May 15, 2012

MCI to distribute Setra coaches in deal with Daimler month that Daimler AG, the ulation, Daimler revealed it had because of the cutback in transit For MCI, the deal would seem U.S., Canada prove world’s biggest commercial bus signed a letter of intent that would bus orders across the U.S. to be something of a windfall. It to be tough markets and coach manufacturer and cor- transfer distribution and servicing In announcing the tentative loses a competitor, albeit a rela- porate parent of Mercedes-Benz of Setra coaches to MCI. The deal deal with MCI, Daimler said its tively weak one; it potentially What is it about the North and Daimler Trucks, is turning is expected to the completed by the “strategic relationship with MCI gains a bunch of service work, ad- American bus market that has made over North American sales of Setra end of this month. will carry forward Setra’s proud ditional parts business and war- it impossible for the world’s largest coaches to Motor Coach Industries At the same time, Daimler said tradition in North America, and ranty coordination; it has an inside bus manufacturer to flourish here? and shutting down its Orion Bus it will close its Orion manufactur- also take it to the next level — track on building or rebuilding re- That is just one of the questions Industries manufacturing plants in ing operations in Mississauga, On- through increased local presence lationships with Setra customers, many in the industry are pondering Canada and the U.S. tario, and Oriskany, N.Y., which and enhanced customer services and it adds two products to sell at after it was announced late last Ending weeks of industry spec- have been hemorrhaging red ink for Setra.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c New bus sales Congressmen urge industry to target senators climb for fifth By Josiah Daniel Ryan WASHINGTON — The United Motor- straight quarter coach Association hosted key members of Deliveries of new motorcoach- Congress at a Capitol Hill event late last month es continued to surge upward dur- prior to the start of negotiations that could yield ing the first quarter of 2012, post- a new federal highway and public transporta- ing a double-digit increase over tion law that likely will include critical safety year-ago sales. regulations for the motorcoach industry. A total of 349 new coaches Lawmakers who addressed several dozen were sold during January, Febru- UMA attendees at the Capitol reinforced the ary and March, compared to 282 critical nature of the moment, encouraging the coaches delivered during the first association to take advantage of election-year quarter of last year, a gain of near- politics and fight the 31 regulations proposed Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., left, with Magda Dimmendall, president of the National School Transportation ly 24 percent. for the industry in the Senate-passed transpor- Association, and UMA Chairman Bill Allen, urged UMA members to contact their U.S. senator. This year’s first-quarter sales tation bill, S.1813. “Can we remove some of those regulations new rules for the bus and motorcoach industry jump marked the fifth quarter in a Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., who addressed to ease the burden?” asked Shimkus. “The an- but does so in a measured manner, said UMA row of increasing sales, the best the meeting, signaled in a conversation with Bus swer is yes. But that’s why this association has Chairman Bill Allen, owner of Amador Stage first quarter since 2009 (when 372 & Motorcoach News that at least some of those to especially work members on the Senate side Lines in Sacramento, Calif. coaches were sold), and the fourth regulations, considered by many in the industry to agree to whatever the House may bring to “The House bill addressed scientifically the quarter in the past five during to be onerous and unworkable, could still be re- the table on some of these reforms.” issues the Senate addressed just by picking so- which sales have risen at a double- moved in the upcoming conference between ne- The alternative legislation proposed by lutions out of their hats,” said Allen. “[T]he digit rate. gotiators from the Senate and House. House Republicans, in H.R. 7, also includes CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c Sales increased 24.2 percent, 3.5 percent, 46.7 percent and 35.7 percent during the four quarters of Creditors to become Coach America’s owners last year. NEW YORK CITY — Coach door auction here late last month lien, secured creditors to bid up to the auction was closed to the pub- The coach sales numbers were America Group Holdings appar- in which its bank lenders appear to the amount they are owed without lic and company executives, attor- compiled by National Bus Trader ently is going to survive its trip have successfully filed a credit bid having to put up any out-of-pocket neys, creditors and others involved magazine, which has published an- through bankruptcy largely intact, for the company. money to take ownership of the in the court case declined to dis- nual motorcoach industry sales operating under new ownership as The buyout by creditors re- business. cuss it. figures since 1985, and issued a slimmed-down company but still quires approval by the U.S. Bank- Such bids are typically a quick- “We cannot comment at this quarterly sales reports since 2001. the largest tour-and-charter opera- ruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del, er way for a business to emerge time,” was all Coach America The magazine tracks sales of tor in the U.S. and it’s possible for that decision to from bankruptcy court than if it would say about the sale. new models produced and sold by The path for the company that be appealed to federal court by were to adopt a financial reorgani- However, it was learned that in Motor Coach Industries, Prevost filed for Chapter 11 financial reor- other creditors. That is rare, zation plan. addition to the sale of the company Car, Van Hool/ABC, Setra and ganization in January was char- however. Full details of the transaction to creditors, two pieces of Coach Temsa, plus the Mexican-built tered at a court-managed, closed- A “credit bid” allows the first- are not publicly available because CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c Don’t miss ABC Companies’ Florida location BUSBUS && PARTSPARTS AUCTION!AUCTION! 1-DAY ONLY...Thursday, May 17, 2012 Open House 9-5 pm, Auction Starts @ 1:00 pm Auction Sneak Preview begins May 14 at ABC Winter Garden, FL location during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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5/1/12 ABC Companies 17469 West Colonial Drive / Winter Garden, FL 34787 800-222-2871 www.abc-companies.com Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS May 15, 2012 3 Expo ’13 registration opens ‘Transplant’ buddies recovering well SAN FRANCISCO — Cali- Franciscan Lines here, and Gid- with mega deal for operators fornia motorcoach operators and dens, president of Coachways good buddies, Mike Waters and Charter Services Inc. in Garden ORLANDO, Fla. — OK, from more than 150 companies. Tom Giddens, are recovering well Grove, Calif., became good friends here’s the Deal of the Week: “In fact, the 2013 Expo show at home from kidney transplant through their 20-plus years’ in- For five days, starting May 14, floor is almost 70 percent sold and surgery they had here last month. volvement with the California Bus operator members of the United it has only been three months Giddens, who donated a kid- Association. Giddens is the cur- Motorcoach Association can reg- since Motorcoach Expo 2012 in ney to his long-time friend, was rent president and Waters is a past ister for UMA Motorcoach Expo Long Beach.” released from University of Cali- Tom Giddens Mike Waters president. 2013 for the rock-bottom price of Registration for next year’s fornia Medical Center four days “Mike and Tom are two of $200. That’s a minimum saving of show also buys something no after the April 17 surgery and Wa- long waiting list for a cadaver kid- CBA’s bright and shining stars,” at least $100. other Expo registration ever has – ters was released three days later. ney when Giddens stepped for- noted Suzie Petersen, executive UMA is offering this one-time a co-located trade event. Both are doing well, according ward and volunteered to donate administrator of the trade group. special between May 14 and 18. UMA Motorcoach Expo 2013 to family members who have kept one of his. (See May 1 Bus & Mo- “CBA would not be what it is with- Yes, Motorcoach Expo ’13 is will be located along side the an- friends advised of their progress torcoach News.) out them.” eight months away, but a $200 nual convention of NTA (formerly through e-mails and social media Extensive testing showed Gid- She urged operators and others registration fee for UMA operator the National Tour Association). postings. dens was an acceptable match — a in the industry around the state and members may just be too good a The combined shows are being Waters, who had been under- 1-in-10,000 shot for a nonfamily across the country to continue to deal to procrastinate over. called Travel Exchange. going dialysis treatments three member. include the two in their prayers. “Operators can get ahead of Motorcoach operators will times a week for three and a half Waters, vice president and gen- “You can never have enough the curve and save at least $100 on have access to hundreds of tour years, was on the medical center’s eral manager of Coach America/ prayers,” she said. their registration,” said UMA operators — each one a potential Meetings and Operators Manager customer. Maggie Masterson. “Operators will be able to CVSA Roadcheck 2012 will be June 5-7 The $200 fee will give regis- meet and network with NTA at- GREENBELT, Md. — Mark Each year, approximately in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. trants all-inclusive access to Mo- tendees,” said Masterson. “One of your calendar — the CVSA Road- 10,000 Commercial Vehicle Safety CVSA sponsors Roadcheck torcoach Expo activities, includ- the exciting networking events check 2012 will be June 5-7. Alliance-certified inspectors at with participation by the Federal ing education sessions, the trade will be the Welcome Reception/ Roadcheck is the largest target- 1,500 locations across North Motor Carrier Safety Administra- show floor, networking opportuni- Ice Breaker, which will be at the ed enforcement program of com- America perform the bus and truck tion, the Canadian Council of ties, and banquets. Registration Kennedy Space Center Visitor mercial vehicles in the world, with inspections. Motor Transport Administrators, also includes food and beverages Complex. roughly 14 trucks and/or buses CVSA is made up of local, Transport Canada, and the Secre- at scheduled events. “Operators also will have ac- being inspected, on average, every state, provincial, territorial and tariat of Communications and The Expo ’13 trade show floor cess to NTA’s Mall where they can minute from Canada to Mexico federal motor-carrier safety offi- Transportation (Mexico). will feature wares and services CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c during the 72-hour safety blitz. cials and industry representatives Learn more at www.cvsa.org. 4 May 15, 2012 Bus & Motorcoach News

