June 1, 2013

Driver reacts, More operators avoids crash, adding seatbelts kids are safe in refurbishing QUEENSTOWN, Md. — Text- book defensive driving and quick WASHINGTON — Although reactions helped a driver for Daw- the Obama Administration contin- son Bus Service in Camden, Del., ues to take its time making a for- avoid a potentially devastating ac- mal decision on the long-awaited cident involving a coach loaded seatbelt mandate for commercial with children, parents and buses, motorcoach operators aren’t teachers. just sitting around waiting. Stan Potter was behind the Instead, many have moved wheel on a charter trip that was ahead with regularly planned re- heading back to Delaware from furbishing of buses in their fleets, Washington, D.C. His passengers Hands-on Training. Arrow Coach Lines in Little Coach shop — one on a lift, one over a pit and one on and some are even having safety the ground. Arrow personnel answered dozens of ques- were sixth graders, plus their par- Rock hosted nearly 20 new Arkansas Highway Patrol belts installed on their own. ents and teachers, making an end- and USDOT officers for a motorcoach inspection train- tions and helped with the training when asked. Arrow ing session. Three coaches were pulled into the Arrow President Jim Lienhart said the session went well. “We’ve seen an increase in op- of-the-school-year trip. erators who are renovating their Potter has driven Dawson buses buses and installing seatbelts,” re- for more than 20 years. ported Sandra Follis of Sardo Bus “I pride myself when I’m driv- ‘Quick strikes’ shutdown operators and Coach Upholstery in Minneo- ing in avoiding situations like this, la, Fla. but this was something that just coaches and forbidden to move then Also shut down were Coach One order targets She said that while business happened so quickly,” Potter told a without permission — and then only USA Tour of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; slacked off during the slow recov- local television station. company owner by towing. Salt Lake Shuttles of Kearns, Utah, He explained the incident this In the case of Illini Tours of and Autobuses Zacatecanos of ery from the Dec. 2007-June 2009 way: WASHINGTON — The Federal Champaign, Ill., the out-of-service Zacatecas, Mexico. Great Recession, it began ticking As he approached the split of Motor Carrier Safety Administration order was extended to company The FMCSA said it has shut upward more than a year ago and U.S. 50 and 301 in eastern Mary- “quick strike group” stopped four President Robert L. Frazier. down a total of 13 bus companies things now are as busy as ever. land, he was driving in the middle more private bus operators in their He also operates Lex Express, and 7 truck lines this year. Gene Willingham of Willing- lane when a car suddenly came to- tracks over a 15-day period last which received an out-of-service A press release from the FMCSA ham Upholstery Inc. in Maple Val- ward him going the wrong way. month, declaring their operations order in December (see Jan. 1 Bus & stressed that Coach USA Tour “is ley, Wash., noted that he, too, has “I reacted to the point of get- “imminent hazards.” Motorcoach News). NOT affiliated in any way with the seen a steady run of regular busi- ting out of her way. She went by The companies were ordered to As a result, the Illini order states Paramus, N.J.-based Coach USA ness for some time now. “Our busi- me. There was a tractor trailer halt service at the next available Frazier personally “cannot avoid this Inc.…The name of this carrier is ness still is very good,” he said. coming up, and she ran right into destinations where passengers could order by continuing operations under similar to, but has no affiliation with, “We see more and more opera- be dropped, and were given eight the name of another person or other carriers similarly named.” it,” Potter said. tors going with seatbelts when hours to report the locations of all company.” The television station reporter CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c they buy new buses or refurbish an asked Potter what was going older bus,” added Ray Miller of through his mind as he swerved. Things just keep on going wrong… National Seating Co. in New Al- “As quickly as this happened, I bany, Ohio. TOLEDO, Ohio — Derrick tween 2003 and 2009 in connec- ministration discovered he was don’t really know. Afterwards, you The generally upbeat reports Jones’ self-inflicted string of bad tion with buses stolen from coach operating outside his authority. think about it, and you think — from Follis, Willingham, Miller how could this happen? At the luck in the bus business just keeps companies in three states. Jones apparently did not com- on keepin’ on. A year ago, Jones decided to plete the registration process and and others appear to have softened time, all you can say is it’s there. It worries in the industry that the was in a matter of seconds that this During the past decade, Jones go straight and start his own bus the normal new-entrant vetting usually vibrant bus renovation happened.” has been one of the most – if not operation. He obtained a USDOT procedures. According to the business would be stunted while He says the kids were well-­ THE most — notorious characters number (2302577) and set up FMCSA, on at least five occasions the National Highway Traffic behaved and nobody was hurt. in the motorcoach industry. business here. Jones’ called his between May 2012 and February of “After it happened the kids Jones, as regular readers of this company Destiny Tours. this year, Jones operated as a for- Safety Administration was devel- were excited. The teachers settled newspaper will recall, is the for- As fate (or destiny) would have hire carrier in interstate commerce, oping and the Obama White House them right down and told them mer part-time coach driver who it, Jones’ try at legitimate service without the authority to do so. was considering the seatbelt issue. every­body is fine. We’re going on. was questioned, arrested, charged lasted less than a year when the The FMCSA identified five Much of the early concern cen- CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c and convicted multiple times be- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c

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We said on the idea of conducting roadside The newsletter said the pur- “The heightened awareness is motorcoach.” information would be given to safety inspections of motorcoaches. ported inspection initiative was that of the Federal Motor Carrier Robinson said he did not know them in advance before any chang- A newsletter circulated by a “highlighted” in forums held for Safety Administration. We are how some folks in the motorcoach es took place.” major industry association reported the industry by the Tennessee being challenged by the FMCSA industry left the forums, which he earlier this spring that “Tennessee Highway Patrol. to conduct more inspections but at attended, with the perception that Destination inspections will begin roadside inspections of Tennessee may be undertaking this point we have not made any general roadside inspections were “I have been hearing they are motorcoaches very soon, allowing more motorcoach inspections, but significant changes to our enforce- coming. doing plenty of destination checks at troopers to pull over motorcoaches, it is NOT instituting routine road- ment policy,” he said. “We said in the meetings we attractions in the state, like the Ten- loaded or empty, at their discretion. side stops, Lt. Ray Robinson of the “We currently conduct point- would start doing more inspec- nessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, “Enforcement officers are not patrol’s pupil transportation divi- of-destination inspections and ter- tions. The federal government has CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c A million more visitors hit D.C. It’s early but not too early… WASHINGTON — If your drivers are Growth in international visitors was a LOS ANGELES — Registration for the Expo-Travel Exchange 2014 also will grousing with greater frequency that it has major factor driving increased visitation, 2014 UMA Motorcoach Expo at Travel Ex- offer new opportunities to learn, see, meet become more difficult to navigate or find according Elliott Ferguson, the president change opened in mid-May with special and connect with people who share the parking in the nation’s capital, here’s the and CEO of Destination D.C. early-bird rates for operators. same goals as you — to increase group trav- reason why: Officials estimate Washington had 2.1 Next year’s UMA Motorcoach Expo el and to provide customers with a high Washington saw an increase of about million international tourists last year. The will be Feb. 16-24 at the Los Angeles Con- quality, safe experience, said Maggie Mas- one million visitors last year, posting one of number of visitors from China increased by vention Center. terson, UMA meetings and operations its largest year-over-year tourism gains in a about 92 percent, and Washington saw dou- Universal Studios Hollywood will be director. decade. ble-digit increases from other countries as the site of the Expo-Travel Exchange Wel- Travel Exchange is a joint production of A record 18.9 million tourists visited well, Ferguson said. come Reception/Icebreaker, hosted by the the United Motorcoach Association and the District of Columbia last year. Tourism officials said they expect Los Angeles Tourism and Convention NTA (formerly the National Tour Associa- Statistics released by the local tourism strong growth again this year. Board. This ultimate Hollywood experience tion). The Los Angeles Expo-Travel Ex- agency, Destination D.C., show a 5.5 per- “The nation’s capital remains a bucket- will be Sunday, Feb. 16. change will be the second in the co-location cent increase in total visitors compared list destination for families,” Ferguson said. The Welcome Reception at next year’s show format adopted by the two associa- with 2011. Figures show visitor spending increased Expo will feature a special lounge area tions earlier this year in Orlando. The study found that domestic visitation to an estimated $6.2 billion in 2012. More where UMA members can gather to net- Full registration to Expo gets attendees grew by 4.2 percent to reach 16.8 million than half of the city’s sales tax revenue is work and meet with friends and colleagues all-inclusive access to UMA and NTA edu- U.S. visitors last year. generated by visitor spending. to enjoy the Universal Studios experience. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c

• GPS Vehicle Tracking • Graphical Web-based Interface • Onboard Video Surveillance and WiFi • Customer Interfaces (web, Smartphones, etc.) • Mapping and Communication • Electronic Driver Logs • Secure Sign On and Remote Shutdown • Distinctive Systems Integration • Vehicle Scheduling/Dispatch • Engine Monitoring and Fuel Tracking • Operational Reporting and Efficiency And Much More… 4 June 1, 2013 Bus & Motorcoach News

