June 15, 2014

Only certified examiners may perform driver physicals WASHINGTON — The ad- ined by medical professionals list- The new program, which was sionals have completed the course- medical examiner to perform their ministrative demands of operating ed on the National Registry of required by federal law and ad- work and testing, and are listed on new physical examination. a motorcoach company jumped up Certified Medical Examiners. dresses four National Transporta- the national registry, and another “We have certified thousands another notch last month with a The new mandate could make tion Safety Board recommenda- 27,000 have begun the certifica- of health professionals to conduct new federal requirement that all it more difficult ­­— at least in the tions, sets baseline training and tion process. driver exams — with more being USDOT physicals must now be short run — for drivers in some testing standards for medical pro- Current medical certificates added every day,” said Federal performed by a certified health parts of the country to obtain their fessionals who perform commer- held by commercial driver’s license Motor Carrier Safety Administra- professional who’s listed on an on- physicals, and it’s likely to mean cial driver physicals and for track- holders will continue to be valid tor Anne S. Ferro. line federal database. that all driver medical-certifica- ing driver medical certificates. until the expiration date that’s “The online database is easily It will be up to operators to tion exams will become more According to the FMCSA, shown on the card. Only then will searchable so drivers can schedule make sure their drivers are exam- expensive. roughly 22,000 medical profes- the driver need to seek a certified CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 c Can stepped-up enforcement lower death toll on highways? DOVER, Del. — Have you no- A key focus of the sustained, ticed an increase in driver grousing year-long effort is enforcement ac- in recent weeks about state troop- tions against unsafe behavior by ers stepping up their traffic drivers of large trucks and buses. enforcement? Many in the motorcoach indus- That they’re seeing more high- try will be watching the safety drive way patrol cars making more stops with more than the casual interest — most everywhere they run their typically given such initiatives. coaches? That’s because a number of in- That is not driver paranoia dustry safety leaders have long speaking. contended that enhanced traffic State police and highway pa- enforcement would do more to sig- trols from 41 states are participat- nificantly reduce highway crashes ing in an International Association and fatalities than all the inspec- of Chiefs of Police-led initiative, tion, paperwork and regulatory called the Drive to Save Lives strike forces pushed by federal bu- Campaign, aimed at producing a reaucrats combined. sizeable drop in highway fatalities State police and highway patrol — this year. leaders from states across the U.S. Capital Wheel. The nation’s capital becomes Potomac River, providing panoramic views of the The stated goal is to reduce say their on-highway effort is data the newest city with a giant observation wheel. region. The wheel’s 42 climate-controlled gondolas highway deaths by 15 percent. driven, and will focus on speeding, The 180-foot Capital Wheel opened last month at can accommodate the same number of passengers as That would mean nearly 5,000 use of seatbelts, and impaired and National Harbor, outside Washington. It overlooks the six motorcoaches. Info: www.thecapitalwheel.com. lives saved. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c Once shutdown by feds, few operators return to service 52 carriers out of business during As of late last month, the panies were declared imminent The smallest the intensified, eight-month cam- Special Report FMCSA “Company Snapshot” hazards and shut down immedi- are worst off paign it conducted during 2013, web pages listed 26 of last year’s ately, according to an FMCSA targeting unsafe operators. ratings from investigators. Quick Strike targets as “out-of-­ press release. “Unremedied” un- WASHINGTON — Operation A search by Bus &Motorcoach The FMCSA reported last De- service” and 10 as “not authorized.” satisfactory safety ratings pro- Quick Strike punched one-way News last month of carrier profiles cember that more than 30 of the 52 Another nine companies also duced shutdowns for 32 carriers. tickets to oblivion for 45 of the on FMCSA websites found that companies were known to have had apparently coasted to their The FMCSA also noted that 28 motorcoach companies it removed only seven companies have recov- gone out of business or transi- final destination — their USDOT carriers avoided being shut down by from the road last year. ered their interstate operating au- tioned to intrastate operations, numbers turned up “inactive.” taking sufficient corrective action The Federal Motor Carrier thority since receiving “imminent- which are not regulated by the fed- During the Quick Strike initia- to remedy “unsatisfactory” ratings.

Safety Administration said it put hazard” or “unsatisfactory” safety eral government. tive last year, 20 motorcoach com- CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 c

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t Visit and learn more about ABC’s new partnerships abc-companies/partners Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2014 3 9/11 Museum includes accommodations for buses Registration NEW YORK CITY — The 9/11 Memorial Museum, which opened is kicked off in lower Manhattan last month, is expected to be a magnate for mo- torcoach traffic as the attraction for Expo ’15 grows in popularity this summer. NEW ORLEANS — The But unlike many other Man- United Motorcoach Association hattan tourist destinations that has a suggestion: It’s not too early offer little or no bus parking, the to be thinking about (and even museum appears to have been registering) for UMA Motor- planned with motorcoach traffic in coach Expo 2015 here in mind. January. The New York Department of Registration for the show — Transportation has designated a Jan. 18-22 — officially was 9/11 Memorial Museum bus drop- opened late last month. off/pick-up zone that’s available by For the third consecutive year, reservation. UMA Motorcoach Expo teams In addition, bus companies that up with the annual NTA Conven- have reserved a drop-off are eligi- tion at Travel Exchange, provid- ble to apply for designated me- ing a strong game plan for trade tered bus parking spaces. show success — great business, The museum is part of the Na- good times, lots of friends. tional September 11 Memorial & To learn more about Expo Museum located at the site of the 2015 and to register, go to www. Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks

Photo by Jin Lee motorcoachexpo.com. that brought down the towers of The museum atrium contains these 70-foot steel “tridents,” remnants of the twin towers’ façade. Each weighs about 50 tons. Expo 2015 kicks off Sunday, the World Trade Center. Jan. 18, with what UMA is call- The 9/11 Museum is an under- the middle of a large pool between increase in visitors to the area. sengers because of the lack of bus ing a “Big Party in the Big Easy.” ground complex that includes vari- the twin towers. Bus operators are optimistic parking in other areas of the city. The event will be at Mardi ous artifacts from the aftermath of The 9/11 Memorial opened the designated drop-off and park- “It is quite necessary to have Gras World, the sprawling com- the attacks and pieces of steel from three years ago to commemorate ing areas near the museum will rules governing drop-offs and plex where the famed Mardi Gras the towers. the attacks and has been attracting make it easier for drivers who parking,” said Michael Neustadt of floats and props are built and It is built at the former location tourists ever since. The museum is often have to drive around for Coach Tours in Brookfield, Conn. stored. of the Sphere, a globe that stood in expected to result in a significant hours after dropping off their pas- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c

