July 15, 2006

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE INDUSTRY perform Operators seek ways to cope with brokers It was a simple request: “Tell seemingly growing number of Kelly of Mountain View Tours in explained. “Their employees are better in safety us about your experience with bus brokers asking for price quotes Tucson, Ariz. rude and bullying and do not brokers.” that seldom produce work. She said callers from brokers respect my company’s policies.” check this year The appeal ran at the end of an And when an operator thinks are sometimes disrespectful and article about brokers in the June he has landed a broker-initiated demanding, especially those from Pestered to death WASHINGTON — The out- 15 issue of Bus & Motorcoach A number of other carriers say of-service rate for motorcoaches News. they have experienced similar inspected last month during the One operator became Perhaps the best way The story clearly touched a problems with brokers being rude, annual safety blitz conducted by raw nerve. arrogant and condescending over the Commercial Vehicle Safety so concerned about the to compete with bus While executives at some the telephone, and seldom return- Alliance declined for only the sec- coach companies say they’ve had ing calls when additional informa- ond time in this decade. practices of brokers he brokers is to outdo good experiences with selected tion is sought from a broker. A record number of coaches brokers, many others complain of Michael A. Kraft of Krafttours — 1,238 — were inspected during began a brokerage of them on their own turf a wide range of problems. Corp. in Tulsa, Okla., said he gets Roadcheck 2006, and 9.2 percent At the same time, operators pestered regularly by brokers, but were ordered off the road for safe- his own. — the Internet. say they are finding different ways gets very little business when he ty violations. of getting business without going job, the broker continues to pepper one outfit — Metropolitan Shuttle provides them with quotes. That was down from last year’s through traditional brokers, other carriers for quotes and will of Wheaton, Md. — that she said “We’ve had countless quote out-of-service rate of 11.7 percent including using a fledging Internet cancel a contract the minute it gets makes her employees “shudder” requests from brokers and the and more in line with the rates in outlet that puts carriers in direct a lower price. whenever its name appears on the business we’ve been able to win 2004, 9.6 percent, and 2003, 9.5 contact with potential customers. “My company receives several company caller ID. has been calculable on one hand,” percent. Operators continue to com- quote requests weekly from bus “They call for quotes almost he said. The last time there was a year- plain, though, they are being brokers, but transportation is very every day but we have never actu- And even when he does get a to-year decline in the Roadcheck swamped daily with calls from a rarely booked,” reports Ariane ally worked for them,” she motorcoach out-of-service rate CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ was in 2001, when the rate dipped to 9 percent from an astronomical 20.2 percent rate in 2000. Security grants announced Georgia requires security While the out-of-service rate dropped this year for buses, the out-of-service rate for coach driv- for ’06; a change – of sorts training for CDL holders ers increased. WASHINGTON — In a turn ics said it made no sense to exclude ATLANTA — A first-of-its- years will result in a three- to five- When CVSA inspectors about, the U.S. Department of 97 percent of the industry from the kind law in the nation now year driver suspension. checked log books, CDLs, medical Homeland Security has announced grant process, especially when requires bus and motorcoach driv- The Highway Watch program cards and other factors, 2.9 percent that charter operators will be eligi- many of those companies park tour ers in Georgia to get security and was developed by the American of the coach drivers were ordered ble to apply for the bus security buses next to the nation’s most safety training before they renew Trucking Associations and is now off the road. That compares with a grants the agency will award this important landmarks and other their commercial driver license. operated by the ATA under the fall. potential targets in cities that are driver out-of-service rate of 2.7 The training is part of the aegis of the U.S. Department of Last year, when the department considered to be the most at risk of percent in 2005 and 2004, and 1.7 national Highway Watch program Homeland Security. Fundamen- announced its security grant pro- a terrorist attack. Or, those opera- and it also applies to Georgia tally, it teaches commercial vehi- percent in 2003. The out-of-service gram, it restricted those that could tors send coaches into vulnerable truckers and others who hold cle drivers to watch for and report for truck drivers this year was 5.6 apply to a cobbled-together list of tunnels and over exposed bridges CDLs or are applying for a CDL suspicious activity on state and percent, also an increase. roughly 95 bus companies, all of in high-risk cities. for the first time. federal highways. The number of bus inspections which were supposedly fixed-route The security bureaucrats at the Georgia bus drivers also are Once trained, Highway Watch performed in the United States operators. department apparently got the being impacted by another provi- participants can contact emer- during this year’s three-day Charter companies were ex- message and opened the applica- sion in the new state law. Drivers gency personnel through a special Roadcheck totaled 981, with an pressly forbidden from seeking tion process this year to both char- with a CDL endorsement to trans- telephone hotline, providing additional 257 coach inspections grant money. ter and fixed-route operators. port 15 or more passengers, and emergency responders with pre- performed in Canada. That prohibition touched off a However, there is criterion this who are convicted of violating an cise location and incident infor- The number of coaches in- firestorm of criticism from the year that will once again eliminate out-of-service order, will be dis- mation. spected has generally gone up in United Motorcoach Association, most charter operators from being qualified from driving for a period “There is no cost to the recent years. Last year, there were the American Bus Association and eligible to apply. Those seeking of not less than six months, nor (Georgia Highway Watch) train- 860 coaches checked, up from 589 others in the coach industry. grants must have coaches that more than two years. ing,” said Ed Crowell, president of CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ The associations and other crit- The same violation within 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 2 July 15, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Landmark museum building Coach America is reopened by Smithsonian buys Contactours WASHINGTON — Early this motorcoach tours. DALLAS — Coach America is month, the Smithsonian Institution Restoration of the Greek Re- expanding its presence in San Di- reopened the landmark Old Patent vival building, the third-oldest con- ego by acquiring Contactours, an Office Building, one the capital’s tinuously used edifice in Wash- established sightseeing, charter and most-historic structures and home ington, included reopening the tour bus operator that specializes in to the National Portrait Gallery. original skylights. There are plans Southern California and Mexico’s There was a gala reopening event. to construct a glass canopy over the Baja peninsula. Located half way between the courtyard at the center of the build- Coach America, the nation’s Capitol and the White House in an ing that covers two city blocks. largest charter-and-tour coach area city designer Pierre L’Enfant Since it opened in the 1830s, company, purchased Contactours designated for a national church or the Old Patent Office Building has from the Comartin family, owners a pantheon for the country’s heroes, performed a multitude of functions The wide hallways in the Old Patent Office Building become exhibit spaces. of the 26-year-old company that the building has been closed for in American life. It was created to operates out of the San Diego sub- restoration for six years. provide office space, as well as parking garage. President Dwight American popular culture. Andy urb of National City. The contents of its two resident showcase patent models that dis- Eisenhower saved it, however, and Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe is there, Ed Comartin, general manager museums — The American Art played America’s inventive genius, the building is now a National His- along with a portrait of Warhol of Contactours, has been named Museum and the portrait gallery — but it took on other roles over the toric Landmark. In 1958, Congress himself. Plus, contemporary images general manager of Coach Ameri- have been returned to new exhibit years. gave it to the Smithsonian. of Muhammad Ali, Thomas Wolfe, ca’s San Diego operation. halls that better integrate the collec- It has been the repository for According to Marc Pachter, Gloria Steinham and basketball “This acquisition will enable tions. national treasures, like the Decla- director of the National Portrait super star Shaquille O’Neal. Coach America to build its sight- While the building was being ration of Independence and George Galley, “this has always been the The American Art Museum seeing business in San Diego and revamped, the surrounding neigh- Washington’s Revolutionary War right building for the National contains the nation’s first public art further expand its charter business borhood — known as Gallery Place tent. It served as both a barracks Portrait Gallery.” collection. Five new exhibits sup- in southern California, as well as — came alive through the efforts of and an infirmary during the Civil Images most Americans re- plement the permanent collection. the Baja region of Mexico,” said the Downtown DC Business Im- War. member from their childhood his- New programs open up the art con- provement District. It has become a Abraham Lincoln held his sec- tory texts are there: the Gilbert servation and storage processes to Craig Lentzsch, chief executive of popular area for residents. ond inaugural ball there. And it has Stuart portrait of George Washing- the public for the first time. Coach America. Now called the Donald W. housed the Civil Service Adminis- ton, the cracked-plate photo of Coach America, which con- Reynolds Center for American Art tration and the Interior Department, Abraham Lincoln and the image of How to get there ducts business under the Coach and Portraiture, the two museums plus the Patent Office. Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin at The Old Patent Office Build- USA, American Coach Lines, Gray and related facilities are expected In the 1950s it was almost Yalta. ing is between 7th and 9th Streets Line and other brand names, oper- to become popular stops for group demolished to make room for a But there also are icons of CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ ates in 30 major markets in the U.S.

