Happy New Year! January 1, 2013

Get ready: Bus safety executives blast DataQs system ASHBURN, Va. — Bus and An FMCSA nar during a presentation by Peter is incorrect, maybe there was a data ADA audits motorcoach safety executives at- spokesperson Chandler, team leader in the entry problem. If you find some tending a seminar here last month later told Bus & FMCSA office of enforcement and potentially incorrect data, there is a gave Federal Motor Carrier Safety Motorcoach compliance. website called DataQs where you are coming Administration officials an earful News the agency Chandler had just encouraged can challenge what you believe to about the agency’s DataQs system plans to launch a participants to look closely at their be incorrect data on your opera- ASHBURN, Va. — Federal used to challenge inaccurate infor- new DataQs sys- company safety data in the agency’s tion.” The website can be found safety inspectors are ramping up mation about their companies. tem this month to Safety Measurement System, which at https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/. their ability to conduct an Ameri- The safety executives said the improve its intake FMCSA uses to prioritize interven- cans with Disabilities Act audit as system is stacked against them, and resolution Peter Chandler tions such as compliance reviews, to A broken system? part of virtually every compliance with their challenges often going process. assure the information is accurate. A number of participants inter- review of a motorcoach company, directly to the people who wrote The industry executives spoke “Check the data we have on rupted him to voice their unhap­ officials with the Federal Motor up the inaccurate information in up at the United Motorcoach Asso- you,” Chandler said. piness with the DataQs system, Carrier Safety Administration told the first place. ciation Safety Management Semi- “It’s possible some of the data CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 attendees at the United Motor- c coach Association Safety Manage- ment Seminar here last month. “Eventually, they are going to Latest California emissions limit effective Jan. 1 be a part of every single compli- SACRAMENTO, Calif. — coach News.) equipped with particulate filters. until it is in compliance. ance review, with rare exceptions,” Motorcoach companies operating Similar requirements took ef- Operators sending coaches to The rules are part of Califor- said Wesley Barber, transportation older buses in California should be fect for 1996-99 model-year en- California for the 2013 Rose Bowl nia’s Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, specialist in the FMCSA commer- aware of the latest deadline for a gines in January 2012, and will or Rose Parade on New Year’s Day which includes a number of regu- cial passenger safety division. tough regulation designed to curb apply to 2005 or newer model-year should be aware of the requirement. lations designed to reduce emis- “So, just be aware, that ADA air pollution from buses and engines in January 2014. CARB warns that penalties for sions from a variety of sources. will now be incorporated into trucks. The rules cover all diesel-­ noncompliance are stiff. When the Statewide Truck and compliance reviews and investiga- The California Air Resources powered vehicles traveling in the Owners face fines that start at Bus Rule was adopted in 2008, its tions when we come into your Board issued an alert to remind state, whether registered in Cali- $1,000 per violation per month goal was to reduce diesel emis- company.” operators that coaches operating in fornia or another state. and increase significantly over sions to nearly 70 percent lower Barber advised bus and motor- the state with 2000-04 model-year In other words, for trips into time. than they would be without the coach safety executives attending engines will likely need to have California, operators should use In addition, noncompliance regulation, and reduce emissions the seminar to take ADA compli- been retrofitted with PM filters, as coaches equipped with 2007 or can mean a California Department of the smog-forming pollutant ance very seriously because if the required by the Statewide Truck newer model-year engines, which of Motor Vehicles registration NOx (oxides of nitrogen) by 25 FMCSA finds “a carrier that is in and Bus Rule, by Jan. 1, 2013. meet the reduced emissions require- block on the bus, and the Califor- percent by 2014. (See Feb. 1, 2008 willful noncompliance, we have (See March 1, 2011, Bus & Motor- ments, or use older buses that are nia Highway Patrol can impound it CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c the ability to suspend, amend or re- voke any part of their operating authority.” Prevost turns to technology to aid customers Furthermore, FMCSA is not the only agency that might get in- Bus & Motorcoach News has than 2,000 sold through these changes, we feel it is Is the North American intercity volved in an enforcement action. asked North America’s leading each year. Do our responsibility to provide prod- market a segment Prevost intends to The U.S. Department of Justice motorcoach builders and suppliers you see the ucts and services to operators pursue aggressively in the future? and the FMCSA have an informa- to participate in a series of ques- market re- which continue to keep their oper- Commuter coach operators are tion-sharing interagency agree- tion-and-answer format articles in bounding? Or, ating costs as low as possible, so looking for a stronger choice for ment, said Loretta Bitner, chief of advance of UMA Motorcoach is this the “new they can focus on creatively serv- their commuter needs. Reliability, Expo 2013. normal?” ing their customers. dependability, and cost of opera- the commercial enforcement divi- Here is the second article, with A. Since Our customers indicate that a tions are very important to this sion at FMCSA. the questions submitted to and an- change is inevi- rebound is dependent on them market. So even if the FMCSA decides swered by Robert Goodnight, vice table in this in- Robert Goodnight being able to offer transportation Prevost has been approached not to take a significant action president new coach sales at Pre- dustry, we believe we should not and travel services without in- by operators looking for a com- against a carrier found to be in vost Car, builder of Prevost motor- view anything as “normal.” creased operating costs. Prevost is muter coach that addresses their noncompliance with ADA, the De- coaches and distributor of the As to the market rebounding, doing its part by offering various needs, and we are meeting those partment of Justice may take a dif- Volvo 9700 coach. we think that depends on several ways to increase fuel economy, in- needs with the X3-45 Commuter ferent view, she warned. Q. Overall sales of new mo- factors. We will have to see how cluding its innovative PRIME by Coach. “Sometimes we (the FMCSA) torcoaches in the U.S. and Cana- well the industry adapts to chang- Prevost, which lowers fuel costs Q. In the current business don’t start the action to revoke the da have been at reduced levels es in the market. through a unique energy manage- and economic climate, are you CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c for the past four years — fewer To help the industry move ment system. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c

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*Based on research covering more than 75 million motorcoach miles. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS January 1, 2013 3 Driver escapes manslaughter charge in fatal NYC crash NEW YORK — The driver in a found guilty, the judge sentenced the result of reckless behavior or the driver told a New York newspaper employer, World Wide Tours, fatal 2011 motorcoach crash that him to 30 days in prison, which he extreme exhaustion. He said a after the trial. “It was quiet and dark. faces dozens of civil lawsuits con- touched off an inspection witch has served. He also was ordered to tractor-trailer cut him off, causing Everyone was asleep.” solidated into one Brooklyn case. hunt in New York and other states pay a fee of $500. him to swerve and hit a guardrail. Investigators claim Williams Meanwhile, Williams is dead was acquitted last month of man- Prosecutors had accused Wil- Investigators could find no in- also began dozing, leading him to broke and out of work. slaughter and negligent homicide liams of being all but asleep when dication that had occurred. veer into a guardrail, which caused “I’ve been unfairly portrayed. charges stemming from the tragedy. the coach he was driving in March Williams faced the possibility the bus to flip on its side and skid I’m not that monster, I’m not a Ophadell Williams was found 2011 crashed, killing 15 gamblers of 15 years in prison for the crash. into a towering sign post, which death driver,” he said. “I loved my guilty on a single count of aggra- on their way home to New York Moments before the crash, Wil- sheared off the roof. job, showed up to work every day, vated unlicensed driving. He wept City from a Connecticut casino. liams said he was happily anticipat- While Williams escaped the and I was good at it.” and covered his face with his Williams argued throughout ing coming home to his wife. criminal conviction, his courtroom New York and other states sig- hands when the verdict was read. the trial he had been awake and “We had hit the Bronx and I was battle with passengers continues. nificantly stepped up bus inspec- On the count of which he was alert, and said the crash was not like, ‘Yeah, in 15 minutes I’m home,’” He, along with his defunct former tions in the wake of the crash. More tourism, travel industry growth forecast for 2013 WASHINGTON — The U.S. recovery that drives significant in- Although forecast to grow at a faster, by around 4 percent, with created 296,000 jobs since De- Travel Association is projecting an creases in travel.” slower pace, domestic leisure trav- spending by international visitors cember 2009, recovering 59 per- increase of nearly 100,000 tourism- The focus of the 2012 election el is predicted to reach record high forecast to rise by more than 7 cent of jobs lost during the Great sector jobs by the end of this year. was on how to put Americans back levels this year, with domestic percent. Recession. Growth in domestic and inter- to work, “and our industry is spending forecast to grow by 3 Part of the basis for U.S. Trav- By comparison, the rest of the national inbound tourism, as well uniquely capable of adapting to percent. el’s growth predictions was a re- economy has recouped 51 percent as business travel, will likely see economic upswings and creating At the same time, inbound tour- port by the U.S. Department of of the jobs lost during the the travel industry add some jobs,” Dow adds. ism is expected to grow slightly Labor that the travel industry has recession. 98,800 American jobs over the According to the Labor De- next twelve or so months, says Diesel price to decline in 2013, USDOE predicts partment, the nation’s travel indus- U.S. Travel. WASHINGTON — The price $3.63 a gallon during the final gasoline averaged $3.53. try leads the economy in employ- And given the industry’s “im- of diesel fuel, which averaged just three months of 2012, will drop to Diesel’s highest price during ment growth, creating jobs 16 mense potential, not only nation- over $4 a gallon in the final quar- a $3.43 average in 2013, the 2012 was $4.15 on Oct. 15 — a percent faster than other sectors. ally but also for local and state ter of 2012, will decline to an aver- USDOE said. more-than-four-year high — while The U.S. Travel Association economies,” U.S. Travel Associa- age price of $3.84 a gallon at the Diesel fuel averaged $3.97 a the low was $3.65 on July 2. represents all components of the tion president Roger Dow says it’s pump in 2013, the U.S. Depart- gallon for all of 2012, while gaso- Gasoline’s 2012 high was travel industry, which generates crucial that policymakers in Wash- ment of Energy predicts. line averaged $3.64. In 2011, die- $3.94 on April 2, while the low $1.9 trillion in economic output and ington “build a plan for economic Gasoline, which averaged sel averaged $3.84 a gallon and was $3.30 on Jan. 2. supports 14.4 million jobs.

