December 1, 2010

New NCAA transportation program worries operators INDIANAPOLIS — Only mo- GO Ground Options — is aimed at transportation for financial rea- letes is its main concern. higher level,” the release said. torcoach operators with top-rated providing the safest travel possible sons and a number of them – Ohio “The NCAA is adopting a new NCAA spokesman Cameron safety records and safety programs for student athletics who are invit- State, Michigan State, San Jose and higher standard for safety Schuh said the association had will be allowed to transport college ed to playoff and championship State, UCLA, Alabama, and Ne- compliance and certification of been reviewing transportation is- athletic teams to post-season games the association sponsors. braska among them – were hiring charter bus operations,” the orga- sues for quite some time and want- games under a program adopted by Adoption of the program came carriers with questionable safety nization said in a release posted on ed to develop a ground transporta- the National Collegiate Athletic in the wake of an extensive investi- records. its website that provides some de- tion program similar to one it has Association. gation last year by ESPN, the sport While it was not known if the tails about the program. for air travel. The NCAA said the new cable television network, that ESPN investigation was behind the “Those operators who wish to “We believe this opportunity ground transportation program — showed that numerous colleges new program, the NCAA did say transport teams involved in cham- will allow us to enhance the safety being managed by Chicago-based have been switching to charter bus that the safety of the student ath- pionships must be certified at this CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c Berg tarnished industry, Olympics dispute say Northwest operators resolved, payout SEATTLE — When Darren Association. Berg jumped into the motorcoach But now, seven years later, details kept secret business here in 2003, some oper- with Berg in jail facing federal VANCOUVER, British Co- ators in the Pacific Northwest fig- fraud and money laundering lumbia — The nine-month-old ured it could be the start of some- charges and his bus business being squabble over money owed to the thing good for the industry. managed by a federal court while U.S. motorcoach operators that After all, with MTR Western awaiting its sale to a Seattle invest- provided shuttle services for the featuring new, top-of-the line lux- ment group, those operators who 2010 Winter Olympics here last ury buses, professional drivers thought the high-end competition MTR Western: ‘The most modern fleet of coaches in North America’ February appears to be over. with fancy uniforms, and drinks might a good thing now admit erators contend Berg was actually Pacific Northwest and gave the in- The Vancouver Organizing and snacks for its passengers, they Berg actually tarnished the indus- trying to run them out of business dustry as a whole a black eye that Committee, commonly called were sure it would spruce up the try in a big way. through predatory pricing and will take time to heal. VANOC, and Gameday Manage- image of all charter bus services. “About the only good thing he other underhanded tactics, while “The best word I can think of ment of Orlando reached an agree- “A lot of us thought he was on did for the industry was get the rest using other people’s money to do it. for what he did is ‘disgusting,’” ment last month that will allow the up and up, and he would ele- of us to buy newer buses and clean They say he regularly low said Cameron. dozens of operators hired by Inter- vate the charter industry with his up our coaches with new uphol- balled their charter prices, recruit- Berg was jailed in October national Trailways to be paid the new business,” said Jim Cameron, stery and paint,” suggested Noah ed some of their key employees after federal prosecutors charged estimated $4 million they are owed owner of CWC Charters in Mount Wessinger, owner of Get Away with hefty salary offers, and raid- him with defrauding hundreds of for their work. (See Sept. 1, Bus & Vernon, Wash., and president of Coaches in Woodland, Wash. ed their customers. His antics, investors in several investment Motorcoach News.) The settlement was reached the Northwest Motorcoach Beyond that, he and other op- they maintain, created havoc in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c during a three-day private media- tion session. Details of the agree- ment, however, were not made pub- Will outraged flyers try alternatives? lic because the parties involved in Quote of the Month by air travelers. the meetings signed a confidential- ity agreement not to discuss them. “If people don’t want to play that role, if News Analysis Some of society’s traditional thought lead- ers think the Transportation Security Adminis- Ron Wall, counsel for Trail- they want to travel by some other means, on fees, onerous requirements, and possible tration and its more aggressive measures al- ways, called the agreement satis- of course that is their right. This is the threats to health (from body scanners) are air- ready have exceeded the balance between factory and said it cleared the way United States.” line passengers willing to accept before they reasonable security techniques and the mainte- for Gameday to settle up with Trail- — Department of Homeland Security Secretary begin abandoning air travel, and consider scur- nance of a free society. ways, which hired 58 motorcoach Janet Napolitano, noting there are alterna- rying on board buses in large numbers? Others contend the criticism is overblown, companies to shuttle athletes and tive transportation options for those op- It’s a question of the moment, but no one that the tougher security measures are both a spectators during the games. posed to airport security measures seems to know for sure what it will take for the sign of the times and a necessary evil. Gameday, which managed the current outrage over invasive airport security The Washington Times editorialized late transportation program for One has to wonder: How many more indig- screenings, including pat-downs and body last month that the TSA “has crossed the line VANOC, but turned over recruit- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 nities, invasions of privacy, service lapses, add- scans, to turn into genuine revulsion and revolt CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c c Affordable Luxury

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House gets dangerous safety bill Bill would exempt buses late last month by Rep. John Lewis, • Installation of electronic sta- Action possible D-Ga., who introduced a similar bility control systems and tire- bill in the House two years ago. pressure monitoring systems on all from Jersey franchise tax by Democrats Both the United Motorcoach motorcoaches within two years. TRENTON, N.J. — A bill mak- Dugan of Safety Bus Service in WASHINGTON — A nearly and the American Bus associa- In all, there are 14 overreach- ing its way through the New Jersey Pennsauken, N.J., and Clyde Hart, identical version of the draconian tions have issued warnings about ing and overarching mandates that Legislature could end a decade of senior vice president of government motorcoach safety legislation that the bills, with the ABA calling the would require the industry to spend motorcoach industry antipathy to- affairs and policy at the American could see action this month on the proposed legislation “a bad bill billions of dollars for compliance. ward the state because of its confis- Bus Association. floor of the U.S. Senate has been that can’t be made right. It must The requirements would be catory corporate franchise tax. Presley noted in his remarks that reintroduced in the House of not be passed by the Senate during laughable if they weren’t contained Currently, a one-night New Jer- while the New Jersey franchise tax is Representatives. the lame duck session.” in serious legislation that is poised sey stopover by a motorcoach whose burdensome and a deterrent for the The fact a look-alike bill has The two bills require the for consideration by the Senate and passengers stay in a hotel, dine in a bus and motorcoach industry, it is been refiled in the House likely USDOT to impose a series of now has a clone in the House, mak- restaurant or two, or visit a local at- not bus and motorcoach operators increases the chances the dooms- onerous and costly safety man- ing reconciliation simple. traction creates a taxable nexus for that are likely suffering the most be- day measures could be considered dates on the industry at a highly It’s safe to say that passage of the company that operates the bus. cause of the tax. Rather it is New Jer- by Congress during the current accelerated pace. Senate Bill 554 and House Reso- That one visit means the coach sey’s tourist economy. lame-duck session. (See Nov. 15 For example, it would require: lution 6441 would force hundreds company will incur the minimum “It is the large number of charter Bus & Motorcoach News.) • Seatbelts and fire suppres- of coach operators to shut down or New Jersey corporate franchise tax and tour companies that choose to The updated House version of sion equipment on all motor- to drastically curtail service. of $500. But that’s not the end of it. avoid New Jersey destinations that the proposed legislation, H.R. coaches within one year. The ABA contends the bills The company likely will also be have the largest negative impact on 6441-Motorcoach Enhanced Safe- • New roof standards and ad- also would do little to enhance compelled to hire an accountant to New Jersey’s tourism,” said Presley. ty Act of 2010, was reintroduced vanced glazing within 18 months. safety. make the proper tax filing. “In the charter business, pre- Subsequently, the company will formed groups typically determine be contacted by the New Jersey Sec- the destination or destinations they Health rules for drivers delayed retary of State to register as a foreign would like to visit and select a char- corporation, resulting in another ter company to take them there. The BALTIMORE — New regula- Meanwhile, the FMCSA says it the Hazardous Materials Transporta- $500 payment to the state. number of bus and motorcoach com- tions from the Federal Motor Carrier plans to comply with an appeals tion Authorization Act of 1994. In total, that one overnight stop panies willing to bring groups to Safety Administration that are fo- court order requiring it to issue a pro- The regulations were to have in New Jersey can cause an operator New Jersey as a destination has di- cused specifically on health stan- posed rule by the end of this year on been issued by Feb. 26, 1996. to incur $1,500-$2,000 in taxes, fees minished considerably.