August 1, 2009

Consumer marketing campaign adopted by operators DENVER — The grass roots The operators were joined by effort to develop a nationwide con- representatives from the industry’s sumer marketing campaign aimed three largest coach suppliers, the at promoting motorcoach travel industry’s two largest trade associ- took a major leap forward here last ations, and executives from a lead- month with the adoption of key ing operator marketing group and campaign elements. a major destination — all of whom More than two-dozen coach had contributed to the partnership operators from across the U.S., set up to develop the marketing who had contributed at least $2,000 campaign. each to help launch an industry- After viewing competing con- Industry marketing campaign will use catch phrases, bus wraps and bold graphics to target specific audiences. wide marketing drive, traveled here sumer advertising and awareness tors and associates voted by a 90+ with bold graphics to grab atten- gan designed to amuse, intrigue and to aid in the selection of a slogan, campaigns created for the industry percent margin to adopt a campaign tion, and adopts a newly coined build consumer familiarity with the catch phrases, graphics and other by a group of branding, advertising that uses catchy phrases displayed word as the basis for a unique slo- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 essential campaign elements. and design specialists, the opera- c Chinese-built coach launched in U.S. Texas moves to work out SANTA ANA, Calif. — U.S. bus and coach operators have a evacuation, driver issues new motorcoach to consider, one AUSTIN, TEXAS — The bad who called it a “step in the right with a price tag that will make it feelings that flared between Texas direction” and expressed hope hard to ignore. state government and motorcoach such steps will spread to other A California company that spe- operators — who complained they states that use motorcoach opera- cializes in importing and modify- were not paid on a timely basis for tors to transport residents during ing foreign-made automobiles to the evacuation of thousands of emergencies. meet U.S. safety and emissions hurricane-threatened Texas resi- Last year, dozens of operators standards has begun importing mo- The Ankai motorcoach is being distributed by a California company that dents last year — appear to be on from throughout the country com- torcoaches from eastern China and specializes in automotive imports. the mend. plained they had to wait for months converting them for sale in the U.S. Texas officials say they have to be paid for the transportation G&K Automotive Conversion Ankai Automobile Co. Ltd., which Daimler bus brands. Anhui Ankai set aside special funds to help pay work they did in Texas for hurri- has set up a subsidiary, Greenkraft says it’s the only authorized partner proudly highlights its connection to for emergency transportation ex- canes Ike and Gustav. Inc., that’s bringing in the 45-foot of Daimler AG in the Asia-Pacific Daimler and Setra on its website, coaches, installing Cummins and region. touting the partnership with Daim- penses during this year’s storm Additionally, many of their Allison power trains, and distribut- The coaches Anhui Ankai ler/Setra and its coaches’ “techni- season and have taken other steps drivers returned home with alarm- ing them from its 140,000-square- builds in China are based on Setra cal heredity from Germany.” to avoid a repeat of billing issues ing stories of how they were mis- foot facility in Santa Ana. designs and technology, and mar- Anhui Ankai coaches marketed and mistreatment of drivers. treated by the state, including The coach is called the Ankai, keted with a Setra nameplate. in the U.S. are being sold under the The action was applauded by being turned away from food lines, and it’s manufactured by Anhui Setra, of course, is one of three CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c motorcoach industry executives CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c Prisoners continuing to ride unescorted on intercity lines MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. trust and disregarded public safety. In ’05, investigators for the San has transferred more than 89,000 tion of cocaine. Fitzen, known as Bureau of Prisons’ practice of trans- The issue of federal inmates Diego TV outlet weren’t able to prisoners unescorted during the “Shadow” and a member of a biker ferring federal inmates unescorted being sent cross country unescorted find out how widespread the prac- past three years. gang, slipped off a bus in Las on intercity buses has surfaced on line-run buses surfaced four tice was or how many prisoners had And at least 178 inmates es- Vegas in 2004 and escaped. again with investigations by a tele- years in a report by a San Diego decided to use their solo bus rides caped, failing to report to the pris- U.S. Marshals have yet to ap- vision station here and in Dallas. television station. (See June 15, as an opportunity to escape. on where they were being sent. prehend him and consider him The new reports featured a U.S. 2005 Bus & Motorcoach News.) This time, however, reporters One of the most notorious es- armed and dangerous. Senator, city police chief, bus pas- At the time, Greyhound Lines were able to uncover those capes during this decade was that In 2005, the Bureau of Prisons sengers and spokespersons for bus complained about the practice and numbers. of Dwayne Fitzen, who had been told Greyhound it allowed for une- companies criticizing the practice, wrote to the Bureau of Prisons, ask- The Minneapolis station found sentenced to 24 years in federal scorted prison transfers because it saying it was an abuse of the public ing that it be halted. It wasn’t. that the federal Bureau of Prisons prison for conspiracy and distribu- CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 c

Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS August 1, 2009 3 NTA announces revisions Greyhound revenue drops but profits remain ABERDEEN, Scotland ­— operating model, we have success- job reductions, which are continu- Greyhound Lines remains profit- fully reduced services to match de- ing, the company said. to China inbound program able and continues to generate cash mand and protect revenue per mile Last year, FirstGroup cut Grey- LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Na- Additionally, the criteria in- despite a steep slide in revenue dur- (at Greyhound),” FirstGroup said hound mileage by 7.6 percent and tional Tour Association has an- clude a special rule that says any ing the three months ended June in a statement released at its annual trimmed jobs. nounced changes to the China In- shopping activities must be done 30, its Scottish-based parent com- meeting here. For its school bus operation, bound Program, including new without coercion at reputable shop- pany announced last month. In addition to taking “swift ac- FirstGroup said it had achieved a requirements for tour operators that ping facilities with quality FirstGroup PLC, which owns tion” to reduce overhead at Grey- contract retention rate of more than participate to the program, to assure products. Greyhound and is the largest oper- hound, FirstGroup said it also had 95 percent during the current bid Chinese group leisure travelers to “To remain an approved opera- ator of private school buses in identified “further opportunity for season, and it was seeking more the U.S. “have a safe and quality va- tor with the China Inbound Pro- North America, said the weak U.S. cost reduction.” contracts. cation experience.” gram, all participating companies economy and increased unemploy- Early this past spring, First- FirstGroup’s operations in the The changes were announced must reapply to affirm they meet ment had resulted in Greyhound Group announced a companywide United Kingdom turned in a “solid after a fatal motorcoach crash Jan. these new criteria.” revenues dropping 20 percent dur- cost reduction program designed to performance” despite the weak 30, that killed six Chinese group The NTA has developed a doc- ing the April-June period from save 200 million pounds, or rough- economy. The U.K. bus division re- leisure travelers on a highway about ument outlining “best practices” for year-ago levels. ly $326 million. Much of the sav- ported passenger revenue growth 30 miles south of Hoover Dam in working with the China inbound “By utilizing the highly flexible ings was to be achieved through of 4.2 percent during the quarter. Arizona. market, including details in six “As the Chinese group leisure areas of activity — tour operator travel market continues to grow in and supplier qualifications; itiner- the United States, NTA and its part- aries and visitor experience; tour ners felt it was important to take pricing and tour advertising; pay- next steps in improving the visitor ment, refunds and deposits; crisis experience,” said NTA President management; and continuing Lisa Simon. education. The new criteria for participat- The January crash that killed ing in the program is backed by the the six Chinese travelers and in- China National Tourism Adminis- jured nine others is still under in- tration and the U.S. Department of vestigation. State investigators sus- Commerce, she said. pect the driver was impaired by NTA’s China Inbound Program drugs or alcohol at the time of the was created to assist NTA tour op- incident. erators in working with Chinese The United Motorcoach Asso- travel agencies to organize and ciation, a travel partner with NTA, market packaged group