Study: CARB policies will result NLRB ‘employee rights’ notice halted in $6.69 diesel fuel in California WASHINGTON — Following light of the strong interest in the However, the agency disagrees conflicting decisions at the federal uniform implementation and ad- with and also will appeal a deci- SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A thousands of jobs, $68.5 billion in district court level, the D.C. Cir- ministration of agency rules,” it sion last month by a South Caro- new study says that fuel policies lost state domestic product, $21.7 cuit Court of Appeals has tempo- was ordering its regional offices lina district court, which found the being pushed by the California billion in lost income and $5.3 bil- rarily enjoined the National Labor to not implement the rule pending NLRB lacked authority to pro- Air Resources Board will drive up lion in lost state and local taxes Relations Board’s controversial the resolution of the issues before mulgate the rule. the price of diesel fuel in Califor- CARB’s program design also rule requiring the posting of em- the court. NLRB Chairman Mark Gas- nia to $6.69 a gallon. will put California’s transporta- ployee rights, which had been In March, the D.C. District ton Pearce said of the recent deci- The report, titled The Impact tion sector at a significant com- scheduled to take effect April 30. Court found the agency had the sions: “We continue to believe of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard petitive disadvantage, the study (See May 1, April 1, Oct. 15 authority to issue the rule. that requiring employers to post and Cap-and-Trade Programs on notes. and Oct. 1 issues of Bus & Motor- The NLRB supports that deci- this notice is well within the California Retail Diesel Prices, “(The California Trucking As- coach News.) sion, but plans to appeal a sepa- board’s authority, and that it pro- traces the impact CARB regulato- sociation) is supportive of the pro- The National Labor Relations rate part that raised questions vides a genuine service to em- ry actions will have on future die- duction and use of alternative Board said that “in view of the about NLRB enforcement ployees who may not otherwise sel prices. fuels, but the cost gap between D.C. Circuit Court order, and in mechanisms. know their rights under our law.” The study, prepared for the CARB’s Low Carbon Fuel Stan- California Trucking Association dard and the diesel fuel that the by Stonebridge Associates Inc., other 49 states will continue to use FMCSA lets sleep apnea proposal slip out finds that by 2020, CARB’s Low is unacceptable,” said Scott WASHINGTON — The Feder- concerning apnea screening, evalu- Yet, by prematurely publishing Carbon Fuel Standard, in combina- Blevins, CTA President. al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- ation and treatment. the guidance, the FMCSA let the tion with the AB 32 Cap-and-Trade “This is a serious setback for tration jumped the regulatory gun However, on the same day the cat out of the bag on what sleep Program, could increase the price any business dependent on diesel last month when it proposed to notice was published, the FMCSA apnea testing for bus and truck of diesel fuel by $2.22 per gallon. fuel for its operations. adopt the recommendations of two announced it was withdrawing the drivers could eventually look like. That would represent a more “State regulators need to step advisory panels for tougher sleep proposal. Here are key points included in than a 50 percent increase in the down from their ‘ivory tower’ and apnea guidelines for bus and truck “The agency is still in the pro- the initial publication, providing a price of diesel fuel and $6.69 per understand the impact of these un- drivers. cess of carefully reviewing the rec- credible glimpse at what regulatory gallon price at the pump. The av- fair policies…,” said Blevins. The panels say the agency ommendations submitted by the guidance the FMCSA has in mind: erage price difference between “CARB’s blind pursuit of poli- should tell medical examiners that Motor Carrier Safety Advisory • Drivers with a BMI of 35 or California and neighboring states cies that will drive many Califor- drivers with a body mass index of Committee and Medical Review greater would be certified for 60 would be $2.33 per gallon, includ- nia-based trucking companies out 35 or more must be evaluated for Board,” the FMCSA said in a days pending sleep study and treat- ing taxes. of state or out of business should sleep apnea. statement. ment, followed by a 90-day certifi- According to the study, be- be of great concern to all In a Federal Register notice “The initial publication was a cation if they’re compliant during tween 2015 and 2020, these high- Californians.” posted last month, the agency asked clerical error. We anticipate re- first 60 days, followed by a one- er “California-only” diesel fuel The report can be found at for comments on that and a number questing public comment on the year certification. costs will result in the loss of http://caltrux.org/. of additional recommendations recommendations later this year.” • Clinicians may cite any com- bination of possible factors to re- quire or recommend sleep labs. SPRING SPECIAL For example, drivers who are male and postmenopausal females with a BMI of 28 or greater, who have experienced a single-vehicle crash or have a 17-inch neck (male) or 15.5-inch neck (female) should be prepared to prove they don’t have sleep apnea. Other factors include being 42 or older, family history, and having a small jaw or airway. • Commercial drivers diag- WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS nosed with apnea may not be un- conditionally certified medically to receive their CDL, and must in- FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! stead use a CPAP (breathing ma- WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER chine) at least four hours a day for STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S 70 percent of days. SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. Any driver who reports exces- PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. sive sleepiness during “the major wake period,” or experiences a POT SHOT IS AVAILABLE IN 2 OZ, 8 OZ, GALLONS, PAILS AND DRUMS crash associated with falling asleep, or has been found to be non-com- (800) 879-8648 - (702) 564-6454 - www.unitchemical.com 66 PORTION CONTROL pliant in using a CPAP should be POT SHOT BOTTLES ONLY disqualified or immediately denied 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products $44.95 DELIVERED IN USA certification, according to the pre- mature proposal. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET May 15, 2012 5 Long-awaited federal rule on medical examiners issued WASHIGNTON — Nearly seven That might mean additional tests comes mandatory in May 2014. they’ll do a lot of it,” predicts Mi- amining their drivers are listed on years after Congress adopted legisla- and added costs, plus losing the value The FMCSA also anticipates chael Megehee, a Pendleton, Ore., the FMCSA registry. tion requiring the Federal Motor Car- of a provider who knew the individu- that about 3 million drivers a year chiropractor and president of Team- The FMCSA is expected to de- rier Safety Administration to estab- al’s history, critics note. will be tested, as drivers usually CME, a national network of certi- velop a related rule that would allow lish a national registry for certified The FMCSA said in the rule — must get a certificate every other fied medical examiners for trans- for online entry of medical reports medical examiners, the agency has which is available online via the Fed- year — but sometimes more often. portation workers. into a national database. Some be- issued a rulemaking setting up such a eral Register — that 40,000 examin- “A new medical specialty has Once the rule becomes effective lieve such a system would greatly re- system. ersLancer_ALLABOARD_BAMN_Full_4_3_12_Layout are expected to take training and been created. 1 4/4/12 Some 11:37 examiners AM Page will 1 in May 2014, operators must make duce the possibility of fraud related The rule requires medical pro- get posted in the registry when it be- specialize in doing just this and sure the medical professionals ex- to medical certificates. fessionals who examine commercial bus and truck drivers to receive training on driver health issues and be registered in a national database. Bus and truck drivers would be required to use medical examiners listed in the database to obtain their “For more than 20 years, I’ve seen medical cards. The final rule, which was released Lancer demonstrate its commitment late last month, not only requires medical professionals to receive train- ing but they also must demonstrate to my company and my industry.” proficiency on truck- and bus-driver issues by passing a test. “Whatever the issue, minor or The requirements have a May major, Lancer has always been 2014 deadline. The rule is intended to improve ‘Johnny-on-the-spot’ for me. knowledge among those tasked with Lancer will take its efforts to any examining drivers to make sure the drivers they are checking are healthy level to resolve issues appropriately. enough to engage in interstate com- On one occasion, a representative mercial work. But critics say the rule might even traveled overseas to take care have the unintended consequence of of a claim. Our interest is always driving some doctors, nurses, physi- cian assistants and others out of the Lancer’s priority. Insurers are at the work, thereby raising the price of the top of the list of a bus company’s required exams, and making it harder for individuals in some areas, partic- most critical vendors, and I’ve seen ularly rural areas, to find a registered many of them exit the market. examiner. Congress passed legislation in As a specialist in passenger 2005 ordering the FMCSA to devel- transportation, Lancer has op a medical registry, and the agen- cy started work on the rule in De- expertise and a true commitment cember 2008. to the industry.” “This new rule will ensure that health-care professionals conduct- If you want uncompromising ing Department of Transportation service from a passenger medical exams fully understand all of the demands required to operate transportation specialist, ask your large trucks and passenger buses Jack Wigley agent for a Lancer quote or call safely,” said Transportation Secre- tary Ray LaHood. President and Chief Executive Officer Lancer directly and get assigned to All Aboard America! “Truck and bus drivers deserve an agent. highly trained medical examiners Phoenix / Mesa, AZ that think safety first,” said FMCSA Lancer customer since 1991 To learn more, call Administrator Anne Ferro. “By hold- 800-782-8902, x3304 or email ing medical examiners accountable to high standards of practice, we raise [email protected]. the bar for safety and save lives through increased commercial driver and vehicle safety.” Some critics contend the rule will result in fewer options for driv- ers, which will translate into higher costs and have other unintended consequences. If a family physician, who was used by a driver for his or her USDOT physicals stops providing the service because of the new rule, the driver will have to find a new ex- 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 www.lancerinsurance.com aminer who will know nothing about his or her history. 6 May 15, 2012 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Bill seeks to require USEPA to consider impact of rules WASHINGTON — A bill that • Tightening of National Am- directs the president to establish an bient Air Quality Standards interagency committee to study (NAAQS) for ozone certain EPA rules and actions that The bill also would require impact the price of diesel fuel and EPA to consider the cost of a new gasoline has been introduced by NAAQS ozone rule. Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., chair- “Because the courts (Whitman man of the House Subcommittee v. American Trucking) decided that on Energy and Power, and Rep. the Clean Air Act does not allow John Barrow, R-Ga. EPA to consider costs and feasibil- The Gasoline Regulations Act ity when setting an ozone standard, is aimed at ensuring the U.S. Envi- this provision is commonsense and ronmental Protection Agency con- will protect consumers and the Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, seated center, signs that Bus Association, top center; lobbyist Kim Sokoloski of siders the cumulative impact, in- economy,” a news release from state’s CDL self-certification law. Joining him were Selina Buchannan Ingersoll, top right; Larry Althouse, Althouse Pittinger of the Pensylvania School Bus Association, top Transportation and president of the Pennsylvania School cluding costs to consumers, before Whitfield’s office said. left; Elaine Farrell, executive director of the Pennsylvania Bus Association, left, and state Rep. Will Tallman, right. it issues a regulation that could “Over the past three years, lead to increased fuel prices. prices at the gas pump have more The bill also asks that President than doubled, and that is unaccept- ‘Self-certification’ process begins Barack Obama place a pause on able,” said Whitfield. “three of the most problematic reg- “Today, I introduced common- HARRISBURG, Pa. — In Feb- tificates based on when their cur- Tom Corbett signed legislation that ulations until the study is com- sense legislation that will ensure ruary, motorcoach drivers across rent CDL expires, which will allow cleared the way for that state to plete.” The three regulations are: that the federal government doesn’t the U.S. began receiving letters the states to stretch out the filing begin implementing the self-certi- • New source performance add to the pain at the pump by im- from their state licensing agencies over the full two years. Otherwise, fication program. Pennsylvania has standards for greenhouse gases plementing regulations without informing them they had to bring state agencies could be over- more than 400,000 CDL holders from refineries first understanding the full costs in a copy of their medical examina- whelmed by drivers bringing in who must be certified no later than tion certificate. their certificates. Jan. 30, 2014. • TIER 3 standards (amount of they will have on consumers, jobs, The letters also told drivers that The process of a driver taking The Pennsylvania Bus Associa- sulfur in refined products) and economic growth.” if they ignored the mandate they his or her medical certificate to a tion and other state transportation- could be at risk of losing their com- state licensing agency and getting it related associations worked with Canada to get greenhouse gas regs mercial driver’s license. recorded is called self-certification. the general assembly and political OTTAWA, Ontario — Canadi- duty vehicles,” Environment Min- The new requirement resulted The requirement applies to all leaders to get the self-certification an officials have proposed regula- ister