MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Coach Association Expo 2017 Is UMA’S Host Hotel, the Hyatt Re- Exceeding Expectations in Terms of Gency St

February 15, 2017

Expo exhibit floor sold out; UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION attendance ahead of 2016 ST. LOUIS — United Motor- placed on a waiting list. MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 coach Association Expo 2017 is UMA’s host hotel, the Hyatt Re- exceeding expectations in terms of gency St. Louis at The Arch, and exhibitor space and attendance. backup hotel Embassy Suites by This year’s Expo, which will be Hilton St. Louis Downtown sold out held at America’s Center in St. their blocks of rooms for Expo at- Louis from Feb. 26 to March 2, has tendees, with the overflow moving attracted more registered attendees to the nearby Courtyard St. Louis and operating companies than last Downtown/Convention Center. year in Atlanta. The Courtyard also was filling UMA officials said that as of up its Expo rooms in late January late last month, 205 operating and UMA was looking to add a companies and 186 exhibitors had block of rooms at a fourth hotel. signed on. Individual attendance “The fact that attendance is also was tracking ahead of last running ahead of last year sur- year as of late January. prised me,” UMA President and Exhibit space was sold out by CEO Victor Parra said, adding that August and late comers had to be CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c FTA rejects UMA’s Charlotte charter service rule complaint UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 at America’s Center in St. Louis has attracted more registered WASHINGTON — The Fed- to the request but never heard any- attendees and operating companies than last year in Atlanta. Our pre-Expo coverage begins on eral Transit Administration has re- thing more until Lee Helms, presi- Page 13 with a pull-out section that includes the full schedule, floor map and exhibitor list and jected a complaint by the United dent of the company, read in a local education session details. Copyright St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission Motorcoach Association alleging newspaper that the county had that the Charlotte Area Transit hired CATS to run the shuttles. System (CATS) violated the fed- “They kept giving us the run- Spanish coachbuilder Irizar slowly eral charter service rule by offer- around, then I saw in the newspa- ing a shuttle service using taxpay- per that CATS was running the making inroads with U.S. customers er-subsidized buses. shuttles,” Helms said when the “Based on a review of the en- complaint was filed. “They bla- ORMAIZTEGI, Spain — delivered to customers and the rest Irizar sells its tire record, FTA finds that CATS tantly disregarded the federal law.” After a year in the U.S. market, are used as demonstration models. coaches in 90 did not violate FTA’s charter ser- According to the federal char- Spanish bus and motorcoach man- He said another 10 to 12 mo- countries, with vice regulations…and it hereby ter service rule, public transit ufacturer Irizar is slowly making torcoaches have been ordered by its largest mar- dismisses the complaint,” the agencies receiving taxpayer inroads with customers and con- customers and are in production. kets being Spain, agency said in its ruling. money to buy and maintain their tinues pursuing its goal of captur- Irizar introduced two versions where it sells UMA, which filed the com- buses are not allowed to run those ing 10 percent of the premium of its 45-foot i6 motorcoach model 600 coaches a plaint last year on behalf of Sun- buses in competition with private coach market in the next four or last year through INA Bus Sales, year for a 40 to way Charters, said it was consid- operators. five years. the company’s Las Vegas-based 50 percent mar- Axier Etxezarreta “We had a really good year,” U.S. distributor. The company also ket share, and ering appealing the decision. The rule, in place for four de- said Axier Etxezarreta, director of has sales offices in California, Mexico, where it sells 700 to 900 Sunway had been approached cades, also requires transit agen- Irizar USA. “It has been a chal- Texas, Georgia and Michigan. coaches a year for a 60 percent by the Mecklenburg County Parks cies to notify registered charter lenge, but whenever you enter a Although the company is new market share, Etxezarreta said. and Recreation Department last companies upon receiving a re- new market you expect that.” to the U.S. market, it has been op- Etxezarreta said the company year about operating a shuttle bus quest to provide charter service, Etxezarreta said Irizar, the larg- erating around the world for 127 expects to do well in the United to a county swim area on week- thereby allowing other companies est bus and motorcoach manufac- years. It has manufacturing facili- States because operators here want ends from June through Labor to bid on the charter contract. turer in Spain, has 40 of the com- ties in five countries — Spain, the same things as Irizar’s custom- Day. In the Charlotte case, a county pany’s i6 motorcoaches in the U.S. Mexico, Brazil, Morocco and ers in other countries: “a good and Sunway sent a bid in response CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 c Twenty of the coaches have been South Africa. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 c THE

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www.abc-companies.com 877.427.7278 Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS February 15, 2017 3 Six incumbents, one new member, elected to UMA board ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Five Oklahoma City and Dennis Streif In Region II, Larry Williams of Nineteen members of the also serve three-year terms. members of the United Motor- of Vandalia Bus Lines in L.W. Transportation in Chantilly, 21-member UMA board are re- Maps showing the UMA re- coach Association board of direc- Caseyville, Ill. Va., was elected to replace incum- gional directors who must be gions are available in the UMA tors and one associate director • Region II (the Midwest): bent board member James Brown coach operators and who are elect- Membership Directory. have been re-elected and one new Alan Thrasher of Thrasher Broth- of Magic Carpet Tours Bus Ser- ed to three-year staggered terms The names of the current direc- member has been tapped to join ers Trailways in Birmingham, Ala. vice in Richmond, Va. from the three regions of the U.S., tors and a list of the states included the board. • Region III (the Northeast): In addition, associate director plus a single director elected from in each region can be found on the Board members who were re- Dave Dickson of Elite Coach in Bob Greene of Amaya-Astron Canada (Region IV). association website, www.uma. elected are: Ephrata, Pa., and Michael Neus- Seating in Omaha, Neb., won re- In addition, there are non- org. Click on “About UMA” and • Region I (the West): Jeff Pol- tadt of Coach Tours, Ltd., in election as the board’s non-coach- coachbuilder and coachbuilder as- then the “UMA Board of Direc- zien of Red Carpet Charters in Brookfield, Conn. builder representative. sociate-board representatives who tors” link. Museum of Bus Transportation elects Executive Committee HERSHEY, Pa. — The board of plans to focus on marketing and Szyperski, of Nashville, Tenn., Wolf, of York Springs, Pa., has in the motorcoach industry and as- directors of the Museum of Bus fundraising initiatives, updating is president and CEO of On Your spent his entire life in the bus insisted with the design and importa- Transportation has elected new operational systems and continu- Mark Transportation, a consulting dustry. His parents owned and option of the Van Hool double-deck members to the Executive Commit- ing the work started by former firm for the passenger ground erated Wolf’s Bus Line, which he bus. He is currently senior vice tee to take over the management committee members. transportation industry. and his brother purchased in 1977. president of maintenance/fleet for and direction of the museum. Much of this will start with a He grew up in the motorcoach In 2003, Wolf left the motorcoach CoachUSA. The new members are David Day of Strategic Planning on industry, as his father drove for company and started a school bus The Museum of Bus Transpor- Schmidt, board chairman and mu- March 18 at the Museum. Greyhound for 33 years. He has and van operation serving multiple tation is the bus industry’s most seum president; Mark Szyperski, Schmidt, of Telford, Pa., is re- held various management posi- local school districts. complete museum of bus history, board vice chairman and museum gional sales manager for Prevost tions in the motorcoach industry, He also owns a full-service ga- education and information. Along vice president; Dave Millhouser, Car Inc. He has spent 44 years in including vice president at Trail- rage and a business that delivers with more than 30 historical buses board secretary; and Ed Wolf, the motorcoach industry, including ways Transportation. home heating products. Wolf is of various types, the museum has a board treasurer. various management positions Millhouser, of Gloucester, one of the founding members of complete timeline of activities of John Oakman was named as a with motorcoach companies and Mass., started in sales with the Eagle the museum. the bus industry along with various member of the committee, joining 30 years with Prevost Car. International Bus Company in 1978. Oakman, of Windermere, Fla., bus industry memorabilia, includ- immediate past president Tom Schmidt has been a member of Through the years, he has sold for began his career in motorcoaches ing signs, uniforms and toy buses. Collins and former secretary John the museum since 1995 and a other motorcoach manufacturers as with the Christian organization More information on the mu- Dockendorf. member of the board of directors well, and is currently a columnist for Young Life as a motorcoach opera- seum can be found at www.Bus- The new Executive Committee since 2016. Bus & Motorcoach News. tor. He went on to spend 46 years Museum.org. 4 February 15, 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News

Darling wishes URS, CSA overhaul had been completed WASHINGTON — Scott Dar- which Darling described as a posi- ling, who left his post as adminis- tive tool for helping members of trator of the Federal Motor Carrier the commercial motor vehicle in- Safety Administration last month, dustry make improvements among said he was disappointed that he themselves. was unable to fully implement a When asked whether he new vehicle registration system thought some of FMCSA’s contro- and complete the overhaul of a key versial new rules — such as those safety program. involving lease/interchange agree- Darling, in an emotional con- ments, speed limiters, driver train- ference call with transportation- ing and electronic logging devices industry reporters, called the Uni- — would survive under the new fied Registration System “a real administration and Republican- game changer for the industry” controlled Congress, Darling because it will block commercial would only say that “the rules we motor vehicle companies from re- put in place are important.” incarnating themselves repeatedly “We’re probably never going to avoid regulations. to make everybody happy,” he “What I would like (the new said, adding that the agency al- administration) to finish doing is ways presented “workable solu- the full implementation of the tions to these issues” and made URS system,” Darling said. sure stakeholders were kept in- URS is used by carriers to ob- formed and that their concerns and tain their USDOT numbers, to reg- Scott Darling (left), former administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, traveled for two opinions were considered. days with a long-haul truck driver last year. During his ride-along, Darling spent a night in a sleeper berth, helped ister their operating authority and unload two trailers and mingled with drivers at a truck stop. As he often did during his tenure to add or update their registration. at FMCSA, Darling stressed safety It is designed to simplify the The online system has been migrate data from multiple legacy the Compliance, Safety, Account- in his farewell chat with the media. process of registering, reduce pa- rolling out gradually and was ex- platforms into a new central data- ability program. At the time he left “Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve perwork and errors, and make it pected to be fully implemented base and to conduct further com- office, FMCSA was waiting for the emphasized that safe trucking possible to electronically screen last month. patibility testing with its state completion of a National Academy moves our economy, and that safe all applications to identify high- But FMCSA suspended imple- partners. of Sciences study on CSA. buses move our loved ones,” he risk carriers, including potential mentation in late January, saying it Darling also said he would have Congress has ordered FMCSA said. “Improving safety cannot be reincarnated carriers. needed additional time to securely liked to complete the overhaul of to make improvements in CSA, done by the federal government alone, or by the states or by industry. It must be done by all of us. For me, it’s about compliance; it’s not about enforcement.” Darling, who was FMCSA’s chief counsel before being pro- moted in August 2014, said he was unsure of his next career move. Deputy Administrator Daphne Jef- ferson will replace Darling until a long-term successor is named. He said his advice to his successor would be to continue inter- acting with industry stakeholders. Darling was known to visit opera- Enjoy the hottest slots and table games, Atlantic City’s largest standard tor facilities and he even took a rooms, exceptional dining, retail shopping and great entertainment! The fun ARRIVE FOR is here at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City! trip with a long-haul trucker last THE DAY OR AN year and met with drivers at truck Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex featuring a year-round OVERNIGHT stops along the way. LandShark Bar & Grill on the beach, new Margaritaville restaurant just off the “Get out there. Talk to folks. casino floor, themed Margaritaville slot area, retail shops & more. STAY! Figure out what their concerns are,” he said. “We need everybody’s voice.” CONTACT MEG LEWIS: 609-340-7715 Darling also said one thing he learned in his time as FMCSA ad- YOU CAN ALSO EARN & USE ministrator was “how smart all the YOUR COMP DOLLARS AT stakeholders are, and how committed they are. I’ve got a different image of truck and bus drivers, a /ResortsAC ResortsAC.com 1.800.772.9000 Bet with your head not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER. different respect. They are truly professionals.” WHO’S DRIVING THE BUS? YOU ARE.

