April 15, 2017

UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION FMCSA backs off changes to New at MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Safety Fitness Determination WASHINGTON — Federal FMCSA’s action came only regulators, responding to industry weeks after more than 60 industry criticism of their proposed changes groups, led by UMA, sent a letter to the way carriers are rated to de- to new Transportation Secretary termine their fitness to operate, Elaine Chao asking her to rescind have backed off on the proposal the rule. pending the results of a major study. In the letter, the industry groups The Federal Motor Carrier Safe- contended that the safety fitness de- ty Administration said in the Feder- termination proposal should be al Register that it would withdraw placed on hold until FMCSA fixes its January 2016 proposal to rework the CSA system, as it was ordered to the Safety Fitness Determination do by Congress. rule until the National Academy of The groups said there are a Sciences completes its study of the number of flaws in the data that agency’s Compliance, Safety, Ac- drives the current Safety Measure- countability (CSA) program. ment System (SMS) within CSA. Withdrawal of the rule repre- “This regulatory win is a victory sented a key regulatory victory for for the common-sense safety reform the United Motorcoach Association, that our nation needs,” said Dale which focused on the issue through- Krapf, chairman of UMA and out 2016. Krapf’s Coaches. “UMA thanks UMA also made blocking the Secretary Chao and many members rule a priority during last April’s of Congress who have helped us on Capitol Hill Days lobbying effort, this issue.” during which association members The proposed rule would have held more than 400 meetings with established a new motor carrier ABC Companies showcased the Van Hool NextGen FX prototype bus (above) during Expo. It has a federal legislators. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 c multi-zoned floor plan featuring new and emerging technologies. Below, Eugene Hotard of Alliance Bus Group stands in a Caleche USA convertible based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Alliance is the eastern U.S. distributer of the vehicles. See Expo stories beginning on Page 10. Court rejects UMA appeal of Austin charter bus regulations NEW ORLEANS — A federal the court. appeals court has ruled against the The ruling, issued last month, United Motorcoach Association in was the latest response to a federal upholding the authority of Austin, suit filed by UMA in 2013 after Texas, to regulate interstate motor Austin adopted an ordinance that carriers through a permitting imposed fees and numerous pre- regulation. requisites for operating motor- The U.S. Court of Appeals for coaches in the city. the Fifth Circuit ruled that the or- In addition to a number of de- dinance does not contradict appar- tailed operating regulations, the ent federal interstate commerce ordinance would require motor- preemptions because of a stated coach operators to pay a $375 an- “nexus to safety.” nual vehicle fee to operate in Aus- “The city’s safety concerns are tin or face impoundment of their real enough that the court is con- vehicles. Violations also would re- vinced that they are both reason- sult in citations charging operators ably related and genuinely respon- with Class C misdemeanors pun- sive to safety concerns,” stated the ishable by fines of up to $500. ruling from a three-judge panel of CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c

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Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2017 3 Former Coach USA executive gets 15 months in prison NEW YORK CITY — A for- stemmed from the investigation, Groen directed his subordinates to (and its parent company Stage- by the U.S. Justice Department mer vice president of information the U.S. Department of Justice recall, conceal and destroy end-of- coach Group) and CitySights’ for- Antitrust Division Washington technology at Coach USA was announced. month backup tapes containing mation of the Twin America joint Criminal I Section and the FBI sentenced late last month to 15 Groen was ordered to serve 15 emails that were related to the in- venture in 2009. (See April 1 Bus Washington field office. months in prison for obstruction of months in prison and to pay a vestigation and litigation. & Motorcoach News.) During the investigation and justice in connection with the $5,000 criminal fine. Additionally, say the court doc- On Nov. 17, the district court litigation, Coach USA/Stagecoach long-running investigation of Twin In October, Groen pleaded uments, Groen provided false and entered a final judgment requiring Group asserted it was cooperating America LLC. guilty to corruptly obstructing, in- misleading information to Coach Coach USA/Stagecoach Group with the investigation, implying, Ralph Groen, who apparently fluencing and impeding a civil an- USA’s investigators and to prosecu- (parent company of Coach USA) however, it may have had employ- now lives in North Carolina, was titrust investigation and subse- tors during the course of a deposi- and CitySights to pay $7.5 million ees who engaged in wrongdoing. accused of attempting to conceal quent litigation brought by the fed- tion taken as part of the litigation. in disgorgement and to make di- In February, Stagecoach and destroy documents related to eral government and the State of The civil litigation, which was vestitures to address the competi- Group confirmed it had sold its in- the civil antitrust investigation of New York. filed in the U.S. District Court in tive harm alleged in the govern- terest in the Twin America joint Twin America and for providing According to documents filed New York, related to the New York ment’s lawsuit. venture for an undisclosed sum. false and misleading statements in the U.S. District Court for the City hop-on, hop-off tour bus mar- Groen’s sentencing resulted Stagecoach North America sold its during the course of litigation that Southern District of New York, ket and challenged Coach USA’s from an investigation conducted interest to CitySights. Most U.S. employers affected by prescription drug abuse WASHINGTON — More than employee. drugs and opioids can impair work- many employers are struggling to pain relief treatment so that employ- 70 percent of employers in the Only 19 percent of employers ers and create hazards on the job. address. ees can avoid taking opioids, and United States are feeling the direct feel “extremely prepared” to deal We hope these findings prompt em- Other key findings from the nearly 60 percent believe the insur- impact of prescription drug misuse with prescription drug misuse in ployers to take the lead on this survey include: ance company will be responsive. in their workplaces, according to a the workplace. emerging issue so that workplaces • Although just 13 percent are • 70 percent would like to help survey from the National Safety The survey found that about 57 can be as safe as possible.” “very confident” that employees employees who are struggling with Council. percent drug test all of their em- According to the research, can spot the signs of misuse, 76 prescription drug misuse return to The survey, “How the Prescrip- ployees. “Employers must under- drug poisonings, largely from opi- percent do not offer training to their positions after completing tion Drug Crisis is Impacting stand that the most dangerously oid painkillers, now eclipse car help close that knowledge gap. treatment. American Employers,” also found misused drug today may be sitting crashes as the leading cause of pre- • 81 percent of respondents’ The National Safety Council that although 71 percent of em- in employees’ medicine cabinets,” ventable death among adults. policies are lacking at least one provides a free Prescription Drug ployers agree that prescription said Deborah A.P. Hersman, presi- Seventy-five percent of those critical element of an effective Employer Kit to help employers es- drug misuse is a disease that re- dent and CEO of the National Safe- struggling with a substance use drug-free workplace program. tablish policies and manage opioid quires treatment, 65 percent feel it ty Council. “Even when they are disorder are in the workforce, re- • 88 percent are interested in use at work. It can be obtained at is a justifiable reason to fire an taken as prescribed, prescription vealing a hidden epidemic that their insurer covering alternatives to http://safety.nsc.org/rxemployerkit. 4 April 15, 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News

