MOTORCOACH EXPO 2014 Expanded Again for Coach Drivers with Latest Rule ROSELAND, N.J

February 15, 2014

Accord may set UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION FMCSA powers diabetic standard MOTORCOACH EXPO 2014 expanded again for coach drivers with latest rule ROSELAND, N.J. — In a po- WASHINGTON — The Federal tentially far-reaching action, Coach Motor Carriers Safety Administra- USA announced it has agreed to a tion can shut down a motorcoach op- new medical protocol for employ- eration if the company or a company ing drivers with diabetes. officer has shown “egregious disre- The protocol will ensure public gard” for safety and committed a safety and protect disability rights, pattern of unsafe practices, a rule say those involved in the arrange- published last month states. ment, which includes the compa- The rule, “Patterns of Safety Vio- ny, the AARP Foundation Litiga- lations,” empowers the FMCSA to tion and the American Diabetes yank the operating authority of rein- Association. carnated companies and other high- The agreement also is designed risk carriers that endanger travelers “to resolve certain legal challeng- by attempting to conceal a history of es” related to the company’s previ- flaunting safety regulations, accord- ous diabetes policies. ing to the FMCSA. Coach USA has been wrestling “The new rule complements a with the issue of diabetic drivers rule adopted by the agency in 2012 to for more than a decade. apply out-of-service orders to reincar- Motorcoaching to L.A. UMA Motorcoach Convention Center on Feb. 16. Late show and ex­ nated or chameleon carriers and to In 2009, three diabetic Coach Expo at Travel Exchange lands in the Los Angeles hibitor news can be found beginning on Page 14. USA drivers sued the company, consolidate their enforcement histo- claiming it discriminated against ries. (It) goes one step further by au- them with unwarranted suspen- New ‘toolbox’ promises results thorizing a complete revocation of the sions — without pay — if their motor carrier’s authority to operate,” urine tested positive for high glu- Two weeks. the easiest way available to market your own information and images according to an FMCSA statement. FMCSA officials say the agency cose levels. The drivers claimed That’s all it would take to pres- your company. to create everything from postcards recognizes the severity of the penal- Coach USA’s action violated New ent your company as the leading The toolkit has everything you to bus wraps, email templates to ty, and foresees imposing it in a lim- Jersey disability discrimination law. motorcoach operation in your area. need built in: slick, sophisticated business cards and other items. ited number of cases each year. It At the time, Coach USA said it How? templates for 15 marketing cam- No special software is needed estimates the rule would have been allowed diabetics — who are not With the help of the new Op- paigns, training videos and a low- — just get online and go for it. applied a half-dozen times last year. dependent on insulin — to work as erator Toolbox the Motorcoach cost option for printed materials. Best of all, the training videos The final rule cites a fatal bus drivers, provided the company Marketing Council is unveiling Using it is as simple as choos- include guidance on the most ef- crash in August 2008 in Sherman, deems the disease is controlled this month at UMA Motorcoach ing a campaign for either an affin- fective ways to put marketing col- Texas, that killed 17 passengers and with oral medication, diet and Expo at Travel Exchange in Los ity group (seniors, wedding parties lateral to work. injured the driver and 38 other people. medical supervision. Angeles. or schools, among others), or an at- Finally, a way to turn your order Investigations by the FMCSA, Without those controls, drivers It’s streamlined, yet complete- tribute (such as luxury, safety or takers into successful marketers, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c the National Transportation Safety run risks, including losing con- ly customizable, and it may just be earth-friendliness), then filling in Board and others “revealed that the sciousness on the road from hyper- motor carrier was operating without glycemia or hypoglycemia, a com- authority, was a reincarnation of an- pany spokeswoman told USA ‘Smart solutions’ battle weather States across the U.S. have increased their use of cock, president of the American Association of State other bus company that had been Today in 2011. recently placed out of service for technology and “smart solutions” to battle the affects Highway and Transportation Officials and secretary The drivers said in their suit safety violations, and that both com- of severe winter weather. of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. that those symptoms occur for panies were under the control of the Tech solutions like GPS guidance systems and Here are examples of ways states are keeping ve- some insulin-dependent diabetics same person,” the rule states. but are extremely rare among low-tech products like potato juice are helping states hicles moving this winter. “FMCSA determined that the those who do not use insulin. to remove snow and ice from roadways while keeping The Alaska Department of Transportation and companies’ flagrant disregard for The drivers also said they were costs in check, improving efficiency, and minimizing Public Facilities uses a variety of advanced technolo- safety under this person’s control type 2 diabetics who didn’t require environmental impacts. gies to combat extreme winter weather. This year, demonstrated a hazard to the safety insulin. “New technologies are being tested and imple- ADOT&PF became one of the first agencies in the of the motoring public,” it states.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 c mented by state DOTs every day,” says Mike Han- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 c

PERMIT NO 1424 NO PERMIT

PHOENIX AZ PHOENIX

US POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE US

PRESORT STD PRESORT Postmaster: Please deliver on or before 2/15/14 before or on deliver Please Postmaster: HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? Van Hool service-friendly coaches are designed to deliver low cost of operation. Featuring interchangeable parts and standardized engine layouts, Van Hool models offer quick access to routine maintenance areas for fast, easy serviceability and parts replacement. Discover how simplified repairs, fast service turnarounds and reduced maintenance dollars add up to low total cost of owning a Van Hool coach.

VAN HOOL MOTORCOACHES AVERAGED < $0.20 PER MILE in cost of operation for preventive and corrective maintenance repair in a recent analysis of operators maintenance records.

abc-companies.com Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS February 15, 2014 3 Over-zealous cop suffers setbacks in California, but… LOS ANGELES — California open to question interpretations of for the zealous officer with the mercial officers. But he’s lost two Judge James K. Hahn, former motorcoach operators have scored the law, CVC Section 35400(a), Culver City Police Department, of the last two bus cases,” Seal said. mayor of Los Angeles, ruled in the back-to-back victories in court which allows 45-foot buses to op- who has handed out at least two- In the first case, a driver for driver’s favor and dismissed the against a Culver City, Calif., po- erate on interstates and other fed- dozen citations to bus drivers from Bauer’s Transportation was on a $190 fine. lice officer who is notorious for erally funded highways, and grants five different companies. regularly scheduled airport FlyA- “We won that case. Now, why enforcing a state law that bans them reasonable access to the The aggressive officer encour- way-service run from Los Angeles we won it is somewhat unclear,” buses over 40-feet-long from op- highways. ages other commercial police of- International Airport to the San said Seal. erating on all but certain routes. What’s still unclear, Seal said, ficers to copy his hard-line tactics, Fernando Valley. “Clearly (Hahn) understood The decisions handed down in is what constitutes “reasonable ac- and had by last summer enlisted The driver bypassed the I-405 that this was a regularly scheduled a Los Angeles-area traffic court in cess” and whether the law extends support from at least 12 other of- freeway because of traffic conges- service, there was the question of December and January were im- to the national highway system, ficers throughout the Los Angeles tion, and was traveling on a main the congestion on the 405, the in- portant wins for operators, says which includes federal highways region, according to one Califor- thoroughfare within a mile from terstate, and the driver was keep- Jim Seal, a Santa Monica, Calif.- and some 20,000 extra miles of nia operator. the freeway in Culver City when ing to a schedule,” he said. based consultant for the California state highways. “Nobody is interpreting this as the officer stopped the bus and is- “And this was a contract ser- Bus Association. Nonetheless, Seal said the strictly as he is, but he’s trying to sued a ticket. vice to the city of Los Angeles, of However, he said, the cases left cases were the first known defeats expand his influence to other com- Los Angeles Superior Court CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c South Carolina operators oppose school bus privatization COLUMBIA, S.C. — State Carolina operators suggest that tizing of school bus operations in program for the three counties, it coverage areas so massive – one lawmakers here probably won’t turning over student transportation three of the most heavily populat- did it in a way that not only was 1,000 square miles – it was make a second run at trying to services to private businesses actu- ed counties in the state, Charles- squeezed out operators in the state impossible for any of the more privatize the state’s school bus op- ally could be disastrous for many ton, Dorchester and Beaufort. from getting any of the school than 90 small bus companies in the erations this year. of them. “Since that began, eight private transportation work, but also state to become involved. And that appears to be just fine “We could favor it — if it was motorcoach carriers in those coun- caused them to lose most of the “Most of the bus operators in with most of the charter-and-tour done the right way, but we don’t ties have gone out of business,” he field trips, sports team transporta- our state are very small, many of bus companies operating in the see that happening at this time,” said. “Eight of them.” tion and other after-school charter them just mom and pop businesses only state in the country that does said Buddy Young, president of the While a litany of other reasons jobs they had been doing in the that would not be able to get fi- not allow full private outsourcing Motorcoach Association of South likely contributed to their demise, area. nancing to run such large school of school transportation. Carolina and owner of Capitol Bus Young suggests that privatizing Young said the problems began operations,” he said. While some in the motorcoach Lines in West Columbia. played a key role. at the outset with state officials “If they had created smaller re- industry outside of South Carolina He points to legislative action He contends that when the setting up the program on a gions, rather than entire counties, might find that a bit odd, South three years ago that allowed priva- state developed the outsourcing countywide basis, which made the CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 c

UMA Booth #435 See it, hear it...

Upgrade your coach entertainment system to provide your passengers the HD theater experience. REI exclusively offers FEEL IT!! HD ready entertainment solutions including monitors, HDMI cabling, 4-source HDMI selector and audio. ASK ABOUT OUR FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Sales: 800.228.9275 | Service: 877.726.4617 Specify REI today! radioeng.com 4 February 15, 2014 Bus & Motorcoach News

