September 15, 2003

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE BUS AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY Success doesn’t come easy A difference of opinion Federal study argues for stronger for U.S. luxury bus services industry security, operators demur From time to time during the Question: How vulnerable is security measures. past 30 years, motorcoach opera- the motorcoach industry to ter- That is just one of the anom- tors in the U.S. have launched rorist and criminal attack? alies found in the nine-month luxury commuter bus service with- Answer: Too vulnerable, as most study conducted by the Volpe out resounding success. in the industry are well aware. National Transportation Systems Greyhound Lines tried it and Question: How necessary is it Center in Cambridge, Mass., the failed in New York in the mid to beef up industry security to research arm of the U.S. 1970s, an experiment that discour- deal with the potential of terror- Department of Transportation. aged a whole generation of ist and criminal attacks? Answer: The Volpe Center launched operators from taking a chance. It depends on who you ask. its “security assessment” of the Among those that have A major federal study of the coach industry in June 2002, at launched luxury commuter service vulnerability of the industry to the behest of the Federal Motor in this decade and appear to have attack argues that plans and pro- Carrier Safety Administration. found success are two New York grams need to be designed and The goal was to identify the operators. They compete head-on implemented to improve coach industry’s areas of vulnerability for travelers between heavily popu- passenger security. and find cost-effective fixes. The lated commercial centers in However, those who were the study looked at the industry’s Manhattan and the assorted bed- focus of the study, motorcoach existing security conditions, room and vacation towns that operators, are much less sanguine planning and programs, as well as form the Hamptons along the east- about the need for widespread CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 ern end of Long Island. Hampton Luxury Lines, which was founded three years ago, makes the 100-mile, two-hour plus daily FTA rejects loss claim run with modified luxury coaches, while Hampton Jitney, around since 1974, has been doing it for a but nemesis loses too little more than two. Their regular riders include The sordid saga of SunLine Transit mostly upscale business passengers PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A Miller won’t be getting any CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Southern California motorcoach money but he and members of the Hampton Luxury Lines’ coaches feature plush leather 2-by-1 seating. operator has failed in his bid to win California Bus Association have reimbursement for money he lost found new solace: The general when Palm Springs’ public transit manager of SunLine Transit, LimoLiner service begins Oct. 1 agency, SunLine Transit, violated Richard Cromwell III, who has BOSTON — The newest luxu- the former controlling stockholder the Boston-New York corridor, and federal charter service regulations. been the chief nemesis of Southern ry motorcoach service in North and managing director of the leg- developed the concept for Bill Miller of Desert Resorts California coach operators for most America is being launched Oct. 1, endary Celtic Football Club in LimoLiner — a customer-oriented Transportation of Thousand Palms, of the past decade, has stepped off a with four daily trips each way Glasgow, Scotland. company whose mission is to pro- Calif., had applied to the Federal SunLine bus into a pit of slop. between Boston and New York According to a spokeswoman, vide personal service to business Transit Administration for reim- Cromwell, sometimes known as City. “the vision for LimoLiner came to and upscale leisure travelers at bursement of losses he and other King Richard the Third because of Called LimoLiner, the service is McCann after exposure to the competitive costs,” the spokes- coach operators suffered at the the transit empire he built in the being established by a company aggravations of domestic and inter- woman added. hands of SunLine. desert around Palm Springs, was created this spring by a wealthy national travel over many years as a LimoLiner will begin service Miller also had asked the FTA forced to resign in wake of allega- international entrepreneur and bus tour operator and business traveler. with a fleet of three new E4500 to establish a practice of withhold- tions that SunLine violated federal industry newcomer Fergus “He became increasingly frus- MCI conversion coaches outfitted ing federal dollars when it finds a funding rules, falsified documents, McCann of West Newton, Mass. trated with the poor service he with two-by-one seating and public transit agency has violated backdated checks, co-mingled

Among other things, McCann is often received, most recently along CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 charter rules. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

TheThe Tax on Payroll Tax on Tires DOCKETDOCKET Nevada adopts a new payroll tax New York imposes a tax on new and additional fees for businesses. tires. Page 4 Boondoggles Page 4 Government officials in three Manaña and Manaña states—Oregon, Illinois and No Tax Environmental study means Ohio—amaze us with their cre- Minnesota Tax Court says Michi- Mexican buses won’t be flood- ativity and stupidity. gan’s Single Business Tax isn’t ing into the U.S. anytime soon. Page 4 really an income tax. Page 4 Page 7 Financing Rates As Low As 5.85% On Select Units *With approved credit; additional terms and conditions may apply.

WESTERN SOUTHEAST MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHWEST 800-322-2877 800-222-2871 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2877 www.abc-companies.com BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 3 OPERATOR NEWS Sale of Coach USA N.J. operators units in southeast push for state association get preliminary okay FAIRLAWN, N.J. — A new effort is under way to organize a WASHINGTON — Plans by • America Charters Ltd., state association of motorcoach investors to buy the Southeast Charlotte, N.C., $8.36 million. operators in New Jersey. region of Coach USA, a deal • American Coach Lines Inc., Richard Jaeger of Coach- involving seven operating compa- Norcross, Ga., $8.37 million. man International Tours in nies, has been given preliminary • B&A Charter Tours Inc., Fairlawn said operators in New approval by the U.S. Department Millersville, Md., no information Jersey need to speak with one of Transportation Surface Trans- provided; probably inactive. voice and focus on key issues portation Board. • Dillon’s Bus Service Inc., affecting all of them. Final approval of the transac- Millersville, Md., $10.21 million. “We’re getting run over by tion depends in large measure on • Florida Cruise Connection the State of New Jersey,” said whether comments from the public Inc. (dba Cruise Connection), Jaeger. are filed opposing the deal. Sharp Sarasota, Fla., $2.7 million. A group of New Jersey oper- opposition could trigger formal • Golden Isle Coaches of ators launched a nascent proceedings and a more critical Florida Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., organizational drive two years examination by the board of the $3.39 million. ago but the effort floundered purchase plan. • The McMahon Transporta- when a key leader went to work The seven companies that form tion Co., Millersville, Md., for New Jersey Transit. Jaeger the Southeast region of Coach inactive. thinks it’s time to try again. USA are being acquired from • Midnight Sun Tours Inc., “They pick on buses (during Stagecoach Group PLC of Lake Worth, Fla., $3.68 million. inspections) but they don’t Scotland by an equity fund man- • P&S Transportation Inc., enforce speeding laws,” he aged by Lincolnshire Management Orlando, inactive. notes. Coach operators would Inc. and by VSC Partners LLC. • Royal Tours of America Inc., benefit by having their own Both Lincolnshire and VSC are Orlando, inactive. representative in Trenton, as private New York investment firms • Southern Coach Company, well as someone who can work and neither has a background in Durham, N.C., $5.58 million. with the state DOT and police the motorcoach industry. • Southern Tours Inc., Durham, on regulatory and enforcement Lincolnshire owns a diverse N.C., inactive. issues, he said. group of companies that includes • Tippett Travel Inc. (dba Three of the Coach USA subsidiaries that are being sold are American Coach From time to time, New Prince Sports Inc., best known for Tippett Travel & Tours), Lake Lines (top), Dillon’s Bus Service (middle) and Southern Coach Company. Jersey has bounded to the top of its oversize tennis rackets; Worth, Fla., revenue included in the list of states that are the Transcraft Corp., a leading manu- Midnight Sun Tours. posed of Douglas H. Bagin, a senior four years and his background is in most unfriendly to motorcoach facturer of flatbed trailers; According to a press statement managing director of Lincolnshire; mergers and acquisitions. He has operators. Despite being a lead- NextCycle Inc., a waste recovery released by Stagecoach Group George J. Henry, a principal of an undergraduate degree from ing travel destination, New service company that among other when the deal was announced in Lincolnshire; Michael C. Lee, a Harvard University, where he was Jersey invariably shoots itself in things processes empty plastic bot- July, Lincolnshire and VSC are senior associate of Lincolnshire; captain of the varsity heavyweight the foot with its tax policies, as tles and glass, and Riddell Sports paying $48 million for the seven Christopher Carmel, one of the crew team, and a MBA from the well as regulatory enforcement, Group, the athletic equipment active companies. three principals of VSC, and Darden Graduate School of aimed at coach operators. maker. If you know a boy who plays Combined, the companies oper- Ottavio Serena di Lapigio, who is Business Administration at the Jaeger is being joined in his high school football, he may wear a ate more than 500 vehicles, mostly both a managing director of University of Virginia. effort to measure the interest of Riddell helmet. motorcoaches, and employ 620 Lincolnshire and a principal of Comments opposing the New Jersey coach operators in Approval by the Surface people. The deal also includes the VSC. None of these individuals Lincolnshire/VSC purchase must organizing a state association by Transportation Board and comple- purchase of an additional 58 vehi- appear to have industry experience. be filed with the Surface James Vanderhoof of Vander- tion of the deal with Stagecoach cles, representing $5 million of the The third principal of VSC is Transportation Board by Oct. 2. If hoff Transportation in West Group will mean the seven motor- purchase price. Joseph V. Vittoria, who for 10 years opposing comments are filed, the Orange. Both head charter coach companies will become board’s preliminary approval will companies. subsidiaries of a new company be vacated and a procedural sched- Operators interested in called Southeast Coach Inc. ‘Completion of the deal will mean ule likely will be adopted to helping the pair organize a state Those companies that currently the seven companies will become reconsider the application. association should contact operate under the Coach USA If no opposing comments are Jaeger at (201) 398-9855 or name likely will be re-branded subsidiaries of a new company filed, the board decision will take Vanderhoof at (973) 325-0700. Southeast Coach. They cannot called Southeast Coach Inc.’ effect automatically and become retain the Coach USA name. final Oct. 2. Board decisions and According to documents filed Coach USA’s Southeast region was chairman of Avis Inc., the notices are available on its Web ABA relocates office with the Surface Transportation had sales of $49.8 million in the 12 rental car giant, and guided that site: www.stb.dot.gov. WASHINGTON — The Board, here are the companies months ended April 30, with an company through its famous A copy of the Lincoln- American Bus Association has Lincolnshire and VSC are acquir- operating profit — before goodwill employee buyout in 1987. shire/VSC application may be relocated its headquarters to 700 ing. The list includes a handful of amortization — of $5.8 million. Henry will be president of obtained from its legal representa- 13th Street NW, Suite 575, in inactive companies that come as A five-member board of direc- Southeast Coach, Carmel will be tive: Vincent J. Coyle Jr. of the firm Washington. The zip code is part of the deal. Each company is tors, drawn from Lincolnshire and vice president and secretary, and of Pitney, Harden, Kipp & Szuch 20005-5923. listed with its headquarters city and VSC, will oversee Southeast Lee will be chief financial officer. LLP, 685 Third Ave., New York The association phone and fax 2002 revenues: Coach. The board will be com- Henry has been at Lincolnshire for City, NY 10017-1024. numbers remain unchanged.