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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 July 15, 2006 3 Industry takes Nevada operators blocked big hit during in effort to halt regulation RENO, Nev. — A coalition of year after first failing to get the Nevada motorcoach operators has Nevada Legislature to rein in the casino closing lost a second attempt to get state TSA. Lawmakers put together four Things just keep getting regulators off their backs. separate measures to address the tougher and tougher for motor- Despite the setback, they may issue, two of which passed and coach operators who send their not be ready to give up. two of which stalled in committees buses to . The latest rejection came from and were never fully heard. Every day they face serious the U.S. District Court in Reno, Of the measures that passed, traffic congestion on the state’s which dismissed a lawsuit the Ne- one had been reworked so drasti- vada Transportation Coalition filed cally that it ended up giving the freeways, tough idling regulations against the state over its regulation TAS additional regulatory authori- when they stop, high taxes and an of motorcoaches, buses, taxis and ty and fell out of favor with the aggressive tax collection policy, tow trucks. coalition. That proposal originally and one of the most ambitious bus The coalition charged in its would have required the TSA to safety inspection programs around. The New Jersey government shutdown not only closed casinos but also suit that the Nevada Transpor- become consistent with federal Even Mother Nature got after motor vehicle offices, vehicle inspection stations and courts. tation Services Authority was act- preemption laws. them a month ago with several coach industry. days before an accord was reached ing unconstitutionally by regulat- The other, which would have days of heavy rains and dangerous The failure to reach a compro- on a budget that included raising ing the transportation industry eliminated the TSA and assigned flooding throughout the state, forc- mise on the budget led to the gov- the state sales tax to 7 percent from beyond federal laws that preempt its duties to other state agencies, ing trip cancellations and highway ernor shutting down nonessential 6 percent, which was at the heart of state authority. was vetoed by Gov. Kenny C. driving problems. state operations and sending home the dispute between the Demo- While not deciding the merits Guinn because it contained a last- Then, early this month, they get 45,000 workers, including the cratic governor and the Demo- of the coalition’s claims against minute amendment that would caught up in a nasty and controver- state’s casino inspectors. Accord- cratic-led legislature. the state, the court ruled that the have hurt the taxi industry. The sial budget fight between Gov. Jon ing to New Jersey law, the casinos “It was a very ugly situation,” state agency is exempt from such governor said at the time he would Corzine and the state legislature, cannot operate without the auditors said David Benedict, president of legal action under the Eleventh have signed the legislation had it which forced the closure of on the job. David Tours in , who Amendment to the U.S. Constitu- not been for the added language Atlantic City’s 12 casinos, a big The shutdown of the casinos, was forced to shut down his two tion, which grants certain levels of that would have prevented taxi money-making destination for the immunity to the states. drivers from accepting tips from which began July 5, lasted three CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ The coalition filed the suit last CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ 4 July 15, 2006 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Charter rules dispute in Charleston headed back to FTA for resolution A federal charter rules com- this response,” said Linda Morris, include a link on its Web site to the plaint filed by the Motorcoach association executive director. association, and to instruct its Association of South Carolina “Clearly there is no conciliation.” fixed-route drivers not to block against the Charleston Area Re- Howard Chapman, executive parking spaces in the city that are gional Transit Authority is back in director of CARTA, told the asso- designated for private tour buses. the hands of federal regulators. ciation that his review of the serv- “The board does appreciate the The association said it has noti- ice the agency provided to the gesture to provide a link on the fied the Federal Transit Adminis- exposition confirmed that it was CARTA Web site to the associa- tration that it was unable to reach a available to the general public and tion,” she said. “By linking settlement with the public transit not restricted to people attending CARTA’s Web site to the associa- agency, and asked it to move for- the fair. “The service was market- tion Web site, the public can be ward with a formal investigation of ed throughout the service area and made aware of private passenger the complaint. there were boardings by (festival) carriers that can provide charter Such an investigation could participants who made trips through- service.” lead to sanctions against CARTA, out our service area,” he said. The parking situation involved USDOT Secretary Norman Mineta was the lone Democrat in the Bush cabinet. including paying the association a claim by the association that the $23,000 the transit agency ‘The board of directors CARTA drivers often park their Secretary Mineta departs received for providing charter serv- of the association is buses in spots marked for tour ice at a wildlife exposition in coaches, preventing the private car- February. The association asserted very disappointed in riers from taking on or discharging USDOT after five years in its complaint that the shuttle passengers. “The board sincerely WASHINGTON — The Bush interred with other Japanese Amer- service violated federal charter this response.’ hopes this issue is now resolved,” Administration is seeking a re- icans during World War II. regulations because it was open said Morris. placement for Transportation Sec- He served in the Army, as only to people who had tickets to Morris, however, contends that The association and CARTA retary Norman Y. Mineta, who left mayor of San Jose and in the the exposition and not the general Chapman’s statement misrepresents also argued over the city buses the agency earlier this month. House, where he represented his public. the circumstances under which the idling too long when they were In his resignation letter, Mineta California congressional district The FTA had directed the two transit agency offered the service. parking in the tour bus spots. said the decision to leave was diffi- for two decades. parties in May to meet in an effort to “It was not an open-door service,” Chapman contended that pub- cult but that it is “time for me to As the only Democrat tapped settle the dispute and said it would she stressed, pointing out that two lic transit buses are not subject to move on to other challenges.” He by Bush to join his Cabinet after open an investigation if they were board members of the association the city’s idling ordinance, as are did not elaborate. the 2000 presidential election, unable to resolve their differences. attempted to ride the shuttle and private buses. Morris held that both Mineta, 74, has battled serious Mineta was one of three original CARTA informed the associa- were turned away because they did the public and private buses should back problems for years, but his secretaries remaining. He served tion after the meeting that it contin- not have festival tickets. be subject to the same standard. said health problems were not a as commerce secretary under Pres- ues to believe it followed federal Despite the failure to settle the “The board would ask that CARTA factor in Mineta’s decision to leave. ident Bill Clinton. regulations in providing the shuttle dispute, there appeared to be at support changing the city of “He’s in excellent condition,” Mineta, who was known as a service and that it was an open- least two positive steps to come Charleston ordinance to allow said Robert Johnson. “He wants to transportation policy wonk during door service to the public. from the meeting between the motorcoaches the same idling time pursue other challenges and be- his tenure in Congress, is credited “The board of directors of the association and CARTA. as CARTA fixed-route vehicles,” lieves this is a good time to do that.” with helping to create the Trans- Deputy Transportation Secre- portation Security Administration association is very disappointed in Morris said CARTA offered to she added. tary Maria Cino has become acting after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. secretary of the 60,000-person de- Michael P. Jackson, deputy sec- partment. retary of homeland security and a Toll road lease completed, $$$ flow In a statement, Bush touted former No. 2 official