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Speciﬁ cations are subject to change without notice. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. Copyright ©2016 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. 6 February 15, 2017 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Independent truckers vow ELD appeal to Supreme Court GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — It Republican lawmakers have last year, asking the appeals court A three-judge panel of the ap- has sued the federal government appears that the battle over a fed- been talking since the election of to overturn the rule, which is sched- peals court ruled against OOIDA, over an ELD mandate. The first eral mandate that interstate trucks President Donald Trump about uled to take effect in December. saying the ELD rule addresses the time, in 2011, the association suc- and buses convert to electronic rolling back regulations. However, The association argued that re- harassment issue by expressly lim- cessfully challenged the mandate logging devises by the end of this Congress called for the ELD man- quiring the use of ELDs violates iting the scope of information that by arguing that it didn’t take poten- year is headed for the U.S. Su- date in 2012 with broad Republi- drivers’ Fourth Amendment right ELDs should track. tial driver harassment into account. preme Court. can support, so it is unclear where to privacy and protections against The judges also agreed with Todd Spencer, executive vice The Owner-Operator Indepen- they stand on the issue now. illegal search and seizure because FMCSA’s contention that trucking president of OOIDA, told a truck- dent Drivers Association, which “It’s clear now that we have to it effectively calls for their loca- is considered a dangerous and a ing publication that at that time, lost its latest district court appeal pull out all the stops to convince tions to be tracked in real time. “pervasively regulated industry” the judges had been very con- in the case, has vowed to appeal to lawmakers and the new Trump ad- The association argued that under which the right against un- cerned about all of the arguments the nation’s highest court. ministration of the need to set aside employers could abuse the over- reasonable search and seizure raised, not just harassment. Jim Johnston, president and the ELD mandate,” Johnston said. sight and harass drivers. under the Fourth Amendment “In our previous case on this CEO of OOIDA, said that the as- The association announced its The Federal Motor Carrier doesn’t fully apply. issue, the court ruled based on just sociation is preparing for the next next move last month after the Safety Administration, which is- OOIDA then filed a petition one of our arguments — harassment,” phase of the challenge with an ap- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sev- sued the ELD rule, responded to asking the full appeals court to re- Spencer said. “This time, we have peal to the Supreme Court, but enth Circuit rejected its request for the suit by saying, in essence, that hear the case. That petition was re- again raised several issues that should will also continue to pursue the a rehearing in the case. the ends — highway safety — jus- jected in January. be taken seriously and we hope to issue in Congress. OOIDA sued federal regulators tify the means. This is the second time OOIDA have a full review by the court.” Roads, transit system facing trillion-dollar backlog WASHINGTON — The na- Transit: Conditions and Perfor- Conditions and Performance is quire $142.5 billion in combined to improve highways and bridges. tion’s highway and transit systems mance, was completed late last a biennial report to Congress that transportation spending from The report also indicates a need to overcome a nearly trillion- year at a time when then-President- provides information on the physi- state, federal and local govern- $26.4-billion need per year to im- dollar investment backlog, accord- elect Donald Trump was promising cal and operating characteristics of ments, according to the report. prove the condition of transit rail ing to a new report on the state of to launch a major infrastructure up- the highway, bridge and transit In 2012, the most recent year for and bus systems. In 2012, total America’s transportation infra- grade initiative this year. components of the nation’s surface which the report’s data was avail- spending to preserve and expand structure commissioned by the U.S. The report identified an transportation system. able, federal, state and local govern- transit systems was $17 billion. At Department of Transportation. $836-billion backlog of unmet Addressing the growing back- ments combined spent $105.2 bil- that rate, overall transit system The report, 2015 Status of the capital investment needs for high- log while still meeting other needs lion on infrastructure — 35.5 conditions are expected to decline Nation’s Highways, Bridges and ways and bridges. over the next two decades will re- percent less than what was needed over the next 20 years.

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Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists 8 February 15, 2017 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Six trucking companies seek hair testing for drugs WASHINGTON — Six large and Maverick Transportation. the request currently conduct the partment of Health and Human testing results. trucking companies have petitioned The petitioners, most of them pre-employment tests with both Services establishes federal stan- The alliance said hair tests cost the Federal Motor Carrier Safety members of the Alliance for Driv- urine and hair samples, but they dards for such testing, a process $75, compared with $35 for urine Administration for exemptions that er Safety & Security, contend that have complained for some time that could take years. tests, but they are worth the extra would allow them to use hair test- if FMCSA grants them exemp- that doing both tests is redundant Meanwhile, the petitioners are cost because they are more effec- ing in lieu of urinalysis to comply tions, drug users could be “more and costly and that hair testing is asking FMCSA to allow them to tive at identifying lifestyle drug with pre-employment drug testing readily identified” because the more reliable. share the results of the hair testing users. Being forced by FMCSA to regulations for drivers. companies could then share failed Fewer than 30 commercial motor they already conduct in addition to also pay for the less-effective urine The exemption request, out- hair-test results with other firms vehicle companies employ hair test- the required urine tests. They say test is redundant. lined last month in a pre-publica- when they inquire about former ing for pre-employment drug testing, that because the agency plans to The petitioners say that drivers tion Federal Register announce- drivers and applicants. including the petitioners. create a drug and alcohol clearing- who pass urine exams sometimes ment, was filed by J.B. Hunt Current federal regulations do The FAST Act highway bill house to keep records of commer- fail hair tests. That means they Transport Inc., Schneider, Werner not allow transportation compa- passed in late 2015 by Congress cial drivers who fail or refuse to could potentially be hired by com- Enterprises Inc., Knight Transpor- nies to share these results. includes a pathway to permitting take drug and alcohol tests, this is panies that only conduct urine tests, tation Inc., Dupre Logistics Inc. All of the companies making hair testing, but only after the De- the perfect time to include hair- resulting in a less-safe industry. FMCSA clarifies regulations for motor carriers WASHINGTON — The Fed- fully qualified, without excep- vide interstate passenger transpor- cles and drivers operating in inter- surance, random drug and alcohol eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- tion,” FMCSA said. tation services, including state commerce — defined gener- testing, driver licensing, hours-of- istration has issued guidance to “Motor carriers that are hired hotel-related shuttle bus or van ally as trade, traffic or transportation service limitations to prevent fa- organizations and businesses that and that receive payment to trans- operations; employer-related ser- in the United States traveling across tigued driving, vehicle safety in- transport passengers in interstate port passengers must thoroughly vices; education-related institu- state lines. spection and maintenance, and commerce, clarifying existing reg- understand and fully comply with tions; faith-based organizations; An organization or a business other requirements. ulations and requirements that safety regulations that exist to pro- and passengers using multiple operating a commercial motor ve- “Travel by motorcoach, bus, have been changed over the years tect everyone traveling on our na- transportation modes (e.g., arriv- hicle in interstate commerce, un- van or shuttle is among the safest through legislation, rulemaking tion’s roadways.” ing by plane or train, then taking a less otherwise specifically except- forms of transportation in the and litigation. In providing this guidance, shuttle van to an interstate bus or ed, is subject to FMCSRs. These country,” FMCSA said. “This “Passengers traveling by mo- FMCSA has also constructed an motorcoach). regulations, which may or may not guidance will help improve safety torcoaches, buses and vans have online resource page (www.fmcsa. Federal Motor Carrier Safety apply, depending on the operation, by clarifying which federal safety every right to expect that the vehi- dot.gov/upcr) to help advise busi- Regulations set minimum safety include FMCSA registration re- rules apply to certain passenger cle is safe and that their driver is nesses and organizations that pro- standards for motor carriers, vehi- quirements, minimum levels of in- carrier operations.” Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET February 15, 2017 9