Confirmation begins for Obama nominee for USDOT secretary WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen- ternational Airport. A variety of U.S. transportation State Highway and Transportation Foxx nomination. ate consideration of President The 42-year-old Foxx has been organizations and groups reacted Officials, said his members “look “As Congress starts its work on Obama’s nominee to be U.S. Charlotte’s mayor for nearly four positively to the nomination of forward to working with Mayor the next surface transportation Transportation Security began late years. Foxx. Foxx on the important transporta- bill, we ask Mr. Foxx to push for last month. Foxx also has a direct bus in- American Trucking Associa- tion issues facing the nation and equity in transportation planning Obama nominated Charlotte, dustry connection. He is deputy tions President Bill Graves said on identifying a long-term sustain- and finance. ABA believes it is N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx to general counsel of DesignLine that as mayor of a large city, able transportation funding important to encourage the devel- head the USDOT, succeeding out- USA, a transit and commuter bus “Mayor Foxx dealt with very simi- source.” opment of an intermodal transpor- going Secretary Ray LaHood. manufacturer based in Charlotte. lar challenges with regard to trans- The Transportation Trades De- tation network, one in which pas- The first step in the Senate DesignLine exhibited at UMA portation issues that I did when I partment of the AFL-CIO said sengers are able to move confirmation process was for Foxx Motorcoach Expo earlier this year was governor — chiefly respond- Foxx will need to take a leadership seamlessly between various modes to appear last month before the in Orlando, Fla. ing to the demands of constituents position in transportation-funding of travel,” said the association. Senate Commerce Committee, A federal disclosure report and developing a multimodal decisions. Added ABA President and chaired by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, shows Foxx has been paid $88,117 transportation network.” “We need leadership from this CEO Peter Pantuso: “The Ameri- D-W.Va. annually by DesignLine. If con- Graves was governor of Kan- administration on how to fund the can Bus Association and its nearly Rockefeller said Foxx “has es- firmed as transportation secretary, sas from 1995 to 2003. nation’s long-term, multimodal 1,000 motorcoach members tablished himself as a strong trans- Foxx will resign from DesignLine Todd Spencer, executive vice transportation operating and infra- pledge that we will work with Sec- portation advocate and shown the and as mayor of Charlotte. president of the Owner-Operator structure needs,” said Edward retary Foxx as we did with Secre- ability to move transportation in- LaHood, a former Republican Independent Drivers Association, Wytkind, TTD’s president. tary LaHood. frastructure projects in Charlotte. congressman who represented the noted that small businesses “have “It is encouraging President “Every day our member com- He can be a driving force in the Peoria, Ill., area, said earlier this faced a significant increase in Obama has decided to nominate panies work very hard to make federal effort to take advantage of year he would not continue as costly regulatory mandates that, in someone who has firsthand expe- sure their passengers get to their transportation opportunities.” transportation secretary during our view, are the wrong way to rience with the significant chal- destinations safely, at an afford- As mayor of Charlotte, Foxx, a Obama’s second term. meet our highway safety challeng- lenges posed by our chronic un- able price. As our industry contin- Democrat, spearheaded efforts to In announcing the nomination es. The nomination of Mayor Foxx derinvestment in infrastructure,” ues to take on a higher profile, expand the city’s public transpor- of Foxx, Obama praised LaHood as should be an opportunity for a said Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the transporting hundreds of thou- tation systems, worked to develop “maybe the best secretary of trans- fresh look at questionable regula- Associated General Contractors of sands of people every day, we en- a facility connecting freight to portation we’ve ever had,” noting tory initiatives.” America. courage top leadership at DOT to global ports, and added a third his accomplishments in building Bud Wright, executive director The American Bus Association focus on those companies that re- runway at Charlotte/Douglas In- and upgrading roads and bridges. of the American Association of issued a statement supporting the peatedly break the rules.” Court strikes down controversial union poster rule WASHINGTON — In a blow sion to the Supreme Court. The National Association of government’s poster if they find the Randolph’s decision was joined to the nation’s declining labor The poster rule would have re- Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of language in it objectionable. by Karen LeCraft Henderson, also a unions, an appeals court has struck quired more than 6 million busi- Commerce and other business That protection is similar to the Bush appointee, and Janice Rogers down a federal rule that would have nesses to display an 11-by-17-inch groups complained that the regula- First Amendment freedom of Brown, who was appointed by Bush’s required millions of businesses to notice in a prominent location ex- tion violated free speech rights by speech, said Judge A. Raymond son, President George W. Bush. put up posters informing workers plaining the rights of workers to forcing employers to display labor Randolph, who was appointed to The same rule is also being re- of their right to form a union. join a union and bargain collec- laws in a way that some believed was the court in 1990 by President viewed by the 4th U.S. Circuit The U.S. Court of Appeals for tively to improve wages and work- skewed in favor of unionization. George H.W. Bush. Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. the District of Columbia Circuit ing conditions. A three-judge panel of the “First Amendment law ac- The NLRB had argued that the said the National Labor Relations The posters also made clear court agreed, ruling that the Na- knowledges this apparent truth: all rule was needed because many work- Board violated employers’ free that workers have a right not to tional Labor speech inherently involves choices ers — including recent immigrants, speech rights in trying to force join a union or be coerced by union Relations Act protects the rights of what to say and what to leave high school students and other em- them to display the posters or face officials. of employers not to publish the unsaid,” Randolph said. ployees in nonunion workplaces — charges of committing an unfair were not aware of their right to en- labor practice. gage in collective bargaining. Unions had hoped the posters S.C. eyes $15 million for school buses Unions said the posters were would help them boost falling COLUMBIA, S.C. — South man Jay Ragley. year that replaced models up to 28 needed to address widespread mis- membership, but business groups Carolina’s screwed up school bus Republican Gov. Nikki Haley years old. understandings about labor law argued they were too one-sided in program, that has resulted in the continues to advocate for transfer- Nearly 90 percent of those and many workers’ fear of exercis- favor of unionization. oldest-in-the-nation fleet, is ex- ring the fleet’s responsibility to buses’ $28 million cost came from ing their rights under it. The court’s ruling is the latest pected to be allocated $15 million local school districts. lottery funds — mostly from un- The rule was supposed to take success for business groups that from the 2013-14 state budget to Her budget recommended the claimed lottery prizes. It marked effect last year, but the appeals have worked to prevent the NLRB buy new buses. state sell all of its buses and let the state’s first significant pur- court had blocked it after lower from shifting the legal landscape The $15 million could pay for districts either be fully responsible chase for the fleet in four years. courts split on whether the rule was in favor of labor unions, despite about 200 buses. for running their own buses or In 2007, legislators approved valid. A federal judge in Washing- President Barack Obama’s ap- ton, D.C., found the poster rule was A spokesman for Republican contract for services. replacing the statewide fleet every pointment of several labor-friend- acceptable, but limited how it could state school Superintendent Mick That idea has gone nowhere in 15 years, but they ignored the law ly board members. be enforced. Another federal judge Zais said the proposed allocation the Legislature, however. (See Feb- for years during the economic Earlier this year, the same ap- in South Carolina said the labor is encouraging but still falls far ruary Bus & Motorcoach News.) downturn. peals court threw into question board exceeded congressional au- short of the need. Two-thirds of the buses in Meeting the replacement rec- hundreds of other NLRB decisions thority when it approved the poster “We have a long way to go to South Carolina’s fleet for public ommendation would require $34 after finding that Obama’s recess requirement in 2011. get the bus fleet cost-effective for schools are at least 15 years old. million, Ragley said. appointments to the board were See May 1 and April 1, 2012, taxpayers and on the schedule rec- That’s despite the arrival of 342 Zais asked legislators for $46 unconstitutional. The Obama ad- and March 15, 2011 issues of Bus ommended by law,” said spokes- new buses for the 2012-13 school million for school buses in 2013-14. ministration is appealing that deci- & Motorcoach News. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 1, 2013 5 Feds propose eliminating zero-defect vehicle reports WASHINGTON — The Fed- The proposed rulemaking was dustries a combined $1.5 billion a rulemaking to allow carriers to mandates in the two-year surface eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- mentioned last month during a annually, testified Polly Trotten- use e-signatures in support of transportation reauthorization law istration says it wants to stop re- U.S. House small business com- berg, a USDOT undersecretary. electronic recordkeeping, she said. passed by Congress last year. quiring that bus and truck mittee hearing on agency progress “The savings from each report No timeline was immediately Those new mandates will result operators submit and retain driver in decreasing regulatory burdens. is modest, but when you consider available on the proposal. in as many as 60 separate rulemak- vehicle inspection reports when Rescinding the requirement it provides almost daily savings Tottenberg noted that while the ings, over half of which have been zero defects are found. that no-defect Driver/Vehicle In- for millions of drivers, it has a agency is attempting to provide assigned to the FMCSA, she said. The U.S. Department of Trans- spection Reports be retained large impact,” Trottenberg said. regulatory relief, the USDOT re- Almost half of those mandates will portation is internally reviewing a would save the bus and truck in- The FMCSA also will propose ceived an additional 100 statutory apply to the motorcoach industry. proposal to rescind the mandate. Agency officials indicated they hope to publish a Notice of Pro- posed Rulemaking on the matter by Sept. 10. Enhanced DataQs website launched WASHINGTON — The Fed- eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- istration, as expected, launched an enhanced DataQs website last month with added features de- signed to make the system easier to use. (See May 15 Bus & Motor- coach News.) The FMCSA DataQs system provides motor carriers, drivers, FMCSA employees, state agen- cies, and the public with a tool “to improve the accuracy of motor carrier and driver safety violations and crash data.” By its very nature, the DataQs system, which has been around for nine years, has always been controversial. That’s because it’s seldom easy to correct data once it gets into government computers and because critics say the system has been difficult to use. Hence the overhaul. New aspects of the website in- clude a step-by-step guide to as- sist users when requesting a re- view of FMCSA-issued data. Users will immediately see a revamped login page but the web Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists address is the same. While most users will enter the same login in- • Coach and School Bus Financing • Low Fixed Rate Equipment Financing formation, DataQs has sent some users an email with a new user- • Terms Up to 84 Months • Fleet Refinancing name due to changes in the user- name requirements. • Balloons and Skip Monthly Payments Available • Used Equipment Financing Other changes: • New create account page • 100% Financing Available to • TracLeases Available and My DataQs dashboard • A Help Center with more Qualified Credits frequently asked questions • Clearer terminology (for ex- ample, challenges are now referred to as Requests for Data Reviews [RDRs]) www.shorefundingltd.com [email protected] • Search capabilities within the List of Requested Reviews The retooled website can be (800) 542-7467 found at https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot. gov/. TEL: (732) 389-7500 FAX: (732) 389-7505 The article in the May 15 Bus & Motorcoach News contained comprehensive tips for using the DataQs system. 6 June 1, 2013 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Colo. lawmakers give OK Feds want quick medical results WASHINGTON — Medical professionals would There is uncertainty, however, over how quickly to marijuana driving limits be required to report the results of physical examina- and effectively the proposed rule can be DENVER — State lawmakers The bill does not change any- tions of commercial drivers to the federal govern- implemented. here have approved legislation thing about how police identify, ment on the same day as the exam under a regulation A top FMCSA official said that as of April the that sets limits for driving under stop, question or test stoned drivers. proposed last month. registry only had about 800 certified medical exam- the influence of marijuana. Except in extreme circum- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration iners, compared with the 40,000 the agency said In November, Colorado voters stances, drivers would have to proposal also would end the practice of drivers bring- would be needed. approved a measure that legalizes give consent to have their blood ing their medical certificates to their employers and FMCSA may launch an effort to recruit medical marijuana for recreational use in drawn — though they could lose to state licensing agencies. professionals to take the training and testing required the state. Retail stores that sell their licenses if they refuse a re- Instead, the FMCSA would create an electronic for the registry, Jack Van Steenburg, chief safety of- marijuana are expected to open quest for a blood test. system that within days would transmit the information ficer, told a trucking group. early next year. The bill’s impact is likely to be received from the medical examiners to the state where “We need to go out and reach more physicians,” Many lawmakers fear that an in- in the courtroom where it creates the driver is applying for a new license or a renewal. Van Steenburg said. crease in stoned driving will be one a “permissive inference” — es- “Although the safety benefits of this rule are dif- When it published the final rules in April 2012, of the negative consequences that sentially a nudge — to juries that ficult to fully quantify, the agency believes that the creating the national registry, FMCSA said 40,000 come out of marijuana legalization. people with more than 5 nano- fraud prevention in electronic transmission of (driver examiners would be needed to give an estimated 2.6 The bill setting the stoned-­ grams of THC per milliliter of medical certificates) will continue to improve safety million physicals a year. driving limits is expected to be blood were stoned. on public roads,” FMCSA said in a Federal Register FMCSA spokesman Duane DeBruyne said the signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper. Other marijuana-related bills The final 24-11 vote in favor of adopted by the legislature create notice published last month. agency is confident it will have a sufficient number the measure (House Bill 1325) be- the regulatory framework for the The regulation would strengthen the FMCSA rule of examiners. lied the struggle the proposal has stores that will retail the drug and on the National Registry of Certified Medical Exam- However, there is concern that many doctors may had at the state Capitol. The bill levies taxes on the stores. iners, which requires that medical professionals be not want to take the time to become certified. They was the sixth try in the past three House Bill 1318 would im- trained and tested on commercial driver requirements may opt to not do driver physicals any longer. years to pass a stoned-driving limit, pose a 15 percent excise tax and a before they can conduct physicals and then be listed Another uncertainty with the new rules is how which supporters say will give sales tax initially set at 10 percent on the national registry. well states will implement them. prosecutors a tool to combat an in- on pot. Voters will ultimately need The purpose of the registry rule is to keep physi- And, even if states get the exam results quickly, crease in stoned-driving cases. to approve the taxes before the cally unfit drivers from shopping for doctors who they may not process CDL applications any faster. The bill sets a limit of active rates go into effect. will certify them. That rule takes effect in May 2014. It also is believed that many states do not have the THC — the psychoactive chemical The first $40 million generat- If FMCSA finalizes the enhancement to the rule, processes or resources, whether that be manpower, in marijuana — that drivers can ed by the excise tax each year medical examiners would have to submit electronic technology or funding. have in their blood before juries would go to school construction. information each day about all the physicals they FMCSA said the electronic system would stream- can presume they were too high to The sales tax would be used to pay conduct, including failed ones, and FMCSA would line processes for drivers and states, saving $10.1 drive. for regulation of marijuana stores. send it to the appropriate state. million per year.