Peter Kent said in a statement from a rule adopted by the Federal CDL holders who drive interstate. legislation passed on a timely basis tions that would align that country announcing the proposal. Motor Carrier Safety Administra- Drivers who never drive outside so PennDOT could meet its imple- with the greenhouse gas emissions Similar to the U.S. rules, Cana- tion four years ago that went into the state in which they are licensed mentation goals. standards for heavy-duty trucks da’s emissions limits for new com- effect at the end of January. (See don’t have to self certify, but they “The Pennsylvania Bus Asso- Nov. 15 and Dec. 1 issues of Bus & must provide evidence to the li- ciation is proud to have been a part and buses the U.S. published last mercial vehicles would phase in Motorcoach News.) censing agency that they only of the legislative process that made year. (See Sept. 1, 2011 Bus & Mo- starting in 2014, ratcheting up to The feds are giving states and drive intrastate. this happen and to have been invit- torcoach News.) model year 2018. drivers two years in which to fully Some states, like Pennsylvania, ed to Gov. Corbett’s signing of HB “Canada and the United States The rules would reduce green- comply with the rule. have had to adopt legislation to per- 1458,” said Elaine Farrell, execu- have a deeply integrated automo- house gas emissions from heavy- Most states reportedly plan to mit the self-certification process. tive director of the Pennsylvania tive industry, and there are signifi- duty vehicles by up to 23 percent in require drivers to submit their cer- Last month, Pennsylvania Gov. Bus Association. cant environmental and economic 2018, compared with 2010 levels, benefits to aligning our emission Environment Canada said in a Three more ‘hot fuel’ settlements standards for new on-road heavy- statement. KANSAS CITY — Three pands in warmer months, so a gal- the Petroleum Marketers Associa- companies with thousands of re- lon of fuel contains less energy tion of America, which represents Illinois to tackle bottleneck tail fuel pumps have agreed to set- than what consumers pay for at the retailers, said his group remained SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. I-70 toll proposal stalls Pat Quinn announced a major re- tle lawsuits accusing them of pump. Hence, the basis for the firmly opposed to temperature- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A shorting consumers with “hot lawsuits and the term “hot fuel.” adjusted fuel and would continue construction project to add “much- controversial plan to turn part of fuel” — gasoline and diesel fuel Earlier last month, BP Products to fight it. The association has needed capacity to the Circle Inter- Missouri’s Interstate 70 into a toll sold without adjusting its volume North America, ConocoPhillips maintained that the switch won’t change in the heart of Chicago.” road has stalled in the Missouri for temperature. Co. and Shell Oil Products reached be worth it, weighing the cost of A traffic congestion list devel- Legislature. Attorneys for Wal-Mart and its hot-fuel settlements, although de- switching pumps against the scope oped by the American Transporta- The bill, Senate Bill 752, Sam’s Club subsidiary, along with tails were not disclosed. (See May of the problem. tion Research Institute and the would implement tolls though a Valero Energy Corp. and Casey’s 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) A Valero subsidiary already Federal Highway Administration public-private partnership to make General Stores Inc., told the U.S. Details of the Wal-Mart, Vale- sells temperature-adjusted fuel in identified the Circle Interchange as needed repairs on a 200-mile District Court in Kansas City, ro and Casey’s settlements also Canada, where it has been done one of the worst bottlenecks in the stretch of I-70 through the middle Kan., that each has reached an were not disclosed, but observers for decades. The oil industry em- nation. “enforceable settlement agree- say they could further advance the braced it in Canada since “cold of the state. According to the study, the Cir- ment” with the plaintiffs, accord- day when fuel pumps in the U.S. fuel” cost them money there. The Missouri Department of cle Interchange operates at well ing to chief judge, Kathryn Vratil. start adjusting for hot fuel. Those The volume of fuel is pegged Transportation says that converting Vratil still has to approve the three companies own all or some to a 60-degree standard, at which below ideal speeds for more than I-70 to a toll road would cost from settlements, but if she does they of their stores that sell fuel. the 231-cubic-inch American gal- 14 hours a day. More than 300,000 $2 billion to $4 billion. Senate Bill will apply to dozens of hot-fuel Judy Dugan, research director lon puts out a certain amount of vehicles use the interchange daily. 752 would authorize a private lawsuits filed across the country. for Consumer Watchdog, a Cali- energy. If the temperature of that Preliminary analysis by the Il- group to finance, rebuild and oper- The Kansas City Star, which fornia public interest group, said gasoline rises to 90 degrees, linois Department of Transporta- ate the highway — recovering its has been probing the hot fuel issue that selling fuel in a fair manner though, it expands to more than tion estimates that building addi- investment from the tolls. for a half-dozen years, estimates by adjusting it for temperature ap- 235 cubic inches — but a gallon tional lanes on some of the key The measure has stalled in the hot fuel costs consumers roughly peared to be nearer, at least in still gives the consumer 231 cubic ramps in the Circle Interchange Senate Transportation Committee, $3.5 billion annually. some locations. inches, which at the higher tem- will reduce congestion by as much apparently because of lack of Gasoline and diesel fuel ex- But Dan Gilligan, president of perature contains less energy. as 30 percent. support. 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Daimler Buses North America · c/o Setra of North America Inc. · 6012-B High Point Road · Greensboro, NC 27407 · www.setra-coaches.com 8 May 15, 2012 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Feds offer update on safety compliance initiative WASHINGTON — Top offi- Insurance Online Website (http:// side inspection violations declined to be assessed, SMS identifies a –FMCSA recently revised its cials of the Federal Motor Carrier li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/), which by 9 percent in the 12 months after proportionate number of small, DataQs user guide in conjunction Safety Administration participated allows users to confirm that a the SMS launch. medium, and large carriers for with the states and that guidance is in a Small Business Administra- motor carrier has active operating • Roadside inspections docu- CSA interventions. helping to improve DataQs tion Transportation Safety Round- authority and adequate insurance. menting violations of regulations • FMCSA does not formally further. table here to tout the Compliance, • CSA’s SMS has enough data “rate” drivers. –FMCSA publishes a monthly Safety, Accountability program’s to assess about 200,000 of the ‘CSA is improving –The Pre-Employment Screen- evaluation of the completeness, impact on safety. 525,000 active interstate motor ing Program (PSP), which is man- timeliness, accuracy, and consis- The session provided agency carriers in at least one Behavior safety performance.’ dated by Congress, provides pro- tency of state-reported data. officials with an opportunity to Analysis and Safety Improvement spective motor carriers with driver –FMCSA works closely with “correct rumors and myths.” Here Category (BASIC); these 200,000 related to the Unsafe Driving inspection, crash, and violation the Commercial Vehicle Safety Al- are key points made during the carriers are involved in more than BASIC are triggered by observed history upon driver release. liance to establish and implement session: 90 percent of all interstate com- driving behaviors and not by a car- –SMS has tools that enable en- policies for consistent and uniform • The Safety Measurement mercial motor vehicle crashes. rier’s percentile rank in the Unsafe forcement personnel to identify data collection at the roadside. System (SMS) assesses the rela- • The Unsafe Driving and Fa- Driving BASIC. and address driver safety perfor- –FMCSA is modifying road- tive safety of motor carriers, which tigued Driving (Hours-of-Service) • CSA provides motor carriers mance problems during a carrier side inspection software to align allows FMCSA “to efficiently and BASICs have strong relationships with opportunities to improve their investigation. with CVSA’s recommendations, effectively prioritize enforcement to future crash risk. An indepen- BASIC percentile ranks by dem- • FMCSA and its state part- again, in an effort to make data resources” on motor carrier safety dent evaluation by the University onstrating they have improved ners have made “great strides” in collection more consistent and issues. of Michigan’s Transportation Re- their roadside performance either improving roadside uniformity uniform. • SMS is one of three web- search Institute found that carriers through reduced crashes or clean and data quality over the past sev- A copy of the presentation that based systems where the public with either one of these two BA- inspections; in fact, over 1 million eral years. FMCSA gave at the SBA Trans- can find information about motor SICs above FMCSA’s intervention of 3.5 million roadside inspections –Since 2004, FMCSA and portation Safety Roundtable on carriers. thresholds had crash rates three conducted annually are inspec- state partners have logged more CSA is posted on the CSA Out- The other two are the Safety times greater than those without tions with no violations. than 27 million crash and inspec- reach Website. and Fitness Electronic Records BASICs exceeding FMCSA’s in- • CSA’s SMS identifies about tion reports. The website is the official re- System (www.safersys.org), which tervention thresholds. the same number of small carriers –Less than 0.5 percent of these source for information about CSA. provides registration data and safe- • CSA “is improving safety that SafeStat did. And, of the car- have received a Request for Data It can be found at http://csa.fmcsa. ty ratings, and the Licensing and performance.” FMCSA says road- rier population with sufficient data Review (RDR). dot.gov. Study: Returning soldiers involved in more auto crashes SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A members over a three-year period Not surprisingly, given the ex- that, since 2001, deployments for and even better supervision.” new study suggests that motor- ending in February 2010, when perience many soldiers had with reservists had averaged from 8 to USAA said it has shared its re- coach companies and others look- combat operations were still under improvised explosive devices and 14 months in duration. search with each military branch’s ing to hire veterans returning from way in both Iraq and Afghanistan. other roadside obstacles in combat There also was a correlation by safety center commanders. Iraq and Afghanistan as drivers In many cases, USAA found, zones, USAA found “objects in age (soldiers under 22 were in- USAA also shared the study need to proceed cautiously. soldiers took the driving style that the road” to be the most cited of volved in more wrecks than those with academics and traffic safety U.S. military personnel have kept them alive on the streets of the 13 accident causes it studied. over 29) and by rank (the more se- experts and has taken steps to 13 percent more car accidents in Baghdad and Kabul and applied it The insurer also found a direct nior a soldier the lower the number make USAA members aware of which they are at fault in the six to suburban roads at home. correlation between the number of of accidents). the behind-the-wheel risks for re- months after returning from over- The results were most dramat- deployments and the rate of acci- One motorcoach industry ex- turning troops. seas duty than in the six months ic for returning members of the dents — those deployed three or ecutive who examined the USAA The company had 8.8 million prior, a study by USAA reveals. Army and Marines, whose acci- more times had 36 percent more report said that while operators insured individuals as of the end USAA, a major insurer that dent rates rose 23 percent and 12.5 incidents, those deployed twice shouldn’t be dissuaded from hiring of 2011. specializes in insuring members of percent, respectively. had 27 percent more and those de- a qualified veteran, the report sug- The USAA survey adds to the the armed forces and their fami- (Rates were up 3 percent for ployed only once had 12 percent gests that anyone hiring veterans growing body of data on the psy- lies, based its study on 171,000 the Navy and 2 percent for the Air more accidents. as drivers should make sure those chological and physical effects of deployments by 158,000 of its Force.) A 2009 military study found individuals receive “good training deployment to war zones.

