May 1, 2007

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Transit agencies lambaste charter rules proposal WASHINGTON — Disgrunt- Most of the rest are from pri- for public transit agencies, which While the formal comments led pubic transit operators from vate motorcoach operators who have been the subject of much con- filed by the transit agencies with Charter comments across the country have inundated also have an important stake in the troversy and disputes between pri- the FTA zeroed in on a number of the Federal Transit Administration rules that regulate the type of char- vate and public carriers. issues, their harshest words were available on Web with complaints about the agency’s ters public transit systems can pro- Many of the measures in the directed at the definition of charter WASHINGTON — Upwards of proposed charter bus regulations. vide. proposal came from a joint com- service, which they said would 300 letters, many of them 6-to-10 Of the nearly 300 letters and “We’ve got our work cut out for mittee of representatives of public severely limit their ability to pro- pages long, have been sent to the messages sent to the federal agency us,” noted an FTA attorney who transit operators and private vide shuttle service for many of the Federal Transit Administration, com- in response to its call for comments will help review the materials motorcoach carriers who took part community events that take place menting on its proposed rules for on the proposed rules changes, received during the two-month in a series of negotiated-rule-mak- in their communities each year. regulating charter bus service by about two thirds are from public public comment period that ended ing meetings last year. Issues the Such shuttle service, they public transit agencies. transit agencies; schools and uni- April 16. two sides were unable to resolve maintained, is a public service and To find the material, go to: http: versities; cities, counties and state The call for comments is part of when the meetings ended in transit agencies should be allowed //dms.dot.gov/search/searchForm governments, and others who have the FTA’s formal process of redoing December became the province of to operate them. Simple.cfm. In the middle of the page, an interest in public bus systems. the 20-year-old charter bus rules the FTA. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ under Docket Search, type in 22657. New coach sales continue Average price Pre-trip inspections: to rise in ’07 first quarter for diesel fuel Investigation focuses Sales of new motorcoaches in the first quarter totaled 122 will set record during the first three of months of coaches, or 23.4 percent of the attention on mandate 2007 posted their 10th consecu- market, versus sales of 83 coach- WASHINGTON — The U.S. WASHINGTON — When the the failure to perform pre-trip tive year-over-year quarterly es, or 16.9 percent of the market, Department of Energy predicts National Transportation Safety inspections often rests with both increase, National Bus Trader during the first quarter of last retail diesel fuel prices will aver- Board completed its 17-month operators and drivers. Even though magazine reports. year. age $2.82 a gallon this summer, investigation of the tragic 2005 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Reg- Coach manufacturers said Sales of conversion shells down 6 cents from last summer, Hurricane Rita evacuation bus fire, ulations require pre- and post-trip they sold a total of 522 new climbed to 75 coaches in the first but the price average for the full one of the shortcomings it uncov- inspections, Maples and his driver coaches during the quarter ended quarter, compared to 64 units in year will be the highest ever. ered was that federal regulations aren’t alone in giving short shrift to do not require inspection or ade- the rules, say experts. March 31, up 6.5 percent from the the first quarter of last year. That A DOE spokesman said diesel quate lubrication of wheel bearings Additionally, there is criticism 490 units sold during the same compares to 83 sold in the first prices for all of 2007 will average to prevent failures that can turn by some operators of the driver period a year ago. In the first quarter of 2005, and 70 in 2004. $2.75 a gallon, a new record. The into wheel-well fires. vehicle-inspection forms available quarter of 2005, 464 units were There were two other notewor- previous annual high was $2.71 in That conclusion and the inves- from industry suppliers, and other sold, while 326 coaches were thy items from the latest National 2006. tigation focused high-level atten- criticism aimed at the Federal delivered during the first quarter Bus Trader sales report: At the same time, regular- tion on one of the more mundane Motor Carrier Safety Administra- of 2004. • The ZF-AS Tronic trans- grade gasoline also will reach a requirements of operating a motor- tion for failing to keep its inspec- The 2007 number is the best mission continues to grow in pop- historical average high this year at coach and motorcoach company tion requirements contemporane- first-quarter sales figure since ularity among private passenger $2.62 a gallon. — the pre-trip inspection. ous with changes occurring in the 2002 when a total of 596 new coach operators, capturing more Gasoline is forecast to average Failure by the company that newest motorcoaches and trucks. coaches were sold. than 56 percent of that market $2.81 this summer, down slightly operated the burned bus to routine- “Most of these forms and the National Bus Trader Editor during the first quarter. from $2.84 last summer. ly inspect the hub oil level, and its regulations that go with them are Larry Plachno, who has been ana- • A new coach, the Temsa, is During the next four months, illegal immigrant driver to routine- far out of date,” says William D. lyzing new coach sales for more being added to the sales report. ly conduct pre-trip inspections, McCreary, president of American the average gasoline pump price is than 20 years, said a number of Built in Turkey, the 35-foot Temsa was cited as a prime reason for the Charter Coach in Aurora, Ill. projected to peak in May at $2.87 factors figured into the first-quar- meets National Bus Trader’s crite- conflagration near Wilmer, Texas, “There is no reason why we have ter ’07 gain. Sales of imported ria for being an “integral” bus. a gallon, compared to last year’s that took the lives of 23 care-home to wait for the regulations to catch coaches — Van Hool and Setra — That is, it’s designed and built as a peak of $2.98 a gallon in July. residents. up when the industry itself could were up, purchases by Canadian monocoque or unibody coach. DOE also projects crude oil The bus owner, James Maples, take some leadership on these operators were higher, and orders Operators continued to diver- supplies will remain tight world- told investigators he didn’t pay his forms. The bus industry needs its for conversion shells rebounded. sify their coach purchases during wide. Oil will average about $64 drivers to conduct pre-trip inspec- own forms.” At the same time, public sector the first quarter of this year, with per barrel this year and in 2008 as tions, an admission that outraged McCreary observes that coach sales slipped during the quarter. the top three models capturing a result of tight supplies, the report NTSB board members. manufacturers usually give good Bus industry safety experts say Sales of Setras and Van Hools CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ

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Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS May 1, 2007 3 Museum ponders turning Shareholders OK Laidlaw takeover NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The United Kingdom. same time, he notes Greyhound is Fling into ‘industry event’ $2.8-billion takeover of Laidlaw The next hurdle for the deal is largely a retail business, not a con- HERSHEY, Pa. — The Muse- have the Spring Fling. It is my sug- International by FirstGroup plc of to gain regulatory approval in the tract operation like all other um of Bus Transportation is enter- gestion that after this year’s Fling Britain took two major steps for- U.S. and Canada. Some analysts FirstGroup business in the U.S. taining the idea of turning its annu- ends officially at 4 p.m., we all ward late last month when share- expect antitrust issues to arise Consequently, FirstGroup has al Spring Fling into a significant meet in the museum conference holders of both companies ap- because the combined companies said it intends to conduct a “com- industry event. room and have a round-table dis- proved the proposed transaction. will control more than 50 percent prehensive review” of Greyhound. Currently, the Spring Fling is a cussion about the future.” FirstGroup and Laidlaw stock- of the outsourced North American Some financial analysts have inter- combination bus show, flea market The Museum of Bus Transpor- holders approved the deal at sep- school bus market. preted that as a first step toward and social event. The 2007 Fling tation is North America’s only arate meetings. Laidlaw is the The other unknown is what will possible divestiture. will be Saturday, June 2. complete museum dedicated to largest school bus operator in happen to Greyhound once the deal The takeover, which was an- “The word in the motorcoach displaying and preserving antique North America and owner of Grey- is completed. The chief executive nounced in February, calls for industry is that our Hershey muse- transit, intercity and school buses. hound Lines, and FirstGroup is the of FirstGroup has indicated he is FirstGroup to pay $35.25 a share um has actually become a major It displays at least 12 restored biggest bus passenger carrier in the intrigued by Greyhound but, at the for Laidlaw. part of our industry, and is consid- buses at all times and has 23 more ered by many an institution worthy in its nearby annex. of praise and notice,” says museum This year’s Fling will focus board member Robert Beard. attention on the new annex where Greyhound earnings dip; cuts fares “Surprisingly, it was not I who those buses not at the museum will NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Grey- enue of $598.4 million for the six attributed Greyhound’s perform- suggested that we make our little be on display outside the facility hound Lines has posted its second months ended Feb. 28, 2006. ance to several factors, but primari- event, the Spring Fling, into an and available for photographing. consecutive quarter of reduced Greyhound’s gross earnings, or ly to reduced passenger volumes industry event, but (it was industry Inside will be a bus memorabilia earnings as passenger counts what Laidlaw calls EBITDA (oper- that more than offset an increase in leaders) to whom I talked,” said flea market where food will be declined — in large measure — ating income before depreciation ticket prices adopted last year. Beard. “Each of them has prom- sold to benefit the museum. because of higher ticket prices. and amortization), were $17.2 mil- During 2006, Greyhound ised to either attend the event A free shuttle will travel be- Greyhound’s parent company, lion for the three months ended boosted ticket prices by nearly 11 themselves or send representatives. tween the annex and the museum. Laidlaw International, said the Feb. 28, 2007, down 34.6 percent percent. However, negative cus- “Their hope is to learn what The Spring Fling is open to nation’s largest line-run company from a year-earlier EBITDA figure tomer reaction to the price hike set- the Fling is all about, along with museum members and nonmem- the museum and (its) memorial bers alike. had revenue of $271.3 million dur- of $26.3 million. in during the last several months. annex, and discuss what needs to The museum is at 161 Museum ing the three months ended Feb. 28, For the first half of fiscal 2007, That factor, combined with bad be done to offer a new, annual Drive (off Hershey Road, Rte 39) down 7.7 percent from year-earlier Greyhound EBITDA was $42.8 weather and the loss of hurricane- industry event to their customers in Hershey. revenue of $293.8 million. million, down 30 percent from related traffic from a year ago, and members. For more information, go to For the first half of fiscal 2007, first-half fiscal 2006 EBITDA of reduced passenger volumes. P “After all the Expos, Market- www.busmuseum.org, or call (717) Greyhound revenue totaled $550.8 $61.2 million. In early March, Greyhound places, BusCons, etc., we’ll now 566-7100, ext 119. million, down 8 percent from rev- Top executives of Laidlaw CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ

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Registration rulemaking begins EPA urged to delay rule WASHINGTON — The Fed- for the replacement of the revenue recommended a fee structure to eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- states got from the SSRS through the FMCSA, which has the istration has begun the rulemaking the new UCRA. responsibility of actually adopting for emissions monitoring necessary to implement the new Developing the new program the fees. WASHINGTON — The U.S. systems for possible malfunctions. Unified Carrier Registration has largely been the responsibility The timing of the FMCSA Environmental Protection Agency They would store their meas- Agreement and set its fees for of the UCRA Board of Directors, a rulemaking is important because a has extended the comment period urements in the engine’s computer 2007. body composed of state and indus- number of states have been lobby- for a proposed regulation requir- to assist in diagnosis and repairs. The 2005 federal highway and try representatives and the Federal ing Congress to revive the SSRS ing onboard diagnostics that In January, the EPA published public transportation re-authoriza- Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- for this year. (Previous coverage in measure heavy-duty bus and truck the formal notice of proposed tion bill repealed the Single State tration. the Dec. 1, Dec. 15, and Jan. 1 is- exhaust emissions. rulemaking, with the comment Registration System, and provided Among other things, the board sues of Bus & Motorcoach News.) The extension comes amid a period open until March 24. chorus of requests that the EPA Following a request from the give engine manufacturers more Engine Manufacturers Associa- time to develop the onboard emis- tion, the agency has extended the sions sensors or loosen the pro- comment period to May 4. posed standards for the monitor- The engine builders say they ing devices. can meet the requirements of the Late last year, the EPA pro- proposed regulation by 2010, but posed regulations that would they want the EPA to change the require engine manufacturers to thresholds at which the new emis- phase in onboard electronic meas- sions sensors are triggered. They uring devices starting in 2010. consider the specific limits sug- Then, in 2013, all bus and truck gested by the EPA to be too strin- engines would have to meet the gent. requirement. However, many in the trucking The proposed devices are sup- industry are worried the engine posed to monitor the more com- makers won’t have enough time to plex control systems that will be adequately test the effectiveness needed to meet the stringent 2010 or accuracy of the sensors, mak- EPA emissions standards. The ing early 2010 engine buyers diagnostic sensors must scan par- guinea pigs for the new gear. The ticulate filters, catalytic converters trucking groups are asking that and other emissions-treatment the rule be delayed. State, local tax burden climbs to highest ever WASHINGTON — State and in some states’ rankings since local taxes will consume a larger 2000, according to the foundation. share of national income this year New Mexico has dropped 29 than ever before, says the Tax places among all states, Idaho 23 Foundation, a nonpartisan organi- places, and Utah 19 places. Those zation devoted to educating Amer- states now rank 40th, 35th and icans about taxes and tax policy. 27th, respectively. The foundation says this year’s Tax happy New Jersey, as most state and local tax burden will total anyone in the motorcoach industry 11 percent of national income. The knows, climbed 14 places, to 10th. previous record was 10.9 percent Overall, the total state and in 2005. local tax burden has hovered at Vermont’s taxes are the highest around 10 percent of national of any state, at just over 14 percent income for many years. This year of state income, with Maine and marks the first time it has hit 11 New York close behind. At the bot- percent. tom are Alaska, New Hampshire The complete report on the and Tennessee. state and local tax burden is avail- There have been major changes able at www.taxfoundation.org. Transits seek charter firms The following public transit May Mason, General Manager, providers have informed the Clinton Area Transit System, 304 United Motorcoach Association of Brush St., St. Johns, MI 48879. their intent to provide charter bus Phone: (989) 224-8127. service unless willing and able pri- Greater Huntington/Cabell vate operators step forward to offer County, W.Va. Deadline: 4 p.m. their services. UMA urges appro- May 28, 2007. Write to: Paul E. priate operators to take the time to Davis, General Manager, The Tri- respond to these notices. State Transit Authority, P.O. Box Clinton County, Mich. Dead- 7965, Huntington, WV 25779. line: May 14, 2007. Write to: Rose Phone: (304) 529-6094. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET May 1, 2007 5 More states ponder leases, tolls to raise road money Three more states are consider- cause fuel tax revenues are stagnant. distance tax have been made in Enactment of the bill would taxes. Consequently, truckers are ing toll roads, highway leasing or In Nevada, former U.S. House Nevada several times since, most make Nevada far and away the up in arms over the proposal and both to generate additional revenue Majority Leader Dick Gephardt seriously in the early 1990s. highest state in the nation for truck have begun to fight it. for future roadway construction. told a legislative hearing the state The Florida Senate is consider- might benefit from tolling trucks ing a House-approved bill that along Interstate 80 in northern would let private companies lease Nevada and cars on freeways in the state’s toll roads and bridges, Las Vegas. Privately-funded lanes but not the state turnpike. on Interstate 15, linking Los The Mississippi Legislature has Angeles and Las Vegas, also might approved a bill that would create reduce congestion. tolls along some roads and bridges, The now-retired congressman giving the state another tool to raise from Missouri is a lobbyist for the revenue. investment banking firm of Gold- And Nevada lawmakers have man Sachs — the same outfit that been told that public-private part- brokered the $3.85 billion deal to nerships could help the state cope lease the Indiana Toll Road to a for- with funding shortfalls to get need- eign group. ed road work done. Nevada is trying to figure out In Florida, a Republican- how to make up for a nearly $4 bil- backed bill, HB7033, would allow lion shortfall in highway funding roadway leases to private invest- during the next eight years. ment groups, and require the com- But Gephardt cautioned that panies to pay the state an up-front pay-to-play roads should not be fee. The bill passed along party seen as a “panacea” for transporta- lines in the House by a 74-40 vote. tion funding problems. “It is the intent of the legisla- An alternative to tolls has been ture to strengthen the state’s trans- offered by state Sen. Mike McGin- portation system by providing the ness. His bill would increase the department with innovative financ- per-gallon tax on diesel fuel and ing techniques, including, but not gasoline by 3 cents during the next limited to, public-private partner- two years. ships, toll facility leases and user Nev. Gov. Jim Gibbons has fees,” the legislation reads. made it clear he’s against tradition- Florida is facing a significant al funding methods that include tax highway funding shortfall between or fee increases. Instead, he has now and 2025. indicated he is open to the possibil- After a decade of unsuccessful ity of entering into public-private attempts, the Mississippi Legisla- partnerships. ture adopted SB2375 that would But Gibbons also wants alter- authorize the state department of native routes available so drivers transportation, county boards of su- can avoid paying tolls. pervisors and city officials to con- Meanwhile, a bill has been tract with private industry to con- introduced in the state General struct roads and bridges and collect Assembly (AB595) that would re- tolls to pay for the work. Local establish a weight-distance tax in governments also would be allowed Nevada, at a uniform rate of 15 to use bonds to finance toll projects. cents per mile for vehicles over House Transportation Commit- 55,000 pounds gross weight. tee Chairman Bill Miles told a Nevada had a weight-distance Mississippi newspaper that allow- tax until 1989, when it was found ing toll roads is one of many “inno- to discriminate against interstate vative methods” the state must use commerce and was repealed. for modern road construction be- Proposals to reinstitute a weight- Border ID OK’d in Washington OLYMPIA, Wash. — Wash- reportedly has been approved by ington state has a new law aimed at the U.S. Department of Homeland easing border crossings into Security for testing as a secure bor- British Columbia. der-crossing document. The law, signed by Gov. Chris The cost to obtain one of the Gregoire, authorizes creation of an alternative licenses will be $40 — “enhanced” driver’s license for much less than the $97 passports bus, truck and other drivers to use that are expected to be required for in place of a passport. land and sea travel between the Starting in January, residents U.S. and Canada, starting in June can apply for the enhanced licens- 2009. es that will contain radio-frequen- Regular commercial and per- cy identification devices, or sonal driver licenses are being ac- RFIDs. The devices will allow cepted at the border until June border guards to check proof of 2009. citizenship and search federal Gregoire said the alternative databanks, including criminal licenses are needed to boost secu- records. rity while preserving the cross- The enhanced driver’s license border flow of tourism and trade. 6 May 1, 2007 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Missouri legislators No speed traps for small Alabama towns MONTGOMERY, Ala. — interstate highways. are not enough state troopers for focus on road safety There apparently will be fewer The House Public Safety Com- speed enforcement. They also said JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — should be able to read, write and speed traps in Alabama than there mittee rejected the bill — HB116 putting local officers on the inter- Commercial vehicle safety is high understand English to get a CDL.” might have been — thanks to state — that would have repealed a state states would result in safer travel. on the agenda of Missouri legisla- Opponents say there are no legislators. law that prohibits towns with fewer Opponents of the bill said the tors this year. studies that suggest English profi- A panel of the Alabama House than 19,000 residents from enforc- ban is necessary to prevent small Among bills of interest to ciency makes better drivers. rejected a bill that would have ing speed limits on interstates towns from creating speed traps motorcoach operators are meas- Another bill would prohibit the given small towns in the state the within their city limits. and using ticket revenue to fill city ures that would set up a program to expunging of records for commer- authority to ticket speeders on Supporters of the bill said there coffers. certify local law enforcement offi- cial driver license holders who are cers to enforce commercial vehicle convicted of or plead guilty to an signed them as sworn troopers. N.Y. to forecast travel time laws, and to require applicants for offense with a blood-alcohol con- This allowed the patrol to cre- commercial driver licenses to be tent of 0.04 percent or above. The ate the Commercial Vehicle En- NEW YORK — New York The program will be tested this able to speak and read English. The bill — SB50 — also includes a forcement Troopers Pilot Program, City plans to install signs on year on the Staten Island Express- bill passed the Missouri House and provision about driving while out consisting of two teams. The major highways that forecast real- way. Later, the Belt Parkway and was forwarded to the Senate. of service. CVET program, as the initiative is time information for point-to- the FDR Drive will be added be- Sponsored by Rep. Neal St. First offenders would be pro- called, improves the patrol’s com- point travel within the city, com- fore the program is made available Onge, the bill — HB245 — would hibited from driving a commercial mercial vehicle enforcement capa- puted by E-ZPass technology and throughout the city’s five boroughs require the written CDL test to be motor vehicle for six months. bilities, as well as upgrades its displayed on thoroughfare mes- in about three years, the city’s offered only in English. Appli- Existing Missouri law calls for a homeland security activities and sage boards. Transportation Department said. cants’ ability to understand traffic three-month ban. Anyone found in expands its presence on Missouri The duration of time between Currently, the technology is signs and signals written in English violation a second time within a roadways. various points in the city will be being used on the New Jersey ap- also would be required. period of 10 years would face a Another 12 troopers are ex- based on the average time it took proach to the George Washington Applicants would be prohibited two-year ban from driving a com- pected to be assigned to the pro- other drivers with E-ZPass tags to Bridge and two Metropolitan from using interpreters or transla- mercial vehicle. Existing rules call gram this fall. make the trip. Transportation Authority bridges. tors while taking the test. for a one-year suspension. Troopers assigned as CVETs St. Onge said it’s a matter of Meanwhile, the Missouri State will be distinguished from other Kentucky eyes higher speeds safety. Highway Patrol has announced a state troopers by their uniforms — FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bill its on any interstate but was “We’re allowing interpreters beefed up commercial vehicle en- they will wear blue instead of being considered by the state legis- amended by the state House of for people taking their CDL forcement program that was brown, and they will patrol in lature would allow the Kentucky Representatives to restrict such exams. I think you should have a authorized by legislative action last Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. Department of Transportation to increases to four-lane roadways. command of the English language year. Their responsibilities will in- increase speed limits on interstates The bill also fixes speed limits to be able to drive a (commercial The patrol transferred 20 full- clude investigating traffic crashes to 70 miles per hour from 65 mph. at 65 mph on interstates with fewer vehicle) on our roads,” St. Onge time positions from vacancies involving motorcoaches, school The Senate bill originally than four lanes and 55 mph on all told a radio interviewer. “It also within its commercial vehicle buses and other commercial vehi- allowed K-DOT to raise speed lim- other state highways. follows federal regulations that you enforcement division and reas- cles.

