June 15, 2013

Greyhound, Trailways units seek major ADA rules change WASHINGTON —­ The U.S. they don’t require smaller inter­ cessible buses sitting around for in regular line-run service. buses for disabled riders who may Department of Transportation has city, interline carriers to have lift- use during holiday travel periods. In its filing with the USDOT, — or may not — have made last- been asked to reinstate the 48-hour, equipped buses. The rules change request has Greyhound Lines reported that dur­ minute ticket purchases. advance-request rule for passen­ At the same time, the rules also the potential to impact scores of ing all of 2012, 0.05 percent of its That means Greyhound lost up­ gers requiring wheelchair-accessi­ result in tens of thousands of non- small charter-and-tour operators passengers — to be clear, that’s five wards of $2.8 million in revenue ble service on fixed, over-the-road disabled passengers going without who rent coaches to Greyhound hundreds of a percent — requested during the year-end holiday travel bus routes, especially during peak bus service because there are not and other large intercity operators wheelchair-accessible service. season as a result of not being able holiday travel seasons. enough lift-equipped buses that during peak travel periods. On the other hand, Greyhound to find enough wheelchair-lift In filings with the USDOT, can be rented during heavy holi­ That’s because — as of last Oc­ was unable to serve 57,294 poten­ equipped buses to rent and the law Greyhound Lines and three affili­ day travel periods. tober — Greyhound and other large tial passengers during Christmas not allowing it to put non-lift- ated Trailways operators said cur­ Because of the economics of intercity carriers were prohibited 2012-New Year’s 2013 because it equipped buses into service. rent rules can result in the strand­ the industry, no intercity carrier from renting non-wheelchair-lift couldn’t supplement its fleet with Traditionally, the document stat­ ing of disabled travelers because can afford to have dozens of ac­ equipped coaches and using them rented wheelchair-accessible CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c Operator seeks Limo/coach compensation operators hit for transit loss by strikeforce ROCHESTER, Minn. — De­ WASHINGTON — A pair of spite a series of setbacks, a private limousine companies that have ex­ bus operator whose company lost panded into motorcoach opera­ its nearly 50-year transit business to tions got caught up in the Federal city government here isn’t giving Motor Carrier Safety Administra­ up his fight to be paid for the loss. tion “Motorcoach Operation Dan Holter of Rochester City Quick Strike” late last month. Lines and Richfield Bus Co. said One of the companies, Carbo his battle continues on two fronts Limo of Oxford, Miss., was ordered — in the state courts and before the to immediately cease its interstate Federal Transit Administration. passenger service, while the other, “They’re trying to kill the little Greene Classic Limousines of At­ guy,” he said of the city’s takeover lanta, had five of its cutaway buses of the City Lines transit business yanked out of service as “imminent and its refusal to compensate him hazards to public safety.” for the action. Both companies had teams of Holter, whose family has been specially trained FMCSA investi­ in the tour-and-charter bus busi­ gators descend on their operations. ness since 1959, maintains that At Carbo Limo, investigators federal regulations require a gov­ Spectacular Spot. A motorcoach belonging Bridalveil Fall splashing in the background. A new found that the two motorcoaches ernment entity using federal tran­ to Royal Coach Tours of San Jose, Calif., loads pas- National Park Service study could impact coach used for the company’s interstate sit funds to compete with a private sengers after a stop in Yosemite National Park, with travel in the park. Story on Page 3. operations were unsafe and drivers carrier must pay just compensation were not properly screened or to the affected business. initial decision. bus industry,” said Steve A. Diaz, The city, which initially was monitored to assure compliance So far, he said, the city has re­ At the same time, the com­ who served as chief counsel of the not involved in the service, be­ with federal safety rules. fused to do so and its position has pany’s attorney — a former FTA federal agency from 1989 to 1993. came involved during the early In addition to the two coaches been upheld by a state court and chief counsel — suggests the FTA Rochester City Lines began 1970s, first by buying tickets from used in interstate service, Carbo the FTA. decision represents a dangerous providing public transit service to the bus company and re-selling Limo also has 10 passenger vans/ However, the fight continues and far-reaching assault on the the community in 1966 as an exten­ them to its residents. minibuses and one stretch limou­ because some of the issues have motorcoach industry. sion of the Holter family tour-and- As the years passed, the city sine used for its intrastate opera­ yet to be decided by the court and “The FTA has clearly made an charter business, buying the buses, became more and more involved, tions, principally shuttle service in the company has filed a formal re­ anti-private-business decision and hiring the drivers and developing including accepting federal transit and around Oxford. quest with the FTA to revisit its it is a threat to the entire private the routes and time schedules. 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PARK, Calif. — Motorcoach op­ provide essential restoration within widespread use of speed cameras. signs — “Photo Enforced” — Since the current fiscal year erators are scrutinizing and weigh­ 100 feet of the river with a total of One camera system beside a hanging beneath the 25 mph signs began Oct. 1, the 10 most-profit­ ing the potential impact of a mas­ 203 acres restored. It would main­ pillar in a tunnel that carries four on either end of the tunnel, but able speed cameras have issued sive, multi-year plan by the tain daily visitor-use levels at close lanes of traffic near the very heart they are missed or ignored by the $29.5 million in tickets. National Park Service to “protect to the present 19,900 people. of the city generated 61,061 drivers of an average of 305 vehi­ Some who are ticketed com­ and enhance” the long stretch of Alternative 5 also calls for speeding tickets in the first seven cles a day who receive speeding plain the district is out for the the Merced River that flows “significant changes to the traffic months of fiscal 2013, transfer­ tickets in the mail. money rather than being con­ through Yosemite and feeds the circulation patterns to meet eco­ ring $8.1 million from the wallets Revenue from speed cameras cerned about safety or the law. majestic Nevada and Vernal Falls. logical restoration goals and re­ of drivers on K Street into the dis­ and red-light cameras has grown City officials, of course, deny the That’s because the plan — duce traffic congestion through trict treasury. to become a noteworthy piece of called the Merced River Wild and infrastructure improvements,” ac­ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Scenic River Comprehensive Man­ cording to the plan. It allows for a agement Plan — proposes major minor, 5 percent increase in the changes to roadways and parking number of day-use parking spaces D.C. Union Station parking lot closed lots in Yosemite Valley, as well as in the valley. WASHINGTON — An over­ bus facility manager, said the new drivers wanted a refund.” taking action to repair eroded river­ The California Bus Associa­ flow parking lot for motorcoaches lot had operated at a significant He said the lot was manned banks, restore meadowlands, and tion is supporting Alternative 5. that drop off passengers at Union loss right from the start and the and, “for what it cost,” it didn’t establish new campsites and inter­ Association President Tom Gid­ pretative nature walks. dens wrote to the NPS in support Station here has abruptly closed. owners weren’t willing to sustain make sense to keep it running. “It Completed after years of study, of the alternative on behalf of the Operators of the Union Station the red ink. was operating at a huge deficit.” the draft plan offers six “action al­ CBA. Parking Garage announced late Tingley said the reason the lot Tingley was at somewhat of a ternatives,” ranging from one that “Motorcoach travel is the most last month they were closing the failed was because “drivers didn’t loss to fully explain why drivers would make no changes at all to environmentally friendly way for overflow lot at the corner of 1st want to go there.” The lot was on wouldn’t use the lot other than another that would provide limited motorized travel into the park. and K streets NE. the site of the former Greyhound there may have been lingering se­ river restoration while expanding Therefore, bus parking and access The announcement came less terminal in Washington. curity concerns. facilities and services to accom­ in the valley should be accommo­ than a month after the lot was an­ “Because it was the old Grey­ He insisted, however, it was a modate nearly 60 percent more dated,” he wrote, adding that the nounced and opened. (See May 15 hound lot, drivers wouldn’t go “safe location” because the site campers and about 20 percent number of bus parking spaces Bus & Motorcoach News.) there. We sent buses over there was manned and the area was well more lodgers in the valley. should be increased from 15 to 25. James Tingley, Union Station and they came right back and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c The National Park Services’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c

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Smooth reception for USDOT nominee Foxx on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON — By all ac­ He told Sen. John Thune, problem of paying for highways. sustainable highway funding. “An abuse and re­ counts, Anthony Foxx was well re­ R-S.D., that his top priority at Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., asked infrastructure bank won’t work un­ dundancy while ceived by the Senate Commerce USDOT would be safety, followed Foxx for his position on a proposal less we have a dedicated source of minimizing Committee at his confirmation hear­ by improving efficiency and pro­ to put tolls on I-95 in North revenue,” she said. pain?” he asked ing last month to become the next moting robust investment in Carolina. Foxx replied he believes there Foxx. U.S. Secretary of Transportation. transportation. He replied that while there is a is general agreement among the Foxx replied With no signs of resistance, He said the next highway pro­ place for tolling, “we will not toll members of the committee that that he will look Foxx, the mayor of Charlotte, gram, which needs to be reautho­ our way to prosperity.” something needs to be done about for ways to N.C., is expected to replace Ray rized by October 2014, needs to be Scott complained that US­ funding. make USDOT LaHood in the post. longer-term than the current two- DOT’s approach to issuing fund­ One of his goals would be to work more effi­ Anthony Foxx At age 42, he would be one of year program, and needs a sus­ ing grants for infrastructure proj­ pull together stakeholders to dis­ ciently with the least amount of the youngest cabinet members in tained source of funding. ects has at times distinguished cuss how to build consensus on a pain, “but there will be pain.” history, said Sen. Kay Hagan, He also told Thune that his ex­ between