at the Trans- INDIANPOLIS — A group of sional life, the Federal Reserve law by Gov. Mitch Daniels. (See Mineta’s tenure and touched on the portation Department, said Mineta foreigners have taken control of limits the amount that can be sent May 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) secretary’s compelling personal worked hard to create security sys- the Indiana Toll Road and the in a single wire transfer to $999 The state will use the money to history. tems that would mesh with the state’s Republican governor and million. help pay for a $10.6 billion high- Mineta and his family were needs of airlines and passengers. legislators couldn’t be happier. The path to leasing the 157- way improvement program that A legal bid to block a 75-year mile roadway across northern was pushed by Daniels. The pro- Transits seek charter firms lease of the roadway by a group of Indiana to the foreign consortium gram proposes a slew of road proj- overseas investors was shot down for $3.8 billion was cleared when ects across the state, including The following public transit Services & Business Development late last month, and the governor the Indiana Supreme Court building Interstate 69 between providers have informed the Liaison, Hillsborough Area Re- and his allies in the legislature ordered those suing to block the Evansville and Indianapolis. United Motorcoach Association of gional Transit Authority, 201 E. their intent to provide charter bus Kennedy Blvd., Ste. 900, Tampa, cheered when $3.8 billion in lease deal to pay a $1.9 billion bond for Meanwhile, until the highway service unless willing and able pri- FL 33602. Phone: (813) 223-6831 revenue began hitting state bank their case to proceed. The plain- spending begins, Indiana is earn- vate operators step forward to offer Ext. 2206. accounts. tiffs said there was no way they ing roughly a $1 million a day in service. Escambia County (Pensa- “Cha-ching,” said a smiling could come up with the money, interest on its new-found riches. UMA urges appropriate opera- cola), Fla. Deadline: July 31, 2006. state Budget Director Chuck thus ending their legal challenge. All revenue from the Indiana tors to take the time to respond to Write to: Robert Mahan, Director Schalliol after the second $999 The roadway lease to the Toll Road now goes to Statewide these notices: of Finance, Escambia County Area million was electronically deposit- Spanish/Australian-owned State- Mobility Partners, including the Hillsborough County (Tam- Transit, 1515 W. Fairfield, Dr., ed in a state account. wide Mobility Partners was ap- money from a toll increase that pa), Fla. Deadline: July 21, 2006. Pensacola, FL 32501. Phone: (850) In case the situation ever proved earlier this year by the went into effect last month. (See Write to: Donna Chen, Special 595-3228 Ext. 12. arises in your personal or profes- Indiana legislature and signed into July 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET July 15, 2006 5 Delay urged in dumping single-state registration plan WASHINGTON — There’s first meeting last month, urging the tem, and all states must develop $100 million in revenues used for system board adopted its resolution not likely to be an overhaul of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- and approve Unified Carrier Regis- motor carrier safety enforcement calling for a year delay, there was single-state registration system ministration to support a 12-month tration plans. and related programs. concern among FMCSA legal this year. extension of the current system. Thirty-eight states participate One of the hurdles facing the counsel that the board resolution The highway and public trans- The board took the action in the current single-state system. board is that the data needed to violated laws against federal agen- portation finance law passed by because its members quickly fig- If the unified system is not in determine fee levels under the new cies lobbying Congress. Congress in August repealed the ured out that the daunting task fac- place when the single-state system system hasn’t been collected. Congress must approve any ex- system effective Jan. 1, and or- ing them could not be completed ceases, states could lose as much as When the unified registration tension of the single-state system. dered it be replaced by a new plan, by January. Among other things, called the Unified Carrier they need to draft an agreement Registration System. that follows Congress’ mandate, However, the board of directors plus come up with a fee schedule. of the Unified Carrier Registration Once that’s done, many states AMETEK brushless DC motors are Plan, which got a late started, unan- will have to adopt enabling legisla- imously approved a resolution at its tion to participate in the new sys- bred to perform for 60,000 hours. California Senate panel OKs extending air quality powers SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A diesel sources, a diverse set of drive to further tighten the air local, facility-specific require- quality noose around the exhaust ments will result, creating a patch- pipes of diesel engines in Cali- work of widely varied regulations. fornia continues to find success in Critics also contend the so- the state legislature. called magnet bill would dilute the The Senate Transportation authority of state and federal regu- Committee has approved a contro- latory agencies over diesel-pow- versial measure to reduce diesel ered equipment operated at ports, emissions by authorizing local air airports and rail yards in the state. districts to regulate emission The theory behind the bill is sources. that because diesel-fueled trucks, The bill would require air- trains, buses and ships are concen- ports, ports and rail yards to sub- trated at major transportation cen- mit plans for emissions reduction, ters in California, these facilities which would then be monitored attract particulate matter emis- and approved by local air-quality sions “like a magnet.” districts. The bill would require the “This is another piece of the transportation centers — airports, puzzle to get us in full compliance ports and rail yards — to invento- with federal standards statewide,” ry and control emissions at their said Assemblywoman Jenny Oro- sites, subject to differing require- peza, sponsor of the legislation ments by varied agencies. that was approved by the state Critics say the bill would re- General Assembly earlier this year quire the facilities to take respon- (see April 1 issue of Bus & Motor- sibility for emissions issues over coach News). which they have no legal authority That’s dependability Those opposing the bill, or control. And it would be diffi- including state and national truck- cult, if not impossible, to deter- that beats the ing organizations, say that if regu- mine responsible parties and others cold. latory authority is granted to local enforce the requirements imposed air districts to control mobile under the bill. Safety brochures available WASHINGTON — The Fed- • Operations Help your vehicles keep their passengers cool longer. Specify eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- • Private Motor Carriers of AMETEK’s brushless DC integrated design for maximum service life. istration has developed a group of Passengers Maintenance-free and backed by industry-leading 4.5-year warranties, brochures for passenger carriers The brochures are readily our Rotron motors for AC evaporators and condensers are field proven and is making them available on available and downloadable on- for more than 15 years. its Web site and in limited printed line at: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/ Ordinary motors get sent to the bone yard once their warranties quantities. outreach/bus/bus.htm. expire. AMETEK designs are engineered to perform for 60,000 hours The six brochures address key Operators wanting a printed to keep your vehicles on the road and out of the shop. We offer a full Federal Motor Carrier Safety Reg- version can e-mail the FMCSA range of motor configurations, operating voltages, horsepower, speed ulations and operational topics: and request one or two copies (no and torque ranges — even custom designs — for any application you • FMCSR Parts 365 and 387 more) of each brochure. have in mind. (Licensing and Insurance Re- The e-mail requests should be Best-of-breed innovation. Top-dog dependability. Learn more about quirements) sent to the FMCSA Commercial AMETEK’s complete line of brushless DC motors. Call 330-677-3335 • FMCSR Parts 390 and 391 Passenger Carrier Safety Division (General Guidelines and Driver at [email protected]. Requests should or visit: www.rotrontransit.com Qualifications) include name, mailing address • FMCSR Part 395 (Hours of where the brochures should be Service) sent, which specific brochures you • FMCSR Part 396 (Inspec- want, and whether you want one or tion, Repair and Maintenance) two copies of each brochure. 6 July 15, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