POSTMASTER: Return postage guaranteed for return of undeliverable copies of Bus&MotorcoachNEWS. Return to 717 W. Pierson, #260, Phoenix, AZ 85013 4 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET Officials across the U.S. amaze with their antics Ahhhhhh, the creativity and to serve small Illinois cities. tax and transfer the money to the are hopping off I-80/90 at the gram for airports and others to occasional stupidity of govern- Yes, dear readers, these are all Oregon Tourism Commission. Indiana-Ohio border and getting dole out money for recruiting and ment officials is awesome to true examples of your government Lodging providers will collect the on State Route 20 which parallels retaining air carriers. The reten- behold. We offer these examples: at work. Here are the details: tax and retain 5 percent for an the interstate across northern tion program includes such • The legislature in Oregon In Oregon, legislators complet- administrative reimbursement. In Ohio. Getting off the interstate bennies as guaranteeing revenue has decided it’s a good idea to tax ed action on a bill that will create other words, it’s a win-win. means bus operators and truckers per flight, subsidizing tickets, or tourists to pay for state tourism a 1 percent statewide transient We especially like the geniuses not only avoid the hefty tolls but guaranteeing carrier profitability. promotion. Makes sense to us. lodging tax. The estimated $10 at the Ohio Turnpike Authority truckers also skip the toll-plaza Money for the grants is to • In Ohio, state transportation million that will be raised annual- and the Ohio Department of scale. come from a variety of sources, officials have asked federal taxpay- ly is to be used for tourism Transportation who sent a request Surely there are a few unem- mostly taxpayers, naturally. The ers to cover most of the $315,000 promotion. The tax goes into to the Federal Highway ployed NASA scientists around state can kick in, federal largesse cost of a study aimed at figuring effect Jan. 1. Administration for $250,000 to who can help the Ohio bureau- can be sought, local governments out why buses and trucks stopped Under the bill, local jurisdic- cover 80 percent of the cost of a crats figure out how to get buses can pony up, and gifts will be hap- using the Ohio Turnpike. In 1995, tions in Oregon that already have study aimed at getting buses and and trucks back on the turnpike. pily accepted by the I-FLY Fund at Ohio raised turnpike tolls 85 per- transient lodging taxes will be pro- trucks back onto the Ohio In Illinois, legislators adopted the State Treasury. cent. Wanna guess why hibited from increasing existing Turnpike (Interstate 80/90) and the I-FLY Act, which ostensibly is This law should inspire the commercial vehicles stopped using hotel-motel taxes or from adopt- off secondary roads. supposed “to create, retain and sta- leadership of the new Illinois the turnpike? Duh! ing new lodging taxes. There are a Since the turnpike authority bilize reliable air service to Motorcoach Association. Next • And in the Land of few exceptions, of course. Aren’t boosted road fees 85 percent eight commercial airports outside of year, they should develop the I- Lincolnesque boondoggles, the there always? years ago, toll revenue from com- Cook County (Chicago).” Looks RIDE Act, which subsidizes bus state legislature has established a The Oregon Department of mercial vehicles has dropped at like more welfare for the airline passengers, bus companies and bus program designed to guarantee the Revenue will administer the col- least 9 percent annually. industry to us. terminals — outside of Cook profitability of air carriers willing lection of the statewide transient Many buses and lots of truckers The law sets up a grant pro- County, of course.