Democratic and Republi­ solution, he said. In a jocular exchange, Foxx and D-N.C., who introduced him along perience in Charlotte included hav­ can districts, and asked Foxx how Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the Cruz agreed they will cooperate on with Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. ing to make tough choices about he would handle those grants. Obama administration has been ways to improve regulatory efficien­ He is considered a rising politi­ where to spend limited resources. “You have my commitment to looking for painful ways to imple­ cy, and Cruz said, “I look forward to cal star, having been named by Po­ In response to several ques­ be fair and transparent on that ment budget cuts imposed by the supporting your nomination.” litico as one of “50 to watch” after tions on how he views the concept issue,” Foxx said. sequester. The hearing ended with a his successful bid to bring the of an infrastructure bank, Foxx in­ Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., “Can we have a commitment pointed message from Sen. Jay 2012 Democratic National Con­ dicated it’s a worthwhile idea but asked Foxx how he plans to ap­ from you that you will employ your Rockefeller, D-W.Va., chairman of vention to Charlotte. not the complete solution to the proach the critical issue of finding best efforts to target waste, fraud, the committee. His transportation experience “The fastest way to destroy the is based on his work in Charlotte future of our country that I can to expand public transit and the Red tape cut for transportation projects think of (is) the idea that you can airport, to develop a new inland WASHINGTON — President “The quality of our infrastruc­ agencies recently took steps to ex­ solve the problems by trimming port, and as general counsel for a Obama signed a memorandum ture is critical to maintaining our pedite is the $5.2 billion replace­ regulations, don’t do tolls, don’t transit and commuter bus manu­ last month aimed at cutting red nation’s competitive edge in a ment of the longest bridge in New raise revenues and eliminate waste, facturer, DesignLine. (See June 1 tape for road and bridge projects global economy and to securing York — the Tappan Zee Bridge — fraud and abuse,” he said. “You Bus & Motorcoach News.) and other infrastructure. our path to energy independence,” which carries Interstate 87 and can’t minimize yourself into great­ Senators questioned Foxx on a The president’s memo, calls the memo reads. I-287 as part of the mainline of the ness. You can feel good and win wide range of transportation is­ for federal agencies to shorten the The current highway bill, New York State Thruway. election after election but you’re sues, including highway funding. time it takes to build infrastructure MAP-21, Moving Ahead for Prog­ “By speeding up the approval doing the country no favors.” As commonly happens, Foxx’s projects. ress in the 21st Century, also process, federal agencies trimmed stock response was that he looks The memo is a follow-up to a streamlined parts of the review up to three years off the timeline N.H. senate kills forward to working with commit­ 2012 executive order issued by the process for projects in an effort to for this multibillion-dollar project tee members on the issues, if he is president to review and improve speed up completion. that will help put Americans back confirmed. hike in fuel taxes performance. A major project that federal CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 c CONCORD, N.H. — A bipar­ tisan majority of the state Senate SUMMERSPRING SPECIAL SPECIAL rejected the idea of increasing New Hampshire’s fuel taxes, kill­ ing a 12-cent increase passed by the House with a parliamentary maneuver that takes the issue off the table during budget negotia­ tions this month with the House. The 18-6 vote to “indefinitely postpone” a vote on the fuel tax bill came after the House voted, 199-164, to kill a Senate bill that would have allowed a single casi­ no in the state. Both expanded gambling and WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS the fuel tax had been touted as sources of revenue for improving FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! state roads and bridges. New Hampshire’s fuel tax has WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER stood at 18 cents per gallon since STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S 1991. The House bill would have SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. phased in a 12-cent increase over PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. three years for gasoline and six POT SHOT IS AVAILABLE IN 2 OZ, 8 OZ, GALLONS, PAILS AND DRUMS years for diesel fuel. But the Republican-led Senate voted to indefinitely postpone a (800) 879-8648 - (702) 564-6454 - www.unitchemical.com 6666 PORTION CONTROLCONTROL vote on the House bill. Five Dem­ POT SHOT BOTTLES ONLY ocrats joined all 13 Republicans in 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products $44.95 DELIVERED IN USA the majority; all six “no” votes $44.95 DELIVERED IN USA came from Democrats. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 15, 2013 5 I-5 bridge to reopen in mid-June with temporary fix MT. VERNON, Wash. — A had the proper oversize permit to the accident was “preventable.” possibly cleared, but was not able The bridge did not have any temporary four-lane bridge is ex­ use the bridge. Washington state The station reported witnesses to due to another big rig. signs indicating the vertical clear­ pected to open the middle of this officials say the company had the saying a pole on the pilot car The TV station also reported ance. The truck made it across the month to carry Interstate 5 traffic ultimate responsibility to make touched the overhead support of Washington is one of a handful of bridge before the section col­ over the Skagit River near here, re­ sure the truck and its load had the bridge, indicating the load did states that does not give truck driv­ lapsed, but at least two vehicles placing the portion of the bridge enough clearance. not have enough vertical clearance. ers routes for specially permitted with a total of three occupants that fell into the river last month in The pilot car driver told Seattle The truck driver says he wanted to loads and instead relies on truck­ went into the water below. They a highly publicized incident. TV station KING in an interview move to a lane where he could have ers to determine the best route. were rescued. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the plan to replace the collapsed portion of the bridge after it was damaged by a truck hauling an oversize load, closing a section of the highway. The temporary bridge will op­ erate at reduced speeds and capac­ ity. It will consist of two, 24-foot wide spans. They will be pre-built and trucked to the site to allow for accelerated installation. The remaining southern sec­ tion of the bridge has been exam­ ined and will not need to be re­ placed, according to the state DOT. “We will install a temporary span on the bridge that will restore traffic while we build a safe and durable permanent span adjacent to it,” Inslee said. One section of the bridge col­ lapsed after a semi struck critical overhead steel supports. The span carried 71,000 vehicles each day and is the only north-south inter­ state in Washington state. Crews will immediately start work on the permanent bridge when the temporary span is in place. Crews will put temporary piers into the river to support a plat­ form adjacent to the collapsed span where the new section will be built. Once complete, the temporary span will be removed and the new permanent span will be moved into place. Washington state DOT hopes to have the permanent bridge open to traffic in early fall. The initial estimate for the total cost of a permanent fix is $15 Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists million. Reduced speeds during the in­ terim fix mean traffic backups • Coach and School Bus Financing • Low Fixed Rate Equipment Financing will continue to be a challenge, • Terms Up to 84 Months • Fleet Refinancing both on I-5 and local roads. De­ tours will remain in place to pro­ • Balloons and Skip Monthly Payments Available • Used Equipment Financing vide drivers with travel options. The home stretch will be a • 100% Financing Available to • TracLeases Available two-week total closure of I-5, like­ ly in September, as crews remove Qualified Credits the temporary structure and move the permanent bridge into place, according to officials. The company hauling the load that caused the incident, Mullen www.shorefundingltd.com [email protected] Trucking, based in Canada, says it Red tape (800) 542-7467

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 to work.” TEL: (732) 389-7500 FAX: (732) 389-7505 The Tappan Zee carries a sep­ arate toll from the rest of the thru­ way. Once the replacement is built, tolls are expected to triple. 6 June 15, 2013 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Lawsuit challenges FMCSA Report: Carbon tax would be painful WASHINGTON — A new re­ port. Waxman favors a carbon tax. could produce more positive re­ over safety records system port from the Congressional Bud­ The report says that losses for sults in the long run for the WASHINGTON — A trucking has in essence made state law en­ get Office says a tax on carbon “energy-intensive” industries, like economy. association has filed a second com­ forcement agencies the final judge would cause industries that use much of the ground transportation If the revenue is used to lower plaint with the U.S. District Court and jury on all citations,” said Todd considerable energy — like trans­ industry, could be offset in differ­ marginal tax rates for personal of Appeals for the District of Co­ Spencer, OOIDA executive vice portation — to “experience com­ ent ways, depending on how the and business income, the tax’s ef­ lumbia Circuit here against the Fed­ president. paratively large losses in income.” revenue from the carbon tax is fect would be a wash, mostly de­ eral Motor Carrier Safety Adminis­ OOIDA says data stored in the The report comes in response used. pending on the size of the loss of tration regarding its safety records FMCSA’s safety records database to a bill proposed by Senate and The report says that if the rev­ output caused by the tax and the and the DataQs appeal process. is also used by the agency’s Pre- House Democrats that includes enue is used solely in an attempt to gain in output caused by the low­ The Owner-Operator Indepen­ Employment Screening Program such a tax proposal. reduce the federal deficit, the car­ ering of marginal tax rates. dent Drivers said the complaint and the Compliance Safety Ac­ Republicans mostly oppose bon tax would initially harm the If the revenue is distributed to was filed on behalf of a member countability enforcement pro­ the bill, but some Democrats do, economy by increasing costs for groups that are affected the most who received a citation for failing gram, known as CSA. too. consumers and in a regressive way, by the tax, the economic impact to stop at a weigh station while However, when a DataQs chal­ The Congressional Budget with lower-income individuals wouldn’t really be minimized and traveling through Montana. lenge is submitted by a driver to Office, a nonpartisan organiza­ being affected more than others. the tax could actually encourage According to the association, FMCSA, it is routed back to the state tion, was requested by Rep. Henry It could be effective in reduc­ more use of fossil fuels, the re­ the trucker missed the stop at first, where the