…As a result dards for commercial vehicle drivers supporting documents for hours-of- FMCSA and ATA set the lawsuit and accounting costs, probably ex- of the franchise tax, New Jersey as will have to wait until next year, says service compliance. aside this past spring to settle their ceeding the gross payment for that an in-route or final destination seems FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro. A rule has been in the works for differences, but in July ATA said set- portion of the charter and unrecover- to be slowly disappearing from the Meanwhile, a U.S. Court of some time. tlement talks had failed and asked the able from the group. tour operators’ catalogs,” Presley Appeals has ordered the FMCSA to Last January, the American court to rule. That scenario is an example of asserted. issue a proposed rule by the end of Trucking Associations asked the ap- For years, FMCSA has used reg- why the motorcoach industry has He pointed out that if 40 percent this year on supporting documents peals court to issue a “writ of manda- ulatory guidance and policies rather long opposed New Jersey’s corporate of the nation’s motorcoach compa- for hours-of-service compliance. mus,” ordering the FMCSA to issue a than formal regulations to govern franchise tax and why many coach nies, which are heavily concentrated The timing of health standard supporting documents regulation motor carriers’ supporting docu- companies have shunned the state, on the eastern seaboard, avoid only rules, concerning sleep apnea pro- that Congress mandated as part of ments requirements. including its Atlantic City casinos, one New Jersey destination trip an- grams and medical examiners, is This approach has been frustrat- during the past decade. nually the economic loss to the state being pushed back to next year be- Trucker ordered ing for many truckers and has led to “The number of bus and motor- easily tops $15 million. “The multi- cause the agency is finishing work several court cases. coach companies willing to bring ples of that number become very first on its new hours-of-service pro- to install EOBRs To settle the dispute unilaterally, groups to New Jersey as a destina- scary,” said Presley, “particularly posal for truckers and the CSA 2010 WASHINGTON — The Feder- FMCSA issued a new policy in July tion has diminished considerably,” when considering the loss of jobs, in- safety ratings program. al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- that relieved carriers using qualified Ken Presley, vice president of indus- vestment and tax revenues.” The hours-of-service rules are due tration has ordered a Colorado tracking systems from 15 specific try relations at the United Motor- Presley also noted that bus and momentarily and the agency was mov- trucker to install electronic onboard paperwork requirements. ATA re- coach Association, told the Tourism motorcoach companies pay taxes ing toward disclosure of carrier safety recorders on its fleet by March. sponded that the policy was insuffi- and Gaming Committee of the New when traveling in New Jersey -- re- data for public review on Dec. 1. The order came after regula- cient because carriers needed regula- Jersey General Assembly last month. gardless of whether they stop. These “Those (medical examiner rules) tors said the company was routine- tory certainty. “Our last survey indicated ap- direct taxes include fuel taxes, ap- will be issued early next year after ly violating federal hours-of-ser- The appeals court order did not proximately 40 percent of the pas- portioned tag taxes and Uniform the agency completes work on the vice rules and commercial driver’s discuss the arguments but simply de- senger carrier (members of UMA) Carrier Registration Agreement fees. hours-of-service rule,” Ferro said at license requirements. clared ATA had “demonstrated that decline to transport passengers to “I challenge you today to repeal the International Conference on The FMCSA said that JBS Car- the delay in this case warrants issu- New Jersey destinations. this burdensome tax that remains an Commercial Driver Health and Well- riers Inc., of Greeley, Colo., must ance of the writ.” “As one North Carolina charter impediment to marketing New Jer- ness here. install the devices. The order is be- Even before ATA filed its lawsuit bus company stated: ‘In a typical sey destinations. The vast majority of The rules related to medical ex- lieved to be the first of its kind. in January, FMCSA had announced year we would do about four charters states do not impose these burden- aminations also will address vision, If JBS fails to comply, it is sub- it would deal with HOS supporting a year to Atlantic City, but with the some taxes on the bus and motor- respiratory disease and diabetes stan- ject to $81,780 in fines. documents as part of a rulemaking franchise tax and what it cost me to coach industry but rather have the dards, as well as sleep apnea, the ad- Earlier this year, FMCSA com- that would expand the scope of man- have my CPA file the forms, it is ‘welcome mat’ out for the tourism ministrator said. pleted an electronic onboard re- datory electronic onboard recorders. simply unprofitable and not worth dollars they bring,” Presley “Down the road, there will be corder rule that requires fleets with According to the agency’s current the hassle. We usually convince the concluded. radical changes in the medical re- violations to install the devices. schedule — published before the group to go elsewhere,’” Presley told A bill that would exempt coach quirements to be sure that we are Since then, the FMCSA has court order, the White House would the state legislators. operators carrying passengers in and minimizing the risk,” she said, with- been considering even more far- clear a proposed rule by Dec. 30, and Also testifying before the com- out of New Jersey from the corporate out providing any details on the reaching electronic onboard re- FMCSA would publish it a few days mittee were Greater Jersey Motor- franchise tax is expected to pass the agency’s plans. corder requirements. later. coach Association President Thomas state General Assembly. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET December 1, 2010 5 Distracted driving: New insight Deficit commission heads BLACKSBURG, Va. — Just several risk-increasing steps to use systems aimed at reducing risky when you thought you’d seen (or a cell phone for conversation and driving behavior. propose higher fuel taxes heard) more than enough about those steps pose a great danger. As was found in a previous WASHINGTON — The co- next chairman of the House Trans- distracted driving, along comes Interestingly, the odds for Virginia Tech study, using a cell chairs of President Obama’s National portation and Infrastructure Com- more sophisticated research that being involved in a safety-critical phone to text, email or access the Commission on Fiscal Responsibili- mittee, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., suggests some of what we’ve event actually dropped for drivers internet while driving was in a cat- ty and Reform, which has come to be would rather see budgets cut in fed- learned is skewed. talking and listening on a hands- egory of risk all by itself, with known simply as the federal “deficit eral programs to cover transportation For example, it’s not terribly free phone. drivers 163 times more likely to be commission,” have proposed a 15- needs. risky just to talk on a cell phone Even drivers talking and lis- involved in a safety-critical event. cent hike in federal fuel taxes, begin- A poll taken in April, just before while driving. tening on a hand-held phone in- As has been found in other ning in three years, to sustain the Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieber- However, it’s very risky to creased their risk so slightly it was driving studies, nondriving tasks Highway Trust Fund. man were getting ready to introduce a reach for a cell phone or dial a cell not regarded as a significant dif- that take the driver’s eyes away The recommendation would ap- Senate bill that would impose dramat- phone while driving. ference by the researchers. from the roadway had the greatest pear to fly in the face of President ically higher gas taxes, showed 7 in 10 In fact, bus and truck drivers This is an important finding, risk — texting, emailing, access- Obama’s stated opposition to higher Americans were opposed the idea. who dialed a cell phone while said the Virginia Tech researchers, ing the internet, dialing a cell fuel taxes. While Kerry’s objective was re- driving increased their odds of in- suggesting that much of the risk phone, reaching for a cell phone, However, that didn’t deter the ducing greenhouse gas production, volvement in a safety-critical could be addressed through im- and reaching for a headset/ commission’s co-chairs, former as opposed to reducing the deficit, event by 3.51 times, the new re- proved design. earpiece. Clinton White House chief of staff 78 percent of those polled said they search from Virginia Tech Trans- Another