federal law,” UMA concluded. nition of charter service.” on an irregular basis or for a limited “In a public transit system Charter complaint FROM PAGE 1 The FTA, however, said in its The agency also noted that al- duration,” FTA said. “CATS is pro- where nearly 80 percent of their official contacted Sunway Char- decision that although Mecklen- though a third party (the county) viding weekend service for the en- fares are subsidized by taxpayers, ters on June 10 and asked the com- burg County paid CATS to pro- was paying for the shuttle service, tire summer/beach season. The ser- I suppose it will now be up to local pany to provide a quote for operat- vide the service, that service was it was considered “seasonal service is seasonal, and therefore, not and state leaders whether they will ing a weekend shuttle service to not exclusive but was open to the vice,” which was not based on an charter service.” allow taxpayer-subsidized service the county’s new beach at Ramsey public. event or an occurrence but was Ken Presley, UMA’s vice presi- to displace small businesses and Creek Park. “Anyone can board or exit the regularly scheduled and ran for the dent of industry relations and COO, their employees,” Presley said. Sunway responded with quotes bus wherever they choose” along entire summer. said the case could have gone either “I suspect this issue will move for both a 55-passenger motor- its route, the FTA said. “Therefore “CATS is not providing service way, “but the arc always bends in to round two.” coach and a 43-passenger transit the service does not meet the defi- for events or functions that occur favor of public transit.” RETURN TO PAGE 1 b bus, recommending the transit bus because it has a low floor and double doors for easy access and space for beach bags and coolers. Sunway uses the transit buses for events such as golf tournaments. The county official then emailed the company, saying, “There has been a lot of pressure from different sides on if/how we are going to proceed. As soon as I Show Time find out, I’ll let you know. I suspect that this may go to the board It’s 3:00 A.M. and you get the phone call you have been dreading of county commissioners.” Shortly thereafter, Helms read your whole career. in the newspaper that the county One of your coaches has been involved in a terrible accident resulting in fatalities and se- had partnered with CATS to operate the shuttle at a cost of about riously injured passengers. To make matters worse, the accident occurred 700 miles away. $1,700 per weekend, about the Soon you will find out if your insurer is up to the task. same as Sunway’s quote. UMA, in its complaint to the Local police, state troopers, state DOT, NTSB, plaintiff attorneys, medical personnel and FTA, said that under federal law, the inquiring media all need to be dealt with and, if not handled properly, you could lose charter service is defined as trans- your company…and very possibly your freedom! portation that is not a part of the transit provider’s regularly sched- Is your insurance company prepared for this scenario? If you just hesitated because you’re uled service and that is provided at not sure, you may have a problem. the request of a third party for the exclusive use of a bus or van for a AT LANCER, WE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST LARGE COACH CLAIM INSURANCE COMPANY negotiated price. IN THE BUSINESS. IT’S BEEN THAT WAY SINCE 1985! It also is defined as transportation provided to the public for Call or have your broker contact us at 800-782-8902 x3264 or [email protected] events or functions that occur on because, when it comes to serious coach claims, experience and expertise really matter. an irregular basis or for a limited duration. Under those definitions, CATS was providing charter service for a third party (the county), outside its regularly scheduled service, to transport members of the public for a limited duration (June through Labor Day), UMA said. UMA also noted that when approached by the county about providing the service, CATS was required to provide notice to private charter operators so they could compete for the service absent com- peting with the transit authority. “Complainant finds no evi- dence the recipient filed notice with registered charter providers,” UMA said in the complaint. UMA also said Sunway Char- ters “incurred financial and irrep- arable harm” by not being allowed to further compete for the “valuable, high-profile contract.” “Subsequent to ignoring their obligation to provide notice to registered charter providers, (CATS) 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 | www.lancerinsurance.com entered into a contact with Meck- lenburg County and began providing service in clear violation of their charter service agreement and 10 February 15, 2017 OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Tax reform cometh, but the details are up in the air By Armstrong Robinson and ority is tax reform.” ard Neal, D-Mass., ranking mem- form, health care reform and debt Second, the most fruitful discus- Keith Smith – Prime Policy Group This represents the best chance ber of the Ways and Means Com- limit. On timing for tax reform, sions around this idea include cor- in decades to accomplish tax mittee. Neal is well liked and Brady said he expected a lot of the porate and international tax reform WASHINGTON — Tax re- reform. respected on both sides of the aisle work to be done in January and — leaving out the individual and form is a major agenda priority for Most of the Republican tax and both sides of the Capitol. that Ways and Means would be small business parts of the code. 2017. We expect continuous action writers, including early indications He represents a markedly dif- ready to move forward with Presi- Business-only tax reform com- next year and perhaps beyond. from the Trump administration, ferent leader for Democrats in the dent Trump. bined with infrastructure spending Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, have suggested this effort must be House. However, his impact will be is not necessarily an easier path. chairman of the House Ways and revenue neutral, on a dynamic basis. significantly affected by two things: Infrastructure Beyond leaving out individuals, Means Committee, and House Senate Republicans have been how much appetite for bipartisan- Funding an infrastructure plan there is a legitimate fear that busi- Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., pos- cautious in their reactions to the ship there is from House Republi- through revenue derived from tax ness-only reform quickly becomes sess the most developed product Blueprint. Finance Committee cans and how much leeway he has reform is still considered an ave- corporate-only reform, leaving out under active consideration. Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, with House Democrats. nue for bipartisan cooperation. the bulk of American businesses. The House GOP Better Way has not released his long-awaited Another new Democratic play- Trump has proposed a $1 trillion There is considerable political Tax Blueprint (the Blueprint) was corporate integration proposal. er to watch is Rep. Lloyd Doggett, infrastructure package. will for comprehensive tax reform. released in July 2016. Since then, Democrats in the House and D-Texas, ranking member of the In the context of tax reform, in- However, several advisors to the Donald Trump embraced several Senate have not released a tax re- Tax Policy Subcommittee. frastructure spending could grease Trump administration have voiced of the concepts before he was form proposal of their own since a In addition to the bold nature of the wheels for action. Whether by support for this type of plan, and elected president. 2007 bill by then-Chairman Char- the Blueprint, the fact the other financing direct spending, tax in- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck The Republican staff at Ways lie Rangel, D-N.Y., and 2014 tax major players on tax reform are not centives or a new infrastructure Schumer, R-N.Y., laid a lot of and Means has been working on de- reform papers by then-Chairman as far along in their own positions, bank, the two proposals are often groundwork on these issues with tails and legislative text ever since. Max Baucus, D-Mont. as well as the Senate’s finite ability linked conceptually. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and We have the added emphasis of Early indications from Senate to process legislative throughput, The rub, as they say, is twofold. House Speaker Ryan. a Trump victory to spur on this ef- Republican tax writers indicate indicates that tax reform will not be First, the most aggressive and bold Finally, proponents of this ave- fort. Steven Mnuchin, President emphatically their intent to devel- accomplished quickly. tax reform plans rely on as much nue note that the individual side of Trump’s Secretary of the Treasury op their own bipartisan proposal Recently, Brady reviewed the revenue or score as they can get to the tax code generally has divided designee, said, “Our most impor- on tax reform. state of play on tax reform and achieve lower rates and a simpli- Republicans and Democrats wide- tant priority is sustained economic The newest key player on tax healthcare reform in an interview fied code. Those revenues are not ly over the last decade. growth. To get there, our No. 1 pri- reform in Congress is Rep. Rich- on C-SPAN. He touched on tax re- available to fund other priorities. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c MEE offers easy-to-use process to verify applicants By Michael K. Brown ISB Canada, has come up with a A few companies currently platform manages the “end-to- on any computer, smartphone or Ameriseach Background Alliance comprehensive, innovative blanket place a hard-copy application link end” driver-qualification process, tablet. It will prepopulate all nec- solution. on their websites. Feedback from from initial contact through inter- essary release forms. In meeting and talking with a Until now, the employment both operators and applicants indi- view management, qualification The application will allow large number of motorcoach oper- screening industry has offered par- cates that this method is cumber- and hiring. Amerisearch clients to process, ators, Amerisearch Background tial solutions that fail to approach some and yields varied results. MEE allows companies to store or delete the application and Alliance realized that one of the this issue head on. What is missing is an effective search for employees in areas any attached resume as the need largest obstacles to success is the Clearly, this solution has to in- procedure to notify and remind where they now exist via social for drivers and support staff ability to find and retain high- clude an online and easy-to-use drivers and support staff of docu- media. evolves. The motorcoach operator quality, dedicated employees — Department of Transportation-ap- ment expiration, changes and up- It provides the industry with will be able to control the process employees who share the compa- proved application process that dates in laws, employment behav- the following: to avoid unnecessary charges. ny’s values and who will help can be used to qualify and verify ior, audits, and the documentation 1. DOT-compliant online em- 2. Driver report provide the industry’s highest pos- applicant information. and instructions required to sup- ployee/driver application form MEE electronically harvests sible client experience. It must also provide an ongo- port these. that can be accessed from a stat- all required data to produce a driv- Over the years, using my own ing system that helps with train- The MEE (Making Eligibility ic IP link er scorecard configured to the hir- personal experience and by listen- ing, driver files and notification Easy) platform is Amerisearch This customizable form can be ing rules of the company. ing to the concerns of our United updates. In the end the goal must Background Alliance’s solution to added to your company website or 3. Driver requalification Motorcoach Association clientele, be to improve both driver quality address these current challenges in sent directly to the applicant to CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Amerisearch, in partnership with and retention. the transportation industry. The produce a complete driver profile How to contact us ISSUE NO. 325 To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Jeff Polzien the Editor, articles, news releases or and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Red Carpet Charters Oklahoma City to report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Tom Ready E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Ready Bus Lines [email protected] Staff Advisory Board LaCrescent, Minn. Mail: 2250 W. Roper Lane Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Larry Hundt Ray Sargoni Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Great Canadian Trailways Gray Lines of San Francisco advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Kitchner, Ontario San Francisco Call: (602) 284-6049 Senior Editor: Hal Mattern Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Dale Krapf Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Krapf Coaches Escot Bus Lines To subscribe or inquire about your Sebring, Fla. West Chester, Pa. Largo, Fla. subscription: [email protected] Industry Editor: Ken Presley Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B James Brown Sr. Joan Libby Tim Stout E-mail: Magic Carpet Tours Cavalier Coach Trailways Stout’s Transportation Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. Boston, Mass. Ewing, N.J. [email protected] Fax: (405) 942-6201 Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Dickson Marcia Milton Dennis Strief To contact the Elite Coach First Priority Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Caseyville, Ill. United Motorcoach Association: Editorial Assistant: Ephrata, Pa. District Heights, Md. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Call: (800) 424-8262 Maggie Vander Eems Gladys Gillis David Moody Alan Thrasher Call: (866) 930-8421 Starline Luxury Coaches Holiday Tours Thrasher Brothers Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Seattle Randleman, N.C. Birmingham, Ala. Meghan O’Brien Bob Greene Michael Neustadt T. Ralph Young © 2017 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Accountant: Ted Williford Amaya-Astron Seating Coach Tours Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Omaha, Neb. Brookfield, Conn. Asheville, N.C. 11Bus &February Motorcoach 15, News 2017 OPINION FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News11 When in doubt, give a dangerous trip the old heave-ho By Dave Millhouser After a couple of beatings, business and safety, and are heavi- best case. An accident is worst He circled a even the most-hardy customers ly impacted by the results. case. couple of times, “Ya big SISSY!” take Steve’s word on weather. With luck, whoever has to When you, or your driver, hoping that the Huddled in the heated wheel- In the coach business, there communicate the decision gives make a bad choice, it’s your fault. lights would house of the dive boat, Captain aren’t many breakwaters. This thought to how best to “sell” it. If clients talk you into a bad choice, come on, before Steve and I were looking out at a complicates the decision-making Like a ship’s captain, the driver it’s your fault. announcing that harbor covered with whitecaps process when weather, or circum- is ultimately responsible. Your cor- The key here is relationships. we’d have to con- whipped up by a 30-knot, wintry stances, make departing on a trip porate culture should encourage If you (or your driver) explain ad- tinue on to our breeze. He had just made the deci- or continuing on one chancy. their honest appraisal of whether equately, and have good rapport, next stop, which Dave Millhouser sion to call off the charter, and I There are a number of factors it’s safe to depart, or continue, you’ll likely be all right. Try to was Bonaire. We was kidding him. Trust me, I didn’t to weigh when you consider can- when problems crop up. make customers understand that would have to skip Aruba. want to go either. celing a charter. Certainly an individual driver’s you want to go as badly as they do, Since Bonaire was my destina- Canceling a trip in any phase Weather forecasting has come level of experience influences the but you value their safety and tion I was happy, but one large fel- of the transportation business is a a long way. It’s often reliable decision, but subtle psychological comfort too much to risk it. low began bellowing that he was tough call. You hate to disappoint enough to make informed deci- undercurrents can push less-quali- Sadly, there is no breakwater going to miss the cruise ship he customers and lose revenue, but sions, ones that anxious clients fied people to try things that are available to cruise past and give was scheduled to board in Aruba. beating people up isn’t a good way will respect, but what about the risky. It’s important to ask ques- them a tiny taste of misery. He loudly insisted that we to ensure repeat business. gray areas (pun intended)? tions in a way that makes drivers Sitting in the window seat of a HAD to land because he was im- Steve had done a good job of What’s the destination? A comfortable with saying no. DC9 one night, I could see the portant. (Apparently not so impor- training his clientele. In ye olden shopping trip to an outlet mall is Customers’ feelings are always lights of Aruba beneath us. The tant that the ship wouldn’t leave days, when there was a blow and easily postponed, but if it’s the important, but in this case, they’re gear and flaps dropped, and we without him.) customers insisted on trying to Super Bowl, there is more impetus at the bottom of the decision-mak- were about 50 feet above the run- Fortunately our pilot was clev- dive, he’d leave the dock and head to at least try. Major events with ing hierarchy. Their understanding way when the whole island went er enough to realize that attempt- out past the breakwater. expensive perishable tickets can of potential hazards is minimal, dark. Pitch black, darker than a bu- ing a landing was not a bright idea It was rough in the harbor, but tempt us into unwise moves (keep- and they generally are strongly reaucrat’s heart. (you counting these puns?). This outside green water broke over the ing track of the puns?). motivated to “go.” In many ways, The pilot dynamited the throt- was one of those cases when ac- bow. The heaving boat adminis- The decision to cancel is a they have less at risk than the tle, and we climbed like a bat out commodating the customer could tered a thrashing sufficient to shared one. Management can carrier. of hell and headed back out to sea. have had disastrous consequences. crush the spirit of the divers, who make the call based on weather or If you let them influence you The airport had disappeared. The Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- then begged him to cancel the trip. events that could impact safety. into trying something you know is entire power grid, including the try marketing consultant and free- Sometimes it wasn’t just the They’re in a position to judge the risky, and they’re stranded, they runway lights, had failed just as we lance writer. Contact him by email boat that heaved. consequences in terms of both will expect compensation. That’s were about to touch down. at [email protected]. 12 February 15, 2017 OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News

Senate filibuster rules. Congres- ciliation was used for the 2003 and to take that.” While we expect House Re- Tax reform FROM PAGE 10 sional leaders are working on two 2006 tax reforms by the Bush ad- Republican tax writers in the publicans to move first and fastest, Senate Majority Leader Mitch budgets (FY17 and FY18, each ministration and it was part of the House and Senate would prefer bi- a long road remains and the time McConnell, R-Ky., and Brady with its own reconciliation instruc- legislative cocktail that produced partisan tax reform outside of the for engagement is now. have said they are interested in tions). The first dealt with for the Affordable Care Act in 2009. reconciliation process for two rea- Tax reform cometh. pursuing a comprehensive tax bill Obamacare repeal and was passed Hatch, the Senate’s top tax writ- sons. First, it allows for a better and Prime Policy Group’s team of so as not to leave out individual tax in January. The second could be er, has said that Republicans may cleaner bill. Second, any time Con- political, legislative and regulato- reform. used for tax reform. use budget reconciliation to move gress undertakes big, broad reform, ry experts serve as counselors to Those instructions could only legislation rewriting the tax code. support from a broad bipartisan co- corporations, associations, do- Reconciliation instructions address budgetary effects of tax “It’s probably what has to be alition is politically advantageous. mestic and foreign governments, Reconciliation’s compelling reform and not policy reforms nec- done,” Hatch said. “If you’re going However, those same leaders will and political candidates. The Unit- virtue is its insulation from the essarily. You may recall that recon- to do tax reform, I think it’s going use reconciliation if they have to. ed Motorcoach Association is one of its clients. RETURN TO PAGE 10 b

