March 1, 2008

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Crash test reviewed, methodology is questioned WASHINGTON D.C. — Mo- point restraints.” MCI E-model motorcoach loaded torcoach passengers using lap and He said other crash tests with with 22 dummies for the test, shoulder restraints are likely to fair automobiles and school buses have which involved crashing head-on better in a head-on collision than produced similar results. into a barrier at 30 miles an hour. those who are either unrestrained or The December crash test was The dummies used in the test using only lap belts, preliminary the first ever done by the federal were designed and weighted to rep- results of a government crash test government using a motorcoach resent both male and female pas- indicate. and the first of several the agency sengers and were placed in various The test, performed in Decem- plans to conduct to study passenger locations throughout the bus. Some ber for the National Highway Traf- restraints, roof strength, window were equipped with three-point fic Safety Administration, revealed glazing, and fires on full-size restraints while others wore only that while crash dummies equipped motorcoaches. lap belts or were unrestrained. All with three-point restraints showed of them were wired to electronic signs of some low head-and-neck Industry onboard testing equipment so researchers impact, the other test dummies on The motorcoach industry has could evaluate their movements dur- the bus recorded much higher advocated for years that the federal ing the crash and the location and impacts to the head and other parts government conduct crash and other extent of any impact to their bodies. of their bodies. tests with coaches before proposing According to early test read- This MCI coach was crashed head-on into a barrier wall at 30 mph. “The results are not surprising,” any type of safety mandates for new ings, unbelted dummies typically noted Ron Medford, the agency’s coaches such as passenger restraints made head contact with the seat- Some of the seats in front of unbelt- While all of the belted dum- senior associate for vehicle safety. and structural modifications. back in front of them in less than a ed dummies broke or bent from the mies remained in their seats, those “We’ve known for some time that Engineers working at a facility second and either ended up in the impact of the dummies seated wearing lap belts still recorded high the best protection is from three- in Ohio used a 45-foot, 54-seat 2000 row in front of them or in the aisle. behind them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ ‘Bolt’ is Coming Feds promise more bus Greyhound, Peter Pan to launch new service inspection strike forces WASHINGTON D.C. — En- showed up in the results of the late SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — develop the service. about the affiliation would come couraged by the success of one of fall operation, a two-week assault Peter Pan Bus Lines and Grey- “We have formed an affilia- from Greyhound and he referred the largest motorcoach inspection that targeted motorcoaches from hound Lines are setting up a joint tion with Peter Pan and we are questions to Greyhound. operations ever, federal safety reg- Maine to Virginia and involved operation to compete with the eth- developing a customer-focused The joint venture primarily ulators are gearing up for more inspectors from the FMCSA and nic bus lines operating in the service that will target a specific will compete with the cut-rate roadside strike force activity this 22 state and local police depart- heavily traveled northeastern U.S. consumer segment,” said spokes- Chinese-American owned opera- year. ments. The reduced-fare, curbside man Dustin Clark. tions, such as Fung Wah, that Although no one will say when Working together, they con- service will be called Bolt. He declined to elaborate on his serve the Boston-New York City- and where the Federal Motorcoach ducted more than 1,200 inspections Although neither company statement and would not answer Washington corridor. Carrier Safety Administration will in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, would provide details about the any questions. However, the service also is send its motorcoach strike force Maryland, Massachusetts, New new opertion, a Greyhound Peter Pan President Peter A. being seen as a preemptive strike next, the results of the most-recent Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, spokesman acknowledged that the Picknelly said the companies had to keep megabus.com from operation, conducted in late Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ver- carriers have gotten together to agreed that any public statements CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ November, make further surprise mont, Virginia and West Virginia. inspections of over-the-road buses The crackdown resulted in 101 a certainty. coaches and 50 drivers being Happy Birthday to Us!! “We recognize them as an ef- ordered off the road for serious fective and valuable enforcement safety violations. tool and plan to utilize them in the Total violations resulting from future,” said agency spokesman the mixture of full inspections, to Duane DeBruyne. walk-arounds, totaled 1,306 and There have been reports the included 1,018 issued for the strike force could hit again this coaches and 288 for the drivers. month or next. The total was higher than the num- Bus & Motorcoach News thanks its The value of the strike forces ber of coaches that were inspected Readers and Advertisers for 5 great years. that FMCSA Administrator John because numerous buses and driv- We’re Five! Hill promised early last year CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ 3035B&MC 10/30/07 2:13 PM Page 1

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WEST 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 abc-companies.com Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS March 1, 2008 3 Dropping off at an airport? Operators contemplate lawsuit FRESNO, Calif. – A group of received a check for payment. more than a dozen complaints Better know the rules first operators is working to organize a “Two days after returning from from operators and others that have class-action lawsuit against a slimy the trip, we leaned (We Give You gone unpaid or have not had their SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ronald Gonsalves of Ameri- bus broker that reportedly has Ride) had placed a ‘stop order’ on buses show up after contracting Here’s a little piece of free advice can Stage Tours in Concord, Calif., stiffed a number of bus companies the check. Numerous attempts with My Best Ride and Tifa that could save you hundreds of thinks it is high time the motor- and customers. have been made to collect our Xpress. dollars: coach industry get serious about The target of the lawsuit would money.… They admit they owe us Among those pushing the law- If you’re a small operator that advocating for a uniform entry be an Alta Loma, Calif.