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Feds revamp ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating demands quick action complaint app, WASHINGTON — When it feds would often grant a 10-day Four passengers died, and 49 situation and any thought that you comes to safety, speed is seldom a extension to review the plan. of the 58 passengers on board can get your corrective action plan good thing…unless your com­ “After Sky Express, there are were injured, 14 seriously. to the top is likely delusional,” bus safety plan pany has been hit with an “unsatis- few — if any — feds willing to At the time, Sky Express was said the industry safety expert. WASHINGTON — The Fed- factory” safety rating by the Fed- grant a 10-day extension,” said the operating only because it had been “An unsatisfactory rating is eral Motor Carrier Safety Ad- eral Motor Carrier Safety safety executive. granted a 10-day extension of its basically a notice giving you 45 ministration announced a pair of Administration. “If operators submit their cor- operating authority by the FMCSA. days to either go out of business or changes it says will enhance mo- Then, speed is of the essence. rective action plan towards the end Following the crash, U.S. correct your problems. Waiting torcoach safety. That’s because operators re- of the 45 days, it is now almost a Transportation Secretary Ray La- until the last few days likely as- The agency updated its Mo- ceiving an unsatisfactory rating certainty the plan will not be re- Hood announced the FMCSA sures you are going out of busi- torcoach Safety Action Plan and it have a narrower time frame to get viewed and approved before the would no longer grant such exten- ness,” he added. revised the system consumers can safety violations corrected and a 45 days expires and the carrier au- sions. His announcement has since Experience has shown time use to file complaints about un- safety action plan filed and ap- tomatically is put out of service. been adopted as formal policy. and again that most carriers re- safe bus companies and drivers. proved by the FMCSA under pro- “At that point, the carrier is out (See Nov. 15 Bus & Motorcoach ceiving an unsatisfactory rating The redesigned National cedures currently being followed of business with an even larger News.) likely have problems that exceed Consumer Complaint Database by the agency. challenge.” Now, on day 46, following is- their ability to correct themselves, provides what the FMCSA says During the past year and a suance of an unsatisfactory rating, and may require the assistance of a is a more user-friendly interface half, a handful of operators have The ‘Sky Express’ factor the operator will be put out of ser- specialist. for consumers to file complaints been shutdown because they failed “Sky Express” is a reference to vice unless the FMCSA has re- “Do not wait until you have a about unsafe commercial motor to move fast enough to fix safety the May 31, 2011, crash of a coach ceived and blessed a corrective ac- problem to have those experts on vehicle companies and drivers. problems and submit corrective operated by a now-defunct opera- tion plan. speed dial,” said the industry safe- The database redesign allows action plans that were reviewed tor called Sky Express. ty executive. consumers to include more detail and accepted within the time The Sky Express coach was Quick approval unlikely “Also, it is likely you should in their safety complaints, which frame being used by the agency. heading north on Interstate 95 And any expectation the safety have an attorney ready to make sure should help officials more effi- “Once a carrier goes ‘unsatisfac- from Greensboro, N.C., to New agency will move quickly to ap- all of your rights are protected.” ciently investigate complaints. tory’ it has 45 days to turn it around,” York City, when it wandered onto prove an action plan is highly For more information about cur- Smartphone and tablet users notes one industry safety expert. the right shoulder, striking a cable problematic. rent FMCSA “unfit motor carrier also can download an updated “In the past, carriers could barrier and flipping over onto its “The FMCSA is dealing with safety fitness procedures,” go to: SaferBus mobile application. The submit their corrective action plan roof. (See Sept. 1 Bus & Motor- something like 5,000-6,000 carri- www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regula- app provides consumers with a near the end of the 45 days and the coach News.) ers (mostly truckers) in the same tions/truck/company/4009qna.htm. simpler way to access the National Consumer Complaint Database. The database is available at Violations knock out Illinois shuttle operator http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/ CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A 30- portation was making an example HomePage.asp. bus shuttle operation that has been The company was hit by a barrage of bad of his business after several bus The FMCSA motorcoach serving east central Illinois for the crashes received a lot of attention, safety plan reflects the integrated past 13 years has shut down after publicity after the FMCSA announced its including the megabus.com crash activities of several U.S. Depart- the Federal Motor Carrier Safety near Litchfield, Ill., in August. ment of Transportation agencies Administration threatened to close unsatisfactory safety rating. Then, faced with the prospect of and their collaborative efforts to the company following a compli- the feds ordering his business to shut improve the safety of the motor- ance review that turned up numer- produce safety results warranting served by LEX, posted columns down, Frazier pulled the plug and coach industry. ous safety violations. a rating upgrade. Meanwhile, the calling the shuttle service “our announced via the LEX Express The update to the plan ex- LEX Express, which also was company was hit by a barrage of resident horror-story bus service” website the business was closing. pands on the initial 2009 version known as Lincolnland Express, re- bad publicity after the FMCSA and berating the company for “Due to recent circumstance, it announced its proposed unsatis- “providing shoddy service.” by focusing greater attention on ceived a proposed unsatisfactory is with great regret that LEX — factory safety rating. One of the articles concluded driver fatigue, driver behavior, safety rating on Oct. 22, and was Lincolnland Express — has per- A competitor, Suburban Ex- by directing comments to LEX, vehicle maintenance, operator told it would be prohibited from manently closed our doors and is press, piled on, stepping up its pub- saying: “You can blame the gov- oversight, crash avoidance mea- operating after Dec. 7, unless the no longer in business. lic and blatant criticism of LEX Ex- ernment and the competition as sures, and occupant protection. FMCSA approved a corrective ac- “Customers will be contacted tion plan. press. Suburban Express had passed much as you would like, but you and full refunds provided as assets During its safety inspection, out anti-LEX Express materials and did this to yourself. Sucks to be are liquidated. Rahall retains the FMCSA said it uncovered posted a “wall of shame” on its you, LEX.” “LEX would like to thank all such violations as false reporting website, noting LEX failures. Initially, after the FMCSA an- the loyal customers who have used No. 2 ranking of records of duty status, use of After LEX shut down, Subur- nounced its findings, LEX owner our services since 1999,” the post- commercial motor vehicles that ban Express noted the demise of Robert Frazier, attempted to ing said. on committee were not periodically inspected, its competitor with a “So Long, downplay the significance of the In a radio interview, Frazier WASHINGTON — Rep. and failure to properly maintain LEX” link on its website. action, telling local media outlets suggested that all of the bad public- Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., will con- vehicle parts and accessories. It was clear from a number of that “there were minor issues in ity had made it impossible for the tinue to serve as the ranking LEX Express submitted a 600- sources that LEX Express record regards to those (vehicles).” business to survive. He said cus- member on the House Transpor- page proposed safety management of service had been less than stel- “We can’t really do anything tomers had cancelled reservations tation and Infrastructure Commit- plan on Nov. 30, five business lar for some time. Consumer com- other than fight back as best we and were shunning the service. tee when the new Congress con- days before the effective date of ment websites contain numerous can,” he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Frazier told an in- venes this month. the unsatisfactory safety rating. scathing assessments by riders. “(We’re) pretty much trying to terviewer he plans to continue op- The House Democratic Cau- Under its rules, the FMCSA Two writers for the Daily Illini, correct any deficiencies.” erating his charter bus service, cus voted to keep Rahall as the has up to 30 days to assure pro- the student newspaper at the Uni- Frazier also adopted a refrain ­Illini Tours, retaining a handful of top Democrat on the committee. posed corrective action plans will versity of Illinois, which was that the U.S. Department of Trans- employees to help run that business. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET January 1, 2013 5 Changes to Safety Measurement System go into effect ASHBURN, Va. ­— The Fed- the FMCSA office of enforcement Chandler said. these vehicles clearly fall under speeding violations of one to five eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- and compliance. “We weren’t really treating pri- FMCSA authority. miles per hour over the speed limit istration adopted a series of up- “This category takes hours-of- vate owner carriers of passengers They also removed all carriers from the SMS. dates last month to its Safety service record keeping into ac- accurately,” he said. with 1-8 passenger capacity vehi- “The regulations allow a five- Measurement System, which the count, and just because you’re not “A passenger vehicle operated cles, and private carriers with 1-15 mile-per-hour variance in the agency uses to prioritize carriers filling out your log correctly by a private passenger carrier, in passenger capacity vehicles, since speedometer, and we thought it for interventions such as compli- doesn’t necessarily mean you’re order for that to be subject to our they generally are not under wasn’t fair that the regulations ance reviews. fatigued.” jurisdiction, has to be designed to FMCSA authority, effectively re- allow a five-mile-per-hour vari- Parts of the SMS “enhancement Another change involves ap- be used to transport 16 or more moving many taxis, limousines, ance” but would penalize carriers package” were implemented in di- plying equal severity weight to people. and vans. for a speeding violation within rect response to bus and motor- electronic and paper logbook “We found in the old system we “Also, we recently changed the that range, Chandler said. coach industry input, according to violations. were considering 9-15 passenger definition of passenger carrier to Similarly, the severity weight Wesley Barber, transportation spe- Previously, paper and electron- vehicles and 1-8 passenger vehicles better define carriers that are actu- for speeding violations that do not cialist in the FMCSA commercial ic logbook violations carried dif- by private passenger carriers. So, ally transporting passengers and specify by how much the speed passenger carrier safety division. ferent weightings. The SMS en- we’re bringing that into our new doing it on a primary basis,” he said. limit was exceeded was reduced “The (FMCSA) administrator hancement aligns them with the definition and better describing and Therefore, carriers that are pri- from five to one. (Anne Ferro) has taken into ac- same weight of one. addressing passenger carriers that marily trucking companies, but Within the Vehicle Mainte- count the concerns your industry, “We’ve changed the weight are subject to our jurisdiction.” might have some passenger carrier nance BASIC, the updates removed in particular, has shared with us,” down to one for paper logs and Specifically, the updates added services, were removed if less than vehicle violations found during Barber said at the 9th Annual electronic logs so it’s consistent,” all for-hire carriers with 9-15 pas- 2 percent of their fleet consists of driver-only inspections, and re- United Motorcoach Association Barber noted. senger capacity vehicles, and pri- passenger vehicles. moved driver violations found dur- Safety Management Seminar here. The definitions of passenger vate carriers with 16 or more pas- The Unsafe Driving Basic has ing vehicle-only inspections. One change involves renaming carriers also have been clarified, senger capacity vehicles, since been updated, by removing all When the FMCSA updates one of the categories the agency SMS, it generally does so at regu- uses to rate the safety of a motor lar intervals and with a number of carrier. What had been the Fatigued UCRA fees are unlikely to change for 2014 changes at a time, Chandler noted. Driving BASIC (Behavior Analysis WASHINGTON — Directors carriers and other entities. number of buses reported on the Bus operators are strongly en- and Safety Improvement Category) of the Unified Carrier Registra- Under federal law, the U.S. carrier’s latest MCS-150 form sent couraged to check their safety data will now be called the Hours of tion Agreement want Unified Car- Secretary of Transportation sets to the Federal Motor Carrier Safe- at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms to Service Compliance BASIC. rier Registration fees to remain the UCR fees upon recommenda- ty Administration. Canadian op- see how the changes may have im- “We got a lot of comments, unchanged again in 2014. tions from the UCRA board. That erators can deduct buses in their pacted their SMS results. particularly from the passenger During a conference call meet- means that — unless lightening fleet that don’t travel to the U.S. For complete details on the lat- carrier industry, that this category ing last month, the UCRA board strikes — the level of the fees will The fees are: 1-2 buses, $76; est SMS changes, go to the Compli- — this BASIC — was misnamed,” voted not to recommend any remain unchanged for next year. 3-5 buses, $227; 6-20 buses, $452; ance, Safety, Accountability web- said Peter Chandler, team leader in changes in the fees paid by motor The fee is determined by the and 21-100 buses, $1,576. site at http://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

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The systems on both trailers were not Administration, the Nevada High- ing systems are designed for vehi- couraged to install onboard brake crash killed the truck driver, the functional; wires to missing sensors way Patrol, the Commercial Vehicle cles with air-activated drum brakes. stroke monitoring systems on their train conductor, and four train pas- were cut and zip-tied, and wires to Safety Alliance, the American Most systems are not designed for vehicles. sengers; 15 passengers and one malfunction indicator lights had Trucking Associations, the Owner- disk brakes, which have been stan- Here’s the story behind the safe- crewmember were injured. been disconnected. Operator Independent Drivers As- dard on motorcoaches for the better ty board recommendation: According to the NTSB, when This raised “serious questions sociation, the Towing and Recovery part of a decade, and they cannot be On June 24, 2011, a small Ne- the grade crossing signals activated, about the maintenance practices” of Association of America, the Ameri- used with hydraulic brake systems, vada trucking company that spe- the truck was more than 2,300 feet John Davis Trucking of Battle can Bus Association, and the Unit- which are generally found on many cializes in hauling ore and gravel from the tracks. However, investi- Mountain, Nev., said the NTSB. ed Motorcoach Association. cutaway bus chassis. had one of its Peterbilts on the road, gators found no evidence the truck Several months after the colli- John Davis Trucking is strongly The installed cost of an on- pulling two empty trailers, with 9 of driver began braking until the front sion, NTSB investigators went back disputing several of the NTSB con- board brake adjustment monitoring the 16 brakes out of adjustment or of the truck was less than 300 feet to the crash site and conducted a se- clusions and findings. It has posted system depends on the type of sys- not working, driven by a driver who from the crossing. ries of tests using a truck with good a statement on its website, http:// tem purchased and how it’s pur- had an “erratic employment histo- “Although we’ll never know the brakes. www.jdt3d.net/. chased. Costs range from roughly ry” with as many as 30 jobs during exact cause of the truck driver’s in- The test showed that if the acci- The NTSB recommendation to $1,200 to $2,500; $2,000 is fairly the previous 10 years. attention, we do know that if John dent truck been able to decelerate as UMA and ABA asked the associa- typical. The 105-foot-long rig was trav- Davis Trucking had provided its well as the test vehicle, the accident tions to inform their members of Costs may also vary depending eling northbound on U.S. 95, also driver with a safe and properly would have been completely avoid- the circumstances of the crash “and upon the type of vehicle and the known as the Lovelock Highway, maintained vehicle, this accident ed; the accident truck would have encourage them to install onboard number of axles. In addition, some about three miles south of Interstate could have been avoided,” said stopped 15-67 feet short of the rail brake stroke monitoring systems on systems might require the replace- 80, when it crashed into the side of NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. tracks, the NTSB said. their commercial motor vehicles.” ment of the existing spring brake an Amtrak train that was passing Hersman. As a result of its investigation, Onboard brake stroke monitor- chambers with sensor-equipped through a grade crossing. The truck Through accident reconstruc- the NTSB made 20 safety recom- ing systems automatically relay in- chambers, which could increase the was going at least 58 miles per hour tion and physical evidence, the mendations to John Davis Truck- formation about air brake adjust- cost. as it approached the crossing. NTSB determined the truck was ing, the Federal Motor Carrier Safe- ment and operational status to Aftermarket kits are available. Hair tests for drugs proposed; N.J. red-light Feds stuck crafting entry-level feds issue marijuana warning cameras cut training requirements for drivers WASHINGTON — A bill has has at least some challenges de- ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The so, and that’s why we’ve been been introduced in the U.S. House tecting marijuana use. crashes 57% Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- working on this,” Clemente said in that would create a pilot program Separately, the U.S. Depart- TRENTON, N.J. — Cameras ministration has asked its advisory a presentation to the Motor Carrier to test commercial vehicle drivers’ ment of Transportation reminded set up to catch stoplight violators committee to help it deal with var- Safety Advisory Committee. hair strands for evidence of illegal all commercial drivers last month in New Jersey have helped cut in ious issues it has encountered in “But right now, there is current- drug use. that “recreational” use of marijua- half the number of accidents, ac- developing minimum training re- ly no federal standard.” The bill was introduced by na remains illegal, despite initia- cording to a new report. quirements for entry-level com- Federal officials have been Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Wis., and co- tives approved by voters in Colo- Red-light traffic cameras being mercial drivers, including class- working on entry-level driver train- sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleisch­ rado and Washington state that tested in New Jersey have reduced room and on-the-road instruction. ing standards for about two de- mann, R-Tenn. make use of the drug legal there. crashes by as much as 57 percent The agency proposed such re- cades, and issued a regulation in The bill is not expected to pass Washington’s law took effect over two years, and decreased the quirements five years ago (see 2003. (See Sept. 1, 2003, Bus & in the current lame duck session of last month; Colorado’s law goes number of citations being issued, Sept. 1, 2007, Bus & Motorcoach Motorcoach News.) Congress, but will be reintroduced into effect Jan. 5. indicating drivers are changing News), but comments it received But a federal court later told the in the new session that starts in “It is important to note that mari- their behavior, said a report to the on the proposal questioned the de- FMCSA the standards must in- January. juana remains a drug listed in Sched- legislature from the New Jersey tails of the curriculum, how clude on-the-road training, since Supporters of hair testing say ule I of the Controlled Substances Department of Transportation. FMCSA would accredit training the agency determined that such research and experience has Act,” said Jim Swart, director of the “While there is no expecta- programs, the impact the regulation training is necessary for safety. shown it can be more effective USDOT Office of Drug and Alcohol tion that citations will drop to would have on the supply of driv- That resulted in the 2007 pro- than current, conventional drug Policy and Compliance. zero, there is an expectation that ers, and the benefits of the training posal, which the agency has not sampling and testing methods. “It remains unacceptable for driver behavior will change with compared with the costs, said Rich acted on since then. But hair testing may not be the any safety-sensitive employee (stoplight cameras) and these lo- Clemente, a transportation special- “We’re coming up on the five- silver bullet when it comes to drug subject to drug testing under the cations appear to be fulfilling ist at FMCSA. year anniversary of the notice of testing that some advocates assert. U.S. Department of Transportation these expectations,” the report “Is a trained driver a safer driv- proposed rulemaking,” Clemente The test can require 75-80 hairs, drug-testing regulation to use mar- said of the 24 locations studied. er? We would certainly like to think said. “It’s been a long time.” cost up to $150, and reportedly ijuana,” Swart’s statement said. But only two cameras — both of them in Newark — have yield- Big N.Y. toll hike still in limbo ed two years’ worth of data. That First Observer program halted means the data are “still too lim- ALBANY, N.Y. — The New “The proposed toll increase for ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The down last month in a letter to First ited to draw any definitive con- York Thruway Authority continues (buses and) trucks is a complex First Observer security training Observer affiliates. clusions” about the overall effect to kick down the road its proposal issue that requires more evaluation program for commercial vehicle First Observer program calls of the camera monitoring system, to raise over-the-road bus and before it is presented to the board and school bus drivers has run out should now be directed to (877) the report said. truck toll rates by 45 percent. (See to consider,” said Thomas Madi- of money, and classes and other 847-5510. E-mails should go to The report analyzed the cost Nov. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) son, executive director of the state program functions have been put [email protected]. The The authority may be consid- authority. of crashes at various intersec- on hold until new funding is pro- First Observer website and the in- ering alternatives to the controver- “The thruway is looking at a tions, but it did not say how much vided by the Transportation Secu- formation sharing and analysis sial plan. number of options and doing ex- revenue in fines municipalities rity Administration (TSA). center website are no longer The Associated Press reports tensive research, and it will con- made from citations. Charles Hall, president of accessible. that amid public opposition to the tinue to do this due diligence work NJDOT recommended it con- HMS Co., which has been admin- Hall noted that TSA has said proposal, the tollway authority is before another meeting is called tinue to collect safety data from istering the program for the past First Observer will be active again looking at other options. and a recommendation is made.” the camera system. four years, announced the shut- in the near future. 5241_uma ad_Layout 1 12/4/12 12:19 PM Page 1