Public agencies Payroll tax, new fees Michigan tax is no tax seek private ST. PAUL, Minn. — Note to years, there have been a number Minnesota operators doing busi- of legal challenges across the charter firms begin Oct. 1 in Nevada ness in Michigan: The Minnesota U.S., questioning whether the The following public tran- CARSON CITY, Nev. — Bus All companies doing business Tax Court has ruled that tax qualifies under other states’ sit providers have informed and motorcoach companies, as in Nevada also will see the fol- Michigan’s Single Business Tax is laws as creditable. the United Motorcoach well as other Nevada businesses, lowing fee increases: not a tax measured by or imposed In this case, the Minnesota- Association of their intent to will be required to pay a tax equal • Business license fee. on income. Therefore, it can’t be resident individual taxpayers provide charter service unless to 0.7 percent of the total wages Companies doing business in credited against Minnesota were shareholders in a Subchap- willing and able private char- paid to their employees effective Nevada must obtain a business income tax. ter S corporation that did ter operators step forward to the first day of next month. license from the Nevada As a general rule in income business in Michigan and paid offer their services, or to bid The percentage declines to Department of Taxation. taxation, the amounts of tax paid the Single Business Tax. They on contract opportunities. 0.65 percent effective July 1. Effective Oct. 1, the application by a taxpayer to one state may be argued that the tax was in fact an The United Motorcoach Financial institutions pay a high- fee for the license increases from credited against the tax due from income tax, since the tax base is Association urges operators in er rate, 2 percent. $25 to $100. In addition, a new the same taxpayer to another federal taxable income. the following areas to take the The payroll tax is to be annual license fee of $100 will be state. But, the taxes involved The Minnesota Tax Court, time to respond to these pub- imposed on the gross annual pay- imposed. must be valid income taxes. however, ruled that the adjust- lic notices: roll of a business, less the cost of • Secretary of State Fees. In Michigan, the Single ments to taxable income Milwaukee, Wis. Dead- healthcare (insurance and other Many fees payable in connection Business Tax substitutes for a cor- involved in calculating Single line: Sept. 22, 2003. Write to: medical-related costs). The exist- with filing documents with the porate income tax, although it is Business Tax liabilities are so General Manager, Milwaukee ing business activity tax of $100 Nevada Secretary of State will often described as a sort of value- extensive that the tax did not County Transit System, 1942 per employee was repealed. increase effective Nov. 1. added tax. However, over the qualify for a credit. N. 17th St., Milwaukee, WI The payroll tax was one of A few fees will decrease, how- 53205-1697. Phone: (414) many compromises reached dur- ever. For example, the minimum 344-4550. ing a six-month battle over filing fee for incorporating in New York adopts tax on tires Abilene, Texas. Deadline: Nevada’s biennium state budget. Nevada will decrease from $175 Sept. 29, 2003. Write to: The fight included two special to $75. ALBANY, N.Y. — New York tax of $2.50 per tire sold at retail. General Manager, CityLink, sessions of the legislature and the That means radio listeners began imposing a special tax last This includes tires for commer- 1189 S. 2nd St., Abilene, TX governor asking the State across the western U.S. will con- week on the sale of new tires. cial, as well as noncommercial 79602. Phone: (325) 676- Supreme Court to order the legis- tinue to be inundated with New York is just catching up highway vehicles, and even those 6403. lature to make a decision on the commercials touting the advan- with many states that have the new tires sold with new and used Danville, Ill. Deadline: budget. tages of incorporating in Nevada. tax, which is generally used to pay vehicles. Sept. 30, 2003. Write to: The payroll tax represents a Long considered a tax friendly for the disposal of waste tires or to Recaps are not subject to the Director, Danville Mass major portion of the $836 million jurisdiction for business, Nevada research ways of doing so more tax, nor are tires ordered through Transit, 101 N. Jackson St., in tax and fee increases adopted remains so despite the new taxes efficiently. the mail or the Internet and Danville, IL 61832-4727. by the legislature to fund fast- and fees. The state still has no Beginning last Friday, the delivered to the buyer in New Phone: (217) 431-0653. growing Nevada’s $5 billion state corporate income tax and no fran- Empire State began imposing a York by mail or common carrier. budget for the next two years. chise tax. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 5 THE DOCKET Don’t look now but Motorcoach Expo 2004 is coming ATLANTA — Motorcoach a major transportation hub like suppliers are expected to attend possible. For information go to Expo 2004, the only industry Atlanta, with its mild winter Expo 2004. www.motorcoachexpo.com. event devoted exclusively to ful- weather, virtually guarantees The Expo Web site is online. Information on Expo also can filling the business needs of strong attendance. More than Using the Web site individuals can be obtained by calling the United coach operators in the areas of 1,500 motorcoach and bus opera- both register and make lodging Motorcoach Association at: education, equipment, network- tors, owners, manufacturers and reservations, getting the best rates (800) 424-8262. ing and legislative information is 145 days away. One of the show’s first impor- tant deadlines comes Oct. 1. That’s the cut-off for getting the advanced registration discount of $100. The next registration dead- line after that is Jan. 15, when the regular rate expires. Individuals registering between Oct. 2 and Jan. 15 will save $50. The 2004 Expo will be Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 8-10, at the spacious Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Having Motorcoach Expo at UMA surveys members on critical issues WASHINGTON — The United Motorcoach Association is assessing the needs of its oper- ators members through a survey that was sent earlier this month. UMA’s annual Industry Assessment Survey questions operators on a whole range of issues and challenges that impact their businesses. The sur- vey questions are designed to ferret out the most pressing needs facing operators. “The survey results will help us improve our understanding of the most pertinent and current issues affecting the industry,” says UMA President & CEO Victor Parra. Questions in the three-page survey focus on important opera- tional, marketing, administra- tive and legislative/regulatory issues. Operators identify the greatest challenges they face on a daily basis. The surveys are to be returned by Oct. 6. As an incentive for operators to complete the survey, UMA is offering a 25 percent discount for one registration at Motor- coach Expo 2004 or on selected UMA products. Further information about the survey can be obtained by calling Tara Sheehan, member- ship and marketing assistant at UMA. She can be reached by calling (800) 424-8262. 6 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Moving billboards promote Toronto, Ontario tourism TORONTO — More than 30 chairman of the Ontario Motor motorcoaches operating between Coach Association. Toronto and New York City have “Everyday, they will carry the been outfitted with graphics pro- message through southern Ontario, moting Ontario tourism. New York and right into the heart The $200,000 promotional pro- of the Big Apple that Ontario — gram is part of a huge campaign and Toronto in particular — are that is underway to boost Ontario terrific places to visit,” added Brian and Toronto tourism. Crow, president of the association. The moving billboard project Two coaches have been given was announced late last month by special promotional wraps, while Recovery” campaign launched by travel to our province and our city meet last week in Toronto. Ontario Tourism and Recreation 30 more coaches feature large the Ontario Motor Coach can only help,” he said. “Since September 11, we in the Minister Brian Coburn and repre- Ontario tourism ads on the back. Association,” said Coburn. “This Greyhound operates 95 trips industry have all learned how frag- sentatives of the province’s coach All the coaches make regularly funding is part of the government’s weekly between Toronto and New ile tourism can be and while it can tourism industry. scheduled runs or transport tour two-year, $138 million Tourism York, while Coach Canada, a unit be turned off virtually in the blink “This partnership between our groups, across Ontario and Canada Economic Recovery Plan to rebuild of Coach USA, operates four trips of an eye, it takes a concerned and industry and the government has and into the United States. confidence in Toronto and Ontario each way. collective effort to turn it back on,” made it possible to transform these The specially-decaled coaches, as world-class tourism destina- Separately, the National Tour said NTA President Hank Phillips. coaches into prominent, high- operated by Greyhound and Coach tions.” Association lent strong symbolic “We are very pleased to offer our impact moving billboards that will Canada, will be in daily service for Crow says Ontario’s motorcoach support to the effort to help support to Toronto in recovering be seen by thousands of people six months. tourism industry has seen business Toronto and Ontario recover from from its recent struggles and to every day on both sides of the bor- “We are thrilled to invest drop by 30 to 40 percent this year. the SARS outbreak of earlier this quickly re-emerge as one of the der,” said Greg Hammond, $200,000 in the “Road to “Any and all ways we can promote year by having its board of directors world’s top tourism destinations.” Mass. seminar is well-attended MILLBURY, Mass. — Repre- sentatives from 30 companies attended a Motorcoach Safety Seminar last month that featured speakers from federal and state reg- ulatory and enforcement agencies. The day-long event was organ- ized and hosted by the Mass- achusetts Department of Tele- communications and Energy in partnership with the New England Meeting, fundraising dinner Bus Transportation Association, the Massachusetts State Police and announced by bus museum the Federal Motor Carrier Safety HERSEY, Pa. — The Mu- evening speaker. Administration. seum of Bus Transportation is Early arrivers for the activities The seminar included class- hosting an open house and can tour the museum’s antique room presentations and hands-on fundraising dinner, featuring PBS bus and memorabilia displays. demonstrations of Level 5 Com- News Hour anchor Jim Lehrer, The museum opens at 9 a.m. mercial Vehicle Safety Alliance on the last Saturday in October. “We encourage everyone not inspections. It was conducted at A full afternoon and evening to miss this unique opportunity Fox Bus Lines in Millbury. More Complete under-bus safety inspections were conducted by Massachusetts of activities begins at 2 p.m. with to visit the museum, meet Jim than 55 individuals attended. commercial vehicle field investigators in the maintenance shop of Fox Bus the museum’s annual meeting. Lehrer, and learn more about the Mike Sharff, president of New Lines in Millbury, Mass. Following the meeting there will museum’s current projects and England Bus Transportation be a two-hour bus tour of Hersey- future plans,” said museum Association welcomed attendees, traffic enforcement for commercial tions and Energy conducted Level area attractions, including Secretary John Dockendorf. along with Brian Cristy, director of motor vehicles. 5 inspections on two coaches, a Chocolate World. Hersey is “Anyone interested in buses is the Massachusetts Department of Chris Crean, director of safety Van Hool and MCI. home to the world-famous cordially invited to attend this Telecommunications and Energy at Peter Pan Bus Lines, spoke about For many attendees, this was chocolate company bearing its special occasion.” Transportation Division. the expanding responsibilities of the first time they had witnessed name. Tickets for all activities on Richard Bates, FMCSA state safety directors, especially in areas such inspections. The goal was to Climaxing the day’s events Saturday, Oct. 25, are $50 each. director, spoke on DOT compli- of training, security and liability provide a better understanding of will be the museum’s annual For more information or to pur- ance reviews and the SAFESTAT prevention. He emphasized the the field investigator duties, said fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. chase tickets, call (717) scoring system; Lt. Scott Szala from need to be proactive. Tim Davis of the Department of Lehrer, who has a family history 774-4848 or (717) 787-1220. Or, the state police commercial vehi- After the classroom presenta- Telecommunications and Energy. in the bus industry, will be the e-mail [email protected]. cle enforcement section spoke on tions, field inspectors from the Participants universally ex- driver-caused crashes, as well as Department of Telecommunica- pressed enthusiasm for the event. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 7 INDUSTRY NEWS USDOT to study impact of Mexican buses, trucks WASHINGTON — The 8- pared to adequately enforce safety be ready whenever the Mexican President Bush made opening through the courts for years unless year battle to keep Mexican buses regulations. border is opened to ensure the safe- the border an early priority of his the White House lights a fire under and trucks out of the U.S. is going The FMCSA strongly rejects ty of border operations,” FMCSA administration but had been it,” said one coach industry official to drag on for at least another 12 to the latter notion. Administrator Annette Sandberg blocked by lawsuits and the courts. who has been watching the 18 months — and quite possibly a “FMCSA is ready now and will said in a statement. “My gut tells me this will drag NAFTA battle from Day One. lot longer — as a result of a Bush administration decision. The USDOT announced it will comply with a federal appeals court order and study the environmental consequences of allowing Mexican buses and trucks to travel beyond border zones. All the right moves Last January, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stopped the federal government from implementing aspects of the decade-old North American Free Trade Agreement that would allow Mexican trucks and buses on American highways. Labor unions, trucking groups and environmen- talists had filed suit to block access by commercial Mexican vehicles. In their lawsuits, the groups claimed the federal government had not determined the impact of emissions from Mexican buses and trucks on the environment. Now, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has awarded a $1.8 million contract to a Virginia-based consulting compa- ny to prepare a full-blown environmental impact statement that will measure the short- and long-term effect of Mexican buses and trucks. The study is expected to take up to 18 months. However, few observers expect the environmental study to be the last word on the issue. Groups opposing the opening of the border to Mexican vehicles could easily go back to the courts to challenge the validity of the environmental study, and they have hinted they don’t think the FMCSA is pre- The MCI ® J4500 Push to improve cell phone coverage Superb handling. Impeccable styling. Legislators in West Virginia t's not every year that a classic is born. Endowed with great lines and engineered for operational simplicity, want improved cell phone service the MCI J4500 is fast becoming one of the best-selling tour and charter coaches on the market today. From across the state and especially I along the West Virginia Turnpike. passenger-pleasing amenities to a diagnostics-friendly multiplex electrical system, MCI's newest coach is Cell phone service is basically impressing operators with its easy style. Plus, with new options like the ASTronic transmission, the J4500 now nonexistent between Charleston and the Mossy exit of the turnpike, offers even greater flexibility. And that's something every operator can appreciate. a stretch of about 40 miles. State officials are concerned that a terrorist attack or other seri- The curb appeal you want, the reliability you need ® ous emergency could go un- reported because cell phone callers MOTOR COACH could not get a signal. www.mcicoach.com INDUSTRIES Last winter, a bill to improve cell phone coverage on the turn- 1-800-RIDE MCI (1-800-743-3624) © 2003 Motor Coach Industries International, Inc. All rights reserved. We are America’s coach. pike was introduced but went no where. 8 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS OPINION Tax amnesty: Tort reform: Get involved If the shoe fits Leave it to the truckers to know a good thing • West Virginia - Venue. With states across the U.S. fac- delinquent returns. All assessed when they see it. Like tort reform. Work also is ongoing in Iowa and Missouri, ing huge revenue shortfalls, tax penalties are waived. Truckers, through the American Trucking where solid reform bills were vetoed by their gover- collectors have dredged up a famil- Taxpayers who do not partici- Associations’ Insurance Task Force and state truck- nors. iar old tool to bolster revenues — pate in the program and are caught ing associations, have been strongly supporting tort As Fred C. Burns Jr., chairman of the American tax amnesties. will be assessed a 20 percent penal- reform efforts and the American Tort Reform Trucking Associations’ Insurance Task Force, wrote Not since the recession years of ty on top of the unpaid tax bill. Association, which is tackling the issue on a state- in Transport Topics: “Tort reform is not and cannot the 1980s have so many states The Virginia program is for taxable by-state basis across the U.S. be a one-year project.” adopted tax amnesty programs years before 2002 for individual For the uninitiated, tort reform is absolutely And in the ground transportation industry, it designed to rake in revenue that and corporate income tax returns essential if auto liability insurance rates for motor- shouldn’t be the exclusive purview of the trucking otherwise would go uncollected. and 2003 for business tax returns. coach operators are ever going to be brought under industry. Coach operators and state motorcoach Coach operators with delin- Visit www.vataxamnesty.com for control. associations need to lend their support to the truck- quent tax liabilities may want to full information. A number of broad-based tort reforms have been ers and trucking associations in their home states. have their tax adviser look into • The tax amnesty program in adopted this year, including efforts to roll back the Chambers of Commerce in many states also sup- amnesty programs, which fre- Illinois is from Oct. 1 to Nov. 17, influence of plaintiff attorney bars port tort reform efforts. quently waive penalties, and and allows taxpayers to pay out- in a handful of states. Burns, who is president of a reduce or waive interest. Here’s a standing liabilities without penalty Still, the successes are not yet ‘Tort reform has Marlington, W. Va.-based motor sampling of amnesty programs: and interest. widespread and there is a long freight company, could be speak- • Arizona launched a tax The amnesty period is June 30, way to go. But with insurers aban- taken on new ing about the motorcoach amnesty the first of this month 1983, to July 1, 2002. doning whole business sectors impetus. A number industry when he says “I think we with officials hoping to collect $25 Information is available at and doctors striking, tort reform as trucking company owners often million in unpaid taxes. The last www.revenue.state.il.us/publica- has taken on new impetus. That of reform bills lose sight of the bigger picture - Arizona amnesty, 20 years ago, tions/bulletins/2004/Fy200411.pdf. momentum resulted in passage that we’re a large and visible part resulted in about 10,000 taxpayers • New York City taxpayers can this year of a number of reform have passed.’ of the general business communi- stepping forward and adding $6 apply for amnesty from Oct. 20 bills. ty. We have the assets, but we million in revenue to state coffers. through Jan. 23, for city business Here’s a roundup of tort reform efforts across the don’t often enough use the clout that comes with Arizona’s program is for the and excise taxes. country: those assets to work in legislatures to get what we years 1983 through 2002, and Under the program, the city • Arkansas - Overhaul of state civil justice sys- need for our businesses. applies to a variety of taxes, includ- Department of Finance will waive tem. “We tend to shy away from issues that cross busi- ing corporate income, sales and penalties and reduce interest for • Idaho - Caps on noneconomic damages and a ness boundaries, sticking with more parochial issues partnership. Businesses and indi- qualifying taxpayers who owe taxes “clear and convincing” standard for recovery of like highway financing and access. On those occa- viduals participating in the for tax years or periods ending punitive damages. sions where we have joined with the business amnesty can avoid penalties and before 2002. Interest will be • Louisiana - Employer immunity on disclosure community at large, too often we aren’t out front criminal prosecution, and get a charged only for the period since of background information; jury service reform. steering the discussions. reduced interest rate. Oct. 20, 2002. • Mississippi - General tort reform. “I think we can work at being more effective in The Arizona program ends Oct. Included in the program are • Montana - Punitive damage limits. presenting our public policy positions, and getting 31. Information is available at taxes on commercial motor vehi- • Minnesota - Joint and several liability thresh- tort reform legislation passed in the states gives us www.taxamnesty.az.gov. cles, corporations, transfers of old raised from 15 percent to 50 percent. the opportunity to flex this muscle. … You can and • Virginia also began an taxicab licenses and unincorporat- • Ohio - General tort reform, joint and several must engage in this process. Just as this country asks amnesty during the first week of ed businesses. Sorry, it does not liability. little of us as citizens but to vote, I’m not asking you September. The Old Dominion apply to unpaid parking debts. • Pennsylvania - Joint and several liability. do too much but to look at your bottom line and say program, which ends Nov. 3, More information on the New • Texas - Seat belt use admissibility; joint and that it can be improved.” allows taxpayers to pay only the York City program is available at several liability; venue. Tort reform is a quantifiable way to improve it. tax due and half the interest on eli- www.nyc.gov/html/dof/pdf/02pdf/am gible outstanding tax bills and nexty_faqs.pdf.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 14 Jeff Polzien To send or report news, To e-mail advertisements Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: or photographs: Oklahoma City A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. To subscribe or inquire Stauton, Va. or (877) 510-5602 about your subscription: Mail: 717 West Pierson #260 Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Call: Ellen Balm Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 488-8378 Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (602) 242-7361 Managing Editor Sales Director Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh Travel Mates Trailways Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To send subscription orders Danielle Staudt Johnny Steger West Point Trailways To advertise or to mail or changes of address: Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. advertising-related materials: E-mail: [email protected] Government Editor Senior Editor David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Call: Johnny Steger Norman Littler Bruce Sankey (602) 980-0840 Fax: (877) 510-5602 Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. E-mail: [email protected] or (877) 510-5598 Editorial Assistant Art Director Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie ABC Companies Paradise Trailways Suburban Charter Services Mail: Post Office Box 12903 Tara Sheehan G. Reid Helms Mail: 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Faribault, Minn. West Hempstead, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Tempe, AZ 85284 Phoenix, AZ 85053 Accountant Associate Editor Mitch Guralnick Joan Libby Alan Spachman Victoria Bus Cavalier Coach National Interstate Insurance Co John Giddens Ellen Balm Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio

Rick Hillard Warren Miller T. Ralph Young ©2003 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in Tri-State Tours Pacific Coach Bus Service Young Transportation part without written permission is prohibited. Galena, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Ashville, N.C. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 9 INDUSTRY NEWS MCI doubles lift retrofit capacity by adding West Coast service branch LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Motor Coach Industries has doubled its capacity to retrofit wheel- Carl Lajeunesse Rob Lawson Patricia Moller Linda Russell chair lifts in MCI coaches by adding the capability at its West Coast service and sales center. The service expansion is designed to support fleets Peter Pan expands, strengthens that must meet Americans with Disabilities Act dead- lines, which continue to loom large for coach operators, especially line-haul carriers. charter unit, customer service To introduce its western customers to the retrofit SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Peter based in Springfield, as well as the service, the company is offering special introductory Pan Bus Lines says it has made a charter operation at The Arrow pricing, said Duane Church, general manager of the new commitment to grow its char- Line in Connecticut. MCI Fleet Support Center in Los Alamitos. ter and tour operation, and named Lajeunesse comes to Peter Pan “The advantage of using Fleet Support and OEM Carl Lajeunesse, former vice presi- directly from The Arrow Line, materials is that we offer the same expertise as with dent and general manager of The which was acquired by Peter Pan the factory-installed product,” said Church. “When Arrow Line in East Hartford, earlier this year with four other for- we install a lift on a D4500, E4500 or J4500 coach, the Conn., to take on the chore. mer subsidiaries of Coach USA. structure and supporting gussets are welded in place New England’s largest bus oper- Lawson returns to Peter Pan, just as they would have been on the production line.” ator also has named Rob Lawson to where he worked for about six years MCI’s other location offering OEM wheelchair-lift be charter sales manager, and pro- before joining The Arrow Line in retrofits is its Loudonville, Ohio, service and bus moted Patricia Moller to customer 1999. rebuilding center. service manager. Long-time com- Ms. Moller has worked for Peter Wheelchair lifts installed at the service centers are pany employee Linda Russell was Pan for seven years as a group tour the same models used on new coaches. Ricon lifts are named group tour specialist. coordinator. installed on D-series coaches, and a Stewart & repair, along with quick turnaround time and pickup Lajeunesse joins Peter Pan as Ms. Russell has been affiliated Stevenson lift on G4500, E4500 and J4500 models. and delivery services, at its service centers. general manager of charter opera- with Peter Pan for nearly 30 years Both come with a one-year limited warranty. For information, call Church at (800) 777-4101, or tions. He will coordinate Peter and previously managed Peter Pan MCI also offers optional body work, painting and in Loudonville, Jim Gabor at (419) 490-2104. Pan’s tour and charter business World Travel. 10 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS

they have while riding the coach,” Luxury bus services General Manager Scott Janes says CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of why the company has been suc- who either live in the Hamptons cessful with its service. “They have and work in the city, or live in a lot of extra elbow room and they Manhattan and have summer or can work while they ride.” vacation homes in such popular Red Arrow uses 45-foot Prevost Hamptons’ communities as Water coaches that have been modified to Mill, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, hold just 36 over-size seats in a two- Amagansett and Montauk. plus-one arrangement and are Both operators say things are equipped with electric ports for lap- going well, mainly because of their top computers, television and distinctive location. movie monitors, individual head- “This market is fairly unique, sets and credit card-activated cell being the Hamptons,” notes phones. The coaches also have a Thomas F. Neely, marketing direc- galley in the rear where customers tor at Hampton Jitney. “We have a Hampton Luxury Liner uses a Bluebird LTC-40 for its daily runs from Manhattan to the eastern end of Long Island. can get snacks and beverages. tremendous number of people with Janes says the company has been second homes out here that live in service,” he adds, noting that cus- that would offer a luxury service percent riding for pleasure.” Dallas marketing the Edmonton and Manhattan or the immediate sub- tomers ride on modified MCIs that between the two cities. has long been a shopping Mecca for Calgary service by comparing it to urbs and who travel here on a have been redesigned inside to seat America Coach Inc., marketed wealthy residents of Oklahoma. flying between the two cities, regular basis, and a lot of them 24 in a two-plus-one arrangement, simply as The Coach, has grown Passenger counts vary, too, he which costs $143 one-way and don’t have cars.” and a Blue Bird that has been beyond the posh, single-city bus says, with the coach running full involves about three hours of what Among the few places in the reworked to hold 21 seats. line he envisioned when he formed most of the time toward the end of he calls “wasted time” riding in taxi United States with possible similar All of the coaches feature the company in December 2001. the week and fewer people riding cabs and waiting in airport lines. situations, he suggests, are Boston leather reclining captain’s chairs, As partners, he brought in former early in the week. Red Arrow, which charges a and the Gold Coast, and Houston carpeted floors, upholstered walls University of Oklahoma and Dallas Haynes says things began to one-way fare of $36, makes the run and the Gulf Coast. and individual headsets for movies. Cowboys head football coach Barry change when the company in three hours, but allows passen- They also are equipped with a gal- Switzer and one-time Oklahoma dropped back to one-a-day runs gers to work the entire time. “They Upscale riders ley in the rear where passengers can Attorney General Larry Derryberry. and started offering the second can be much more productive.” Neely notes that people who help themselves to snacks and bev- In addition to the Oklahoma coach for small charter jobs. “We ride the company’s Ambassador erages and daily newspapers. City-Dallas run, the company offers just kept getting call after call and No guarantees Service are upscale types who are The one-way fare is $24 during full charter services and says it’s we realized that the demand was But creating a luxury bus service used to first-class service when they non-peak hours and $37 during the preparing to expand its luxury serv- really there for a charter service.” that appears to emulate Red Arrow travel, which keeps them away busy work commute period. ice to other cities and its charter The Coach fleet now includes a is no guarantee of success. Just ask from the Long Island Railroad and Hampton Jitney passengers pay service with more coaches. “Things second E4500 MCI with conven- Doug Anderson, president of even the traditional or nonluxury $35 one-way and $60 round trip. have really been busy around here,” tional seating, an F3500 and a Anderson Coach and Tours in coach service that Hampton Jitney The venture into luxury service says Vice President Brian Haynes. brand-new J4500. The buses’ livery Greenville, Pa. has been offering commuters for for the business travelers is the sec- As with others that have tried, features sports-themed decals. Last spring, Anderson shut nearly 30 years. ond try for Hampton Jitney. It The Coach luxury service has “We’re doing very well right down his ExecConnect America “We are not catering to the introduced a Club Service with involved a learning curve. It over now,” says Haynes. luxury service between Pittsburgh lower budget crowd here, and I modified buses, attendants, snacks estimated demand and spec’d it According to Haynes, the com- and Cleveland after about a year. think the people who ride the and beverages 10 years ago but gave using the wrong buses. Initially, the pany is considering copying the ExecConnect developed a core Ambassador appreciate the extra it up after just a year because not executive passenger service began luxury passenger service for runs group of travelers but it never grew bit of service they get,” he adds. enough people were riding. “I don’t with twice daily trips, but that was between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, to the point where the run was Hampton Jitney’s coaches know if the market just wasn’t scaled back to one a day as passen- and between Shreveport and New breaking even. accommodate 30 passengers in ready for it or what, but it didn’t ger counts settled in. Orleans. He says both connections Anderson says the run was trou- three-across, extra-wide plush seats. work,” notes Neely. Service also was begun with a are appealing because there is not bled by using pickup points at There are individual electric-power The Ambassador service is pop- matched pair of 12-passenger cut- good air service between the two airports and downtown hotels that outlets for laptop computers, an on- ular enough that Hampton Jitney away buses that were fitted with Louisiana cities. No timetable has potential customers said were not board attendant, and compliment- has extended the service to winter leather seats, pull-down desks, been set for adding the services. convenient, and some corporate ary refreshments, snacks and read- runs between New York City and power outlets for laptop computers “And, by the first of the year, policies that prohibited executives ing material. Miami, Fla. The two-day trip, with and satellite television. One of we’ll probably add another two full- from using a commercial carrier on Hampton Luxury Lines co- an overnight stay in North those buses has been reassigned to size buses for our charter service,” trips of less than 300 miles. owner James Magiaras says a Carolina, includes an auto trans- charter service. Today, The Coach adds Haynes. The service offered coaches that gradual increase in riders who own port service. “They leave us their also uses an E4500 MCI equipped had been outfitted with 27 extra- vacation homes in the Hamptons car, board our coach and their car is with two-and-one executive Successful model wide leather seats, plus a number of and individuals who live there year waiting for them when they get to Amaya leather seats for the Dallas When coach operators in the other amenities. It also had on- around but continue to work in the the other end,” says Neely. to Oklahoma City runs. U.S. beginning looking for exam- board attendants and beverage and city has helped his company build a An attendant serves snacks and ples of successful luxury bus services food service. steady stable of daily commuters. The Coach hits the field beverages during the three-hour they can model, their investigation The one-way fare was $79 and “The East End used to be strictly While New York may be the and 15-minute trip between invariably takes them to the roundtrip was $129. summer homes but more and more ideal place for luxury bus service, Westin hotels in the two cities and province of Alberta in Canada. Obviously, operating a success- now it is becoming year-round liv- an Oklahoma entrepreneur has the cost is $125 roundtrip. There they find the most successful ful luxury commuter service for ing,” he emphasizes. found the concept works on the “We were really surprised North American luxury bus service business travelers can be a chal- The luxury commuter operation Great Plains as well. because we thought business people outside of Mexico. lenging business in its own right. has been boosted, too, he says, by Trucking industry consultant would make up the majority of our Red Arrow Motorcoach has Success clearly depends on the the horrendous highway traffic Chris Gorman was looking for a cliental but it really has varied been doing it with great success for right combination of connecting conditions between Manhattan way to avoid the flight delays and widely,” notes Haynes. “We have a close to 25 years, operating luxury cities, pickup and drop off loca- and the Hamptons, which discour- long lines he often encountered at lot of people going shopping and coaches between Edmonton and tions, onboard services and ages those people who do have cars the airports on his frequent trips to doing other things down there and Calgery since 1979. equipment. Anything short of that from making the drive themselves. and from Dallas when he decided it now looks like we have about 50 “People seem to like the luxury and you’re likely to end up with a “And, I think they just like our to start a motorcoach company percent riding for business and 50 we offer and the productive time major hole in your bank account. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 11 INDUSTRY NEWS

roundtrip tariff is about $40 less Unusual coaches are spec’d gers, with the available conference McCann stopped Celtic from being LimoLiner than Amtrak’s Acela Express and Spellings, who has 30 years table. The back section can be put into receivership by its bankers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 hundreds less than an airline ticket. experience in the coach industry, reserved for working groups. by a mere eight minutes. In so accommodating 28 passengers in However, travel time on both in the passenger- and conver- Each seated position, with the doing, he took on the mantel of a reclining Amaya leather seats with LimoLiner will be roughly four sion-bus businesses, has spec’d various plug-ins, tray tables, A/V savior of one of Scotland’s leg rests and tray tables. There will hours, versus an hour for a flight — three unusual coaches for equipment, A/C vents and individ- renowned sports and social institu- be a conference table in the rear, not counting the normal airport LimoLiner. ual lighting, will be what Spellings tions. along with a mid-coach kitchen- wait time. LimoLiner says “door-to- Rather than take a seated coach describes as a “self-contained office After gaining control of the bath-serving area. door” time will be comparable with and convert it to a luxury bus, he or entertainment center.” club, he grew revenues from $12 flying. began by purchasing three new Overhead will be custom cabinets million to $48 million annually Plenty of amenities and its market value on the Passengers will be assisted by an London Stock Exchange to $200 attendant — the company is adver- ‘Each seated position will be a self-contained office million. He also built one of tising for what it calls “travel Europe’s largest and most impres- attendants” — who will not only or entertainment center. The back section can sive stadiums. provide beverages and snacks but be reserved for working groups.’ By the time he sold his majority serve as an information resource, interest in the club, however, helping with such things as taxicab McCann was no longer the and hotel arrangements. The departure and destination MCI E4500 conversion shells and instead of traditional luggage racks. beloved expatriate who had saved Other onboard amenities points for the Monday through building the interiors from scratch. Spellings is experimenting with the Celtic. Like many sports fran- include free Internet access at each Friday service will be the Hilton The goal was to start with a high- the driver area. LimoLiner No. 1 chise owners in the U.S., McCann seat, “clear” cell phone reception New York on Avenue of the end conversion coach and slim it will have a curtain to screen the became controversial. The club for the duration of the trip, power Americas and the Hilton Back Bay down to a luxury passenger bus — driver, while LimoLiner No. 2 will was again faltering on the field and ports along side each seat, and en- Hotel on Dalton Street. Departures rather than the other way around. have a wall and bulkhead arrange- McCann was accused of being route video and audio, including from both cities are 6 and 10:25 That means, of course, lots of car- ment with an entry door for the unwilling to pay the price for qual- XM Radio and satellite TV, for a.m. and 2:50 and 7:15 p.m. peting and expensive counter tops driver. Passenger preference will be ity players. He also became a entertainment and news. Tickets can be purchased at and cabinetry. gauged. high-profile campaigner against Travelers will be able to board www.limoliner.com. A principal advantage of going religious and racial bigotry in LimoLiner up to two minutes prior LimoLiner has retained a public this route was the eight-inch high- Who is Fergus McCann? Scotland and Ireland. to departure, baggage will be quick- relations firm and hired a direct er ceiling in a conversion shell. Bankrolling and managing all of After leaving the team, he ly loaded and unloaded, and there mail company to help coordinate “You really notice the extra head- this will be Fergus McCann, a reportedly moved on to Bermuda. will be a “brief, yet respectful, secu- its market launch. Early publicity room,” says Spellings. “It’s a much native of Scotland who immigrated McCann’s business background rity check.” has included a story in The Wall different feel.” to Canada, struck it rich, and includes founding and building The goal, says LimoLiner, is to Street Journal. The coach interiors are divided returned to his native Scotland in International Golf Group, which provide travel “without the typical McCann is CEO, with the into three distinct sections, with 1994 to rescue the Celtic Football operates and markets international hassles of commuting — security remainder of the LimoLiner man- the front area having 18 side-by- Club in Glasgow. Celtic is leg- golf tours and manages tourna- delays, high prices, restrictive fares agement team composed of Sarah side seats. Like many conversion endary for being the first British ments, into a multi-million dollar and crowded terminals.” Weill, general manager; John coaches, the mid-cabin area will soccer club ever to win the organization. He also worked in the The introductory one-way fare Spellings, operations adviser, and have the galley and bath. In the European Cup. beverage and fashion industries in is $69 and $138 roundtrip. The Lori Cohen, marketing adviser. rear will be seating for 10 passen- According to one account, Canada.