finding, perhaps not It appears that a key difference Erskine Bowles and former Republi- believed higher fuel taxes would kill portation Institute shows. too surprising, is that cell phone between the high-risk and low-risk can senator from Wyoming Alan K. jobs. For its latest study, the re- policies instituted by bus and truck nondriving tasks involves the Simpson, from proposing higher fuel Currently, the United Motor- searchers at Virginia Tech decided operators cut cell phone risks amount of visual distraction, re- taxes as a deficit-cutting measure. coach Association is opposed to any to examine what specifically there more than state cell phone laws. searchers conclude. Nondriving Overall, budget-clashing sugges- increase in the fuel tax because so is about cell phone use that is The new study was commis- tasks associated with high visual tions made by Bowles and Simpson much of current federal taxes on gas- risky. They looked at the various sioned by the Federal Motor Car- attention have the highest odds of “sub-tasks” involved in using a rier Safety Administration. Data involvement in a safety-critical would bring the federal deficit down oline and diesel fuel is diverted to cell phone and that’s when they was collected over a one-year pe- event. to 2 percent of GDP by 2014, and wasteful transit spending, and the began quantifying and comparing riod and included 1,085 crashes, Rich Hanowski, director of lower the national debt to 34 percent Obama Administration continues to the actual risk of dialing or reach- 8,375 near crashes, 30,661 “crash- VTTI’s Center for Truck & Bus of GDP by 2040. favor an increase in transit spending. ing for a cell phone versus talking relevant conflicts,” and 211,711 Safety, notes that “the take-away Opposition to increasing fuel At the same time, the American or listening on one. baselines. message is that drivers must keep taxes — especially with the economy Trucking Associations has in the past In other words, although talk- The data was collected by their eyes on the road and tasks or in its weakened state — goes beyond expressed support for fuel taxes as a ing on a cell phone did not show a DriveCam, the company that mar- activities that divert eyes from the the White House. Many Republicans fair and verifiable means of paying heightened risk, a driver must take kets onboard safety monitoring road are risky.” on the commission, including the for infrastructure.

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• Most of the nation’s airlines, Flyer outrage save Southwest, have adopted tick- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 et-change fees that boggle the (by) subjecting millions of Ameri- mind. cans to X-rated X-ray scans and • Most of the nation’s airlines, public groping sessions.” save Southwest, have adopted But the Los Angeles Times checked-bag fees that range from opined that “there’s no bright line $15 to $300 per bag. One airline to indicate when our quest for se- even charges for carry-on bags. curity becomes intolerably inva- • Most airlines have instituted sive of our privacy, but we’re still fees for meals and snacks, head- pretty sure the TSA hasn’t yet sets, Wi-Fi, pillows and blankets, crossed it.” unaccompanied minor-age chil- The L.A. Times, possibly taking dren, and pets. its cue from Secretary Napolitano, • Many airlines charge fees for says “if you can’t stand such a priority boarding, preferred seat- minor inconvenience (as a pat- ing and booking tickets by phone. down or body scanner), perhaps • As of Nov. 1, air passengers you should stay on the ground.” must abide by new identification Such sentiment harkens back rules that include providing date of to the enduring but negative slogan birth, gender and full name as it from the 1960s: “America: Love it appears on government-issued or Leave it.” photo IDs. So, the federal government has • Airlines are now subject to given customers of the nation’s air- fines of up to $27,000 if they keep lines a choice regarding security passengers on a plane for more By Walt Handelsman, Newsday, New York measures: Like it or lump it. than three hours without taking Still, the customer-unfriendly off. (Any motorcoach operator • Passengers may carry items while the number of flight cancel- offering no customer service at all. attitude of Napolitano and Trans- based within 25 miles of an air- powered by lithium-ion batteries lations was up from a year ago. There are ways around all this, portation Security Administrator line-served airport and who hasn’t (the kind found in laptops and cell • The number of first-class of course — at least for regional John Pistole isn’t markedly differ- called on the station manager of phones) onboard a plane only if in- seats on planes is shrinking. trips. ent from what other federal agen- every airline in that airport, offer- tended for personal use. No carry- • At least three major airlines They’re called trains, buses cies, and even the airlines them- ing foul-weather-transportation ing of several phones that may be have asked the TSA for permission and automobiles. selves, have applied to air services, may be missing an op- given as gifts. to begin letting travelers tag their But, will it happen? passengers during the past 18 portunity for additional business • The airlines’ on-time perfor- own checked bags. W i l l A m e r i c a G e t months or so. Some examples: this winter.) mance was down in September, Pretty soon the airlines will be Motorcoachified?

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3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 SUBSCRIBE Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2010 7 Tough times amplify need for knowledge, relationships By Dave Millhouser You get to meet folks who teacher more than they study the you’ve done business with and see ‘It might even be fun subject. Educational sessions can “Wow, I had expected a much what they actually look like, or offer entree into the minds of regu- larger man,” muttered the insur- meet people who you may need in to help someone lators…and the opportunity to in- ance adjuster as Mike walked in an emergency. Some people can fluence them. the door. develop and maintain a relation- struggling mightily Another, more subtle, advan- At 5 feet 8 inches tall and 150 ship at a distance but most of us tage of meeting other operators is pounds, Mike was not an imposing can’t. with an issue you that they have “skin in the game.” figure. It is always easier to deal with Vendors, consultants and writers But, he had worked a minor someone you know, than a dis- solved years ago.’ all have opinions, usually sincere, Dave Millhouser miracle, using a 32-foot boat to jointed voice. People who know and sometimes even right. pull a powerless drifting tug and you will help in emergencies, and ronment has grown both more It’s pretty easy for us to suggest this together, why not be together? barge away from danger in the share information, strangers may difficult and complex. You may you try something because we’re For the record, just knowing midst of a howling Nor’easter. not. learn all you need to know without risking YOUR money. The sad fact what someone looks like can be After years of working with Most of you have, by now, fig- traveling, but well-planned meet- is that, if we get it wrong, there are deceiving, maybe dangerous. Min- Mike’s marine salvage operation ured out that I steal most of the ings distill information, highlight few consequences. When opera- iscule Mike is the same guy who, via telephone and email, the ad- ideas in these columns from you key areas, and give a more com- tors get it wrong, operators pay. on another salvage job, ordered a juster was meeting him in person and your colleagues. (That’s why plete picture. That tends to make you folks more 6-foot-5 bruiser (now a federal for the first time, and was under- you read them and say “I knew Understanding CSA 2010 thoughtful (which is why your agent) into the icy water, in his whelmed by what he saw. that.”) could make the difference between ideas are worth stealing). skivvies, to clear a propeller. Once again we’ve come to that Save a step and go to the real survival, and being condemned to One last shameless attempt to Because Jay REALLY knew time of the year when I shameless- source; mingle with your peers. bus hell, and it is being discussed sway you. Mike well enough to fear him, he ly try to sell you on the value of at- Often you’ll find that operators at most motorcoach meetings. The economy stinks and LEAPED into the water. tending industry meetings, partic- have similar problems — but dif- You can learn a ton more, in money is tight. Your time is more When you look at a skinny guy ularly UMA’s upcoming ferent solutions that could work less time, and it’s not immoral to valuable than ever but if you are like Mike, ask yourself this ques- Motorcoach Expo in Tampa. for you. It might even be fun to have a little fun doing it. reading this you’re one of the win- tion: Have you ever seen a fat stick Times are tough and for some help someone struggling mightily Often, the folks who enforce ners. (NOT because you’re reading of dynamite? there is the perception that region- with an issue you solved years ago. regulations are presenters at edu- this silly column but because Dave Millhouser is a bus in- al and national bus gatherings are In recent years there has been a cational sessions, and it is critical you’re still in business.) dustry marketing consultant and little more than a tax-exempt vaca- steady increase in educational con- to know what THEY think is Tough times don’t diminish the freelance writer. Contact him at tion. That can be true, but meet- tent offered at regional and nation- important. need for knowledge and relation- his new email address: Davemill- ings offer more than that. al gatherings. The business envi- Clever students study the ships, they amplify it. We’re all in [email protected].