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DataQs system Enhance system coming Help for groups heading to inauguration Meanwhile, the FMCSA is CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 WASHINGTON — Motor- of Destination DC at (202) 789- formation and road closures at working to improve the DataQs coach companies sending charter 7056, or email her at morgan. GoDCGo.com. Or, routing/road saying they had very little luck get- system and will include best prac- buses to Washington for the sec- [email protected]. closure or parking information, ting inaccurate safety information tices from states, including an ond inauguration of President All groups arriving by motor- can be obtained by calling (855) about their companies corrected or ­appeals board or some other sys- Barack Obama in late January can coach should: 67-BUSES. removed. tem, according to the FMCSA get assistance from Destination • Apply for a District of Co- • Register for traffic alerts on The safety executives com- spokesperson. DC, the convention and tourism lumbia bus permit through the dis- GoDCGo.com, and also get Dis- plained they had filed multiple It also will include an en- corporation for Washington. trict DMV. trict Department of Transportation challenges to inaccurate data, in- hanced guide that will include case Destination DC can help • Reserve bus parking for Inau- news and National Capital Region cluding substantial documenta- studies and best practices from groups of 10 or more in locating guration Day. Go to the District updates. tion to support their claim as states and additional training. rooms, restaurants, local transpor- Department of Transportation web- Additional information about Chandler had recommended, only Furthermore, industry execu- tation or other needs. site for information, www.ddot. the inauguration also is available to have their challenges rejected tives who use the DataQs system Groups requiring 10 or more dc.gov. by calling (855) 67-BUSES. out of hand. may always submit a request for rooms may call Morgan Maravich • Stay updated on routing in- Inauguration day is Jan. 21. More frustrating, oftentimes data review a second time if not their challenges went either di- satisfied with the outcome of the rectly to the officer who wrote up original filing, the spokesperson Michigan adopts ‘right-to-work’ law the violation, or to that officer’s advised. LANSING, Mich. — Michi- senting them in grievances and controlled legislature and opposed direct supervisor, they said. In those cases, a DataQs ana- gan, one of the nation’s mostly other services. by Democrats and unions, includ- In one case, a participant said lyst may consult with other heavily unionized states, has be- Supporters say the law will ing the United Auto Workers. his company had been written up FMCSA officials or subject mat- come the 24th state to pass a give workers freedom of associa- In Michigan, about 17.5 per- for a leaking seal on a bus. ter experts to decide whether the “right-to-work” law, with Gov. tion and promote job creation, cent of workers were union mem- “We sent all kinds of docu- information in question should be Rick Snyder, a Republican, sign- while critics said its intent is to bers in 2011, the fifth highest state mentation saying there’s nothing removed. Some states have set up ing the measure last month. drain unions of funds need to bar- rate in the U.S. wrong with this, that what he saw a more formal appeal process. The law prohibits requiring gain effectively. The law takes effect 90 days either wasn’t there or he was Regardless of the experiences nonunion employees to pay unions The measure was backed by after the legislature adjourned last wrong in his evaluation,” he said. the industry has had with the for negotiating contracts, repre- Snyder and the state’s Republican- month. “We sent all this documentation, DataQs system, Chandler offered exactly what you suggested, and some advice on how to submit a got back from the supervisor of proper data challenge. the officer who wrote this up: “If you do challenge a data el- A Page in ‘The officer still believes there ement, some things to keep in was a problem. No further review, mind are to attach a document no change.’” that supports your data review re- American quest,” he advised. “Be specific Where’s the objectivity? and detailed in your narrative, Having their challenges re- make sure the contact information History viewed by the officers who issued that you give us, like your email the citations was a particular point address, is correct. It’s very pos- of contention with the industry sible we may contact you to ask executives. questions about your data “The general feeling I think inquiry.” Historic everyone is feeling in this room is that these scores are out there, it’s Getting a challenge right public information,” said Paul Improper data challenge re- Surratt Migliore, customer service man- quests would include things like ager with Skyliner Travel & Tour “This violation involved a driver House Bus Corp., in Astoria, N.Y. and we fired that driver, so please “We have our clients coming remove the violation,” he said. back to us, saying ‘I’ve taken a “If the driver was under your Museum look at your SMS scores and I can employment at the time, then that see that you’re trending upward in violation counts against you.” this area,’ when we know that Another common request is to we’re quality carriers and we’ve remove an accident since the bus Where 19th-century culture mingles with the got some violations that should be driver was not at fault, Chandler removed and there is no appeal said. That is a more controversial ghosts of the Lincoln assassination story. process except to go back to the request, but the current practice is person who wrote the violation.” to count every accident, regardless 9118 Brandywine Road Human nature being what it of fault, in safety performance. is, Migliore continued, the officer “With some accidents it’s very Clinton, MD 20735 being accused of making a mis- clear-cut as to whether it’s prevent- take will simply maintain the car- able or not, but there are many (301) 868-1121 • www.surratt.org rier made the mistake and will re- shades of grey and where you draw fuse to remove the violation. the line is very hard,” he noted. “These are the types of viola- That said, the FMCSA has tions we’re faced with all the committed to conducting a study Ask about our time,” he said. to see if it might be possible to in- Chandler acknowledged the corporate crash accountability in popular John pervasive discontent in the room. the SMS in the future. He encouraged participants to Regardless, safety research Wilkes Booth send him an email (peter.chan- shows that drivers who are in acci- [email protected]) detailing their neg- dents are at a higher risk of being ative experiences with the DataQs involved in future accidents, Chan- Escape Route system, and he promised to for- dler added. “As a responsible safe- ward them to the proper agency ty agency we have to follow what Tours. officials. the research tells us.” Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS January 1, 2013 9