Caterpillar puts up $87 million to cover fines HeavyHeavy DutyDuty LiftsLifts WASHINGTON — Officials of the U.S. Environmental forfor aa HeavyHeavy DutyDuty IndustryIndustry Protection Agency say Caterpillar Inc., the heavy duty diesel engine • Electro-hydraulic maker, has put up $87 million to offset EPA penalties it expects to mobile heavy duty lifts * incur for selling engines that do not comply with October 2002 • Available new, used emission rules. The money is to cover penalties or demo % for selling engines that don’t meet Financing required exhaust emissions levels. • ISO 9001 Certified Of the amount put in escrow, EPA & unlike our other said Caterpillar had paid fines of about $42 million for sale of non- • 64,000 lb. capacity, competitors 0% complying engines through March. per set of four maintenance Caterpillar’s so-called bridge engines, the ones incurring the *All financing will be done through our leasing company, Noreast Capital Corporation penalties, were certified by the pending credit approval. A wide variety0 of other financing options available as well. EPA for sale under terms of a 1998 court decree. However, Cat must pay a penalty of several thousand 800-336-6637 dollars for each engine it sells that Our Web site: www.stertil-koni.com doesn’t meet the 2002 emissions standards. E-mail: [email protected] 12 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS

Bus Security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Hydrogen fuel cells its perceived security threats. A key element of the study was may harm environment, a survey sent to 2,012 motorcoach operators, or just over 54 percent of the nearly 3,700 private coach funding in jeopardy companies believed to be operating PASADENA, Calif. — in the U.S. Researchers at the California FedEx hybrid A total of 224 surveys were Institute of Technology have returned, representing just over 11 concluded that widespread use of truck; fuel percent of the companies targeted. hydrogen fuel cells to power cells for UPS However, Volpe researchers were buses, trucks and autos could FedEx Express, the air par- able to increase the number of speed destruction of the ozone cel subsidiary of FedEx Corp., companies to 343, or 17 percent of layer, which protects Earth from plans to test a hybrid electric the total, by working with Coach cancer-causing ultraviolet rays. medium-duty truck that USA to obtain a single survey rep- Several companies have could one day become resenting its 119 individual extensive research projects un- FedEx’s standard delivery companies. derway aimed at adapting hy- vehicle. What the survey uncovered drogen fuel cells to power vehi- Rival United Parcel was, for the most part, what you thought weapons brought on board • Focusing training on deter- cles that use a diesel- or gasoline- Service says it plans to work would expect: by passengers were a significant rence, detection and response fuel-powered engine today. Fuel with DaimlerChyrsler and • Fewer than 25 percent of the threat. • Improving the sharing of cells are a key piece of President the U.S. Environmental operators have written security Here’s the kicker: Virtually the intelligence and information Bush’s energy plan. Protection Agency to create plans. same number of operators, 12 per- • Forming government-indus- It appears that members of the a fuel cell delivery vehicle • Big operators are more likely cent, perceive their operations face try partnerships to develop president’s own party in the U.S. demonstration program. to have some level of security train- no significant security threat what- practical approaches to security House of Representatives don’t ing than smaller operators. soever. • Identifying best practices share his enthusiasm for hydro- technologies could be developed • Nearly half the companies Despite the industry perception • Initiating a federal prohibi- gen-powered vehicles. House to reduce hydrogen releases, mit- returning surveys had some contact that security is not a major con- tion of unchecked/undeclared Republican leaders trimmed igating the problem. with local law enforcement in the cern, the researchers at Volpe weapons and hazardous materials funds for the president’s plan to Fossil fuels, including coal, oil previous year. The study did not contend that other factors argue for on motorcoaches. develop hydrogen fuel cell vehi- and natural gas, produce chemi- indicate the nature of the contact, enhanced security planning, pro- “Given the potential threats cles, saying they’re trying to slow cals that pollute the air, as well as which could have been to take care grams and procedures. facing the industry, many opportu- federal spending, Bloomberg the greenhouse gas carbon diox- of speeding tickets. The basis of their argument is nities exist to develop initiatives to news service reports. ide. A hydrogen fuel cell, when • The most common security this: “The prominence of bus trav- assess and begin to strengthen the Before it adjourned for its making energy, releases only technologies employed by opera- el and the large number of security readiness of the motor- August recess, the House set water as a byproduct, which is tors with fewer than 100 vehicles passengers who rely on this service coach industry,” says the Volpe aside $219 million, about $38 why fuel cell technology has are cell phones and fuel tank locks. requires that security be a funda- study. million less than Bush wants, for generated so much interest. • Big companies are more likely mental objective for motorcoach “Federal, state and local govern- research on fuel-cell vehicles and But the CalTech researchers to also use alarm systems, closed- operators and federal agencies.” ment, industry associations and fuel-cell technology. raised the possibility that if circuit television surveillance and Although the study’s executive operators must focus on both long- Bush pledged in January to hydrogen fuel replaced fossil intrusion detection equipment. summary notes in several places and short-term efforts to increase spend $1.7 billion over the next fuels entirely, it could be expect- Easily one of the most interest- that there have been no terrorist- security awareness, improve coop- five years on the hydrogen initia- ed that 10 to 20 percent of the ing aspects of the survey had to do related attacks against the coach eration across agencies and tive. Through partnerships with hydrogen would leak from with “perceived security threats.” industry in the U.S., it contends jurisdictions, evaluate industry private companies, Bush said the pipelines, storage facilities, pro- A relatively small percentage of the potential for attack is threats and vulnerabilities in more program would make environ- cessing plants and fuel cells in operators were willing to identify omnipresent. And it sights the detail, improve operating prac- mentally friendly, hydrogen- vehicles and at power plants. what the study calls “significant” record of terrorist attacks directed tices, and develop emergency powered vehicles affordable and Because hydrogen is lighter perceived security threats. Here are at buses elsewhere in the world, response, mitigation and recovery widely used by 2020. than air it would rise into the the numbers: including Europe, as the most com- strategies,” the study asserts. However, research by scien- stratosphere, where it would oxi- • Fewer than 13 percent of pelling reason for concern. The Volpe study received tists at CalTech suggests fuel cells dize and form water. “This would those returning surveys thought To improve industry security, hands-on input from the United may not be as environmentally result in cooling of the lower “operator assault” was a significant the Volpe study recommends a Motorcoach Association, the benign as many believe. In an stratosphere and the disturbance security threat. number of both near-term and American Bus Association, Coach article published in Science mag- of ozone chemistry,” the • Less than 12 percent thought long-term improvements to reduce USA, Greyhound Lines, Paradise azine, the researchers said if researchers wrote. It also would vehicle hijacking was a significant the industry’s vulnerability. These Trailways in West Hempstead, hydrogen is widely used to mean bigger and longer-lasting threat. include: N.Y. and Cauley Coach in St. replace fossil fuels, large amounts ozone holes in both the Arctic • About 11 percent indicated • Enhancing employee training Albans, N.Y. of hydrogen would drift into the and Antarctic regions, where explosives in the engine compart- and promoting customer vigilance John Steinhoff and Phil Hanley stratosphere as a result of leakage drops in ozone levels have been ment were a significant threat. • Supporting security education provided key leadership at the and indirectly cause increased recorded over the past 20 years. • And, just over 10 percent and training FMCSA. depletion of the ozone. They estimated ozone deple- The scientists contend that tion could be as much as 8 much is still not known about percent. CVSA committee meets next month in Savannah the hydrogen cycle and they say A top official of the WASHINGTON — The Com- sessions on fire suppression systems, Administration and the National hydrogen’s impact on ozone International Association for mercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s federal safety rules for 15-passenger Transportation Safety Board. destruction should be considered Hydrogen Energy expressed important passenger carrier com- vans, LED light defect standards, The meeting will be Oct. 7-8. when gauging the potential envi- skepticism about the CalTech mittee will have its annual fall remanufactured vehicles, and Further information can be ronmental downside of a findings. “Leakage will be much workshop the second week in updates by the Federal Motor obtained by calling the CVSA at hydrogen-fuel economy. less than what they are consider- October in Savannah, Ga. Carrier Safety Administration, (202) 775-1623 or going to The researchers also note that ing,” he said. The committee agenda includes National Highway Traffic Safety www.cvsa.org. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 1, 2003 — 13 INDUSTRY NEWS