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Feds add insurance minimums to regulatory calendar WASHINGTON — The Fed- November. could then use to target unsafe car- mum rule proposal to the Office of minimum insurance had kept up eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- At the same time, the timeline riers for intervention. the Secretary of Transportation by with the core consumer price istration has accelerated its push to for the long-awaited Safety Fitness The FMCSA released a report June 30 and to the White House index, a measure of inflation, it increase the liability insurance Determination rule has been in April saying it found the current Office of Management and Bud- would be $10.8 million for buses. minimums for bus operators and pushed back from mid-September liability insurance minimums for get Aug. 1. The timeline says a If it had kept pace with the medi- truckers. as a projected publication date to bus and truck operators to be proposed rule could be published cal consumer price index, it would An official timeline for the mid-December. “inadequate.” Nov. 12. be $21.2 million. agency’s drive to raise the liability The Safety Fitness Determina- It also said then it planned to However neither the USDOT Both the bus and truck indus- insurance minimums was released tion rule would allow the agency make upping the minimums a high report last month nor the FMCSA tries are expected to fight any in- by the U.S. Department of Trans- to use a data set similar to the one priority. (See May 15 Bus & Mo- report in April set the target num- crease to the current minimums. portation last month, and it signals it uses for its Compliance, Safety, torcoach News.) ber for the new liability insurance Critics already have noted that the agency plans to begin work on Accountability program’s Safety In its May regulatory update, minimum, which hasn’t increased studies show very, very few the regulation quickly in hopes of Measurement System rankings to the USDOT says the FMCSA since 1985. crashes exceed the minimums in publishing a proposed rule in produce a score for carriers it hopes to send the insurance mini- FMCSA did say in April that if claims. Rule would prohibit coercion of drivers Groups want WASHINGTON — A pro- reporting requirements, however, limits or drug and alcohol testing voke authority from a carrier or drug rule to posed rule prohibiting operators, whistle blowing by drivers would rules, among other rules, accord- broker if it does not comply. shippers, brokers and others from appear to be problematic. ing to the agency’s proposal. The agency also notes that its coercing drivers to drive beyond The proposed rule has a com- These entities have broken the rule may overlap some provisions be expanded hours-of-service limits or other ment period, ending in mid-Au- agency’s coercion rule if they “fail of the Surface Transportation As- WASHINGTON — A number federal rules has been released by gust, and was mandated by lan- to heed a driver’s objection that sistance Act, which prohibits em- of groups have filed a petition the Federal Motor Carrier Safety guage in the current highway the request would require him/her ployers from retaliating against with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration. funding act, known as MAP-21. to break the rules,” the proposal drivers who refuse to operate a ve- Safety Administration asking the In addition to the prohibition The rule would make it illegal reads. hicle for safety reasons. Those agency to expand its proposed of coercion and threatening driv- for carriers, shippers, brokers and However, drivers’ liability to rules are enforced by the U.S. De- drug and alcohol clearinghouse ers to exceed hours’ limits, the others to coerce drivers by threat- comply with safety rules is not ab- partment of Labor, whose main rule to require carriers to report rule puts in place procedures for ening them “with loss of work or solved if they are coerced, the goal is employee protection, “actual knowledge” of drug use drivers to report coercion to the other economic opportunities for agency says. whereas FMCSA says its rule is by drivers, including times they agency and procedures for the refusing to operate a (commercial The rule imposes a penalty of geared toward safety. have seen drivers using drugs. agency to respond to the motor vehicle) under circumstanc- up to $11,000 per violation on the The Surface Transportation In February, a proposed rule allegations. es that those entities knew or entities prohibited from coercion Assistance Act can protect driver establishing a database of CDL Given the onerous and exact- should have known would require in the rule. The agency also says it wages, but FMCSA says it has “no holders who have failed or re- ing nature of the proposed rule’s a driver” to violate FMCSA hours’ has the authority to suspend or re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c fused to take a drug test was pub- lished by the FMCSA. (See March 15 and March 1 issues of SOLVING TOMORROW’S SANITATION PROBLEMS TODAY! Bus & Motorcoach News.) The rule would require carri- ers to upload positive drug test results and query the database an- M5000 nually and when making new #1 GREEN CHOICE Toilet Deodorizer REVOLUTIONARY NEW High Traffic, High Heat hires. BUS WASH Superior Odor Control In a comment posted on the For Variety of Road-Related Soils & Stains Increased Color, Fragrance & Actives DYNA-BACT Attacks Dust, Mud, Diesel Exhaust Formaldehyde Free proposed rule, seven groups, in- Liquefies waste & tissue Pleasant Citrus Scent Super Concentrate Formula cluding the Commercial Vehicle Cleans tank system Safe for automated systems Safety Alliance, the Truckload Unmatched proven performance Dramatic savings on dumping fees Carriers Association and the Convenient toss in pack American Trucking Associations, ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEED! asked FMCSA to issue a Supple- mental Notice of Proposed Rule- making for the rule. They want the supplemental rulemaking to require employers to “report all instances of actual knowledge of misuse, including direct observations of misuse and TOP MOP acknowledgements of misuse, to Concentrated Floor the proposed clearinghouse,” says /Surface Cleaner the group’s letter. Economical Another trucking organiza- Superior Fragrance tion, the Owner-Operator Inde- Industrial Strength GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE! pendent Drivers Association ­argues, however, that “only posi- tive test results should be documented.” Experience the Monochem difference today call us 512-267-5190 “A driver’s permanent record or visit us at www.worldwidemonochem.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 15, 2014 5 NTA urges support for Brand USA reauthorization bills LEXINGTON, Ky. — With ditional international visitors, a “NTA backed Brand USA be- out Brand USA, the United States agency also operates on money authorization for Brand USA set 2.3 percent increase over the fore it was even named, and we’re was falling behind in tourism raised from private contributions. to expire next year and some Re- growth that would have occurred still 100 percent on board,” said growth. Brand USA has put in- While the current funding ar- publicans calling for its elimina- without its marketing initiatives. Prather, referring to the associa- bound tourism on the right track.” rangement for Brand USA extends tion, NTA (formerly the National Those added visitors created an tion’s support of the 2010 Travel The bills in the Senate (S. 2250) through the summer of 2015, the Tour Association) is marshaling economic impact of an additional Promotion Act, which led to Brand and House (H.R. 4450) authorize a House budget resolution for 2015, its members to seek Congressional $3.4 billion and supported 53,000 USA’s creation. portion of fees paid by internation- drafted by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., support for reauthorization. new jobs. (See May 15 Bus & Mo- “Other countries were actively al visitors to go toward funding calls for the elimination of Brand “Brand USA has been enor- torcoach News.) marketing themselves, and with- Brand USA. The quasi-public USA. mously successful in bringing more tourists — and the money they spend — into the United States, and our members are urg- ing their legislators to get behind Brand USA’s reauthorization,” said Catherine Prather, interim president of NTA. “Nearly 40 percent of NTA’s 700 tour-company members pack- Get Lancer behind age travel inbound to North Amer- Whatever ica, and Brand USA is pumping your fleet! more visitors into the pipeline,” lies ahead... Prather added. Some disasters are unavoidable. Currently being considered by both the House and the Senate are But, since 1985, no insurer has done twin bills named the Travel Pro- we’ll help you motion, Enhancement and Mod- more to help reduce risk on the road ernization Act of 2014. Both bills would renew funding get past it. than Lancer. Today, more than 1,250 for Brand USA though 2020, and both have bipartisan support, with motor coach companies rely on us for 95 co-sponsors between them. Besides NTA, other travel and the most FREE driver training tools, tourism advocates are urging pas- sage of the bills because earlier fastest on-site claims response, and provisions to fund Brand USA were included in an immigration over 100 nationwide bus claims bill that has stalled in the House. Backers of Brand USA say it specialists whose only job is to get has stimulated inbound travel to them back on the road to profi ts fast! the U.S. by conducting marketing campaigns and opening tourism offices in key countries. For a premium quote, call your Last year, according to Brand USA, it generated 1.1 million ad- agent or 800-782-8902 x3264. Transportation tax Email: [email protected] will be considered Learn more: lancerinsurance.com by Missouri voters JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Legislators have approved a mea- sure that would let voters decide whether to raise the state sales tax to 5 cents for 10 years to generate funding for transportation. The measure, which would raise the existing 4.25-cent sales tax, will be on the November ballot. The final vote to put the in- crease before the voters was ad- opted last month in the state House by a lopsided vote, 105-43. If approved, the tax increase would generate $5.4 billion over 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 I lancerinsurance.com I 10 years for transportation projects. The measure passed with the active support of a number of business groups. 5440_Lancer_LiesAhead_BusMotorCchNws_050514.indd 1 5/5/14 3:22 PM 6 June 15, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Illinois to rein in ride-sharing Six-year highway law extension SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois alienating technology companies city rules for taxis regarding the has become the latest state where has prompted local and state gov- age of their vehicles. Currently, easily passes Senate committee lawmakers have adopted rules for ernments to consider ways to that means their cars could be no WASHINGTON — The Sen- said. “This is a real important the relatively new and growing in- bring them into a regulatory more than four years old, in most ate Environment and Public bite.” dustry of “ride-sharing.” framework. cases. These cars also would be Works Committee became the The Illinois legislation appears Under the Illinois bills, com- subject to safety inspections. first body in the current Congress MAP-21 a template to be the strictest statewide regula- mercial ride-sharing companies The four-year-old-or-newer- to pass a federal highway reautho- Smoothing the process, Boxer tions in the country so far. would be required to carry prima- auto requirement is strongly op- rization bill. noted, the committee used MAP- The package of rules, passed ry commercial liability insurance posed by the ride-sharing The committee made quick 21 — which was largely fash- by both the state House and Sen- equal to taxis, with a combined companies. work last month of the reauthori- ioned by the Environment and ate, are contained in a House bill single-limit per accident coverage Despite fierce rivalry among zation measure, passing it unani- Public Works Committee two and a trailer amendment bill, the of $350,000. ride-share companies, they were mously the same week it was years ago — as the template, and latter of which needs House ap- More critically, it eliminates united in their opposition to the Il- unveiled. extended its policy reforms with a proval before both arrive on Gov. concerns raised by several insur- linois Senate legislation. The legislation would extend “six-year frame.” Pat Quinn’s desk for signing. ance companies in the state over “The bill will prohibit insured the current highway law, known The committee also passed en The legislation was largely when that insurance policy would and background-checked Lyft as MAP-21, for six years. bloc a handful of amendments championed by a coalition of Chi- apply. Under the rules, the policies drivers with cars more than four The speedy and bipartisan dealing with how much Highway cago cab companies, which claim would be effective from the mo- years old, immediately eliminat- adoption of the bill might give the Trust Fund money can go toward their business has suffered as a re- ment a ride-share driver logs into ing 70 percent of Chicago’s Lyft impression that, contrary to wide- research, and to the formulas used sult of the proliferation of ride- the application to accept rides, drivers,” read an e-mail from Lyft. spread predictions, Congress to decide which bridges get re- sharing activity. until logging off. “This will disproportionately could actually get a highway bill paired and which states qualify as “We’re not trying to stop tech- Previously, companies disput- affect low-income drivers in the passed before the current law ex- “rural” to receive certain program nology, and everyone that uses it,” ed whether their insurance poli- Lyft community who have come pires at the end of September. funds. said Sen. Tony Munoz of Chicago, cies should apply, or should apply to rely on ride-sharing as an im- That would be wishful thinking. Which is not to say there Senate sponsor of HB4075 and its at such a high level, during times portant way to earn extra money to The section of the law adopted wasn’t disagreement along the amendment trailer bill, HB5331. that a driver may be logged onto make ends meet.” by the Senate Environment and way. Boxer credited Carper, a fel- “The only thing we want to do their app, but not yet en route to or The “vote in the senate will Public Works Committee is the low Democrat, with being able set is make it safer, regulate it fairly conducting a fare. hurt consumers and limit trans- policy portion — not the much aside issues he is “passionate for everyone in the industry.” All ride-share drivers would portation options across the state,” more onerous and contentious about.” The rules would apply most also have to carry distinctive reg- wrote Uber Midwest Regional Di- piece, which is financing. The former Delaware gover- immediately to three services, istration plates and stickers on rector Andrew MacDonald, in an The bill, S.2322, “The MAP- nor, based on his experience there, UberX, Lyft and Sidecar, which their vehicles. e-mailed statement. Uber is the 21 Reauthorization Act,” now has expressed support for the facilitate ride-sharing primarily in More frequent drivers would company behind UberX, the ride awaits action by the Senate Fi- Obama administration idea of re- Chicago. be subject to additional rules, sim- sharing platform. nance Committee, which must moving barriers that limit the The three California-based ilar to taxi drivers. Those who “We will continue to work find a way to pay for it – even as states’ ability to toll existing inter- companies provide smartphone offer ride-sharing services more with state and city officials to en- the Highway Trust Fund moves states. Such a provision was not application technologies that than 36 hours every two weeks, on sure UberX has a permanent home towards insolvency. included in the bill adopted by the allow people to use their personal average, would have to get public in Illinois for consumers to bene- Environment and Public Works vehicles for hire, much like taxis. chauffeur’s licenses, subjecting fit from competition and much Heavy lifting ahead Committee. (See Nov. 15 and Oct. 15 issues of them to the same criminal back- needed transportation options,” he Bus & Motorcoach News.) ground checks and drug testing as continued. Then, of course, the Senate At an appearance last month So far, the services have oper- taxi drivers. The Senate measure allows Commerce committee must ex- with representatives of both the ated unregulated in Illinois and Chicago drivers who average municipalities authority to regulate amine the safety and regulatory trucking and railroad industries, elsewhere, but a groundswell of at least 36 hours every two weeks fare structures for ride-sharing issues that will fit into the bill, Carper said he supports gradually consumer support and a fear of would also have to comply with services. while the Banking Committee increasing the federal motor fuels will review the transit programs tax to restore buying power lost to Driver coercion days of the event, detailing where whether the complaint is legiti- that are rolled into the measure. inflation since the tax was last the coercion happened or the prin- mate and has met the requirements Then there’s the House. We’ll raised 20 years ago, and indexing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 cipal place of business of the al- of the regulation before initiating postpone serving up that piece of the tax thereafter. authority to compensate drivers leged violator. an investigation. the pie for another day. As a member of the finance who experience coercion,” per the Complaints must include a The driver complainant will be Still, it probably would be un- committee, Carper will have a say rule. driver’s name, address and tele- notified of the findings from any fair to belittle the Senate Environ- on how to increase revenue to Any coercion claims by drivers phone number; the name and ad- investigation on a “timely” basis, ment and Public Works Commit- keep pace with the bill’s require- would lay the burden of proof on dress of the person allegedly co- the agency says. tee action. ments — estimated at $265 bil- the accusing driver. Drivers must ercing the driver; the specific The rule also would direct the Chairman Barbara Boxer said lion through 2020. present evidence to FMCSA to provisions of the regulations the agency to study and consider driv- she could not recall a transporta- back up their claims, the agency driver alleges he or she was co- er coercion as a potential issue tion bill in her more than 20 years Truckers back indexing says. erced to violate, and a brief state- when developing rules. on the committee that passed The American Trucking Asso- A driver alleging coercion — ment of the facts that substantiate Comments on the rule can be without controversial amend- ciations has endorsed indexing and therefore violation of the new each coercion allegation. made online at www.regulations. ments being offered. federal fuel taxes based in infla- rule — must file a written com- The proposed rule says gov, using the docket number “What you saw here was an tion and adding an annual “high- plaint with FMCSA within 60 FMCSA will then determine FMCSA-2012-0377. amazing result of cooperation,” way access fee” for all motorists, she said. “This is the way the Sen- as well as several other options to Drug rule base of CDL holders who have port observational data a “long- ate should be run.” address surface transportation in- failed or refused to take a drug or standing loophole” in current reg- Sen. Tom Carper, chairman of frastructure funding. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 alcohol test. ulations and one that would extend the subcommittee on transporta- The group also backs use of should not be tainted by unverifi- Carriers will be required to to the clearinghouse rule. tion and infrastructure, likened royalties from new oil and gas able accusations or assertions,” submit such information to the da- “Failing to capture [knowledge the overall effort to get the bill leases, a per-barrel tax on import- according to a statement from the tabase and will be required to of use or direct observation] under- through Congress to eating an el- ed oil and domestic crude produc- query the database when hiring a mines the purpose of the clearing- Owner-Operator Independent ephant: a process, however diffi- tion, and issuing Treasury bonds new driver. Companies will also house,” the letter reads. “Under Drivers Association. cult, that must achieved “one bite subsidized with revenue from in- be required to query the database FMCSA’s current proposal, a driv- When the Commercial Driv- at a time.” dexing the fuel tax. annually for current drivers. er could be observed engaging in er’s License Drug and Alcohol “A lot of folks believe that The Highway Trust Fund is Clearinghouse rule becomes ef- The letter from CVSA and the misconduct or could actually admit we’re going to have a very hard projected to run out of money as fective, likely late next year or trucking groups calls the lack of to misconduct and successfully time getting anything passed,” he earlier as August. early 2016, it will establish a data- the requirement for carriers to re- seek employment elsewhere.”