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001594.3_FLMinibus_BusMotorCoach10.25x6.4.indd 1 7/15/10 12:23:35 AM 8 December 1, 2010 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Tougher safety standards kick into gear this month WASHINGTON — Experts tion’s over-the-road bus and truck safety scores, such scores will be a compliance review out there for operators and employ- who’ve studied the new federal operators in history. posted as scheduled. A revised safety measurement ers. And even customers will be motor carrier safety assessment Called CSA 2010 (shorthand It’s all part of the Obama Ad- system is at the heart of CSA. It able to access the information, system that goes into effect this for Comprehensive Safety Analy- ministration’s crackdown on truck uses all crash records and roadside FMCSA says. Every bus operator month say operators need to be pro- sis), the initiative is designed to get and bus safety. It’s why a slew of inspection data, and assigns weights will be given a percentile rank, active, rather than reactionary, in bad operators and drivers off the new rules are being cranked out by to time and severity of violations. eventually allowing anyone to com- dealing with the new program. road. (See Nov. 15, Nov. 1, Sept. 1 the FMCSA, the National Highway It then calculates safety perfor- pare the ratings. “You’re going to have get in the and Aug. 1 issues of Bus & Motor- Traffic Safety Administration and mance based on a set of basic stan- Individual driver records, how- bus with that driver and make sure coach News.) the USDOT. dards, which replace the current ever, will not be available to the he or she understands that every- Federal Motor Carrier Safety CSA 2010 is the centerpiece of SafeStat system. It also includes public. But a driver with an unsafe thing they do is important,” said Administrator Anne Ferro has the FMCSA effort and it involves specific driver information. A low record will impact a company’s one safety expert. made clear she’s committed to rais- three core components: score on the standards will trigger crash ratio rating. “As a company owner, manager ing the bar to either gain entry or • A new way to assess carrier an intervention process that will Currently, SafeStat assesses or safety director, if you’re not remain in the ground transportation safety to address why accidents eventually feed into FMCSA’s only bus and truck operators, and ready and prepared to get out and industry. Under the new system, happen evaluation. not drivers. Under CSA, the system start driving behavior, instead of re- operators must maintain high safety • A new process with an array The standards are behaviors will address carriers and drivers. acting to behavior, you’ve got a standards. of interventions, instead of just the linked to crash risk—unsafe driv- Quality data is the key to CSA’s major lesson coming.” Ferro recently told a gathering compliance review ing, fatigued driving (hours of ser- operational model, government of- Beginning Dec. 1, the federal of trucking executives in Phoenix • A new approach to safety fit- vice), driver fitness, controlled ficials say. government is launching what is that despite some fleets’ desire that ness determination tied to the safe- substances/alcohol, vehicle main- FMCSA began collecting com- generally regarded to be the tough- her agency go soft on CSA — in re- ty performance of vehicles on the tenance, and crash indicators. prehensive data for its new system est safety crackdown on the na- gards to publishing fleets’ overall road, and not limited to results from All of this information will be about five years ago. Hours of service gets top priority Virtual field trips: WASHINGTON — In case dered the FAA to finalize new tional pilots and alter schedules, you hadn’t noticed, hours-of-ser- anti-fatigue standards by Aug. 1. and would not enhance safety. New competition? vice rules have flown to the top of Under current rules, the maxi- At the same time, some unions POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Is “Thanks to Verizon’s generous the agenda of Obama Administra- mum workday for pilots is 16 and their supporters say the pro- this the competition of the future? gift, students at every grade level tion transportation regulators. hours and the maximum flying posal does not go far enough to Verizon Foundation has given across the country — who can’t New hours rules for over-the- time is 8 hours. limit long workdays. a $5,000 grant to help the Hudson visit these mansions — will be road truckers have been in the The FAA is proposing the The Air Transport Association, River Valley Institute at Marist able to do the next best thing,” making for months and could be workday be limited to 9-13 hours, which represents large carriers, College devise virtual field trips said Hudson River Valley Institute made public even as this issue of depending on time of day and calls the proposal “onerous” and to the great historical estates in Executive Director Colonel James Bus & Motorcoach News is at the number of flights, and the flying far too costly. The FAA estimated the Hudson River Valley National M. Johnson. printer or in the mail. time be between 8 and 10 hours, it would cost airlines $1.25 billion Heritage Area. “Particularly at a time when Now, airline industry groups depending on time of day. over 10 years, but the airline group Because of its educational school districts face limited funds and some pilot unions are blasting For the first time, the FAA is said the total was closer to $20 mission, Hudson River Valley In- and budget shortfalls, teachers a plan by the feds to set new limits proposing more restrictions on pi- billion. stitute has been developing ways will be able to use our interpretive on pilot workdays. lots who work late at night or who Prompted by growing concern to provide teachers, students and material to enrich students’ educa- Opposition to the proposal make numerous flights, both of from investigators at the National heritage tourists with online vir- tional experience and generate in- aimed at reducing pilot fatigue by which cause more fatigue than fly- Transportation Safety Board and tual experiences as a part of its terest in our region.” digital library. The Verizon Foundation’s cutting their work hours is wide- ing a small number of flights dur- Congress over the role fatigue has Now, Hudson River Valley In- grant will be used to digitize pho- spread in hundreds of submissions ing the day, say scientists working played in recent crashes, the FAA stitute will be able to improve tos, video, audio, and other mate- to the Federal Aviation for the FAA. developed its proposal. these offerings with the inclusion rial for Olana, Clermont and Sta- Administration. Airline groups said the pro- There is concern in the motor- of video, slideshows and other atsburgh state historic sites, as The agency must consider the posed changes would cost airlines coach industry that bus drivers’ materials that complement exist- well as for the national historic comments before developing a billions of dollars by requiring hours also could end up on the ing interpretive programs at heri- landmarks of Locust Grove and final rule for pilots. Congress or- them to hire thousands of addi- feds’ radar screen. tage sites. Springside.