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Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Fonts: ITC Franklin Gothic (Demi, Heavy; Type 1), Franklin Gothic Book (Regular; OpenType) Images: M4113C01_R3_TRPBusSprd_240.eps (375 ppi, -375 ppi; CMYK), TRP_busparts_R_4C.ai, 6ia64m_default_Bus_Motorcoach_News_June_2013.tif (576 ppi; CMYK), PETERBILT_4C.eps, KENWORTH_4C.ai 8 June 1, 2013 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News More states pursue additional transportation revenue For much of the past decade, lars available from the federal box to address transportation able long-term transportation is sticking to a campaign pledge to state lawmakers have been reluc- government. funding needs. funding plan in 27 years,” McDon- leave taxes unchanged. Instead, he tant to push for any type of tax in- As a result, about half of all Spurred by Gov. Bob McDon- nell said about the tax change that wants to implement a formula that crease to benefit transportation. states have spent time this year nell’s initiative to overhaul how the takes effect July 1. would benefit priority projects. Actions this year at statehouses considering and/or approving leg- state collects taxes for roads, Across the Potomac River, “We need a strategic way to across the country show the hesi- islation to increase, prioritize or bridges and transit, state lawmak- Maryland lawmakers approved connect all North Carolinians to tancy is fast disappearing. protect transportation funding. ers on both sides of the aisle en- changes sought by Gov. Martin greater opportunities in a way that Other options would protect At least 14 states have dis- dorsed a plan to convert the state’s O’Malley to apply an initial 1 per- gives us the most bang for our lim- what already is available for roads, cussed collecting more tax at the 17.5-cent-per-gallon excise tax on cent sales tax to fuel purchases at ited dollars,” McCrory stated. bridges and transit. fuel pump. The average increase gas and diesel into a wholesale tax the wholesale level. The sales tax Another option pursued at Reasons cited for the state sought at statehouses stretching — which allows the tax rate to rise rate could later rise to 5 percent. statehouses is to prevent raids on transportation tax push include from Washington to New Hamp- with inflation. In Missouri, a 10-year, one- transportation revenue. Some changing driving habits, more shire nears 10 cents per gallon. “We have worked together cent general sales tax for transpor- states are working on efforts to ­fuel-efficient vehicles, increasing Elected officials in Virginia across party lines to find common tation work is getting a long look. amend their constitutions to pre- construction costs, and fewer dol- and Maryland went outside the ground and pass the first sustain- Voters would get the final say on vent diversions. the issue, which includes a prohi- In Wisconsin, where an esti- bition on tolls or a fuel tax in- mated $1.2 billion was swiped Crescent City Connection tolls go crease for the next decade. from the transportation fund over NEW ORLEANS — Vehicles farthest downstream bridges on results after ruling that some regis- Wyoming lawmakers took the a 10-year period, voters will get to no longer have to pay up to cross the Mississippi River. tered voters were not allowed to conventional route to raise reve- decide in fall 2014 on the pro- the landmark Crescent City Con- Voters in the three parishes vote. Toll collection was also nue. Gov. Matt Mead’s push for a posed amendment. nection here. soundly rejected plans last month suspended. 10-cent-per-gallon fuel tax takes The amendment is designed to Multiple bills under review by to extend the collection of tolls on In the days leading up to the effect July 1. guarantee that future transportation Louisiana lawmakers would ad- the bridges for another 20 years. May public vote, the Louisiana North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory­ revenue will be used as intended. dress concerns about ongoing On a second referendum on House voted 80-11 to advance a bill funding for the U.S. 90 crossing. the issue, more than three-quarters that would raise new money to help The Crescent City Connection, of voters chose to stop charging cover lost toll revenue that amount- Proposal: Name highway after LaHood formerly the Greater New Orleans tolls to access the bridges. ed to $21 million a year ago. PEORIA, Ill. — U.S. Trans- troduced in the state capital to Bridge, consists of twin cantilever The initial vote on the issue Another bill would keep more portation Secretary and Illinois grant the honor to LaHood, who is bridges crossing the Mississippi was in November. By a 16-vote local tax dollars instead of routing native Ray LaHood could get his finishing up his four and a half River in the parishes of Jefferson, margin, voters at the time autho- it to the state Transportation Trust name on a stretch of Interstate 74 years as transportation secretary. Orleans and St. Bernard. rized tolls to continue to be col- Fund. running through his hometown of A roughly six-mile stretch of The Crescent City Connection lected through 2032. A third bill would increase a Peoria. the roadway in downtown Peoria ranks as the fifth-longest cantile- That result was later chal- tobacco tax to help foot the bill for The (Peoria) Journal Star re- would be called the Ray LaHood ver bridges in the world and the lenged, and a judge threw out the bridge expenses. ports that legislation has been in- Highway.

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Full line oF Super-eFFective SolutionS For MotorcoacheS! Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 1, 2013 9 Short yellow lights = more $$$ More states rushing to hike TAMPA, Fla. — A policy change in 2010 that al- in a formula that included the 85th percentile of ac- lowed the Florida Department of Transportation and tual vehicle speeds as they approached intersections. speed limits on roadways municipalities to shorten the duration of yellow lights Biller says doing away with the “whichever is The pursuit of higher speeds is of the rule change. at intersections helped boost revenue for the munici- greater” phrase allowed municipalities — particular- underway in statehouses from The bill also would lower the palities, the state general fund and red-light camera ly those with red-light cameras — to shorten their coast to coast. threshold for speeding violations companies, an investigation by a television station yellow times. Governors in Ohio and Utah to increase from a petty offense to has found. “Those three words changed everything, because have already signed into law bills a misdemeanor. Specifically, The report by WTSP News in Tampa Bay drew at- traffic engineers have acknowledged far and wide tention to the policy change, saying it led to a $50 mil- that the vast majority of posted speeds are under- to increase speeds. speeding between 26-35 mph lion increase in revenue from violations at intersections posted compared to the actual flow of traffic, usually Starting July 1, speed limits in above the speed limit — down policed by red-light cameras in 70 municipalities. in the range of 7 to 10 mph,” Biller said. Ohio can increase from 65 mph to from 31-40 mph — would be a The National Motorists Association, which ob- “A small, incremental change in the yellow, as 70 mph on rural interstates and Class B misdemeanor. Exceeding jects to red-light cameras, says shortened yellow- small as half a second, makes a huge difference in the the Ohio Turnpike. the posted speed by more than 35 light durations should not be happening. If anything, violation rate,” he adds. “That was kind of the gate- Travelers in Utah could see mph — down from 40 mph — communities need to be lengthening yellow times to way to shorter yellows in Florida, and driving what speeds posted at 80 mph — up would be a Class A misdemeanor. make intersections safer. (the television investigation) said accounted for $50 from 75 mph — as early as Au- In Maine, a bill to allow “Yellow is one of the most important safety pa- million in ticket revenues based on short yellows.” gust on select portions of inter- speeds to be boosted statewide rameters related to an intersection,” according to Biller says Florida is not alone in shortening yel- states 15, 80 and 84. from 65 mph to 75 mph is on the NMA president Gary Biller. “When you put cameras low times. The Illinois House could vote governor’s desk. there, it’s also the most important revenue factor.” “Other states and other cities are trying to keep it last month to send a bill to the gov- A 91-mile segment of Inter- Biller cited a 2004 report by the Texas Transpor- at the minimum three-second level when the ap- ernor that would add the state to state 95 in the northernmost por- tation Institute that studied and compared yellow- proach velocities of cars are much higher and the yel- the list of 25 states that authorize tion of the state already is posted light times and violation rates. low times should be adjusted,” he said. all vehicles to travel 70 mph. Sen- at 75 mph. “It didn’t mince any words; if you increase the Proponents of red-light cameras say drivers ad- ate lawmakers already approved Across the country in Nevada, yellow anywhere from half a second to a second and just to yellow times, making duration less of a con- a half, they found that violation rates dropped at least cern than opponents make it out to be. the bill, SB2356, on a 41-6 vote. state lawmakers continue to dis- 50 percent,” he said. Biller says cities that have lengthened yellow The bill would raise the speed cuss a bill to authorize 85-mph Conversely, the shorter the yellow times, the more times have proven that theory wrong. limit from 65 mph on rural inter- speeds on stretches of highway violations increased. Albuquerque, N.M., for example, scaled back its state highways and the Illinois deemed appropriate by the state A law adopted in Florida three years ago, known red-light camera program and increased yellow dura- Tollway. Speeds on divided four- DOT — up from 75 mph. as the Mark Wandell Act, standardized state rules for tions last year. lane highways wouldn’t change. Separately, a legislative com- red-light cameras. A follow-up study by the University of New Mex- Cook and the “collar” coun- mittee in Maine voted to kill a fea- The law also allowed FDOT to adjust the mini- ico showed a measurable safety benefit that did not ties surrounding Chicago, and sibility study for a proposed pri- mum requirements for yellow times based on posted diminish even though drivers become accustomed to Madison and St. Clair counties vate east-west highway through speed limits only, and not the “whichever is greater,” the longer duration. outside of St. Louis could opt out the state.