inspection report with the Waxman, D-Calif., to do the re­ ing the deficit, though, which port said. but immediately turned around alleged violations originated. and went back. Although he was It believes this is the agency’s ticketed, he later had the ticket dis­ way of delegating the responsibil­ Truckers want hair drug testing allowed missed without prejudice by Mon­ ity of keeping complete and cor­ ARLINGTON, Va. — The Amer­ 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) the letter said. tana courts. rect data to the states. ican Trucking Associations is urging “ATA knows for a fact that The group also praised the Na­ The ticket was removed from The original OOIDA suit, Transportation Secretary Ray La­ thousands of truck drivers who tional Transportation Safety Board his motor vehicle record, but it filed about a year ago on behalf of Hood to allow motor carriers to col­ have failed hair tests…have ob­ recommendation to reduce the legal still remains on records kept by three drivers, alleges the agency lect hair samples for drug testing. tained driving positions with other limit for drunk driving to a blood- FMCSA, which are made avail­ fails to comply with the Fair Cred­ The association said it sent a carriers because they were able to alcohol content of 0.05 percent, able to the public. it Reporting Act and other laws. letter to LaHood, pushing for hair pass DOT-authorized urine tests,” from the current 0.08 percent. The association is seeking to OOIDA says the FMCSA re­ testing rather than the currently ATA President Bill Graves wrote. “The trucking industry is held, prevent the FMCSA from reporting leases records of alleged safety mandated urine-testing process. “All we are asking is for DOT and holds itself, to a higher stan­ that the truck driver violated the violations to potential employers ATA backed a House bill in­ to allow this industry to use the dard and we are encouraged by law and asking that the information before drivers have had their day troduced late last year that would best available tools under the NTSB’s recommendations to bol­ be purged from his records. in court and it refuses to delete have created a pilot program to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol ster efforts to reduce drunk and “By refusing to accept the de­ references to violations even after test drivers’ hair strands for evi­ testing program to make sure our drugged driving for all motorists,” termination by a court, the FMCSA drivers have been exonerated. dence of illegal drug use. (See Jan. roads are safe for all motorists,” Graves said.

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370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 www.lancerinsurance.com 8 June 15, 2013 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Crisis Management: Seldom are there simple answers By Dave Millhouser “We can’t make an accident go away,” said Ronan. “What we can do is respond ap­ PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — If you want to propriately and empathetically. It’s ABA’s draw a crowd in the motorcoach industry, job to assist you and help protect your com­ one way to do it is to conduct a training ses­ pany’s reputation as best as possible within sion on “crisis management.” the community and in the media.” C&J Bus Lines did that here late last month and more than 50 participants attend­ Everyone a reporter ed the invitation-only event at the Ports­ He pointed out that, with today’s hand- mouth Sheraton Harborside Hotel. held electronic devices, virtually every pas­ The current emphasis on hyper-enforce­ senger and bystander becomes a “reporter.” ment, combined with the litigious/media- Everything said, or photographed, is poten­ intense operating environment, doubtless tially on the Internet forever, available to helped generate the good turnout. lawyers and voyeurs. There were representatives from 16 mo­ The media has a job to do, but they aren’t torcoach companies; the America Bus, Unit­ specialists. Today it’s a bus accident, but to­ ed Motorcoach, New England Bus, Connect­ morrow it could be political story, so it is icut Bus and Massachusetts Bus associations; critical, in his view, to make clarifications the New Hampshire and Massachusetts de­ honestly and quickly. partments of transportation, and the New It’s tempting, particularly with local re­ Hampshire Motor Transit Association. porters you may know, to think of them as The Crisis Management Training Semi­ NTSB Public Affairs Officer Peter Knudson explained the board’s safety role. “friends.” But Ronan pointed out that friend­ nar, as the session was called, provided a ship is not in their job description. forum for the presenters to offer their indi­ Ronan said that, while it’s not necessary vidual views on how best to deal with a di­ ‘Operators should not try to go it alone.’ to like the media, it is important to respect saster, most typically a major bus crash. them. Nothing is more photogenic than a At the same time, however, the seminar versarial, and he offered help in navigating available to authorities a person authorized stiff-arm, he said. couldn’t cover every aspect of crisis manage­ process. The NTSB maintains a 24-hour hot to speak on the operator’s behalf. Managing the company’s reputation is ment nor could it provide alternative views, line [(202) 314 6290] for major events. It should be someone who knows the useful in preserving the business and may which are widespread in the industry. ABA has been working with the NTSB company organization and is authorized to help limit damages in subsequent litigation. For its event, C&J teamed up with the on a program, similar to what the board now make basic decisions. That person doesn’t ABA and a Portsmouth-based risk manage­ does with airline and rail accidents, to help need to be the CEO. In fact, someone less Get a plan ment firm, DataRisk,­ which provided lunch in dealing with victims’ families. visible may be preferable or desirable. One element discussed during the semi­ for the group. It’s not clear what form such help might Dan Ronan, ABA’s senior director of nar was the importance of having a plan in National Transportation Safety Board take since, when it comes to motorcoach communications, offered both advice and as­ place to handle the aftermath of a major Public Affairs Officer Peter Knudson of­ crashes, the NTSB only gets involved in sistance in the event of a serious accident. accident. fered an inside view of the board’s role and “high-consequence” events. In addition, un­ He said he’s often in contact with opera­ Having a written plan with priorities and methods in investigating crashes. like planes and trains, there is rarely a pas­ tors concerning three major areas during cri­ contact numbers in place lessens the chance He noted the NTSB has no enforcement senger manifest for motorcoach trips. sis situations: Management of the relation­ that, in the stress of the moment, an operator function but, after investigating an accident, While stressing the board mission to im­ ships between the bus company and law will say, or do the wrong thing. it makes recommendations that sometimes prove safety procedures and technology for enforcement, victims’ families, and the Decisions need to be made before an in­ become regulations. Motorcoach safety is the future, Knudson noted that NTSB pro­ media. cident as to what resources are available, currently on the NTSB “Top 10” list of ceedings are public record, becoming some­ Ronan recommends a proactive ap­ and should be utilized. There seems to be priorities. times a “roadmap for litigation” and con­ proach, pointing out that, regardless of the universal agreement that, in the event of a The NTSB has wide-ranging authority to ceivably could be cited in criminal cases. accidents’ cause, you “own” the incident, tragedy, operators should not try to “go it gather information. For that reason, it’s criti­ and it’s not going away. With intense scruti­ alone.” cal that parties involved in accidents cooper­ Choosing the right face ny from law enforcement, media and law­ Within the industry, however, there are ate as much as possible, Knudson said. He recommended that, in the aftermath yers, he suggested you coordinate with out­ divergent opinions about what form such The relationship is not meant to be ad­ of a serious incident, coach companies make side organizations, including ABA. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 c

ISSUE NO. 240 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dan Shoup subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Cardinal Buses Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Dennis Strief To contact the Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Thomas Foley Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Gladys Gillis Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2013 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Starline Luxury Coaches First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Seattle District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News NEWS ANALYSIS June 15, 2013 9 Crisis Management for the carrier. Once shared, it may be dis­ to defend you. You paid for that service. ness by judgments far in excess of their pol­ coverable by the plaintiffs’ attorney or be a Many people often think the insurance com­ icy limits. The insurer is, for the most part, a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 breach of confidentiality of the Fair Credit pany’s only job is to write the check. Wrong. partner in the situation because it has “skin teamwork should take. Reporting Act. Sharing with the insurance- “You hired them to provide a defense in the game.” One long-time industry executive points appointed attorney is OK as it is a ‘privi­ first; then pay the claim. Why would you not Trade associations have an important out that, no matter what, in the event of an leged’ relationship and it remains confiden­ first adopt their crisis management plan… role to play in representing the industry as a accident, the operator will likely be sued. tial as a result.” one that first and foremost allows them to whole, but their interests, like the insurer’s, Public relations activities won’t change that, Responding to the observation that in the dispatch attorneys to the hospital, to the only overlap those of the individual operator and he feels that any information you fur­ electronic age news stories remain visible scene, and to your office?” involved in a tragedy. They are not exactly nish can be used against you in litigation. forever, a former insurance executive noted One caveat is that the insurance compa­ the same. For that reason he recommends speaking that he could not “think of one instance ny is only going to pay claims up to the lim­ It’s important not to be making complex with the company’s lawyer and the insurer where a company gained anything by trying its of the policy. In the event of an award decisions that have far-reaching effects hast­ first, before speaking with the media, and to defend themselves in the press. The infor­ larger than those limits, the defendant is on ily, under the intense pressure and confusion carefully following their advice. mation is certainly ‘out there’ forever, but the hook for the difference. that follows a catastrophe. He mentioned that, all too often, in an ef­ unless you’re looking for it…it just sits.” No matter how well intended, anything a fort to manage public relations, information He recommends not continuing to call Shared interests coach company’s representative says can be becomes public that later may be used in unnecessary attention to it by trying to