February 1, 2008

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY 8 0 0 2 O P X E N H O I T A C I C O A S S A O H C C A O C R R O O T O T M D E O T I Motorcoach Expo ‘08 set all sorts of records as a healthy industry and San Francisco combined to push attendance and exhibit space to record highs. N U

M See special section that begins on Page 12. Final charter service regulations are issued by FTA WASHINGTON D.C. — The year ago, but they do spell out in allowing private bus operators to public transit agency. fare that is above its normal every- Federal Transit Administration has the clearest language ever what request a cease-and-desist order The regulations are to become day rate. (See article on Page 10.) issued the final version of its new public transit agencies can and when a transit agency violates the effective April 30. The rules and changes the FTA charter service rules that are sup- cannot do when providing service rules, and sets up more detailed Among the revisions since the made to its initial proposal gener- posed to end years of feuding and that may be considered charter in complaint, hearing and appeal pro- rules were proposed last February ally have met with favor from legal scrimmaging between private nature. cedures. is a revised definition of charter many in the motorcoach industry. motorcoach operators and public Among the scores of changes, Additionally, the regulations service that prohibits transit agen- “The rules were very well re- transit systems over charter bus the massive rules overhaul pro- contain provisions that allow pub- cies from providing bus service if: ceived by the Legislative and Regu- service provided by transit agen- vides for establishing an electronic lic transit agencies to file com- • A third party pays for any latory Committee of the United cies. registration of private charter bus plaints against private operators part of the service. Motorcoach Coach Association,” Overall, the final rules make providers on a new FTA Website, that do not negotiate in good faith • The service is irregular or of said Ken Presley, the trade group’s few major changes from the initial replacing the old “willing-and- or act vindictively in responding to limited duration. vice president of industry relations. proposal that was released almost a able” process; includes a provision a charter service notice issued by a • The transit agency charges a CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ T

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS February 1, 2008 3 Operators are left holding Fatal crash forces operator to sell OTTAWA, Ohio — The what happened,” Stechschulte told just wouldn’t have been practical.” the bag for Texas services Ottawa-based bus company whose Bus & Motorcoach News. “The Stechschulte declined to give motorcoach crashed in Atlanta last insurance knocked us out. It was dollar figures other than to say his AUSTIN, Texas — A South have not been paid. March, killing seven people, in- about six times the price. It was insurance rate soared six fold over Carolina motorcoach operator that Ken Presley, vice president of cluding members of the Bluffton strictly from the accident. We came what it had been. was hired by the state of Texas in industry relations at the United University baseball team, has been out clean in all the inspections, and On March 1, one of Stech- August for possible evacuation Motorcoach Association, says sold and is now operating under a we ran for six months and got the schulte’s coaches was traveling duty in connection with Hurricane Lancaster was one of several bus new name. highest inspections we could have through Atlanta on Interstate 75, Dean is owed more than $100,000 operators called in by the Texas Executive Coach Luxury Travel got. We were good to go.” carrying 34 passengers, most of with no immediate prospects for Procurement Division in anticipa- had been owned and operated by Except for the huge nut created who were members of the Bluffton payment. tion of Hurricane Dean evacua- Rick Stechschulte for 10 years but by soaring insurance premiums. University baseball team. The team There are believed to be a tions Aug. 20-21. it was unable to maintain its busi- “It was astronomical,” Stech- was on its way to Florida for a handful of other operators also “It appears the state authorized ness viability because of problems schulte said. “We just couldn’t series of spring games. being stiffed by the state. Texas Procurement to obtain these obtaining insurance. afford to stay in business. We’d At 5:30 a.m., the coach depart- Sandra Haigler, vice president vehicles and never funded it,” “Everybody around here knows have had to raise our rates so high it CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ of Lancaster Trailways of the Presley says. “From the UMA Carolinas in Lancaster, S.C., is standpoint, this will cause great caught in a funding screw-up that harm to emergency responders’ one industry source calls the efforts to obtain vehicles for future Feds slam company after fatal crash “Texas Hurricane Hat Dance.” evacuations.” FORREST CITY, Ark. — The City. The bus was making a charter amphetamines in Mexico. How- A Texas official says the state Presley’s advice to motorcoach driver of a motorcoach that was trip from Chicago to Texas. ever, Long said he did not know legislature authorized a “disaster operators who may be asked to involved in a fatal crash in eastern An arrest warrant was issued whether the drugs were prescribed contingency fund,” but never fol- help out in future emergencies? Arkansas in late November had for Tapia, and bail set at $50,000. for Tapia. But regardless of whether lowed through with an appropria- “At this point, they almost amphetamines in his system, Simultaneously, the company they were legal or illegal, Long tion. He offers a detailed explana- have to insist on being paid up impairing his ability to operate the that employed Tapia, Tornado Bus said, prosecutors believe they tion of what happened, with some front. Government officials have bus safely, state prosecutors have Co. of Dallas, has been declared an impaired his driving ability. hope for a solution in the future. to be very concerned that motor- charged. “imminent hazard” by the Federal An amphetamine is a prescrip- Haigler reports having re- coach operators will refuse to Felix B. Tapia, 28, of Browns- Motor Safety Administration and tion stimulant commonly used to ceived two payments, totaling respond in situations where the ville, Texas, has been accused of ordered to cease all commercial treat the daytime drowsiness condi- $12,893.91, leaving an unpaid bal- operators have to advance so much four felony counts of negligent operations. tions of narcolepsy and chronic ance of $106,362.64, plus interest capital,” he said. homicide while under the influence Fletcher Long, the prosecuting fatigue syndrome. accruing at 9.25 percent under the Presley says the vast majority of drugs in the crash that killed four attorney for the First Judicial It also is used illegally as a state Prompt Payment Act. of expenses billed by Lancaster people, and injured dozens more Circuit of Arkansas, said investiga- recreational drug, and as an athlet- She says she understands there CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ are five other bus companies that along Interstate 40 near Forrest tors discovered that Tapia got his CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ 4 February 1, 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Diesel prices California gets tougher about idling rules will stay high SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The sources, the California DMV may Karen Caesar of the California One major trucking associa- California Department of Motor refuse commercial vehicle registra- Air Resources Board also con- tion has expressed outrage over through March Vehicles has apparently added vio- tion, renewal or transfer if the firmed that local police have the the issue, accusing the state of cir- lations of state idling regulations to owner has been cited for violating authority to write citations to en- cumventing due process. “I think WASHINGTON — The price the list of reasons it can deny regis- the state’s anti-idling regulations. force idling restrictions. this is illegal,” said Rick Craig, of diesel fuel during the first three tration of commercial vehicles. The state can reject registration “If you have outstanding cita- director of regulatory affairs for months of this year will average at Currently, the state can block if the vehicle’s owner or operator tions (tickets) for violating any of the Owner-Operator Independent least $3.40 a gallon before tailing commercial vehicle registrations or has been cited “until the violation our mobile emissions regulations, Drivers Association. “There is off later in the year to near $3, the renewals if the owner has outstand- has been cleared, as determined by not just our anti-idling reg, it can such a thing as due process in this Department of Energy predicts. ing traffic citations. the State Air Resources Board,” a block your registration or your reg- country. A citation is proof of Diesel fuel averaged just Now, according to several state state government memo states. istration renewal,” Caesar said. nothing.” above $3.40 in January, and will be close to that price this month and next, the DOE said in a forecast. Pennsylvania bans fees for investigations Diesel will then gradually taper HARRISBURG, Pa. — Penn- this month. $250,000 annually. deaths. The cameras are posted at down from $3.38 in April to sylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has Meanwhile, Erlanger, Ky. (pop- Erlander is off Interstates 71/75 eight expressway intersections. $3.12 in December, the forecast signed a bill into law that prohibits ulation 16,000) has adopted an or- in northern Kentucky, south of Violators face $100 fines. said. municipalities from charging fees dinance allowing the city to charge Cincinnati, Ohio. The new law extends the pro- It will dip to $3.09 in January for police investigations of motor nonresidents for its cost to handle One Erlanger insurance agent gram along the 12-lane boulevard 2009 before gradually rising again vehicle wrecks. vehicle crashes. told a Kentucky Website that he through 2011. next year, peaking in the $3.20s in Municipalities that have been The fees laid out in the ordi- wasn’t sure insurance companies April, May and June, DOE said. levying the fee charge drivers or nance include $7 for every 15 min- would pay the fee and speculated it Proposals made Gasoline prices are also pro- insurance companies. utes an officer is at the scene, plus would be challenged in court. jected to average above $3 per to revamp Va. The township of Radnor, a sub- $154 for every Erlanger police car Another new law in Pennsyl- gallon this year and into 2009, urb of Philadelphia, voted in 2006 that responds to an accident. vania will keep red light cameras with monthly average prices ‘bad driver’ fees to levy fees against nonresidents News accounts say the ordi- posted along a 14-mile stretch of peaking near $3.50 per gallon this involved in wrecks. The township nance was written because a large U.S. Route 1 in Philadelphia. RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia spring, DOE said. later repealed the ordinance after percentage of accidents involve Since 2005, red light cameras lawmakers are considering at least Higher average crude oil an outcry. nonresidents and are costly to deal along Roosevelt Expressway have six bills that would revamp or get prices will assure the elevated The new law, previously with. The city reportedly expects been credited with a sharp reduc- rid of so-called bad driver fees that price levels, the DOE said. HB131, takes effect the middle of the ordinance to generate about tion in traffic-related injuries and were adopted last year. (See July 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) The fees and the accompany- ing fines, which have become one of the most contentious issues in the state in years, were adopted as part of a massive $3 billion trans- portation bill approved in 2007. The bills that have been intro- duced this year would either elim- inate the fees and provide refunds to those who already paid them or amend the rules to reduce the number of offenses subject to the harsher penalties. Since the law took effect July 1, public opposition about the fines for certain driving viola- tions has led many lawmakers to call for changes. The fees for violations made by “bad drivers” are payable in three annual payments ranging from $250 to $1,000. They are expected to generate $65 million a year for transportation. Offenses that could result in the fines include drunken or reck- less driving. But there also are bigger penalties for overweight vehicles and higher registration fees. The penalties and fees only apply to Virginia residents; non- residents are immune. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET February 1, 2008 5 Missouri bill would mandate English-only CDL tests JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A ground” to hire people to sit behind Supporters say such a law responsibility to enforce immigra- ment the Unified Carrier bill in the Missouri House calls for the wheel of trucks. would make the state less attractive tion laws. Registration Act. The UCRA is the commercial vehicle driver’s license Advocates for the English stan- for illegal immigrants. Opponents Another bill of note (HB 1422) process that replaces the old Single applicants to prove they have a dard say it’s a matter of safety. say it is the federal government’s would authorize the state to imple- State Registration System. firm grasp of the English language “It’s a great thing,” said Rick to obtain a CDL. Craig, Owner-Operator Indepen- House Transportation Chair- dent Drivers Association director man Neal St. Onge introduced a of regulatory affairs. “All states bill (HB 1420) that would require should be doing it.” the written test be offered only in He also said that making the English. Applicants’ ability to un- English requirement standard for derstand traffic signs and signals both portions of the test is vital. written in English also would be “It’s the only way you’re really required. They would be prohibited going to know for sure (applicants from using interpreters or transla- can communicate in English).” tors while taking the test. Craig said that states allowing St. Onge said he’s concerned that interpreters to aid test takers cloud people are allowed to drive com- the results. “How do you know the mercial vehicles on Missouri roads interpreter isn’t giving them the without a command of the English answer?” he asked. language. He pointed out that fed- A separate bill is intended to eral regulations require applicants get tough with businesses that hire to be able to read and speak illegal immigrants. The measure English sufficiently to get a CDL. (HB 1381) targets companies that Opponents contend there are no “knowingly” employed, recruited studies that suggest English profi- or hired illegal immigrants. ciency makes better drivers. They Violation of the rule could also voiced concern that adopting result in the suspension of a com- the strict standards would push cer- pany’s state and local business tain companies to go “under- license and registration. Tolls in New York climb NEW YORK — Tolls on the The thruway toll hike, com- New York Thruway, as well as bined with those proposed for the those on New York City bridges next two years, touched off pre- and tunnels, went up last month. dictable criticism from state law- Tolls on the thruway increased makers, some of whom suggested by 10 percent, and the thruway bringing the thruway authority authority is proposing additional 5 under the control of the General percent increases for next year and Assembly and requiring legislative 2010, and $4 to $8 increases for approval of future toll increases. E-ZPass annual permits. Authority officials say the toll In New York City, cash bridge hikes are needed, in part, to make and tunnel tolls jumped by as up for lost revenue caused by slow- much as 50 cents, a 33 percent er-than-expected growth in traffic, increase or more, while vehicle and to pay for repairs on the 55- operators who use E-ZPass will year-old, 623-mile-long highway pay as much as 3.8 percent more. system whose main line stretches The discount for commercial from New York City north to Al- vehicles using E-ZPass rises to 25 bany, west to Buffalo and south to percent from 20 percent. the Pennsylvania border. N.J. governor wants huge toll hike TRENTON, N.J. — New tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike, Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine favors a Garden State Parkway and Atlan- sharp increase in tolls on toll roads tic City Expressway would in- to help pay off state debt. crease 50 percent in 2010 and Corzine was quoted as saying then 50 percent every four years the hikes would be substantial but through 2022, one newspaper that alternatives would be worse. reported. Confirming a previously dis- Tolls also would be imposed on closed schedule, Corzine said part of Route 440. New Mexico eyes idling limits SANTA FE, N.M. — New cial vehicles weighing 16,001 Mexico is the latest state to con- pounds and more. sider adopting an idling limit for Florida, Minnesota and Colo- commercial vehicles. rado all have moved to develop The New Mexico Environ- idling limits in recent months as ment Department is working on a part of broader greenhouse gas proposed idling limit for commer- emission reduction initiatives. 6 February 1, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

