Motorcoach Council Wins Strong Association Support DENVER — the Motorcoach $2,000 “Founding Partner” Fee

March 15, 2009

Motorcoach Council wins strong association support DENVER — The Motorcoach $2,000 “founding partner” fee. with a $25,000 check — more than UMA tradeshows, and for this rea- little as $2,000. The directors not Council, the fledgling organization The boost from the associations 12 times the founding partner rate. son we wanted to keep that momen- only bought the idea but upped the set up to promote motorcoach trav- came in the wake of appeals made And, just days later, the North tum alive and strong,” said Bill contribution by another $5,000. el throughout North America, has by the council at two national trade Carolina Motorcoach Association Gentry of Gentry Trailways in At the same time, the Tennessee gotten a major boost from two state shows in January. sent in a membership application Knoxville, Tenn. group issued an industrywide chal- motorcoach associations. The Tennessee Motor Coach with a check for $10,000, five times Gentry and Chris Levering of lenge for other states to join the The Tennessee Motor Coach Association responded to the ex- the founding member fee, and indi- Gray Line Nashville, jointly asked group and match its contribution. Association and the North Carolina citement the council generated at cated that amount was just a start. their association’s board to join the The North Carolina association Motorcoach Association joined the the UMA Motorcoach Expo and “The energy and excitement council and to spend $20,000 to do was the first to respond, agreeing to council and made financial contri- the ABA Marketplace and joined about the Motorcoach Council was it even though the group could have sign up for $10,000, plus a commit- butions many times larger than the the organization just weeks later astounding following the ABA and become a founding member for as CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c New bus safety bill in Congress State registration proposal Called most important would double fleet charges legislation in decades WASHINGTON — The Feder- that don’t pay the fees. WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania congressman al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- “Any increase seems premature whose industry-supported bus and motorcoach safety tration will soon be considering a inasmuch as it appears enforcement legislation stalled in Congress last year has introduced proposal that would more than of the UCRA fees has been lax at an updated version of his proposal again this year. double state bus and truck registra- best,” said Ken Presley, vice presi- Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said he’s optimistic his tion fees paid under the two-year- dent of industry relations at the Bus Uniform Standards and Enhanced Safety Act will old Unified Carrier Registration United Motorcoach Association. Agreement. Bob Pitcher, vice president for have a better run this year. The board that oversees the state laws for the American Truck- “We hope the introduction of this legislation rekin- UCRA, which replaced the old ing Associations and vice chair- dles the debate over motorcoach and bus safety,” he Single-State Registration System man of the UCRA board, told a said. in 2007, voted last month to rec- leading trucking publication the Ken Presley, vice president of the United Motor- continued support of much of the industry. ommend that the FMCSA overhaul new structure unfairly punishes coach Association, called the measure — H.R. 1135 “It is essential that the traveling public is protected the UCRA fee structure, boosting carriers who have been complying — the most important piece of legislation affecting the with safety requirements that are based on science fees for 2010 by more than 100 with the registration requirements. bus and motorcoach industry in decades, and he urged rather than government mandate alone,” stressed percent. “We think that in the case of… operators from around the country to support it and Shuster. The proposed increase has out- most of the states, the effort in en- urge their congressional representatives to do so, too. Under the proposed legislation, the National High- raged bus and truck industry asso- forcement has been lacking,” he Although the new version of the bipartisan legisla- way Traffic Safety Administration would be required ciations, and appears to be another said, “and without a decent effort at tion has some key changes, it again emphasizes estab- to conduct studies to determine what safety measures example of where companies that enforcement, it certainly sends the lishing safety measures that come from extensive gov- might be needed, including possible requirements for are doing the right thing will be pe- wrong signal to carriers and bro- ernment studies and testing rather than federal seatbelts, stronger roof construction, improved win- nalized because states are incapa- kers who have not been paying the mandates, a critical element that helps assure it the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c ble of coping with the scofflaws CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c A little straight talk: Why we would print ‘a union view’ By William Allen hardcore union man, it’s his vision own company of economic regulation that should Operators Repond would have For the March 1 issue of Bus & Opinion trouble the entrepreneurs who popu- Turn to Page 8 remained just Motorcoach News, the editorial late the bus and motorcoach industry. t h a t — a committee selected an op-ed piece ber awareness of how others envi- It is very likely the majority of made their businesses possible. dream. from the president of the Amal- sion the future of the bus and mo- bus and motorcoach companies in Of course, there are those bus Imagine a gamated Transit Union National torcoach business. business today did not exist 25 and motorcoach companies whose government William Allen Local 1700 because of its thought- Judging by the calls we have years ago. Many operators may not owners were bus and motorcoach system that provoking content, with the goal received – it worked. even know that it was the econom- drivers before deregulation, and decides who gets the opportunity and responsibility of raising mem- While it is clear the author is a ic deregulation of the industry that any dream they had of owning their CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 c ABC C o m p A n i e s 1999-2000 Sale Ready starting at $150,000 Van hool t2145s Lease Rates starting at $2,495

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ABC-MN Preowned ad 3-09.indd 1 2/27/2009 3:41:34 PM Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS March 15, 2009 ‘Green certification’ program aimed at coach industry COLCHESTER, Vt. — Motor- “Green Certification” program for ing its members to participate. 