leisure welcomed the changes. tours to the United States. “This makes perfect sense,” NTA said that among the new said Victor Parra, president and criteria, participants are required to CEO of the United Motorcoach use suppliers and contractors that Association. are sufficiently licensed and who “With our BusRates.com logo/ maintain up-to-date registration link now on the NTA website, this and insurance in compliance with should spell more business for Bus- applicable laws. Rates.com subscribers, particularly Tour operators also must review given you can link directly to the crash data, safety ratings and safety SAFER database to check the com- records of motorcoach subcontrac- pany’s safety record, insurance and tors and make sure they are proper- if they have proper operating au- ly licensed in the state of operation, thority.” (See July 15 Bus & Motor- it said. coach News.) Pilot, Flying J chains to merge KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot one of the 20-largest private com- Travel Centers and Flying J have panies in the U.S. with annual sales agreed to a merger that would com- of more than $16 billion. bine two of the largest U.S. truck “After a careful and exhaustive stop chains and provide a frame- review of the alternatives available, work for Flying J to emerge from we have concluded that a merger Chapter 11 bankruptcy. with Pilot represents the best pos- The privately held companies sible outcome for Flying J, our announced last month they had creditors, our customers and our reached a preliminary agreement to employees,” said Crystal Call Mag- combine Flying J’s 270 and Pilot’s gelet, Flying J’s chairwoman. more than 300 travel centers. “We look forward to working Under the deal, Pilot will pro- closely with Flying J and its em- vide $100 million in debtor-in-pos- ployees during the Chapter 11 session financing, helping Flying emergence process, and as we take J’s pay off its creditors. The ar- the next steps of a new beginning rangement is subject to bankruptcy for both of our companies,” said court approval. Jimmy Haslam, Pilot’s chief The combined company is ex- executive. pected to be headquartered at Pi- Pilot is the nation's largest op- lot’s offices in Knoxville, Tenn. erator of travel centers and largest Flying J is based in Ogden, Utah. seller of over-the-road diesel fuel. Flying J filed for bankruptcy in It has truck stops in 41 states and December but kept operating. It is had ’08 sales of $16 billion. 4 August 1, 2009 Bus & Motorcoach News

Board nominee pitches NTSB recommendations Site explains WASHINGTON — Deborah merce, Science and Transportation adopt mandatory electronic on- further help states fund large proj- Hersman, President Obama’s Committee. board recorders and more strin- ects such as the Hudson River new FMCSA nominee to lead the National Hersman, a former staff mem- gent medical and drug-testing Tunnel between New York and Transportation Safety Board, told ber for the commerce committee standards. New Jersey. safety plans a Senate committee last month and currently a member of the Hersman called NTSB “the Trottenberg, executive director TEXARKANA, Texas — A that other federal transportation NTSB, singled out the Federal safety conscience and compass for of Building America’s Future and a trucking industry consulting and agencies should voluntarily adopt Motor Carrier Safety Administra- the transportation industry.” former Senate staff member, said training services company has the board’s recommendations and, tion for not implementing more The board does not have the using stimulus money and other set up a website designed to help if they don’t, Congress should NTSB recommendations to im- power to issue regulations or sanc- funding for “these very large, truck and bus operators learn order them to. prove commercial vehicle safety tions, however. transformational projects that about and understand the Federal “One of the best ways for those — even though she acknowledged During the same committee often straddle different states…is Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- recommendations to be imple- the number of truck-related fatali- session, Polly Trottenberg, who going to be a big priority.” tration’s Comprehensive Safety mented and not ignored is for ties “has remained relatively flat has been nominated for U.S. De- Top members of the panel sig- Analysis 2010 initiative. Congress to pay attention to since [FMCSA] has been created.” partment of Transportation assis- naled even before the hearing Vertical Alliance Group Inc. them,” Hersman said during testi- For example, Hersman said tant secretary for policy, said began that they expect Hersman of Texarkana said its website will mony before the Senate Com- NTSB has pushed FMCSA to USDOT was looking for ways to and Trottenberg to be confirmed. help companies adapt and proac- tively prepare for the federal safety initiative. The website is Can Oberstar road bill Study: Traffic congestion www.CSA2010.com. CSA2010 is a major FMCSA survive Obama detour? to remain major problem program designed to improve the SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The stitute’s study seemed to throw cold effectiveness of the agency's WASHINGTON — Perhaps the State Highway and Transportation Texas Transportation Institute, water on that idea. compliance and enforcement ef- No. 1 guessing game in Washington Officials and the American Associ- which has studied traffic conges- The report found that 75 per- forts. Its goal is to achieve a sig- these days is how long House Trans- ation of Port Authorities also have tion in the U.S. for nearly three de- cent of travel time and congestion nificant reduction in large truck and bus crashes, injuries and fa- portation Committee Chairman praised Oberstar’s bill. cades, says the current slowdown in cost savings produced by public talities, while maximizing the re- James Oberstar can keep his six- Some political analysts suggest roadway traffic is a temporary lull transportation systems were con- sources of the FMCSA and its year highway and public transporta- the move by the Obama administra- and not a long-term trend. centrated in just six cities, with state partners. (See July 15 Bus tion reauthorization bill alive in tion may be more than a simple Traffic congestion improved New York City capturing half of the & Motorcoach News.) Congress. delay because they’re busy with slightly in 2007, as higher fuel pric- nationwide benefits. CSA2010 will grade motor With the Obama White House other issues and to find a more sta- es and then the onset of the eco- In other words, increased public carriers and individual drivers in having set up a formidable road- ble revenue stream to finance high- nomic recession took travelers off transportation will only help con- block to the bill, and a pair of well- way construction. They suggest the seven areas, or BASICs, and their the nation’s highways and roads. gestion in certain corridors in scores will determine what ac- placed senators siding with the ad- administration also wants to take However, experts at the institute densely populated areas. ministration, Oberstar and his the lead in overhauling transporta- tion the FMCSA will take to say roads will become more To address impending issues, bring the carrier and its drivers colleagues on the House Transpor- tion policy. clogged once the economy picks the report recommended: tation Committee seemingly are left into compliance. back up. • Get as much service as possi- The CSA2010.com website spinning their wheels. Mandate for EOBRs The institute’s 2009 Urban Mo- ble from what we have. In other Oberstar, a Democrat from Should the Oberstar bill survive contains a wide assortment of bility Report outlines critical steps words, low-cost improvements can information, some from the Minnesota, unveiled his propose the administration’s delaying tac- that should be taken to improve go a long way with public support bill in late June, but the Obama ad- tics, it contains a number of com- FMCSA, some from state de- traffic, including adding capacity in and rapid deployment. These in- partments of transportation, and ministration stole his thunder, an- mercial vehicle safety-related regu- critical corridors. clude quickly removing crashed ve- some from carriers who have gone nouncing it wants the reauthoriza- lations, including mandatory According to the study, traffic hicles, timing traffic signals so through the initial test phase of tion process shelved for 18 months electronic onboard recorders. is adversely affecting America’s more vehicles see green lights, im- the CSA2010 assessments. while it focuses on other issues and The bill’s specific language “re- 439 urban areas, and has gotten proving road and intersection de- On the site, users will find legislation — climate change, quires the Secretary (of Transporta- worse. In 2007, Americans had to signs, or adding a short section of extensive information about how healthcare, defense spending and a tion) to prescribe regulations to re- drive 4.2 billion hours more and roadway. the FMCSA will assess carriers host of other topics. (See July 15 quire all commercial motor vehicles spend an extra 2.8 billion gallons of • Add capacity in critical corri- under the initiative, as well as the Bus & Motorcoach News.) used by a motor carriers subject to fuel as a result of congestion. dors. The report suggests adding consequences that both carriers Still, Oberstar has plenty of al- the Secretary's hours of service reg- This resulted in congestion more road lanes, new streets and and individual