statute that covers the State’s Texas Emergency Management Program. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 “The statute is the Texas Gov- megabus.com drops L.A.-Phoenix runs reflect labor and fuel costs and use ernment Code … (and) sections LOS ANGELES — mega- The blog said megabus.com “is bus.com Website. of equipment. 418.071 through 418.073 address bus.com has discontinued its serv- providing cheap, safe, clean and The partnership arrangement “Operators will tell you the the finance authority and the ‘con- ice to Los Angeles from Phoenix quick intercity bus travel and enables customers booking coach razor-thin margins they have sim- tingency fund’ for disaster re- and Tempe, Ariz. attacking the market by making it travel around the U.K. to have ply do not justify a huge financial sponse and the entity that is Not enough people were mak- silly to drive between major access to more than 6,500 hotels outlay and the time spent waiting charged with managing the ‘con- ing the 380-mile, seven-hour trip cities.” on www.megabus.com, with reduc- to be paid,” Presley said. tingency fund.’ If you read further — even with ticket prices starting “We know for a fact that people tions of up to 70 per cent off stan- in the law you will observe that He says the Department of at $1.50 — to make it viable for who would not take a bus other- dard prices, the companies said. there is a procedure established Homeland Security, the Transpor- megabus. wise are taking megabus,” said the LateRooms’ technology enables tation Security Administration and and organization flow for obtain- Phoenix has a long tradition of blog. “And their latest promotion is last-minute booking for hotel — more specifically — the Federal ing assistance at the local govern- frequent flights and relatively to reduce their $1.50 teaser fares to rooms in megabus’ key U.K. desti- Emergency Management Agency ment level to the state agency level. cheap air fares to southern Cali- 50 cents.” nations of London, Edinburgh, need to look into how their “The most recent legislative fornia. The long distances of the Megabus also is giving away Birmingham, Glasgow, Manches- resources were allocated. session added additional require- “It is our understanding that ments and authority and one of the southwestern U.S. tend to discour- 100,000 free seats between mid- ter and Cardiff. federal money was allocated to key changes to the statute was the age travel by bus. January and mid-March. “It’s important that the savings Texas,” Presley says. “Part of the creation of the ‘Mutual Aid Meanwhile, megabus.com con- In the United Kingdom, mega- customers make through booking problem may involve matching Assistance System.’” tinues to make waves elsewhere. bus.com has added a new customer with megabus.com are not wiped funds. We’re still looking for clari- Maddry refers to the “reim- A popular blogspot has cited service — hotel bookings through out by extortionate hotel prices at fication. The federal government bursement of costs” section of the megabus for having the “Best LateRooms.com. megabus cus- their destination,” said Duncan certainly has problems in partici- law and states: Strategy for Reducing Green- tomers can book both travel and Barraclough, partnerships manag- pating with the states if (the states) “While we received partial house Gases, If Such Matters.” accommodations using the mega- er for LateRooms.com. are not going to pay their share of reimbursement from FEMA for the bill.” our costs associated with Hurri- the programs are in name only and costs? The answer is that when the anticipates a favorable response in Haigler sent an e-mail to Ted cane Dean preparations, the reim- may create misunderstandings decisions were made, we were the near future. Maddry of the Texas Governor’s bursement was not sufficient to within the public that is being given assurances that the required Indicating his frustration with Division of Emergency Manage- cover the total cost. The funding served.” funding would be provided. I sus- the situation, Maddry says to ment, asking what funding the issue was made more difficult to Maddry states that his office is pect there are valid reasons why we Haigler: “I don’t know if you have state would use if another emer- resolve due to the fact, that while trying to obtain emergency fund- have encountered problems with any children of high school or col- gency occurred. Here is a portion the Legislature authorized the cre- ing to pay the remaining obliga- obtaining the funds, but those rea- lege level age, but if so this experi- of Maddry’s e-mail response: ation of the contingency fund, an tions resulting from Hurricane sons are totally outside of the ence would make an excellent sub- “Sandra, I appreciate your con- appropriation of funds was not Dean. He suggests that Haigler GDEM’s level of influence or spec- ject for a term paper or public tact and your observation about our made. Thus, like many other exam- might ask: ulation/comment.” administration case study on the source of funding for unanticipated ples at all levels of local, state and “Why did we initiate prepared- Maddry concludes by saying operations of the government.” emergency events, natural or other- federal government operations, our ness and emergency response his office has presented its case for Haigler’s tongue-in-cheek re- wise. I will attempt to answer your legislative bodies create programs actions if we did not have the fund- the funding requirement to the sponse: “Well I guess he shut me question by referring to the state that are not funded, thus frequently ing to support the response effort highest levels of the state and he up!!” Operator sells crash on the driver’s failure to real- However, the NHTSA has not the Georgia Department of Trans- Coach. At times we shared drivers. ize the ramp was an exit and not a waited for the legislation to make portation “for failing to provide We both have the same standards CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 continuation of the interstate, and its way through Congress and has adequate road signs on Interstate and we offer the same type of ed the left lane, which also was an on the highway design. The exit embarked on a test program to 75,” Bluffton University for failing service.” HOV lane, onto an exit ramp. The was marked, though there has been examine the crashworthiness and to contract a bus without seat belts, Bazow credited Executive HOV-lane exit is unusual because it criticism of the signage, which has structural integrity of motorcoach- Van Hool for manufacturing the Coach with having run “an excel- veers left. The coach traveled at since been upgraded. es, along with seat restraint sys- bus without seat belts, and the con- lent operation with quality equip- highway speed up the ramp, which As a result of the crash, the tems. struction company that built the ment, drivers and employees.” ended in an elevated “T” intersec- driver, Jerome Niemeyer, his wife The program also is analyzing HOV exit. Bazow and O’Brian have set up tion with Northside Drive, an over- Jean, and five passengers died. motorcoach fire safety. Stechschulte sold his company a new company, Excursions Trail- pass road above I-75. Seven others were seriously in- The first crash test of a full-size to Excursions Trailways of Fort ways of Ohio, replacing Executive Because of its high rate of jured. motorcoach into a rigid barrier at Wayne, Ind., and its principals, Coach. The combined Excursions’ speed, the bus failed to negotiate Fallout from the tragedy has 30 mph took place in mid- partners Tom Bazow and Patrick operations have a total of 40 drivers the intersection and collided with included introduction of legislation December at the Vehicle Research O’Brian. and 10 Prevost motorcoaches in the overpass’ concrete rail, result- in Congress, the Bluffton Univer- and Test Center in Ohio. Bazow said Executive Coach Fort Wayne and Ottawa. Bazow ing in the ejection of four passen- sity Safety Act of 2007, which calls The crash of a late model coach and his company have had a good said his company joined Trailways gers. The coach them jumped the for the National Highway Traffic marked the first time the federal working relationship. “Rick ap- in May 2005. bridge rail, rotated clockwise, and Safety Administration to conduct government has ever crash tested a proached us about selling,” said Meanwhile, Stechschulte con- fell onto the interstate, landing on comprehensive scientific research motorcoach. Bazow. “We’d been in talks before tinues to own and operate Specialty the driver side and ejecting six to determine the direction of future A number of lawsuits also have and we worked together for seven Builders, a construction company, more passengers. regulatory requirements for motor- been filed against Executive Coach years. When we were oversold, we which shared space with the bus Investigators have blamed the coaches and motorcoach travel. for using a bus without seat belts; would contract out with Executive company. The dead included the driver of management systems” and failure hours-of-service and listed the inspections. Tornado bus the pickup and three bus passen- to oversee its drivers’ “duty status presence of a co-driver when there The FMCSA out-of-service CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 gers. and hours of service.” Among wasn’t one. order states: “Despite the imposi- ic performance enhancer. In late December, after con- other things, FMCSA officials Since 2001, Tornado has been tion of these penalties, Tornado’s If convicted, Tapia could face 3 ducting a new compliance review, found what they called “an alarm- the subject of four other compli- method of operation remained to 10 years in prison on each count. the Federal Motor Carrier Safety ingly high pattern” of false log ance reviews, which resulted in unchanged. The immediate and On Nov. 25, Tapia was driving a Administration ordered Tornado be book entries. And the company fines totaling $57,680 for violating severe hazard to safety stems from Tornado coach, carrying 46 pas- shut down because of its lousy would routinely assign drivers hours-of-service requirements and Tornado’s egregious indifference to sengers, and crossed a median from safety practices. routes that would take up to 17 falsifying driver duty records. the hours-of-service requirements.” the westbound lanes of I-40 and The agency said Tornado hours of driving time. In addition, during the past six The order shutting Tornado collided with a pickup truck in the posed a public safety hazard A review of Tapia’s records by years the company has been fined down can be viewed at www.fmcsa. eastbound lanes. An oncoming because of its “state of unaccept- FMCSA investigators showed that on four separate occasions a total dot.gov/about/news/news-releas- semi-trailer truck then collided able safety compliance,” its “fail- on the day of the crash he had of $5,410 for safety violations dis- es/2007/Order-OOSO-2007-01. with the coach. ure to adequately establish safety exceeded the maximum number of covered during routine roadside pdf.

