July 1, 2017

FMCSA cites lack of data in dropping insurance proposal WASHINGTON — The mo- and brokers. draw the advanced notice of knew even then this would create a to obtain sufficient data on indus- torcoach industry’s three-year bat- Insurance minimums for mo- rulemaking was welcomed news hardship and shrink the number of try practices with respect to the tle with the Federal Motor Carrier torcoaches were expected to at for the bus and motorcoach indus- small fleet operators and create an level of liability limits in excess of Safety Administration over a pro- least double to $10 million, and try,” said Ken Presley, vice presi- economic barrier to entry.” the agency’s minimum financial posal to at least double liability in- possibly rise to as much as $20 dent of industry relations and FMCSA announced last month responsibility requirements, the surance minimums appears to be million to $30 million per incident COO for the United Motorcoach that after reviewing all public com- cost of such premiums, and the over, at least for now. or claim, which industry officials Association. ments on the proposed rule, it de- frequency of and the amount by FMCSA said it was withdraw- said would force smaller operators “We’ve been fighting this insur- termined there is insufficient cost which bodily injury and property ing its November 28, 2014, pro- out of business. ance battle since 2014 when others or benefit data to support moving damage claims exceed policy lia- posal concerning increasing insur- “The decision by FMCSA, in the industry were advocating for forward with a rulemaking bility limits. ance minimums for commercial under Secretary of Transportation an increase in minimum insurance proposal. FMCSA said it received 2,181 motor carriers, freight forwarders Elaine Chao’s leadership, to with- limits,” Presley said. “Everyone The agency said it was unable CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 c Pigeon Forge attracting more tours since fires PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — were not damaged. The devastating fires outside this The fire claimed 12 lives, anoth- popular resort town last November er died of a heart attack and another haven’t derailed tourism in the area in a vehicle fleeing the blaze, and known for Dollywood theme park 191 were injured. Tennessee Gov. and numerous other attractions, and Bill Haslam called the fire “the for being a gateway to Great Smoky worst in a century in Tennessee.” Mountains National Park. More than 2,460 structures Pigeon Forge attractions were were damaged or destroyed, ac- unscathed and business has been cording to coverage of the fire in steady, said Joy McNealy, senior local newspapers. sales manager for the Pigeon Forge Many of the structures be- Department of Tourism. New at- longed to employees who work at tractions also have opened recently Pigeon Forge and surrounding and two new hotels, including one areas and the outpouring of sup- with a water park, opened this port for them has been significant, spring, she said. including from motorcoach opera- The area around Gatlinburg, tors and tour passengers, McNealy six miles up U.S. Highway 321 and others said. from Pigeon Forge, was harder hit, “We’ve been receiving so The Island in Pigeon Forge is a shopping and entertainment complex with more than 60 retail and specialty shops, although its major attractions much support from all our state several restaurants, rides and games, dancing fountains and live music. along the main street, the Parkway, CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c CH Bus lawsuit against ABC winding through the courts SANTA ANA, Calif. — An by spreading false information im- ruling expected this fall. The lawsuit, filed in Orange from CH Bus. 8-month-old lawsuit by CH Bus plying that Temsa was funding the In denying the motion, the court County, Calif., Superior Court, al- According to the lawsuit, Sales accusing ABC Companies of terrorist group ISIS. also asked CH Bus Sales to submit leges that Guth sent an anonymous WeDriveU, Guth’s client, also had defamation and unfair competition Guth no longer works at ABC. an amended complaint including letter to the entertainment company bid on the Netflix contract and, if is slowly making its way through ABC filed a motion to have the more detail to back up its claims Netflix, which had sought bids on a successful, planned to purchase the courts and appears to be suit dismissed, claiming the al- that the alleged defamatory state- contract for commuter bus services buses from ABC. months away from a final ruling. leged “false information” was con- ments hurt the company, interfered in the San Francisco Bay Area. When it appeared that Trans- CH Bus, which distributes stitutionally protected free speech with the bidding process and con- Transdev Services Inc., a CH dev/Compass was likely to win the Turkish-made Temsa motorcoach- on a public issue. stituted unfair competition. Bus client, teamed up with Com- contract, “ABC Bus Sales and es, filed the suit last fall against The court denied ABC’s mo- If ABC’s appeal is rejected, the pass Transportation Inc. to bid on Clint Guth schemed to smear the ABC and senior vice president tion earlier this year, and the com- underlying defamation case could the contract. If their bid was suc- reputations of Temsa, Transdev Clint Guth alleging that Guth tried pany’s appeal is pending before the go to trial later this year or early cessful, the companies planned to and Compass in order to increase to steer a bus contract to his client California Court of Appeal, with a next year. purchase at least 13 Temsa buses CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 c Go with an MCI Pre-Owned Pro View our pre-owned inventory online at

