November 1, 2006

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Bus industry Coach industry shrinks is becoming but may be on rebound WASHINGTON — The North may have halted last year, though a lot greener American motorcoach industry that assessment is based on a “mini Looking for some “buzz” to shrank dramatically during the years survey” that was responded to by wow your customers and passengers? 2000-2005, resulting in the loss of fewer than 6 percent of the opera- Try throwing this at ‘em: its ranking as the No. 1 passenger- tors in North America. Your motorcoaches are an in- carrying industry to the airlines, Other key findings from the tegral part of “the single-greatest newly released figures indicate. ABA-sponsored research: achievement in clean fuel since During those years, there was a • Motorcoach companies op- lead was removed from gasoline measurable drop in the number of erating 50-99 buses have been hav- more than 25 years ago.” motorcoach companies operating ing a harder time coping with in- And you’re doing it every time in the industry, the number of buses dustry challenges than other opera- your buses are refueled. operated by the industry, and the tors — both larger and smaller. That’s because you’re most number of people employed in the • Nearly three-quarters of the likely buying ultra-low-sulfur die- industry. operators that compose the indus- sel fuel that began showing up at At the same time, new figures try are mom-and-pop companies, fueling stations this past summer from the federal government show having fewer than 10 coaches. and became a federal mandate last the industry’s safety performance • More industry miles are month for 80 percent of the diesel also declined, resulting in signifi- racked up annually by charter-and- fuel sold at retail in the U.S. cantly more passenger deaths than tour operators than line-run compa- The new fuel is 97 percent on commercial airlines. nies — 55 percent vs. 28 percent. lower in sulfur content than the Still, updated figures put to- About half of all coach opera- diesel it’s replacing, reducing the gether for the American Bus Asso- tors say they have faced competition sulfur content from 500 parts per ciation suggest the industry slide CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ million to 15. That’s why U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator THE MICHAEL JORDON OF BUS DRIVERS? Anthony Griffith of FMCSA inches toward Stephen L. Johnson, other govern- Traveling in Style won the South Jersey Transportation Authority ment officials and environmental- annual Bus Roadeo driver competition for the fourth time in this requiring passenger info ists say the switch to ultra-low- decade. See story on Page 12. sulfur diesel is the biggest boost to WASHINGTON — Seven that will permit several methods for cleaner air since lead was removed years after the National Transpor- informing coach passengers of from gasoline in the 1970s. FTA says Charleston agency tation Safety Board recommended what to do if there is an emergency. For the buses and coaches cur- that motorcoach operators be And, what’s more, the program rently in your fleet, the ultra-low- violated federal charter rules required to provide passengers with will allow operators to pick and sulfur diesel is expected to result CHARLESTON, S.C. — The vate operators provided the shuttles a pre-trip safety briefing, federal chose the type of briefing they con- in a 10 percent reduction in exhaust Federal Transit Administration has for the exposition. This year, howev- regulators are getting close to sider “appropriate.” emissions. ruled that the public transit agency er, CARTA grabbed the service. adopting a requirement for “a bus In late July 1997, there was a And, if you buy a new coach next here violated federal charter rules The local private companies passenger safety awareness pro- particularly ugly bus crash along year that complies with the 2007 when it provided bus service earli- competing for the contract lost out gram.” Interstate 95 near Stony Creek, Va. EPA emissions standards, that bus er this year for an event called the on the business, said Linda Morris, However, what is likely to A coach drifted off the side of the will produce 90 percent less partic- Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. executive director of the Motorcoach emerge from the Federal Motor highway and down an embankment ulate matter than today’s coaches The expo brought thousands of Association of South Carolina, which Carrier Safety Administration won’t into the Nottoway River where it and will greatly reduce emissions visitors to Charleston for three lodged a formal complaint with the be a mandate that requires opera- landed on its side. One passenger of nitrogen oxides. It also will be days in February. The event’s or- FTA. (See May 1 and July 1 issues tors to hire a bus attendant who was fatally injured. The driver and among the most environmentally ganizers paid Charleston Area Re- of Bus & Motorcoach News.) stands in front of the passengers, three passengers sustained serious friendly vehicles on the road. gional Transportation Authority, “When there’s a willing and wearing a life vest, and explains all injuries, and 28 passengers had CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 þ known locally as CARTA, $23,000 able private carrier available, of the dos and don’ts of an emer- minor injuries. to provide shuttle service for the (CARTA is) not supposed to pro- gency evacuation. After its investigation, NTSB Greener than airlines? attendees. vide charter service,” said Morris. Instead, the FMCSA has indi- said the crash highlighted the need

See story page 9 During the previous 15 years, pri- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ cated it will propose a flexible plan CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ P

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2006 3 Trailways gains four, Coach industry donations favor Dems Political donations from the bus ican Bus Association contributed House contests. For example, only but loses big member and motorcoach industry this year nearly $71,000 to political candi- five Senate candidates have gotten are favoring Democrat candidates dates as of late October, with 60 money from the ABA PAC, while FAIRFAX, Va. — The Trail- ments for its member operators. by a 3-2 margin, according to percent of the money going to 31 incumbent congressional candi- ways Transportation System has (See Nov. 1, 2005 Bus & Motor- research groups that track political Democratic candidates and 40 per- dates have received money. House added four members but lost its coach News.) And it decided to contributions. cent headed to Republicans. candidates also tend to get more largest member, Peter Pan Bus add teeth to its rules, meaning That trend runs counter to polit- The United Motorcoach Asso- money. Lines. “strict enforcement” of the Trail- ical giving by associations and ciation does not have a political Interestingly, Mike Sodrel, the The four new members are: ways licensing agreement. executives in industries allied with action committee. former motorcoach and trucking • Sun Travel Inc. of Beaumont, Among other things, the re- the motorcoach industry. The leading recipients of bus company owner who is in a tight Texas, now Sun Travel Trailways vamped rules required operators to For example, the political ac- industry political largesse are who race to retain his House seat from • Gold Line Inc. of Hyattsville, prominently display the Trailways tion committee operated by the you would expect – members of the Indiana’s 9th district, has gotten Md., now Gold Line Trailways name or logo in at least two sepa- National Tour Association favors House Transportation and Infra- less money from motorcoach in- • National Coach of Frede- rate locations on each coach, with Republicans by better than a 5 to 1 structure Committee. dustry political donors than some ricksburg, Va., now National Coach the name or logo a minimum of margin, while giving through the At least 18 members of the other candidates. Trailways two-feet wide. National School Transportation committee, including Chairman Most of the large individual • Eagle Tours Inc. of Irving, Additionally, the Trailways Association has favored Repub- Don Young of Alaska and his No. 2, political donors from the bus indus- Texas, now Eagle Trailways of Texas logo must be displayed or included licans this year by a 3 to 1 margin. Thomas Petri of Wisconsin, got try are top executives at the biggest The departure of Peter Pan was on virtually all company printed And, as of the middle of money from motorcoach industry outfits — think Greyhound, Coach precipitated by a dispute over us- materials, from brochures and con- October, the Taxicab, Limousine & political givers, as did the ranking America, Coach USA, Jefferson ing the Trailways name. tracts to business cards. Plus, the Paratransit Association hadn’t giv- Democrat on the committee, James Lines, Peter Pan, Academy and “Peter Pan and Team Trailways phone must be answered using the en one dime to Democrats but had Oberstar of Minnesota. Oberstar Martz, or operate line-haul and view the importance of affiliation Trailways name. contributed more than $11,000 to would be first in line to become commuter-run companies. branding very differently,” said Peter Pan, a Trailways member Republicans. chairman of the committee if the If you want to know why the Trailways President and CEO Gale for 14 years, used the Trailways Greyhound Lines, the only mo- Democrats take control of the trucking industry seems to get Ellsworth. “We — the Trailways name but much more sparingly torcoach industry company with its House. more attention from Congress board and Peter Pan — both than the requirements. In the north- own political action committee, Twice as many Democrats on than the bus industry, consider agreed that it was best that Peter east where Peter Pan is well known, also has favored Dems over Repub- the committee got political contri- this: As of the middle of Sep- Pan disaffiliate with Trailways. We the Trailways name was added in licans. It had contributed $12,000 butions from bus industry donors tember, the United Parcel Service wish Peter Pan success in all their small letters to its coaches. On to Democratic candidates as of the as did Republicans. PAC had given $2.06 million to future endeavors.” routes where the Peter Pan name middle of last month, versus Races for the U.S. Senate get political candidates. And the Just over a year ago, Trailways was not as well known, the $9,000 for Republicans. far less money from bus industry American Trucking Associations þ adopted tougher branding require- CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 The PAC operated by the Amer- political contributors than do had given $599,629.