8 February 1, 2008 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Your tax dollars at work… Bill would require agencies WASHINGTON — An audit both transit subsidy benefits and pollution by encouraging employ- by the inspector general of the U.S. subsidized parking benefits,” the ees to use mass transit. to consider ‘indirect’ impacts Defense Department found a “high report said. They are supposed to equal an WASHINGTON — The U.S. said the executive order requires risk” that department employees in In response to the findings, employee’s personal commuting House of Representatives Com- agencies to notify the Office of metro Washington were flagrantly David Chu, Defense undersecre- costs up to $110 per month. Last mittee on Small Business has Advocacy when a proposed rule is abusing transportation benefits. tary for personnel and readiness, year, Defense spent nearly $36 mil- unanimously approved a bill expected to have a significant Auditors identified more than said the department is revising its lion on the transit benefits for designed to require federal agen- impact on small business. 14,000 Defense employees who employee transit benefit policy and 33,770 employees. cies to give greater consideration “Our biggest concern with the filed incomplete enrollment appli- would soon issue new guidelines. The IG investigation was a fol- to small businesses when adopt- (Regulatory Flexibility Act) is cations, and nine out of 14 employ- Transportation benefits are low-up to a report last April by the ing new rules and regulations. that it does not require agencies to ees from a selected sample over- enormously popular among federal Government Accountability Office The Small Business Regula- analyze indirect impacts,” said stated their benefit by an average of workers in centers like metro that found federal employees were tory Improvement Act (H.R. Sullivan. “Agencies are required $42 monthly. Washington, helping defray com- fraudulently selling Metro fare 4458) is supposed to close loop- to consider the direct economic Additionally, employees who muting and parking costs for tens cards on eBay, inflating transporta- holes in the implementation of the impact of a regulatory action on should have been withdrawn from of thousands of employees, for tion expenses and falsifying appli- federal Regulatory Flexibility small entities, but that analysis the program because of a change in whom such fees can easily top $12 cations to obtain benefits for which Act, which has been on the books can overlook obvious side effects status continued to receive benefits a day. they were ineligible. since 1980. and fail to provide decision-mak- despite their ineligibility. Federal agencies in the capital “These employees are likely the U.S. Small Business Adminis- ers with a full understanding of a “These findings indicate a high region, which includes Washington tip of a much larger number of vio- risk that DoD employees will not and nearby counties of Maryland lations of law,” said Gregory D. tration Chief Counsel for Advo- rule’s likely impact on small enti- file forms to indicate status and Virginia, are required to pro- Kutz, managing director for foren- cacy Thomas M. Sullivan said the ties. changes or to withdraw from the vide the subsidies for employees sic audits and special investigations proposed law would provide “H.R. 4458 contains the need- program, will commit fraud to who use mass transit or participate at GAO, in written testimony sub- “needed assistance to small enti- ed improvements to require this receive benefits more than once in in van pools. mitted to the Senate Homeland ties.” analysis,” he added. the same distribution period, and The benefits are aimed at Security and Governmental Affairs According to Sullivan, the bill Sullivan’s Office of Advocacy will obtain and concurrently hold reducing traffic congestion and Committee. would assure fair treatment of is the self-described “small busi- small businesses in the regulatory ness watchdog” of the federal process by requiring federal agen- government, examining the role Kiss your business good-bye… cies to give consideration to fore- and status of small business in the MAYS LANDING, N.J. — Atlantic County is in the south- The other five judicial hellholes seeable “indirect impacts” of pro- economy and representing the Atlantic County, N.J. has earned a east corner of New Jersey and identified by the association are: posed regulations and to periodi- views of small business to federal dubious ranking: It’s one of six among its municipalities are South Florida; Rio Grande Valley cally review existing regulations. agencies, Congress and the “judicial hellholes” nationwide, Absecon, Atlantic City, Egg Harbor and Gulf Coast, Texas; Cook Plus, it would codify administration. It also is the according to a tort reform organiza- City and Township, Linwood, County (Chicago), Ill.; West Executive Order 13272, “Proper source for small business statis- tion. Pleasantville and Ventnor City. Virginia, and Clark County (Las Consideration of Small Entities in tics, and funds research into small “Personal injury lawyers seem Mays Landing is the county seat. Vegas), Nev. Agency Rulemaking.” Sullivan business issues. to have gained a monopoly in Atlantic County,” declares the American Tort Reform Association Static fire at fuel pump is said to be real danger in its “Judicial Hellholes 2007” WASHINGTON — Cell in cool, dry conditions, especially fore, less likely to burst into flames. ing, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe, report. phones won’t start a fire at a filling in fall and winter, say the two asso- The main way to avoid it is to which will help prevent the fire According to the group, Atlan- station pump — that’s a myth, but ciations. stay outside the vehicle while fuel- from getting worse. Back away tic County is “known for particular- static electricity can spark a fire “Static electricity — the same ing, say experts. If you must re- from the pump and tell the atten- ly plaintiff-friendly laws, admitting during fueling, according to the thing that shocks you after you drag enter the vehicle during fueling, dant to shut off dispensing devices junk science in court and hosting American Petroleum Institute and your feet on carpeting — can ignite don’t touch the nozzle again until and pumps. If no attendant is avail- lawsuits from all over the coun- the Petroleum Equipment Institute. gasoline vapors at the pump,” says you have touched a metal part of able, use the pump’s emergency try.…” While static electricity flash the Petroleum Equipment Institute. the vehicle away from the nozzle. shutdown button to shut it off. It is the first time Atlantic fires at a fuel pump are extremely The same is possible at diesel This will discharge any static that For more information, go to the County has landed on the group’s rare and are preventable, they can pumps, though diesel is a less vol- may have built up. Petroleum Equipment Institute’s list of places where you do not want happen and are more likely to occur atile fuel than gasoline and, there- If a fire does start while pump- “Stop Static” page at www.api.org. to be sued. How to contact us ISSUE NO. 116 Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, To advertise or to mail advertising-related articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Marcia Milton Call: Johnny Steger First Priority Trailways E-mail: [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 (866) 930-8426 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Victor Parra Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Brookfield, Conn. Box No. 336 Call: (866) 930-8421 Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Jeff Polzien El Paso, TX 79925 Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Northfield Lines Starline Transportation Red Carpet Tours To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield, Minn. Seattle Oklahoma City To contact the Call: (866) 930-8421 United Motorcoach Association: Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Robert Hume Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Ken Presley Ellen Balm New World Tours Travel Mates Trailways Ready Bus Lines Call: (800) 424-8262 Bristow, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. LaCrescent, Minn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Oklahoma City, OK 73112 To send advertisements or photographs Amy Stalknecht Mark Gedris Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. via the Internet: Accountant Art Director James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro To report corrections: E-mail: [email protected] Krapf Coaches Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Magic Carpet Tours National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] ©2008 by the United Motorcoach Association. Editorial Assistant Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Maggie Barr Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS February 1, 2008 9 Greyhound Lines expands priority boarding system DALLAS — Greyhound ap- unless a passenger drops by the sta- Also, reserved seating is only she must be at the gate at least 20 ble,” said Leach. “Now customers pears to have found a winner in the tion during a non-busy time. sold one way, meaning customers minutes before departure time. have more opportunities in dozens priority boarding/seat assignment Customers can go to a Grey- must go through the reservation Still, Greyhound President and of locations to have first choice and system it began testing late last hound station up to 30 days in ad- process twice for round trips. And CEO Dave Leach said the company a guaranteed seat on many of our year. (See Dec. 1 issue of Bus & vance of their travel date to pur- it is only valid on the exact date and continues to see strong customer schedules.” Motorcoach News.) chase the priority boarding. Or, schedule for which customers have response since the concept was A list of eligible cities and The program, which has been those willing to take their chances booked their trip. introduced in November. schedules can be found at expanded to more than 30 major can purchase priority boarding up For a passenger’s priority seat- “So, we wanted to expand to www.greyhound.com. Click on the cities across the U.S., allows pas- to 45 minutes before their trip. ing reservation to be honored, he or more markets as quickly as possi- “Priority Seating” banner. sengers to pay $5 to reserve a spe- cific seat on select departures and board before other passengers. From the passengers’ perspec- tive, the system helps alleviate the stress of wondering if they’ll get a seat on the bus they want to take, or have to wait for the next bus. It also makes it much more likely passengers will get their preference of either an aisle or win- dow seat. Since the system lets pas- sengers pick their seat, riders also can say goodbye to the risk of get- ting stuck next to the bathroom. And for those passengers travel- ing with a child, it helps guarantee they will not have to ask another passenger if he or she would move so they can sit with their child. For Greyhound, having less- stressed customers could mean they’ll be more likely to take the bus again. However, from a customer per- spective, the program, as currently practiced, has shortcomings. No. 1, passengers cannot arrange priority boarding over the Internet. It’s only available at the bus station, which means waiting in line at some point Reformulated fuel treatment from Penray ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — Penray has reformulated its Winter Pow-R Plus BioDiesel fuel treatment with additives designed to help improve cetane, lubricity and fuel economy, as well as reduce emissions. “Biodiesel is here and Penray’s new Winter Pow-R Plus BioDiesel fuel treatment provides the best solution in the industry,” said Joel Gresmer, national sales manager of Penray. The fuel treatment is ultra-low- sulfur diesel compliant, and formu- lated to work in B2 to B20 bio- diesel. Penray says its fuel additive improves cold weather starting by preventing fuel gelling and ice crystal formation, reduces cold fil- ter plug point by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, stabilizes fuel, and prevents corrosion. For more information, go to www.penray.com. 10 February 1, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