-based out- money and promise to pay. It has suit is Leslie Raddatz of Cloud 8 makes infrequent trips to commer- system for buses and other passen- fit that has operated under several been over six months since the trip Travel in Clovis, Calif., a suburb of cial airports, make sure you check ger carriers using American air- names, including We Give You and we have yet to receive any pay- Fresno. with security officials before ports. Ride, My Best Ride and Tifa ment.” Operators possibly interested in dropping off passengers at any air- “I have raised this point Xpress. A church reported that We participating in a suit should con- port you have not visited in recent before, but I think it is time to One operator reported con- Give You Ride failed to provide tact attorney David C. Beyersdorf weeks or months. revisit it,” Gonsalves told Bus & tracting with We Give You Ride to buses for a youth trip to Six Flags of the law firm of Lee & Beyers- That’s because the airport may Motorcoach News. provide coach services from Flor- and then refused to refund the dorf in Fresno. E-mail DavidB@ have adopted new or revised secu- “What can we do as an indus- ida to Tennessee. church’s $2,400. LeeandBeyersdorf.com, or call rity regulations that include stiff try to have one approval process, Prior to the trip, the operator BusRates.com said it has had CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ fines for not having an airport one permit and one transponder entry permit or transponder. for any U.S. airport? The ap- And the new rules may not proval process could be very sim- have been publicized. ilar to being approved as a mili- Sacramento International Air- tary carrier. port is a prime example. “Our company currently spends Two years ago, the Sacramento hundreds of dollars per coach for County Airport System adopted each airport permit, including run- more than 30 pages of ground ning as many as 90 useless miles transportation rules and regula- per coach per year to go to the air- tions for Sacramento International port for the annual permit inspec- Airport. tion. The rules require commercial “I have spoken to several oper- bus operators dropping off passen- ators and all of them feel this is gers at the airport to have a permit over due,” said Gonsalves. and transponder. The problem is particularly First offense tickets are $500 irksome to Gonsalves because and airport security officers do not there are four major airports in his issue warnings. No permit or region, each with its own rules, transponder: Instant $500 citation. regulations and requirements. Two There are no signs approach- of the airports, San Francisco and ing the airport warning operators Oakland, charge hundreds of dol- of the requirements, and apparent- lars for permits. ly the airport did not send out For a small operator like Gon- notices either to bus operators in salves, who only goes to Sacra- the region or to the California Bus mento International Airport a few Association. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ El Camino Trailways acquires Aztec Transportation in Nevada SAN FRANCISCO — El Ca- growth has been fueled, in part, by mino Trailways has acquired Car- contracts with Kirkwood Mountain son City, Nev.-based Aztec Trans- Resort, NorthStar at Tahoe ski portation, expanding El Camino resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, into northwest Nevada, including plus guest and employee shuttle Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe, and services. nearly doubling the size of the The company also operates company. trolley and dial-a-ride services for “With the addition of the Aztec the town of Truckee, Calif. fleet, El Camino Trailways now “This exciting acquisition gives operates one of the largest charter us competitive advantages by bus and shuttle services fleets in adding new bases in Lake Tahoe Northern California and Nevada,” and Nevada, positioning us to serve said Mike Watson, managing direc- our customers from San Francisco/ tor of El Camino Trailways. San Jose to Tahoe/Truckee and any- As part of the deal, El Camino where in between,” said Watson. acquired 17 motorcoaches that had “We are delighted to join forces been owned by Aztec, plus another with El Camino Trailways, a leader 8 managed vehicles. El Camino’s in the charter bus industry in Cal- fleet prior to the purchase totaled ifornia with its aggressive growth, 20 motorcoaches. progressive and visionary con- During the past decade, Aztec sumer-oriented Internet/Web-based Transportation has been one of the marketing, and strength and quality fastest growing charter bus opera- of its management team,” said Tom tors in Nevada. The company’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ 4 March 1, 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

DOT budget reduces highway Inspection unit Coach security program funding; transit money moved in Miss. county has less money for 2008 WASHINGTON — President ductive.” WASHINGTON — The U.S. do not have to “compete” directly Bush’s proposed budget for the “The administration is going gets reassigned Department of Homeland Security with the big guys for money. U.S. Transportation Department is exactly the wrong way by cutting GULFPORT, Miss. — A road- has announced it will award $11.1 Here’s the dollar breakdown coming under heavy criticism critical highway funding that keeps side inspection unit of the type bus million in over-the-road bus secu- for fiscal ’08: from a variety of sources. people and our economy moving,” and truck operators love to hate rity grants in fiscal 2008, a reduc- • Tier I: $6.1 million for oper- Although spending at the US- said Greg Cohen, president of the has been disbanded. tion of one-half million dollars ators that have 250 or more over- DOT would increase slightly, high- American Highway Users Alliance. In this case, the unit was a from fiscal 2007. the-road buses. way spending is cut by more than Despite the highway-spending commercial vehicle inspection The deadline for coach opera- • Tier II: $5 million for opera- $2 billion from the current year. cuts, Peters told reporters “the team composed of county moun- tors to apply for the money is noon tors that own 249 or fewer over- And it proposes to borrow president’s budget honors the com- ties, operating along Interstate 10 March 17. the-road buses. money from mass transit to cover a mitments” of the 2005 transporta- in south Mississippi. The money, which has been There are eight operators in the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund. tion reauthorization act, which New Sheriff Melvin Brisolara awarded annually since fiscal U.S. with 250 or more motor- Predictably, the proposal brought called for a total of $286.4 billion of Harrison County disbanded the 2003, is to help operators pay to coaches that are eligible to com- criticism from Democrats in Con- to be spent over six years, up to motor-carrier enforcement unit beef up passenger, bus and facili- pete for the $6.1 million, while the gress, as well as from representa- September 2009. and moved the five deputies who ties security. This year’s amount is remaining 3,000+ U.S. operators tives of highway users and trucking. Phyllis Scheinberg, the depart- had been conducting commercial consistent with what has been with 249 or fewer coaches will The administration proposed ment’s chief financial officer, said vehicle inspections to his patrol awarded in recent years. compete for the $5 million share. an overall USDOT budget of $68.2 the 2009 budget “brings the total division. And, in keeping with what has There is no minimum number billion for fiscal ‘09, up from the [investment] up to” $286.4 billion By doing away with the in- become tradition, the Department of motorcoaches necessary for an $67 billion it proposed for this in spending on highways, transit spection unit, Brisolara was mak- of Homeland Security has again operator to apply, but those seek- year, but it would give the Federal and safety programs. ing good on a campaign promise changed the program parameters. ing the money must provide at Highway Administration $40.1 bil- The 2008 budget Congress that was shared by nearly all his For fiscal ’08, there