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heavy duty mobile lifts 800.826.3486 [email protected] www.sefac.com 10 June 1, 2013 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News 10 ways to stay focused and become more productive By Jacob Harper But most of the time, you’d be write. The Pomodoro Technique, de- gether a whole year of dates on a better off accepting that nothing 5. Make someone (or some- veloped in the 1980s, is a time- wall. When you get everything set For our brains, living in the In- bad will happen if you disconnect thing) your personal productivity management tool that combines out for one day done, mark that ternet Age is like being a five- for a few hours. Put your phone in trainer. several of the productivity tools day off with a big red X. After year-old in a candy store. a different room — out of reach, If you thrive on pressure, put mentioned already. It promotes awhile, you’ll start to form a chain But while five-year-olds in out of sight and out of mind. someone else on your butt. It can intense focus followed by regu- of X’ed out dates, which visually candy stores have tons of fun, 3. Make a list and go through be your friend. It can be your col- larly scheduled breaks. make a chain. Don’t break the they aren’t known for achieving it methodically. league. It can even be a concrete Pomodoro encourages you to chain. great things. The list is one of the simplest goal you set for yourself. All that map out what needs to get done in 9. Have an office, of any kind. Sometimes, your brain just and most-ignored relics of the pen- matters is that you have some manageable, 25-minute continu- Working from home can be needs to accept it can’t always get and-paper age. There is something kind of external force that needles ous blocks. After each “pomo- difficult when where you work is what it wants. Your brain needs viscerally satisfying about manu- you to push yourself harder. doro,” you take a 3-to 4-minute also where you eat, where you structure and focus. ally crossing a task off the list. Promise someone, or some- break, and every fourth break you sleep, where you play, and where Here are 10 ways to improve Without a “guide” to the work that thing, you’ll get something done. take a longer, 15-to 20-minute you relax. productivity by preventing your needs to get done, we’ll tend to Say it out loud. When you make break. A growing number of people brain from turning work into forget what needs to be done. consequences for not finishing This allows you to both enter a work from home (myself includ- playtime. Make your brain a chores list, your work, you can give yourself stage of workflow, while taking ed), but they often mistake work- 1. Get off the Internet. and don’t let it go play until the that much more motivation to stay time to let your brain recoup and ing from home with telecommut- Breaks are important. But tak- chores are done. No excuses. on task. incorporate information. ing. Telecommuting can be done ing unscheduled breaks or dives 4. Turn on some music — 6. Set a deadline and do not 8. Be like Seinfeld and “don’t from anywhere. And separating into the Internet can keep you without words. Music helps pro- break it. If you don’t have a dead- break the chain.” the space you use for work from from ever getting into the “flow” ductivity. This has been docu- line to get something done, you A technique popularized by the space you use for everything of work. Even quick surfing as a mented many, many times. The can push it off till tomorrow. And workaholic Jerry Seinfeld, “don’t else can greatly increase reward will snap you out of your mistake people sometimes make as we know, there is an infinite break the chain” is his motto for productivity. most productive periods, which is to listen to music with lyrics. supply of tomorrows. doing pretty much all of these If you don’t have the cash to can be hard to restart. While it shouldn’t be considered a As Henry Rollins said, “Don’t steps, every day, and not allowing rent an office or workspace, then For those of us who don’t trust black-and-white scenario, music think about it, don’t talk about it, even one day to go by without ac- libraries, coffee shops and parks our own willpower in the face of with lyrics can be distracting if do it.” complishing what you set out to can be great alternatives that will that shiny, browser icon, you can you’re trying to work or read. And 7. Pomodoro isn’t just Italian accomplish. help you keep business and per- get Internet-blocking software especially if you’re trying to for “tomato.” Here’s how it works: String to- sonal life apart and both more en- like Freedom that actually pre- joyable. vents your computer from logging 10. The journey is long, so onto the Internet for set periods of Detroit Diesel marks 75th anniversary slow down. time. It might feel silly — but so The biggest impediment to REDFORD, Mich. — Detroit part of our history,” said Brad Wil- venture between Penske Corp. and does a grownup who can’t quit productivity is unrealistic expec- Diesel is celebrating its 75th liamson, manager, engine and General Motors. In 2000, it was looking at pictures of kittens. tations. This is often a result of anniversary. component marketing for Daimler acquired by Daimler AG, the auto, 2. Quit tapping on that excessive guilt over not having Founded as the General Motors Trucks North America. truck and engine giant based in smartphone. Diesel Division, the company pro- “It was the first production en- Germany. been productive lately. Your phone is like the feeder duced its first engine in March gine to have integrated electronic “Through our transitions, we Taking a couple days off? bar for your brain. Hit a button, 1938. controls as a standard feature,” he have continued our commitment to Don’t try to cram in everything get a jolt of dopamine. Yes, we Today, the company, known added innovation and product develop- you “have to” do. Even if tasks know smartphones are great for simply as Detroit, has a product For nearly two decades follow- ment,” said Williamson. seem tiny, remember to just work when you have to wait in line for portfolio that includes engines, ing its introduction, the Detroit Separately, Daimler an- on one at a time. more than five seconds. transmissions and axles. Diesel Series 60 was by far the nounced it is shifting manufacture Jacob Harper co-founded the But phone tapping during Among the company’s product most popular engine in the motor- of Detroit’s new DT12 automated Vintage Vice clothing store and ap- work periods often just means milestones are the Series 60 en- coach industry. manual transmission, currently parel brand in 2006 when he was about a hundred unearned breaks. gine, which was launched in 1987 The company officially produced in Gaggenau, Germany, 23. He sold Vintage Vice in 2009 Of course, some jobs require and remains in production today. changed its name to Detroit Diesel to Detroit’s Redford headquarters and now works as a teacher and constant access to your phone. “The Series 60 is an important Corp. in 1988 as part of a joint in 2015. writer.