Senators seek end to traffic jams at Canada-U.S. border WASHINGTON — The nomi- rity during the Senate hearing into “There’s a pent-up demand on “I’m very much aware, having that wait times at that crossing nee to head the nation’s border his appointment to lead the U.S. both sides,” said Senate Finance been to Montana several months rose sharply last year for both protection agency was pressed at Customs and Border Protection Committee Chairman Max Bau- ago. That was made very apparent commercial and private vehicles. his confirmation hearing last Agency. cus, arguing that more checkpoints to me.” Peak wait times can be close to a month to get vehicles flowing fast- The questions he did face be staffed and kept open at the bor- Kerlikowske offered a similar half hour. er at traffic-clogged Canada-U.S. about the U.S. northern border der in his own state, Montana. answer when pressed by New York He pushed the nominee to al- checkpoints. were about bolstering trade by Kerlikowske, a former police Sen. Charles Schumer about the locate resources from a new bud- Gil Kerlikowske faced only a speeding-up traffic, not about add- officer and ex-drug czar in the jammed Peace Bridge at Buffalo. get deal to the Peace Bridge, along few questions about border secu- ing new layers of security. Obama administration replied: Schumer expressed frustration with New York City’s JFK airport. “Toronto is booming,” Schum- er said. Bus executives favor tests for new entrants “There are hours and hours and NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bus tests to be targeted to specific gauging their knowledge of feder- chaired the listening session. hours of waiting. That’s clearly un- and motorcoach operators told types of companies. al regulations. As an array of companies must acceptable. A lot of Canadians Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- FMCSA officials collected in- The tests were required by be tested, Quade said the agency come shopping in Buffalo because ministration officials at a listening dustry input last month during a Congress in the MAP-21 highway could either develop one test for of the exchange rates. (This) is a session here they endorse knowl- meeting of the American Bus and public transportation law that all companies or tailor tests. deterrent.” edge testing for new industry Association. was adopted in June 2012. He said the testing could be Businesses in both Canada and entrants. It was the first of three ses- “I can easily envision multiple similar to the commercial driver the U.S. are pushing for what they The operators also said they sions that are part of the rulemak- tests,” Bill Quade, FMCSA associ- license system where there is a call an “intelligent” border, which want any new testing rule to be un- ing process for creating tests for ate administrator, said in response basic test and then endorsements could speed traffic by streamlin- complicated and they want the new bus and truck companies, to audience statements. Quade for different specialties. ing crossing procedures and re- ducing red tape. Drug, alcohol clearinghouse proposal imminent, Ferro says John Manley, head of the Ca- nadian Council of Chief Execu- WASHINGTON — The Feder- adopted in mid-2012. drivers’ refusals to take tests. for FMCSA to complete several re- tives, has said security worries al Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- However, the FMCSA has Bus operators and truckers search projects, including an evalua- have managed to slow down traf- tration is close to releasing a pro- been working on the idea for years, would then be required to query tion of the current insurance require- fic without nabbing more terror- posal that would establish a Ferro said during a session last the database before hiring drivers. ment for bus and truck companies. ists than could fit in a phone booth. clearinghouse of positive drug and month at the Transportation Re- That will be a very helpful sys- That study is complete and If the security-conscious U.S. alcohol tests for bus and truck driv- search Board’s annual meeting. tem that will accompany the rule, under review at FMCSA and has been fixated on the dangers of ers, Administrator Anne Ferro said. The clearinghouse rule would but first we’ve got to get through should be released soon, Ferro said. its borders since 9/11, those fears Congress called for the clear- establish a national database of all the proposal phase, Ferro said. There has been considerable were secondary to trade concerns inghouse in the highway and pub- positive drug or alcohol tests of In addition to that rule and a speculation the requirement will be at the Senate hearing. lic transportation law, MAP-21, it truck and bus drivers, as well as number of others, MAP-21 called boosted. Kerlikowske was asked two questions about the Canadian bor- der, both about facilitating the flow of traffic. By contrast he was asked two others about the Mexican border and both of those dealt with security. He was also questioned about counterfeit goods, privacy rights, the use of new technology, and ra- cial profiling. When Kerlikowske listed four of his priorities for the job, they tilted toward commerce. He dropped references to secu- rity threats and illegal drugs that had been included in his prepared remarks. In those written remarks, which he condensed in his actual presentation, the first item on the priority list was traffic: “Time is money, not only for cargo but also for international travellers who wish to visit the United States. These visitors create tremen- dous economic growth and sup- port jobs.” His confirmation is a near certainty. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET / NEWS ANALYSIS February 15, 2014 5 Ferro responds to critics of ‘zero truck fatality’ goal WASHINGTON — Is the Fed- It’s also important to recognize “We have to evaluate if it’s… will do, Knipling observes in his ty operations. eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- the limitations of FMCSA’s reach, within (the agency’s) capability to book. But that’s not the end of the Truck drivers are istration’s goal of zero truck-relat- noted Rob Abbott, vice president impact every truck-related crash, matter, he adds. professionals, ed fatalities an ideology or an of safety policy at the American knowing that 70 percent to 75 per- “Motor carriers can do relative- driving amidst appropriate aspiration? Trucking Associations. cent of crashes are the other mo- ly little to prevent foolish and irre- amateurs.” Rep. Richard Hanna, R-N.Y., For instance, the majority of torist’s fault,” he said. sponsible acts by the public, but Reprinted says it’s an ideology that leads to car-truck crashes begin with a It is true that truck drivers can- they can educate, monitor and con- from Trucking­ poor regulation. mistake by the car driver, he said. not account for what other drivers trol most aspects of their own safe- Info.com. Anne Ferro Accidents are inevitable and there is no point in trying to drive the truck-related fatality rate down to zero, he says. “If the goal is to reduce all deaths to zero, then we would close all our highways and park all our trucks.” Hanna’s comment came during a November hearing on the 34- hour restart provision of the hours- of-service rule for truck drivers. “(Zero deaths is) an unrealis- tic, impractical goal that burdens the industry and is philosophically based, not reality based,” he said. FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro has a different take. “Zero is the right goal,” she said last month in response to a question at a forum on FMCSA re- search projects. The forum was held in conjunction with the an- nual meeting of the Transportation Research Board here. “At the end of the day, I wouldn’t call it ideology. I think it’s appropriate to call it a stretch goal, an aspirational goal, because we really shouldn’t suggest that we can explain and justify the fa- talities and serious injury crashes that happen today.” Ferro added that the agency should strive to eliminate crashes because drivers want to get home safely and employers want their employees to be safe and successful. “So, it is absolute that we need to continue to strive towards crash- free environment and absolutely zero fatalities.” Aviation achieves this goal, and it is within reach for the bus industry, she said. And trucking can strive for significant improve- ments even if zero fatalities is not on the near horizon. “To do otherwise is to question each other’s motives and incen- tives,” Ferro said. “Aspirational? Absolutely. Ide- ological? Not at all,” she said, drawing applause from many in the audience at the forum. In practical terms, and by law, regulations have to meet cost-­ benefit standards. “We have to find a balance,” observed Ron Knipling, a noted truck safety scientist and author of a seminal book on the issue, Safety for the Long Haul. 6 February 15, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Warning: Highway fund running out Synthetic marijuana is being WASHINGTON — Transpor- summer with the goal to be on the the need for federal dollars and tation Secretary Anthony Foxx, in House floor before the August re- long-term planning. classified as controlled drug a plea to Congress to produce a cess,” Shuster said. “This way, “We need the stability of a WASHINGTON — The U.S. In a Federal Register entry, the long-term transportation funding there will be time to conference long-term bill,” said Atlanta Drug Enforcement Administration DEA said that “synthetic cannabi- plan, said the crisis is so severe the our bill with the Senate’s bill.” Mayor Kasim Reed, speaking for announced its intent last month to noids” are “an imminent hazard to Highway Trust Fund may run out The current reauthorization the U.S. Conference of Mayors. classify four versions of synthetic the public safety,” and there are no of money by August. funding law expires Sept. 30. Without that stability, local gov- marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug medical uses for the synthetic Earlier public announcements Known as MAP-21, it took ernments can’t make decisions on and therefore regulated under the strains. had the fund coming up empty Congress three years to write. where to invest their transporta- Controlled Substances Act. Synthetic marijuana, accord- next year. However, it failed to address a tion resources, he added. That would mean that bus and ing to the DEA, is “functionally To raise awareness of how dire funding crisis a decade in the He also urged Congress to truck drivers who use synthetic similar” to the active ingredient in the situation is becoming, Foxx making as Americans began driv- avoid “simply flat lining” existing marijuana and fail a drug test will natural marijuana — THC. said he is posting the fund’s ing less and buying more fuel-ef- federal funding levels, which he be disqualified from operating a The cannabinoids are not or- shrinking monthly balance online. ficient vehicles that reduce fuel- said would shift the burden to commercial motor vehicle. ganic, though, and are created in a “This is a number we share tax revenue. states and cities. According to Federal Motor laboratory. with Congress,” he told the annual To shore up the trust fund, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin Carrier Safety Regulations, “no Moreover, “the vast majority meeting of the Transportation Re- Congress has been transferring said the job of maintaining the na- driver shall be on duty and pos- of cannabinoids are manufactured search Board here last month. billions of dollars annually from tion’s transportation network can- sess, be under the influence of, or in Asia by individuals who are not “But the American people the general fund, including $10 not be left only to the states. use” Schedule 1 substances, or bound by any manufacturing re- need to know it too because they billion for fiscal 2014. “A continued federal invest- they will no longer be a qualified quirements or quality control are the ones who use America’s Witnesses at the hearing point- ment is necessary to leverage our operator.” standards.” transportation system — and they ed out that MAP-21 was only a improvement efforts and create a Marijuana is still prohibited The drug is generally smoked, are the ones who will travel slower two-year funding authorization, cohesive transportation system for bus and truck drivers, despite according to the DEA. and less safely if it isn’t funded.” which they said prevents long- across the nation,” she said. some state measures to legalize It is sold under hundreds of Congress, likewise, focused on term planning and creates uncer- Committee members didn’t re- the drug. brand names. transportation funding when the tainty for the economy. veal their preferred methods for for multiple years.” dictability and stability built into House Transportation and Infra- “America needs a multiyear funding transportation, nor did The secretary did not to en- our system, and I think that idea structure Committee last month surface-transportation reauthori- Foxx put forth any specifics on dorse the idea, advanced by some could have a destabilizing impact convened this year’s first hearing zation so that we can begin to re- funding. lawmakers two years ago and on transit,” Foxx said. on a new transportation bill. build our infrastructure and get In his speech to TRB, he said again at the House hearing, that Isolating transit from reautho- Committee Chairman Bill back on the road to competitive- President Obama has suggested funding for public transit be sepa- rization, he said, might take the Shuster, R-Pa., said he wants to ness,” said Stu Levenick, group transportation be funded “with the rated from the reauthorization bill nation in the opposite direction produce a bill by August. president for Caterpillar Inc.’s cus- proceeds from corporate tax re- that funds highways. from where it needs to go — to- “We hope to take committee tomer and dealer support. form, and it’s a good idea because “It is critically important… ward a comprehensive transporta- action in the late spring or early Others at the hearing stressed it could secure a source of funding that there be sustainability, pre- tion plan.

Coach -Transit Components offers the entire Linnig® product line to meet operator’s needs for MCI, VanHool, and Prevost. Call our Sales Staff today for fast, reliable assistance.