because they often used it as a loophole to Charter rules perform charter service. They simply CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 extended or modified some of their regular FTA tackles tough semantic job, However, he said the committee wants to routes to provide charter service for a special study them in more detail before issuing a event, and then maintained that the work was defining what is ‘charter service’ final verdict on how well they can be expect- not charter service because the routes were ed to prevent publicly funded transit agen- “open door” and were not run exclusively to A key provision of the new charter serv- occur on an irregular basis or for a limited cies from competing for charter work with serve people attending the events. ice rules is the definition of “charter serv- duration, and: private motorcoach carriers. While the FTA agreed to restore use of ice.” “(i) A premium fare is charged that is The rules and supplementary informa- the word in the rules, it also made another For 20 years, the definition of charter greater than the usual or customary fixed- tion run to 45 pages of small type in the significant change that appears to trump service has been at the heart of the dispute route fare; or Federal Register. transit agencies using “exclusivity” as a between public transit agencies and private “(ii) The service is paid for in whole or loophole. operators. in part by a third party.” Last, best hope It added a provision that permits transit The two sides — even in months-long, A couple of examples will illustrate the Private bus companies and public transit agencies to set up temporary or irregular across-the-table negotiations — could not effectiveness of this definition: agencies have been at odds for two decades routes to provide transportation services to agree on what service by public transit agen- Community leaders want the local tran- over complaints by coach operators that events but only if they charge their regular cies should be considered charter service. sit agency to provide bus service for atten- many transit managers ignore the current bus fare. If they charge a “premium” rate, or After wrestling with the issue on an dees at a PGA golf tournament that is to be charter service regulations and use buses if a third party such as the event sponsors almost continuing basis since May 2006, held at a local course. The charter definition paid for with taxpayer money to unfairly subsidize all or part of the routes, the runs and for years before that, FTA attorneys and would preclude such service on several compete for charters. The transit agencies are considered charter and must be per- administrators have come up with a defini- grounds: maintain they are filling a public need for formed by a private charter company. tion that on its face appears to be the best • The tournament organizers had a hand transportation in their communities. “This could work in our favor,” noted ever. in determining the route. “We got a lot of what we wanted, but I Presley. Here is how the new regulations define • The route is not part of the transit believe we could have gotten more,” said charter service as it applies to public transit agency’s regularly scheduled service. American Bus Association Senior Vice Changes clarified agencies: • The route is dropped after the tour- President Clyde Hart, adding that operators Another major change involved a provi- “‘Charter service’ means, but does not nament. should review the rules soon because re- sion that, for the first time, allows public include demand-response service to individ- • The tournament organizers subsidize quests to reconsider of any of them must be transit agencies to provide charter service to uals: the service. filed with the FTA by Feb. 13. “This won’t government officials on government busi- “(1) Transportation provided by a recip- • The transit agency charges more than happen again for a lot of years and this is our ness. The initial proposal limited such char- ient (transit agency that receives FTA its normal $1 or $1.25 fare. best shot to get as much as we can,” said Hart. ter work to 80 hours a year. Under the money) at the request of a third party for the Or, the city is hosting a convention or The revamping of the rules is the first change, transit agencies will be able to peti- exclusive use of a bus or van for a negotiat- other special event at the local convention done by the federal government since 1988. tion the FTA for permission to extend those ed price. The following features may be center or arena. The city wants the local The ABA announced late last month it hours under extenuating circumstances. characteristic of charter service: transit agency to run shuttles to and from the “will likely file” a petition for reconsidera- The FTA also modified its view on “(i) A third party pays the transit event. The service probably would be pre- tion but it did not spell out what it wants allowing transit agencies in rural settings to provider a negotiated price for the group; cluded unless: changed. do charter work under certain circum- “(ii) Any fares charged to individual • Any Joe Sixpack can hop on and off Mike Waters of Coach America/Fran- stances. members of the group are collected by a the buses, using the service. ciscan Lines in San Francisco said it appears The initial provision identified them as third party; • The shuttle covers a regularly sched- to him the private coach industry got much being located in “non-urbanized areas” and “(iii) The service is not part of the tran- ule route. of what it needed, although there still could said they could provide regular charters if a sit provider’s regularly scheduled service, or • The normal fare is charged. be some issues. “But overall, we all are fair- private company imposed minimum trip is offered for a limited period of time; or • The service continues after the con- ly happy with what we got.” duration or have deadhead time that exceed- “(iv) A third party determines the origin vention or event ends. Waters was one of several coach opera- ed the total trip length. and destination of the trip as well as sched- • The group hosting the convention or tors that served on a joint public-private Under the revised version, rural opera- uling; or event had zero input into determining the negotiating committee that worked for tors were listed as those in “small urbanized “(2) Transportation provided by a recip- service, and didn’t give the transit agency months to come up with charter rules recom- areas under 200,000 population” and said ient to the public for events or functions that any money for providing the service. mendations for the FTA. they could do regular charter work if the pri- In addition, private operators and transit tration Website” where private operators will vate company’s deadhead time was longer agencies will be able to seek advisory opin- sign up to get charter service notes from Positive FTA approach than the charter trip. The minimum trip time ions from the FTA if they question whether public transit agencies. Operators should James Seal, a consultant who has worked was removed, which could make it easier for a pending charter service can be performed begin familiarizing themselves with the with the California Bus Association and is a private company to get the charter work. by a transit agency. Also, private operators Website because it will become critically an expert on charter service regulations, said Seal said he’s concerned that some rural will be able to seek cease-and-desist orders important in the future. he was encouraged by what he termed the transit agencies that receive 5311 and 5310 before the work is done if they question a There also is a “Q&A” link on the FTA “positive position” the FTA displayed in try- federal funds may believe they are exempt transit agency’s right to do a certain charter. Web page. Some who have read the new ing to find ways to prevent public transit from the charter rules, partially because of Most of the rules were developed by the rules say that going through the questions agencies from taking away high-value char- the way a question was worded in a question Charter Bus Negotiated Rulemaking Advis- and answers is a good way to get an ter service from private carriers. and answer portion of materials it issued ory Committee, which was made up of repre- overview and sense of the rules and many of “This will mean a much stronger footing with the new rules. “Nothing could be fur- sentatives from private motorcoach compa- its elements. for private operators to preserve this mar- ther from the truth,” he stressed. nies, transit agencies, trade groups and others After reading the Q&A, operators should ket,” he added. Most of the other rules remained as they who met monthly between May and be better prepared to tackle the complete Most of the changes the FTA made to its were in the initial proposal. December 2006. Issues on which the adviso- rules, leaving the long supplementary infor- initial proposal came from the more than ry committee was unable to reach consensus mation and background for last. However, 300 comments it received last year following Important Website were decided by the FTA based on the the supplementary information is instructive the release of the first version of the new They will require motorcoach operators exchanges that took place during the meet- because it spells out how the FTA came up rules in February. to register on a new FTA Website to be eligi- ings. with the rules and its analysis of all of the Significant among them was the addition ble for charter work offered by transit agen- The rules were published in the Jan. 14 input it got from public transit administra- of the word “exclusivity” — called “closed cies, and the transit agencies will be required issue of the Federal Register. The best way to tors, private operators and others. Some of door” service by many in the bus business to notify registered operators by e-mail when find the rules is to go to the FTA web site. Go the stuff from the transits likely will make — to the formal definition of charter serv- they announce a charter service opportunity. to www.fta.dot.gov/laws/leg_reg_179.html. many private operators’ blood boil. ice. The word is part of the definition in the Seal noted that the use of the Web prob- Letters seeking further changes to the existing rules, but was eliminated in the first ably will require special training sessions to Learning the system final rule, or what the FTA calls “Petitions version of the new rules. teach operators how to use the system effec- That page not only has one-click links to for Reconsideration” must be filed with the Transit agencies wanted it back in tively. the rules but also to the proposed “Regis- agency by Feb. 13. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS February 1, 2008 11 Transit agency ordered to stop charter services CHICAGO — A Wisconsin Gregor, referring to a charter serv- “We don’t even recommend anyone operations in Rome, said her cials who can’t use us either.” transit agency has been ordered to ice rules violation complaint the any more.” agency has received similar com- She said the agency would con- halt its limited charter operations trade association filed with the FTA. McGregor said the decision not plaints from city residents who sider a charter job only if it were after federal regulators found that He said the transit agency now to do any charters has resulted in a were upset when told the agency under a contract with a private car- its annual charter service notice refers all telephone calls it gets rash of complaints from residents, cannot provide them with charter rier, no other charter company was was deficient. from the public inquiring about many of them upset over not being service. “They can’t understand interested in doing the work, and Janesville (Wis.) Transit Sys- possible charter service to its able to afford private carrier prices why they can’t use our service for the job met FTA rules. “We know tem had been accused — in a com- Website where there are links to for short charter trips. small jobs,” she said. “And, it is a the rules and regulations and we plaint filed by the United Motor- three private carriers they can hire. Kathy Shealy, director of transit hardship on city government offi- follow them,” she added. coach Association with the Federal Transit Administration — of ille- gally requiring private carriers interested in doing charter work to have two-door urban transit-type buses equipped with air condition- ing and a wheelchair ramp. While the transit agency denied it was in violation of the federal charter service rules, FTA Regional Administrator Marisol Simon found that the charter notice was improper and ordered the agency to halt any “impermissible” charter service that it had been doing. The charters involved transporting city officials and city employees. In the eyes of the FTA, when it comes to charter service notices, public transit agencies can only specify buses or vans. Not particu- lar types of buses. Meanwhile, a handful of other transit agencies that found them- selves in hot water with the FTA last year after UMA, private carri- ers and others filed charter service rules complaints against them are cleaning up their acts this year. Three transit agencies have announced they will not be doing any charter work this year. Accord- ing to UMA, the three are City of Rome (Ga.) Transit Department, Pee-Dee Regional Transportation Authority in Florence, S.C., and the Virginia Regional Transit Admin- istration in Purcellville, Va., “UMA forced us to do it,” said VRTA Chief Executive Mark Mc- People