drivers could face lies outside Congress, as well as in ulations to be equipped with “costs” of $87.2 billion, a rise of highways, new or expanded public if found out of compliance. the House, who oppose the admin- EOBRs.” more than 50 percent over the pre- transportation facilities and larger Kirk Lohse, director of mar- istration’s bid to extend the existing An EOBR rule has been in the vious decade. bus and rail fleets. keting for Vertical Alliance transportation law beyond its Sept. works at the USDOT for more than The slight decline in traffic, pri- • Change usage patterns. Group said CSA 2010 is incredi- 30 expiration date, and are pushing five years, with a proposed rule is- marily during the second half of Things like flexible work hours, in- bly comprehensive in its scope. back. sued early in 2007 that would have 2007, caused the delay per traveler, ternet connections or phones allow “Prior to CSA 2010, only about 8 The American Road & Trans- required only companies with a his- or the number of hours of extra employees to choose work sched- percent of motor carriers nation- portation Builders Association, for tory of serious hours-of-service vi- time commuters spend during rush ules that reduce travel during “rush wide were reviewed each year. example, is running ads in Capitol olations to install the devices. hours, to dip. hours.” Under this new initiative, all car- Hill publications touting Oberstar’s A final rule that was expected to “This change would be more • Provide choices. Solutions riers and drivers will be assessed bill. Transportation for America, a go even further was put on hold hopeful if it was associated with such as different routes, travel and there are strict penalties for coalition of 300 groups that in- after the Obama administration something other than rising fuel modes or lanes that involve a toll being out of compliance.” cludes the AARP and a host of pub- took office in January and ordered prices…and a slowing economy,” for high-speed and more reliable By educating themselves lic transit and environmental advo- all federal agencies and depart- the report said. trips, allow travelers to customize about the initiative, companies cacy groups, is pushing for action ments to stop any pending regula- For those who insist that in- their travel plans. can minimize fines, interven- now. tions until they could be reviewed creased public transportation is the The full report can be down- tions and corrective action plans, The American Association of by incoming staff. best solution for congestion, the in- loaded at mobility.tamu.edu. said Lohse. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET August 1, 2009 5 Diesel prices don’t reflect reality Registration system stuck Despite the nationwide decline cause Wall Street traders have been waned, so have crude prices. WASHINGTON — The dys- along with the recommendation in diesel fuel prices, some analysts propping up the price of crude oil, Crude oil has fallen back to functional Unified Carrier Regis- and sent it back to the UCRA say the prices have yet to reflect the diesel prices have not fallen to the around $65 a barrel on the New tration system has failed to agree board with a bunch of questions full impact of falling crude oil level they should. York Mercantile Exchange after on a revised fee structure that it can and for reconsideration. The prices, record diesel fuel surpluses Analysts say investors began reaching $73 in early June. recommend to the Federal Motor FMCSA is charged by law with and the weak demand for fuel re- moving money into the oil markets Diesel prices should continue Carrier Safety Administration. setting UCRA fees. sulting from the recession. in late spring when they believed to slide if crude prices drop. How- The Unified Carrier Registra- The UCRA board has been Diesel prices have been edging they saw signs of recovery in the ever, despite the severe recession tion Agreement board met last debating the issue for nearly two lower for several weeks, with the global economy. that has produced diesel fuel sur- month to reconsider the system’s months and last month it met by national average around $2.55 a The investors, it turns out, were pluses, diesel prices are hostage to 2010 fee structure and was unable phone and essentially agreed to gallon. wrong and the economy has re- refinery, economic and market to come to agreement. disagree. With the American Still, the decline hasn’t reduced mained weak, meaning there is no forces that go beyond demand, an- Revising the fee structure has Trucking Associations leading the the price of diesel to the level it actual demand to sustain higher alysts say. been a hot potato since the UCRA opposition, the board was unable was in March, when the average crude prices. In other words, the supply-de- board recommended in February to agree on a new recommenda- price dipped to $2.017 per gallon, “What it is, it’s sentiment about mand fundamentals of the market- that the FMCSA adopt a huge in- tion for fees. even though demand for the fuel is what the economy is going to do,” place are exceedingly weak for crease in UCRA fees for next That leaves the FMCSA with the weakest it has been in years. said one analyst, noting that as op- diesel, and they have been for year. (See March 15 Bus & Mo- the original fee proposal put forth One analyst suggested that be- timism about the economy has months. torcoach News.) Private-sector by the board in February. Now, the members of the UCRA board op- FMCSA will have to proceed with posed the fee hike. a fee rulemaking without new ExxonMobil to develop algae-based biofuels The FMCSA declined to go guidance from the UCRA board. IRVING, Texas — ExxonMobil “While significant work and fits,” said Emil Jacobs, vice presi- has formed an alliance with Syn- years of research and development dent of research and development Michigan conducts UCRA blitz thetic Genomics to research and still must be completed, if success- at ExxonMobil Research and Engi- develop biofuels using photosyn- ful, algae-based fuels could help neering Co. LANSING, Mich. — The program are used for commercial thetic algae. meet the world's growing demand “Growing algae does not rely Michigan State Police conducted a vehicle safety and enforcement pro- Under the initiative, ExxonMo- for transportation fuel while reduc- on fresh water and arable land oth- weeklong enforcement blitz last grams. The state police said en- bil expects to spend more than ing greenhouse gas emissions,” erwise used for food production. month, checking for Unified Carri- forcement of the registration would $600 million, including $300 mil- said Michael Dolan, senior vice And lastly, algae have the potential er Registration. continue after the weeklong check. lion in internal costs and providing president of ExxonMobil. to produce large volumes of oils Those bus and truck operators Michigan companies can regis- more than $300 million to SGI. The “Among other advantages, that can be processed in existing re- found not to be in compliance face a ter for the program by calling (517) company will work with SGI to readily available sunlight and car- fineries to manufacture fuels that fine of up to $500 and/or 90 days in 241-6030. create advanced biofuels that are bon dioxide used to grow the pho- are compatible with existing trans- jail. Lack of registration is consid- Operators in any state, includ- compatible with diesel fuel and tosynthetic algae could provide portation technology and infra- ered a misdemeanor. ing Michigan, can also register by gasoline. greenhouse gas mitigation bene- structure.” The fees collected under the going to www.ucr.in.gov. singlep int communications

6 August 1, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Texas gets in gear governor. North Carolina Motorcoach prove relations with hurricane- State officials offered the op- Association President Jim Harris, prone states such as Texas, Missis- People CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 erators a mix of excuses for the who was instrumental in the estab- sippi, Louisiana, Florida and being refused medical treatment, slow payments last year, including lishment of the Southeastern Re- others. D a i m l e r being forced to sleep in their hot the depleted disaster fund, not hav- gional Emergency Evacuation Ad- Linda Morris, executive direc- Buses North buses, and having to go without ing enough people to process the visory Committee that met with tor of several state motorcoach as- A m e r i c a i n showers. large numbers of vouchers they re- sociations and who helped facili- Greensboro, N . C . , a n - This year, things should be dra- ceived and slow payments from tate the state meetings, agreed that ‘I can guarantee you nounced the matically different, according to the federal government, which was Texas appears to have taken a posi- appointment Ted Maddry of the Texas Office of responsible for paying a portion of tive turn in working with operators if the operators fill of Juan Lepe Emergency Management. the bills. and drivers. as West Coast He said the state moved to cor- In addition to possibly resolv- “We’ve come a long way and I out the forms prop- regional sales rect the problems for a variety of ing the money issue, Maddry said think the advisory committee has Juan Lepe manager. Lepe reasons, including meetings it had the state also agreed to make more made a big difference by opening a will oversee sales of Setra S 417 with a newly formed committee of information on billing procedures erly, they’ll get paid.’ dialog,” she emphasized. motorcoaches, along