Union in Alliance, Ohio, and an MBA with the former Laidlaw Transit customer service People from Cleveland State University. in Chicago as operations manager background, are key FARIBAULT, Minn., — ABC for its school bus division, moving components for his WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Companies announced the ap- up to district operations manager future success with Bradley D. Krapf has been named pointment of Jeff Ferreri to parts in Georgia and Florida. ABC and are quali- executive vice president of strate- territory manager for ABC’s Hud- Most recently, he worked for ties that will be a di- gic planning and business devel- son Body service and parts facility Coach USA as director of charter rect asset to his cus- opment for Krapf Bus Compa- in Jersey City, N.J. sales and operations for its North- tomers,” said Hugh nies, which is based here. Ferreri joins ABC with more east region. McElvaney, director In an announcement, the firm than 20 years’ experience in the “Jeff’s experience in our indus- of parts sales for Bradley Krapf Tony Mercurio Jeff Ferreri said Krapf’s responsibilities include bus industry. He began his career try, along with his enthusiasm and ABC Companies. leading the organization’s continued growth efforts and assuring the Krapf brand maintains its high stan- dards of safe, dependable and cus- tomer-focused transportation. It’s great to work with an insurance provider who is in business to make our operation stronger. Most recently, Krapf was re- Protective Insurance Company raises the bar with superior customer service sponsible for the company school bus and motorcoach operations in and an outstanding loss prevention department. Delaware. He also serves on the company board of directors. Krapf holds bachelor and MBA hands down, degrees from Villanova University. Krapf Bus, which has been pro- protectIve is the best viding transportation services for more than 70 years, is in its third insurance company we have partnered generation of family leadership. It with in our generation of ownership. operates more than 2,600 vehicles in five states. BrIan & davId annett RICHFIELD, Ohio — Nation- al Interstate Corp. announced Annett Bus Lines that Tony Mercurio has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer. Mercurio joined National In- terstate 15 years ago and most re- cently was chief executive of Van- liner Insurance Co., a subsidiary of National Interstate. Dave Michelson, president and CEO of National Interstate, said: “Tony has held several key man- agement positions during his 15 years at National Interstate. Most recently, (his) strong leadership re- sulted in the successful integration of Vanliner, following our acquisi- tion in 2010. “As National Interstate’s chief operating officer he will be re- sponsible for overseeing all prod- ucts and for achieving sales and underwriting profit objectives.” Mercurio holds a bachelors de- gree from the University of Mount Privatization plan nixed for turnpike COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, has de- cided against a controversial idea to privatize the Ohio Turnpike as a For coverage that revolves way to raise money for state high- around you, contact stacy renz: way and bridge projects, the Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal reports. (800) 644-5501 Kasich instead unveiled a plan protectiveinsurance.com Brian Annett to generate up to $3 billion by bor- rowing against future tolls on the 241-mile highway that runs across northern Ohio, the paper reported. That money would allow the David Annett state to begin work on critical in- frastructure projects that have been put on hold and put about 65,000 people to work over the next six years, Kasich said. 10 January 1, 2013 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News How to…better manage, prevent worker comp claims ASHBURN Va. — The best in the dispatch office,” she said. tor that requires your driver to lift claims process, or they thought claim is no claim when it comes to “If we’re not training our dispatch- ‘The key is preven- and load luggage, or you’re a shut- their claim had been denied when workers’ compensation, but when ers how to communicate with our tle operator running back and forth it was in fact still being processed, claims do occur there are a variety drivers, or we’re not training our tion, figuring out to the hotel and your driver is lift- Croushore said. of strategies companies can pursue dispatchers to dispatch safely, if ing those 50-pound suitcases or “Break the language barrier,” to manage their costs, says Julie we’re not looking at our routes and why your claims bags of golf clubs into the back of she urged. “Not only should you Croushore, director of risk man- runs, we can have a major are occurring so the shuttle, you need to be able to help the employee with the claim agement with National Interstate incident.” determine if your drivers can phys- but, because claimants seek attor- Insurance Co. Furthermore, dispatch is a key they don’t happen ically perform that without injury neys because they feel you are Speaking at the United Motor- link with bus drivers in establish- to themselves.” their adversary and you are not coach Association ninth annual ing a companywide culture of again.’ helping them understand the pro- Safety Management Seminar here safety. Dispatch has regular con- Getting it wrong is costly cess, you have to be the caring and last month, Croushore encouraged tact with drivers, so if dispatch Croushore related the experi- compassionate company. You can- companies to take a proactive ap- buys into a culture of safety, they Hiring right ence of a petite woman bus driver, not be their adversary.” proach throughout all their opera- will share it regularly with the Another way to manage work- who within a few months of being tions to encourage a culture of drivers. ers’ comp claims is by anticipating hired, suffered a significant back Procedures are important safety to avoid accidents that could “Who touches the driver every potential problems during the hir- injury while loading luggage onto That said, Croushore added, lead to injuries and potentially ex- day?” she asked. “Who has com- ing process. By properly screening the bus. Her claim cost $208,000. just as bus companies have proce- pensive workers’ compensation munication with the driver every new hires, it may be possible to ei- A pre-hire physical abilities dures in place for traffic accidents, claims. day? Dispatch. So if dispatch is ther avoid or minimize future test might have revealed she would have a procedure in place for “The key to controlling your not part and parcel of your safety claims, Croushore said. be unable to perform the required workplace injuries. In both cases worker comp costs is to prevent team, you’re missing the boat.” For example, if a company is lifting duties on a regular basis. investigations are a key element: them from happening,” she said. Training is also key, as is hav- considering two possible candi- But such tests may only be re- in crashes to determine who is at “The best claim is not to have ing safety procedures in place, she dates as a driver, look at each can- quired of new candidates, or of fault, in workplace injuries to en- one.” noted. didate’s educational and employ- workers who return to the job after sure the claim is valid. Workers’ compensation claims “Does your pretrip checklist ment history. The candidate with a leave of absence of six weeks or “Approach a work comp claim have a number of obvious direct include checking the wheels?” she more education and a more diverse longer, Croushore cautioned. just the same way you would an costs associated with them, but asked the audience. “Does your work history could be cheaper in Were a company to require the auto claim,” she said. there also are hidden costs, such as pretrip checklist include how to the event of an on-job injury and test of current workers, who have A best practice would be to the expense of having to hire new safely bend to observe the wheels subsequent claim, she said. If that shown no problem in performing have a company policy requiring a employees and train them, divert- under the bus, or does it just say worker becomes disabled and may their duties, particularly if the drug test following every injury, ing managers’ time to investigate check the wheels? So where in the no longer drive a bus, there will be workers are older, that company she suggested. Very often, tests and deal with claims, potential course of training do we detail how other work skills available to fall could face allegations of age will come back positive and, de- business interruptions, and lower to do it safely?” back on, which saves on retraining discrimination. pending on state law, intoxication employee morale. By incorporating safety proce- costs, she said. may be grounds for denying a The best way to avoid such dis- dures into company operations, Also, pre-hire physical evalua- Be helpful, compassionate claim, she said. ruptions is to establish a culture of managers can use progressive dis- tions are a good idea to confirm a Still, injuries and claims are Finally, pay attention to what is safety throughout the entire cipline for safety violations to fur- job candidate can, in fact, perform eventually going to happen, and causing injuries and claims. There organization. ther drive home the culture of safe- the necessary duties of the job. when they do it’s in every compa- may be an identifiable pattern of “It’s about shaping the culture, ty. But training on those safety Specifically, consider requir- ny’s best interest to be as helpful behavior that is leading to injuries, it’s about management attitude to- procedures need to be in place be- ing as part of the hiring process a and compassionate as possible to or perhaps there may be a problem ward safety,” she said. fore disciplining employees. functional capacity physical test, the injured worker and help him or with the choice of equipment used “You can utilize progressive which is done in a physical therapy her through the claim’s process. in the workplace. If contributing Where to start: Dispatch discipline for safety violations, but clinic or an occupational therapy Some of the top reasons em- factors can be identified, they can One good place to start, you can’t set up your employees to clinic, Croushore recommended. ployees seek legal representation be addressed. Croushore observed, is with dis- fail,” she said. “If your employee “That evaluates whether or not when they file a workers’ comp “The key is prevention, figur- patch and operations. doesn’t know the safe way to do it, your new hire can physically per- claim is because they fear they will ing out why your claims are occur- “When I go to companies, usu- you can’t reprimand him for not form the duties of the job,” she be fired for being injured on the ring so they don’t happen again,” ally where I find the weak link is doing it in a safe way.” said. “So, if you’re a coach opera- job. They didn’t understand the Croushore said.

ISSUE NO. 230 Marcia Milton How to contact us First Priority Trailways District Heights, Md. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Gladys Gillis Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Starline Luxury Coaches Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Seattle Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Callen Hotard Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Calco Travel Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Geismar, La. Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley David Brown Larry Hundt Dan Shoup subscription: Holiday Tours Great Canadian Trailways Cardinal Buses Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Randlemann, N.C. Kitchner, Ontario E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dennis Strief To contact the Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Thomas Foley Joan Libby T. Ralph Young ©2012 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News NEWS ANALYSIS January 1, 2013 11 Commercial insurance States eye fuel tax hikes to boost road funds Four governors are preparing transporta- state’s transportation funding problem last In 2009, Patrick proposed raising gaso- prices continue rising tion funding plans to present to their legisla- year recommended raising taxes on whole- line and diesel taxes by 19 cents a gallon. NEW YORK CITY — The cost of most tures early this year, and at least two gover- sale oil sales. The same year, a business coalition looked types of commercial insurance rose during nors are not ruling out higher fuel taxes. Under a measure passed by the state leg- at the funding and debt problems and said the third quarter of 2012. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Repub- islature, Patrick of Massachusetts is to send the situation was so bleak the increase The latest Commercial Lines Insurance lican, and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Pat- a long-term transportation funding plan to should be 25 cents. Pricing Survey conducted by Towers Wat- rick, a Democrat, say higher fuel taxes are lawmakers by Jan. 7. Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning son, a professional services firm that helps among the funding options they will The Boston Globe reports the plan con- Council said the crisis called for a 29-cent companies improve their performance by consider. tains hefty tax hikes that could include high- increase in fuel taxes. better managing their people, finances and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republi- er fuel taxes, but a spokeswoman for the State lawmakers, however, declined to risks, compared price levels on policies un- can, says higher gasoline and diesel fuel governor took issue with that report. address any of the proposals. derwritten during the third quarter of 2012 taxes will not be part of his plan. “There are no specific proposals at this In Virginia, revenue shortfalls are caus- to those charged for the same coverage a And Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, point determined for the plan,” said Cyndi ing headaches. year earlier. also a Republican, has not said whether he Roy, director of communications for the The commonwealth faces a $500 million The largest price increases year over year will consider higher taxes at the pump, al- state’s Department of Transportation. But, deficit in its highway maintenance fund in included workers’ compensation coverage, though a commission created to address the she said, “Everything is on the table.” coming years, McDonnell said. now approaching double digits, and employ- ment practices liability, followed closely by commercial property, where price increases Reports compare state fiscal policies, worker comp rates moderated somewhat from the second quar- So, how’s your state doing financially? This year, the institute gave out four As 2012. It’s available at: www.cato.org/pubs/ ter of 2012. A pair of new reports shed some light. to Brownback of Kansas, Scott of Florida, wtpapers/GRC2012.pdf. With the exception of commercial prop- The libertarian Cato Institute has issued LePage of Maine, and Corbett of Pennsyl- The Oregon study of worker’s compen- erty, most standard commercial lines of in- the 2012 version of its biennial ranking of vania, all Republicans. sation taxes found there’s a considerable surance posted accelerated price increases state governors on the adequacy of their fis- Five Fs this year went to five Democrats: range among the states. In 2012, Alaska had during the third quarter, compared to the cal policies. The governors are graded based Gregoire of Washington, Abercrombie of the highest average at $3.01 and Connecti- second quarter. on their actions since 2010 in the areas of Hawaii, Dayton of Minnesota, Malloy of cut was next at $2.99. Employment practices liability insur- taxing and spending. Connecticut, and Quinn of Illinois. Quinn In North Dakota, on the other hand, the ance is a type of policy that businesses can Separately, the Oregon Department of received the lowest numerical score of any average rate was $1.01 and Indiana was buy to protect against employee suits for Consumer and Business Services published a governor. $1.16 — all per $100 of payroll. wrongful termination, sexual harassment, report that tabulates and compares the 50 On the whole, Republican governors got The median rate for the states was $1.88 discrimination, invasion of privacy, breach states’ rates for worker’s compensation taxes. higher grades than Democrats, although a per $100. of contract, emotional distress, and wage- The Cato study takes a fairly straightfor- couple of the former got Ds and a couple of The tabulations, with an explanation of and-hour law violations. ward approach: Those governors that cut tax- the latter were awarded Bs. the study methodology, are available on-line The Towers Watson report tracks a cross ing and spending the most got As; those that The Cato study is called the Fiscal Poli- at: www.cbs.state.or.us/external/dir/wc_ section of U.S. property/casualty insurers. raised taxing and spending the most failed. cy Report Card on America’s Governors cost/map.html.

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Call Kingston Distribution Today To Get Yours! (866) 733-2820 12 January 1, 2013 ADA SPECIAL REPORT / INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News ADA audits The people who answer the “Nothing the form(s) on file for five years. ADA requests. phones and take the initial request is worse than On the last Monday of every Federal inspectors will also be CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for an accessible motorcoach or having a dis- October, carriers are required to looking at carriers’ maintenance authority or suspend because they bus must be trained in ADA regu- abled passen- ­report the service requests they programs, Barber said. are not huge infractions, but the lations, so they know what ques- ger in the rain, ­received, how they were handled “What are you doing about Department of Justice may look at tions to ask, how to ask them, and in the snow, and met to the U.S. Department of maintenance? Do you cycle your it and say there’s enough there that what may not be asked. on the curb- Transportation. lifts? How often?” we (the Justice Department) want For example, an employee may side with a Lifts can be temperamental, to take the case,” Bitner said. not ask any questions about a per- load of pas- Defining denial Barber said, and prone to problems. son’s disability or weight, but will sengers and Wes Barber Part of service requests in- When he goes on an ADA re- ADA swat team need to know if the bus lift capac- the lift fails. volves denials of service to dis- view, Barber said, he always goes FMCSA has already conduct- ity will be sufficient to handle that That’s an operational nightmare.” abled passengers, which is unac- into the yard and picks a bus at ran- ed 175 ADA compliance reviews person. Be sure to keep good training ceptable, Barber warned. dom to cycle its lift. Often it breaks, nationwide, primarily in major So, an employee may ask the records, including who was “A denial of service is, ‘Eh, we he said. “Usually they fix it on the markets, Barber said. combined weight of the disabled trained, when the training oc- don’t have a disabled bus. Call spot, but if it’s a driver 80 miles The agency has a specialized person and that person’s mobility curred, who performed the train- Jimmy’s Bus Company down the away, that’s a huge problem.” team that has been performing device. ing, where it was performed, and road; they have one,’” Barber said. ADA reviews, but the agency is Mechanics must be trained to what was covered, Barber said. “No. Not acceptable. That’s a de- First-come, first-served developing a training module for assure wheelchair lifts work prop- nial of service. You, as the motor Barber also addressed con- its field staff so it can become fully erly, and to know the loading pro- Specific info needed carrier, are responsible to fulfill cerns expressed by attendees at the versed in ADA regulations and cedures for the lifts, along with For service requests, Barber that request for a lift-equipped seminar. what to do when they find carriers their safety and operational as- said operators must collect specif- bus, even if you do not have one.” One safety executive wondered in noncompliance. pects, Barber continued. ic information when taking an ac- The best way to do that is to if his company would have to ac- Barber detailed the four main cessible service request. There’s a enter into agreements with other cept the reservation for a disabled areas inspectors will be examining Drivers, of course suggested/sample form — opera- bus carriers in the area that have passenger on a tour bus if there in an ADA review, and how carriers Drivers, of course, must be trained tors may choose to fill out — that lift-equipped buses, he said. Be were still a couple of seats avail- can best prepare for them. The four to know how to operate the lifts. can be found online in the ADA prepared for ADA requests, rather able. If the carrier swapped out the areas are: “One recommendation I like to regulations at 49 CFR Part 37, than having to scramble to fulfill bus for a lift-equipped bus with • Training make that I heard from a carrier is Subpart H, Appendix A. them at the last second. fewer seats, it might force the car- • Service requests and annual that when they know an ADA trip is The completed form must be Furthermore, carriers may not rier either to bump other passen- reporting coming up, they bring the driver in sent to the person who made the add a surcharge for a disabled pas- gers or to add a second, almost • Ability to provide services 15 minutes ahead of time to refresh ADA request by no later than the senger, Barber said. He recom- empty, lift-equipped bus. • Maintenance them on the operation of the lift,” end of the following business day, mended building that reality into In that scenario, Barber said, For training, ADA regulations Barber said. he noted, and the carrier must keep the pricing structure to anticipate since it’s first-come, first-served require training to “proficiency,” for available space, the carrier said Barber. CARB rule porting option, which allows them Year’s Day deadline carries with it a would not be obliged to offer pre- “You want to know the individ- to choose which vehicles to retro- few exceptions, such as low-mile- ferred treatment to the disabled ual is trained before they start get- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fit or replace, regardless of engine age or emergency vehicles. How- passenger by bumping other pas- ting engaged in ADA issues,” he Bus & Motorcoach News.) model year. ever, the majority of registered sengers, nor would the carrier need advised. “Make sure they are Under the rule, owners of Those who chose the second buses and trucks will need to take to add a second bus. aware of them prior to that. Don’t heavy-duty diesel vehicles have option must have 60 percent of steps to comply with the rule. The only exception would be if introduce them to ADA blind.” two options to comply: meet a set their fleets equipped with PM fil- For more information, go to the carrier would add a second bus Also know who needs to be retrofit-or-replace schedule, or use ters by Jan. 1, 2013. www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truck- for demand above and beyond the trained, Barber said. a more flexible phase-in and re- According to CARB, the New stop/truckstop.htm. first bus. Prevost Q&A