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00YEARS www.abc-companies.com 877.427.7278 331987 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2017 3 Greyhound revenue dips but profits rise 2.7 percent ABERDEEN, Scotland — 25 percent of individuals driving nue occurred during the second FirstGroup said in releasing com- which primarily serves popular city Revenue again declined at Grey- America’s highways with no auto half of the fiscal year. First-half panywide financial results for fis- pairs, increased by 1.3 percent in hound Lines in fiscal 2017, but insurance also has reduced the revenue was down 3.9 percent, cal 2017. fiscal 2017, with both Express and North America’s largest intercity pool of possible bus riders. while second-half revenue in- “We will continue to focus on traditional Greyhound “experienc- bus operator eked out a 2.7 percent Despite the challenges, Grey- creased 0.8 percent. matching our timetables to de- ing greater resilience” over shorter profit gain for the year. hound increased its adjusted oper- Although the second-half in- mand to maximize the consider- haul (up to 450 miles) trips than Greyhound’s parent company, ating profit for the year to $55.2 crease was narrow, FirstGroup said able operating leverage in the busi- long haul, FirstGroup said. FirstGroup, attributed the modest million, from $54.4 million in fis- it was confident it marked a reve- ness,” the company added. “We have continued to flex profit increase during the 12 cal 2016, a 2.7 percent increase. nue turnaround for Greyhound. FirstGroup does not expect mileage operated in response to de- months ended March 31 to the on- That translated to an adjusted “With our pricing and yield fuel prices to be as much of a fac- mand trends, resulting in modest going retooling of Greyhound’s operating margin for Greyhound of management algorithms continu- tor in fiscal 2018, which began improvements to revenue per mile, business model and the introduc- 6.2 percent in fiscal 2017 versus a ing to increase in effectiveness we April 1 — provided they do not supplemented by our transition to tion of technology-based systems. margin of 6 percent for fiscal 2016. are confident Greyhound can re- turn volatile or sharply lower. one-way ticket pricing in July 2016, (FirstGroup earnings are reported An uptick in Greyhound reve- turn to growth in the year ahead,” Revenue at Greyhound Express, and our other business model de- on Page 12.) velopments,” the company said. For fiscal 2017, Greyhound The overhaul of Greyhound’s sales totaled $894 million, down 2 Greyhound expands Google deal customer-facing systems in the percent from fiscal 2016 revenue past half-dozen years now allows of $914 million. Annual revenue DALLAS — A 6-month-old portation and get walking direc- easy and convenient way for cus- the company to deploy airline-style has fallen by $128 million since partnership between Google Maps tions from various transit tomers to explore their journey yield management and real-time fiscal 2013, when sales totaled and BoltBus, a unit of Greyhound locations. door to door, and choose the Grey- pricing algorithms throughout its $1.022 billion. Lines, has been extended to the Google Maps supports multi- hound schedule that works best for network. The company blames the reve- entire Greyhound system. ple languages and links to www. them.” Additionally, Greyhound is de- nue fall-off on lower fuel prices The partnership allows Grey- Greyhound.com so customers are Through Google Maps, cus- veloping what it calls “customer re- that have sent many potential pas- hound and BoltBus customers to able to purchase tickets from tomers can view their travel route lationship management systems sengers scurrying to airlines for plan trips more efficiently and to wherever they are. on their mobile device or computer. and loyalty programs” designed to longer journeys and automobiles connect seamlessly to Greyhound “We are excited to provide a The interface is designed to help bolster its relationship with for shorter trips. schedules and other transit options. new travel planning solution for make trips run more smoothly. customers. It also hasn’t helped that auto- By integrating Greyhound’s customers through our partnership Greyhound’s more than The majority of Greyhound makers and insurance companies network with Google Maps, cus- with Google Maps,” said Todd 250,000 city travel-pair options customers now buy tickets online seem hell-bent on putting every tomers can personalize their travel Koch, vice president of strategy are connected to Google Maps. or via smartphone applications, a American, whether they have bad by exploring routes and locations at and business development at Customers may also view Grey- dramatic change from just a few credit or even no credit, behind the a street-level view, planning con- Greyhound. hound’s routes when they search years ago, and its fleet offers buses wheel of a car. The estimated 20 to nections with other modes of trans- “This partnership provides an for directions using Google Maps. 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National driver-training standards finally approved WASHINGTON — A new proposed by FMCSA in March to use the least burdensome means Presley disagreed with the pe- ate a vehicle safely. rule establishing national driv- 2016. to achieve regulatory objectives. titioners, saying that from the time “In the end, this was a negoti- er-training standards for entry-lev- Instead, it sets a proficiency In the agency’s judgment, a BTW the advisory committee started ated rulemaking body,” Presley el commercial bus and truck driv- standard, to be determined by the training standard based solely on a work on the standards, “the 800- said. “The subcommittees, led by ers that had been delayed for five trainers. driver-trainee’s proficiency in per- pound gorilla in the room was the an outstanding facilitator, really months has finally been FMCSA appointed an En- forming required range and public minimum number of classroom worked hard to develop a curricu- approved. try-Level Driver Training Adviso- road maneuvers is a more flexible, and behind-the-wheel training lum that would expose a driver to The rule was issued late last ry Committee made up of industry and thus less burdensome, option hours.” most aspects of commercial vehi- year by the Federal Motor Carrier officials — including Ken Presley, than required minimum hours be- “While it has always been cle driving. Safety Administration and was vice president of industry relations cause it recognizes that driv- UMA’s position that proficiency “UMA negotiated for no mini- scheduled to take effect in Febru- and COO of the United Mo- er-trainees will complete BTW was a sufficient means for a CDL mum classroom hours and 15 ary but was delayed twice to com- torcoach Association — to devel- training at a pace that reflects their entry-level driver student to hours of behind-the-wheel train- ply with President Donald Trump’s op recommendations for driv- varying levels of individual demonstrate competency, there ing that included range and actual order to federal agencies to freeze er-training standards. ability.” were many participants who advo- road experience,” he said. “How- new rules and to delay those pub- One of the committee’s key Some industry stakeholders pe- cated a significant number of ever, we were not surprised when lished but not yet effective. recommendations was to establish titioned FMCSA to reinstate the hours behind the wheel,” Presley the final rule did not reflect the It has a three-year implementa- a minimum of 30 hours of behind- 30-hour requirement, arguing that said. minimum number of hours be- tion window and only applies to the-wheel training with at least 10 removing it disregards Congress’ “The problem with hours- cause of the lack of science. drivers receiving their commercial hours of training on a driving intentions for the rule and the con- based training versus proficiency “We believe the mandated cur- driver’s licenses on or after Feb. 7, range and 10 hours on the open sensus established during rulemak- is there is scant science to under- riculum is strong enough that a 2020. highway. ing negotiations between FMCSA pin the hours-based position, and satisfactory number of hours are The rule sets a core classroom FMCSA said it dropped that and the advisory committee. from a pragmatic perspective a required just to cover and master curriculum required for driver recommendation from the final They said the final rule is not curriculum-based training is the the curriculum.” trainees and calls for FMCSA to rule “because, despite the best ef- in the public interest because it logical conclusion. In other words, Military drivers, farmers and establish a registry of driver train- forts of FMCSA and the En- doesn’t advance safety beyond what do you want the prospective firefighters are exempt from the ers that CDL seekers must use for try-Level Driver Training Adviso- current practice, which allows new CDL driver to know?” final rule, FMCSA said. their training. ry Committee, we were not able to drivers to obtain a commercial li- He said many of the advocates It also requires behind-the- obtain sufficient quantitative data cense without being exposed to were concerned about the so- wheel training. However, it doesn’t linking mandatory minimum the real-world experience of driv- called “CDL mills” that seem to USDOT names include a 30-hour minimum re- BTW training hours with positive ing a commercial motor vehicle on churn out an endless stream of quirement for behind-the-wheel safety outcomes, such as crash public roads while receiving in- drivers who can simply pass the reform officer training that had been included in reduction.” struction from a qualified state exam but may not have mas- WASHINGTON — The U.S. the original version of the rule “The agency has an obligation instructor. tered the skills necessary to oper- Department of Transportation has named a Regulatory Reform Of- ficer to lead efforts to weed out unnecessary regulations. POT SHOT Jeffrey Rosen, DOT’s deputy secretary, will be chairman of the department’s Regulatory Reform TRY IT Task Force, established under an executive order issued in Febru- SPECIAL ary by President Trump that seeks to reduce burdensome federal regulations. 128 Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has directed the task PREMEASURED force to “consider ways to accom- SERVICES plish DOT’s primary safety objec- tives in less burdensome ways WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS and to further review ‘midnight $37.95 rules’ that were issued at the end FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! of the last administration,” the de- partment said. WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER DELIVERED It is unclear which regulations STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S ANYWHERE will be targeted by the task force SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. or whether any of them involve PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. 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858190_Motor.indd 1 3/24/17 4:33 PM 6 July 1, 2017 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Proposed FMCSA rules target national driver shortage WASHINGTON — The Feder- acute labor shortage in our coun- qualified veterans and active-duty U.S. Armed Forces,” said Jeffer- paperwork requirements by the al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- try,” said FMCSA Deputy Admin- personnel, including National son. “This action would be one states. It would also eliminate un- tration has launched two proposals istrator Daphne Jefferson. Guard members and Reserves, more way we can express our grat- necessary re-testing and addition- that would take steps toward re- “We could eliminate unneces- seeking to obtain a civilian CDL. itude and assist those with a mili- al fees presently incurred by indi- sponding to a national shortage of sary burdens to both the applicants The waiver would simplify pro- tary CDL who wish to utilize their viduals who seek an additional qualified truck and bus drivers. and to the states, save time, reduce cessing and reduce costs for states extensive training and experience 180-day renewal of their CDL The proposals would simplify costs and, most importantly, ensure and for qualified individuals. Since operating heavy trucks and buses learner’s permit. obtaining a commercial driver’s li- that states only issue commercial 2012, FMCSA has allowed states into careers as civilians.” “At the core of both proposals cense (CDL) for many individuals driver’s licenses to well-trained, to waive the CDL skill test require- is safety of the motoring public,” and reduce administrative expens- highly qualified individuals.” ment for qualified veterans and ac- Commercial Learner’s Permit said Jefferson. “We will continue es to both driver applicants and FMCSA is seeking public com- tive-duty personnel. Validity to demand that commercial truck state driver licensing agencies. ment on the following two proposals: More than 18,800 individuals This proposed rule would and bus drivers, and their employ- “Taken together, these two pro- have transitioned from their military allow states to issue a CDL learn- ers, adhere to the safety standards posals will help ease the entry for Military Licensing and State service into U.S. civilian jobs as er’s permit with an expiration date that exist to protect all drivers.” thousands of qualified individuals CDL Reciprocity commercial truck and bus drivers of up to one year, replacing the The public comment period for into career opportunities as pro- This proposed rule would allow under the waiver opportunity. current six-month limitation. both proposals will remain open for fessional truck and bus drivers — state driver licensing agencies to “We owe so much to our men This extra flexibility would 60 days following their formal pub- a critical occupation facing an waive the CDL knowledge test for and women who have served in the eliminate burdensome and costly lication in the Federal Register. California CDLs require residency Email ticket hoax SACRAMENTO — The Cali- idency or legal presence. er’s license are required to show targets N.Y. drivers fornia Department of Motor Vehi- The new California residency two documents proving state resi- ALBANY, N.Y. — New York links to plead guilty or refute the cles has instituted new application requirement means original and dency, while applicants with a State consumers are being warned tickets. Clicking on the links requirements designed to block il- renewal CDL applicants, as well California license only have to about a fake ticket email hoax meant could expose computers to a virus. legal immigrants from obtaining as CDL holders requesting a li- show one document as proof of to collect personal information. “The Department of Motor commercial driver’s licenses. cense upgrade, have to bring ei- residency. The state Department of Vehicles does not send emails urg- The provisions require all new ther a rental or lease agreement, Documents accepted to prove Motor Vehicles said the email ing motorists to pay traffic tickets and existing CDL applicants and mortgage bill, home utility bill, U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent “phishing” campaign notifies re- within 48 hours or lose your li- renewals to provide proof of Cali- employment documents or other residency or legal presence in- cipients they must pay a ticket cense,” said Terri Egan, DMV fornia residency. documents that prove residency in clude a valid U.S. Passport, a cer- within 48 hours or their license deputy executive commission- The DMV already requires ap- the state. tified copy of a birth certificate will be revoked. er. “It is unfortunate that people plicants to provide proof of U.S. Drivers applying for a CDL and a valid permanent resident The fake emails appear to use our agency’s name to target citizenship, lawful permanent res- who don’t have a California driv- card. be from the DMV and provide innocent consumers.”