with Sprinter operators and threats by some of available to the operators and to Meantime, Texas is in the pro- shuttle buses, to the private bus in- them not to take part in future help them set up training on how Texas state officials, said the ac- cess of adding additional motor- dustry on the West Coast. emergency evacuations unless im- to file the necessary paperwork to tions taken by the state appear coach operators to the list of more “Juan comes to our team with provements were made. (See May get paid. A number of operators promising. than 200 holdovers it has from a a strong background in the bus and 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) complained last year that their “It certainly is a step in the year ago. motorcoach market with a special- Perhaps the action most wel- vouchers were sent back to them right direction because that was Maddry said contracted opera- ized focus on sales and market- comed by the operators came from several times because they were the intent all along – working to- tors who take part in evacuations ing,” said Tom Chezem, vice pres- the Texas legislature, which finally filled out incorrectly or were miss- gether and having it work for ev- this year would be paid a daily flat ident of motorcoach sales for ing information. eryone involved,” he said. “I hope rate of $2,232 ($93 per hour for a agreed near the end of its recently Daimler Buses North America. “I can guarantee you if the op- all of the other states will be coop- 24-hour period), plus another concluded session to allocate $62 Lepe, a Chicago native, has erators fill out the forms properly, erative and make it uniform be- $3.15 per mile for deadhead move- million to the state Disaster Con- worked in the bus and motorcoach they’ll get paid,” he stressed. cause we all learn from one ments and $4.15 per mile when tingency Fund. The account, which industry for 14 years, with the last Maddry said the state respond- another.” passengers are onboard. had not been funded for the past 11 years being on the West Coast ed to the driver complaints by hir- The advisory committee was a He said details of the contract several years — despite pleas from where he represented Prevost Car. ing a private contractor to manage product of the Southeastern Re- and information on how to apply Gov. Rick Perry, can be used to He is a graduate of Rockford Col- staging areas where drivers and gional Motorcoach Operators should be on the internet any day. help pay for evacuation costs. lege with a degree in business “Having the fund is going to buses assemble for inspections and meeting in Orlando last January, Operators can view the infor- administration. help us prepare and protect Texans before being dispatched for evacu- just prior to UMA Motorcoach mation by visiting www.cpa.state. immediately without concern ations. The contractor will be re- Expo 2009, where many operators tx.us, click on “State Purchasing” “Most Popular” on the right side of about where the money is going to sponsible for providing the drivers voiced their complaints and talked near the top of the page and then the page. Then type in 961 next to come from,” noted Katherine with food, shelter, shuttle service of not going back to Texas this clicking on “Electronic State Busi- “Class” and 82 next to “Item” and Cesinger, a spokeswoman for the to stores and other services. year. Its goal was to work to im- ness Daily,” which is listed under click on “Go.”

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We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS August 1, 2009 7 Express Transportation of Orlando becomes Trailways member FAIRFAX, Va. — Express expand the central and south Flor- President Gale Ellsworth. Founded in 1993, Express based at the Miami office. Transportation of Orlando, Fla. is ida for Trailways. C.W. Newman, Express Trail- Trailways began services with Express Trailways provides the newest member of the Trail- “Florida is a very important ways vice president, said he and three vans that provided Orlando convention shuttles, school and ways Transportation System. tourism and transportation market, company founder Marcello Mach- transportation services to inbound other charters, overland tours, and The company, which has a and we are pleased to have the ex- ado expect their Trailways affilia- South American visitors. Today, inbound visitor services. satellite office in Miami, has pertise our new member brings to tion to boost company marketing the company operates a fleet of 22 For more information, go to changed its name to Express Trail- us in that region,” said Trailways and operations. motorcoaches; three coaches are www.expresstransportation.com. ways and joins First Class Trail- ways of St. Petersburg and En- deavor Trailways of Miami to Shore Funding LTD. IRP web training on fees, mileage PUTTING YOUR COACH FINANCING Arlington, Va. — IRP Inc., the repository of the International Registration Plan, is conducting OVER THE TOP SINCE 1978 three training webinars on IRP fees and estimated distance. The dates are July 28, Aug. 13 and Oct. 15. All of the one-hour sessions will begin at 2 p.m. east- ern time. Industry attendees are wel- come. IRP-affiliate members from industry may sign up for free; for others the charge is $100. Registration is at http://www. irponline.org/education/. Motorcoachified cons

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 was the low-cost option. The bureau says the transfers are for convicts moving from one minimum security prison to anoth- er, or heading to halfway houses or prison camps. “Inmates assigned to either Coach Financing and Leasing “Specialists” camps or halfway houses do not present a significant risk to the community,” said Traci Billingsley, • Coach and School Bus Financing • Low fixed rate equipment a spokeswoman for the bureau. “Although, I don’t have spe- • Terms up to 84 months financing cific data regarding cost savings, we know the savings is substan- • Balloons and Skip monthly • Fleet refinancing tial,” said Billingsley. “To transfer these types of inmates using BOP payments available • Used equipment financing staff, or U.S. Marshals services or • 100% Financing available • Trac leases available contract services would result in a large, unnecessary cost to the gov- to qualified credits ernment and ultimately the taxpay- er, especially given the minimal security requirements of these offenders.” So, it seems certain the prac- tice will continue — despite re- newed protests by Greyhound and others. Potentially dangerous con- victs will go right on riding next to Shore Funding LTD. unsuspecting bus passengers and TEL: (732) 842-2828 bus companies seemingly won’t 116 Oceanport Ave know about it. FAX: (732) 842-2281 And prison officials will con- Little Silver, NJ 07739 tinue to surreptitiously drop off their charges at bus stations and stops hours before the buses are due. They will do this so other pas- www.shorefundingltd.com • [email protected] sengers won’t see the prison au- thorities and become suspicious. How considerate — for the (800) 542-7467 prisoners. 8 August 1, 2009 NEWS ANALYSIS/OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Worries mount about cap-and-trade bill Proposed health care bills WASHINGTON — The drive But the possibility of a steep Environment and Public Works by Democrats in Congress to create jump in diesel prices isn’t likely to Committee, Sen. Barbara Boxer, may threaten small firms a cap-and-trade system to limit car- win the legislation much support D-Calif., said her committee will bon emissions has become one of among motorcoach operators. draft its own legislation. WASHINGTON — The health posed plan, small businesses with the most contentious issues being Petroleum suppliers have said However, she supports the care reform legislation currently payrolls of less than $250,000 debated in the current session. diesel fuel could go up by as much cap-and-trade approach, and has working its way through the U.S. would be exempt from penalties, While there remains some as 88 cents a gallon under the cap- challenged the prediction of steep House notably sets forth a hefty those with payrolls ranging from doubt whether or not Congress and-trade bill passed by the House. increases in fuel prices. penalty for small businesses that $250,000 to $400,000 would be re- will be able to pass a climate- Of course, many in the motor- Meanwhile, ground transporta- do not provide health insurance to sponsible for health care coverage change bill that will clear both coach industry support efforts to tion lobbyists continue to push for their employees. or face a small penalty, and busi- houses, one thing is certain: If a reduce greenhouse gas emissions changes to the proposed climate- The Senate’s version of health nesses with more than $400,000 in bill does pass, diesel fuel will be- and improve fuel efficiency. After change legislation, saying it must: care reform also contains a provi- payroll would be liable for an 8 come more expensive. all, coaches that are more fuel ef- • Address the need to improve sion for small business to provide percent penalty for failure to pro- And that possibility has be- ficient cost less to operate and re- highway infrastructure to reduce coverage, but gives small firms a vide health insurance. come a key during Senate debate. duce the industry’s carbon output. carbon output choice in the matter. The Senate Health, Education, Of course, that’s part of the Many operators have taken • Contain provisions for care- The House bill, which hopes to Labor and Pensions