80 percent through an endorsed ers, suppliers coaches are often said to be the the motorcoach industry and other To be eligible to participate in carbon-trading program and operators. most fuel efficient form of passen- transportation modes. the test, and receive the initial As a participant, operators will The infor- ger transportation, leaving planes, “Certification” would not only “Green Coach Certification” des- have use of the program’s green- mation gath- trains and vans in their wake. raise the industry’s visibility but ignation, an operator must comply certification logo, which can be ered during the But while that is likely the case, also substantiate and validate its with at least one of the following placed on the sides of buses, with- research will darn few consumers make a strong “green” claims. requirements: in marketing brochures, and used be used to de- connection between riding a mo- To achieve the program’s aims, • Operate a coach that has a in other promotional materials. velop a final David Kestenbaum torcoach and fuel-efficient, envi- however, the university needs 2007 or newer EPA-compliant die- In exchange, operators will set of standards for the motorcoach ronmentally-sustainable travel. coach operators willing to partici- sel engine need to be available from time to industry to be used for a permanent So, what can be done about the pate in an 18-month field test of • Meet or exceed the industry time to participate in surveys and green certification effort. disconnect? the plan the researchers have for- average of 148 passenger miles per interviews with researchers from To learn more, and possibly The University of Vermont has mulated for the bus industry. gallon the university. sign up, contact Dave Kestenbaum embarked on a multi-year research The deadline to sign up for the • Run on B-20 (or higher) bio Among other things, the research- at the University of Vermont at project to develop, test and evalu- pilot is March 25. The United Mo- diesel fuel 80 percent of the time ers want to gain an understanding of (802) 656-9141, or by e-mail at ated standards and protocols for a torcoach Association is encourag- • Offset carbon emissions by the impact of the program on consum [email protected]. Upscale competition: Classic Coach buy changes dynamic BOHEMIA, N.Y. — Classic for the past 35 years. Both Classic Coach/Hampton Island 18 hours a day. We’ve been business, the Schoolmans set up a Coach, the charter-and-tour com- “This one is gonna be fun to Luxury Liner and Hampton Jitney offering the best prices and service joint venture with the Slaytons to pany owned by one of the industry’s watch,” said one long-time coach are downplaying the rivalry, for 35 years, and we will continue provide marketing, advertising and most colorful operators, Bill industry executive. however. to do that.” promotional services for Hampton Schoolman, has purchased Hamp- For most of the past decade, Bill Schoolman said he has Michael Schoolman, vice presi- Luxury Liner. ton Luxury Liner. Hampton Luxury Liner and Hamp- “enormous respect” for Hampton dent of sales and marketing for Not included in the purchase The transaction, which was ton Jitney have gone head-to-head Jitney and his only interest is to Classic Coach and son of Bill were the coaches the Slaytons used completed last month, potentially in what is believed to be the only “offer something different.” Schoolman, called Classic’s pur- for Hampton Luxury Liner. Classic presages one of the most interesting competing luxury-commuter-coach A spokeswoman for Hampton chase of Hampton Luxury Liner a is buying six 44-seat Prevost X3-45 competitions in the motorcoach in- operations in the U.S. Jitney told a Long Island newspa- “multimillion-dollar investment in coaches that are being put into ser- dustry: Hampton Luxury Liner, op- The two companies operate per it was business a usual. the Hamptons’ travel market.” vice this month for the daily Man- erated by Schoolman, versus Hamp- high-end coaches between Manhat- “We will continue to do what The Schoolmans bought Hamp- hattan-to-Hamptons runs. ton Jitney, the Southampton, tan and the upscale communities at we do,” Jennifer Friebely was quot- ton Luxury Liner from Doug and “Prevost has done a fabulous N. Y.-based operator that has been the eastern end of Long Island, a re- ed as saying, “and that’s to offer Greg Slayton. job of reconfiguring the coaches” providing Long Island bus services gion known as the Hamptons. service from the East End of Long In addition to purchasing the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c March 15, 2009 Bus & Motorcoach News

LaHood eyes drug-testing database Challenge to D.C. permit WASHINGTON — U.S. Sec- testing rules,” LaHood told a meet- Feb. 17 without any delay. retary of Transportation Ray La- ing of trucking executives. LaHood said he realized many continues at a slow pace Hood says a federal rule establish- “This rule would close a loop- in the commercial vehicle industry ing a national drug and alcohol hole that allows drivers to simply are interested in strengthening an WASHINGTON — The $50 trip the case is progressing, Burton testing database is moving forward switch employers following a pos- aspect of the New Entrant Rule, permit that motorcoach operators said he’s confident the industry and he anticipates publishing a itive test.” establishing knowledge standards have been forced to buy during the will come out on top in the legal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking LaHood provided an update on of safety regulations for new carri- past 18 months when they’ve dispute. later this year. other regulatory issues. He said: ers seeking operating authority, brought tour groups here won’t be “I feel good about our pros- He said the proposal would be • The Medical Certification and the Federal Motor Carrier disappearing any time soon. pects, although nothing is certain included in the upcoming reautho- Rule that combines the medical Safety Administration is looking Although the United Motor- in court,” he said. “We have a very rization of the multi-year federal certificate and the commercial into the issue. coach Association and others in strong case and I am optimistic.” highway and public transportation driver’s license went into effect • The Electronic On-Board Re- the industry filed a legal appeal UMA, the American Bus Asso- funding bill. Jan. 30 as scheduled. corder Rule is still under review. more than five months ago, after ciation and the National Tour As- “There is no room on our high- • The New Entrant Rule, after “We want to make sure it (the losing the first round of a court ef- sociation sued the district in Supe- ways for CDL drivers who don’t review, was allowed to proceed as EOBR rule) is the best rule we can fort to force removal of the fee, the rior Court last year, claiming the comply with the drug and alcohol scheduled and went into effect possibility put out,” LaHood said. case is not expected to be heard for trip permit fee that was put in place several more months. in August 2007 was unconstitu- David Burton, a Virginia attor- tional under the commerce clause NYC to block sections of Broadway ney handling the D.C. District of the U.S. Constitution and in New York — Officials in New on Broadway, which cuts through Construction for the pilot pro- Court of Appeals’ case for the in- conflict with the Interstate Regis- York City are banning traffic from midtown Manhattan diagonally, gram will begin Memorial Day dustry, said it’s likely lawyers will tration Plan. However, the court seven midtown blocks of Broad- will reduce travel times throughout weekend and be completed by Sep- not deliver oral arguments — if ruled against the trade groups, way in Manhattan, including the the borough, city officials say. tember. It will be tested for the re- they are permitted by the court — prompting the appeal. areas around Times Square and The five blocks of Broadway mainder of the year and could be- until sometime in the summer. Burton argues in his appeal Herald Square. between 42nd and 47th streets that come permanent. B r o a d w a y ’s It then could take several more that the fee not only is unconstitu- Mayor Michael Bloomberg include Times Square, also known diagonal path across Manhattan’s months before a decision is made. tional because of its interstate trav- said the experimental program as the Great White Way, will be- street grid forms odd-shaped In the meantime, motorcoach el implications, but it violates dis- would block vehicular traffic on come a pedestrian zone with blocks at the heart of Times Square, operators will have to continue to trict law that honors the federal Broadway from 47th to 42nd benches, tables and landscaping. creating monumental traffic jams purchase the six-day permits for Interstate Registration Plan. He streets, and 35th to 33rd streets in Farther south, two blocks of where three streets meet. each of their buses that enter the maintains the Interstate Registra- an attempt to reduce congestion Broadway at Herald Square, home “It’s pretty hard to argue we district, or buy annual apportioned tion Plan trumps local statutes, in- and give pedestrians more space. of Macy’s flagship store, will get a could do anything to make it registration tags for them. cluding the trip permit fee. The revamped traffic pattern similar treatment. worse,” Mayor Bloomberg said. Despite the slow pace at which Adoption of the fee triggered a rash of complaints from industry executives and coach operators, who said they saw it as nothing but a money grab by the district because of the thousands of buses that bring tens of thousands of tourists to the area every year. The district sold about 3,000 of the permits for the presidential in- auguration in January, a $150,000 bonanza on top of the permits purchased by operators who run charters to the area throughout the year. Two states have IRP plate delay California and Kansas have re- quested other International Regis- tration Plan jurisdictions to delay enforcement on their carriers’ 2009 IRP credentials. It seems the two states are having trouble getting the plates and tags to carriers on time. For more information on the Kansas extension, which runs through April 1, call (785) 271- 3243; for California, which runs through March 31, call (916) 657-7971. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET March 15, 2009 Alexandria, Va., considers Stimulus: Tax items may aid operators WASHINGTON — More de- For 2008, qualifying busi- allow businesses to write off cur- coach registration scheme tails from the massive $789 billion nesses are permitted to carry back rent expenditures for equipment economic stimulus law signed by losses for five years, compared to up to $250,000, and to take bonus ALEXANDRIA, Va. — This Alexandria. President Obama, especially tax two years under prior law. depreciation on capital purchases. ancient community spread along “We really don’t regulate this provisions that could impact mo- Operators that qualify for this Operators that are government the banks of the Potomac River, industry in any meaningful way torcoach operators, are surfacing. provision may be able to amend past contractors will be interested to across from Washington, D.C., is right now,” said Rich Baier, the Of special note is an extension tax returns for profitable years to know that the requirement for all considering a plan that would re- city’s transportation director. “So, of net operating loss carrybacks claim refunds of taxes that could be levels of government to withhold quire motorcoach operators to reg- we see these short-term recom- ister before driving their buses on mendations as a first step.” for businesses that have averaged used as current operating revenue. 3 percent of contract payments to the city’s historic streets. The 128-page report submitted less than $15 million in revenue The new law also extends for cover potential federal taxes has The city has been wrestling for by the task force to the Alexandria during the past three years. another year two provisions that been moved back a year, to 2012. years with how to deal with 45- City Council recommends spend- spend $50,000,” said Frank Fan- the city council, adding he would more red tape and bureaucracy that foot coaches that “clatter their way ing $50,000 to create a regulatory non, a Republican candidate for oppose the plan if elected. “This is will harm businesses.” through 18th-century streets that framework for motorcoaches. The were originally designed for hors- plan was scheduled to be consid- es, knocking down tree limbs, rip- ered at a public hearing on March ping down telephone wires and up- 14. setting many neighborhood The first step would involve an residents,” according to the local expenditure of $25,000 to conduct newspaper. traffic counts. Following that, an- About a year ago, the city man- other $25,000 would be spent from ager created a task force to study the city contingent reserves to cre- the issue. Last month, the task ate an online registration system. force presented a plan that would The plan found one immediate create a registration system for critic. motorcoaches bringing tourists to “I can think of a better way to Bill introduced to ban tolls on federal roads WASHINGTON — A Pennsyl- creasing existing turnpike tolls vania congressman has introduced and issuing monetization bonds a bill that would prohibit tolling of based on future toll revenues. federal highways, including Inter- Thompson noted that the U.S. state 80 in Pennsylvania. Department of Transportation had Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, a rejected Pennsylvania’s applica- Republican, introduced the Keep- tion to toll I-80 twice, and said ing America’s Freeways Free Act, state elected officials should re- which was referred to the House consider Act 44 and leave tolling Committee on Transportation and I-80 out of the equation. Infrastructure. U.S. Rep. Ciro Ro- “The American people cur- driguez, D-Texas, co-sponsored rently pay for our interstates the measure, HR 1071. through gas taxes, the Highway In 2007, Pennsylvania legisla- Trust Fund and apportionment tors passed Act 44, meant to estab- taxes on trucks hauling goods,” he lish an inflation-sensitive, long- said. term funding stream to fix the “Tolling the Interstate High- state’s transportation funding cri- way System would not only be a sis. It would have provided more double tax on the American peo- than $116 billion over a 50-year ple but a dangerous step toward period for transportation mainte- slowing the economic growth of nance and improvements by con- Pennsylvania and the entire coun- verting I-80 to a tolled road, in- try during these trying times.” Pa. governor wants bridges fixed HARRISBURG, Pa. — Penn- million generated under Act 44. sylvania Gov. Edward Rendell has That measure allows toll revenues proposed spending $200 million from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to for highway bridge repairs in the be used for transportation improve- Keystone state. ments around the state. “The number of structurally Act 44 was crafted originally in deficient bridges is staggering — 2007 with the idea that Pennsylva- nearly 6,000 in all — and it is im- nia could persuade the federal gov- portant to the public safety that ernment to allow the state to charge they be repaired,” Rendell told tolls on Interstate 80. state legislators. The federal government, how- Pennsylvania maintains 25,300 ever, nixed the toll proposal last state-owned bridges and 39,872 fall. So, to raise revenue for trans- miles of road. portation, tolls were raised 25 per- The money Rendell proposed cent on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for bridge improvements would be in January and are to be raised 3 in addition to the estimated $450 percent each year going forward. March 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

trucks would go to $82,983, from tration System, New York collected hicles are actually used in interstate Registration fees $37,500. from 3,000 fleets based in the state, commerce and subject to the fees. Classic coach CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The Unified Carrier Registra- plus another 2,000 fleets that listed One state official said that since CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 fees and it simply encourages them tion Agreement was set up by Con- New York as their home state but fleets often “back out” equipment for the 44-passenger seating ar- to continue evading the fees.” gress to revamp the interstate regis- operated out of neighboring states not being used for interstate busi- rangement, said Bill Schoolman. Pitcher said it was “well-estab- tration system, extending it to and provinces. ness, and are no longer required to The new coaches will operate lished” that states were not collect- trucking fleets and other compa- For 20 years, New York be- register trailers, the new structure under the Hampton Luxury Liner ing as much in fees as they had an- nies that previously had not been lieved it had a handle on those bumps fleets into lower brackets, name, and will be outfitted with ticipated but they should be forced covered by the Single-State Regis- 5,000 companies. thus holding down their fees and re- plush leather seats that recline fur- to do more to collect existing fees, tration System. Suddenly, the universe of New ducing the amount going to states. ther than ordinary coach seats, and rather than raising fees on fleets Registration fees for for-hire York-based carriers subject to This official estimates that the entertainment centers that include that have been honest about paying truck fleets and interstate bus oper- UCRA jumped to 25,000, with an- number of big trucking companies DirecTV, free wireless Internet, their fair share. ators were intended to go down be- other 25,000 from neighboring subject to the top-line fee has prob- seat-side charging stations, and Presley agrees. “It would be cause the new system was sup- states and provinces. The state was ably dropped from an estimated multichannel stereo with headsets. better if they just sought payment posed to be spread across a much overwhelmed. 