8 June 15, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS / OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Operator viewpoint: Between a rock and the FMCSA By Rick Thielen Ferro stated the FMCSA feels jus- program. that she and the agency are not He continued: “Ma’am, no one Thielen Coaches tified in what it has done and has Rep. Richard Hanna, R-N.Y., there to protect the trucking indus- regulates how many hours you can no plans to make a change in the cited inaccurate and unreliable try. She further stated that: “I’m work. This is a one-size-fits-all ap- There are lots of things hap- restart provision at this time. carrier safety scores under CSA not hired to help the (trucking) proach and you don’t want to hear pening in our industry…with The MAP-21 highway bill that result in higher insurance industry. about it.” ­never-ending regulatory proposals mandated a “field study” to be costs, expensive litigation and loss “I’m hired to ensure the safety Rep. Mullen makes a great leading the charge. completed before the provisions of business. In effect, Hanna sug- of the traveling public and improve point about allowing drivers to When one follows regulation were instituted, but the FMCSA gested that FMCSA is “hurting the the safety of the operations of drive when rested and sleep when of the trucking industry, you can ignored this and instituted the pro- people you are paid to help.” trucks and buses. That’s what the tired. It also allows these drivers to get an early warning glimpse of visions before the study was Hanna continued by saying: agency was created to do and as its avoid the more dangerous heavy the regulations coming down on completed. “These are real-world, tortuous lead, I’m very proud to be a part of traffic and rush-hour times in met- the passenger industry. Legislation has been intro- problems that you’re putting these that.” ropolitan areas by taking a sleep The Minnesota Trucking Asso- duced in Congress to suspend the truckers through, and frankly the Other members of the commit- break and driving through these ciation had a meeting with Federal restart until the study has been organization acts like they’ve got tee cited instances of a driver stuck areas when traffic is light. It is just Motor Carrier Safety Administra- completed. all the time in the world to correct in traffic, or of a female driver plain commonsense. tion Administrator Anne Ferro During an oversight hearing these problems.” being forced to stop in an unsafe So there you have the attitude concerning the hours-of-service before the House Transportation Hanna also stated: “I think you location because her available duty of the FMCSA laid out before the and the 34-hour restart provision Subcommittee on Highways and need to back up…and take a look hours had run out. House Transportation subcommit- in the regulations that have been Transit, congressional members at some of this stuff. Are we so Rep. Markwayne Mullen, R- tee. They have their agenda and recently imposed on the trucking questioned Administrator Ferro thick we can’t hear the very people Okla., called the hours-of-service have no plans to deviate from it. industry. about the ‘unintended consequenc- whose lives we’re impacting? Is rules “hypocritical” and stated: In defense of the FMCSA, it is The result of the new hours- es’ of the hours-of-service changes there nobody you believe except “Drivers know when they’re tired constantly being sued by a wide of-service regulations has pro- and the Government Accountabil- some academic who does a study?” and when they’re not, they’re range of safety groups. They are duced the following “unintended ity Office criticisms of the CSA Administrator Ferro responded professional.” also being constantly sued by in- consequences”: dustry groups, ranging from the • The accident and fatality rate American Trucking Associations has stopped its 20 percent drop and the American Trucking Alli- and has turned upward again. NYC mayor: ‘Zero traffic deaths’ ance, which are suspected of using • Truck drivers are now faced NEW YORK CITY — Anoth- portation would receive $28.8 mil- DOT can change street markings to increased government regulation with having their total “on-duty’ & er politician has come up with an- lion for more speed bumps, slow “give pedestrians more protected to hamper competition from small- driving” done in a 14-hour win- other unrealistic, impractical zones, speed cameras, and inter- space, give bus riders a dedicated er companies, as much as being dow, and this causes drivers to transportation safety goal that section redesigns. lane so that their bus isn’t stuck be- safety related, and the Owner-Op- travel through cities during rush would seem to be philosophically The New York Police Depart- hind a double parker.” erator Independent Drivers Asso- hour and heavy traffic times that based, not reality based. ment would get $13 million for He added that, where it makes ciation, which is comprised of would/could be avoided. The first executive budget of traffic enforcement, and $1.1 mil- sense, the city could add protected small, independent operators and • Not allowing split-sleeper Bill de Blasio, New York City’s lion would go to the Taxi and Lim- bike lanes to accommodate “the companies. berth times forces drivers to drive new mayor, puts numbers to his ousine Commission for a safety- explosion in bike ridership we’ve Be aware of what is happening when they are tired and forces “Vision Zero,” a plan that seeks to focused ad campaign. seen, especially with the advent of to the trucking industry because them to rest when they are not. eliminate traffic deaths in the city The Department of Transpor- Citi Bike.” we are also in those same cross- • Productivity has already by 2024. tation’s street resurfacing budget Mayor de Blasio said the im- hairs. We are a target and, in the dropped 3 to 4 percent. Here are the basics of the may- would see a boost of $49 million, portance of traffic safety “hit case of hours of service, our turn is • The number of commercial or’s plan to wipeout traffic for a total of $226 million. About home” for him when he realized coming. drivers in the industry needed to fatalities. 1,000 lane miles of streets would the city had 333 homicides and Rick Thielen is president of deliver the commerce of America First, the mayor is proposing to be repaved. 286 traffic deaths in 2103. Thielen Coaches in Redwood is estimated to be one million short spend $42 million on safety initia- Paul Steely White, executive “And that really put a point on Falls, Minn. He is a board member in the very near future. tives and street engineering, and to director of Transportation Alterna- the fact that addressing these of the Minnesota Charter Bus Op- Despite all these factors, the put an extra $49 million toward tives, said road resurfacing projects crashes is an incredibly fundamen- erators Association and editor of FMCSA is not backing off its filling potholes. are a prime safety tool because tal part of keeping this city safe,” its newsletter, News-Views & never ending list of regulations. The city Department of Trans- once the paving is done, the city he said. Blogs. This article was excerpted In this meeting, Administrator from the newsletter.

ISSUE NO. 263 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dennis Strief subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Vandalia Bus Lines Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Caseyville, Ill. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Dickson Godfrey Lebron Alan Thrasher To contact the Elite Coach Paradise Travel Thrasher Brothers Trailways Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Ephrata, Pa. Hicksville, N.Y. Birmingham, Ala. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Gladys Gillis Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Starline Luxury Coaches Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Vander Eems ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Seattle Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Bob Greene Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2014 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Radio Engineering Industries First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Omaha, Neb. District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. 9Bus &June Motorcoach 15, 2014 News OPINION Bus &June Motorcoach 15, 2014 News 9 Medical emergencies: What should drivers know, do? By Dave Millhouser from seizures, was dropped off — not unknown to our other major That might involve understand- ambulance. In an in fact, forced off — the bus he demographic, children. ing the coach’s GPS system or inspired “two­ Dick was training a driver, stand- was riding by the driver. This one There are two general areas (gasp) the ability to read a map. fer,” we stuffed ing in the step-well of a GM 4106. had a relatively happy ending, too. that bear consideration. While you Most drivers understand how mile- him into the am- The trainee was doing a fine The boy recovered, but his mother probably don’t want drivers offer- markers work, and those may be bulance with a job, driving the airport express was understandably outraged. ing medical treatment, you proba- valuable in helping responders second chaper- loaded with passengers, when he In this case, his family publicly bly want them to understand the know where to find the emergency. one who had a cold (why take developed severe chest pains and demanded bus drivers be given signs that a real emergency is oc- Texting might not be helpful be- Dave Millhouser passed out. “medical training.” curring or exists. Some discussion cause on occasion texts are backed chances it would The coach drifted toward the Probably an overreach, and and formal education might be in up in an electronic que, and you turn into the plague?) and contin- shoulder of Atlanta’s busy perime- fraught with legal potholes, but it order. At what point should they can’t be sure when they’re read. ued on our merry way. ter highway. does raise a valid concern: How take action? The more your drivers think They both made out fine, and it Dragging him out of the seat, should we train our drivers when it Once it’s clear that something about this stuff in advance, the turned out that the guy with the sei- Dick grabbed the wheel, and got comes to medical situations? How bad is happening, how should driv- more likely they are to react quick- zure was withdrawing from heroin. control of the bus. This was before do we expect them to act in medi- ers react? ly and correctly when the poopie He was so inspired by the spiritual content of the meetings they’d at- cell phones (heck, this was before cal emergencies? First Aid isn’t a bad thing, but heads for the spinning fan. tended that he decided to go cold- the telegraph), so Dick did the In the first instance, Dick in this modern age of cell phones, Near the end of my worst trip turkey. Bad idea. only smart thing, and headed di- wasn’t medically trained, but he GPS and texting, unless they’re ever, a passenger began suffering I’m not sure if there was a bet- rectly for the hospital. was smart (and quick thinking). deep in the boonies, skilled help shortness of breath. Actually, it ter way to have handled it, but one He pulled up to the emergency That was fortunate, but not a plan isn’t far away. The problem is that was stoppage of breath. BIG regret was giving all our cash entrance, ran in to get help, and as that works every time. electronic tools need to be used In 1,500 miles we’d had an ac- to the second guy in the ambu- soon as the stricken man was on a As usual, I’m long on questions correctly or aid will be delayed. cident, blown a front tire at 75 lance, figuring he might need it. gurney, he took off for the airport. and short on answers, but it does Again, advanced discussion in mph, slid sideways under a bridge As a result, after dropping off our This story has a happy ending. seem important that we consider drivers’ meetings might make and discovered the spare was use- passengers, the other driver and I Thanks to Dick’s quick thinking how we want drivers to handle things go better when the world is less. We were running 12 hours had to dead-head home nearly and action, the driver recovered medical situations, and educate turning to doo-doo. late and now one of the chaperones 1,500 miles without eating. AND no one missed their flight. them accordingly. A substantial For example, calling 911 from was having a seizure. Obviously, as my waist line has Not too long after the incident, part of our demographic is senior a mobile phone might not connect We pulled the Scenicruiser into shown from time to time, I recov- figuring there would be less stress citizens (you know...like me), to the closest services, depending the New York Thruway’s median, ered from that privation. involved, Dick became a bus which adds emphasis to the need on where the active cell tower is and the kids passed him hand over Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry salesman. for drivers to be able to handle located. The driver needs to know hand down the aisle and dumped marketing consultant and freelance It made national news recently emergencies. his or her location, and be able to him on the grass. We flagged down writer. Contact him by email at: when a Florida teenager, suffering Medical emergencies also are communicate it to the dispatcher. a state trooper who radioed for an [email protected]. Coach Washing Made EASY!