Committee whole idea behind cap and trade: their own steps to reduce fuel con- fully monitoring the proposed car- extend health coverage to most of approved its version of health care Raise the cost of carbon-based en- sumption by educating drivers to bon trading markets to assure the country’s 46 million uninsured, reform legislation by a 13-10, par- ergy to encourage investment in be fuel conscious, and reducing transparency and to prevent exces- comes with a price tag of more ty-line vote. cleaner energy and promote more idling and using more fuel effi- sive speculation than $1 trillion over the next de- The Senate bill mandates that efficient use of energy, with the cient tires. • Preempt regional, state and cade and aims to eventually cover businesses with more than 25 em- long-term objective of slowing Beyond that, however, the in- local carbon laws to prevent a 97 percent of legal residents. ployees either provide health care global warming and decreasing dustry’s hands are tied. Motor- jumbled patchwork of laws that In addition to higher taxes on insurance for workers or pay the U.S. dependence on foreign oil. coach operators don't build en- impede transportation efficiency the country’s wealthiest popula- U.S. government $750 per year per There are lots of arguments for gines and they don't refine fuel. • Provide oil refiners with ap- tion, the House plan calls for more full-time employee. and against this idea, all of which But they do pay the price of any propriate free carbon allowances granular accounting of small busi- The bill also would create an in- are being debated at length on Cap- increased fuel cost due to climate- for fuel production to help offset ness health insurance coverage of teractive exchange where small itol Hill as Congress considers the change legislation. significant price increases for re- employees. businesses and individuals could climate-change legislation. The chairman of the Senate fined products According to the House’s pro- interact to purchase health insurance. Financing of the Senate bill has with an ‘A’ Excellent rating, stable I am fortunate to lead a finan- yet to be addressed by the Senate To the Editor outlook. cially stable and growing insurance Finance Committee, and financing National Interstate began ex- company. We believe our strong is the key issue. In recent editions of your mag- gained from reading the magazine. clusively as a passenger transporta- and loyal customer base, along For these reasons and others, azine, we believe that National In- However, rather than focus on tion insurer and we have since ex- with our employees and sharehold- there is strong motivation for small terstate Corporation (Nasdaq: specific articles, I would like to pro- panded our product offerings to ers, have benefited from the finan- bus operators and other small busi- NATL) and our insurance subsid- vide some straight-forward facts. other areas including trucking and cial stability that National Inter- nesses to cast a discerning eye to- iaries, specifically National Inter- National Interstate is celebrat- specialty personal lines. Today we state has maintained throughout wards Washington these days as state Insurance Company, may ing its 20th year in business. Since believe that we are the largest writ- our history. the universal health care bills make have been inadvertently portrayed our inception we have been a lead- er of insurance for passenger trans- We continue to support our in- their way through the House and in an unfavorable light, including a er in our markets and our results portation companies and one of surance markets with the innova- Senate. recent mention of an SEC shelf have consistently outperformed only a few insurers who have con- tive, cost effective products that our While the outcomes and ef- registration that simply allows cer- the property and casualty insur- sistently remained in this market. business partners have grown to fects of the proposed health care tain shareholders to fulfill stock ance industry as a whole. We have We offer both traditional and expect from us. reform remain to be seen, the mo- registration related procedures. always maintained a strong and captive programs providing superi- To see how we can help you mentum for government-mandat- I have received questions and conservative balance sheet, espe- or customer service including with your insurance needs or to ed health care has picked up pace concerns from several of our cus- cially in regards to our invest- claims expertise that can only be contact us, please look us up at with President Obama calling on tomers and business partners re- ments and claims reserves. achieved through the consistency www.nationalinterstate.com. Congress to “buck up” and pass garding our financial stability that Our financial strength was re- that we have demonstrated through- —Dave Michelson health care reform legislation be- were based on impressions they cently confirmed by A.M. Best out our 20-year history. President and C.E.O. fore its August recess. How to contact us ISSUE NO. 151 To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- Joan Libby the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Cavalier Coach Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Boston, Mass. E-mail: E-mail: Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways [email protected] [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Coach Tours Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Brookfield, Conn. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Jeff Polzien To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Red Carpet Charters Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Oklahoma City Industry Editor: Ken Presley subscription: Larry Benjamin Tira Wayland Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines ABC Companies Ready Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Faribault, Minn. LaCrescent, Minn. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Gladys Gillis Brian Scott Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Bristow, Va. Seattle Largo, Fla. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Mark Gedris Dan Diepert Coaches Krapf Coaches National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young ©2009 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS August 1, 2009 9 Thinking about adding Wi-Fi? Here’s what to consider By Dave Millhouser time, for others a pleasant distrac- have geographical areas where identity or data theft on what is, tion. No one is forced to watch a they are stronger. necessarily, an unsecured network. On curves ahead / Remember, movie they don’t like or listen to Pick one that excels in the You don’t want to be responsible sonny / That rabbit's foot / Didn't music that doesn’t fit their taste. areas you travel most. This is criti- for one passenger stealing anoth- save / The bunny / Burma-Shave The WiFi hardware cost is cal if you’re crossing international er’s credit card numbers, or some In ye olden days, bus passen- pretty reasonable (in the world of borders. If your system has a hacker tailgating your coach, in a gers depended on road signs for coach options). lengthy conversation, which isn’t VW microbus, sucking up your entertainment and information as Depending on whistles and apparent at the time, with a foreign customers’ info. they cruised the highways. Burma- bells, the range is $5,000 to system, hefty roaming charges One major coach operator dis- Dave Millhouser Shave’s signs added an element of $10,000 per coach. The actual may turn up. This is true of cell covered WiFi was a huge selling fun and a bit of wisdom to travel. “stuff” is small, and generally phones, too, but the phones usual- point to student and business trav- to do schoolwork, but many aren’t Times and technology have easy to install, no problem even in ly have a visual way of knowing elers, but to be really effective it going to bother. changed, and many coach opera- smaller buses. you’ve left home. had to provide 110-volt current to In other words, before you tors offer several forms of enter- Essentially it is a little broad- If you can’t be absolutely sure run battery chargers. This compa- make the leap, poll your clientele tainment to help time pass pleas- cast/receiver that communes with you’re not transporting minors, ny is in the process of retrofitting a to see how much internet access antly. Stereos, satellite radio and WiFi-enabled computers, and then you’re going to need a “porn fil- number of coaches, but it would means to them, and equip your video systems all have found a talks to the internet via a different, ter.” Rough, tough coal miners can have saved money by having the fleet accordingly. TRY to make home in our industry, to the point more powerful radio hookup. handle anything, but you don’t inverter installed at the outset. this a service you can charge for. where customers expect them. Once the system is installed, want to be accused of providing a Before investing in a system, Since your driver shouldn’t use A new wrinkle is the addition the hardware requires minimal child with an inappropriate biolo- think about what sort of services Wifi while driving, Burma-Shave of WiFi (wireless internet) service. maintenance, but you’ll pay gy lesson, just because the child you provide. Line-run passengers can still help: For the uninitiated, this jewel al- monthly for the service itself. Gen- sat next to the wrong adult, and and commuters love WiFi because Proper / Distance / To him was lows your customers to access the erally the provider will use either took a peek at the computer screen. they’re generally travelling alone, bunk / They pulled him out / Of internet from their laptop comput- cell phone towers, satellite, or a It might be wise to have a poli- and are looking to fill their time some guy's trunk / Burma-Shave ers while the coach is frolicking combination that switches as need- cy requiring web surfers to use constructively. Charter-and-tour And if you’re travelling on a down the road. ed. The more comprehensive the headsets if they’re accessing sound folks may not want or need con- coach with WiFi try: http://www. The beauty of WiFi service is system, the more you’ll pay. files — to assure their neighbors’ stant internet access. They’re a fiftiesweb.com/burma1.htm. that it allows passengers to fill Some things to consider (aren’t privacy. “group” and may prefer group Dave Millhouser is a bus in- their time as they see fit — work- there always?): You’ll buy the You’ll want a good “disclaim- entertainment. dustry marketing consultant and ing, communicating or just surfing hardware and service as a package. er,” too, for folks signing onto your Students are a mixed bag. They freelance writer. Contact him at: the web. For some, its productive Like cell phones, some services service, so you’re not stuck for any COULD be using their computers [email protected]. 