ISSUE NO. 182 Joan Libby How to contact us Cavalier Coach Trailways Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION District Heights, Md. E-mail: E-mail: Michael Neustadt [email protected] [email protected] Coach Tours Staff Advisory Board Brookfield, Conn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Jeff Polzien Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Red Carpet Charters Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Oklahoma City Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Tom Ready To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Ready Bus Lines To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. LaCrescent, Minn. subscription: Industry Editor: Ken Presley Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Brian Scott E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Seattle Largo, Fla. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Larry Hundt Michelle Silvestro Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Great Canadian Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Bristow, Va. Kitchner, Ontario Richfield, Ohio Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Dale Krapf Tim Wayland Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Dan Diepert Coaches Krapf Coaches ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas West Chester, Pa. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young ©2010 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2010 9 New York MTA to buy 90 Prevost X3 commuter coaches NEW YORK CITY — The New Roughly 1 percent of the con- oldest MCI DL3 commuter coaches New York MTA will evaluate the tural warranty and a $90,000 parts York Metropolitan Transportation Au- tract value ($490,000) will be used in the New York MTA fleet. Prevosts on a host of performance credit for aftermarket support. thority plans to buy a test fleet of 90 to pay the cost of structural integrity The order is considered a “test- factors, including miles per gallon Prevost maintains a factory parts Prevost X3-45 commuter coaches. testing, tailpipe emissions profile and-evaluation” contract by MTA. and mean distance between failures. and service center across the Verra- A contract calling for the pur- testing, and training. Should the initial buses perform If Prevost wins subsequent or- zano Narrows from Long Island in chase of the Prevosts was approved A pilot coach is to be delivered well, more substantial orders could ders, it has agreed to build a percent- Plainfield, N.J. by the New York MTA board late to New York City Transit in June and follow. age of the X3-45s in the Nova Bus New York MTA tested a 45-foot last month. It totals $49.95 million it must operate successfully in reve- “The purchase of 90 buses will plant in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Prevost coach in June and July 2008, for an average bus purchase price of nue service for a period before MTA permit the test and evaluation in rev- Nova Bus is a subsidiary of Pre- to evaluate the bus, as well as gauge just under $555,000 each. will issue a notice to proceed with enue service of a new bus type, (and) vost and it opened its plant in upstate customer and operator acceptance. New York MTA said the price it assembly of the remaining 89 buses. ensure the bus meets the standards of New York early last year. The plant The coach received “favorable re- negotiated was deemed “fair and Those buses are expected to be New York City Transit’s New Bus currently assembles low-floor 40- sults,” leading to the test purchase. reasonable” based on comparisons delivered between October and De- Qualification Program,” the MTA and 60-foot Nova Bus LFS models. Both Prevost and New York to the most recently negotiated price cember 2011. said in a contract discussion docu- As part of the contract, Prevost MTA declined to comment on the from Prevost’s major competitor. The Prevosts will replace the ment provided to board members. has agreed to provide a 12-year struc- new contract. Trailways adds Canadian member Trailways to meet for ‘75th’ FAIRFAX, Va. — The Trailways size, midsize and mini-coaches. travel to East Coast casinos and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The ties through exhibits, demonstra- Transportation System has added The company also provides other places.” Trailways Transportation System will tions and presentations. its second Ontario-based member, shuttle services for airport, train Separately, it was announced that use its Annual Stockholders Meeting For attendees from Trailways McCoy Bus Service & Tours of and bus terminals in Syracuse, N.Y., McCoy Trailways/McCoy Bus Ser- and Conference here Feb. 28-March stockholder companies there will be Kingston. as well as packaged tour products vice has won the Greater Kingston 2 to commemorate 75 years of pro- a special strategy-building exercise, McCoy Trailways (the new com- that include such destinations as At- Chamber of Commerce Tourism viding motorcoach travel. plus programs, meetings and events. pany name) joins other Eastern Ca- lantic City, N.J.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Award. Local businesses are nomi- Not only will Trailways share- “The 2011 gathering will be an nadian stockholder companies, Florida; Branson, Mo., and Nash- nated by their customers, clients, holders, affiliated partners, industry exciting and momentous occasion, Great Canadian Trailways, based in ville, Tenn. staff and peers for the chamber’s an- suppliers and others mark the organi- offering many worthy educational Kitchener, Ontario, and La It also offers packages to NAS- nual Business Achievement Awards. zation’s “Platinum Jubilee,” but they sessions, along with a very impor- Chaudière Trailways, which operates CAR and other sporting events, and Companies are evaluated on also will participate in workshops, tant business strategy session re- out of Saint-Georges, Quebec. its charter clients include sports such criteria as customer and em- network and socialize in one of Amer- garding the future of Trailways,” said Located between Toronto and teams. ployee relations, business growth, ica’s premier vacation destinations. Trailways Chair Ron Moore of Burl- Montreal, and 30 minutes from the “Our clientele is pretty broad,” business standards and ethics, and Trailways says it has “compact- ington Trailways. U.S. border, McCoy Trailways spe- said Shawn Geary, president of community involvement. ed” its 2011 conference so affiliated For more information, go to cializes in charter-and-tour servic- McCoy Trailways. “We serve young For more information about the partners and industry supporters can www.trailways.com or phone (703) es, and operates a fleet of 30 full- sports fans to seniors wishing to company, go to www.gomccoy.com. maximize their time and opportuni- 691-3052.

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Bus & Motorcoach News Quarter Page Ad - December 2010.indd 1 10/21/2010 9:33:35 AM 10 December 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Tarnished image CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Darren Berg indicted by federal grand jury funds of upwards of $100 million. SEATTLE — A federal grand Berg, 48, is under investiga- Berg also is accused of using securities. They say he used the money to not jury has indicted former motor- tion by the FBI, the Washington investor money to buy cars, yachts, The funds only finance a lavish life style with coach company owner Darren State Department of Financial In- private jets, and purchase and re- were designed multiple homes, luxury cars, jet Berg on 12 criminal charges relat- stitutions and the Internal Reve- model a waterfront Mercer Island to be open to planes and yachts, but also to sub- ed to a Ponzi scheme he’s accused nue Service Criminal Investiga- mansion. only “accredit- sidize his motorcoach operation. of operating for a group of invest- tion unit. Additionally, he’s accused of ed” investors His bus holdings, which grew ment funds he managed. Federal prosecutors say in the siphoning off millions from his — not the gen- to become the 12th largest bus op- Berg faces nine counts of wire indictment Berg ran a scheme to funds to finance his bus compa- eral public, a eration in North America, included fraud, two counts of money laun- defraud investors going back to nies, operated under the MTR distinction that Darren Berg MTR Western, which was his prin- dering and one count of bankrupt- 2003, misappropriating tens of Western and other brand names. put them in a cipal business and which now is cy fraud, according to the indict- millions of dollars in investor Those companies are being sold in class of investments that receive being run by a court-appointed ment issued late last month by the funds he used to pay off early in- a bankruptcy proceeding. (See re- little if any regulation by the Secu- trustee. Others include a sightsee- grand jury. vestors to keep his Ponzi scheme lated article on Page 1.) rities and Exchange Commission ing company in Vancouver, British He is being held in the Federal going. Starting in January 2001, Berg and the Washington State Depart- Columbia, and a no-frills charter Detention Center in SeaTac, south In setting up his Meridian created a series of investment ment of Financial Institutions. business based in Oregon, that op- of Seattle. Law enforcement offi- funds, Berg raised about $280 mil- funds purportedly for investors to To keep the scheme going, erates in Oregon, Washington and cials consider him a flight risk. lion from about 500 investors, who invest in seller-financed real estate Berg is accused of faking docu- California. (See Nov. 1, Bus & Motorcoach