Contact Your Local Representative for Pricing and Availability. NORTHEAST Mike Hemby 352-430-7977 [email protected] NORTHEAST Jeff Goldwasser 551-482-1608 [email protected] WEST COAST Richard Olsonawski 253-219-0749 [email protected] MID CENTRAL Dwight Barnett 248-421-3631 [email protected] MID ATANTIC Howard Nichols 407-808-3322 [email protected] OPERATIONS Charlie McCarron 407-403-2494 [email protected] Prices Subject to Change All Orders Placed Over $100 Will be Shipped FREE of Charge Regular Ground Freight Our Knowledgeable Sales Staff has over 150 Years of Experience “A good product, a good price.” CALL TOLL FREE 877-500-6999 1/2014

8 February 15, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Tough rule United Motorcoach Association, the pany after being placed out of service the words “any person.” To the con- responsible for the people they hire American Trucking Association, does not necessarily establish rein- trary, all evidence suggests that Con- to act on their behalf. This concept is CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 FedEx Corporation and the Interna- carnation. The agency’s orders may gress sought to target bad actors not unique; motor carriers, like all (See Sept. 1, 2008; Nov. 15, tional Brotherhood of Teamsters, permit carriers to contract with other based on their conduct and the influ- other employers, conduct due dili- 2008; Nov. 15, 2009, and July 15, among other associations, entities entities or to resume operations after ence they wield over motor carrier gence to avoid negligent hiring 2013 issues of Bus & Motorcoach and individuals. The American Bus receiving an out-of-service order operations, regardless of their posi- claims under existing law. … The News.) Association did not submit com- under certain circumstances.… tion, title or employment status. agency finds it difficult to believe The new rule sets a two-part ments on the proposed rule. Carriers must work with the ap- Comment: UMA commented that any responsible motor carrier framework: (1) FMCSA determines In its 13-page comment, UMA propriate enforcement personnel to that a motor carrier should be placed would engage someone to exert con- whether a motor carrier has failed to conveyed satisfaction that the ensure that they remain in compli- out of service only to protect the trolling influence over its operations comply with safety regulations or has FMCSA had taken steps to impede or ance with all regulatory require- public and not as punishment; fines without engaging in a level of due attempted to conceal such noncom- eliminate reincarnations of unsafe ments.… Although FMCSA regula- and criminal prosecution should be diligence sufficient to understand pliance, and (2) the agency evaluates operations. However, UMA ex- tions require a passenger carrier to the only penalties for violations. the person’s qualifications and prior the motor carrier’s conduct to deter- pressed concern that the rule “goes make arrangements to transport Response: Underlying UMA’s work experience in the industry.… mine whether the carrier has engaged too far in many aspects, fails to serve stranded passengers to the next des- comment is the premise that out-of- That said, the agency acknowl- in a pattern or practice of safety vio- the traveling public, exceeds the in- tination in the event a vehicle or service orders and civil or criminal edges that there are limitations to lations or is using other entities under tent of (federal) legislation, and may driver is placed out-of-service, that penalties address different conduct; what an employer can discover and common control to avoid compliance have unintended consequences.” carrier would not normally be per- FMCSA rejects this distinction.… that applicants can misrepresent or mask the noncompliance. Here are some of the UMA com- mitted to resume regular operations While civil and criminal penalties their work experiences. But as the The rule also details the steps ments, as characterized by the through the use of a third party. may have a deterrent effect, they do agency stated in the (Notice of Pro- for motor carriers to request an ad- FMCSA, and the agency responses: Comment: UMA, the Ameri- not in and of themselves ensure pub- posed Rulemaking), this rule targets ministrative review of an order of Comment: UMA said that when can Trucking Associations and lic safety. Shutting down a motor only the worst motor carriers. The suspension or revocation of operat- a motor carrier that is placed out of FedEx Corp. all commented that the carrier that refuses to comply with agency must present evidence demon- ing authority, but those reviews service makes arrangements to ful- agency’s interpretation of the statu- safety requirements or follow strating willful conduct before it may would be limited to challenging er- fill its contractual obligations, that tory definition of “officer” is overly FMCSA orders does. issue an order to suspend or revoke rors of fact and/or law. carrier should not automatically be expansive and should not include Comment: UMA commented operating authority registration.… The rule takes effect on Feb. 21. considered to be reincarnating, or contractors and consultants.… that there is no formal mechanism FMCSA could only suspend or re- The maximum civil penalties are masking or avoiding a negative Response: Including contractors for carriers to disclose hiring deci- voke the registration on competent $11,000 per violation. The criminal compliance history. UMA further and consultants in the definition of sions. UMA went on to suggest that evidence that (a) person exercised penalties for knowingly and willful- commented that it would be better “officer” is consistent with Con- FMCSA is creating an informal controlling influence and was person- ly violating it include up to one year for FMCSA to monitor the contin- gress’ intent. The statutory definition blacklist, the contents of which car- ally involved, either by act or omis- in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. ued operations of an out-of-service specifically includes “any person, riers would have to guess. UMA sion, in a pattern or practice of avoid- carrier while that carrier seeks rein- however designated, exercising con- commented that this would bar cer- ing compliance, or masking or UMA, others comment statement, citing financial obliga- trolling influence over the operations tain people from the industry with- otherwise concealing noncompliance. The FMCSA published a notice tions such as payroll and lease of a motor carrier.” Nothing indicates out due process and would be shift- The complete texts of the final in November 2012, saying it planned payments. that Congress intended to limit the ing responsibility for regulating to rule and comments are available on to issue the rule, and received 24 Response: The fact that a motor concept of “any person” to some- motor carriers. the FMCSA website at www.fmcsa. comments in response from the carrier contracts with another com- thing less than the plain meaning of Response: Motor carriers are dot.gov.

You Purchase “State of the Art” Buses… Why not Demand a “State of the Art” A/C Compressor?

Demand a BITZER Compressor from Your Systems Provider

Some of the Many Features:

- Highest Reliability - Lightest and most Compact Design in the World - Highest Speed Range of any Transit Compressor in the World - German Designed, American Built

BITZER U.S., Inc. To learn more, visit www.bitzerus.com Phone: 770-503-9226 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] AMETEKTIP 14899 Rotron-10.25x13_Rotron Transportation 01/17/14 12:12 PM Page 1

© 2013 by AMETEK Inc. All rights reserved.

No country for unproven motors and pumps.

Whether your coach is running tours through the Badlands or passengers between cities, choosing brushless motors and pumps on price alone could cost you way more than the dollars you saved on the initial buy. That’s why ROTRON’s brushless products are always the best value, providing the lowest overall cost-of-ownership. Lasting two to three times longer than bargain brushless products, ROTRON motors and pumps — featuring our 60,000-hour signature pump design—let you spend more time on the road, less in the shop. ROTRON reliability is also unsurpassed, with products backed by a warranty of up to five years and product support to quickly respond to any of your concerns. It all adds up to ROTRON products and people so proven, they’re priceless.

www.ametektip.com | [email protected] | 330-673-3452 10 February 15, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS / OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Service animal fraud ‘Don’t let unethical behavior interfere with your responsibility’ By Laurel Van Horn would simply be sitting at home. vices the dog performs. breeds and may or may not be show you. Remaining active and inde- It should be obvious — she’s trained by an agency as guide dogs Of course, you never have to While articles about service pendent is important to people, no blind and he’s wearing a harness are. There is no requirement to accept an animal that is not behav- animal fraud have been all over the matter at what age they develop a from The Seeing Eye, the oldest have professional training or writ- ing properly, cannot quickly be news in recent months (see Jan. 15 disability. Whether we are age two guide dog school in the world. No ten documentation because the brought back under control, or Bus & Motorcoach News), this and lisping “Do it myself,” or age question should be asked other than federal government did not want poses a threat to other passengers should not deter businesses from 80 and snapping “I don’t need “Where would you like to sit?” to impose yet another burden on or their service animals. providing the best possible service your help,” human beings like to individuals with disabilities. As you can imagine, the dis- to their customers with disabilities be self-reliant. Service animals serve Ginger is a small dog and trained ability community and its organi- who rely on service animals for Service animals these days by her owner. She might at first zations, such as Canine Compan- their safety and independence. Independence, safety perform many types of services, glance look like a pampered pet but ions for Independence, are now It is these individuals who are For an increasing number of from pulling wheelchairs and when you look more closely, you actively working to combat ser- being hurt the most by this fraud, those with disabilities, service ani- opening doors to alerting people can see how well behaved she is and vice animal fraud. and it would be a shame if the mo- mals now play a key role in their with epilepsy to imminent sei- how focused on her handler’s needs. Some states like California torcoach industry were to become daily lives, not just providing inde- zures or people with hearing loss As soon as you try to commu- and New Jersey already have stat- part of the backlash. pendence but also safety. to various sounds. nicate, the owner’s disability also ues making such fraud a misde- I have had the pleasure during One of my fellow trainers at They are also helping Wound- becomes obvious. So once again, meanor and punishable by fine. the past few years of providing train- Open Doors Organization lives in ed Warriors recover from post- no further questions are needed. You can help by continuing to ing on the Americans with Disabili- busy New York City and could not traumatic stress disorder. welcome your passengers with ties Act to hundreds of motorcoach get around safely without her guide One of my colleagues relies on When to ask questions disabilities, including those with companies all over the country. dog, Mozart. He enables her to walk her dog to keep her balance and When is it appropriate, as a service animals, and by applying At Open Doors Organization, quickly and confidently, knowing help her get up from the floor if bus operator, to ask questions? common sense. we teach compliance with this very he will lead her around obstacles she does fall. Another, who is deaf, Only if the individual’s disabil- Are there abuses? important civil rights law, but we and stop at steps and crosswalks or now feels safe again to travel ity or the animal’s function is not Yes, but don’t let the unethical also emphasize the human element if a car is approaching. thanks to her hearing dog, Ginger. obvious or if it is not behaving behavior of a few interfere with and how important your service is Mozart also makes it possible She previously had been left in properly and under the handler’s your responsibility to meet the to these individuals who perhaps for her to travel the country on her her hotel room during a fire when control. Then you can ask: “What needs of the rest. Those service can’t drive because of vision loss or own, conducting disability aware- staff failed to alert her. With Ginger tasks or functions does the animal animals under the seats will often can no longer climb steps and need ness training and earning an in- by her side, she knows she’ll never be perform for you?” or “How does it be the best behaved passengers on a wheelchair coach to go to the ca- come. But I have been with her left behind again or miss a phone call assist you with your disability?” your coach. sino with their friends. countless times when she is re- or someone knocking at the door. The person’s credible verbal Laurel Van Horn is director of Without the public transporta- fused admission to restaurants or These animals, for the most assurance is more important than programs at Open Doors Organi- tion services you provide, many grilled needlessly about what ser- part dogs, come in all sizes and any vest or ID the person may zation in Chicago. San Francisco tech commuter bus program is approved SAN FRANCISCO — The Despite impassioned, and what home, and long-time residents has significant ecological benefits: Some observers say the dispute San Francisco Municipal Trans- one observer called “occasionally concerned about the balkanization Fewer cars means less congestion has cleaved San Francisco into two portation Authority has given final coherent” commentary from oppo- of the city’s less well off. and a lowered carbon footprint. camps — those who think Google approval to a controversial pilot nents, the final deliberation by the Toss in a still weak job market But for private companies to and the other high-tech companies program that will see some 200 agency board was quick and to the for most sectors of the economy, use public bus stops in violation of that operate the shuttles are public area public transit bus stops made point: Yes. spiraling rent costs, and tax incen- the law had many up in arms. The benefactors, and those that see available to private commuter The shuttles, often referred to tives to wealthy tech firms to stay meeting was packed. them and their buses as a nuisance. buses that carry corporate tech as “Google buses,” have become local, and an unwholesome atmo- Also, the one-dollar-per-stop Not a healthy state of affairs. workers to business campuses, frontline in an increasingly bitter sphere has been roiling for weeks. fee that Google and the other pri- Whatever the case, the shuttles most of which are outside the city. argument between the younger, As was pointed out by propo- vate bus operators will pay is are running and the pilot is pro- See Feb. 1 Bus & Motorcoach newer and wealthier technology nents, shuttling employees instead viewed by many critics as little ceeding. The plan is to be reviewed News. workers that call San Francisco of forcing them to commute in autos more than a perfunctory donation. around mid-year.