is a: least 50 trips annually into areas lion, a cut of $2.04 billion from passed last year for the DOT spent nine opponents. • Cost-sharing/match require- the Department of Homeland 2008 and $1 billion less than more than the 2005 bill had called “I’ve put those officers in the ment of at least 25 percent for sub- Security has determined to be most Congress authorized in the 2005 for, in part because of a mecha- field to better protect our rural mitted projects. at risk of a terrorist attack. transportation law. nism that allows the program to areas,” Brisolara said. “Patrol had • Requirement that those All Intercity Bus Security Most of the funding cut is in grow if trust-fund revenues rise in a shortage but now we’re averag- applying for a grant must have Grant requests must be completed money dedicated to federal-aid subsequent years, which has hap- ing 14 patrol officers a shift. The both a security plan and a vulnera- and submitted online. Apply at highways — reduced by $1.8 bil- pened. positions were already in the bility assessment that has been www.grants.gov. Click on Find budget but were vacant.” lion to $39.4 billion from $41.2 The budget, Peters said, “re- submitted to DHS. Grant Opportunities, click on Harrison County became part billion last year. flects a $3.2 billion shortfall in the The ’08 Intercity Bus Security Basic Search, go to the Search by of a pilot project in 2000 to use “This budget helps move us highway account” of the trust fund, Grant Program is weighted in favor CFDA Number box, enter 97.057, deputy sheriffs to enforce federal forward on a new course that deliv- but a $4.4 billion positive balance of the industry’s largest coach click on Search. The CFDA num- motor-carrier laws. A former sher- ers high levels of safety, takes in the mass-transit account. operators but far less so than last ber (97.057) is bureaucratize for iff launched the project with advantage of modern technology Because of the highway short- year. Catalog of Federal Domestic As- grants from the Federal Motor This year, 55 percent of the sistance number. and financing mechanisms and fall, “the president is requesting Carrier Safety Administration. money will go to operators having The grants will be announced eases congestion with efficient and temporary authority to allow ‘re- The sheriff’s department received 250 or more over-the-road buses, in June. reliable transportation systems,” payable advances’ between the two more than $800,000 for equip- versus 70 percent last year. The Department of Homeland DOT Secretary Mary Peters said. accounts,” she said. ment and salaries. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., The differences in the projec- In the project’s first 18 months, Because the security grant pro- Security has a set of “tools” for chairman of the House Transporta- tions, Peters said, are “the basis for Harrison County deputies were gram has two “tiers” — one for the completing a security plan and tion and Infrastructure Committee, the advances,” with the hopes the cited for removing nearly three largest operators and the other for threat assessment. Find them at said Bush “stayed well inside his loans would “keep [the highway] times more unsafe commercial everyone else, smaller operators www.tsa.gov/join/grants/ibsgp.shtm. ideological comfort zone (with his fund solvent.” drivers from the highway than the budget). We got the same old stale However, Peters cited the national average. proposals, the same neglect of our fund’s problems to once again push Opposition to the team, how- More states join UCRA plan nation’s infrastructure needs.” for changes in the federal trans- ever, was so strong that most of WASHINGTON — Seven ticipating in UCRA, another state John Horsley, executive direc- portation program. the 10 candidates for sheriff and more states have joined the new must be chosen. tor of the American Association of In addition to funding the the five who vied in the general Unified Carrier Registration In 2007, the first year of the State Highway and Transportation nation’s highway program, the election pledged to disband the Agreement, the program that program, a number of states that Officials, said, “This proposal DOT budget also requests $541 unit if elected. replaced the Single State Regis- planned to participate in UCRA clearly leaves highway funding million for the Federal Motor They agreed that deputies tration System. were not ready, and their carriers short of the FY 2009 level states Carrier Safety Administration — need to patrol county roads in- In addition to the states that had to base — temporarily — had been promised.” an $11 million boost from last stead of devoting time to pulling participated when the UCRA was somewhere else. “There’s a $1.8 billion hole the year. The budget proposes dividing over commercial vehicles for launched last year, Alaska, Califor- This year, more states are par- administration has created in their the funds into two categories — inspections for federal motor-car- nia, Delaware, Minnesota, Missouri, ticipating and registration will budget, and we would hope that $230 million for federal motor car- rier standards. North Carolina, and Pennsylvania begin earlier, this month or next, in when Congress acts, they will find rier safety programs and $300 mil- The motor-carrier team made a way to fill it,” said Darrin Roth, lion for grants to states. its share of high-profile drug will be in the program this year. many states. Operators will be director of highway operations for The budget also provides $851 arrests, however, including the The first thing a coach operator notified by their states. the American Trucking Associa- million for the National Highway seizure in 2004 of 38 pounds of needs to do in registering for Fees imposed under the new tions. “It doesn’t make a lot of Traffic Safety Administration. cocaine found in a suitcase on a UCRA is to pick a base state. Unified Carrier Registration sense to cut something that creates To view highlights of the pro- charter bus traveling from Hous- Commonly, that is the state where Agreement will be the same this jobs and puts money into the econ- posed USDOT budget, go to ton to Atlanta. the operator’s headquarters is year as in 2007 (see Feb. 15 Bus & omy. That would be counterpro- www.dot.gov/bib2009. located, but if that state is not par- Motorcoach News). Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET March 1, 2008 5 S.C. orders Clemson Transit to halt charter service COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Carolina, filed complaints about The South Carolina DOT got her agency. business, and that is what we are South Carolina Department of Clemson Area Transit with the involved because federal transit “Private operators have com- here for, and when it comes to tran- Transportation has ordered Clem- Federal Transit Administration last funds are funneled to Clemson plained for years that Clemson sits, that is what UMA is all about son (S.C.) Area Transit to stop pro- year and again early this year. Area Transit through the state Area Transit was taking their busi- — seeing the business return to the viding charter bus service while it Operators reported numerous agency’s Division of Mass Transit. ness,” said Ken Presley, vice presi- private sector where it rightfully investigates two separate com- examples of the transit agency pro- In a letter, Division Director dent of industry relations at UMA. and legally belongs,” Presley plaints filed by the United viding charter service at cut-rate Glennith C. Johnson told Clemson “We are happy that Atchison added. Motorcoach