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8 May 1, 2007 NEW ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Air survey may Concerns mounting about driver ‘texting’ provide tips for Motorcoach companies that other wireless gadgets also are emergencies, but not other drivers. offense for cases in which a driv- have established rules for drivers’ rapidly growing in popularity. The Connecticut Rep. Lawrence er commits a traffic violation coach operators use of cell phones may want to latest studies show that text mes- Miller plans to propose a text- while distracted, including while NEEDHAM, Mass. — In a survey of think about refining those rules to saging is considerably more pop- messaging ban because it takes a holding a cell phone. more than 1,400 air travelers, comfort- cover text messaging. ular among teens and young driver’s hand off the wheel. “You Colorado has joined 27 other able seats and legroom were the primary Legislators in at least three adults than other age groups. have to hold it (the device) in states in tracking accidents that hot button for respondents. In fact, near- states are targeting text messaging For example, Nationwide Mu- place with one hand and try to were due to cell phones, accord- ly three-quarters of those surveyed to keep drivers’ thumbs on the tual Insurance reported in January spell out your message with the ing to the Governors Highway would pay at least a 10 percent premium steering wheel and off the tiny that 37 percent of “Generation Y” keyboard. I don’t know how they Safety Association. The measure to get a more comfortable and roomy air- keypads of their cell phones or came after a Denver teen struck line seat. wireless communication devices ‘Text messaging is considerably more popular and killed a 63-year old cyclist Aside from seats, a roomy and clean in the latest crackdown on dis- while distracted by a text mes- bathroom was the next most-important tracted driving. among teens and young adults than other sage. in-flight comfort feature for travelers, Text-messaging bills in Ari- age groups.’ A study by the Indiana State according to 30 percent of respondents. zona, Connecticut and Washing- Police found that since 2003 cell Twenty-five percent indicated they con- ton state are the latest attempts by drivers — teenagers and adults in do it,” he says. His bill would slap phones were cited as the primary sider a clean pillow/blanket their No. 1 state legislatures to block the in- their 20s — text or instant mes- drivers with a $500 fine for text cause of more than 2,000 acci- comfort priority on a flight. creasing distractions of electronic sage while driving, compared to messaging. dents. And that’s just from driv- Other comfort features mentioned technology in vehicles, from the 17 percent of drivers in their 30s In Washington state, Rep. ers who admitted it. were noise-canceling headphones, sani- ubiquitous cell phone, to DVD and early 40s (Generation X-ers), Joyce McDonald said she pro- Arizona, Connecticut, Geor- tizing wipes to clean tray tables/arm rests, and anti-germ products. players, BlackBerries and GPS and 2 percent of Baby Boomers in posed her bill after a BlackBerry gia, Illinois and Oregon are con- Forty-two percent of travelers said a systems. their 50s and 60s. user caused a five-car pileup on a sidering increased penalties for video screen at their seat is the most Four states, plus the District That would suggest the issue state highway and State Patrol drivers who cause accidents important in-flight entertainment fea- of Columbia, currently outlaw of text messaging by drivers of officers cited cell phones in cars because of cell phones. One New ture, followed by on-demand movies (18 hand-held cell phone use by driv- commercial vehicles probably as an increasing problem. Her bill York senator even aims to ban percent). Video screens at seats are more ers — a de facto ban on text mes- isn’t a significant problem — yet. would make text messaging a pedestrians and bicycle riders important to women (46 percent) than to saging. However, because of the pro- traffic offense, which normally from using electronic devices men (36 percent). Only 13 percent chose Young or inexperienced driv- nounced tendency of young peo- carries a $111 fine. while crossing streets. internet access as their choice of enter- ers are forbidden to use cell ple to become older, the issue cer- Washington state also is one Four states this year have bills tainment. phones — even those with hands- tainly will begin finding its way of 12 states weighing a plan to pending that would make cell Fruits and vegetables were the com- free speakers or earphones — in into the driver seats of buses and join California, Connecticut, New phones off-limits to all drivers, plimentary snack of choice among trav- 13 states. And 37 states prohibit coaches. Jersey, New York and Washing- not just teenagers. “Every year we elers (36 percent), followed by cheese TV screens from being visible to Arizona Rep. Steve Farley, ton, D.C., in outlawing drivers see a couple states that have these and crackers (33 percent). If it would the driver. sponsor of a text-ban bill, said he from chatting on hand-held cell total prohibition type of bills,” mean a cheaper fare, 36 percent of trav- Distracted driving was to considers text messaging even phones. The Washington Senate said Matt Sundeen, transportation elers would do without complimentary blame in 80 percent of crashes more of a safety problem than has approved the ban, but a simi- analyst for the National Confer- snacks. and 65 percent of near-crashes talking on a cell phone because it lar measure has consistently ence of State Legislatures. “Gen- “Travelers continue to request some last year, according to a study requires not just ears but eyes. failed in the House. erally they don’t make it very far.” pretty basic amenities of (air) carriers,” released by National Highway “There is no way you can keep Instead of prohibiting bad Cell phone use — hands-free said Michele Perry, director of commu- Traffic Safety Administration and your eyes and attention on the driving habits one by one, some or not — repeatedly has been nications for TripAdvisor, which con- the Virginia Tech Transportation road AND the text you are writing states are fashioning broader pro- shown to impair a driver’s abili- ducted the survey. “By offering more Institute. or reading,” Farley said in an e- hibitions on distracted driving. ties. A 2006 University of Utah room and cleaner facilities, travelers will The most common driving mail exchange. Bills pending in Maryland, Texas study determined that drivers be much happier with their airline expe- rience.” distraction is cell phones, with His bill would fine drivers $50 and Vermont would ban such using cell phones were 18 percent Tripadvisor calls itself the world’s most cell phone users admitting for texting, bumped up to $200 if practices as driving and talking on slower in hitting the brakes. The largest travel community with more than to researchers they talk while they the activity were found to con- hand-held cell phones, reading, study also found that accessories 5 million reviews and opinions, covering steer. tribute to an accident. Arizona putting on makeup or playing a to let drivers talk without holding 250,000+ hotels and attractions. More At the same time, text mes- currently bans school bus drivers musical instrument. A new law in a cell phone had no effect on information at www.tripadvisor.com. sages typed on cell phones or from using a cell phone, except in Utah creates a “careless driving” reducing impairment.

