November 15, 2007

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Federal officials want industry to plan for pandemic WASHINGTON — Federal possibility of a prolonged and dev- significant risk to the United States If a severe pandemic were to hit of the economy is potentially sig- homeland security officials, plan- astating pandemic event may find and the world. the U.S., given today’s highly mo- nificant, officials contend. ning for a possible catastrophic themselves without the staff, equip- “Only its timing, severity and bile population, outbreaks could “Any disruption to these key pandemic that could slow the na- ment or supplies necessary to con- exact strain remain uncertain. Inter- occur almost simultaneously through- highway transportation services tion’s economy to a crawl, includ- tinue serving their customers or to national, federal, state, local and out the country, according to the and infrastructure may cause sig- ing the entire transportation sector, provide emergency assistance, fed- tribal government agencies are dili- U.S. Department of Homeland nificant local, regional and even have put together a series of guide- eral officials warn. gently planning for the public Security. national challenges potentially put- lines for the motorcoach and truck- President Bush has urged pri- health response to this potential Whether transporting passen- ting delivery of critical food, fuel ing industries. vate-sector companies to act, not- pandemic,” says Bush, urging pri- gers by bus, taxi or transit vehicles, and medical supplies, as well as Passenger transportation com- ing that “public health experts warn vate companies to also plan for or transporting goods by truck, the emergency response equipment, panies that fail to prepare for the that pandemic influenza poses a such a disaster. impact on the transportation sector CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 þ Rochester agency Ga. operators wins court delay plan to battle for school service bus rental firm ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The ATLANTA — Motorcoach op- Rochester transit system has won erators in Georgia, many of whom have battle scars from numerous back the right — at least temporar- charter service battles with public ily — to continue providing daily transit agencies, are gearing up for bus transportation for about 9,000 a skirmish with a new opponent — public school students, despite a a bus rental outfit. ruling by federal transit regulators The Georgia Motorcoach Oper- that the service is illegal. ators Association said it plans to U.S. District Judge David G. propose legislation that would re- Larimer agreed to extend until Feb. quire companies that rent motor- 15 a temporary injunction that coaches, like Hertz rents cars, to do blocked the Federal Transit Admin- more to make sure customers are istration from requiring the aware of their liability responsibili- Rochester-Genesee Regional Fleet Addition. Museum of Bus Transporta- 3701 given to the museum by Spike Michaud, ties and possible safety issues. Transportation Authority from halt- tion president Tom Collins, third from left, joins left, and Jim Michaud, right. Jim Michaud’s six- “We feel like their customers ing its school bus service. three generations of the Michaud family for the year-old daughter Amanda cut the ribbon during are not being made fully aware of The injunction, initially issued dedication of “Little Spike,” a restored GM PD ceremonies last month. See story Page 6. what responsibilities they have in July, was to have expired Nov. 2, when they rent a coach,” said at which time RGRTA would have Jimmy Cantrell, association presi- had to end its school bus service 3rd-quarter coach sales drop 15% dent and owner of Daniel’s Chart- ers in Gainsville, Ga. and it could have been taken over The slowdown in sales of new the slowest sales period of the year reluctance to be one of the first kids While the “full-disclosure” leg- by a private carrier. motorcoaches during the second for new over-the-road buses in on the block with one of the updat- islation would impact all bus rental Larimer, who indicated more quarter became a full-fledged back- North America, but this year the ed engines. and leasing companies, its actual time is needed to sort out the legal slide during this year’s third quar- normal quarterly dip became a dou- The third-quarter slide followed target is AutoMax Rent-a-Car, challenges to RGRTA operating the ter, new figures released by Na- ble-digit decline. 11 consecutive, year-over-year quar- which rents 45- and 33-seat coach- bus service and the FTA ordering it tional Bus Trader magazine show. The drop is being blamed pri- terly increases that began in the fi- es, with or without drivers, to busi- be halted, said he would consider A total of 457 new coaches were marily on a significant number of nal quarter of 2004. The sales funk nesses, churches, civic organiza- extending the injunction further if sold during July, August and Sep- tour and charter bus operators balk- that ended in ’04 had begun in 1999. tions, social groups, families and tember, the smallest quarterly total ing at buying ’07-model coaches Larry Plachno, editor of Na- necessary. others from outlets in Rome and since the third quarter of 2005 — that have higher price tags because tional Bus Trader, said the third- At the same time, the judge Cartersville, Ga. (See March 1 Bus when 428 were purchased, and 15 they’re equipped with reduced- quarter sales decrease was pretty rejected a request to lift the injunc- & Motorcoach News.) percent below the third quarter of emission ’07 engines and other much across the board, involving tion that was requested by Laidlaw And now it may be targeting last year — when 538 were delivered. new features. In other words, stick- virtually all models built for private- Education Service, which has schools. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ The third quarter is typically er shock and an understandable CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ MCI’S GO GREEN SALE INCENTIVE Fast-track your way to a greener fleet, and get a $6,000 credit. Upgrade to a low-emission MCI® J4500 or D4505 coach today and enjoy big year-end incentives. See our ad on page 7, and contact your regional sales manager. Call 1-866-MCICOACH (624-2622) or visit www.mcicoach.com. INTRODUCING3035RE

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WEST 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 abc-companies.com Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 15, 2007 3 Ex-Lion Trailways president pleads guilt to tax fraud CAMDEN, N.J. — Dominick Paglione, However, the actual employee wages sub- three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. and casino service in New Jersey and former president and CEO of the former ject to withholding were $494,284, which U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie Pennsylvania from its operational facilities in Lion Trailways of New Jersey and Pennsyl- translated into $113,345 in taxes due the pointed out that parole has been abolished in Rio Grande, N.J., and Levittown, Pa. vania, has admitted in court he falsified fed- Internal Revenue Service. In other words, the federal system and defendants who are Lion’s affiliation with the Trailways eral tax records for six years to avoid paying Paglione underreported wages by $246,903 given prison terms must serve nearly all of Transportation System had been suspended at least $440,000 in payroll taxes. and taxes by $37,776 for the quarter. the time to which they are sentenced. but with new management and ownership the The admission came when Paglione pled Additionally, Paglione admitted that Paglione, 51, who is free on $50,000 company is requesting approval to again guilty to a single charge of falsifying an Em- between March 2001 and March 2006, he bond, will be sentenced by U.S. District affiliate with Trailways. ployer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form signed off on 14 additional false quarterly Court Judge Joseph E. Irenas on Jan. 25. “The call for an acceptance vote will 941) for the fourth quarter of 2003. federal tax returns, resulting in a total tax loss The tour and charter bus company that soon be distributed to our board for Lion to During that quarter, Paglione reported to to the IRS of more than $400,000. Palione headed has been in business nearly rejoin Team Trailways …,” said Gale Ells- the IRS that employee wages subject to with- The charge of subscribing to a false 30 years. It has a fleet of motorcoaches, and worth, president and CEO of Trailways. holding taxes totaled $247,381, and the em- Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return midsize and small buses. Until that happens, Lion is not a member ployment taxes due were $75,569. carries a statutory maximum sentence of Besides tours, it also provides scheduled of Trailways. California fires play havoc with motorcoach operations SAN DIEGO — The massive Schools nix activities wildfires that spread destruction Even in areas unscathed by fire, across wide swaths of Southern schools were closed because of California last month and early this smoke and bad air. Schools that month severely disrupted opera- remained open did not allow stu- tions at many coach companies dents to go outside, which eliminat- and, at the same time, failed to pro- ed field trips and athletic events. duce much new activity as natural Thomas of Pacific Coachways disasters oft-times do. said some of the business might Tours, charters and school trips reschedule, but it’s hard to see how of every description were can- schools are going to work in two celled, while other bus services also football games in a week, he noted. were interrupted. One operator At last report, no operators lost likened the fires’ impact to a major buildings or buses to the wildfires, terrorist attack. although some operators and their Todd Way of Balboa Transpor- drivers had to evacuate their own tation Services in San Diego said homes. major tourist attractions, like the On the flip side, the coach casinos and aquarium, were closed. industry was only marginally Way said his company had a group involved in the widespread evacua- of Russian visitors who just decid- tions because of California’s world- ed to pack it in half way through famous automobile culture. their stay. Balboa also lost out on a Virtually all evacuees escaped in field trip because the campground their own cars. they were going to “has been That meant the disaster, with its erased.” massive destruction of property American Transportation Sys- and evacuations, was no Katrina- tems in Los Angeles reported it had type disaster. There was no dense to deal with numerous location urban population stranded in a spe- changes as destinations became un- cific location like there was in New available. The company handles a Orleans in late September 2005. lot of trips to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake and those recreation No evacuations, areas were closed due to the fires. just movement Pacific Coachways Trailways in The wildfires were extremely Garden Grove essentially lost a erratic because of shifting Santa whole week due to cancelled camp- Ana winds. While evacuation ing trips, trips to the Palomar orders were being issued for some Observatory and Lake Arrowhead, neighborhoods, other orders were and cancelled tours of San Diego. lifted and people returned home. General Manager Richard Rather than a mass exodus, the Thomas said they were definitely wildfires produced a population in upside down for the week. Thomas flux. noted that company drivers were And while at least 21 separate among those particularly hard hit fires were recorded in the southern because they don’t get paid if they half of the state — from just north don’t have work. of Los Angeles to the Mexican bor- And Elaine Fickett of H & L der, most of the state was Charter in Rancho Cucamonga untouched. observed that all operators lost There seemed to be plenty of business due to school closures. open roads and plenty of places to “Customers are canceling left and go — and plenty of cars to go in. right,” she reported. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ 4 November 15, 2007 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Transit agencies revise More cities adopt Trimmed-back House bill charter notice deadlines violation cameras addresses deficient bridges Three public transit agencies Under the revised MARTA to catch speeders WASHINGTON — Judging bridge management practices. — in Georgia, North Carolina and notice, operators have until Nov. by Congressional action late last According to published re- Virginia — that published charter 30 to respond. Those operators A company that specializes in month, the problem of structurally ports, the Minnesota Democrat, service notices with short dead- who rushed a response to the first making speed-trap detection equip- deficient bridges in the U.S. is con- who is also chairman of the trans- lines have reissued the notices or notice need not respond to the lat- ment says the number of U.S. siderably smaller than panicky portation committee, “grudging- extended their deadlines. (See Oct. est version, according to MARTA. cities with red-light and speed- politicians thought three months ly” offered the scaled-back bridge 31 and Nov. 1 issues of Bus & Responses should be sent to: detection cameras has almost ago following the high-profile legislation. Motorcoach News.) Leeshu Kennedy, Supervisor of tripled this year. bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Oberstar has been pushing for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid External Affairs, Metropolitan At- The survey by SpeedChee- A bill approved by the House more funding for bridge repairs Transit Authority reissued its no- lanta Rapid Transit Authority, 2424 tah.com says that at the end of Transportation Committee would following the collapse of the tice Nov. 1, saying it was using “an Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA January there were 215 U.S. com- provide $2 billion to deal with the Interstate 35W bridge in Minne- abundance of caution” in revising 30324. Phone: (404) 848-5744. munities with red-light or speed issue of weakened bridges. That is apolis in August. the notice to comply with Federal E-mail: [email protected]. camera programs or were dis- far less than Rep. James The Senate has approved $1 Transit Administration rules. Also issuing updated notices cussing contracts with vendors. Oberstar’s original proposal to billion to fix bridges as part of a The United Motorcoach Asso- were Winston-Salem (N.C.) Trans- That number has mushroomed raise fuel taxes by 5 cents a gallon larger transportation and housing ciation had filed a compliant with it Authority and Virginia Regional to 617 cities during the past 11 to fund $25 billion in bridge programs’ bill. the FTA last month, accusing Transportation Association. Here months, according to the Cheetah repairs over three years. White House spokesman Alex MARTA of blatantly ignoring are particulars for both: “Camera Watch” survey. The new legislation would Conant called the decision to drop charter service procedures of the Purcellville, Va. and sur- Also of note, says the Scottish- allocate $2 billion in general fund the fuel tax proposal “a victory FTA. UMA said MARTA: rounding area. New deadline: based company, are the strategies • Failed to notify private bus Nov. 30, 2007. Contact: Mark being adopted by cities and states revenue to identify and rehabili- for taxpayers.” The administration operators in metropolitan Atlanta McGregor, CEO, Virginia Region- as revenue from violations drop at tate deficient bridges and reform had strenuously opposed the idea. that it had issued its charter service al Transit, 109 N. Bailey Lane, static camera locations over time. notice. Purcellville, VA 20132. Phone: Most cameras in Arizona now • Published its charter service (540) 338-1610. not only catch red-light violators Privately financed toll road notice two months after the start Metro Winston-Salem, N.C. but also catch speeders racing of its fiscal year. Extended deadline: Nov. 9, 2007. through green lights. Houston opens Nov. 19 in San Diego • Sent a letter to the Georgia Contact: Art Barnes, General Man- cameras now ticket for turning SAN DEIGO — South Bay international border crossing, Motorcoach Operator’s Associa- ager, Winston-Salem Transit Au- right at stop signs without coming Expressway, a highly publicized opens to traffic Nov. 19. tion dated four days before the thority, 1060 N. Trade St., Win- to a complete stop. That tactic is 10-mile “state-of-the-art” toll road The project, the first public- deadline for responding to the ston-Salem, NC 27102. Phone: also used in California and is com- in southeast San Diego near the private transportation partnership charter notice. (336) 727-8131. ing to New Jersey. in California in a dozen years, is being held up as a model for how private enterprise can assist with public infrastructure projects. The roadway is also expected NEW SINGLE USE to serve as a catalyst for economic development in one of the fastest ® growing regions in the nation. In addition, the expressway fills a missing link in the San Diego POT SHOT freeway network. It is designed to The power of POT SHOT in a reduce traffic congestion on area • Easy to Use surface streets and freeways, and • Measured Dosage convenient, portion controlled, facilitate activity on both sides of single use bottle. Portion the U.S./Mexico border. • Powerful Odor Control “We’re thrilled to be opening,” Control POT SHOT is more said South Bay Expressway CEO • Low Cost Greg Hulsizer. “This road…(is) a effective then any other great example of how public-pri- • Super Concentrated portion controlled product vate partnerships can deliver great- • Pleasant Fragrance ly needed transportation projects on the market. Each bottle is years, and even decades, sooner • Non-Staining Blue Dye individually labeled with use than possible with public funding. We’re looking forward to provid- • Non-Formaldehyde instructions. No more packets ing the region with a fast, reliable, • Biodegradable that melt, stick together, and/or scenic drive — something they haven’t had in a very long time.” • Safe for Dump Valves damage dump valves. Tolls for three-axle motor- coaches on the roadway will be $7.50 cash for a one-way, end-to- UNIT CHEMICAL CORPORATION end trip, and $7 for those using FasTrak, an automated toll collec- (800) 879-8648 www.unitchemical.com tion system. For more information, go to 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products www.southbayexpressway.com. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET November 15, 2007 5 Electronic driver database studied by safety agency WASHINGTON — The Feder- position applicants. the same kind of rating, or fitness from which companies can down- move… a bit more slowly because al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- “The regulatory scheme says determinations, for drivers so that, load driving records. “We are look- we need some legislative support to tration is studying the feasibility of now that, when we find deficien- if a carrier wants to hire a driver … ing into the feasibility of a nation- do that. I think, as you look for- setting up a comprehensive, nation- cies, the carrier shall be placed out it’s important for the industry to be wide (employee notification sys- ward to reauthorization (of federal wide commercial vehicle driver of service or have a notice of aware of what the status of that dri- tem) that will allow any employer highway legislation), you’re going database that would function as a claims filed,” FMCSA Administra- ver’s qualifications is or is not.” to see the driving record of any to see us move to Congress to sug- one-stop shop for driver-specific tor John Hill told a trucking news Jeff Secrist of the FMCSA Of- applicant in all 50 states,” said gest that this might be something information. service. fice of Research and Technology, Secrist. we want to consider in our reautho- Essentially, the electronic sys- “”What we want to do is have 10 states currently have systems Added Hill: “We have to rization proposal.” tem would be a registry of driver safety ratings similar to the one the agency maintains for over-the-road bus and truck companies. According to an official in the FMCSA Office of Research and Technology, such an employee notification system would allow operators to download the com- plete on-the-road record for driving Supreme Court may consider overtime case WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce before the end of the year whether it will hear an appeal of a decision by the Supreme Court of Washington that overtime pay for interstate drivers be based on both time worked inside and outside the state of Washington. (See April 1 issue of Bus & Motorcoach News.) The case is being appealed by the trucking company that was ordered to pay one of its drivers $9,000 in overtime, plus court costs. The American Trucking Asso- ciations, joined by the Washing- ton Trucking Associations, have filed an amicus brief in support of the trucking company’s request that the U.S. Supreme Court hear its appeal. The 5-4 ruling earlier this year by the Washington state supreme court, which reversed nearly 20 years of administrative precedent that only in-state hours were to be included, rejected ATA and the trucking company’s claims that such a broad applica- tion of the law would violate the Commerce Clause and make it subject to preemption under the “rates, routes, and services” fed- eral preemption provision. In its amicus, ATA and WTA explained that the provision would require motor carriers to compute and pay overtime based on hours worked entirely outside of Washington, and thereby proj- ect the state’s overtime regulatory system into other states in viola- tion of the Commerce Clause. The Supreme Court likely will decide before year end whether it will hear the case. 6 November 15, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Museum gains 60-year-old coach Bus Bashes return in 2008, Restored PD 3701 Michigan, Alabama to host is added to ‘fleet’ POLO, Ill. — After a one-year cal Bus Bash itinerary with a recep- HERSHEY, Pa. — A pair of hiatus, the Bus