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Groups oppose abolishing Transits seek Court tells UPS it cannot Canadian visitor tax rebate charter firms bar drivers who are deaf LEXINGTON, Ky. — Plans by the reinstatement of this rebate.” The following public transit SAN FRANCISCO — UPS The class action covers about the Canadian government to elimi- Currently, the Visitor Tax Re- providers have informed the United violated anti-discrimination law 1,000 would-be drivers now per- nate the Visitor Rebate Program bate Program reimburses travelers Motorcoach Association of their when it blocked deaf and hearing- forming other jobs for UPS. for its goods-and-services tax is for Canada’s so-called value-added intent to provide charter bus serv- impaired workers from driving its “While UPS offered anecdotal ice unless willing and able private being protested by the National taxes on eligible goods and ser- delivery trucks, a federal appeals testimony involving situations operators step forward to offer Tour Association, Canadian bus vices. The Canadian government court here has ruled. where a driver avoided an accident service. UMA urges appropriate organizations, and Canadian tour- wants to eliminate the program The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of because he or she heard a warning ism groups. effective April 1. operators to take the time to Appeals upheld a lower-court rul- sound, the company… failed to “The elimination of the GST The visitor rebate reportedly respond to these notices: ing that the delivery giant violated show that those accidents would Visitor Tax Rebate further aggra- costs the Canadian treasury rough- Mason, Manistee, Lake and the Americans with Disabilities not also have been avoided by a vates and impedes packaged-tour ly $78 million annually. Oceana counties, Mich. Dead- Act by prohibiting deaf and hear- deaf driver who was compensated commerce to and from Canada,” Brian Crow, president of Motor line: Nov. 1, 2006. Write to: Vedra ing-impaired workers from becom- for his or her loss of hearing by, for said NTA Legislative Counsel Jim Coach Canada, calls the policy Gant, Director, Yates Dial-A-Ride, ing drivers. example, adapting modified driv- Santini. shift by the Canadian government P.O. Box 147, Idlewild, MI 49642. UPS is considering an appeal to ing techniques or using compensa- “This arbitrary decision hamp- “bad news.” Writing on the Phone: (231) 745-7322. the U.S. Supreme Court. “We be- tory devices such as backing cam- ers Canada’s visitor-friendly image Busesoverdrive Web blog, Crow Brevard County, Fla. Dead- and will most definitely lead to a said if the rebate is dropped it will line: Nov. 7, 2006. Write to: James lieve this case is about safety,” said eras or additional mirrors,” Judge decline in visitor spending. We give foreigners another reason, like P. Liesenfelt, Transit Director, Norman Black, a UPS spokesman. Marsha Berzon wrote for a three- look forward to working with our proposed U.S. passport rules, not Space Coast Area Transit, 401 S. “It has nothing to do with disability judge panel. Canadian colleagues to press for to travel to Canada. Varr Ave., Cocoa, FL 32922. or discrimination.” The driver case is the last Phone: (321) 635-7815 ext. 231. UPS requires its drivers to meet remaining issue in a 1999 lawsuit E-mail: [email protected]. U.S. Department of Transportation by five deaf UPS employees. UPS Hill: Border to stay closed Milwaukee, Racine, Wauke- standards for CDLs that include agreed to a $10 million settlement WASHINGTON — John Hill, However, in response to a ques- sha, Washington and Ozaukee vision and hearing tests. Those of the case in 2003. The settlement administrator of the Federal Motor tion during the Web session, Hill counties, Wis. Deadline: Nov. 10, requirements apply to vehicles required the company to track pro- Carrier Safety Administration, says said there was “no specific time 2006. Write to: Joseph A. Caruso, weighing 10,000 pounds or more motions of deaf and hearing-im- the opening of the U.S. border to frame” for conducting such a test. Marketing Director, Milwaukee — but the court ruled UPS should paired workers and make sure job Mexican trucks and buses is on On another topic, Hill said County Transit System, 1942 N. allow deaf and hearing-impaired applicants have access to interpre- hold for the foreseeable future. there were five significant 17th St., Milwaukee, WI 53205. workers to drive lighter vehicles. ters. The company also agreed to “There are no immediate plans FMCSA rulemakings under review Phone: (414) 937-3250. UPS executives said the vast provide text telephones and vibrat- to open the border,” Hill said dur- by the Bush Administration Office Floyd County, Ga. Deadline: majority of vehicles in the compa- ing pagers to alert disabled workers ing an online chat last month. of Management and Budget. One Nov. 13, 2006. Write to: Director, ny 90,000-vehicle fleet weigh more to emergencies and evacuations. Earlier this year, acting Trans- rule, which Hill did not identify, City of Rome Transit Department, than 10,000 pounds. The U.S. Supreme Court has portation Secretary Maria Cino was recently returned to FMCSA P.O. Box 1433, Rome, GA 30162. “We have no idea how much it generally sided with transportation and FMCSA officials said talks following its approval and it will be Phone: (706) 236-4523. would cost to comply with this rul- company safety concerns in recent were under way with Mexican offi- published in the Federal Register Scioto County, Ohio. Dead- ing,” Black said. “But this is a Americans with Disabilities Act cials for a pilot project to provide a within the next few weeks. line: Nov. 13, 2006. Write to: Larry bedrock safety issue for us. We cases involving drivers with one small number of Mexican carriers “Based on OMB’s schedule of Mullins, Coordinator, Access Sci- want to apply the highest uniform eye or high-blood pressure, and access to U.S. highways and that a 90-day review, we expect the oto County Public Transit, 601 safety standards.” pilots with vision loss. the project could be launched by other five to be released later this Eighth St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. the end of this year. year,” said Hill. Phone: (740) 353-5626 Ext. 208. Lancaster County, Pa. Dead- Mass. to toss turnpike tolls line: Nov. 15, 2006. Write to: David BOSTON — The Massachu- lions of dollars. Calif. adopts cell-phone law W. Kilmer, Executive Director, setts Turnpike Authority board has Under the plan, which is to go SACRAMENTO, Calif. — 5 seaports and 25 rail yards. (See Red Rose Transit Authority, 45 voted to abolish all tolls on the into effect June 30, taxpayers would California has a new law requiring July 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) Erick Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. turnpike west of I-95/Route 128, a assume the burden of running and drivers to use hands-free technolo- Those opposing the so-called Phone: (717) 397-5613. move that appears to run counter to maintaining the Massachusetts gy when talking on cell phones and magnet bill said it would create a Purcellville (100-mile radi- trends across the U.S. Turnpike from I-95, west through operating a motor vehicle but it patchwork of widely varied regula- us), Va. Deadline: Nov. 30, 2006. The vote, which represents a Springfield. won’t impact bus operators for a tions, as well as dilute the authority Write to: Mark McGregor, Chief sudden policy shift, came shortly A motorcoach running back long while. of state and federal regulatory Executive Officer, Virginia Re- before this month’s election and and forth from Springfield to west The law takes effect Jan. 8, agencies over diesel-powered equip- gional Transit Association, 109 N. will save bus and truck operators Boston would save $14.30, while 2008, for most drivers, but includes ment operated at ports, airports and Bailey Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132. and thousands of commuters mil- auto commuters would save $5.40 exemptions for commercial vehicle rail yards in the state. Phone: (540) 338-1610. per round trip. Roughly 200 toll operators until July 1, 2011. collectors would be laid off. The law, signed by Gov. Arnold Input wanted for FMCSA safety initiation The move was orchestrated by Schwarzenegger, also provides Gov. Mitt Romney’s administration. exemptions for drivers making calls WASHINGTON, D.C. — The and implement a new “operational on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Eliminating the tolls — which to emergency-service providers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- model,” or approach, for FMCSA Ave. NW in Washington. does not require legislative On another issue, California ministration wants fresh input for a to use in identifying and dealing A notice summarizing the initi- approval — would cost the author- lawmakers failed to pass a law study — it has had under way for with unsafe drivers and companies. ative was in the Federal Register on ity $114 million in annual revenue. that would have required local air two years — of its compliance and To get new input, FMCSA offi- Oct. 17. Go to: http://dmses.dot. Romney administration officials districts to develop plans to reduce enforcement programs. cials will conduct a public “listen- gov/docimages/p87/419746.pdf. said the loss would be partly offset diesel emissions. Areas affected The goal of the Comprehensive ing session” from 8 a.m. to 1:30 Submit comments at http://dmses. by saving nearly $40 million by would have included 10 airports, Safety Analysis 2010 is to develop p.m. Nov. 16 at the Hyatt Regency dot.gov. RE FMCSA-2004-18898. laying off the toll collectors. 