800 carriers to about 250 or 300 Each coach also will have a gal- from those who have failed to pay larger base that included private Additionally, culling the UCRA because the truckers are only reg- ley with snacks, drinks, magazines rather than increase the payments fleets, freight forwarders and bro- list has been difficult. When fleets istering those vehicles running in- and newspapers. on those who choose to comply.” kers. For example, the new system go out of business they often stay terstate and trailers are no longer Classic Coach, which has been Pitcher said ATA and other captured the huge trucking fleets in the system, so states waste time counted. around for more than 30 years, provides a wide variety of trans- groups would oppose the new fee operated by the likes of Coca-Cola, trying to collect fees from defunct Pitcher of the ATA said that on portation services, ranging from structure and were considering re- Wal-Mart and others. companies. In just the third quarter a per-vehicle basis, just adjusting bus charters between Long Island turning to Congress over the issue. States were expected to collect of last year, upwards of 800 truck- for the change relative to trailers and Atlantic City, to airport shut- Presley said UMA would be the same amount of money as the ing companies went out of busi- “would have caused the fees to go tles, college and football express among those lining up to oppose Single-State System provided be- ness nationwide. up 50 percent per vehicle; as it services, wedding charters, com- the fee hike. “This increase will cause of the bigger universe of Some state officials agree they stands the proposal is for them to muter service, and corporate out- face stiff opposition from the Unit- companies covered by the UCRA. could do a better job of collecting go up 115 or 120 percent.” ings. It operates coaches, midsize ed Motorcoach Association when it However, right from the start, fees but insist it is unrealistic to ex- During the February UCRA buses, trolleys, vans, limousines gets around to rulemaking.” states began having collection dif- pect they could register 100 per- board meeting at which the regis- and sedans. It will be up to the FMCSA — ficulties. Many states were simply cent of the companies in the UCRA tration increase was considered, Adding the Hamptons runs through a formal federal rulemak- overwhelmed by the number of database. ”What’s really at issue is Pitcher said the private industry gives the company a broader cus- ing process — to develop the final new companies from which they how much states should be required representatives pointed out that tomer base, said Michael School- version of the new fee structure. were expected to collect fees. to do,” said one state official. most states have done next to noth- man. But under the proposal adopted Take New York, for example. Two other factors are at play in ing to beef up their collection and Hampton Luxury Liner, which by the UCRA board, the fee for a The number of firms the new sys- forcing the fee increase: A 2008 enforcement efforts, and the in- has been running since 2000, pre- bus or truck company with two or tem requires New York to collect federal law that exempted trailers crease will fall almost entirely on viously operated out of facilities in fewer vehicles would jump to $83 from is 10 times greater than the from the registration levy, and car- carriers that have been honest and Bridgehampton. The company has from $39, while the fee for a carri- number under the old system. riers, especially truckers, paying paid their fees. “These points fell been moved to Classic Coach’s er with more than 1,000 buses or Under the Single-State Regis- more attention to which of their ve- on deaf ears,” he observed. quarters in Bohemia.

March 15, 2009 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Union official’s comments stir motorcoach operators Note: The March 1 issue contained an Show me the numbers people (operators) who haven’t been audited federal government isn’t paying for the ser- op-ed piece written by Bruce Hamilton, pres- A Florida operator also asked where the (with a compliance review) since they went vices. They don’t have the planning and the ident of the Amalgamated Transit Union numbers were to indicate accidents have in- into business.” people to do the job. I think it’s that the gov- National Local 1700. As expected, Hamil- creased because of deregulation. Of the U.S. transportation framework, ernment doesn’t ask us what works. We have ton’s views upset many Bus & Motorcoach “I’d like to see numbers that substantiate Benjamin said: “I think the model of Trail- solutions,” notes Winkler. News readers. Here’s what some had to say it; where are the numbers that prove it?” ways, Greyhound, it’s a broken model. When about what Hamilton wrote. asked Brian Scott, president of Escot Bus megabus.com can run from Minnesota to Competition = Better service Lines in Largo, Fla. Chicago in seven hours, and to jump on a Michael Neustadt, president of Coach Across the U.S., operators expressed One of Hamilton’s arguments was that the Greyhound it takes 9, who in their right mind Tours in Brookfield, Conn., said that the in- views, ranging from incredulity to outrage, framework of transportation for the public would want to do that?” creased competition brought about by dereg- with union activist Bruce Hamilton’s claims had been damaged by deregulation. Said On poor wages and working conditions: ulation “has helped drive the vehicle im- that — among other things — passenger Scott: “I think you’d find his argument seri- “I think the failed model of scheduled service provements, as companies have had to safety had been a victim of bus industry ously flawed. If you look at the number of has had more to do with it than anything. compete by offering better service in better deregulation. buses on the road prior to deregulation, and These companies have not done well. Has it vehicles. Also challenged were Hamilton’s state- the number post-deregulation, I think you’d lowered the wages for chartered operators? I “The public transportation network in the ments that mobility, the ability of citizens to find his argument seriously flawed.” don’t think so. Can you blame the nonunion U.S. has certainly been diminished. However escape disasters and even to leave town, had Scott noted that there is now a need, post- companies for that? I don’t think so. In a lot the primary cause, I believe, is the desire by been curtailed by deregulation. deregulation, for both the United Motorcoach of cases, Greyhound is probably lower than each American to own his or her own auto- An executive at a New York bus opera- Association and Bus & Motorcoach News. nonunion companies. mobile; a desire that has been almost com- tion said Hamilton’s claim that accidents “Talking to a company that came about pletely fulfilled over the past 50 or 60 years. had increased because of deregulation was post-deregulation,…you wouldn’t even be Treating people right “I agree that our public transportation way off the mark: “He did not cite any