Bash is returning to tion Friday evening, tours Saturday, scissors in the hands of a fifth-gen- the industry next year. a Saturday evening meal, and a eration member of the Michaud In fact, there will be two Bus public bus show Sunday. family cut a red ribbon as a Bashes, restoring the tradition of Saturday’s tours will include restored General Motors coach, twice yearly gatherings of bus own- stops at the Thunder Bay National named Little Spike, was presented ers and individuals interested in Marine Sanctuary, the Great Lakes to visitors attending the annual buses. Maritime Heritage Center, Besser meeting of the Museum of Bus Larry Plachno of National Bus Museum, Fletcher Street Brewing Transportation here late last month. Trader magazine and Bus Bash Inc. Co., the LaFarge Quarry Equip- Amanda Michaud, six-year-old said the first of the ’08 Bus Bashes ment Repair Facility, and Stoney daughter of Jim Michaud, per- A restored 1946 GM PD 3701 is the newest addition to the fleet of the will be in a scenic rural area of Acres Winery. formed the honors as her father Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, Pa. Michigan, while the second will be Other activities and special and grandfather, Spike Michaud, in Birmingham, Ala. events include a golf outing Mon- looked on. The 3701/3703 is the third have long been supporters of the “The second Bus Bash event in day, a travel marketplace in con- Little Spike is a look-alike vehicle that has been restored for museum and dreamt of placing a 2008 will be the 50th Bus Bash junction with the Sunday bus flea 1946 GM PD 3701 which was the museum by ABC Companies. restored bus on the display floor. since the event was founded by Bob market, elk viewing, and a gourmet restored to original condition for Museum board member Bob The Michauds thanked the muse- Redden in 1979,” said Plachno. dinner at Thunder Bay Resort. the Michaud family by ABC Com- Beard thanked the company and um and its volunteer officers, panies at its Camden, N.J. facility the Cornell family for its strong board members and docents for Pure Michigan — Sunrise Side Birmingham (Ala.) Bus Bash and added to the museum fleet of involvement. supporting their effort. Bus Bash 2008 will be over Memo- 2008 will be over Labor Day week- retired buses. The late J. Alex Michaud, The museum’s annual meeting rial Day Weekend, May 23-25. It end, Aug. 29-31. Hosting the event The coach is actually a PD known to family and friends as and dinner provides members and will be conducted near Hillman and will be Thrasher Brothers Trail- 3703 that was found several years “the Commodore” because of his guests with both a financial and Alpena, Mich., which are in an area ways, assisted by Vulcan Coach, a ago by the late Bob Redden at naval service, named many buses activity update on the institution, known as the “Sunrise Side” of conversion coach builder. Western New York Bus Lines, and in the Michaud fleet after his chil- and is combined with a day of Michigan. For more information, go to restored to look both new and like dren, but the original Little Spike social events. The after-dinner Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman www.busmag.com and click on the a 3701 that once was in the fleet of coach was lost and untraceable. speaker was Dave Millhouser of will be the site of most activities. Bus Bash tab, or call (815) 946- Michaud Bus Lines. Spike Michaud and son Jim ABC Cos. The event will follow the typi- 2341

8 November 15, 2007 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Commercial vehicle drivers Bio-innovation or bio-crazy? KILMARNOCK, Scotland — involve the destruction of natural process that takes roughly 10 min- targeted for sleep program Is this a sign of the times, an indi- habitats or compete with the utes. The system then switches cation of things to come, or just a human food chain,” Stagecoach automatically to biodiesel, which HOUSTON — A sleep apnea health-care costs (and) in costs half-witted idea? noted in an announcement. powers the vehicles the rest of the screening and treatment program related to accidents.” Stagecoach Group, the parent All households on the route day. developed by a Houston medical An analysis of Schneider’s company of Coach USA, has where the buses operate, which Brian Souter, Stagecoach firm has improved safety and driver health-care costs showed the com- launched a program in the United runs from Stewarton to Darvel via Group chief executive, said: “This productivity while lowering health- pany was saving an average of Kingdom that encourages cus- Kilmarnock, and carries around innovative project is a great oppor- care costs at one of the nation’s $578 per driver per month for every tomers to exchange used cooking 15,500 passengers a week, will tunity for our customers to play largest trucking companies. case of sleep apnea treated. oil for discounted bus travel. receive a free container to recycle their part in saving the planet by And the developer of the pro- Numerous studies, mostly of For its part, Stagecoach calls it their used cooking oil. recycling household products that gram says it is perfectly suited for truck drivers, have shown that sleep a ground-breaking environmental The oil can then be taken to a would otherwise go to waste. I’m bus operations and their drivers. apnea is much more common initiative. Judge for yourself. local recycling plant, entitling cus- sure the idea of cheaper travel in Precision Pulmonary Diagnos- among commercial vehicle drivers Eight Stagecoach buses being tomers to a voucher for money off exchange for the used contents of tics of Houston spent nearly three than the general population. operated in Kilmarnock will run bus travel. your chip pan (think fish and years designing and testing its on 100 percent biodiesel manufac- The buses involved in the trial chips) will capture people’s imagi- online sleep apnea screening tool What is sleep apnea? tured from used cooking oil and are Alexander Dennis models nation.” and its related detection and treat- Individuals with sleep apnea other food industry by-products. equipped with MAN engines. The biodiesel for the six-month ment program. periodically pause in their breath- The result, says Stagecoach, is an They also have dual fuel tanks with trial is coming from the UK’s first It tested the program extensive- ing while they sleep because of expected 82 percent cut in carbon a capacity for 184 litres of biodie- large-scale biodiesel plant. ly with Schneider National of blocked air passages. This pause dioxide emissions. sel and 40 litres of mineral diesel. Stagecoach currently uses a Green Bay, Wis., fine-tuning the triggers what is called an “arousal The biodiesel to be used in the For the start-up each day, the blend of 5 percent biodiesel in final product, which fairly astound- response” as the body reflexively buses is produced from tallow and buses will run on mineral diesel more than 4,300 of its vehicles, or ed executives at the giant trucking clears the blocked airways. used cooking oil, “both of which until the normal engine operating around 60 percent of its UK bus company. Such arousal responses can take are sustainable sources that do not temperature is achieved — a fleet. “This program has been a huge place as few as 10 times per hour or success for us,” said Angela Fish, as many as 100 times per hour. director of benefits at Schneider. During an arousal response, the Midwestern expansion for biodiesel “We reduced our health-care costs individual might not wake up, but ADRIAN, Mich. — The house gases and uses only recy- in unleashing a renewable energy an average of 58 percent for our his or her brain wakes up for a few largest biodiesel plant in Mich- cled water during its production revolution,” said Pawlenty. “Other treated drivers.” seconds. The result is less restful igan has begun operating here. process. For feedstock, it can use states are starting to catch on, and Fish also said the program has sleep that can leave drivers fatigued Biofuel Industries Group vegetable oils, waste oils and it’s time for us to continue to blaze reduced the frequency of accidents upon awakening at the end of their LLC, a private holding company greases, and animal fat. the trail to a cleaner, more secure attributed to fatigue by 30 percent sleep period. that owns several alternative ener- For more information, go to energy future. Increasing the level and improved driver retention at The condition is typically treat- gy operations, opened the 20 mil- www.nextdiesel.net. of biodiesel in diesel fuel means Schneider. ed with a “continuous positive air- lion-gallon biodiesel facility. It that more of our energy will come way pressure device,” which pro- has the capacity to produce as More biodiesel in Minnesota? from farm fields rather than oil Plenty of cases vides a sleeping person with a much as 100 million gallons The governor of Minnesota fields, and that’s a good thing.” Dr. Mark Berger, president of steady flow of air that prevents annually. wants to expand the state biodie- Biodiesel in Minnesota is Precision Pulmonary, said his com- breathing passages from becoming The plant is the state’s first to sel requirement from B2 to B20 made primarily from soybean oil. pany discovered 778 cases of sleep blocked. be built in a designated Renew- during the next eight years. It originally was added to Min- apnea as it screened more than The Precision Pulmonary sys- able Energy Renaissance Zone. It The governor’s initiative nesota diesel fuel supplies at the 2 11,000 Schneider drivers as part of tem is now fully available for com- will produce NextDiesel brand would boost the level of biodiesel percent level in September 2005. the three-year pilot program. mercial vehicle operators. And Dr. biodiesel fuel that can be used in sold in Minnesota from the cur- Under provisions of Pawlenty’s “There are immense health Berger told Bus & Motorcoach any diesel engine, as well as rent 2 percent to 20 percent by plan, Minnesota would move to a costs involved with untreated sleep News it is “very appropriate” for NextHeat biodiesel for home 2015. Gov. Tim Pawlenty plans to 5 percent biodiesel fuel blend by apnea,” said Berger. “Whether a bus and coach drivers. heating. present his plan to the legislature 2008, 10 percent by 2011, 15 per- commercial carrier recognizes it or For more information, go to The highly automated plant during the regular 2008 session. cent by 2013 and ultimately to 20 not, they’re paying for it (both) in www.precisionpulmonary.com. reportedly does not emit green- “Minnesota has led the nation percent by 2015.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 112