10 August 1, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Chinese coach RV maker plans shuttle bus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ankai name. NAPPANEE, Ind. — A lead- vehicles.…We have added several George Ziegler, director of sales ing maker of recreational vehi- high-quality employees to our ros- and marketing at Greenkraft, said cles, Gulf Stream Coach Inc., has ter and expect to immediately coach operators will be impressed introduced a line of shuttle buses have an impact at the BusCon with the Ankai and its 56 seatbelt- called Gulf Tran. show in September. equipped leather seats, LCD video Gulf Tran cutaway buses will “Attention to detail, innovative screens, air suspension, back-up be available in three models built product and strong customer ser- on Ford E-350, Ford E-450 and vice will continue to be our focus.” monitor, engine compartment fire- Ford E-550 chassis. Gulf Tran said it is in discus- suppression system, aluminum They will be showcased for sions with prospective dealers to wheels and other amenities. the first time next month at Bus- carry the new shuttles. “Fully loaded, the coach will Con in Chicago. “Every dealer we have been in sell for $325,000,” said Ziegler. “We are excited to be entering contact with has shown a tremen- A base model, with steel wheels the shuttle bus industry,” said dous interest in our entrance into and cloth-fabric seats, lists at It has a curb weight of 35,000 verted them for sale as legal U.S. Brian Shea, president of Gulf the shuttle bus industry and selling $295,000. pounds and a GVWR of more than vehicles. Stream’s motorized division. our products,” said Claude Donati, All coaches will have 410- 46,000 pounds. Until then, the Mercedes-built “We are receiving extremely vice president of the motorized di- horsepower Cummins ISM engines Initially, parts and service are smart car, available around the positive feedback from the dealers vision. “We plan on having the and Allison B-500R transmissions. available at the Greenkraft/G&K world for years, appeared doomed and suppliers about the prospect best dealers in the United States Ziegler said many of the Ankai’s Automotive facility in Santa Ana. never to be available in the U.S. of having Gulf Tran supply bus represent our Gulf Tran products.” chassis components, including Ziegler said a service network is Mercedes had vowed it wouldn’t axles and steering, are made by ZF. being established. bring the smart car to the U.S. be- With an in-house staff of mechani- eastern Chinese city 80 miles west Michelin tires are standard. The driving force behind the in- cause of our big car/SUV/pickup cal and emissions engineers, plus of Nanjing and 270 miles west of The coaches have anti-locking troduction of the Ankai to the U.S. truck culture. experienced technicians, mechan- Shanghai. braking systems, with disk front market is George Gemayel, presi- Two months after Gemayel sold ics and assemblers, and partner- Gemayel has a 10-year agree- brakes and drum brakes on the rear dent and founder of G&K Automo- his first conversion smart car, Mer- ships with design and tooling com- ment with Anhui Ankai to distrib- axles. The air conditioning system tive, a 30-year-old company that cedes flip-flopped and announced it panies, Gemayel figured his team ute buses in the U.S. and a 25-year is roof mounted. specializes in modifying foreign- would sell an Americanized version could convert Chinese buses and agreement with Anhui Jianghuai to Cutaway drawings of the Ankai built vehicles, ranging from autos of the smart car in the U.S. That trucks to U.S. standards. market trucks. Distribution of the indicate it uses true monocoque to motorcycles to ATVs, to meet happened last year and the smart So, he began working with trucks is scheduled to begin next construction, with underside frame USDOT and USEPA requirements. car has been a big seller. Anhui Ankai Automobile Co. and year. members anti-corrosion treated. It Gemayel became something of Three years ago, Gemayel got its affiliate, Anhui Jianghuai Auto- Meanwhile, says Ziegler, Ankai comes with a kneeling system, rear a legend four years ago when he the idea of trying to repeat his suc- mobile Co., which makes trucks. coaches are ready for test drives lavatory, auxiliary heater, and two- brought 1,026 European-version cess with the smart car by import- Both companies have their manu- and buyers. For more information, year warranty. smart cars into the U.S. and con- ing Chinese-made buses and trucks. facturing operations in Hefei, an go to www.greenkraft.com. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS August 1, 2009 11 Pa. Bus Assn. elects board Industry personality Bob Beard announces retirement HARRISBURG, Pa. — Three has a degree in political science TEMPLE HILLS, Md. — Bob Beard, who spent can rest up from this new members have been elected to and religion from Hampden-Syd- 30 years driving for Trailways and Greyhound and retirement.” the board of the Pennsylvania Bus ney College in Hampden-Sydney, then became one of the industry’s best-known per- In recent months Beard Association and seven members Va. He joined ABC in 2003. sonalities, has announced his fifth — and final — came to realize his busy have been re-elected. All will serve Linda Mauzy was elected to retirement. schedule and the 300-mile two-year terms. the board to represent travel sup- “As I gingerly approach my 76th birthday, I just roundtrip drive from his sub- Dale McMichael was elected plier members. She is group mar- have to try again (to retire),” Beard said in an e-mail urban Washington, D.C. home as a bus operator member. He keting manager for Pennsylvania’s to friends and colleagues. to the Museum of Bus Trans- joined Executive Coach of Lan- Laurel Highlands region. During the nearly 20 years since his first retire- portation in Hershey, Pa., was caster, Pa., as an investor nine The following individuals were ment from the industry in 1990, after spending 27 getting to be “a bit much for years ago and became vice presi- re-elected to the board: years at Trailways and 3 more at Greyhound, Beard me.” dent three years ago. • David Benedict of David Bob Beard created several new careers for himself. “It has been a great bus He has an undergraduate de- Tours & Travel in Philadelphia He wrote a book, Square Wheels on the Inter- ride because I do not believe there is another retired gree in physics/math from Goshen • Patrick Cole of Cole Trans- state; he became curator for bus collectibles and arti- driver in North America who has come to know so College, a master’s in materials en- portation in Spring Mills, Pa. gineering from the University of • Mike Fleischhauer of Grey- facts displayed at the headquarters of Trailways many fine bus people, and have so many of you know Notre Dame, and an MBA from St. hound Lines in New York Transportation System in Fairfax, Va.; he wrote arti- me — by name,” said Beard. Edwards University. He was em- • Brian Kurtz of Elite Coach in cles and took countless photographs for industry “As I fade into the background, if a 300-pounder ployed in the semiconductor in- Ephrata, Pa. publications (including Bus & Motorcoach News); he can actually fade, I beg to remind you to care for that dustry for 14 years before joining • Sue Anderson Nicklin of An- became a tireless worker for and promoter of the Mu- bus museum. It’s…a real showcase display for the the family business. derson Coach in Greenville, Pa. seum of Bus Transportation, which named him to its public and it’s an all-volunteer endeavor.