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Naylor 1/2 Page Horizontol June 2014 Issue.indd 1 5/12/14 3:32 PM 10 June 15, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Highway spending: Are more dollars really needed? By Conrad deFiebre Getting it wrong ly absurd twist, the USDOT fore- hicle miles of travel per person, sity report, new discount operators As pointed out by Phineas cast doesn’t even get the past right. with the peak of most per-person like megabus.com have nearly Every one of President Obama’s Baxandall and Tony Dutzik in a The report ‘projects’ based on and per-household statistics oc- doubled their daily operations infrastructure proposals since the fascinating new blog, federal pro- 2010 data that Americans drove 5 curring in 1995. since 2010, saving their riders 2009 stimulus has gone nowhere in jections of increased driving that percent more miles in 2012 than “Several factors could be possi- more than $1 billion a year with Congress. support arguments for more they actually did. ble explanations for this apparent comfortable vehicles that allow That’s likely to be the fate of spending on roads have been “To hit the DOT forecast for saturation, such as the desire to limit Internet and cell phone connec- Obama’s latest plan for spending wrong on the high side for years. 2014, Americans would need to the time spent in travel and replacing tions, advantages over faster but $302 billion on transportation “The USDOT’s most recent bi- increase their driving by 9 percent physical trips with electronic com- five times costlier airline travel. projects over four years, beginning ennial report to Congress on the this year alone.” munication or online shopping.” Minnesota’s nearly century- Oct. 1. state of the nation’s transportation Phew! Other factors figure in as well. old Jefferson Lines is growing as Still, something will happen in system…forecasts that total vehi- well, up 8 percent in available Washington before the current fed- cle miles will increase between Slooooooooow growth Driving alternatives seat-miles serving 65 towns and eral transportation bill expires and 1.36 to 1.85 percent each year To be sure, U.S. driving did in- Baby Boomers and their fad- 25 colleges in the state. the Highway Trust Fund hits empty. through 2030,” they report. crease last year by 18.1 billion ing elders will increasingly be “The car is our No. 1 competi- The most likely outcome is a “Just how out of whack is that? miles, which sounds impressive forced to give up their car keys in tor and it’s an expense people can status quo extension, similar to the …Vehicle travel hasn’t increased until you realize it was just 0.6 the face of time’s toll, and they’re eliminate,” Jefferson’s Kevin Pursey current two-year legislation, with by even 1 percent in any year since percent more than 2012, lagging a not being replaced on the road by told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. extra cash from who knows where. 2004. 0.7 percent rise in the population. tech-savvy young adults. In place “For that kind of money, people Obama’s proposed generosity “The new report uses for one The long-term trend is clear, of diminished driving, transit, are saying, ‘I’m taking the bus.’” to both roads and transit probably of its scenarios the same flawed acknowledged even by the statisti- Amtrak, foot-powered transporta- Conrad deFiebre is a transpor- won’t be a factor. forecasting model that has overes- cal wizards at the USDOT: “A tion and, especially, intercity bus tation fellow with Minnesota 2020, In some ways, that might be a timated vehicle travel 61 times out number of indicators point toward ridership are up. from which most of this article is good thing. of 61 since 1999…In a particular- saturation in vehicle trips and ve- According to a DePaul Univer- excerpted. Truckers push to eliminate tire under-inflation violation Sometimes, safety is considered flat or underinflated, subjective. only that the vehicle should not be Like determining when a tire operated when the tire pressure is on a commercial motor vehicle is less than that specified for the load underinflated. being carried. It becomes a more complicated The ATA petition has this to issue when state safety inspectors say about how proper inflation start writing tickets for underin- pressure should be determined: flated tires. “Determining the appropriate The fundamental problem is tire pressure for a given tire load is that there’s no official definition of not particularly challenging or underinflated against which to confusing [using load and inflation write citations, so the enforcement tables]. However, when a vehicle is crowd historically has been sort of in operation the load weight making it up as it went along. changes with every drop and hook Nationwide statistics show that operation. since 2012, state inspectors have “For most motor carrier fleets issued more than 30,000 citations it is not practical to adjust tire for underinflated tires. pressure with every load change. That’s why the American As a result, many motor carriers Trucking Associations, with sup- set a tire inflation pressure policy port from The Technology and that specifies a constant tire pres- Maintenance Council, has filed a sure for all of the tractor and trailer petition with the Federal Motor ther 5 psi or 15 psi from the re- it up as they go along. tive introduced back in the days of tires in that motor carrier fleet. Carrier Safety Administration to corded pressure of any tire All an inspector can do is inter- tube-type tires, designed to com- “Some carriers will have a sep- remove language relating to under suspected of being underinflated pret the regulation, follow what pensate for increases in pressure arate tire pressure policy for steer inflation from the federal rule based on the load rating of the tire guidance might be available, and over cold inflation pressure result- axle tires which generally carry a book. and how long it had been traveling write the ticket or not. How many ing from naturally generated heat higher but more constant weight. Here’s how Federal Motor Car- at speed. “underinflated” tires have not been within the tire. “On the other hand, the motor rier Safety Regulation No. written up is anyone’s guess, but carrier enforcement community, 393.75(h) is written: “(1) no motor Questions abound certainly 30,000 tickets — possi- Why now? when inspecting tires for the cor- vehicle shall be operated on a tire That, of course, raises several bly unnecessary tickets — in two Since then, it has never been a rect tire inflation pressure, must which has a cold inflation pressure questions that an inspector at road- years is something to be concerned serious concern until the CSA pro- read the tire markings to determine less than that specified for the load side may or may not be able to about. gram forced bus and truck opera- tire size, determine the axle load, being carried. (2) If the inflation determine. One expert says the problem is tors to start looking very closely at calculate tire load, check the tire pressure of the tire has been in- “I can’t determine what the there is no guidance at all, but every ticket they got. pressure, and then adjust for cold creased by heat because of the load on the tire is, I don’t know there is a penalty for under infla- Suddenly, a ticket for under in- or warm tire condition. They must ­recent operation of the vehicle, the how long it has been running, or tion. They can write tickets or flation became more than an ex- then find the appropriate Load cold inflation pressure shall be es- even how long it might have been warnings, which are the same pensive annoyance. Under CSA, Limit Table (generally not avail- timated by subtracting the infla- sitting still…waiting for an inspec- thing as far as the FMCSA’s Com- under-inflated tires are a three- able to them at roadside) in order tion buildup factor shown in Table tion,” said an Ontario Ministry of pliance, Safety and Accountability point violation. to determine if the tire is underin- 1 from the measured inflation Transportation enforcement offi- program is concerned, or nothing The fundamental problem with flated or not.” pressure.” cer at a TMC event last year. at all. the language of 393.75(h) is that it Really. And that’s just the In other words, part 2 says in- And that’s what is meant by The 5 psi or 15 psi temperature makes no mention of what the tire beginning. spectors are directed to deduct ei- saying the cops have been making adjustment was a USDOT initia- inflation pressure is when a tire is CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c

12 June 15, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Underinflation tions and come up with a chart that fectly fine to run if the vehicle is provided underinflated pressure of not loaded even though the maxi- Two lawsuits against FMCSA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 tires after 15 psi was deducted. mum pressure on the sidewall is That proved impractical as well. 110 psi. The changing load factor • Many vehicles require high- DataQs system are consolidated What about a motorcoach No easy answers load range tires for use on heavy WASHINGTON — Two law- The FMCSA published a pro- whose load could possibly change In the end, TMC Study Group steer axles. These tires have high suits filed by the Owner-Operator posed rule in December that will — often dramatically — at every concluded that it cannot come up maximum inflation pressures Independent Drivers Association allow it to remove violations from stop. with a simple, practical and fair molded on their sidewalls. against the Federal Motor Carrier the Motor Carrier Management Over the past year, the TMC way of determining under-infla- But, after their first life, these Safety Administration DataQs Information System if a citation is Tire & Wheel Study Group has tion during an on-a-trip inspection. tires are often retreaded and used traffic violations-appeals system dismissed in court or a carrier or been trying to resolve the issue. Here is a sampling of the commit- on rear axles which do not put as have been consolidated after the driver is found not guilty. However, every time there was a tee reasons. much load on them and they re- association filed a motion seeking Both CSA and PSP reports discussion participants introduced • Different tires will build up quire less inflation pressure. How- consolidation. would reflect any dismissals. so many angles and variations heat differently depending upon ever, during an inspection, if the The two cases, OOIDA v. the Until that rule is enacted, how- the amount of operating time, the inspector uses the high maximum from tire size to ambient tempera- U.S. Department of Transportation ever, the FMCSA says it does not ture that the issue seemed construction of the tire, the ambi- inflation pressure written on the and Weaver v. FMCSA, center on have the authority to direct states unresolvable. ent temperature, and so on, and sidewall, this would not be fair in the agency’s use of violations to change or alter data in the sys- As it turned out, it was. routinely deducting 15 psi is not a these applications. against drivers and carriers after tem. A state’s final ruling is con- At the request of the Commer- good nor fair practice. • Commercial vehicle opera- the citations have been dismissed sidered “final resolution of the cial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the • Often motor carrier inspec- tors that inflate their tires to 75-85 Study Group committee looked at tors are not aware of the length of psi due to the light loads normally in subsequent adjudication. challenge,” the agency says. several options, but in each case time the vehicle has been operat- carried, will be more apt to be un- Though the FMCSA has put in The OOIDA’s case against the they found exceptions where an ing. Deducting 15 psi unfairly pe- fairly penalized for under-inflated motion steps to mitigate the issue, USDOT involves four member operator of one description or an- nalizes vehicles that have been tire conditions when the maximum the agency’s Motor Carrier Man- plaintiffs who filed DataQs re- other could be unfairly penalized, running for a short time and have inflation pressure on the sidewall agement Information System is quests to change the agency’s data particularly those that run pres- not built up that level of operating is 110-120 psi. still unable to remove citations un- after a violation was dismissed. sures in the 75-85 range — and heat. The petition submitted by the less a state allows the change. All four requests were rejected, there apparently are more in this • Vehicles that are empty or ATA asks that 393.75(H) be The Motor Carrier Manage- and the FMCSA did not alter its camp than might be supposed. lightly loaded do not require tires dropped from 393.75, leaving only ment Information System is the data. Or, fleets than run load range to have the required amount of air 393.75 (a)(3) “flat tires or tires that database from which the Compli- Similarly, the Weaver case H tires with 120-psi indicated on as when fully loaded. To be fair, have an audible leak” as an en- ance, Safety, Accountability pro- against the FMCSA stems from a the sidewall as the maximum the load has to be known and Load forceable item. gram’s Safety Measurement Sys- violation against him in Montana pressure. and Inflation Tables must be used. The Commercial Vehicle Safe- tem scores are derived. that was dismissed but never re- The committee also tried to Example: A tire with 75 psi, ty Alliance reportedly is support- It’s also the data used in the moved from federal records. The create a list of the most common (60 psi after deducting 15 psi due ing the letter submitted by the agency’s Pre-employment Screen- OOIDA filed the lawsuit on be- tires found in over-the-road opera- to heat buildup) may still be per- ATA. ing Program. half of trucker Fred Weaver.