Association. prices. Area Transit executive director Al Transportation was able to provide As a result of UMA’s most UMA contends Clemson Area In one instance, Atchison Babinicz to cease and desist from such clear examples that allowed recent complaint and quick action Transit has been routinely provid- Transportation Services of Spar- any bus service that could be con- the (FTA) regional counsel and by the FTA and South Carolina ing charter service in violation of tanburg, S.C., lost a charter last sidered charter in nature until her South Carolina Department of DOT, Clemson Area Transit can- federal charter service regulations. year, involving seven buses, when a unit completes an investigation. Transportation to take decisive celled a charter that originally had The association, working with sorority discovered that Clemson She also ordered Babinicz to action. been booked with Atchison South Carolina operators and the Area Transit would handle its char- submit documentation and infor- “The best part of this cease and Transportation. Atchison was able Motorcoach Association of South ter at a lower price. mation about possible charters to desist is the operator regained the to get the business back. National Park Service upgrades Cherry Blossom Festival WASHINGTON — The Na- to answer questions, distribute fes- times; Lantern Walks, similar to Jefferson Memorial. bus pick-up and drop-off locations tional Park Service has announced tival guides and brochures, and the Cherry Blossom Walks but • Portable restrooms. Portable also serving the Vietnam Veterans a series of new and enhanced visi- assist visitors. held in the early evening hours, restrooms will be positioned Memorial on the north side of the tor services for the 2008 National There also will be gift, book and Bloomin’ Junior Rangers for throughout the Tidal Basin, the Lincoln Memorial along Henry Cherry Blossom Festival. and food sales at the Cherry Blos- visitors ages 7 to 11. The three Washington Monument grounds Bacon Drive. The festival begins Saturday, som Welcome Station, as well as programs originate or take place at and along Ohio Drive, S.W. • Web cam. For the first time, March 31 and runs through Sun- information displays about the fes- the Franklin Delano Roosevelt • Visitor Access. Southside ac- the Park Service will provide a day, April 15, in Washington. tival, the National Park Service and Memorial. cess to the Lincoln Memorial re- live Web cam feed that will offer A key logistical and informa- festival partners. • Food. The Park Service food opens to tour buses, beginning continuous images of the cherry tional focal point for the event will New and upgraded visitor serv- concessionaire will provide sand- Saturday, March 31. blossoms on the Tidal Basin dur- be the Cherry Blossom Festival ices this year include: wiches, snacks, roasted nuts, ice The Park Service has complet- ing the festival. For access, go to Welcome Station on the Washing- • Ranger-led visitor pro- cream and beverages from kiosks ed reconstruction of 23rd Street, www.nps.gov/cherry and click on ton Monument grounds along In- grams. These include Cherry and portable carts. S.W. and Daniel French Drive, pro- the Web came icon on the right side dependence Avenue, SW. It will be Blossom Walks, conducted six • First Aid. A fully-equipped viding bus pick-up and drop-off of the page. The Web address is: staffed daily by park rangers, as times daily along the edge of the first-aid tent will be erected next to space. www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/ well as festival staff and volunteers, Tidal Basin at regularly scheduled the Tidal Basin at the Thomas This area is in addition to tour cherry-blossom-web-cam.htm.

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 6 March 1, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

about the manner in which the test speed on sled tests that will be con- Administration in the Agency box Crash test was conducted. They said that ducted to simulate similar acci- and NHTSA-2007-28793 in the Bolt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 crashing the full body height and dents at lower speeds. “With the Docked ID box. Then, click on CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 width of the bus into a rigid barrier data we obtained from the actual Submit and when the next page head impacts and those using com- expanding into the Northeast, bined lap and shoulder harnesses at 30 miles an hour was not realis- test, we will be able to simulate a appears, click on the highlighted which has been an item of specu- scored lower head loads. All of the tic and suggested that the test crash at 20 miles an hour,” he docket number. lation since megabus began oper- dummies registered signs of some would be more life-like if the speed stressed. Meantime, the NHTSA is pre- ating in the Midwest in April 2006. chest and leg loads from striking of the coach were held to 20 miles While the test results are pre- paring for additional motorcoach the seatback in front of them. an hour. liminary, Medford said the final tests, including roof crush and roll- With the exception of using The seat attachments on the “This approach does not repli- results due out later are not expect- over tests that are scheduled for late Boston’s South Station Bus Center, coach remained intact in the crash, cate the realistic scenarios faced ed to show anything different. They this month at a facility in Wisconsin. all other stops will be on street cor- although there were two notable by motorcoach operations,” they will, however, provide much more The agency plans to use four ners like the Chinatown operators. failures — one on a seat frame that said in a joint letter to the NHTSA. detail and include the actual video early 1990s MCI and Prevost A fleet of new Prevost X3-45 was not designed for safety belts “As the agency is aware, European of the crash test. coaches for those tests. All four coaches has been ordered to oper- and another on a single ring con- testing of larger motorcoaches is The report, complete with pic- buses will be modified to give ate the service (see Feb. 1 Bus & nected to a safety belt. conducted with a 20 MPH crash tures of the crash bus and the dum- engineers additional data for re- Motorcoach News) and 50-plus speed, a speed which we believe mies, can be viewed on the Internet search and comparison purposes. drivers are being hired through ‘Not realistic’ better reflects real-world experi- at www.regulations.gov. Under the Medford said the agency also is monster.com to staff the company. Several motorcoach manufac- ences.” heading More Search Options on working with the National Institute Although both Peter Pan and turers and industry organizations, Medford said engineers opted the right side of the screen, click on for Standards and Technology to Greyhound reportedly have indi- including the United Motorcoach for the 30-mile-an-hour test be- Advanced Docket Searches. Put finalize some fire tests that will be cated the new operation will be a Association, expressed concern cause it is easier to scale down the National Highway Traffic Safety done soon. union shop, that must be decided date, not having any reports or hav- passenger safety and compliance motorcoaches were inspected in by an employee vote once the new Strike force ing false reports. reviews. The plan includes a com- those operations. operation begins. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Other high-number violations mitment to conduct a compliance Additionally, federal, state and Industry sources said Bolt will ers were issued multiple violations. that forced drivers off the road were review on every unrated passenger local authorities routinely conduct have its own maintenance facility Not surprisingly, the top out-of- for driving without a commercial carrier and a measure requiring states inspections along the U.S. boarders in Secaucus, N.J. service violations for the coaches driver’s license and not being able to submit a motorcoach inspection and at popular destination spots, It is unclear whether Bolt driv- were brakes that were defective or to speak or communicate in program as part of their annual including national parks, casinos, ers will collect fares, like Fung out of adjustment, followed by gen- English. commercial vehicle safety plan. resorts and amusement parks. Wah, or bookings will be pur- eral maintenance issues, steering The inspectors also clocked the Several months before conduct- Nationwide, the number of chased online, via the Internet, a la system troubles and defective speed of motorcoaches as part of ing the strike force operation in the safety inspections and compliance megabus.com. emergency exits. the operation and 20 drivers were busy Eastern corridor, the FMCSA reviews in the past year have more For nearly a decade, Grey- Drivers who were ordered out ticketed for speeding. and state and local police worked than doubled, and many new entry hound and Peter Pan have had a of service were cited most for log- The strike force operation was two dozen similar operations in the audits are being done on an average pooling arrangement for their con- book violations, either for not hav- part of a general plan Hill put south, covering states from Texas to of 4.5 months, much sooner than ventional line-run services in the ing their seven-day reports up to together to put more emphasize on North Carolina. More than 700 the required 18 months. Northeast.

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8 March 1, 2008 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Low-cost bus lines are shaking up inter-city travel By Robert Poole states, 3 in the West and 7 in the York-D.C. Another bus company, And Las Vegas now boasts a subsidized competition. Director of Transportation Midwest. There are 23 cities in the Vamoose, offers express service new door-to-door service among As with low-cost airlines that Studies network, but so far you can only between Manhattan and two D.C. hotels and casinos on the Strip — sprang up after deregulation, their travel within — not between — suburbs — Bethesda, Md. and at just $2.50 per ride. Called very existence debunks the idea Reason Foundation the regions. Arlington, Va. for $25. Arrow, it is offered by Vegas.com, that airlines or intercity surface In the northeast, several com- Private companies are even a travel and booking company. transportation or local transit is One of the justifications panies offer bus service between moving into urban markets. Also offered is a $10 daily pass some kind of natural monopoly offered for U.S. taxpayers to subsi- Chinatowns in various cities. The Spanish Transportation Corp. offering unlimited use of Arrow that must be controlled by the gov- dize Amtrak is the idea that lower- largest of these seems to be of Paterson, N.J. now runs 130 and the private Las Vegas mono- ernment. income people (students, immi- Chinatown Bus (Chinatown- commuter buses into Manhattan rail. Consumers generally win grants, the retired, etc.) need an bus.com), connecting Boston, each day, on three different routes. Arrow competes with the when competition can flourish, affordable alternative to using the New York, Philadelphia, The company has grown from a regional transportation authority’s and these examples show that airlines for inter-city travel. Baltimore and Washington. van service with 14 vans in 1993 double-decker Deuce buses. competition still exists in these That has always rung hollow Fares vary, with “typical” one- to a sizeable enterprise today. The I’m encouraged to see these areas. with me, since we’ve had nation- way fares ranging from $12 New buses are branded Express entrepreneurial ventures, starting The Reason Foundation is a wide Greyhound bus service since York-Philadelphia to $20 New Service. up and growing despite taxpayer- Los Angeles-based think tank. long before Amtrak. But Grey- hound has been losing money for a number of years, and its annual passenger count has been declin- ing since 2000 — in part due to Crunch is approaching over compliance with Real ID the growth of low-cost airlines. WASHINGTON — Dozens of Complying with the rules states have so far passed legisla- Security will extend this deadline But this decade has witnessed states are facing a deadline of the adopted by the Department of tion or made official statements to for at least three years for any state a proliferation of new inter-city middle of this month to decide Homeland Security in January to the effect that they will not comply that asks, but a state must ask by bus companies. So far, none is of whether they can or want to com- implement the act will be enor- with Real ID. the middle of this month. DHS national scope, but their niche ply with the controversial federal mously expensive for states, which Citizens of these states may be says it won’t budge on that. markets are growing. And they Real ID Act. will have to reissue all existing in a pickle since the deadline for What remains to be seen is seem to be following in the foot- Congress hurriedly, and with- licenses and use several complex states for complying with Real ID whether states will ignore the steps of low-cost air carriers, by out hearings, passed the Real ID security systems that have not yet requirements is May 11. DHS deadline. And what, if any- thinking outside the box to cut Act in 2005 as part of the post- been built. More than a third of the The Department of Homeland thing, Congress will do. costs dramatically. 9/11 federal security push. The largest such company is Broadly stated, the act sets out megabus.com, a subsidiary of the requirements for states in issuing IRS steps up small business audits U.K.’s Stagecoach Group PLC, driver’s licenses, including CDLs. which cut its teeth in Britain’s Drivers holding licenses that WASHINGTON — It’s tax sea- from the fiscal ’06 total of 13,984. The increase in audits produced deregulated bus market. do not meet Real ID standards will son and, for the paranoid, it’s time Audits of partnerships in- more money for Uncle Sam, with Megabus offers a few seats on eventually not be able to use them to fret about an IRS audit. creased to 12,195 during 2007, up total audit and other enforcement every bus for a $1 fare, and uses to prove their identity for certain Well, the good folks at the almost 25 percent from the prior revenue climbing to more than $59 pricing similar to that of the air- “official federal purposes” – such Internal Revenue Service have year’s total of 9,777. billion, from under $49 billion in lines, with low fares if purchased as boarding a commercial airline released some numbers that quanti- Audits were up last year, 2006. well in advance, and higher fares flight or gaining access to at least fy the agency’s audit program and increasing by 84 percent among The service also reports that 57 near the departure date some federal facilities, including provision of taxpayer assistance individuals with more than $1 mil- percent of taxpayers filed electron- (www.megabus.com). possibly airports and ports. services. lion in income, and by 7 percent ically last year, and there were 217 All booking is done online, Other documents, such as Audits of businesses in general, overall for individual income tax million hits on the IRS Website in minimizing staff costs, and the passports, may serve for some of including Subchapter S (closely payers. 