statis- talking to me if deregulation hadn’t oc- “I have a lot of union drivers come in and network should be improved for economic tical material to back that. There’s no basis curred,” said Scott, whose company was have retired with me. People who came dur- and environmental reasons. But the way to for that claim. launched 26 years ago by his parents. ing strikes and chose to stay with me. We, as do it is not by re-regulation but by invest- “He made claims that service has deteri- non-union companies, have an obligation to ment by private companies and the govern- orated since 1982; again, he did not substan- Greyhound: The solution? give good benefits, and good wages, and edu- ment in new highway infrastructure and new tiate it in any form. About emergency transport: “Judging by cate people if we don’t want unions, That’s technology vehicles.” “Even if you can find a small town in the calls we get, the need is always out there what we have to do. On the issue of emergency transport, Kansas that isn’t serviced by Greyhound, it’s but I don’t see the need not being met. ... To “I wouldn’t ask someone to do something Neustadt observes: “There is no direct corre- impossible to identify the exact cause of the say that Greyhound is the only solution, how I wouldn’t do myself. If I don’t take care of lation between deregulation and emergency reduction of service.” does he justify that? How can Greyhound be people, I would be out of business. Bottom transport. Our industry has shown during re- This coach executive was uncomfortable everywhere at all times? He’s basically say- feeders drive down the prices and that’s not cent disasters that we can, in partnership with releasing his name because of concern about ing Greyhound is a one-size-fits-all solution good for anybody.” public transit agencies, provide needed ser- possible backlash from unions. and that just isn’t the case,” said Scott. Bill Winkler, president of Peoria Charter vice in an emergency. About Hamilton’s claim that — with de- About possible driver abuse under dereg- Coach out of Peoria, Ill., says that “unions do Turning to the wage issue, Neustadt said: regulation — emergency evacuations had ulation: “We have drivers who are well serve a purpose. If the employer isn’t treating “There is no evidence that wages are lower suffered: “Regulators never required opera- dressed; there are nice cars in the parking lot, the workers humanely…they have a purpose. because of deregulation. In fact, the ability of tors to perform under natural disasters. The we have young people choosing it as a career Deregulation was great for our company; it many bus companies to expand and grow problem with (Hurricane) Katrina was there as well, we have a driver who will celebrate allowed us to grow, and it allowed other good without government interference has allowed was no viable evacuation plan in place. It 20 years next year. And that’s all post-deregu- companies to grow.” them to grow financially stronger and afford was not a transit issue. It was a planning lation. A majority of coach operators are In 1941, Peoria Coach had 10 coaches. to provide even better wages and benefits. issue. He’s twisted that into an issue of de- family-run, small businesses,” Scott added. Today, it has 61. “We grew exponentially. It “The hours-of-service rules for bus driv- regulation,” said the executive. Larry Benjamin, CEO and principal allowed us to go into tours, to go to Califor- ers have not changed since long before de- Hamilton also claimed that today’s non- owner of Northfield Lines in Northfield, nia.” Before deregulation, “the service was regulation. If anything has changed, it has union drivers were working low-paying jobs Minn., wondered if many of the operator lousy.” been stepped-up enforcement of the rules, es- and under more difficult conditions. problems in the industry couldn’t be amelio- About unsafe companies: “If you’re not a pecially with regard to companies who have a “The 10/15-hour rules have not been rated with better enforcement, rather than safe coach company anymore, you’re not in poor safety history. changed. If operators are forcing them to trying to re-regulate the industry with new business. Insurance companies won’t give “Union, or nonunion, bus drivers’ hours work beyond the required limit, they would laws. you insurance. Deregulation makes customer are limited by law. I am not aware of any statis- have done it 20 years ago too,” said the “There aren’t enough reserves of people service better,” asserts Winkler. tics that show that union companies or drivers executive. to check on everybody,” he says. “There are About emergency transport issues: “The have a better safety record,” said Neustadt.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 142 To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- Joan Libby the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Cavalier Coach Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Boston, Mass. E-mail: E-mail: Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways [email protected] [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Coach Tours Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Brookfield, Conn. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Jeff Polzien To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Red Carpet Charters Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Oklahoma City Industry Editor: Ken Presley subscription: Larry Benjamin Tira Wayland Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines ABC Companies Ready Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Faribault, Minn. LaCrescent, Minn. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Gladys Gillis Brian Scott Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Bristow, Va. Seattle Largo, Fla. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Mark Gedris Dan Diepert Coaches Krapf Coaches National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young ©2009 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus and Motorcoach_PREVOST.ai 23/12/08 09:40:49

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FOR SALES INFORMATION: USA 1 877 773.8678 CANADA 418 883.3391 Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information. 10 March 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Getting good advice and getting it inexpensively By Dave Millhouser Many companies are organized thing out of it). a ton about engines, and your en- so they require a board, but often Along the same lines, (and just gine dealer has something to offer “Them hogs are really travel- it’s a formality. Other operators are as cheap), consider staying in about fuel economy. ing in comfort,” said the truck-stop set up so they don’t need one. touch with retirees who’ve worked Chemical folks can tell you a attendant as the Scenicruiser driv- Many CEO’s look at a board like for either your company, or ones lot about how other, related, indus- er ordered a fill up. it’s a speed bump — necessary but like it. It makes us old geezers feel tries resolve issues, and your ac- Offended, the driver asked the irritating. relevant, and once in a while we countant can give insight into how pump jockey why he thought his When properly done, it slip and say something useful. unrelated businesses handle things. passengers were piggish. shouldn’t be that way. If you have There’s another set of resourc- Coach sales people cover large It turned out that an enterpris- the right folks involved, either for- es who REALLY want to help, and territories, and talk to compatriots Dave Millhouser ing farmer had bought a similar mally or informally, you can gain who cost nothing. The sales people and competitors all over the coun- like that (for me — it’s my wife). ex-Greyhound and was using it to valuable insight into how other who call on you regularly have a try. It’s likely that, whatever your Any time you can get several haul hogs to market. He frequently businesses and coach operators are wealth of knowledge about all problem, they (or one of their bud- of these