To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, To advertise or to mail advertising-related articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways E-mail: [email protected] Call: Johnny Steger Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 (866) 930-8426 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Gladys Gillis Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Sierra Trailways Starline Transportation Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Victor Parra Sacramento, Calif. Seattle Brookfield, Conn. Box No. 336 Call: (866) 930-8421 Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Robert Hume Jeff Polzien El Paso, TX 79925 Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Northfield Lines Travel Mates Trailways Red Carpet Tours To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield, Minn. Harrisonburg, Va. Oklahoma City To contact the Call: (866) 930-8421 United Motorcoach Association: Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Daryl G. Johnson Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Ken Presley Ellen Balm New World Tours J & J Charters Ready Bus Lines Call: (800) 424-8262 Bristow, Va. Crosby, Texas LaCrescent, Minn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Dale Krapf Brian Scott Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Holiday Tours Krapf Coaches Escot Bus Lines Oklahoma City, OK 73112 To send advertisements or photographs Amy Stalknecht Mark Gedris Randlemann, N.C. West Chester, Pa. Largo, Fla. via the Internet: Accountant Art Director Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Michelle Silvestro To report corrections: E-mail: [email protected] Paradise Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Brown Coach Call: (866) 930-8421 Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Richfield, Ohio ©2007 by the United Motorcoach Association. E-mail: [email protected] Bob Foley Joan Libby T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without ABC Companies Cavalier Coach Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Faribault, Minn. Boston, Mass. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 15, 2007 9 ‘Baby’ tour becomes labor of love for Trailways driver PHOENIX — Mark Szyperski Interstates. has added a new twist to his career “People would drive up and in the motorcoach industry. hang on my left rear so they could Although he has driven buses read the bus,” he said. When I for a half-dozen companies over would slow down, they would slow the years and has been with the down and when I would speed up, national office of the Trailways they would speed up, which pre- Transportation System for the past vented me from passing anyone,” six, his latest venture behind the he said. wheel of a motorcoach has been a Because the coach is not certi- completely new experience. fied to carry passengers and trav- Szyperski has been the main eled empty, the long ride gave man at the controls of the March Szyperski plenty of time to not only of Dimes “Every Baby has a enjoy the scenery but also listen to Story” bus that traveled round-trip his favorite Bob Seger music. He coast-to-coast to educate people was able to play any songs at any about the causes of premature volume at any time and to sing birth and other threats to the health along when ever he felt like it. of infants. “In this motorcoach, I feel like I Mark Szyperski of Trailways At the start of the bus tour, Dr. Jennifer Howse, president and CEO of the The tour bus — wrapped in could win the next American Idol March of Dimes, cut a ribbon with the assistance of two March of Dimes “ambassadors,” Alexa Ostolaza, right, and Zeek Taylor, left. blue, white and pink and decorated contest,” he wrote on an Internet you shook it, it spoke,” he said. with the faces of children — blog that he kept during the trip. Although Szyperski is riding and its cleaning crew drew special “It is tremendously exciting to stopped in 16 cities where hun- “Of course, when I step out into alone, he does have company attention in Szyperski’s blog. be able to welcome people from all dreds of visitors videotaped per- the real world, I can’t carry a tune whenever he stops. He was fol- “VIA Trailways has two of the over to see our story and March of sonal stories of their children, in a wheel barrel, but hey, nobody lowed in a car by four public rela- greatest motorcoach cleaners I’ve Dimes’ mission and to share their which the March of Dimes plans but the teddy bears, and other tions women — Andria Goodrow been around in a long time. Luis stories, too,” said Arizona Chapter to put on its Web site and use in assorted toys are listening anyway.” of Derry, N.J., Claudia Brave of (Prieto) and Maria (Rodriguez) did Communications Director Barbara promotions. The toys, which were part of New York City, Tina Parrett of a great job on cleaning the coach. I Maack, who visited the bus when it The national tour, which got the display inside the coach and Seattle and Brandi Ginn of Los had multiple folks tell me it looks stopped in Phoenix. help with funding, sponsorships were for children to play with Angeles — who greeted visitors like it did in New York when we UMA Vice President Ken and logistics from the United Mo- when they visited, were the source and helped them record their chil- started this trip all those miles ago,” Presley, said he was pleased with torcoach Association, has been a of one of Szyperski’s awkward dren’s stories. he wrote. UMA’s involvement. “This is a hoot for Szyperski who said he has tour moments. Szyperski said motorcoach For the March of Dimes, the grand opportunity for community enjoyed meeting new people, see- He was rolling down the people along the way have been tour was a big boost for an organi- outreach by our motorcoach opera- ing new country and working with Interstate when he began hearing most pleasant and helpful, especial- zation that has been working for tors,” he said. “With this March of the March of Dimes. the voice of a small child. Because ly the several Trailways operators almost 70 years to improve the Dimes project, we are encouraging “I’ve not been involved with it was persistent, he pulled off the who pitched in and serviced the bus health of babies by preventing birth operators everywhere to reach out this organization before and was road and investigated. “It turned and, at times, even donated fuel. defects, premature birth and infant in their local communities and find really impressed with the great out to be one of the toys that when VIA Trailways in Tempe, Ariz., mortality. ways to help.” work they have done and are con- tinuing to do,” he said of the many people he met from the March of Dime. “This is not a job for these fine folks, it is truly a passion.” The 28-day, 6,000-mile plus journey began in New York City Oct. 17 and included stops in Wash- ington, D.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Atlanta; Nash- ville and Memphis, Tenn.; Hous- ton; Phoenix; Los Angeles; Denver; Kansas City, Kan.; St. Louis; Chi- cago; Indianapolis and Philadel- phia. New York City also was the end point. As it traveled across the coun- try, the brightly decorated J4500 conversion coach donated by Mo- tor Coach Industries was a big hit, drawing lots of gawking and horn honking from motorists and CB radio chatter from truck drivers. Among the admirers was a cou- ple in Texas who pulled off the road when they spotted the bus at a truck stop in Texarkana, Ark. They tracked down Szyperski and insist- ed on seeing the bus, saying they were loyal fans and long-time sup- porters of March of Dimes. Szyperski said the coach drew so much attention on the road that at times he had difficulty passing slow moving vehicles on the 10 November 15, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Rochester RGRTA and its school busing plans took the issue back to court where on three occasions this year, the lat- they argued for the extension of Teamsters claim successes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 est coming in a stinging indictment the temporary injunction. School TRENTON, N.J. — The nation of favoritism” in the yards. joined the federal suit. Laidlaw, against RGRTA that was issued in officials wanted to see the injunc- Teamsters Union has claimed new “By voting union, it showed which now operates under First October after RGRTA sought fed- tion stay in effect until at least the victories in its targeted effort to that we as a people can come Student, sought to remove the ban eral approval of a new plan. (See end of the school year so that stu- organize private school bus driv- together and fight for better pay, so it could begin operating some of Oct. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) dents had continuity in their trans- ers across the U.S. benefits, sick and personal days the school routes that now are “The new routes proposed by portation. Workers at First Student’s and other things,” said Derrick being run by RGRTA. RGRTA represent a continuation While motorcoach industry Whitehead and Dickinson yards Davis, a driver’s aide at the Larimer also directed officials in RGRTA’s apparent attempt to leaders have had high praise for in Trenton have became the latest Whitehead yard. from both sides to work together systematically take over school the FTA rulings, they were not driver group in the private school The Teamsters says that it and so they can provide a status report bus service for Rochester’s school happy with the latest court action. bus industry to join the Teamsters, the Service Employees Interna- before Dec. 31 on the ability of district to the detriment of the pri- Concern was expressed that Laid- voting 221-34 for representation tional Union and the Transport Laidlaw and other possible private vate school bus industry and its law, which wants to provide the by Teamsters Local 469. and General Workers Union are carriers to provide full school workers,” FTA Regional Adminis- school service, will have to ready The Trenton workers are now pushing to organize more private transportation service for all high trator Brigid Hynes-Cherin wrote more than 100 buses and drivers the third group of First Student school bus drivers as part of an schools in the school district. in her ruling. by Feb. 15, despite the possibility workers to become members of effort called “Driving Up Stand- The four-month extension She emphasized that if the tran- the judge could extend the injunc- Local 469 since May. Workers in ards.” The campaign is aimed at comes as RGRTA and Rochester sit agency continues to design stu- tion further or even rule in favor of Monmouth Junction and Pisca- improving safety, service and City School District fight a series dent-only service with technical the RGRTA before that date. taway, also joined the Hazlet, N.J.- work standards in the private of rulings by the FTA, which found modifications that give the appear- Some indicated the judge based local. school bus industry, the union that the school bus service violates ance of complying with rules, then appeared to be clueless regarding The top priorities of the unit says. rules that prohibit federally funded it “misses the point entirely.” the logistical demands and cost of of 350 drivers, aides and lot atten- In the past year, more than public transit agencies from com- Rochester transit and school Laidlaw having to gear up to pro- dants is better pay, more afford- 3,600 private school bus workers peting with private carriers. officials both expressed disap- vide service it might not be asked able and better health insurance, a have joined the Teamsters, the The FTA has ruled against pointment in the FTA ruling and to give. seniority system, and “the elimi- union claims.