ISSUE NO. 215 Marcia Milton How to contact us First Priority Trailways District Heights, Md. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen Gladys Gillis Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Starline Luxury Coaches Ready Bus Lines Sacramento, Calif. Seattle Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Callen Hatard Brian Scott Annett Bus Lines Calco Travel To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Geismar, La. Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Industry Editor: Ken Presley David Brown Larry Hundt Dan Shoup subscription: E-mail: [email protected] Holiday Tours Great Canadian Trailways Cardinal Buses Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Randlemann, N.C. Kitchner, Ontario E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dennis Strief Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson Brown Coach Paradise Trailways ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Thomas Foley Joan Libby T. Ralph Young ©2012 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News NEWS ANALYSIS May 15, 2012 9 Will new Atlantic City megaresort be a game changer? ATLANTIC CITY — It’s not restaurants. miles (no deep meaning; it’s art). eant moved out. Still-seedy areas for those who arrive here in motor- Revel’s roster of celebrity-chef near the Boardwalk, with pawn ‘Little expense seems coaches, but Atlantic City boosters eateries ranges from a steakhouse High hopes, we have… shops, panhandlers and boarded- hope the new $2.4 billion Revel from Iron Chef America winner What’s the feeling in Atlantic up buildings, are a turn-off. to have been spared. will help turn around the image of Marc Forgione, to a budget replica City? Revel is redoing Connecticut this gaming Mecca, making it of a taco truck run by another Iron That “a rising tide lifts all Avenue so guests can cruise up Polished and un- more attractive as a destination for Chef, Jose Garces. boats,” says Jeff Vasser, executive without negotiating mean streets. polished marble all gamblers. Pool food is from Michel Rich- director of the Atlantic City Con- Part of a new tourist district To say the Revel megaresort is ard, who has two other eateries at vention & Visitors Authority. master plan — initiated by New abounds.’ unlike anything ever seen in Atlan- Revel and a restaurant at Caesars Revel “is going to be a boat-rais- Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — is to tic City is no exaggeration. Palace in Las Vegas. Revel’s main er,” he says. clean up neighborhoods, put in the popular Borgata Hotel Casino The ultra-contemporary, curvy InOut Pool starts indoors and me- The city has seen its fortunes parks, shops and more. & Spa — with more rooms and glass-and-steel oceanfront complex anders outside; swimmers pass fade as legalized gaming in neigh- Other resorts also are stepping gaming space — is undergoing a — the most costly resort built here through see-through automatic boring states has siphoned busi- up their games. $50 million renovation, including — aims to rise above the competi- doors. ness and the Miss America pag- Revel’s closest competition, 1,566 of its rooms. tion and attract a more upscale cli- Revel is coming to life after fi- entele to Atlantic City, a gaming nancing fits and starts. First, Mor- and entertainment destination that gan Stanley was involved. It with- is undergoing a much-needed face drew after the crash of 2008 and lift in a bid for survival. wrote off more than $1 billion as a Revel began opening last loss to Revel’s benefit. month at the southern end of the Boardwalk, with 500 of its even- Lots of opulence tual total of 1,898 rooms. When Little expense seems to have complete, it will occupy 6.3 mil- been spared. Polished and unpol- lion square feet of space. ished marble from Italy and China The 47-story edifice boasts abounds. Arty mobiles of paper- guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling thin, gold-colored rectangles dan- windows that give everyone a cov- gle from an atrium entrance; rooms eted water view. There’s a plush have brown leather desk chairs. casino with burlesque stage and Guestrooms reportedly are as electronic table-game pit, plus a chic as any in Las Vegas, incorpo- party pool run by a Las Vegas en- rating a neutral gray and tan color tertainment group. scheme, fabric headboards with Revel hopes to attract those embroidered bronze-colored drap- who may not have considered va- ings and 46-inch flat-screen TVs cationing or holding meetings in in standard rooms. Handheld tab- Atlantic City. let devices allow guests to control Grand opening is Memorial temperature, order spa treatments Day weekend, when all restaurants and room service. Introductory and shops are due to be up and rates start at $239 and will rise to running. A 300-room boutique the $300 range after the grand hotel within Revel is planned next opening. year. Unlike other high-end resorts, not a jetted bathtub is in sight. Ac- Expanding the market cording to executives, today’s There are 47 million adults germ-conscious consumers think within a six-hour drive of Atlantic bacteria gets trapped in the jets. City. The owners of Revel want to Suites do have deep soaking tubs. draw people who’ve never been to The 130,000-square-foot casi- Atlantic City; people who crave “a no has a “digipit” gaming area weekend of luxury” at the beach. where players use electronic Revel, whose name signifies “chips” to play against dealers enjoying oneself in the company who flip “cards” using buttons. of others, aims to please resort The pit is equipped with four customers by ignoring casino- poles, where dancers will world customs. It’s the only smoke- entertain. free casino resort in Atlantic City. Revel aims to be “theatrical.” It There will be one smoking area wants to give adults the same ex- outside a nightclub. perience children have when they And, unlike virtually all other go to a Chuck E. Cheese, with its casinos, visitors won’t have walk video games and birthday-party through the gaming area to get to vibe. their rooms, and Revel plans no Revel includes a 5,500-seat bus programs for day trippers. arena, where big stars will be Neither will there be a buffet to booked. feed gamers fast and reward them As opening nears, Revel is with free or discounted feasts. raising something of a ruckus. The Revel says it’s less interested in curious gawk at the tower with no advert-artwork-8.17-10.5-clear-embed.indd 1 24/06/2010 14:36:19 doling out comped visits to gamers name on it, just a 90,000-pound than attracting those interested in orb on top that has 250,000 pro- the spa, shopping, night spotsadvert-artwork-8.17-10.5-clear-embed.indd and grammable lights and is1 visible for 24/06/2010 14:36:19

advert-artwork-8.17-10.5-clear-embed.indd 1 24/06/2010 14:36:19 10 May 15, 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Village Tours of Wichita acquires Time Lines in OKC OKLAHOMA CITY — Vil- Edmond, Okla., a suburb of Okla- its second in as many years. Last lage Tours and Travel of Wichita, homa City, and Kirkpatrick Oil year, it purchased Salina Charter Kan., has boosted its presence here Co., a private exploration and drill- Coaches, a three-coach company with the acquisition of the city’s ing company headquartered in the in Salina, Kan., which is 90 miles second-largest motorcoach com- city. north of Wichita. Arensdorf said pany, Time Lines. O’Brien, a former sales execu- he heard the owner of that compa- The purchase not only dramati- tive with MCI, started and man- ny was retiring and he contacted cally expands Village Tours’ exist- aged Time Lines for Keesee. him about a possible sale. ing operation here but it likely will The sale included Time Lines’ “I don’t anticipate any further heighten charter-and-tour compe- administrative offices and mainte- expansions at this time,” he noted. tition throughout the state. nance facilities, as well as its fleet Village Tours has been operat- Currently, Oklahoma City- of 19 coaches, which have been ing since 1980, when it began run- based Red Carpet Charters is the added to the 30 coaches Village ning a one-bus charter service in state’s largest operator with more Tours had before the acquisition Wichita during the summer months than 50 coaches. and which it has been using for its and an airport shuttle for snow ski- “They are a very good compet- operations in both Kansas and ers in Denver during the winter itor,” Village Tours’ co-owner Jeff Oklahoma. Both companies’ fleets season. Arensdorf says of Red Carpet. Vil- are predominately Prevost coaches. It opened an Oklahoma City lage has had a presence in Okla- Arensdorf said the Time Lines sales office and terminal in 1989 homa City for 23 years. name has gone away and its buses and then replaced it with a new Arensdorf said that while he gradually will be repainted with building and service garage in was not looking to expand the Village Tours’ colors and logos. 2007. business, he became interested Also, he said the company is de- The Arensdorfs acquired the when he learned Time Lines’ pres- veloping plans to expand its facili- company in 2000. ident and CEO, Bob O’Brien, was ties in Oklahoma City and will In 2005, Village celebrated its Partnership gets passengers planning to retire and the business shutter the Time Lines’ office and 25th year with a 13-coach tour to was looking for someone to run garage once construction is Branson, Mo., and St. Louis that from Ann Arbor to airport the company. completed. drew more than 550 people. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ann AirRide is providing 12 trips “I figured it was a good fit for “We have the land and only With Keesee’s backing, Arbor residents and visitors have a daily from the downtown Ann us, so I asked if they would be inter- need to expand the facility,” said O’Brien started Time Lines 10 new, seven-days-a-week shuttle Arbor Blake Transit Center and a ested in selling and we were able to Arensdorf, who owns Village years ago. The company posi- bus service to get to Detroit Met- local hotel. The University of work it out,” said Arensdorf. Tours with his father, Norman. tioned itself as an upscale operator ropolitan Wayne County Airport. Michigan’s Central Campus Tran- Times Lines was principally Village Tours’ offices in west with black-liveried coaches AirRide is a public-private part- sit Center has four pick-ups daily. owned by Christian Keesee, who is Wichita also are being expanded. equipped with galleys, power ports nership between the Ann Arbor The buses used for the shuttle chairman of Kirkpatrick Bank in The acquisition by Village Tours is and plush seating. Transportation Authority, the Uni- are outfitted with comfortable, versity of Michigan, Ann Arbor’s spacious seats and have Wi-Fi ser- Downtown Development Authori- vice, said Gordon McKay, presi- Canadians are flocking to U.S. in record numbers ty, the local convention bureau, and dent of Indian Trails. The United States welcomed a tors have been seeing an increase The changes are designed to Michigan Flyer, a unit of Indian McKay said “frequency is the record number of Canadian travel- in trips to the U.S. harmonize levels with those of the Trails Inc., a private motorcoach key” to getting people to abandon ers in 2011, receiving 21 million “The relative parity of the Ca- United States. operator based in Owosso, Mich. their cars for the shuttle. overnight visits, with Canadian nadian and U.S. dollars, the over- The higher limit on duties is Michigan Flyer is operating The total cost of the new ser- motorcoach operators participat- all better economy, and renewed expected to cost the Canadian AirRide. vice is expected to be $1.2 million, ing in the bonanza. interest in travel and tourism by government $13 million during It’s a roughly 27-mile trip from with state operating assistance, U.S. Department of Com- people after years of restraint be- the current fiscal year and $17 Ann Arbor to Detroit Metro air- passenger fares and private con- merce data shows that more than cause of job uncertainty are all million in fiscal 2013-14. port. Tickets cost $12 each way, tractor contributions expected to one third of the record 62 million contributing to increased Canada- The number of Canadians vis- with walk-on commuters paying bring the direct annual subsidy foreign visits to the U.S. last year U.S. travel,” Switzer told Bus & iting the U.S. in January increased $15. Seniors with advanced reser- from the Ann Arbor Transportation originated from north of the bor- Motorcoach News. 8.7 percent, compared to the same vations pay $6. Authority to $303,400. der, reaffirming Canada’s position “Hopefully, with recent chang- month last year. A $10 introductory price is Reservations on the shuttle are being offered through July 30. offered at www.MyAirRide.com. as the biggest source market for es like the increase in the duty- The new travel data comes just American tourism ahead of Mexi- free allowance for Canadians weeks after a survey found that co (13.4 million visits) and Great coming back from the U.S., which Americans’ sentiment toward Ca- Teens still texting, driving Britain (3.8 million). was just announced, and with im- nadians is at an all time high. Despite all of the publicity and text and drive, someday you will Taking advantage of the strong proved efficiency and reliability in Ninety-six percent of respon- campaigning against distracted get into an accident.” loonie last year, Canadian travel- the process for crossing the bor- dents in the annual Gallup poll driving, especially among younger Harris Interactive surveyed ers also generated an unprecedent- der, we’ll see even more growth said they held ‘very favorable’ or drivers, a survey from State Farm 652 teens, ages 14 to 17, to exam- ed $24 billion in tourism spending over the next couple of years,” ‘mostly favorable’ views of Cana- Insurance indicates that many ine their driving attitudes and in the U.S., up 15 percent from the Switzer added. dians, the highest rating measured teens might still be ignoring the behaviors. year before. On June 1, travelers returning for any country since the question message. The distracted driving message And with a new trade agree- to Canada from the U.S. after 24 was first posed 25 years ago. The survey, conducted for apparently isn’t sinking in for some. ment expediting the cross-border hours away will be able to bring in Canadians also made more State Farm by Harris Interactive, “Unfortunately, it has not in process between the two nations, $200 worth of goods free of duty overnight trips to Mexico in 2011 finds that just 43 percent of drivers terms of the teens who say they’re visitor numbers to the U.S. from or taxes, a substantial increase than in any other year. ages 16 and 17 say they have never texting while driving,” says Chris Canada are expected to rise even from the current $50. According to statistics provid- texted while driving — the same Mullen, State Farm’s director of more. Travelers gone more than 48 ed by the Mexican Embassy in Ot- percentage as two years ago. technology research. Doug Switzer, president and hours will be allowed $800 in duty- tawa, 1.5 million visits were made Yet, 76 percent of teens ages The survey does show some chief executive of Motor Coach free goods. That’s double the cur- to Mexico by Canadians in 2011, 14-17 agree that “if you regularly progress: Fewer teen drivers say Canada and the Ontario Motor rent $400 allowance. There will no reflecting an increase of 7 percent text and drive, someday you will they “very often” text while driv- be killed while driving,” and 93 ing, and more say they do it “rare- Coach Association, confirmed longer be any specified seven-day over 2010 and 29 percent over percent agree that “if you regularly ly” than in the 2010 survey. that Canadian motorcoach opera- limit on duty-free purchases. 2009. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS May 15, 2012 11 Fullington Bus runs out of Fullingtons, Berzas steps in CLEARFIELD, Pa. — For the when the family sold 51 percent of first time in its 104-year history, the business to Ratp Dev, the U.S. Fullington Auto Bus Co./Fulling- subsidiary of the French bus, tram ton Trailways has someone other and rail company, RATP. than a family member at the helm. Although the family retained Jonathan T. Berzas, a long-time the top management positions after transportation executive who joined the sale, Mrs. Weisman hinted that the company as chief executive a no family heir appeared interested year ago, has been given the addi- in taking over the business. tional title of president, succeeding Two years later, Mrs. Weisman Aerial Fullington Weisman, who brought Berzas into the company, served in the position until her hiring him as chief executive after death earlier this year (see February putting him through a grueling in- Bus & Motorcoach News). terview that lasted more than four His appointment by the com- hours. pany board marks the first time the “It was a great opportunity for top executive is someone other me,” said Berzas, a former execu- than a Fullington family member. tive with American Airlines and The company has been Full- Greyhound Lines and former ington run since 1908, when it was owner of his own motorcoach and founded by Mrs. Weisman’s great- tour businesses. grandfather, Emerson. Her par- He said he was told the hiring ents, J. Richard and Tillie Fulling- decision not only was based on his ton, took over the business in 1956, extensive experience but his views New Fullington Trailways President Jonathan Berzas has experience at American Airlines, Greyhound and running his own motorcoach company. and she rejoined the company her- on retaining a family culture of not only support a family culture and marriage — remain on the of intercity coach services. self in 2003, following a career in providing outstanding service and but provide the company with a suc- management team. The company has a broad reach medicine, including years as a spe- treating employees properly. cessful corporate culture as well. Michael J. Fullington, the broth- in the industry, with both charter cialty nurse. “I was able to work with Aerial “We have the best of both er of Mrs. Weisman, is chief operat- and line-run operations utilizing 56 Early signs a younger Fulling- for seven or eight months and worlds,” he said. ing officer, and his wife, A. Lory, is motorcoaches; school transportation ton might not continue the string learned from her the perspective of Although a Fullington no lon- vice president of the tour division. for four districts with 140 buses; of family members being at the the family culture,” he noted. ger is the company’s top executive, Also, Mrs. Weisman’s widower, limousine service with 10 vehicles, helm surfaced three years ago, Bertzas said the French owners family members — by both blood Milton Weisman, is vice president and tour and travel services.

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www.amaya-astron.com.mx 12 May 15, 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News MCI-Daimler As federal stimulus money ‘We look forward began drying up in 2010 and dis- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 appeared last year, and municipal zero development cost. to welcoming the and state governments cut funding, Were that not enough, senior transit bus orders dropped off the MCI management sees the ar- Setra brand to table. And what orders there were rangement with Daimler as being a saw sometimes cutthroat bidding. huge strategic plus. Daimler ultimately concluded “The proposed transaction the MCI lineage that expectations for the transit bus would allow MCI to expand its business in North America were luxury motor coach offerings in of best-selling “low” and “likely to remain de- the North America marketplace, pressed over the next several years. while establishing a strategic part- models.’ MCI’s coach line includes a wide variety of models “As a consequence, Daimler nership with one of the world’s has decided to exit the transit bus leading manufacturers of buses business in North America and to and motorcoaches,” said MCI ‘This planned partner- wind down production of Orion CEO Rick Heller. buses in the U.S. and Canada.” “If consummated, we would in- ship will… strengthen tend to fully leverage the capabili- Phase out of Orion ties of MCI’s marketing and distri- Setra’s presence in Following the fulfillment of bution networks on behalf of the North America.’ current production commitments world-renowned Setra brand. over the next year, the Orion plant “We expect the partnership strengthening Setra’s presence in in Mississauga will be closed, would also allow MCI access to North America.” while the facility in Oriskany will Daimler’s world-class engineering Major customers of Setra re- continue operations related to and manufacturing capabilities,” portedly are being told by top ex- parts and field service only. added Heller. ecutives of both Setra and MCI “Daimler clearly stands behind But while MCI and Daimler that the “transition will be so all current customer commitments will be consolidating Setra sales, seamless as to be unnoticed.” and warranties, and will therefore service and parts into MCI “to real- Not included in the deal is an continue to support all Orion cus- ize efficiencies and other benefits,” arrangement for MCI to sell Mer- tomers’ warranty and service MCI said it is the “strategic intent of The flagship Setra model is the luxury S 417 Top Class cedes-Benz Sprinters, which have agreements through its extensive the proposed transaction to main- become a popular small shuttle network of parts and field service tain the integrity of the MCI and torcoach industry but have fallen Daimler Buses. with many motorcoach operators. representatives in the United States Setra brands, parts and services.” short despite the seeming benefits “Under a Setra-MCI partner- Daimler Buses North America and Canada,” the company said. Explained an MCI spokeswom- of German engineering, European ship, customers will continue to marketed Sprinters to motorcoach “Daimler Buses considered all an: “Setra customers should expect styling, recognized expertise, and enjoy the same state-of-the-art operators. possible options for reconfiguring to see improvements to the level of lots of resources. technology, quality German engi- Sales of Sprinters now will be our transit bus operations in North service the combined organization In the mid-1970s, Mercedes neering, and best total cost of own- handled by Mercedes-Benz dealers. America, but at the end of the day, will be able to offer. The proposed coaches and small buses were in- ership in the market. Orion is facing a situation where transaction will enhance Setra’s dis- troduced in the U.S., but before the “A strategic relationship with Strategic reassessment the cost position is not competi- tribution and service networks in decade was out they were gone. MCI will carry forward Setra’s The announcement of the MCI- tive, the local market is in a contin- the U.S. and Canada.” Then, in the mid-1980s, Setras proud tradition in North America, Daimler partnership came barely ued slump, and growth opportuni- As part of the deal, Daimler is were introduced but with modest and also take it to the next level — six weeks after Daimler Buses ties are not available from selling acquiring a minority interest in success. Even the pace-setting and through increased local presence completed a comprehensive re- the product overseas,” said Schick. MCI — widely reported to be 10 stylish Setra S 417, introduced and enhanced customer services evaluation of its worldwide busi- “Discontinuing production of percent ownership, while MCI is with great fanfare about 10 years for Setra.” ness, called GLOBE 2013, where it Orion buses was a very difficult getting distributorship of Setra ago, failed to catch on in great But, is that enough? Specula- concluded it had to “reconfigure” decision for us to make, but to se- S 417 and S 407 coaches. numbers. tion continues to swirl throughout its bus business in North America. cure our leadership position we “MCI is excited by the pros- In the National Bus Trader the industry regarding the true na- But North America is not the must always strive to invest re- pects of partnering with Daimler magazine annual “hit parade” of ture and intent of Daimler’s long- only challenge facing Daimler. Its sources efficiently in support of and the long-term stability we ex- popular coach models, Setra typi- term strategy vis-à-vis the U.S. important Western European seg- our global strategy for growth. As pect Daimler’s ownership position cally has finished near or at the market and its relationship with ment remains in a major slump be- part of our lasting commitment to to provide,” said Heller. bottom of the list. MCI. cause of the financial and debt cri- all existing Orion customers, we Added Patricia Ziska, MCI But Daimler is not the only Eu- In its announcement of the sis. Elsewhere, particularly in will make sure a robust parts and vice president of new coach pri- ropean bus builder that has found partnership, Daimler said the tran- Latin America, business is boom- service infrastructure continues to vate sector sales: “We look for- the North American motorcoach sition of sales, service, parts distri- ing. And the company sees big op- provide a high level of service and ward to welcoming the Setra brand market a tough sell. Bus grave- bution, and other customer service portunities in India and China. support,” Schick added. to the MCI lineage of best-selling yards are littered with the hopes aspects would take place over a Still, despite its size and world Daimler intends to provide sep- models. Our dedication at exceed- and dreams of such manufacturers “period of several months” follow- presence, Daimler Buses is the aration benefits to all eligible em- ing customer expectations with the as Neoplan, Tam, MAN, LAG, Iri- ing the execution of definitive least profitable division of Daim- ployees affected by the changes at strongest, most reliable service zar, Dina and others. agreements and the closing of the ler AG. Last year, its return on Setra and Orion, including to those and support infrastructure in the transaction. sales fell to 3.7 percent, down a employees for whom such benefits industry will apply to Setra cus- Down the road with MCI Meanwhile, says Daimler, MCI full percentage point from 2010. are not otherwise required by law. tomers who would benefit from Now, Daimler is pinning its will be evaluating operations re- The company goal for 2013 is 6 About 200 Orion employees this new venture.” hopes for sustaining a presence in lated to Setra in North America percent. To achieve that, however, reportedly are having their jobs All MCI has to do now is sell North America on the partnership and, where appropriate, “integrate things had to change and that eliminated, plus another 200 al- Setra coaches at a profit, and help with MCI. such operations with existing MCI meant rethinking Setra and jetti- ready on layoff. customers keep them running. “We’re excited at the prospect facilities which will permit MCI soning Orion Bus Industries. Daimler has cut several thou- of this partnership with MCI, and Daimler Buses to realize sig- Orion is the smallest of the five sand manufacturing jobs in Cana- Daimler’s long struggle which is a leading manufacturer of nificant operating synergies. largest transit bus makers in North da since the turn of the century. It Off and on for more than 35 coaches in North America with “This planned partnership will America and is suffering — with closed truck plants in Kelowna, years, Mercedes-Benz/Daimler/ top-flight distribution and service allow Daimler Buses to better others — from a double-digit fall- British Columbia and St. Thomas, Setra have tried to become major networks in the U.S. and Canada,” serve its customers through a off in orders from public transit Ontario, and a school bus plant in players in the North American mo- said Hartmut Schick, head of broader service network, while agencies. Woodstock, Ontario. 13Bus & MayMotorcoach 15, 2012 News OPINION OPINION/ NEWS ANALYSIS Bus May& Motorcoach 15, 2012 News13 New engines, idling laws make A/C upkeep more critical By Dave Millhouser “regen” in some modern coaches. differently and needs to be operat- time might soothe both the passen- don’t expand A coach that cools quickly is a ed accordingly. gers and the HVAC. t h e “ O z o n e I couldn’t get out of bed. Every good thing. Generally, transit buses have a The sunny side will always be Hole” are less time I sat up, dizziness over- Some do better than others, but single on/off HVAC switch, oper- warmer than the “dark side,” so efficient, exac- whelmed me and I flopped back the one common characteristic is ating only in an automatic mode. drivers should make passengers erbating the down. that a well-maintained HVAC Most motorcoaches offer automat- aware of window shades — if the problem. My wife figured it out…dehy- cools faster than a neglected one. ic and manual modes, with auto- coach has them. Weaving is NOT In an era of dration caused by an overzealous You know the drill…filters, matic usually being the best set- an acceptable method of making instant gratifi- bus demonstration the day before. motors, belts and Freon checked. ting. In certain circumstances a temperatures even. cation, we want Dave Millhouser The customer had called to say Clean condensers, ducts and re- skilled driver may make the unit Parking a waiting coach in the to do the best he’d be late and, crafty rascal that I turn-air fixtures can significantly perform better. shade is an obvious idea, and pop- we can to make sure our customers am, it seemed like a good idea to let increase efficiency. A couple of other things could ping windows and hatches can don’t have to board a bus where the demonstrator bake in the sun. Another biggy is driver be discussed with drivers, in addi- vent some heat. Drivers will want the interior is so hot their spandex When the customer arrived I training. tion to teaching them how the sys- to be sure to secure the windows shrinks (or sticks to the seat cov- could show him one of these It’s important for drivers to un- tem functions. Opening vents or before moving the bus. ers). We old folks wilt easily. coaches’ best features — its ability derstand why idling needs to be windows is never a good idea (un- Once again, I’ve been your Since running the A/C far in to cool down quickly. limited, and how the HVAC works less the HVAC has truly kicked the test dummy on this, and apologize advance of boarding is not an op- The idea was good but the con- on the model of coach they’re driv- bucket). These systems love to re- to whoever found the side glass tion, it has become increasingly sequences weren’t. I got baked, ing. Each bus model has unique circulate air; each time they cool it that popped out of my bus on In- important that the HVAC be at too. characteristics that, if understood, a bit more. Adding outside air is terstate 5. peak operating efficiency; same So, remember the announcer can make them more efficient. rarely helpful. It’s hard to come up with any- for the charging system. Well- man: Don’t try this at home. Leave For example, at least one coach When addressing passenger thing new on this topic. That’s be- trained drivers can get the best per- me to do the stupid stuff and report has an HVAC system with a “super- complaints about cabin tempera- cause it’s so important that almost formance out of the coach. the results so you don’t hurt your- duper” blower speed that only ture, drivers should make tiny ad- everything that can be said has In case you’re wondering, de- self. Think “test dummy.” works when it’s first switched on. justments to the temperature con- been said. hydration will NOT get you out of Still, the idea wasn’t entirely Messing with the manual settings trol. Modern systems are powerful, What has changed a bit is the mowing the lawn at my house. without merit. turns the speed down for the rest of and too much finagling can lead to urgency. Susan pumped me full of Gato- We live in times when idling the day. the dreaded “sine curve,” where a The combination of 2010 and rade, smacked me on the rump and the engine to cool down a coach is There are a variety of ways to cranky HVAC system takes re- newer engines and their quirks, aimed me towards the mower. verboten. That’s German for “no- finagle the inside/outside air mix, venge by becoming alternately too along with a growing number of Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- no.” In addition to laws limiting and there can be adverse interac- hot, then too cold, staying JUST anti-idling ordinances, have made try marketing consultant and free- how long it’s allowed, idling wastes tion between the driver’s A/C and ahead of the unwary driver inputs. HVAC maintenance more critical lance writer. Contact him by email fuel and invites the dreaded the cabin unit. Each model works A fake adjustment from time to than ever. The refrigerants that at: [email protected].