make The insurer will do all it can to minimize misinterpreted, and used in subsequent liti­ court, to the detriment of the defendant. corrections. the cost, and its interests largely mirror the gation. An old proverb, “The road to hell is The only information that is “privileged” He points out that “the insurance compa­ coach company’s, but are not identical. paved with good intentions,” may apply in is what is exchanged with your attorney, so ny you chose has a contractual and legal duty Operators have been driven out of busi­ this context. anything used in defending the company’s The one thing that virtually everyone in­ reputation can become fodder for the plain­ volved agrees on is that coach operators tiff’s lawyers. Rocky Gap Resort opens Maryland casino need a plan, worked out in advance with Public utterances about how good the their company attorney and their insurance CUMBERLAND, Md. — Maryland’s lette, craps, Mississippi stud poker and company is may create a standard that can carrier. fourth casino — the Rocky Gap Casino Re­ three-card poker. The casino is open around become a liability in court, and provide At its heart, the plan identifies who em­ sort — opened its doors for gambling late the clock, seven days a week. damaging information to the plaintiff’s ployees call in an emergency, who controls last month. In addition to the casino, the resort also attorneys. the flow of information and who speaks for Located off Interstate 68 near Cumber­ unveiled renovations to its lobby, hotel the company. land, it’s Maryland’s smallest casino but rooms, restaurants, and Jack Nicklaus Sig­ Being circumspect An operator can win the near-term pub­ claims to be the state’s first destination ca­ nature Golf Course. The facility has four Another observer points out that “any lic relations battle, only to lose the war in sino resort. restaurants. suggestion that information about the driver subsequent litigation. Evitts Resort, a subsidiary of Minneso­ An event and conference center is ex­ be sent to someone helping with damage It’s somewhat akin to attending a wake ta-based Lakes Entertainment, operates the pected to open in the fourth quarter. where the deceased looks terrific, but is still control could result in serious legal implica­ facility, which has 558 slot machines, plus For information, go to www.rockygapre­ dead. tions during the claim settlement, and even 10 table games, including blackjack, rou­ sort.com.

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They always add 20 minutes to the drive when the sheer numbers of visitors. Yo­ have parked to the west of the passengers are picked up and semite National Park was the lodge. This may move them slight­ dropped off, and would require third-most-popular national park ly to the west, but we’re talking drivers to ride a shuttle bus to access last year, and receives nearly four about hundreds of feet. The dis­ restrooms and eating facilities. million visitors annually. tance they’d have to walk to get One California-based motor­ Nearly 5 percent of the visitors services and food, it’s all in the coach operator pointed to a part of to Yosemite Valley arrive by com­ same general vicinity. It’s not like the plan that proposes a day-use mercial tour bus, which sees an av­ miles of walking or even a mile.” parking permit system during erage of 41 buses per day during • About the implementation of some peak-demand times. the summer season. day-use permits and its impact on If that system is instituted, the And many people seem to tour-and-charter companies: operator wrote, tour companies show up on the same days: on “That’s a good question. I haven’t would be required “to request a weekends during the summer, par­ thought about the tour bus compo­ visitor permit to enter the park ticularly during holiday weekends. nent of that.…We’re thinking with a limited amount of permits On the busiest summer day in the about parking supply versus park­ issued. Just because a tour opera­ peak season of 2011, nearly 7,350 ing demand, and how we manage tor sells a tour for September 24th vehicles drove through the valley, that. At some point, demand ex­ doesn’t mean they will be able to some 28 percent more than on an ceeds supply with individual cars secure an entry permit to take a average day, according to the plan. A coach belonging to Storer Coachways of Modesto, Calif., pauses in front coming in. At that point, we would of Yosemite’s famed El Capitan granite monolith. bus into Yosemite Valley.” “Our data shows that on the be looking at a day’s reservation of While the public comment worst-of-the-worst, a peak-peak rangement of parking. valley, the tour bus operators some sort, so that people could phase of the process has closed, day, you’d have over 3,000 people “By alleviating some of those should benefit along with every­ have advance knowledge that park officials say the plan still stuck in the road in their cars in the pinch points, and having a better one else. I can’t imagine how frus­ they’d have a parking space. faces several steps before approv­ traffic, and they couldn’t go for­ transportation system with the trating it must be for them to get “This is a long-term plan. al. And full implementation is ward, and they couldn’t go back ability to have more free-flowing caught up in these traffic jams, and There’s going to be a lot of actions years away. because of these one-way road conditions, we can handle the have to spend a lot more than they that come into play to manage the systems,” Morse said. same volume of traffic and visitors planned when they try to get in and capacity we see today. We’re going Problem No. 1 She said traffic engineers de­ as we do today, but they’ll have a out of the valley.” to be incrementally implementing Kathleen Morse, Yosemite’s signed the plan to alleviate the much better experience,” she said. the plan over the next 15 years. So, chief of planning, said that one of “major pinch points” in traffic “One thing that’s important to Motorcoach issues we’ll be taking a look at the capac­ the guiding principles in develop­ flow using a roundabout, a pedes­ know is that by solving some of Morse also addressed some of ity and matching parking supply ing the plan “is not only to protect trian underpass and a smarter ar­ the circulation problems with the the specific concerns voiced by with demand, like we always have.”

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1972 361 N. Main St., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 Phone (937) 859-3331 • Fax (937) 859-7086 www.WhitworthBusSales.com 11Bus &June Motorcoach 15, 2013 News OPINION Bus June& Motorcoach 15, 2013 News11 Answer this question: What makes YOU successful? By Dave Millhouser generating press releases, they’re mainstream carriers. Others exper­ their passengers, and the compa­ share…before successful. iment. If you’re going to serve an nies’ e-mail them after the trip. we crashed Who’d a thunk it? One thing that popped up fre­ ethnic market, it helps to be ethnic, They thrive on repeat business, and burned. An issue of one of the indus­ quently was family. but it isn’t necessary, if you reach building real relationships with Very few try’s trade magazines that printed a Many successful operators go out correctly. their customers. They seize any press releases press release I’d written on an op­ back several generations, with val­ Other useful strategies seem to opportunity to make contact. are written erator’s recent coach purchase also ues and skills passed along. involve turning lemons into lem­ It’s no coincidence that those about opera­ contained a story about the same A number of successful CEOs onade. When traffic is ugly, drivers are frequently requested. tors who say: company’s bankruptcy. speak of washing buses as kids, wouldn’t folks prefer to ride, than One trait successful operators “I can do it Dave Millhouser Normally, you’d assume a learning the business from the drive? The commute takes the seem to have in common is seek­ cheaper than company buying quantities of ex­ ground up. They often speak with same amount of time, but they can ing out unique ways to add value. anyone else. I’ll drop my price till pensive equipment was making pride about their parents’ work be sleeping or computing. They differentiate themselves competition is crushed.” money. ethic and integrity. One sightseeing company adds from competitors. There’s a litany The “last-man-standing” mar­ In this case, however, it wasn’t. If you are an orphan, of course, dramatic flair to local tours by of things that add value for your keting plan rarely works in this And some added organizational this does you no good (although… having actors reenact events. They customers, many I’ve never business. New players with a sim­ problems pushed it over the edge. if you have kids, you can begin the figured out that, in our society, bus thought of, but I bet you can. ilar outlook pop up like As a sideline, I write press re­ tradition). travel is sometimes disdained, so During a brief period of exile Whac-a-Moles. leases for manufacturers, talking The second or third generation they offer an entertainment experi­ from the bus industry, I sold ambu­ One reason for joining indus­ about who’s acquiring new coach­ isn’t always successful, but odds ence that has a transportation lances. The boss was brilliant (and try trade associations and attend­ es, and in those releases I make the seem to improve when kids start as component. eccentric). He decided the way for ing meetings is to see what’s out effort to communicate what that sweepers rather than executives. Virtually every operator talks us to climb from obscurity to the there, what other folks are doing operator does well, growing their One question I always ask op­ about superior service, looking for top of the market was to offer a that makes them extraordinary. business and buying new coaches. erators is: “What do you do that is ways to make passengers feel spe­ particular model of ambulance There are all sorts of options, some The failed company is the excep­ different than your competitors, cial. Sometimes it’s in the form of (Type III) for $45,000. Competi­ better suited to your market and re­ tion that proves the rule. what’s unique about your goodies, like snacks and ameni­ tors were selling them for $60,000 sources than others. A Sage Editor (I keep practic­ company?” ties, more often in terms of em­ and more. It’s worth repeating: Every sin­ ing flattery just in CASE I ever Without fail, successful com­ ployee training, and establishing His thinking was that $45,000 gle successful operator I’ve known have to go back to real work) sug­ panies have a ready response; ongoing personal relationships was a critical price point, and we’d has a ready answer to the question gested it might be useful to review they’ve given thought to the sub­ with clients. sell tons of them. Somehow we’d “What makes your company a gaggle of releases and see if I ject. The answers may vary dra­ That used to take the form of drive our costs under $45,000, and special?” could identify what traits good matically, but there’s always an mailings, but electronic communi­ make lots of money. Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry companies have in common. answer. cations dominate now. We sold a bazillion, and only marketing consultant and freelance By definition, most new coach Some find niches or affinity Many charter drivers have be­ lost a few dollars on each one. We writer. Contact him by email at: buyers are doing OK. If they’re groups that aren’t being served by come adept at taking fun photos of advanced to No. 2 in market [email protected].