ISSUE NO. 239 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dan Shoup subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Cardinal Buses Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Dennis Strief To contact the Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Thomas Foley Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Gladys Gillis Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2013 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Starline Luxury Coaches First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Seattle District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. 11Bus &June Motorcoach 1, 2013 News OPINION Bus &June Motorcoach 1, 2013 News11 A trip to a scrap yard could be VERY informative By Dave Millhouser weight and safety. Manufacturers do their best, tires. tions, but con- You can’t fool Mother Nature. but they aren’t responsible for how You want to mount the highest trolling bus It seemed a strange way to get If a bus weighs more than its a coach is used. weight-rating tires available, and weight really from Kansas to Buena Vista, Colo. components are designed for, it One worthwhile exercise bear in mind that an underinflated does make Drop down off Interstate 70 to handles poorly, blows tires and would be to detour a typically tire is capable of carrying fewer sense. Taking Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson, stops long. The USDOT has been loaded coach onto a scrap-yard pounds. Inspectors will be check- overweight cruise through Eads and Ordway, working to catch up with Momma scale. After explaining to your pas- ing ratings, as well as inflation. In- coaches off and then along the Royal Gorge. Nature, and this summer it may get sengers WHY they are in a scrap creasingly state inspectors are the road is Skinny dark roads through the there. yard, take a peek at the bus weight. being encouraged to scrutinize fine by me. Dave Millhouser desolate plains of western Kansas If your coach is weighed, either Betcha it exceeds the GVWR, or is tires. Having and eastern Colorado — at night. at a station, or during an inspec- darn close. Many carriers are lowering said that, it’s difficult to know how JJ, the convoy leader, let it slip tion, and exceeds the Gross Vehi- Many truck stops have scales, their coach’s governed speeds. In much a loaded bus weighs … driv- that by spiraling in like this, we cle Weight Rating on its “builders too, but scrap yards are more fun. addition to the obvious safety ben- ers need to understand they should avoided the dreaded “Ports of plate,” it will not be allowed to You do have a measure of con- efits and fuel savings, the faster a never pull into a weigh station, un- Entry” where they might charge us continue. trol over what is inside the bus, and tire spins, the hotter it gets. A tire less it’s required. the “ton-mile tax” and weigh us. Inconvenience for your passen- it’s your skin in the game if it gets that safely handles 9,000 pounds at Once on the scales, authorities This was 45 years ago and gers and fines are the likely result. weighed. 72 mph may be able to take 9,200 must deal with a vehicle that ex- hopefully the statute of limitations Leaving us chubby ones behind is If a coach has a wheelchair lift, at 68 mph. It doesn’t sound like ceeds its GVWR, and can’t let it has run. not a viable option. consider having fewer seats. Amer- much, till you count all eight tires. continue. Weight has become a signifi- Coach weight is determined by icans with Disability Act regula- Mother Nature is not im- My buddy asked why his con- cant issue again that affects us all. two things. How heavy is that tions say you don’t have to give up pressed with your drivers’ desire to verted 4106 accelerated poorly, In the past, I’ve mentioned sucker when it’s empty, and how seats, but Mother Nature begs to go fast in wide-open spaces, and and had dangerously weak brakes. there are two major concerns about much you put in it. (Am I smart… differ. doesn’t change the laws of physics He carried 20 divers, with weight. The “road beating” con- or what?) Many carriers (most notably to suit higher speed limits. 4 scuba tanks and a weight belt for cept, where heavy vehicles dam- There’s little you can do about Greyhound) have reduced seating Individual axles may be scaled, each, along with their other gear, age roads, and the safety concern empty weight. capacity, citing increased leg with weight distribution a poten- luggage and camping equipment. that arises when a bus carries more When three-axle coaches went room, but it cuts weight too. tial issue. You’re not likely to ask The trips were called “Hell Rides” weight than it’s designed for. from 40 to 45 feet they began When the Olympic weightlift- all us fatties to move forward, but ...Massachusetts to the Florida Currently, we are largely ex- nudging weight limits. Add seat- ing squad charters from you, ask you can train drivers in how they Keys and back in four days. empt from the road-beating aspect, belts and their anchorage compo- them to hire a truck to carry their load luggage. Guess what I figured out… but in the wake of industry acci- nents, modern emission systems, barbells. Bear in mind you MIGHT be Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry dents, enforcement officials and tons of electronics, wheelchair GVWR is based on the weight- able to avoid crossing scales, but marketing consultant and freelance regulators are looking at the rela- lifts, and heftier passengers, and it bearing capacity of the vehicle’s Mother Nature won’t be fooled. writer. Contact him by email at: tionship between motorcoach begins to get ugly. weakest component, generally the I’m not a fan of arbitrary regula- [email protected]. 12 June 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Quick strike group inspection, repair and maintenance document. They said the company The FMCSA noted that emer- “Autobuses Zacatecanos’ com- program in place to prevent operation was unable to produce driver records gency exit violations had been cited mercial motor vehicles do not have CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of unsafe motorcoaches.” of duty status for November. in a Compliance Review of Salt compliant sleeper berths, and the The FMCSA cited dozens of me- The order issued against Illini In addition, “FMCSA’s investi- Lake Shuttle last August. carrier does not use en-route staged chanical violations, maintenance Tours noted that Lex Express “also gators found that (more than) 15 per- The company was cited for dis- drivers. Additionally, Autobuses lapses and shortcomings in driver had severe problems with vehicle cent of the records of duty status patching drivers from Kearns, Utah, Zacatecanos does not have safety hours-of-service and drug testing maintenance,” including false entries produced by Coach USA Tour were to Las Vegas, Nevada, and back management controls and proce- practices in issuing the orders. The on inspection and maintenance re- false, and every driver employed by without allowing adequate rest time. dures in place to ensure its drivers violations included “phantom driv- cords, failing to correct defects listed Coach USA Tour had falsified at The FMCSA press release noted that are qualified to operate commercial ers” in trip logbooks and emergency on inspection reports, using vehicles least one record of duty status dur- this round trip covers 840 miles. motor vehicles in the United States.” exits rendered unusable by shopping that were not periodically inspected ing the review period.” According to the out-of-service The order was based on a Com- bags and glue. and “operating a motor vehicle in As for driver screening, “Coach order, “In an attempt to conceal pliance Review, which did not list Each order alleged, “individual- such a condition as to likely cause an USA Tour is using drivers to operate hours-of-service violations, you re- an individual responsible for the ly and cumulatively, these viola- accident or breakdown.” passenger-carrying commercial peatedly falsified driver RODS (re- carrier’s management. tions and conditions of operations As a result, the document contin- motor vehicles before receiving neg- cords of duty status) in an attempt to Federal inspectors surveyed four substantially increase the likelihood­ ued, “FMCSA issues this order ative pre-employment controlled show a second or relief driver aboard coaches operated by the company of serious injury or death to…driv- against Robert L. Frazier because of substance test results and only re- the vehicle when a second driver did and found 34 safety violations, in- ers, passengers and the motoring his history of operating motor carri- cently enrolled in a controlled sub- not actually exist (i.e., the use of a cluding 15 worthy of out-of-service public.” ers in an unsafe manner.” stances and alcohol testing ‘ghost driver.’) Furthermore, you di- orders. Before resuming operations, the Lex, which also operated under consortium.” rect and/or allow drivers to routinely “All of the four vehicles had in- government said each carrier “must the name Lincolnland Express, list- The carrier was cited further for drive and/or be on duty far beyond adequate and/or obstructed emer- drastically change its company and ed on its website service to 28 stops requiring its drivers to maintain and the maximum time allowed. gency exit equipment. Moreover, management philosophy regarding in the Chicago area, as well as repair vehicles “without training or “Salt Lake Shuttle officials admit- Autobuses Zacatecanos does not driver oversight and vehicle Champaign, Bloomington-Normal qualification to perform such work.” ted to falsifying driver RODS in this have basic safety management con- maintenance.” and Joliet, Ill. Inspectors found that “in some manner at the direction of Jesus Leal trols to ensure that its commercial The FMCSA announced in April According to local television sta- cases…copies of the same inspec- Martinez. This is despite the fact Salt motor vehicles are systematically in- it would deploy teams of more than tion WICD-TV, Frazier said he “felt tion form (were placed) in the vehi- Lake Shuttle was cited for falsifying spected, maintained and repaired.” 50 safety investigators across the he had all maintenance up to code, cle file for multiple vehicles.” RODS in 2010 and 2012 and directed The carrier’s drivers do not per- country in what it called a “quick until the feds stepped in.” After inspecting the company’s to discontinue falsifying RODS. form daily vehicle inspections, strike group” that would wage in- The company’s imminent hazard six coaches, FMCSA inspectors or- “To date, the ongoing Compli- FMCSA alleged, nor do other per- depth inspections of 250 companies out-of-service order can be viewed at dered four out of service. ance Review and investigation has sonnel perform inspections, mainte- with poor safety records. (See May www.fmcsa.dot.gov/­documents/ The Buffalo News reported the discovered a deterioration in your nance or repairs. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) about/news/2013/Illini­ToursInc.pdf. company provides sightseeing tours safety management controls and The FMCSA concluded that the The FMCSA said it would focus in the northeastern U.S. Shun told widespread safety violations that company’s conduct demonstrates “a on carriers with poor driver scores False duty-status records local media “the company would demonstrate a continuing and fla- continuing general disregard for in the FMCSA Safety Measurement The first carrier knocked out of work with the DOT to address the al- grant general disregard for compli- safety.” System and on companies with no service by the FMCSA in May was leged violations with the hope of re- ance with the FMCSRs (Federal The carrier’s fleet consists of known place of business or mainte- two-year-old Coach USA Tour, op- suming operations as soon as Motor Carrier Safety Regulations), 1998 and 2005 Dina coaches and nance facilities. erated by President Xiaojie Shun. possible.” particularly with hours of service reg- 2001 and 2008 Mast coaches. Previous Compliance Reviews “The basis for determining that The Coach USA Tour’s out-of ulations and vehicle maintenance, Its out-of-service order can be conducted by inspectors focused Coach USA Tour’s motor carrier op- service order can be found at www. and a management philosophy indif- found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/docu- mostly on paperwork — accident re- erations pose an imminent hazard to fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/about/ ferent to motor carrier safety.” ments/about/news/2013/Autobus- views, financial responsibility, main- the public is that Coach USA Tour news/2013/CoachUSATourInc.pdf. The Salt Lake Shuttle out-of-ser- esZacatecanos.pdf. tenance records, evaluation of CDL fails to monitor and ensure that its vice order is posted at www.fmcsa. and substance testing records and drivers comply with drivers’ con- Ghost drivers, no-go exits dot.gov/documents/about/ LaHood weighs in hours-of-service/­logbook records. trolled substances and alcohol use Salt Lake Shuttles, whose presi- news/2013/SaltLakeShuttle.pdf. Each out-of-service filing listed The FMCSA said its “quick and testing requirements, hours-of- dent is Jesus Leal Martinez, was shut numerous steps the carriers must strike” inspections would consist of service requirements, and records-of- down after a Compliance Review that Drive 10 hours, then log in undertake prior to requesting rescis- more detailed studies of those re- duty-status requirements,” the out-of- found that all three of the company Autobuses Zacatecanos was or- sion of their shutdowns. These in- cords, plus reviews of tax returns, service order stated. vehicles had defective or inoperable dered out of service for a laundry list clude an explanation of causes for payroll records, corporate minutes “Further, Coach USA fails to en- emergency exits. The three-bus fleet of vehicle defects and driver-duty noncompliance with safety regula- and Americans with Disabilities Act sure that its commercial motor vehi- racked up 25 violations of federal violations. tions; a plan of action addressing compliance documents. cles are properly and regularly in- safety requirements, including eight The carrier operates trips from each area of noncompliance; certi- spected, repaired and maintained. violations that qualified as out-of- its base in Mexico but inspectors fication, in writing, of commitment A two-foot spark FMCSA’s investigation revealed service transgressions. found the company does not count to comply with safety regulations, The compliance review of Illini egregious regulatory violations, “Salt Lake Shuttle placed plastic driver hours logged before reaching and certification the safety manage- Tours, a charter carrier, included in- demonstrating Coach USA Tour’s grocery bags on one emergency exit the international border. ment plan will be executed by all spections of four of the company’s blatant disregard for motorcoach as well as glue and/or tape on anoth- The carrier routinely serves Los company owners and officers. five motorcoaches. passenger safety.” er, rendering the emergency exits in- Angeles and provides occasional trips Each company’s shutdown order “FMCSA removed all four mo- Inspectors reported the carrier operable,” the out-of-service order to Denver, Phoenix and Chicago. was announced by FMCSA in a torcoaches from service,” the order does not “have safety management stated. “Trips completed by Autobuses news release containing a different stated. “The out-of-service conditions practices in place to ensure its drivers “Furthermore, 12 violations Zacatecanos drivers begin in Zacate- quote from U.S. Transportation Sec- included various brake deficiencies, are preparing and submitting accurate were discovered on your motorcoach cas, Mexico, approximately 10 retary Ray LaHood. air suspension pressure losses, and a records of duty status and that they (Bus #5), including defective brakes, hours from the Mexico-United In the Salt Lake Shuttle release, wiring problem that caused a two- comply with the maximum hours-of- leaking wheel hubs and excessive States international border,” accord- for example, LaHood was quoted as foot spark when the motorcoach was service limitation,” according to the leaking from power steering pumps.” ing to the order. saying, “Bus companies across the started during the inspection. U.S. should know that if they put the “Illini Tours also fails to correct Notorious operator USDOT and the FMCSA under for administrative review. traveling public at risk, we will put safety-related defects listed on ve- the federal highway bill that be- Attempts to contact Jones were them out of business. We will not hicle inspection reports. Illini Tours CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 came law last year. unsuccessful. tolerate bus companies disregarding allowed drivers to operate a motor- trips Jones made, including runs The law authorizes the FMCSA During the 11 months or so safety regulations that protect the coach for several days despite the from Ohio to Michigan and Wash- to place motor carriers out of service Jones was operating, he underwent traveling public from harm.” fact Illini Tours’ drivers repeatedly ington, D.C., that required inter- for operating without a registration three inspections and his coach The press releases also advised listed a problem with the anti-lock state operating authority. or beyond the scope of its operation. was ordered out of service twice. consumers they may be entitled to a braking system indicator light on U.S. Transportation Depart- Jones’ violations subject him to To get a flavor for Jones’ past, credit for ticket purchases made their vehicle inspection reports.” ment Secretary Ray LaHood is- possible $25,000 fines for each il- see the June 15, 2012; May 1, 2009; from carriers that have been placed FMCSA continued: “Illini Tours sued the stop order against Jones legal trip. The out-of-service order Dec. 1, 2008; and July 1, 2003 is- out of service — if a credit card was does not have a systematic vehicle under a new ability granted to the gave Jones 10 days to file a request sues of Bus & Motorcoach News. used for the purchase. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2013 13 People University honors Frank and Dorothea Henry WASHINGTON — Robert J. DALLAS, Pa. — The student ceived a degree in acre campus in Dallas, near the cit- ple supported construction of the Schwarz, the long-time top execu- lounge at Misericordia University education from the ies of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Henry Student Center. tive at Peter Pan Bus Lines in here was renamed and rededicated university. The Henry’s philanthropy has The Henrys also are supporters Springfield, Mass., has moved to last month in honor of Frank and Frank Henry is supported a number of organiza- of Wyoming Seminary Preparato- Washington, where he has taken Dorothea Henry, acknowledging CEO of Martz tions and institutions in northeast- ry School and the Northeastern on the dual role of representing the philanthropy and generosity of Trailways, a motor- ern Pennsylvania over the past 15- Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Peter Pan and Greyhound Lines, the Henry family. coach company plus years. “The Henry family has been with its long-time lobbyist, Ted The Frank and Dorothea Henry founded by his Frank Henry For example, at the Geisinger key community leaders for many Knappen, and working with the Student Lounge is housed in a grandfather in Wyoming Valley Medical Center, years,” said Michael A. Mac­ American Highway Users Alli­ newly renovated 2,100-square- 1906. the Henrys supported construction Dowell, president of Misericordia ance as the director of federal and foot building. The Henrys son, Scott, is presi- of the Frank M. and Dorothea University. state relations. Dorothea Henry served Mi- dent of the company. Henry Cancer Center, as well as “They care deeply about north- In his new job, Schwarz will sericordia University as a trustee Misericordia is a four-year, ongoing enhancements to the eastern Pennsylvania and have work on public policy at the federal from 1980-86, and the Henry’s Catholic, co-educational liberal healthcare facility. supported a variety of worthy level that will impact transportation daughter, Marjorie Marquart, re- arts university located on a 100- At Wilkes University, the cou- causes.” and highway policy and funding. ily Education Center, which has Schwarz, whose departure was received national recognition. He 17-20 Pennsylvania Bus AUGUST 2013 announced by Peter Pan Chairman was also the leader in the creation Calendar Association Annual Meeting, 4-7 Regional Meeting of Resort & Conference Center, and CEO Peter Picknelly, worked of OPAL Development, our real Alabama, Georgia and South Hyannis, Mass. Information: for Peter Pan in several capacities estate affiliate that has already be- MAY 2013 www.pabus.org. Central motorcoach associa­ over a span of nearly 27 years, come a major player in the redevel- 30-31 Tourism Cares for Coney tions, Sheraton Birmingham most recently was executive vice opment of cities in Hampden and Island restoration project (co- 20-23 New England Bus (Ala.). For more infomation: president. Hampshire Counties. sponsored by UMA), Brooklyn, Association Annual Meeting, [email protected]. Said Picknelly: “Bob has been “We will miss Bob’s expertise N.Y. Info: www.tourismcares.org. Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco a key player in the growth of Peter and wish him well in his future Estates, Maine. For more infor- 15-17 NTA Contact 2013, Pan and its related companies for transportation career. His work will JUNE 2013 mation: www.newenglandbus.org. Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii/ many years. He has been respon- continue to benefit the motorcoach 1 Museum of Bus Transporta­ 25-27 United Motorcoach The Big Island. Information: sible for much of our extensive industry and therefore the future of tion Spring Fling, AACA/MoBT Association Board of Directors www.ntaonline.com/contact. community involvement in Spring- our company,” Picknelly added. Museum Campus, Hershey, Pa. and Board Committee Meet­ field, Holyoke and other commu- Schwarz has been involved in 15-18 National Association of Info: www.busmuseum.org. ings, Washington, D.C. Info: nities where we have a significant numerous organizations in greater (800) 424-8262. Motorcoach Operators Annual business interest. Springfield, including those focus- 4-6 Roadcheck 2013, commer- Conference, Sheraton Columbia “Bob was mainly responsible ing on literacy, workforce develop- 26 United Motorcoach Asso­ cial vehicle safety inspection blitz Town Center Hotel, Columbia, for the creation of the Holyoke ment, homelessness, and tourism, ciation Capitol Hill Day, Wash­- throughout the U.S., Canada and Md. Info: www.namocoaches.org. Transportation Center, includ- and received a “Difference Maker” ington, D.C. Info: kpresley@uma. Mexico. Info: www.cvsa.org. ing the Picknelly Adult and Fam­ award from BusinessWest last year. org, or (800) 424-8262. 14 June 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Tennessee stops CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Iconic bus is subject of new book Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and HUDSON, Wis. — In 1948, in More than 55 years after the displays his latest finds when visi- trip to the art deco Greyhound ter- Opry Mills in Nashville,” said the wake of World War II and the Greyhound PD-4501 went out of tors view the mini-museum and minal in Evansville, Ind. He also Deborah Neese, executive director post-War travel boom, a subsid- production, the Scenicruiser re- bus memorabilia collection in his received a book about Greyhound of the Tennessee Motor Coach iary of Greyhound Lines began tains its cult-like sta- tus with home. Lines and a copy of Hemmings Association. work on an experimental, futuris- many both in and out Motor News. Neese has asked her contacts at tic bus dubbed the GX-2. of the bus industry. Inside the Hemmings was an the Tennessee Highway Patrol if In time, the GX-2 would be- And while the last ad for a Scenicruiser. A car buff, they intend to pull over buses that come the prototype for the Grey- Scenicruiser went out McNally became intrigued by do not have visible defects. hound Scenicruiser, the only vehi- of service at Grey- Scenicruisers and eventually pur- “They said it would only be at cle in the 100-plus-year history of hound 35 years ago, chased a PD-4501 from a seller in locations where they could handle the North American intercity bus roughly 230 survive New York. people and get under the coaches. industry to achieve iconic status, today — in various Following a crash course in They are more interested in doing and the subject of a book by two forms. double clutching, McNally drove inspections at the scale houses,” Scenicruiser enthusiasts. In their book, Scenicruiser No. 771 the 800 she said. The GX-2 began life as a 35- Greyhound miles to his home where his fami- “Tennessee has always been foot, single-rear-axle model but ­Scenicruiser, ly joined him in the years-long ef- great about working with the op- later was converted to the then- Flagship of the fort to restore the coach to its seat- erators at a destination when the unprecedented length of 40 feet. It Fleet, authors ed glory. group is off the bus and the driver had a deck-and-a-half monocoque Fred Rayman of He also owns a restored PD- has no responsibility to the group. design that eventually included Oklahoma City 4104, which he purchased from They do not want to interrupt the tandem rear axles. and Tom Mc- Rayman in 2005, and the General group. They know tourism dollars After the hand-built prototype Nally of Peoria, Motors’ Scenicruiser prototype are too important to mess with.” was completed in 1949, the GX-2 Ill., provide a created in 1953 (and designated by In addition, Neese said, only a spent the next four years touring tightly written GM as EXP-331). few of Tennessee’s weigh stations state capitals in a bid to persuade history of the That coach holds the unoffi- can accommodate passengers. lawmakers to increase the legal Scenicruiser, cial distinction of being both the length limit for buses to 40 feet warts and all, along with nearly first Scenicruiser (as a prototype) Inspections soar from 35. The tour was a success 400 photographs of Scenicruisers and the last. Motorcoach inspections by and state regulations generally be- from the 1950s through today. Throughout the history of in- In 1956, after engineering tests state authorities increased 72 per- came uniform, allowing Photos of roughly 360 different tercity coaches in the U.S., more were completed and after the full cent between fiscal 2010 and last 40-footers. Scenicruisers are used in the book. toys, advertising pieces, souve- production run of cruisers was com- year, according to an FMCSA In 1953, the Truck and Coach More than 30 individuals contrib- nirs, and other memorabilia have pleted, EXP-331 was refurbished Motor Carrier Safety Progress Re- Division of General Motors built a uted photos and/or information. featured the Scenicruiser than any and delivered as PD-4501-1001 to port. The states conducted 15,791 second experimental prototype Starting with the prototypes, other bus. Atlantic Greyhound. The coach is motorcoach inspections in fiscal based on the GX-2. the book traces the Scenicruiser’s The Scenicruiser also has been in need of total restoration. 2010 and 27,221 in fiscal 2012. The design of both the GM storied heritage, mechanical prob- featured in movies and on record The book Rayman and Federal inspections fell 15 per- pre-production prototype Sceni- lems, and highlights many of the album covers, and appeared on ­McNally have put together is gen- cent during that period, from 9,890 cruiser and the GX-2 were the restored and still operating countless TV shows. erally devoid of hyperbole — ex- to 8,450. handiwork of legendary industrial legends. Rayman drove for Oklahoma cept in the description of the au- Roadside safety inspections, and designer Raymond Loewy. Many Rayman is a retired driver, Transportation Co., an intercity op- thors. Of Rayman, it’s written that the resulting inconvenience to pas- enthusiasts consider the Sceni- who, early in his career would erator that was purchased by Jef- “no larger Scenicruiser fan, or ex- sengers, have long been a hot-button cruiser the ultimate in bus design. trade higher paying charter runs to ferson Lines in 1986. He retired in pert, exists anywhere.” And, of issue for motorcoach operators. Between 1954 and 1956, Gen- get a chance to drive his favorite 2007, after 38 years, but continued McNally, it says his enthusiasm At the urging of the industry, eral Motors produced 1,000 Sce- coach ­— a Scenicruiser. driving for Oklahoma Baptist Uni- for Scenics has given him the op- the law covering federally-funded nicruisers — exclusively for Grey- His love affair with Scenics versity. He was the university’s be- portunity to travel the U.S. “in the commercial motor vehicle safety hound. At the time, the coaches began in 1956, when — as a high loved glee club driver for 42 years. greatest vehicle ever built.” inspections mandates inspections cost Greyhound about $50,000 school student — he rode one of McNally is a consultant for an Who knows, both assertions be conducted at sites that can ac- each, the equivalent of roughly the coaches from his home in environmental engineering firm may be true. commodate passengers. $432,000 today. Iowa to Provo, Utah. in Peoria and his zeal for all things The book can be found on Am- A guidance letter issued by the The Scenics carried the GM After that trip, Rayman began Scenicruiser developed after his azon or ordered from most book- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- model designation PD-4501. PD keeping newspaper clippings and family adopted a pair of retired stores. It’s published by Iconogra- ministration in 2006 said the 2005 was an abbreviation for Parlor any Scenicruiser souvenirs he Greyhound racing dogs. fix of Hudson, Wis., which SAFETEA-LU law “prohibits Diesel, GM’s quaint term for over- could find. After 57 years of col- As a birthday surprise in 1997, specializes in producing books for Motor Carrier Safety Assistance the-road diesel-powered buses. lecting, he’s still at it and proudly McNally’s wife, Hari, planned a transportation enthusiasts. Program (MCSAP)-funded in- spections to be conducted on com- There are exceptions taste for unwarranted roadside negative image simply by having tion is seen, the motorcoach may be mercial motor vehicles (CMVs) Exceptions to the prohibition stops. to submit to an inspection, even pulled aside and subjected to a transporting passengers at any lo- may be made for vehicles being “Although most stakeholders when the vehicle and driver pass more thorough inspection. cation other than a location where operated in an unsafe manner, agreed that roadside inspections the inspection.” “Most times they are just get- passengers can be safely off-load- emitting excessive smoke or ex- were important as a method of get- ting looked over as they come ed from the vehicle.” hibiting violations that could trig- ting unsafe operators off the road, And in Kentucky through,” Neese said of the weigh The letter cited a section of ger a “North American Standard participants also expressed several The Kentucky State Police station visits in Kentucky, which the law that says that “except in Out of Service” order. Such viola- concerns,” wrote a consulting firm began requiring motorcoaches to does not have its own motorcoach the case of an imminent or obvi- tions could include a flat tire, inop- in its report to FMCSA. pass through its weigh stations last association. ous safety hazard,” inspections of erative stop or rear directional In addition to passenger safety October. Tickets, approaching A spokesman for the Kentucky buses operated by motor carriers lamps, smoke from a wheel hub, and inconvenience, the operators $200, have been issued to drivers State Police directed media ques- of passengers are to be “conduct- inoperative head lamps or an inop- argued that roadside inspections bypassing the stations. tions about current inspection ed at a station, terminal, border erative driver-side windshield could cause enough delay to create Kentucky inspectors apparently practices to the FMCSA. crossing, maintenance facility, wiper in inclement weather. driver hours-of-service violations have not been weighing all coaches “The increased focus on buses destination or other location A series of regional round­ by the time trips could be complet- but have been conducting rolling and motorcoaches is directed by where a motor carrier may make a tables conducted for FMCSA in ed. Another question was “whether safety checks and looking for obvi- them,” said Sgt. Rick Saint-­Blancard, planned stop.” 2011 confirmed the industry’s dis- the motorcoach carrier receives a ous violations. If an obvious viola- public affairs commander. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2013 15 Nat’l Interstate adds director, first-period profit dips RICHFIELD, Ohio — A proxy annual meeting. National Interstate stock of National Interstate. In ad- tional Interstate. ditional motorcoach industry auto fight led by Alan Spachman, found- has a total of 10 directors. dition, he is the beneficiary, but not When all of the votes were tal- liability insurance segment, posted er and former chairman of National In notices and proxy state- trustee, of an additional 463,000 lied at the annual meeting, Alan a 33 percent jump in premium in- Interstate Insurance Co., has result- ments issued by National Inter- shares, which are held in “grantor Spachman won and son Michael come, resulting from a variety of ed in the election of Spachman’s state Corp. in advance of the com- retained annuity trusts,” which was elected to the board. factors, including the ability to son to the board of National Inter- pany annual meeting last month, allow individuals to make large fi- Long-time National Interstate charge higher rates. state Corp., the corporate parent of National Interstate directors urged nancial gifts to family members director Theodore H. Elliott Jr. re- Net income for the first quarter the insurance company. shareholders to vote for the com- without paying U.S. gift taxes. ceived substantially fewer votes totaled $8 million, or 41 cents per National Interstate Insurance is a pany slate of directors. The largest shareholder of Na- than the other director candidates. diluted share, compared to first- leading motorcoach industry insurer. Although Spachman was re- tional Interstate is Great American Elliott, who has been in the ven- quarter 2012 earnings of $9.75 In March, an attorney repre- placed as chairman of National In- Insurance Co., which owns 51.8 ture capital business for more than million, or 50 cents per share. senting Spachman notified Na- terstate in February, he remained a percent of the company, and the 30 years, has been a director of The lower first-quarter earn- tional Interstate that Spachman in- director of the company, but his other largest shareholder is T. National Interstate for 23 years. ings resulted from reduced under- tended to nominate his son, seat was not one of those up for Rowe Price Associates, which He is chairman of Prime Capi- writing profits and a dip in invest- Michael, for election to the board election this year. owns 9.9 percent of the company. tal Management Co., which was ment income. of National Interstate Corp. Spachman is either the second- Spachman’s share total is one of the founding investors of Said National Interstate Presi- That put Spachman at odds with or third-largest shareholder of Na- greater than that of T. Rowe Price National Interstate in 1989. dent and CEO Dave Michelson: his fellow company directors, who tional Interstate, depending on if you count the shares in the A few days before the annual “Our top line was again very strong. had recommended that six existing how you count or credit the shares. GRATs, as the grantor retained an- meeting, National Interstate re- The 2013 first-quarter earnings National Interstate Corp. directors According to the annual meet- nuity trusts are called. ported financial results for the were a continuation of what we ex- be re-elected to the six board seats ing notice, Spachman directly con- Michael Spachman directly first quarter of 2013, announcing a perienced most of last year. up for consideration at this year’s trols 8.6 percent of the outstanding owns nearly 84,000 shares of Na- sharp jump in premium income “While we are generating un- but a drop in net income. derwriting profits, our margins are Governor wants $$$ to promote Wisconsin travel Gross premium income for the slightly below our expectations. first three months of this year was Moving forward, we believe that MADISON, Wis. — Wiscon- berg Businessweek reported that Direct spending on food, lodg- $151.9 million, versus $130.2 mil- our ongoing underwriting disci- sin Gov. Scott Walker wants the traveler spending on lodging in ing, transportation and other ser- lion for the same period a year ago. pline and focus on risk selection state to boost tourism promotion. Wisconsin accounted for more vices accounted for $10.4 billion, Premium income was up 12 and rate levels will bring under- Walker has proposed increased than a quarter of all tourist spend- reported the Wisconsin Depart- percent in National Interstate’s al- writing results in line with our ob- state funding of $500,000 over the ing in the state last year. ment of Tourism. ternative risk transfer component, jectives,” Michelson said. next two years to promote travel to Tourists contributed $16.8 bil- The vast majority of tourists the company’s largest unit, during Directors of National Interstate the Badger State. lion to Wisconsin’s economy in 2012, coming to Wisconsin were from the first quarter. approved a dividend of 11 cents per The announcement of the up 5 percent from 2011, according to the United States, with interna- The company’s transportation share, up a penny, payable June 11 Walker proposal came as Bloom- Bloomberg Businessweek. tional visitors totaling 6 percent. component, which includes its tra- to shareholders of record May 24. 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1-800-853-8330 www.a-zemissions.com 1-800-569-6133 [email protected] www.amerisearchbga.com AMERISEARCH BACKGROUND A-Z EMISSIONS SOLUTIONS ALLIANCE 16 June 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News More seatbelts of serious, high-profile accidents. could revisit extending the require- include three-point belts as stan- they probably will not be required Within months, NHTSA began ment to existing buses at a later dard equipment or an option on to retrofit any of their existing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 investigating bus passenger safety, date. their buses, and virtually all opera- buses with passenger seatbelts, tered on whether safety belts followed by the tedious task of for- A formal announcement of the tors are buying their new coaches many are including them in their would be mandated for both newly mally drafting regulations. final rule, which would take effect equipped with belts. renovation programs. manufactured coaches and exist- This past January, NHTSA Ad- three years after issuance, is ex- “Three years ago, 50 percent of “It took longer for the opera- ing buses, and if they should be ministrator David Strickland re- pected at any time. It has been the operators were buying new tors to get on board, but they see three-point or simply lap belts. vealed in an interview that a final under consideration at the White coaches with seatbelts, two years the writing on the wall and now it’s While federal safety officials rule had been crafted with a man- House since February. ago it was 80 percent, and now it is a given,” said Greg Smith of Safe- and regulators have been talking date that three-point passenger Bus manufactures began buy- 100 percent,” said George Farrell Guard, the seat maker based in about passenger seatbelts for more seatbelts be included only on all ing into the need for passenger of seat-builder Amaya-Astron Westfield, Ind. than 35 years, the push intensified newly manufactured coaches. seatbelts more than three years ago Seating Co. He said the situation is similar a half-dozen years ago in the wake He hinted, however, his agency and now all of the major builders While operators understand to a campaign by regulators more than 15 years ago to require the trucking industry to install three- point seatbelts in their cabs instead of two-point belts. “Within a year, the manufac- turers began turning out trucks with three-point belts and today, See. Learn. Meet. Connect. even though there is no regulation for the three-point belts, you can’t buy a truck without them,” he said. Miller suggested it is customer demand, rather than a potential government mandate, that is push- ing operators to add seatbelts when they upgrade one of their existing buses. “I don’t think the government rules are going to be the driver, but rather customer demand,” he said. “If you bring two buses to a job, one with seatbelts and the other without them, the customers are going to want the one with belts.” He said operators that don’t offer them on at least some of their older buses will eventually see a drop off in business. “They know that if they refur- bish a bus and put in seatbelts, the bus will be worth more when they go to sell it than the cost of retro- fitting belts,” he added. Meantime, most in the industry still wonder if anyone traveling on a new or existing bus with seat- belts will use them. “The biggest thing is getting anyone to use them,” said Farrell, adding that he attends a lot of con- ventions and, when aboard a bus, he never sees anyone using them. UMA Expo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 cation sessions, trade show floor entrance, breakfasts, lunches, and joint UMA and NTA events such as the Welcome Reception and the annual Vision Award dinner. “We have a lot of new and ex- citing things planned for 2014 and TION you’ll want to make sure you plan REGISTRA your trip to stay through end of day Wednesday, Feb. 19, so you don’t IS NOW OPEN! miss anything,” said Masterson. Go to www.motorcoachexpo. com for more information and to February 16 - 20, 2014 | Los Angeles, CA access registration forms. www.motorcoachexpo.com Registration for Expo exhibi- tors opens in the fall. NTA has opened registration for its members for the joint show. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2013 17 Operator: Beware of bait and switch at Fort Benning COLUMBUS, Ga. — A small tance of roughly 625 miles. When Turnage showed up for move insisted that most of the extra “This has happened before (at North Carolina operator is warn- The contract allowed for each the move, the number of passengers bags be stacked in the aisle and that Fort Benning),” he said. “This is ing other motorcoach companies soldier to have two bags. had swelled by 15 and the number the remainder be held by soldiers in the only base I’ve had this problem to be wary of operational and busi- Turnage said 26 soldiers are of bags had mushroomed by 60. their laps — for 625 miles. with.” ness practices he has encountered about all a 45-foot coach will hold So, instead of 26 soldiers and Turnage believes the extra peo- And, were all that not bad at Fort Benning, the giant Army given the size and number of bags 52 bags, he was suddenly confront- ple and bags were a deliberate at- enough, Turnage said Fort Benning post outside of Columbus. and other gear soldiers typically ed with 41 soldiers and 112 bags. tempt by the military to avoid hav- has a propensity of holding pay- Bob Turnage of Happy Traveler lug along during a move. The sergeant in charge of the ing to pay full freight for the move. ments 30 to 60 days. Tours in Wilson, N.C., an approved U.S. Department of Defense carri- er, said he has found that personnel at Fort Benning will ignore contract elements and delay trip payments. On one recent move, Turnage contracted through the Military Take YOUR Business to the Bus Program, operated by the De- fense Travel Management Office, to transport 26 soldiers from Fort Benning to Fort Lee, Va., a dis- Next Level More suits hit Pilot Flying J KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The lawsuits are piling up against truck stop chain Pilot Flying J over alle- gations it cheated fuel customers out of rebates. The Tennessean newspaper ­reports Alabama-based Osborn Transportation has filed suit in federal court in Alabama, accusing Pilot Flying J of breach of con- tract, unjust enrichment, fraud and violations of consumer protection statutes. The suit, like others filed ear- lier, cites the 120-page affidavit released by the FBI after agents from the bureau and the IRS raid- ed Pilot Flying J headquarters here in mid-April, claiming the compa- ny systematically bilked custom- ers out of rebate money and dis- counts they were due in a fuel purchase program. Osborn claims Pilot Flying J “willfully devised and conspired to devise a scheme to defraud ­Pilot’s customer Osborn by decep- tively reducing rebate amounts.” It is seeking punitive damages and restitution. Since the raid, Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam says the com- pany has launched an internal With two tracks of learning—the Clarence Cornell ­investigation and placed some sales people on administrative leave. He School of Business and the Motorcoach Operator has also promised to reimburse Program—the Bus & Motorcoach Academy will ­affected carriers and outlined steps the company is taking to address help you, and your employees, increase your the allegations. Haslam has denied any person- business and operational knowledge... al wrongdoing or knowledge about taking your business to the next level. the alleged scheme. Other lawsuits have been filed against Pilot Flying J in federal th courts in Arkansas, Mississippi Summer semester begins July 9 —visit www.uma.org/academy to learn more. and Tennessee. No reports have surfaced of motorcoach-company customers Click. Learn. Succeed. of Pilot Flying J filing suits. 18 June 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Support SpecialiSt U.S. hotel room Distinctive Systems is experiencing rapid growth as a rates are rising leader in supplying the Motorcoach and Travel Industry with superior software and exceptional support services. ATLANTA — Hotel room We are currently seeking a unique individual to join our rates in the United States are up, Support Services group in the role of Implementation, but combined hotel revenue is ris- Training and Support Specialist. This person must have a ing at a slower pace, indicating a wide variety of skills and experience; the foremost being lack of spending on additional ser- vices and hotel amenities. a passion for outstanding customer service. Statistics taken from the 2013 Other Skills Desired: edition of PKF Hospitality Re- c Extensive Motorcoach and/or Tour Industry experience search’s Trends in the Hotel Indus- c Ability to work independently in a home office and field try reveal that while room revenue Model Year Make Eng/Trans Price based environment, with travel increased by 6.3 percent from DL 1999 MCI Det/Allison $69,000 c Training and Project Management skills 2011 to 2012, total hotel revenue 102C3 1992 MCI Det/Allison $19,000 c Strong Technical skills rose by 5 percent year-on-year, c Self motivated raising revenue per available room T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 For more information or to apply (RevPAR) by a more modest 2.3 T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 send an email and resumé to Bob Hopwood at percent. C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 [email protected] “Rising occupancy levels have led to more limited availability, C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 thus requiring higher room rates,” T2145 2000 VanHool Cummins/Allison $98,000 said PKF-HR President R. Mark Sole North American Distributor 102A3 1990 MCI Det/Allison $16,000 Woodworth. Distinctive Systems Inc. Woodworth said convention and business travelers increasingly DOT Inspected 47-57 Passenger Location: Clio, MI 1 131 /2 S Washington Street, Binghamton, NY 13903 are having limits placed on their For Pictures go to Telephone: (646) 448-9981 Toll Free: 1-866-929-1077 spending for ancillary services and [email protected] www.distinctive-systems.com amenities. www.UsedBusDeals.com Hotel owners and operators Call toll free 800-282-4287 ext. 1311 have reacted to this trend by mini- email [email protected] mizing the levels of food and bev- For Sale erage services at their properties, along with an amplified focus on Tour/Motorcoach Company building select-service hotels. “Managers will continue to be Have you ever dreamed of living in Montana and challenged to grow other revenues making a great living? We are retiring from our 32 sources, especially since travelers year old Tour and Motorcoach company that has will be offered an increasing in- shown steady growth even with the poor ventory of select-service proper- ties,” said Woodworth. economy, and has so much more “Alternatively, owners will potential.Please contact us via email benefit from increases in the value [email protected] or call (406)761-9700 of their properties resulting from improving profits.” Safe driver 1 LEFT – 1997 NEOPLAN! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 We’re OK. There has been an acci- Over 500K miles. Series 60 Detroit, B500 dent behind us. The teachers took Allison Transmission. Seating capacity is 57. care of the kids.” Currently in service with VERY COLD Thermo Potter said a parent called 911 King A/C systems! 10 month old paint jobs. and he kept driving because he Asking $27,000 didn’t know what the kids might see if he stopped. The incident Please call for info at 757-494-1480 or MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR happened last month on busy U.S. email us at [email protected] Cardinal Buses, located in Middlebury, Indiana, has an 50 in the middle of rush hour. opening for a person to take over operation of our well Maryland State Police say established maintenance program. Duties include oversight 77-year-old Mary Greer was driv- ODOR CONTROLLER of the technicians, body shop & parts personnel, required ing the wrong way in the eastbound SUPER CONCENTRATED FORMULA record keeping, and limited “hands on” work. Our 44 vehicle lanes of U.S. 50 and hit a tanker is a non-staining, non-formaldehyde soluble based solution. Its long-lasting fleet is primarily Prevost and VanHool coaches. truck. odor control comes in sweet smelling cherry scent. It is guaranteed, in its diluted Benefits include health and life insurance, 401K with Three other vehicles ended up form to eliminate and control odors. It maintains a fresh scent company match, paid vacations & holidays. involved in the crash. Three peo- even on long trips. This product will lower your cost while Pay rate is negotiable. ple, including Greer, were flown to maintaining a clean and fresh scent in your bus lavatories. Send resume to [email protected] Baltimore for medical treatment. One 5 gallon pail makes 2-1/2 55 gallon drums – 3 oz p/toilet. Greer was the most seriously Crawford Distributing & Detail injured. 760-403-8298 REPOS FOR SALE Potter told the TV station he www.crawforddistributing.com •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell hopes this is the first and only time • Variety of Makes & Models something like this happens to him or his bus. To advertise here call 1-877-737-2221 x30716 “I’ve never had it happen be- fore. I never want to see it again,” 866-930-8426 www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” he said. Prevost coaches do more than transport your passengers in style and safety. They move your business forward by giving you the best in