ISSUE NO. 256 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. 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 Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dan Shoup subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Cardinal Buses Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Dennis Strief To contact the Brown Coach Paradise Travel Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Thomas Foley Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Vander Eems ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Gladys Gillis Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2013 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Starline Luxury Coaches First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Seattle District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. 11Bus &February Motorcoach 15, News 2014 OPINION FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2014 News11 Ever helpful: What to do with seatbelt-less motorcoaches By Dave Millhouser pact the value of older coaches that second careers for motorcoaches: 5. Artificial Reef. If they can the creative don’t have belts. 1. Transport hogs to market. dump old MTA subway cars in the Communist Chi- It was brutally cold in Breck- Retrofitting is possible, but it Years ago, a Nebraska farmer Atlantic off New Jersey… why not nese to come up enridge as we loaded skiers for the only makes sense on some makes bought a surplus Scenicruiser, re- motorcoaches? Instead of shipping with the bottom trip home. and models. moved the seats and carried pigs in them overseas, ship them of the vehicular The GM PD-4104 barely start- The market has already spo- comfort. If you’ve ever been stuck underseas. barrel. ed and wouldn’t rev. The throttle ken, and certain types of groups in traffic behind a regular hog 6. Beerliner. 1400miles.com/ In an effort cable was frozen. can’t (or won’t) charter a non-belt- truck, you’ll understand he did the the-beerliner/. A 45-foot coach to provide quali- The only way to get home was ed bus. pigs and the public a favor. could carry a LOT more beverage. ty service to out- Dave Millhouser over Hoosier Pass, and you actual- Looming over the landscape 2. “Spiro Agnew Mobile Head- ‘nuff said. lying communi- ly needed throttle to climb it. like a vulture is the specter of ac- quarters.” When the motor in our 7. Blimp dock. For years, ties that can’t afford their own We sent a kid to Sears to get 50 cidents involving older coaches. old Aerocoach croaked, my boss Goodyear used Flxibles (with an- executioner, the ChiComs have feet of clothesline. The fact that a coach was built be- sold it to Agnew’s campaign. They chor masts) for its blimp program. developed traveling execution Tying one end to the yoke on fore belts were even available is towed it around to different lo- For the record, the Hindenburg vans. A coach would provide supe- the governor, we ran it up the left not reliable protection for an oper- cales, using it as an office. We was a dirigible, NOT a blimp. rior quality in an application where side of the bus and fed the end ator from catastrophic lawsuits older folks know how that sorted 8. Windbreak at a salvage yard. seatbelts aren’t necessary, and through the driver’s ticket window. (even if the customer knowingly out. Surely you know some politi- We gave a bunch of old Mack tran- there are few complaints. Voila…a hand throttle. rented the beltless bus). cians who would like… sits to a junkyard on the condition I hope this helps, and would re- Off we went over the So, what do we do with our 3. Bomb Shelter. Shortly after we could come back and take off ally love to hear your ideas. mountain. older buses? 9/11, an enterprising Long Island any parts we needed. Worked out Remember, though, there may Nothing’s more fun than using We can sell some to churches operator rented a number of his pretty well till I was under one, be danger in improvising. things in ways different than the and schools, and turn a bunch into coaches to a Manhattan bank. pulling used bellows off, and Back in the days when anti- designers intended. motorhomes. They were positioned as barriers kicked the jack over. freeze was alcohol based, my In late November, when the But, over the years, you’ve to prevent the approach of poten- 9. Forget about them. I was at buddy Bob was checking the cool- National Highway Traffic Safety come to expect more innovation tial car bombs. Nice work if you a Great Big Busline garage years ant level in his bus. He couldn’t Administration announced that, and creativity from this column. can get it. Burns no fuel. No hours- ago when the yard manager did see it, and didn’t have a flashlight, starting in 2016, all new motor- So, I’ve come up with a list of 10 of-service issues. It’s uncertain his required daily count. There so he used his cigarette lighter. coaches needed to have seatbelts, possible uses for beltless buses. how his insurance company felt were supposed to be 73 coaches, In a flash, his eyebrows were no one was surprised. You do understand, of course, I about the idea (or if they knew). so he peeked out the window and burned off, and for years afterward Many — if not most — opera- am not that bright. Every one of 4. Interior decorating. A long said “looks like 73 to me.” Just he was known as “Sparky.” tors had been buying belts as an these things has actually been time “bus guy” took apart a Sceni- pretend the old ones don’t exist Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry option in recent years. done. As usual, I’m stealing other cruiser and re-assembled the front (and hope the finance company is marketing consultant and freelance It’s still uncertain how dramati- people’s ideas. end in his living room. This may OK with it). writer. Contact him by email at: cally the new rule is going to im- So, here are my BOTTOM 10 not work for married men. 10. Deathmobile. Leave it to [email protected].

COVERAGE THAT REVOLVES AROUND YOU

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Protective Insurance Company, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, has been providing specialized insurance policies to the transportation industry since 1950. Our hands-on approach to insurance allows us to understand the needs of our customers and form long-standing partnerships. We have a strong safety culture, a tenured claims department and superior customer service standards. Here are just a few of the benefits Protective offers: • Outstanding cash flow payment options • Superior claims service • Ability to package all lines of coverage, including auto liability, general liability, physical damage and workers’ compensation • Dedicated loss prevention team that specializes in the transportation industry protectiveinsurance.com FOR COVERAGE THAT REVOLVES AROUND YOU, CONTACT STACY RENZ: (800) 644-5501 ext. 2570

EXCELLENCE IN: MEDIUM FLEET TRUCKING | LARGE FLEET TRUCKING | PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS 12 February 15, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Over-zealous cop pulled over and given a ticket by Meantime, he advises opera- thrown your way, and in all cir- the same officer. ‘The purpose of the tors with buses that travel in and cumstances remain calm, show CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 According to Seal, the driver around Culver City to take your driver manifest as to where which he was once mayor. So, he made two arguments to the court: stop is to put you precautions: you are going and how you are told was very familiar with that ser- First, the freeway was congested, in a position to give • “Drivers should be prepped to get there. The purpose of the vice. Even though (the officer) and, second, she had to return to on what to expect if they exit the stop is to put you in a position to went through his usual recitation her base in a timely manner be- you a ticket, which 405 in any direction and enter onto give you a ticket, which he is al- of the California vehicle code, and cause of hours-of-service rules. Sepulveda Boulevard. They should lowed to do.” his interpretation of federal law Seal said the judge seemed per- he is allowed to do.’ know that there are very limited • “Under any circumstances, and regulation, Hahn ruled in favor suaded by the second argument. reasons for that kind of an exit, do not get into any debates with of the driver.” “(T)he judge said, ‘Unless the such as going to the restroom, the officer.” In the second case, also heard freeway is shut down, Culver City of service and returning to her picking up or dropping off • Request that your case be by Hahn, a driver with American has made a determination that you base in a timely fashion,” he said. passengers.” heard at the airport court. “You Star in San Luis Obispo had should not be on Sepulveda Boule- Seal said that because of the • “All managers should pre- have the right to make that request. dropped off passengers at Los An- vard through the city. However, not ambiguity in the rulings, he and pare their drivers to navigate the We think you have more legal geles International Airport and guilty.’ CBA officials plan to approach most direct route to and from a rights at the airport court.” was returning north on Sepulveda “You can infer from that that Culver City-based Sony Pictures Culver City destination, and be • “Operators should know that Boulevard, which runs alongside the argument he was sympathetic in hopes of gaining the movie stu- prepared to have your log book just as interstate truck companies the 405 freeway. to was that she had two conflicting dio’s support. Sony is the city’s fully up to date.” are ticketed, so would interstate After bypassing a couple of laws that confronted her — the 45- largest employer and hosts thou- • If stopped, drivers should “be bus operators with buses traveling freeway entrances, the driver was foot bus restriction, and the hours sands of visitors on its studio tours. prepared to have many questions into California.” Operator toolbox with all the research and ad copy paign and, in less than 10 minutes, For UMA Motorcoach Expo video advertisements that are needed to bring about almost im- upload company logos and images attendees, there are two explana- available for operator use as well. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 mediate results. into the collateral pieces they tory sessions on the tools at 3:15 The new marketing materials say council board members. Now, a mandate from the boss choose to use. p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, and again at continue to use the American ver- Gladys Gillis, owner of Starline to “go get more wedding busi- What’s more, the price is right. 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. sion of the Smart Move Luxury Coaches in Seattle and a ness,” for example, can be an eas- The Motorcoach Marketing The Motorcoach Marketing campaign. founding member of the Motor- ily executed task for a company’s Council has negotiated volume Council is a nonprofit organiza- The long-term goal of the coach Marketing Council board, sales team. discounts on high-quality printing, tion dedicated to raising consumer council is to create a funding sees the toolbox and its compo- They can log into Motorcoach- with costs as low as a third of the awareness about the motorcoach model that will support a national nents as sparking a bright future. Marketing.org to watch training usual price, Gillis said. Or, simply industry in the United States and radio, television and print adver- “This is the beginning of an videos about the wedding industry send the collateral files to your fa- Canada, resulting in more busi- tising campaign similar to the GO epidemic of success for the motor- and learn who to talk with, what to vorite hometown print shop or ness for operators. RVing campaign. coach industry,” Gillis said. say and how to use the tools. print them in your office. Last year, the council joined The council also is conducting For a monthly fee of $109, op- Then they pick from the more The Operator Toolbox is avail- forces with the European Smart an auction on the exhibit hall floor erators get access to 15 campaigns than 60 tools available in that cam- able at MotorcoachMarketing.org. Move campaign and developed at Motorcoach Expo. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS February 15, 2014 13