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 finding it any easier to obtain fi- nancing for typical bus buyers? A. Yes, obtaining financing is getting easier. New lenders are entering the market and the competition among lenders is causing them to work hard to build volume and finalize agreements. Q. New motorcoaches have become technological marvels. But all of the technology has to be maintained, and some of it has proven to be thorny or prob- lematic. How are you helping your customers adapt and cope with the new systems? A. Our goal is to educate our customers about their coaches as much as possible. Two years ago we started our These webinars are recorded Users have access to wiring and tablets, the user can link to shooting on the Volvo powertrain webinar program which presents and are available for viewing on diagrams, pneumatic diagrams, wiring diagrams, pneumatic dia- platform is done with a premium valuable information about coach demand 24/7/365 from the Prevost technical manuals, and bulletins grams, technical manuals, driver’s tech tool, or PTT. maintenance and repair of all com- webinar site (https://prevostevents. for all Prevost and Volvo coaches. guides and service bulletins for PTT diagnostic software sup- ponents on all models. webex.com). The newest Prevost app, called any Prevost or Volvo motorcoach. plied to customers by Prevost al- The sessions also address after- Prevost also provides free tech- Prevost Tools, puts access to many The app also provides links to lows the technicians to have access market services such as online nical information through our tech- Prevost service tools all in one Prevost online warranty services, to very detailed troubleshooting parts ordering and warranty nical publications website: http:// handy application. Prevost Liaison telematics system, procedures and step-by-step repair claims, and previews of new coach prevostparts.volvo.com/technical- From any mobile device, such and online parts ordering. instructions through guided features. publications/en/manuel.asp. as Apple iOS or Android phones Prevost support and trouble- diagnostics. Bus & Motorcoach News ADA SPECIAL REPORT January 1, 2013 13 ADA extension requests denied for 22 operators “Based on the information, we carriers, providing long-distance ‘Interlining issue’ are not changing any of our en- All carriers that filed for fixed-route services, may interline addressed by feds forcement programs,” she added. with small carriers that do not The companies that applied for need to meet the same bus-fleet re- the extensions have not been pub- the extensions will be quirements, Chandler noted. ASHBURN, Va. — The Office licly identified, and the letters de- The USDOT will have to con- of the U.S. Secretary of Transpor- nying the extensions are not pub- expected to comply with duct a new rulemaking to address tation has rejected all applications lic, said Pete Chandler, team leader this situation, Chandler said. by large fixed-route bus operators in the FMCSA office of enforce- the ADA requirements. for an extension of time to comply ment and compliance. Loretta Bitner Interlining guidance with the Americans with Disabili- In the meantime, the U.S. De- ties Act requirement that their Word being spread private sector bus operators and the definition of large carriers. partment of Transportation has is- fleets be 100 percent wheelchair- Meanwhile, news of the funded installation of approxi- Chandler said there are perhaps sued guidance on the interline accessible at all times, federal USDOT decision to deny the ex- mately 2,500 wheelchair lifts.” 40-45 companies that approach the issue. safety officials revealed at the tension requests has gone out to (See related story on Page 14.) $9.3 million threshold. According to the pronounce- United Motorcoach Association people with disabilities across the Under federal ADA regula- ment, the USDOT advises large Safety Management Seminar here U.S., as well as those interested in tions, which went into effect Oct. No buck passing carriers to inform disabled passen- last month. disability issues, through the Unit- 29, large carriers that offer fixed- Small carriers, by contrast, gers booking a trip that it interlines The 22 companies that applied ed States Access Board in its route service exclusively must must comply with the existing with a small carrier and the small for the extensions were notified of ­November-December Access Cur- have their fleets composed entirely ADA standard requiring them to carrier may require 48 hours no- the denials in letters that went out rents newsletter. of wheelchair-accessible buses. respond to a request for accessible tice to make a lift-equipped bus Nov. 29, said officials from the “(USDOT) did not grant any For large carriers that offer service within 48 hours, either by available for its leg of the trip. Federal Motor Carrier Safety extensions in view of the long- fixed-route and on-demand servic- fulfilling that request directly or If the 48-hour notice is not Administration. term compliance time frame,” the es, the part of their fleets used on by contracting it to a company that given, an accessible bus may not “There were no extensions newsletter reported. the fixed routes must be 100 per- can provide the requested service. be available for that leg of the trip. granted,” Loretta Bitner, chief of “However, USDOT, continued cent wheelchair accessible. Simply referring the person By informing disabled pas­ the commercial enforcement divi- to make funding available to tran- Large carriers are currently de- making the request to another sengers of this potential problem, sion at the FMCSA, told Bus & sit providers to support the pur- fined as those that have $9.3 mil- company is considered a denial of the customer may be able to seek Motorcoach News. chase and installation of wheel- lion in annual revenue, although service under ADA, and a viola- other available transportation or She said all carriers that filed chair lifts and related equipment. that number is indexed to inflation tion of the rules, Chandler warned. lodging options that would prevent for the extensions will be expected Since issuing its rules for over-the- and can change from year to year. A major gap in the ADA re- them from being unexpectedly to comply with the ADA road buses, USDOT has provided The FMCSA has said there are quirements surfaced publicly this stranded. requirements. a total of $100 million to over 400 roughly 42 companies that meet fall when it was noted that large CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c

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AF_BusCoach_Ad_v2.indd 1 11/21/12 11:50 AM 14 January 1, 2013 ADA SPECIAL REPORT Bus & Motorcoach News ADA extensions

$8.9 million in lift grants go to 77 operators CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 WASHINGTON — The Fed- wheelchair lift grant money be- The guidance encourages large eral Transit Administration has The wheelchair-lift grant program has cause of the federal requirement carriers to inform the public of this awarded $8.86 million to motor- been around for 13 years and has awarded that their fleets had to be 50 per- issue in their promotional materi- coach companies across the U.S. cent accessible in 2006 and 100 als and/or on their websites. to retrofit buses with wheelchair more than $100 million to operators. percent accessible as of Oct. 29, lifts or to help offset the cost of 2012. DOJ weighs in lifts on new coaches. major deadline that happened on million to operators to help them Other big winners in the latest The U.S. Department of Jus- The fiscal 2012 grants went to Oct. 29, 2012. comply with federal accessibility round of grants included Academy tice, meanwhile, is taking the posi- 77 companies. That’s when large line-run op- regulations. Express of Hoboken, N.J., $1 mil- tion that the failure of a large car- In fiscal 2011, the FTA award- erators had to have 100 percent of While 40 of the 77 fiscal 2012 lion; Peter Pan Bus Lines of rier to inform a disabled passenger ed $8.8 million to 97 motorcoach their fleets wheelchair accessible. grants, or just over half, were for Springfield, Mass., $283,734; Ad- at the time of a reservation of this companies to have lifts installed The requirement applies to fixed- less than $50,000 to pay for a sin- irondack Trailways/Transit, Hur- potential interlining problem may on buses or to help defray the cost route operators having annual rev- gle wheelchair lift, Greyhound ley, N.Y., $266,795; Arrow Stage constitute a denial of service. of lifts on new coaches. enue of $9.3 million or more. Lines, which has a fleet of more Lines, Omaha, Neb., $258,111, “Further, it is the position of In fiscal 2010, $20 million was The amount awarded for fiscal than 1,200 coaches, was awarded and Dillon’s Bus Service, Hanover, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded to 128 motorcoach 2011 and 2012 was more in line nearly $3 million to purchase close Md., $254,250. that, after October 29, 2012, the companies. with previous annual amounts. to 100 lifts. Operators in 32 states received failure of a large, fixed-route, The amount awarded two years The wheelchair-lift grant pro- Over the years, Greyhound and grant money. For more infor­ (over-the-road bus) operator to in- ago was substantially higher than gram has been around for 13 years other large line-run operators have mation about the program, go to form persons with disabilities, at previous years because of the and has awarded more than $100 received the lion’s share of the www.fta.dot.gov. the time of purchase and reserva- tion, that interline carriers trans- porting passengers on one or more Operators are awarded wheelchair-lift grants legs of their trip can require 48 hours notice of accessibility needs, Arizona Southeastern Stages, Minnesota Pennsylvania would deny an individual the op- Mountain View Tours, Atlanta...... $57,180 Lorenz Bus Service, Anderson Coach & Travel, portunity to participate in or bene- Tucson...... $35,468 Blaine...... $57,362 Greenville...... $67,250 fit from the goods, services, facili- Illinois Trobec’s Bus Service, Butler Motor Transit, ties, privileges, advantages, or Arkansas Free Enterprise System, St. Stephen...... $37,250 Butler...... $72,250 accommodations of that operator,” Little Rock Tours. . . . .$30,082 Lansing...... $67,250 Voigt’s Bus Service, Elite Coach, Ephrata . . . $25,700 it states. Let Me Arrange It, Elgin. . $35,000 St. Cloud...... $37,250 Fullington Trailways, Peter Pantuso of the American California Vandalia Bus Lines, Clearfield ...... $120,693 Bus Association expressed disap- All West Coachlines/Coach Caseyville...... $29,896 MISSISSIPPI Lenzner Coach Lines, pointment in the USDOT decision USA, Sacramento. . . .$25,200 Mississippi Vision Tours, Sewickley...... $59,917 to deny the extensions, which he American Star Trailways, Indiana Ocean Springs . . . . .$37,250 said is likely to impact high-traffic Pismo Beach...... $53,712 Free Enterprise System Rhode Island periods, such as the days around Goldfield Stage, El Cajon. .$35,218 Royal, Jeffersonville. . .$57,888 Nebraska Peter Pan Bus Lines, Christmas, the end of college Hot Dogger Tours, Brea. . $35,468 Royal Excursions, Arrow Stage Lines, Providence...... $105,871 terms and holiday weekends. Lux Bus America, Mishawaka...... $29,127 Omaha...... $258,111 “(T)he reason that most of the Anaheim...... $33,218 Star of America, Tennessee Nevada companies asked for extensions Orange Belt Stages, Bloomington...... $31,950 Gray Line of Nashville. . .$67,250 Celebrity Coaches of America, Visalia...... $61,405 Tri-State Coach Lines, was to be able to address the peak Las Vegas...... $31,285 demand that far exceeds the num- Silver State Trailways, Gary...... $29,644 Texas CUSA Elko...... $86,000 Placentia...... $65,000 Greyhound Lines, ber of coaches they have in their fleets,” he said. SureRide Charter Inc., Iowa New Hampshire Dallas ...... $2,983,771 National City...... $98,686 Burlington Trailways, West C&J Bus Lines, Portsmouth.$46,583 Lone Star Coaches, Tyler. .$31,543 TourCoach International, Burlington...... $65,640 Star Shuttle, San Antonio. .$31,950 Holiday challenges “We’ve talked to a number of Commerce...... $35,000 New Jersey people following the Thanksgiving Maine Academy Bus, Hoboken.$1,000,000 Utah holiday and many of them had a Colorado Custom Coach and Limousine, Olympia Trails Bus Company, All Resorts Coach, Ramblin’ Express, Gorham...... $37,250 Elizabeth...... $61,950 Salt Lake City. . . . . $74,110 difficult time meeting passenger Colorado Springs. . . . $61,405 Red & Tan Tours, demand.” Maryland Elizabethport. . . . . $235,034 Virginia He pointed out that tour-and- Connecticut Adventure Tours by Dawn, Stout’s Charter Service, DC Trails, Lorton . . . . .$72,250 charter bus operators that supply Arrow Line, East Hartford. .$34,237 Clinton ...... $27,450 Trenton...... $37,250 Quality Tour Transport, equipment to scheduled carriers DATTCO, New Britain. . .$102,250 Dillon’s Bus Service, Lorton...... $27,450 during peak travel days, but are not Hanover ...... $254,250 New York Venture Tours, required to meet the 100 percent Florida First Priority Tours, Adirondack Transit Lines, Virginia Beach. . . . . $22,311 accessibility mandate, will suffer a Classic Bus Lines, District Heights. . . . .$37,250 Hurley...... $266,795 loss of revenue as a result of the Coral Springs . . . . . $29,700 Golden Ring Travel and Trans., Chenango Valley Bus Lines, Vermont decision. Escot Bus Lines, Largo. . $71,552 Baltimore...... $37,250 Binghampton . . . . . $27,526 Premier Coach Co., Milton .$87,060 Moreover, he said, the travel- Express Transportation, Rill’s Bus Service, L & G Leasing, Amityville. .$30,170 ing public at large will lose out. Orlando...... $25,834 Westminister...... $29,700 Washington “Without some flexibility by Latin Express Service, North Carolina GTO, Seattle...... $85,700 DOT…people aren’t going to be Miami...... $29,700 Massachusetts Accents on Asheville/Young able to travel, and that runs com- Transportation. . . . .$30,075 Red Coach, Orlando. . . .$59,516 Bloom’s Bus Lines, Tauton.$25,200 Wisconsin pletely contrary to ADA,” he said. Treasure Coast Motor Coach, Crystal Transport, Badger Coaches, Madison .$93,167 “The ADA rules were put in Ohio place so nobody is left behind, and Vero Beach...... $32,146 Brighton...... $35,000 Lakefront Lines, Cleveland.$82,602 Van Galder Bus, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Janesville...... $95,284 now we’re talking about leaving Georgia Springfield ...... $283,734 Oregon able-bodied travelers behind be- American Coach Lines Plymouth & Brockton Street Raz Transportation, West Virginia cause there’s not enough addition- of Atlanta...... $95,224 Railway, Plymouth. . . $93,167 Portland ...... $31,950 Coach USA ...... $28,330 al equipment available.” Bus & Motorcoach News ADA SPECIAL REPORT January 1, 2013 15 And finally: Practical suggestions for coping with ADA By Dave Millhouser regulations covering the motor- cycled regularly. scrutinized at a higher level. Train- This gen- coach industry went into effect. Having an elevated customer ing of office staff in these cases is tleman, and It was a seagoing sitcom. Most carriers have either pur- sitting partially outside the coach crucial. now his chil- My buddy James, a newly chased lift-equipped coaches, or while a poorly trained driver fum- Some companies imagine dren and sworn assistant harbormaster, was made arrangements designed to bles about is, well, gauche. If the they’re running “charters,” when grandchil- patrolling when a call came in. A fulfill their perception of the law. bus is in a dangerous spot, or is ex- some of these moves may fall dren, ran, ar- yacht had headed out to sea with- Until recently, enforcement has periencing a “thermal incident,” it under the legal definition of sched- guably, the out paying some charges, and the been fairly lax, and good faith ef- can be very serious. uled service. ADA requirements in finest charter marina owner radioed for help in forts often sufficed. Not only is it critical to train those instances are very different, company in Dave Millhouser collecting. Things are changing, audits are drivers, it’s also important to docu- with a high price to be paid for get- New Eng- The good news is that James’ on the horizon (see story on Page ment the training. Mechanical staff ting it wrong. land. He was crusty, but honest boat was fast, and he quickly 1), and just having a lift or, in the needs to pay attention to maintain- At least one large line operator and generous to a fault. But, he pulled abeam the culprit. case of a charter operation, an “ar- ing lifts, and recording their work. is hurting for the holiday crush be- scared the hell out of me. The bad news is that one re- rangement,” may be akin to having If ADA equipment fails during a cause it no longer is allowed to That’s why I was afraid to ask quirement for his new post was the permit, without having the gun. move, forgiveness isn’t likely if charter buses for extra sections, him why he’d buy buses, and ga- having a pistol permit, but nothing It’s important to have the whole there’s no evidence the carrier is unless they are lift equipped. rage them, without license plates, had been said about actually carry- thing going for you, and that you making the effort to keep it working. If you’re one of the many carri- for as long as two years, before he ing a gun. understand the requirements and In addition to drivers, office ers that has helped line carriers registered and ran them. As the two boats roared sea- adopt them. staff needs to be familiar with with overflow in past, only ADA- ADA equipment (or “arrange- ward, side by side, James insistent- First, a lift isn’t effective if the what the legal requirements are equipped buses can now be used ments”), without qualified person- ly bellowed radio commands that coach driver doesn’t know how to when customers make ADA-­ for such service. nel, is not going to be any more the bad guy halt. He was ignomini- operate it. related inquiries. Some things Stringent enforcement is on the useful than stored coaches. ously ignored. Some of these suckers, with can’t be said, and ignorance is not horizon, and penalties for messing I always thought that making His pals, listening on the ma- their myriad interlocks, can be an adequate excuse. up will be stiff. money involved buying AND oper- rine radio as the drama unfolded, confusing. Drivers need training in It’s important to log inquiries There are a number of organi- ating buses. My customer got liter- realized he had no weapon. both the equipment and in how to and how they are handled. zations offering training for your ally everything else right, so there Finally, one of his “friends” relate to the disabled customer. Charter companies that don’t employees, and both UMA and must have been a good reason. keyed his own mike and transmit- In addition, most lifts have own any lift-equipped coaches, ABA are great resources in under- Darn…I wish I’d had the nerve ted: “HEY JAMES, maybe if you manual overrides, designed to and depend on other operators to standing the rules. to ask him what it was. threaten him with your pistol per- work when the electrical stuff handle moves that require lifts are In ye olden days, when I was a Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry mit…he’ll stop.” gives up the ghost. Wheelchair especially vulnerable. budding young bus salesman, we marketing consultant and freelance A few weeks ago, the final lifts have a spotty history of reli- Their records of requests for delivered a couple of Eagles to one writer. Contact him by email at: Americans with Disability Act ability, particularly if they’re not ADA-equipped coaches may be of the legends of the industry. [email protected].