Larry Hundt, president of Canadian Trailways in Kitchener, Ont., has been added to the board of directors of the Trailways Transportation System. Hundt is a midterm replacement, with his interim term expiring at the end of this year. Hundt began his 35-year mo- torcoach industry career while a student at the University of Water- loo, running weekend bus shuttles for students wanting to go into Toronto. Eventually, he built his own company, which today has a fleet of 41 motorcoaches. Hundt is eager for Trailways and other bus companies to emphasize the green aspects of motorcoach operations with gov- ernment officials and consumers. UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION MOTORCOACH EXPO 2008 Greyhound Lines orders 50 Prevost X3-45 coaches SAN FRANCISCO — In a The Greyhound Prevosts will seismic shift of near-San Francisco be wheelchair-lift accessible, proportions, Greyhound Lines has equipped with Amaya seating for confirmed it has ordered 50 56 passengers, and have fire sup- Prevost X3-45 coaches that it will pression systems. put into regular line-run service. Greyhound reportedly picked The order is the first significant the X3-45 because its height is new coach purchase by Greyhound more than 12 inches less than the in a half-dozen years, and seeming- more popular H3-45 Prevost. ly further distances Greyhound Prevost executives attending from MCI, whose buses Grey- UMA Motorcoach Expo here last hound used almost exclusively for month declined to comment on the nearly 15 years before purchasing a Greyhound order, and Clark de- total of 13 C2045 Van Hools in murred when asked to expand on 2004 and 2006. other aspects of the purchase. Greyhound has roughly 1,250 Meanwhile, Prevost unveiled MCIs in its fleet, the most recent several new features at Motorcoach being 290 G4500 models that were Expo, including an electronic sta- purchased early in this decade. bility control program, with roll- Since then, and except for the over and under/over-steer protec- Van Hools, Greyhound has relied tion. on refurbishing its MC-12 and D- Also new is Prevost Liaison, an 50 Prevost X3-45 coaches will soon be sporting Greyhound’s signature livery. model MCIs to keep its fleet advanced vehicle management sys- updated. tem that uses wireless technology visor — have been moved to the engine, transmission, vehicle con- PDA, or electronic device such as a That is about the change with and the internet to connect fleet steering wheel. troller, ABS system, diesel particu- Blackberry. the addition of the Prevost X3-45s. operators with coaches and drivers Those controls that might be late filter, electronic stability pro- Prevost Liaison’s Sentry pack- Industry sources say delivery of anytime, anywhere. shared — with a tour director, for gram and other components using age is standard for two years on the new coaches is scheduled to And, borrowing a page from the example — are located to the dri- an onboard control unit. new coaches equipped with Volvo begin in the spring, and there is the auto industry, Prevost has devel- ver’s right, for access by either. A If the system encounters an D13 engines. It monitors driver and possibility of additional coach oped a new steering wheel that puts pneumatic steering column and active fault code for a significant vehicle performance, producing a orders in the future. an array of controls at the driver’s angled steering wheel keep length of time, it transmits critical variety of reports. Location reports, Greyhound spokesman Dustin fingertips. recessed dials readable regardless data via satellite to either the for instance, let operators see the Clark, who confirmed the pur- Controls used frequently by of wheel position. Prevost Action Service System, entire route history of each coach chase, said he could not comment drivers — such as cruise control, The Prevost Liaison system Prevost’s round-the-clock 24/7 they operate. Weekly reports can on whether there would be future shifting, engine brake, pneumatic continuously monitors coach elec- roadside assistance service, or track fuel use, distance traveled, purchases. or electric horn, and electric sun tronic systems including the directly to the fleet owner’s office, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 þ Double-Deck Delight Setra says it had record S 417 coach sales in ’07 Van Hool sees eager market for two-level coaches SAN FRANCISCO — Daimler more money into the company so SAN FRANCISCO – The Van was a feature at the ABC conven- ble the number for its fleet. Buses North America reports production can be increased. Hool intercity double-decker coach tion-floor booth. In fact, he said, on at least one record sales of its Setra S 417 Patrick Scully, chief commer- has been on the road in the United New buyers include a Las occasion customers who rode one motorcoach last year, despite an cial officer of Daimler Bus North States for less than six months but Vegas operator who ordered 15 for of the double-deck buses on a trip industrywide decline in sales. America, joined in the optimism, already is becoming a big hit in the tourist runs to the Grand Canyon, were upset when a traditional The company sold 136 units in pointing out the company has sold motorcoach industry. operators in the northeastern U.S. coach was used for their return trip. 2007, a 10 percent gain from previ- out its first six months of produc- ABC Companies, which dis- who picked up 8 and two others, in “They didn’t want to get on the ous year sales, according to tion. tributes the TD925 touring coach Virginia and Miami, who pur- other coach,” he said. Andreas Strecker, president and To bolster customer service and in North America, said orders have chased two each. The TD925 has front and rear chief executive of the Greensboro, keep up with the increased number been coming in at a steady pace In addition, megabus.com, staircases, ADA access, seatbelts N.C., company that sells Setra of Setra coaches on the road, since September when which started the run with 18 in every seat, TV monitors, backup motorcoaches, Orion transit buses Daimler Buses opened a service megabus.com introduced them on buses, has ordered another 18. cameras and upper-deck cameras. and Sprinter shuttles. center in New York last year that’s some of its Midwest express runs Oakman said the coach draws It has a Cummins engine and a ZF The increase in sales came at equipped to service all of the com- out of Chicago. so much attention on the road that AS-tronic 12-speed automatic. the same time motorcoach sales in pany’s products. The company has new orders he has given up stopping for coffee ABC Companies announced at the United States fell by about 300 The company also continued its for upwards of 50 of the 81-seat on his visits around the country Expo that it has partnered with units, dropping to just under 2,200 practice of bringing to the floor of buses and interest continues to rise, because so many people come out Saucon Technologies to offer its last year from nearly 2,400 in 2006. the trade show two coaches that had according to John Oakman, who to look at it and what to clamor on fleet tracking and communication “We’re very optimistic we will been sold and turning them over to spearheads the TD925 program for board. system, the Saucon TDS. set another record in 2008,” he said their new owners. This year’s S 417 ABC Companies and who has Dale Moser of Coach USA and The system uses Web, wireless during a press conference at UMA coaches went to Arrow Stage Lines been driving a demonstrator model megabus.com said his customers and telemetry technologies to help Motorcoach Expo here. of Omaha, Neb., and ProTran in around the country. He made a stop have had nothing but nice things to operators manage and monitor To meet the expected sales Fort Washington, Md. here for last month’s UMA say about the bus, testimony that many critical activities associated gain, Strecker said he expects The Arrow coach included a þ Motorcoach Expo where the bus helped the company decide to dou- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Daimler shareholders to infuse CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 þ UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION MOTORCOACH EXPO 2008 Strategic partnership is arranged between UMA, BusRates.com SAN FRANCISCO — The post on the BusRates.com site United Motorcoach Association should receive a windfall of new and BusRates.com have announced customers at a cost that could be a strategic partnership that will considered a steal,” Parra added. allow UMA operator members to Aside from delivering more join BusRates.com at reduced business to UMA-member bus rates. companies, the partnership also The partnership is expected to should help advance the cause of help UMA members grow their making the bus chartering experi- businesses because of the proven ence better for customers, said lead generating capabilities of Greer. BusRates.com, while the deal will “Increased reach on the inter- provide BusRates.com with addi- net, as well as increased consumer tional resources that will help it awareness will point more cus- achieve wider market and internet tomers towards quality UMA oper- penetration. ators and make the customers’ The partnership was announced experience better for them,” he said. at the opening session of UMA And, from the bus owner’s per- Motorcoach Expo here late last spective, “one way to reduce month. unpaid trips and increase commu- BusRates.com, which was nication with the customer is to founded four years ago by com- work with your customers directly, pany president Mark Greer, strives and that is truly the underlying Eight coaches on display at UMA Motorcoach Expo were outfitted with signage promoting the Green Operators to be the most current, complete mutual goal of this partnership,” Council ‘Go Coach’ message. and categorized database of charter Greer added. bus companies available on the Working directly with cus- internet. tomers is one of the hallmarks of ‘Go Coach’ is the message It is a leading resource for any- BusRates.com. Unlike bus bro- one needing to charter a bus but it kers, which frequently attempt to Operators launch national marketing initiative is particularly valuable to the travel keep customers as far away from professional, offering help on all the bus operator as possible, SAN FRANCISCO — A grass- cars, reducing emissions, conges- motorcoach is smart and painless aspects motorcoach chartering. BusRates.com directly links bus roots effort to develop a generic tion and fuel consumption. And the environmental activism. Currently, upwards of 80,000 companies and potential cus- marketing program — based on the industry needs to stand up and Todd Holland of Ramblin Ex- visitors and more than $20 million tomers. It is for that reason and “green” aspects of motorcoach inform people of that fact because press in Colorado Springs is acting in potential charter work pass others that BusRates.com is held travel — that virtually all coach no one else will. as spokesman for the 11 operators operators could participate in was By doing that the industry who have formed the Green Oper- through the BusRates.com Website in such high regard by hundreds of officially launched at UMA Motor- stands a good chance of convincing ators Motor Coach Council and he monthly. coach operators. coach Expo here last month. many people to park their autos and announced the initiative at a press “Partnering with BusRates.com “The partnership creates an The 11 operators from across hop on board a bus for at least part event at Motorcoach Expo. will bring greater exposure to additional incentive for bus compa- the U.S. who are fostering and pro- of their travel. “You will be hearing more and UMA operators, as well as help nies to join UMA,” said Greer. moting the idea plan to form a non- And one easy and cost-effective more about the Green Operators inform customers of the fact that “Non-members that post on Bus- profit industry marketing council way to promote the industry and its Motor Coach Council, GOCoach, UMA operators are typically high- Rates.com will want to be able to with a mission to build and execute environmental message is to put a and its Website — GOCoach.org er in quality than other bus compa- display the UMA membership logo a public awareness campaign that common graphic on the back (or …in coming months throughout nies,” said UMA President and to attract customers. Increased emphasizes the environmental ben- sides) of as many motorcoaches as our industry,” said Holland. CEO Victor Parra. UMA membership will improve efits of coach travel. possible and direct people to a “With the gracious initial sup- “UMA operators that decide to CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ The idea is as simple as this: Website that tells the industry story port of MCI, and very soon after Motorcoaches take people out of and builds awareness that riding a CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 þ Feds eye new technologies to bolster coach safety SAN FRANCISCO — Federal Administration Deputy Adminis- over,” said Rosenker, pointing to equipment to its “most wanted” already safe industry,” Hugel said. transportation safety officials are trator Dave Hugel who called on such equipment as collision warn- list. Rosenker, who became NTSB looking to high-tech equipment to operators to give serious considera- ing systems, electronic stability Hugel agreed on the impor- chairman in 2006, said his agency help keep motorcoach travel the tion to the array of electronic controls and rollover stability tance of using high-tech equipment is determined to help the motor- safest mode of transportation in the equipment now on the market that devices. on motorcoaches and urged opera- coach industry remain safe by find- United States can help prevent accidents. He said the NTSB, which inves- tors attending Expo to spend time ing the cause of bus crashes and And they suggest motorcoach The two delivered their recom- tigates transportation accidents and on the convention floor examining making recommendations that it operators do the same. mendations in speeches last month makes safety recommendations to some of the equipment that vendors believes could prevent similar acci- That was the word from on the opening day of the UMA federal regulators, feels so strongly were featuring. dents from occurring in the future. National Transportation Safety Motorcoach Expo here. about technology playing a major “I join with Chairman Rosen- “Our objective here is not to do Board Chairman Mark Rosenker “It costs a little more but what role in highway safety that it ker and urge you to look at it and just accident investigations, but to and Federal Motor Carrier Safety you get is a payback a million times recently added the use of high-tech see what we can do to improve this CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 þ 14 February 1, 2008 MOTORCOACH EXPO Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Louis Hotard Marcia Milton Gladys Gillis Darren Berg Doug Hansen Tom Goebel Greg Lammers Coach operators are honored at gala Vision Awards SAN FRANCISCO — The ly publicized March of Dimes 2008 UMA Motorcoach Expo national “Every Baby Has a Story” marked a milestone last month with bus tour that crisscrossed the U.S. the 5th annual Vision Awards (See Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 issues of Banquet held to honor the motor- Bus & Motorcoach News.) coach industry’s best-and-brightest UMA Vision Award/Large operators. Operator (15 or more coaches): One of the highlights of the Lakefront Trailways of Brookpark, evening was the awarding of the Ohio, and its president, Thomas inaugural Green Highway Award, Goebel and vice president, Jack which was created by Motor Coach Goebel. Lakefront is the largest Industries and UMA to recognize operator in Ohio and the 20th the positive environmental aspects largest in the U.S. with a fleet of of motorcoach travel by honoring nearly 120 motorcoaches. an operator that demonstrates an UMA Treasurer Jeff Polzien, aggressive commitment to “green who chairs the association’s Vision stewardship.” Awards Committee, said both Other high points included rec- Paradise Trailways and Lakefront ognizing ABC Companies for en- Trailways distinguish themselves dowing the Clancy Cornell School by their operations and community of Business within the Bus & involvement. Motorcoach Academy. Cornell was The Maintenance Inter- acknowledged for his life-long ded- change Maintenance Competi- ication and contributions to the bus oring coach operators, and the Year: Louis Hotard, director of sored by Motor Coach Industries. tion was conducted for the second industry. social highlight of UMA Motor- technical services for ABC Com- MTR Western of Seattle. In pre- year in a row. Those individuals Rob Lucas, senior vice presi- coach Expo. It is a festive evening, panies. Hotard, who comes from a senting the inaugural award, attending the interchange were dent of the March of Dimes, recog- and invariably contains a few sur- distinguished motorcoach industry Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president invited to participate in a competi- nized Trailways, Motor Coach prises. family, has quietly but effectively and chief customer officer, said tion involving a written test and a Industries and the United Motor- This year’s most unwelcome supported industry safety initia- MTR Western and its president and timed diagnostic inspection. The coach Association for their strong surprise was a San Francisco street tives and programs for years founder, Darren Berg, had taken an competition was conducted at support of this past fall’s “Every person who decided to crash the through his job, the Commercial industry leading role in promoting Coach America/Franciscan Lines Baby Has a Story” national bus party and enliven the evening by Vehicle Safety Alliance and other the green benefits of motorcoach maintenance facilities in San tour. walking to the middle of the room activities and organizations. travel, as well as set an example of Francisco. The ’08 Vision Awards Banquet and ranting incoherently about con- In accepting the award, present- corporate environmental steward- The winner was Greg Lammers was conducted in the historic Bill temporary social issues. He was ed by Matthew Daecher of Daecher ship. of Cavalier Coaches in Owatonna, Graham Civic Auditorium, which politely thrown out. Only in San Consulting Group, Hotard admitted MTR Western was founded in Minn. Lammers is the fleet manag- has been a prime venue for leg- Francisco. to suffering from CBIS, or chronic 2002 and is the 17th largest motor- er at Cavalier and has been with the endary musicians for decades, as In his remarks, UMA President bus industry syndrome, a little- coach operator in the U.S., accord- company for 31 years. He was well as the site of the 1920 Demo- and CEO Victor Parra thanked publicized affliction whose symp- ing to Metro Magazine, with a fleet awarded a plaque and $500 by cratic National Convention and the those attending for making UMA toms include a life-long commit- of 145 coaches. Among its green Kevin Whitworth of Whitworth home of the NBA San Francisco Motorcoach Expo 2008 the best- ment to improving motorcoach initiatives is a Website, www.its- Bus in Dayton, Ohio, who coordi- Warriors in the mid-1960s. attended show ever, complemented safety and performance. goodtobegreen.com, that commu- nates the Maintenance Interchange The civic center is perhaps best by record exhibitor displays on the BusRide Motorcoach Indus- nicates the company’s environmen- and Maintenance Competition. known for hosting performances by Expo show floor. try Achievement Award: Marcia tal initiatives. Tying as runners-up in the com- great rock stars of the past three The next day, a record amount Milton, president and founder of UMA Vision Award/Small petition were Steve Tesconi, direc- decades, including Jimmy Hendrix, of exhibitor space was reserved for First Priority Trailways of District Operator (fewer than 15 coaches): tor of maintenance at Royal Coach Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, the UMA Motorcoach Expo 2009 in Heights, Md. Paradise Trailways of Hicksville, Tours of San Jose, Calif., and Craig Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Orlando. Metro Magazine Motorcoach N.Y., and its general manager Doug Fong, foreman, for Coach and Journey. Six major industry awards were Operator of the Year: Gladys Hansen. Hansen and Paradise America/Franciscan Lines. Tesconi For the motorcoach industry, presented during the Vision ban- Gillis, chief executive of Starline Trailways, which operates 10 has been with Royal Tours for nine the Vision Awards Banquet has quet. Here are the winners: Luxury Coaches of Seattle. coaches, played a key role in the years, while Fong has been with become the premier event for hon- UMA Safety Leader of the Green Highway Award, spon- development of this past fall’s high- Franciscan Lines for 15 years. about the partnership. “So much es, so does the amount of traffic. another way to increase customers a collaborative effort to work BusRates.com for BusRates.com being a hidden “A random company in Atlanta without paying for more traffic,” together. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 gem,” one operator told Greer. that received 19 quote requests in Greer explained. “As a marketing alliance, to- the association’s ability to represent “There appears to be concern September of 2007, received 13 the “Partnering with UMA helps gether we can advertise head to the industry in Washington, as well among currently posting members year before for the same month and make BusRates.com the best site it head with national broker outfits as in the discovery of new ways to on BusRates.com that inviting the 7 the year before that in 2005. can be for customers. It is also on the internet, and get the word deliver better service.” other members to join will dilute “More advertisers also makes worth noting, that neither UMA nor out to customers that the advertis- In the days following the their current traffic levels. There is the site more informative and use- BusRates.com is intended to create ing slogans used by brokers — “At announcement, Greer said he spoke no reason for concern because as ful to its visitors which would competition among bus owning no cost to you” and “We are not with operators who had misgivings the number of advertisers increas- increase usage and return rates – companies. Rather it was created as brokers” — are completely false.” Bus & Motorcoach NEWS MOTORCOACH EXPO February 1, 2008 15 20 Groups’ innovator finds plenty of support at Expo