6 November 1, 2006 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Minimum wage increases don’t worry coach operators On Election Day, voters will increase the federal minimum Jersey, New York, North Carolina, than by the hour. minimum already, and he doesn’t decide whether to increase the wage — from $5.15 hourly to Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Mike Waters of Coach America have any employees working at minimum-wage level in six West- $6.95 — despite growing senti- Island, Vermont, Washington, West in San Francisco said that by and minimum. ern and Midwestern states. ment that $5.15 is simply not Virginia, and Wisconsin. large Coach America does not have Tom Westlund of Westlund Bus As often happens during elec- enough. The states voting on the issue minimum-wage employees. In Lines, a charter and school bus tion cycles, the U.S. minimum Meanwhile, states have been are: Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, addition to drivers, the support operator in Marinette, Wis., took wage has had a higher profile this taking the matter into their own Montana, Nevada, and Ohio. All staff and mechanics all make above that state’s minimum-wage in- year. However, for the motorcoach hands. were “red states” in the last presi- minimum, and “the bus cleaners crease to $6.50 per hour on June 1, and over-the-road bus industry, the Legislators and governors have dential election. are unionized; so, they are not with a grain of salt. He said the issue is not anywhere near the top increased the minimum wage in 22 Operators across the industry making minimum either.” increase was not nearly as signifi- of the political priority list. states and another six states have seem unfazed by all of the activity. Waters said the issue is much cant as other operating cost in- That’s because virtually all the issue on the ballot next week. For example, late this past sum- more important to the restaurant creases — like fuel and insurance. employees at coach companies are Even some high-cost-of-living mer the California legislature and hotel industries than the bus Comments from bus operators paid above minimum wage, and cities, like Santa Fe, N.M., San voted to gradually increase the industry. on the issue range from the humor- other costs, notably fuel and insur- Francisco, and Washington, D.C., minimum wage to $8 by January In Michigan, the minimum ous — “Would you buy a half-a- ance, garner more attention. have legislated minimum-wage 2008, from the present $6.25. But wage is increasing to $7.40 per million-dollar bus and put it in the Still, on an indirect basis, the rates well above the national level. Herbert Guillory, owner of hour over the next two years. On hands of a minimum-wage driv- industry is affected when the mini- The 22 states with minimum Guillory Transportation in Delano, Oct. 1, it went to $6.95 in the first er?” — to the dismissive, “even mum-wage level moves higher be- wage laws in excess of $5.15 are: Calif., doubts the increase will of three scheduled increases. Dave the fast-food places around here cause allied industries, notably the Alaska, Arkansas, California, have any direct impact on his oper- Cupp of Blue Lakes Charters & pay $7.” restaurant, hotel and destination Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, ating costs. The company is a fam- Tours in Clio, Mich., has few con- For more information on mini- sectors, are significantly impacted. Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, ily-run operation and, when it hires cerns, however. Cupp says Blue mum-wage laws in the U.S., go to In June, Congress declined to Massachusetts, Michigan, New drivers, it pays by the trip rather Lakes pays its drivers well above www.dol.gov/esa. Understanding the bus industry overtime pay exemption The motorcoach and school bus motor carriers whose duties affect port more than 15 passengers, and What is somewhat less obvious exempt activities cannot be con- industries’ exemption from federal safety on the highways when either are used in a “for-hire” business. is which drivers may be exempt and sidered part of the class. overtime pay requirements pops up interstate passenger travel or inter- Motorcoach and school bus con- for what periods. The most conser- In determining whether to pay periodically as an item of interest. state shipment of property is tractors engage in “for-hire” busi- vative determination is that any overtime to drivers and mechanics, The following is designed to involved. ness and all but the smallest school driver who takes an interstate trip is the main question that an operator help coach operators and private To establish that an employee is buses and commercial buses carry exempt for the week in which the should ask is: “Is this driver eligible school bus contractors determine covered by the motor carrier more than 15 passengers. trip occurred. And the mechanic for out-of-state trips?” If the answer whether or not they must pay over- exemption, the employer must 2. Drivers are employees whose who worked on the bus that went is “no” — that he or she is under time for drivers and other employ- show that (1) the employer is a activities affect highway safety. out of state is exempt for that week 21, for example, or has opted out of ees who work more than 40 hours a motor carrier, and (2) that the Mechanics who are responsible for as well. activity trips — then he or she is week. activities of the employee affect maintaining buses in safe operating But the U.S. Supreme Court not exempt and the operator must Under the motor carrier exemp- highway safety, and (3) that the condition also affect highway safe- has upheld a more liberal interpre- pay overtime for any hours over 40 tion to the federal Fair Labor Stand- employee’s activities involve the ty, but courts have determined that tation that says when interstate in a week. ards Act, the overtime pay require- interstate transportation of people other employees, such as dispatch- travel is an integral part of the If the answer is “yes,” then ments do not apply to employees or goods. ers, are not covered under the employer’s service, even though it those drivers — regardless of how whose qualifications and hours of To further clarify the three fac- exemption. may be a very small portion of the often they actually go out of state service may be regulated by the tors: 3. The exemption applies only business, and when any driver can — are exempt from overtime pay. U.S. Secretary of Transportation. 1. An employer is a motor carri- if the motor carrier engages in be assigned to an interstate trip, The secretary of transportation, er if it operates commercial motor interstate transportation. If your then all drivers are exempt from Reprinted from NSTA News- through the Federal Motor Carrier vehicles. Commercial motor vehi- company does not provide inter- overtime as a class. However, letter, official publication of the Safety Administration, has the cles are those that have a GVWR of state activity or charter trips, the another court decision determined National School Transportation power to regulate employees of at least 10,001 pounds or that trans- exemption cannot be used. that drivers who never engage in Association.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 88 Godfrey LeBron To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, Paradise Trailways To advertise or to mail advertising-related Hicksville, N.Y. articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] Call: Johnny Steger Joan Libby (623) 930-8422 or (602) 980-0840 Cavalier Coach Fax: (866) 930-8426 Staff Advisory Board Boston, Mass. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Steve Haddad Michael Neustadt Glendale, AZ 85301 Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 Sierra Trailways Carl R. Bieber Tourways Coach Tours Victor Parra Call: (623) 930-8423 Glendale, AZ 85301 Sacramento, Calif. Kutstown, Pa. Brookfield, Conn. To contact the Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Rick Hillard Jeff Polzien To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield Lines Tri-State Tours Red Carpet Tours United Motorcoach Association: Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Call: (623) 930-8421 Northfield, Minn. Galena, Ill. Oklahoma City Call: (800) 424-8262 E-mail: [email protected] Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Todd Holland Tom Ready Online: www.uma.org New World Tours Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines Fax: (866) 930-8426 Ken Presley Ellen Balm Bristow, Va. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To send advertisements or photographs Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Robert Hume Brian Scott Glendale, AZ 85301 via the Internet: Holiday Tours Travel Mates Trailways Tara Sheehan Amy Stalknecht Escot Bus Lines E-mail: [email protected] Randlemann, N.C. Harrisonburg, Va. Largo, Fla. To report corrections: Editorial Assistant Art Director Steve Brown Daryl G. Johnson Michelle Silvestro Call: (623) 930-8421 Brown Coach J & J Charters National Interstate Insurance Co. Eric Morales Mary E. McCarty E-mail: [email protected] Amsterdam, N.Y. Crosby, Texas Richfield, Ohio ©2006 by the United Motorcoach Association. Accountant Bob Foley Dale Krapf T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without ABC Companies Krapf Coaches Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. John Giddens Faribault, Minn. West Chester, Pa. Ashville, N.C. The J4500. It’s #1 for a reason.

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2000 ad_10.25x13.indd 1 10/19/06 1:40:57 PM 8 November 1, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Engine makers begin seeking certification for 2007 models The three major engine suppli- model engines. however, by Roger Gault, technical mislaid confidence remains to be expected to begin providing some ers to the North American motor- Caterpillar, Cummins and De- director for the Engine Manufac- seen.” customers shortly with test-model coach industry say they have sub- troit Diesel expect to have their new, turer’s Association: “Everybody One engine builder, Caterpillar, 2007 Freightliner trucks outfitted mitted applications to the U.S. cleaner-burning engines available has a high degree of confidence received a black eye just as the certi- with Cat engines. Environmental Protection Agency for sale by the beginning of the year. that they will have their certifica- fication process was being kicked off. DaimlerChrysler said Ren- for certification of their 2007- A note of caution was sounded, tions soon; whether or not that’s a Transport Topics, the trucking schler’s remarks, made in an inter- industry publication, reported in a view with the editorial director of front-page article that the director Transport Topics, “were taken out of the world’s largest truck manu- of context … and do not accurately facturer said there were serious convey the company’s most-recent problems with the ‘07 engines views regarding Caterpillar’s engines.” Caterpillar has provided to truck The statement said Freightliner builders for testing. engineers have been working with “Cat’s ’07 engines don’t work,” Cat for two years, “and report Cat- the newspaper quoted Andreas erpillar is making steady progress Renschler, who runs Daimler- in developing engines that deliver a Chrysler’s Truck Group, as saying. high level of performance and reli- “We haven’t been able to make ability while achieving EPA ’07 5,000 miles with one,” Renschler emissions standards.” said of the Cat engines. As a result, Also weighing in was a leading “we haven’t sent a single one to Wall Street analyst who issued a customers” for over-the-road relia- statement to clients saying the bility testing. “durability concerns” over Cat’s At about the same time, In- engines “appear to be partially true ternational Truck and Engine Corp. but largely resolved.” executives told Transport Topics The Wachovia Capital Markets they planned to delay introduction analyst said that “early versions of of Cat engines in International’s the Cat 15-liter engines … did have new ProStar-model heavy-duty durability issues. In later versions trucks until at least August because … Cat appears to have resolved Cat was not able to deliver test those issues.” engines more quickly. The engine Cat supplies to the For its part, Caterpillar was motorcoach industry is the C13, a quoted as saying it had 100 engines 12.5-liter model. It is widely be- that meet the ’07 emissions stan- lieved that most motorcoach manu- dards, and that it had “confidence” facturers who supply the North in its power plants. American market will not begin Within days of the article ap- delivering 2007-model coaches pearing, DaimlerChrysler’s Truck equipped with 2007 engines until Group issued a statement, saying it the second quarter of next year.