tions to some degree simply by wheelchair lifts were put to use to al” work, moving senior citizens charter work taking crews to fight Wildfires calling family members of ambula- evacuate Pomerado Hospital in back home from Qualcomm Sta- fires and bringing them back out. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 tory residents and asking them to northern San Diego County, but dium/Arena where many had taken But there was no demand for As one operator put it: “This is come get their relatives. The facili- regular highway coaches are not refuge. With the urgency gone, it buses to handle mass evacuations. California. When they were told to ties then used vans and ambulances really suited for that kind of work. was easier to sort out those able to Had there been, the California Bus leave, they drove two cars away and to move the others to safety. ride in motorcoaches. Association was prepared to assist. left the third one to burn.” According to James Seaton of Small bits of work Other operators were hired to Former CBA president Mike Wa- Even nursing homes were able Sundance Stage Lines in San Sundance was able to get some provide standby buses at some ters was put in charge of compiling to orchestrate their own evacua- Diego, some school buses with locally organized “reverse remov- locations. And, there was some a resource list for evacuations. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 15, 2007 11 Harry Eyre of ‘Travel on Eyre’ dies at 82 Widow of founder LAKE WALES, Fla. — Harry successful operation. based in the Washington, D.C., He was one of seven living UMA L. Eyre Jr., founder with his wife The Eyres had begun their mar- suburb of Glenelg, Md. founders who remained honorary of Academy dies of one of the nation’s best known ried life as farmers and the work As the school business grew, directors of the association. ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Josephine private coach companies, Eyre Bus ethic instilled by that way of life the Eyres developed schedule serv- The Eyres retired in 1990 but Tedesco, widow of the founder of Service, and a co-founder of the carried over into their entrepre- ice and commuter operations into by then company management had Academy Bus, the fourth largest United Bus Owners Association neurial lives. Washington. In 1958, they bought passed to their two sons, Ronald operator of motorcoaches in North (now United Motorcoach Associa- Harry Eyre purchased a 1939 their first motorcoach to fill the and Thomas. Ronald Eyre remains America, died at her home here late tion), died here late last month GMC school bus in September needs of schools wanting to take president of Eyre Bus; Thomas left last month. She was 84. from complications of heart dis- 1947, along with the remaining two children on field trips. In 1975, a the company in the late 1990s. Mrs. Tedesco’s husband, Frank ease. He was 82. years of a contract with a county travel agency was added. In addition to his sons, Mr. Eyre A. Tedesco, established Academy When Harry Eyre (pronounced public school system in Maryland, In 1971, Mr. Eyre joined with a is survived by his widow, Mary K. Bus in 1968 and built it into the “air”) and his wife Mary K. began and as quickly as that he and Mary small group of coach operators A memorial has been estab- largest bus company on the East their company 60 years ago, they K. were in the bus business. who, chaffing at the industry and lished in Mr. Eyre’s name with the Coast, operating 600 coaches out worked tirelessly — seven days a The couple spent the next 43 trade association dominance of Glenelg United Methodist Church, of seven New Jersey locations. week almost without fail — to years building the company, which much larger line-run companies, 13900 Burntwoods Rd., Glenelg, The Tedesco’s two sons, Francis build the business and make it a today has 150 employees and is helped form UBOA, now UMA. MD 21737. and Mark, manage the company today, and survive their mother. A memorial has been established in her name with the Deborah Kenneth Ooten of Greene Coach Co. dies at 83 Hospital Foundation, 218-14 Nor- GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — family-owned motorcoach compa- years he maintained his interest in miles east of Knoxville, Tenn. thern Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Kenneth W. Ooten, who operated ny in Tennessee. the bus industry and the company, Besides his son and daughter- Greene Coach Co. here for more “My father lived and breathed advising and helping his son and in-law, Mr. Ooten is survived by his than 50 years, died late last month buses,” said Mr. Ooten’s son daughter-in-law, Sheila, be success- wife, Nancy; two daughters, Leslie Calendar at Johnson City (Tenn.) Medical Russell, who succeeded his father ful. “He taught me the value of Kelley and Kathy Howard, and a NOVEMBER 2007 Center. He was 83. as president when he retired in things,” said Russell Ooten. sister, Verna Rednour. Mr. Ooten was a wounded com- 1990. “He was a pioneer in the Today, the company operates a A memorial has been estab- 23-24 Quebec Bus Owners bat veteran of World War II, and industry.” fleet of 10 buses, including 8 lished in Mr. Ooten’s name with the Association Fall Conference, Château Bromont, Bromont, following his return from Europe After he retired, Mr. Ooten motorcoaches and provides charter Greenville Cumberland Presby- Quebec. Info: www.apaq.qc.ca. after the war he helped develop farmed and raised cattle. He had services and specialty tours from terian Church Benevolence Fund, 28-29 UMA Safety Manage- Greene Coach with a partner. been working on the farm up until its base in East Tennessee. 201 N. Main Street, Greeneville, ment Seminar, NTSB Academy, Greene Coach is thought to be three weeks before his death. Greenville is roughly 55 miles TN 37745. Mr. Ooten was a mem- Ashburn, Va. Info: www.uma.org, the oldest continuously operated Throughout his retirement northwest of Ashville, N.C., and 70 ber of the church. or call (800) 434-8262.

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 12 November 15, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS The importance of fixing motorcoach dings ‘n dents By Dave Millhouser world there’s a balance between agencies can be feisty if they catch before you drop off the coach. good bus ABC Companies utilization, and the time and ex- you cheating. Inhaling paint will If there is a delay, get the coach body is that it pense of fixing a ding. There are keep your lungs from rusting. But manufacturer’s parts representa- doesn’t attract “First Gear” was easing out of blemishes and wounds. Customers it creates a few other problems. tive involved as quickly as possi- attention. the camp’s infield, piloting a coach understand a bump, but a gash Don’t do it. ble. He or she can verify that parts Many regula- loaded with kids headed home makes them nervous. You may have noticed that this have been ordered and shipped. If, tory agencies after a fun week in the Rockies. Glass is critical because cracks is a seasonal business. (Clever of for some reason they are back- are making an He took the turn a bit too tight- ruin the passenger’s experience me to notice, too, huh?). Many ordered, he’s your best chance at effort to target ly. The bus’ radiator grill caught (you can see them from inside and operators informally campaign speeding the process and keeping buses, during on a fence post. Backing up, he outside the coach) and represent a their coach bodies during slow you informed. destination Dave Millhouser made another run at it. It took 3 hazard. times. It keeps shop staff busy, and and roadside tries but at last the metal ripped Drivers take pride in sharp makes the fleet look sharp at the Reminding drivers inspections, that are most likely to loose, and he was free to begin the buses, so making prompt repairs beginning of peak periods. Modern coaches are higher, have problems. trip East. can slow the dents tendency to Consider formalizing the pro- wider and longer than in the past, They often make the same There was barely enough room reproduce like rabbits. gram, write up what needs to be yet the turning radius is shorter. assumption that your customers in the luggage bay but he managed Insurers believe that while you done, prioritize it, and order parts You might want to make sure driv- do. If a company has put the effort to bring the wounded grill home can’t control severity of accidents in advance. There’s no sense tear- ers understand the implications. into keeping the body up, they’ve with him… and it eventually re- you can control frequency. It makes ing a bus apart, then having to Body damage happens when driv- probably taken care of the stuff sumed its rightful place on the bus. sense that avoiding small accidents either wait for parts, or (ugh!) air ers forget that the rear end swings underneath too. What is it about that rip/crunch may help prevent big ones. freight them in. outside the drive axle track, or “First Gear” got his name as a sound that causes some drivers to When you go to a body shop they don’t notice a nasty angle of result of his gift for turning five- step on the throttle, rather than the Doing it right for repairs, try and schedule ahead, departure. speed transmissions into four more appropriate pedal, the brake? Many companies have the and ask them to order the parts Training and occasional re- speeds. He evolved and now is a What is so satisfying that they skills, in house, to do minor body ahead so they’ll be there when you minders will save heartache and Protestant minister. have to back up — and do it work or to replace panels and bring in the coach. body damage. Fitting — his driving encour- again? glass. Ideally they can work Body shops and coach parts One coach salesman (who aged many of his passengers to The outside of your coaches around the coach’s schedule, and suppliers sometimes play a little shall remain nameless) once pray. speak volumes about your com- fix the most visible problems. game where each blames the other turned a Honda Accord into a Dave Millhouser is an account pany. If you’re going to do your own for delays. They enjoy it, but you Honda Discard with a single representative for ABC Com- In a perfect world your (bus) painting, try and play by the rules. pay. Some of that can be prevented sweep of a bus tail. panies. Contact him at: dmill- body would be perfect. In the real Federal and state environmental by being sure parts are in hand One of the best things about a [email protected].