S.C. school buses made note of the issue in January committee. at Travel Exchange, Los Angeles when he presented his agency’s But it is unlikely any district or Calendar Convention Center. Info: www. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 budget to the state House Ways any vendor will want the burden of ntaonline.com. then some of our companies might and Means Committee. operating and maintaining our cur- FEBRUARY 2014 have been able to take part.” “If the General Assembly pro- rent aged fleet.” 16-20 UMA Motorcoach Expo 18 National Association of With no locals available, state vides adequate funds over the next His budget proposal calls for 2014 at Travel Exchange, Los Motorcoach Operators Semi- and school district officials gave few years to update our fleet, it’s $34 million for the new fiscal year Angeles Convention Center. Info: Annual Membership Meeting, the lucrative business to out-of- possible that school districts or pri- to buy replacement buses, as well www.motorcoachexpo.com. Los Angeles Convention Center state national school transporta- vate contractors may be willing to as $15 million that was allocated (2-3 p.m., Room 150 A/B/C). tion companies — First Student of assume responsibility for district by lawmakers last year, but not yet 16-20 NTA Convention 2014 Info: www.namocoaches.org. Warrenville, Ill., the first year and transportation,” he told the issued. then Durham Bus Services of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, in subsequent years. Those companies took over both the regular daily transporta- tion of students that the state and school districts had been handling and the extra curricular charters the local carriers had been providing. It was a double blow and it ended up badly hurting the in-state operators, says Young. State and school officials have long criticized the unique way South Carolina provides school transportation, complaining most- ly about the aging of the buses and the cost of maintaining and operat- ing them. Currently, the operations are shared by the state and the school districts with the state owning and paying for the fuel costs of a fleet of 5,000 school buses and the school districts hiring the drivers and han- dling the day-to-day operations. Some lawmakers pushed dur- ing the 2012 legislative session to get the state out of the school transportation business by extend- ing privatization to the other 43 counties in the state, but their pro- posed legislation died in a com- mittee without a vote. “It ran into some parochial op- position, but I think we advanced the ball a little” noted Rep. James H. Merrill, a Republican from Berkley, S.C., who headed the failed effort. He said he has no plans to re- visit the issue during this year’s six-month session that began in January and he hasn’t heard of any other legislators who might be planning to do so. “There are some discussions going on but if anything comes out of that, I just don’t know,” he said. The aging of the buses has be- come more of a concern among state and school officials each year. About 3,300 of the buses are more than 20 years old, including 90 that are more than 26 years. Only 344 are five years old or less, and they are the only ones still under warranty. That problem could make it more difficult for the state to gen- erate interest from private carriers if they eventually do decide to out- source school bus service state- wide, according to State School Superintendent Mick Zais, who UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION MOTORCOACH EXPO 2014 Faith Travel Association launched Getting out and about at LOS ANGELES — Travel Ex- sites and organizations focused on verse experiences such as pilgrim- change, the co-located trade show faith-based travel. ages, events, cruises, adventures, of the United Motorcoach Associ- The association also will pro- mission/volunteer trips, and travel UMA Motorcoach Expo ation and the NTA (formerly the vide connections, education and to destinations and attractions that LOS ANGELES — While Travel Exchange attendees can National Tour Association), will be support for group and religious hold special significance to people most of the activities at UMA Mo- enjoy special dining offers fol- the coming out party for a new leaders and travel agents who are of various faiths.” torcoach Expo are centered at the lowed by a late-night happy hour travel industry group, the Faith planning trips for individuals or At Travel Exchange, the new Los Angeles Convention Center, with live entertainment at Santa Travel Association. groups brought together by their organization will have what is three key events offer attendees an Monica Place. NTA Services Inc., an arm of faith or religious community. called the Faith Travel Pavilion, an opportunity to see other parts of the Complimentary shuttles will be NTA, formed the association last “Faith-based travel is an expan- exhibit that will provide informa- great metropolis. provided for a limited number of month in response to the explosive sive market with both domestic and tion about faith-based travel, and All three also provide attendees participants. Reservations are a growth of the faith-based travel international appeal,” said Karla where UMA and NTA members an opportunity to expand their net- must. Go to http://bit.ly/DineCA. industry. DiNardo, NTA Services Inc. presi- can exchange ideas. work skills. The trio of activities: Tourism Rocks (9:30 p.m. The membership organization dent and interim executive director During Travel Exchange, a Welcome Reception (7:30-10 Wednesday, Feb. 19) will serve as a business-building of the Faith Travel Association. Faith Travel Association member- pm. Sunday, Feb. 16) This high-energy event is an resource for travel professionals, “Faith-based travel includes di- ship will be offered at half price. The Welcome Reception/Ice- important fundraiser for Tourism breaker at Universal Studios Hol- Cares. Expo travel: To hotels, to the Internet lywood is a two-part affair: The Tickets for suppliers are $50 in LOS ANGELES — Here are NTA half of the Exhibit Hall floor. center. evening begins with a reception in advance (available during registra- important travel details for Motor- If you want to go online, using Free shuttle service will be a quiet corner of the park, where tion or at the Tourism Cares booth) coach Expo: Getting to the con- your laptop, individuals can plug provided daily between Travel Ex- UMA and NTA members mingle and $60 at the door of the Hard vention hotels, getting from the in at the Canadian Cyber Center. change hotels and the convention and sample appetizers. Rock Cafe Hollywood. hotels to the Los Angeles Conven- While Wi-Fi won’t be available center. From there, delegates can ex- All motorcoach and tour opera- tion Center (site of Expo), and in the convention center, attendees Free airport shuttles will be plore the full park, which will be tors attending Travel Exchange are travel via the Internet. and exhibitors who have a data available Saturday, Feb. 15, and open for Travel Exchange attend- invited to attend the event as guests Internet access will be avail- plan for their phone or tablets can Sunday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 ees only. of the sponsors: the Las Vegas able at Expo by using computers in get online from the show floor and p.m. Return shuttles also will be Dine-around in Santa Monica CVA, Hard Rock International and the Canadian Cyber Center in the elsewhere in the convention available. (6-11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17) Best Western International.

RELATIONAL BUS SYSTEMS

Charter & Tour Software go go Chart Tour It’s Not Just our Name Charter Management System Tour Management System It’s What We Do

g o Chart: Features include customer g o Tour: Our browser based tour and contract management, vehicle management system designed inventory, scheduling and dispatch, speciically for the motorcoach accounts receivables, and numerous industry. Manages reservations, accounting and operations reports. itineraries, receivables, payables, Additional modules include: Prophesy produces management reports and Mileage and Routing, g o Mile (IFTA escort, driver and customer documents reporting). Driver Duty (payroll and time for group and retail tours. Real time, fully management), Email, Advanced integrated credit card processing is Accounting and Advance Dispatch available using a secure and reliable management and reporting; and more! gateway service. Accessible from any computer with internet Web Manager Module: Provides online access. Hosted at RBS secure data credit card processing, integrated quote facility. RBS professional staff manages ABC nEW FLyEr requests, online access to Drivers' server hardware and software and BCI novA Featuring go schedules and other custom Chart performs all updates and daily backups. DInA orIon The Industry’s Deepest Inventory data access via the web. GILLIG prEvost Quick Delivery & Shipping New release coming soon! GLAvAL sEtrA Data Backup and Recovery: Remote Visit www.rbs2000.com for the latest Great Pricing, Exceptional Service services includes daily, scheduled news, timeline, features, and more IrIzAr stALLIon backup of RBS data iles over a secure related to g o Tour version 3. MCI tEMsA Warehouse Locations connection. nABI vAn HooL Oregon, Indiana, Florida & Arizona nEopLAn voLvo