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www.BusElectronics.com SAME-DAY SHIPPING | IN-HOUSE TECH SUPPORT | COMPETITIVE PRICING 800-974-7383 111-118 Industrial Dr. 817-478-3221 Kennedale, TX 76060 877.378.2267 • [email protected] 817-561-1293 (fax) cpacex.com BY 8 July 1, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Insurance creasing the minimum without and protect consumers.” expenses and other crash-related Rep. Scott Perry, both Republicans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 providing a substantive rationale The current minimum liability costs. from Pennsylvania, a provision for their opinions, FMCSA said. level of $5 million per incident or UMA and other industry stake- was added to the FAST Act of public comments in response to “The anecdotal and hypotheti- claim for motocoaches and holders countered with statistics 2015 to ensure that minimum in- the proposed rule. cal data provided by commenters $750,000 for commercial trucks showing that the increase is unnec- surance limits for commercial “Various stakeholders com- are not sufficient to allow the agen- has been in place since the 1980s. essary because few insurance motor carriers could not be raised mented, including representatives cy to perform a systematic cost-ben- The push to raise the level claims have reached the current absent a complete analysis that of motor carriers, insurance com- efit analysis that would be required began in early 2014, when FMCSA minimum. supported any increase. panies, broker/freight forwarders, to raise motor carrier minimum fi- reported to Congress that the fi- They took the fight to Con- That measure helped fend off safety advocates, attorneys, drivers nancial responsibility through a nancial responsibility minimums gress, arguing that it isn’t neces- what would have been an expen- and many others,” the agency said rulemaking,” the agency said. for the commercial motor vehicle sary and that the higher premiums sive, burdensome and unwarranted in a statement. “Based on the information pro- industry were inadequate to meet could force small operators out of mandate on the nation’s bus and “Approximately 120 submis- vided, FMCSA is not able to deter- the costs of some crashes and an- business and block new ones from motorcoach companies, Presley sions, including one submission mine (1) potential increases in in- nounced it would initiate the entering the industry. said. reflecting a petition signed by surance premiums associated with rulemaking to raise the level. UMA made the issue the focus “When the minimum limits 11,366 individuals, expressed gen- increased financial responsibility The agency said that while cat- of its Capitol Hill Days “Fly-In” were raised back in the early 1980s eral support for increasing the limits, or (2) the impact of an in- astrophic motor carrier crashes are events, during which association at the dawn of deregulating the in- minimum levels of financial re- crease in minimum financial re- rare, the costs for resulting severe members lobbied their congressio- dustry, the new limits created an sponsibility for motor carriers sponsibility requirements on insur- and critical injuries can exceed $1 nal representatives to block FMCSA economic barrier for many new without providing a substantive ra- ance company capital requirements million and that current insurance from implementing any increases. ventures and simply put some car- tionale for their opinion.” set by insurance regulators to en- limits do not adequately cover With the help of House Trans- riers out of business,” he said. About 145 commenters ex- sure there are sufficient reserves to these costs, which are primarily portation and Infrastructure Com- “UMA was not about to see that pressed general opposition to in- minimize the risk of insolvency because of increases in medical mittee Chairman Bill Shuster and happen again.”