973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 www.nimcobus.com Supplying the Transportation Industry with Used, Serviceable & Rebuildable Bus Parts for Over 25 Years! VOLUME DISCOUNTS • PRIDE IN PERFORMANCE DEEP DISCOUNTS! on all Detroit Diesel & Allison Transmissions SAVE MONEY ~ SAVE TIME We sell good running qualified bus components. NO RISK PURCHASE PLAN We unconditionally guarantee our customers satisfaction. WE ALSO STOCK • Front and Rear Axle Parts • Engine Accessories • Alternators and other Electrical Components • Air Conditioning Components • Body Parts We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 15, 2007 13 People MCI retains Daecher for simulator training ABC Com- RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — skills assessment and performance panies has hired This month, eight employees of measurements. Jon Savitz as V.I.P. Charters in Riviera Beach are “Our coach driving simulator regional vice climbing aboard a special MCI isn’t about training or teaching conversion coach to receive driver drivers how to drive — they know president and training that extends far beyond how to do that,” says Skip Neff, general manag- anything they could receive in a MCI senior technical adviser. “The er of its Winter single day using V.I.P.’s facilities or system is fantastic technology be- Garden, Fla. fa- Jon Savitz buses. cause it exposes a driver’s weak- cility. The training will take place on- ness, such as following too close or Savitz will oversee and man- board an MCI “coach driving sim- not adjusting speed in foggy condi- age all aspects of sales, service ulator” and be under the direction tions, assesses skill level, and pro- and financial performance for of Daecher Consulting Group of vides the tools and practice time to ABC’s southeast region. Camp Hill, Pa., a leader in motor- improve,” Neff adds. Savitz brings extensive trans- coach safety consulting. “The … simulator reduces on- portation and motorcoach indus- Last month, MCI retaining road training time, lowers fuel costs Skip Neff, senior technical adviser for Motor Coach Industries, points out fea- try experience to ABC. Most re- Daecher Consulting to lead the and minimizes fleet wear while tures of the MCI simulator to a driver for Horizon Motor Coach in Harlem, Ga. cently he was president of Poly- instruction program for its driving advancing drivers’ skills,” notes nesian Adventure Tours, which simulator. Ken Russell, MCI vice president of Using video graphics, sound tact an MCI fleet support or sales provides tour, charter and transit Earlier, Daecher Consulting aftermarket customer support. and motion, the simulator prepares manager, or call Bonnie Kroll, who bus service on the major Group founder Carmen Daecher “Well-trained drivers help keep drivers for routine and hazardous coordinates the training schedule, Hawaiian Islands. worked closely with MCI’s techni- coaches filled and passengers situations — “without risk.” The at (847) 285-2257. His responsibilities at Polyne- cal advisers to create the instruc- happy. The cost for an operator to simulator replicates a wide variety Meanwhile, MCI has an- sian Adventures Tours included tional materials, lessons and skill- develop simulator training on his of driving situations on board MCI nounced it is doubling the number driving the strategic vision for assessment materials used on the own would be astronomical, but J4500, E4500 or D-Series models. of Technical Tune-Up Seminars company growth, management of simulator. we’ve invested in this because we The training modules include: offered next year at the MCI Train- key customer relationships, and In its new role, the Daecher believe there’s value in making bet- • Assessment and training ing Center in Louisville, Ky. The day-to-day management of all crit- Consulting Group will lead indi- ter drivers,” says Russell. • Backing and parking sessions are suitable for beginning vidual and classroom instruction “Data supports that simulator ical business activities. • Space management or more advanced bus maintenance on the high-tech simulator. training reduces wear and tear on • Intersection safety technicians. Savitz also was active in in- Individual or group training equipment, reinforces safer driving • Logbook completion and Next year’s Tech Tune-Up Ses- dustry trade groups in Hawaii. using the similar is available at habits and helps increase driver pre-trip inspection sions will be in February, May, Savitz succeeds Roman Cor- MCI customer locations with up to retention. And we all know how For more information or to September and October. To regis- nell who was named national sales eight drivers trained per day. Ses- important good drivers are to busi- inquire about having the MCI driv- ter, or for more information, con- vice president of ABC last month. sions include all training materials, ness,” he adds. ing simulator at your location, con- tact Kroll. 14 November 15, 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Finding success through Expo ’08 education sessions SAN FRANCISCO — UMA Whether or not you’re interest- Motorcoach Expo 2008 will fea- ed in selling your business, know- ture a series of hard-hitting edu- ing what it’s worth is a must. In par- cational seminars designed to help ticular, it gives you a greater appre- coach company owners and man- ciation for the importance of grow- agers develop specific strategies to ing profit margins to maintain and make their operations more suc- increase your business’s value. cessful. Learn how to put a dollar value on Two days of workshops and your business so you can capitalize panel discussions will focus on the on purchase opportunities that importance of planning ahead to might come your way. create future success. In a nutshell, 11 a.m.–Noon. Operations: the education sessions will help Grant Writing (Bus & Motor- companies “Bridge the Gap.” coach Academy continuing edu- Sessions will direct owners and cation credit) operators to look closely at the Often opportunities to secure goals of their companies, and to government funding go by the way- focus on constructing a plan to side because operators haven’t achieve their objectives, creating a learned the art of writing a govern- Sales-and-profit guru Graham Foster, a popular speaker at motorcoach industry events, interacts with attendees at pathway to the future. ment grant request. Don’t let anoth- an educational session at UMA Motorcoach Expo 2007 earlier this year in New Orleans. “By determining their compa- er chance to get a government grant ny’s strengths, weaknesses and slip by. Learn how you can secure session and learn how. understand the “business value” whether it’s spend money to buy a needs, operators can use the Expo funding for purchasing wheelchair 2–3 p.m. Operations: Dealing each new technological tool brings new coach, or just funds to hire a seminars and discussions to begin lifts, improving security in your with a Catastrophic Accident to your company. temporary employee to help with charting their own path to success,” company, or applying for funding No motorcoach operator ever Learning how you use this new simple administrative duties. said UMA President and CEO for rural transportation. expects to be involved in a serious technology to improve profitability Understanding the financial Victor Parra. accident. Unfortunately, as they is what really matters. Learn how impact these purchases will have Here are the education sessions Concurrent Afternoon Sessions say, bad things happen — even to members of UMA’s new New on your business is critical and can scheduled for Expo ’08: 2–3 p.m. Marketing: Maxi- good companies. Being prepared is Technology Committee are doing only be ascertained through the mizing your Website the best way to minimize the down- just that. budgeting process. Learn how you Thursday, Jan. 17 The web is the resource of side and ensure your company can create a financial context for Friday, Jan. 18 9–10 a.m. Bridging the Gap choice for a growing number of remains viable for the long term. your business. to the Future Americans. No longer are group Come, learn and be prepared Concurrent Morning Sessions 9:30-10:30 a.m. Operations: Panelists from some of the most travel planners willing to “let their should tragedy strike your busi- 9:30-10:30 a.m. Marketing: All about Bus & Motorcoach dynamic companies in the industry fingers do the walking.” They want ness. Reaching New Customers Academy will share their view and compa- tools that empower them to make In the dynamic and competitive The new Bus and Motorcoach nies’ plans for growth. They will informed purchase decisions. First, Concurrent Afternoon Sessions marketplace you operate within, Academy has already become a present their vision for the future they need to find you right away. 3:15–4:15 p.m. Marketing: you can’t rely in your existing cus- useful resource for constantly-on- and lay out strategies and tactics for Second, they need to be able to nav- The Art of Negotiation tomer base to support your busi- the-go operators who are seeking to how they plan to get there. igate your Website quickly and eas- How do you get your price and ness for the short and long term. expand their business knowledge, ily and find the information they still enable the customer to win? To You must continually search out but can’t devote large blocks of Concurrent Morning Sessions need before picking up the phone get there, you’ve got to be a skillful new customer markets to ensure time for classroom learning. 11 a.m.–Noon. Marketing: to call. This session will show you negotiator, know what the customer your business remains vibrant and The academy enables operators Optimize Pricing how to make the web your best wants and needs, and understand growing, as well as strong enough to learn and become accredited Getting top dollar for your serv- marketing channel. how that relates to your needs and to withstand any market down- through online training, where ice is always a difficult challenge, 2–3 p.m. Finance: Plateauing expectations. Learning the art of turns. classes are small and learning is especially with the lowballer down your Business negotiating is a key skill every 9:30-10:30 a.m. Finance: done at the student’s pace. Find out the street ready to undercut you. Managing growth can be a motorcoach operator should have. Building an Effective Budget more about how you and your This session will feature operators unique challenge. How do you 3:15–4:15 p.m. Finance: Pla- (Bus & Motorcoach Academy employees can improve their skills who have developed successful identify where you are in the teauing your Business (cont’d) continuing education credit) in the areas of business and market- programs to maximize revenue growth cycle and what needs to be 3:15–4:15 p.m. Operations: Budgeting is one of the most ing, financial management, human through optimum pricing strate- done to prepare for the next stage New Motorcoach Technologies critical components of managing resources and safety, as well as an gies. of your business, all the while New technology is being added your business. A well thought out entire curriculum for drivers. Learn 11 a.m.–Noon: How to Value maintaining (and, even growing) to motorcoaches at a rapid pace. budget creates a needed framework how the academy can help you with Your Business your profit margin? Come to this This trend has value only if you for financial decision making, your business. Online travel agency says ‘volunteer travel’ is growing SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Trav- what Travelocity calls “the gratifi- populations are stable. vacation enhancing the local com- hours of giving.” elocity, the giant online travel cation of volunteer travel,” the Travelocity says that so-called munity they’re visiting,” says Travelocity has created a tab agency that specializes in air travel, agency has kicked off new “bite- volunteer vacations are steadily Travelocity. under the outdoor category on its has come up with a new product size” volunteer adventures as part increasing in popularity. The com- “Not everyone can take the Website, www.travelocity.com, that that would seem perfectly suited to of its Travel for Good program. pany forecast poll for 2007 found time to go on an extended volunteer allows travelers to book a volunteer the motorcoach industry. The first bite-size volunteer that 11 percent of respondents plan vacation outside of the country,” trip in San Francisco, Oakland, San The program is based on the experience, developed with envi- to volunteer during their vacations said Jeffrey Glueck, chief market- Jose or Monterey. The bite-size idea that more and more people are ronmental group Earthwatch, this year — up from 6 percent in ing officer for Travelocity. adventure is also offered as an add- looking to enrich their travel by entails one-day of monitoring the 2006. “We’ve been working with our on activity when consumers book a volunteering, but many are daunted mammals of Monterey Bay in “Bite-size volunteer adventures Travel for Good partners to create trip to the Bay Area. by longer trips to remote destina- Northern California, logging the make it easy for volunteers to par- volunteer opportunities for travel- To check it out, go to: tions. behavior of sea otters, dolphins and ticipate in opportunities close to ers on a smaller scale because lives www.travelocity.com/marinemam- To introduce more people to hump-back whales to ensure the home or spend a portion of their can still be transformed with a few mals. CHARTER Dump CLEAN... Dump LEGAL!