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Call us today at 1-800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation of g o Chart or g o Tour www.rbs2000.com Bus & Motorcoach News NEWS ANALYSIS June 15, 2014 13 DataQing: Nine tips that may help navigate the system All motorcoach operators, as tem allows operators and drivers to 3. Provide the accurate report should be provided to the feds as During a discussion of the well as their drivers, should be fa- upload supporting documents. It number; this refers to the inspection well. DataQs system at a Commercial Ve- miliar — by now — with the crash, also automatically routes the data report. Giving the accurate number 6. Keep a request for data review hicle Safety Alliance meeting, two inspection, traffic citation and regis- review request to the appropriate will help the appropriate reviewing professional and detailed. trucking company executives re- tration data collected and used by agency for consideration, and it state agency determine whether the 7. Make factual statements. ported they had drivers receive out- the Federal Motor Carrier Safety tracks the request. inspection or crash actually belongs Whenever possible, stick to the facts of-service violations for operating a Administration. Below are nine tips designed to to that agency. of the case without injecting opin- vehicle without corrective lenses There are two primary reasons help make a successful DataQs’ re- 4. Provide a clear and detailed ion/emotion into the request. (yes, their eyeglasses) after having such awareness is important: First, quest for data review, or RDR, in the explanation of what is to be re- 8. Ask for additional time as taken them off when the officer the FMCSA uses the data to priori- event of an erroneous inspection or viewed. In the event the initial cate- necessary. State agencies reviewing stopped them. tize and initiate enforcement activi- violation, or incorrectly assigned gory is insufficient to cover the full requests for data review often come Such incidents provide a clear ties. Second, the public can view crash. scope of what is needed in the re- back to carriers, requesting addi- example of the difficulty of trying to much of it on FMCSA websites. While these unofficial tips tend view, use the section for explanation tional information, and give the car- use the DataQs system to have an If an operator or driver believes to make the DataQs process appear to elaborate on problems. rier or driver a time limit in which to out-of-service violation removed data listed on an FMCSA website is to be neat and tidy, it isn’t. That’s be- 5. Provide as much possible sup- get the data. If more time is needed from the drivers’ records. inaccurate, he or she can submit a cause, ultimately, there are often two porting documentation that is valid to assemble the additional informa- If the enforcement officer sticks “request for data review” through a (or more) sides to a story, meaning and relevant. Send pictures docu- tion, simply fire off an email to the to his story, saying he actually “ob- system set up by the FMCSA called the process can get bogged down or menting a supposed maintenance reviewer to let him or her know served the driver driving” without DataQs. stymied. violation, for instance, time-stamped you’re working on getting the data. glasses, then the state data reviewer To get the official lowdown on So, here’s the guidance for com- if possible. In events where a viola- It is not a good idea to give re- is pretty much stuck. the DataQs system and process, go pleting a challenge through the tion or inspection is wrongly as- viewers the idea the person request- Another possible area of frustra- to https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov. FMCSA DataQs system. signed to a company’s USDOT ing the data review is dragging his tion is challenging a citation on a To learn how to view data in the 1. Make the request as timely as number or the wrong driver, provid- or her feet. State officials say they technicality. For example, when an FMCSA systems, go to the relevant possible. While there is no time ing bills of lading, vehicle registra- want to get data problems resolved enforcement officer references the Frequently Asked Question in the limit on challenging a piece of infor- tion documents, and/or driver’s li- in a timely manner. wrong statute or regulation when issu- DataQs Help Center (How can mation contributing to a CSA score cense, lease agreement copies, may 9. Follow up as appropriate. ing a citation or out-of-service order. motor carriers view their safety or profile, getting the challenge in be appropriate. “Final decisions” made by state If the officer says the violation data?) at https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot. before two years is up, when it falls Experts say providing support- DataQs reviewers can be appealed. happened, that’s likely the end of the gov. The Help Center link is on the off the CSA radar, is a no-brainer. ing documents is one of the most Two states, Arizona and New Hamp- story (and the DataQs appeal). left side of the home page. 2. Specify the correct request- important things that can be done to shire, have set up official boards There apparently are no hard and Like all things bureaucratic, for-data-review type. From the get- help resolve a request for data re- with industry representatives, in ad- fast requirements that officers must there is a step-by-step process for go when inputting a request for data view. If what is being disputed is a dition to law enforcement represen- cite the correct statute or Federal gathering the necessary details and review, make sure the appropriate violation, coupled with a state cita- tatives, to review appeals. Motor Carrier Safety Regulation. submitting a DataQs’ data review action type is selected, delineating it tion that a judge overturned in court, Other states handle them less Little wonder then so many safe- request. has to do with a particular violation, whatever evidence was presented to formally, but will typically re-re- ty directors use ugly epithets to de- As part of the process, the sys- an inspection, crash, and so on. the judge to have it thrown out view information. scribe the DataQs process.

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BITZER U.S., Inc. To learn more, visit www.bitzerus.com Phone: 770-503-9226 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] 14 June 15, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Comment period is extended for e-logging device rule Highway blitz CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 WASHINGTON — The Fed- last month in a letter to the ested parties additional time to sub- Paper log books will go away. distracted driving. Plus, watching eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- FMCSA, citing the complexity mit comments on this rulemaking.” After the comment period for unsafe behavior by drivers of istration extended the comment and significance of the rule as The rule, when made final, ends, the agency will begin work large, over-the-road vehicles. period for its proposed electronic reasons. will require all bus and truck driv- on the final rule, which could be The troopers also aim to alter logging device mandate, pushing The comment period originally ers who currently must keep re- published later this year. Delays high-risk behavior by motorists back the comment period 30 days was set to conclude May 27. cords of duty status to use an elec- related to the rule have been com- that leads to crashes through edu- to June 26. In its notice for the extension, tronic logging device, formerly monplace, however. cation and awareness, partner- Commercial Vehicle Safety Al- the FMCSA says it “acknowledges known as electronic onboard re- The effective date of the rule ships, and high-visibility traffic liance Executive Director Stephen CVSA’s concerns” and has granted corders. (See May 15 Bus & Mo- will be two years after publication enforcement. Keppler requested the extension the extension “to provide all inter- torcoach News.) of the final rule. “Far too often, troopers, offi- cers and deputies are called upon to notify a family member that a loved one is not coming home,” said Col. Michael Edmonson, su- perintendent of the Louisiana State Police and general chair of the In- ternational Association of Chiefs of Police division of state and pro- vincial police. “We, as law enforcement lead- ers, have an obligation to ensure Take YOUR that we are doing everything in our power to reduce highway fatalities in our communities, hence the Drive to Save Lives campaign. Business “Through our collective efforts to educate and raise awareness about the leading causes of fatali- to the ties, our expanded partnerships to address these causes, and high-vis- ibility, proactive enforcement to change behaviors, our goal is to Next Level reduce highway fatalities nation- wide by 15 percent in 2014,” said Edmonson. 9/11 Museum

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 “Reservations are needed, other- wise it would be like the wild West, with whoever gets there first getting the spots.” But Neustadt said it’s still too early to tell how well the system will work because “we’re just starting to see the demand rise.” Information about bus access to the museum can be found at www.911memorial.org/group- bus-access. Bus & Motorcoach Academy’s The Expo 2015