It’s Not Just our Name It’s What We Do

ABC nEW FLyEr BCI novA Featuring DInA orIon The Industry’s Deepest Inventory GILLIG prEvost Quick Delivery & Shipping GLAvAL sEtrA Great Pricing, Exceptional Service IrIzAr stALLIon MCI tEMsA Warehouse Locations nABI vAn HooL Oregon, Indiana, Florida & Arizona nEopLAn voLvo (800) 714-7171 (541) 684-7868 www.CoachGlass.com [email protected] 14 May 15, 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News New: Wabco tire monitor system Growing tire rubber in Arizona CHARLESTON, S.C. — Wabco has in- of the majority of tire failures. TOKYO ­— With demand for tires ex- vested from hevea trees. troduced an integrated vehicle tire pressure “Wabco’s new and improved technology pected to increase, Bridgestone Corp. has Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations is monitoring system that provides drivers for tire pressure monitoring is the industry’s announced plans for an extensive research seeking land to establish a pilot farm and with real-time tire pressure information. only tire information system of its kind for project in the United States designed to de- construct a rubber process research center in By using integrated vehicle tire pressure buses, trucks and trailers,” said Nikhil Varty, velop guayule as a commercially viable and the southwestern U.S. monitoring, Wabco says customers can Wabco vice president, Americas. renewable source of high-quality natural The facility is expected to be fully oper- maintain tire inflation at an optimum level “Our unique (integrated vehicle tire rubber. ational in two years, with trial rubber pro- that can reduce fuel consumption up to 2 pressure monitoring) system enables vehicle Rubber from guayule (pronounced why- duction starting in 2015. percent and increase the lifetime of tires up manufacturers and fleets to benefit from u-lee), a perennial shrub, would be an alter- “This is such an exciting and innovative to 20 percent. Wabco’s newest advancements in vehicle native to the hevea tree, which currently is project. It will not only help our companies Additionally, the integrated vehicle tire safety and efficiency.” the primary source for tire rubber. meet the strong, anticipated growth in de- pressure monitoring system improves vehi- The system uses external wheel-mounted Guayule plants are native to the south- mand for natural rubber, but also constitutes cle safety as correct tire inflation enables sensors to constantly measure tire pressure western U.S. and northern Mexico. a potential breakthrough for the rubber in- better road handling and shorter braking dis- and wirelessly transmit information to an Natural rubber can be taken from gua- dustry,” said Bill Niaura, director of new tance, said Wabco. It also detects slow leaks, electronic control unit. The ECU alerts the yule bark and roots. The guayule rubber has business development for Bridgestone which contribute to heat build-up, the cause driver to tire pressure changes. almost identical qualities to the rubber har- Americas Inc. Coach America However, it retains major op- Coach sales coach sales. ter of 2011. erations in such places as Califor- The apparent shift may be due The market share of imported CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 nia, Arizona, Texas, the southeast- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in part to the federal government’s coaches in this year’s first quarter America — El Expresso and a tran- ern U.S., Middle Atlantic states, Volvo 9700 sold by Prevost. bonus depreciation program of re- was 25.2 percent, compared with sit contract in California — were and the Midwest. While coach sales have trended cent years that offers tax incen- 24.5 percent a year ago. sold separately at the auction. It also has a new contract with upward during the past 15 months, tives for adding new equipment Plachno pointed out that while An unidentified motorcoach Stagecoach Group/Coach USA/ they have yet to reach levels that before year end. That may have both numbers and market share are company was the high bidder for megabus.com to handle megabus’ were commonplace during the prompted some operators to buy up over the same period in 2011, El Expresso, a Coach America expansion into Texas and years 2001-09. During that nine- during the third and fourth quar- they are down modestly from re- subsidiary based in Houston that Louisiana. year stretch, first-quarter sales av- ters instead of during the first cent quarters. For example, the im- has a national charter division and Still, it seems likely the banks eraged 479 new coaches. quarter. port market share was 31.9 percent operates regular-route service to that own Coach America will con- The first-quarter gains this The top selling coaches during in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 25 U.S. cities in nine states. tinue to try to sell selected opera- year came via a variety of sources, the first quarter of this year were 27.3 percent in the third quarter. El Expresso also provides line tions or the entire company. Several including increased public sector the MCI J4500, followed by the New coach sales in Canada, service to four cities in Mexico and competing motorcoach companies orders, higher private sector sales Prevost H3-45, Prevost X3-45, traditionally around a 10 percent has agreements with Mexican mo- have expressed interest in some of lead by a trio of manufacturers, MCI D4500, and the Van Hool share of the North American mar- torcoach companies for interline Coach America’s operations. and an exceedingly rare phenome- T2145. The MCI D4000 and ket, came in at 17.8 percent during service to other cities in Mexico. Meantime, it was not known if non in recent years — an increase Temsa TS-35 tied for 6th, followed the first quarter of this year, which MV Transportation of Fair- the list of creditors that success- in conversion coach sales. by the Van Hool C2045. equaled 62 coaches. field, Calif., which calls itself the fully bid for the company includes The biggest public sector deliv- During the first quarter of The Canadian market share has largest American-owned passen- all or only some of the first-lien eries during the quarter involved 2011, the most-popular coach was fluctuated widely in recent quar- ger transportation contractor, pro- creditors. the last of 90 Prevost X3-45 coach- the MCI J4500, followed by the ters, falling below 5 percent in the viding paratransit, fixed-route, In its initial court filing in Jan- es for New York MTA, and con- MCI D4500, Prevost H3-45 and third and fourth quarters of 2010 shuttle and commuter bus transit uary, Coach America said it owed tinuing deliveries of 40-foot, MCI D4505. The Van Hool C2045 but climbing to 17 percent or high- services, was the successful bidder $318.7 million in first-lien loans CNG-powered MCI Commuter and Temsa TS-35 tied for 5th, fol- er in the first three quarters of 2011. lowed by the Prevost X3-45, and A few larger orders can play for a five-year transit service con- to 24 financial institutions, $30.5 Coaches to Los Angeles DOT. Twenty conversion shells were Van Hool T2145. havoc with the Canadian numbers tract that Coach America signed in million in second-lien loans fi- sold during the first quarter of this The three best selling seated and frequently do. January with the Los Angeles De- nanced by 7 lenders, $39.5 million year compared to 12 in the first models represented a market share Auto stick shift transmissions partment of Transportation. in secured motorcoach and equip- quarter of last year. of 35.8 percent during this year’s — the Volvo I-Shift and ZF AS- The $64.5 million contract is ment loans, and about $15 million However, the big sales surprise first quarter. That is down from Tronic — were installed in 36 for the management of 27 neigh- in unsecured vendor bills. for the first-quarter of 2012, noted 39.3 percent in the fourth quarter coaches, representing just over A group of senior lenders also borhood circular bus routes and by National Bus Trader Editor of 2011 and down even more from 10.3 percent of the total during the put up $30 million in debtor-in- seven daily commuter routes in Larry Plachno, was that only three numbers ranging from 45.5 to 49.7 first quarter. That means Allison Southern California’s San Fernan- possession financing that was to manufacturers accounted for most percent in the past year. captured nearly 90 percent of the do Valley. help the company continue operat- of the increased sales for the Plachno says this means buyers market for the quarter. MV already manages similar ing while in bankruptcy court. period. are increasingly spreading their In a sidebar contained in his services in two other areas of Los Among the first-position lend- Sales gains were registered by purchases over more models, a latest sales report, Plachno sug- Angeles. ers are JPMorgan Special Credits Temsa, Van Hool and Prevost. practice he noted that is common- gested that for genuine prosperity The pending sale of the holding Group, Wells Fargo, Bank of Amer- Temsa sold 28 of its 35-foot coach- place among European operators to return, the U.S. needs “to reduce company and its remaining subsid- ica, Citigroup Alternative Invest- es during the period. that have more diversified and spending and reduce taxation in iaries to the creditors means the ments, Prudential Investment Man- Plachno also noted that during specialized fleets. order to encourage the jobs and streamlined Coach America will agement and The Goldman Sachs the past three years, the first quar- There were 88 imported coach- business needed to improve our continue operating under the direc- Group. ter has seen the lowest quarterly es — Van Hools, Setras and Tem- economy.” tion of Laura Hendricks, a former Some of the financial institu- sales totals of the year. From 2001 sas — sold in during the first quar- For more information, contact senior vice president who two tions that hold first-position loans to 2008, the third quarter was typi- ter of 2012, up from 69 imported Plachno by email at lplachno@ months ago was named to replace also have second-lien loans. cally the slowest period for new- coaches delivered in the first quar- busmag.com. ousted chief executive George Coach America, which was Maney. purchased in 2007 by the New Expo registration more,” said Masterson. CEO Victor Parra. Roughly since the first of the York investment firm of Fenway “And, for one week, they can “We have been getting a lot of year, Coach America has closed Partners, turned to the bankruptcy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 sign up to get it for $100 less.” questions about the show so we subsidiary tour-and-charter opera- court after failing to get its inves- see and meet with destinations, at- For more information or to have decided to open up registra- tions in Las Vegas, San Diego and tors to redo terms of its debt load. tractions, hotels and restaurants. register, go to www.motorcoach- tion earlier so you can make your Dallas, as well as a cruise industry For court documents and other “All this means that — at Trav- expo.com. travel plans in advance. Travel Ex- shuttle service in Florida. information about the bankruptcy el Exchange — UMA members “The 2013 UMA Motorcoach change is the one show for the Now, as a result of the auction, proceedings, go to: www.bmc will have all the value they’ve re- Expo at Travel Exchange is shap- group travel industry with every- it is giving up El Expresso and the group.com/restructuring/site ceived from UMA Motorcoach ing up to be something extremely thing you love about Expo and Los Angeles transit contract. disclaimer.aspx. Expo in the past, plus so much exciting,” said UMA President and more.” Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS May 15, 2012 15 Pensacola lighthouse, shore cleaned up by Tourism Cares PENSACOLA, Fla. – Tourism square feet of flower beds Cares has issued a report card on • Cleared brush from an area its volunteer clean-up efforts at covering 2,400 square feet two tourism sites here. Pensacola Lighthouse has tow- The non-profit industry orga- ered over Pensacola Bay since 1859 nization that works to preserve and is still in use today.And, at Bay- travel destinations for future gen- view Park on Bayou Texar, they: erations attracted more than 200 • Planted 2,500 native salt volunteers during the last weekend marsh grasses along 600 feet of in March to clean up and fix up the shoreline to stabilize the park Pensacola Lighthouse and the shore and protect it from pollutants shoreline on Bayou Texar. and excess runoff Here’s what the volunteers, • Hand pulled a half-ton of root who came from 80 different com- material from invasive reed grass Greyhound orders 60 Prevost X3s panies, accomplished at the Pen- • Prepared an additional 500 DALLAS — Greyhound Lines seeable future,” said Prevost Presi- dual inverters, powering 110-volt sacola Lighthouse: square feet of intertidal area for is purchasing 60 more new Prevost dent and CEO Gaetan Bolduc. outlets and Wi-Fi Internet access. • Painted 4,000 feet of fence planting by removing invasive reed X3-45 coaches, bringing to 250 The 60 X3-45s will be Other equipment includes an • Painted 23 rooms covering grass along the shoreline the number of X3s in the Grey- equipped with a slew of safety fea- Aesys electronic destination sign, almost 6,000 square feet Along with the hands-on help, hound fleet. tures designed to aid drivers, as Prevost wheelchair lift system, • Laid more than 1,800 square Tourism Cares awarded a $5,000 Prevost announced late last well as encourage good driving Volvo D13 engine, Allison trans- feet of sod grant to the Pensacola Lighthouse month the nation’s largest intercity habits. They are the: mission, and American Premier • Planted 660 jasmine and 48 to continue the restoration work. carrier had signed an order for ad- • Prevost AWARE system that seating for 50. azalea bushes Tourism Cares’ next project, ditional X3s, with deliveries to includes adaptive cruise braking, “The motorcoach order is an af- • Built 2,400 square feet of which will be announced shortly, begin in June. following distance alert, and sta- firmation of Greyhound’s confi- flower beds will be Sept. 28. For information, “Greyhound and Prevost share tionary object alert dence in Prevost’s ability to deliver • Mulched more than 5,000 go to www.tourismcares.org. a commitment to providing safe, • Prevost electronic stability a high-quality and reliable coach to ship of the coach.” percent of Greyhound’s fleet must efficient transportation to passen- program our fleet,” said Dave Leach, presi- Delivery of the X3-45 coaches be wheelchair-lift accessible. gers across North America. • Beru tire pressure monitor- dent and CEO of Greyhound Lines. is scheduled to be completed in Also, when the 60th coach is “The combined efforts of these ing system “We are pleased to continue October, an important month for delivered, the X3 will be tied (with two industry-leading organizations • Automatic fire suppression our relationship with Prevost in a Greyhound. That’s because Oct. 29 the MCI G4500) as second-most- will be a significant benefit to the system shared vision to pursue further re- is the deadline established by the popular model in the Greyhound transportation industry for the fore- The coaches also will have ductions in the total cost of owner- federal government for when 100 fleet.