stand to lose more than $100 mil- contracts, hard money loans and ments, including bank loans, ap- Berg’s arrest came after he had News.) lion, according to court records. real estate and mortgage backed praisal reports and title reports. filed for personal bankruptcy, which led to the court taking over Wessinger said Berg also ag- traditional business sense,” he He said the purchase will pre- nancial status precisely because his bus operation. gressively pursued veteran drivers said. “He put a black mark on our serve the jobs of 150 MTR “Darren Berg used the different “He was trying to take over the and skilled office employees of industry.” employees. companies that he was in charge of whole market around here,” con- other carriers and wouldn’t give up Beagle said it still is possible to “We’re doing this to support like his own personal checkbook; tended Cameron. “Instead, he did a until he had them working for him. save some of the operation and po- the people of MTR and for the po- he borrowed money back and forth. hell of a lot of damage to our indus- “If he wanted you, he got you,” tential buyers, including one that tential to own a profitable North- “We believe that ultimately it try and, although it isn’t irreparable, he stressed. has hired him, are looking into west enterprise,” he added. can be profitable but the way it it’s going to take a long time to fix.” He said he has been particular- buying parts or all of the business. Seattle bankruptcy attorney was operated in the past didn’t Gladys Gillis, co-owner of ly upset and puzzled by how much One possible deal to buy a sub- Diane Carey, the court-appointed lend itself to that,” Carey said. Starline Luxury Coaches in Seat- the industry catered to him, giving stantial chuck of Berg’s former bus trustee who is overseeing MTR For instance, she said Berg tle, agrees, saying he hurt numer- him prestigious awards and featur- operation has been reached. A Se- Western and the other Berg bus didn’t allow the vehicles to operate ous operators with his nasty busi- ing his company at trade shows attle investment group, called operations, told a Seattle newspa- in rough conditions, which limited ness practices and dirty tricks. and conventions. Even mainte- GTO, said it has signed a letter of per she had fielded several inqui- the company’s revenues. “It was the A particularly damaging one, nance shops gave him special intent to acquire the assets of MTR ries from companies seeking to Berg philosophy not to have them she said, involved Berg having his treatment, moving MTR buses Western’s Washington, California buy Berg’s bus assets, mostly other run on snow and gravel. It’s not a drivers follow charter buses of ahead of the buses of other compa- and British Columbia operation. bus companies looking to buy part really businesslike model to pam- other companies and then mingle nies so they could get back on the GTO, which also agreed to of his fleet or the entire bus per your motorcoaches,” she said. with the passengers after they were road quickly, he said. loan money to MTR to help it op- companies. “The new owner is going to dropped off at a location and try to “There were so many people erate until the sale becomes final, She said Wright’s group saw a have to run it like a business.” sell them on using MTR Western who bent over backwards for him, is headed by H.S. Wright III, strategic fit with its tour, event Meanwhile, as the sale of MTR for their next trip. it got ridiculous,” he added. whose group has substantial in- planning and hotel interests. She Western moves forward, the opera- “They would tell the passen- David Beagle, an industry con- vestments in hotels and lodges. also noted that MTR Western was tion remains under the eye of gers that whatever they paid for the sultant and former executive with “This is a natural for our cor- placed in bankruptcy as a means to Carey. “The buses are still rolling,” charter, MTR would charge them Gray Line of Seattle, said Berg’s porate hospitality operations in facilitate the sale of the company she says of the business. less, no matter what,” she said. collapse was bound to happen and California, Oregon, and Washing- to GTO. How long, though, is a differ- Gillis said MTR also had its in- it was not a surprise to those who ton, where we own or operate ho- Another Berg bus company, ent question. The MTR buses cer- formation technology manager reg- had been following his operation tels, the Space Needle, convention based in Eugene, Ore., is still for tainly won’t roll as they did in the ister a web address using the name closely. and event planning services, and sale. past when Berg was allegedly fun- of Gillis’ company, Starline, so she “We knew what he was doing other tourism and corporate hospi- Carey told the Seattle Times it neling millions to keep them on could not use it for her own business. and that it wasn’t sustainable in the tality interests,” Wright said. has been hard to know MTR’s fi- the road but out of the dirt.

from throughout the country. What ready have in place with a ground Sites of New York and GO Airport GO Ground is responsible for NCAA policy those new standards actually are service provider,” Schuh said. Express and Continental Air Trans- hiring the bus operators and hav- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 has not been released. “Where contracts may already port of Chicago. It is headed by ing them available for college aspect of ground travel and realize Some operators that have been exist, we are working with the insti- Bill Maulsby, the founder and for- teams with sports records that in- some cost savings, all while provid- transporting college teams for tution to either bring the provider mer head of Bus Bank, a bus bro- dicate they might qualify for play- ing excellent service,” he added. years have complained privately into the program if they qualify, or ker that matches potential custom- off or championship games, ac- Under the program, charter about the new program, saying provide other relief as appropriate.” ers with motorcoach operators. cording to the NCAA release. companies selected to transport they could lose the business be- Still, numerous carriers report- Maulsby, who handled trans- It said Go Ground already is teams must hold a certification cause of the certification require- edly have been eliminated from the portation for a number of colleges engaging carriers for the Division from Consolidated Safety Services, ment or because someone involved program, according to information while at Bus Bank, declined to talk I, II and III football and Division I a private company that conducts ex- in the selection process favors an- obtained from the NCAA. The or- about the program, including de- women’s volleyball champion- tensive bus compliance and safety other carrier over them. ganization asked a large number of tails on how the carriers will be se- ships, and plans to assign a motor- inspections and certifies carriers However, the NCAA has indi- colleges to provide the names of lected. He called the information coach operator to each college for the U.S. Department of Defense cated it is interested in working carriers they would recommend “private matters” that only the involved. military transportation program. with carriers currently transport- handle their charters and while NCAA could discuss publicly. It will handle all booking and The certification for the NCAA ing sports teams, including those several hundred were named, the Schuh said the NCAA and GO coordinating arrangements for the program, however, will include that have contracts that include majority were eliminated due to Ground have developed a list of school and the carriers will be paid higher standards than those now travel for post-season play. the safety threshold. qualifications centered on safety, directly by the NCAA rather than used to certify carriers for the DoD “The ground transportation The program is being managed service and savings that bus opera- each individual college, which had program, which currently includes program is not intended to change by GO Ground Options, which is tors must meet to be selected for been paying in the past and then more than 400 approved operators any contracts an institution may al- affiliated with Gray Line and City program. getting reimbursed by the NCAA. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2010 11