cal 2004 it was $10 million. heart because of the time and • Coordinating with local 97.057. Select “Download Applica- Security grants A total of 25 companies paperwork demands. Those compa- police and emergency responders tion Package,” and then follow the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 received grants last year, with the nies that have applied in the past — • Training prompts to complete the download. make a minimum of 50 trips annu- smallest being $18,175, and the and especially those that have been Beyond those priorities, howev- To download the instructions, ally to one or more of the urban largest $5.47 million and going to successful — clearly have a leg up. er, there is a “strong emphasis” this go to “Download Application Pack- areas that Homeland Security offi- . Each year, since Winning an Intercity Bus year on security upgrades that pre- age” and select “Instructions.” cials have determined to be the the grants began, Greyhound has Security Grant, as the program is vent the use of — or detect — Note: You will not be able to most at risk, and service a facility typically received half or more of officially known, is a competitive improvised explosive devices, the download the application package or facilities in the high-risk areas. the money. process and it focuses on six prior- “IEDs” that are widely used by unless you have installed PureEdge The grant program guidelines As has happened in the past, the ities: insurgents in Iraq, plus bomb sen- Viewer on your computer. That can and application kit identify the department has set a very tight • Security enhancements to fa- sors and canine units. be done from the Grants.gov Web urban areas thought be the most deadline — Aug. 4 — for the grant cilities that are located in what the Those companies eligible to site. likely targets of terrorists. applications. That is less than a feds consider high security risk apply for the grants can submit one The application package must For fiscal 2006, bus security month from the date the program areas application, but that application can be submitted through Grants.gov. grants totaling $9.5 million will be was announced, meaning compa- • Driver security enhance- seek money for up to three projects. Unless you have used Grants.gov awarded. This year’s grant total is nies that have not had experience ments Money may be awarded for all, before, federal officials urge poten- the smallest since the first such applying will have a very short and • Vehicle security improve- some or none of the projects sub- tial applicants to visit the Web site grants, totaling $5 million, were steep learning curve. ments mitted. early and often to gain an under- given in 2003. Last year, the grant The bus security grant applica- • Emergency communication Evaluating the applications will standing of its processes and total was $9.66 million and in fis- tion process is not for the faint of technology be staff from the Department of requirements. Homeland Security Office of There also is a Grants.gov Help Grants and Training, Transporta- Desk at (800) 518-4276. tion Security Administration, and Oh, one last hoop. To use Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- Grants.gov, grant applicants must ministration. have a DUNS Number and register Plus, the TSA will ask state in the Central Contractor Registry, homeland security officials to bless a database of information for con- the selections in their areas. tractors that want to do business Application forms and instruc- with the federal government. It tions are available at Grants.gov. typically takes a minimum of five To access the materials, go to days to complete the CCR regis- www.grants.gov, select “Apply for tration. Grants,” and then select “Down- Both UMA and ABA have des- load Application Package.” Enter ignated key staffers to assist their the Catalog of Federal Domestic members interested in applying for Assistance Number, which is: the grants.