Utah lowers driver blood-alcohol limit to .05 percent SALT LAKE CITY — Utah than one talking hands-free on a owners out of business because who legally carry guns in the state. from drinking and driving. Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a cellphone. their operational margin is already “Apparently the legislature Although his office has been bill into law that lowers the maxi- They maintained that Utah’s so slim. People will stay home to never saw the connection between inundated with calls and the state mum blood-alcohol limit for driv- move to the lower limit will crimi- have a drink with dinner rather this bill and gun rights, and as labeled as punitive in a national ers to .05 percent from the current nalize moderate drinkers, hurt than risk the law, she said. such, this issue was never debat- advertising campaign by the legal threshold of .08 percent. tourism and divert law enforce- “Obviously, we are very disap- ed,” the group said in a form letter American Beverage Institute, Her- The law, which takes effect ment eyes from the hardcore pointed that he is going to sign this it provided to opponents to send to bert said his first obligation as Dec. 30, 2018, is first in the coun- drinkers who are the real danger bill despite public outcry,” Cori- the governor. governor is to keep residents and try to lower the standard for im- on the streets. gliano said, adding that calls to But some public health experts visitors safe. paired drivers from .08 percent. Michele Corigliano, executive Herbert’s office from people were have pushed for stricter limits. The “Everybody agrees that public It also will apply to anyone director of the Salt Lake Area Res- 10 to one against the measure. National Transportation Safety safety has got to be at the forefront carrying a dangerous weapon. taurant Association, told the De- The Utah Shooting Sports Board recommended last year that of what we decide to do when we Lowering the limit has been seret News that the lower limit Council also opposed the law be- all states drop blood alcohol levels develop policy,” he said. controversial, pitting opponents in would put independent restaurant cause it restricts the rights of people down to .05, to deter more people Herbert also disputed claims the tourism and hospitality indus- that the law was based on the Mor- tries against backers in the health mon religion, which is dominant and transportation fields. Driver-training rule delayed again in Utah and encourages its mem- The governor’s office was in- WASHINGTON — A new to provide the opportunity for fur- lum for those seeking a CDL. It bers to abstain from drinking alco- undated with hundreds of calls on rule establishing national driver- ther review and consideration of also requires behind-the-wheel hol. He said several countries in the bill, most of them in training standards for entry-level this new regulation,” acting training, but does not require a the world, including France and opposition. commercial bus and truck drivers FMCSA Administrator Daphne minimum amount of such train- Italy, have .05 percent blood-­ Herbert defended his decision has been delayed again, this time Jefferson wrote in the notice pub- ing. The rule also will establish a alcohol limits or lower. to sign the bill, saying it came after until May 22. lished in the Federal Register. national registry of certified “There’s not many Mormons thorough research and in consulta- The Federal Motor Carrier The driver-training rule has a trainers. in Rome and they’re doing it there tion with multiple stakeholders. Safety Administration had sched- three-year implementation win- Advocates for Highway and also,” he said. Opponents of the law, includ- uled the rule to take effect on Feb. dow and only applies to drivers Auto Safety, the Owner-Operator The governor did acknowledge ing the American Beverage Insti- 6, but delayed it until March 21 to receiving their commercial driv- Independent Drivers Association, that the law could have some unin- tute and the Salt Lake Area Res- comply with President Donald er’s licenses on or after Feb. 7, the Truck Safety Coalition and tended consequences and said he taurant Association, said a Trump’s order to federal agencies 2020. FMCSA officials said the Citizens for Reliable and Safe planned to call a special session of 120-pound woman could reach the to freeze new rules and to delay 2020 implementation date is not Highways petitioned FMCSA re- the legislature in August or Sep- .05 percent limit with little more those published but not yet affected by the delay. questing that it add a requirement tember to address such problems. than one drink. They argued that at effective. The entry-level driver-training for 30 hours of behind-the-wheel “I don’t believe the legislation that level, a driver is less impaired The latest delay “is necessary rule sets a core classroom curricu- training to the rule. is finished,” he said. “We will still need more thorough consideration on how this new standard is applied.” Herbert added that anything is on the table for consideration, in- cluding pushing “pause” and wait- ing for other states to drop to a similar limit. “I know there seems to be some reluctance to be first in the nation, although I would remind everybody we were first in the na- tion to go from .10 to .08 percent,” he said, and the rest of the country followed suit. Enjoy the hottest slots and table games, Atlantic City’s largest standard rooms, exceptional dining, retail shopping and great entertainment! The fun ARRIVE FOR is here at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City! 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Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists 6 April 15, 2017 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News CVSA’s annual International Roadcheck set for June 6-8 GREENBELT, Md. — The ance with safe cargo securement motor carrier registration and in the lowest out-of-service rate for cles in the world, with nearly 17 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alli- regulations is always part of road- shipping documentation, and in- motorcoaches in at least 16 years. trucks or buses inspected, on aver- ance’s 30th annual International side inspections, CVSA is high- spectors will be checking drivers The rate for motorcoach drivers, age, every minute in Canada, the Roadcheck will take place June 6 lighting cargo securement safety for seatbelt usage and the influ- however, increased from 2015. United States and Mexico during a to 8. this year as a reminder of its im- ence of alcohol and/or drugs. Of the 734 motorcoaches in- 72-hour period. Over a 72-hour period, CVSA- portance to highway safety. The vehicle inspection in- spected during last years’ sweep in Since its inception, more than certified commercial motor vehi- Inspectors will primarily be cludes checking items such as the the U.S. and Canada, 45 vehicles, 1.5 million roadside inspections cle inspectors in jurisdictions conducting the North American brake systems, cargo securement, or 6.1 percent, were placed out of have been conducted during Inter- throughout North America will Standard Level I inspection, which coupling devices, driveline/drive- service. national Roadcheck campaigns. conduct inspections of commer- is the most thorough roadside in- shaft, exhaust systems, frames, Twenty-one bus drivers, or 2.9 International Roadcheck is a cial motor vehicles and their spection. It is a 37-step procedure fuel systems, lighting devices (re- percent of those inspected, were CVSA program with participation drivers. that includes an examination of quired lamps), steering mecha- placed out of service in 2016, up by the Federal Motor Carrier Safe- Each year, International Road- both driver operating requirements nisms, suspensions, tires, van and from 1.9 percent during the 2015 ty Administration, Canadian Coun- check places special emphasis on and vehicle mechanical fitness. open-top trailer bodies, wheels, Roadcheck. cil of Motor Transport Administra- a category of violations. This Drivers are required to provide rims and hubs, windshield wipers International Roadcheck is the tors, Transport Canada and the year’s focus is cargo securement. items such as their driver’s license, and emergency exits (on buses). largest targeted enforcement pro- Secretariat of Communications and While checking for compli- hours-of-service documentation, Last year’s Roadcheck resulted gram on commercial motor vehi- Transportation in Mexico. Air Force making it easier for members to get CDLs WASHINGTON — The U.S. vehicle equivalents in accordance taking the additional tests. This we are looking at 50 locations up Staff Sgt. Bradley Opfar, who is in Air Force wants to make it easier with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety helps us transition veterans into and running by October 2017,” charge of training validations and for service members to get their Regulations. the commercial sector as well.” Karnes said. operations at Kadena AB and who commercial driver’s licenses by “This (will) ensure everyone is Seven bases have been select- Examiners under the program is a recent AAMVA course turning government vehicle opera- working off the same sheet of ed to test and evaluate the new cer- will be required to complete a 40- graduate. tor certifications into CDLs. music,” said Senior Master Sgt. tification process: Whiteman Air hour AAMVA certification course “I really feel like (vehicle oper- The Air Force is creating a Thomas Karnes, the Air Force lo- Force Base in Missouri; MacDill to learn how to administer and ations) offices are going to greatly course to mirror the American As- gistics vehicle operations superin- AFB in Florida; Seymour-Johnson score the exam, pending the devel- benefit from receiving this training sociation of Motor Vehicle Ad- tendent. “Once the program is AFB in North Carolina; Joint Base opment of an Air Force-run course. and implementing this program. I ministrators (AAMVA) Commer- wholly accepted and recognized Langley-Eustis in Virginia; and “This new program gives us a believe this training will be very cial Driver’s License Test System by each state’s DMV, the intent is Yokota, Misawa and Kadena Air standardized method in deciding beneficial for me because I have re- model, which would enable exam- to provide a one-for-one swap for Bases in Japan. whether or not a member is actu- ceived the same type of training iners to certify government motor a military license to obtain a CDL “Pending getting our examin- ally competent enough to operate that commercial driving license ex- vehicle operators on commercial for the applicable vehicle, without ers through the required training, these vehicles on their own,” said aminers receive.”