Call us today at 1-800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an (800) 714-7171 (541) 684-7868 evaluation of g o Chart or g o Tour www.CoachGlass.com [email protected] www.rbs2000.com 15Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2014 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2014 News15 Complete schedule for Motorcoach Expo at Travel Exchange LOS ANGELES — All UMA 11 a.m.—Noon: UMA Associate/ sary Celebration, Expo Show Floor, • Driver Background and the Safe- 10:30–11:30 a.m.: UMA Education in Motorcoach Expo at Travel Ex- Travel Partner Membership Meet- UMA Booth No. 923 ty Management Cycle (presented the Exhibit Hall change events are at the Los Ange- ing, Expo Show Floor, UMA Booth 6–11 p.m.: Dine-around in Santa by Amerisearch Background Alli- • FMCSA Safety Management les Convention Center…unless No. 923 Monica ance), UMA Education Stage Cycle – Part II, UMA Education otherwise noted. NOT TO BE MISSED! 2–3 p.m.: NTA Educational Sessions, Stage NTA educational sessions and 12:15–1:45 p.m.: Broadway Lun- Tuesday, Feb. 18 NTA Stage 10:30–11:30 a.m.: NTA Educational Mall are open to all UMA Motor- cheon / Broadway Across America, 6:15 a.m.: Fun(d) Run, Silver Lake 2–3 p.m.: NAMO Meeting, Room Sessions, Rooms 408A, 408B coach Expo participants at no ad- West Hall Reservoir 150A/B/C 12:15–1:30 p.m.: Luncheon co- ditional cost. 2–3 p.m.: UMA Concurrent Solution 7:30–11 a.m.: UMA Maintenance 2–3 p.m.: OMCA Coach Operator sponsored by Norwegian Cruise UMA educational sessions and Sessions Competition, Pacific Coachways Council Meeting, Room 405 Line and State of Alaska, West Hall Expo floor are open to all NTA • FMCSA Safety Management Trailways 2:15–3:15 p.m.: UMA Education in BONUS SESSIONS! 1:45–2:45 p.m.: UMA Concurrent So- Convention participants at no ad- Cycle – Part I (Operations), Room 8 a.m.—5 p.m.: Registration, South the Exhibit Hall lution Sessions ditional cost. 402A/B Hall Lobby • Improving Your Odds – Imple- • Converting Price Shoppers to • Using Electronic Logs as a Man- Joint events are open to all 8–9:30 a.m.: Grab-and-Go Breakfast menting a Continuous Safety Im- Value Buyers (Marketing), Room agement Tool (Operations), Room participants. in the Exhibit Hall, South Hall provement Program (presented by 403A 8 a.m.–5 p.m.: NTA Mall, South Hall National Interstate Insurance Co.), 402A/B • The Performance Puzzle: Strate- J/K UMA Education Stage • Smart Ways to Raise Prices (Mar- Sunday, Feb. 16 gies of Successful Operators with a 8:15 a.m.–Noon: NTA Pavilion Ap- 3:30–4:30 p.m.: UMA Education in keting), Room 403A 110:30 a.m.–5 p.m.: Registration, Focus on Managing Maintenance pointments, South Hall J/K the Exhibit Hall • Managing Fuel Costs (Finance), South Hall Lobby and Costs – Part I (Finance), Room Room 403B 8 a.m.–Noon: Sightseeing tours, 9–10 a.m.: UMA Education, Room • Technology and the Motorcoach 403B 404A/B Experience – Comfort/Safety/Se- • Fuel Efficient Driving 101 – ‘Eco ­depart from Convention Center • Developing a Tour Operation Driver’ Certification (presented by 1–5 p.m.: UMA State Association • Vehicle and Driver Certification curity (presented by REI), UMA Ed- (Travel Exchange), Room 404A/B that Improves Company Profitabili- ucation Stage the Certification for Sustainable Summit, Meeting Room 150A/B/C 2–4:30 p.m.: Distinctive Systems Transportation; sponsored by Toyo 2–3:15 p.m.: NTA Educational Ses- ty and Visibility by Reducing Fuel 6:30–11 p.m.: UMA & NTA Awards User Group (by invitation only), Consumption, Reducing Environ- Dinner Motorcoach Tire Sales) Room sions, Meeting Rooms 411, 408A, 404A/B Room 405 mental Impact and Increasing Pub- • 6:30 p.m.: Reception, West Hall 408B 2–3 p.m.: NTA Educational Sessions, 2–4:30 p.m.: NTA Pavilion Appoint- lic Awareness (presented by the Lobby 3:30–4:45 p.m.: NTA Educational Rooms 408A, 408B ments, South Hall J/K Certification for Sustainable Trans- • 7:15 p.m.: Awards Dinner, West Sessions, Rooms 411, 408A, 408B 2:15–5 p.m.: NTA Exchange Appoint- 2–3 p.m.: NTA Educational Sessions, portation; sponsored by Toyo Mo- Hall 7:30–10 p.m.: Welcome Reception/ ments, South Hall Room 408B, NTA Stage torcoach Tire Sales), Room 404A/B • 9:15 p.m.: Cigars/Cordials and Icebreaker, Universal Studios 3–4 p.m.: Reducing Unnecessary NEW EVENT! 9–10 a.m.: NTA Educational Ses- Dancing, West Hall Lobby Hollywood 3– 4 p.m.: NTA Destination Pavilion Idling – ‘Idle Free’ Driver Certifica- sions, Rooms 408A, 408B, NTA tion (Presented by the Certification Open House & Ice Cream Social, Stage Wednesday, Feb. 19 Monday, Feb. 17 South Hall J/K for Sustainable Transportation; 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.: Registration, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: UMA Expo Floor 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: Registration, sponsored by Toyo Motorcoach Tire 3:15–4:15 p.m.: UMA Concurrent So- Open, South Hall G/H South Hall Lobby South Hall Lobby lution Sessions Sales), Room 404A/B 10 a.m.—5 p.m.: Motorcoach Mar- 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: NTA Mall, South 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.: NTA Mall, • Understanding the Affordable 3:30–4:30 p.m.: NTA Educational keting Council Silent Auction, Expo Hall J/K South Hall J/K Care Act (Operations), Room Sessions, Room 408B Show Floor, Booth No. 1524 8–9:30 a.m.: Grab-and-Go Breakfast, 8–9:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremony and 402A/B 5–6:15 p.m.: Reception in Exhibit Hall 10:15–11:15 a.m.: UMA Education in South Hall Breakfast with keynote speaker • Website Optimization: Increasing 6:15–9:30 p.m.: Dine-around, res- the Exhibit Hall 8:15 a.m.–Noon: NTA Exchange Ap- Peter Greenberg, West Hall Your Site’s Traffic – Part I (Market- taurant of your choice 9:30–11:30 a.m.: NTA Annual Busi- ing), Room 403A • Tires, Tires, Tires: UMA Demo pointments, South Hall J/K 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.: Tourism ness Meeting and Talk Time, Room • The Performance Puzzle: Strate- Area 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: California Bus Rocks, Hard Rock Café Hollywood 411 gies of Successful Operators with a • Bus Operators Beware! Plaintiff Assoc. Board Meeting, Room 405 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: UMA Main­ Focus on Managing Maintenance Attorneys Have You in Their Cross- 8–9 a.m.: UMA Education, Room Thursday, Feb. 20 tenance Interchange, Room and Costs – Part II (Finance), Room hairs (presented by Lancer Insur- 404A/B 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m.: NTA Registration, 150A/B/C 403B ance Co.), UMA Education Stage • Motorcoach Marketing Council South Hall Lobby 9:30–10 a.m.: UMA Active Member • Motorcoach Marketing Council 10:30–11:30 a.m.: NTA Educational Operator Tool Box, Room 404A/B 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m.: NTA Mall, South Meeting, Room 151 Operator Tool Box, Room 404A/B Sessions, Rooms 408B, 408A 9 a.m.–Noon: UMA Expo Floor Open, Hall J/K 10–10:45 a.m.: UMA Legislative & 3:15–4:30 p.m.: NTA Educational 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Website Op- South Hall G/H 8:15–11:45 a.m.: NTA Exchange Ap- Regulatory Update, Room 151 Sessions, Room 408B timization. How to Maximize Your 9–10 a.m.: Motorcoach Marketing pointments, South Hall J/K 11 a.m.–Noon: UMA Concurrent So- 4:15–4:30 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting for Site’s Potential During Develop- Council Silent Auction, Expo Show 9:15–10:15 a.m.: NTA Educational lution Sessions Sneak Preview, South Hall J/K in ment – Part II, UMA Education Floor, Booth No. 1524 Sessions, Rooms 408A, 408B, NTA • Making the Right Hiring Deci- NTA Exhibit Hall near Refreshment Stage 9–10 a.m.: NTA Educational Ses- Stage sions as Demand Picks Up (Opera- Lounge 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.: Lunch in the sions, Rooms 408A, 408B, NTA 10:30–11:30 a.m.: NTA Educational tions), Room 402A/B 4:30–6:30 p.m.: Sneak Preview – Exhibit Hall, South Hall Stage Sessions, Rooms 408A, 408B • Buying Media (Marketing), Room UMA Expo Floor Open/NTA Mall Noon: Motorcoach Marketing Council 9:15–10:15 a.m.: UMA Education, Noon–1:15 p.m.: NTA Luncheon 403A Open, South Hall Live Auction, Expo Show Floor, Room 404A/B Noon–6 p.m.: UMA 10th annual Ray • Public/Private Partnerships (Fi- 4:30–6:30 p.m.: Motorcoach Market- Booth No. 1524 • Brakes, Room 404A/B Dupuis Memorial Golf Tournament, nance), Room 403B ing Council Silent Auction, Expo 1:15—5 p.m.: NTA Pavilion Appoint- 9:15–10:15 a.m.: UMA Education in Industry Hill Golf Club • Travel Itineraries vs. Hours of Ser- Show Floor, Booth No. 1524 ments, South Hall J/K the Exhibit Hall 1:45-5:15 p.m.: NTA Exchange Ap- vice – Making it ALL Work Together 5:30 p.m.: UMA Expo 30th Anniver- 1–2 p.m.: UMA Education in the Ex- • California Here I Come…: UMA pointments, South Hall J/K (Travel Exchange), Room 404A/B hibit Hall Education Stage 7–10 p.m.: NTA Evening Event

Show Bags and Badge Holders Welcome Reception, Sightseeing Tours

Cigars and Cordials Platinum Sponsor Hotel key cards Key Sponsors Key 16 February 15, 2014 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO Bus & Motorcoach News Tour operators aplenty at 2014 Travel Exchange LOS ANGELES — If All Americas Inc. DayTripper Tours Jaffa Travel & Receptive Patty’s Tours Teamamerica tour operator companies are AlliedTPro Destination America Services Pentecost Tours Inc. Terra Nova Turismo part of your customer mix, America by Rail Destinations Unlimited JBS Group Inc. People to People Ambassador Terres Indiennes then UMA Motorcoach Expo America Int’l Travel Services Earth Bound Tours John Hall’s Alaska Programs The German American at Travel Exchange may pro- American Christian Tours Edgerton’s Travel Service Joy Holiday Premier Alaska Tours Connection vide fertile ground for recruit- (Students On Tour) Ed-Ventures Julian Tours Premier World Discovery The Group Tour Company/ ing more of these customers. American Christian Tours Excursions from the Square Kenley Konnection Presley Tours Washington & NY Group American Edventures Explorer Tours L & L Travel Enterprises Priscilla Woman’s Tours Tours Hundreds of tour opera- American Ring Travel Flathead Travel Service Inc./ L&Z International Group Quadrant Australia The Way To Go Tours tors are registered for the NTA American United International Montana Tour & Travel L.E.A.D. USA R.C.G. Tours There and Back Again (formerly the National Tour Group Free Spirit Vacations Landmark Tours RealTours(RealUkraine) Adventures Association) half of Travel Ananda Travel Service Friendly Excursions Last Chance Tours Reformation Tours Tour Trends Exchange, and motorcoach Anderson Vacations G Adventures Legendary Journeys Rockport Tours ToursForFun operators will have opportuni- Awesome Adventures/Unique Gary Express Inc. Leisure West Tours and Rustad Tours Transamerica Tour Bus ties to meet and network with Destinations Gate 1 Travel Cruises Scandinavia Tours Travel Alliance Partners these companies throughout Bowljet.com Getaway Tours, Inc. Little Rock Tours Select International Tours Travel Gallery Travel Exchange here. Brownin Transportation Inc. Globetrotters Travel & Tours Lulutrip Inc. Seniortours Travel To Remember The following tour oper- Capital Colonial Southern Globus Family of Brands/ Main Street Tours Shanghai Spring International TRIPS ator companies are regis- Trailways Globus, Cosmos, Mono- Majestic Vacations Travel Service USA TTS (USA) Traveling Co. Ltd. tered for Travel Exchange in Cedar Valley World Travel grams & Avalon Making Memories Tours Significant Living Travel Twin Travel Concepts Los Angeles: Chinatour.com International Go West Tours Maryanke Tour & Travel Soccer Camps International Uday Tours & Travel Chinese Host Inc. Good Times Travel Mayflower Tours, Inc. Special Group Tours USA XO Tours Inc. A Friend in New York CIE Tours International Gray Line San Francisco/San McCoy Bus Service and Tours Sports Empire & Authentic Vacations for Less A.C.T. Tours/Frederick Travel, Citi Travel Inc. Jose & Monterey/Super Mid-Atlantic Receptive California Vacations Vacations Made Easy City Escape Holidays Sightseeing Services Sports Leisure Vacations Venture Tours Inc. Inc. Club Select Tours Great Canadian Holidays Misha Tours Sports Travel and Tours Walking Adventures AAA Signatours Coach Tours Group Destination Planners Music Travel Consultants Sports Traveler International AAA Sojourns Collette Vacations Groupize Northeast Unlimited Tours Star Destinations Wells Gray Tours Ltd. Academic Travel Abroad Columbia Crossroads Tours GTA North America NuVu Traveler Sun Fun Tours Ltd. Western Leisure Inc. ACC America China Country Heritage Tours Hanns Ebensten Travel Omanson Tour & Travel Sun Tours Ltd. WestWorld Tours Connection Country Travel Discoveries Happy Vacations Order Travel Sunrise Tours WF Travel Service Inc. ACFEA Tour Consultants Creative Tours Florida Holiday Vacations OregonWest Excursions Sunshine Tours Wolfe Adventures & Tours Adventure Canada Custom Holidays Hospitality Tours Pacificoast Commerce & Sweet Magnolia Tours Yankee Holidays/Amtrak Alki Tours Da Zhen International Islands in the Sun Cruises & Culture Developing Group Tauck Vacations All Aboard USA David Tours & Travel Tours Paramount Travel Inc. TBE Tour Consultant Corp. YMT Vacations Making hiring less of a guessing game