NG materials — DVDs, VHS tapes, ERI IND Georgia CDL E U IN S audio tapes — can be ordered on G T R CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 N the Web site of the Georgia truck- I E E S the Georgia Motor Trucking Asso- O ing association, www.gmta.org. ,

I

I N

D ciation, which is coordinating the Once the training is completed

C A .

R training program for the state. The and the registration form pro- w REI m w Department of Homeland Security o cessed, drivers receive a Highway w c . . r g is picking up the tab. a d i o e n Watch ID card, which they are “We are doing everything pos- required to carry. On-line registra- sible to facilitate convenient train- tion also provides the ability to ing and I encourage CDL drivers, print an instant temporary high- especially those who need to way ID receipt for those needing renew their CDL this summer, to fast turnaround. immediately contact us and order The Georgia Department of their training materials,” said Driver Services requires anyone Crowell. who comes in to renew a CDL or The training takes roughly an obtain a new one to show a hour and can be taken at classes at Highway Watch ID card or tempo- technical schools, or training rary receipt. vehicles was 21.7 percent, mean- Roadcheck ing that a high percentage of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 trucks were parked for safety vio- in 2004, 515 in 2003, 334 in 2002, lations. Last year’s overall rate was 501 in 2001 and 433 in 2000. 22.5 percent. This year, Roadcheck inspec- The Roadcheck inspections tions occurred in 14 states, with a occurred at 1,850 locations and large number of the bus checks 8,522 CVSA-certified inspectors taking place at casinos. California participated. performed the most inspections, Seat belt usage, a focus of followed by and Flor- Roadcheck for the past couple of ida. Other active states were New years, continues to be a problem Jersey, Ohio, Utah and South with commercial vehicle drivers, Carolina. according to the CVSA. It’s esti- State, federal and local inspec- mated that just over half of com- tors, working with CVSA, which mercial vehicle drivers regularly has sponsored Roadcheck for the use seat belts, compared to more past 18 years, inspected more than than 80 percent of auto drivers. 60,000 commercial vehicles dur- More than 1,200 drivers ing this year’s 72-hour program. checked during Roadcheck were The out-of-service rate for all cited for not wearing a seat belt.