ISSUE NO. 99 How to contact us: Joan Libby To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, Cavalier Coach To advertise or to mail advertising-related Boston, Mass. articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] Call: Johnny Steger Marcia Milton (623) 930-8422 or (602) 980-0840 First Priority Trailways Fax: (866) 930-8426 Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Gladys Gillis Michael Neustadt Glendale, AZ 85301 Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 Sierra Trailways Starline Transportation Coach Tours Victor Parra Call: (623) 930-8423 Glendale, AZ 85301 Sacramento, Calif. Seattle Brookfield, Conn. To contact the Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Rick Hillard Jeff Polzien To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield Lines Cedar Valley World Travel Red Carpet Tours United Motorcoach Association: Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Call: (623) 930-8421 Northfield, Minn. Cedar Rapids, Iowa Oklahoma City E-mail: [email protected] Call: (800) 424-8262 Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Robert Hume Tom Ready Online: www.uma.org New World Tours Travel Mates Trailways Ready Bus Lines Fax: (866) 930-8426 Ken Presley Ellen Balm Bristow, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. LaCrescent, Minn. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To send advertisements or photographs Brian Scott Glendale, AZ 85301 via the Internet: Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Amy Stalknecht Eric Morales Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines E-mail: [email protected] Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. To report corrections: Accountant Art Director Steve Brown Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro Call: (623) 930-8421 Krapf Coaches National Interstate Insurance Co. Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Brown Coach E-mail: [email protected] Amsterdam, N.Y. West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio ©2007 by the United Motorcoach Association. Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without ABC Companies Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Faribault, Minn. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C.

10 May 1, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

order that the rule does not nega- their public transit agency is pro- the severity of the financial penal- for human service agencies, local Charter rules tively affect the provision of pubic hibited from providing public tran- ties that federal regulators could governments and others. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 transportation,” added Chuck sit services to their public event.” hand out to transit agencies that “This is a lot of work to docu- “The communities that support Kemp, general manager of the A rule that would limit to 80 violate the rules. ment what already are, and would public transit operators through transit system in Madison, Wis. hours the amount of time transit Chuck Kamp, general manager continue to be, allowed forms of local property taxes, sales taxes, They and others who shared agencies could spend transporting of Metro Transit in Madison, Wis., public transportation,” he said. developer fees and the like, reason- similar opinions urged the FTA to government officials in a 12- recommended that the look-back “The cost of this administrative ably expect us to manage and pro- broaden the definition so trans- month period also came under fire period be changed to two years. burden, both to the FTA and to its vide public transportation for pub- porting people to regular major from the public side. “Six years between incidents is too grantees, is certain to outweigh any lic events,” said Karen Graber, events in their communities would “This limit is arbitrary and long to consider those actions a benefits that would accrue to com- general manage of the Endless be considered public transporta- does not support or respect local pattern,” he said. munities like mine under this rule.” Mountains Transportation Author- tion. cooperation,” asserted Capital Several state agencies also ity in Mansfield, Pa. Susan McGillicuddy, a super- Area Transportation Authority protested a rule change that would Rural agencies complain visor of Meridian Township in Chair Patricia Munshaw in a letter involve state transportation depart- The Alabama Association of More clarity needed Michigan, emphasized that resi- signed by eight board members. ments in the charter complaint Regional Councils, a 12-agency Henry Loymeyer, assistant dents who support public trans- “The transportation of public offi- process, saying it would could tax association representing all of the general manager of the South Bend portation through their taxes cials should not be considered a the state agencies and create con- counties in Alabama, also com- (Ind.) Public Transportation Corp., expect the transit agency to pro- charter.” fusion. plained about how the rules treat agreed, stressing that he is con- vide transportation for community The public side also objected to “We believe that this would rural transit operations, including a cerned that the lack of clarity of events. “Please reconsider several a rule that would allow the FTA to place a severe administrative bur- requirement that social-service the definition of charter service parts of this proposed rule and withhold federal money from tran- den on the WVDPT, as well as organizations register with the threatens his ability to provide spe- make it clear that public trans- sit agencies that repeatedly violate other state department of trans- FTA in order for a transit agency to cial event service, including shut- portation remains public trans- the rules. portations and could lead to incon- be exempt from the charter rules tling people to Notre Dame foot- portation and that charter remain “This is wrong,” charged sistent interpretation of the charter when they serve those groups. ball games. charter.” Robert Hoffmann, managing service rules,” warned Susan L. “All human and social service Kevin Desmond, general man- director of River Valley Metro in O’Connell, director of the West organizations should be assumed ager of Metro Transit in Seattle, The public expectation Kankakee, Ill. “It is inconsistent Virginia Division of Public Transit. to be qualified and therefore auto- Wash., told the FTA that allowing Tulsa (Okla.) Transit called on with the statutory purpose of fed- A number of rural transit agen- matically registered,” wrote public transit to operate shuttles for the FTA to change the rule, too, eral transit programs and penalizes cies also complained about a pro- Suzanne Burnette, president. “The community events not only helps saying in its filing that the agency no one but the people in the com- posal that would require recipients burden of proof should be on prov- control traffic and parking prob- should look at special event trans- munities who are supposed to ben- of Section 5311 Program funds to ing a disqualification not on an lems, but introduces many non- portation service from the view efit from these transit programs.” file special paperwork for most of agency petitioning to be consid- transit riders to the system and point of the user. their trips to be exempt from some ered qualified.” turns some of them into regular “As a publicly funded agency, Pattern of violations of the charter rules. The FTA now will review the bus riders. our residents expect us to be able Some transit operators also Gary Kitchin, general manger comments and could make changes “We urge the FTA to define to provide such services when voiced concern about rules that of Paducah Area Transit System in to its proposal before moving the charter service as service provided called upon to do so,” the agency would allow the FTA to go back Paducah, Ky., warned that the rules process forward, which could toA an ‘exclusive group of riders’ wrote in its filing. “They do not six years to establish a “pattern of could require rural transit systems include a second comment period rather than just a ‘group of rides’ in understand when we tell them that violations,” which would increase to document every trip provided on any changes that might be made. 2-DOOR SHUTTLE ADA TRANSITS One-owner transit units now available for sale or lease

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Phone John Oakman at ABC Companies, 1-800-222-2871, ext. 7104 or by email, [email protected] www.abc-companies.com Used vehicle sold “as-is.” No warranties expressed or implied.