SAN FRANCISCO — Busi- to look into joining one. Luxury Coaches in Seattle, said Dallas-Fort Worth area. ness consultant Duane Spader gets “I knew what my costs were, the 20 Group showed her how to Others have stressed that after pretty excited when he talks about but not what they were supposed build a business that could run each meeting, they bring some- 20 Groups. to be,” said Jack Wigley of All without her being there. thing home they can quickly And, with good reason. Aboard America! in Mesa, Ariz. “It is the best thing our busi- implement in their own businesses That’s because members of the “The 20 Group allows me to see ness and our family have ever and they learn something useful United Motorcoach Association, what they are supposed to be.” done,” added Autum Dipert Brown every time their 20 Group gets Duane who are taking part in one of the Gladys Gilles of Starline of Dan Dipert Coaches in the together. Spader several 20 Groups he developed for the trade organization in the past two years, regularly tell him that joining a 20 Group is the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. For Spader, that’s just about all he needs to hear to get him going, spreading the word to other motor- coach operators who might benefit from the same experiences. “There has never been a 20 Group meeting that I have gone to that I did not learn something new,” he said in one of his high- octane presentations at the UMA Motorcoach Expo here last month. He told a luncheon group at the conference that joining a group can help them better understand their business so they can make better decisions to help grow their operation. 20 Groups involve 20 non- competing companies getting together at each others businesses, on a rotating basis, for two-day meetings three times a year to exchange financial information and discuss business problems and solutions. The owners, who also trade reports each month on a very con- FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW) fidential basis, can learn how their You carry a precious load. Provides an alert up to 2.7 seconds before an businesses stand up against similar impending accident with the vehicle ahead operations, including showing where they are weak and where Give it the best they are strong. “You can see what you’re good protection possible. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW) at and what you need to concen- Provides an alert upon an unintentional deviation trate on,” Spader said. from the driving lane For small companies that do REPORTED REDUCTION OF 51% not have the time or money to OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS* invest in a full 20 Group, Spader AWACS is a computerized vision system, manufactured by Mobileye, HEADWAY MONITORING AND WARNING (HMW) has developed mini 20 Groups that Assists the driver in keeping a safe driving distance for accident prevention and accident mitigation. The system was brings together 10 operators who from the vehicle ahead conduct their meetings via confer- successfully tested by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ** ence telephone calls rather than The system is installed as a Mobileye product in BMW® and in GM® as OEM. attend out-of-town meetings. FOR A PRICE OF $1295, Spader, founder of The Spader WWW.AWACS-SYSTEM.COM 1-877-88-AWACS Companies in Sioux Falls, S.D., LEASE OPTION AVAILABLE FOR AS LOW AS $39 PER MONTH said members frequently are tenta- INCLUDING EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 44 MONTHS Newton Executive Office Center, Inc. PLUS INSTALLATION FEE OF $285 tive at the outset about sharing 233 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02464 financial information, but feel comfortable about it after two or three months, especially when they begin seeing the benefits. “It’s almost like joining a nud- ACCIDENT WARNING & CONTROL SYSTEM ist camp for the first time,” he said. AWACS 2.0 Members of the 20 Groups *The datum of 51% comes from: European Commission Directorate General Energy and Transport and not NTSHA source: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/roadsafety_library/publications/vehicle_safety_technologies_final_report.pdf stress the system and process real- Reported by American transport companies that installed collision warning systems. ly does work and they urge others ** http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/report/forward-collision-warning-systems.htm. ** http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/report/lane-departure-warning-systems.htm 16 February 1, 2008 SCENES FROM MOTORCOACH EXPO 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Bill Bergstrom of Coach America and Jeff Jensen of Aon, a risk manage- ment, reinsurance and consulting company, talk prior to the start of an Expo educational session.

The show floor at Motorcoach Expo ‘08 was a beehive during much of event, with lots of activity Thursday and Friday at the booths of coach manufacturers.

Education session attendees George Childers of Magic Carpet Ride in Vero Beach, Fla., left, and Mike and Becky Sellers of Texoma Tours in Sherman, Texas, engage in a lively discussion.

The Welcome Reception at Motorcoach Expo is the first chance most attendees get to renew old friendships or meet new people. Daniel Wagner of Holdsworth Fabrics, center left in blue shirt, was among those on hand.

Mitch Guralnick of MCI, left, joins MCI CEO Tom Sorrells and his wife Shari at the Vision Awards Banquet. As the long-time chairman of UMA’s Meetings Committee, Guralnick plays a key role in the success of ABC Companies’ new chief operating officer Tom DeMatteo, left, enjoys a Motorcoach Expo. laugh with recently retired ABC executive Chuck Avery, center, and Hugo de Roo of Van Hool, N.V.

A ‘cool’ Victor Parra, president and CEO of the United Motorcoach Association, kicked off the Expo Vision Awards Banquet by harken- ing back to the peace-and-love Comparing notes with Canadian operators John Wilson of Wilson’s Transportation in Victoria, B.C., left, and Brendan McCullough of days of San Francisco in the late McCullough Coach Lines, also in Victoria, center, was Brian Crow, presi- 1960s-early 1970s and the Bill dent and CEO of Motor Coach Canada and the Ontario Motor Coach Graham Civic Auditorium were the Bob Lynch, left, and Jim Morgan of Saddle River Tours in Wallington, N.J., Association. banquet was held. focus on presenter during Expo session. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS MOTORCOACH EXPO February 1, 2008 17 Attracting new customers is seen as key to success SAN FRANCISCO — Motor- other challenges operators should coach operators face tough busi- be prepared to address. ness challenges every day. Among them was making sure None, though, may be more that as job duties change and important for long-term success expand, all of their employees con- than getting new people on board tinue to work as a team and help their buses. move the company forward. That was the consensus of three “Some employees will embrace veteran and successful operators change and others won’t,” said who participated in a wide-ranging Bolen, who told of a former driver discussion on the future of the who refused to learn how to operate industry at the opening session of the new electronic equipment on last month’s UMA Motorcoach his buses. Expo here. The problem turned positive, Dave Bolen of New World however, because the driver had to Tours in Bristow, Va.; Dale Moser Dave Bolen Dale Moser Jack Wigley be replaced during the middle of of Coach USA and megabus.com expanded to the West Coast last of a motorcoach experience. according to Moser. He said it was one trip by a driver who knew how in Chicago, and Jack Wigley of All year, was built on getting people to It was that approach, he said, customer input that helped the to use the equipment. His knowl- Aboard America! in Mesa, Ariz., take the bus for short city-to-city that helped convince him to intro- company decide to make its reser- edge impressed the passengers so stressed the importance of attract- trips rather than drive their cars or duce high-tech entertainment and vations and ticket purchases avail- much they have become return cus- ing new customers rather than sim- fly commercial airlines. communications equipment on his able only on the Internet. tomers. ply trying to win over another car- Wigley emphasized that the coaches that offers a wide variety The three panelists suggested, “It started out as a complaint rier’s riders. motorcoach industry today is about of services ranging from making too, that promoting motorcoach but turned into a compliment,” said “The value is in those hundreds making first-time riders, as well as reservations for a restaurant just travel is becoming increasingly Bolen. of millions of people in cars and those who have not ridden for many down the road, to purchasing tick- more important and operators The panel presentation, which planes,” Moser stressed, adding he years, aware of what contemporary ets for a play or sports event being should consider new ways to mar- has become an established feature would rather have 5 percent of bus travel is all about. “It would held in a city two days away. ket their businesses to win over of Motorcoach Expo, was moderat- those than 50 percent of somebody blow them away,” he said. Finding out what customers new riders and bolster revenues. ed by Victor Parra, president and else’s business. Bolen agreed and said one of want and then setting up and ad- “And once we get them on the CEO of UMA, and Steve Klika, The low-cost intercity service the keys to attracting new custom- justing the business to meet those bus, I guarantee that they’ll be president of International Motor that megasbus.com began offering ers and retaining existing clients is needs also has played a major role back,” maintained Moser. Coach Group of Overland Park, in the Midwest in 2006, and by finding out what they want out in the success of megabus.com, The discussion also tackled Kan.