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HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2006 9 Coach USA parent battles airline over who’s ‘greener’ PERTH, Scotland — Stage- passenger basis, megabus.com is: The Stagecoach study com- 149 passengers, between Glasgow ide emissions per passenger were coach Group, the corporate parent • More than six times more pared the environmental perform- and London. 6.2 kilograms for megabus.com of Coach USA and its budget bus fuel-efficient than easyJet ance of a Neoplan Skyliner The megabus.com coach used and 46.9 kilograms for easyJet. line, megabus.com, has launched a • Produces seven times less megabus.com coach, with a capac- 2.3 kilograms of fuel per passenger, A ticket on easyJet costs rough- bold marketing campaign that takes carbon dioxide emissions ity of 91 passengers, with that of an compared to 14.9 kilograms used ly four times that of a ticket on direct aim at the environmental • Cheaper for budget travelers easyJet 737-700, having a capacity by the easyJet plane. Carbon diox- megabus.com. impact of low-fare airlines. “Previous international re- The message being promoted search has found that emissions by Stagecoach is that budget travel- from aircraft are especially potent ers should dump “gas-guzzler” air- because of complex chemical reac- lines and switch to low-cost, inter- tions that take place at (high) alti- city coach travel to minimize dam- tude,” said Stagecoach. “The Inter- age to the environment. governmental Panel on Climate Along with the message, Stage- Change estimates that this gives coach released figures showing aircraft 2.7 times more global that jetliners are significantly more warming impact than carbon diox- damaging to the environment, ide alone.” pumping out particularly harmful Brian Souter, chief executive of emissions into the upper atmos- Stagecoach Group, said the figures phere where they do the most dam- “show clearly that bus and coach age. travel is the greener way to travel Bus and coach travel by com- and far less damaging than airlines. parison, says Stagecoach, is more Not only is megabus.com easy on fuel-efficient and produces less the wallet, it is easy on the planet,” harmful emissions, such as carbon says Souter. dioxide, per passenger journey. “The message is very clear — Stagecoach says the Scottish if you are a cost-conscious traveler government is examining the affect who also cares about the future of on the environment of the expan- our planet, drop the gas-guzzler air- sion of low-fare air travel in the lines and go by the megabus.com United Kingdom. green machine,” Souter asserted. Stagecoach compared the envi- He added: “Any transport has ronmental impact of its budget an impact on (the) environment, megabus.com service with low- but we agree with the government cost airline easyJet.com on the and environmental groups that we Glasgow, Scotland, to London, all need to look carefully at how we England, route. Results of the can balance our desire to travel research showed that, on a per- with steps to protect the planet.”

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1863 Service Court, Riverside, CA 92507 www.Shuttl eBusLeasi ng.com 10 November 1, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS La. operator continues recovery MARRERO, La. — One of the When Hurricane Katrina hit in standards in quality, safety and cus- Louisiana motorcoach operators August of last year, the company tomer service in Louisiana,” said that was knocked for a loop by was driven from his facility in company Vice President and Gen- Hurricane Katrina continues to Marrero and forced to set up shop eral Manager Louis Sanders. recover — thank you very much — at its parking facility in Lafayette, “We encourage the rest of the from last year’s devastation. La., 140 miles away. industry to help us re-New Orleans Louisiana Trailways was estab- “Despite all the challenges by visiting our great city soon.” lished 15 years ago on the west faced since Hurricane Katrina, Sanders and Louisiana Trail- bank of the Mississippi River, Louisiana Trailways remains com- ways’ Owner and President Don across from New Orleans. mitted to providing the highest Sanders report they have taken de- livery of two 2006 MCI E4500 motorcoaches. The additions increase the Lou- isiana Trailways fleet to 23 MCI coaches. Louisiana Trailways offers a full range of charter and tour work in the southeast Louisiana and Maybe next time. Lafayette markets. It is the exclu- sive carrier for Trips Unlimited Inc., a full-service tour operator and travel agency. The company’s new E-model MCIs have Caterpillar C13 en- gines, ZF AS-tronic transmissions, and REI entertainment systems with flat-panel monitors. Aeromexico adds new city to Tijuana link LOS ANGELES — A U.S. bus service launched last year by Aeromexico, the largest airline in Mexico, has been expanded to a 14th California city — San Ysidro. The service, which is operated for Aeromexico by Transportes Intercalifornias, a Tijuana, Mexico- www.zf.com/na based coach company that has upwards of 30 stations and termi- nals throughout California, pro- vides free rides — for Aeromexico passengers — to Tijuana Inter- national Airport from the 14 cities. Q Increased fuel economy. With more coach fleets choosing ZF-AS Tronic, this scene is starting to become General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Q 185,000 miles between oil pretty familiar with coach operators. Why? They just don’t need to stop for fuel International Airport, the formal changes; no paper filters. as often anymore. A coach equipped with a ZF-AS Tronic transmission can name of the Tijuana airport, is just Q Automatic and manual eliminate fuel stops – due to our gearbox design that results in better efficiency across the U.S.-Mexico border. The shifting modes. versus powershift transmissions. airport’s single runway runs paral- lel to the border fence and is rough- Q Easy-to-use touch pad Independent testing, according to SAE standards, on pre-2004 engines showed operation; no clutch pedal. ly 100 yards south of it. ZF-AS Tronic provided an average fuel gain of 10% compared to powershift The cross-border bus service is Q High-torque capacity up to transmissions. Though emission controls have affected fuel economy, ZF-AS Tronic available for Aeromexico passen- 2050 ft-lbs. still provides the best possible fuel saving advantage. All of which translates to gers traveling to any of more than lower maintenance costs, greater operating efficiency, and keeping to on-time 40 destinations in Mexico served schedules. The ZF-AS Tronic is a smooth, quiet, lightweight, fuel-efficient, by the airline, said Carlos De completely integrated transmission with the value-added benefits that fleet operators Uriarte, vice president of sales and and drivers demand. marketing for the U.S. division of Specify ZF-AS Tronic...and put your coach to work for you. Aeromexico. The 13 other cities where the ZF Sales and Service North America, LLC service is available are Bakersfield, Commercial Vehicle and Special Driveline Technology Delano, Earlimart, Fresno, Goshen, Vernon Hills, IL Kingsburg, Los Angeles, McFar- 847.478.6868 land, San Fernando, Santa Ana, [email protected] Selma, Tulare and Oxnard. Transportes Intercalifornias’ U.S. operation, which is based in Driveline and Chassis Technology Los Angeles, has more than 20 coaches. Find more information at www.intercalifornias.com. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2006 11 REI watch system is upgraded Canadian women make cancer walk OMAHA, Neb. — Radio En- The new DVR also has the TORONTO — Four women bition Place on Day One and many cancer survivors and people gineering Industries has an- ability to integrate with global employed by Parkinson Coach walked 33 kilometers to Downs- walking in memory of family nounced a series of upgrades to its positioning and automatic vehicle Lines in Brampton, Ontario, have view Park, where they camped members. “Hundreds of people BUS-WATCH family of mobile locating systems. raised $11,000 for breast cancer overnight. On Day Two, they took a came out to cheer,” she added. camera surveillance systems. Other features of previous research. 27 kilometer scenic route back into Calling themselves the “J The digital BUS-WATCH IV Digital BUS-WATCH models re- The four, Elaine Donnelly, the heart of the city. Walkers,” the team received strong DVR incorporates new features main unchanged. Robin Gibson, Louise Lesarge and “This was a very emotionally support from Motor Coach Indus- such as “smooth playback” of REI is the nation’s leading sup- Lynn Murray, walked 60 kilome- uplifting experience,” said Murray. tries, which even supplied match- video and audio regardless of plier of camera surveillance and ters through the streets of Toronto She said they walked alongside ing T-shirts, and others. frame rate, and fail-safe “system audio video entertainment systems as part of The Princess Margaret on” protection. to the transportation industry. Weekend to End Breast Cancer. The program, which attracted more than 5,000 participants, raised more than $17 million — a record — for breast cancer re- search. It was the fourth time the walk has been conducted. The team from Parkinson Coach, which was led by fleet safety offi- cer Lynn Murray, started at Exhi- Trailways