board: Mark Hannah of PWT and namics, BraunAbility, CAIO- Roger Gervais of RCG Tours, North America, Federal Coach, People who were instrumental in forming Foton America, National Van, OMCA picks new leaders TORONTO — Ten members Motor Coach Canada 15 years Starcraft and StartTrans. NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario – Tourism Kingston have been elected to the board of ago, and have been active and sup- For more information, go to Directors of the Ontario Motor • Tour operator: Diane Diebel Motor Coach Canada. Elected were: portive board members ever since. www.thebusplace.com. Colonial Coach Association have elected of Hanover Holiday Tours; Ted • Sheldon Eggen of Charter Gervais was the first chair of also has new website specifically officers and executive committee Goldenberg of Get Away Tours Bus Lines of BC and John Wilson Motor Coach Canada and held that devoted to the church bus market, members for 2011. and Sue LeClair of Wilson’s Transportation, rep- position for five years. www.thechurchbusplace.com. The new officers, who also are • 2011 conference chair: Jen- resenting British Columbia and Also leaving the board were RICHFIELD, Ohio — Nation- executive committee members, nifer Petrous of Metro Detroit the Yukon. Terry Fischer, first of TRAXX al Interstate Corp. announced are: Chair, John Crowley of Coach Convention and Visitors Bureau • Michael Colborne of Pacific and later of Sightline Tours, who that James C. Kennedy retired Canada; vice chair, Ghislain The board members join eight Western Transportation and has been an active member since from its board and was replaced by Leduc of Leduc Bus, and secre- other directors elected last year to Dale Janzen of Fehr Way Tours, 2004, and Adam Doiran of PEI Vito Peraino. tary-treasurer, Ray DeNure of De- two-year terms. representing Alberta, Saskatche- Tours, a member since 2008. In addition to being a director Nure Tours. A number of individuals were wan and Manitoba. MONROVIA, Md. — John of National Interstate, Kennedy Other newly elected executive recognized at the OMCA confer- • Jim Diebel of Hanover Holi- Adams has joined Colonial Equip- was vice president, deputy general committee members are Susan ence for their contributions to the day Tours and Marc Laplante of 417 ment Co., a regional bus dealer, as counsel and secretary of Ameri- LeClair of Shoreline Tours and industry and OMCA. Honors Bus Lines, representing Ontario. regional sales manager. can Financial Group Inc. of Cin- Ray Cherrey of Pacific Western went to: • Real Boissonnault of Autocar Adams has more than 13 years cinnati, Ohio. Transportation. Also on the exec- • Bob Heath of Foley Bus Excellence and David Okovita of experience focusing on the re- American Financial is the par- utive committee are Immediate Lines in Modoc, Ontario, for Gray Line, representing Quebec. quirements of the church bus mar- ent company of Great American Past Chair Jamie Murray of Par- Driver Excellence. Heath was rec- • Brian Gillis of Ambassa- ket. His territory encompasses the Insurance Co., which is the major- kinson Coach Lines, and Brian ognized for his ongoing customer tours, representing Atlantic extended Mid-Atlantic region, in- ity stockholder of National Inter- Crow, OMCA president. relations and heroic efforts during Canada. cluding West Virginia. state, and Kennedy represented At OMCA’s 2010 Conference a bus fire. • Matthew Giardetti of Sound Colonial Equipment, which American Financial on the National and Marketplace here, the follow- • Allan Badder of Badder Bus Insurance as the products and ser- has been in business for nearly 30 Interstate board. Kennedy also has ing individuals were elected to Lines in Thamesville, Ontario, for vices representative. years, represents Alexander-Den- retired from American Financial. two-year terms on the OMCA Lifetime Achievement. Badder has Four directors retired from the nis, ARBOC Mobility, Azure Dy- Peraino, who is a senior vice board: more than 60 years in business. president of Great American Insur- • Coach operators: Ron Mal- • Guy Tessier of MCI as Prod- ance Co., also replaces Kennedy lette of Tisdale Bus, plus Crowley, ucts & Services Member of Dis- on the National Interstate board Calendar Leduc and DeNure tinction. Honored for his efforts 7 Illinois Motorcoach Associa- nominating/corporate governance • Directors at large: Greg in supporting coach operators and DECEMBER 2010 tion/ Midwest Motorcoach committee. Hammond of Hammond Trans- OMCA. 1-2 UMA Safety Management Association, Gibsons Steakhouse Gary J. Gruber, a member of portation; Dave Willis of Ayr • David Steele of Tartan Tours, Seminar, NTSB Training Center, & Bar, Rosemont, Ill. Info: Email the committee since it was formed Coach, and Cherrey elected to the OMCA Hall of Ashburn, Va. Info: Call (800) [email protected] or call in 2005, has been appointed com- 424-8262 or www.uma.org. (312) 251-3100. mittee chairman. • Supplier: Connie Markle of Fame.

Tel 800-826-3486 | Email [email protected] | www.sefac.com 12 December 1, 2010 EXPO PREVIEW / INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Get Motorcoachified at Expo auction TAMPA, Fla. — A new event Wolff, more help is needed to riders,” she added. at UMA Motorcoach Expo 2011 make the event a success. All donations will be listed in will be the first Get Motorcoach- “Please donate an item, pack- an online preview, as well as a show ified Silent Auction. age or certificate today. If you catalog delivered to UMA Expo at- The initial auction will take have already donated, (pass the tendees in their welcome bag. place on the Expo exhibit floor word along) to a friend who might Sponsorships and ‘featured partner’ during the vendor-and-supplier want to put their product, service positions also are available. tradeshow, Jan. 20-22. or attraction in front of a well- Go to www.BiddingforGood. The Motorcoach Council, qualified audience of motorcoach com/GetMotorcoachified to make which created and promotes the operators,” said Wolff. an online donation or contact Wolff Get Motorcoachified campaign, “Help the Motorcoach Coun- by email at Pamela@Motorcoach- reports that donations for the auc- cil help the industry by supporting Council.org, or call (412) 770- tion have started to accumulate. this fundraiser, which will in turn 7164, for more information. They include: electronics, travel support our nationwide campaign Companies that have made re- Stuffing the Bus: Members of the Maryland Motorcoach Associa- packages, art and collectables, to drive public awareness of the cent donations include KVH, Saw- tion are conducting their annual food drive early this month to benefit plus tickets to sporting events. many benefits of coach travel and mill Creek Resort, Grand Canyon the Maryland Food Bank. Last year, the drive collected more than 4,600 But, says the council’s Pamela cultivate the next generation of Railway and Lancer Insurance. pounds of food; 10 bags, 5 boxes and a 55-gallon drum of toys; 45 winter coats, and more than $560 in cash. There will be a Stuff-a-Bus Program on Dec. 10 at the Rose Inn in Linthicum, Md. For more information, call Mary ACC changes name to Awash Systems Presley at (571) 312-7117 or go to www.marylandmotorcoach.org. MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — and solutions, our expertise, and vide cleaning solutions for all types ACC International Inc., the lead- our position as North America’s of businesses, assuring safety and ing North America producer of recognized leader in fleet washing business continuity by reducing op- Diesel hits two-year high large-vehicle, single-brush wash and wastewater treatment solu- erational costs, and improving effi- WASHINGTON — Diesel fuel highs. systems, has adopted a new name, tions,” said Jackson. ciencies in fleet maintenance, ac- prices rose to their highest level in The price for the motorcoach in- Awash Systems Corp. “The Awash name embodies cording to Jackson. more than two years late last dustry’s main fuel also is roughly 40 The name was changed to bet- our ability and our commitment to The name change comes just month, reaching more $3.18 a gal- cents a gallon higher than a year ago. ter reflect the company’s compre- continue helping our customers and over a year after Jackson pur- lon, while gasoline climbed to Gasoline’s average is nearly on hensive line of wash bay products, the many organizations in North chased ACC International from $2.89 a gallon, the U.S. Depart- par with the year’s high of $2.90 a as well as its leading position in America maintain their large vehi- Martin van Tol, who founded the ment of Energy reported. gallon set in early May, which had the motorcoach and school bus cle fleets, improve operational re- company 20 years ago. The U.S. average price of die- been the highest since October 2008. markets, said Awash Systems Pres- source consumption, and drive their “Growth necessitates change,” sel is now at its highest level since Crude oil prices in late Novem- ident Jack Jackson. business forward through our revo- said Jackson. it averaged $3.29 on Oct. 27, 2008, ber also hit a two-year high in some “Today’s unveiling of Awash lutionary systems and expertise.” The company also has launched when it was coming off its historic markets of more than $87 a barrel. marks a significant milestone for The company’s product line in- a new website, www.awashsys- our company. The ACC name, cludes single-brush wash systems, tems.com. Olympics dipute the operators will be paid,” he said. which originally stood for Auto- wastewater treatment and reclama- Awash Systems’ latest product “I don’t anticipate it will be a long motive Cleaning equipment Com- tion systems, shampoo systems, offerings will be on display next CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 process.” pany, no longer adequately repre- and parts and service. month at UMA Motorcoach Expo ment of the coaches to Trailways, Wall said earlier that Gameday sented our business, our products Awash Systems’ products pro- in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 19-23. had maintained throughout the dis- owed Trailways about $6 million, pute that it was unable to pay Trail- including $4 million for the opera- ways because it had not been paid tors and $2 million for other ven- Seon offers updated surveillance unit by VANOC. dors, administrative costs and COQUITLAM, British Colum- vMax Commander also helps information you need right from VANOC, though, insisted all other expenses. bia — Mobile surveillance solu- users reduce the administrative re- your central office.” along that it had paid Gameday all The dispute angered many op- tions provider, Seon Design Inc., is quirements of managing the on- Another important vMax Com- of the approved transportation erators, some of who blamed bringing a new version of its pow- board video and telematics data mander feature