dependability, fuel effi ciency and support. Our high-deck H-Series Coach offers state-of-the-art amenities that elevate every passenger’s

experience. Our longer-wheelbase X3-45 Coach combines the smoothest possible ride with a wider entry and 80"-high interior passenger

space. All Prevost coaches deliver exceptional performance with lower operating costs. Which means they’re as perfect for your business

as they are for your passengers.

Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information. USA 1-877-773-8678 CANADA 418-883-3391 www.prevostcar.com The ultimate class.

PRE017-11_ProductAd-Success-121511_B&MN.indd 1 12/21/11 12:57 PM MCI Re-Energized Get a Close Look at a Reliable Pre-Owned Coaches Each coach starts as a quality MCI MCI Pre-Owned Coach. that is put through our rigorous 210+ point inspection. Mechanical issues are Call our Coach repaired and required wear items replaced Concierge at or repaired, including brakes, steering, 1-877-428-9624 suspension, shocks, bushings, HVAC and electrical system. From there, we help you select coach one-year limited warranty*, and 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** enhancements that meet the needs of your Two-year limited warranty* on remanufactured engine/transmission operation and customers. These can include: one-year limited warranty*, and 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** Re-Energized: üSafety and compliance items 60-day limited warranty, plus 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** • FMVSS 210 certified seats with three-point belts Low prices on all makes and models. These are some of our most amazing deals! • SmartTire tire pressure monitoring system • Electronic stability control • Fire detection and suppression • Electronic On-Board Recorders with driver deal deal deal log functionality • Wheelchair lift installation Major Mechanical (not addressed in ü210+ point inspection and repair) • Remanufactured OE Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines • Remanufactured Allison B-500 transmissions 2008 MCI J4500 2005 MCI J4500 2004 MCI J4500 ü Appearance items CAT C13-410HP, ZF Astronic. 110v Outlets, CAT C13-410HP, ZF Astronic. Newly DD S60 12.7L, ZF Astronic. New Paint/or • Paint and graphics West Coast/ Southern unit. VIN #64699. available. VIN #63123. Only $204,000! paint included in price, Steel wheels. • Entryway and flooring, including upgraded Only $235,800! VIN #62499. Was $180,000 Now only trim and flooring $152,000! • Re-upholstery (seats and interior) deal deal deal • Seat re-spacing • Steam cleaning ü Amenities and electronics • 110v outlets with inverter • Upgraded A/V system including flat-screen monitors • Wi-Fi • Interior lighting 2007 Van HooL C2405 2007 Van HooL C2405 2002 Van HooL C2045 • Improved driver A/C ventilation

CAT C13-410HP, ZF Astronic. Competitor CAT C13-410HP, ZF Astronic. West coast/ Cummins M-11, Allison B-500. WCL, Steel We will work with you to deliver your coach on Premium.VIN #47434. Only $199,000! Southern unit.VIN #47455. Only $199,000! wheels. VIN #45311. Only $168,000! time, and back it with our leading warranty to give you a coach that will provide many more years of service. Please contact one of our deal deal outlet sales representatives. Sincerely, Mitch Guralnick Director of Pre-Owned Coach Sales

2004 PreVost LeMIrage XLII 1999 MCI 102DL3 1999 MCI 102DL3 DD S60 425, Allison B-500. Low Mileage. DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500R. 6 monitor DD S60 11.1L, Allison B-500. WCL. VIN #28171. Only $133,000! video system, Airlocks, DVD, A/C, Cruise VIN #52004. Only $67,010! Control. VIN #51950.Only $74,000!

MCi s ales & serV i C e C enT ers California new Jersey illinois florida Texas Canada 800.777.4101 800.262.1287 800.428.7626 800.390.0287 800.248.4942 800.663.3328 Find our latest * See www.mcicoach.com/preowned for complete POC limited warranty details. Warranty effective on purchases beginning 6/1/13 Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable news and offers: sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental **Scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and recommended fluid and filter changes at an MCI service center included fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject for 60 Days/30,000 Miles, whichever comes first, as determined by the maintenance manual applicable to the coach. Service to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. intervals assume mileage is zero at date of pre-owned coach delivery. ©MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2013, All Rights Reserved

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