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Trailways name was more promi- nent. That practice didn’t pass muster. The new Trailways members from Texas bring to seven the num- ber of Trailways operators based in the Lone Star state. Schools, churches and senior groups are among the markets Sun Travel Trailways serves for tours with its fleet of 18 vehicles. The company has six limousines which are used to fulfill corporate con- tracts. Michael LaBrie is owner and president. Gold Line Trailways and Na- tional Coach Trailways are sub- sidiaries of Martz Trailways of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a founding member of the Trailways system. Plus, the two companies are the second and third companies Martz has added to the Trailways organi- YOU GET THEM ON THE BUS. WE’LL TAKE IT FROM THERE. zation this year. First Class Trail- ways of St. Petersburg, Fla., be- came a Trailways member earlier this year. “We’ve operated these compa- nies for many years on an inde- pendent basis, but it doesn’t make sense to have some of our compa- nies under Trailways and some Series 60® not,” said David Snyder, general manager of both Gold Line and For decades Detroit Diesel engines have provided the reliable, efficient performance you National Coach. “We want to be a cohesive unit.” depend on. After millions of miles of successful testing, our EPA ‘07 engines are ready to Snyder said the two companies, support you. We are committed to the things you need to deliver passengers on time, like which operate in the Washington, reliability, service and parts availability. Because when we do our part, you can focus on other D.C. region, will be more competi- things – like keeping your coaches filled with people. Learn more at www.detroitdiesel.com. tive by being part of Trailways. Eagle Trailways of Texas, which has been operating for 27 years, has a fleet of 14 vehicles, including motorcoaches and midsize and transit buses. It has a staff of 52 full- and part-time employees. Company President Gene Shields expects the Trailways brand to help www.detroitdiesel.com Specifications are subject to change without notice. Detroit Diesel and the spinning arrows design are registered trademarks of Detroit Diesel. boost his marketing, especially in © 2006, Freightliner LLC. All rights reserved. Detroit Diesel is a member of the Freightliner Group. Freightliner LLC is a DaimlerChrysler company. the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. 12 November 1, 2006 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Driver wins Roadeo for fifth time ATLANTIC CITY — Is Anthony Griffith the best bus driver on the East Coast? Griffith, who brings tourists from northern New Jersey and New York to Atlantic City, won “Driver of the Year” honors — again — at the 16th annual “Bus Roadeo” sponsored by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Griffith, who lives in Glen Oaks, N.Y., and drives for Traveling in Style, won the competi- tion for the fourth time in the past six years and Scott Wolf for the fifth time overall. His first win was in The second place finisher was Egg Harbor 1994. Township, N.J., resident Greg Wilson of Grey- The South Jersey Transportation Authority hound Lines, and third place went to Egg Harbor driver and mechanic competition was conducted Township resident Michael Levin, also of at the Atlantic City Transportation Center last Greyhound. month. The first-, second- and third-place winners Griffith and 31 other drivers, representing 16 in both categories won $1,000, $750 and $500, motorcoach companies, were tested on their respectively. The participants also received appearance, a personal interview and an obsta- overnight hotel stays and meals. cle course that challenged their ability to negoti- The South Jersey Transportation Authority ate tight spaces. The driving test required that operates the Atlantic City Expressway and regu- they stop within three inches of a warning cone lates Atlantic City-bound tour buses. Co-spon- and maneuver the back tires of a coach between sors include: the Atlantic City Transportation a two-foot wide space marked by tennis balls. Center, the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach This year’s second- and third-place finishers Association, the Atlantic City Convention and were Peter Frangomihalos of Astoria Queens, Visitors Authority, the Atlantic City casino and N.Y., a driver for Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Hani hotel industry, and many area businesses. Hanna of Staten Island, N.Y., a driver for “This event is the largest of its kind in the Atlantic Express. country and recognizes the skills and profes- In the competition for bus technicians, North sionalism of the men and women who bring mil- Cape May, N.J. resident Scott Wolf of Lion lions of passengers to Atlantic City safely,” said Tours took “Mechanic of the Year” honors, his Wade Lawson, director of SJTA’s tourist serv- PrOwndPrtsB&MC 10/3/06 1:16 PM Page 1 second win in three years. ices department.

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Call Dean Gregor, toll free at 1-800-222-2875, ext.129 for information and parts orders today. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2006 13 Detroit Diesel streamlines overhauls DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit arm assembly in Step 2. A com- comes to overhauling an engine Diesel Corp. has streamlined its plete injector change out, plus because we know that just doesn’t Series 60 engine overhaul program water pump and turbocharger work,” said Jeff Wallis, general by offering four distinct options. replacement are included in Step manager of parts sales and market- The “StepUP Overhaul Pro- 3. ing for Detroit Diesel. gram” has different levels of over- A remanufactured swing “We also have developed the hauls that Detroit says help extend engine is available under Step 4. program to minimize downtime by the life of a Series 60, depending “We’ve specifically designed grouping all the necessary compo- on length of ownership of the our StepUP Overhaul Program to nents for each option. That means engine and its application. be flexible enough to accommo- less time is spent looking for and For operators with lower mile- date the needs of customers ordering parts so a (vehicle) can age, fewer problems or looking for depending on where they are with be up-and-running much sooner,” a “value” overhaul, there is Step 1. the lifecycle of their Series 60. We Wallis added. The program builds from there, certainly don’t believe in a ‘one- For more information, go to adding a cylinder head and rocker size-fits-all’ philosophy when it www.detroitdieselstepup.com. DaimlerChrysler integrates brands GREENSBORO, N.C. — The top DaimlerChrysler executives. Orion is a pacesetter in diesel- three bus brands sold by sub- “It emphasizes to our cus- electric hybrid bus development; sidiaries of DaimlerChrysler in the tomers that each of our products the Setra S 417 has especially U.S. and Canada have been inte- will reflect the values of our parent grown in popularity in Canada grated under the corporate name — an absolute commitment to where sales have more than dou- of DaimlerChrysler Commercial leadership in safety, reliability, bled over the past year, and the Buses North America. economy and environmental com- Dodge Sprinter shuttle bus contin- Until now, Setra motor- patibility,” said Andreas Strecker, ues to gain adherents because of coaches, Orion transit buses and president and CEO of Daimler- its flexibility and style. Dodge Sprinter shuttle buses have Chrysler’s North American bus “DaimlerChrysler Commercial operated under their own legal operation. Buses leverages the unparalleled entities. DaimlerChrysler sold 1,015 global technology and service sup- The integration is designed to buses and coaches in the U.S. and port of its parent company to the assure clarity, consistency and Canada last year, with each of its benefit of its customers,” said cohesiveness to the market, say brands exhibiting strength. Strecker.