CH Bus alleges. lished in such publications as the Area, and that it would be “advan- motion. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Transdev/Compass ultimately Wall Street Journal, the Times of tageous to Mike McLean for his Michael Haggerty, chairman won the Netflix contract. Israel and observer.com, “accom- customers to become unionized.” and majority owner of CH Bus the likelihood of WeDriveU win- In its motion to have the suit panied by brief commentary about As to the lawsuit’s claim that Sales, disputes that argument, say- ning the Netflix contract,” the law- dismissed, ABC cited California’s the enclosed research material.” Guth told Netflix it could receive ing, “Everybody in the industry in suit alleges. anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit ABC said the information “undue negative press” if it pur- that area of northern California “In furtherance of their Against Public Participation) stat- didn’t say Temsa was complicit in chased Temsa motorcoaches, ABC knows about this case.” scheme, in May 2016, Defendants ute, which is designed to crack the funding of ISIS or that it sup- said the letter only pointed out that Haggerty said the next time a ABC Bus Sales and Clint Guth down on frivolous lawsuits attack- ported attacks against Israeli citi- commuter transportation in the high-tech company calls for bids caused a package to be sent to Net- ing the constitutional right of free zens, as the CH Bus suit alleges. Bay Area was “a very visible hot for a shuttle contract, it could de- flix with a non-existent return ad- speech in connection with a public What the letter to Netflix did button occasionally receiving cide to stay away from Temsa “be- dress,” the lawsuit states. “In this issue or an issue of public interest. say was that the Sabanci family, undue negative press.” cause they might be concerned package, Defendants ABC Bus ABC doesn’t deny that a pack- which owns Temsa, has close per- The letter was sent, ABC said, that it wouldn’t be patriotic to hire Sales and Clint Guth made defam- age of information and a letter sonal and business ties with the “with the public interest in mind.” them.” That would affect CH Bus, atory statements which falsely im- were delivered to Netflix. Howev- family of Turkish President Recep ABC’s motion also said that Transdev/Compass and Temsa, he plied or represented, among other er, in its anti-SLAPP motion, ABC Tayyip Erdogan. since Transdev/Compass won the said. things, that Temsa was complicit in alleges that the information pro- According to the ABC motion, contract, CH Bus didn’t suffer any Haggerty said Temsa, which is the funding of terrorist organiza- vided to Netflix consisted “entirely the letter stated, “The Sabanci & economic harm as a result of the a part owner of CH Bus, has since tion ISIS. Defendants ABC Bus of political material that is protect- Erdogan families do not have the information sent to Netflix. And, joined the lawsuit against ABC as Sales and Clint Guth also implied ed by the First Amendment.” same moral compass or ideologies the motion said, because none of a co-plaintiff. or represented that Temsa support- “Plaintiff’s lawsuit is a blatant as those that ride commuter coach- the information sent to Netflix An ABC executive declined to ed attacks against Israeli citizens.” attempt to suppress and chill the es in the bay area.” named CH Bus Sales, the compa- comment on the lawsuit except to The defendants also “falsely exercise of free speech on matters ABC also denied that Guth ny has no standing to sue, even say the company plans on “aggres- implied or represented to Netflix of public concern, namely, activi- said Mike McLean, an officer at though it sells products for Temsa. sively defending” itself. that an officer at Transdev/Com- ties of the government of Turkey Transdev/Compass, intended to “It is well established that the ABC and CH Bus are sched- pass intended to unionize Netflix’s and U.S.-Turkish political rela- unionize Netflix employees. The seller of a product cannot bring a uled to file briefings on the appeal employees,” and told Netflix that if tions,” the motion said. letter only pointed out that Mc- defamation action based on al- over the next two months. If CH the companies won the bid, it The company said the package Lean’s father was involved with legedly false statements made Bus prevails, the case could then would “result in Netflix receiving included articles about Turkey’s local unions, that the officer had a about the product or the product’s go to a jury trial either later this ‘undue negative press,’” the suit ties to ISIS that had been pub- lot of former clients in the Bay manufacturer,” ABC said in the year or in 2018.