Hiring help FROM PAGE 10 MEE assists employers with the following: • Managing certifications, li- censes and insurance eligibility • Configuring requalification rules • Updating profiles automati- cally and attaching most recent results and documents • Developing a la carte or packaged requalification products • Emailing alerts and notifica- tions to drivers and essential support staff, including required documentation and instructions sent at specified intervals to aid in requal- ifying drivers. • Scheduling requalifications based on hire date or calendar 4. Reporting and Analytics Provides access to all data and reporting capabilities measuring key metrics, including: EXPERT FINANCING • Company data (region, division, location) Motorcoach, Shuttle Bus & Van • Recruiter performance (i.e. quantity and quality of hires) • Hiring metrics (i.e. from application to hiring) Looking to finance a motorcoach, Flexible financing options • Driver segmentation shuttle bus or van? Look no further including lines of credit • Marketing effectiveness • Training opportunities than 1st Source Bank. Serving Simple application process • Exporting data to other sys- individuals and businesses of northern for aggregate credit up to tems, including HR, payroll and $ safety benefits Indiana since 1863, we have become a 350,000 5. Driver Assessment — a national leader in the financing of specialty personality risk-assessment test Industry experts who provide to help identify safer drivers for equipment. Our experienced team will provide you personal service that makes it under $30 outstanding service, straight talk and sound advice. easy to get things done The driver assessment evalu- ates driver stress levels, driver Let us tailor a financing package that fits your needs. National specialty finance focus, impulsive or cautious be- leader for over 30 years haviors and whether they are risky or risk adverse. Contact Amanda Lundmark 6. DOT-compliant electronic Cell: 815 953-3623 chain-of-custody (optional) This will also help minimize Office: 574 401-6111 errors during specimen collection, [email protected] provide more consistent results and link all parts of the screening processes, thereby reducing costs and errors. Michael K. Brown is vice president of compliance at Ameriseach Background Alliance. For more information please contact Amer- isearch at 800-569-6133 or custom- Specialty Finance Group 1stsource.com/shuttlebus • 1stsource.com/motorcoach [email protected] or visit www.amerisearchbga.com. RETURN TO PAGE 10 b UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION February 15, 2017 13 MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Complete schedule for Motorcoach Expo in St. Louis FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 (cont’d) International Motorcoach Group – Maintenance & Safety Forum 8:45–9:45 a.m. UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • Marketing: Is My Marketing Working; Measuring 274 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Complimentary shuttle service from airport (STL) to UMA Host Hotel Techniques • Finance: How Equipment Valuations Will Influence 275 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Sightseeing Tours – Sponsored by Explore St. Louis Your Purchase Arrangement and Payment Schedule 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration Open Plaza Lobby • Operations: Best Practices for Installing 110 Outlets 276 10 a.m.–Noon MBMCA Board of Directors Meeting 122 • Technology: Managing Your Current Digital Presence 263 / 264 1–5 p.m. UMA State Association Summit 265 / 266 • Operations: How Will the FLSA New Overtime Rule 260 / 267 7–10 p.m. Icebreaker at the City Museum – City Museum Impact You and Your Business Sponsored by Explore St. Louis 10–11 a.m. NAMO Meeting C301 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 10 a.m.–5 p.m. UMA EXPO Floor Open Halls 4 & 5 7:30 a.m.–6:45 p.m. Registration Open Plaza Lobby 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Motorcoach Marketing Council Silent Auction Booth #101 8–8:30 a.m. UMA Continental Breakfast Ballroom 10:15–11:15 a.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA • Is Your Business Ready for the ELD Mandate? Session Area 8:30–11 a.m. UMA EXPO Opening, Legislative and Regulatory Update Ballroom – Presented by GPS Insight & UMA active member meeting – Sponsored by BusRates.com 10:30–11 a.m. BusRates.com 101 Booth #919 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. UMA Maintenance Interchange 265 / 266 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch in the Exhibit Hall Halls 4 & 5 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA • How to Prepare For & What to Expect on a DOT Audit Session Area • Marketing: Transforming Your Business 274 – Presented by RLS Management • Finance: What Finance Companies Need from 275 Operators – And What They Find Instead 12:30–1 p.m. BusRates.com 101 Booth #919 • Operations: Managing Multiple Locations 276 12:45–1:45 p.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA • Technology: Technology 101 to 301 – New Track! 263 / 264 • Driver Recruitment & Retention: Top Priorities for a Session Area • Small Fleet Operator: Session 1 – Marketing 260 / 267 Successful Motorcoach Company for Small Fleet Operators Part 1, Day One, – Presented by Lancer Insurance Regulatory Update 2–3 p.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. UMA Associate/Travel Partner Membership Meeting UMA Booth • Verbal SWAT: Basic Tools to Defuse Conflict Session Area #919 – Presented by Protective Insurance Company 12:30–1:45 p.m. UMA Luncheon – Sponsored by BusRates.com Ballroom 3–3:30 p.m. BusRates.com 101 Booth #919 2–3 p.m. UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions 12:45–1:45 p.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA • Marketing: Expanding into New Markets 274 • What Opportunities Does the Rise of Sharing Session Area • Finance: Spader Business Management – Part 1 275 Economy Present for the Motorcoach Industry • Operations: Maximizing the Sale of Your 276 – Presented by Rally Bus Company – Prudent Everyday Business Practices 6:30–11 p.m. UMA Leadership Awards Celebration – UMA Exclusive! Ballroom • Technology: What’s in the New Technology 263 / 264 – America’s Ballroom sponsored by BusRates.com Tactics Like, SEO, SEM, Analytics, and Social Media 6:30 p.m. – Reception • 7:15 p.m. Dinner • Small Fleet Operator: Session 2 – Fundamentals 260 / 267 9:15 p.m. Cigars & Cordials – Sponsored by Bridgestone Tire of Fatigue Management, Marketing for Small Fleet Held at the Courtyard & Courtyard Lobby Operators Part 2, The New Unified Carrier Registration WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 3–3:15 p.m. Break 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration Open Plaza Lobby 3:15–4:15 p.m. UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions 9 a.m.–Noon UMA EXPO Floor Open Halls 4 & 5 • Marketing: Too Much is Too Much Online 274 9–10 a.m. Motorcoach Marketing Council Silent Auction Booth #101 Marketing • Finance: Spader Business Management – Part 2 275 9:15–10:15 a.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA • Operations: EDL Pitfalls 276 • How A Successful Driver Program Can Reduce Risk, Session Area • Technology: How Technology is Influencing 263 / 264 Drive Down Cost and Increase Passenger Satisfaction the Fundamentals and Choices of Group Travelers – Presented by GreenRoad • Small Fleet Operator: Session 3 – When the Trip 260 / 267 10 a.m.–Noon Brunch in the Exhibit Hall Halls 3 & 4 Goes Bad, Fuel and Tire Tax Exemption, Marketing 10:30–11:30 a.m. UMA Education in the Exhibit Hall UMA for Small Fleet Operators Part 3 • Vehicle and Driver Certifications – Improve Your Session Area 3:15–4:15 p.m. Sneak Preview Ribbon Cutting – In front of EXPO Entrance at Hall 4 Margins – Save Fuel, Save Money, and Gain 4:30–6:45 p.m. Sneak Preview – UMA EXPO Floor Open Halls 4 & 5 Market-Share! – Presented by University of Vermont 4:30–6:45 p.m. Motorcoach Marketing Council Silent Auction Booth #101 12:15–1:45 p.m. UMA Member Bus Operations Site Visit Vadalia Bus 6 p.m. Motorcoach Marketing Council Live Auction Booth #101 Lines 7–10 p.m. Sneak Preview After-Party at Anheuser-Busch 2–7 p.m. Complimentary shuttle service from UMA host hotels Immediately following After-Party: Go Motorcoach Annual Fundraiser at Thaxton Speakeasy to the airport (STL) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Tourism Rocks held at Hard Rock Cafe St. Louis 7:30–11 a.m. UMA Maintenance Competition at Vadalia Bus Lines THURSDAY, MARCH 2 Morning UMA’s International Driver Competition 4–11am Complimentary shuttle service from UMA host hotels 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration Open Plaza Lobby to the airport (STL) 8:15–8:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast – Held Outside of Concurrent Solution Session 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 1 3th Annual Ray Dupuis Memorial Golf Tournament at Stonewolf Golf Club 2017 Expo Exhibitors Vendor Booth Vendor Booth 1st Source Bank...... 1208 Distinctive Systems Inc.. . . 913 5 Star Specialty Programs. . . . 702 Dixie Electric ...... 1106 ABC Companies...... 1635 Doran Manufacturing, LLC . .1010 ABC Companies...... 6 DriveWare ...... 1828 ACC/Spheros ...... 421 Edson Financial...... 622 Access Commercial Elreg Distributors Ltd.. . . .1307 Capital, LLC...... 1729 EverBank Commercial Advantage Funding . . . . 1228 Finance Inc...... 1414 Alexander Dennis Inc.. . . . 123 Executive Coach Builders, Inc..1615 Alliance Bus Group/CAIO. . .1335 EyeRide ...... 504 Alliance Bus Group/CAIO. . . . 5 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Allied Powers LLC. . . . . 1313 Administration...... 1705 Allison Transmission. . . . 1627 Firetrace International. . . .1614 Amaya Astron Seating. . . . 727 Fleet Financing Resources . . 820 AMBEST, Inc...... 1325 Fleetmatics...... 1311 American Bus Association. . 1707 FSX Equipment, Inc.. . . . 1616 American Cooling Technology.1223 Gerflor ...... 1524 American Fleet Inc...... 513 GPS Insight...... 703 American Motor Products, Inc.. 801 GPSi...... 907 American Seating...... 527 Grech Motors...... 605 Amerisearch Background Handsfree Group...... 406 Alliance...... 1815 Harbor Graphics Ametek...... 1012 A Division of Vomela. . . 1417 AngelTrax...... 1407 Icomera US, Inc...... 1209 ASA/Jensen ...... 1419 Idrive, Inc...... 1427 Atlantic City/ Meet AC. . . . 408 Imperial Supplies. . . . . 1131 ATR Transmission INTERGLASS Automotive Remanufacturing, Inc.. . . 321 Glazing...... 1708 AutoMotion Shade . . . . . 625 Irizar/ INA Bus Sales. . . . .135 Awash Systems Corp.. . . .1326 Irizar/ INA Bus Sales...... 1 Bauer’s Intelligent ISE Fleet Services. . . . . 1105 Transportation...... 928 J&J Chemical...... 1611 Bitimec Wash-Bots, Inc.. . . 519 J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. . 1117 BITZER US Inc...... 1412 KeepTruckin...... 1418 Blue Bird Body Company . . .301 Key Equipment Finance . . .1220 BraunAbility (aka The Braun KF&B, Inc...... 1829 Corporation) ...... 1428 Kidde Technologies, Inc.. . .1528 BRC Group...... 1312 Kiel NA LLC...... 313 Bridgestone Americas Tire Kirk’s Automotive Inc.. . . .1014 Operations, LLC (BATO). . .817 Knoedler Mfg...... 305 Brooker Transportation La France Industries. . . . .829 Agency...... 1217 Lancer Insurance Company. . 429 Budget Truck and Auto, Inc.. .1330 Lang US LP...... 1520 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS . . 1211 Lantal Textiles, Inc...... 812 Vendor Booth Vendor Booth Vendor Booth Bus and Coach America. . . 601 Lazzerini Corporation. . . . 618 NIC Federal...... 1416 RUD Chain, Inc...... 1610 Thomas Built Buses. . . . .105 Busgraphix.com...... 1526 Leece-Neville Heavy Duty Odyssey Battery by Enersys. .1110 Safety Vision ...... 1316 TIB – Transportation busHive Software...... 800 Systems ...... 523 Paul Arnold Associates Inc.. . 407 Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery.929 Insurance Brokers. . . . 1231 Busline ...... 1806 Masats LLC...... 413 PF Distribution Center, Inc.. .1219 Saucon Technologies Inc.. . .613 Trailways ...... 1805 BusRide Magazine . . . . . 522 MCI/Setra...... 735 Pilot Flying J...... 1317 Scalabros SRL ...... 717 Trans Lease, Inc...... 1226 BYD Motors Inc...... 111 MCI/Setra...... 3 Power Manufacturing Inc.. . .409 Shriver-Capacity Insurance Trans/Air Manufacturing C.E. Niehoff & Company. . .1425 Metro Magazine ...... 1813 Prevost...... 435 Agency, LLC ...... 1819 Corporation...... 1530 Camira Group Inc...... 629 Michelin North America, Inc.. 1612 Prevost...... 2 SinglePoint Communications, Translite Enterprises – Capacity Coverage Co.. . . 1112 Mobile Climate Control. . . 1320 PriorityStart! (BLI). . . . . 1613 Inc...... 720 Bus Glass Distributors. . .1431 CBM US Inc...... 420 Mohawk Manufacturing ProFusion Industries . . . . 508 SLEC, Inc...... 1111 Transportation Information Century Business Solutions. .1013 & Supply Co...... 1216 Proheat...... 825 Smart Stubs...... 713 Systems ...... 1809 Chauffeur Driven . . . . . 1406 Motorcoach Manager, Inc.. . .524 Protective Insurance Co.. . .1119 SmartTray Rail and Bus, LLC. 1319 Transportation Safety CHTC USA, Inc...... 1623 Motorcoach Marketing Rally ...... 1710 Spader Business Systems...... 404 CMI Enterprise...... 307 Council...... 101 Rand McNally...... 1114 Management...... 1308 TRP Bus Parts (PACCAR, Inc.). 911 Coach Glass...... 1516 Motorcoach Movies . . . . .425 REI...... 325 Stertil-Koni USA, Inc...... 602 Turbo Images ...... 1329 Commerce Bank...... 715 Motorcoach Safety Training Relational Bus Systems . . .1015 Stokes & Stokes United Bus Technology Inc.. .1704 Complete Coach Works – Company...... 1207 Research Underwriters. . . 1518 Distributors, Inc...... 1129 Vanner Inc...... 619 Tansit Sales International – Motorcoach Tire Sales, LLC.. 1429 REV ...... 1306 SubOut.com...... 1424 Webb Severe Duty . . . . . 423 Shuttle Bus Leasing . . . .924 National Association of Motorcoach Ricon Corporation – Suntrust Equipment Finance Wells Fargo Equipment Continental (VDO RoadLog). .1009 Operators (NAMO). . . . 1817 A Wabtec Subsidiary. . . 1008 & Leasing Corp...... 1315 Finance...... 1125 CPACEX ...... 926 National Bus Trader, Inc.. . .1706 Rivera Bus & Coach Super Vision...... 1322 Wheeler Bros, Inc...... 1229 Cummins Inc...... 809 National Interstate Insurance Upholstery...... 520 TCF Equipment Finance Inc. . 721 Whiting Systems Inc. . . . .1221 Curved Glass Distributors . . 1224 Company...... 718 RLI Transportation. . . . . 1318 Team Coach Imaging . . . .1011 Willingham Inc...... 1517 D&W Diesel, Inc...... 701 National Transporation Safety Rochester City Lines. . . . .623 Temsa Global/ CH Bus Sales. . .4 Worldwide Monochem . . . 1410 De Leo/Epengle Tekstil. . . 1521 Board...... 1827 Rosco Vision Systems. . . . 909 Temsa/CH Bus Sales. . . . 1035 ZF Openmatics...... 418 Detroit Diesel Corporation. . 1527 National Transportation Insurance Rotary Lift...... 1323 Terrapin Blue, LLC...... 1727 Zonar...... 319 DIA Solutions Inc...... 1227 Solutions, LLC...... 827 RRL Insurance Agency . . . .724 Thermo King Corp...... 1108 15Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2017 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News15

These companies have donated the items listed:

PLATINUM SPONSORS America’s Ballroom Sponsor Education Track and Education Track

Sneak Preview Bar Host City, Sightseeing and Icebreaker

Sneak Preview Bar ® Bag and Badge Holders

Hotel Key Cards Sneak Preview Bar

Coffee Break Sneak Preview Bar

SILVER SPONSORS

Cigars and Cordials 16 February 15, 2017 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News Education sessions set for UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 ST. LOUIS — The United Motorcoach operation to begin operating from a stronger po- PART 2 – Your fleet may be small, but you can PART 3 – With sound marketing, small fleets Association will present a variety of educa- sition rather than always catching up. Day One position yourself and your company as the “go- tend to grow. This session looks at how to gauge tional sessions during this year’s EXPO. is never too late! (Owner/Management) 11:35– to” company in your market. This brief session your market and anticipate your growth needs. 11:55 am reviews how small fleet operators can position (Sales and Marketing) 3:55–4:15 pm MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 REGULATORY UPDATE – This session will re- their company with community leaders for 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. view the latest proposed and final regulations growth. (Sales and Marketing) 2:20–2:40 pm TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 and how they will affect small fleet operators THE NEW UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION – Continental breakfast will be served prior to OPERATIONS: Managing Multiple Locations. and what is required to comply. (Safety and The Unified Registration System (URS) is a new these sessions Acquisitions and mergers in this industry have Compliance) 11:55 am–12:15 pm electronic online registration system designed increased greatly over the last few years, caus- to streamline and simplify the Federal Motor 8:45–9:45 a.m. ing more companies to handle an additional two 2:00–3:00 p.m. Carrier Safety Administration’s registration and or three locations. Learn how to successfully OPERATIONS: Best Practices For Installing update process. This session will primarily cover face this challenge. OPERATIONS: Maximizing the Sale of Your 110 Outlets. Customer demand for 110 outlets Company – Prudent Everyday Business the update process required of every carrier. grows by the minute. It is near the point where it (Safety and Compliance) 2:40–3:00 pm FINANCE: What Finance Companies Need Practices. Whether or not you are selling your is expected when customers board the bus. Ex- from Operators – And What They Find In- business, there are countless items that need plore this issue on a broader basis in this session. 3:15–4:15 p.m. stead. Too often lenders express that operators upholding as part of the business operations. The discussion will include inverters, size options, installation approaches that minimize the are not properly prepared when attempting to Unfortunately, important issues may be neglect- OPERATIONS: ELD Pitfalls. With the FMCSA impact on luggage space, best practices on wir- borrow money. Among many other things, bor- ed in favor of matters deemed more urgent. mandate in place, you need to make sure that ing, and maintenance. Also, find answers to such rowers need to be aware of several national and Overlooked, but still crucial items can be as the equipment you’re buying not only complies simple as recording board meeting minutes, fil- with the required FMCSA required specifica- questions as, should this be a chargeable ser- worldwide influences on U.S. borrowing re- vice? How can this be built into a cost structure? quirements. For example, the “Brexit” vote may ing contracts, organizing legal documents, or tions, but also can support your needs as a temporarily keep interest rates low, but the U.S. responding to items requested from buyers. management tool. Along those lines, the ELD you buy needs to produce IFTA and now IRP re- FINANCE: How Equipment Valuations Will may decide to increase borrowing requirements Influence Your Purchase Arrangement and in the future due to its other possible effects. FINANCE: Spader Business Management – ports for you. It also must generate the reports Part 1. The Spader organization has been man- Payment Schedule. This session will focus on This session offers guidance on smart your state requires if you are audited by either aging UMA’s 20 Groups Program for more than resale value and loan balances. Some operators borrowing. IFTA or IRP. 10 years. During that time, they’ve developed a make small payments and, because of normal solid base of information on what the best per- FINANCE: Spader Business Management – depreciation, quickly get upside down on their MARKETING: Transforming Your Business. It forming companies in our industry do to achieve Part 2. See Spader Business Management – loans. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you is absolutely possible to reach entirely different success and increase profits year after year. Part 1. need to learn how to evaluate your fleet value audiences by overhauling your business. Repo- Using metrics specifically designed for our indus- every year to compare loan ratios. This will help sitioning your business can attract new and try, they are able to identify what companies can MARKETING: How Much is Too Much Online determine real trade in value of existing equip- more profitable markets. Learn from two com- do to reduce costs and increase available reve- Marketing. At a time when customers have be- ment. In turn, this will help you compute the panies, one large, one small, who have been nue. At EXPO each year, they share these insights come immune to online sales pitches, is it pos- amount to put down on an equipment purchase successful in attracting new customers and and proven strategies to help you increase profit- sible to overuse online channels? How do you and determine the optimum payment schedule. growing their business. ability. These are must attend sessions. know if you’ve reached a saturation point for Facebook ads, for example, and should you MARKETING: Is My Marketing Working; Mea- Where TECHNOLOGY: Technology 101 to 301. MARKETING: Expanding into New Markets. switch back to local newspapers? This session surement Techniques. How do you measure the we were, where are we now, where are we This is one of the most requested topics we re- will discuss having a proper marketing mix and return you get from all your marketing efforts? going with technology in the chartering world, ceive. Companies are always searching for new the use of more traditional channels like print, For example, is your advertising working? Is it on the vehicle, and after the trip is complete. customer and geographic markets to expand broadcast and cable. generating a profitable return on your invest- This 1-hour course will help to set the stage for and diversify their revenue base. And as cus- ment? How about your social media campaign? the other 3 courses in the track and will cover tomer preferences change this becomes even TECHNOLOGY: How Technology Is Influenc- Is it reaching the right targeted groups and are the following: more critical to a company’s long-term growth. ing the Fundamentals and Choices of Group you converting them into paying customers? • Browser vs. installed software Learn what bus companies are doing to find Travelers. From acquisition, to comparison Knowing how to measure the performance of all • Defining banner ads, content marketing, so- new sources of revenue. shopping, to price, and amenities, how technol- your marketing efforts will help you know how cial media marketing ogy is aiding the overall group travel experience. best to invest your marketing dollars. • Explaining Hi-res and low-res, basic HTML TECHNOLOGY: What’s in the New Technolo- People no longer settle for just word of mouth, commands gy Tactics: Apps, SEO, SEM, Analytics, and they want to look at a property’s total package, TECHNOLOGY: Managing Your Current Digi- • SaaS, CMS’s, Front end and Back office differ- Social Media. How are these things influencing from amenities to types of linen and pillows, tal Presence. How to find, manage, and up- ences, Environments: Sandbox, dev, integra- the bus chartering landscape? So much has groups desire the same level of treatment that grade it to find more prospects and hold onto tion, test, and production changed with the emergence of the social web individual guests receive. The Internet has done the ones you already have. All of us have a digi- • Basic analytics, site report examples, and and the smart phone that even in the last 4 a lot to aid the group travel planner and give tal presence, and so do our businesses, finding KPI’s reviewed and explained years new approaches and tactics have pre- them the feeling that their members will get the out how you appear in these spaces is critical to sented themselves to the small business owner best service. But it goes past free breakfast and making sure you put your best foot forward with SMALL FLEET OPERATOR: Session 1 that really level the playing field. This course will Wi-Fi to how well does the hotel work with the them. Managing the photos that appear in cover: bus company, how well does the front desk set search results, the copy that shows up in or- This session was created specifically for small • Do I need an app or will an adaptive web site up the bank of rooms and what kinds of group ganic SERPs, should you or are you connected fleet operators. Subjects are discussed for cover me? amenities does the hotel offer? to social media, do you have reviews and how 15-20 minutes each for a total of three 1-hour • How do I get my site to be SEO compliant? do they affect your potential prospects? All of sessions. • If I am taking care of my site’s SEO, why do SMALL FLEET OPERATOR: Session 3 this will be taught using Google, Facebook and I need SEM in my marketing mix? BusRates, along with other sites. MARKETING FOR SMALL FLEET OPERATORS, This session was created specifically for small PART 1 – You operate a small fleet of motor- • Blogs are the center of your social media uni- fleet operators. How Will the FLSA New Over- coaches providing great service; yet, many verse and your marketing activity. OPERATIONS: time Rule Impact You and Your Business? Is users simply do not know who you are. This WHEN THE TRIP GOES BAD – This session will your company ready for this change? It most concentrated session discusses the building SMALL FLEET OPERATOR: Session 2 highlight an actual trip that should have been an uneventful charter, but turned out to be a regu- likely will affect much of your office personnel! blocks of marketing; helping you design an ef- This session was created specifically for small latory nightmare. How it happened, the re- The U.S. Department of Labor came out with a fective strategy to successfully attract those fleet operators. In the 2nd session the following sponse, and some retrospect. (Owner/Manage- ruling in 2016 that went into effect December 1, customers that will appreciate your product. subjects will be discussed: ment) 3:15–3:35 pm 2016. It states that the baseline for exempt em- (Sales and Marketing) 11:15–11:35 am FUNDAMENTALS OF FATIGUE MANAGEMENT FUEL AND TIRE TAX EXEMPTION – Understand ployees (salaried not hourly) goes up to $47,476 DAY ONE – Sometimes you “don’t know what – This session will highlight the basics of fatigue the fuel-tax and tire excise tax exemptions and from $23,600. That means anyone making less you don’t know” and the first day in business management and how a small fleet operation than $47,476 can no longer be considered ex- how to advise your accountant to file for your may have been a few years ago, and you always can have an effective program, from drivers to empt from overtime. Overtime can even mean fuel tax refund and obtain tire excise tax exemp- seem to be catching up. This brief session takes management, at little or no cost. (Safety and employees checking email after hours. Find out tion. (Finance) 3:35–3:55 pm a snapshot of the ideal beginning and covers Compliance) 2:00–2:20 pm what you need to do to comply with this far MARKETING FOR SMALL FLEET OPERATORS, steps to incorporate the fundamentals into your MARKETING FOR SMALL FLEET OPERATORS, reaching regulation change. 17Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2017 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News17 Expo 2017 to feature party hosted by Anheuser-Busch ST. LOUIS — This Expo is for forum for networking and infor- Kraus will serve as an Expo guest Attendees are provided with all- at the America’s Center Convention you. mation exchange, we want our at- speaker, addressing how the com- inclusive access to top-of-mind Complex in downtown St. Louis. UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 tendees to enjoy themselves and pany became one of America’s topics in education sessions, the The location is close to numer- in St. Louis will feature an enter- have a memorable and positive ex- iconic brands. He also will discuss latest products and services in the ous attractions, including the Gate- tainment and networking event perience,” said UMA President the company’s marketing and exhibit hall, and networking op- way Arch. For more information hosted by major beer brewer and CEO Victor Parra. “This is branding strategies. portunities with industry peers and about Expo and to register, please Anheuser-Busch. sure to be an Expo highlight.” UMA’s Motorcoach Expo is colleagues. visit www.motorcoachexpo.com On February 27, Expo attend- Earlier in the day, Anheuser- the largest gathering of bus and UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 or contact UMA at 1-800-424- ees will be invited to the UMA Busch marketing official Tom motorcoach owners and operators. will be held from Feb. 26 to March 2 8262 or [email protected]. Sneak Preview After Party at An- heuser-Busch’s St. Louis headquarters. The event will include an eve- ning tour of the company’s flagship brewery, and at least one of the world-famous and beloved Clydes- dale horses will be in attendance. Food and drinks will be provided and the gift shop will be open. Participants will be treated to live music and will be able to network in the lobby and in the indoor/outdoor temperature-controlled Biergarten. The After Party has been one of the most popular events at Expo in recent years, offering attendees a chance to experience local attractions while sharing good food, drink and conversation. “In addition to providing industry leaders with an excellent New, returning Expo exhibitors ST. LOUIS — Twenty-four exhibitors will be making their first UMA Motorcoach Expo appear- ance this month or are returning after an absence. • 1st Source Bank — No. 1208 • Access Commercial Capital, LLC — No. 1729 • Blue Bird Body Company — No. 301 • BRC Group — No. 1312 • Commerce Bank — No. 715 • Dixie Electric — No. 1106 • DriveWare — No. 1828 • Executive Coach Builders, Inc. — No. 1615 • Handsfree Group — No. 406 • Icomera US, Inc. — No. 1209 • INTERGLASS Automotive Glazing No. 1708 • Knoedler Mfg. No. 305 • Motorcoach Safety Training Company — No. 1207 • Paul Arnold Associates Inc. — No. 407 From the countless brews on tap in The Biergarten • PriorityStar t! (BLI) — No. 1613 • Rally — No. 1710 to our many Signature Tours, the historic • Research Underwriters — No. 1518 Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers a variety of • REV Group — No. 1306 • Scalabros SRL — No. 717 experiences that you won’t nd anywhere else. • Smart Stubs — No. 713 • Smar tTray Rail and Bus, LLC — No. 1319 For more details, please call 314.577.2626 • Stok es & Stokes Distributors, Inc. — No. 1129 • United Bus Technology Inc. — No. 1704 12th & Lynch Streets, St. Louis, MO 63118 • Zonar — No. 319 www.budweisertours.com 18 February 15, 2017 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News Expo 2017 will feature a variety of St. Louis tours ST. LOUIS — People attending Park, which encompasses 1,300 zoo family in June of 2015. The art inside year-round. Fox of 20th Century Fox fame. The UMA Motorcoach Expo 2017 in acres and is home to the St. Louis museum, considered one of the top The Grand Tour – Partici- theatre was designed after a Hindu St. Louis will have a choice be- Art Museum, St. Louis Science 10 in the country, houses a collec- pants will visit three of the most temple and now presents concerts tween eight different tours focusing Center and St. Louis Zoo. tion of more than 33,000 works. architecturally, as well as cultural- and Broadway musicals. There on the city’s history, museums, The zoo features Polar Bear The final stop is the Jewel Box, ly, interesting buildings in St. will be a brief performance on the sports facilities, food and drink, Point, home to Kali, the first occu- where the interior warmth lends it- Louis, including the Fabulous Fox theatre’s Wurlitzer organ. shopping and other attractions. pant of the exhibit, who joined the self to the tropical plants that grow Theatre, built in 1929 by William The tour will head to the St. The tours, which will be hosted Louis Cathedral Basilica, home to He said that as the December cates and recognition at the UMA by Explore St. Louis, will include: Expo attendance FROM PAGE 1 more than 83,000 square feet of 2017 deadline approaches for con- Leadership Awards Celebration on Baseball, Brews & Blues – hand-laid mosaics, 250 relics and verting to electronic logging de- Tuesday night. This tour begins with a stop at Expo usually is held in areas with the papal chair and kneeler used by vices, more motorcoach compa- The competition has already Busch Stadium, home of the 2011 warmer weather. Pope John Paul II. nies are adopting the technology. attracted more than 50 competi- World Series champions, the St. “That didn’t seem to affect The highlight of the tour will “So there will be operators at tors from 21 U.S. states and two Louis Cardinals. With seating for people, I’m happy to say,” Parra be the Missouri Botanical Garden, Expo sharing their experiences Canadian provinces. more than 40,000 fans, this field of said. “That tells you how impor- home to the world’s first Clima- with ELDs,” Parra said. This year’s sneak preview af- dreams is like no other. tant Expo is to the motorcoach tron, a geodesic dome greenhouse. Expo’s opening speaker on ter-party will be held Monday eve- The next stop will be Anheuser- industry.” Lunch will be at Sassafras Café. Monday morning will be Tom ning at Anheuser-Busch’s St. Busch Brewery. Participants will This year’s Expo features the A Little Taste of St. Louis – Kraus, Louis headquarters. tour the brewery and learn how the usual array of new and used buses group director, heritage Nosh, nibble, devour! This tour in- Events also are planned to beer is made, and visit the stables and related products and equip- marketing, at Anheuser-Busch cludes the most delectable spots in honor Parra, who is retiring at the with the famous Clydesdale ment, as well as topical education InBev. St. Louis. end of March and will be attend- horses. sessions, valuable networking op- The Expo luncheon speaker Enjoy a taste of The Loop ing his last Expo as UMA presi- The final stop will be the Na- portunities, an awards ceremony, later the same day will be Josh neighborhood at Fitz’s Root Beer, dent and CEO. tional Blues Museum, named one games and prizes. Mohrer, general manager of Uber followed by a bite of the Arch from of the “12 New Museums to Visit” The popular education ses- New York City. Parra said all signs are “very Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate in 2016 by The Smithsonian. sions that will be held all day The year’s Expo also will fea- positive and very, very encourag- Company, a family-owned hand- While exploring the artifacts and Monday and Tuesday during Expo ture the first-ever UMA Annual ing” that this year’s Expo will be a crafted premium chocolate compa- cutting-edge technology, museum have added a new technology International Driver Competition success. ny. In The Hill neighborhood, a aficionados will revel in the histo- track alongside the marketing, fi- on Tuesday. Contestants are eligi- “I think we’re going to have a charming Italian community, enjoy ry of blues music and enjoy lunch nance and operations sessions. ble for a complimentary hotel stay really good show,” he said. “St. a stop at Missouri Baking Compa- at Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ. “We added the track because and a free 2017 UMA Motorcoach Louis has been great to work with ny to purchase authentic baked Expo registration. and it is a great city with a lot to do Meet Me in St. Louis – Start technology is such an important goods. with a driving tour through the part of our business,” Parra said. The winners will receive cash and see. I’m excited.” The tour then heads to Ted prizes, trophies, framed certifi- RETURN TO PAGE 1 b magnificently restored Forest “It dominates our business.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 c CHARTER Dump THE SOLUTION IS OUR DISTRIBUTION CLEAN... Dump COBURG, OR LEGAL! ELKHART, IN