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BMN_POC ad_032317.indd 1 3/24/17 2:38 PM 8 April 15, 2017 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Letter from 62 groups spurred Safety Fitness delay February 15, 2017 tion information. The proposed We look forward to working with Trucking Companies Association new system would remove all of you on this important issue. For National Private Truck Council Maryland Motorcoach The Honorable Elaine L. Chao the existing ratings and create only responses or questions on this let- National Propane Gas Association Association Secretary one rating, “Unfit.” ter, please contact Becky Weber at National Ready Mixed Concrete Maryland School Bus Contractors United States Department of Our major concern with the (202) 530-4811. Association Association Transportation proposal is that the new proposed Thanks very much for your National School Transportation Minnesota Charter Bus Operators 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE methodology utilizes flawed Com- consideration. Association Association Washington, DC 20590 pliance, Safety and Accountability National Tank Truck Carriers Minnesota School Bus Operator’s (CSA) program/Safety Measure- Sincerely, Owner-Operator Independent Association Dear Secretary Chao, ment System (SMS) data and Drivers Association Midwest Bus and Motorcoach As representatives of the com- scores, which Congress directed National Organizations Petroleum Marketers Association Association mercial motor vehicle operator in- the agency to review and reform Air and Expedited Motor Carrier of America Motorcoach Association of South dustry representing property and just months earlier in the Fixing Association Specialized Furniture Carriers Carolina passenger carriers, we write to you America’s Surface Transportation Alliance for Safe, Efficient and Transportation and Logistics New England Bus Association regarding an important federal Systems Act (FAST Act) enacted in Competitive Truck Council New England Fuel Institute motor carrier regulatory issue December of 2015. Those reforms Transportation Transportation Loss Prevention New York State Messenger and needing your prompt attention. are in process with initiation of a American Home Furnishings and Security Association Courier Association The Federal Motor Carrier study by the National Academy of Alliance United Motorcoach Association New York School Bus Contractors Safety Administration issued a No- Sciences and their final report is American Moving and Storage Universal Association tice of Proposed Rulemaking: expected in June of this year. As Association Werner Enterprises New Jersey State School Bus “Carrier Safety Fitness Determina- representatives of the commercial American Pyrotechnics Contractors tion” on January 21, 2016. The cur- motor vehicle operator industry Association State and Regional Associations Northwest Motorcoach rent safety fitness rating system representing property and passen- American Trucking Associations Alabama Motorcoach Association Association ranks carriers as Satisfactory, Con- ger carriers, we do not believe it Apex Bus Association of New York North Carolina Motorcoach ditional or Unsatisfactory based on makes sense to build a new safety Auto Haulers Association of State Association a comprehensive safety compli- fitness determination system upon America California Bus Association Pennsylvania School Bus ance review. The rule proposes to a flawed system which is currently Central Transport California Delivery Association Association radically modify the Safety Fitness undergoing Congressionally man- Customized Logistics and California School Transportation Pennsylvania Bus Association rating system in which carriers are dated review and reform and is Delivery Association Association School Transportation Association evaluated for both the enforcement likely to change. While we support Expedite Association of North Connecticut Messenger Courier of Massachusetts community and the general public. the goal of an easily understand- America Association South Central Motorcoach The new methodology would be able, rational safety fitness deter- Gases and Welding Distributors Florida Messenger Association Association based on on-road safety data using mination system, this proposal is Association Florida Motorcoach Association Tennessee Motorcoach five of the Agency’s seven Behav- built on a flawed foundation. Institute of Makers of Explosives Georgia Motorcoach Association Association ior Analysis and Safety Improve- We urge you to rescind this ill- International Liquid Terminals Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Virginia Motorcoach Association ment Categories (BASICs); an in- advised and harmful rulemaking Association Association Western States Trucking vestigation, which will consider all immediately and participate fully National Association of Illinois School Transportation Association seven BASICs; or a combination of in the reform of the CSA/SMS Motorcoach Operators Association Wisconsin School Bus on-road safety data and investiga- process as mandated by Congress. National Association of Small Massachusetts Delivery Association Safety Fitness cles based on its on-road safety data, cels the plans to develop a Supple- necessary to revise the safety fitness tem which is currently undergoing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 an investigation, or a combination of mental Notice of Proposed determination process.” congressionally mandated review on-road safety data and investiga- Rulemaking,” the agency said. Results of the study are expected and reform and is likely to change.” safety rating system based on scores tion information. “The agency must receive the in June. “While we support the goal of an generated by the CSA program. It FMCSA previously announced correlation study from the National The letter to Chao – signed by easily understandable, rational safe- would have done away with the Con- that it would issue a Supplemental Academy of Sciences, as required 62 industry groups, including sever- ty fitness determination system, this ditional, Satisfactory and Unsatis- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by the Fixing America’s Surface al state and regional motorcoach as- proposal is built on a flawed founda- factory rating system in favor of a sometime this year, followed by a Transportation Act, assess whether sociations affiliated with UMA and tion. We urge you to rescind this ill- simple Fit and Unfit designation. final rule. and, if so, what corrective actions most major transportation trade as- advised and harmful rulemaking im- The new rule would have deter- “However, after reviewing the are advisable, and complete addi- sociations – said it didn’t make sense mediately and participate fully in the mined when a motor carrier is unfit record in this matter, FMCSA with- tional analysis before determining “to build a new safety fitness deter- reform of the CSA/SMS process as to operate commercial motor vehi- draws the (proposed rule) and can- whether further rulemaking action is mination system upon a flawed sys- mandated by Congress.”

ISSUE NO. 328 How to contact us Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Oklahoma City the Editor, articles, news releases or and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Tom Ready Ready Bus Lines to report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION LaCrescent, Minn. E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Ray Sargoni [email protected] Gray Lines of San Francisco Staff Advisory Board San Francisco Mail: 2250 W. Roper Lane Existing advertisers, or to submit Editor: Hal Mattern William Allen Larry Hundt Brian Scott Cottonwood, AZ 86326 advertising materials: Amador Trailways Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Call: (602) 284-6049 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Sales Director: Johnny Steger Sacramento, Calif. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. E-mail: Brian Annett Dale Krapf Tim Stout To subscribe or inquire about your Industry Editor: Ken Presley Annett Bus Lines Krapf Coaches Stout’s Transportation [email protected] Sebring, Fla. West Chester, Pa. Ewing, N.J. subscription: Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Roman Cornell Joan Libby Dennis Strief E-mail: Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 ABC Companies Cavalier Coach Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Orlando, Fla. Boston, Mass. Caseyville, Ill. To contact the Dave Dickson Marcia Milton Alan Thrasher Fax: (405) 942-6201 Editorial Assistant: Elite Coach First Priority Trailways Thrasher Brothers Trailways Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street United Motorcoach Association: Maggie Vander Eems Ephrata, Pa. District Heights, Md. Birmingham, Ala. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Call: (800) 424-8262 Gladys Gillis David Moody Larry Willaims Call: (866) 930-8421 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Starline Luxury Coaches Holiday Tours L.W. Transportation Chantilly, Va. Julianne Ryder Seattle Randleman, N.C. ©2017 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Bob Greene Michael Neustadt T. Ralph Young written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Amaya-Astron Seating Coach Tours Young Transportation Omaha, Neb. Brookfield, Conn. Asheville,CONTINUED N.C. ON PAGE 15 c 9Bus &April Motorcoach 15, 2017 News OPINION Bus &April Motorcoach 15, 2017 News 9 Don’t get lost in technology; balance it with humanity By Dave Millhouser mons, but it is also important to influenced by relationships. A certain level of technology is hated competi- look at what happens after the That being the case, imagine both good, and inevitable, but tor’s fleet, getting I got lost on an elevator once. technologies have matured. the real-world impact of both your there’s a line where efficiency them to deadhead Stupid thing wouldn’t stop at my In our society pendulums seem drivers and staff. Your office folks squashes relationships. a hundred miles floor, leaving me stuck on a to swing pretty far before they set- are helping arrange an experience/ To be fair, that line is in a dif- to pick up non- lengthy tour of a high rise. tle down, and we often leap full tilt adventure for customers, and your ferent place for a scheduled carrier existent passen- Not much to see from inside an into behaviors and