2007, up more than 10 percent company has no stations, picking those purposes but the driver’s held) corporations, were up nearly A total of 31,382 audits were from 2006. up customers at known curbside license is, of course, the identity 14 percent. performed in fiscal ’07 of individu- For more information, or to try locations. Thus far, the company is document most often used in this Audits of just S corporations als with income of more than $1 the Website, go to www.irs.gov/news- offering inter-city service in 10 country. increased to 17,681, up 26 percent million. room/article/0,,id=177701,00.html.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 118 Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, To advertise or to mail advertising-related articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Marcia Milton Call: Johnny Steger First Priority Trailways E-mail: [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 (866) 930-8426 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Victor Parra Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Brookfield, Conn. Box No. 336 Call: (866) 930-8421 Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Jeff Polzien El Paso, TX 79925 Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Northfield Lines Starline Transportation Red Carpet Tours To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield, Minn. Seattle Oklahoma City To contact the Call: (866) 930-8421 United Motorcoach Association: Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Robert Hume Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Ken Presley Ellen Balm New World Tours Travel Mates Trailways Ready Bus Lines Call: (800) 424-8262 Bristow, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. LaCrescent, Minn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Oklahoma City, OK 73112 To send advertisements or photographs Amy Stalknecht Mark Gedris Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. via the Internet: Accountant Art Director James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro To report corrections: E-mail: [email protected] Krapf Coaches Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Magic Carpet Tours National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Richmond, Va. West Chester,Pa. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] ©2008 by the United Motorcoach Association. Editorial Assistant Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Maggie Barr Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS March 1, 2008 9 Tires/wheels: Leasing vs. buying, aluminum vs. steel By Dave Millhouser bus loan, generally substantially tunities for mischief. On a dual two types of wheels on similar bus them. You ABC Companies longer than the life of the tires. tire, there is an inner and an outer models. The two don’t mix, and can save the Rentals are paid for by the mile, nut. It’s VERY difficult to tell installing a wheel on an incompat- expense of It was the middle of the night so cash is not tied up in expensive when the inner is loose, and if ible hub is an invitation to star on two alumi- and the bus was handling funny, so rubber. Even better, the only time these jewels shear, you lose the the evening news. num wheels Don decided to stop and thump his tires cost you is when they’re whole dual. but which do tires. Things went OK until he rolling. A loose nut doesn’t help bear Playing dress-up you carry for swatted for the drive axle’s left You can choose from a variety weight so the others work harder Many operators feel aluminum a spare? outer… nothing. It had disappeared of plans with several manufactur- (until they fail). It was a stud-cen- wheels dress up a coach, and may There’s into the night, a shiny radial that ers. The cost per mile is determined tered wheel that abandoned Don. offer additional benefits. They are probably no Dave Millhouser was part of a brand new set. by your willingness to use re-caps, Incorrectly installed lugs leave lighter and tend to carry heat away definitive You can imagine the abuse he where appropriate, and by how the wheel poorly centered and the more efficiently than steel. It’s answer as to whether aluminum took when he got home: name tags quickly you grind off tread. The tire concave holes are eventually beat- hard to measure but ride quality wheels pay for themselves in a glued to his other tires, milk car- leasing company rewards you for en out of round. There also is a may be better, too, with improved purely economic sense, but clearly tons with photos of wheels. You taking good care of its tires. danger of the wheel cracking brake and tire life, and they seem many operators feel the added really do need ALL those lug nuts. The downside is that you have between the studs. to have fewer balance problems. curb appeal is worth a great deal. Back then, most coach tires fewer choices. If your preferred Hub-centered wheels have Aluminum wheels are now The wheel and tire universe were mounted on stud-centered brand doesn’t have a lease pro- grown in popularity. Coach available with coatings that both has grown complicated, with steel wheels, and there were only gram, or you need special tread pat- builders like them because they keep them shiny and help prevent opportunities for both benefits and two sizes. Today you have choices, terns, you’ll need to own your tires. bear more weight, which is sup- corrosion. Some operators feel nastiness. You want to be sure your both in tires and wheels. When you buy a bus, it’s impor- ported by the hub. Lug nuts only that modern aluminum wheels maintenance folks are on board Tire size, tread pattern and tant to know if tires are included in serve to keep them firmly on the require less maintenance than steel with what you are doing in terms brands are a complex topic (anoth- the deal. hub and a single nut clamps both because you don’t have to sand- of tires and wheels, with sizes and er way of saying I’m not smart wheels on a dual. Nothing sneaky blast or paint them. styles matched up in a safe way. enough to figure all of that out). About wheels here. The down side is that they are We never found Don’s tire, and Another big decision is whether For many years almost every A well-intentioned bus sales- substantially more expensive than perhaps that’s for the best. I to own tires or rent them. coach used “stud-centered” wheels. man (THIS time I’m innocent) steel wheels. Mixing them in a fleet wouldn’t have wanted to meet a Coach builders currently offer Similar to automotive wheels, the once became so convinced of the can create problems because they guy that had discovered it rolling buyers the option of supplying your convex lug nuts fit into concave benefits of hub centered, that he use different length studs. Mating at him along the highway. own tires, and many operators holes in the wheel. If installed cor- spec’d them on every new bus. aluminum with a steel inner (on a Dave Millhouser is a marketing choose rentals. When tires are part rectly they both position the wheel This created a nightmare for dual) can cause breakage or corro- consultant for ABC Companies. of your coach purchase, you end up and bear the weight. unsuspecting customersSEFAC Bus who Ad 4x6.4sion (dissimilar1/10/07 metals)1:59 PM unless Page a1 Contact him at: dave_millhouser@ financing them for the life of the They offer a couple of oppor- weren’t equipped to administer separator plate is installed between hotmail.com.