people in the same room, fueled at this truck stop. making money and solving sorts of things. Every group has dies) have seen it somewhere, and treat it like a board meeting. I hear you all snickering out problems. some good folks and some losers. know potential solutions. Bounce ideas off them. You still there. But this column is NOT Unless your corporate struc- By now you’ve figured out which You want to be careful what you get to be boss but if most of the about our passengers. ture demands it, you don’t have to are there just to sell you stuff, and share (and who you share with), but folks you respect think an idea is Looking for an efficient way to have a formal board, or even meet. which really want to contribute. these folks all have an interest in bad, take a hard look at it. transport hogs, the farmer had But a group of trusted advisors, Use the best ones as resources. your success. When you do well, Their primary function may be spotted the old bus. It had been committed to your business’ suc- They can help you understand their they’ll get a chunk. Figure out who selling you the “stuff” it takes to gutted, in someone’s half-hearted cess, can’t be a bad thing. product or service, but just as im- you can trust, and use them. They’ll operate, but why can’t you do what attempt to build a motorhome, and A number of operators make portant, they can tell you what love it, and it offers extra value to the pig farmer did, and use them was available for short money. frequent phone calls to colleagues. other companies are doing. The whatever they’re selling. for something different but just as With a little effort it was ideal as a They have a number of folks they good ones want to be like Johnny The ones you can’t trust, why important? piggy paddy wagon. informally poll when making im- Appleseed, planting good ideas are you buying from them? Now, if only the farmer had It was a clever way of using portant decisions. They use friends along the way, helping their cus- Cultivate honesty. Years ago a taught the hogs to use the lavato- something intended for one pur- as a sounding board for ideas. tomers and industry grow. business book recommended that ry…this would have a happy end- pose, to fill an entirely different That’s not much different than Your vendors all talk to each every company have a “Vice Presi- ing (well, maybe not for the pigs). need. (That’s the end of our pig the farmer using a bus rather than other, sharing information about dent of Bovine Organic Fertilizer,” Dave Millhouser is a bus in- metaphor, for now.) a truck. Using friends in a larger customers, market conditions, and someone who had the courage to dustry marketing consultant and Have you thought about your and useful capacity is healthy creative ideas. You want to be in tell the CEO that his ideas were, freelance writer. Contact him at: board of directors? (heck, they may even get some- that loop. Your fuel vendor knows well, manure. We all need someone [email protected]. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS March 15, 2009 11 MCI employees in Winnipeg ABA loses Lentzsch as chairman WASHINGTON — Less than ed ABA chairman during Market- and in accordance with ABA by- approve three-year contract six weeks after being elected place in January, had served the laws immediately tendered his WINNIPEG, Manitoba — vides stability for its employees, chairman of the American Bus As- previous two years as ABA vice resignation as an ABA board Union employees at Motor Coach customers and suppliers, many of sociation, Craig Lentzsch has re- chairman, and had been a member member and as ABA chairman,” Industries’ Fort Garry bus manu- which are also located in Manitoba. signed the position. of the ABA board for years by vir- the association said. facturing operation here have re- “The agreement with the union rec- ABA Vice Chairman Jim Jal- tue of executive positions at Grey- The ABA board will be conven versed themselves and approved a ognizes employees for their skills, bert has stepped in to serve as act- hound Lines and Coach America. ing, followed by a meeting of the new labor contract with the contributions and service while ing chairman while the ABA board When Lentzsch left Coach governance committee, chaired by company. maintaining significant operating and governance committee “take America as CEO in September ABA’s immediate past chairman, The business manager of Local flexibility required in the increas- appropriate steps on a successor 2007, he remained on its board of Doug Anderson of Anderson Coach 1953 of the International Associa- ingly competitive global manufac- pursuant to the association’s by- directors. However, he informed & Travel in Greenville, Pa., to discuss tion of Machinists, Wayne Relf, turing marketplace,” MCI added. laws,” the ABA said in a statement. ABA last month “he would no procedures for naming a successor said 87 per cent of the employees The contract approved by the Lentzsch, who had been elect- longer be serving in that capacity, to complete Lentzsch’s term. who work in the Fort Garry facili- MCI employees will increase ties — and voted — accepted the wages by 8.5 percent over three Straight talk ator, hard work, ingenuity and This is about the opportunities three-year agreement. years, expand vacation time, im- often tenacity decide success. and those who capitalize on those Two weeks earlier, the workers prove health benefits, and give CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It is hard to conceive anyone opportunities to create jobs. had voted by a 93 percent margin each employee a $1,250 bonus. to own and operate a bus and mo- would want to return to a system The absence of economic regu- to strike. At that time, the union MCI had been eager to negoti- torcoach company, not based on that seldom produced opportunities. lation should never be taken for said the major point of contention ate a contract with the Fort Garry their commitment to safety and United Motorcoach Associa- granted and every owner of a bus was job security, with MCI want- workers because it said it would service but rather politics. tion members should know there and motorcoach company should ing to contract out many services help in its efforts to emerge from Imagine a system that decides are those who advocate economic be keenly aware of those in their and union members fearful of sig- Chapter 11 bankruptcy. your rates, even your routes. These re-regulation in an effort to eradi- midst who choose to argue for nificant job losses. MCI had planned to emerge were not rules that produced an in- cate competition. re-regulation. “We wanted job security and from bankruptcy by the end of Feb- novative and an expanding passen- There are those who do not be- William Allen is chairman of the we got it,” Relf said following the ruary. However, negotiations to re- ger marketplace but rather a good lieve you should have an opportunity. UMA Legislative & Regulatory ratification vote. solve disputes between its equity ol’ boys network where the fix was This is not an issue of labor Committee, a director of UMA, and After the strike vote, the com- investor, Franklin Mutual Advis- in…winks and nods, if you will. and unions; that is a different do- a member of the editorial advisory pany and union met in government- ers, and its lenders providing exit Today, instead of lawyers, lob- main and one which will be ad- board of Bus & Motorcoach News. assisted conciliation where the job financing were delayed as a result byists and politicians deciding the dressed soon by Congress with He also is principal of Amador security issue was addressed. of the difficult capital markets. The fate of a bus and motorcoach oper- looming legislation. Trailways in Sacramento, Calif. MCI said the new contract pro- new target date is mid-March. 12 March 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