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Grupo Amaya-Astron @amayastron www.amaya-astron.com.mx 12 June 15, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Two early guilty pleas in feds’ probe of Pilot Flying J NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two pany’s business practices. (See tive Ashley Smith Judd also plead­ Ralenkotter’s lawyer Ed Yar­ thorities that may eventually employees of Pilot Flying J, the June 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) ed guilty to conspiracy. brough said his client has agreed charge others. truck-stop chain owned by the Regional sales director Arnold They are the first to be charged to cooperate with authorities. The Knoxville-based truck- family of Tennessee Gov. Bill Ralenkotter pled guilty to one in the investigation. Ralenkotter and Judd were stop chain is run by CEO Jimmy Haslam and Cleveland Browns’ count of conspiracy to commit Federal prosecutors say mem­ charged earlier this month in a Haslam, the governor’s brother. owner Jimmy Haslam, pleaded mail fraud in U.S. District Court in bers of Pilot’s sales team deliber­ document typically used by prose­ Pilot Flying J, the country’s largest guilty late last month as part of the Knoxville, Tenn. ately withheld rebates to boost Pilot cutors when the targets of an in­ diesel retailer, was founded by federal investigation of the com­ Regional accounts representa­ profits and pad sales commissions. vestigation are working with au­ their father. D.C. speed camaera

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 charge. Take YOUR Business to the And safety experts say people should not use that defense for vi­ olating speeding laws. There is a solid body of re­ Next Level search to support the argument that cameras reduce the risky be­ havior that causes accidents. Speeding is a factor in about a third of all traffic deaths nationwide. There is a wide mix of state laws on speed-camera use. Twelve states expressly prohibit the cam­ eras; seven states permit limited use; the district and two states allow them, and 29 states have no laws regarding them. Other productive speed camer­ as in Washington are on south­ bound D.C. 295, which ranks sec­ ond with 33,495 tickets. The previous year’s leader, in the 600 block of New York Avenue NE, is third with 31,949 tickets. The volume dropped at this loca­ tion but there has been an increase in value because it is now in a work zone where fines are higher. Rounding out the top speed cameras: another on D.C. 295, this one on the northbound side (19,685 tickets); 2200 block of South Dakota Avenue (17,685 tickets); 3500 Massachusetts Ave­ nue (13,618 tickets); two more cameras on D.C. 295, one south­ bound (13,172 tickets) and one northbound (12,350 tickets), and 1900 Branch Avenue (10,819 tickets).

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Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2013 13 UMA offers pre-employment testing program Calendar JUNE 2013 ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The tools — when implemented cor­ UMA said it partnered with programs.” United Motorcoach Association rectly — consistently identify an Scheig after hearing from several of Leslie Williams, national ac­ 17-20 Pennsylvania Bus has partnered with a leading em­ applicant’s future performance at its members who had used the sys­ counts manager with Scheig Asso­ Association Annual Meeting, ployment assessment firm to pro­ an 88 percent accuracy rate. tem and been satisfied with its suc­ ciates, said the firm was “excited Resort & Conference Center, vide discounted pre-employment “Using methodology that is cess in screening potential employ­ to be able to offer a discount on Hyannis, Mass. Information: www.pabus.org. performance testing services to its unique, predictive, legally defensi­ ees and evaluating performance. our hiring and performance sys­ members. ble and proven over time, their “The Scheig performance test­ tem to UMA members. 20-23 New England Bus Scheig Associates of Gig Harbor, Motor Coach Works Hiring & Per­ ing program has been a tremen­ “Through our extensive experi­ Association Annual Meeting, Wash., has more than two decades formance System is a three-phase dous tool in helping Escot find the ence and proven track record with Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco of experience in hiring and system consisting of an online pre- right employees,” said Brian Scott the motorcoach industry, we know Estates, Maine. For more info: ­employee performance solutions. employment assessment, behavior­ of Escot Bus Lines in Largo, Fla. we will become a valuable tool and www.newenglandbus.org. UMA members will save 10 per­ ally-based interview questions and a Scott is a UMA board member and asset for all UMA operators.” 25-27 United Motorcoach cent on Scheig Associates’ Motor performance evaluation,” UMA said chairman of the association’s Risk UMA members interested in Association Board of Directors Coach Works© Hiring & Perfor­ in announcing the new member Management Committee. learning more about the program and Board Committee Meet- mance System™ designed specifical­ service. “I know it will help other op­ can contact Williams at (800) 999- ings, Washington, D.C. Info: ly for the coach industry to identify, “The premise of the program is erators be more successful in their 8582, or email lwilliams@scheig. (800) 424-8262. select and hire better, safer drivers. to ‘hire for the behaviors and train hiring processes, and I think it’s a com, or by visiting the members- 26 United Motorcoach Scheig says its job-specific for the skills.” great addition to UMA member only section of www.uma.org. Asso­ciation Capitol Hill Day, Wash­ington, D.C. Info: kpresley UMA-NTA Travel Exchange to hit Atlanta in 2016 @uma.org, or (800) 424-8262. ATLANTA — The United Mo­ will find $1.5 billion in new hospi­ “Atlanta’s position as one of the ucation sessions and a variety of JULY 2013 torcoach Association and NTA tality product that will have opened most accessible cities in the world networking events in and around 30 California Bus Association have selected Atlanta as the 2016 shortly before they arrive, said and an unparalleled meetings Orlando. ADA Training, Doubletree by site of Travel Exchange, the event William Pate, president and CEO package makes it a great location “The best news about Travel Hilton Ontario (Calif.) Airport. that co-locates UMA Motorcoach of the Atlanta Convention and Vis­ for NTA and UMA’s 2016 Travel Exchange 2013 came out in our Info: [email protected] or Expo and the NTA Annual Meet­ itors Bureau. Exchange.” post-convention surveys: Attendees www.cbabus.com. ing and appointment show. “We’ll have a fresh face to wel­ At the inaugural Travel Ex­ said the entire event far exceeded The event will be Jan. 31-Feb. come new and return visitors to our change, held in January in Orlando, their expectations,” said Victor AUGUST 2013 4, 2016, in the Georgia World city, including the National Center Fla., NTA and UMA brought to­ Parra, UMA president and CEO. 4-7 Regional Meeting of Congress Center. for Civil and Human Rights, the gether more than 3,600 tour and The two associations previously Alabama, Georgia and South The last time Motorcoach Expo ­Atlanta Streetcar, College Football travel buyers and sellers, including announced the sites and dates for the Central motorcoach associa- was in Atlanta was 2004, the 20th Hall of Fame, and the new Ponce 1,176 buyers from 632 companies. next two Travel Exchange events: tions, Sheraton Birmingham anniversary of Expo. City Market along the Atlanta Belt­ Travel Exchange featured side- Los Angeles, Feb. 16-20, 2014, and (Ala.). For more infomation: Attendees at the 2016 show Line,” Pate said. by-side show floors, extensive ed­ New Orleans, Jan. 18-22, 2015. [email protected]. 14 June 15, 2013 PEOPLE Bus & Motorcoach News Gates Foundation executive picked to head Tourism Cares CANTON, Mass. — After what plishments thus was described as an extensive six- far,” Rea said. month search, Tourism Cares has “Philanthro­ selected Mike Rea as its next exec­ py and travel are utive director. two of the most Rea will assume the position potent sources held by Bruce Beckham since families have for 2000. Beckham announced this connecting with past fall he planned to retire (see Mike Rea each other and Nov. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News). expressing our Rea, currently a senior program interest and care for others. To officer with the Bill and Melinda have the chance to bring both of Gates Foundation in Seattle, comes these together in meaningful ways to the position with significant ex­ for the causes we care about is a pertise in nonprofit management, special honor.” combined with a keen interest in Rea takes over July 8. travel and tourism. Beckham will remain associat­ 102 and Counting. The board of the American birthday in March — by going to work, of course. As founder of the social enter­ ed with the organization he started, Bus Association saluted long-time operator, Bert He founded Campus Coach nearly 85 years ago prise Give2Asia, he has experience becoming executive advisor. Askwith, president of Campus Coach Lines of New while a student at the University of Michigan. He in connecting a variety of donors to “These are exciting times for York. A plaque was presented to Askwith by ABA is an honorary lifetime member of the ABA board personalized, high-impact philan­ Tourism Cares,” said Beckham, Chairman Tom JeBraun. Askwith marked his 102nd and chairman emeritus of the ABA Foundation. thropic activities. “There are so many programs that Rea has traveled extensively are underway and so much more to rial & Museum in New York City. surround, protect and preserve ar­ landmark in the New York skyline. and, prior to his career in philan­ do. I’m thrilled that Tourism Cares The ceremony was meant to chitect Minoru Yamasaki’s iconic New York City and, in particular, thropy, studied the anthropology of has chosen someone with Mike’s signify the tourism industry’s ef­ nine-foot model of the World Ground Zero are significant hall­ tourism. background and ability to take the forts to honor those affected by the Trade Center. marks for the Tourism Cares for “I am humbled and thrilled to organization to the next level.” 9/11 attacks. The model will be on display at America volunteer program. The pro­ have this opportunity to work with Separately, Tourism Cares held Tourism Cares and individuals the 9/11 Museum that is now under gram began in response to a call, born the supporters, staff and board of di­ a brief ceremony late last month employed in the tourism industry construction; it will educate visitors of the 9/11 attacks, for all Americans rectors of Tourism Cares as we seek with a memorial wreath-laying at have committed to donate a cus­ on the origins of the World Trade to volunteer their time in service to to build on the substantial accom­ the National September 11 Memo­ tom-designed glass display case to Center project and its impact as a their country and communities.