SunLine Transit “The agency is responding (to revelations regarding Cromwell’s DriveCam Video CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dealings) by putting new practices funds and engaged in numerous in place to resolve the issues. That’s releases system other administrative shenanigans. it. Has this happened before? Of There appears to be a mountain course. It will probably happen software upgrade of evidence that SunLine — under again. That’s the way it is when you SAN DIEGO, Calif. —

Cromwell — routinely used funds N are forging new territory. DriveCam Video Systems, U S which sells a proprietary video- supplied by the FTA to pay for non- T “Should we stop trying to do R

E based system to monitor driver transit activities. S new things in the same old system? E D In the 12 years Miller ran No, that’s how the same old system performance, announced avail- E H T

SunLine Transit, he transformed changes to accommodate new ideas ability of an upgraded Win- /

A

the small, remote agency into one B and forward thinking; that’s how dows-based software program U

H that accommodates large fleets. of the best-known public transit S we benefit as a community; that’s A K organizations in the world. Yes, the how we get CNG buses and alter- DriveCam’s system inte- A Y A

world. He also made it such a pow- T native fuel vehicles on the road and grates video technology and erful economic development force SunLine Transit General Manager and CEO Richard Cromwell III sits in a our streets swept under a regional management software to iden- in Palm Springs and environs that hydrogen fuel cell car at the agency in Thousand Palms, Calif. comprehensive program; that’s how tify high-risk driving habits. the entire region became complicit California Bus Association bumped How Cromwell was able to do it we become a center for research Unusual driving events are in his ambitious and aggressive pro- heads with Cromwell repeatedly is no mystery: he either involved or and development for new alterna- captured by a palm-sized video grams and the slight of hand he over a half-dozen years, and at least co-opted potential critics, local tive fuel applications, and that’s recorder mounted behind the used in executing them. three times filed formal complaints politicians and business leaders, his how we attract new businesses and rearview mirror. Among other things, his initia- with the FTA, alleging violation of own boards of directors, a fawning manufacturing for alternative fuel The system records what tives helped fill hundreds of rooms federal charter rules by SunLine. local media and the area’s technology.” drivers see and hear. Video files in area resorts with visitors from 31 Each filing had the same result: Congressional delegation. He pro- Clearly, with Cromwell, the can be downloaded to a com- countries who came to view The FTA found SunLine violated duced extraordinary results and ends trump the means — even puter, where special software SunLine’s alternative fuels pro- the rules and was ordered to stop. seldom did anyone question his when spending millions of federal allows managers to view and gram. Additionally, he bolstered However, the FTA did little else means or methods. tax dollars and following the rules analyze driving performance. the local visitor industry by bring- despite the repeated offenses. Nearly everyone in Palm that specify how that money is to Drivers can then be counseled ing in conferences and conventions. So, Miller was not surprised by Springs and the surrounding com- be used. on their specific driving habits. He filled classrooms at a local the latest FTA decision. He and munities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Belatedly, the FTA is joining DriveCam says its system college by helping it develop a the entire free world would have Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, state, county and local agencies has reduced the frequency and training program for technicians been shocked if the FTA had acted Indio, Thousand Palms and Desert that are taking a close look at severity of collisions by 35 to who maintain alternative fuel out of character and granted his Hot Springs reveled in the atten- SunLine’s practices. A major audit 70 percent. buses. Students, too, came from request for reimbursement or decid- tion Cromwell brought to the was announced last week. The HindSight 20/20 soft- around the world. ed to withhold money from region for being a leader in a field One of the areas SunLine’s own ware automates the process of He set up a half-dozen affiliate SunLine. other than golf course design. board is focusing on is the agency’s downloading video events to a organizations, one of which bor- The FTA consistently refuses to Even now, as a clearer picture of travel and entertainment spending computer. The new version rowed more than $850,000 to buy impose penalties when it finds a his practices is emerging, Cromwell under Cromwell. adds functionality and features, 50 CNG taxicabs and lease them to public transit agency has violated remains zealously proud of his An investigation by The Desert including: private operators. Oh, yes, SunLine its regulations. The federal agency accomplishments and unrepentant Sun revealed that Cromwell and • Networking to allow an Transit guaranteed the loan. favors maintaining its cozy rela- in the way he achieved them. his cronies spent more on lunches, unlimited number of users to He won a $1 million grant from tionship with the transit systems it He readily admits practicing dinners and travel, and charged access the database and review the federal government and built a funds and is suppose to regulate. “learn-as-you-go accounting.” more on agency credit cards, than driving events. chain of natural gas fueling stations Instead of meting out penalties, He freely acknowledges his managers of transit systems two and • Improved user interface. so anyone with a CNG car, truck or the FTA slaps agencies on the organization circumvented federal three times larger. • Expanded management bus could fill up. wrist, issuing cease-and-desist funding guidelines when it didn’t Cromwell and his top staffers reports to track improved driv- Not content to run a regional orders. In effect, it tells the transit have sufficient money to pay for spent tens of thousands of dollars er and fleet performance. bus system, he created a street agencies to go and sin no more. expensive equipment. Instead, annually for restaurants, hotels and • Use of multiple docking sweeping program for communities Repeat violators get the same treat- SunLine prepared misleading airfares. He fed at the public stations and/or remote docking in the region. ment time and again. invoices and offered copies of trough, literally, an average of more stations. He jumped in bed with Texas While SunLine’s charter service unpaid checks to certify expendi- than 100 times each year. • A point-based grading oil magnate T. Boone Pickens, who violations were so egregious the tures, The Desert Sun newspaper in He also became an internation- system for evaluations. owns 22 percent of Clean Energy FTA couldn’t ignore them — after Palm Springs reported. al traveler, thanks to taxpayers. On “We worked with our larger Fuels Inc., the company that sup- the CBA and Miller filed com- And how does Cromwell justify one trip last year he spent 17 days fleet customers to provide plies natural gas to the Cromwell/ plaints, the agency apparently his actions? He says he was simply in Australia looking at a rapid bus them with the additional fea- SunLine CNG empire. ignored Cromwell’s other antics. breaking a few rules for the greater system and attending a transit con- tures they need,” said Drive- Of course, Cromwell had to As it turns out, red flags began community good. Read his words: ference. It’s not clear why the Cam President Ed Andrew. serve on a three-member advisory going up in the mid-1990s that “I am very proud of what we’ve general manager of a transit system Separately, DriveCam has board to Clean Energy but he failed Cromwell wasn’t playing by the accomplished during the past 10 that largely transports housekeep- launched what its calls the to list the affiliation on his state rules, yet his reign continued for years,” he says. “I am proud of our ers to resorts, maids to upscale DriveCam Protected Fleet conflict-of-interest forms. another eight years. willingness to step outside the neighborhoods and older residents Certification Program. To be The list goes on and on. No one, not the FTA, the norm and to challenge the system to medical offices, needs to study a certified, fleets must demon- But as much as anything, California Department Transporta- as to how government can service. rapid bus system in Australia. strate they have integrated the Cromwell brought great PR to tion, local oversight boards, local “In order to accomplish what we Cromwell, whose annual salary DriveCam system into their Palm Springs and the entire media or the industry trade press have accomplished it has been nec- was $130,000, declined to discuss fleet operations and driver per- Coachella Valley, an area that is diligently pressed the issue or ques- essary to try new things in new his use of SunLine credit cards with formance evaluation standards. known for little else than its tony tioned how a transit system of fewer ways. … It would be a shame if we the Palm Springs newspaper. DriveCam says certified golf resorts, stinging-hot summers, than 50 buses could build an let the recent interpretations of He also had no explanation for fleets can lower their insurance blowing dust, mild winters and empire that, among other things, what has happened stop us from spending $114.22 in taxpayer costs, reduce operating expens- sprawling desert homes of the rich became “an international test cen- continuing to try new things and to money to send a cheery bouquet of es and enhance their image. and famous. ter for the commercialization of challenge the system to incorporate lilies to T. Boone Pickens and the Go to www.drivecam.com, Miller and members of the energy technologies.” new ideas. missus. or call (858) 430-4000. 14 – September 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS ClassifiedClassified AdvertisingAdvertisingAdvertising VERY VERY COACHES MUST SELL DO YOU WANT BUSES EQUIPMENT! 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New interiors, Bus & Motorcoach NEWS is published on the 1st and 15th of the month. enclosed racks, Ad deadlines are one week prior to publication. good condition, Display 47-passenger Classified Please print or type your advertising copy. with lavatory Advertisements If you prefer, print or type your ad on a separate sheet and attach to this Maintenance histories form. All Classified Advertising must be accompanied by payment before available. 1 column x 2” minimum size. insertion. VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted. Attention Coaches All are automatic Headed to northern Virginia, Frequency discounts available. CLASSIFIED: transmissions. Washington, D.C. Type of ad you prefer: __Display__Line Tires extra. $20 per column inch. Samples and ad rates on reverse side. Hot pizza is awaiting at these Virginia loca- RECRUITMENT: Number of issues you would like this ad to appear in: 1 2 3 4 5 6 More? 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Mid- to long-term Phone: (602) 980-0840 $99,000 leasing is our specialty. Fax Toll-Free: (877) 510-5598 E-mail: [email protected] Make checks payable to: Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Fax letter of interest to: Executive Motor Coach Bus & Motorcoach News Questions? Call Johnny: (602) 980-0840 Michael (614) 733-0006 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Email: [email protected] (305) 743-2018 www.executive- Phoenix, AZ 85053 motor-coach.com BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — September 15, 2003 — 15 INDUSTRY NEWS