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BdW^aZA^[ih9g^kZ"dcA^[ih:m]Vjhi:migVXi^dcI^gZ8]Vc\Zgh>cÓVi^dcHnhiZbhL]ZZa7VaVcXZgh6XXZhhdg^Zh 14 November 1, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Cruising from New Orleans is returning next month NEW ORLEANS — Royal Grandeur of the Seas, beginning to operate year-round from the city. Caribbean itineraries. Prior to that indicated it would be the first cruise Caribbean returns scheduled cruise Dec. 2. The ship will call at Earlier this year, Carnival indi- start-up, Carnival Triumph will line to return to New Orleans. ship service to New Orleans next Georgetown and Grand Cayman in cated it would return to New offer a special one-time, five-day For more information about month, but two other cruise lines the Bahamas, and Costa Maya and Orleans this fall with two ships. cruise from New Orleans to Costa Royal Caribbean cruises go to are delaying by nearly a year their Cozumel in Mexico. Now, plans call for Carnival Maya and Cozumel, departing in www.royalcaribbean.com. For in- return to New Orleans for regularly Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Triumph to operate a year-round, August 2007. formation about Carnival, go to scheduled service. Lines says it will not return until seven-day program from New Or- Earlier this summer, Norwegian www.carnival.com or www.bookccl. Royal Caribbean continues to September 2007, when it will deploy leans, starting in early September Cruise Lines announced it would com, and for information about promote its return to New Orleans, two ships to the Port of New Or- 2007. not return to New Orleans until No- Norwegian Cruise Lines go to with five sailings scheduled for the leans, making it the only cruise line It will feature two western vember 2007. It previously had www.ncl.com. Charleston

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 NEW SINGLE USE The executive director of CARTA maintained the service provided by ® his agency did not violate federal charter rules because it was a case POT SHOT of adding buses to existing routes and the buses were open to all pas- • Easy to Use The power of POT SHOT in a sengers, not just those with pre- convenient, portion controlled, paid event passes. • Measured Dosage However, FTA Regional Ad- • Powerful Odor Control single use bottle. Portion ministrator Yvette Taylor said in Control POT SHOT is more her ruling it was not clear that the • Low Cost effective then any other buses were open to the public. Al- • Super Concentrated though the transit authority had dis- portion controlled product tributed pamphlets with notices • Pleasant Fragrance on the market. Each bottle is about the additional buses, its pre- • Non-Staining Blue Dye printed schedules should have been individually labeled with use amended to denote the supplemen- • Non-Formaldehyde instructions. No more packets tal service as well, Taylor wrote in that melt, stick together, and/or her ruling. • Biodegradable Also, bus stop signs and sign • Safe for Dump Valves damage dump valves. boards on the buses read “Special” and “Southeastern Wildlife Expo,” she noted, indicating the service UNIT CHEMICAL CORPORATION was not open door and available to (800) 879-8648 www.unitchemical.com all riders. She cited a 1997 FTA decision involving the California Bus Asso- 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products ciation and its long-running charter- service fight with SunLine Transit of Thousand Palms, Calif. In that decision, the FTA said head signs that read “Supplemental Service or “Supplemental, Limited Service” are contrary to the notion that the service is open to the general public. Neither Taylor’s ruling, nor the letter accompanying it, mentions whether the FTA will withhold money from CARTA for the rule violation. CARTA has decided not to appeal the decision, the transit’s attorney, Charlton deSaussure, told a Charleston newspaper. DeSaussure’s spin on Taylor’s ruling was that the FTA did not com- pletely side with either party in the dispute. “I think they recognize that CARTA did not intend to provide prohibited charter service,” he said. Ken Presley, vice president of in- dustry relations at the United Motor- coach Association, was instrumental in filing the successful complaint. While he was still employed by Service Insurance Agency, Presley worked with UMA and members of the Motorcoach Association of South Carolina to put the complaint to- gether on behalf of the association. UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION MOTORCOACH EXPO 2007 Solution Sessions focus on business growth ideas NEW ORLEANS — Are you Working on the Business, nate avenue for revenue and interested in learning how to … Not in It. How much time should growth for many motorcoach op- Annual event to reflect Take your business to new you spend driving and maintaining erators nationwide. Learn how to places? your bus (working in your busi- convert publicly run school bus New Orleans character Take your business in new ness) vs. looking at how you plan districts to private contracting with NEW ORLEANS — In keep- • Solution Sessions on alter- directions? to grow your business over the your company. ing with the distinct character of native fuels and building a Web Expand your business into new short and long term (working on Reaching the Self-Directed the site of Motorcoach Expo 2007, site to support marketing efforts. markets? your business)? Consumer. In the world of the the United Motorcoach Associa- (See related story on this page.) Develop alternate routes to Building Your Website to consumer, the sales process has tion is adding a number of exclu- And, on the show floor, coach higher profits? Support Your Marketing and Sales become inverted. Consumers are sive events to next year’s show. builders will exhibit brand-new If any of those ideas appeal to Effort. The influence of the web is designing products and services “New Orleans remains one of you, then you should attend motorcoaches, engines and trans- growing every day, learn how to based on individual needs and the most exciting cities in the Motorcoach Expo 2007 and par- missions that comply with the use this tool more effectively to wants, and it’s the smart product world and we are committed to ticipate in its valuable educational 2007 reduced-emission require- reach customers. provider who is listening, respond- presenting new and unique events sessions. ments for diesel-powered, heavy- Improving Margins, a UMA ing and catering to this high-mar- at the New Orleans Expo,” said Here are summaries of many duty vehicles. 20 Group Primer. Find out how gin customer. Learn how you can Victor Parra, president and CEO of of the Solution Sessions that will “With more than 55,000 square this new UMA-member service refocus your business towards a UMA. be offered during the first and sec- feet of space sold on the show floor can help you manage your busi- new generation of self-directed For example, for the first time ond days of Expo, beginning Jan. and more than 125 exhibitors ness more effectively, identify and consumers. at Expo there will be a: 18: already signed up, New Orleans fix problems, plus learn from your Increasing Equipment Value. • Dedicated “Destination and Pricing for Profit. Making promises to be an exceptional peers, many of whom have already Learn strategies to help increase Attractions Avenue” on the Expo sure your pricing strategies en- show,” said Parra. (See special in- dealt with and fixed the same the value of your equipment over show floor where motorcoach op- compass all costs to assure prof- sert in this issue of Bus & Motor- problems you’re facing today. the long term. erators will have an opportunity to itability over the short and long coach News.) Preparing for a DOT Com- 2007 Engine Requirements. network with destinations and term. UMA has modified the sched- pliance Review and DOD In- New coaches with 2007 engines attractions from across the U.S. Using the Right Metrics to ule for Expo to better accommo- spection. UMA’s Ken Presley will will be introduced in the second • Maintenance Competition Measure Performance. How do date the Habitat for Humanity proj- show how you can be best pre- quarter of next year. Find out what held in conjunction with Expo’s you measure success? What are ect. The 3rd annual Ray Dupuis pared for when the Federal Motor to expect from engine manufac- traditional Maintenance Inter- the key indices that you focus on Memorial Golf Tournament has Carrier Safety Administration calls tures, OEMs and others. change. Participants will try to to make sure you’re profitable at been moved to Sunday, Jan. 21. for a compliance review of your While it is not an educational solve several maintenance prob- the end of the day? Expo will run from Jan. 16-21, operation. Also, Ken will show session, the annual Expo Legis- lems in a race against the clock and Driver Training and Re- with most activities taking place in you everything you need to have in lative and Regulatory Update is each other. cruitment. Learn how to deal with the newly refurbished Morial place to pass a Department of just as valuable. Attendees will be • Habitat for Humanity Vol- one of the motorcoach industry’s Convention Center in downtown Defense transportation inspection. brought up to speed on key feder- unteer Project. UMA is partnering most difficult challenges. This New Orleans. School Bus Contracting: A al regulatory initiatives, as well as with the New Orleans Habitat for session will help you identify new For more information or to case study on school district con- Humanity for a construction proj- and successful strategies for gain insight into what the industry register for the show, go to ect on Tuesday, Jan. 16th. (See recruiting quality candidates to versions. School bus contracting can expect from the 110th Con- www.motorcoachexpo.com, or call Aug. 15 issue of Bus & Motor- keep your business moving for- has proven to be a lucrative alter- gress. (800) 424-8262. Special advanced coach News.) ward. registration rates expire Oct. 27. Alternative Fuels. The pres- sure to make our country less dependent of foreign oil has led to Host hotel in heart of New Orleans action new, and sometimes less effective, NEW ORLEANS — Motor- lively jazz and blues scene to the rian homes. St. Charles Avenue “Streetcar strategies to increase usage of coach Expo 2007 attendees who enlightening, and sometimes spooky, About 20 new full-service res- Named Desire” run, which remains non-fossil fuels. What’s out there? stay at the convention hotel, the voodoo subculture. taurants have opened in New Or- closed until sometime next year. What can we anticipate in the New Orleans Marriott on Canal The French Quarter is littered leans during the past year. Nearly Clearly, with Motorcoach Expo future and how should we deal Street, will be right in the heart of with shops catering to those curi- all of the high-profile eateries in 2007 in New Orleans, attendees with the growth of bio-fuel plants? the vivacious sights and sounds that ous about some of the more mysti- the tourism areas are serving will be offered an intimate look at Diversifying Your Fleet. make New Orleans unique. cal qualities of New Orleans. meals, including Commander’s Pal- the beating heart of the Big Easy. Buying equipment is often consid- Out