technologies drivers are the ones who make it than for a retail tour company. It’s gers. In a fiction- elevator tummy. Finally I got off, because they’re possible (but not happen. There are parts of that also a moving target because tech- al name they’d and used the stairs. necessarily wise). After a while we equation that can be solved by ma- nology and the public’s expecta- paid a small de- Dave Millhouser Elevators were one of the earli- sort out what works, as opposed to chines. As time passes, there will tions are constantly changing. posit. It created a est applications of mechanization things that just looked flashy. be even greater opportunities to Recognize the importance of shortage of buses in the market on a in travel. Betcha most of you can’t It’s tough, in advance, to figure mechanize. both relationships and technology, big NFL weekend, and the compa- remember riding one controlled by out what is a technological fad as The question is, where’s the tip- and give thought as to the proper ny cleaned up while its rival turned a person. opposed to concepts that genuinely ping point? How far can you go mix. Companies that get it right wheels for the minimal deposit “Operators” were replaced by a improve things. (And a bit of hu- with technology before it begins in- (and KEEP getting it right) are the (and its drivers weren’t tipped). glom of buttons, relays and sensors mility may be in order — one per- terfering with the relationships that winners. If they could do that with an (which have now been replaced by son’s fad may be another’s make your customers love you? There is some danger involved anonymous voice on a pay phone, computers). “solution.”) Voicemail has become gener- in trusting technology too much. imagine what a sophisticated mod- The elevator industry boasts As we stumble forward on the ally accepted, but 10 layers of digi- There needs to be room for com- ern hacker could do to a coach op- that it moves more people greater technology trail, remember that tal speech with no option for mon sense and human erator totally dependent on comput- distances than any other form of ours is an industry based on rela- human contact — not so much. intervention. ers, without options for common ground transportation. It manages tionships. The truth is that most You’ve probably never had a cus- A line carrier once introduced sense or human participation. to do it without a “driver.” industries are, but it’s more visible tomer request for that automated poorly conceived software that There’s an optimal balancing With all the hullabaloo about in buses. voice, but you do have clients re- committed seats to online custom- point between technology and hu- driverless cars and trucks, there is Near where I live we have two questing specific drivers, often ers with no way of knowing if manity, and it’s important to find a measure of excitement in the Dunkin’ Donuts shops. One has a through office folks they’ve come those passengers had actually where that spot is for your busi- transportation business about drive-thru and great parking, the to trust. turned up. The computer wouldn’t ness. I’d tell you how, but you’re eliminating drivers. other a cramped lot with no If you’re selling service based allow downstream agents to sell reading a column written by a guy Advocates point out that, once drive-thru. only on price, perhaps a giant empty spots because the computer who got lost on an elevator. the bugs are squashed, both safety I almost always go to the small bussy vending machine would be thought the bus was full. This route Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- and efficiency will be enhanced. one because I like the kids who appropriate, but that’s not a fit for led to Chapter 11. try marketing consultant and free- Betcha it’s gonna be exciting work there. Even the purchase of most of us. You can be so efficient Years ago a coach company lance writer. Contact him by email watching them exorcise those de- something as minor as a coffee is that you have no customers. “chartered” about 50 percent of a at [email protected]. 1010 AprilApril 15, 15, 2016 2017 UNITEDNew MOTORCOACH at MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News New at MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 New and returning exhibitors show off their wares ST. LOUIS — More than a al at the end, we can look at their dozen new and returning exhibi- financials and help to guide them tors brought their products and to make sure they are making a services to UMA Motorcoach good decision.” Expo 2017 in St. Louis, adding to the hustle and bustle of the show REV Bus Group floor. Here is a rundown on some Krystal and Federal commer- of the exhibitors and their wares: cial luxury buses were shown at Motorcoach Expo but account for Caleche USA just two of the 27 brands housed It’s an open-top tour bus. It’s a under REV Bus Group of Miami, panoramic, climate-controlled tour Fla., said company President John bus. It’s two buses in one — the Walsh. Caleche USA convertible based on “About a third of our business is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. in buses. We have eight bus manu- Caleche (the French word for facturers and two fit this market for carriage) began working on the tours and charters,” he said. “They telescoping top concept in France are very high-end, smaller buses for five years ago, said Robin Ver- up to 44 passengers, which makes achtert, president of Caleche USA. them a smaller product than the “We cut the top off and do a lot Matt Hardison, left, and Gabriel Lopez-Bernal of Icomera U.S. Inc., set up the company’s Wi-Fi system during Expo. (55-seat) motorcoaches. of reinforcing of the roof, floor and The Swedish company offers a wireless router for the transportation industry that can act as a central hub for all “They are great products that onboard systems. the seat base to make it safe and come in at a price point that is compliant,” Verachtert said. “Then is at that state for one minute, the groups the ability to buy seats on a “We are just trying to under- more competitive for that number we install the roof system, which unit will isolate the battery or bat- motorcoach that they otherwise stand what our strategies should be of passengers. It seems to work re- has three parts with two engines on teries and it will stay there until the wouldn’t have access to. We con- to enter the U.S. market,” said ally well for this market.” each side that are synchronized. user needs power,” McCall said. nect them, aggregate them and Gamze Erdemir Severoglu, Har- Walsh said he detected enthusi- “This is for operators who do When the user turns the igni- build productive bus trips. For an un’s wife and the managing direc- asm on the show floor during Expo. sightseeing but don’t want to have tion switch or activates a courtesy operator who may not have a solu- tor of the company. “There is a lot of pent-up de- just a sightseeing vehicle.” light by opening a door, the unit tion for one or two or five individ- mand,” he said. “A lot of people Eugene Hotard, executive vice reconnects the battery. uals, we can piece them together 1st Source Bank waited for the election to be over president of Alliance Bus Group, “When someone gets back in and bring new demand.” Amanda Lundmark, assistant and there is a lot of aging equip- the eastern U.S. distributor of the the vehicle and creates a load Operators who join Rally are vice president of 1st Source Bank, ment that needs to be replaced. We Caleche vehicles, said when the charge of 0.2 millivolts, the Priori- sent a computer tablet that links said motorcoach operators benefit are excited about the replacement weather is great the top can be tyStart! will sense that, re-engage them to Rally’s e-ticketing system from dealing with lenders that un- cycle. As older vehicles are not re- opened. to give full power back and allow and GPS (global positioning system) derstand their equipment and their placed, the business for parts and “If the weather turns, you can the vehicle to start,” he said. tracking to connect them with riders industry. aftermarket services will be bright close the top on a dime and your The company’s 12-volt Pro- and plan for pickup locations. “When a customer calls us and for us. We are seeing all upside clients will still have a very pan- Max HD handles up to 1,600 start- “It also allows riders to know tells us they are looking at an MCI right now.” oramic, open-air feel,” Hotard ing amps and 400 continuous where the bus is,” Krejci said. “We or a Van Hool, we know exactly said. “We can start at 10 passen- amps. The 24-volt unit, for 24-volt have been in business about five what they are looking at and can Access Commercial Capital gers and go up to 19, with or with- systems, also handles those amper- years. We have been building trac- give them quicker approval,” Lun- Eric C. Coolbaugh has re- out a wheelchair lift.” age loads and disconnects when tion around events, primarily dmark said. turned to the motorcoach financ- Caleche buses, which are voltage drops to 23.6 volts. sporting events, NASCAR races, “A financial partner that is ing business as co-founder and equipped with four- or six-cylinder The 12-volt unit is priced at music festivals, concerts and po- knowledgeable about the vehicles vice-president of Access Commer- diesel engines, sell for $155,000 to $129.95 and the 24-volt unit at litical rallies. We are able to route and basics of the industry is able to cial Capital of Lake Success, N.Y. $165,000, he said. $140, McCall said, with discounts dynamically, based on where peo- streamline application processes “I have been in this industry for quantity purchases. ple are signing up.” and provide appropriate terms.” about 30 years. My last business PriorityStart She said the company’s biggest was Advantage Funding, which I Any breakdown is embarrass- Rally Bus Interglass Oto Camlari focus is on motorcoaches, but it sold in 2014 and signed a two-year ing, particularly when it is caused Rally Bus was a first-time ex- The family owners and opera- also provides financing for shuttle non-compete (agreement). I am by a dead battery. PriorityStart! hibitor at Motorcoach Expo after tors of Interglass Oto Camlari trav- buses. now back in the industry,” Cool- displayed its electronic battery accomplishing a historic feat — eled from Adana, Turkey, to their “We know a lot of the opera- baugh said. preservers that stop