8 July 15, 2006 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS New Orleans is ‘jazzed’ hosting large convention NEW ORLEANS — New Library Media Association in Orleans has passed another back- Columbus. to-business milestone by success- “Everyone has thanked us for fully hosting an estimated 17,000 being here. We’d go to a restau- attendees and exhibitors at the rant, and they’d thank us for com- American Library Association ing. You’d go to buy something in Annual Conference, the first a store, and the clerk would thank major citywide exhibition since you for coming to New Orleans. last year’s devastating Hurricane Our being here meant a lot, and Katrina. I’m glad we came,” Schmarr Attendance at the library asso- added. ciation meeting late last month The library show also was a MCI drivers Dave Kane, left, and Bud Gilley made the 2,800-mile trip, celebrating the anniversary of the interstate system. was down from the record-break- milestone for the Ernest N. Morial ing 27,800 last year when the Convention Center, as additional Convoy marks interstate anniversary event was in Chicago, but in line halls were opened for the first time with what the association antici- to host the event. Currently, eight WASHINGTON — The motorcoach industry pated. of the center’s 12 halls are open. helped mark the 50th anniversary of the legislation More than 1,600 exhibitors The library exposition resulted that created the nation’s interstate highway system by participated in the show. in roughly 8,000 peak room nights participating in a 13-day cross country trek that ended Convention delegates were at local hotels and used nearly 30 here last month. expected to spend $27 million in properties. A convoy of 20 vehicles, sometimes more, made the city’s hotels and restaurants - a More than 900 librarians vol- the 2,800+ mile trip from San Francisco to Washing- shot in the arm for the local econ- unteered time to help rebuild and ton. The caravan included two MCI coaches, a half- omy. repair damaged libraries in the dozen over-the-road trucks, a 1951 Hudson driven by The city welcomed the library New Orleans area during the an interstate historian, plus RVs, vans and cars, many executives with open arms. event. of them antique. Hospitality workers sported “We’re Motorcoach Expo 2007 will be The trip and the celebration that occurred at its Jazzed You’re Here” buttons to in New Orleans from Jan. 16-20 at conclusion come at a time when much of the interstate express gratitude to the librarians. the Morial Convention Center. system needs rebuilding or expanding. “The reception we got here in Motorcoach Expo is smaller In the years ahead, there will be an active debate in New Orleans was amazing,” said than the library meeting, typically Washington, in Congress, in state capitals, in board attendee Vicky Schmarr, vice attracting upwards of 2,000 atten- rooms, at association conventions and around dinner president of the Ohio Educational dees and about 150 exhibitors. tables about how to revitalize the road network — and pay for it. MCI CEO Tom Sorrells, his wife Shari, and their Everywhere in Washington there is talk of tolls, three daugthers joined the convoy in Chicago. UMA seminar to be yearly and more tolls, variable toll pricing, higher fuel taxes, Piloting the second MCI coach in the convoy was ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The emy in Ashburn, Va., near Dulles highway privatization, roadway leasing and other Bud Gilley. board of the United Motorcoach International Airport. schemes to finance future infrastructure revitalization. MCI President and CEO Tom Sorrells made the Association has voted to make its However, this year’s seminar Dave Kane, the long-time corporate driver for decision to include the two MCIs in the trip. He and Safety Management Seminar an will be earlier, Nov. 29-30, the MCI, drove a J4500 MCI in the across-the-country his wife Shari, along with their three daughters, annual event. week following Thanksgiving. The convoy. Kane said the highlight was the choreo- joined the caravan in Tinley Park, Ill., as it passed The first seminar was in De- agenda for the seminar focuses on graphed 44-motorcycle police escort on the way out through Chicago, and rode into Washington. cember 2004 and the second a year key motorcoach safety and security of San Francisco. Sorrells said the convoy was an opportunity to later. Both events were sold out. issues and features leading industry Other than that, Kane said the trip was not unlike have the motorcoach noted for the role it has played in Like the previous two, the next experts as speakers and presenters. that made by hundreds of motorcoach drivers on a the growth of the interstate system and to be part of an seminar will be at the National For more information, contact daily basis: loading and unloading baggage and mak- historical event. He said he and his family appreci- Transportation Safety Board Acad- UMA at (800) 424-8262. ing sure everyone on board has a safe journey. ated the opportunity to represent the industry. How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 81 Dale Krapf To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, Krapf Coaches To advertise or to mail advertising-related West Chester, Pa. articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] Call: Johnny Steger Godfrey LeBron (623) 930-8422 or (602) 980-0840 Paradise Trailways Fax: (866) 930-8426 Staff Advisory Board West Hempstead, N.Y. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Joan Libby Glendale, AZ 85301 Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Cavalier Coach Victor Parra Call: (623) 930-8423 Glendale, AZ 85301 Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Boston, Mass. To contact the Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Steve Haddad Jeff Polzien To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield Lines Carl R. Bieber Tourways Red Carpet Tours United Motorcoach Association: Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Call: (623) 930-8421 Northfield, Minn. Kutstown, Pa. Oklahoma City E-mail: [email protected] Call: (800) 424-8262 Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Dave Bolen Rick Hillard Tom Ready Online: www.uma.org New World Tours Tri-State Tours Ready Bus Lines Fax: (866) 930-8426 Tara Sheehan Ellen Balm Bristow, Va. Galena, Ill. LaCrescent, Minn. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To send advertisements or photographs Glendale, AZ 85301 via the Internet: Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant Bob Brisman Todd Holland Brian Scott Eric Morales Amy Stalknecht West Point Trailways Ramblin' Express Escot Bus Lines E-mail: [email protected] Vails Gate, N.Y. Colorado Springs Largo, Fla. To report corrections: Accountant Art Director David Brown Robert Hume Michelle Silvestro Call: (623) 930-8421 Travel Mates Trailways John Giddens Mary E. McCarty Holiday Tours National Interstate Insurance Co. E-mail: [email protected] Randlemann, N.C. Harrisonburg, Va. Richfield, Ohio ©2006 by the United Motorcoach Association. Steve Brown Daryl G. Johnson T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without Brown Coach J & J Charters Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Amsterdam, N.Y. Crosby, Texas Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2006 9 Audio-video equipment makers keep new devices coming The hottest trend in motorcoach camera observation. Jensen DVD player or purchased Observation Monitors: the AOM562 reverse gear, and the AOM7694 7- interior upgrades this year is The Jensen DWR52 Optional separately. 5.6-inch color LCD two-Camera inch Split-Screen LCD Observa- replacing outmoded CRT television Wire Remote Control that utilizes a Other new entertainment equip- Observation Monitor that can be tion Monitor that allows for full- monitors with flat-panel LCDs, 19-foot extension cable allows the ment from ASA includes televi- mounted on a pedestal or overhead; screen, split-screen, tri-screen or using quick-and-easy upgrade kits. driver or guide to conveniently sions by FlexVision and Jensen, the AOM703 7-inch Heavy Duty quad-screen viewing. The system According to Radio Engineer- operate the DVD. This safety fea- with flip-down monitors ranging Color LCD Flat Panel Observation includes an audio speaker and is ing Industries, switching from a ture includes a fully lit LED read- from 10.4- to 17-inches and a 26- Monitor with three camera inputs GPS ready. CRT monitor to a 10.4-inch LCD out that is easy to use at night. The inch LCD monitor. and triggers that allow the monitor Available later this year will be takes 30 minutes or less. The result control can be installed with the ASA also offers three Voyager to be tied to turning blinkers or a new public address system. is a 25 percent larger picture com- ing from a monitor that is slimmer, trimmer and lighter. Audiovox Specialized Applica- tions says that a No. 2 Phillips-head screwdriver is the only tool neces- sary for assembly and installation of its JE1029RFK CRT Replace- ment Kit. ASA says it’s a snap to upgrade from a boxy CRT monitor to a sleek 10.2-inch LCD flat-panel monitor. Its kit includes a cover that hides the monitor harness and 24- volt to 12-volt converter. But monitor conversions aren’t the only gee-whiz items motor- coach audio/visual equipment sup- pliers are touting these days.

REI One of the most-recent addi- tions to REI’s product line is a 15.4- inch LCD widescreen monitor. It’s available as an option with REI’s newly announced Elite Series A/V system or can be added to existing systems. REI has long provided a full range of A/V monitors for buses, from 10- to 13-inch CRT models, to flat-panel LCD screens in a vari- ety of sizes, to motorized flip-down units. Also new from REI is a DVD player that’s compatible with all REI systems. It operates from a controller in the driver area and is back-lit for convenient operation at night. RESTROOM COMPLAINTS? REI’s digital Seat-Back Audio System gives passengers the choice of up to eight stereo channels. Pas- sengers can control the volume and YOU’RE NOT USING … choose audio from a variety of sources, including the video system. The REI Narration System can be added to the Seat-Back Audio System, allowing pre-recorded tour narration in as many as eight lan- guages simultaneously. The REI BUS-WATCH surveil- lance system offers views from up to six cameras and is an easy-to- operate, non-PC-based system. It is GPS ready, includes infrared capa- bility for low-light situations, and is available in both digital and analog camera modes.