needed to show what improvements Bus safety bill should be made and if there is a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 need or demand for retrofitting. Lincoln General ratings downgraded dow glazing, fire suppression The proposed legislation won OLDWICK, N.J. — A.M. Best strength and ability to meet its on- cial primarily stem from write- equipment and enhanced emergen- the immediate endorsement of sev- Co., the independent insurance going insurance policy and con- downs of its equity portfolio, ad- cy exits. eral other lawmakers, including and credit rating service, has again tract obligations, while the issuer verse loss reserve development at NHTSA has been conducting Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D- downgraded the financial strength credit rating is an independent Lincoln General Insurance, and the first-of-its-kind bus crash and Texas, a cosponsor of the original and issuer credit ratings of Lincoln opinion of an issuer’s ability to non-cash related charges. fire studies for more than a year and bill that was introduced last year. General Insurance Co., an insurer meet its ongoing senior financial Best’s downgrading of the much of the work of the agency “Motorcoach and charter bus of motorcoaches. obligations. ratings at Kingsway Financial and likely could be folded into other transportation is very safe,” she The financial strength rating Best lowered its ratings for its various affiliates, including studies that might be done if the said. for Lincoln General was dropped Lincoln General after its parent Lincoln General, “reflects the sig- legislation passes. “However, recent fatal motor- to B- (Fair), from B+ (Good) in company, Kingsway Financial Ser- nificant deterioration in the parent coach accidents have shown us that September, and the company’s is- vices Inc. of Mississauga, Ont., an- company’s financial condition and More monitoring additional safety measures may be suer credit rating was reduced to nounced it will take a huge loss for recognizes A.M. Best’s assess- New to the measure this year warranted. I believe this legislation bb- from bbb- in September. the fourth quarter of last year. ment of the weakened overall cap- are provisions that would improve is an important step in the process In issuing the ratings last month, Kingsway Financial projected italization of the entire organ the oversight of motorcoach com- of determining what we can do to A.M. Best noted that both ratings net losses for the quarter of be- ization,” Best said in a formal panies by subjecting them to in- ensure that all motorcoach and for Lincoln General remain under tween $324 million and $344 mil- announcement. creased monitoring by enforcement charter bus passengers are as safe review with negative implications. lion, which Best said was “far in Only one Kingsway Financial agencies, require enhanced driver as they can be.” Best’s financial strength rating excess of information previously subsidiary has a lower financial training and testing to assure driv- is an independent opinion of an provided to A.M. Best.” strength and issuer credit rating ers are medically fit, and make cer- Important supporters insurance company’s financial The losses at Kingsway Finan- than Lincoln General. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., of the tain that federal safety inspection and sound science,” he said. “Just and ask them to support H.R. 1135,” Motorcoach Association is proud to House Transportation and Infra- requirements are effective. shooting from the hip does not like- he asserted. support their efforts,” he said. structure Committee and John Dun- “These are all important im- ly improve safety and may in fact Shuster said he feels good about can, R-Tenn., of the Highways and provements to the legislation,” endanger passengers.” Getting smart on issues the chances of the bill doing much Transit Subcommittee joined in Shuster said. He said the measure goes the Presley also praised Shuster better this time than it did last year support of the measure. Addressing concerns that mo- distance in maximizing occupant and Johnson for their efforts, saying when no action was taken on it. UMA’s Presley said that Shuster torcoach operators could be forced protection and is a sensible ap- they have distinguished themselves “I am confident that Rep. John- and his proposed legislation recog- to retrofit their existing buses to proach because it requires any by taking the time to understand the son and I can work with the leader- nizes that the over-the-road bus in- meet any new standards, Shuster changes in standards be based on intricate nature of motorcoaches ship on the Transportation and In- dustry “is the safest form of surface said the idea is not to require retro- sound scientific research, testing and passenger safety. frastructure Committee to have the travel in the nation and that further fitting based on government man- and implementation. “Both are truly interested in measure folded into a larger high- enhancements to occupant protec- dates or one fix for all solutions. “Every operator should contact eliminating passenger fatalities and way reauthorization bill expected to tion requires comprehensive testing Instead, he said, a scientific study is their congressional representative reducing injuries and the United come up later this year,” he said.

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We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote 14 March 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Bus & Motorcoach Academy announces newest graduates ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The mo- • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus North Towanda, N.Y. Regional Transit District Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. torcoach industry’s only comprehen- Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Bob Strutton, Sandston, Va. • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, sive continuing education program, • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V Brookfield, Conn. Safe Driving the Bus & Motorcoach Academy and Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Financial Management • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus • John Bowers, Rolling V Bus the academy’s Clarence Cornell • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V • Sindy Lister, Teton Stage Lines, Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. School of Business, graduated indi- Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Idaho Falls • Stacy Lawrence, Astro Travel • Charles Brady, Land Jet Bus, viduals from all across the U.S. dur- • Nathan Boor, Fun Tours, Vir- & Tours, Tallahassee, Fla. Waterbury, Conn. ing its most recent academic year. Clarence Cornell ginia Beach • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus • Alan Fong, Sacramento (Calif.) The following individuals com- School of Business • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Regional Transit District pleted the Clarence Cornell School These individuals successfully Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, of Business program and received completed the following courses • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Brookfield, Conn. their Accredited Passenger Transpor- during the 2008-09 academic year. North Towanda, N.Y. • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus tation Operator designation: • Guy Wallace, Manassas, Va. Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest Business & Marketing I • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. • Nathan Boor, Fun Tours, Vir- Human Resources Security Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Gary Moody, Holiday Tours, ginia Beach • Nathan Boor, Fun Tours, Vir- • John Bowers, Rolling V Bus • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V Randleman, N.C. • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest ginia Beach Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Alan Fong, Sacramento (Calif.) Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V Regional Transit District • Sylvester Iheanacho, KTC Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. Brookfield, Conn. Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Kristen Levering, Gray Line of Tours and Charters, Charlotte, N.C. • Melanie Evans, Astro Travel & • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus • Timothy Hoffman, Warco Nashville (Tenn.) • Sindy Lister, Teton Stage Lines, Tours, Tallahassee, Fla. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Transportation, Bloomington, Wis. • Ayanna Jackson, Gaten’s Ad- Idaho Falls • Gary Moody, Holiday Tours, • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus ventures Unlimited, Hammond, La. • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, Randleman, N.C. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Vehicle Maintenance • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, North Towanda, N.Y. • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, • Steve Pelliciotti, Coach Tours, • John Bowers, Rolling V Bus North Towanda, N.Y. • Rex Tennyson, USA Tours, North Towanda, N.Y. Brookfield, Conn. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. The following individuals com- Rolla, Mo. • Bob Strutton, Sandston, Va. • Thomas Silvers, Golden Ring • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, pleted the academy’s Motorcoach • Ayanna Jackson, Gaten’s Ad- Travel & Transportation, Baltimore, Brookfield, Conn. Operator/Driver Program and re- Business & Marketing II ventures Unlimited, Hammond, La. Md. • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus ceived their Certificate of Academic • Nathan Boor, Fun Tours, Vir- • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Achievement in Motorcoach Oper- ginia Beach Safety & Compliance Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus ations: • John Bowers, Rolling V Bus • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V Brookfield, Conn. • Derrick Boxrucker, Southwest • Gary Moody, Holiday Tours, Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus Bus Service, Prairie du Chien, Wis. Randleman, N.C. Driver Qualifications • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Sindy Lister, Teton Stage Lines, • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, • Melanie Evans, Astro Travel & Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. • Steve Pelliciotti, Coach Tours, Idaho Falls North Towanda, N.Y. Tours, Tallahassee, Fla. • Timothy Hoffman, Warco Brookfield, Conn. • John O’Hear, Bedore Tours, • Rex Tennyson, USA Tours, • Wayne Jenkins, Coach Tours, Transportation, Bloomington, Wis. Rolla, Mo. Brookfield, Conn. • Janet Sullivan, ABC Tours, • Rosa Kays, Rolling V Bus The academy’s spring classes CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Northford, Conn. Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. begin April 1. For more information • Jason Moreno, Rolling V Bus and to register, go to www.uma.org/ Motorcoach Operator/ Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. academy/. Driver Program • Robert Skowronski, Rolling V The academy was founded and is Passenger Issues Bus Corp., South Fallsburg, N.Y. operated by the United Motorcoach • Alan Fong, Sacramento (Calif.) • Genie Willcocks, Rolling V Association.

(2) ’97 Dina Viaggio 1000’s (2) ’99 Van Hool T-945’S Motorcoach Council land of Ramblin Express in Colora- have to offer as a solution. 52 PAX + 1 Escort Seat $50,000 57 PAX, + 1 Escort Seat, do Springs, said joining the council “In this pivotal point in history, w/tires – New Paint $89,500 w/tires – New Paint CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 should be compared directly to the it is not possible for a fraction of the ment, depending on financial con- other investments operators make industry to get involved or to pull All buses are Clean - Well Maintanied - Excellent Condition ditions, to reauthorize its member- For more pics: http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/amaralbus/ to market their businesses. the weight of the group if we truly ship with the same amount in each Call Joe: 508-993-4503 or e-mail [email protected] “Your participation is not meant want to shift perceptions and change of the next five years. to be a replacement to anything you society,” says this operator. “The board recognizes the value are already doing but to instead Gladys Gillis, whose Seattle- of the council,” said Linda Morris, supplement and fortify those ef- based Starline Luxury Coaches was executive director of the North Car- forts,” he said. an early member of the council, olina association. The council and its supporters urges others to join, too. The council was formed two say the time is ripe for the industry “If we come together now as an 2000 MCI DL103, WESTERN COACH, 2000 MCI DL103, SOUTHERN years ago to promote the “green” to promote and position itself as a entire industry, we can deliver a NEW TRANSMISSION, WHEEL CHAIR COACH, FRONT END KIT, aspects of motorcoaches, but ex- viable travel alternative. stronger, more consistent message LIFT, NEW PAINT, WEBASTO, GOOD WEBASTO, GOOD RUBBER, panded its focus last year to pro- “With escalating fuel costs, en- that we are a unified front designed RUBBER 12.7 SERIES 60 DETROIT ALCOAS 12.7 SERIES 60 DETROIT mote awareness of the many bene- vironmental concerns and national to serve our community and the en- Asking $155,000 each or OBO – all fair offers considered fits of motorcoach transportation events that have caused travelers to vironment,” she said. “We want to ~ We have more on the way!! ~ throughout North America. recoil from air travel, society is educate the public and re-position Call 507-456-5310 or 507-583-4585 with any questions In an effort to spark greater in- ready, almost begging, for alterna- the motorcoach as the safest, most terest in motorcoach travel more tive modes of transportation,” notes convenient, economical, luxurious, quickly, the council developed a one founding council member. and environmentally responsible REPOS FOR SALE television commercial that it plans “Until now, the motorcoach in- mode of transportation available.” Variety of makes and models of to air throughout the country. The dustry was not prepared to present The council has raised more commercial received good reviews itself in a cohesive fashion to this than $150,000 and has about 65 “Bank Repos” across the United from motorcoach operators who newly emerged market. This is an members, including 50 motorcoach screened it during the UMA Expo opportunity to step up and do our companies. The other members are States and Priced to Sell! and ABA Marketplace. job to re-educate the traveling pub- manufacturers, national and state 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! Council Chairman Todd Hol- lic as to who we are and what we associations, and suppliers. “…the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge. A good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a pre-requisite.” — President Obama in address to Congress, Feb. 24, 2009 THE NEW VOLVO 9700. UNIQUELY SAFE.

The new Volvo 9700 is the safest coach we have ever built. We would be able to ﬁ ll this entire page with details of equipment and characteristics that contribute to high safety. Such as our ESP electronic stability program. Instead, we intend to focus on just a few important new features that we are alone among bus manufacturers in offering. Front Impact Protection is one example, Knee Impact Protection is another. Both considerably reduce the risk of the driver being injured in a frontal collision. What is more, the Volvo 9700 is equipped with the Front Underrun Protection System. It’s there to protect the occupants in an oncoming passenger car if it is unlucky enough to collide with the coach. Welcome aboard.

FOR SALES INFORMATION USA 1-877-773-8678 CANADA 418-883-3391 Prevost, 35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire QC G0R 2V0 CANADA Volvo 9700 motorcoaches are distributed by Prevost, a fully owned subsidiary of Volvo Bus Corporation. Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information. www.prevostcar.com

Volvo Buses. When Productivity counts

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