Diego. 10,000 fleet drivers. In his new job and Disney. He has a degree in tal affairs for the U.S. Department For the past 21 years, Lisk has he will oversee implementation electronic engineering and physics of Transportation. She joins DOT People been with Smith System Driver and training for DriveCam’s fleet from California State Polytechnic from the U.S. Customs Service, Improvement, the fleet driver customers. University in Pomona. He will where she was assistant commis- training company, serving as presi- Fisch has more than 20 years of head DriveCam’s R&D efforts in sioner of the Office of dent for nearly six years. He management and development fleet safety technology. Congressional Affairs. She also developed many fleet safety pro- experience at such organizations as Nicole Nason has been named previously served as counsel for the grams and helped train more than Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Odetics assistant secretary for governmen- House Judiciary Committee.

Hugh MacDiarmid Marc Ellison

Hugh MacDiarmid has been named president and chief execu- tive of the contract bus operations Don’t let the of Laidlaw International Inc. of Naperville, Ill. MacDiarmid suc- ceeds John Grainger, who left the company at the end of August. Grainger had been with Laidlaw for 13 years, serving in a number of senior executive posi- big one tions. From January 2000 until September 2002, he was president and CEO of Laidlaw Inc., the com- get away! pany name before it was changed when Laidlaw emerged from bank- ruptcy court protection early this September 15, 2003 summer. Grainger helped shepherd Laidlaw through its reorganization. Whether fishing for customers USTRY ORCOACH IND BUS AND MOT URCE FOR THE For most of the past year, he has THE NEWS RESO inion headed the contract bus opera- A difference of op or trolling for prospects, the smart e easy s for stronger oesn’t com Federal study argue tions, Laidlaw’s largest division. Success d erators demur ices industry security, op v res. r asu e y me s s securit u le is b ulnerab y ow v m- r : H ano u stion f the x Que ne o u just o l is . That .S - U y to ter ustr choice is advertising in MacDiarmid’s business back- r ind h Bus & o ch ont f coa e-m the motor und in the nin l attack? alies fo o time during the orist and crimina d by the Volpe From time t r ost study conducte ach opera- Too vulnerable, as m n Systems st 30 years, motorco Answer: ational Transportatio ground includes six years as the pa hed are well aware. N the e U.S. have launc in the industry Cambridge, Mass., tors in th ssary is it Center in bus service with- Question: How nece of the U.S. luxury commuter to research arm up industry security rtation. t resounding success. to beef epartment of Transpo . That’s because ou D Motorcoach News or- executive vice president/commer- ied it and the potential of terr launched Greyhound Lines tr deal with The Volpe Center mid al attacks? Answer: f the n New York in the ist and crimin urity assessment” o failed i u ask. its “sec iment that discour- t depends on who yo in June 2002, at 1970s, an exper I the coach industry cial of Canadian Pacific Railways eration of ajor federal study of eral Motor d a whole gen A m e behest of the Fed age the industry to th n. rom taking a chance. vulnerability of afety Administratio operators f and pro- Carrier S e that have ck argues that plans o identify the the compelling news, information ong thos atta goal was t Am designed and The and eight years as a principal of ury commuter service grams need to be eas of vulnerability launched lux coach industry’s ar pear to have ented to improve ve fixes. The in this decade and ap implem and find cost-effecti are two New York passenger security. at the industry’s found success e the study looked pete head-on wever, those who wer conditions, McKinsey & Company, the noted operators. They com Ho existing security ly popu- e study, motorcoach well as velers between heavi focus of th ning and programs, as for tra less sanguine plan and advertising messages in ers in e much GE 12 ercial cent operators, ar ONTINUED ON PA lated comm pread C assorted bed- the need for wides management consulting company. Manhattan and the about towns that room and vacation long the east- form the Hamptons a d. “I am delighted to welcome ern end of Long Islan ss claim y Lines, which cts lo Hampton Luxur FTA reje Bus & Motorcoach News reach rs ago, makes was founded three yea o-hour plus daily s too Hugh to the Laidlaw group,” said the 100-mile, tw esis lose xury coaches, t nem run with modified lu bu it ey, around Line Trans hile Hampton Jitn aga of Sun w for a e sordid s ny 74, has been doing it Th on’t be getting a Laidlaw President and CEO Kevin since 19 — A Miller w two. M SPRINGS, Calif. members of the coach industry decision-makers twice an AL nd little more th P ch money but he a iders include California motorcoa iation have Their regular r Southern alifornia Bus Assoc sengers in his bid to win C eral pscale business pas ther 2-by-1 seating. operator has failed solace: The gen Benson. “His background in the mostly u es feature plush lea lost found new N PAGE 10 Lines’ coach r money he ansit, CONTINUED O Hampton Luxury imbursement fo SunLine Tr re ansit manager of m Springs’ public tr III, who has when Pal Richard Cromwell Transit, violated thern 1 agency, SunLine e chief nemesis of Sou transportation industry, combined s Oct. gulations. been th a month, meaning twice the impres- gin service re for most ice be nd federal charter rnia coach operators r serv -New York corridor, a sert Resorts Califo oLine holder the Boston Bill Miller of De cade, has stepped off a Lim mer controlling stock concept for alms, of the past de ewest luxu- the for developed the tation of Thousand P it of slop. BOSTON — The n director of the leg- -oriented Transpor SunLine bus into a p with his analytical experience rth and managing Liner — a customer ied to the Federal own as oach service in No all Club in Limo - Calif., had appl mwell, sometimes kn ry motorc ndary Celtic Footb ose mission is to pro for reim- Cro launched Oct. 1, e company wh nsit Administration he Third because of America is being Scotland. e to business Tra her King Richard t ach way Glasgow, vide personal servic of losses he and ot built in the four daily trips e a spokeswoman, ers at bursement e transit empire he sions and twice the reach. Plus, our ith g to ravel th gained in his consulting days, is w York Accordin upscale leisure t rs suffered at the ngs, was Boston and New Liner came to and es- coach operato around Palm Spri between “the vision for Limo e costs,” the spok desert - o the competitiv ands of SunLine. gn in wake of allega City. n after exposure t h FTA forced to resi e service is McCan woman added. also had asked the iolated federal Called LimoLiner, th f domestic and inter- service Miller tions that SunLine v exactly what Laidlaw needs as we any aggravations o moLiner will begin ctice of withhold- ments, blished by a comp any years as a Li 0 to establish a pra rules, falsified docu being esta ational travel over m of three new E450 it finds a funding g by a wealthy n veler. with a fleet federal dollars when ecks, co-mingled created this sprin rator and business tra aches outfitted ing ted backdated ch s tour ope onversion co cy has viola 13 eneur and bu s- MCI c transit agen TINUED ON PAGE 30 percent larger format gives your onal entrepr reasingly fru nd public CON internati “He became inc -by-one seating a reemphasize our core competencies comer Fergus ice he with two arter rules. ustry new e poor serv PAGE 11 ch ind ated with th CONTINUED ON Newton, Mass. tr long McCann of West eived, most recently a cCann is often rec ong other things, M as an engine for future growth.” Am Tax on Tires he n new Th Tax on Payroll York imposes a tax o payroll tax New Nevada adopts a new marketing message greater punch. T tires. Page 4 OCKET l fees for businesses. InterMotive Products, an DO and additiona Page 4 and Manaña Boondoggles Manaña in three nmental study means Government officials Enviro and ax uses won’t be flood- Auburn, Calif.-based company es—Oregon, Illinois No T ichi- Mexican b stat sota Tax Court says M anytime soon. aze us with their cre- Minne ing into the U.S. Ohio—am usiness Tax isn’t ity. gan’s Single B ativity and stupid Page 7 specializing in the design and man- really an income tax. Page 4 Page 4 ufacture of technologically ad- It all adds up: vanced after-market components for small and midsize buses and Bus & Motorcoach News… shuttles, has named a former Ford Motor Co. executive to be nation- Call Johnny Steger today, 602-980-0840. twice the contact, al sales and marketing manager. Marc Ellison spent 17 years at Fax Toll-Free: 877-510-5598 twice the influence, Ford, holding key marketing and E-mail: [email protected] twice the impact. sales management positions, as well as field positions in the com- pany’s customer service division. Most recently, he was manager of Remanufactured Transmission Products. At InterMotive, he will head up all sales and marketing. Del Lisk has been appointed vice president of fleet safety servic- es and Greg Fisch has been named Twice as Smart director of engineering at DriveCam Video Systems in San