ASA ASA says its Jensen VR187 Satellite Radio Ready Stereo sys- CALL US TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTIRELY ELIMINATE tem hosts 100 channels of commer- cial-free satellite radio, plus a SUMMER RESTROOM COMPLAINTS AND SAVE UP TO 50% OR MORE. seven-channel weather band. It includes a seven-inch motorized screen that also can be used for GPS navigation or for rear/side UNIT CHEMICAL CORP (800) 879-8648 www.unitchemical.com CHARTER Dump CLEAN... Dump LEGAL!

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HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2006 11 Coach USA, Coach Canada post strong ’06 financial results PERTH, Scotland — Stage- from $28.7 million the year before. tional customer base,” the company include express, commuter and utive year of earnings growth, and coach Group PLC, parent company The fiscal ’06 operating profit mar- noted. scheduled airport services and that it was increasing its dividend of Coach USA and Coach Canada, gin was 7.1 percent, up slightly from Stagecoach said Coach USA’s charter revenues. by 12 percent. Earnings per share said its two North American bus the fiscal 2005 margin of 7 percent. sightseeing business continues to In Canada, sales grew by more for the fiscal year were up 11.6 per- operations posted strong results for In its preliminary annual finan- experience strong revenue growth, than 25 percent “despite a very cent (before exceptional items and fiscal 2006. cial report, Stagecoach said busi- helped by the introduction of dou- competitive environment.” amortization of intangible assets). Sales at Coach USA and Coach ness at Coach USA and Coach ble-decker buses in and For its entire operation, Stage- The company also substantially Canada rose 9.7 percent in the 12 Canada “continues to be encourag- elsewhere. Other areas of growth coach said it had its fourth consec- reduced its debt. months ended April 30, climbing to ing, despite ongoing cost pressures $439.5 million, from $409 million in relation to fuel and insurance. in fiscal 2005. “Cost pressures have resulted in Fiscal 2006 operating profit for the closure of a number of smaller the combined North American bus competitors and in some areas we operation was $31.4 million, up have been able to absorb the addi- Setra expands, revamps service support network GREENSBORO, N.C. — The year are: customer-support program for • A technical call center Setra S 417 motorcoaches and • More Setra CoachWorld Dodge Sprinter shuttle buses is service centers getting a major upgrade. • Mobile repair service in se- Setra, the motorcoach brand lect markets of DaimlerChrysler Commercial • A customer-helping-cus- Buses, said it is re-energizing and tomer service-referral program expanding its customer assistance • Improved Setra training network, which is called Setra academy CAN.™ Scully said Setra’s call center, The service initiative is de- which opened this month, is signed to assure that customers staffed with factory-trained per- maintain maximum up-time, said sonnel whose primary objective is Patrick Scully, chief commercial to provide assistance and/or re- officer for DCCB North America. sources to ensure Setra motor- “Setra has long been commit- coach and Dodge Sprinter shuttle ted to the North America motor- bus operators can quickly and eas- coach market,” said Scully. “When ily troubleshot issues and reduce we introduced the Setra S 417 in vehicle downtime. 2003, we bolstered our service New certified Setra Coach- network and now we are continu- World service centers are to be ing this with other service initia- located in major markets, along tives to provide peace-of-mind with mobile repair services. product support to our growing Information about Setra CAN’s customer base.” programs and services can be Key elements of the Setra found at www.setra-coaches.com CAN program to be rolled out this or www.dcbusna.com. American Seating wins money in patent battle GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — When the case went back to the American Seating Co. says a feder- federal district court, the judge al jury has awarded it “significant ruled that USSC’s wheelchair tie- monetary damages” in its four-year down system infringed on Amer- patent infringement fight with ican Seating’s patent. USSC Group over wheelchair- The wheelchair-restraint sys- restraint systems. tem marketed by American Seating A federal judge ruled just over a was invented in the mid-1990s by year ago that USSC’s VPRoI Jim Ditch, the long-time bus main- wheelchair-restraint system violat- tenance director at Long Beach ed the patent held by American (Calif.) Transit. Ditch licensed the Seating on its A.R.M. wheelchair system to American Seating, which tie-down system. obtained the patent. Early in 2003, a federal judge American Seating declined to had ruled in favor of USSC on specify the amount of money the three patent infringement claims jury awarded it in the case. brought by American Seating. How- The company did note that it ever, the case was appealed to a fed- has another patent infringement eral circuit court which ruled a year suit pending against USSC. The later, reversing parts of the decision, trial in that case, which covers van- affirming others and remanding the dal-resistant seat inserts, is set for case for reconsideration. October. 12 July 15, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Atlantic City from their jobs. “This was to have apparently did not consider the been a very big time for us because broad impact that their actions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 some of the plants were shut down would have on others, including the Minority operator group daily casino runs and several char- here and people were taking vaca- motorcoach industry. ters at a cost of about $3,000 in tion and planning to hop the bus to “I don’t think they thought about has meeting next month daily revenue. go down to Atlantic City,” he said. the trickle-down effect,” suggested COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The ing opportunities, insurance issues He and other operators were Klein Transportation has four Tisone. “It not only hurt the state National Association of Motor- and regulations that affect our particularly upset because the shut- runs daily to Atlantic City and lost and the city, but it hurt us, too.” coach Operators (NAMO), a group operations,” said Frank Smith of down came during the July 4 holi- about $4,000 a day because of the In addition to the losses suf- of small and minority motorcoach Yankee Line of New York and co- day, which is typically the busiest closing of the casinos, he said. fered by the motorcoach com- operators, will conduct its annual chair of the conference. week of the two busiest months — Tom Meredith, president of panies, their drivers and other conference here next month, offer- Registration and most confer- July and August — for Atlantic Conestoga Tours in Lancaster, Pa., employees, the state lost $1.3–$2 ing sessions on key issues impact- ence sessions will be at the City trips. reported his company lost about million a day in revenues from the ing coach companies. University of Maryland Marriott “It was at a time our buses are $1,200 a day from the cancellation casinos and 36,000 casino workers The meeting at the University Inn and Conference Center in full and our profit margins are the of the company’s four trips it takes who were put out of work of Maryland will be Aug. 17-20. Adelphi, Md. Prince George’s highest,” noted Benedict. “Had it to Atlantic City every week. “It Harlan Simonson, operations “The members of NAMO are County (Md.) merchants will host happened in December it probably won’t put us out of business, but it manager of Harran Transportation committed to uniting small and a familiarization tour and other would not have been as bad certainly won’t help our case flow Co. in West Babylon, N.Y., which minority operators from all across activities during the conference. because of the lower margins.” either,” he noted. has eight to 10 daily trips to the country,” said Marcia Fields Coach manufacturers will pro- Rich Tisone, vice president of Some operators tried to divert Atlantic City and lost between Milton of First Priority Trailways vide transportation for conference Lion Tours in Levittown, Pa., which some of their idle buses to other $7,000 and $8,000 each day the and co-chair of the conference. events and have their equipment operates 10 daily trips to Atlantic gambling sites, but the response casinos were shut down blamed the An opening reception will on display. City and lost between $8,000 and was far from overwhelming. politicians, too. kick-off the event Aug. 17. The For additional information or to $10,000 a day, said the first of the Steve Haddad, president of Carl “I think it was a political thing general meeting will start the next register, call Milton at (301) 568- month is when hundreds of seniors R. Bieber Tourways of Kutztown, because they really didn’t have to day, featuring discussions of perti- 3500, or e-mail [email protected], and retirees take trips to the casinos Pa., which lost several daily trips to let the inspectors go,” he said. “The nent issues affecting the industry. or call Smith at (201) 319-8989. A because that’s when they receive Atlantic City during the casino casinos reimburse the state for all “Invited speakers will high- reservation fee is charged and on- their Social Security and pension shutdown, offered its customers of the commission (New Jersey light grant opportunities, market- site registration will be available. checks. replacement trips to casinos in Casino Control Commission) em- The Atlantic City runs make up Connecticut where the company ployees so they could have stayed Street. Additionally, the DC Circu- about 70 percent of Lion’s business also has regular trips. Some people on the job and the casinos could Museum lator opened a Smithsonian Nation- and about 80 to 90 percent of its accepted, he said, but others didn’t. have stayed open.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 al Gallery Loop this year. It veers riders are seniors and retirees, Benedict said he would have Simonson pointed out, too, that on F Street. It is easily accessible off the mall at 7th Street and stops many of whom ride monthly. liked to have diverted customers although the casino closure was from the National Mall, which is at the Reynolds Center and the “Their trips were booked and paid who booked Atlantic City trips to short lived, it had an extended four blocks south. Hours are 11:30 Washington Convention Center be- for,” Tisone said. “Now they’ll be other casinos, too, but it was too dif- impact on motorcoach operations. a.m. to 7 p.m. every day but fore heading back to the mall back next month and it’ll be like a ficult to do on short notice. “People “Some people who planned to go to Christmas. museums. freebie trip for them.” already were set as to where they Atlantic City over the weekend can- Motorcoach parking is avail- For additional information, go Wayne Klein, president of wanted to go,” he observed. celed their plans because they were able at the RFK Stadium Parking to www.reynoldscenter.org or call Klein Transportation in Doug- The sudden closure of the casi- not sure when the budget issue Facility, at Union Station and at the (202) 633-1000. For information lassville, Pa., said the week of the nos angered operators who said the would be resolved and the casinos Washington Convention Center. on attractions in the Gallery Place shutdown also was a big week for governor and lawmakers were play- reopened,” he said. “So money was The Metro Red Line stops directly neighborhood go to www.down- workers who took vacation time ing politics with workers, and lost over those days, too.” in front of the building on 9th towndc.org, or call (202) 638-3232.