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FULL LINE OF SUPER-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MOTORCOACHES! 800.826.3486 [email protected] www.sefac.com 16 January 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Lost-wheels issue lingers in Ontario despite hefty fines TORONTO — Fifteen years Reported wheel separations have course, need to be looked at in over-torquing could stretch and of the accidents occurred in the after Ontario adopted legislation dropped from 215 in 1997 to only light of the exposure that each of weaken wheel studs or damage Toronto area where a lot of the aimed at curbing wheel separa- 56 in 2011, a reduction of almost these vehicle types has on the wheel mounting holes. Current media are. There was a lot of tions on commercial vehicles and 74 percent.” highways in Ontario,” he said. standards call for lug nuts to be crackdown on the truck industry. one year after a pair of fatalities The four 1995-97 incidents tightened with a torque wrench Motorcoaches, as commercial ve- caused by wheels coming off were caused by wheels coming off Similar findings in U.S. rather than an air impact wrench. hicles, got caught up in it.” heavy trucks, the Ontario Ministry large trucks or trailers, as were The 1995-97 incidents prompt- Accidents also were attributed Transportation ministry truck of Transportation continues a five additional Ontario highway ed a coroner’s inquest that came to to neglect of re-torquing recom- inspection officers check wheels crackdown on loose lug nuts. fatalities from 2001 through De- conclusions similar to those result- mendations following service. at a number of locations, Nichols The two incidents in late 2011 cember 2011. ing from a 1992 study by the U.S. Wheel fasteners can become loose said. “Wheels are inspected as part occurred even as there has been a A 24-year-old man was killed National Transportation Safety after installation as wheels seat of any annual or semi-annual safe- significant reduction in wheel sep- on Dec. 11, 2011, when a dual Board. against their hubs, so re-torquing ty inspection. Bus and truck driv- aration incidents in the province wheel set flew off a trailer, crossed The NTSB report concluded, is recommended after about 50 to ers are required by law to inspect since adoption of the 1997 Com- over a concrete barrier and struck “The leading causes of wheel sep- 100 miles (80 to 160 kilometers). wheels daily. Wheels also are in- prehensive Road Safety Act. his car. A 53-year-old woman died arations from medium/heavy Bearing failures were attribut- spected by MTO enforcement of- The law includes fines up to 11 days later when a truck tire and trucks are improper tightening of ed to inadequate lubrication, mis- ficers at highway truck inspection $50,000 for wheel separations wheel struck her vehicle’s wheel fasteners and bearing fail- alignment or overloading. stations and roadside safety blitzes from commercial vehicles. It windshield. ure; both are the result of inade- In addition to setting the maxi- across the province.” makes wheel loss an “absolute lia- The December 2011, fatalities quate maintenance.” mum fine for wheel separation at Nichols could not say how bility” offense, meaning due dili- “were seen more as random acci- The NTSB reported that wheel $50,000, Ontario’s 1997 road safe- often wheel fines are levied in On- gence is not a defense. dents than the perfect storm of the separations accounted for 750 to ty act mandated a training and cer- tario, or if the $50,000 maximum The tough measure was adopt- 1990s when it looked like a pattern 1,050 of 349,000 annual truck ac- tification program for technicians has ever been assessed. “That in- ed in Ontario after four incidents, of behavior,” said Switzer. cidents in the U.S. in 1992. who install wheels on large com- formation is not captured by the which resulted in five fatalities, “The government isn’t under Ontario’s inquest found that 65 mercial vehicles. ministry as fine amounts are ulti- occurred from 1995 through 1997. the same pressure now. They can percent of wheel separations re- “The issues related to over- mately determined by the courts, “I think the legislation did have say government and industry are sulted from failure of wheel fas- torquing were done through igno- not MTO.” its intended consequence. It wasn’t doing what they can and we have teners, while 26 percent were rance,” Switzer said. “The wheel Executives at the Ontario just the heavy hand of big fines,” done a lot to reduce these things.” caused by bearing failures. installer training wasn’t as good as Motor Coach Association cannot said Doug Switzer, president of the A series of 745 wheel separa- The remaining 9 percent were it should have been.” recall a charge levied against a Ontario Motor Coach Association. tion incident reports from Ontario attributed to wheel and axle fail- Ontario’s wheel separation in- motorcoach operator for a lost “The government and industry were included in a report delivered ures. In many cases, wheel separa- cidents occur slightly more often wheel. worked together to improve the at a road safety conference in Ot- tions occurred shortly after wheels during the winter, but Nichols said “Usually the officers have used way maintenance was done on tawa in 2004. had been reinstalled following the problem is not increased by good discretion when wheel-offs commercial vehicles.” Robert F. Monster, an engineer maintenance. colder climate. “Ontario is not occurred. In the motorcoach in- from the Ontario Ministry of unique for wheel separation dustry there are very few wheel- Maintenance at issue Transportation, said only a handful Why lug nuts come loose events.” offs,” said Switzer. Bob Nichols, senior media liai- of those reports involved commer- Lug nuts becoming loose was Still, careful adherence to safe- son officer at the Ontario Ministry cial buses, while trucks and trail- attributed to over- or under-torqu- Hot-button issue ty recommendations is a good of Transportation, said that “lack ers, covering vastly more miles on ing, the use of nuts not matched to The 1995-97 fatal accidents in idea, whether your motorcoach of appropriate vehicle and wheel the highways, both accounted for wheel type (steel or aluminum) Ontario made truck safety “a hot travels in Ontario or not, Switzer maintenance were deemed to be a more than 300 incidents. and elongation of mounting holes. political issue,” Switzer said. added. significant contributing factor, “With regard to buses and other While under-torquing of lug “It is debatable whether there “Good training leads to good causing the wheel separations. vehicle types, the numbers are rel- nuts would obviously lead to loos- was a real problem or whether it outcomes whether it be for drivers “The law is clearly working. atively small. These numbers, of ening, Monster’s report noted that was a media-created problem. All or wheel installers.” 2013 board members, officers Approval pushed OMCA unveils new branding; elected by Ontario association for bridge permit reflects association’s growth BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Ontar- Walters Tours DETROIT — A group of 16 con- BUFFALO, N.Y. — The On- Switzer said all types of mem- io Motorcoach Association has • Emily Beck, Visit Erie struction and transportation organiza- tario Motor Coach Association bers have played an increasingly chosen its board of directors for • Rene Poyant, Cape Cod tions have urged the Obama adminis- has adopted a new logo designed important role in the association 2013. Newly elected are: Custom Tours tration to swiftly approve construction to reflect the organization’s broad- since the implementation of • Jamie Murray, Parkinson • Ray Cherrey, Pacific West- of a new bridge crossing between De- er reach. OMCA Marketplace. Coach Lines ern Transportation troit and Windsor, Ontario. The “We now have members from • Guy Tessier, Motor Coach • Ron Malette, Tisdale Bus Michigan voters cleared the new-look not only every (Canadian) prov- Industries Lines Ltd. way for construction of the bridge logo in- ince but from 34 states as well,” he • Allan Cherrey, Cherrey Bus • Marc Laplante, 417 Bus in November’s election, rejecting a cludes the said. “Almost 50 percent of sup- measure that would have required a Lines Lines marketing plier members are from the U.S. separate vote on building a new • Dave Willis, Ayr Coach • Diane Diebel, Hanover Hol- phrase “Bet- “We wanted to make sure our span to compete with the 83-year- Lines iday Tours ter Togeth- branding reflected those realities. old Ambassador Bridge, the re- • John Crowley, Coach • Ted Goldenberg, Getaway er,” which emphasizes OMCA’s But more than that, we wanted to gion’s main connection between the Canada Tours evolution into an organization that emphasize that OMCA is a place two countries. • Ray DeNure, DeNure Tours • Mario Poulin, Voyages represents all aspects of the group where members can come togeth- “The new bridge will serve as a • Greg Hammond, Hammond Rockland Travel travel industry with members er to achieve things they couldn’t much needed alternative at the Transportation Ltd. OMCA’s 2012 officer slate from across North America. individually, to grow their busi- busiest U.S.-Canada commercial “We’re very excited about the ness and their industry by working • Stu Kendrick, Greyhound was re-elected. border crossing,” the groups wrote new look,” said OMCA President together — hence the phrase ‘Bet- Canada Transportation Corp. John Crowley will serve an- to President Obama and Secretary Doug Switzer. ter Together,’ which is at the core • Doug Badder, Badder Bus other year as chairman, while of State Hillary Clinton. “It has been more than 17 of the new look. Service Ghislain Leduc remains vice pres- The groups also noted that con- years since we last updated our “We are very pleased with Ra- • Sue LeClair, Shoreline Tours ident and Ray DeNure continues gestion at the border is only going branding and we felt strongly we donicRodgers consulting on a • Ghislain Leduc, Leduc Bus as secretary-treasurer. to get worse in the next 30 years, needed to bring our branding back new re-branding program,” Swit- Lines Ltd. The Bus Operator Council an- with traffic at the Detroit-Windsor in line with who we are today.” zer added. • Bradley Walters, Bradley nounced Marc Laplante as chair. border expected to at least double. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS January 1, 2013 17 Operator brings private-sector perspective to transit board LARGO, Fla. — Like many As one of 15 board members “The federal government fund- people who work in the motor- — and one of very few private ing mechanism is really warped,” coach industry, when Brian Scott transportation providers ever to ‘The federal government he says. is out driving he scans the traffic serve on the body — he will help “It promotes the purchasing of for buses and coaches. oversee an agency with nearly 200 additional capital equipment, but About 10 years ago, Scott no- buses that provide more than 13 (transit) funding mecha- then the operation side has to come ticed several brand new MCI million passenger trips annually. from local funds, typically, wheth- coaches on local roadways and He brings a unique set of cre- nism is really warped.’ er it’s sales tax or whatever. subsequently learned his local dentials to the board. “I really hate it when people transit authority had purchased At 44, he’s president of Escot Brian Scott think of a local, a state and a fed- nearly a dozen of them to run a Bus Lines, the 2012 International eral taxpayer as three different weekday commuter service across Motor Coach Group Operator of He began attending board to stop the practice. people. They’re not.” Tampa Bay. the Year, and he served as IMG meetings after noticing the new To Brian, who manages a fam- chairman from 2008 to 2010. buses, and became a familiar face Unpopular move but… Two words: Get involved ily-owned motorcoach company He’s also a former chairman of in the crowd. In time, he started Scott says the action didn’t win Scott’s advice for other opera- here, those buses represented a the United Motorcoach Associa- meeting and making friends with him friends, but it didn’t stop a Pi- tors regarding the transit authori- missed opportunity. tion and is currently a member of board members. nellas County commissioner from ties in their areas is to get involved “I thought, ‘that is right up our the UMA board. “They realized I had an interest nominating him to the board when — and think to the future. alley. We could have done that. We “Obviously, transportation is and asked if I wanted to participate a vacancy came up this fall either. “We have the expertise to do should have done that,’” he recalls. something that I’m interested in. in various committees. I jumped at As a longtime observer of Pi- this, and by being involved, it “But there’s nobody in the pri- It’s something I like to do, and it’s the opportunity to do that,” he nellas Suncoast Transit, Scott rates should create more opportunities vate sector at the table on a consis- something that I have productive says. its current operations as “pretty for us in the long run, particularly tent basis who would say, ‘Hey, opinions about, and I want to serve A few years ago, he found that efficient.” as transit authorities look to ex- why don’t you consider doing it my community in that fashion,” he Pinellas Suncoast Transit was vio- But he also believes the private pand services with very limited re- this way?’” says. lating federal charter service rules, sector “can, in almost every in- sources,” he says. Now, Scott is at the table. “At the same time, I’m hoping and he filed a complaint. stance, operate the service for less “There are a lot of transporta- to bring some private-sector in- The agency had been leasing money, and make a profit while tion issues surrounding every met- Three-year term volvement in discussions at the vehicles to a group in downtown doing it, thereby paying taxes.” ropolitan area in the nation, and the He recently begun serving a board level.” St. Petersburg, which used them to And, he takes issue with the public sector does not have the re- three-year term on the board of di- run parking lot shuttles to special notion that transit services can and sources to solve them. The private rectors of his local public transit Long time coming events, charging the city an hourly should be expanded because local sector does not have the resources agency, the Pinellas Suncoast His appointment didn’t happen fee for the service. governments can get “free” buses to solve them. But they can go a lot Transit Authority (PSTA). overnight. His complaint got the agency from the federal government. further if they work together.” MOTORCOACH COMPANY FOR SALE l Yes. Start my one-year subscription (23 issues) to Bus & Motorcoach News for $61.* 2013 is our 30th year anniversary and the owner wishes to retire. Save even more, 2 years for $100. l Why? At my age long months in Florida are looking mighty good in I’m a member of UMA, or a driver, and I want the winter time. I want to purchase a nice Prevost Liberty Elegant l a subscription for $49 (each). Lady RV and enjoy driving it for several years while my health Charge my credit card.** remains. So, we are offering this 30-year-old, debt-free company for l My check is enclosed.** sale at a very reasonable price. We operate 9 coaches and the sale l price is merely the purchase of the coaches at fair market value. We **Rate outside U.S. is $71 (U.S.) per year **Photo copy this ad, complete it, and fax or mail to Bus & Motorcoach News. will offer the good will and all of its contracts and customers at no added cost. We have two school bus routes that can be added to the Name______mix paying $475 per day, 182 days each year. The company is in Title______central Indiana, sitting in the center of 5 universities, and we are a Company______military-qualified carrier. Revenue is approximately $1,000,000 plus each year. Address______City______State______Zip______Furthermore, we can arrange for a $350,000 delayed-payment, Phone______Fax______no-interest-for-one-year loan to any qualified buyer. Our coaches are 6 MCIs, three with new engines and transmissions in the past E-mail______two years, one Prevost XL II and two Setras. We are negotiable on l___I also want to receive the digital edition of Bus & Motorcoach News; send it to the above email address equipment and willing to remove some coaches from the sale if prospective owner wants to standardize the fleet. Credit_Card_No.______Serious Inquiries Only: 765-759-7554 l__Visa_ l Mastercard_ l _American_Express__Exp. Date______Satisfaction Guaranteed Ask for Ron Our_promise:_If_you_are_not_satisfied_with_Bus & Motorcoach News,_we_will_send_you_a_ refund_on_all_unmailed_copies._You_may_cancel_at_any_time,_for_any_reason.