Clarence Cornell School of Business CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 The evening, sponsored by the will help increase your business and New Orleans Convention and Visi- tors Bureau, will feature local- operational knowledge...helping you themed music, food and drink, with views of the Mississippi River, plus take YOUR business to the next level. the Mardi Gras accessoire. The preliminary schedule, Summer semester begins July 30! complete with specific dates and times, for Expo 2015 and Travel Exchange has been posted on the Expo website. “Start planning for your trip now,” suggests UMA. Those interested in Expo are urged to visit motorcoachexpo. www.uma.org/academy com periodically in coming months as UMA will be adding new opportunities and events. Laissez les bons temps rouler. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2014 15 Van Hool plant in Macedonia Distinctive Systems adds Google maps BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Dis- software maintenance agreement gration, Google Maps will be fully dedicated; new model planned tinctive Systems Inc., a leading and to every user of our software at integrated with our built-in price supplier of software for motor- those clients,” Greenglass added. calculator and will be able to plan SKOPJE, Macedonia — Van 300 CXs are expected to be built in coach, bus and tour companies, has Support for Distinctive Sys- routes and calculate travelling Hool dedicated its new bus manufac- Macedonia for the North American announced a partnership agree- tems’ existing Microsoft Map- times and distances. turing plant here last month, with the market. ment with Google, the search-en- Point integration will continue for “In our Tour Booking System prime minister and other members of Van Hool said the Macedonia gine, high-technology giant. the foreseeable future. it will be used for defining and the Macedonian government on hand. plant reaffirms the company position Under the arrangement, Dis- “However, we expect most cli- displaying home pick-up areas The $34 million plant, which was in the international coach and bus tinctive Systems has been appoint- ents will migrate to Google Maps and any associated supplements, announced nearly 2½ years ago, market, and will strengthen it in the ed a Google OEM Partner and has immediately when they receive for locating and displaying stan- began producing the Van Hool CX years ahead. licensed Google Maps for Busi- the updated software version,” dard pick-up points and for opti- model for the North American mar- Additionally, company CEO Filip ness for integration into Distinc- said Greenglass. mizing home pick-up routes,” said ket roughly 11 months ago. The CX Van Hool, announced during the “of- tive Systems’ Coach Manager “A major benefit of Google Greenglass. is an upgraded and rebranded version ficial inauguration” ceremony that charter- and contract-booking sys- Maps is that — as a web-based so- The release date for the Coach of the Van Hool C2045 that was intro- starting late this year the Macedonia tem and its Tour Booking System. lution — it is effectively perma- Manager integration is expected duced in the U.S. in 2000. plant will begin production of a “new “Google Maps for Business is nently up to date,” Greenglass mid-to-late July, with an update CX coaches from the Macedonia type of coach” — the EX — that will the most-advanced mapping solu- continued. for the Tour Booking System soft- plant were officially unveiled late last be built for European and new tion on the market and the annual “Our integration will also in- ware to follow shortly. year by Van Hool’s North American markets. cost for us to license it for integra- clude all the familiar features of For more information, contact distributor, ABC Companies, at the Said Filip Van Hool: “For the first tion into our software is substan- the standalone free version, in- Greenglass via email at don. ABC sales, service and headquarters time since the worldwide financial- tial,” said Distinctive Systems cluding street views, satellite greenglass@distinctivesystems. complex in Winter Garden, Fla. (See economic crisis began, we’re again President Don Greenglass. views and awareness of traffic com, or phone at (646) 448-9982. Dec. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) thinking in terms of growth. “Despite this, we will be pro- conditions and road works. The web address for Distinc- The first completed CX coach “True to tradition, we stay in viding the integrations free of “In common with our existing tive Systems is www.distinctive- left the plant in Macedonia in mid- close contact with what´s going on at charge to all clients with a current Coach Manager MapPoint inte- systems.com/us/. October. It was driven 1,100 miles to our customers and keep a sharp eye the Van Hool plant in Belgium where on how the market is evolving. What characterized as a “standard-type than Van Hool’s home plant in Kon- their own.” new passenger seats, wheels and tires we’ve been seeing prompted us to coach,” aimed at the “lower segment ingshooikt, Belgium, where wage The two-axle EX will be unveiled are installed — before being shipped build a new type of coach. of the international bus and coach rates are substantially higher than in at the giant IAA Commercial Vehi- to the United States. “With this new vehicle type we market.” Macedonia. cles 2014 exposition in Hannover, Since then, more than 125 other can even tap new markets that until Filip Van Hool noted that for his Said Filip Van Hool: “Over the Germany, beginning Sept. 25 and CXs have followed the same trail. recently were virtually unattainable company to produce a competitive, past few months, the employees at the ending Feb. 10. The CX is assembled by a work- for us.” low-cost coach it had to be built as new plant in Skopje have clearly Whether an Americanized ver- force of 431 Macedonians (410 men Van Hool’s announcement was cost-efficiently as possible, meaning demonstrated they can quickly make sion of the coach will eventually find and 21 women). This year, around short on details; the EX was simply assembly had to be somewhere other Van Hool’s high quality standards its way to the U.S. market is unclear. 16 June 15, 2014 SUPPLIER VIEWPOINT Bus & Motorcoach News How to keep a motorcoach fleet clean — affordably By Bruno Albanesi That opinion is pretty washing a large vehicle? systems. wash machines have evolved to all unanimous. The equipment range runs Somewhere in between lies a shapes and sizes, each able to turn Every bus and coach operator What is somewhat more con- from the very basic broom and category of machines which has a single operator into a virtual knows a clean fleet is good fusing is HOW to maintain a fleet bucket to a fully automatic, three- hit many a fleet owner’s return-on- wash crew. business. consistently clean, and how to do brush portal with all the bells and investment sweet spot, winning For the operator, washing a Coach cleanliness improves so affordably. whistles. them over in North America and full-size coach now becomes a lei- the company image, extends vehi- “Affordably” is, of course, a Roughly $30 on one side and around the world — the single- surely walk around the vehicle. cle life by reducing corrosion, and key consideration. up to $300,000 on the other, count- brush, bus wash machine. From the very basic electric allows for easier, faster vehicle What are the practical choices ing the real estate and large build- Simple, compact, fast and af- models (tied to a fixed wash area, maintenance and repair. a fleet owner has to mechanize ing often needed to house the big fordable, single-brush vehicle usually by a festoon system), to the high-tech, “unplugged” machines that are cordless and able to take the wash to the bus, the sector has evolved remarkably during the past 20 years. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 — Drivers Wanted. installed. The two major players in this sector in North America are Awash and Bitimec. Awash Systems Corp. in Cana- da bought ACC International in late 2010 and specializes in elec- tric fixed-bay units. Bitimec International. with of- fices in Greenwich, Conn., is a manufacturer and pioneer in the sector, with many innovations such as the first fully autonomous ma- chine (diesel powered in 1993), first battery-powered machine (24-volt, Model 626 in 1997), and the first hybrid-powered, ride-on machine (Pony H model in 1999). Being compact and reasonably priced, these systems are populat- ing bus and coach wash bays by the thousands throughout North America and Europe. The narrow version of the ma- chines can operate in wash bays as narrow as 15 feet. All models are workhorses with relatively few moving parts. Drivelines are directly linked mo- tors and sealed reducers. Awash has preferred aluminum frames with water activated incli- nation mechanisms which lean the whole frame forward. Bus & Motorcoach Academy’s Bitimec uses all stainless-steel Introducing the frames and “brush-only” inclina- Prevost Preparatory School for Professional tion systems which keep all wheels firmly on the ground and lean less Motorcoach Drivers. weight for more stability. Both companies have autono- Developed to help new drivers prepare for mous machines with multiple power options, with battery being their CDL, Prevost Prep also gives by far the favorite. When vehicles come in after a experienced drivers an opportunity to keep trip, they need to be refreshed be- current on the unique skills and responsibilities fore the next group comes on board. Single-brush wash companies, of a professional motorcoach driver. such as Bitimec and Awash, offer affordable solutions with small Summer semester begins July 30! foot-prints and a lot of wash mus- cle, all at the touch of a button. No more excuses for buses that are other than spotless. Bruno Albanesi is president of www.uma.org/academy Bitimec International. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2014 17

visitors annually to its perfor- Cramer Owen its national leasing business development manager People mances, has honored Karen manager, specialty vehicles. with De Lage Landen Financial Schwabe of Sunshine Motor- In this role, Owen will focus on Services of Wayne, Pa. Previously, BALTIMORE — The Mary- coach Tours in Moline, Ill. establishing new relationships he spent more than two decades in land Motorcoach Association has Schwabe has been bringing with manufacturers, dealers and various roles with Wells Fargo installed two new board members. groups to The Fireside theater for end-users with the objective of Equipment Finance, CIT Group, Joining the board are Tim Wil- 26 years. She was presented the providing equipment financing so- GE Capital, CNH Capital, son, director of sales and operations “Flame of Friendship” award. lutions to medium- and large-fleet Daimler A.G., and PACCAR Inc. at Gunther Charters and Hunt Ed Flesch, longtime Fireside specialty vehicle operators. Key Equipment Finance is ac- Valley Motor Coach in Hanover, producer/director, said that among Prior to joining Key, Owen was tive in the motorcoach industry. Tim Wilson David Schmidt Md., and David Schmidt, regional The Fireside’s group sales staff, sales manager for Prevost. Sunshine Motorcoach Tours is Wilson holds a bachelor’s de- known as the “one-note group.” gree from the University of Mary- “Generally, that is all that is in- land Eastern Shore, where he volved,” he said. “The shows are Don’t Stop at Zero graduated cum laude. booked, confirmed and paid with- He initially got involved in the out a reminder needed.” Tail Pipe Emissions COMPLETE COACH WORKS motorcoach industry by driving Over the years, Schwabe con- buses during his college years. In sistently has brought four tours to 2005, he became a driver for Peter the theater each season, sometimes Pan Bus Lines in Washington, more. D.C. “Even through the tough eco- • A recycled remanufactured ZEPS After graduating, Wilson nomic crises of late, she came joined the District of Columbia through with full coaches,” Flesch reduces landfill pollution School System as a counselor in noted. “For her many years of loy- its College Access Program. After alty, her can-do spirit and demon- • Reduces new raw material use, a year, Wilson decided to follow stration that the extra effort really his passion and pursue a fulltime can pay off, we’re pleased to honor reuses non wear items career in the motorcoach industry. Karen Schwabe.” Prior to joining Gunther Char- The theater, which has been ters in 2010, Wilson worked for operating for 36 years, has four re- • Repurposes a good bus into a Haymarket Transportation in Ster- maining productions this year: GREAT Zero-Emission Bus ling, Va. “Driving Miss Daisy,” June 12- Schmidt has spent 40 years in July 20; “Smokey Joe’s Café,” July the industry, the past 27 represent- 24-Aug. 31; “Les Miserables,” ing Prevost as regional sales man- Sept. 11-Oct. 26, and “A Fireside ager in the eastern U.S. He is a Christmas,” Oct. 30-Dec.21. graduate of Dickinson College SUPERIOR, Colo. — Key with a degree in history. Equipment Finance, one of the FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — nation’s largest bank-held equip- The Fireside Dinner Theatre, ment finance companies and an af- which draws tens of thousands of filiate of KeyCorp, has named Bus ticket aggregator includes Greyhound, Greyhound Express BOSTON — Wanderu, the Clarke, and former Greyhound startup company with ambitions to Lines CEO Craig Lentzsch. become the Kayak.com of bus and Wanderu’s service was initially train travel, announced it is has available for booking travel in the added Greyhound and Greyhound Northeast, and has been expanded Express to its ticket-buying service. since to the Southeast and West Travelers can now use Wanderu Coast. to book Greyhound travel to 57 Wanderu aggregates both bus cities, which are concentrated in and train schedules, which would See why transit fleets the northeastern U.S. and Canada. otherwise require checking a num- Before the addition of Grey- ber of websites to find the cheap- are making the switch to hound, Wanderu offered search est tickets and connections be- and booking for a number of carri- tween cities. ZEPS Electric Buses ers, including megabus.com and Clicking on a search result di- BoltBus. rects the consumer to the bus or completecoach.com/the-switch Wanderu enables users to find train provider’s site similar to air- bus travel itineraries and fares — line travel aggregators like Kayak. by comparing them side-by-side Wanderu is not the only com- — and is free to use for consumers pany attempting bus industry tick- (the bus companies pay a fee to et aggregation. A year ago, a Cana- Introducing the world’s first & only all-electric remanufactured transit bus Wanderu). dian start-up, Busbud, launched that is sure to deliver clean & environmentally friendly transportation to your The company said in April it had internationally with a similar goal crossed 1 million bus trips booked of becoming the “Kayak for inter- community while priced at a fraction of the cost of a new bus. by its users. The service launched city bus travel.” out of beta last summer. (See Sept. 1 The best known website, how- Bus & Motorcoach News.) ever, is GoToBus.com, which ag- FOR A FREE ROUTE ANALYSIS CALL Last year, Wanderu raised about gregated the so-called Chinatown 1(800) 300-3751 $2.5 million in funding from inves- bus operators years ago. COMPLETE COACH WORKS tors, including Alta Ventures Mex­ For more information, go to COMPLETECOACH.COM/ZEPS ico, Orbitz.com Chairman Jeff www.wanderu.com. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Good Times. Good Friends. GREAT Business.