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 18 February 1, 2008 SCENES FROM MOTORCOACH EXPO 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS California emissions crackdown for buses begins in October ‘08 SAN FRANCISCO – Meetings are scheduled for Feb. 4 California clean air officials who in San Diego and El Centro, Feb. 6 have been introducing regulations in Redding and Feb. 11 in governing diesel engines for a Berkeley. Information about the wide range of vehicles over the meetings, including some that will past seven years, have finally be Web cast, is available at reached motorcoaches. http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onr The Air Resource Board in diesel/onrdiesel.htm. October plans to adopt motor- “The better you understand coach emission standards for par- these rules, the better they will ticulate matter and oxides of nitro- work,” Brasil stressed. gen that will be phased in over a In 2000, the board has been 13-year period beginning in 2010. turning out new regulations for The expansive show floor at Motorcoach Expo ‘08 allowed demonstrations of every sort, including the portable Details of the introduction and diesel-fueled vehicles ranging lifts brought in by SEFAC, maker of mobile column lifts. the proposed regulations were pre- from urban buses, to garbage sented to operators during the trucks, to off-road vehicles in an State Association Summit at UMA effort to bring the state into com- Motorcoach Expo last month. pliance with federal clean air reg- “We need your help in under- ulations. The Los Angeles basin Clancy Cornell, chairman of ABC standing what these regulations and California’s Central Valley, Companies, seatted left, signed are,” said Tony Brasil, manger of which includes the San Francisco copies of a new book that recounts the state board’s in-use control Bay area, are the only two metro- the history of ABC and the Cornell measure section. politan areas in the country that family. Shaking hands with Cornell He urged California bus opera- continually fall below government is Jeff Polzien of Red Carpet Charters in Oklahoma City. Polzien tors and others who visit the state standards for ozone levels. also is secretary of the United to learn more about the rules by Under the regulations being Motorcoach Association. taking part in one of several work- proposed for motorcoaches, 1997

shops that will be held this month. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 þ

Coach safety

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 do accident prevention so it will keep this industry the safest in the United States,” he stressed. Participants in the annual Expo Ironically, his remarks came Maintenance Interchange, conduct- only a few hours before a resort- ed by Kevin Whitworth of Whitworth Bus in Dayton, Ohio, lis- owned motorcoach crashed and burned on Interstate 15 near Jean, ten intently as a maintenance issue Mark Rosenker Dave Hugel is discussed. Nev., injuring more than two dozen of its 40 passengers. The fatigue study is reviewing Hugel brought operators up to various driver schedules and hours date on what motorcoach safety behind the wheel to determine their activities the FMCSA has been impact on drivers. pursuing lately, including increas- Hugel also told operators the ing the number of compliance FMCSA has developed a pamphlet reviews it conducts, establishing dealing with pre-trip safety guide- formal safety inspections in all 50 lines that will help operators devel- states, increasing data collection, op the messages the agency has and speeding up the number of recommended they give their pas- audits it conducts of new carriers sengers before each trip. The pam- and others. phlets are expected to be available In addition, he said the agency from the agency sometime this is conducting studies on the causes month. of bus crashes and what impact The operators also heard from driving hours have on driver Paul Pitzer, chief of the policy fatigue. branch of the Transportation Secu- The bus crash causation study, rity Administration, who urged which has been underway in New them to always keep security issues Jersey for more than two years, is in the forefront. expected to be completed in May. He said while they may be easy The study involves examination of to forget, they are much like insur- 39 crashes, including 19 in which ance, which is purchased in case of the driver or bus was to blame and an accident. “Security is here ‘just 10 in which the driver involved had in case’ something happens,” he To mark its 70th year in business, long-time coach industry supplier Radio Engineering Industries, better known out-of-service violations. said. simply as REI, had a Van Hool coach wrapped with a celebratory message. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS MOTORCOACH EXPO February 1, 2008 19 Using internet wisely is valuable marketing strategy SAN FRANCISCO — Mark ter.com” is much more profession- includes the company letterhead or al questions they may have, and fol- tion for charter providers, then use Greer, founder of BusRates.com, al than “smithcharter@ aol.com,” logo, and introduces your company low up if the customer does not the contact information provided the online database of charter bus for example. and its services and amenities. respond within 7 days. and the customer and the operator companies, used internet statistics • Answer requests promptly • Reassure the customer by pro- Greer’s own company, Bus- can take it from there. to make the point that a Website is and in sufficient detail to convince viding your DOT number and your Rates.com, was established to help The United Motorcoach Asso- critical to effectively marketing a the customer you are serious about safety and insurance information. operators be successful by driving ciation has formed a new partner- motorcoach company. gaining their business. • Make your response to their charter business in their direction ship with BusRates.com to provide Greer conducted an educational • Prepare a standard e-mail request a ready-to-sign proposal. through use of an online database. this service as a UMA member session, called “Maximizing Your response in the form of a letter that • Offer to answer any addition- A customer can search a loca- benefit. See article on page 12. Website,” at UMA Motorcoach Expo here last month. During his presentation, Greer provided tips and techniques for INSURANCE getting the most out of the internet as a business tool. According to Greer, more than 80 percent of North American “I Just Want To Keep My Agent Honest” motorcoach operators have Web- sites and the companies that don’t This is the most common response I hear when asking a bus operator have one probably should. why they’re allowing me to provide an insurance proposal on his fleet. On Google alone, there are 1.8 million bus-related searches each month. Price is often the most important part of any business proposal, Not all of the traffic comes and our agency understands this as we insure hundreds of bus operations. from potential clients looking for a charter, but when a serious shopper comes along, the benefit of being a A family owned agency since 1963, our unparalleled relationships Web-savvy operator is having the in the marketplace consistently provide excellent pricing. ability to turn that browser into a paying client. If your agent doesn't specialize in buses, (or is too strongly connected to one market,) Greer said motorcoach opera- tors can do that by: he may not be your best option for soliciting options. • Providing plenty of pictures. Coach operators have plenty to We have the capability to shop the marketplace, and deliver the best available program for you. show. Pictures of their buses, the interiors, the staff and the facility can add interest to a Website. You don't shop your medical, legal, or accounting advisors; • Using FAB (feature-advan- if you feel the need to shop your agent to "keep him honest" then he's not dependable. tage-benefit) statements, rather than subjective statements. “Our drivers have more than 5 years of You should be with us. experience so they know how to ensure your trip will go smoothly.” Shriver Insurance Agency • Elmhurst, IL • 630.833.0480 • www.shriverins.com That looks and sounds much better than saying “We have great drivers.” • Avoiding selling on price. Operators should use their Web- sites to teach customers what to ask about safety and business practices, among other aspects of booking a charter. Greer said operators can devel- op a strategy for bringing internet traffic to their Websites. There are three ways to do it: • Organically. That is, putting up a Website and letting the search engines find your site (slow but free). • Paying for placement on directory Websites like Yellow- Pages.com (expensive but effective immediately) • Optimizing a Website on high-ranking directories like Goo- gle or Yahoo (effectiveness varies). Greer provided suggestions for getting the most out of each approach, including using the inter- net to evaluate traffic levels. Once a Website has attracted a client, preliminary contact is occa- sionally made via e-mail. Greer emphasized that how an operator communicates electronically can make or break a deal. Some tips are: • Invest in a professional e-mail domain. Having “john@smithchar- 20 February 1, 2008 MOTORCOACH EXPO Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

limited-idling, recycling and the like. Green operators “We envision future national CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 awareness campaigns centered ABC, Prevost and Setra, as well as around motorcoach travel being industry and association leaders and safe, fun, and even luxurious, given vendors, a band of geographically the features and amenities our and operationally diverse operators modern motorcoaches now have.” are in the process of establishing a Holland said the Green Opera- nonprofit foundation, with the tors Motor Coach Council is not overriding, ongoing, long-term goal another trade association. of promoting motorcoach travel to “Our industry has those bases the public. covered, and we are moving for- “Even a 1 or 2 percent increase ward with the full support and in passengers and clients nation- coordination of both UMA and wide would tremendously benefit ABA, as well as numerous state us all,” said Holland. associations. Further, this is not in “In the simplest sense, our conflict with any other industry vehicles take cars off of the roads,” group and their own efforts to pro- Holland continued. “We cater to mote our industry and their respec- On hand for the announcement of the Green Operators Motor Coach Council was Steve Klika of International Motor Coach Group, left; Brian Annett of Annett Bus Lines, in red shirt; Joan Libby of Cavalier Coach Trailways, commuters, travelers, charter and tive members. and Todd Holland of Ramblin Express in Colorado Springs. Annett, Libby and Hollard are members of the council. tour passengers, who would be “International Motor Coach driving or flying. Group, Trailways and Motor Coach industry groups. mon, consistent and coordinated Next steps for the council in- “Our industry is even “greener” Canada, support and are involved “The industry support is there, message across the country. We clude establishing a nonprofit when considering the new engine in our preliminary efforts, and we and the timing is right with our have a strong presence in our foundation, launching a nationwide technologies, alternative fuels and anticipate engaging Gray Line, the ‘green’ message,” said Holland. respective local markets, and we search for a person to lead the many other “green” operational National Association of Motor- “As operators, we have thou- have a positive story to tell about effort on a full-time basis, and con- practices we can and will be doing coach Operators, the National Mo- sands of rolling billboards that can the benefits of motorcoach travel tinuing work on a campaign. The in the future, such as carbon offset, torcoach Network, and all other be the medium to splash a com- — especially and initially our group’s Website will communicate ‘green’ benefits,” said Holland. its plans as they are developed. Setra Volvo Financial opens in Canada CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 TopSky glass roof that runs the AURORA, Ont. — Volvo Fi- Volvo Financial Services North length of the center aisle, airline- nancial Services North America has America is the finance arm of the style tray tables, laptop connec- opened an office here to support Volvo Group, one of the world’s tions, a galley and scenic view financing of Prevost motorcoaches, largest providers of commercial as well as other Volvo- and Mack- transportation equipment and the cameras. The ProTran coach had a brand equipment, in Canada. corporate parent of Prevost Car and rear window, leather seating, a gal- “Our investment in these facili- Nova Bus. It provides financial ley, satellite television, a scenic ties is a reflection of Volvo Finan- services for the truck, construction view camera and four 19-inch cial Services’ commitment in con- equipment, bus, aerospace and monitors. Both vehicles featured tinuing to provide our Canadian marine industries. 2007 Detroit Diesel Series 60 dealers and customers a high level In a separate announcement, engines. of service and support,” said Volvo said it had formed a new “With our continued success in Martin Weissburg, president and legal entity, Volvo Group Canada the premium segment of the motor- CEO of Volvo Financial Services Inc., which will hold ownership of coach market, the Setra S 417 pro- North America. “We take pride in its subsidiaries, Prevost Car and vides the benchmark in customer being part of not only the Volvo Nova Bus. The organizational experience with its breathtaking Group but also the growth and change is essential a paper transac- design and unmatched comfort,” Daimler Buses N.A. Chief Commercial Officer Patrick Scully, left, and CEO, vitality of Canadian markets.” tion, meaning the new entity does said Scully. Dr. Andreas Strecker, provided a company progress report at Expo. The new Ontario office em- not impact the operations or busi- ploys 50 people. ness of either Prevost or Nova Bus. Aftermarket kits bolster Sprinter Prevost detected, helping to avoid tire-relat- INDIANAPOLIS — Firestone Additionally, because Fire- tem for the Dodge Sprinter. ed breakdowns or accidents. Industrial Products Co. has stone’s Ride-Rite kit works by The new Rostra RearSight kit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Prevost said it picked the BERU announced that its Ride-Rite air keeping the vehicle level, it helps consists of a heavy-duty, water- miles per gallon attained, idle time system, in part, because it is more helper spring kits are now available maintain brake effectiveness, re- proof color image camera that and fuel used, as well as other fac- user friendly than other systems. for new-model Sprinter vans. duce tire wear and bottoming out, mounts above the rear doors to pro- tors measuring operating safety and On display at UMA Motor- Firestone said the kit offers level off-center loads (individual vide drivers with a wide-angle view efficiency. coach Expo were Prevost coaches maximum load support and ride inflation valves allow for separate behind the vehicle. Additional Prevost Liaison fea- outfitted with new interior designs comfort by using air pressure to side-to-side adjustment) and The camera features auto tures include online fuel tax track- called the H-Series Collection. The adjust the Firestone helper springs increase vehicle stability. infrared for night vision and a har- ing for all vehicles, with automati- collection, which is available as an to compensate for varying loads A pair of Ride-Rite air springs ness which allows users to easily cally generated filing documents, upgrade from Prevost’s regular fab- and road conditions — “maintain- can provide up to 5,000 pounds of adjust the camera’s angle. and notification when coaches ric and leather choices, features ing a quality ride at all times.” load-leveling capacity. Firestone Inside the vehicle the system approach their destinations. three trim levels: “The new Dodge Sprinter has offers an accessory system that uses a 3.5-inch TFT-LCD monitor Prevost also has adopted a new • The Essential Line offers more interior space, can seat up to enables drivers to make air pressure that mounts into the headliner with tire pressure monitoring system for casual interiors in three different 10 passengers and has extra storage adjustments by pushing a button a special mounting stem and brack- its coaches. The system was colors. facilities available when it is used installed on the dashboard. et. The monitor features dual video designed and developed by BERU, as a minibus,” said Paul Gibson, For more information, go to inputs — for navigation, interior • The Exclusive Line features manager of Firestone Industrial www.ride-rite.com camera and/or DVD — and a wide- a German manufacturer, and it is leathers, synthetic suedes, and dec- Products’ Ride-Rite division. angle view with reverse override. similar to systems found on Formu- orative piping in three colors. “Firestone’s Ride-Rite air help- Rostra RearSight Rostra says the Dodge Sprinter la 1 race cars as well as luxury • The Ultimate Line feature er springs keep the Sprinter’s leaf camera available van RearSight installs in 30 min- autos, including BMW. high-level materials, including per- springs from sagging under the LAURINBURG, N.C. — utes; it recommends professional The BERU monitors tire condi- forated leathers, aluminum finishes extra weight and causing possible Rostra Precision Controls Inc. has installation. For more information, tions and alerts the driver if a sud- and wood appointments in four damage.” developed a back-up camera sys- go to www.rostra.com. den or gradual loss of pressure is decor choices. SEFAC Bus Ad 4x6.4 1/10/07 1:59 PM Page 1