3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 SUBSCRIBE 18 January 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Jefferson Lines’ Charlie Zelle to head Minnesota DOT ST. PAUL, Minn. — Charlie states, stretching from Montana system, funding municipal air- Zelle, who for the past two-plus and North Dakota to Texas, and ‘I look forward to helping lead ports, and a variety of other trans- decades has headed Jefferson from Arkansas to Wisconsin. portation-related functions. The Lines, a large regional intercity In announcing the appoint- the agency as it plays an increas- highway patrol and driver’s license carrier operating in the nation’s ment, Gov. Dayton’s office noted bureau reside in the Minnesota heartland, has been named Minne- that Zelle had expanded Jefferson Department of Public Safety. sota transportation commissioner Lines, restored and sustained the ingly important role in advancing Holding the position is not and head of that state’s department company’s profitability through without risk. Carol Molnau, who of transportation. new measures of efficiency and the state’s future prosperity.’ became commissioner in 2003, Gov. Mark Dayton announced growth, and pioneered a national Charlie Zelle was removed in February 2008, in Zelle’s appointment last month; his model for public rural transit. the aftermath of the I-35W Missis- first day on the job will be Jan. 15. Zelle also modernized the ward to helping lead the agency as member and chair of the policy sippi River bridge collapse. Zelle succeeds Commissioner company fleet and developed a it plays an increasingly important committee of the American Bus Zelle said his experience gives Tom Sorel, who resigned Dec. 1, “College Connection” program role in advancing the state’s future Association. him a broad understanding of the to become the CEO of AAA that helps students get back and prosperity through key invest- Zelle has been active in philan- state’s transportation needs. Minneapolis. forth from home and school across ments in infrastructure.” thropy and civic causes, contribut- “I have done a number of “Charlie Zelle’s outstanding five states. In addition to his position at ing tens of thousands of dollars to things related to streamlining and record of innovation in the private The announcement also noted Jefferson Lines, Zelle also serves political candidates and causes advancing a business so I under- sector will serve Minnesota well, that once he is commissioner, as chair of the Minneapolis Re- during the past decade. stand that, but more importantly I as we build a transportation sys- Zelle will play no role in managing gional Chamber of Commerce, a Most of the money went to spent a good amount of my time tem, which will serve our needs the daily business of Jefferson member of the Corridors of Op- Democrats, but he also contributed over the past ten years involved in and support our future growth and Lines, although he will continue to portunity Policy Board, and a to several Republicans, including transportation policy issues both prosperity,” said Dayton. serve as its chairman. member of the Minnesota Cham- President George W. Bush. Zelle locally and nationally.” “I know that Mr. Zelle’s very “As commissioner, Zelle will ber of Commerce board. and his wife also gave more than He also told a radio interviewer successful business career and his recuse himself from handling any Earlier this year he was ap- $16,000 to the successful state that transportation was in his blood. strong commitment to public ser- business between MnDOT and pointed by Dayton to the Trans­ campaign to defeat a constitutional “Our family has owned Jeffer- vice will make him an outstanding Jefferson Lines,” the announce- portation Finance Advisory amendment banning same-sex son for three generations,” he said. commissioner of MnDOT (pro- ment said. Committee. marriage. “We actually started it in 1919 nounced Min-Dot) at this impor- “It is a great honor to join the He is a founding member of In his state position, he will re- when the roads were dirt. And, in tant time.” Dayton administration in an area the Itasca Project, a group working ceive a salary of $108,388; the fact, in the 1920s my grandfather Since the early 1990s, Zelle that is critically important to all to improve Minnesota’s economic governor is paid $120,303. used to attach plows to the front of has served as president and CEO Minnesotans,” said Zelle. competitiveness and quality of In Minnesota, the state depart- the buses and we kept the roads of Jefferson Lines, a Minneapolis- “MnDOT has a strong reputa- life, and is co-chair of its transpor- ment of transportation is responsi- open — though I’m not suggesting based operator that serves 13 tion for innovation and I look for- tation task force. He also is a board ble for maintaining the highway that is a good idea.”