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ground investigations or maintain the renters when they sign the the state who are joining the leg- er might have that could increase Automax trip logs or other bus records. paperwork. islative effort say their main worry their liability and the chances of an CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “They’re doing everything legal is that the rental customers usually accident or other serious and costly Cantrell said because the com- but getting around the rules by Nothing to say do not know they are fully respon- problems. pany is not a registered motorcoach using loopholes,” he maintained. AutoMax declined to talk about sible for any liability to their pas- “No one knows if the drivers operator, it does not have to meet He said much of the important its business practices, saying sengers and others in the event of are truly qualified to drive,” said government insurance and safety information that should be con- through a spokesman it wasn’t an accident, fire or other incident. Brenda Tidwell of Leisure Time requirements, and its drivers are not veyed to rental customers actually interested in having a news story Additionally, they said cus- Charters and Tours in Emerson, Ga. mandated to pass medical examina- is included in the contract, but is in written about it at this time. tomers are not told of any safety, “People who rent coaches should tions, drug tests or criminal back- fine print and often overlooked by Cantrell and other operators in criminal or medical issues the driv- be told up front what they are get- ting involved in.” She said the legislation is criti- cal because AutoMax appears to be expanding its motorcoach rental business and recently took one of its coaches to a school to promote its use for school activities. “If this keeps up, most of the private operators could be put out of business,” she said, emphasizing that because the company does not have to meet federal regulations it is able to offer bus trips at less cost than most private operators. “We won’t need a United Motorcoach Association or America Bus Association because there won’t be any operators left.”

Is expansion next? There have been reports Auto- Max is considering opening a third rental outlet in Marietta, northwest of Atlanta. However the company spokesman denied the report. Under a draft of the legislation being prepared for introduction to the Georgia General Assembly in January, businesses that rent or lease commercial passenger vehi- cles would be required to disclose federal and state regulatory compli- ance requirements to their cus- tomers and have them sign docu- ments stating they were made aware of their responsibilities. In addition, the companies would have to certify that their cus- tomers comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Georgia Public Service Commis- sion and the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles. Businesses that violate the law would be fined $1,000 and lose their business license for up to a year. Cantrell said several state legis- lators have indicated they would support such a measure and key lawmakers are being sought to actually sponsor the proposal. He is unsure, however, of the chances of getting it passed during next year’s 90-day session. “It is very difficult to get a bill through the legislature, especially the first time, but we will be trying,” he said. Meantime, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration con- tinues to study the issue, although there are indications there is very little it can do short of adopting new federal regulations or legisla- tion that would put the rental com- panies under its oversight. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 15, 2007 17 SuperShuttle buys more operations Operators support PHOENIX — SuperShuttle In- In September, SuperShuttle an- Yellow Cab, Carey Limousine & ternational Inc., the largest airport nounced it had acquired Cloud 9 in KCI Shuttle. The fleet includes Snowball Express ground transportation company in San Diego and Kansas City (Mo.) roughly 300 taxis, 55 airport shut- COSTA MESA, Calif. — founded by Sinise. Sinise and the U.S., has acquired two Cali- Transportation Group. tles, 35 paratransit vehicles and 45 Coach USA and Coach America TriWest Healthcare Alliance are fornia airport shuttle services. M&M Luxury Shuttle operated limousines and livery vehicles. are helping support this year’s underwriting the cost of the The purchases are the latest in 15 vans and is being rolled into the Much of the Kansas City oper- Snowball Express, an annual event evening. an acquisition program that began existing SuperShuttle operation in ation is being expanded into the that brings nearly 1,500 U.S. mili- On Saturday, the families will this past summer after SuperShut- San Francisco. SuperShuttle service model and tary family members who have lost be taken to the headquarters of tle was acquired by Veolia Trans- Minibus Systems, an 80-van brand. Other brands within the fathers, mothers and spouses in Oakley Corp. for entertainment and portation Inc. of Oak Brook, Ill. service that as been operating un- group, such as Yellow Cab, will re- Iraq and Afghanistan to Southern visits from celebrities. On Sunday, Veolia is the largest provider of der the SuperShuttle name through main under the same brand names. California for a “dream weekend.” a day at Disneyland is planned. passenger ground transportation a franchise arrangement, becomes In March, SuperShuttle also This year’s weekend of activi- Most of the Snowball Express services in North America, with a wholly owned subsidiary of made a small shuttle acquisition in ties will be Nov. 29-Dec. 2, and air travel is provided by American bus, rail, shuttle and paratransit SuperShuttle Los Angeles. Denver. will feature a welcoming dinner and Southwest airlines, while Coach systems in more than 120 locations The acquisition of Cloud 9 in- SuperShuttle, which is based in and concert at The Grove in America and Coach USA are pro- in the US and Canada. cludes 105 vans and sedans, most Phoenix, operates as a division of Anaheim, Calif., starring actor viding ground transportation. Acquired by SuperShuttle last operated by franchisees. Veolia Transportation On Demand Gary Sinise (of CSI: NY) and the For information, go to month were M&M Luxury Shuttle The Kansas City Transporta- and is a subsidiary of Veolia Envi- Lt. Dan Band, a rock group co- www.snowballexpress.org. Inc. in San Francisco and Minibus tion Group acquisition included ronment. SuperShuttle serves 27 Systems Inc. in Ontario, Calif. the operation of Kansas City airports. Coach America gets L.A. airport contract LOS ANGELES — The Los Riders using the service get to Shared-ride shuttles come to London Angeles Airport Commission has their destination in about 40 min- approved a five-year contract with utes, via buses that use freeway car- LONDON — Large-scale, dot2dot, a shared-ride airport and from the airports. Coach America Los Angeles to pool lanes. An estimated 253,000 shared-ride airport shuttle service transfer service running between dot2dot began its service with continue providing FlyAway bus people rode the FlyAway during its was introduced here this month for Heathrow and Gatwick airports 64 custom-built vans, with an addi- service between Union Station and first year of operation. the first time, giving travelers a and London hotels. tional 12 vehicles to be delivered Los Angeles International Airport. Under the contract, the diesel- break from taxi fares that can reach The service, priced at $44.66 by the end of the year. The majori- Los Angeles World Airports powered buses that have been used $125 between central city hotels per person (U.S.), is the UK’s first ty of the shuttle vans can carry will pay Coach America about to provide the service will be re- and international airports. large-scale airport shuttle. With a between 10 and 12 passengers. All $16.5 million to operate the non- placed with a fleet of smaller buses National Express Group, a maximum of four stops on any trip, of the vehicles have satellite navi- stop service, which began on a pilot fueled by compressed natural gas. leading transportation company in it’s designed to reduce the hassle, gation equipment and congestion basis in March of last year. The new buses start in December. the United Kingdom, launched as well as the expense, of getting to tracking systems.