ISSUE NO. 333 How to contact us Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Oklahoma City the Editor, articles, news releases or and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Tom Ready to report corrections: Ready Bus Lines Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION LaCrescent, Minn. E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Ray Sargoni [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Gray Lines of San Francisco San Francisco Mail: 2250 W. Roper Lane Existing advertisers, or to submit Publisher, Executive Editor: William Allen Larry Hundt Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Amador Trailways Great Canadian Trailways Brian Scott advertising materials: Stacy Tetschner Sacramento, Calif. Kitchner, Escot Bus Lines Call: (602) 284-6049 Largo, Fla. Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Editor: Hal Mattern Brian Annett Dale Krapf E-mail: Annett Bus Lines Krapf Coaches Tim Stout To subscribe or inquire about your Sales Director: Johnny Steger Sebring, Fla. West Chester, Pa. Stout’s Transportation subscription: [email protected] Ewing, N.J. Roman Cornell Joan Libby Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Dennis Strief Industry Editor: Ken Presley ABC Companies Cavalier Coach Trailways E-mail: Vandalia Bus Lines Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Orlando, Fla. Boston, Mass. [email protected] Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Caseyville, Ill. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Dave Dickson Marcia Milton Alan Thrasher To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Elite Coach First Priority Trailways Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Thrasher Brothers Trailways United Motorcoach Association: Ephrata, Pa. District Heights, Md. Birmingham, Ala. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Editorial Assistant: Call: (800) 424-8262 Gladys Gillis David Moody Larry Willaims Call: (866) 930-8421 Maggie Vander Eems Starline Luxury Coaches Holiday Tours L.W. Transportation Online: www.uma.org Seattle Randleman, N.C. Editorial Assistant: Julianne Ryder Chantilly, Va. Bob Greene Michael Neustadt T. Ralph Young ©2017 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Accountant: Ted Williford Amaya-Astron Seating Coach Tours Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Omaha, Neb. Brookfield, Conn. Asheville, N.C. 9Bus &July Motorcoach 1, 2017 News OPINION Bus & MotorcoachJuly 1, 2017 News 9 Date a business concept for a while before marrying it By Dave Millhouser most always works. There might be a middle ed to the economic downturn by Intuition Years ago, there were three ground. Experiment with new ser- starting line runs. Underemployed says a broker or Hydroplaning west through major coachbuilders in the U.S. vices and technologies and see people were more likely to buy a GBB is like hir- Kansas City in a Flxible, I alertly Number one had 70 percent of the what works. ticket than charter a whole bus. ing a salesperson noticed a warning sign announcing market, but I sold buses for num- It’s a bit like dating. Try some For some companies this worked and frees you to the imminent arrival of a left turn. ber two. In the middle of negotiat- dinners and movies together to see out well. For others, nah. The reward work on the op- The view from driver’s seat of ing a multi-unit deal, I whined to if you’re compatible before pro- for successful scheduled service can erating end. But, Interstate 70 was scary. It was the boss that common sense dictat- posing marriage. be large, but the economic risk of as my boss point- pitch-black midnight with driving ed we needed to drop our price. Aircraft builders sometimes roaring down the interstate with ed out, when you Dave Millhouser rain and standing water. The high- He said, “If you try to win on must “bet the company” when de- half-empty buses is huge. sell you give way ahead was clearly visible — price, the big guys will beat your veloping an expensive new prod- The same can be true for luxu- thought to what makes you a value. through the passenger-door glass. brains in. Do your job and con- uct. That’s a bit too scary (and un- ry service and low-density seating. Conversely, over the years, Did I mention the highway was vince the customer we’re worth necessary) for our business. It is successful in some places, but many tour companies were great at elevated? It seemed important to more.” There are two things to keep in “some” is the operative word there. selling seats, but rented charter get the oncoming pavement into Easy to say, hard to do, but he mind. A ham-and-egg breakfast is a coaches. In an effort to control the center of the windshield in was right (perhaps that’s why he First, trying new stuff only sacrifice for a chicken and a total quality, some later tried operating time to negotiate the turn. was the boss). works if you are honest with your- commitment for the pig. Total buses. How hard could it be? The intuitive thing to do was The Laffer curve is the eco- self. Date a new concept for a commitment to any concept gives Innovation often comes when crank the wheel left, but the reptil- nomic principle indicating that while before marrying it. If it’s not it too much control over your des- folks ignore intuition and try new ian part of my brain remembered lowering tax rates increases reve- working, drop it. tiny. Better to be chicken. things. Which starving soul was something about “counter steer- nue by stimulating taxable eco- Dating many people over the New Internet technology is brave enough to eat the first lobster? ing.” Closing my eyes, I gave her nomic activity. In some business- years offers great insight into what available that sort of combines sales Darwin usually rewards intu- right rudder, and regained enough es, dropping price increases sales you do and don’t want in a long- and marketing for charter opera- ition/common wisdom, but the di- traction to do a slide through the to such an extent that profits rise. term relationship. Business con- tors. It might be worth looking at. nosaurs were pretty set in their turn. Counter-intuitive, but accurate. cepts can be the same if you’re It also might be tempting for ways, and that didn’t work out. Intuition would tell you that If you do the same things your discerning. those folks who love operating, but The trick seems to be trying this is about hydroplaning. Nope. competitor does, the only way to Second, how heavily you com- hate selling, to delegate their entire things, while managing risk. Don’t Sometimes the correct solution compete may be price. But trying mit to a new program should be sales function to a service like that marry ideas without a successful to a problem is counter-intuitive. new things can be risky. Ugly determined, in part, by how risky it or to subcontract for GBBs (Great courtship. Please understand, things get to dilemma. is. If you lose all the money and Big Bus lines). Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- be “intuitive” by being right most I’m confused, but if business energy you invest, how bad will it Attractive as that might seem, try marketing consultant and free- of the time. If you want a bus to go were simply a formula, everyone hurt? the sales function helps articulate lance writer. Contact him by email left, turning the wheel that way al- would succeed. Many charter operators respond- the soul of your company. at [email protected].