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To learn more, visit www.bitzerus.com Phone: 770-503-9226 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2013 15 Bridgestone seeks $1 million from Coach America bankruptcy WILMINGTON, Del. — Coach America, then the larg­ as one alternative, selling all of filed for bankruptcy, Bridgestone/ wouldn’t get back the money it Bridgestone Americas Tire Opera­ est tour-and-charter bus operator Coach America’s assets and break­ Firestone was one of the compa­ says it’s owed for being a so-called tions asked a federal judge here in North America, filed for Chap­ ing up the company. ny’s largest unsecured creditors. administrative creditor in the case. last month not to dismiss the ter 11 bankruptcy protection and In late May 2012, the breakup Based on Bridgestone’s latest Bridgestone/Firestone sup­ Chapter 11 case of Coach America reorganization in U.S. Bankruptcy occurred, with Coach America court filing, it became one of the plied Coach America with tires Inc. because it claims the estate Court here in late 2011. sold to five buyers, including top two or three non-lender credi­ that allowed the company to keep still owes it more than $1 million Barely four weeks after the fil­ Coach USA and Transportation tors of Coach America. operating while it was in bankrupt­ for tires the bus company used ing a federal bankruptcy judge Management Services. The tire supplier said in its cy and being liquidated by the while it was being sold. signed off on a plan that included, At the time Coach America May filing it was concerned it court and the lenders. Installation of Iconic ‘glass house’ over I-44 to be rebuilt pumps for DEF VINITA, Okla. — The land­ “It really hasn’t received a place many westbound travelers lack of restrooms. mark “glass house” over Interstate total renovation since it was built stop upon entering Oklahoma, and Damrill estimates the facility 44 here is being completely rebuilt. in 1957. Damrill said the state’s goal is to will be closed for one year while hits milestone The travel plaza’s signature “Small ones have occurred,” make the location more attractive the renovations take place. During LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The par­ arches that span the Will Rogers continued Damrill. “The last sig­ to visitors. that time, portions of I-44 will also ent company of two truck stop Turnpike, as I-44 is called in that nificant one was in 1987, and it The OTA hopes to upgrade the be shut down. chains, TA and Petro Stopping area, will still be there, but the just added some coats of paint. It’s facility by adding an additional “We will have to close down Centers, announced it has com­ Oklahoma Turnpike Authority an­ never really been rebuilt since it dining option. two lanes at a time as they tear pleted the installation of its 1,000th nounced last month it will spend was built in ’57. Unfortunately, New fueling stations for both down and build back the struc­ bulk on-island diesel exhaust fluid $14.6 million to reduce the rest of age has caught up with it.” eastbound and westbound traffic ture,” he said. “Because this is dispenser. the building down to its structural The site was originally a pan­ will offer diesel for the first time. over the road, it’s not an easy de­ Called the “DEF+1”, the dis­ steel. cake house operated by the How­ The building will also be equipped molition. They’ll tear half down. pensers pump both diesel fuel and “We’ll take it down to the ard Johnson hotel chain. Its cur­ with new insulated windows and Then shift to the other side. We DEF. bridge structure and leave the rent occupant, a McDonald’s HVAC system. will have head-to-head traffic just Drivers can authorize diesel arches as well, but everything else franchise, has been there since the Damrill said the renovations in this portion of the area. We just and DEF transactions at the same will be brand-new,” said turnpike mid-1980s. also will address the most com­ don’t know how difficult the tear­ time at the same dispenser, pump spokesman Jack Damrill. The destination is the first mon complaint from visitors — down will be once we get in there.” both products in any order, and pay for both fills at the same time. land to accommodate both fills. in these technologies,…[totals]… nearly all locations will offer on-is­ A complete listing of locations TravelCenters of America also “Our DEF installations were about $100 million,” said Tom land bulk DEF by the end of June. with on-island DEF, are on the TA said the “DEF+1” dispenser saves completed hand-in-hand with the O’Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters of America has and Petro websites at www.tatrav­ time because it eliminates the need installation of new, higher-speed TravelCenters. locations in 41 states, plus 244 lo­ elcenters.com and www. for drivers to leave the diesel is­ diesel dispensers. Our investment TravelCenters expects that cations in Canada. petrotruckstops.com. 16 June 15, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News ADA rules route bus tickets grant the same sized that Greyhound “is not rec­ venience during this period.” rights, “even if that ticket is for ‘48 hours notice ommending modifications in the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 transportation occurring at a heavy requirement that every (over-the- Foreign carrier compliance? ed, carriers such as Greyhound have traffic time.” would enable it road bus) purchased by a Class I Greyhound’s filing urged the supplemented holiday schedules fixed-route operator be lift- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad­ with buses leased from charter-and- Requests for service to alert smaller equipped or the requirement that ministration to crack down on tour operators that aren’t required to In its filing with the USDOT, ­interline carriers of operators maintain 100 percent ADA violations by foreign carriers have fully accessible fleets. Greyhound said it was asked to pro­ lift-equipped, fixed-route fleets.” operating in the United States. Greyhound also contends that vide wheelchair-accessible service accessibility needs Through the year ended Sep­ Greyhound said it filed a com­ 48 hours notice would enable it to for 8,493 of 16.4 million passen­ tember 30, Greyhound said it ac­ plaint four years ago requesting an alert smaller interline carriers of gers carried in fiscal 2012, a rate of so passengers are commodated 99.5 percent of 8,493 investigation of “the major Mexi­ accessibility needs so passengers one in 1,945. A typical Greyhound requests for accessible service. can bus companies” that operate in are not stranded en route while bus carried a wheelchair-bound not stranded.’ Both companies argued that the the U.S. without complying with making connections. passenger eight times during the 48-hour notice arrangement al­ ADA regulations. That currently is happening, year, about once every 47 days. Greyhound’s overall operation is lowed them to better serve handi­ “The complaint showed on a according to the filing. The Trailways companies stat­ the lack of equipment to serve pas­ capped passengers making con­ bus-by-bus basis that these compa­ ed their wheelchair-request rate senger demand at peak periods due nections with interline partners nies were not complying with ADA. The ADA rules was even lower — 0.0001 percent, to the requirement that all (over- that are not subject to the 100 per­ There has been little change since Since Oct. 29, the Americans or 146 of the nearly 1.4-million the-road buses) used in scheduled cent standard. then. These companies largely con­ with Disabilities Act rules apply­ passengers carried on fixed-route service be lift-equipped even if “Without the notice require­ tinue to ignore ADA with impunity.” ing to the bus industry require schedules last year. On average, they are extra sections added to ment, it is possible that a passen­ roughly 34 of the country’s largest then, each of the companies’ 133 meet peak period demand,” Grey­ ger with a disability will not have a Costs of compliance fixed-route motorcoach operators coaches would have carried about hound stated. lift-equipped bus available at the Greyhound listed its annual to provide wheelchair service to one wheelchair-mobile passenger Reinstating the 48-hour notice point the passenger moves from costs of providing 100 percent any customer seeking to ride a bus during a year’s time. rule is necessary for the major op­ the Class 1 carrier with a notice re­ wheelchair accessibility at $5.42 at a terminal or curbside stop. That “Without doubt this small num­ erators to meet passenger demands quirement to the non-Class 1 car­ million, including $4 million for means fleets must be 100 percent ber of passengers with disabilities in the peak travel seasons, Grey­ rier which does not have a notice purchase of lifts on 100 new buses; outfitted with wheelchair lift- are accommodated with a 48-hours’ hound continued: requirement,” Trailways argued in $376,000 for lift maintenance parts; equipped buses. notice requirement…Trailways be­ “The ability to trip-lease inac­ a filing signed by Eugene J. Be­ $489,000 for lift maintenance Before October, carriers were lieves that certain modifications to cessible buses at peak periods is rardi Jr., president of Adirondack, labor; $457,000 for a dedicated required to provide lift-equipped ADA rules would help customers critical to meeting peak demand for Pine Hill and New York Trailways. staffing and call center; $60,000 for buses for passengers who gave 48- with disabilities to be better service by passengers, whether or an “Essential Accessibility” license hours advanced notice. served.” not they are in a wheelchair. If Grey­ Inability to connect fee for enhanced website access, The 100 percent rule does not Greyhound said it spends $5.4 hound had the flexibility, it would be “It is very difficult for Grey­ and $38,000 in ADA refresher apply to fixed-route carriers with million annually complying with much more comfortable with a per­ hound to provide accurate notifi­ training for drivers. less than $9.3 million in annual the federal regulations requiring manent requirement that passengers cation to customers concerning the The Trailways