FLEET FORWARD TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS May 1, 2007 11 UMA comments on proposed charter bus regulations WASHINGTON — The following are edit- compete for public goodwill by serving their provide charter service to qualified human The private charter bus industry is eco- ed excerpts from the comments the United community. services organizations. … The United nomically deregulated and businesses rou- Motorcoach Association filed in response to The value of goodwill was stressed by Motorcoach Association strongly urges the tinely discount services, have sales, offer loss the Federal Transit Administration proposal (public transit agencies)…during the Federal Transit Administration to place the leaders and utilize yield-pricing strategies. In for revising the charter bus regulations that Charter Bus Negotiated Rulemaking Com- burden of qualifying (human service organi- theory, a (public transit agency) creates a apply to public transit agencies. mittee meetings. This was often mentioned zations on public transit agencies) and make “hardship dependency” when failing to allow The complete UMA document, which runs as the single-largest motivation for infringing clear that a failure to qualify an organization the marketplace to respond. to 24 pages, can be found on the USDOT on private charter operators and subsequent- will result in a finding of violation and The United Motorcoach Association comment Website. (See box on Page 1.) ly violating the charter service rules. enforcement action. asserts that “hardship” is largely a myth and The United Motorcoach Association has Operator members of the United any rule addressing “hardship” is likely long concluded that interpretations and Motorcoach Association trust the revised Leasing obsolete and more likely to be used to harm enforcement of the current regulations has regulations and subsequent enforcement will The “leasing” of equipment (by public private operators than relieve “hardship.” largely favored (public transit agencies that finally avail private charter operators of the transit agencies) to avoid compliance with The United Motorcoach Association receive federal) financial assistance. opportunity to take their rightful place in the existing charter service rules has been in prefers no rule pertaining to “hardship” due While many businesses must contend their respective communities and meet the the past and continues to be a source of eco- to inevitable abuses. with government regulations, few industries demands of the public with a wide array of nomic harm to the private charter industry. in a free-market society must fight every day competitive products and services. Our The United Motorcoach Association suspects Unique events with its own government for its very right to nation’s transportation requirements and tax- these illegitimate actions may transcend a The FTA proposes to add a new excep- own and operate their lawful businesses — in payers demand no less. simple violation and violate other federal tion to address “unique and time sensitive their own communities. The Federal Transit laws. The proposed rule is a significant im- Administration’s proposed rules — on the Transporting bureaucrats provement over existing language only if the event, usually funerals of local, regional, or whole — create the “bright line” so desired The proposed rule would allow recipients Federal Transit Administration assumes a national significance;” which may not be by both public and private caucus. to provide 80 charter service hours annually strict posture. practical or feasible to provide notice to reg- First, every charter captured from the pri- for government officials charters. The United istered charter providers. vate passenger transportation industry repre- Motorcoach Association maintains the Hardship The United Motorcoach Association is sents immediate economic losses. How many allowance of 80 hours adequately reflects The “hardship” proposal would allow adamantly opposed to this proposed rule as industries in our nation could survive in an reasonable needs.…It is noteworthy that the (public transit agencies) in nonurbanized written. The examples cited were the recent environment that never knows where or when purpose of an hour limitation concession was areas to provide charter service to an organi- funerals of President’s Regan and Ford. It is the government will take away a segment of to compel (public transit agencies) to budget zation if the service provided by a private common knowledge these events generally their market? their allowance. A provision, allowing peti- operator would create a hardship on the receive advanced planning, sometimes years Certainly, every charter dollar diverted tion of the (FTA) administrator, absent pri- organization. in advance, and have involved private sector from the marketplace to (public transit agen- vate charter operators, is counter intuitive to The United Motorcoach Association is participation in the past. cies), harms private operators. However, this concept and will lead to eventual abuse. opposed to the proposed rule as written as it It is the position of the United Motor- more importantly, the greater harm transpires assumes the private market may not desire to coach Association that the private sector con- whenN providers of private passenger trans- Helping human-service groups serve certain needs, even if fulfilling the sistently has assets to meet the passenger portation are precluded the opportunity to The proposed rule allows recipients to service may be at an economic loss. transportation needs of such events. NABI ADA TRANSIT BUSES FOR SALE One-owner transit units now available for sale or lease * 70 1997 NABI Model 416-09, 40’ – 102’’ wide two-door equipped transit service buses IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE featuring:

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Phone John Oakman at ABC Companies, 1-800-222-2871, ext. 7104 or by email, [email protected] www.abc-companies.com

FLEET FORWARD TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS 12 May 1, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS DaimlerChrysler facility in N.J. opens to coaches SECAUCUS, N.J. — Motor- Northeast,” said Patrick Scully, coaches — all brands and types — chief commercial officer for Daim- are now welcome at the Daimler- lerChrysler Commercial Buses Chrysler Commercial Buses North North America. America service center in Secaucus. “Metro New York City hosts The facility, a short drive from thousands of motorcoaches each the heart of New York City, opened year, and our highly trained profes- in November, providing service sional technicians are ready to pro- exclusively for transit buses. Now, vide service to these and local it’s open to service all makes and operators.” models of motorcoaches and buses. The center offers major and The new DaimlerChrysler service center in northern New Jersey is the company’s third. “Our service center is conve- minor coach, transit and shuttle bus niently located and is exceptionally repairs; oil, lube and filter services; The facility is open from 7:30 call (201) 902-7120 or go to with the others in Orlando and positioned to provide service to all custom preventative maintenance a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday www.dcbusna.com. Greensboro, N.C. A fourth center, bus and motorcoach customers, programs, and exterior-interior coach through Friday and is at 57 County The new center is the third in Riverside, Calif., is operated by especially those located in the cleaning and detailing services. Ave., Secaucus. For information, company-operated service facility, Complete Coach Works. Revamped Orion VII is unveiled Chrysler sale impact would be limited NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Daim- eration will turn heads as its curb DETROIT — The list of possi- reported the bidders include Cer- Scully said the deal isn’t likely lerChrysler Commercial Buses appeal answers transit agencies’ ble buyers for DaimlerChrysler’s berus Capital Management, Black- to touch DaimlerChrysler Com- North America unveils its newly desire for a reliable bus that com- Chrysler Group keeps growing and stone Group and Canadian auto mercial Buses NA, which sells redesigned Orion VII Next Gener- pliments the city’s streets,” said now includes the United Auto parts maker Magna International Setra and Orion buses and Sprinter ation low-floor transit bus here Patrick Scully, chief commercial Workers union. The UAW reported- Inc. Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian also passenger vans, or Freightliner, the later this week. officer of DaimlerChrysler Com- ly is considering a proposal to seek has made a $4.5 billion bid. corporate parent of Detroit Diesel The Orion VII Next Genera- mercial Buses North America. a majority stake in Chrysler in Patrick Scully, chief commer- and Thomas Built Buses. tion has been given a more stream- Mississauga, Ont.-based Orion exchange for cost concessions. cial officer of DaimlerChrysler “While these divisions are asso- lined and stylish exterior by a col- will unveil the updated Orion VII The Wall Street Journal report- Commercial Buses North America ciated with the Chrysler Group laborative design team from at the American Public Trans- ed the union proposal would entail says the impact of the potential sale through common ownership, the DaimlerChrysler’s worldwide bus portation Association Bus and swapping cost concessions for on the commercial vehicle divi- practical operating characteristic is group, with input from customers. Paratransit Conference here May equity in the company. sions of DaimlerChrysler is likely that they are independent from “The Orion VII Next Gen- 4–9. Several news organizations have to be minimal or none at all. Chrysler,” said Scully. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS May 1, 2007 13 Coach industry co-hosts Biodiesel bandwagon keeps spreading Four more states are jumping crease in fuel prices. bill that includes a requirement that Transportation Summit on the biodiesel bandwagon, with Among the states where law- at least a 2-percent biodiesel blend IRVING, Texas — The 10th The 10th anniversary summit legislators adopting bills to require makers are pursuing similar stan- be offered as soon as state produc- anniversary Transportation Sum- “will continue working to promote biodiesel blends. dards is Montana. The state Senate tion of biodiesel reaches 5 million mit, which annually brings together the development of a national mul- A measure that requires all overwhelmingly approved a bill gallons per year. leading transportation industry pro- timodal transportation policy to diesel fuel sold in New Mexico to that would require the same 5-per- A 5-percent biodiesel blend fessionals, will be conducted here guide the future of transportation have at least a 5-percent blend of cent blend as in New Mexico. would be required when Oregon Aug. 7-10. for the nation,” Parra added. biodiesel has been signed by Gov. The Montana version — production reaches 15 million gal- The United Motorcoach and Upwards of 1,200 transporta- Bill Richardson. The new law SB432 — would allow for the lons per year. American Bus associations are tion officials and industry profes- (formerly SB489) requires that all biodiesel requirement to be sus- And, in Missouri, a biodiesel among a group of 30 co-host sionals are expected to attend. They diesel fuel sold in the state needs to pended if the mixed fuel costs 15 bill is making its way through the organizations for the event. and expert speakers will review, be the biodiesel blend by July percent more than all-petroleum legislature that would require all “This summit will feature the discuss and outline the factors driv- 2012. diesel. diesel fuel sold at retail in the state most prestigious group of local, ing growth and change in trans- The New Mexico secretary of Exceptions also would be made to be a 5 percent biodiesel blend by state, national and international portation. agriculture would have the authori- if the mixed fuel was causing April 2009. dignitaries ever assembled for a For more information, go to ty to suspend the requirement if it engine problems or if there wasn’t Retailers would not be forced transportation policy conference,” www.transportationsummit.com, or is determined there is not an ade- enough biodiesel being produced to carry the blended product if the said Victor Parra, president and call Trudy Hester or Amy Kemble quate supply or if the requirement in the state. price is not competitive with the CEO of the United Motorcoach at (214) 750-0123, or email results in a substantial price in- The Oregon House approved a price of petroleum diesel. Association. [email protected]. represents the West. president and CEO of Fullington 26-28 2007 National Tour Re-elected were Ronald Moore, Trailways Auto Bus Co. in Clear- People president of Burlington Trailways field, Pa., has been named one of Association Tour Operator Calendar of Burlington, Iowa, representing Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Spring Meet, Kelowna, British MAY 2007 Trailways Transportation the Midwest, and Frank Montgom- Business. The selection of Ms. Columbia. Info: www.NTA.travel. System has elected two new board ery, president of Capital/Colonial Fullington-Weisman was announced 6-9 APTA Bus & Paratransit JUNE 2007 members and re-elected two others. Trailways of Alabama and Missis- by Gov. Edward G. Rendell. Conference, Renaissance Nash- New to the board are Fred sippi, an at-large board member. Each year, 50 women from ville (Tenn.) Info: www.apta.com. 2-5 Georgia Motorcoach Abbott, president of Abbott Trail- All were elected to three-year across Pennsylvania are honored Operators Association Annual ways in Roanoke, Va., and Michael terms. for their dedication to the state’s 17-19 Tourism Cares for Meeting & Marketplace, Watson, managing director of El Leaving the board was James business growth, professional and America, Virginia City, Nev. Info: Savannah, Ga. Info: Go to Camino Trailways in South San Gaspard of DesignLine Interna- personal accomplishments, com- Go to www.tourismcares.org or www.gamotorcoachoperators.org, Francisco. Abbott represents the tional Holdings of Charlotte, N.C. munity involvement and ongoing call (781) 821-5990. or call (866) 376-7770. Southeast region, while Watson Aerial Fullington-Weisman, advocacy for women in business. 14 May 1, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