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HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 www.lavdump.com 10 July 1, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Pideon Forge of attractions, museums, entertain- noke, Va., said some customers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ment, special events, lodging and call and ask if certain Pigeon Forge restaurant options.” attractions are open. But most ev- motorcoach associations,” Mc- McNealy said some of the new eryone knows the attractions Nealy said. “We’re out there get- Pigeon Forge attractions this year weren’t damaged, she said, calling ting the word out and nowhere include a 107-suite Home2 Suites it business as usual for trips there. have any of the associations by Hilton that opened in May and Jimmy Cantrell at Daniel’s stopped promoting (and) sending The Summit Tower at Country Charters and Tours in Lula, Ga., coaches here because they under- Cascades, a 98-room hotel with said business has improved to Pi- stand nothing has happened here.” accompanying 30,000-square-foot geon Forge. Motorcoach and tour operators Cascades Outdoor Water Park that “We’ve actually seen it respond report the same thing. opened Memorial Day weekend. a little better, because people seem “For us, the fire has not im- Other new attractions include to have an interest in going and pacted our trips there, so it’s a nor- Alcatraz East Crime Museum, seeing what’s going on, but more mal cycle,” said Buddy Young, which opened last fall and Mc- than that to support them through Nealy said is proving a hit with the fire and everything,” Cantrell owner of Capitol Tours in West Pigeon Forge, a popular motorcoach destination near Great Smoky Moun- Columbia, S.C. student groups. tains National Park, has become even more poplar for tour buses since a said, also noting that passengers His company even kept a tour New this year in Dollywood devastating fire roared through the area last fall. have contributed to relief funds. last December a couple weeks after theme park is a ride called Drop “It’s been a positive thing as far the conflagration, with customers Line, a 200-foot free-fall experi- Ole Smoky Moonshine is the For two-thirds of the United as our tours and everything. I think donating toys for children of fami- ence; Whistle Punk Chaser, a ju- first licensed distiller of premium States east of the Mississippi, Pi- maybe some of it was curiosity, but lies whose homes and Christmas nior coaster that features twists moonshine in the U.S. and has four geon Forge is within a day’s drive, more than anything, it was just to presents had been destroyed. and turns in a logging-themed ex- distilleries, including The Barn in McNealy said, adding that mo- help a neighbor out.” “We filled the baggage bin perience; and a Dollywood Splash Pigeon Forge. torcoach traffic hasn’t dropped off Pigeon Forge is a popular tour full,” Young said. Country ride called TailSpin Racer, The 522,427-acre Great Smoky at all. destination because there is so Capitol Tours has another mul- which allows up to six riders to Mountains National Park, divided “The motorcoach industry here much to do there and so many des- tiday trip planned there in August. race each other along a journey almost evenly between Tennessee in our area is very strong and will tinations are accommodating to “Everybody just needs to know through a spiraling tube with drops and North Carolina, is the most continue to be strong because when motorcoaches, he said. they’re open and doing well,” and curves. visited of 59 national parks in the I talk to my attractions, which is my “Pigeon Forge is probably one of Young said. “If you’re inclined to Many motorcoaches that come U.S., according to the National theaters or a lot of my hoteliers, the No. 1 destinations in the South- go see ‘em, go see ‘em. You will to Pigeon Forge also visit Great Park Service. they’re booking companies that east now, and they do a good job on have a great time.” Smoky Mountains National Park, The park, which offers free en- they’ve never heard of before and making motorcoach customers According to the Department sometimes adding step-on guides trance, generated more than $734 what they’re hearing is, ‘We want to happy when they get there,” Cantrell of Tourism, “Pigeon Forge is well playing moonshiners who will talk million in economic impact in come help you and we can do that said. “There are so many activities known for delivering on the prom- about the moonshine trail, Mc- 2013 and supports 10,734 jobs in by bringing a tour to you.’” that a person can do, you can plan a ise of something new each year, Nealy said, noting that the city also surrounding communities, the Diane Eagle, tour planner for three- or four-day trip in Pigeon along with offering a wide variety is home to an Ole Smoky distillery. Park Service said. Abbott Charters & Tours in Roa- Forge and never repeat yourself.”