electrical assisting in transportation plan- first trade show in the United States. tors. We do financing and leasing. Access Capital is involved in drains while there is still enough ning for the Women’s March on “We are a small, family-owned We offer credit limits as well as the entire transportation industry, power for an engine start. Washington in January. company,” said President Harun one-off and two-off bus transac- with the motorcoach and limou- “Priority Start! is a completely “We sent 48,000 people on 800 Erdemir. “We are mainly in auto- tions,” Lundmark said. sine/livery segments being major automatic disconnect for battery buses using 135 operators. In cer- motive glazing and make original “If you go to your local bank, assets. The company also finances systems. Even if a vehicle has mul- tain cities we had 500 or 1,000 equipment for Temsa. We are they are going to ask for every- school buses, ambulances and tiple batteries there is just one unit people getting picked up with half mainly focused on the aftermarket thing in the world. They don’t un- taxis, he said. for that vehicle,” said LaMotte a dozen operators,” said Bennett in Europe. For a small company derstand the equipment so they are “The people who are here (at McCall, manager of company. Krejci, director of strategic part- like us it is very difficult to get going to be a lot more concerned. Expo) need to deal with an indus- “It goes between the battery nerships at Rally. business with the original equip- We understand the equipment and try specialist that understands their and the electrical system. If there Rally, he said, “is a technology ment manufacturers in Europe.” the collateral value. For a transac- assets. Bankers don’t have any is a drain when the vehicle is platform positioning between the The family approached Motor- tion under $350,000 we try to give idea that that bus is a half million- turned off, we allow the batteries motorcoach industry and our rid- coach Expo as an exploratory an approval within four hours. If dollar asset. There are a lot of to drain down to 11.7 volts. Once it ers. We give individuals and small mission. the customer is looking for residu- CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 c BY 12 April 15, 2017 New at MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News ABC sells 1,000th Van Hool CX45, unveils future coach ABC restructures ST. LOUIS — ABC Compa- nies celebrated the sale of the management team 1,000th Van Hool CX45 during ST. LOUIS — ABC Companies UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 and has restructured the roles and re- also delivered Van Hool coaches to sponsibilities of its management three operators. team. ABC also unveiled a next gen- Dane Cornell, ABC president eration “bus of the future,” a proto- and CEO, said the reorganization type created to showcase how new would “leverage the tenure, knowl- technologies can be integrated into edge and deep bench strength of the motorcoaches. company’s seasoned and respected Van Hool CEO Filip Van Hool executive management team.” was on hand to celebrate the sale Cornell added that upholding of the company’s 1,000th CX45 to ABC’s solid record of financial per- Windstar Lines of Carroll, Iowa. formance, building on the compa- Van Hool noted that the coach ny’s diverse leadership platform model reached the milestone only a and sustaining a thriving work envi- few years after being introduced. ronment for all employees were all ABC and Van Hool presented key factors in shaping the restruc- the Greteman family, owners of turing plan. The changes include: has been pro- Windstar, with a model bus to Left to right, Patrick, Scott, Jeff and Mike Greteman of the family-owned Windstar Lines of Carroll, Iowa, hold a Roman Cornell moted to chief commercial officer, commemorate the sale. model of the Van Hool CX45 to commemorate the company’s purchase of the 1,000th CX45 sold by Van Hool focusing on all revenue generating Windstar has been purchasing and ABC. aspects of the business with over- Van Hool coaches from ABC since Caseyville, Ill., across the Missis- CX35 during Expo. and gaming stations and surround sight of all sales, after sales and ABC also showcased the Van sound. 1995 sippi River from St. Louis, received commercial operating functions. Hool NextGen FX prototype bus. The coach also includes a com- “They’re lifers,” ABC Chief a CX-45 featuring graphics depict- He will continue in his leadership Commercial Officer Roman Cor- ing the city’s history and sites. Built on a two-door Van Hool mercial-grade refrigerator for food position for the company’s Parts nell said of the Gretemans. CIT Signature Transportation TX45 model, the coach features a service, a rear conference room and Group, which encompasses the “They’re locked into us for life.” of Ames, Iowa, took delivery of multi-zoned floor plan featuring lounge with a smart TV and wire- ABC OEM and aftermarket­ brands ABC also delivered two Van two new Van Hool motorcoaches, new and emerging technologies. less charging stations, and an auto- as well as its transit parts group, Hool CX45s and two CX35s dur- a CX45 and a CX35. They include intelligent driver matic luggage bay door that can be Muncie Baker. ing Expo. Premier Coaches Northwest of controls and “infotainment” plat- operated by remote control. Mike Laffan was promoted to Vandalia Bus Lines of Federal Way, Wash., received a forms that integrate virtual reality CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c

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794366_Bauers.indd 1 2/12/16 5:18 AM 13Bus & AprilMotorcoach 15, 2017 News New at MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 BusApril & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News13 New products lum specific to motorcoach driv- Smartstubs “Our clients create their prod- tracking of tickets and reduce ad- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 ers,” said Maureen Gaeta, training Smartstubs of Seattle, Wash., ucts, define pricing, inventory, lo- ministrative effort. product specialist for the company. specializes in real-time mobile and cations and all the variables of “A lot of motorcoach compa- ­nuances in this business. Leverage “It is a video-based program in- synchronized management of tick- their products. Then we build web- nies are using very manual process- ratios are high. Banks aren’t used tended to be used by trainers in a eted rides. sites for them, integrating into es with a lot of paper that drivers to that,” Coolbaugh said. “You classroom style of training.” “We are a ticketing manage- their website a portal for people to have to collect,” he said. “Our intent need somebody who understands The company also offers a ment solution that works with any buy tickets,” Scheidel said. is to capture that electronically.” this business to get you the right training program for commercial type of per-capita business — line The company offers an An- deal at the right price and still be driver’s license training that is runs, shuttles, tour groups, any droid application for people to do SmartTray there seven years from now when available as a Web-based product sort of individual ticket sales,” said in-person sales and a Web applica- SmartTray, with product place- it comes due.” or in hard copies accompanied by Smartstubs President Carson tion for call center concierge sales. ments on airliners and trains, CDs, she said. Scheidel. Smartstubs can improve the CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 c Icomera Icomera, founded in Goteborg, Sweden, in 1999 to serve the Euro- pean rail industry, offers a wireless router for the transportation indus- try with a wide range of products, from basic Wi-Fi to a sophisticated system that can act as a central hub “Lancer solved my Olympic-sized problem for all onboard systems, said Matt Hardison, president of Icomera with aggressive, immediate action.” U.S. Inc., of Rockville, Md. “We can carry onboard enter- tainment or integrate telematics,” “As the transportation provider to the he said. Icomera’s U.S. branch opened Winter Paralympics in Vancouver, we in 2014. had wheelchair clients on board every “We are on the Amtrak Acela day, all day. Being athletes, they were Express trains and are talking with offended by the idea of having their Amtrak about expanding to re- wheelchairs tied down for safety, place their legacy systems on other and the Olympic Committee was on trains,” Hardison said. their side. “In the U.S. market motor- coach is about 80 percent of our I called Lancer and explained the risks business. Even on our basic unit we faced. The supervisor of Lancer’s level our Wi-Fi devices are con- office in Washington State flew to figurable so you can determine Canada the very next day to discuss how much bandwidth you want to provide in the aggregate and also liability issues with the Olympic at the customer level,” he said. Committee. He explained the “Our systems, because they are regulatory and safety requirements designed for the transportation in- behind the tie-down mandate to the dustry, are hardened to deal with Committee members and got the temperature range, vibration and problem solved right away. shock and work consistently every time.” As the vendor, I didn’t want to be difficult, but I couldn’t afford to have DriveWare people hurt. Lancer took up the battle Transportation management Gladys Gillis for me, protecting me from liability software for passenger carriers is Chief Execu ve O cer risk while protecting my reputation the focus of DriveWare, a past ex- Starline Luxury Coaches and relationship with my customer.” hibitor that returned for Motor- Sea le, WA coach Expo 2017, said President Lancer customer since 2003 If you want proactive risk mitigation Jay Hosseinian. The company is from a passenger transportation based in Laguna Hills. Calif. specialist, ask your agent for a Lancer “We have software that handles quote or call Lancer directly and get everything from generating quotes to work order confirmation and in- assigned to an agent. voicing,” he said. “It also handles To learn more, call800-782-8902, x3264 vehicle maintenance, driver man- or email [email protected]. agement, payroll, scheduling of vehicles and drivers and schedule emails. The latest thing we have is digital signature, or e-signature, so contracts can be sent electronically to customers and they can sign on their phone or mobile device.”

Motorcoach Safety Training Company A new motorcoach-specific 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 | www.lancerinsurance.com training course designed for driv- ers will be released in May by Mo- torcoach Safety Training Company of Hudson, Ohio. “We create a training curricu- 14 April 15, 2017 New at MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News MCI sells 14 J4500 coaches at Expo, donates another ST. LOUIS — Motor Coach Industries than what we do or how we deliver ser- and its popular J4500 coach enjoyed a suc- vice,” said Adam Doiron, Coach Atlantic cessful UMA Motorcoach Expo in St. CEO. “Our people are focused on custom- Louis. er service and a truly memorable passen- MCI received an order for 13 2017 ger experience. It’s the right deal and the J4500s from a Canadian operator and an- right choice for us.” other order for one of the coaches from a John and Cindy Burnett of Premier U.S. company. MCI also donated a J4500 Coaches Northwest in Federal Way, Wash., for a successful charity auction. signed an order with MCI for one new 2017 Coach Atlantic Group of Prince Edward MCI J4500 during Expo. After a lively bidding session involving several potential buyers, Jodi Merritt of H & L Charter Co. Island, Canada, signed an agreement at MCI also donated a new J4500 for the Inc. of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., placed the winning bid of $531,000 for a new MCI J4500. Expo to purchase 13 J4500s for $7.5 mil- Motorcoach Marketing Council live auction lion Canadian (about $5.6 million U.S. at Expo. dollars). After a lively bidding session involving “It’s a significant investment for a pri- several potential buyers, Jodi Merritt, vice vately held company,” said Pat Ziska, MCI president of H&L Charter Co. Inc. of Ran- vice president for new coach sales. “MCI is cho Cucamonga, Calif., placed the winning extremely honored that Coach Atlantic bid of $531,000. Group has selected the MCI J4500 to serve “I think it’s a great price for a 2017 their regional passengers and the many J4500,” Merritt said after the auction. She global visitors who enjoy the unique beauty said H&L, a third-generation family-owned of Canada’s Maritime Provinces.” company, has two other MCI coaches in its Coach Atlantic has more than 300 em- fleet. ployees and operates 200 vehicles with MCI officials said the company donated daily, weekly and seasonal bus services for the motorcoach with the understanding that charter, line-run, public school and munici- the final sales price had to exceed MCI’s pal transit customers. cost for the vehicle, which it did. Any MCI President Ian Smart autographs a bus bank to mark the purchase by Coach Atlantic Group “The company philosophy places em- amount above that went to the marketing of Prince Edward Island, Canada, of 13 MCI J4500 coaches. Looking on, from left, are Marsha phasis on why we do what we do rather council. Doiron of Coach Atlantic, Patrick Scully of MCI, and Adam Doiron and Matthew Cassidy of Coach Atlantic.

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amanda carter Call us today at 1-800-448-7001 or National Sales Manager / Shuttle, School Bus & Coach visit www.rbs2000.com to request an [email protected] evaluation of g o Chart or g o Tour 763-710-9947 www.rbs2000.com 15Bus & AprilMotorcoach 15, 2017 News New at MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 BusApril & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News15 New products that continues to provide an anti- ented, enhanced features that en- cations around a vehicle. These cab,” he said. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 microbial that is left behind be- courage drivers to make detailed unpowered tags activate a screen “The device uploads that in- tween decontaminations.” pre-trip vehicle inspections. on a tablet device that prompts the spection. If any defects are found it ­introduced its devices to a new au- The 36-pound CURIS unit is “We use RFID (radio frequen- driver to verify that each compo- will notify the mechanic in real dience at Motorcoach Expo. Smart- about the size of a carry-on suit- cy identification) technology to nent in that area is inspected, Dick- time by text or email.” Tray addresses a recent but wide- case and costs $7,999. One gallon force drivers to do more than a ey said. The program is customizable spread issue in travel — managing of chemical, which will treat 10 to pencil checklist for their DVIR andB:9.5” “We can allow up to 11 zones. to each motorcoach so it can in- snacks, drinks and a mobile device 12 buses, is $69.99. walk around the vehicle to look forT:7.5” After the driver scans all 11, the clude items such as doors, lights on that small, drop-down tray table. defects,” said Matt Dickey, region-S:7”device asks if the inspection is and audiovisual equipment. The “We are now providing cus- Zonar al account manager for Seattle- complete. The driver can certify tablet also can take pictures of de- tomers in the bus industry with an Zonar provides an electronic- based Zonar. the report, hit the submit button fects that can be attached to the integrated holder solution for the logging device that includes pat- Zonar places RFID tags at lo- then dock the tablet back in the downloaded inspection report. tray table,” said Nick Pajic Jr., vice president of product management at SmartTray, based in Scottsdale, Ariz. “A lot of customers in the bus industry have told us that their FORD COMMERCIAL original equipment suppliers give them a tray solution but it current- VEHICLE SEASON ly is not effectively made. It is very easy to break and there are no so- lutions for passengers who bring their devices.” The SmartTray device can be flipped up when the tray table is lowered. It contains a locking de- vice that holds a personal electronic device upright at a viewable angle. “On a tray table you have a lim- ited amount of space and you need to capitalize on that space,” Pajic said. “The holder clamps against your device safely and elevates it slightly above the table to protect it from spills.” SmartTray holds eight patents for its products and is working on additional technology that will in- corporate a USB 2.0 Type C con- nection and a wireless charging device into the trays.

CURIS Bio-Decontamination B:11.5” T:10.5” Surfaces in 68 percent of buses S:9.5” in a major metropolitan area were contaminated with an antibiotic- resistant virus, according to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. Methicillin-resistant staphylo- coccus aureus (MRSA) is a skin infection caused by a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics and once was found only in hospitals. “These bugs have migrated out of hospitals. That study is probably a good representation of what we see across the country,” said Fran- ces Grinstead, vice president of sales and marketing for CURIS in Oviedo, Fla. “Spraying and wiping techniques to clean surfaces really GET $2,500 CUSTOMER CASH BACK1 PLUS $500 don’t work.” 2 The Curis Bio-Decontamina- COMMERCIAL CASH ON 2017 FORD TRANSIT. tion System fills a space, such as an Ford trucks and vans. Year after year, America’s best-selling lineup of commercial vehicles.3 operating room or motorcoach Now get cash incentives on every commercial truck and van in stock, including Ford Transit, cabin, with a fine mist of hydrogen Transit Connect, E-Series, Super Duty® and Medium Duty trucks. On top of that, you can peroxide that disinfects surfaces get upfi t assistance on select vehicles. For complete details, see your local dealer … then decomposes to water and oxy- or visit ford.com. gen. The unit fills the closed space Optional features and aftermarket equipment shown. 1Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 5/1/17. Restrictions apply. See dealer for qualifi cations then pulses to maintain a mist. and complete details. 2Must be a business owner to qualify and provide proof of business: license, FIN code or certify your business on fordtoughtruck.com “It takes 30 minutes to treat a for eligibility. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 5/1/17. Restrictions may apply. See dealer for qualifi cations and complete details. 3Based on IHS Markit CY 1985–2016 US TIP registrations, excluding registrations to individuals. TIP registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles. coach,” Grinstead said. “The prod- uct has a silver component that is left behind. Silver is a great biostat

240 DENSITY 2017 com’l vehicle season copy revise File: FCOM00479_FMFL3057000_CPg_R01_240D.indd Date: 3-21-2017 11:13 AM Rev: 1 Galley: 1 2017 comm’l vehicle consumer page 4/c revise copy Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Client: Ford Division Engraver: None Fonts: Franklin Gothic Std (Condensed), ITC Franklin Links: Park_QC Steps.eps (100%), Bullet.eps (100%), 17_FRD_XBD_300091_ Ad #: FMFL3057000 Doc Scale: 100% Gothic Std (Medium, Book Condensed) CT_5Truck_Lineup_PPK_240D.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), 16Texture_Med- Agency #: 1151488 Output Size: 100% Duty_CommVehicles_Yellow_4C_PPK_240D.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), Park #: FCOM-00479 Media/Type: Magazine FTRK_15BFT2in_4CHt_R02_PPK_240D.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%) Live: 7” x 9.5” Trim: 7.5” x 10.5” Bleed: 9.5” x 11.5” Note: This document utilizes the Pantone + color library