973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 www.nimcobus.com Supplying the Transportation Industry with Used, Serviceable & Rebuildable Bus Parts for Over 25 Years! VOLUME DISCOUNTS • PRIDE IN PERFORMANCE DEEP DISCOUNTS! on all Detroit Diesel & Allison Transmissions SAVE MONEY ~ SAVE TIME We sell good running qualified bus components. NO RISK PURCHASE PLAN We unconditionally guarantee our customers satisfaction. WE ALSO STOCK • Front and Rear Axle Parts • Engine Accessories • Alternators and other Electrical Components • Air Conditioning Components • Body Parts We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote 10 March 1, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS CLASSIFIED Martz, Fullington mark 100 years ADVERTISING Two of Pennsylvania’s best- known motorcoach operators, the Martz Group of Wilkes-Barre and Fullington Trailways of Clearfield, are marking 100-year anniversaries. Martz was founded in Plymouth, Pa., in 1908 by Frank Martz, to transport miners. Today, the com- pany is a multi-state, mulit-division enterprise, operating along the entire East Coast. The business is in its third and fourth generations of family leader- Weisman, is president and CEO, the rich history of our organization, ship, with Chairman Frank M. and Michael L. Fullington, Emer- we are looking forward to the fu- Henry celebrating 44 years at the son’s great-grandson, is vice presi- ture by introducing the latest mod- helm this year. Son Scott Henry dent and chief operating officer. els and features that MCI has to represents the fourth generation. Martz was a founding member offer, including more passenger The company employs about of the Trailways Transportation amenities and technological ad- 400 people and operates more than System, while Fullington was an vances, “ said Craig Smith, CEO of 270 motorcoaches. early member of Trailways. Martz. In 1908, Emerson Fullington Martz is marking its anniver- “We’re proud to walk side by purchased a nine-passenger, horse- sary by committing to operating a side down the road of transporta- drawn surrey to transport residents younger and more modern fleet tion history with Martz,” said Tom to the local train station, founding than ever. It has reduced the aver- Sorrells, president and CEO of 1999 Fullington Auto Bus Company. age age of its fleet to five years. MCI, which is marking its own With 450 employees and a fleet And this year it is adding 30 new 75th anniversary this year. MCI of 50 motorcoaches, 250 school MCI coaches. Throughout this year, Fulling- buses and 10 limousines, the com- The livery of the 15 new MCI ton will feature special anniversary 102EL3 pany is still run today by the J4500s and 15 MCI D4505 coach- tours, celebrations, prizes and gifts, 54 pass, Fullington family. es includes a special Martz anniver- said Lory Fullington, vice presi- New B500 Emerson Fullington’s great- sary logo. dent of charter, tour and school bus transmission, granddaughter, Aerial Fullington “As we celebrate our past and services. CAT engine, fully equipped, cruise control, aluminum wheels, 6 monitor VCR & CD player Arthur Lewis, former head of ABA, dies Call for a spec sheet 1-800-288-8246 SILVER SPRING, Md. — reported publicly until last month. freight railroads. At the time, it was Arthur D. Lewis, one of this He was 89. the largest corporate reorganization 2003–2005 nation’s most accomplished trans- During a long career, Mr. Lewis in American history. portation executives, who headed worked in the airline and bus indus- Mr. Lewis was considered an H3-45 PREVOSTS the American Bus Association in tries, but most significantly he lead expert in salvaging bankrupt and FOR SALE the late 1970s and early 1980s, died the formation of Conrail, which troubled companies. in January but his death was not consolidated many of the nation’s In 1974, President Richard M. One 2003 for $310,000 ~ Two 2005 for $350,000 each Nixon appointed Mr. Lewis chair- Series 60 Engines, Jake Brakes, Allison Automatic El Camino Trailways. “Our merger allows us man of the U.S. Railway Associa- Transmissions, National Seats, Jump Seats, 5 Monitor to capitalize on the growth oppor- tion, a government agency respon- Videos, Enclosed Parcel Racks with A/C, Low Mileage. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 tunities in tour and travel and the sible for overhauling rail freight Parker Sr., who was president of conventions market in the Lake lines. After three years there, he Call John at 1-800-433-1111 Aztec Transportation and whose Tahoe and Reno markets.” joined the American Bus Associa- www.prevostmotorcoachsale.com family owned the company. El Camino Trailways, which is tion during a troubled period for the Parker becomes director of El based in South San Francisco, intercity bus industry. Camino Trailways’ Nevada Opera- operates throughout northern Cali- He also helped found two air- 1988 Prevost tion, which is based at the former fornia. lines. LeMirage XL Aztec location in Carson City. The company has been in busi- He is survived by his wife of 61 “After evaluating several acqui- ness for more than 45 years, and in years, Hildegard, a son, Gregory, of 8V92 Detroit w/Auto Trans sition opportunities, we selected 2006, it was named by INC maga- Chevy Chase, Md.; a daughter, Coffee Galley & Tables Aztec for its strong presence in zine a “Top 100 Fastest Growing Kimberly K. Lewis Gibson, of 46 Passenger these markets and strength of its Transportation Services Com- Vienna, Va., and a sister. Very Clean Interior customer relationships,” said Kumar pany.” For more information go to Aluminum Wheels ~ $14,000 Shah, chairman of El Camino www.elcaminotrailways.com. For more photos please call or email Airport rules 800-495-2110 • [email protected] Broker lawsuit ousine, executive sedan, passenger CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Ask for Andy vans and more.” times a year, there is one small CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Said one operator of We Give saving grace. (559) 252-7000. You Ride: “This company has no Buried in the 30 pages of regu- 1986 MCI We Give You Ride calls itself scruples. Caution to those who lations is information about a 102A3 “the Internet`s fast-growing, world- have any idea about contracting “special event permit.” wide provider of charter bus, lim- with this company.” “If you visit the airport infre- 8V-71 5spd Trans. quently you can call ahead for one Very Clean Interior of the special event permits,” he Clean & Straight Body REPOS FOR SALE said. “There is no charge for the 3 Video Monitors Variety of makes and models of permit which allows drop off.” Enclosed Parcel Racks ~ DOT Inspection Current ~ $12,000 “Bank Repos” across the United The permit must be on the dash For more info or pictures please call or e-mail of each “special event” vehicle. To 800-495-2110 • [email protected] States and Priced to Sell! obtain one, phone the Sacramento Ask for Andy 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! airport at (916) 874-0762. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS March 1, 2008 11 Coach America is buying transporter of railroad crews DALLAS — Coach America that came with the deal was Ex- dent Coach America Crew Transport. tion segment and our vision to be companies.” has signed a letter of intent to press Shuttle of Bismarck, N.D., “It demonstrates our commit- the leader in the crew transport Renzenberger has a fleet of acquire Renzenberger Inc., one of which had been acquired by Coach ment to our customers and our market. We are very excited about more than 1,500 vehicles — most- the nation’s largest transporters of USA in mid-2000. Express Shuttle employees in the crew transporta- the potential for these combined ly vans, operating in 23 states. railroad crews. operated a fleet of 20 vehicles pro- When the deal is completed, viding rail crew transportation in Renzenberger will become the upper plains and western states. third rail crew transporting compa- To manage this segment of its ny owned by Coach America. business, Coach America has formed In mid-2005, Coach America, a new operating division, Coach which was known as CUSA at the America Crew Transport, to provide time, purchased Crew Shuttle employee transportation to a vari- Services Inc. of Pocatello, Idaho, ety of vocational industries across the which operated 100 vehicles, pro- United States, including rail, mining, viding rail crew transportation in oil and gas, airline and construction. Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The acquisition of Kansas City- When CUSA-Coach America based Renzenberger “is consistent was formed out of the western and with our strategy to expand our south central operations of Coach footprint in the crew transportation USA in 2003, one of the companies industry,” said Fln Neve, vice presi- Holiday Tours is recipient of 2008 IMG safety award OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — safety ratings, and safety has been a Holiday Tours of Randleman, N.C. key to its business success. has been named recipient of the Holiday Tours is the 34th 2008 International Motor Coach largest motorcoach operator in Group Safety Award. North America, according to Metro The award acknowledges the Magazine, with a fleet of 56 coach- company’s commitment to and es and 7 other buses. The company standards for safety. currently is celebrating its 30th “This is a great honor because anniversary. IMG is a private consortium con- David Brown, a former chair- sisting of nearly 60 of the industry’s man of the United Motorcoach As- elite motorcoach carriers, operating sociation and long-time UMA board over 7,000 vehicles in the U.S. and member, heads Holiday Tours. In Canada,” said IMG President Steve 2003, Brown and Holiday Tours Klika. He noted that won the BusRide magazine Motor- Holiday Tours maintains top coach Industry Achievement Award. ABA Marketplace sets records WASHINGTON — The Amer- gates in attendance,” said ABA ican Bus Association reports its President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso. 2008 Marketplace, held last month Marketplace delegates includ- in Virginia Beach, set records for ed nearly 700 registered “buyers,” registration in every delegate cate- up from 626 last year; roughly gory, producing the best-attended 2,300 “sellers,” up from 1,950 last Marketplace in the event’s 27-year year, and more than 200 associate history. members (suppliers). “During Marketplace, we had a The 2009 Marketplace will be total of 3,300 ABA-registered dele- in Charlotte, N.C. Transits seek charter firms The following public transit nounced deadline: Feb. 29, 2008. providers have informed the Write to: Danna Laxton, Director, United Motorcoach Association of Pontotoc County Public Transit their intent to provide charter bus Authority/Call A Ride Public service unless willing and able pri- Transit System, 15425 CR 3540 vate operators step forward to pro- Ada, OK 74820. Phone: (580) vide the service. 332-7056. (Note: This notice may UMA urges appropriate opera- violate Federal Transit Adminis- tors to take the time to respond to tration rules, requiring a 30-day these notices. period for responses. This notice Crawford County, Mich. has a response period of 18 days.) Deadline: Feb. 28, 2008. Write to: Tuscaloosa County, Ala. Julee Dean, Manager, Crawford Deadline: March 14, 2008. Write County Transportation Authority, to: Jimmie Cain, Transit Manager, 4276 W. North Down River Road, Tuscaloosa County Parking & Grayling, MI 49738 Phone: (989) Transit Authority, 2450 Hargrove 348-8215. Rd. East, Tuscaloose, AL 35405. Pontotoc County, Okla. An- Phone: (205) 556-3876. PRE70011_D13Ad-BMN 11/1/074:29PMPage1 W producer ofheavy-dutydieselengines.Andhasprovenitself againand in theUnitedStatesbyVolvo Powertrain,theworld’s assembled largest 100% is D-13 The serviceability. easy and performance EPA regulations,deliversexceptionalquality, outstanding Prevost. 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CLIEN:T PREVOST SIZE: LIVE: 9.25" X 12" COLOR: 4/C 921 Washington Avenue South JOB #: PRE70011_D13Ad-BMN TRIM: 10.25" X 13" PUB: BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS Minneapolis, MN 55415 612.399.0500 VERSION: US ENGLISH BLEED: 10.5" X 13.25" ISSUE DATE: NOVEMBER 2007