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Click. Learn. Succeed. 20 January 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Roadrunner Charters acquires Eagle Trailways in Texas IRVING, Texas — Roadrunner owner of Roadrunner Charters. ed in 2004 and until the acquisition coaches and midsize and small nies as Allstate, the Dallas Stars, Charters Inc., formerly of Euless, “When I was approached about had been based in Euless, which is buses. and American Eagle, expects to Texas, has acquired Eagle Trail- working out a possible deal, I was roughly 11 miles from Irving. The combined operation is grow organically and through other ways, a 30-plus-year-old charter- immediately interested. This trans- The Roadrunner Euless’ loca- called Roadrunner Charters and acquisitions as opportunities arise. and-tour operation based here. action is an important strategic tion has been shut down and Wills the Eagle Trailways name has Eagle Trailways was founded “Eagle Trailways has an excel- piece to our overall growth plans has consolidated operations at the disappeared. by the late Eugene Shields in 1979. lent reputation across the state of in the region.” former Eagle Trailways facility in Roadrunner Charters, whose Wills learned the motorcoach Texas,” said Ron Wills, founder and Wills’ company was incorporat- Irving, including moving his 36 list of clients includes such compa- business working for Shields at Eagle Tours years ago. At the time of the sale, Eagle Trailways had a fleet of 26 vehicles. When Gene Shields died in Are you just a needle in June 2011, his wife and daughter, Sharon Shields and Jennifer Sut- ton, took over company manage- ment. After operating the business for a year, the family decided to a haystack? pass the torch to another party. The family retained The Ten- ney Group, an Arlington, Texas- based firm that specializes in transportation business sales. Anchor Trailways reverts to its roots NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An- chor Trailways & Tours of Nash- ville has dropped its affiliation with the Trailways Transportation System and changed its name back to Anchor Tours. In an announcement, the ­charter-and-shuttle operator noted there were no changes to owner- ship or services in making the name switch. “Our company was founded with the Anchor Tours name, and we wanted to return to a name which implies the personal atten- tion we give to every charter,” said company President John Stancil. “Most people don’t know that the Trailways companies are indi- vidually owned and not part of a national company, so we found ourselves frequently explaining that we are in fact a family-owned and run company and provide very With an average of over 100,000 visitors each month, BusRates.com personalized service,” added Jared generated 40,000 unique requests for quotes for its Stancil, company vice president. “It just made sense for us to re- subscribers in 2012. There is no comparison—being listed on other turn to our roots and the original online directories is like being a needle in a haystack. name so many of our long-time customers know us by.” Anchor Tours has been in busi- ™ ness for more than 20 years; it pri- marily operates in Paducah, Ky.; One-Stop Shopping! Florence, Ala., and Nashville. With listings* for buses, Meanwhile, five other opera- hotels, attractions, tors have discontinued their Trail- Visit us in Booth # 425 at UMA Motorcoach EXPO CVBs, restaurants and ways affiliation in recent months: • Little Rock Trailways (now at Travel Exchange to see how BusRates.com can more—BusRates.com Cline Tours) expand your online visibility to help potential is a full-service resource • Memphis Trailways (now customers start finding you today! for group travel planners! Cline Tours) • McCoy Trailways of Ontario 866.375.0800 / [email protected] (now McCoy Bus Service) • Miller Trailways of Indianap- www.BusRates.com olis (now Miller Transportation) • Miller Trailways of Louis- *Ask us how you can list your bus operation, hotel, attraction, CVB, restaurant or other group travel service! ville (now Miller Transportation) 21Bus & JanuaryMotorcoach 1, 2013 News UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO BusJanuary & Motorcoach 1, 2013 News21 UMA associate/travel members UMA program providers available at Expo ORLANDO, Fla. — Want to members: • Petro-Canada Lubricants to have annual meeting at Expo make the most of your United Mo- • Amerisearch Background • UMA Comp by K F & B ORLANDO, Fla. — Associate ciate members and travel partners. torcoach Association membership Alliance • UMA WellCare by Bridgeport and travel partner members of the The non-coachbuilder repre- while attending UMA Motorcoach • BusRates.com Benefits United Motorcoach Association sentative on the UMA board is Expo here later this month? • Bus & Motorcoach News See the Onsite Guide for booth will have their annual meeting Tom Foley of Transportation In- The thing to do then is to visit • Imperial Supplies numbers. here next month at UMA Motor- surance Brokers, and the coach- these UMA partners to learn about • J.J. Keller To learn more about these pro- coach Expo at Travel Exchange. builder representative is Tim Way- the cost-saving programs and ser- • Michelin North America grams, go to the members-only The UMA Associate/Travel land of ABC Companies. vices they have available for UMA • Spader Business Management section of www.uma.org. Partner Membership Meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. in the UMA booth, No. 425, in the Exhibit Hall. The meeting is expected to last roughly an hour. All associate and travel partner If you like UMA Motorcoach EXPO, members of the association are in- vited to attend where they can ask questions regarding Motorcoach Expo, register concerns or com- plaints, meet UMA board mem- bers, and network with other asso- In-ground lift marks 10 years ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting in the 1990s, environmental and safety concerns led many motor- coach maintenance managers to shun in-ground vehicle lifts and begin installing surface lifts. Ten years ago, Rotary Lift intro- duced what it says is an environmen- tally friendly, modular in-ground lift, the MOD30, that has become one its most-popular models. Information about the latest ver- sion of the MOD30 will be avail- able at Motorcoach Expo 2013. The MOD30 is designed to provide greater and faster access to more service areas on a vehicle than other heavy-duty lifts. Rotary says the lift uses half the hydraulic fluid of traditional in-ground lifts, requires only a small electric drive motor, and the system is contained in a six-foot deep enclosure that has a quarter- inch thick polyurethane sealant that protects against electrolysis motorcoachexpo.com and harsh contaminants for the 30- year life of the lift. MOD30 has galvanized shutter plate trench covers that automati- cally move to keep the pit covered at all times. Visit Rotary Lift at Expo Booth No. 722, or go to www.rotarylift.com. Calendar JANUARY 2013 5-9 ABA Marketplace, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C. Info: www.buses.org. 7-10 Bus Industry Safety Council, Charlotte, N.C. Info: www.buses.org. 18-20 International Motor Coach Group Maintenance & Safety Meeting 2013, Hilton Orlando (Fla.). Info: www. imgcoach.com. 22 January 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Revenue climbs, profit slips at Coach USA/megabus.com PERTH, Scotland — The percent from year-earlier revenue Stagecoach said a number of Stagecoach also acquired 79 cent during the six months ended North American operations of of $264.2 million. factors contributed to the earnings additional vehicles from Coach Oct. 31, despite the suspension of Stagecoach Group plc, which in- At the same time, operating slide. America for $25.9 million. business for several days as a re- clude Coach USA, Coach Canada profit for the six months ended “This partly reflects the dis- The sharp rise in revenue for sult of Superstorm Sandy. and megabus.com, reported sharp- Oct. 31, was $21.7 million, down posal of the profitable Wisconsin the six-month period of 2012 was After-tax profit at Twin Ameri- ly higher revenue for the six 11.8 percent from same-period school bus operations in Novem- largely the result of continued ex- ca was up 14.6 percent, to $15.7 months ended Oct. 31, but operat- 2011 revenue of $24.6 million. ber 2011, and the continued start- pansion by megabus.com, which million for the six months of 2012. ing profit fell for the period. The North American unit post- up losses from new megabus.com had revenue of $73.9 million, ver- The operating margin for Twin Stagecoach Group said its ed an operating profit margin of services. sus $54 million for the same peri- America was 28 percent. North American division had rev- 6.9 percent for the six months of “We also invested in further od in 2011. Capital spending by Stage- enue of $316.4 million for the half 2012, versus 9.3 percent the prior preventative measures to enhance The growth rate of other Stage- coach Group in North America year ended Oct. 31, up nearly 20 year. our industry-leading safety sys- coach-owned bus operations in during the six months ended Oct. tems at megabus.com following a North America was modest during 31, totaled $84.6 million, versus number of unrelated highway inci- the six months of 2012. $31.4 million a year earlier. dents.… More recently, the severe Scheduled and commuter ser- Stagecoach said its North CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING storms in the northeast of the Unit- vice revenue was up 2.3 percent; America division “continues to see ed States adversely affected oper- charter revenue was up 0.2 per- excellent prospects for long-term ating profit in the month of cent; sightseeing and tour revenue growth, particularly as our newer October.” was up 5.7 percent, and school bus megabus.com routes reach In July, Stagecoach/Coach and contract revenue declined 1.2 maturity. USA completed the acquisition of percent. “In the near term, however, we nine businesses and related assets Revenue at Twin America, the remain more cautious on the out- from Coach America for $134.2 joint-venture New York City sight- look for profit as we absorb losses million. seeing company, was up 12 per- on newer megabus.com routes.” Northfield wins marketing award NORTHFIELD, Minn. — sota Association, and was awarded Minnesota’s diverse tourism indus- Northfield Lines, a charter, tour and to Northfield Lines for its dedica- try. Its members come from both scheduled service operator based tion and on-going promotion of the public and private sectors. here, was presented with the Tour the tourism industry in Minnesota, Northfield Lines is a 24-year- 2 NEOPLAN TO CHOOSE FROM! Minnesota Association “Marketing through print, online and televi- old company that early this year (1) 1997 and (1) 1998. Over 500K miles. Both have Award” at a ceremony last month. sion advertising. was named “National Motorcoach Series 60 Detroits, B500 Allison Transmissions. The presentation took place at Margaret Speck of Northfield Operator of the Year 2012” by Seating capacity is 57. Currently in service with Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Lines accepted the award on be- Metro Magazine. Minn., during the association’s an- half of the company and company In addition to Northfield Lines, VERY COLD Thermo King A/C systems! All have nual holiday gathering and awards President/CEO John Benjamin. Benjamin also owns and operates 5 month old paint jobs. Asking $33,000 each. ceremony. Tour Minnesota Association is Benjamin Bus Inc., which pro- Please call for info at 757-494-1480 or The award is one of the top a 38-year-old organization that vides student transportation for honors presented by Tour Minne- seeks to represent and advocate for two school districts. email us at [email protected] ODOR CONTROLLER ABC Cos. revamps its mobile website SUPER CONCENTRATED FORMULA FARIBAULT, Minn. — Smart- on the go” can access ABC’s on- resources from ABC regardless of is a non-staining, non-formaldehyde soluble based solution. Its long-lasting phone users will find a new look demand Grab ‘n Go webcasts from where they are.” odor control comes in sweet smelling cherry scent. It is guaranteed, in its diluted when they access the website of the mobile site and view them di- The mobile site is also designed form to eliminate and control odors. It maintains a fresh scent ABC Companies. rectly on their smartphone. to serve as a directory, with contact even on long trips. This product will lower your cost while The revamped mobile site is The brief webcasts provide information for all coach and parts maintaining a clean and fresh scent in your bus lavatories. designed to allow users to quickly technical information and training sales representatives, service facil- One 5 gallon pail makes 2-1/2 55 gallon drums – 3 oz p/toilet. navigate through the site from any in a concise format. ity operations managers, and field Crawford Distributing & Detail mobile device. “With the increased use of service technicians. 760-403-8298 The changes include a simpli- smartphones, it’s important we tai- Individuals also can easily con- www.crawforddistributing.com fied home page with single-touch lor our online experience for those tact the ABC CustomerCare Call access to search ABC’s pre-owned viewing our site on their mobile Center or email an account 2003 E4500 ~ Low Mile ~ One Owner ~ 58 Seats inventory, view new coach models, devices,” said Tim Wayland, ABC executive. Lift Equipped Coach • 8 Tie Down Stations learn about ABC refurbishment chief commercial officer. To view the streamlined site, go programs, and connect with ABC “This latest evolution of abc- to www.abc-companies.com using Bus converts seats in less than 1 minute via social media networks. companies.com ensures individu- a smartphone device. with Flip Seats Those interested in “learning als can easily access key tools and Approx. 240,000 original miles Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine Allison B500R transmission Business brokerage opens in Mid-South (hydraulic retarder) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The “Transportation business own- headquartered in Dallas, says its Michelin Tires (not retreads) Asking $199,000 OBO Tenney Group, a business broker- ers need the representation of a na- advisers are responsible for help- Enhanced sound system w/ age firm that focuses on the tional firm,” says Minucci, a busi- ing produce more than $200 mil- AM/FM/CD/DVD/PA system Marc: 808.832.6261 Cordless mic & 6 monitors or [email protected] ground transportation industry, in- ness transaction specialist. lion in exit strategy proceeds for cluding motorcoach and limousine “All of our services are confi- transportation business owners. operators, announced the opening dential and we’re proud of the value Its brokers have assisted busi- REPOS FOR SALE of an office in Nashville. we’ve brought to numerous bus and ness owners with sales, acquisi- •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell The location is being overseen limo owners through the years.” tions, and mergers with revenues by managing director Steve Mi- This past summer, the Tenney ranging from $200,000 to $20 mil- • Variety of Makes & Models nucci. He has nearly 30 years ex- Group also opened a Southern Cal- lion plus since 1973. 1-877-737-2221 x30716 perience working with many types ifornia office, in Irvine. (See Aug. The company’s services in- of businesses, including being an 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) clude business valuation, sales and www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” owner of his own business. The Tenney Group, which is buy-side representation. 23Bus & MotorcoachJanuary 1, 2013News UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXHIBITOR NEWS BusJanuary & Motorcoach 1, 2013 News23

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a wheel chair lift or D M 2009 MCI J4500 2010 VolVo 9700 2009 MCI J4500 E anything else we N Q U W Cummins 410 ISM, Allison B-500, Re- Volvo D13, Volvo I-Shift, Low mileage, CAT C-13 410HP, Allison B-500, Low O can install for you. A A E Energized program, Reman. Engine/Trans., aluminum wheels, warranty in effect on mileage. VIN #65248. Only $287,900! LITY PR 60-day warranty, West coast/Southern unit. engine/transmission. VIN #40337. Re-Energized coach will VIN #65106. Only $373,500! Only $297,500! offer many, many more years of great

deal deal deal service to you and your customers. So please contact one of our Sales Representatives who will be able to assist and help you add one of these coaches to your fleet. Sincerely,

2006 Van Hool C2045 2006 PreVost leMIrage XlII 2003 MCI D4500 Mitch Guralnick Director of Pre Owned Coach Sales DD S60 12.7L, ZF Astronic, New paint / DD S60 12.7L, ZF Astronic, Low mileage. DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500, West coast/ or included in price. VIN #46649. VIN #28851. Only $172,500! Southern unit. VIN #55452. Only $163,000! Only $230,900! Log in to

deal deal outlet MCI’s FREE Webinar Training www.mcicoach.com/webinar

Identity

Motor Coach Industries 2004 PreVost leMIrage XlII 2004 MCI J4500 2001 MCI F3500 DD S60 425, Allison B-500, Low mileage. DD S60 12.7L, ZF Astronic, Recently Cummins ISC 285, Allison B-400, West VIN #28171. Only $145,600! discounted, new paint/or paint included in coast/Southern unit. low mileage. VIN price. VIN #62499. Was $180,000 #90043. Only $60,000! Now only $145,000!

MCi s ales & serV i C e C enT ers California new Jersey illinois florida Texas Canada 800.777.4101 800.262.1287 800.428.7626 800.390.0287 800.248.4942 800.663.3328 Find our latest * See www.mcicoach.com/preowned for complete POC limited warranty details. Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable news and offers: sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental **Scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and recommended fluid and filter changes at an MCI service center included fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject for 60 Days/30,000 Miles, whichever comes first, as determined by the maintenance manual applicable to the coach. Service to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. intervals assume mileage is zero at date of pre-owned coach delivery. ©MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2012, All Rights Reserved

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