…Without Jay Oakman was elected to the • Dennis Warner of Red Lion board; he co-founded an association of interstate bus you, it can’t and won’t be.” board to represent PBA associate Bus Co. in Red Lion, Pa. drivers and edited its magazine; he served as chair- Tom Collins, president of the museum, said the members. He is an account execu- • Tammy Wolf-Baker of Wolf’s man and convention staff member of the Trailways museum directors accepted Beard’s retirement an- tive for ABC Companies. Oakman Bus Lines in York Springs Pa. Retirees Association; he became a member of the nouncement “with great reluctance.” editorial advisory board of BusRide, and he func- “We will miss Bob greatly,” Collins said. tioned as an internet watchdog for many individuals For information about the Museum of Bus Trans- MCI refocuses customer support in the industry. portation, go to www.busmuseum.org. To contact SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Ken Russell, vice president of As he often observed, “I need to find a job so I Beard, e-mail him at [email protected]. Motor Coach Industries an- aftermarket customer support, said nounced a revamping of its after- MCI has restructured positions have been organized into four re- and provide more personalized solutions, and is responsible for market support division with the within its Pro Support Division “to gions and 14 territories. The terri- service. overseeing the regional teams. establishment of what it calls “cus- improve our operational speed and tories are covered by technical so- A “customer assurance team” Besserer formerly was a fleet sup- tomer solutions teams.” effectiveness to provide fast solu- lutions and parts solutions with “senior expertise” has been port manager in MCI’s public-sec- The goal, says MCI, is to “fur- tions to problems when an inevita- managers. MCI also is assigning formed to support the customer so- tor division. ther assure total customer satisfac- ble mechanical failure or ordinary its call center parts service repre- lutions teams. Go to www.mcicoach.com to tion throughout the life cycle of its wear-and-tear situation occurs.” sentatives to specific customer ac- Dan Besserer has been promot- view the customer solutions teams coaches.” The customer solution teams counts to improve accountability ed to executive director, customer by region. 12 August 1, 2009 MOTORCOACH CAMPAIGN Bus & Motorcoach News

Studio’s Denver office, the motor- sumers hear all day,” added council Marketing campaign coach brand message “must be de- board member Eron Shosteck of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 livered in a clear, concise and cre- the American Bus Association. term “motorcoach.” ative manner.” “The bus wraps will generate The slogan: “Get Motor- consumer awareness instantly, and coachified.” Where’s the money? the slogan is almost incidental to As the marketing experts ex- And just as significantly, the the head-turning quotient of a com- plained, it is critical for consumers motorcoach industry doesn’t have pelling visual,” said Shosteck. “A to realize that the word “motor- anywhere near as much money as wrapped coach rolling down the coach” exists, means something the RV, milk, beef and cotton in- highway should create traveler specific, and begin using it. dustries, which have pumped mil- interest in motorcoaches — Using the word “get” in front of lions of dollars into their market- amplified.” motorcoachified is a “call to ac- ing efforts. The council’s campaign gives tion” for the consumer to find out To overcome these and other operators the freedom to retain more or to experience motorcoach challenges, the marketing strate- their own branding and identity travel first hand. gists recommended the industry while participating in the program. Placing the extension “ified” at adopt coordinated campaign ele- Operators will be able to purchase the end of motorcoach is a fun way ments consisting of: a full-coach bus wrap, a rear bus of expressing what happens when • A catchphrase wrap, a bumper sticker or a door an individual experiences motor- • Motorcoach full-wrap designs panel decal. coach travel, the marketing consul- • Motorcoach back-wrap designs The campaign’s flexible ap- tants explained. • Consumer-facing website proach affords operators the abil­ And, finally, motorcoachified architecture ity to choose a decal color and is a word the industry campaign • Graphic and other elements message that resonates with their can own. that easily translate to other for- particular demographic and re- “This newly coined word, we’ve mats, such as display advertise- gion, said Horton. invented, is catchy and differentiates ments or direct-mail pieces our message from all the noise the Matchbox Studio and the out- Having an impact consumer is assaulted with every side designers, writers and adver- “This is a highly scalable, flex- Other large partners include the The council doesn’t expect day,” said Scott Kessler of Match- tising professionals it drew into the ible, organic and fluid approach United Motorcoach and American coach operators to wrap their entire box Studio Inc. in Denver, Colo., process of developing the cam- that affords each motorcoach op- Bus associations, International fleet, said Holland. But wrapping which coordinated development of paign came up with elements that erator the ability to choose the Motor Coach Group, and the in- even a handful of coaches will the branding campaign and its are highly adaptable and scaleable, messaging that resonates with their dustry’s large manufacturers. make a dramatic impact on U.S. elements. will work across different motor- particular demographic and region, Motor Coach Industries was a cata- travelers via the power of numbers. coach designs and configurations, and run with it,” Kessler added. lyst for launching the council. Bumper stickers and rear bus Building a brand and will easily translate to other “Vehicle wraps can stay fresh Heather Horton, spokeswoman wraps will be an affordable way to Essentially, what the marketing mediums besides bus wraps. and relevant by simply cycling for the council, said the campaign make a powerful impression with- campaign aims to do is build wide- Additionally, the campaign through different messages over adopted by the council partners is out burdening the operator’s bot- spread consumer awareness of the needed to have enough flexibility time, without disconnecting from a witty marketing approach de- tom line, he added. many advantages of motorcoach to accommodate different headline the established brand’s look and signed to contrast with the serious “This effort is truly a cut above travel, just as campaigns by RV modules that speak to specific key visual formatting on the motor- nature of traffic and surface con- anything our industry has attempt- dealers and manufacturers, plus features and benefits of motor- coaches.” gestion and the overall hassles of ed thus far,” said Victor Parra, pres- those by dairy, pork, beef and cot- coach travel, such as being “green,’ Most importantly, the cam- traveling by other modes — plane, ident and chief executive of the ton producers, boosted those convenient, comfortable, readily paign was developed to appeal spe- train or auto. United Motorcoach Association. industries. available, usable by large groups, cifically to the consumer’s point of “The campaign’s diverse slo- “It's creative, unique and edgy,” Few could have imagined that and able to go everywhere. view, Kessler noted. gans and bold, dynamic typo- said Parra. “Moreover, the entire when the dairy industry adopted graphic design emphasize the campaign is financially realistic the deceptively simple “Got Milk?” Using the No. 1 asset Fall kick off words themselves, while the sim- and feasible. It utilizes our most campaign, it would rise to such in- Given the dearth of money The “Get Motorcoachified” ple — yet vibrant — iconic graph- visible asset.…the motorcoach." credible popularity and visibility. available for an industry marketing campaign will be launched this fall ics were intentionally designed to Along with bus wraps, the While it’s not likely anyone effort, the campaign relies heavily once the graphic designs are final- ensure visual scalability and adapt- council is developing a consumer harbors illusions that “Get Motor- on the industry’s most valuable ized and arrangements are made ability across different mediums website, www.GetMotorcoachified. coachified” will achieve the iconic asset — the tens of thousands of with the industry’s fleet image ven- — from vehicle wraps, to print and com, that is scheduled to go live status of “Got Milk?,” the market- rolling billboards that are motor- dors to translate the campaign de- web/interactive media channels,” later this summer. The web portal ing gurus point out that neolo- coaches. signs to actual bus wraps and sup- said Horton. will focus on consumer awareness gisms, or made up words, like A full-wrap design for motor- ply them to operators. and education of the many benefits “Google” have become commonly coaches is the visual starting point The campaign was developed Retaining the spirit of motorcoach travel. used and accepted over time. for the campaign. However, realiz- for the industry by the Motorcoach The council’s chairman, Todd The website will not be a “bus The motorcoach industry faces ing that operators will be reluctant Council, an organization launched Holland of Ramblin Express of broker” site, nor have as its prima- much tougher marketing hurdles to give up the valuable real estate 18 months ago by a small group of Denver and Colorado Springs, ry function a detailed listing of ser- than did the RV and agriculture- on the sides of their coaches for an operators from across the U.S. who noted the council chose to utilize vice providers and operators. related industries. With recreation- industry marketing campaign, the thought it was past time for an in- the backs and sides of the indus- However, the website will list al vehicles, milk, beef and cotton, designers have come up with a de- dustrywide initiative aimed at pro- try’s existing coaches to officially companies participating in the everyone knows what they are. Few sign that works just as well as a moting public awareness of the launch the industry-wide promo- campaign (those that have pur- Americans know what a motor- back-of-bus wrap that permits op- motorcoach industry and motor- tion because it is a cost-effective chased graphics of any kind related coach is, what the word means, and erators to pick their messaging, coach travel. strategy that embodies the grass- to the “Get Motorcoachified” cam- most importantly what it means to even their color, and run with a sin- The largely all-volunteer effort roots spirit of the effort. paign). And it will include the abil- travel via motorcoach. gle catch phrase of their choice, has moved at a deliberate but “Our highly visible and readily ity for a visitor to easily locate the “The majority of North Ameri- covering whatever benefit reso- steady pace, marked by such mile- available coaches present a unique specific bus company they may cans are not aware that motor- nates with them and their market. stones as raising $250,000, primar- opportunity for promotion by their have seen wrapped in the campaign coaches exist as a convenient trans- (Sample catch phrases are shown ily through $2,000 contributions very size and the fact that they are graphics, as well as the functional- portation option,” Kessler told the on page 13.) from operators who are dubbed ubiquitous,” said Holland. ity to locate an operator by com- two-dozen operators and others “This campaign’s typographic “founding partners.” “The rolling billboards touting pany name, state, zip code or via a who came to Denver on their own design, by intention, is about the The Tennessee Motorcoach As- green messages, luxury messages, map location. nickel to participate in the two days words,” said Kessler. “The words sociation gave the council $25,000 anti-gridlock messages and the like To learn more about the council of strategy sessions. themselves make up the design, by and the North Carolina Motor- are what distinguish this campaign and campaign, go to www.motor- Therefore, said Kessler and his virtue of being bold, dynamic and coach Association sent a check for from all others and will enable our coachcouncil.org. To Get Motor- partner, Lisa Conner of Matchbox ‘lapel-grabbing.’” $10,000. messages to rise above the din con- coachified, become a council partner. Bus & Motorcoach News MOTORCOACH CAMPAIGN August 1, 2009 13 Get Motorcoachified Industry marketing campaign uses slogans, bold graphics to target consumers DENVER — For more than a an initiative will have a chance to reach program unveiled the first and awareness, and drive potential environmental efficiency, and wel- dozen years there has been periodic participate in a grass-roots cam- phase of their marketing campaign. customers to a website to learn come simplicity. talk of developing a nationwide paign that will promote the industry The initial thrust of the cam- more about motorcoach travel. The campaign employs a di- marketing campaign designed to and its diverse transportation paign utilizes the industry’s most The campaign implores con- verse assortment of catchy phrases bolster consumer awareness of the products. valuable asset — its 40,000+ roll- sumers to “Get Motorcoachified.” and slogans, and marries them to motorcoach industry and attract Last month, a group of volun- ing billboards known as motor- That is, to experience motor- bold, dynamic typography. The more people to motorcoach travel. teer operators who have been rais- coaches — to display boldly de- coach travel first hand, with its phrases and slogans are designed to Come fall, those motorcoach ing money and working for two signed slogans and catch phrases comfort, convenience, surprising speak directly to various target operators who have advocated such years to develop a consumer out- aimed at building consumer interest luxury, state-of-the-art technology, audiences.

Back bus wraps are expected to be the most popular element ad- opted by motorcoach operators that chose to participate in the consumer marketing campaign. The campaign leaders chose to utilize the backs and sides of the industry’s existing motorcoach fleet to officially kick off the promotion because it is a cost- effective strategy that embodies the grass-roots spirit of the effort and offers the greatest potential for widespread industry partici- pation and buy-in.

14 August 1, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News The promise of onboard streaming entertainment By Jim Baker systems utilize hard-disk playback But surely the technology that networks capable of 3.6 Mb/s and works could be used today for and flat-panel displays that make underlies cellular networks is theo- even 7.2 Mb/s download speeds. streaming live video and audio to For years, audio-visual enter- the viewing experience consider- retically getting fast enough to de- The truth is that the actual through- passenger transport without aggre- tainment on public transportation ably more pleasurable. liver multimedia to vehicles. Or, is it? put measured to a laptop over these gating multiple cellular connec- was often limited to long-haul Passenger vehicles such as In the past few years, we’ve networks is on average less than tions from multiple providers to journeys and reliant on VHS buses and coaches also are being seen mobile broadband offerings 1Mb/s. That is hardly rocket speed, create a ‘fatter’ pipe to the vehicle, equipment with suspect (and very fitted with digital video broadcast- gradually increase in speed. It and a long way short of the techni- and seamlessly switching between small) CRT displays. ing reception, using terrestrial or wasn’t so long ago that 300 kb/s cal specifications used by AT&T different networks as a vehicle Fortunately, this is technology satellite signals, and equipment was considered fast; now the mo- and Sprint and Verizon. moves in and out of coverage areas. of the past, and more up-to-date from providers such as KVH. bile operators are talking about So, it’s unlikely cellular net- This method of intelligently combining different data networks is where products like Icomera’s CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING REPOS FOR SALE Moovbox cellular broadband gate- way help bring high-speed com- (2) ’99 Van Variety of makes and models of munications to passenger vehicles Hool T-945’S “Bank Repos” across the United where network performance is less 57 PAX, + 1 Escort than stellar. Seat, $89,500 States and Priced to Sell! Meanwhile, what does the fu- REDUCED to $69,500 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! ture hold? Verizon announced in w/tires – New Paint February it would accelerate its All buses are Clean commitment to the next generation Well Maintanied LOW MILEAGE ONE OWNER - MCI E4500 of cellular data networks known as Excellent Condition LTE (long-term evolution). For more Photos: Excellent Condition None nicer! Series 60, A joint venture between Sprint http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/amaralbus/ B500R, 58 pax w/lav, and Clearwire has seen live deploy- Call Joe: 508-993-4503 or Michelin tires, Alcoa ments of WiMAX in several cities. e-mail [email protected] rims, CD/DVD, Cordless In terms of streaming multiple Microphone, Partial live channels of video and audio FInancing O.A.C. over the internet to passenger trans- Will consider trade for PARTS for MC8 & MC9 port, 2010 is shaping up to be the Looking for MC8/MC9 PARTS? Several well maintained units recently clean MCI C & D model. year where the rubber hits the road. removed from service I probably have what you’re looking for. Starting at $169,000 – More than 1 available Jim Baker is chief marketing Call Marc 808.832.6261 Marc 808.832.6261 for photos and more info officer of Icomera. or email [email protected]

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Volvo is selling Need a new bus? Come to BusCon, America’s Convention ’10 SCR trucks for Buses, for the best quality and selection! GREENSBORO, N.C. — FREE • The #1 Exhibit Hall in • Education and Training: • Peer Power-Pure Fun: Volvo Trucks North America has the Industry: an abundance of make lasting connections begun selling heavy-duty trucks EXPO PASS compare buses valuable workshops, with people who really that meet the tougher U.S. emis- side-by-side, in seminars, panels, and understand the challenges sions standards slated to take ef- if you register one location! Many roundtable you face. fect next year. by August 14! companies will debut discussions led by As of the middle of June, Volvo NEW buses at BusCon. industry experts. customers had placed orders for 50 trucks using selective catalytic re- duction technology to meet the Register now to new standards, Volvo said. See buses, all shapes, all sizes. “Several customers have ex- save $45 pressed an interest in placing SCR- on your Full Show Pass! EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITIES equipped vehicles in their fleets To find out about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Courtney Silbiger ahead of 2010,” said Scott Kress, Visit www.BusConExpo.com at (310) 533-2445 or email [email protected]. senior vice president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks. “This Lead Media Sponsor Media Sponsors Lead Sponsor Host Dealer gives early adopters the opportu- nity to gain familiarity with the technology.” The trucks will meet the 2010 General Show Sponsors Association Sponsors regulations using SCR, which Volvo said boosts fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. BCS06-25.09 Volvo Trucks is a sister com- Produced by Bobit Business Media pany of Prevost Car and Nova Bus.

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