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Anuncio B&MN .indd 1 6/2/17 20:58 12 July 1, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News First Student leads way at FirstGroup in fiscal 2017 ABERDEEN, Scotland — First Student produce an operating prove contract portfolio pricing portfolio was due for renewal in from in-house to private provision,” FirstGroup, the corporate parent of profit of $222 million, up from and operational efficiency. the 2016 bid season, and we re- the company added. , First Student $165 million in fiscal 2016. First The pricing strategy focused tained 80 percent of ‘at-risk’ buses More than 75 percent of First and , has reported sig- Student’s operating margin jumped “only on retaining or bidding for in line with our budget, or 93 per- Student’s overall bus fleet of nificantly improved financial re- to 9.6 percent from 7.1 percent in contracts at prices that reflect an cent across our total portfolio,” 44,000 at the end of the year oper- sults for fiscal 2017. fiscal 2016. appropriate return on the capital we said FirstGroup. ated under contracts awarded The Aberdeen-based passenger FirstGroup said the sharp im- invest. We achieved an average “Pricing across the market con- during the past three years, which transportation giant said total reve- provement in earnings at First Stu- price increase on ‘at-risk’ contracts tinues to be firmer, though some reflects the company strategy of nue for the 12 months ended dent follows “successful execution of 7.3 percent, an increase of 200 smaller local operators continue to operating a smaller but higher-re- March 31 climbed 8.3 percent to of our pricing, cost efficiency and basis points on the prior year which bid aggressively to retain business, turning bus fleet. $7.2 billion from $6.65 billion in recruitment plans, despite ongoing in part reflected the driver cost in- and school boards remain focused At First Transit, revenue rose to fiscal 2016. driver shortage challenges.” flation challenges we and the rest of on strong execution and value for $1.36 billion from $1.3 billion in The company’s operating prof- Three years ago, First Student the industry are experiencing. money. We continue to see modest fiscal 2016, while operating profit it climbed to $432 million in fiscal initiated a program designed to im- “About one third of our bus net organic growth or conversions increased to $95.2 million in fiscal 2017, up 12.7 percent from fiscal 2017 from $90.6 million the year 2016 operating earnings of $383.3 before. million. Worst traffic cities identified First Transit’s operating margin FirstGroup’s operating margin Roadways clogged with autos, #Traffic, #TrafficSucks and #Traf- The findings are in line with was unchanged at 7 percent. in fiscal 2017 was 6 percent versus trucks and buses are a fact of life ficJam, and the Auto Insurance other studies on congestion. “As expected, contract awards 5.8 percent the year before. in many cities. Center analyzed 126,085 of those The top five U.S. cities for traf- and organic growth in the…divi- Adjusted fiscal 2017 earnings A new study finds the United posts from 2011 to 2017 to find fic congestion, according to INRIX, sion was partially offset by lower per share rose 20.4 percent, but States is the most traffic-congested the most Instagram com- are Los Angeles, New York, San shuttle bus demand in the Canadi- FirstGroup threw cold water on the country in the world, reports the plaint-worthy cities. Francisco, Atlanta and Miami. an oil sands region compared with idea of reinstituting a company transportation analytics firm Topping the list: Santa Moni- Other findings from the Insta- the prior year,” FirstGroup said. dividend at its annual meeting later INRIX. ca, Calif. The coastal city west of gram study: Capital spending at both First this month. Congested roads cost U.S. mo- downtown Los Angeles “had 993 • The worst day of the week for Student and First Transit dropped A major factor driving the im- torists almost $300 billion last Instagram posts per 100,000 resi- traffic complaints: Friday in fiscal 2017. proved fiscal 2017 operating re- year in wasted time and fuel, ac- dents with the hashtags #Traffic, • The most relaxed day: Sunday The outlook for FirstGroup in sults was a strong profit perfor- cording to one estimate. #TrafficSucks, and #TrafficJam. • Worst months: February and fiscal 2018 is mixed, with the mance by First Student, the U.S. With the aid of social media, Rounding out the top five: October North American operations ex- school bus operation that is First- researchers can chronicle traffic • Miami/Miami Beach • Lightest month: April pected to show “steady progress,” Group’s largest subsidiary. jams all across the U.S. • Atlanta Some of the most congested but the United Kingdom units suf- Despite essentially flat revenue There are over 4 million Insta- • San Francisco municipalities are taking steps to fering from the economic uncer- of $2.32 billion in fiscal 2017, gram posts containing the hashtags • New York get traffic moving, INRIX reports. tainty in Great Britain.

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Sign up online and learn more about the competition at WWW.UMADRIVERMEMBER.ORG Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2017 13 FirstGroup, Bridgestone sign $110 million tire deal ABERDEEN, Scotland — ufacturer, supplying tires to more agreed to this global contract with vices and school transportation.” the contract, we needed to demon- FirstGroup, the parent company of than 60,000 of FirstGroup’s buses Bridgestone,” said Glen Lovett, In negotiating the contract, strate our value and ability to de- three North American bus opera- and coaches in the United States, group procurement manager for Bridgestone had to demonstrate liver on a global level in order to tions, has signed a five-year, $110 Canada and the U.K. FirstGroup. “Having first begun flexibility to meet specific needs stave off stiff competition from a million deal with tire supplier FirstGroup’s North American working together through a fleet of the fleet, which will predomi- rival premium tire manufacturer. Bridgestone. subsidiaries are Greyhound Lines, agreement in Leicester in 2004, we nantly run on UAP-001 tires, fea- “We had a strong goal to be- The deal is FirstGroup’s first First Student and First Transit. have seen significant achieve- turing different tread patterns come the number one supplier to international procurement agree- As part of the agreement, ments and built up a solid working unique to each market. FirstGroup and, as such, we ment for direct goods or services, Bridgestone will provide tires for relationship over many years.” “This is a hugely significant demonstrated an ability to act as a and is also the largest commercial all of FirstGroup’s vehicles in the Lovett said the agreement “will announcement for the whole team global company with a ‘one team’ fleet contract in Bridgestone’s U.K. and around 80 percent of its provide the flexibility that we need at Bridgestone and a partnership philosophy, meaning that the geo- history. operations in the United States and to manage a huge fleet of vehicles that we’re extremely proud of,” graphical distance between our The contract will see Bridge- Canada. on both sides of the Atlantic, in- said Greg Ward, commercial sales U.S. and U.K. teams was never an stone, the world’s largest tire man- “We are delighted to have cluding our local buses, coach ser- director for Bridgestone. “To win issue.” Greyhound earnings security, baggage processes are their destination without the hassle cent of revenue, continue to be a Early in fiscal 2017, the com- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 being simplified, and it is “regular- of long airport (lines) or driving particular drag on the company, pany sold its terminal in San Jose, ly reviewing” sites for opportuni- themselves.” with lower oil and gasoline prices Calif., for a reported $39 million to with free Wi-Fi, guaranteed seat- ties “to move to intermodal trans- During fiscal 2017, Greyhound directly impacting company com- a Chinese-backed investor, which ing and more legroom — a marked port hubs or new facilities tailored mileage decreased by 4.8 percent, petitiveness with other modes of is planning a 708-unit condo proj- departure from many airlines. to our needs.” with most of the decline occurring travel and also slowing the overall ect consisting of two 24-story tow- In addition, the company pro- Web offerings are being up- in the first half of the year. Canadian economy, particularly in ers. FirstGroup said the sale result- motes its point-to-point Greyhound graded, meaning “one-click pur- Greyhound’s operating and fi- western Canada. ed in a gain of $28 million, which Express and BoltBus brands, which chasing capabilities on our website nancial performance is highly de- “Despite considerable regulato- substantially boosted cash flow. offer higher density timetables be- and improvements to our mobile pendent on matching its timetables ry and structural constraints (in Overall, capital investment by tween popular destinations. apps,” resulting in Greyhound “be- to demand and maintaining tight Canada), we continue to take ac- Greyhound totaled $38.83 million Greyhound has implemented coming one of the top-rated apps control of operating costs. The tion, including further reducing in fiscal 2017, up more than 40 what it calls “more robust punctual- in the travel industry,” according to company’s transition of its business mileage,” FirstGroup said. Still, percent from fiscal 2016 capital ity processes and systems,” which FirstGroup. model to more sophisticated, digi- Greyhound Canada is a loss leader. spending of $27.22 million. have “significantly improved on- “We are now in a better posi- tally enabled systems is designed to Greyhound also continues to “We are confident Greyhound time departure performance.” tion than ever before to offer po- improve its ability to do both. dispose of property, selling sites in is now in a strong position to take Terminals also are being up- tential customers a competitively Greyhound’s Canadian opera- Reno, Nev.; , Ontario; and full advantage of its unique brand graded in terms of cleanliness and priced, comfortable journey to tions, which account for 15 per- El Paso, Texas, during the year. and scale,” FirstGroup said.