is automated sys- bills, and it was Gameday that was Gameday and others who blamed erful video data management soft- from their fleet. temwide health monitoring, a pre- holding up payment to Trailways VANOC. There was talk of opera- ware solution, vMax® Command- And, it increases operational ef- ventative maintenance tool that and the operators. tors taking legal action against all er, to UMA Motorcoach Expo next ficiency by giving fleet managers alerts the system administrator if Wall said the agreement means three participants, Gameday, month in Tampa, Fla. the ability to acquire critical data any part of the system isn’t the operators, some of which had to VANOC and Trailways, but no law- Seon says vMax Commander is quickly and easily. functioning. borrow money to remain in opera- suits apparently were ever filed. the only video and telematics man- “There is no need to search for a Other features include central- tion while the dispute continued, Gameday President Tony Vit- agement tool a fleet manager needs vehicle, and no more running back ized mobile surveillance data man- will be paid as soon as possible. rano did not return several tele- to administer operations of any and forth to manually pull a hard agement, and live video viewing “We are finalizing a settlement phone messages and VANOC of- size, adding that it works effective- drive,” says Jordan Shishmanov, over a web-based or GPRS agreement that will include when ficials could not be reached. ly regardless of the number of Senior Product Manager. “Wireless network. buses or properties involved, or technology eliminates all of that. If See at Motorcoach Expo Jan. curb at most pickup locations and their locations. there is an issue, you can access the 19-23 or go to www.seon.com. Oregon shuttle was able to load between five and CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 10 buses at a time. stadium within 20 minutes — the And how did the university like La France to introduce new fabrics at Expo same time it usually takes Lane the service. LA FRANCE, S.C. — La “The pattern choices range Transit on Saturdays when there is “It worked out very well and it France Industries, a leading suppli- from classic to chic,” said La far less traffic — and they all were went very smoothly,” observed er of motorcoach industry uphol- France’s Joe Brinkmeyer. returned to their cars within one Vicki Strand, who is in charge of stery fabrics, has announced it will In addition, La France will in- hour and two minutes, nearly 30 transportation for the university. unveil a new color theme and pat- troduce an expanded line of Eco minutes better than the transit run Lane Transit was high on the terns, as well as an expanded line of Friendly fabrics in both plush and times. results, too, according to Snyder. “Eco Friendly” fabrics, at UMA flat woven construction. Two color “We got a little creative,” said “They learned from the first Motorcoach Expo in January. patterns, purple mist/burgundy Gillis. time they did it and I think it went The Blue Grotto theme and mist and slate blue mist will be on Rather than loading one or two really well,” said Snyder. “I hardly newly styled patterns will be display. buses at a time after the game, as heard any complaints and I even shown for the first time at UMA La France Industries is based in the transit agency usually does, she heard some people say the service Expo, which will be Jan. 19-23 in La France, S.C., and all its fabrics lined the buses two deep from the was pretty good.” Tampa, Fla. are made in the U.S. La France blue grotto arcade pattern

14 December 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News ‘Greyhound Express’ to take on megabus in Midwest CHICAGO — Greyhound perience time-and-cost savings, a Lines has adopted a new approach reserved comfortable seat and pre- to compete with curbside operator mium amenities, all while gaining megabus.com in the Midwest. convenient easy access to down- Beginning this month, Grey- town centers and local attractions.” hound is starting express service Greyhound Express customers between its Chicago hub and Mil- must purchase tickets online to waukee, Madison, Wis., Minneapo- take advantage of the discount lis, Indianapolis and Lafayette, Ind. pricing. Tickets can be printed at In some of the cities only curbside home or at work, and customers pick-ups will be available. can go straight to the gate knowing And, like megabus.com, fares a guaranteed seat is waiting for on the new Greyhound service them, Greyhound said. start at $1, with demand pricing in A private waiting area near effect, and tickets are available for dedicated departure gates will be purchase on a new website, www. provided at terminal locations, and mygreyhoundexpress.com. a “guest services specialist” will Greyhound Express, as the ser- present an extra level of service for vice is called, features new coach- Greyhound Express customers, the es with reserved seating and on- company noted. Greyhound’s new MCI D4505s seat 50 and feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, seatbelts, wheelchair lifts and leather seating. board amenities, including free Greyhound Express will serve a Wi-Fi access, extra legroom and mixture of terminal and curbside Lafayette, a curbside stop will be told the paper. “We’re flattered more, Boston, Philadelphia, Silver power outlets. locations. For example, in Chicago, made outside the Amtrak station. they copied the megabus business Spring, Md., and Washington, “Greyhound recognized the de- Greyhound Express will be inside Asked about the new competi- model.” D.C. Customers can select from mand for a higher level of service the terminal at 630 W. Harrison St.; tion, Dale Moser, president of Moser reiterated his contention among 274 schedules a week. between popular Midwest cities at in Milwaukee, Greyhound Express Coach USA, corporate parent of that megabus has “gotten people “By partnering with Peter Pan an unbeatable price,” said Dave buses can be caught in the Milwau- megabus, lobbed a verbal hand gre- out of their automobiles and creat- Bus Lines, we can streamline ser- Leach, president and CEO of kee Intermodal Station on West nade at Greyhound in an interview ed a new image for bus travel and vice on our most popular routes to Greyhound. Washington Avenue, but in India- with an Indianapolis newspaper. developed a new clientele.” provide only one stop or less and “Just in time for the (Christmas/ napolis the service will use a curb- “Am I surprised? No. Am I sur- Initially, Greyhound Express provide passengers with more ef- New Year’s) holiday season, Grey- side location at the IndyGo Stop, prised that it took this long? Yes,” has scheduled four departures ficient, cost-effective travel op- hound Express customers will ex- north of East Market Street, and in Moser said. “We’ve been servicing daily for the three-hour trip from tions,” said Leach. those cities for over four years, and Indianapolis to Chicago. megabus. Tickets for Express Service can they (Greyhound) finally realized com has six buses leaving India- be booked on either the Greyhound what they needed to do.” napolis for Chicago. or Peter Pan company websites. A CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Megabus was launched in April The Greyhound Express ser- new, separate website, www.Un- 2006. (See April 1, 2006, Bus & vice is a slightly modified version commonTransport.com, serves as 2003 MCI E4500 Motorcoach News.) of service Greyhound and Peter an information source about Ex- Making Room for New • More than 1 available “What I see is a company in Pan Bus Lines co-launched in the press Service, including special Excellent Condition business for 75 years finally com- northeastern U.S. two months ago. fares and schedules. Low Miles - None Nicer! ing to realize that there is a differ- The joint “Express Service” is Greyhound and Peter Pan also Michelin Tires, Alcoa Rims, ent and a better way to provide the available on roundtrip routes be- operate BoltBus, a curbside opera- Series 60 / Allison B500R, motorcoach experience,” Moser tween New York City and Balti- tion, in the Northeast. Delivered to West Coast Trades for clean MCI D models considered megabus to make D.C. its fifth hub $199,500 WASHINGTON — megabus. To kick off the service, mega- and Toronto. 808.832.6261 for photos and more info com has designated Washington, bus is offering 10,000 free seats In the Washington area, mega- D.C., as its fifth hub, and is launch- online for travel to and from the bus and competitor BoltBus, vie ing 10 new routes leaving from its new cities from Dec 15. through with eight other operators to pro- REPOS FOR SALE parking lot base at H and 10th Jan 15. vide service to major cities in the Variety of Makes and Models of “Bank Repos” streets Northwest starting later this megabus has operated in the region. month. District of Columbia since 2008. It According to the Chaddick In- across the United States and Priced to Sell Travelers will be able to ride plans to add 32 buses to its fleet stitute for Metropolitan Develop- 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 30716 for more information megabus from Washington to such operating out of the district. ment at DePaul University, inter- cities as Richmond, Va., Knoxville, megasbus’ other hubs are in city bus service has expanded 5.1 View repo inventory at www.bus-buys-com Tenn., Raleigh, N.C., and Toronto. Chicago, New York, Philadelphia percent in the past year. DE. INCREASE SM hified.com RIDERSHIPGet NATIONWIMotorcoac A motorcoach at the top of its class. With service to match.

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