serious consequences. prior to each day’s trip, such things tions, it’s required once every 24 nance at Mears Transportation in Inspections as service brakes, parking brakes, hours.” Orlando, says an important aspect CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The value of inspections steering, headlights, flashers, tire of pre-trip inspections is for the recommendations for maintenance Graham Dunnege of Lancer pressure, wheels, rims, the horn, Who’s responsible? driver to review the report of the “which may or may not be carried Insurance, former maintenance windshield wipers, rear-vision mir- The federal rules say it is the previous driver. out by the operators in their forms.” director of New York Trailways and rors and emergency equipment. responsibility of the operator to re- “Look at what the guy wrote In its findings related to the former chairman of the Bus Are drivers or operators to quire its drivers to perform an in- the day before,” says Springer. “If Wilmer bus fire, the NTSB urged Industry Safety Council, says the blame for laxity in performing pre- spection and record the results. But he or she is not satisfied, the bus Motor Coach Industries to revise its value of pre-trip inspections “is trip inspections? beyond that, it will be the driver can’t go out until the mechanic product maintenance manuals to priceless.” Replies Dunnege: “It’s a little of who ends up along side the road makes the necessary repairs and emphasize the importance of wheel However, he notes that some both. Some drivers say, ‘They don’t when a coach becomes disabled and signs the report. If it’s a torn seat bearing lubrication, specifically bus drivers take driver vehicle pay me to take 30 minutes to do upwards of 50 angry passengers are and they don’t have the material, warning that daily inspection of inspections “with a grain of salt. these inspections.’ Drivers can do looking to him or her for answers. that’s OK. But if it’s a torn tire, then hub oil levels and wheel seals is They figure they should be able to good pre-trip inspections in 15 “Tires don’t blow out,” says the bus can’t go out.” vital to prevent wheel bearing fail- assume it’s a good, reliable bus,” minutes. They’re not laying on the Dunnege. Heat build-up destroys Springer says some drivers are ure and bypassing the requirement says Dunnege. ground under the bus. They’re in them, and the heat develops when a more thorough about inspection is a dangerous practice that can But federal safety rules are uniform. tire is under-inflated by 15-to-20 checks than others. Mears monitors lead to a wheel-well fire or other clear, requiring drivers to check, “But, the way I read the regula- percent. driver inspection performance by “If it’s an inside tire, the driver conducting periodic spot checks at doesn’t know anything is wrong the bus yard exit gates. until there is a big noise,” he says. “We’ll stop a driver and ask for “In theory, the tire has been flat or their DVIR (driver vehicle inspec- low for some time.” tion report),” Springer says. Just as checking the air pressure “(Then) we’ll do our own pre-trip of tires is fairly simple, checking inspection. We might find a bad the oil level of wheel bearings that tire that the driver didn’t notice. It require lubrication and inspection keeps them honest. It’s the last line also is easy. A clear window cap on of defense.” the end of the axles needs to be eye- Springer also raised another balled. key issue about pre-trip inspec- But, as the NTSB investigation tions: They’re boring. “There is a pointed out, Federal Motor Carrier certain amount of tedium involved,” Safety Regulations do not require he says. “How many times are you that wheel ends be inspected. And, going to look at the tires and the the driver vehicle inspection re- belts. If you do it every day, you ports published by such companies could turn a blind eye and just go as J.J. Keller & Associates of through the motions. The driver Neenah, Wis., do not list wheel might think he did a good pre-trip bearings, seals and ends as an yesterday, so it’s probably OK today.” inspection item. Chuck Richards, a senior prod- The Coach America way uct development manager for J.J. Steve Kuenzi, safety manager Keller, said Keller reviews its stan- at Coach America in Phoenix, says dard driver vehicle inspection his company requires its driver to report forms “quite frequently,” but conduct a pre-trip inspection every he acknowledged they rely heavily day, even on tours lasting several on Federal Motor Carrier Safety days. “We usually allow a mini- Regulations for determining what mum of 30 minutes for a good pre- should be included on the forms. trip inspection,” he says. “That’s the template we work Failure of drivers to conduct from,” he said. inspections, or operators to insist However, Richards expressed on them, is not as widespread as it interest in the NTSB recommenda- once was, says Kuenzi, partly be- tions regarding wheel bearing in- cause of government oversight and spections, indicating Keller would better-running equipment. look into the issue. “Besides, the investment (in a McCreary of American Chart- coach) is so great, it pays to keep er is firmly convinced vehicle them running,” he says. “But cer- inspection forms should include tainly, for some companies their wheel bearing inspections, and he preventative maintenance is sub also thinks drivers should be par. Then it becomes pointless for checking for wheel-end overheat- drivers to point out problems when ing during walk-around inspec- they know they aren’t being fixed.” tions at stopovers during charters. Operators become lax, says Additionally, he thinks drivers Kuenzi, as a cost-cutting measure. should be responsible for conduct- “Repairs cost money, and when ing push-out window inspections, cash flow is not there, companies which federal rules require at least do foolish things.” every 90 days, as well as the roof- A veteran safety expert, Kuenzi hatch inspection. offers this advice to drivers: “We McCreary is concerned, too, tell our drivers, ‘You’re the eyes and about new coaches having “so ears of the maintenance department. much more to inspect and that What you see, feel or hear needs to should be included.” be relayed to the maintenance de- partment to prevent serious issues.’ Proper procedures Good pre-trip and post-trip inspec- Chip Springer, head of mainte- tions pay off in the long run.” Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS May 1, 2007 15 Bus refurbishing: Does it make sense for you? By Dave Millhouser customers want them, but the meet the needs of the next owner. for a non-profit group that moved honeymoon ABC Companies clientele must be willing to pay, Good choices not only add to high school kids cross country. In — a trip to over the time you will continue to the value of your motorcoach but the 1970s and 80s, he spent a dozen Motorcoach “May you live in interesting operate the bus, enough to cover make it sell faster. years selling Eagle coaches. The Expo in New times” is a Chinese curse that the equipment and its negative Dave Millhouser’s bus industry high spot came in 1986, when he Orleans. seems on target for the motorcoach impact on resale. career began more than 40 years taught his new wife, Susan, to drive industry today. If you’re someone who loves ago as a cleaner-mechanic-driver an Eagle demonstrator on their Dave Millhouser The price of new coaches, “2-plus-1” seats, with a galley — compounded by uncertainty about don’t hate me. The point isn’t that the cost and reliability of new fed- they are bad, only that they don’t erally-mandated engine technolo- help resale value. Neither does a gies, makes deciding between new backup camera or many other AMETEK brushless DC motors are and used buses “interesting.” options that aren’t common. Many companies, ranging in Buyers of middle-aged buses are bred to perform for 60,000 hours. size from Greyhound down to looking for lots of seats, and fewer eight-coach fleets, have chosen to things to maintain. refurbish existing vehicles. They The suspension, steering and expect to stretch the economic life brakes are a no-brainer… just do it. of their coaches without spending Even if you’re only going to too much money, and to provide run the coach a couple of years, it their customers with an attractive pays dividends in both reliability bus. and safety. Do it all, you’re under In deciding what makes sense there anyway. for your company, there are lots of If the model of coach you’re things to consider: What skills and refurbishing has known structural equipment does your company pos- problems…look for them and sess? If your company lacks the repair them if necessary. When you resources, what will it cost to have sell the bus, you can expect the a vendor do it? How long will you buyer to look, so fix it now while run the coach after it is refur- the coach is down. bished? External appearance is crucial. Less obvious, but perhaps more The objective is to make a refur- significant, what does “refurbish- bished coach look on a par with ing” mean in your specific case? your new(er) one(s). If it works for What combination of mechanical your fleet, a white base coat is and cosmetic work will not only ideal — after you’ve repaired all add life to your coach, but enhance the minor body damage. Custom- its resale value? ers like the unblemished look, and Manufacturers, over the years, drivers may try harder to avoid have responded to market demands hard objects. with a huge number of options. Decals and wraps are the way to Many have become virtual indus- go. A good design can alter percep- try “standards.” Automatic trans- tion and make your coach look like missions, cruise control, power a newer model. Even if the eventu- steering and video systems all al buyer strips off the graphics, they That’s dependability began as options that many weren’t give an idea of the potential. sure would last. If possible, keep graphics sim- that beats the Many other options didn’t hang ple and above the baggage doors. on for long. That saves money and makes it others cold. Your definition of refurbishing easier to keep up with minor body should include updating, repairing damage. or adding all the things that mod- Drive trains are more “interest- ern travelers now expect. Skimping ing.” A lot depends on the age of on things like A/V equipment, the bus and how long you intend to Help your vehicles keep their passengers cool longer. Specify sound system and seat covers will run it. Clearly, there’s no value in AMETEK’s brushless DC integrated design for maximum service life. make a bus feel and look “old.” pumping a rebuilt $20,000 engine Maintenance-free and backed by industry-leading 4.5-year warranties, Replacing (or cleaning) interior into a $30,000 bus. our Rotron motors for AC evaporators and condensers are field proven fabrics make a coach easier to The flip side is that no educat- for more than 15 years. charter now, and sell later. ed buyer is going to give credit for Ordinary motors get sent to the bone yard once their warranties If the existing video system is an “in frame” (because most of us expire. AMETEK designs are engineered to perform for 60,000 hours working, consider adding a DVD. aren’t sure what it really is). to keep your vehicles on the road and out of the shop. We offer a full It’s a relatively small investment … If the coach is worth a rebuilt range of motor configurations, operating voltages, horsepower, speed and brings you right up to date. If engine (or transmission), buy one and torque ranges — even custom designs — for any application you the old system is failing, a new one from a reputable dealer with a have in mind. with LCD monitors goes for transferable warranty. Not only Best-of-breed innovation. Top-dog dependability. Learn more about around $4,000. will it improve the value, but you’ll AMETEK’s complete line of brushless DC motors. Call 330-677-3335 Conversely, there’s the tempta- sleep better. or visit: www.rotrontransit.com tion to add things that will not help Boiled down, you are balanc- the resale value of your coach. For ing two objectives here: You’re example, “2-plus-1” seating and restoring a coach to a near new galleys reduce the value of a coach. state — in terms of reliability and It’s OK to install them if your aesthetics, and you’re trying to 16 May 1, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