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istic options for obtaining these tionships and take actions to sus- Pandemic essential materials and supplies in a tain this essential support. Ques- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 pandemic emergency? tions to consider include: Which National Interstate shows supplies and personnel at risk,” the • Determine the most effective critical customers depend most on security officials add. ways to ensure an adequate supply your operation and what should big 3rd-quarter profit gain Here are some of the interim of essential materials. Questions to you do to prioritize support for RICHFIELD, Ohio — Nation- gross premiums written totaled guidelines recommended for consider include: Is there adequate them; and can you reduce your al Interstate Corporation has re- $72.1 million, up 16.7 percent motorcoach operators: space on-site to expand storage of risks by collaborating with similar ported sharply higher earnings for from year-ago premiums of $61.7 • Identify and assess all of fuels and supplies temporarily, businesses to establish a mutual the third quarter of 2007, thanks to million. For the first nine months your system’s essential services, safely and legally; do you have con- support pact for equipment, sup- a variety of factors, including re- of this year, gross premiums writ- functions and processes. Questions tracts with multiple vendors; and plies and workers? duced losses, strong investment re- ten totaled $274.9 million, an to consider include: What would have you authorized essential • Identify federal, state and sults, higher premiums, and growth increase of 12.7 percent compared the effects be on charter bus servic- workers to make purchases via local regulatory requirements that in all segments of its business. to the $244 million reported for es for school trips; how likely credit card or purchase order? may affect business operations. National Interstate, a leading same period last year. would your suppliers be able to • Identify the types and num- Questions to consider include: Are insurer of motorcoaches, said it The company’s “alternative risk continue operating, and how might bers of workers critical to sustain there direct or indirect impacts on earned $10.1 million, or 52 cents transfer component” (i.e., captive your business’ typical services be essential functions. Questions to business operations that should be per diluted share, during the three insurance programs) posted rev- adapted to conditions so that char- consider include: Are there union addressed, such as hours of service, months ended Sept. 30, a 55 enue increases of 27.8 percent and ter buses could be used as environ- constraints against using skilled border and travel restrictions and increase from third-quarter 2006 17.7 percent for the 2007 third mentally controlled medical supply maintenance technicians as drivers; enforcement of fuel price gouging; net income of $6.5 million, or 34 quarter and year to date, respec- transporters? what challenges do you face with are there temporary waivers to con- cents per diluted share. tively, compared to the same peri- • Review all equipment criti- full-time, part-time and seasonal sider, such as allowing interstate Last year, National Interstate ods in 2006. cal to support each essential func- employees; and do your contract travel without obtaining trip per- experienced an unusually large Alan Spachman, chairman and tion. Questions to consider include: employees provide in-house servic- mits for each state; and what issues number of major losses during the CEO of National Interstate, point- Can you modify your operation es, such as cleaning, hazmat dis- may arise from temporary modifi- third quarter, cutting into earnings. ed out that the company return on temporarily to sustain essential posal and equipment repair? cations, such as insurance carrier This year, the loss rate in the third average shareholder equity was assets and equipment; and have you • Identify policies and proce- restrictions and greater monitoring quarter returned to historical levels. 22.9 percent, “ahead of our stated considered driver availability and dures to protect and sustain work- by a business of its drivers who Reflective of that, the ’07 third- objective of 15 percent, plus the licensure, maintenance technician ers during a pandemic. Questions may be allowed to exceed hours of quarter loss and loss-adjustment- rate of inflation.” certification, fueling availability, to consider include: Are there tem- service. expense ratio was 60.2 percent, During the third quarter, repair center operations, replace- porary options you can use to in- • Identify effects from mitiga- versus 67.3 percent a year ago. Spachman sold 600,000 shares of ment and repair part accessibility, crease worker availability, such as tion strategies and take actions to Net income for the first nine his National Interstate stock to Internet and telecommunications 12-hour shifts, overtime and using reduce negative impacts. Questions months of this year was $32.5 mil- KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., the scheduling? nonessential workers; have you to consider include: What impact lion, or $1.67 per diluted share, up investment banking and commer- • Prepare to sustain essential considered sequestering essential will strategies have on absentee nearly 34 percent from last year’s cial finance unit of Cleveland- equipment for a wave lasting up to employees on-site; and how do you rates if, for example, schools and $24.3 million, or $1.26 per share based Key Bank. The purchase 12 weeks. Questions to consider fund the costs of stocking such childcare facilities close for several diluted. price was $30 per share. include: Will you have more quali- items as masks, additional cleaning weeks; what are the costs associat- Dave Michelson, president That transaction, and a smaller fied drivers available than buses, or materials, with medical oversight, ed with expanding sick leave poli- and COO of National Interstate, one, reduced Spachman’s National vice versa; do you have sufficient antiviral medications? cies; and what workplace changes said the company was pleased Interstate holdings on Sept. 12 to replacements parts available on-site • Identify Human Resource can you implement to keep with the results and the fact it was 2.4 million shares, or 12.5 percent or locally or can you collaborate (HR) and protective actions to sus- employees apart, such as work-at- continuing to experience growth of the company stock outstanding. with other small businesses; and tain an essential workforce. home options, split working/meal in all of its business units, plus National Interstate shares moved can you defer or accelerate sched- Questions to consider include: Do shifts, reduced nonessential travel, maintaining double-digit top-line above $32 just before the third- uled maintenance on short notice? you have new sick leave policies to and physical separation of employ- growth overall. quarter earnings were announced • Identify materials and sup- support ill workers and ill family ees throughout the workplace? For this year’s third quarter, early this month. plies to sustain essential functions members; have you met with Ken Presley, vice president of and equipment for up to 12 weeks. unions and other HR groups on industry affairs at the United Mo- The CDC offers these impact affected communities, and multiple Questions to consider include: implementing new policies tem- torcoach Association, says officials assumptions: Susceptibility to a waves that strike across the country How many gallons of diesel, quarts porarily; and have you considered involved in pandemic planning pandemic influenza virus will be last 2-3 months. of lubricants do you need for 12 relevant federal, state or local laws have done an excellent job. He par- universal; the disease will hit at The highway and motor carrier weeks; can you afford to stockpile that govern extended emergency ticularly singled out the U.S. Center least 30 percent of the population; pandemic guidelines will eventual- what you will need and how do you leave for employees? for Disease Control and Prevention absenteeism could reach 40 per- ly be posted on the so-called pan- fund these costs; and are there real- • Identify interdependent rela- and the U.S. Coast Guard. cent; epidemics last 6-8 weeks in flu Website, http:/pandemicflu.gov.

bread-and-butter coach models. 11.9 percent. Conversion shells CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Coach sales Also, for the first time since the took 13.3 percent of the total in the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 initial quarter of 2004, the top sell- second quarter of this year and 14.4 2001 Prevost H3-45 sector tour-and-charter bus opera- ing model was not the MCI J4500. percent in the first quarter. Excellent Condition tors. The other four top sellers dur- • Particularly hurt by the third- Low Mileage Sales by brand dropped from ing the third quarter were the quarter decline in purchases by tour $259,000 10.5 to 28.6 percent. Those coach Prevost H3-45, the Setra S 417, the and charter operators was ZF, builders with the smallest percent- MCI D4505 and the Van Hool maker of the AS-Tronic auto-stick 56 passenger, DD Series 60, T2145. The T2145 replaced the shift transmission. Since AS- Allison B 500, Jake Brake, age declines apparently were the AM/FM/DVD/VCR/Cass/PA, companies who still had a stash of Prevost X3-45 among the top seven Tronics are not normally used in 5 Monitors, Cruise Controll, Alum ’06 engines they could mount in sellers. public-sector coaches or conver- Wheels, Enclsed Overhead Parcel Racks, Lav, Card Table, 327,000 miles ’07 coaches. Other highlights: sion shells, the percentage of new • Purchases by Canadian coaches delivered in the third quar- Call Tom (800) 366-8641 The top three selling new-coach models — the MCI D4500, J4500 coach operators slowed noticeably. ter with ZF transmissions dropped email for more pictures - [email protected] and Van Hool C2045 — captured Canadian sales accounted for only to 25.4 percent. more than 60 percent of the market 5.5 percent of the total in the third Still, more MCI J4500s, Van in the third quarter. That compares quarter, compared to 14.6 percent Hool C2045s and Prevost H3-45s REPOS FOR SALE to 54.2 percent for the three models in the first quarter and 12.9 percent were sold with ZF AS-Tronics than Variety of makes and models of in the second quarter, 57.3 percent in the second quarter of this year. with Allison B500 transmissions. “Bank Repos” across the United in the first quarter and 55.7 percent • Sales of conversion shells It also is worth noting that Setra for the fourth quarter of last year. remained strong in the third quar- sold its first S 417 model equipped States and Priced to Sell! That means third-quarter buy- ter, with 14 percent of the market, with a ZF AS-Tronic during the 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! ers focused their purchases on more up from third-quarter ’06 sales of third quarter.

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