wave is big, Dino Rossi JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — • Redesign of Volare’s and leading up to hotel’s reopening. members at a meeting in July. is going to win. If the wave shrinks, Mike Sodrel has missed an oppor- Jack Daniel’s restaurants Of the more than 329,900 “We’ll push him on the charter he’s probably not going to win,” tunity to run again for the U.S. In addition to the repair and room nights booked for conven- issue.” suggested GOP political consul- Congress. restoration work, “we are also per- tion travelers at Gaylord Opryland Tom Cook, co-owner of Silver tant . The motorcoach/trucking in- forming approximately $24 mil- over the next six months, all but City Charters and Tours in Silver- Murray, who was first elected dustry executive lost in a three- lion in capital improvements that 63,000 room nights have been re- dale, Wash., and one of the most to the senate in 1992, has not way race for the Republican nomi- were already planned for the facil- located to other Gaylord facilities outspoken critics of Murray, said cracked 50 percent in a number of nation for Indiana’s 9th congres- ity in the coming months and or with outside companies. he supported Rossi in his earlier polls taken this year and two recent sional district. campaigns and he’ll do it again polls put Rossi within easy reach of Sodrel, who was hoping to face D.C. permits capability. this time. her in a Nov. 2 general election off once again against Democratic The permits are bus specific. If “If he wins the primary, I will showdown. Rep. Baron Hill, ran third with 30 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 a bus having a permit is switched be supporting him regardless,” he A percent of the vote. Todd Young However, drivers who enter the at the last minute, a revised or new said. “Anything to get her out of poll released two days before Rossi was the winner with 34 percent. district without a proper permit on permit must be obtained. D.C. of- there.” announced his candidacy showed Sodrel and Hill have faced their bus, even if they are headed ficials say this can be done online, Rossi, a former state senator Murray with 44 percent and Rossi each other every two years since directly for the DMV to purchase via fax or by calling. Additional who lost close gubernatorial elec- with 40 percent, while an earlier 2002 when Hill was elected. So- or pickup a permit, could be tick- information and assistance is available at (202) 729-7083. tions in 2004 and 2008, is given an Rasmussen poll had Rossi trailing drel won the seat in 2004, but Hill eted if caught by police. The DMV said if a company Operators that have appor- outstanding chance of surviving Murray by just two points, 48 per- won it back in 2006 and held on to needs to make a change to a permit tioned tags, with the District of the primary, which is an open elec- cent to 46 percent. it again in 2008. while the driver is on the road Columbia listed, do not need the tion in which the two top vote get- Vance, writing in a column on The Sodrel family operates the headed to the district, revised per- permits or to purchase them. How- ters regardless of party move on to the Crosscut website, called Rossi Free Enterprise System, a motor- mits can be faxed directly to the ever, the cab card for that bus must the general election. Former foot- a credible candidate who will ener- coach company, and Sodrel Truck driver at a hotel or to printing or be onboard when it is traveling in ball player and tea party favorite gize voters. Lines. Both are based here. mailing stores that have fax the district. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2010 13 Red River Coaches is new Trailways network member SHREVEPORT, La. — Red sized motorcoaches and a diversi- River Coaches of Shreveport has fied business that serves church joined the Trailways network and, groups, schools, conventions and in the process, renewed a family sporting events. The company also business tradition. does charter tours across the U.S. As his family’s third generation “The economy here in ‘Arkla- motorcoach owner/operator, Peter tex’ is doing well,” says Ramsey, Ramsey, president of Red River, “largely because of the boom in said affiliating with Trailways “is natural gas activity. So, we are on- like returning home. the-grow as well. Texas is only 20 “My grandfather started a bus miles away and Arkansas just 30. company in Shreveport back in “We feel it is a natural for us to 1922, and he affiliated with Trail- affiliate with Trailways because of ways in the 1930s, right after it or- our own family history with the or- ganized,” he said. “By the end of ganization, and because it offers us World War II, he had grown the a great network of other operators company to one of the largest inde- who can provide us with business Ready to Roll pendents in America.” advice and help — while on the Ramsey’s grandfather sold the road,” said Ramsey, who has MCI conducted open houses and a company shortly before his retire- changed the company name to Red sale of used coaches late last month ment in the 1940s, but family River Trailways. and early this month at its sales and members continued in the business He also looks forward to par- service centers in the U.S. and Canada. Each location featured a barbeque with other motorcoach companies ticipating in Trailways’ national lunch, service specials, and prizes, in Arkansas and Missouri. transportation contracts and other including footballs autographed by Ramsey and his wife decided initiatives. sports legend John Madden. Plus, to return to Shreveport in 2006, “More than anything, we know there were plenty of ready-to-roll and pick-up where his grandfather Trailways gives us the respected coaches, such as the ones (at top) at started. name recognition my grandfather the MCI facility in Los Alamitos, Calif., They organized Red River used to grow his company many for customers to purchase. Coaches, which now has five full- decades ago.” 14 June 15, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