SAVE THE DATE UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2018

www.motorcoachexpo.com 14 July 1, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Left photo, this old General Mo- tors Coach, featured in the popular movie “Forest Gump,” was on display.

Right photo, Ken Presley, left, UMA’s vice president of industry relations and COO, and Jimmy Hall, president of Venture Tours, stand next to a fully restored 1994 Eagle Model-15 that proudly displays Hall’s grandfather’s bus company (Gallop Bus) logo.

Below right photo, nearly 50 “visiting” buses supplemented the Museum of Bus Transportation’s fleet of 36 vehicles Attendance tops 500 at 2017 Spring Fling HERSHEY, Pa. — More than Coaches were parked inside 500 bus fans ranging from families the facility, all around the muse- with toddlers to grizzled industry um’s campus and at the George M. veterans descended on Hershey re- Sage Memorial Annex. More than cently for the Museum of Bus 40 vendor tables offered a wide as- Transportation’s annual “Spring sortment of bus memorabilia. Fling,” far exceeding attendance in There also were awards: A GM previous years. Buffalo from the Friends of NJ The two-day event also attract- Transit Heritage won the People’s ed nearly 50 “visiting” buses — ev- Choice trophy, while Frank Gon- erything from brand-new demon- zalez’s Star-Dust Tours took the strators to antiques and motorhomes long-distance trophy for a pristine propriate for the parade. As in previous years, Wolf’s marketing chairman, likened — to supplement the museum’s MC5C that came all the way from David Schmidt, the museum’s Bus Line provided shuttle service Spring Fling to “a homecoming fleet of 36 vehicles. California. new board chairman, attributed between the museum and the for everyone who loves the bus The buses on display included The event ended with its this year’s higher attendance to the annex, but with a twist. Virtually industry.” a 1908 Martz Lines White as well first-ever bus parade featuring museum’s rejuvenated website every bus was filled, and extra “Fling is a chance for them to as modern MCI, Temsa, Van Hool coaches circling the museum, (www.busmuseum.org) and an en- runs were added to accommodate be surrounded by the history and and Volvo demonstrator coaches, staged to provide photo and video ergetic social media presence. the larger crowd. people who make it special,” representing 109 years of industry opportunities for fans. “But the real credit goes to a MCI and CoachUSA donated Szyperski said. “We think it was a innovation. Warren Sheps, a retired indus- huge effort by dedicated volun- both people and equipment to help resounding success, and we were There also was a “Tug” donat- try executive, referred to the con- teers,” Schmidt said. “The muse- to get the annex ready and Terrapin delighted by the hundreds of folks ed by ABC Companies and a pick- voy of antique buses that came um’s new leadership team is im- Blue’s Ryan Kelly donated video, who hung around to the end, ap- up truck provided by Lewis Bus from New Jersey as a “traveling mensely proud and grateful for all drone and photographic services. parently having so much fun that Lines/Bus Sales. time warp,” a term even more ap- their hard work.” Mark Szyperski, the museum’s they were reluctant to leave.” Planning already is under way for next year’s Spring Fling, sched- CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING uled for June 1-2, 2018. Meanwhile, bus fans can look forward to the Vintage Bus Rally in Evansville, Ind., Sept. 22-24, sponsored by Bus Boys Collection (www.busboyscollection.org). Calendar 2008 Prevost H3-45, 442,000 TCM. With Detroit Warranty until Nov. 15, 2018 on new rebuild. ZF transmission with updates. July 2017 NEW Appraised at $278K ~ asking $250K. 29-Aug 2 SCMA-GMOA- LOWER Call Bob Laird Jr. at (406) 781-3201 for more info AMA Regional Meeting 2017, PRICE! Sheraton Arlington, Arlington, Texas, Info: www.southcentral­ Excellent Condition…none nicer! RRL Insurance Agency motorcoach.org 220k TCM • OEM 3 Point Seat Belts Motorcoach Insurance Specialists August 2017 Cummins/B500 • 58 pax w/lav • CD/DVD Michelin Tires • Alcoa Rims • Lots more options Philip W. Love Sr. 6-9 IMG Strategic Alliance Lower Price: $339k • Partial Financing O.A.C. 800-407-4077 | FAX 321-752-7980 Meeting, Nashville, Tenn. Info: Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered [email protected] • www.rrl-ins.com www.imgcoach.com More available 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., #115 14-15 Midwest Bus & Motor­ Call or Email today for more Melbourne, FL 32934 coach Association Annual Convention and Roadeo, photos and info! 808.832.6261 Traverse City, Mich. Info: www. [email protected] Call 866-930-8426 for Advertising mbmca.org/convention OUR REPUTATION FOR SERVICE IS FUELED BY EXPERIENCE.

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www.prevostcar.com MCI ILITY RELIAB RALLY 2017

SAVE THE DATE MCI GET ENLIGHTENED ILITY See What’s New At Our Reliability Rally RELIAB RALLY 2017

July 13 Thursday, MCI Blackwood,NJ July 25 Tuesday, MCI Winter Garden,FL You and your staff are invited to our one-day Reliability Rally events this August 3 summer and fall at a location near you. Check out and Thursday, MCI Des Plaines, IL test-drive our newest coaches and enjoy food, prizes and amazing discounts and deals. September 7 Thursday, MCI Dallas, TX MCI’s sales, service and support teams will be onsite, along with September 21 supplier partners, for a day you Thursday, MCI Los Alamitos, CA won’t want to miss! October 19 Thursday, Big Rig Collision, Calgary, AB November 14 Tuesday, MCI Hayward, CA (San Francisco Bay Area Grand Opening)

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To register visit

mcicoach.com/rally A New Flyer company

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