the MCI D4500. A year ago, the moves during the first quarter this Lincoln Memorial stops reopen Coach sales three top sellers were the J4500, year versus a year ago were the WASHINGTON — The Na- the Memorial’s north side. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the D4500 and the Prevost H3-45. Van Hool C2045, which moved tional Park Service has reopened However, during evening rush 57.3 percent of the market. A year Those same three coaches were from fourth to second place, and Daniel French Drive on the south hour, pick-ups and drop-offs are ago, the three top sellers held 63 the top selling trio in last year’s the Prevost X3-45, which moved side of the Lincoln Memorial for not permitted on Henry Bacon. percent of the market and two fourth quarter. from seventh to sixth. tour bus pick-up and drop-off. The Daniel French Drive stop years ago the three best-selling The seven best selling coaches Canadian operators purchased This area is available for tour also provides easy access to the seated coach models captured 80 B in the first quarter, in order, were 76 coaches during this year’s first bus at all times, with no rush-hour Korean War Memorial, while the percent of the market. the J4500, C2045, D4500, H3-45, quarter, representing 14.6 percent restrictions. Henry Bacon Drive stop is conven- For this year’s first quarter, the MCI D4505, Prevost X3-45 and of total new coach sales. Canadian There also is drop-off and ient for the Vietnam Veterans best selling coaches were the MCI Setra S417. new coach sales amounted to 9.3 pick-up on Henry Bacon Drive on Memorial. J4500, the Van Hool C2045 and Making the biggest sales percent of the market for all of last year. While ZF auto-stick transmis- sions were ordered by more than 56 percent of private-sector coach Keep up with everything in buyers during the first quarter, the transmission’s overall share of the motorcoach market was 41.6 per- the motorcoach industry! cent because public-sector and conversion-shell buyers continue to prefer the Allison transmission. Questions about National Bus The Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Website Trader’s sales reports should be The New Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Website directed to Larry Plachno at (815) wwwwww.busandmotorcoachnews.com.busandmotorcoachnews.com 946-2341, or e-mail lplachno@ busmag.com. Laidlaw