Park ADD: Creative Director: B. Hambly Direct Mail Ops: Legal: Park Designer: F. Ciolino Art Director: Art Producer: A. Ayrault Product Info: Park PM: S. Watz Writer: Account Super: M. McAvoy Copy Editor: Park Prod Artist: M. Kozikowski Print Producer: C. Smith Account Exec: J. Mitchell Traffic: P. Spillane 16 April 15, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Austin appeal Presley said. “We have a couple of city’s authority by filing suit in the enforced a similar ordinance. The protect the public from potentially CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 options before we have to make a U.S. District Court for the Western charter bus industry would essen- unsafe charter buses and drivers, decision.” District of Texas. tially grind to a halt.” there must be a permit system in UMA will await an analysis of He said UMA still believes “The offending ordinance ex- The city responded that its or- place that gives regulators suffi- the ruling from its legal counsel federal law prohibits Austin from presses authority preempted by dinance would be necessary for the cient information and ability to en- before considering whether to ap- regulating interstate charter bus federal law, plain and simple,” Pre- enforcement of safety regulations force the Charter Bus Regula- peal the case to the U.S. Supreme operators. sley said at that time. “Congress is and therefore would be permitted tions,” it argued. Court, said Ken Presley, UMA’s After Austin adopted its initial very explicit in preempting states under exceptions to federal pre- In response, UMA argued that vice president of industry relations version of the ordinance, UMA and their political subdivisions emptions of state regulations re- state and local authorities already and chief operating officer. asked the Texas Attorney General’s from granting or requiring author- garding operating authority. have thorough recourse to police “It is too early to tell what the Office to intercede but it refused, ity to operate. Imagine just for a “The City Council has deter- commercial vehicles and drivers board of directors will want to do,” so the association challenged the moment if every city in the nation mined that for City regulators to without permitting. In addition, the regulations would interfere in interstate commerce, the associa- UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATON tion argued. UMA won a split decision in the original trial held in the U.S. District Court for the Western Dis- Join us for Capitol Hill Days, April 2526 trict of Texas. On Jan. 13, 2016, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks ruled that Austin could require op- erators to apply for and purchase Let’s make our voices heard! permits to operate point-to-point service in Austin. He also ruled, in favor of UMA, that the city cannot require or enforce the posting of decals or visible permits. “The findings recount several Worried about the fuel-tax exemption going previous incidents in Texas involv- away? ing charter bus vehicles which re- sulted in passenger deaths,” Sparks wrote. “The Court finds safety re- Tired of overregulation? lating to motor vehicles was truly a concern motivating the City’s pas- Burdened by legislation? sage of the regulations. “The Regulations’ permitting Losing sleep over raising insurance limits? requirements have an obvious, logi- cal relationship to the City’s safety concerns. The permit requirement gives the City the ability to hold Maybe it’s time to speak out! charter bus operators who do not comply with the substantive safety provisions…accountable. The per- Join us in DC, April 25-26 mit requirements imply the threat of permit revocation, making them tools for policing misconduct.” Sparks also required UMA and Austin to sit down and try to re- solve some of their differences. Austin ultimately altered the ordi- REGISTER TODAY! nance, which had applied to every charter bus traveling on the city’s streets, to include the following exemptions: You CAN make a difference. Join us. • Charter buses traveling from anywhere outside of the city of This is your chance to meet with elps underrte te ost o your otel Austin will not be required to ob- tain a permit, even if their group is those elected to represent your interests in and to o our eals are sponsored staying and traveling in and around

Congress. It’s your turn to speak up and let Austin. There is nothing more important to your fu- • Charter bus trips that origi- te kno your onerns nate in Austin with a destination ture, and our industry, than you getting in- outside the city limits will not be I ...and it matters A LOT! volved in the political process right now! required to obtain a permit. • Charter buses simply travel- UMA makes the appointments with your Con- or ore noraton please st ing through the city limits will not be required to obtain a permit. gressional delegation; prepares you with uaorndustryaptolll or ontat UMA also was successful in background and talking points, and (in most en resley at or y eal at convincing the court to prohibit the city from imposing violations instances) we have a staff person to assist you kpresleyuaor on buses carrying more than five during your appointments. ou an and ll newspapers, that aren’t painted alike, and that don’t wait a mini- ake a derene mum of 30 minutes after being called before picking up passengers. The only time a permit is CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 c Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2017 17 Austin appeal local operating authority.” traffic laws already address the thority of a political subdivision,” state commerce and transportation. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 The appeal argued that the dis- safety of the motorcoach industry, wrote Supreme Court Justice Anto- “Tow-truck and charter-bus in- trict court accepted Austin’s con- UMA argued. nin Scalia. Justice Sandra Day dustries may differ in geographic ­required is when a charter takes flation of “motor vehicles” and “The City’s legislative findings O’Connor joined the dissent. “The scope,” they allowed, but “The place from a point within the city “carriers.” While Congress accept- (are) devoid of any explanation as text and structure of the statute specific exemption for preemption limits to another point within the ed local enforcement of motor ve- to exactly why permits have a logi- leave no doubt that…‘state’ does does not comfortably bear UMA’s city limits — which UMA will hicle operation laws, it meant to cal connection to safety objectives. not include ‘subdivision of a state.’” narrow reading.” continue to oppose. prohibit local regulation of carrier …basic traffic law (which must be The introduction to the recent The court said it should be up UMA appealed Judge Sparks’ operating authority. enforced by the police) regulations appeals court ruling, signed by to the U.S. Secretary of Transpor- decision last August, arguing the are already in existence in Texas or Judges W. Eugene Davis, James L. tation to deal with “balkanization ruling “would allow (encourage Tow-truck case duplicate the Federal Motor Carri- Dennis and Leslie H. Southwick, or permit regimes” if they occur. even) the nation’s more than In its defense, Austin cited as er Safety Regulations (which Aus- states that “This appeal raises the “The Secretary retains authority to 10,000 municipalities to require precedent a 2002 U.S. Supreme tin cannot enforce because it has issue of whether federal law pre- invalidate non-safety-laws or safe- permits on interstate or intercity Court case involving local regula- no licensed inspectors). empts a city’s exercise of regulato- ty-related laws when they improp- operations.” tion of tow trucks, City of Colum- “Operators already jeopardize ry authority over intrastate opera- erly burden interstate commerce.” The appeal was filed by attor- bus v. Ours Garage & Wrecker their license if they violate traffic tion of charter buses.” The court also rejected the ney Dan R. Mastromarco on be- Service. The district court accept- laws,” UMA’s appeal stated. “The The judges rejected UMA’s UMA contention that the permit- half of UMA. ed the city’s argument. City’s Permit scheme violates (fed- claim that federal law preempts the ting regime did not sufficiently ad- “Every jurisdiction is duty- However, UMA argued in its eral preemption law) even if it ad- permitting regulations adopted by dress safety needs to fulfill the re- bound to impose safety rules on appeal, “Ours Garage dealt with vances safety goals, but the permit Austin. quirements for preemption of motor vehicles per its traditional permits on a largely municipal in- requirements do not advance safe- The “state’s safety regulatory federal law. police power. UMA and the City dustry; not the effect of a vast and ty and the City was not motivated authority must include the type of “In light of the ordinance’s ex- agree on that,” the appeal said. new paradigm shift on a quintes- by safety in enacting the regime.” permitting regulations we have pressed purpose and effect, we “What the city cannot do is (1) im- sential instrumentality of a nation- previously held to be covered by concluded the safety purpose was pose local operating authority al transportation network. The States, not cities that phrase,” the judge’s wrote. ‘manifest’…The ordinance con- against the express preemption in prospect of a national transporta- A dissenting opinion in the Su- “We also disagree with UMA’s ar- tains numerous safety-purpose (federal law) or (2) impose a per- tion network road-blocked by dis- preme Court’s Ours Garage deci- gument that charter-bus permitting statements. mitting regime neither motivated parate permit regimes was what sion raised the additional conten- is not a ‘pre-existing and tradition- “After recounting a history of by safety nor logically connected motivated Congress to expressly tion that any permissible al state police power’ because cit- charter-bus accidents in Texas, the to achieving safety.” prohibit such regimes in the first preemptions of federal motor car- ies only recently began regulating ordinance notes its effectiveness in Austin’s position “runs con- place. The City can point to no rier laws are reserved for the states charter buses through permitting preventing such deadly accidents. trary to virtually every interpretive precedent requiring its draconian — not local governments. schemes.” It makes clear that ‘the purpose of canon . . . Following the City’s in- interpretation…unless they con­ “I believe the test and structure The judges also disposed of the regulations is not to generate terpretation to its logical conclu- stitute purely economic of (the law) show plainly that ‘the UMA’s argument that Congress in- revenue but…to protect the public sion, nothing whatsoever is left of protectionism.” safety regulatory authority of a tended to prevent Austin and other health, safety and welfare.’” the (federal) preemption against Federal regulations and local State’ does not encompass the au- cities from interfering with inter- CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c