Nevada

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 nightclub owners for taking pas- sengers to their businesses. While coalition leader Bob Fairman, owner of No Stress Express in Carson City, was not available to comment on the group’s next move, there were indications that the group is con- sidering making another run at state lawmakers when they con- vene in January. The operators initially wanted the legislature to resolve the prob- lem and only turned to the courts because Nevada lawmakers only meet every two years and they did not want to wait until 2007 to raise the issue again. The coalition has contended that the federal government in 1998 preempted state regulation of motor carriers in areas other than safety and insurance and that the TSA illegally regulates the indus- try by requiring certification, financial filings, nonsafety proce- dures, document verifications and other measures. Go with a name you can trust…

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me the run around over the tele- ate an on-line payment system Bus brokers phone.” similar to those used by sites such Plaza Hotel, Mobile. Info: Go to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Legrant said he’s hopeful he as eBay,” he offered. “With such a Calendar www.alabamamotorcoach.org. job from a broker, the troubles are will win the suit because he not system there could be no excuses JULY 2006 14-17 Family Motor Coach far from over. only has a contract from the bro- for an operator not getting paid Association International “Brokers frequently confirm ker, but also five letters from other before the coach is moved.” 20-23 National Motorcoach Convention, Charlotte, N.C. Info: Network 2006 Invitational 100, with us, but don’t pay until the last operators who contend they have More than one operator Go to www.fmca.com. Stonewall Jackson Hotel & had similar problems with US expressed the opinion that bus bro- minute if they can’t find a cheaper Conference Center, Staunton, Va. 17-20 National Association of carrier,” he said. “They seem to Coachways. “I think I have a pret- kers use the “last-minute trip” as a Info: (540) 477-3323 or go to Motorcoach Operators Annual take the attitude they have us on ty good case,” he said. ruse for not paying in advance. www.motorcoach.com. Conference, University of the hook and then can cancel after US Coachways was invited to Maryland Marriott Inn and they find a better price.” respond — in this issue — to com- Be bold, have no fear 29-Aug. 3 International Motor Coach Group, 2006 Conference Center, College Park. Other operators complain that plaints about its practices but no Like other operators, Kelly said Strategic Alliance Meeting, Info: Call (301) 568-3500 or letter or e-mail was received. Mountain View has had difficulty some brokers are very slow paying Carnival Cruise Lines’ ship (201) 319-8989. for the charter work they book, Bazow complained, too, about in the past getting payment from Carnival Victory, . while others have been known to brokers — Bus Bank among them brokers and as a result recently ini- 20-24 Motorcoach Info: Go to www.imgcoach.com. Association of South Carolina dispute the payments they’ve made — bypassing local companies in tiated a policy of collecting in Annual Meeting and favor of carriers that are several advance to avoid further problems. AUGUST 2006 with credit cards, which can tie up Marketplace, Embassy Suites a settlement for months. states away from where the work is She said the company also 12-15 Alabama Motorcoach Airport Convention Center, Thomas Bazow of Excursions to be done. “These companies then insists that the particulars of a trip Association Annual Meeting Charleston, S.C. Info: Go to Trailways in Fort Wayne, Ind., said deadhead hundreds of miles to do be presented in writing — either and Marketplace, Riverview www.scmotorcoach.org. he signed up with Bus Bank, a the Bus Bank work,” he said. by fax or e-mail — because bro- Chicago-based bus broker on the kers have revised their jobs after Boston. ly say they do,” said Mark Greer, a promise he would be paid in Fighting back receiving a quote and then try to Fixler said he uses his broker consumer advocate and marketing advance for two charters. “Both Despite the headaches bad bro- hold the company to the original Web site to book the coaches he and sales professional who found- trips were paid approximately 30 kers can give operators, the carri- price. “We get it all in writing has in Florida and New York, but ed BusRates.com in late 2004. days after the trips,” he said. ers also have developed ways to now,” she said. he also uses a network of about two The BusRates site offers sug- “Phone calls to Bus Bank went fight back short of going to court. Kraft suggested that operators dozen other motorcoach compa- gestions on how to book a charter unanswered.” Tops among them is demand- be bold and discuss pricing with nies he funnels business to when based on a variety of critical ele- ing payment in advance, a practice passengers who have gone through his own buses are booked. ments — general rates, company US Coachways again that few brokers like to do because a broker to book their charter. “The only way you can be a history, age and type of equipment, Antoine Legrant of Silhouette it prevents them from contracting “Ask the travelers what they paid good broker is if you own your specialties and amenities — and Tours & Travel in Brooklyn, N.Y., with another carrier if they find for their transportation and simply own fleet and you know the busi- provides telephone, e-mail and is headed to court to try to collect one offering a lower price. be honest with them and tell them ness inside and out,” he said. Web site contacts for the compa- $1,400 he said is owed by US “As soon as we request pay- what was charged for the trans- Fixler, who gets a 10 percent nies on its network. Coachways of Staten Island, N.Y., ment in advance, they’re off look- portation,” he said. “Don’t be commission when he passes work “This just seemed like the logi- a broker whose name pops up reg- ing for another carrier,” noted afraid to tell the passengers they on to other companies, said the cal way to do it, giving customers ularly among complaining opera- Kraft. could have saved hundreds or carriers he uses are ones he knows the opportunity to work directly tors. A hearing on his filing in A Florida operator, who thousands by dealing directly with well and has worked closely with with the company,” he said. small claims court is scheduled accepted two last-minute jobs from the coach operator.” for many years, which helps assure Greer, who worked for a bus July 18. brokers in which payment could At least one operator became his customers they will receive broker for a short time before start- Legrant said Coachways hired not be collected in advance and for so concerned about the business excellent service. ing his Michigan-based company, his company in May to transport which he was paid late, suggests practices of brokers that he decid- said motorcoach operators pay a two bus loads of students from a the industry develop an on-line ed to begin a brokerage business of Considering options $20-a-month fee to be on his Web camp to their school. However, payment system similar to that his own. “Instead of having others Some operators also are turn- site. Operators can try out the serv- when he arrived for the job, the used by Internet auction services. feed me business, I figure I could ing to alternatives to bus brokers, ice for free for the first month. students had already left on other George Childers of Magic do it myself,” said Efraim Fixler of including a fledging Internet com- One operator suggested that buses. Carpet Ride in Vero Beach said he Gold Coach Tours of Miami who pany that cuts out the middle com- perhaps the best way to compete “They said they did not know if was promised payment immediate- formed Bus Reserve late last year. pany and puts travelers directly in with bus brokers is to outdo them they had overbooked or what was ly after working the two jobs, but Bus Reserve, which offers an touch with motorcoach carriers. on their own turf — the Internet. going on, but they promised to pay in both cases the money did not extensive Web site for bookings, “I wanted to help Internet cus- Since the net is where their cus- me the next day anyway because arrive for 30 days. “Perhaps the serves Florida and metropolitan tomers know they did not have to tomers find them, the key to bat- we made the run,” he said. “But we American Bus Association and New York City, and sometime early go through a broker who charges tling brokers is to develop an still haven’t gotten any money United Motorcoach Association next year plans to expand to high rates and does not do the attractive and functional Web site from them and they keep giving can come up with a strategy to cre- Washington, D.C., Atlanta and research of the carriers they usual- and, most importantly, effective search engine and electronic Yellow Pages’ connections. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING HELP WANTED – LEAD MECHANIC While complaints about tradi- tional bus brokers continue to Northern California Charter Bus Co. seeks journeyman mount, some of the problems may 2001 MCI w/VanHool Experience. Teamplayer; Full-Time, M-F. be the fault of the motorcoach E4500 Electrical, air conditioning, computer. operators themselves, suggested Kraft. He said operators often are Excellent Fax resume 209-465-7540 so busy with their day-to-day oper- Condition ations they allow brokers a or Call 209-465-1053 foothold in the industry. Low Mileage “Unfortunately, we have fre- REPOS FOR SALE quently become bogged down in $259,000 Variety of makes and models of these operational details and sim- ply invited middlemen to stick DD Series 60, Allison B500 Auto, Jake Brake, 56 pass, AM/FM/DVD/ “Bank Repos” across the United VCR/CD/Cass/PA, Alum Wheels & Tires, 6 Monitors, Snack Trays, their toes in between a business Lav Holding Tank, Window Shades, Card Table, 210,000 miles States and Priced to Sell! relationship that should begin with the passengers and end with the Call David 1-888-382-8737 ext. 200 Call 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 coach company — without med- email for pictures - [email protected] for more information! dling intermediaries,” he stressed. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2006 15 Louisiana association forms regional organization NEW ORLEANS — A five- networking, of coming together for Linda Morris, executive direc- less than two representatives from industry awareness within the five state motorcoach association has an annual meeting to create good tor of the organization, said each each state. states.” been created by the board of direc- business relationships with associ- state will be independent within the “By combining the industry Operators in Texas, Oklahoma, tors of the Louisiana Motorcoach ate or vendor members, and of pro- organization to respond to individ- knowledge of operators in the five Arkansas and Mississippi are being Association. moting good business relationships ual state interests and issues, and to states, each state will benefit from notified about the new organization The new South Central Motor- among the operators in the five- collect dues through an individual the strength of the SCMA as a and membership applications will coach Association is seeking to at- state region,” said Callen Hotard, state committee structure. whole,” said Hotard. “The major be mailed within a short time. tract coach operator members from president of the South Central The structure also provides for focus of the SCMA will be to pro- For more information, call Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Motorcoach Association and Calco the five states to be represented on vide advocacy, education and train- Hotard at (225) 869-9490 or Mississippi, as well as Louisiana. Travel in Geismar, La. the South Central board with no ing, marketing, networking and Morris at (434) 376-1150. The Louisiana association becomes part of the new group. The first South Central Motor- UMA board election is scheduled for fall coach Association Annual Meeting and Market Place will be Sept. 16- WASHINGTON — The United expiring are: Region I (The West): UMA directors can be found in company affiliation and home- 19 at the Hilton in Lafayette, La. Motorcoach Association is seeking Bill Allen, Amador Stage Lines in Article VI of the UMA Bylaws base location. Nomination letters The board of the Louisiana asso- nominations from its members to Sacramento, Calif., and Todd Hol- printed in the back of the member- also must be postmarked no later ciation began the process of creating fill a half-dozen three-year elected land of Ramblin Express in Colo- ship directory. than Sept. 1. Regional UMA Nom- the regional group more than a year seats on its board of directors. rado Springs/Denver, Colo.; Re- Nominations for the regional inating Committees will certify the ago when Mississippi operators Sept. 1 is the deadline for letters gion II (The Midwest): David board directorships must come eligibility of all candidates to pro- were invited to join the Louisiana of nomination for the director posi- Brown of Holiday Tours in from active UMA members who duce a list of nominees in each association. Two operators, Bus tions. Randleman, N.C., and Brian Scott are motorcoach operators. Candi- region no later than Oct. 1. Supply Charters of McComb and Two directors will be elected of Escot Lines in Largo, Fla., and dates nominated for the board must Ballots will be mailed to UMA Starkville Trailways, signed up. from each of UMA’s three member- Region III (The Northeast): Dale represent an active UMA-member members by Oct. 15, and must be Karen Sanders of Bus Supply ship regions for three-year terms. Krapf of Krapf Coaches in West company in good standing. Direc- returned no later than Nov. 15. Charters was elected a director of Maps showing the regions are Chester, Pa., and Steve Haddad of tors serve without pay, but the Winners will be announced in the the Louisiana association. printed in the 2006-07 UMA Mem- Bieber Tourways in Kutztown, Pa. association generally reimburses Dec. 1 issue of Bus & Motorcoach Now, operators from the other bership Directory. Of UMA’s 20-member board, directors for travel and accommo- News. states will be invited to join the All of the UMA director seats 18 are regional directors who must dations while performing UMA UMA members with questions regional organization. to be contested are the result of be coach operators. In addition, it business and/or attending commit- about nominations should contact “We want to provide operators expiring terms of incumbent re- has one non-coachbuilder associate tee meetings and the mid-year the association at (800) 424-8262. in neighboring states … the bene- gional coach-operator directors, representative and one coach- board meeting. Mail nomination letters to: UMA fitsPrOwndPrtsB&MC of a collective voice,7/7/06 of unity2:26 PMwho Page may 1 seek re-election. builder associate. Written letters of nomination Nominations, 113 S. West St., 4th for the purposes of education and The directors whose seats are Qualification standards for must state the candidate’s name, Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314-2824.

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