UMA Members, log on today and check out the features: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 began cutting ticket prices in areas • Electronic access to all articles where it experienced the biggest passenger drop-off. Price reduc- tions in selected markets have aver- • Search archives aged 3.5 percent, and represent an by keyword(s) overall system-wide decrease of roughly 1.5 percent. Greyhound also stepped up marketing in the • View previous issues targeted markets. Laidlaw executives say the • E-mail articles to impact so far from the price reduc- tions and expanded marketing has friends or colleagues been encouraging, with a notice- able increase in passengers. Higher insurance costs of $4 • Instant access to million and increased fuel costs industry calendar also bit into the fiscal 2007 second- quarter results. On a consolidated basis, Laid- • Electronically submit law reported a revenue gain for the news for publication quarter and six months ended Feb. 28, compared to a year earlier. However, net income for both peri- ods was down significantly. Laidlaw reported net income of $18.5 million for the quarter ended Feb. 28, down from $34 million a year ago. For the six months ended Feb. 28, net income was $58.6 mil- lion, down from $92.3 million in the prior year. During the second quarter, Laidlaw’s school bus operation 4930 West Glendale Avenue, Ste. 6 completed the acquisition of Lang- Glendale, AZ 85301 don’s Coach Lines of King City, (P): 866-930-8421 Ont. Langdon’s, which has about (F): 866-930-8426 200 school buses and one motor- E-mail: [email protected] coach, operates in Ontario and Quebec. It was founded in 1929 by To join United Motorcoach Association, B.J. Langdon and changed hands in go to: www.UMA.org 1961 and again in 1976. Most recently, the principals have been Geoff Galway, president, and Gary Kennedy. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS May 1, 2007 17 MCI opens training center, entices young technicians LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Motor siders the simulator room to be the knowledge jumps.” Coach Industries officially opened crown jewel of the new facility. The Three Pennco Tech students its National Training Center here simulator runs drivers through a were invited to attend the technical last month, and announced a coop- wide variety of situations, includ- tune-up session in Louisville last erative training initiative with ing curvy mountain passes, oblivi- month. regional trade schools to increase ous pedestrians, snow storms, MCI will offer additional industry exposure among student blown tires and other virtual chal- regional training seminars in mechanics and technicians. lenges. Toronto June 5-7 and in Nashville The opening was coordinated The first training at the new June 14-15. Another technical with MCI’s spring road-show pro- facility began the day after the open tune-up session will be Sept. 25-28 motion, the Grand Tour II, and was house with a three-and-a-half-day at the Louisville location. marked by an open house and cus- “technical tune-up” seminar that For information about all MCI tomer visits. included a dozen different mod- training, go to www.mcicoach.com, The 11,000-square-foot train- ules. Six coaches were used for or contact an MCI fleet support ing center, housed in MCI’s expan- about 50 students. manager. New training facility shares space with distribution center. sive Louisville Distribution Cen- In March, MCI conducted a ter, includes four classrooms, a regional training seminar at a trade lounge and a coach-driving simu- school, Pennco Tech, in Black- lator room. Two of the classrooms wood, N.J. More than 30 students can be combined into banquet joined 20 industry technicians for space, and a 420-square-foot com- the training. missary can be used to stage foods The program was the first in a and beverages. series of training programs MCI The lounge includes an office- anticipates conducting with other conference area where students can trade schools. meet with fleet support specialists “Hosting training at a trade or use phones and computers, in- school exposes future technicians cluding wireless Internet connec- to our industry,” said Kevin Jones, tions. MCI’s director of training. “Our While the training center will customer technicians enjoyed be used primarily to support an their roles as mentors to the stu- aggressive schedule of MCI classes dents, and everyone benefited for motorcoach operators and their from the hands-on approach to technicians, it also has the potential learning. With all the advances in for nontechnical staff development motorcoach technology there’s no as well, especially the driving sim- substitute for a teaching environ- ulator. ment where you have future tech- Derrick Anderson, MCI direc- nicians learning along side skilled tor of operations in Louisville, con- trades people. It produces big Shuttle Bus Leasing "Your Solution For Shuttling & Fixed Route Contracting" Leases Terms Available From 3 Months to 2 Years High Quality, Transit Shuttle Buses Over 1000 Buses In Inventory 22' To 60' Models Available

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1863 Service Court, Riverside, CA 92507 www.Shuttl eBusLeasi ng.com 18 May 1, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS NW operator sees fast growth since acquisition SEATTLE — Six months ago, MTR Western, a coach company operating in the Pacific Northwest, purchased Oregon Coachways, a charter, commuter and Amtrak bus service based in Eugene, Ore. (See Oct. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) Since the purchase, MTR Coaches key Quebec campaigns Western has renamed the company Campaign buses have become an integral and ubiquitous aspect of OC&W Coachways; doubled its modern politics. That certainly was evident early this spring during size, going from 21 to 40 coaches; the Quebec general election. The three principal parties, Action adopted a new livery, and moved to standardize its fleet with pre- Democratique du Quebec (above), Parti Quebecois (right) and owned Prevost H3-45 and XL-II Quebec Liberal Party (above right), had nine leased Prevosts on the coaches equipped with Detroit road for 33 consecutive days, transporting party leaders and media. Diesel Series 60 engines and Orleans Express supplied six coaches, while Autobus Fleur de Lys Allison B500 transmissions. provided the other three. The Liberal Party, led by Jean Charest, “As MTR takes delivery of its won a plurality of seats but was reduced to a minority government, new H3-45’s, we’re releasing our Quebec’s first in 129 years. oldest coaches to our new opera- tion, OC&W,” said company California and Washington — President and CEO Darren Berg. operates in six cities in the three Nova Bus updates Website, gets award states, Sacramento, Seattle, and “Although not new, this equip- SAINT-EUSTACHE, Quebec customer-oriented approach, said intuitive and browsing more user- ment is nevertheless in excellent Medford, Eugene, Portland and — Nova Bus has unveiled a spokeswoman Nadine Bernard. friendly. condition and is being enthusiasti- Salem, Ore. All are along Inter- redesigned Website that features a That orientation is reflected, The site, www.novabus.com, cally received by customers up state 5. clean-line layout and expanded she said, by making the Website includes an extranet where regis- and down the I-5 corridor.” Berg expects OC&W to be content. information easier to access, and tered users can perform various OC&W — short for Oregon, operating 80 coaches by year end. It also reflects the company’s the design and menu layouts more types of transactions. Meanwhile, Nova Bus has re- ceived the 2006 Volvo Bus Execu- CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING tive Committee Customer Satisfac- tion BEC award. It is the company’s 2001 Prevost H3-45 third consecutive BEC award, after TRADE NETWORK SALES having won for operational excel- Job Description • Coordinate transport work for sports, Excellent Condition lence in 2004 and 2005. • Plan/execute unified Trade Network’s media, television, and movie projects. Low Mileage Each year, Volvo Bus’ execu- sales strategy. • Manage/organize a “transport-vehicle $249,000 tive committee gives BEC awards • Develop new Business-to-Business bank” drawn from network’s fleets to relationships for mutual benefit of all service national and international 56 passenger, DD Series 60, to the corporation’s worldwide affiliated trade companies. events. Allison B 500, Jake Brake, subsidiaries that have achieved • Serve as the “go-to-one-stop-service” • Provide small- and large-group sales AM/FM/DVD/VCR/Cass/PA, operational excellence and out- central resource person for all Trade presentations for entire Trade Network; 5 Monitors, Cruise Controll, Alum standing customer satisfaction. Network Companies to customers- provide on site sales tutorials or train- Wheels, Enclsed Overhead Parcel Racks, Lav, Card Table, 275,000 miles The latest award acknowledges ing programs, if required. clients seeking travel and transport Nova Bus’ “We Listen, You Drive” services. Call Tom (800) 366-8641 • Develop convention and exhibition Mail Resume to: BMN NEWS email for more pictures - [email protected] customer program. C transport projects and relationships /O Trade Network Sales generated from those opportunities. 4930 W. Glendale Ave. #6 • Work with Trade companies to develop Glendale, AZ 85301 REPOS FOR SALE ‘Top Dogs’ honored individualized sales strategies and MESA, Ariz. — Two leading proposals (RFPs). Provide “home Or E-mail Resume to Variety of makes and models of “Bank Repos” office” support when needed for trade across the United States and Priced to Sell! companies in the entertainer coach company's desire to seek contract [email protected] industry have been honored by business. Subject: Trade Network Sales 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! Tour Guide Magazine with its Top Dog Awards. 2000 H3-45 $225,000 Miles 290,000 Senators Coaches of Florence, FOR SALE Ala., won the Coach Operator of • Very clean owner/operater coach for 4 – 1997 Dina Viaggio 1000s the Year Award, while Roberts the last 5 years ~ One driver Brothers Coach Co. of Springfield, • 60 Series, Allison B500, tires 90%+ 52 PAX + 1 Escort Seat Tenn., was named Coach Conver- (FS 400) $50,000 each, includes tires • New transmission July/06 @ sion Operator of the Year. 260,000 miles installed by Prevost, 2 – 1999 VanHool T-945s Senators is one of the largest still under warranty until July/07 57 PAX + 1 Escort Seat entertainer coach operators in • Both alternators replaced March/07 $145,000 each, including tires North America with a fleet of more • New air compresser new bushings than 80 Prevost coaches. The com- A/C serviced, New Miter Box, Call Joe @ 508-993-4503 or pany’s long-time customers include • Factory White, 56 Pax, American e-mail [email protected] the Rolling Stones, U2, Jimmy Seating, DVD, VHS, XM, CD Changer, 4 monitors Buffet and Rod Stewart. See more pictures @ www.countrycoach.net or Roberts Brothers is both a con- www.busforsale.com see Country Coach YOUR CLASSIFIED AD version and a leasing company, For more info: Mark O. Monroe @ 540-347-0011 Cell 540-270-6250 with a fleet of 73 vehicles, all SHOULD BE HERE! Prevost XLII and H3 models. Its Coach is located in Northen Virginia (Washington DC) area customers include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Coach available for delivery at the end of May/07 Call Johnny @ 866-930-8421 Ringo Starr and Hank Williams Jr. 973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 www.nimcobus.com Supplying the Transportation Industry with Used, Serviceable & Rebuildable Bus Parts for Over 25 Years! VOLUME DISCOUNTS • PRIDE IN PERFORMANCE DEEP DISCOUNTS! on all Detroit Diesel & Allison Transmissions SAVE MONEY ~ SAVE TIME We sell good running qualified bus components. NO RISK PURCHASE PLAN We unconditionally guarantee our customers satisfaction. WE ALSO STOCK • Front and Rear Axle Parts • Engine Accessories • Alternators and other Electrical Components • Air Conditioning Components • Body Parts We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote

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