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www.BusElectronics.com SAME-DAY SHIPPING | IN-HOUSE TECH SUPPORT | COMPETITIVE PRICING 877.378.2267 • [email protected] 18 April 15, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Steve Klika named interim president and CEO of UMA ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Steve 1 and will serve until a permanent tion, keep UMA’s mission on track, as the executive committee com- screen candidates Klika, who is managing the national replacement for Parra is found. and provide seamless service to pletes the recruitment and hiring for the position. search to replace retired United Mo- Klika has been active in recruit- members following the departure of process.” Klika was brought torcoach Association President and ing new leadership for numerous a successful long-time chief execu- Parra, who was president and on to lead the CEO Victor Parra, has been named motorcoach companies and trade as- tive,” said Dale Krapf, chairman of CEO of UMA for nearly 19 years, search team. They interim president and CEO. sociations in the U.S. and Canada. UMA and Krapf’s Coaches. retired on March 31. were expected to Klika, former president of the “This is the next step in a “With Steve as interim president Krapf appointed a search com- begin interview- International Motorcoach Group, planned process that has been care- and CEO, UMA will maintain its mittee, made up of members of the ing finalists for Steve Klika started the interim position on April fully crafted to smooth the transi- focus and continue moving forward board’s executive committee, to the job last month. Austin appeal do not comply with the substantive the City is accomplishing econom- cision concluded. entangled in the safety aspect and CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 safety provisions accountable…It ic goals, such as consumer protec- “The permitting regulations simply throws in the permits,” he also noted that the permitting re- tion, via some of the permitting are not preempted by federal law.” said. “We acknowledge the city’s The district court, the appeals quirements ‘imply the threat of regulations. We have recognized, UMA believes the appeals safety regulatory authority. We sim- judges continued, held that the or- permit revocation,’ making them though, that safety and consumer court erred in its conclusions, Pre- ply do not believe they aren’t pro- dinance gave “the City the ability ‘tools for policing misconduct.’ protection are not mutually exclu- sley said. hibited from requiring operating to hold charter bus operators who “UMA may have a point that sive categories,” the appellate de- “The court seems to become authority.” ABC management externally for all ABC business af- lutions tailored to their short- and filiates. She also will continue to long-term operational goals. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 serve as corporate commercial li- ABC also announced that it a new role as senior vice president aison, coordinating and assisting has secured a long-term location for the East Coast, with interim customer relations for key strate- for development of a new parts oversight for the West Coast market gic accounts. and service facility in Newark, region as ABC seeks to fill the post. Jay Oakman will continue in Calif. The planned new location is He will oversee all sales activities his role as vice president for com- 15 minutes from ABC’s Redwood, for existing accounts and business mercial operations with responsi- Calif., operation and will offer lines as he continues to develop bility for the development and man- customers a full-service and parts new markets within the region. agement of large commercial hub that covers the fast-growing Brenda Borwege will assume accounts. He also continues to metro areas between San Jose and the new role of senior vice president function as corporate liaison be- San Francisco. NEW LOWER for Midwest and Southwest sales. tween ABC and Van Hool to facili- “Employer-sponsored trans- PRICE! She will oversee all sales activities tate communication and coordina- portation is growing at a tremen- and will lead, direct and drive sales tion of all activities stateside and dous rate in the region,” said Jon Excellent Condition…none nicer! efforts, profitability and growth abroad that support ABC commer- Savitz. 140k TCM • OEM 3 Point Seat Belts throughout the Midwest and South- cial operations and customer rela- The Newark hub is designed to Cummins B500 • 58 pax w/lav • CD/DVD west regions, serving existing ac- tions, including technical support offer them fleet service on a major Michelin Tires • Alcoa Rims • Lots more options counts and business lines, as well as and training, warranty support and scale, while the Redwood facility Lower Price: $339k • Partial Financing O.A.C. developing new customers and mar- product development. will continue to function as a stra- Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered kets within the territory. John Gillis has been promoted tegic retail service operation. The More available Jon Savitz will continue to to vice president for ABC parts, Newark location will include a serve as senior vice president for where he will facilitate and main- 30,000-square-foot facility with Call or Email today for more service operations and will be re- tain day-to-day activities that an additional two acres of photos and info! 808.832.6261 sponsible for oversight and super- ­impact the efficient flow of parts parking. [email protected] vision of day-to-day activities for inventory and management Along with all repair, mainte- ABC service divisions, including throughout the entire ABC parts nance and collision services, the negotiations for contract mainte- warehouse and supply chain sys- new location will also include ve- nance services. He will plan and tem to ensure timely fulfillment of hicle wash bays, full paint and REPOS FOR SALE direct operations to improve pro- customer requests. body booths and lift bays, Savitz •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell ductivity and efficiency and in- Gregg Goedde will continue to said. The facility also is designed • Variety of Makes & Models crease operating performance. serve as vice president of financial to bring parts access closer to cus- 1-877-737-2221 x30716 Ashley Cornell will serve as services, overseeing and managing tomers with plans to include a vice president of marketing and ABC Companies motorcoach port- 6,000-square-foot dedicated parts www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” will be responsible for the devel- folio and working with customers warehouse and distribution center. opment and direction of all strate- to assess their financial and bus op- ABC plans to occupy the facility gic marketing and communica- erating profile to determine finan- by the end of the third quarter of tions efforts both internally and cial needs and provide financial so- 2017, he said. ABC sales personal in-seat theater, and touch- common in the coming years. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 panel LED mood lighting synchro- ABC engineer Josh Waldron 10 NEW ADA COACHES AVAILABLE NOW nized with music. said the company developed the 10 Brand New 2017 Luxury Irizar i6 Coaches The virtual-reality center on ABC officials said there is a NextGen FX “to have fun and push ***Available for Immediate Delivery*** the coach includes an Oculus chance that some of the technolo- the envelope and to see what the headset for full virtual reality im- gies will never be used on a motor- market can handle.” • 56 Passenger Super Cargo Models • Midship Lift • Cummins ISX • Allison B500 • Alcoa Rims • ZF Axles• Lane Departure Warning Systems mersion for movies and gaming, coach, while others could become “We enjoyed ourselves.” • Amaya GT Seats with Magazine Holders • 3 Point Seat Belts tion and Bus Association of New June 2017 • Enclosed Parcel Racks • 110 V outlets & USB Ports at every seat Calendar Yo rk , Newport Beach, Foxwoods 2017 Spring Fling • Acceleration Skid Control • Individual A/C and Lighting Systems 2-3 , Museum April 2017 Resort & Casino, Mashantucket, • Back Up Sensors • And Much Much More!!!!! of Bus Transportation, Hershey, Conn. Pa. Info: www.busmuseum.org Special Promotional Pricing Available for Multiple Coaches 13 Joint meeting of New England Bus Association, 25-26 UMA Capitol Hill Days, 20-23 Pennsylvania Bus Assn. Please call or email Marty Barrett for more information & photos Massachusetts Bus Associa- Washington, D.C. Info: www.uma. Annual Meeting, Radisson, (702) 266-5327 · [email protected] tion, Connecticut Bus Associa- org Corning, N.Y. Info: www.pabus.org BEST VIEW FROM EVERY ANGLE.

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