the door and a short walk Find good luck charms and ace in the Garden District, which And a critical piece of that heart is ered an operational decision. This away is the famed French Quarter, voodoo dolls for friends and family reopened last month. the local cuisine. After all, no trip panel of industry experts will dis- with its trademark balconies and back home, but don’t be fooled by Late last summer, celebrity chef to New Orleans is complete with- cuss how the purchase of a new architecture, and the home of the laid-back atmosphere, many Todd English opened a 170-seat out taking the plunge and trying the bus is as much, if not more so, a artists, artisans and hundreds of New Orleans residents take voodoo French bistro, called Riche, in Har- city’s unique fare. marketing decision, and not just a specialty shops and restaurants. myths very seriously. rah’s Casino, which is down the For a relaxing afternoon, try a financial one. The Marriott also is a short Seemingly in every direction street from the Marriott. cup of coffee and a beignet at Café Buying New vs. Used. When stroll away from the world-famous from the Marriott is a plethora of All of New Orleans’ major mu- Du Monde, just a few blocks from does it make more sense to buy a or, depending on how you feel the shops with New Orleans-themed seums and attractions are open, in- the Marriott. The coffee is mixed used bus rather than a new one? next morning, infamous Bourbon knick-knacks, or go upscale with cluding the Audubon Zoo, the with chicory, which softens the bit- What kind of internal assessments Street. There visitors will find a an excellent selection of designer Aquarium of the Americas, the terness of the dark-roasted brew are necessary to make sure you taste of Mardi Gras year-round. boutiques. newly renamed National WWII Mu- and adds a faint chocolate hue. buy the right equipment to add to For the adventurous, New A short drive from the hotel is seum (formerly the National D-Day The beignets, French pastries your fleet? This is a follow up to Orleans’ Afro-Caribbean roots New Orleans’ Garden District resi- Museum) and Mardi Gras World. sprinkled liberally with powdered an Expo session held last year that carry a rich tapestry of Creole cul- dential area, site of elaborate and Several of the streetcar lines are sugar, will have you missing New drew standing-room only crowds. ture and tradition, ranging from a ornate “gingerbread-style” Victo- operating, though not the famous Orleans even before you leave. 16 November 1, 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Study litigation and regulatory proceed- more passengers than the airlines. riers — that had responded to the ings, as well as economic research The U.S. airline industry car- main census survey — to collect Calendar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for business and industry. ried 660 million domestic passen- data on the revenue generated from from a public transit agency. Interestingly, the very last sen- gers last year, up from 635 million operating motorcoaches. A total of NOVEMBER 2006 However, the study did not attempt tence on the very last page of the in 2004, or an increase of 4.1 per- 215 operators responded to the sup- to quantify the nature of the com- 2005 census states that the method- cent. Those numbers do not include plemental survey. 3-4 Northwest Motorcoach petition or its impact. ology used in the Banks and the more than 90 million passen- Charter companies operating Association Roadeo and Annual • By a wide margin, motor- Nathan studies “was somewhat dif- gers carried by Canadian airlines 20 or more coaches generated an Convention, Yakima, Wash. coach operators prefer to own their ferent. Thus, the results of the two last year. average of $153,274 per coach in Info: (425) 971-6161 or go to coaches than lease them. studies should not be used to dis- In the 2006 update Nathan 2004, while those having 19 or www.nwmotorcoach.com. • 70 percent of coach operators cern trends in the motorcoach Associates conducted for the ABA, fewer coaches generated an average purchase their fuel only at retail. industry during 1999-2004.” it estimates there was a 6 percent of $130,828 per bus. A carrier was 3-7 National Tour Associa- • The average age of the com- Then, in something of a non increase in passenger trips on U.S. categorized as a charter carrier if tion Annual Convention, Salt panies responding to the survey sequitur, the study lays out the key and Canadian coaches, boosting 70 percent or more of its revenue Lake City. Info: (800) 682-8886 was 26 years. findings of the two studies — side the total for the year to 631 million came from charter services. or go to www.NTA.travel. • About half of the companies by side. Here are the results that passenger trips. In response to a Three weeks before the ABA surveyed operate other revenue were shown: question, an editor for Nathan released its study, the Federal 11-15 Ontario Motor Coach generating vehicles besides motor- • Number of coach operators: Associates said the update does Motor Carrier Safety Administra- Association Annual Conference coaches. 1999 — 4,000; 2004 — 3,581. include the impact of last year’s tion released the preliminary and Marketplace, Sheraton That’s a dip of more than 10 percent. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the results of its annual Safety Progress Downtown, Toronto. Info: (416) No comparison • Number of coaches: 1999 coach industry. Report and it showed another 229-6622 or go to www.omca.com. Last month, ABA released two — 44,200; 2004 — 38,490. A Still, the numbers mean U.S. increase in over-the-road bus fatal- studies, called Motorcoach Census decline of 13 percent. and Canadian airlines carried at ities last year. 12 Kick-Off Party OMCA 2005 and Motorcoach Census Up- • Number of passenger trips: least 94 million more passengers The report shows there were 70 Annual Conference, Sheraton date 2006. The 2005 census was 1999 — 863 million; 2004 — 595 than North American coach opera- motorcoach fatalities last year, up Downtown, Toronto. Info: Go to designed to update a similar study million. A drop of 31 percent. tors last year. from 57 in 2004, and nearly double www.omca.com. conducted for the ABA in 1999 (re- • Industry employment: 1999 In addition to the increase in the 36 fatalities in 2003. There leased in July 2000), called Motor- — 190,000; 2004 — 163,000. A passenger trips last year, the 2006 were 22 airline fatalities in 2005, 22-25 17th National Rural coach Census 2000. The 2000 study slide of 14 percent. update indicates the number of 14 in 2004, and 22 in 2003. Public and Intercity Bus was conducted by a Washington The newest census provides no coaches operated by private North The number of large truck Transportation Conference, outfit called R.L. Banks & Asso- insight into the reasons for, or American bus companies increased fatalities declined slightly last year Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, ciates that specializes in consulting cause of, the dramatic reduction in 1.5 percent, to just over 39,000, and to 5,212, from 5,235 in 2004. Wash. Info: (360) 705-7929 or work for the railroad industry. passenger trips. the total number of miles increased The number of roadside inspec- www.trbruralconference.org. The 2005 census and its 2006 2.3 percent to 2.44 billion. tions of buses jumped to 71,464 update was conducted by Nathan No longer No. 1 last year from 56,078 in 2004, the 29-30 3rd annual United Associates Inc., an Arlington, Va.- One of the consequences of the Motorcoach revenue FMCSA said. In 2003, there were Motorcoach Association Safety based company that provides eco- industry fall, however, is that it can Nathan Associates also con- only 42,867 roadside inspections of Management Seminar, nomic analysis and testimony for no longer lay claim to carrying ducted a supplemental study of car- over-the-road buses. National Transportation Safety Board Academy, Ashburn, Va. FMCSA tary action to improve pre-trip safe- remain seated while the coach is in 2. After passenger boarding, Info: (800) 424-8262 or to ty awareness. motion. And if it is necessary to immediately prior to moving the www.uma.org. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The coach industry representa- walk while the coach is moving, motorcoach, the driver asks passen- for coach passengers to receive pre- tives maintained it was impossible passengers should always use gers to review informational pam- comments. trip safety information similar to to develop a uniform passenger handrails and supports. Keep the phlets located in the pouches or USDOT Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov. the evacuation information given safety awareness regulation that aisle free of all property and debris. sleeves on the back of seats. Follow the instructions for submit- during pre-flight safety briefings was flexible enough for industry- 3. Emergency Contact. Advise 3. The driver makes an oral ting comments on the DOT elec- for commercial airline passengers. wide application due to the broad passengers to call 911 via cellular presentation on safety information tronic docket site. NTSB officials also said that in operational variations within the telephone in the event of an emer- similar to the presentations by air- By fax: 1-202-493-2251. several other coach crash investiga- industry. gency. line flight attendants prior to take- By mail: Docket Management tions, passengers described a gen- The group contended that de- 4. Emergency Exits. Point out off. The driver can do this with or Facility; U.S. Department of Trans- eral sense of panic because they did velopment and promotion of a list the location of all emergency exits without informational pamphlets as portation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., not know what to do or how to get of best practices was a more effec- (push-out windows, roof vent and visual aids. Nassif Building, Room PL-401, out of the bus. tive and realistic alternative to side door), and explain how to 4. Automated audio presenta- Washington, DC 20590-0001. Sub- Four years after the NTSB ensure motorcoach passengers operate them, including the emer- tion via cassette tape or CD over mit three copies of written com- made its recommendations, the receive safety information. gency door release located on the the coach audio system. ments. FMCSA held informal meetings In a notice published in the dash or in the stairwell. 