www.motorcoachexpo.com Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2014 19 Faith Travel Association role Croc on board: Questions abound MURMANSK, Russia — On Fyodor also reportedly experi- crocodile share the bus restroom? growing at Travel Exchange occasion, news articles seem to enced shock symptoms, as did the Just how big was the pothole raise more questions than they Soviet Circus accountant who that sent a 264-pound individual LEXINGTON, Ky. — The new be able to participate in FTA profes- answer. squished him. Additionally, the ac- flying? Faith Travel Association has an- sional development seminars, as An example of this conun- countant suffered cuts and bruises. Are the infrastructure prob- nounced plans to host its first “FTA well as network at sponsored-FTA drum occurred late last month A reprimand was issued to the lems in Russia exponentially Day” conference during NTA/UMA events, and tour the exhibits in the when United Press International accountant, and she was “advised worse than they are here? Travel Exchange in New Orleans in FTA Pavilion, all at no additional transmitted an account of a croco- to lose weight” and “observe safe- Just how fast was the bus fly- January. charge beyond the standard Travel dile that was hurt and vomited for ty precautions” by wearing her ing at the time of the incident? The association also will host a Exchange registration. several hours after an overweight seatbelt in the future. Shouldn’t the National Trans- pavilion at Travel Exchange, which Travel Exchange combines the accountant landed on the reptile Interesting tale, but ya gotta portation Safety Board be encour- will showcase faith-based travel ex- annual NTA Convention and the during an accident on a Russian wonder: aged to send one of its Go Teams hibitors from around the world. United Motorcoach Association circus bus. Should U.S. bus operators be to Murmansk to investigate the “As the only association dedi- Motorcoach Expo under one roof. When the bus hit a pothole, the taking a cue from the incident and incident to make sure it doesn’t cated to bringing the global faith- The joint show will be Jan. 18-22. 264-pound female accountant expanding their passenger demo- occur here? based travel industry together with The FTA Day conference will be went flying and smashed the 6½- graphics? Seniors and snakes? Shouldn’t the Federal Motor faith leaders, FTA continues to gain Jan. 19. For more information, go to foot crocodile, the Russian news Gators and girl hockey teams? Of Carrier Safety Administration be momentum,” said Z. Allen Abbott, www.faithtravelassociation.com. agency, RIA Novosti, reported. course, operators would have to sending a copy of the Federal executive director of the The Faith Travel Association The crocodile, named Fyodor, make sure drivers conduct passen- Motor Carrier Safety Regulations association. was officially launched at Travel Ex- got sick after the unexpected slam ger safety briefings. to their Russian counterparts? Travel Exchange attendees will change 2014 in February. and threw up for three hours. Just where do you buy buses Or, should the FMCSA be di- However, a medical examina- designed to transport both croco- aling back its domestic enforce- Joint Annual Meeting, Industry tion of the animal revealed he had diles and accountants? ment efforts, recognizing that, Calendar Expo and Sales Retreat, Sands not suffered internal injuries but What is the seating layout for compared to the real world, U.S. Bethlehem (Pa.) Info: www.pabus. he was held out of his next perfor- such a coach? Of all the floor bus safety really isn’t so bad? JUNE 2014 org or www.gnjma.com. mance, the Russian newspaper plans published by all of the cut- You think Russian authorities 12-14 The Bus History Associ- 18-21 New England Bus Asso­‑ Komsomolskaya Pravda reported. away bus makers in the U.S., have ever conduct a drug search on that ation 2014 Annual Convention, ciation 2014 Annual Conference, Circus officials said they ex- you ever seen one that has croco- bus? Country Inn & Suites at Mall of Hilton Mystic, Mystic, Conn. Info: pected Fyodor would be able to diles on one side and accountants And, finally, who has the fun America, Minneapolis. Info: [email protected]. return to performing by the fol- on the other? job of fastening the safety belt on www.bus-history.org. 24-25 UMA Capital Hill Days, lowing weekend. Do the accountant and the the croc? 16-19 Greater New Jersey Washington, D.C. Info: Ken JULY 2014 Virginia, North Carolina and Richmond, Va. Info: www.scmotor- Motorcoach Association and Presley at UMA, email kpresley@ South Carolina Motorcoach coach.org, www.ncmotorcoach. Pennsylvania Bus Association 13-16 Joint Annual Meeting of uma.org, or call (800) 424-8262. Associations, Richmond Mariott, org, or www.vamotorcoach.com.

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“Without an adequate supply spokesman Duane DeBruyne told medical director for Concentra maintain and demonstrate compe- Medical exams of medical examiners appropriate- one publication. “Their medical medical centers in Missouri, Kan- tence through periodic training CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ly dispersed around the country… certificates will continue to be sas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and and recertification testing and their medical certification exam drivers and motor carriers may be valid until the expiration date that Nebraska. Concentra is a subsid- those who fail to maintain federal with a qualified healthcare profes- unable to fully comply without ex- is shown on the card,” he said. iary of medical giant Humana Inc. standards will be removed, says sional wherever they might be — cessive expense and costly de- Others who had sought a delay Dr. Puricelli recommended that the FMCSA. coast to coast, including Hawaii lays,” the letter said. of the mandate cited “high costs” drivers schedule their medical To learn more or to check the and Alaska.” The FMCSA responded by as- and “unnecessary downtime spent exams, rather than just walk in, as registry, go to http://nationalregis- serting that with 22,000 medical traveling to an approved examiner.” many have done in the past. An ap- try.fmcsa.dot.gov. Enough examiners? professionals registered on the pointment will assure that a certi- In allowing the rule to become start date, and more signing up, Expect to pay more fied clinician is available, she noted. No change in Canada effective late last month, the there was an adequate number of The day before the require- A USDOT medical exam looks Motor Coach Canada, re- FMCSA rejected appeals from certified examiners available. ment went into effect, one large at a range of conditions to assess a sponding to calls and emails ask- trucking groups that contended In its rule, however, the agency medical provider announced that driver’s ability to safely operate a ing if the new U.S. medical certifi- there may not be enough certified set a goal of 40,000 examiners to “due to the increased certification commercial vehicle, including cation requirement had any impact examiners for the number of driv- cover the needs of the 4.4 million requirements for clinicians and a cardiovascular disease, respiratory on Canadians holding a commer- ers who live in certain areas. The bus and truck drivers subject to the new regulation requiring clini- and muscular functions, vision, cial driver license issued by a Ca- American Trucking Associations, rule. As of early this month, it was cians to send exam results on a and hearing. nadian province or territory, said for example, asked for a six-month at 62.5 percent of the 40,000-­ monthly basis, the cost of DOT All interstate commercial the answer is “no.” delay. examiner target. physicals will be increasing in the truck and bus drivers must pass a “By virtue of the Canada-U.S. “Not only will the registry lack Drivers must be medically cer- upcoming months.” USDOT medical exam at least commercial driver license reci- sufficient numbers of examiners tified every two years, which the “This price adjustment will re- every two years to obtain a valid procity agreement, Canadian driv- in sum, but the system will be hin- rule does not change. flect commercial drivers’ access to medical certificate, maintain their er license medicals are not affect- dered by the inadequate geograph- “It is also important to empha- a higher level of clinical expertise CDL, and legally operate a com- ed by the new rule in the U.S., ic coverage,” ATA President and size that most drivers will not need and to thousands of FMCSA-certi- mercial motor vehicle. which requires medical examiners CEO Bill Graves wrote in a letter a new physical exam immediately fied clinicians nationwide,” said Medical examiners on the na- to be certified by FMCSA,” Motor about the requirement. following the…deadline, FMCSA Dr. Anne-Marie Puricelli, regional tional registry are required to Coach Canada told its members. Out of service Lawsuit succeeds year list five or fewer “power pervising, and fatigue management N.C.; DAPTCO Motor Coach Ser- The company filed suit in the units” on their FMCSA snap shot of regular-route drivers. vices of Greensboro, N.C.; CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 U.S. District Court for the Middle page. That includes four single- “And small minority operators Southeastern Tours Inc. in All of the carriers were among District of Georgia, asserting that bus operators, eight with two-bus seem to have a reduced chance of Greenville, N.C.; Executive Charter 250 selected for stepped-up safety its FMCSA inspector “piled on” fleets, and six with three vehicles. recovering from an out-of-service Lines Inc. in Greensboro, N.C.; Po- inspections due to roadside in- the company, making it an “inno- Just five of the 52 companies order, particularly since FMCSA cono Progressive of Irvington, N.J.; spection and safety data that iden- cent victim” in the FMCSA “Op- declared having 20 or more power generally lacks specificity for ob- Gotham Coach Service Inc. of Bell- tified them as “most at risk,” the eration Quick Strike” campaign to units, although some of those are taining reinstatement.” port, N.Y.; Bus Go Bus of Philadel- FMCSA said at the time. shut down unsafe operators. Nego- smaller vehicles such as shuttles, However, another expert in the phia; Wilcar Tours Inc. of Tobyhan- The carriers regaining operating tiations prompted by the court fil- vans and limousines. field said an emphasis on motor- na, Pa.; Destiny Tours of Kingstree, rights were: Lucky River Transpor- ing put TransSouth back in service The seeming emphasis on coach carriers that are under-capi- S.C.; Autobuses Zacatecanos of tation Corp. of Boston; Ricardo with a “conditional” safety rating. smaller carriers has led to some mo- talized may be warranted. Fort Worth, Texas; Salt Lake Shut- Transportation Co. of Orlando; Rotel North American Tours torcoach industry grumbling that “There are so many under- tles of Kearns, Utah, and Advanced Rotel North American Tours of Or- was based in Indiana when it was the FMCSA has picked on small po- ground bus carriers who don’t Ventures of Springfield, Va. ange, Calif.; South Carolina VIP ordered off the road in September. tatoes targets — that are easily bul- even have drivers with commer- Carriers listed as “not autho- Tours of Columbia; Spaulding Char- The Terre Haute Tribune-Star re- lied and don’t have the expertise or cial driver’s licenses — it is really rized” were: People to Places Inc. of ters and Tours Inc. of Charlotte, ported that the German company resources to contest the aggressive ugly. Something should have been Bridgeport, Conn.; Washington DC N.C.; TranSouth Motorcoach of had hired a couple living there to inspection tactics of zealous investi- done before now.” Party Shuttle in Washington; Warner Robins, Ga., and Uniworld handle its business in the U.S. The gators and government attorneys — Smaller companies that cannot Acrosstown Charter of Park Ridge, Tours of Long Island City, N.Y. couple had lived in Germany and to bolster its shutdown numbers and afford a dedicated safety officer Ill.; Irma J Tours Inc. of Chicago; Il- spoke German. The company’s the perception it is taking action to may need to work with a part-time lini Tours of Champaign, Ill.; Furta- Costly comeback name and USDOT number now are prevent accidents. consultant to keep their program do Bus Lines Inc. of Assonet, Mass.; One of the largest carriers shut listed at an address in Orange, Calif. While a number of industry and paperwork in order, he said. CC Rider Coach of Pearlington, down last year, Lucky Star of Bos- Online records show Rotel safety experts harbor such “Bus companies probably need to Miss.; Travel Time Transportation ton, spent nearly $1 million over filed corporate papers in California thoughts, they are reticent to re- have a safety director before they of Danville, Pa.; S&V Tours Inc. of five months to revamp its opera- on April 14. A man who answered spond to the issue on the record. get to five buses, but they probably Tobyhanna, Pa.; and The People’s tions so it could reclaim permis- the carrier’s new phone number de- “I am not seeing any big carri- can’t afford it until they get to 10.” Choice of Hardeeville, S.C. sion for interstate operations. The clined to discuss the changes. ers being hit with the consent carrier replaced a third of its 22 One of the successful service agreements,” said one veteran Who was shutdown The inactive list vehicles and had to hire a number returnees, Ricardo Transportation safety specialist. “They are not The 2013 Quick Strike carriers The USDOT numbers owned of new drivers. of Florida, now displays a U.S. perfect — they have crashes and still listed “out-of-service” as of last by these carriers are now inactive: During the months it was shut Department of Transportation paperwork issues, too,” he noted. month were: Autobuses Rayon Inc. River City LLC of Lake Havasu down, many of its drivers found logo on its web site and wraps up “This is a very complex issue, in Phoenix; FTS Forest Transport City, Ariz.; New Haven Bus Service new jobs and four were let go be- its home page with the declara- but the effects seem to be dispro- Services of Parksville, B.C.; Salci- of West Haven, Conn.; McRea cause they could not pass an Eng- tion: “Five Star Service, Safety & portionately borne by small, and do Tours of Los Angeles; A Ray Transportation Inc. in Hialeah, Fla.; lish-language test. Comfort!” It also carries another often minority-owned, operators,” Land Productions Company (dba Coach USA Tour Inc. of Niagara TransSouth in Georgia took logo that says “CDL — Certified said another expert. Fabulous Coach Lines) of Branford, Falls, N.Y.; Horizon Coach Inc. of what appears to be a unique route Driver Licensed.” Fla.; Best Limo Service of Tucker, Bellport, N.Y.; Destiny Tours of back to service, returning to the A Canadian carrier that lost its Fewer resources Ga.; All Pro Motor Coach in Atlan- ­Toledo, Ohio; GWC Enterprises of road under a federal consent order U.S. operating authority last year, “These groups traditionally ta; Nealson Coach Inc. of River- Memphis, Tenn.; Hotel Mexicano after filing a civil lawsuit against FTS Forest Transport Services Ltd. have less access to the capital and dale, Ill.; Sztork Family Tour & in Von Ormy, Texas, and Agape the FMCSA. It took the unusual of British Columbia, is advertising revenue opportunities that produce Travel Corp. in Wood Dale, Ill.; Tours Inc. of Wichita Falls, Texas. step of challenging an FMCSA a busy slate of spring and summer the profits that allow more staffing Midnight Express of Olathe, Fabulous Coach Lines (see shutdown order in federal court. casino trips north of the border. It is for compliance. There also seems Kan.; MHBS Inc. of Mortons Gap, out-of-service list above) was sold The feds had ordered Trans- currently listed as a “general autho- to be a number of operators that Ky.; Lynette’s Limousine Service early last year to A Candies Coach- South, an eight-bus carrier, off the rization licensee” by the British have contracted with Chinatown of Wilmington, Mass.; MTZ Tours works Inc. of Gainesville, Fla. road when they said the carrier Columbia Ministry of Transporta- scheduled-service carriers or bro- of Springfield, Mass.; Azaria The former owner of Fabulous had failed to comply with the tion and Infrastructure. kers — to operate line-run service Tours Inc. of Attleboro, Mass.; Coach Lines, Ray Land, continues terms of another consent order ne- Half of the carriers parked dur- — that have little or no experience Carbo Limo of Oxford, Miss.; All to operate Players Coach, a five- gotiated a year earlier. ing Operation Quick Strike last in the rigors of hiring, training, su- Nations Coach Inc. of Clayton, coach casino shuttle.