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CG_Bus & Motorcoach News Ad_FINAL.indd 1 5/4/16 8:33 AM 19Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2017 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News19 UBT launches new coach entertainment platform MCLEAN, Va. — United Bus and disappointed our passengers.” Technology (UBT) has launched “We installed NetBox on all its flagship product NetBox to pro- our coaches and now our passen- vide onboard Wi-Fi and entertain- gers enjoy uninterrupted high- ment to benefit both bus operators speed MegaWiFi with no com- and travelers. plaints, and they are ‘wowed’ with NetBox, one of the most af- OnCoach Cinema,” Wong said. fordable all-in-one platforms, was “Most importantly, NetBox really developed by UBT with cutting- works, and we generate more sales edge technologies for the motor- because of it.” coach industry. It provides high- In addition to NetBox, UBT speed Internet connection with provides many other customer-tai- MegaWifi, a movie-streaming sys- lored services for bus lines, includ- tem with OnCoach Cinema, and ing eLog, IFTA reporting, cloud- GPS-based fleet management so- based ticketing and reservations, lution MegaTrac. and onsite passenger check-in. “Compared to airlines, the tech- “I am very encouraged to learn nology used in the motorcoach in- that an IT company like UBT is dustry is severely behind, resulting devoting all their resources to de- in a sub-par experience for bus op- velop affordable IT solutions to erators and passengers,” said Tony help improve operational efficien- Wei, UBT’s CEO. “UBT’s goal is to cy and enhance the motorcoach provide innovative, yet affordable, passengers experience,” said Ken IT solutions to bus operators and to Presley, vice president of industry revamp the coach travel experience relations and COO of the United for their passengers.” Motorcoach Association. Eastern Bus CEO David Wong To learn more, stop by Expo said previous Wi-Fi services the Booth No. 1704 or visit www.unit- company tried “failed tremendously edbustech.com.