973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 www.nimcobus.com Supplying the Transportation Industry with Used, Serviceable & Rebuildable Bus Parts for Over 25 Years! VOLUME DISCOUNTS • PRIDE IN PERFORMANCE DEEP DISCOUNTS! on all Detroit Diesel & Allison Transmissions SAVE MONEY ~ SAVE TIME We sell good running qualified bus components. NO RISK PURCHASE PLAN We unconditionally guarantee our customers satisfaction. WE ALSO STOCK • Front and Rear Axle Parts • Engine Accessories • Alternators and other Electrical Components • Air Conditioning Components • Body Parts We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote 22 February 1, 2008 MOTORCOACH EXPO Bus & Motorcoach NEWS UMA board picks officers; directors elected by members SAN FRANCISCO – Godfrey LeBron of Paradise Trailways in Hicksville, N.Y., has been elected to a two-year term as chairman of the United Motorcoach Associa- tion. LeBron has served as vice chairman for the past two years and has been active in a wide range of association activities, including being chairman of the important Legislative and Regulatory Committee. The com- pany operated by he and his wife, Lauren, has 10 coaches. LaBron succeeds Brian Scott Godfrey LeBron Tom Ready James Brown Sr. Brian Scott of Escot Bus Lines in Largo, Fla., elected vice chairman for 2008- UMA board at the January meet- Southern states. former chairman of UMA. who has served as chairman since 09, while Jeff Polzien of Red ing. James Brown Sr. of Magic Also re-elected to the board for Also re-elected to the board January 2006. Scott remains a Carpet Tours in Oklahoma City Carpet Tours Bus Service in three-year terms were Larry Ben- was associate-member representa- director of the association. was re-elected secretary and Dave Richmond, Va., was elected from jamin of Northfield Lines in tive Michelle Silvestro of National The election of LeBron and his Bolen of New World Tours in UMA Region II. Brown is a for- Northfield, Minn.; Steve Brown of Interstate Insurance in Richfield, succession as chairman came at Bristow, Va., was re-elected treas- mer president of the Virginia Brown Coach in Amsterdam, N.Y., Ohio. She was elected to a second the semi-annual meeting of the urer. Motorcoach Association and his and Mike Neustadt of Coach Tours three-year term. UMA board at the conclusion of In voting this past fall, UMA company, Magic Carpet, has a Ltd. in Brookfield, Conn. The first order of business for Motorcoach Expo 2008 here last members re-elected Bolen and fleet of nine coaches. Retiring from the board was the reconstituted UMA board was month. Polzien to the board for three-year UMA Region II includes much long-time member Rick Hillard of to revisit the association’s strategic Tom Ready of Ready Bus terms. of the Midwest and Upper Cedar Valley World Travel in plan and revise the committee Lines in LaCrescent, Minn., was One new member joined the Midwest, plus Atlantic Coast and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Hillard is a assignments for members.

by the end of 2010; coach models them by 2013. 2007 models by the end of 2019; aging their fleets by bringing 25 California between 1998 and 2002 will have In a second phase, pre-2004 2008 models by the end of 2020 percent of their coaches in compli- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 to meet them by the end of 2011; models will have to meet the high- and 2009 models by the end of ance by 2010, 50 percent by 2011, and older model coach engines 2003 and 2004 models will have to er 2010 model-year emission stan- 2021. 75 percent by 2012 and their entire will be required to meet 2007- meet them by the end of 2012; and dards by the end of 2017; 2004 to The state will give operators in fleet by 2013. model engine emission standards 2005-6 models will have to meet 2006 models by the end of 2018; the first phase the option of aver- Brasil said operators will be able to meet the standards by retro- fitting their coaches with exhaust CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING filters that could cost between $9,000 and $22,000, depending on 1988 Prevost the type of emissions they are attempting to control. LeMirage XL He called on operators to pass 8V92 Detroit w/Auto Trans on the word about the regulations Coffee Galley & Tables so as many motorcoach companies 46 Passenger are aware of them and their impact Very Clean Interior as possible. Aluminum Wheels ~ $14,000 For more photos please call or email Double-deck 800-495-2110 • [email protected] CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Ask for Andy with their fleet operations, includ- ing insurance costs, maintenance 1986 MCI expenses, down time, driver log accuracy, tire air pressures and 102A3 overtime. 8V-71 5spd Trans. ABC also unveiled a new Very Clean Interior book, From Small Business to Clean & Straight Body Industry Leader – the Cornell 3 Video Monitors Family Business Story, which Enclosed Parcel Racks ~ DOT Inspection Current ~ $12,000 traces the history of ABC and its 2003–2005 For more info or pictures please call or e-mail founding family. The company H3-45 PREVOSTS 800-495-2110 • [email protected] was started by Chairman Clancy Ask for Andy Cornell, who was at Expo to auto- FOR SALE graph copies of the book. One 2003 for $310,000 ~ Three 2005 for $350,000 each The book uses vintage photos Series 60 Engines, Jake Brakes, Allison Automatic REPOS FOR SALE and interviews with industry Transmissions, National Seats, Jump Seats, 5 Monitor Variety of makes and models of friends, family and ABC staff to Videos, Enclosed Parcel Racks with A/C, Low Mileage. “Bank Repos” across the United shape a generational story of how a young boy’s fascination with Call John at 1-800-433-1111 States and Priced to Sell! buses led to the creation of the www.prevostmotorcoachsale.com 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! company. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS February 1, 2008 23 There’s real value in national and regional meetings By Dave Millhouser the middle of the night). People like their stuff, let everyone see new growth. Clearly the attendees felt One of ABC Companies helping friends. products and innovation. It’s your the meeting was valuable. the high- Even if you’ve got perfect chance to see it all in one place. You Education is expensive, but this lights of the Susan and I had been married maintenance and coaches that can compare products and ask seems to be a real bargain. These 1986 UMA three days when we embarked on never fail, everyone in the room has questions. sessions are often timely, a chance Motorcoach our honeymoon. lessons and stories you can adapt to There is an accelerating trend to keep up with current events, Expo meet- Always the romantic, I was tak- your company. Heck, you may even towards providing educational ses- technical information and legisla- ing that dou- ing her to New Orleans — to a bus be able to contribute something. sions at industry gatherings. The tive activity. By design they are bled as my convention — in a demonstrator It’s painting with a broad brush national meetings have traditional- aimed at the specific issues that are honeymoon coach. In fact, she was helping to say so, but as a rule the folks ly provided content, but in recent most likely to affect your business was an event drive the bus. who are members of the associa- years both the quality and quantity in the near future. that oc- Dave Millhouser It seemed, at the time, an excel- tions and attend conventions repre- seems to be growing. Regional and One benefit of attending meet- curred on the 13th floor of the New lent way to introduce my bride to sent the best of our industry. state meetings have followed suit, ings is the opportunity to experi- Orleans Hyatt. A distinguished, and the industry where I’d spent my One reason the suppliers spend and many have evolved from being ence the locale. You can enjoy much loved, pillar of the industry adult life. so much time and effort on these primarily social events into valu- being a tourist, while checking it locked himself out of his room, and Some operators dismiss na- gatherings is the economies of able educational opportunities. out as a destination for charters and was stranded, behind a potted plant, tional and regional industry meet- scale. They can see lots of the peo- The secretary/treasurer of one tours. It’s easier to sell a destination at the entrance to the (glass) eleva- ings as “vacations,” and a poor use ple that matter to them, all at once. struggling regional association you’ve experienced. tor in his boxer shorts. of time and money. They see these You can piggyback on their invest- decided to add a substantial amount Sometimes it’s great fun to be That image alone made the gatherings as big parties, with min- ment, and see all the same folks, on of content to what, for years, had with your colleagues outside their convention a resounding success, imal redeeming value. their dime. been an outing. Attendance leaped, normal environment. You often get and we all certainly saw him in a Certainly there are parties, din- It’s also a chance to showcase with the promise of continued to see them in a whole new way. new light. ners, trips to attractions, and a vari- It’s been 22 years, and Susan ety of other distractions…but in an 26-27 Toll Roads 2008, Hotel Calif. Info: www.cbabus.com or and I are still together. She refuses environment surrounded by your Calendar Palomar, Arlington, Va. Info: Go call (800) 664-2877. to drive a bus anymore, but seems peers and suppliers. to www.worldrg.com, or call to have forgiven me for the honey- 5-7 Trailways Annual Con- Every one of the people you February 2008 (800) 647-7600. moon. ference and Meeting, Los meet is a potential life saver if your Dave Millhouser is a marketing 2-7 America Bus Association March 2008 Angeles Hilton at Universal City, busPX-833 breaks near hisHorz.Ad town. You’re far 11/30/06 3:14 PM Page 1 consultant for ABC Companies. Marketplace, Virginia Beach. 4-5 California Bus Associa- Los Angeles. Info: Go to more likely to get help from some- Contact him at: dave_mill- Info: Go to www.buses.org, or tion Spring Maintenance Semi- www.trailways.com, or call (703) one who has eyeballed you than a [email protected]. stranger you just called (usually in call (202) 842-1645. nar, Classic Charter, Visalia, 691-3052.

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