5. Automated video presenta- Hand Delivery: Submit three with the United Motorcoach and Federal Register, the FMCSA says Emphasize that, whenever fea- tion using a videotape or DVD on copies to Room PL-401 on the American Bus associations and the it intends to work with the industry sible, the motorcoach door should the coach video system. plaza level of the Nassif Building, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alli- and others to develop guidelines for be the primary exit. Encourage Charter and tour operators 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washing- ance to discuss the issue. Out of informing bus passengers about able-bodied passengers to assist would be encouraged to present the ton, D.C., between 9 a.m. and 5 those meetings grew a “working safety and emergency issues before any injured or mobility impaired safety information to passengers p.m. Monday through Friday. group” that began addressing the trips. passengers during an emergency after boarding and prior to move- Comments must refer to Dock- NTSB recommendations. The FMCSA notice also out- evacuation. ment of the motorcoach. et Number FMCSA-2005-21324. On the working group were lines what are likely to be the topics 5. Restroom Emergency Push Fixed-route coach operations Questions? Contact Peter Chan- coach operators and representatives to be covered when informing pas- Button. Inform passengers of the should present the information at dler, FMCSA Commercial Passen- from coach manufacturers, insur- sengers of safety issues. These emergency signal device in the all major stops or terminals after ger Carrier Safety Division, at ance companies, safety consulting, safety awareness minimums are: restroom. boarding, prior to movement of the (202) 366-5763. Or, write him at trade associations, state agencies, 1. Driver Direction. Advise pas- 6. Fire extinguisher. Point out motorcoach, at a minimum. the Federal Motor Carrier Safety and other federal regulatory agen- sengers to look to the driver for the location of the fire extinguisher. The FMCSA wants comments Administration, U.S. Department of cies and industry representatives. direction and follow his/her in- Among the alternative methods on its proposed plan, with a dead- Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, Within about five months, the structions. of presenting safety information line of Nov. 27. Comments may be SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. working group came up with a 2. Avoiding Slips and Falls. likely to be endorsed by the submitted by any of the following Find a copy of the FMCSA response to the NTSB recommen- Warn passengers to exercise care FMCSA are: methods: announcement in the Federal Reg- dations. The group said it would be when getting on and off the coach, 1. During boarding, distribute Federal eRulemaking Portal: ister by going to www.gpoaccess.gov. best to initially encourage the and to grab the handrail when using informational pamphlets to passen- http://www.regulations.gov. Follow In the 2006 search box, search for motorcoach industry to take volun- the steps. Encourage passengers to gers. the instructions for submitting pages 50971-50973. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS OPERATOR NEWS November 1, 2006 17

Niagara Scenic purchased its first ABC M1035 midsize bus. Prevost H3-45s were acquired when it launched its service. Niagara Scenic Tours grows by filling coach-service void HAMBURG, N.Y. — When school-bus operation, and Fisher Allison transmission. ices to tour companies, seniors, New York City, New England, Coach USA retreated from upstate North American Moving and Fisher’s coach operation pro- schools and college athletic groups. Atlantic City, down the eastern New York last year, Keith Fisher Storage. vides charter and group-tour serv- The company also offers tours to seaboard, and other destinations. saw an opening. Fisher decided to recreate Fisher, whose family has oper- Niagara Scenic when Coach USA ated buses and trucks in the closed its North Tonawanda, N.Y. Buffalo, N.Y., area for nearly 80 terminal. He invested $1.6 million years, restarted Niagara Scenic Bus in new Prevost H3-45 coaches, plus Lines on Jan. 1. This time, howev- a used 2002-model H3-45, and er, he gave the company a slightly recruited a handful of employees. different name, calling it Niagara Ten months later, the Niagara Scenic Tours. Scenic fleet consists of seven Since then, even Fisher has coaches and four midsize buses. been surprised by the success of the The latest addition is a new ABC re-born Niagara Scenic. He M1035 midsize bus, the company’s describes it as “phenomenal.” first equipment purchase from Fisher, who is president of the ABC Companies. family-owned Fisher Group, and The 29-passenger, 2006-model another member of the family start- M1035 coach features a flush-type ed Niagara Scenic Bus Lines in the restroom, rear luggage compart- early 1980s, but sold the business ment, and parcel racks with indi- to Coach USA in 1996. vidual reading lights and A/C Meanwhile, the family contin- vents. Power-train components in- ued operating Fisher Bus Service, a clude a Mercedes Benz engine and SafetySeminarAD18 November 10/20/06 1, 2006 4:32 PM Page 1 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Diesel prices are projected UMA Safety to fall in ’07 WASHINGTON — Diesel fuel prices in the fourth quarter are expected to average $2.62 per gal- Management lon, a decrease of 30 cents from third-quarter prices, the U.S. Ener- gy Department projects. For all of 2006, diesel will aver- Seminar age $2.73 a gallon and $2.66 per gallon next year, the DOE said in its monthly energy outlook. A month ago, the department estimated that the price of diesel November 29 - 30, 2006 would average $2.81 this year and fall to $2.78 next year. Part of the reason for the re- NTSB Academy • Ashburn, VA vised price projections is the higher inventories of distillate fuels, the New Features to the 2006 Program Include: DOE said. Distillate stockpiles in recent weeks have been nearly 24 Bus Fires: Reasons, Impacts and Action million barrels more than during • Learn what you and the coach manufacturer can do to help prevent bus fires. the same time last year and 24.6 • Learn how to handle the situation in the event of a fire. million above the average of the Vehicle Maintenance Forum last five years. The price of heating oil, which • Learn the latest maintenance trends from the major coach manufacturers. often parallels diesel in winter • See the latest safety devices and measures and learn how months, will rise 6 to 7 percent this to maximize your warranty. winter, DOE said. Both diesel and Insurance and Claims heating oil are distillate fuels. Average retail regular gasoline • Learn the ins and outs of the insurance industry. This will include what your prices also continue to decline. The company needs to keep records of, how operators can manage claims more average retail price for gasoline is effectively, and other insurance issues. expected to be $2.29 in the fourth Regulatory, Legal, and Security Issues quarter, down 54 cents from the third quarter. Regular gasoline prices are • Industry professionals and regulatory officials will be on hand to cover projected to average $2.58 in 2006 transit/charter rights, SafeStat, the new hours-of-service, pending litigation, and $2.51 next year, DOE said. and the latest in Homeland Security. Driver Training Greener • Industry leaders will be on hand to demonstrate effective training programs. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Someone has figured out that it Space in the 2006 Safety Management Seminar is filling up fast! Make sure your company would take roughly 60 2007-com- is fully prepared for any safety and security issue. Seating is limited to the first pliant diesel-powered coaches to emit the amount of soot produced 130 registrants, so register today! by a single coach made in 1988. The U.S. EPA reports that refinery production of ultra-low- Registration Fees: UMA Member Price - $195, Non-UMA Members - $245 To register visit www.uma.org or call Amy Stalknecht at 1.800.424.8262. sulfur diesel currently tops 2.4 mil- lion barrels a day, or more than 90 percent of the demand. So, the vast majority of fueling stations are selling it. Once fully implemented, ULSD will result in the annual reduction of 2.6 million tons of nitrogen oxides and 110,000 tons of particu- late matter, said the EPA’s Johnson. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FOR SALE 4 – 1997 Dina Viaggio 1000s Wanted To 52 PAX + 1 Escort Seat Purchase REPOS FOR SALE $50,000 each, includes tires Variety of makes and models of 2 – 1999 VanHool T-945s 1999 & Newer “Bank Repos” across the United 57 PAX + 1 Escort Seat States and Priced to Sell! $150,000 each, including tires MCI DL3’s. Call 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 Call Joe @ 508-993-4503 or Call 714-740-8888 for more information! e-mail [email protected] and ask for Roman Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2006 19 Dick Fullington of Fullington Trailways dies at age 87 CLEARFIELD, Pa. — J. industry organizations, including a supporter of the Museum of Bus ton Weisman. Mrs. Weisman, who lished with St. John Lutheran Richard Fullington Sr., who not the United Motorcoach Associa- Transportation in Hershey, Pa. is married to Milt Weisman, is pres- Church, 217 E. Pine St., Clearfield, only was born into the bus industry tion, the American Bus Associa- Mr. Fullington is survived by ident/CEO of Fullington Trailways; PA 16830, and the Museum of Bus but excelled in it for more than 65 tion, the Pennsylvania Bus Asso- sons John Richard Jr. and Michael Michael is vice president/COO. Transportation, 161 Museum Dr., years, died here Oct. 19, one week ciation and Trailways. He has been Lee, and daughter Aerial Fulling- Memorials have been estab- Hershey, PA 17033. before his 88th birthday. He was the former owner and president of Fullington Trailways. Mr. Fullington epitomized the relationship-driven nature of the motorcoach industry during the second half of the 20th century. He once told a magazine interviewer: “The whole bus industry is real family oriented. Going to the con- ventions you see everyone. We’re in competition but that doesn’t get in the way of friendships.” He reveled in the daily challenge of trying to sustain a successful bus business. When Mr. Fullington was born in the fall of 1918, his father didn’t have an automobile but he had a White bus. When it was time to take Mr. Fullington’s mother, Iva, to the hospital, they took the White. The Fullingtons had a bus because Mr. Fullington’s grandfa- ther began a surrey service in 1908 that became a bus service in 1915 when he purchased two Whites. Growing up, Mr. Fullington’s playground was the family bus barn. In his teens, however, he went to work in the family building sup- ply business. At 21, he began his bus career, driving a 19-passenger coach between Clearfield in central Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. In 1936, Mr. Fullington gradu- ated from high school, the same year the family expanded into the school bus business. As a youth, Mr. Fullington excelled in sports and won a football scholarship to Pennsylvania State University, but family obligations kept him from attending. As an adult, Mr. Fullington was a huge Penn State football fan. He was a member of the Nittany Lion’s Presidents Club and The Nittany Society, and created an early “party bus.” Mr. Fullington enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944, serving in the Pacific during World War II. After the way, his life was largely devoted to the family busi- nesses and the motorcoach indus- try. In 1956, he and his wife, Tillie, took over ownership and manage- ment of the company. Under Mr. Fullington’s direc- tion, the business changed, diversi- fied and grew. The company joined the Trailways Transportation System in 1980, and today operates nearly 50 coaches, 225 school buses and 11 limousines. He retired four years ago but retained the title of chairman. Mr. Fullington was active in The SMART Choice

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