group called revenue. wheelchair accessibility on 100 in wheelchairs will be accommodat­ ability of the interline carrier to upon the federal government to re­ Adirondack Trailways, Pine Hill percent of its routes. ed on a particular schedule with at provide accessible service,” Grey­ store grants for bus wheelchair Trailways and New York Trailways, Additionally, it will lose $7 least 48 hours’ notice. hound explained. “It is impossible lifts “to recognize and correct the which are commonly owned and million in revenue and $2.9 mil­ “Greyhound is willing to ac­ to provide that information accu­ unsustainable financial and opera­ controlled, filed similar comments lion in profits because it will turn cept the 48-hour notice require­ rately when there is no advance tional position in which carriers this spring with the USDOT in re­ away an estimated 115,000 pas­ ment as long as it has the needed notice from the passenger.” are placed by federal demands.” sponse to a USDOT “Notice of Ret­ sengers, with an average ticket flexibility to trip-lease inaccessi­ Greyhound said it serves 938 rospective Review of the Americans cost of $50, during peak holiday ble charter buses at peak periods locations directly and connects to Don and Mike update with Disabilities Act Regulations seasons for lack of buses fitted so that the necessary fleet adjust­ an additional 917 communities The Greyhound filing offered for Over-the-Road Bus Operators; with wheelchair lifts. ments can be made to accommo­ through interline arrangements. an update of a fable it quoted from Request for Comments.” The Trailways filing was less date the lift request. Greyhound also called upon the USDOT final ADA ruling filed “The DOT’s rulings having detailed but said its three named “Without that flexibility, EV­ USDOT to require all fixed-route in 1998. (sic) forced fixed-route carriers to carriers have spent $5.1 million to ERYONE, whether or not in a operators to order lifts on newly- Don and Mike were friends incur additional and unreasonable equip coaches with wheelchair wheelchair, will have a reduced purchased buses “to provide that who purchased bus tickets on a maintenance and operational costs, lifts and will spend $153,524 an­ chance of getting on their schedule within a reasonable period of time, Monday morning. Don, who was as well as to lease additional lift- nually on lift maintenance. of choice at peak periods… This is perhaps five years, 100 percent of ambulatory, was directed toward a equipped motorcoaches even when Based on these costs, Trailways not a choice between an accessible the fixed-route fleets of operators bus departing in 10 minutes. Mike, there are no passengers needing said each wheelchair-lift-enabled bus and a non-accessible bus; it’s a of any size be fully accessible.” a wheelchair user, was told, “Come them; and if no suitable coaches passenger cost it $2,604 in 2012. choice between a trip-leased char­ Berardi noted that the peak hol­ back Wednesday. Then we’ll have are available, the carriers are Trailways noted that it received ter bus for peak demand or no bus iday rentals are important to the a bus you can use.” forced to operate with less than the $2.3 million in federal grants for at all.” financial viability of charter-and- Today, Greyhound said, it fields optimal number of buses on each wheelchair lift installations. In­ The Trailways filing described tour bus operators, which are not a smaller fleet and “no longer oper­ scheduled run and, thus, leave cluding that investment, each ac­ a similar scenario. required to maintain wheelchair ates a capacity flexible system,” so, other passengers without transpor­ cessible trip cost $3,942. “Even if there is no passenger lifts throughout their fleets. without a reservation, Don may not tation,” said the Trailways filing. who requires a wheelchair- “The fixed route and charter- board immediately, either. Ending the 48-hour request Sorry, no service equipped bus waiting for service… and-tour ‘sides’ of the motorcoach Since all buses are now acces­ provision “does not contribute to Greyhound carried 309 “indi­ the carrier is forced to leave be­ industry work together…Many sible, Mike and Don may board any increase in service to passen­ viduals traveling in wheeled mo­ hind non-disabled passengers be­ charter operators can attest to the their chosen route immediately if gers with disabilities,” Trailways bility devices, all but four of which cause it does not have a wheelchair need for tripper lease income to seats are available. “If that particu­ stated, but “has only increased the were accommodated successfully” lift-equipped bus at hand.” continue in business.” lar schedule is fully reserved, they likelihood that there will be less during the 2012-2013 holiday sea­ Greyhound’s filing predicts ad­ must make a reservation on another intercity fixed-route bus service son. During that period, it turned Drop in bus rentals ditional passengers will be left schedule.” available for all passengers.” away about 57,294 other passen­ Greyhound said it owns or leas­ without rides during the next If they seek reservations 48 Last July, the American Bus gers because it could not rent es 1,087 accessible buses. During major intercity bus peak, the 14 hours in advance, ambulatory Don Association asked the USDOT to wheelchair-ready buses to handle the last holiday season it leased days surrounding July 4. now may face the lack of a seat resolve the capacity problem by heightened demand. 220 buses from other operators, “Greyhound currently estimates while his wheel-chaired friend will classifying extra holiday sections That meant Greyhound con­ down from 532 the previous year that it will have a shortfall of 100 be sent on his way. as “demand responsive” and ex­ ducted 3,183 fewer intercity bus due to lack of buses with lifts. buses daily during that period, im­ “Greyhound will make every empt from the 100-percent acces­ trips than it did during the previous The Greyhound document was pacting thousands of potential pas­ effort to accommodate Mike on sibility rules. Christmas and New Year holidays. signed by Theodore Knappen the sengers Greyhound will not be able his desired schedule, and experi­ A USDOT attorney responded “The biggest impact of acces­ company’s long-time government to serve. Greyhound is developing ence has shown that we are able to negatively, stating that all fixed- sible transportation compliance on affairs representative. He empha­ plans to minimize customer incon­ do so in the vast majority of cases.” Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2013 17 N.J. operator settles ADA issue with Justice Department MONTCLAIR, N.J. — De­ Camp from imposing restrictions March. cessible. For faster service and han­ abilities, including people using Camp Bus Lines, which was ac­ on when passengers with disabili­ Although the company’s entire dling of your needs, we always ap­ wheelchairs, the Justice Depart­ cused of violating the Americans ties can ride wheelchair-accessible fleet was wheelchair accessible, preciate advance notice if possible.” ment said. (See story on Page 1.) with Disabilities Act by requiring buses, and also calls on DeCamp DeCamp had a statement on its The Newark, N.J. Star-Ledger U.S. Department of Transporta­ passengers with wheelchairs to to provide annual employee train­ website and its schedules requiring reported DeCamp executives had tion regulations also require that com­ give two days notice before riding, ing on Americans with Disabilities 48 hours notice for passengers no comment on the settlement. panies perform regular maintenance has agreed to drop the exclusion­ Act requirements. with wheelchairs to ride a bus, ac­ As of Oct. 29, DeCamp and checks to ensure wheelchair lifts ary practice as part of a settlement The settlement grew out of a cording to the Justice Department. other large, fixed-route motorcoach work, train their employees and file with the U.S. Justice Department. Justice Department ADA Compli­ Now, the website simply says: bus fleets were required to have annual reports with the Federal Motor In return, the Justice Department ance Review of DeCamp in late “All of our buses are wheelchair ac­ buses accessible to people with dis­ Carrier Safety Administration. agreed not to file a civil lawsuit, alleging discrimination against DeCamp, which is headquartered in Montclair. “People with disabilities should not be forced to take need­ less action simply to use a bus ser­ vice designed for everyone,” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of New See. Learn. Meet. Connect. Jersey said in a statement. “With this settlement, the Jus­ tice Department ensures individu­ als riding DeCamp will receive correct information about their ac­ cess to transportation, and that ac­ cess will not be denied.” Added Eve L. Hill, a senior counselor with the Justice Depart­ ment’s Civil Rights Division: “In­ dividuals who use wheelchairs should be able to expect the same level of bus service from large op­ erators that is provided to others.” The agreement prohibits De­ NewYork.com lands on Net NEW YORK CITY — New­ York.com was officially launched late last month, debuting as a com­ prehensive resource for all things New York. The website includes informa­ tion on Broadway, events, hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours. What sets NewYork.com apart is the valuable content, plus a safe and secure booking engine, allowing visitors to buy tickets for activities, events and hotel rooms, said Brett Reizen, president and CEO of En­ tertainment Benefits Group. The website’s editorial team provides the content, along with local experts and writers, who share advice, recommendations and insights into the city. There is a range of features, blogs on Broadway, New York hap­ penings, hot spots, what to see and where to go, and restaurants. TION The website has partnered with REGISTRA Zagat for its dining channel, which will feature Zagat ratings and re­ IS NOW OPEN! views for restaurants listed in the Zagat’s New York guide. | The website’s booking engine February 16 - 20, 2014 Los Angeles, CA was developed and is operated by www.motorcoachexpo.com Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG), a leading online and travel entertainment provider. 