to board an authentic paddle St. Louis tours FROM PAGE 18 wheeler for a one-hour sightseeing Drewes Frozen Custard for a spe- cruise along the Mississippi River cialty “concrete” shake that is so with stunning views of the St. thick you can turn it upside down. Louis skyline. Other included stops are Gus’ Pret- Shop Till You Drop – Experi- zels to enjoy an oven-baked pretzel ence two of the areas newest outlet and a taste of St. Louis’ gooey but- malls, Taubman Prestige Outlet ter cake. and St. Louis Premium Outlet, and Black History Tour – This enjoy special discounts given to tour explores St. Louis’African- groups. There also will be a scav- American history covering 257 enger hunt in the St. Louis Premi- years. It includes a guided private um Outlet Mall. tour of the Griot Museum of Black The tour includes drive time to History, which links the past, pres- and from the malls, which is ap- ent and future of African-Ameri- proximately 30 minutes one way. can history through life-size fig- Get Your Kicks on Route 66 ures, historical documents, – Enjoy a docent-led tour at the artifacts and special exhibits. Missouri History Museum through The final stop for the day is the Route 66: Main Street Through St. Old Courthouse to learn the histo- Louis. Known as the “Mother ry of the Dred Scott Freedom Trial Road” and the “Main Street of and participate in a reenactment of America,” Route 66 plays an im- the trial. The courthouse is the set- portant role in American history, ting for cases involving slavery, but the famous road also has a the fur trade and equal rights. story to tell about the St. Louis Construction Zone: Hard area and how it has changed. Hat Not Required – The driving Participants will see a number part of this tour includes an over- of artifacts ranging from gas view of St. Louis City, passing by pumps to roadside signs and will Busch Stadium and Citygarden, a even get a chance to drive the road unique urban art oasis. themselves. The final stop is the See Us at There also will be a guided Museum of Transportation, which UMA Expo walking tour of the Old Court- features 50 years of transportation Booth house and Gateway Arch grounds, history, including historical one- #1008 featuring the latest exhibits and of-a-kind locomotives, cars and programming offered at both fa- cabooses. cilities as well as the construction Car buffs will appreciate a visit that has taken place. to the Earl C. Lindburg building, Participants will also stroll which houses a rotating automo- down the grand staircase to the bile exhibit. Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises RETURN TO PAGE 18 b 20 February 15, 2017 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News Rotary Lift offering cost-effective retrofit lifts MADISON, Ind. — Repair tural “frame-only” replacements Each hydraulic jack in a Rota- and to determine how much addi- posts for a lifting capacity of shops with aging heavy-duty infor all the company’s standard in- ry Lift heavy-duty frame-only ret- tional load they can support before 50,000 to 75,000 pounds, includes ground lifts have an alternative to ground lifts, as well as most com- rofit in-ground lift has from a retrofit option can be considered. simple push-button controls that purchasing an expensive new lift petitive lifts. 25,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds Rotary Lift offers these three eliminate manual equalization of – a Rotary Lift retrofit in an exist- If an existing pit is still good, capacity. In most 20- to 40-year- retrofit options: handles, and is available in custom ing pit. this strategy can save shops up to old pits, each in-ground lift cylin- • 70Q, the recently updated lengths from 13 feet to 24 feet in Rotary Lift’s 70Q, MOD30 50 percent of the cost of installing der is rated at 18,000 lbs. traditional in-ground lift, is the one-foot increments to fit the and MOD35 heavy-duty in-ground a new heavy-duty in-ground lift in Existing pits must be evaluated most cost-effective retrofit option. wheelbase needs of all shops. lifts are available as direct struc- a new pit. to ensure they are in good condition It is available with two to three • MOD30, the industry’s original modular heavy-duty in-ground lift, is available with two or three cylinders for a lifting capacity from 60,000 to 90,000 pounds. It Thank you readers… has an ergonomic upright control console that features joystick controls and technology that lets technicians access service, diagnostic and maintenance information. On the 2016 UMA Membership • MOD35 is the latest technology in-ground modular lift. It is Survey and Industry Assessment, available with two or three multi- stage hydraulic cylinders to provide best-in-class lifting capacity Bus & Motorcoach NEWS of 70,000 to 105,000 pounds. It also features a patent-pending pen- dant-only remote control that lets ranked highest among UMA’s technicians operate the lift from anywhere around the vehicle for more efficient spotting and lifting. products and services, To learn more, stop by Expo Booth No. 1323 or visit www. with nearly 83% of respondents rotarylift.com. Grech offering rating it as “Extremely Important.”* Ford F-550 bus RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Grech Motors is now offering a 2017 2016 UMA Membership Survey and Industry Assessment Ford F-550 luxury bus with its new GM33 model. Equipped with either a 6.7-liter V-8 turbo diesel engine or 6.8-liter 51.39% Annual Membership 44.44% V-10 gasoline engine, the new Directory (print edition) 4.17% F-550 GM33 minicoach can seat up to 27 passengers as a shuttle UMA’s website 52.70% 45.95% with rear luggage. www.uma.org 1.35% The vehicle’s new front cab 27.14% features a sleeker, aerodynamic Bus & Motorcoach Academy 52.86% profile and redesigned grill. 20.00% Ford’s new F-550 chassis fea- 82.44% tures a fully boxed under-cab and Bus & Motorcoach NEWS 14.86% C-channel aft-of-cab frame made 2.70% of 95 percent high-strength steel 52.05% with up to 10 crossmembers (eight BusRates.com 36.99% through-welded). Torsional rigidi- 10.96% ty is eight times greater than the 50.00% previous design. UMA Motorcoach EXPO 43.06% 6.94% Connected to this new frame is a high-strength, military-grade UMA Annual Safety 42.25% 1 Extremely Important aluminum alloy body, which is 46.48% Management Seminar 11.27% 2 Somewhat Important lighter than the steel previously 3 Not Important used yet is immensely strong. It’s UMA Annual Legislative 50.70% 45.07% also more dent- and ding-resistant & Reulartory Report 4.23% and not subject to red rust corrosion. This complements Grech UMA’s one-on-one 54.55% 39.39% Motors’ riveted, aircraft-grade alu- regulatory assistance 6.06% minum skin. In addition to its stronger body 0 20 40 60 80 100 and frame, the 2017 Ford F-550 chassis features larger and heftier suspension, brakes, driveline, transfer case and axles. *We plan to keep working to convince the remaining To learn more, stop by Expo 17 percent we’re “Extremely Important.” Booth No. 605 or visit www.grech- motors.com. 21Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2017 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2017 FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2017 News21 Commerce Bank offering new prepaid expense card ST. LOUIS — Commerce the card can be used. ting up text alerts. In the case of an when we found Commerce Bank longer necessary with a Prepaid Bank has launched a Prepaid Ex- Cardholders have immediate emergency, a company can load and their Prepaid Expense Card Expense Card, saving time and pense Card that provides complete access to funds on the Prepaid Ex- additional funds quickly rather program. Implementation was money. spending control and can also help pense Card. They no longer need than requiring the driver to cover simple and the program has been The office administrator can drivers easily cover expenses on to pay out of pocket and wait to be the cost. working flawlessly.” also close a card that’s been lost or the road. reimbursed. “We had been looking for a The card also streamlines ex- stolen, protecting the money still The Prepaid Expense Card is a Per diems can also be handled way to streamline our employee pense management and tracking. in the account to reload on a new reloadable, prepaid Visa card that with a Prepaid Expense Card, expense and per diem payments in The business office has the ability card. allows companies to add funds to a eliminating the need to carry sig- a way that benefits both our com- to fund cards instantly so that the The Prepaid Expense Card is card at any time. nificant amounts of cash and re- pany and our employees,” said Mi- cardholder has the funds he or she backed by Visa Zero Liability pro- Much like a debit card, it can ducing the risk of theft and loss. chael Giddens, general manager needs right away. tection and 24/7 customer service. be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Cardholders can easily track for Pacific Coachways Charter The usual process of submit- To learn more, stop by Expo Companies can choose to allow their account balance online Services, Inc. ting expense reports and approv- Booth No. 715 or visit www.com- ATM access and also limit where through the mobile app or by set- “So we were extremely happy ing check reimbursements is no mercebank.com/expensecard. TRP adds engine, transmission, gear oil to product line RENTON, Wash. — TRP has chi, product marketing manager at The three new lubricant prod- downtime and lower maintenance viding thermal and oxidation expanded its product offerings to PACCAR Parts. “This new com- ucts are: expense. stability. include a full line of lubricants for petitively-priced line of premium- TRP Engine Oil (SAE 15W- TRP Synthetic Transmission TRP Synthetic Gear Oil all makes of trucks and buses. grade products rounds out the ex- 40 and SAE 10W-30) – Perfect Oil (SAE 50 Synthetic) – For all- (SAE 75W-90 Synthetic) – TRP Available in the United States, isting fluids portfolio along with for a mixed fleet, TRP Engine Oil climate, year-round protection of Synthetic Gear Oil is recom- Canada and Latin America, TRP our existing successful North protects today’s four-stroke diesel heavy-duty manual transmissions, mended as a rear axle and differ- Engine Oil, TRP Synthetic Trans- American TRP Coolant product and gasoline engines and also TRP Synthetic Transmission Oil ential oil in over-the-road and off- mission Oil and TRP Synthetic line.” keeps older engine models run- offers exceptional performance. road vehicles and is as crucial to Gear Oil are the newest additions Formulated to guard against ning smoothly. Recommended for a broad the reliability of a heavy-duty ve- to the company’s global catalog of wear and corrosion in demanding Made to combat the sludge, range of heavy-duty truck trans- hicle as its engine or transmission more than 110,000 parts and applications, the four products in varnish and ash deposits that can missions including Eaton and lubricant. products. the TRP Lubricant Program pro- occur at high operating tempera- Meritor, TRP Synthetic Transmis- It is a multi-grade gear lubri- “Providing industry profes- tect axle components, transmis- tures, TRP Engine Oil also pro- sion Oil has a high viscosity index cant designed to reduce operating sionals with products they can de- sions and engines for longer life tects against oxidation, corrosion and low pour point for easy shift- temperatures. pend on, TRP products are de- and smoother operation across a and rust. It also provides Diesel ing in low temperatures. Its formu- To learn more, stop by Expo signed and tested to exceed the rig- wide range of operating Particulate Filter protection, re- lation protects against gear wear Booth No. 911 or visit www.trp- ors of the road,” said Mark Sants- conditions. sulting in longer DPF life, less and copper corrosion, while pro- parts.com. 22 February 15, 2017 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2017 Bus & Motorcoach News MCI developing electric coaches and 35-foot J-coach DES PLAINES, Ill. — Motor Coach In- heater has improved serviceability and diag- dustries is developing an electric coach and nostics features as well as USB connectivity. also plans to introduce a 35-foot J-coach to For operators who run their J4500s on complement its flagship J4500 model. gravelly road conditions, a Severe Duty MCI also plans to showcase the latest in- package option offers improved engine fil- novations on the J4500 and luxury Setra S tration, protective engine under-pans and 417 coaches during UMA Motocoach Expo triple mud flaps designed to deflect debris. in St. Louis. A dedicated cabin filtration system and “As we move into 2017, investments in pressurized baggage compartments help our products continue as we are in the early keep dust out of the coach. stages of developing both a 35-foot coach MCI’s Setra distribution agreement with and fully electric coaches based on the in- Daimler has been extended, and improvements dustry’s best-selling MCI J4500 model,” to the S 417 include a redesigned front fascia said Patrick Scully, MCI executive vice and improved rear styling. Other interior up- president of sales and marketing. grades include Harmonia rosewood flooring Scully said the electric-bus technology and Makassar wood rear lavatory walls. will apply to both private and public com- Additionally, the Setra S 407 Comfort muter shuttles and will be especially suit- Class arrives with significantly more curb able for MCI’s San Francisco Bay-area op- appeal, featuring exterior and interior fin- erators and others wanting the benefits of MCI plans to showcase the latest innovations on the J4500 (pictured) and luxury Setra S 417 ishes similar to the Setra S 417. electric power. coaches during UMA Motocoach Expo in St. Louis. MCI has also announced plans to open a New Flyer Industries, MCI’s parent new service center in the San Francisco Bay company, has been in the fully electric bus design phase and will keep the market up- technology, is worth the investment when area. Site selection is underway with additional market for more than a decade and MCI dated on our progress.” “even one incident is avoided,” he said. information expected in the next few months. plans to build on that knowledge base. MCI also will unveil the latest generation Another J4500 option is a 360-degree Visitors to MCI’s Expo booth will also “Our customers in the public and private of EPA 2017 Cummins ISX12 and Detroit camera system that improves driver’s visi- get to test the new MCI online PartsStore. A sectors have been inquiring about our plans, DD13 engines available on all new J4500 bility especially in low-speed maneuvering. series of online enhancements for a better and we’re confirming that an electric coach motor coaches. Both engines benefit from LED drip-rail-mounted lights provide im- customer service experience include supe- is under development,” Scully said. “We’re faster, 500-baud communication and adopt proved curbside and roadside illumination rior inventory searches, on-point sugges- grateful to have New Flyer’s leadership, the new “Nexiq” interface tool to replace the when drivers are loading and unloading bag- tions and sharp photos of individual parts. commitment and electric expertise to quick- existing Dearborn interface adapter. gage or fueling the coach. The site also features expedited shipping ly move the development along.” “Plus, each supplier now offers its own Passenger comfort is enhanced with new options and estimates and improved auto- MCI also is an industry pioneer in CNG proprietary real-time remote diagnostic sys- luxury upholstered Amaya GT seats that mated order tracking from a desktop, tablet and diesel-electric hybrid buses, offering the tem with telematics, making trouble shoot- have a thinner back for more per-passenger or smartphone. MCI D-Series coach in those configurations. ing easier for drivers or technicians when an cabin space. Sleek Kiel seats are available as New Flyer and MCI recently announced At the same time it is developing electric issue occurs,” said Brent Maitland, vice an option, along with an enhanced REI en- the promotions of Ian Smart to president of coaches, MCI is in early development stages president of marketing and product plan- tertainment system for premium sound and MCI and Brian Dewsnup to president of af- of a 35-foot J-coach in response to custom- ning. “MCI’s technical call center is also HDMI tour guide connectivity. termarket parts. In other management ers’ request for a smaller vehicle that offers linking to these systems to improve our re- Technical changes include a new Parker- changes, the companies named Mark Rent- the reliability and parts commonality of the sponsiveness to customer issues.” Vansco multiplexing system, improved cool- on vice president of manufacturing and fa- popular MCI J4500. Maitland said the company is focusing ing fan and drive system, and a maintenance- cilities, succeeding Bryan Couch, who re- “We want to be able to offer a product on advanced driver assistance technology friendly sight glass for the fan miter box. The tired in December 2016 after a nearly option to customers that need a smaller aimed at reducing incidents and lowering model also includes 16,000-pound payload 30-year career with MCI. coach and are looking for product and brand operational costs. The optional Bendix capacity, a new 150-amp Denso alternator JP Pelletier was named vice president of commonality with MCI,” Scully said. “Cur- Wingman Advanced, which combines adap- and easier-to-access electrical components. engineering and Jim Macdonald was named rently we are moving from planning to the tive cruise control with collision-mitigation An upgraded ProHeat X45 auxiliary vice president of quality and customer service. Stertil-Koni introduces heavy-duty mobile column lift STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Ve- The lifts are wireless, with no control console, much like the lat- features overload protection, a The ST 1130 model also fea- hicle lift company Stertil-Koni has interconnecting communication est tablet computers,” said Dr. Jean dedicated mechanical locking sys- tures a Multi Master System, introduced the ST 1130 mobile cables required, and are mobile — DellAmore, Stertil-Koni’s presi- tem and a fully automatic synchro- equipped with a control box on column lift, featuring a lifting ca- easily relocated in a maintenance dent. “In that way, all relevant lift- nization system that helps ensure each column. Lifting columns can pacity of 29,000 pounds per col- facility by a single operator by ing information is instantly and proper, level lifting even when the be operated individually, in pairs umn and 116,000 pounds for a set means of retractable wheels. directly available to the person front and rear portions of the ve- or as a complete set with the touch of four. “The new ST 1130 mobile col- who needs it most, the busy tech- hicle have substantial weight dif- of a single button. The new model is engineered to umns also contain the ebright nician on the shop floor.” ferences, which is common in All columns are interchange- deliver an optimal combination of Smart Control System, which fea- Like all Stertil-Koni mobile large work, industrial and off-road able so they can be used at multi- high-capacity lifting and added pro- tures a full-color touch-screen column lifts, the ST 1130 model vehicles. ple locations. The new Stertil-Koni ductivity, efficiency and durability. mobile column lifts require no ex- The ST 1130, without any re- ternal power source to operate and duction sleeves, is designed for REV Group redesigns Krystal coach communicate wirelessly with no tires with an outside diameter from IMLAY CITY, Mich. — Krys- introduced its own custom seat de- tronics and a trash receptacle. cross-channel interference. 79 to 88 inches. With one reduc- tal, a longtime leader in luxury sign featuring a stitching pattern Outside, Krystal’s new molded Powered by standard deep-cy- tion sleeve it is designed for tires bus design and a REV Group that is exclusive to Krystal and fiberglass exterior features a front cle batteries, they typically last up with an outside diameter from 67 brand, has been redesigned from REV sister brand Federal. cap with large panoramic forward to two weeks prior to recharging. to 80 inches, and with two reduc- the inside out for 2017. And, because entertainment observation windows, and stick- As a result, setup time is minimal tion sleeves it is designed for tires The new design follows Krys- features are key in the luxury bus ing to Krystal’s luxury standards, because no interconnecting cables with an outside diameter from 55 tal’s relocation to Imlay City, market, the 2017 interior will fea- the passenger entry door will con- are required and safety is enhanced to 67 inches. home to one of REV Bus Group’s ture a drop-down TV located near tinue to offer standard electric- because the risk of an operator With these specs and a fork production facilities. the front of the bus and upgraded slide operation. tripping is eliminated. length on the column of 25.5 inch- Partnering with Premier Prod- luggage racks with TV monitors. To learn more, stop by Expo To learn more, stop by Expo es, the ST 1130 is designed to lift ucts, known for the high-level safe- To reduce clutter, a custom Booth No. 1306 or visit www.rev- Booth No. 602 or visit www.stertil- unique container handling vehicles. ty in belted coach seating, REV has audio/visual cabinet hides elec- group.com. koni.com. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS February 15, 2017 23

Irizar FROM PAGE 1 reliable product that can be cus- Kenneth Cox of Georgia Coach Lines in Atlanta dies tomized and complies with the FAIRBURN, Ga. — Kenneth friends — Horace McCrary, Har- Cox also was a certified safety Keitha L. (Michael) Haugabrook, USDOT regulations.” B. Cox, owner of Georgia Coach old McCrary, Clarence Cox Jr., director for Georgia Coach Lines Tequita Cox, Lynn Marchele M. The company made some de- Lines in Atlanta and a respected Troy Davis, James Toland and and was certified to conduct DOT (John) Calabresi and La’Cresia A. sign changes on the i6 coaches member of the motorcoach indus- Carlton (Butch) Curry — became inspections. Greeson; grandchildren Michael sold in the U.S. to meet federal try, passed away last month. He co-founders and owners of Geor- In his spare time, he participat- Whitfield, Keona R. Cox, Kenneth standards and to conform to this was 66. gia Coach Lines, Inc. ed in the “Old Style Players” Car A. Cox, Kia B. Cox, Zoria Cox, Da- country’s roads. For example, the Cox got his start in the trans- Cox was the last original owner. Club, where he was proud to show vante’ Cox and Brittany N. Gree- U.S. coaches are wider than those portation industry at Superior He served two terms on the off a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor. He son; great grandchild Kaori Jack- sold in Europe, where the streets Trucking Company, and for 29 board of directors of the Georgia received numerous awards from son; sister Frankie Cox Myrick; are narrower. years he transported heavy equip- Motor Coach Association and car shows throughout Georgia. sisters-in-law Carolyn Reed and The coaches sold here also are ment and reached his Million Mile was a member of NAMO, the Na- Cox is survived by his devoted Shirley Goosby; and several nieces, longer — the company’s European Marker. tional Association of Motorcoach and loving partner, Dorothy (Dot) nephews, cousins and special models are 35, 40 and 42 feet long Cox and six of his close Operators. Greeson; daughters Kesha L. Cox, friends. — and they have a lower center of gravity and a longer wheel base for offers the latest technologies from could adapt them to the U.S. but it “But the door is not closed at all.” When Irizar entered the U.S. more stability on the highway. the automotive industry, such as will take longer and it is a big in- He said Irizar’s main focus for market last year, it said its strategy Both models feature Cummins LED headlights, tail lights and vestment. We are taking it step by the near term is to introduce U.S. was to position itself as a premium engines and Allison automatic marker lights. Safety features in- step to see how big we grow in the customers to the company and its brand in the coach market and to transmissions. The vehicles are clude adaptive cruise control, ad- U.S.” long-term success in Europe and eventually capture 10 to 15 percent manufactured entirely in the Euro- vanced electronic braking, lane He added that the company other parts of the world. of the market in the premium pean Union and have been fully departure warning, driver fatigue also would consider opening a “When you enter a market like segment. adapted to meet the regulatory re- detectors, and automatic light and manufacturing plant in the U.S. the U.S., you are a new opportunity Etxezarreta said that while that quirements, demands and needs of wiper sensors. someday “depending on our perfor people,” he said. “So you have still is the case, the company North American operators, Etx- For now, however, Irizar plans formance in the market.” to show them what you can do. We doesn’t expect a huge growth in ezarreta said. to focus only on selling two i6 Another option could be manu- have 127 years of experience and sales overnight. But as the market He added that standard coach models in the U.S. facturing U.S.-bound coaches in our goal is to show customers how stabilizes, it hopes to achieve its tar- features that have been common in Irizar also has been manufac- Mexico, although that could de- strong a business we are.” get over the next four or five years. Europe for years, such as full inde- turing electric transit buses for the pend on whether President Donald Customer service also is key to “Our coaches have gotten a pendent suspension and active tag past couple years for use in Euro- Trump follows through on his achieving that goal, Etxezarreta good reception from customers,” steering, are becoming popular in pean cities, and it is possible the threat to impose a 35-percent tax said. he said. “We’ve had good contacts the U.S., as well. company will someday introduce on products made in Mexico for “Sales come from the perfor- with customers and the perfor- The company plans to intro- them in the U.S. sale in the U.S. mance of the coaches and the ser- mance of the product has been reduce other models here in the fu- “It’s open,” Etxezarreta said. “These political decisions may af- vice provided by our local team,” ally good. So we are happy.” ture, such as its flagship i8, which “No one knows the future. We fect our decisions,” Etxezarreta said. he said. RETURN TO PAGE 1 b