For Sale: NOVA Low Floor Transits, 22 June 15, 2014 Bus & Motorcoach News Setra 217HDH and MCI E4500s ESCOT Bus Lines in Florida has (2) FirstGroup profit picture mixed 1999 model year, and (2) 2000 mod- percent. the year,” reflecting modestly im- el year, good running, 40 foot, NOVA Greyhound Lines, A year ago, Greyhound earned proving economic conditions in the Low Floor transit buses for sale. 34 $85.2 million on revenue of $1.02 U.S. as the year went along. seats + room for 20-30 standees, First Student lag billion, resulting in a margin of 8.3 FirstGroup noted that the weath- ADA ramp, Series 40 engine, B400 Al- LONDON — FirstGroup, the percent. er also offset gains resulting from lison trans, Carrier HVAC, Twin Vision Scottish-based corporate parent of First Student operating earn- “the continued profitable growth of destination signs. These buses have Greyhound Lines, First Student ings declined to $152.8 million on our point-to-point services.” been owned and operated by Escot and First Transit, has reported a 23 revenue of $2.34 billion, for an op- in contract service since 2008, ideal percent increase in fiscal 2014 erating margin of 6.5 percent. Bright spots for a parking lot or game day shuttle earnings, but its North American In fiscal 2013, First Student Greyhound Express, one of where moving a high volume of pas- businesses failed to contribute to had an operating profit of $175.2 those point-to-point services, was sengers quickly is needed. $15,000 the gain. million on revenue of $2.38 bil- reported to have continued “to per- each or $55,000 for all four. Spare Still, the overall corporate lion, resulting in a margin of 7.4 form well,” with year-over-year parts also available. profit gain was in line with analyst percent. revenue increasing by more than forecasts, and occurred despite a First Transit, Greyhound and 10 percent. ESCOT also has (1) 1998 model year, slower-than-expected turnaround First Student produced combined “The multiple price points we good running, 45 foot, Setra S217HDH of its U.S. school bus unit, First revenue of $4.62 billion in fiscal now offer (at Greyhound Express) for sale. Series 60 Engine, B500R Student. 2014 and operating profits of gives us broader market potential Allison trans, 59 passenger seats. Still, FirstGroup announced it $321.7 million. and helps us to attract users back Escot has owned and operated would not be paying a final divi- That compares with fiscal to coach travel, as well as encour- this bus since new, 633,000 miles. dend for the fiscal year, scrapping 2013 combined revenue of $4.69 aging new customer demograph- $30,000. Spare parts also available. a plan announced last year to rein- billion and operating earnings of ics,” said FirstGroup. state payouts after it pulled last $338.1 million. Greyhound Express now cov- ESCOT also has (4) 2002 MCI E4500 year’s final dividend and this year’s ers more than 30 percent of the coaches for sale. Series 60, B500, interim dividend. Winter’s impact U.S. Greyhound system, including Call Brian at aluminum wheels, 665,000-735,000 The move conserves cash. The performances of First Stu- most major city pairs. miles, Escot has owned and operated FirstGroup’s pretax profit for dent and Greyhound were severely Meanwhile, Greyhound’s Bolt- 727-545-2088 all since new. $109,000 each. the 12 months ended March 31 impacted by the prolonged winter Bus unit expanded in California was $189 million, compared with weather in the U.S. early this year. during the year, adding Los Ange- $137.5 million reported a year ago. FirstGroup had warned in April les-to-San Francisco, San Jose-to- Excellent Condition–none nicer! Among its three North Ameri- it would be taking a $23.57 million Oakland and Los Angeles-to-Las Cummins • B500 • 58 pax w/lav can operations, First Transit was hit to fiscal 2014 profits from the Vegas runs, and the YO!Bus brand, <150K TCM Michelin Tires the only unit to report higher oper- weather. (See May 1 Bus & Motor- which links Chinatowns in the ating profits for fiscal 2014. coach News.) Northeast, “saw positive year-on- Alcoa Rims • Cordless Mics NEW First Transit had an operating FirstGroup also said that much year performance.” CD/DVD • Lots more options LOWER PRICE! profit of $95.7 million on revenue of the 3.1 percent drop in Grey- Among other developments: Partial Financing O.A.C. of $1.29 billion, resulting in an op- hound revenue during fiscal 2014 • Terminals are to be opened in $325,000/OBO erating margin of 7.4 percent. A was caused by the bad weather Miami, Seattle and Baltimore in Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered • More available year ago, First Transit earned $77.7 during January, February and the next few months Call / Email today for photos and more info! million on revenue of $1.28 bil- March that “caused significant • Pilot testing of yield-man- [email protected] / 808.832.6261 lion, for a margin of 6 percent. disruption to the network.” aged pricing on Greyhound’s tradi- Operating profits at Grey- Excluding weather, like-for-like tional route system will occur dur- 2011 MCI J4500 only 14,000 Actual Miles! hound dropped to $73.2 million revenue at Greyhound for the fiscal ing the next year for the 12 months ended March 31, year was roughly 0.7 percent lower, A medium-term goal for Grey- Detroit Series 60, Allison B500, on revenue of $990.6 million, pro- “although the revenue growth tra- hound, said FirstGroup, is a profit Passenger Seat Belts $349,900 ducing an operating margin of 7.4 jectory improved over the course of margin target of 12 percent. We have great financing sources at competitive rates for qualified buyers Call JD at 763-856-0778 or email megabus drops Pittsburgh, Cleveland routes [email protected] CLEVELAND — megabus. been slashed. of corporate affairs for Coach USA/ Call Darcy at 800-322-8687 or email com, the nation’s largest curbside Clevelanders can no longer megabus.com North America. [email protected] operator, has eliminated service to travel to Pittsburgh, Detroit or Ann “Customers in each market three destinations from its down- Arbor, Mich., via megabus. All four still have access to other service For more photos and details on these and other fine coaches go to: town Cleveland station because of cities were connected on one route, routes, including 12 cities to and http://BusesAndMore.com low ridership. which originated in Pittsburgh and from Cleveland.” Similarly, service has been cut traveled west to Detroit, stopping in The Cleveland-Pittsburgh route to 13 of the 19 destinations mega- Cleveland and Ann Arbor. was launched in spring 2011. At REPOS FOR SALE bus once served out of Pittsburgh. “Unfortunately, due to insuffi- one time, megabus offered six •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell Pittsburgh was designated a cient ridership service, the Pitts- roundtrips daily between Pittsburgh • Variety of Makes & Models hub city by megabus three years burgh-Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit- and Cleveland. The route to Ann ago and remains one even though Ann Arbor route was discontinued,” Arbor was launched in 2012; ser- 1-877-737-2221 x30716 the number of destinations has said Sean Hughes, associate director vice to Detroit also began in 2011. www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” Quebec City: Nice to visit, watch the idling QUEBEC CITY — With mo- And tickets are issued to the One coach operator who was torcoaches pouring into this popular owner of the coach, not the driver. cited last summer checked with a Be sure to update your summer travel-season destination, The operator will receive a paralegal firm in Quebec who ad- operators and their drivers need to “statement of infraction” for the vised that the charges are difficult mailing information keep in mind Quebec City has strict idling violation. The citation will to contest and carriers have not with us so you don’t anti-idling restrictions which ap- demand payment, which can had much success in making a de- pear to be rigorously enforced. amount to hundreds of dollars, fense to anti-idling charges. miss a single issue! From now through Oct. 31, it’s within 30 days. Motor Coach Canada says op- Call 866-930-8421 illegal for a motorcoach or bus to In addition, according to Motor erators should remind their drivers idle for more than five minutes in Coach Canada, the city can appar- of Quebec City’s strict enforce- or email changes to: a 60-minute period within city ently seize the vehicle if the fine is ment of idling laws and to severely [email protected] limits. not paid on time. limit idling within city limits. ONE TEAM WITH ONE JOB: TO HELP YOU KEEP DOING YOURS.

A motorcoach is only as good as the people who stand behind it. Every Prevost is supported by a professional service team with over 500 years of bus and motorcoach service experience, knowledge, and integrity. Our fi eld service experts are dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to keep you on the road. What’s more, every Prevost motorcoach is backed by the Prevost Action Service System (PASS) 24-hour emergency assistance line, our eleven Prevost service centers across North America, and more than 150 Prevost-certifi ed service providers who are experts in the Volvo Powertrain. While unforeseen downtime is inevitable, Prevost will have you up and running in no time at all.

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