18 June 15, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Lost business that the FTA apparently approved. have to seek competitive bids for the specifications were written to carrier for taking its business and However, the FTA in 2011 re­ the service rather than simply allow favor a large company, including its financial losses. He said the city CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 jected the payment procedure and, City Lines to hold the transit fran­ requiring certain capital require­ should be directed to pay the com­ grants that were used to help subsi­ instead said the practice being fol­ chise as it had for years. ments that small companies could pany or return all of the federal dize the City Lines operation lowed by the city actually was a The city bid out the service early not meet. funds it received that were spent under a “pass through” procedure “fee for service” and the city would last year and four companies re­ Also, he claims there was a con­ competing with City Lines. sponded, including City Lines, flict of interest during the interview which bid $21.6 million. The nation­ process because two of his own FTA responds al bus service giant, First Transit, of­ managers who represented his com­ FTA Chief Counsel Dorval R. fered the low bid of $19.7 million. pany at the meeting — unbeknownst Carter Jr. rejected the claim, con­ to him — had applied for jobs with tending that the “takings” argu­ Franchise awarded First Transit. He said the city was ment was a state issue and the state Following an extensive inter­ aware of the job offers but did not court had already settled that issue. view procedure in which each disclose the information to him. “Not so,” responded Diaz, who company was scored not only for fired back a reply claiming the de­ its price, but other business ele­ Court challenge cision was not in line with FTA ments such as operating capital, Holter turned to the courts for rules and asking that the FTA re­ the City Council awarded a five- help, first seeking a restraining consider its position. Model Year Make Eng/Trans Price year franchise to First Transit. order and then an injunction to halt He cited statutes, regulations DL 1999 MCI Det/Allison $69,000 Following the award, First the bidding process. When those and agency circulars that require Transit developed a route layout efforts failed, he sought to have the local governmental authorities that 102C3 1992 MCI Det/Allison $19,000 and time schedules that were iden­ First Transit contract rescinded and operate public transportation ser­ T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 tical to those offered by City Lines. then have the city pay him compen­ vices in competition with existing T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 It began the service July 2 and the sation for his business losses. carriers to pay the companies for following day City Lines suspend­ That also failed, although the their franchise or property. C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 ed its service. conflict of interest issue and an as­ Diaz said if the FTA does not C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 Holter initially had planned to sertion of a civil rights violation reverse its decision, it could have T2145 2000 VanHool Cummins/Allison $98,000 continue its service, but too many remain before the court and are an impact throughout the industry, of his drivers quit and joined First due to be decided later this month. including affecting both charter 102A3 1990 MCI Det/Allison $16,000 Transit. Late last year, with Diaz added and school bus services. DOT Inspected 47-57 Passenger Location: Clio, MI “Only a handful of our drivers to his legal team, he filed a formal And, he hinted, a court battle showed up for the work that day so complaint with the FTA, charging could be necessary. For Pictures go to we had to drop out,” he said. “It the city is in violation of federal “It is such a shocking, novel just didn’t work out.” regulations by using transit funds to and sweeping assault on private www.UsedBusDeals.com Holter maintains that the bid­ compete with City Lines and not business that it will require an ex­ Call toll free 800-282-4287 ext. 1311 ding process was unfair because paying compensation to the private tensive analysis,” he said. email [email protected] Operations shutdown found the company failed to ensure structural and mechanical control its vehicles were properly and regu­ components that could have result­ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 larly inspected, repaired and main­ ed in a crash. Support SpecialiSt The FMCSA order revoked tained. The company kept no re­ The cutaways were typically Carbo Limo’s federal operating au­ cords of tests conducted on 3,400 pounds over the vehicles’ Distinctive Systems is experiencing rapid growth as a thority to conduct for-hire, inter­ emergency doors and windows on gross weight limit of 19,000 pounds, leader in supplying the Motorcoach and Travel Industry state transportation of passengers. its two motorcoaches, and an in­ according to the out-of-service with superior software and exceptional support services. The action represented the spection sticker was found to be order. And, because the buses were We are currently seeking a unique individual to join our ninth out-of-service order issued falsified. overweight, a control arm had de­ Support Services group in the role of Implementation, by FMCSA since the deployment Carbo Limo also employed tached from the rear axle. Training and Support Specialist. This person must have a on April 1 of more than 50 special­ drivers before receiving pre-em­ “What a bus or truck looks like wide variety of skills and experience; the foremost being ly trained “Operation Quick ployment drug tests as required by on the outside does not reveal its a passion for outstanding customer service. Strike” safety investigators target­ federal regulations. mechanical safety,” said Ferro. Other Skills Desired: ing high-risk passenger carriers. Additionally, the company was “Failing to adhere to manufactur­ c Extensive Motorcoach and/or Tour Industry experience During the first month and a found to have violated regulations ers’ specifications and disregard­ requiring random drug-and-­ ing maintenance and repair can be c Ability to work independently in a home office and field half of the crackdown, FMCSA in­ vestigators issued out-of-service alcohol testing of drivers. as dangerous as speeding, texting based environment, with travel orders to bus companies in the Finally, the company didn’t while driving, or any unsafe driver c Training and Project Management skills District of Columbia, Colorado, monitor and assure its drivers com­ behavior. c Strong Technical skills Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, New York plied with federal hours-of-service “Our Quick Strike teams will c Self motivated and Utah. regulations. On occasion, it even continue their intensified scrutiny For more information or to apply Since the beginning of 2013, dispatched a driver who did not of passenger carrier operations, send an email and resumé to Bob Hopwood at FMCSA has issued out-of-service have a commercial driver’s license. their drivers and their vehicles.” [email protected] orders to a total of 16 bus compa­ In addition to failing to in­ nies and 8 trucking companies. Limo buses parked spect, repair and maintain the five The agency also has declared In Atlanta, the FMCSA or­ cutaways, which were built on six commercial driver’s license dered five vehicles operated by Ford F-550 chassis, investigators Sole North American Distributor holders as imminent hazards, Greene Classic Limousines to be also found the company didn’t Distinctive Systems Inc. blocking them from operating in placed immediately out of service. consistently check drivers’ vehicle

1 interstate commerce. Investigators found the vehi­ inspection reports. 131 /2 S Washington Street, Binghamton, NY 13903 “Our ‘Operation Quick Strike’ cles had “such significant struc­ “As a result of these deficien­ Telephone: (646) 448-9981 Toll Free: 1-866-929-1077 teams are continuing their safety tural and mechanical defects” they cies in its maintenance program, [email protected] www.distinctive-systems.com investigations from coast to coast,” posed an imminent hazard to pub­ the company allowed the five ve­ said FMCSA Administrator Anne lic safety. hicles to deteriorate to the point S. Ferro. Specifically, it was discovered that they needed to be put out of REPOS FOR SALE “We will not allow safety to be that Greene Classic Limousines operation immediately,” said the •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell compromised. We will move had been operating 5 of its 16 ve­ agency. • Variety of Makes & Models quickly and decisively to stop un­ hicles in a way that exceeded the A copy of the imminent hazard safe carriers from putting the trav­ manufacturer’s gross vehicle out-of-service order can be viewed 1-877-737-2221 x30716 eling public at risk.” weight rating (GVWR) limit. at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/ As a result, the overweight about/news/2013/GreeneClassic — View “Repo Inventory” During the investigation of www.Bus-Buys.com Carbo Limo, FMCSA investigators condition caused damage to both Limousines.pdf. Even for the safest operators, accidents are part of the motorcoach business. But recovering from a collision shouldn’t require extensive downtime. Simply count on Prevost Service for bumper-to-bumper repairs for your Prevost, Volvo and Nova coaches. All work is performed by skilled technicians and welders who are committed to the high standards used in factory production. Following ISO-certifi ed protocols, our experts access the latest technical and engineering data for your specifi c coach. Immediate access to OEM parts means accident work proceeds without delay, and replacement coaches help you meet your passenger obligations. Prevost collision repair. The only way to get your coach back to assembly-line perfection. And the fastest way to get back on the road.

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