• Domestic & Foreign AMERISEARCH Criminal Checks BACKGROUND • Previous Employment & ALLIANCE Education Checks www.amerisearchbga.com • Drug Screening 1-800-569-6133 • Social Media Searches 17Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2014 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2014 News17 Awards event gains new feature: Fashion show UMA partners LOS ANGELES — The social high point of UMA Motorcoach exhibit at Expo Expo is the annual Visions Awards LOS ANGELES — United Dinner, followed by dancing and Motorcoach Association mem- the Cigars and Cordials event. bers can learn more about the as- For the second time, the United sociation’s cost-saving program Motorcoach Association and NTA and services during Motorcoach are combining the best of their Expo. The following UMA part- awards’ dinner traditions, produc- ners are exhibiting at Expo: ing the Awards Reception and Din- • Amerisearch Background Alli- ner, the Cigars and Cordials event, ance – Booth No. 511 and late-night dancing. • Bus & Motorcoach Academy – The cocktail reception kick-off Booth No. 923 will be followed by a sit-down • Bus & Motorcoach News – meal. Then both associations will Booth No. 1017 present awards. • BusRates.com – Booth No. 923 Also that night, as attendees • J.J. Keller – Booth No. 1015 • Michelin North America – Booth drink and dine, Macy’s will present and Cordials. The evening con- friend to the travel industry” and a effort in Washington, D.C. No. 1000 a fashion show and announce a spe- cludes with music and dancing. regular at NTA events. Begich is co-founder of the • Scheig Associates – Booth No. cial offer for the following evening. During the event, NTA will During the past four years, Be- Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus. 512 Finally, enjoy a cordial and a present its Pioneer Award to U.S. gich has been a featured speaker at The UMA and NTA event will • Spader Business Management hand-rolled cigar during Cigars Sen. Mark Begich of Alaska, “a NTA’s annual grassroots lobbying be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. – Booth No. 917 • UMA Comp by K F & B – Booth No. 513 Tips for figuring out Who’s Who at Travel Exchange • UMA WellCare by Bridgeport LOS ANGELES — Picture spective business partner? motorcoach operators, spouses, af- exhibitors. Benefits – Booth No. 510 this: You arrive at UMA Motor- The answer is right on the badg- filiates, staff and non-exhibiting All NTA attendees will be Information about the pro- coach Expo at Travel Exchange es everyone will be wearing. You suppliers. wearing a blue “Rhode Island” grams also can be found at the and you’re eager to scout around just need to know your colors. • White name insert with badge holder. Here are the NTA members-only section of www. and start networking. UMA Motorcoach Expo at- green strip will be motorcoach op- badge identifications: uma.org. But with members of both the tendees will have black “Sardo” erators who package tours. (The • White name insert: Tour op- pliers, DMOs, associates and United Motorcoach Association badge holders. Beyond that, Expo green strip says: “We assist with erators, NTA and Tourism Cares educators and the NTA on-site, how do you attendee badges with a: planning tours.”) staff • Yellow name insert: Guests tell who’s who, and who’s a pro- • White name insert will be • Pastel blue name insert are • Green name insert: Tour sup- and media

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K 18 February 15, 2014 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO Bus & Motorcoach News PEX German Parts showcases brake wear sensors Q’Straint debuts Niceville, Fla. — PEX Ger- PEX Automotive Group says it has In addition, it has a large net- office and warehouse in Niceville. man Original Equipment Parts rapidly grown to become a world work of aftermarket distributors. PEX said it will be launching newest retractor; will be exhibiting for the first time leader in the production of electron- To assure the production of additional products for the U.S., at UMA Motorcoach Expo 2014 ic brake wear sensors for both drum quality sensors, the PEX produc- Canadian and Mexican bus after- ’15 standard met in Los Angeles and as a new mem- and disc brake applications. tion facility in Szigetszentmiklos, market, including brake wear sen- FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ber of the United Motorcoach With engineering in Germany Hungary, is regularly subjected to sors, ABS sensors, ABS sensor ex- — Q’Straint, a global leader in Association. and manufacturing in Hungary, the stringent certification processes tension cables, wire harnesses, wheelchair passenger safety, will It will be showcasing new brake company counts such bus builders according to international stan- speed sensors, and switches, as well be at UMA Motorcoach Expo with wear sensors for the North Ameri- as MAN, Daimler, Iveco, Volvo, dards, the company said. as supplying original equipment. its new wheelchair retractor tie- can heavy-duty aftermarket. Neoplan and Van Hool as long- In the U.S., PEX German O.E. Visit PEX at Expo Booth No. down system that meets higher- Since its formation 35 years ago, term original equipment partners. Parts maintains a 50,000-square-foot 607. Or, go to www.pexna.com. strength requirements that take ef- fect in December 2015. At that time, wheelchair tie- down systems must comply with a standard, known as WC18, requir- ing frontal-impact sled testing of the system with the crash-test GIVE YOUR GROUP THE dummy restrained by a three-point lap/shoulder belt, and with a lap belt anchored to the 187-pound sur- GRANDEST EXPERIENCE rogate wheelchair such that a large percentage of the wheelchair-pas- senger restraint forces are transmit- ted to the rear tie-down straps. Not only does the new Q’Straint QRT-360 meet the WC18 standard, says the company, but it also offers a shortened retractor footprint, al- lowing more flexibility in vehicle anchor-point locations to better ac- commodate large wheelchairs. “The revolutionary new prod- uct is therefore compatible with the widest variety of wheelchairs and is an acceptable solution to wheel- chair securement in all types of motor vehicles,” the company says. In addition, the QRT-360 is the first four-point, heavy-duty, fully automatic retractable tie-down system designed, engineered and built to perform successfully in a 30-mph frontal crash when the user of a powered wheelchair is traveling in a motor vehicle while using a commercially available crashworthy lap belt of the type that must be used in the frontal- impact tests conducted of wheel- chairs under industry standards. Q’Straint says the QRT-360 de- sign utilizes energy management features and material technologies From intimate to iconic hotels and locations — Los Angeles has what to deliver the system’s full strength you’re looking for. And whatever size, budget or vibe you have in mind, for maximum load capacity. It fea- tures an energy-absorbing steel our team will help you find it. We’ll help you choose among the best frame, new high-strength 58-mm wide webbing, and a fine-adjust- locations, organize transportation, and show you just how walkable ment, self-tensioning mechanism using 25 high-strength teeth in the our town can be. Let your creativity run wild. This global center of retractor locking mechanism. entertainment, excitement and culture will always deliver. “The geometry of the teeth and an innovative new locking bar en- sure perpendicular alignment for maximum strength in all tie-down Call our travel trade team at 888-733-6952 situations. A re-engineered positive- locking interface in the retractor or go to discoverLosAngeles.com/tourism mechanism contributes to the sys- tem’s ability to resist extremely high dynamic loads,” says the company. The QRT-360 is covered by a five-year warranty. Other features of the QRT-360 can be seen at Q-Straint’s UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth No. 1014. Or, go to www.QStraint.com.

BMC_LATCB_Ad_FA.indd 1 12/4/13 10:04 AM 19Bus & FebruaryMotorcoach 15, News 2014 UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO FebruaryBus & Motorcoach 15, 2014 News19 Mini-Hybrid Thermal Kit: At Expo Hadley to supply interiors CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — There will be a pair of compa- for Turtle Top, Ameritrans nies at UMA Motorcoach Expo GRANDVILLE, Mich. — In “Our reliance on Hadley’s in- that say the buses in your fleet separate announcements, Hadley terior systems reinforces our com- should be retrofitted with a Mini- said it has been selected as the pri- mitment to satisfy customer ex- Hybrid Thermal Management mary supplier of interior systems pectations of providing the System. by Ameritrans and Turtle Top, two high-end coach experience with What? leading manufacturers of small every vehicle we build.” A “Mini-Hybrid Thermal and midsize buses, including Hadley interiors being in- Management System” is essential- shuttles and specialty vehicles. stalled in Turtle Top buses include ly an “advanced electric fan cool- All three companies will have the Swan™ Collection with Swan ing system” that replaces the hy- booths this month at UMA Motor- AC, Swan Constellation and Swan draulically driven fan in coach Expo in Los Angeles. Select encompassing three levels Hadley is a diverse motor- of amenities, as well as the Wave™ motorcoaches and other buses. ™ And what does a Mini-Hybrid coach industry supplier, providing and mini-OMEGA systems. mirrors, lighting systems, parcel As with Ameritrans, all Had- Thermal Management System do? racks, air horn systems, and height ley interiors are customized to It eliminates hydraulic fires, control valves, plus mini-air com- meet Turtle Top customer require- increases fuel economy, reduces pressors and vacuum pumps. ments. Giorgio Verduzio, director engine overheating, and cuts main- “Ameritrans is very pleased to of transit at Hadley, said the com- tenance costs, say the companies Expo. Expo Booth No. 422. be offering the Hadley Swan sys- pany had earned the trust of its that build and distribute the EMP developed the system Valley said “demo pricing” tems for our interior parcel rack customers — like Turtle Top and system. and came up with the “cost-effec- will be available for first-time systems. They are an excellent in- Ameritrans — by being “a reliable Valley Power Systems and En- tive retrofit” for motorcoaches. customers. terior solution for our customers,” supplier of quality components, gineered Machined Products are Valley Power Systems is the For more information, visit said Barry Hines, Ameritrans gen- specifically the Swan Collection the outfits that will be introducing California distributor and will be their booth, or go to www.emp- eral manager. of interior systems.” the system at UMA Motorcoach showcasing the Mini-Hybrid at corp.com. All Hadley interiors are cus- Visit Hadley at Booth No. tomized to meet Ameritrans’ cus- 1323 at Motorcoach Expo, or go tomer requirements. to www.hadleyadvantage.com. Sardo shows latest designs at Expo “Appealing, durable interiors Visit Ameritrans at UMA GARDENA, Calif. — Long- lizing quality fabrics and offering craftsmanship and commitment to are essential to bus operations,” Expo Booth No. 1043. time motorcoach industry supplier a variety of styles, colors and our customers.…Sardo provides noted Timm Bledsoe of See Turtle Top at Expo Booth Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery patterns. an unparalleled service that has TurtleTop. No. 1411. promises to have the latest fabrics “Our quality craftsmanship kept us the leader in the industry ering, as well as headliner installations simultaneously all and seat cover designs at its booth and unique customer service have for three generations.” replacement. across the nation. This allows our at UMA Motorcoach Expo 2014. made us an industry leader,” says This year marks the 30th anni- “This service provides our cus- customers the ability to schedule Sardo, which provides bus in- Sardo Vice President of Sales versary of Sardo initiating mobile tomers with minimal ‘downtime’ ahead of time and at their conve- terior refurbishment to both mo- Sandy Follis. upholstery services, sending crews and allows for personal attention nience,” she adds. torcoach companies and public “Behind every stitch, behind nationwide to provide customers to every detail,” says Follis. Learn more about Sardo at transit agencies, specializes in re- each yard of fabric, is a family tra- on-site installation, including seat, “We have multiple teams out at UMA Expo Booth No. 1231. Or, storing panache to worn buses, uti- dition born of hard work, skilled sidewall and restroom door recov- a time, so we’re able to schedule go to www.sardobus.com. 20 February 15, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Industry leader Steve Van Galder dies suddenly JANESVILLE, Wis. — Steve his father, Sam, and mother, Phyl- Perhaps the strongest testa- mer company owners with the leagues within Van Galder, who was born the lis, in 1947, with a single school ment to Mr. Van Galder’s ability as greatest longevity of leading and the Coach USA same year his parents got into the bus and taxicab. a bus company manager, as well as managing the operations they sold family,” noted bus business and became one of During his 45 years in the busi- his skill as a team player, can be to Coach USA. Dale Moser, the industry’s leading lights, died ness, Mr. Van Galder became an gleaned from the following: The others are Charles Lenzner president and suddenly and unexpectedly here industry leader, holding a seat on In April 1999, nearly 15 years of Lenzner Coach Lines in Sewick- chief operating late last month. He was 66. the board of the United Motor- ago, Mr. Van Galder sold his com- ley, Pa., and brothers William officer of Coach Mr. Van Galder was president coach Association and serving two pany to Coach USA. Of the 70+ ‘Butch” Kaylor and Robert Kaylor USA. and CEO of Van Galder Bus Co., a years as UMA chairman (2000- companies acquired by Coach of Butler Motor Transit in Butler, Pa. Added Vic- Steve Van Galder Janesville-based motorcoach and 01), and actively participating in USA during the past two decades, “Steve was a mentor and highly tor Parra, presi- school bus operation founded by other industry groups. Mr. Galder was one of three for- respected leader to his fellow col- dent and CEO of UMA: “Steve was a wonderful human being who enjoyed life, particularly when he was on the golf course. Besides being a past UMA chairman and a YOUR great leader, he was a good per- sonal friend. I will miss him INVITATION tremendously.” By all accounts, buses were what Mr. Van Galder always want- TO ATTEND ed to do with his life. As a youth, he grew up in Van Galder Bus, and after graduating from the Univer- sity of Wisconsin-Whitewater, he joined the company full time. At UW, he was a member of the Warhawk football team, where he played lineman, and president of his fraternity. Van Galder Bus expanded from its Janesville roots, establish- ing what became a large school business/motorcoach operation in Rockton, Wis., managed by Mr. Van Galder’s older brother, David. Their father, Sam Van Galder, never officially retired from the company, but his sons eventually became co-owners of the business. David Van Galder gravitated to the Rockton operation and grew that business while Steve Van Galder built Van Galder Bus. David sold his motorcoach business to Steve in 1996, and sold the remain- ing school operation a few years later to Laidlaw. He died in 2009. Today, Van Galder Bus provides a wide variety of services, ranging from shuttles from throughout southern Wisconsin to airports in Chicago, to casino trips, escorted tours, charters and school bus runs. It operates a fleet of 112 vehicles, 50 of which are motorcoaches. Besides his professional inter- ests, Mr. Van Galder was active in civic affairs in Janesville, serving on boards and commissions. One of his great passions in life was golf, and it is perhaps ap- propriate that funeral services and a celebration of his life were held at the Janesville Country Club early this month. Besides his mother, he is sur- See. Learn. Meet. Connect. vived by his wife, Sue, whom he had known since high school, and two children, Sam and Sarah. Memorials in Mr. Van Galder’s name have been established with motorcoachexpo.com the Heart Association of Wiscon- sin, UW-Whitewater Athletic De- www.motorcoachexpo.com 1 partment and the Janesville YMCA. GoMotorcoachmake the smart move. Marketing Tools & Training to grow your charter business... Today.