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3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 SUBSCRIBE 16 May 15, 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Making the industry case at UMA Capitol Hill Days

Cary and Gina Martin of Little Rock Tours & Travel meet with Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark. UMA members Dale Krapf, left, of Krapf Coaches, and Brad Krapf, right, of Gregg’s Bus Service, meet with Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del.

UMA member David Brown, left, of Holiday Tours meets with Rep. David Price, D-N.C.

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla. UMA Chairman Bill Allen, left, of Amador Stage Lines talks with Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa.

UMA member Jim Pitstick, right, of Tri City Charter meets with Rep. Louie Alan Thrasher, center, of Thrasher Brothers Trailways joins UMA’s Ken Presley, Gohmert, R-Texas. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, R-Tenn. left, and Vic Parra, right, at the start of their day on Capitol Hill. message — cool down on the regu- able to pass a highway bill. slightly different take, saying he was likely members would manage Meeting with lawmakers lations. They are killing the small “If we would have had them in believed negotiations on the long- to forge a compromise capable of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 bus operator and they are going to law we could have taken those to a term transportation bill between clearing both chambers. House was based on science, the create an environment where only conference committee,” said Shim- the 33 House members and 14 sen- “I think it will happen this other was based on smoke and the biggest companies survive.” kus. “Per definition, it’s going to be ators, slated to begin May 8, would year,” he said. “We know it’s going mirrors. That is the problem.” Both Cary and Gina Martin more difficult. But the reality is a yield a long-term bill that would to be a two-year extension. We The proposed regulations also noted, in a conversation near the conference by definition is ‘any- provide stability for road construc- know it’s going to be the Senate’s were foremost on the minds of conclusion of their visit, that their thing goes.’” tion and motorcoach regulations funding numbers of $109 billion. many attendees. senators, Mark Pryor, D-Ark., and While other lawmakers present for the foreseeable future. The question now is can we get Cary and Gina Martin, the John Bozeman, R-Ark., had prom- at the UMA event, called Capitol “I am sure the House will have some of the reforms?” president and vice president of Lit- ised in individual meetings to work Hill Days, declined to make pre- provisions and changes they want Either way, Allen said UMA tle Rock (Ark.) Tours, told Bus and with them in the future to fight dictions on what might happen in to make, but we need to get started, members and operators in the in- Motorcoach News that the pro- overregulation. conference, Rep. Jimmy Duncan, and the last thing we need is to use dustry must seize the moment to posed rules could cost their small Despite expressing optimism R-Tenn.; Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., up this 90-day extension to kick press their lawmakers. business nearly half a million dol- that some changes could still be and chairman of the House Com- the can down the road,” Carper “We all need to get out and vote lars in compliance costs. made to the provisions in the Sen- mittee on Transportation and In- said in an interview. and support someone who is pro- “This year there is enough at ate bill, Shimkus acknowledged it frastructure, Rep. John Mica, “At the end of the day, we may business,” said Allen. “This is def- stake we weren’t willing to let the will be an uphill battle since the R-Fla, all indicated they were will- not gather together and say ‘kum- initely the time where it’s gone too opportunity (to come to Washing- Senate brings to the negotiating ing and ready to work with the in- baya,’ but we will gather together far, and we can’t take it anymore.” ton to visit with their representa- table legislation it has passed with dustry to fight for its interests. …and pass a strong bipartisan Josiah Daniel Ryan covers the tives) go by,” said Cary Martin. a strong bipartisan, 74-22, vote, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who bill.” U.S. Senate for a major political “We are passionate about our while House Republicans were un- also addressed the group, offered a Shimkus also said he thought it newspaper. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS May 15, 2012 17 Chicago operator ordered to rehire drivers, halt pestering CHICAGO — A U.S. District ing that “employees will suffer ir- began discussing grievances with summoned to meetings with com- complaint alleging numerous un- Court judge has ordered a Chicago reparable harm awaiting a ruling each other and contacted the Inter- pany managers and asked about fair labor practices. bus company to reinstate two driv- from the board, which may take national Brotherhood of Team- union support, and two were fired. In July 2011, NLRB Adminis- ers who were fired after signing many months…” sters. Several drivers were seen by The union prevailed in a subse- trative Law Judge Michael A. cards in favor of a union election. Latino Express Inc. operates a managers leaving a restaurant with quent secret ballot election. Rosas found that Latino Express The court also ordered the com- service that transports students to union organizers in December After an investigation of charg- had violated the National Labor pany to stop questioning employees public schools and offers charters 2010. es filed by the fired drivers and the Relations Act. The company has about their union activities, while a to the general public. In the following days, many of Teamsters union, the NLRB Re- appealed the decision to the board case involving the company moves In the fall of 2010, drivers the drivers at the restaurant were gional Office in Chicago issued a in Washington. through the National Labor Rela- tions Board process. Judge John F. Grady issued the temporary injunction at the request of the NLRB late last month, stat- National Interstate affiliate to provide bus driver training RICHFIELD, Ohio — An af- filiate of National Interstate Insur- ance Co. plans to provide the Driv- er Training Course, created by School Bus Safety Co., to insured school bus contractors. The training program to be supplied by National Interstate’s Safety, Claims and Litigation Ser- vices affiliate will be part of the company’s loss control services package. “School bus accidents can be tragic, and we continually look for proactive ways to help our clients prevent such tragedies,” said Nation- al Interstate Vice President Jim Parks. “We have analyzed the Driver Training Course and are confident its use will make children safer while reducing the cost of risk to our customers.” School Bus Safety Co. of Macedonia, Ohio, has trained school bus drivers for more than 20 years. According to the compa- ny, six of the eight largest student transportation contractors and more than 2,200 school districts use its training programs. Jeff Cassell, president of School Bus Safety, said National Interstate and Safety, Claims and Litigation Services are going beyond tradi- tional loss control to change the un- safe behaviors of drivers and ame- liorate the cost of risk. “Insurance premiums are de- rived from expected losses,” noted Parks. “By helping our clients re- duce their loss costs and enhance Registraon their risk management programs, 14th! we are providing our customers opens May the best tools to help control their ter early insurance costs. Regis “At the same time, we make and SAVE! transportation safer for the chil- dren, which is a win/win for every- one. We intend to provide the course to all school bus clients in- sured by National Interstate.” 18 May 15, 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Riccio was appointed by the “Trailways is a strong and co- People chairman of Trailways, Anthony J. hesive group of independent busi- ‘Tony’ Fiorini, to a board term nesses, and I look forward to through 2013. building on what we already do FAIRFAX, Va. — Three mem- Riccio, who also is vice presi- best — networking for business bers have joined the board of the dent of both the New England and helping affiliate companies Trailways Transportation Sys- Bus Association and the Maine succeed,” Riccio said. tem. They are: Tourism Association, founded his Geary was elected to a three- Scott Riccio Shawn Geary Jonathan Barzas Wolfgang Winzer • Scott A. Riccio, president/ company in 1999, primarily as a year term on the Trailways’ board. owner and founder of NorthEast shuttle service for skiers. Today, it He began his 25-year career in coach companies. For more infor- able service and support in the in- Trailways in Lewiston, Maine. has a fleet of 18 vehicles. the transportation industry with mation, go to www.trailways.com. dustry,” said Heller. • Shawn Geary, president/ The company provides charter McCoy Limousine Service while a LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Motor “He is a leader with global ex- owner of McCoy Trailways in services throughout the U.S. and college student. He and his wife, Coach Industries announced that perience and a track record for Kingston, Ontario. Canada. Regular clients include Kristine, eventually bought the Wolfgang Winzer joined the com- identifying opportunities and driv- • Jonathan T. Berzas, presi- such sports organizations as the company. It now offers charter- pany as vice president and general ing growth.…We plan on tapping dent/CEO of Fullington Trail- Portland Sea Dogs baseball and the and-tour services, has locations in manager, aftermarket business. Wolfgang’s expertise to lead our ways in Clearfield, Pa. Lewiston Maineiacs hockey teams. Kingston, Belleville, and Ottawa, In the new position, Winzer aftermarket business into our next and has a fleet of 30 vehicles. will lead MCI Service Parts, phase of improvement and expan- Berzas was elected to complete MCI Service Centers, and in- sion,” Heller added. the three-year (2011-14) term of field technical support. Winzer joins MCI after serving Aerial Fullington Weisman, former He will be based at MCI’s Lou- as president of Champion Labo- president of Fullington Trailways isville parts, training and emergen- ratories Inc., a leading manufac- who died early this year. (See re- cy roadside assistance center, and turer of filters and related services lated story Page 11.) report to Rick Heller, MCI CEO. to the automotive, retail, fleet, and He also is a member of the “Wolfgang’s accomplishments petroleum dispensing industries. board of the Pennsylvania Bus in leadership roles at similar busi- He also was president of Webb Association. nesses serving transportation and Wheel Products, which manufac- Leasing & Financing Throughout the USA Trailways is comprised of 88 in- Low Interest — Terms to fit your needs. automotive will help us provide tures hubs, brake drums and rotors ACH Leasing & Funding dependently owned/operated motor- our customers with the most reli- for buses, trucks and trailers. 1-877-368-6894 • www.BorrowersHeaven.com 2004 E4500s ~ Low Miles ~ One Owner 58 Seats ~ More than 1 Available Approx. 200,000 original miles Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine Allison B500R trans. (hyd. retarder) Michelin Tires (not retreads) Enhanced sound system with AM/FM/CD/DVD/PA system Cordless mic & 6 monitors Asking $215,000 OBO Marc: 808.832.6261 or [email protected] 1995 NEOPLAN CITYLINER 45' COACH

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