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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 go Chart or go Tour 763-710-9947 www.rbs2000.com 24 February 15, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News One person’s motorcoach is another person’s party bus By Christian Riddell I figured motorcoaches just be some version of, “We don’t can also tell stories of how this has Motorcoach Marketing Council weren’t her thing and found myself Marketing Minute have those. Call someone else.” turned against companies that wrapping up my thought and look- And while your booking peo- weren’t proactive about establish- What do you ing for a way to move on. ple would probably feel justified ing their brand, and it ended up call something I was also thinking how strange in their response (and perhaps you costing them a lot of grief and a lot that drives in a bus it was. I mean, if anyone would ap- It’s the Smart Move as an owner have even consulted of money to undo the brand their lane, carries pas- preciate this and be at least some- them to do so), you would have customers gave them instead. sengers and offers how connected to our plight, I industry we are inconsistent. Read turned away a customer who was So, what do you call something groups the safest, thought it would be an event any publication, even our internal actually shopping for exactly what that drives in a bus lane, carries most comfortable coordinator. trade publications, and you will we have — motorcoaches. passengers and offers groups the means of group As I wrapped up, I searched for undoubtedly find references to at Now, this level of product con- safest, most comfortable means of transportation on something else to say, but there least some of these. fusion is not the only issue. This in- group transportation on the road Christian Riddell the road today? was a brief moment of awkward On the surface this seems pret- dustrywide discrepancy of what our today? Unfortunately, the answer to silence. And then, from across the ty innocent, but the ramifications equipment is called is also very Let me make a case for “mo- that question may not be as simple table, I saw her eyes light up. with the buying public are real. damaging to marketing efforts. torcoach” by highlighting some of as you might think. “Oh, you mean party buses! Take, for example, what my My friend, for example, does the issues we now face as an indus- A few months ago, my family We love those things! They are so friend called our equipment (party not charter buses, coaches or mo- try with the other names. was having dinner with a family fun, and the new ones are so luxu- buses). In our industry, this phrase torcoaches. As far as she is con- Bus — This is probably the whose kids play with ours. The rious,” she said. conjures images of limo-style mini cerned, she is a consumer of party most common knee-jerk name for mother is an event planner and has For the next few minutes, she coaches that have been converted to buses. So if we sent her an email or our equipment. I catch myself say- worked with some very large com- gave what would have been one of include bars, couches and, well, postcard advertising motorcoach- ing it sometimes. I think it is prob- panies such as Microsoft. the world’s best testimonials from “firehouse-style poles” in the back. es, she would, at first glance, dis- ably because it is such an easy way We were discussing what we someone who knows our product It also brings up legal issues, miss it completely. to get someone on our page with have been up to and came upon the and has booked our services in the regulations, and real industry issues In the branding world, there is what we are and what we do. Motorcoach Marketing Council. I past. She talked about comfort, facing this style of transportation. an old adage, which goes some- The mental picture associated enthusiastically started telling her how they are a great product and So, imagine my friend calling thing like this: “You can choose with “bus” is always one of groups about the GoMotorcoach program service, and how she couldn’t do your office and saying, “I need to your brand or you can let your cus- utilizing a mode of transportation. and our marketing efforts through- her job without them. rent a party bus for an event I am tomers choose. Either way, you The problem is that along with this out North America. But, over and over again, she working on.” will be branded.” mental image of lots of people, I noticed that as I did, her eyes called them party buses. What would come next from As someone who has worked there is almost always a level of kind of glossed over and she Buses, coaches, party buses, your staff? If you are like many op- as a brand developer for over a de- “comfort and accommodation.” seemed kind of checked out. motorcoaches — even inside our erators, the answer would probably cade, I can attest that this is true. I CONTINUED ON PAGE 25 c

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some to buyers. For example, go to ramp) for what we in the industry Marketing FROM PAGE 24 Google and type in your city name know as “party bus” operators. In Driverless electric shuttle School bus, public bus: They and then “coaches.” What comes most cases, these are regulations carry groups, yes, but there are a up? Chances are, you will get a that we support and condone. lot of other things that come with Wikipedia page for some sports So, while we don’t want to com- tested on Las Vegas streets that, most of which are not the coach or a manufactured home pletely throw in with this brand, we LAS VEGAS — Partiers and The vehicle had a human at- image of a modern motorcoach. company. do want to stand on the side and gamblers got a chance to ride on tendant and computer monitor, but Perhaps the bigger issue is the This means that, while we talk convert those buyers who are not what was billed as the first driver- no steering wheel and no brake fact that in this environment we, as about this to our customers and necessarily looking for tinted win- less electric shuttle operating on a pedals. Passengers push a button the premier providers of safe, com- use it as a way to describe our dows and puffy couches into buyers public U.S. street. at a marked stop to board it. fortable, first-class group trans- equipment, if the customer then of our product — motorcoaches. The oval-shaped Arma shuttle, The shuttle uses GPS, elec- portation, are held up right along- translates that into actionable Motorcoach — This word created by a French company, car- tronic curb sensors and other tech- side actual bus operators (local searching, they will get stuck and conjures up very little for those ried up to 12 passengers for free nology, and doesn’t require lane public transportation services, frustrated quickly. outside our industry and that is an along a short stretch of the Fre- lines to make its way. mont Street entertainment district The Arma can reach up to 27 school bus transportation services Party bus — You may be sur- opportunity we can’t miss. last month as part of a 10-day pilot mph, but only drove up to 12 mph and the like). prised to learn that there are more We need to educate our sales- program. during the test period. Google today is a qualifier for searches for the term “party bus” people to use this word more. We people. I type in a word and what in any given market than almost all need to convert the language on comes up on my screen is the in- other searches for our product our sites and literature to reflect formation “I need to know.” combined. that motorcoach is our brand. When we use “bus” and come First, yes, I understand that a We need to tie it to the comfort, up fifth on a list behind a bunch of certain percentage of these are in- luxury, safety and experience that actual bus operators, we are being deed looking for the aforemen- we, as an industry, offer our pas- put in a basket that suggests we tioned style of coaches. However, sengers. We need to take control of compete with them. This means this doesn’t apply to all of them. our brand and begin to create a ral- that, down the road a few steps, we I have discussed with operators lying cry that will be heard north will be stuck answering the ques- from coast to coast the idea of em- to south and east to west. tion of whether we can price match bracing this traffic until they know Customers need to be con- the guy down the street who oper- that the buyers are really looking vinced of the fact that they really ates a fleet of aging school buses. for something they don’t offer, but need to GoMotorcoach, and that One of the driverless buses in Las Vegas. Photo by s.savanapridi for the city of Las Vegas) Coach — This almost seems I am almost always met with seri- going motorcoach means some- like shorthand for our equipment ous resistance. They want to avoid thing more than just transportation The GoMotorcoach products, For more information about at this point. It’s like the shorter, being associated with party buses. for groups. We need to go from tis- social tags and trainings will help the Motorcoach Marketing Coun- more familiar way to discuss it. It is also true that there are reg- sue to Kleenex here and create you get there. Take a look at how you cil and its programs, go to www. While that works great at the ulations currently in place (or something that will drive our in- can use them to lay claim to your motorcoachmarketing.org. staff meeting, it can be trouble- coming quickly down the on- dustry forward. part of the motorcoach movement. RETURN TO PAGE 24 b

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www.BusElectronics.com SAME-DAY SHIPPING | IN-HOUSE TECH SUPPORT | COMPETITIVE PRICING 877.378.2267 • [email protected] 26 February 15, 2017 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Bernard Barnes named Motor Coach Operator of the Year WASHINGTON — Bernard of the streets in Washington, D.C. He also serves as a driver for wheels as they go round and round. Barnes, operations manager for Recipients are nominated by the group trips because of his love of It has been said that bus drivers Kingsmen Coach Lines in Conley, Guild’s membership. the industry and his pleasure in are a special breed, which de- Ga., received the Motor Coach Barnes is a former motorcoach serving the passengers on Kings- scribes Barnes, who is a natural Operator of the Year award from company owner and a member of men coaches. when it comes to hospitality and the Guild of Professional Tour the founding board of directors of Guild officials say Barnes his genuine care and concern for Guides. the Georgia Motorcoach Operators loves the feel of the coach steering people he meets, especially his The award recognizes a motor- Association. wheel and the sound of those passengers. coach operator who has best con- tributed to the team spirit of guid- ing and to the care and comfort of Hart honored by bus safety council passengers, including the condi- CLEVELAND — Clyde Hart Senate Committee on Commerce, vice president of government af- tion of the coach. was presented with the Bus Industry the Interstate Commerce Commis- fairs at UMA. He was known for Barnes’ selection was based on Safety Council’s 2017 Norm Littler sion and the Maritime Administra- his accessibility, offering guidance his team spirit, good manners, en- Memorial Safety Award for his tor. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran. and advice on safety and regulato- joyment of his passengers, sense “contributions and distinguished “Although our respective asso- ry issues. of humor and thorough knowledge leadership” to the council and to the ciations often disagree on policy, it Other awards issued during American Bus Association. was an honor to work alongside ABA Marketplace were: Hart served as senior vice presi- Clyde on Capitol Hill and repre- BusRide Good Stewardship CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING dent for government affairs for the sent our distinct positions,” said Award — Gordie Mackay of In- ABA and as general counsel for the Ken Presley, vice president of in- dian Trails in Owosso, Mich. safety council. He retired in 2014. dustry relations and chief operat- Groups Today MOXIE He received the award at ABA’s ing officer for the United Motor- Award — Bob Cline of US Tours Marketplace 2017 in Cleveland. coach Association. I learned in Vienna, W.V. Hart joined ABA in 2001 and tremendously from him. Our MCI Green Operator worked on several transportation heartiest congratulations go out to Award — Arrow Stage Lines, reauthorization bills, including him today as BISC honors his vast Omaha, Neb., large company win- TEA-21, SAFETEA-LU, and contributions to the industry.” ner; H&L Charter Company of MAP-21, as well as other legisla- The award’s namesake, Norm Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., small tion affecting the bus and motor- Littler, was in the bus and motor- company winner coach industry. coach industry for more than four Metro Innovative Operator He also participated in the decades and served as ABA’s vice Award — Lamers Bus Lines of Charter Bus Negotiated Rulemak- president of regulatory affairs and Green Bay, Wis. ing and Entry Level Driver Train- executive director of the Bus In- ABA Media Women in Buses Excellent Condition…none nicer! ing Advisory committees. dustry Safety Council before his Award — Patricia Ziska of Motor 100k TCM • OEM 3 Point Seat Belts Before joining ABA, Hart passing in 2013. Coach Industries, Inc., of Des Cummins B500 • 58 pax w/lav • CD/DVD served as senior counsel for the Littler also worked as senior Plaines, Ill. Michelin Tires • Alcoa Rims • Lots more options Lower Price: $369k • Partial Financing O.A.C. Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered More available Call or Email today for more photos and info! 808.832.6261 [email protected] RECRUITMENT CHTC (USA), Inc., A rapidly growing international Motor-Coach/ Bus manufacturer and distributor is seeking direct experienced individuals for the following key positions. 1. Engineering designer 4. Finance 2. Manufacturing operations 5. Accounting 3. Technical support 6. Sales Support Please e-mail or fax resume detailing knowledge and Winners of the Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association Roadeo experience within the industry to: (Left to right) James Sencenbaugh and Mike Spaulding of Daniel’s Charters & Tours, tied for first place; [email protected] • Fax 909-993-0836 Jimmy Cantrell, president of Daniel’s Charters; Craig Cochran of Daniel’s Charters, second place; and www.chtcusa.com James Clark of Horizon Motor Coach, third place. 28 UMA International Motor 26-28 Trailways Annual Calendar coach Driver Competition, St. Conference & Meeting, Newport REPOS FOR SALE Louis, Mo. Info: www.motorcoach Beach, Calif. Info: www.teamtrail- •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell February 2017 expo.com/uma-driver-competition ways.com • Variety of Makes & Models 26-March 2 UMA Motor- March 2017 x30716 coach Expo 2017, St. Louis, Mo. 29 Pennsylvania Bus Associa 1-877-737-2221 Info: www.motorcoachexpo.com 7 Greater New Jersey Motor- tion Marketplace, Spooky Nook — View “Repo Inventory” coach Association Spring Assoc. www.Bus-Buys.com 26-March 2 NTA Travel Sports Complex, Lancaster, Pa. Meeting & Motorcoach Profes- Info: www.pabus.org/Events/ Exchange, St. Louis, Mo. Info: sional Awards, location TBD. Marketplace/Marketplace-2017 Call 866-930-8426 for Advertising www.ntaonline.com/convention Info: www.gnjma.com OUR REPUTATION FOR SERVICE IS FUELED BY EXPERIENCE.

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