ALL OUR COACHES ARE FULLY SERVICED & 100% READY TO WORK FOR YOU! Walking tour is announced Calendar for historic Philadelphia JUNE 2010 PHILADELPHIA — Uncle on over it. As our motto says, we 14-17 Pennsylvania Bus Sam’s Walking Tours, a leading like guests to ‘to go home with a Association Annual Meeting, provider of New York City walking story,’” said Baer. Marriott Chesapeake, Chesa- and specialty tours, has launched a Sights along the tour include peake, Va. Info: www.pabus.org. “Trail to Independence” walking Independence Hall, Washington 2002 E4500 Renaissance 1-Owner 2002 MCI J4500 California Coach tour here. Square, the First and Second Bank 21-22 United Motorcoach 12.7 Detroit w/ Jake, B500, only 325k 12.7 Detroit w/ Jake, B500, only 311k Association Mid-Year Board miles, 56pass Nationals, all new tires, miles, DVD, Wireless mic, 56 pas Amaya, The tour of historic Philadel- of the United States, American new paint. Way too much new stuff to new paint. You won’t find a nicer used phia highlights the more personal Aurora, Carpenter Hall, Ben Meeting, Orlando, Fla. Info: list. Only $187,900 J4500 $199,000 history of those who fought, Franklin Court, the Franklin Post Call (800) 424-8262. For more photos and more details on these and other fine coaches go to: worked, provided for and encour- Office, Christ Church, the Betsy 24-27 New England Bus Assn. aged the American quest for inde- Ross House, and the Grave of Ben- Annual Meeting, By the Bay http://BusesAndMore.com pendence, the company said in its jamin Franklin. We have great financing sources at competitive rates for qualified buyers. Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference announcement. Trail to Independence tours Center, Portland, Maine. Info: go Call JD at 612-490-3185 or Darcy at 800-322-8687 “What makes this tour unique,” last approximately 90 minutes and to www.newenglandbus.com. said Myron Baer, chief operating depart daily from the Indepen- officer, “is that we cover the popu- dence Visitors Center at 11:15 JULY 2010 lar and not so popular folklore. For a.m., 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. 25-27 Georgia Motorcoach example, we talk about Washing- The tour retails for $20 for Association Annual Meeting & ton, as well as Ben Bache, editor adults, $16 for seniors, $6 for chil- Marketplace, Chattanooga, of the American Aurora and grand- dren, and military free with ID. Tenn. Marriott at the Conven- son of Ben Franklin, who wrote For more information, call tion Center. Info: go to www. much against Washington and (888) 379-8127, or go to www.un- gamotorcoachoperators.org. Adams and who would die in pris- clesamsnewyork.com.

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When you invest in a motorcoach at the top of its class, you expect a superior level of service to go with it. Our service personnel are skilled specialists. They’re certifi ed for bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repair for all Prevost and Volvo brand coaches and Nova buses. They’re recognized for their extensive training and job tenure. And they stay informed on the technical advances that will keep your coaches on the road and on schedule.

Prevost quality service and parts are never far away. Our network includes seven strategically located Prevost Service Centers and over 100 Prevost Service Providers across North America. And with Prevost Action Service System, you’ll have 24/7 access to immediate call center assistance. With Prevost, you can count on the best in parts and service, no matter where your trips and tours take you. That’s our Red Carpet promise. That’s your peace of mind.

Parts & Service Centers: USA New Jersey 1-800-223-0830 • Florida 1-800-874-7740 Tennessee 1-877-299-8881 • Texas 1-866-773-8678 • California 1-800-421-9958 CANADA Quebec 1-866-870-2046 • British Columbia 1-604-940-3306

Parts Customer Service: USA 1-800-621-5519 & 1-877-999-8808 • CANADA 1-800-463-8876 Online Ordering: www.prevostcar.com The ultimate class.

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