$109Per Month 15 Campaigns Business | Churches | Cost Effective Culinary Tourism | Efficient | Family Reunions General | Green | Luxurious | Safety Schools | Senior Travel | Sightseeing Weddings | Youth Sports Over 50 Tools for each Post Cards | Rack Cards | Business Cards Facebook Covers | Billboards | Ads | Web Banners | Bus Wraps | Posters | Stickers Table Cloths | Pop-up Banners | Emails Greeting Cards | And More Sales Training Turn your sales team into a powerful outbound sales force. Support Help when you need it.

Booth 1524 Drop off your business card to win an iPad Air.

Come See The New & Vastly Improved Motorcoach Marketing Council. 22 February 15, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News megabus, eying more growth, expanding North American fleet PERTH, Scotland — Stage- America increased by more than business trip, travel with friends or Stagecoach indicated it found that bus passengers in the U.S. coach Group announced late last 20 percent in the six months ended go on a vacation. encouragement regarding the U.S. paid an average of 52 percent less month it is investing $10.5 million Oct. 31, and further growth is ex- “These new state-of-the-art market in the latest intercity bus than rail travelers and 79 percent in new double-decker Van Hool pected this year. (See Jan. 1 issue coaches are part of our exciting ex- research report from DePaul Uni- less than those who chose use air coaches for its megabus.com net- of Bus & Motorcoach News.) pansion plans for 2014 and will versity Chaddick Institute for Met- travel. work in North America. The 81-seat TD 925 models help bring safe, high-quality and ropolitan Development in Last month, megabus.com re- The 15 additional Van Hool TD operated by megabus have free affordable to travel to more people Chicago. ceived the American Bus Associa- 925 coaches are expected to enter Wi-Fi, are “green certified” and in North America.” The institute said it had found tion 2014 Green Operator Award. service within the next six months, wheelchair accessible. as megabus further expands it sys- Commented Dale Moser, pres- Diabetic drivers ability to drive safely. guidance and safety of drivers in tem that now operates in more than ident and chief operating officer of According to the AARP, Coach our industry,” said Carmichael. 30 states and two provinces in megabus: “megabus.com has CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 USA’s revised policy shows its Stuart Cohen, senior vice pres- Canada. transformed inter-city bus travel in Under current Federal Motor commitment to providing drivers ident, AARP Foundation Litiga- Upwards of 120 destinations North America. Carrier Safety Regulations, drivers with diabetes with equal employ- tion, said: “This is a balanced plan are served by megabus. “We believe there is a huge op- with type 2 diabetes may drive ment opportunities, while at the to protect worker rights and public Stagecoach Group reported in portunity to encourage people to provided their condition can be same time ensuring public safety. safety.” December that revenue from its leave their car keys at home and managed by means other than the Don Carmichael, executive Coach USA is partnering with megabus.com operations in North take the bus to get to work, make a use of insulin. vice president and senior vice the AARP Foundation Litigation Drivers with diabetes managed president safety at Coach USA, and American Diabetes Associa- with insulin may drive only if they said: “We are pleased to have a tion to implement the policy. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING can satisfy requirements for inclu- new approach to assessing our “Central to the American Dia- sion in a federal “diabetes exemp- drivers’ diabetes. It is designed to betes Association’s mission is the tion” program. keep healthy drivers on the road, fair treatment of people with dia- Excellent Condition–none nicer! However, federal regulations protect our passengers and the betes in employment. We com- Cummins • B500 • 58 pax w/lav do not provide clear guidance in public, and make sure that drivers mend Coach USA for adopting <150K TCM Michelin Tires determining whether a driver with who need medical attention get it. protocols that are based on current Alcoa Rims • Cordless Mics diabetes not using insulin is medi- “This protocol reflects Coach diabetes science and medicine,” CD/DVD • Lots more options cally qualified to drive. USA’s commitment to the safety of said John Anderson, MD, presi- Partial Financing O.A.C. Under Coach USA’s new “Dia- their employees and customers, dent of science and medicine at the Starting at $350,000/OBO betes Protocol,” drivers will not be while delivering high quality ser- American Diabetes Association. Trades for clean MCI D model considered • More available disqualified based on results of a vice to the traveling public. Meanwhile, the lawsuit by the Call / Email today for photos and more info! single urine or blood glucose test. “We hope the new Diabetes three drivers — Kaleem Muham- [email protected] / 808.832.6261 However, it requires drivers Protocol can be a model for the in- mad, Anthony James and Walter with diabetes, who have certain dustry. We feel these medical pro- Kautz — has been quietly “re- test results, to provide additional tocols are the standard that en- solved.” Terms of the apparent set- REPOS FOR SALE documentation supporting their hances the overall medical tlement are being kept confidential. •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell • Variety of Makes & Models Fighting winter passes or other problem areas. This winter, the Tennessee De- Live streaming video is shared partment of Transportation is using 1-877-737-2221 x30716 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with road users through UDOT’s a substance called “Magic Salt” to country to deploy an icebreaker. Commuter Link website and mo- help melt ice and snow during — View “Repo Inventory” www.Bus-Buys.com The device, which attaches to the bile applications. Today, instead of lower temperatures. Magic Salt, front of a maintenance truck, uses sending a snow plow to investigate made from potato juice, is a biode- a steel drum with spikes to break a location, supervisors can take a gradable, non-corrosive, and envi- up ice and expose the asphalt un- look and decide whether an area ronmentally friendly substance. derneath. The device, which can needs to be plowed. This season, the California De- be raised and lowered like a snow “We have saved about $500,000 partment of Transportation is plow blade, turns smooth ice on using this system over the last using a new tow plow on Interstate top of roadways into a rough sur- three years,” said Lynn Bernhard, 80’s rugged Donner Pass. The tow Be sure and face that provides better traction UDOT Winter Operations Pro- plow swings out from behind a tra- for vehicles. gram Manager. ditional snow plow to clear snow update The Nevada Department of The Maryland State Highway from two lanes of traffic. Transportation is involved in a Administration is expanding its It can also apply brine solution your mailing multi-state demonstration project fleet of dual-wingplows. Standard to prevent black ice before and that has equipped 20 NDOT plows snow plows clear nine feet of road- after a storm. For California driv- and trucks to collect weather and way at one time. ers, Caltrans’ new QuickMap app information vehicle data, essentially creating a Dual-wingplows can do the shows up-to-the-minute chain con- mobile weather reporting station work of three standard plows, clear- trol information. Go to http:// with us so that reports current road condi- ing up to 24 feet of roadway, or two quickmap.dot.ca.gov. tions via radio rather than cell full highway lanes, in one pass. The Idaho Transportation De- you don’t phone signal for more dynamic The plow was the brainchild of partment has introduced an en- and reliable road updates and win- Maryland Highway Administra- hancement to its 511 Traveler Ser- ter operations in rural areas. tion Shop Chief Steve Henry, who vices system, opening the door to miss a The Utah Department of Trans- began his career with the agency two-way communication about portation has expanded its driving snow plows in 1972. He winter highway conditions. single issue! LiveView Technologies road con- still works for the agency. Those who register on the dition monitoring camera network While many snow plows in- IDOT system and choose specific to more than 100 remote locations clude a “wing” blade on the side in routes of preference now have the throughout the state. addition to the plow on the front of ability to report on roadway condi- The system uses web cameras, the truck, Maryland’s plow has tions they encounter during their high-speed wireless communica- two, 12-foot wings — one on each travel. It’s designed to make Call 866-930-8421 or email changes to: tion and infrared sensors to broad- side — and can use one, two, or all IDOT’s 511 road condition reports [email protected] cast video from distant mountain three in different combinations. more timely and accurate. CARRYING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD FOR 90 YEARS AND COUNTING.

In 1924, Eugene Prevost, a carpenter by trade, built the fi rst wooden motorcoach body. Today, the Prevost name is synonymous with dependability, performance, and craftsmanship. Though much has changed in regard to the materials, designs, and manufacturing processes used to create Prevost motorcoaches, our long-standing commitment to building and servicing quality vehicles remains the same. We are looking forward to many more decades of leading the industry with innovation and providing safe, comfortable, and memorable journeys for all of your passengers.

For more information: USA 336-393-3929 Canada 418-883-3391 www.prevostcar.com WE’RE THE RIGHT FIT If there’s one thing that doesn’t sit right with a motorcoach owner, it’s having more bus than you need. That’s why Temsa motorcoaches are such a smart choice. Coach sizes in 30, 35 and 45 feet mean more full buses more often—just what your business needs to turn a comfortable profit. Best-in-class ride and powerful, efficient engines come standard, too. Call CH Bus Sales today and reserve the Temsa motorcoach that’s just the right size for your business. www.chbussales.com CALL US TODAY! 877-723-4045

“TEMSA”, “TS35” and Circle Design marks are trademarks owned by TEMSA GLOBAL SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI.