February 2006

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 ’07 engines will boost price of new coaches by $10,000–$15,000 TAMPA — The new emissions not reduce engine efficiency or cre- controls required by the federal ate any new engine problems. government for 2007 diesel “It will be pretty much business engines shouldn’t create any seri- as usual,” suggested Roe C. East of ous maintenance problems for the Cummins. “We expect the overall motorcoach industry, but they will impact to be very minimal.” boost the price of new coaches by However, operators will feel the several thousands of dollars. pinch when they purchase new That’s the opinion of a panel of coaches with the filters and the engine and coach manufacturer other controls needed to meet the representatives who discussed the much-tougher emissions standards new requirements and their impact that take effect next year. on coach operations at a workshop “They could add $10,000 to during Motorcoach Expo 2006. $15,000 to the price of a (new) The panelists said the much- coach,” said panel member Brian talked-about diesel particulate fil- Couch of Motor Coach Industries, ters that will be integral to the ’07 noting that final figures will not be emissions-reduction system on new available until later this year. engines will require extra mainte- No representatives of the other nance, but the filters probably will CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 þ Sales of new coaches reach three-year high Sales of new motorcoaches in 2004 compare to 1,771 new coach- the U.S. and Canada last year es sold in 2003 and 2,402 in 2002. reached their highest level since Sales in the final quarter of last 2002, National Bus Trader maga- year also were strong. In fact, the zine reports. quarter’s up-tick meant the indus- A total of 2,058 new coaches try posted sales increases for five were sold during 2005, represent- consecutive quarters, when com- ing a gain of more than 23 percent pared to the same quarter a year from 2004 sales of 1,668 units. earlier. The sales upswing began in Motorcoach Expo 2006 came to Tampa, Fla., last month and the That means bus operators the fourth quarter of 2004. city and the show exceeded almost everyone’s expectations. Tampa invested upwards of $155 million A total of 663 new coaches Industry attractions and facilities, especially its aquarium, were first rate. more in new over-the-road buses were sold in last year’s fourth quar- The Expo Solution Sessions were easily the best ever, judging by last year than they did in 2004. ter, an increase of 12 percent over operator comments. Show attendance surprised many who had Just as significantly, 2005 2004 fourth-quarter sales of 565 takes to feared a drop-off from last year’s door-busting Expo in Las Vegas. marked the first year-over-year coaches. And the weather was Chamber-of-Commerce perfect. The show increase in new coach sales since Despite the good fourth-quar- Tampa floor, above top, was steadily busy; Prevost Car unveiled its X3-45 the industry’s banner year of 1998. ter showing, the quarter wasn’t as coach (above left), and Elvin McMichael of Executive Coach in In other words, it has been seven strong as the first and third quar- Lancaster, Pa. (smiling above right), won a Holland America cruise years since the industry posted ters when sales jumped more than from MCI, presented by MCI CEO Tom Sorrells. Complete Expo back-to-back annual sales gains. 40 percent from the same quarters coverage begins on Page 8. The sales figures for 2005 and CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 þ A

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MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST WESTERN 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 www.abc-companies.com Bus & Motorcoach NEWS OPERATOR NEWS February 2006 3 Evacuation contractor returns payment; worries mount WASHINGTON — Landstar payment to Landstar for the evac- coaches at a cost of $5,000 per bus Landstar and three subcontrac- Katrina came ashore near New Systems, the Jacksonville, Fla., uation work without having any per day, while the actual numbers tors that worked for the company – Orleans. trucking logistics company at the documentation of the costs, ac- turned out to be 400 buses at Carey Limousine, Bus Bank and There is widespread talk in the center of the controversy over pay- cording to a report issued by the $1,550 a day. Transportation Management Sys- motorcoach industry that some ing motorcoach operators for the U.S. Department of Transportation Henry H. Gerkens, president tems — have come under heavy operators may never see all of evacuation of thousands of New Office of Inspector General. and chief executive of Landstar, criticism from motorcoach opera- their money. Orleans residents after Hurricane The FAA was asked about the called the use of the word “over- tors for not paying promptly for The most ominous story cur- Katrina hit in late August, has paperwork on Oct. 13, three weeks payment” a mischaracterization, their evacuation work. rently making the rounds is that one returned more than half of a $59 after the payment was made, and claiming it was part of an advance A number of operators say of Landstar’s subcontractors made million payment it received from Landstar was asked to provide the payment that turned out to be larg- they still are owed thousands of deals with operators for more buses the federal government for arrang- documents the same day. It sent er than what was thought to be dollars — in some cases, hundreds that weren’t needed or authorized, ing buses for the movement. the information about three weeks needed. of thousands — for the work they and it has run out of money with The repayment of $32 million later, along with the refund check. “They asked for the money did transporting people either which to pay the operators. came after federal auditors discov- The report said the overpay- back and we returned it based on before or after Hurricanes Katrina Operators have resorted to all ered that the Federal Aviation ment occurred because the initial the cutback in tasks,” Gerkens told and Rita. Hurricane Rita struck sorts of tactics, including hiring Administration made a partial contract was to supply 1,100 the Washington Post. the Texas Gulf Coast shortly after CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ Mega-deal: CUSA to buy American Coach Lines DALLAS – CUSA, the largest of Miami; Tippett Travel of tour and charter motorcoach oper- Florida, and Dillon’s Bus Service ator in the U.S., is buying the in Millersville, Md. nation’s fifth largest coach opera- At one time, those companies tion, American Coach Lines Inc. were owned by such well-known of Lake Worth, Fla. industry executives as Louis Wade CUSA announced late last Jr., Billy Ray Rhyme, Calvin month it had reached an agree- Cooper, Michael Gaddis, Marie ment to purchase American Coach and Charles Tippett, Louis Lines, which also happens to be Cicerone and the Dillons, Ron, the biggest coach operator in the Keith and Brian. southeastern U.S. When Coach USA sold them, Terms of the proposed deal the companies were among the were not disclosed but most cer- better performing Coach USA tainly topped $50 million. operators. The region had sales of American Coach Lines was $49.8 million in the 12 months created just over two years ago ended April 30, 2003, with an when a group of investors bought operating profit — before good- the motorcoach companies that will amortization — of $5.8 mil- made up the southeast region of lion. That calculates out to an Coach USA. operating margin above 11 per- Among the companies cent, and that was during a period acquired — that formed American of industry stagnation, resulting Coach Lines — were such well- from the then-lackluster economy, known operators as America depressed travel sector and after- Charters of Charlotte, N.C.; effects of 9/11. Southern Coach Co. of Durham, The New York investor group N.C.; American Coach Lines of that assembled American Coach Norcross, Ga.; Gray Line of Fort Lines paid $48 million for the Lauderdale; American Bus Lines companies. The purchase included eight operators in Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina and Issues combined; Florida. see new Web site Today, American Coach Lines operates in 13 markets and under a Because of Motorcoach Expo half-dozen brand names: 2006, the production schedule for • Midnight Sun Tours, West Bus & Motorcoach News was Palm Beach, Fla. discombobulated. Consequently, • American Coach Lines, the Feb. 1 and Feb. 15 issues are Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando being combined into this issue. and Jacksonville, Fla. The next issue will be the • Cruise Connection, Sarasota, March 1 edition. Fla. If you get restless waiting for • American Coach Lines, At- your next Bus & Motorcoach lanta (the Atlanta operation holds a Gray Line franchise) News fix, visit our dandy new • America Charters, Charlotte Web site and check it out. Go to: and Winston-Salem, N.C. www.busandmotorcoachnews.com. • Southern Coach Co., Raleigh- You must be a member of the Durham, N.C. United Motorcoach Association • American Coach Lines, Jack- to fully access the site. If you sonville, N.C. aren’t a UMA member, you now • Dillon’s Bus Service, Balti-

have another good reason to join. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 þ 4 February 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Court okays reorganization of Blue Bird FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Blue Other financial obligations reducing the amount of debt on that its bankruptcy filing could Bird Corp., North America’s most- include $41.5 million in unfunded Blue Bird’s balance sheet and adversely affect its relations with diversified bus manufacturer, has pension commitments, $14.1 mil- overall strengthening its financial dealers, customers, employees and completed its second financial lion in outstanding warranty position, the company said. suppliers, and that it may have reorganization in 15 months. claims, and $8.4 million in accrued Additionally, the banks agreed been harmed by having to shut- This time, however, the com- wages and employee benefits. to increase the amount of money down operations while it was try- pany had to get a bankruptcy court Blue Bird can borrow by $52.5 ing to put together a restructuring involved to get approval for its There’s always one million through a new-and-ex- plan that would win everyone’s reorganization plan. As it did ’04, Blue Bird tried panded loan agreement. approval. The Chapter 11 bankruptcy fil- this year to reorganize its finances The bank consortium currently Nevertheless, company Presi- ing by Blue Bird became neces- outside of bankruptcy court but owns 42.5 percent of Blue Bird’s dent and CEO Jeffry Bust remains Jeffry D. Bust sary because of the company’s because one of its banks didn’t stock. Another 42.5 percent is upbeat. deteriorating financial condition like what was being proposed it owned by Volvo AB, the giant “We are going to take full standards of quality and service. and its failure to get unanimity wasn’t able to pull it off. It was European-based bus, truck and advantage of the opportunities this “We are very grateful for the among its banks for the plan it pro- forced to ask a bankruptcy court engine manufacturer; 10 percent is restructuring plan provides Blue flexibility and cooperation shown posed for overhauling its debt. for protection. It picked the U.S. held by Blue Bird management, Bird,” said Bust. “With the new by our senior lenders over the past For most of this decade, Blue Bankruptcy Court in Reno, Nev. and a British pension fund owns financing this plan provides, the few months,” said Bust. “Their sup- Bird has suffered from reduced bus While restructuring negotia- the remaining 5 percent. hard work of our employees, and port is a vote of confidence in our buying by financially strained tions were underway late last year the ongoing commitment of our business model, our superior prod- school districts, plus a number of and early this year, the company Volvo says no suppliers and distributors, Blue ucts, our excellent management costly problems stemming from a financial situation continued to Late last year, Blue Bird man- Bird will remain one of the world’s team, and our bright prospects.” plant closing in Iowa. weaken, becoming so dire last agement and its banks tried to get leading school bus and motor For much of the past two years, Consequently, Blue Bird hasn’t month that it was forced to sus- Volvo to buy out the banks and home manufacturers for many Blue Bird has been working to been consistently profitable, pend manufacturing operations, recapitalize the company. On Jan. decades to come.” turn its manufacturing operations meaning its cash situation deterio- telling employees to stay home. 2, Volvo said “nej.” profitable. That hasn’t happened rated and it couldn’t cope with its Ultimately, Blue Bird said that Separately, Volvo announced Not giving up yet, and the company doesn’t huge debt load. the holders of 93 percent of its last month it was writing down the Bust said the company will expect to see an operational turn- When Blue Bird was restruc- debt approved the reorganization value of its investment in Blue focus its full attention on strength- around until next year. tured in Oct. 2004, it ended up plan that was approved by the Bird by $71 million. ening business operations, improv- Annual sales at Blue Bird are with $215 million in long-term bankruptcy court. The reorganization plan also ing its financial performance, roughly $700 million and it manu- bank debt. That amount has only The plan the debt-holders provides for a full payoff of the improving its products, and provid- factures about 30 percent of the been reduced by $2 million in the agreed to includes debt-for-equity company’s general unsecured ing the best in customer service. new school buses sold in North interim. In addition, Blue Bird has conversion plan that will turn a creditors and for continuing to The company is committed, it America. It employs nearly 1,900 roughly $129 million in unsecured portion of the debt the banks hold operate on a “normal basis.” says, to meeting new bus delivery people at plants in Ft. Valley and debt and $53 million in trade debt. into more stock in the company, However, the company cautions schedules and maintaining its Lafayette, Ga., and Brantford, Ont. SERVICE LIFTS FOR EVERY NEED

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$(#©0AGE$IRECTORY!D ¹"US3OLUTIONS 5 February 2006 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Biodiesel industry gains Transits seek Federal officials unveil charter firms new traveler document time to fix quality issue The following public transit ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minne- of the Minnesota marketplace,” providers have informed the sota’s drive to require biodiesel said Minnesota Deputy Commerce United Motorcoach Association to ease border crossing fuel in all diesel-engined buses and Commissioner Edward Garvey. of their intent to provide charter WASHINGTON — Bowing to government’s overall timetable for trucks operating in the state hit Minnesota is the only state to bus service unless willing and pressure from President Bush, the requiring more secure IDs for another bump last month when a require that all diesel fuel contain able private operators step for- Departments of State and Home- Americans traveling between the suspension adopted in December at least 2 percent of soybean-based ward to offer service or to bid on land Security have unveiled a new U.S. and Canada and Mexico. was extended by another month. biodiesel. The law took effect in contract opportunities. travel document for Americans Last September, the govern- A 21-day waiver of the state late September, but two rounds of UMA urges appropriate oper- who frequently travel back and ment asked for comments on a biodeiesel law was extended until quality issues have unsettled sup- ators to take the time to respond to forth between the U.S. and Canada plan that would require passports late this month in an effort to iron porters. these notices: and Mexico. beginning Jan. 1, 2007, for those out fuel quality problems. Preliminary tests show that Corpus Christi, Texas. Dead- The proposed travel credential arriving by air and sea, and Jan. 1, The December shutdown was some batches of biodiesel con- line: 3 p.m Feb. 3, 2006. Write to: would be credit-card sized and less 2008, for those arriving overland. the second in the first three months tained high levels of glycerin, Lamont Taylor, Regional Trans- expensive than a passport, but it That plan caught flack from of the program. making it vulnerable to gelling in portation Authority, 5658 Bear would serve the same purpose for not only local chambers of com- Proposals for what are being cold weather, and clogging fuel Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas Americans crossing the nation’s merce but also national organiza- called “a tough quality-control filters. Industry officials can’t say 78405. Phone: (361) 289-2712. northern and southern borders. tions, including the United Motor- program” also were unveiled. The how widespread the problem is, Clemson, S.C. Deadline: Feb. Michael Chertoff, secretary of coach Association, and ultimately National Biodiesel Board and the or where the bad batches came Homeland Security, said the new the president. Bush ordered a Minnesota Biodiesel Council asked from. 10, 2006. Write to: Clemson Area Transit System, P.O. Box 1566 card will be “like the kind of dri- review of the timetable and pass- the state to consider adopting ver’s license or other simple card port requirement. Many organiza- (1201 Tiger Blvd., Ste. 2), Clem- tighter fuel-production controls. identification that almost all of us tions object to requiring passports N.Y. eyes biodiesel son, S.C. 29633. Phone: (864) The groups want to make the carry.” as security documents because 653-2030. accreditation of biodiesel plants ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Presumably the new card they are bulky, expensive and time mandatory, and for the state to Gov. George Pataki wants his South Bend, Ind. Deadline: would satisfy Congressional de- consuming to obtain. require that every shipment of state to have a string of biodiesel Feb. 13, 2006. Write to: Mary mands that everyone entering the The card proposed by Secre- biodiesel earn a certificate for and ethanol fueling stations. McLain, General Manager, South U.S. carry a secure identity docu- tary of State Condoleezza Rice meeting state standards. The governor decided to Bend Public Transportation Corp., ment beginning Jan. 1, 2007. and Chertoff at a press conference Poor batches of the soybean- include a line item in the state’s P.O. Box 1437 (901 E. Northside In announcing the proposed last month would be inexpensive based fuel are blamed for clogging 2006-07 budget calling for the Blvd), South Bend, IN 46624. document, Homeland Security and — in effect — little more than diesel-engine fuel filters around alternative fuel stations. Johnson City, Tenn. Dead- officials indicated the card may an enhanced driver’s license. the state. The emergency shutdown Pataki’s office said the meas- line: Feb. 21, 2006. Write to: contain a computer chip encoded Currently, Americans need of the program in December was ure represents decisive action to Donna Bridwell, Johnson City with biometric data such as finger- only a driver’s license or birth cer- extended into this month because cut New York’s rising fuel bills Transit Systems, 137 W. Market prints and would be resistant to tificate to return to the U.S. from poor-quality biodiesel may still be and to protect the state environ- St., Johnson City, TN 37604. counterfeiting, but the department Canada and Mexico. Both docu- lurking around the state. ment by reducing dependency on Phone: (423) 929-7119. has made no final decision ments are considered easy to coun- “We take biodiesel fuel quality foreign oil. whether to include a computer terfeit and some stated even issue extremely seriously,” said Joe The plan calls for 27 service chip or what other information driver’s licenses to nonresidents. Jobe, chief executive of the stations offering the fuels along Canada to try should be included on the card. Two years ago, Congress in- National Biodiesel Board. the New York State Thruway and The federal government will structed the Homeland Security “We appreciate the willingness an additional 100 service stations speed limiters seek public comment later this and State departments to require a of the all parties — especially statewide. TORONTO — An interesting year on the card, as well as the passport or other secure document. biodiesel producers — to work on Pataki also wants ethanol and debate is occurring in Canada over solutions that will ensure that this biodiesel refineries established in a proposal to require mandatory OSHA exempts small firms valuable, renewable fuel is a part the state. “speed limiters” on over-the-road buses and trucks. WASHINGTON — Small bus plete the form, but had no record- Government officials across the operators are exempt from a feder- able injuries or illnesses last year, Economic indicators rise country say they will save fuel and al requirement that employers re- simply enter zeros on the total line. WASHINGTON — To key eco- from 109.1 in December. reduce emissions. port and post a summary by April All summaries must be certified nomic indicators that motorcoach Meanwhile, the index of U.S. However, a Canadian motor- 30 of all job-related injuries and by a company executive. operators watch continue to climb. leading economic indicators rose coach industry executive said the illnesses that occurred last year. A copy of the report should be U.S. consumer sentiment rose for a third straight month in De- real reason bureaucrats want the The U.S. Occupational Safety displayed in a common area wher- for a third straight month in Jan- cember, but the 0.1 percent rise limiters is because “they can’t and Health Administration is ever notices to employees are nor- uary, according to the University pointed to potentially slower enforce the speed limits.” requiring companies with more mally posted. Copies must be of Michigan’s monthly consumer growth. Support for a national policy on than 10 employees to complete available to employees who move sentiment index. The December gain followed a the issue is reportedly building OSHA Form 300A between Feb. 1 from worksite to worksite and The index rose to 93.4 from revised 0.9 percent rise in Novem- among Canada’s provincial truck- and April 30. The form tallies job- employees who report to no fixed 91.5 in December. The reading ber, the New York-based Confer- ing associations. related injuries and illnesses, the establishment on a regular basis. was above economists’ expecta- ence Board reported. November’s No truck or bus in Ontario average number of employees and Copies of Forms 300, 300A tions of a 92.5 reading. increase had originally been would ever travel faster than 105 total hours worked during the year. and 301 are available at www.osha. The expectations index, which reported as a 0.5 percent increase. km an hour — about 65 mph — Small coach fleets are exempt, gov/pls/publications/pubindex. often foreshadows consumer The leading indicator index, under a plan proposed by the said OSHA spokesman Frank All employers, including those spending, rose to 81.5 from 80.2 which measures the likely per- Ontario Trucking Association. Meilinger. “They are only required partially exempted by reason of in December. formance of the U.S. economy The truckers have yet to for- to report if they have any fatalities company size or industry classifi- The survey’s current-condi- over the next three to six months, mally ratify a position on the use of or if the Bureau of Labor Statistics cation, must report to OSHA any tions index, which reflects con- is watched by coach companies limiters. But one group said it has asks them to participate in its workplace incident that results in a sumers’ attitudes on whether it’s a because it forecasts activity for been receiving “encouraging news annual survey,” Meilinger said. fatality or the hospitalization of good time to buy, also rose, to 112 the next three to six months. from its federation members.” Companies required to com- three or more employees. 6 February 2006 OPINION Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Industry faces Operators try new roads, find new business real dichotomy TAMPA — Motorcoach oper- tomers who wanted their vehicles The two articles on the front ators who want to grow their busi- with them when they got to page — about the 2007 engines nesses might do well to think “out Florida, and arrange hotel rooms and the jump in coach sales last of the bus.” and restaurant stops for travelers year — certainly are reflective of That strategy paid off for four making the overnight trips. the industry’s two faces today. operators who told their success Gillis said she quickly discov- The worst of the industry’s stories at a Motorcoach Expo ered that drivers consider shuttle protracted economic slump appear 2006 workshop on finding new work boring and they would over, but there’s still plenty of business opportunities. rather pass on the assignments. uncertainty, especially regarding The four decided to try some- The company now holds weekly the ’07 engines. thing different than their usual meetings with drivers so they can As UMA President & CEO Todd Holland Gary Krapf Larry Benjamin charter business and what they communicate their concerns and Victor Parra said in opening found has helped boost their bot- better understand the nature of Motorcoach Expo last month, tom lines. the business, and monthly meet- many operators report their com- Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado ing them home when it warms — panies are doing better. For more Todd Holland of Ramblin Springs decided to outsource the initially was an effort keep busy ings with regular customers so than a few, 2005 was an exception- Express in Colorado Springs won shuttle service for its upscale during the slow winter season. then can learn of their needs. al year. a contract to become the passen- guests. “We knew we could pro- “We were just trying to fill the Marketing has been a little At the same time, the introduc- ger transportation provider for vide them with first class serv- void that we have in the winter,” different, too. tion of the low-emissions engines one of the nation’s best-known ice,” he said. he said. “Then we found that the Krapf said he spent about next year has scores of operators, resorts; Gladys Gillis of Starline Providing the highest quality service was not being offered in $100,000 marketing the sunshine and their maintenance chiefs, wor- Transportation in Seattle devel- service to a five-star resort our area and we had a captive service, including purchasing ried. oped a corporate shuttle service; proved to be a challenge. audience.” media advertisements and bill- The memory of the dismal per- Gary Krapf of Krapf Coaches in Ultimately a new culture devel- Benjamin said he noticed that boards and producing newslet- formance of some post-2002, West Chester, Pa., started a sun- oped within Holland’s company, his regular charter customers ters. However, he found that the EGR-equipped diesel engines is shine service — hauling people helping transform his business were always looking for new best marketing tool was sending still fresh, and no one wants to see and their cars — to Florida, and into a first-class transportation places to visit and for new adven- out a sales person to social and a repeat next year. Larry Benjamin of Northfield company, providing service equal tures. “We surveyed them and civic activities and knocking on The engine builders generally Lines Inc. in Northfield, Minn., to the Broadmoor’s guests. found out they were looking for doors at senior living centers. expect far fewer problems with the purchased a small travel agency Gillis went after corporate fun and we just figured they “Direct sales are what worked ’07 engines, than the ’02 models, that specialized in tours and shuttle business to get better uti- would enjoy going on cruises,” he best for us,” he added. because they have had much more cruises. lization out of her fleet and after said. Benjamin said marketing has time to prepare this time around. Each of them say they experi- discovering that only a few busi- Gillis and Krapf had to invest not been too difficult or costly for That is comforting but every- enced serious ups and downs in nesses — some of them parking very little in capital startup costs him because most materials are one would feel a whole lot better if launching their new products, but lot owners — were offering the because they were able to use provided by cruise lines, which hundreds of the engines had been they rode out the bumps and now service, and none of them was their existing buses and coaches also pay him a 15 percent com- operating in fleet tests for the past consider their ventures worth- mission for each booking. He few months to back-up the asser- doing a very good job. “They for their new services. Holland, while. does limited print advertising, tions. That hasn’t happened yet, but were not proactive and they had though, spent money on small And, they learned a lot about radio spots and Internet advertis- the tests reportedly are coming. different vehicles and drivers all buses, vans and limousines to get Meanwhile, operators are like- expanding into new areas. of the time,” she said. “We sold started, and Benjamin bought an ing from time-to-time. “And we ly to do what they always do when “From the outside looking in, our customers on providing the existing cruise and tour agency. don’t have to worry much about there is uncertainty, rising prices, the limousine business looked the same drivers and the same vehi- While Gillis and Krapf caught pricing because it is done by the and higher operating costs — same to me, but it wasn’t,” noted cles” everyday. breaks with capital expenses, cruise companies,” he said. extend trade cycles or pre-buy. So, Holland. “The clientele is unfor- Krapf said developing a sun- both had to deal with unfamiliar The new business opportuni- a year from now, Bus & Motor- giving and they demand a lot.” shine service — busing retirees problems. ties session was moderated by coach News may have a new front- Holland’s new business and others to sunny Florida when Krapf said he had to work UMA President & CEO Victor page story — about how great opportunity developed when the the weather turns cold and return- deals with car carriers for cus- Parra. coach sales were in 2006.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 71 Dale Krapf To submit or report news, Letters to the Krapf Coaches To contact the West Chester, Pa. Editor, articles: United Motorcoach Association: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] Godfrey LeBron Call: (800) 424-8262 Paradise Trailways Fax: (866) 930-8426 Online: www.uma.org Staff Advisory Board West Hempstead, N.Y. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To send advertisements or Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Joan Libby Glendale, AZ 85301 Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Cavalier Coach photographs via the Internet: Victor Parra Call: (623) 930-8423 Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Boston, Mass. E-mail: [email protected] Larry Benjamin Steve Haddad Jeff Polzien Upload: www.jezac.com/uploads Sales Director Senior Editor To advertise or to mail advertising- Johnny Steger Northfield Lines Carl R. Bieber Tourways Red Carpet Tours Bruce Sankey Northfield, Minn. Kutstown, Pa. Oklahoma City related materials: To subscribe or inquire about your Call: Johnny Steger subscription: Government Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Rick Hillard Tom Ready (623) 930-8422 or (602) 980-0840 New World Tours Tri-State Tours Ready Bus Lines Call: (623) 930-8421 Norman Littler Ellen Balm Bristow, Va. Galena, Ill. LaCrescent, Minn. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant Bob Brisman Todd Holland Brian Scott Fax: (866) 930-8426 West Point Trailways Ramblin' Express Escot Bus Lines Glendale, AZ 85301 Tara Sheehan Amy Stalknecht Vails Gate, N.Y. Colorado Springs Largo, Fla. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To report errors: Glendale, AZ 85301 Accountant Editorial Assistant David Brown Robert Hume Michelle Silvestro Holiday Tours Travel Mates Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (623) 930-8421 John Giddens Melissa Harden Randlemann, N.C. Harrisonburg, Va. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] ©2006 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Art Director Steve Brown Daryl G. Johnson T. Ralph Young written permission is prohibited. Brown Coach J & J Charters Young Transportation Mary E. McCarty Amsterdam, N.Y. Crosby, Texas Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET February 2006 7 DOT Inspector General Mead is leaving DOT attorney to head NHTSA WASHINGTON — Kenneth “The opportunities to see pos- man Mineta, whose department WASHINGTON — President Customs Service and was com- Mead, who has served as inspector itive outcomes and results for the heads sometimes chafed at Mead’s Bush has nominated Nicole Na- munications director and counsel general of the U.S. Department of traveling public and taxpayer have reports, said taxpayers are losing a son to be the administrator of the for CIA Director Porter Goss Transportation longer than anyone been enormously satisfying,” fierce ally. National Highway Traffic Safety when he was a Republican con- else, is leaving this month after be- Mead wrote in his resignation let- “Ken has been a tireless advo- Administration. gressman from Florida. ing on the job for almost nine years. ter to President Bush. He also cate for setting the highest possi- An attorney, Nason, 35, is an The previous NHTSA admin- Deputy Inspector General Todd praised his staff for having a ble standards of integrity, account- assistant secretary for govern- istrator, Jeffrey Runge, a medical J. Zinser will serve as acting in- steady moral compass and the ability and performance,” Mineta spector general until a successor is determination to protect taxpay- said in a statement. mental affairs at the U.S. Depart- doctor, left the agency last July appointed. Mead departs Feb. 11. ers’ interests. Mead was appointed in 1997 ment of Transportation. for a top position with the De- Congress created the position Transportation Secretary Nor- by then-President Bill Clinton. She was previously with the partment of Homeland Security. of inspectors general in 1978, and charged them with rooting out government waste and fraud. The last half of Mead’s tenure was the most tumultuous in U.S. transportation history as the after- math of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks fundamentally al- tered commercial aviation and fed- eral policy toward the industry. The changes elevated his position and prompted investigations into fi- nances, safety and aviation security. Mead, whose office works independently of Department of Transportation policymakers, also conducted aggressive investiga- tions of the deteriorating financial prospects of Amtrak, as well as wasteful spending and manage- ment practices at Boston’s Big Dig highway and tunnel project. More recently, Mead’s staff has been investigating transporta- tion contracts in connection with Hurricane Katrina disaster relief, including those involving buses used to evacuate residents of New Orleans. (See story on Page 3.) Mead’s conclusions and testi- mony often carried weight with lawmakers in Congress, where he was respected by both Republi- cans and Democrats. $800 million-plus going to rebuild Gulf Coast roads JACKSON, Miss. — The Gulf Coast states will share $868 mil- lion in federal money for road and bridge projects, U.S. Transporta- tion Secretary Norman Mineta announced late last month. Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Florida will use the money to repair or rebuild federally support- ed highways and bridges damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at the end of last summer. Mississippi will receive $740 million, the lion’s share of this most recently announced appro- priation. Louisiana will receive $75 million, Florida $42 million and Texas $11 million. Mineta said the funding amounts were based on state re- quests. Additional money most as- suredly will be requested and dis- tributed, Mineta noted. The funding is part of a $2.75 billion emergency relief package requested by President Bush and approved by Congress late in 2005. 8 February 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

2.5 percent of the total went to quarter had Allison automatics, Plachno also pointed out that last year, or 12.2 percent of the New coaches Canadian operators. Typically, new while 33.3 percent were equipped the ZF is more popular in certain total. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 coach sales in Canada represent with the AS Tronic auto-stick model coaches than others. For “While the number went up in 2004. between 7 and 11 percent. Third- shifters. In the third quarter, more instance, it was installed in at least from 69 units in the third quarter, The top five–selling coaches quarter 2005 Canadian sales were than 70 percent of the coaches had half of the MCI D4005, D4505, the percentage went down,” noted in the fourth quarter were the MCI 7.5 percent of the total, and Allison units. MCI E4500, H3-45, Prevost Plachno. Conversion shells repre- J4500, MCI D4500, Van Hool Canadian sales accounted for 9.7 “It should be noted,” said LeMirage XL II, C2045 and Van sented 16.1 percent of the market C2045, Prevost H3-45 and Setra percent of the total in the fourth National Bus Trader Editor Larry Hool T2145 models sold in the in the third quarter, 14.8 percent in S417. Rounding out the top seven quarter of 2004. Plachno, “that the AS-Tronic fourth quarter. the second quarter and 17.9 per- were the MCI D4000 and the MCI The percentage of new coach- transmission has not yet been And, for the top-selling J4500, cent in the first quarter. D4505, a revamp of MCI’s D- es equipped with Allison B500 or offered in conversion shells. two coaches were delivered with Questions about National Bus model that the company unveiled ZF-AS Tronic transmissions shift- Hence, the percentage of AS- ZFs for every one equipped with Trader quarterly and annual sales early last year. ed slightly during the fourth quar- Tronic transmission in seated an Allison. reports should be directed to New coach sales in Canada ter of last year. Sixty-six percent coaches (sold in the fourth quar- A total of 77 conversion shells Plachno at (815) 946-2341, or slumped in the fourth quarter. Only of all coaches sold in the fourth ter) is 37.9 percent.” were sold in the fourth quarter of e-mail [email protected].

the manufactures expect the de- dashboard light that will come on where later this year but could end the new engines, starting as early as ’07 engines vices will not need attention until at and alert the driver if the filters up being difficult to find. next month, there has been no pub- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 least 300,000 miles and possibly have become so clogged with soot “You’ll have to plan your trips a lic mention of any coach operators coach manufacturers on the panel even 400,000. that they require immediate atten- little better,” suggested Carrie Ann getting the same opportunity. would comment on the projected Mechanics will have two op- tion and cleaning. Baker of Volvo Power Train. Trucking executives have ex- price increase. tions when they work on the filters “So, the operators will have to East attempted to allay concerns pressed concern about the effect of Although the panel members — clean them without removing become a little involved to know that some operators expressed the new-engine technology on daily held that maintenance will not be them from the engine by using a when to take their coach to the about driving a newly purchased performance and the life of the seriously impacted by the particu- special machine that will vacuum shop,” noted Jason Nelson of Cat- coach home from the manufac- engines. late filters, they did stress the out the soot, or swap the filters with erpillar. turer’s plant, emphasizing that a Rich Shearing of Detroit Diesel devices will require cleaning. The used ones that were removed from Drivers and others with fueling tank or two of regular diesel fuel said the move to cleaner engines diesel oxidation catalysts that the other coaches and cleaned on the responsibilities will have to be dili- along the way — even across coun- actually was an opportunity to im- particular filters are replacing bench. Both procedures will take gent about making sure the right try — would not harm the fuel sys- prove the design of the engines, and required no extra maintenance. about two hours. fuel goes into the new coaches. tem or engine. “I really don’t think the company is moving in that di- The panelists said the U.S. En- The filters will require the That’s because the 2007 engines are it would hurt it,” he said. rection. Among steps already taken vironmental Protection Agency attention of drivers, as well as being designed to run only on ultra- While some diesel engine is the moving of some engine com- will recommend the filters be maintenance personnel. The 2007 low sulfur diesel fuel, which is sup- builders are planning to allow ponents so they are easier for cleaned every 150,000 miles, but coaches will be equipped with a posed to become available every- trucking companies to begin testing mechanics to reach and service.

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DGB[LQGG 30 MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 Greater bus safety is goal, Insurer issues warning about drivers, bus fires says top FMCSA official; TAMPA – A top executive with drivers than they now do, observed the motorcoach industry’s largest Norm Littler, senior vice president rule-making pipeline fills insurer says operators are facing of the United Motorcoach Asso- two serious problems that need to ciation. TAMPA — The administrator ducting reviews of new-to-the- be addressed by regulators and bus As for bus fires, Bayard said of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety industry operators, called new- manufacturers: drivers who fall that if their causes continue to go Administration says her agency has entrant audits. asleep at the wheel and fires. unchecked by the industry, they stepped up enforcement of bus The FMCSA conducted 20 per- FMCSA Administrator Annette Mickey Bayard, vice president could have a major impact on the safety regulations and operators cent more compliance reviews in fis- Sandberg, right, talks with of marketing at Lancer Insurance, insurance premiums paid by oper- should expect to see more of the cal 2005 than it initially planned for said bus fires continue to be of ators. same for the foreseeable future. the year, and has set a goal of another Rose-Marie Rodriguez of the South Jersey Transportation widespread concern to the industry, He suggested there is a need to “In the last year or so we have 20 percent increase for this year. but a more significant problem — determine which coach brands and Authority at Motorcoach Expo. honed in on bus safety in five High on Sandberg’s priority list that results in many more series in- models are involved in most of the areas,” Annette Sandberg said in a is to push for more states that do cidents — is drivers who fall asleep fires. speech delivered at Motorcoach not conduct motorcoach safety put them out of business. at the wheel, causing crashes. “As we sort these things out, Expo 2006 here last month. inspections — that meet federal The United Motorcoach Asso- Bayard says that in at least you could see premiums go up or She said the FMCSA has sig- standards — to begin doing so ciation has long advocated that the two-thirds of highway accidents we may not want to insure some of nificantly increased the number of soon. Currently, only 24 states con- FMCSA get tough with states on involving motorcoaches there are them at all,” he said. “And we compliance reviews of coach com- duct federally approved inspections the issue of establishing bus inspec- no skid marks, indicating the driv- could see insurance rates based on panies and conducted more safety either by highway patrol officers or tion programs that meet minimal ers were sleeping at the time of the the models that catch fire the inspections; begun a study of buses transportation department inspec- federal standards. crash. most.” involved in crashes; challenged tors. The others either don’t do Operators from states that do His comments came at the Bayard said after the meeting states to do more safety inspec- them, rely on federal regulators to not inspect coaches are now facing State Association Summit which, that while Lancer is not consider- tions; initiated efforts to improve conduct inspections, or conduct problems if they attempt to opera- for the second year in a row, kicked ing such a move, the idea is not far the SafeStat data analysis system half-baked inspections. tor their buses in British Columbia, off Motorcoach Expo 2006. fetched. He said it could become that’s used to identify and prioritize “We need to challenge the which will only honor inspections Such a damning statistic about reality for the coach industry operators for FMCSA and state states to do more inspections,” she from the two-dozen states with driver-caused crashes could lead insurance market one day. safety improvement and enforce- said, adding that federal regulators adequate inspection programs. to federal regulators looking much “At some point in time we will ment programs, and pushed to want to identify unsafe operators Currently, the FMCSA is more carefully at the condition of CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ accelerate the timetable for con- and either get them compliant or CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ 19945-AnnBusMotorcoach 05/12/03 11:28 Page 1

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Joan Libby of Cavalier Coach in Boston (far left) moderates a panel discussion on developing and implementing a comprehensive busi- ness plan for a small motorcoach company. On the panel were (from left) Bob Garrett of Sunshine Travel/Express in Lancaster, S.C.; Bill Gentry of Gentry Trailways in Knoxville, Tenn., and Marcia Milton of First Priority Trailways in District Heights, Md.

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Heather Lienhart of Arrow Coach Lines in Little Rock, Ark., prepares to put on a Tampa Bay Gasparilla Pirate Festival neck- lace before entering the Florida Aquarium for the Welcome Reception. 14 February 2006 MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS UMA picks Brian Scott as chairman for 2006-07 TAMPA, Fla. — The board of directors of the United Motorcoach Association has elected new lead- ers for the next two years. Brian L. Scott, vice president of Escot Bus Lines in Largo, Fla., suc- ceeds David R. Brown as chairman of the association. Brown, president of Holiday Tours in Randleman, N.C., had been UMA chairman for the past two years and Scott had been vice chairman. UMA’s other new officers for Brian Scott CEO of UMA gets movie permit No. 1 2006-2007 are: offering charter, contract and Hundreds of motorcoach operators from across the U.S. and CEO of the United Motorcoach Association, was pre- • Godfrey Lebron of Paradise Trailways in West Hempstead, scheduled service. have signed up for 2006-2007 movie-permit licenses. sented with the first movie license decal for 2006-07, by N.Y., vice chairman. Along the way, Scott served the Motorcoach Movies, which issues public-performance Terry Colyer (left) and Barbara Nelson, both of St. Louis- • Todd Holland of Ramblin Florida Motorcoach Association as licenses to coach operators, is supplying the operators based Motorcoach Movies. Showing a movie on a coach Express of Colorado Springs/ vice president in 1997, and presi- with decals that are affixed to buses, signifying the coach without a license can subject an operator to civil penal- Denver, secretary. dent in 1998 and again in 1999. can show movies legally. Victor Para (center), president ties ranging from $750 to $30,000 per movie. • Jeff Polzien of Red Carpet Elected to the board of UMA Tours in Oklahoma City, treasurer. six years ago, he served on the leg- islative affairs and risk manage- then it is priced accordingly.” In the meantime, he suggested Scott, 37, began working in the Bus fires ment committees. He said that ultimately the that fire-suppression equipment family business in 1983, while still Brown was honored twice at CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 manufacturers of buses that have could help. Operators that install in high school. At the time, the Motorcoach Expo for his service as have to start charging more for the most fires are responsible for such equipment on their coaches company consisted of two buses, chairman of UMA. He was recog- those coaches that catch fire the finding and correcting the prob- would not get a break on their running shuttles to gaming facil- nized at Expo’s opening session and most,” he emphasized. “That’s how lem. “The company with the name insurance premiums, though, ac- ities. at the Vision Awards Banquet near insurance works. If something is or the insignia on the door must be cording to Bayard. “We price on Since then, Escot Lines has the end of the show. more risky than something else, responsible,” he added. risk,” he said. grown to a fleet of 42 coaches,

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ISO9001:2000 1-800-350-6682 • www.novabus.com Bus & Motorcoach NEWS MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 February 2006 15 Transit competition remains No. 1 industry issue TAMPA — Halting unfair ciation and Motor Coach Canada, competition from federally subsi- said public transit agencies are dized transit agencies continues to doing the same thing in Canada, be the top legislative priority of although it may not be to the same motorcoach operators from across extent as it is in the U.S. “We’re try- the United States. ing to hit them on safety issues,” he Delegates to the second annual said, adding that transit buses have State Association Summit — held been seeing carrying standees in conjunction with Motorcoach while traveling down the highway Expo 2006 — said too many tran- at more than 60 miles an hour. sit agencies are ignoring federal Gladys Gillis of the Northwest charter service regulations that are Motorcoach Association said the supposed to restrict them from association had found a unique conducting charter work that could way to tackle the problem — edu- be done by private carriers. cating public transit officials in “They’re eating our lunch right Washington state on the current now,” bemoaned one operator Norman Littler of UMA Gladys Gillis of Starline Transportation regulations. It hired a former attor- attending the summit. ney for the Federal Transit Admin- State coach association repre- rulemaking the Federal Transit and possibly develop new tools to Several said they also are having istration to present a program sentatives called for stepped-up Administration is expected to con- punish transit agency violators. problems with churches that oper- detailing the rules to a meeting of efforts against transit agencies that vene in Washington, D.C., in the Motorcoach operators have ated motorcoaches and state- officials from 29 transit agencies. circumvent the federal rules that next few weeks. long complained that they are owned buses. Representatives of the associa- require them to let private carriers Norm Littler, the senior vice unable to compete because transit The new federal highway reau- tion said they were told by transit know when they have been re- president of government and agencies receive federal money to thorization and public transit legis- executives that they often do char- quested to provide charter service industry relations at UMA who support their operations. In addi- lation that was adopted last year ter work because they want to push and allow a private operator to do moderated the state summit, said tion, they maintain that the transit requires that all passenger buses – up their passenger numbers to the work if it is able and available. the industry plans to go to the rule- agencies often solicit charter busi- including those operated by obtain larger federal grants and The legislative and regulatory making sessions armed with a ness away from private companies; churches — have insurance, a reg- because they are under pressure to affairs committee of the United large collection of transit viola- they don’t always follow the notifi- ulation that could force some of do so by their boards of directors. Motorcoach Association board of tions from throughout the country. cation regulations, and they are them out of the charter business. The numbers reason doesn’t directors joined in the call to keep Motorcoach operators are being seldom punished by federal regula- However, federal authorities have wash, however, because under fed- transit competition the industry’s urged to send to UMA and the tors when they are caught violating yet to determine how much insur- eral rules charter work cannot be top priority, and the full UMA American Bus Association detailed the rules. ance will be required. counted toward passenger numbers board of directors endorsed it as examples of transit agencies taking Most of the operators who at- The unfair competition prob- that are used by the FTA when it well. Both the committee and the away their charter business. tended the state summit said transit lems are not limited to the United passes out subsidies and grants. board also met during Expo. New rules will be adopted by competition is among their biggest States. In addition to transit compe- The industry plans to take its federal regulators that could tough- problems and they urged UMA to Brian Crow, president and CEO tition, tax issues also drew the fight over transit agencies violat- en the charter service regulations continue to push for reforms. of the Ontario Motorcoach Asso- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 þ ing charter rules into a negotiated Operators are honored at gala; kudos for the industry

TAMPA — For the third-con- secutive year, the Vision Awards Banquet held during Motorcoach Expo turned out to be a stellar, sometimes emotional, evening, providing both a festive event and a few surprises. UMA President & CEO Victor Parra set the tone for the evening by noting that while a handful of operators would be honored with Autumn Dipert Brown Jimmy Cantrell Dan Smith Tom Ready Norman Arensdorf Lisa Holland awards during the banquet, the entire motorcoach industry should us a good time.” ment to the city and to honor the Here are the winners: Operator of the Year: Tom Ready be taking a bow for the splendid New Orleans is expected to be bureau for its perseverance. UMA Safety Leader of the of Ready Bus Line of LaCrescent, work it did in evacuating thousands a strong draw for next year’s Expo An emoitional Holland told ban- Year: Autumn Dipert Brown of Minn. Ready not only has served of victims of Hurricanes Katrina — in no small measure because of quet attendees that the city and the Dan Dipert Coaches in Arlington, the industry well, but he’s also a and Rita late last summer. the curiosity factor. By then, the bureau were touched by the industry Texas. Award presenter Carmen “straightforward guy.” Parra said the scores of compa- hurricane devastation of August support, and she promised New Daecher of Daecher Consulting The final awards for the nies that sent 1,100 buses and 2,000 2005, will be 16-17 months in the Orleans would rebound from its Group said Brown not only had evening were the UMA Vision drivers to the Gulf Coast reflected rear-view mirror and many people crippling blow. made a measurable impact on the Awards, which go to two operators great credit on the industry. will want to see for themselves the Parra also recognized outgoing safety of her own company but had that embody the UMA vision to But while many in the motor- aftermath, as well as the pace of UMA Chairman David Brown of played a key role in developing the lead the coach industry into the coach industry saw and lived the recovery. Holiday Tours in Randleman, N.C. curriculum for the innovative safe- future and raise the standards for disaster first hand, Parra said it is The city will have hosted a Parra said Brown had served the driver program operated by the operators everywhere. time for the motorcoach industry number of major conventions by association and its members “more International Motorcoach Group. UMA Vision Award/Small to shine a positive light on the City January 2007, meaning any worries than well” during the past two years. BusRide Motorcoach Indus- Operator (less than 15 coaches): of New Orleans and the surround- about New Orleans’ ability to han- Under Brown’s leadership, try Achievement Award: Village Jimmy Cantrell of Daniel’s Chart- ing area. dle Expo will have been put to rest. membership had grown, as well as Charters in Wichita, Kan. The com- ers/Tours in Gainsville, Ga. For that reason, he said, UMA Parra presented a plaque to member benefits. Brown always pany and its principals, Norman UMA Vision Award/Large is eager to hold Motorcoach Expo Lisa Holland, tourism sales man- kept a steadfast focus, Parra said, and Jeff Arensdorf, were said to Operator (15 or more coaches): 2007 in New Orleans, and he said ager for the New Orleans Conven- on the association mission. exemplify leadership, accomplish- Dan Smith and Sandra Allen of city officials have told him the city tion and Visitor Bureau, to cement Five major industry awards ment and achievement. Royal Coach Tours in San Jose, is “ready, willing and able to give the industry and Expo commit- were presented at the banquet. Metro Magazine Motorcoach Calif. 16 February 2006 MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Issue No. 1 eliminated as sought by the motor- Sandberg coach industry, and there is a good CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 chance it could be increased if the concern of the state delegates, retrofit program runs low on funds. attempting to conduct safety audits some of whom complained about Additionally, the state recently of new-entrant operators during the increases in a variety of taxes and increased taxes on new tires and is first nine months the companies are new highway tolls that have been considering raising fuel taxes. in business. Earlier, the agency had adopted by states. California — There is talk set a goal of getting the audits done Operators attending the meet- among state legislators about rais- within the first six months after a ing urged UMA to make a special ing the fuel tax. company begins operations but effort to let federal lawmakers New York — A regulation that apparently hasn’t been able to get know they already are heavily requires bus drivers in the state to them done that quickly. taxed by states and cannot afford be fingerprinted and to pass both Sandberg also warned opera- additional taxes at the federal level. written and road tests could be tors to expect a slew of rulemak- There also were new concerns extended to out-of-state drivers ings from her agency during the about possible requirements that who come into New York. Tolls next four years. UMA Chairman David Brown helped present the Zanetti Award to FMCSA The FMCSA had 28 rulemak- three-point seat belts or lap belts have been increased along the New Administrator Annette Sandberg. be installed in school buses, espe- York Thruway. ings pending before Congress cially since California in July will South Carolina — Lawmak- passed the five-year highway reau- require that all new school buses ers are looking at removing the cap Good government award thorization law late last summer. contain three-point belts similar to on the flat $300 sales tax on new That act added requirements for 18 the type used in automobiles. vehicles and possibly replacing it more rulemakings. Currently, California, New York, with a 5 percent tax. is presented to Sandberg Here are a few of the changes Florida and New Jersey are the Virginia — Proposals for new and rulemakings operators will see only states that require lap belts in fuel, consumer and user taxes are TAMPA — The United Motor- the agency to getting unsafe and in the next few months and years: school buses, while only New being tossed around by legislators coach Association has honored the uninsured passenger carriers off • A national registry of med- Jersey requires seat-belt usage. and others. administrator of the Federal Motor the highways. The FMCSA is ical examiners will be established Several operators said there is a Illinois — Road tolls have Carrier Safety Administration, doing this by stepping up compli- for the motor carrier industry. Only strong perception around the coun- been increased. Annette Sandberg, by presenting ance reviews, conducting early those doctors on the list will be able try that seat belts on school buses Georgia — A law that classi- her with the Pete Zanetti Good audits of new entrants in the to medically certify drivers. “They save lives, although there appears fies a bus as a truck is resulting in Government Memorial Award. industry, and completing more will know our needs,” said Sandberg. to be little research to support the coach drivers getting tickets for The association said Sandberg thorough and timely reviews of • A special medical review belief. They suggested that a pro- driving in HOV lanes. Trucks are was deserving of the award because carriers’ data, which may indicate board will be set up to review all gram to educate the public might not allowed in the high occupancy she has “demonstrated again and they have safety problems. medical regulations with an eye be in order to avoid a possible lanes. Coach operators are negoti- again, through keen insight and a “We also are grateful for the toward updating them. move to require the installation of ating the issue with the state and common-sense approach to regula- rulemaking the agency is now pur- • A rulemaking will tie the tion and enforcement that she suing that will go along way in belts in existing buses. chances of resolving it appear CDL to driver medical cards and knows what needs to be done” to making certain the medical provid- “It is an issue that is not going to good. give them a common expiration date. improve motor carrier safety. ers who conduct physical qualifi- go away,” warned Littler of UMA. Minnesota — A temporary • A unified registration system In presenting the award, UMA cation examinations are in fact fol- A requirement effective in hold has been placed on a require- for carriers will be created. Senior Vice President for Govern- lowing Federal Motor Carrier 2008 that U.S. residents prove their ment that only 2 percent biodiesel • A regulation covering electron- ment and Industry Relations Safety Regulations. citizenship with a passport or spe- fuel be sold in the state. ic onboard recorders will be issued. Norman Littler said that the “After all, 95 percent of com- cially issued federal identification Okalahoma — Voters in the Although she didn’t mention it, changes Sandberg has implement- mercial vehicle crashes are direct- card at Canadian and Mexican bor- state turned down a proposal to new guidelines for driver training ed at the FMCSA “are nothing ly relate to human-factor failure, der crossing in order to return to increase fuel taxes. However, a bat- also are expected to be issued by short of astounding. while the remainder is vehicle the U.S. could impact motorcoach tle continues over a sharp reduc- Sandberg’s agency. A federal ap- “Gone is the time when offi- related. It makes no sense to apply tion in excise taxes that lawmakers travel between the countries, some cials too often gave a hundred rea- some $200 million dollars a year peals court, using tough language, gave the trucking industry, but did operators warned. sons why important safety im- to fix 5 percent of the problem.” threw out the current FMCSA driv- not extend to motorcoaches. Although the requirement is provements couldn’t be made. The board of UMA established er training guidelines last year. Pennsylvania — A lawsuit led two years away, it already has been Gone are the days when passenger the Pete Zanetti Good Government The United Motorcoach Asso- to buses being removed from new blamed for a 16 percent decline in carriers lived deeply in the shadow Memorial Award four years ago to ciation was party to the successful regulations that state officials U.S. traffic into Canada. Congress of the trucking industry. honor the memory of one of the suit against the FMCSA that result- adopted for them and cabs and lim- passed the law in an effort to “Administrator Sandberg’s lead- association’s founding members ed in the court ordering the ousines. improve border security after the ership deserves the credit for these who died six years ago. FMCSA to come up with new driv- Texas — Lawmakers approved Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. changes,” Littler told several hun- It recognizes public officials er training rules. legislation that all new highways Crow cautioned that the identi- dred operators attending the Legis- who have made exceptional con- Sandberg won applause when fication program might not even built in the state must be toll roads. lative and Regulatory Update Ses- tributions to the well-being of the she noted that the new federal high- work as it is intended. North Carolina — New fuel sion at Motorcoach Expo 2006. bus and motorcoach industry; it is way and public transit law requires “That may not be what you want taxes and road tolls are under con- “The award we present today is not given annually. all private carriers — schools and because it is only an identification sideration. the motorcoach industry’s way of “In the view of the UMA board, churches among them — to have card, not a security card,” he said. Maryland — The fee for pas- saying “thank you,” not only for Administrator Sandberg has distin- insurance on their buses. However, Here’s a look at other issues senger pickups at BWI was dou- her exceptional leadership, but guished herself and brought great the FMCSA has yet to determine facing states: bled to $150. Also a new contract also to honor the members of her credit to her agency, making her most the exact amount of insurance that New Jersey — The state’s new fee was established for companies agency as a whole, from the lead- deserving of this honor,” said Littler. will be required for church buses. emission reduction device retrofit doing business with the state. The ership team, to the folks in the Presenting Sandberg the award Enforcement of safety regula- program is being financed by a cor- fee must be paid before vendors field,” said Litter. were outgoing UMA Chairman David tions is critical, said Sandberg, and porate franchise tax, which means can receive any payments from the “We are grateful for the atten- Brown, and Victor Parra, president it is a major priority of her agency. there is little chance the tax will be state. tion which is now being paid by and CEO of the association. “We need to push our enforcement programs very aggressively. We was poised to investigate. construction Watch reports that an The FAA has long been the need to show the public we are Evacuation Other operators say they have audit being conducted by the in- federal agency responsible for the working for safety,” she stressed. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 written to their congressional rep- spector general’s office is focusing government’s transportation needs To the surprise of some, Sand- lawyers, to try to get the money resentatives. on Landstar’s billing practices and and has had a standing contract berg skipped an opportunity to talk owed them by the subcontractors. Those who have attempted to the FAA’s auditing record for the with Landstar for years. about several key issues facing the motorcoach industry. One Georgia operator says he was report the situation to federal agen- evacuation work. The report, which Landstar disclosed in October She didn’t say a word about bus paid only after he threatened to sic cies and bureaucrats — who are is expected to be completed soon, that its third-quarter revenues fires, Mexican buses coming across CNN on the contractor that was supposed to be investigating such will make recommendations to the reached a record $676 million, and the border and possibly operating refusing to pay. The operator insists incidents — say that route has large- FAA so that before the next hurri- $129.6 million of it came from its without insurance and going be- he was serious about the threat and ly been a waste of time and effort. cane season the agency has a base- disaster relief contract with the yond commercial zones, and a num- had talked to a CNN reporter who Meantime, the Gulf Coast Re- line for transportation services. federal government. ber of driver-related safety concerns. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS MOTORCOACH EXPO 2006 February 2006 17 Prevost launches X3-45; upscale coaches abound TAMPA — Anyone who thinks The longer wheelbase means the customer base of the motor- more weight is shifted to the front coach industry is composed exclu- axle. sively of penny-pinching old folks, The overall effect of the riding run-down coaches to gam- changes, says Prevost, is the indus- bling palaces, obviously has been try’s best riding coach. living in a grease pit. The under-floor luggage com- Most of the major coach man- partment of the X3 has a maximum ufacturers exhibiting at Motor- capacity of 406 cubic feet. That coach Expo 2006 here last month compares to a modest 340 cubic had super-luxury passenger coach- feet for a conventional XLII model. mounted in the rear bumper. es on display, including a stunning The X3 also has an upgraded • Kidde Dual Spectrum engine Setra S417 that was sold on the A/C system with nine-ton compres- compartment fire suppression sys- show floor. sor, advanced multiplexing, and a tem. But the luxury coaches weren’t new premium sound system with • A full back window in the the only thing generating excite- AM/FM/CD. A GPS system and a T2100 coach. ment. backup camera also are available. The luxury Setra S417 featured Prevost Car unveiled a new The X3 comes standard with a specially designed, leather-uphol- model, the X3-45, whose design is ZF AS-tronic transmission; the stered Setra seats in a 2-by-1 con- based on Prevost’s XLII entertainer Allison B500 is optional. figuration. The coach also had a shell. The X3 is a seated coach that ABC Companies and Van Hool factory installed galley that was eliminates shortcomings that for announced a series of passenger developed especially for the U.S. years limited XLII sales to tour- and safety enhancements for the market and features appliances and-charter operators. T2100 and C2000 Van Hool coach- commonly found in American The X3 has the longest wheel- es. The 2006 upgrades include: stores. The entertainment system base in the tour-coach market (at • REI Elite Entertainment Sys- has 15-inch flat-screen monitors nearly 28 feet) but a relatively tight tem. Van Hool coaches are the first and a driver camera that allows the turning radius (42.5 feet), thanks to to get this next-generation enter- driver to transmit his picture over The luxury Setra S417 has sumptuous leather seating an increased turning angle for the tainment system from REI. the entertainment system while he front wheels; automatic tag-axle • SmartTire tire-pressure mon- is speaking to the passengers. amenities and luxury. configuration); DirecTV satellite unloading, and an independent itoring system. An MCI E4500 LX Touring It had 42-Amaya Brazil pas- receiver; halogen interior lighting; front suspension. A beam axle is • Audiovox accident avoidance Coach at the MCI stand gave up senger seats upholstered in rich Ostrich-grained coverings, and offered as an option. system, featuring four sensors nothing to the Setra in terms of burgundy leather (also in a 2-by-1 deluxe galley.

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 EGGIGSTS[IVFVYWLGSQ 18 February 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Maintenance courses offered by MCI MCI negotiating to launch LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Motor tion and preventive maintenance, donville. Coach Industries has unveiled the and steering/suspension systems. Basic HVAC: 2/9-10, Nashville; 4/20-21, Atlantic City service center 2006 schedule for its Technical Advanced courses — electrical, Montreal; 6/22-23, North Vancouver, B.C. ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — facility has been operating at peak Training Institute which offers 17 engine, transmission, HVAC and Basic HVAC (Spanish): 3/8, Dallas; 3/22, Motor Coach Industries is wrap- capacity for a year, so the timing is courses at a variety of locations vehicle dynamics — cost $250. An Los Alamitos. ping up negotiations to operate right for us to expand.” Advanced HVAC: 2/21-23, Minneapolis; throughout the year. Three of the HVAC course with 608 certifica- 2/23, Blackwood; 3/30, Winnipeg; 4/27, one of its fleet support service Sorrells said business at MCI courses are offered in Spanish. tion costs $750. Dallas; 5/25, Los Alamitos; 6/29, Loudonville centers at the Atlantic City Trans- service centers is up 25 percent MCI says the courses are de- Here are the courses being HVAC/608 Certification: 2/14-17, Des portation Center. nationwide, and “we believe it’s signed to improve the skill level of offered through the end of June: Plaines, Ill.; 2/28-3/3, Blackwood ; 3/28-31, Assuming all of the details can because customers are recogniz- coach operator technicians and Basic air production: 3/14-15, Winnipeg; Nashville; 5/15-19, Dallas; 6/6-9, Los Alamitos be worked out — as the parties ing our commitment to them. Our those completing each training 5/2-3, Nashville Powertrain/DDC Series 16: 2/14, Nash- expect, the arrangement is ex- presence in Atlantic City should module will be certified by MCI as Basic air system (Spanish): 3/9, Dallas ville; 3/21, Blackwood; 4/18, Los Alamitos; pected to be complete by late affirm that.” proficient in that system and model. Basic electrical: 4/18-19, Montreal 5/16, Loudonville; 6/20, Orlando spring. As MCI’s ninth service center, MCI also offers a Master Me- Basic electrical (Spanish): 3/7, Dallas; Powertrain/Cat C13: 2/25, Nashville; 3/21 Los Alamitos, Calif. The transportation center, the Atlantic City facility will offer chanic certification for those who 3/22, Blackwood; 4/19, Los Alamitos; 5/17, Advanced electrical (I/O Controls): 2/22, Loudonville; 6/21, Orlando which has operated for 20 years the same services as other MCI complete an examination covering Blackwood, N.J.; 3/8, Nashville; 3/29, Powertrain/Allison & ZF: 2/26, Nashville; and is owned by Ole Hansen and Fleet Support centers. For exam- all modules for a particular coach Winnipeg; 4/26, Dallas; 5/24 Los Alamitos; 3/23, Blackwood; 4/20, Los Alamitos; 5/18, Sons Inc., serves as the parking ple, it will: model. 6/28, Loudonville, Ohio. Loudonville; 6/22, Orlando hub, fueling station and bus-wash • Guarantee same-day coach A fee is charged to attend the Advance electrical (MCI): 2/21 Black- Basic steering/Suspension: 3/16-17, facility for the 110,000-plus coach- repairs if the repair is estimated to courses — $375 for basic courses wood, N.J.; 3/7, Nashville; 3/28, Winnipeg; Winnipeg; 5/4-5, Nashville es that visit Atlantic City annually. take less than four hours. No in electrical, HVAC, air produc- 4/25, Dallas; 5/23, Los Alamitos; 6/27, Lou- Vehicle dynamics/D models: 2/21, Lou- Until last month, the three- appointment will be necessary. donville; 3/14, Des Plaines; 4/25, Nashville; bay, 8,000-square-foot mainte- • Give a 90-day warranty on 5/9, Dallas; 6/13, Winnipeg nance facility was operated by all parts and labor. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Vehicle dynamics/E models: 3/15, Des Plaines; 4/26, Nashville; 5/10, Dallas; 6/14, Greyhound Lines for its coaches. “The Atlantic City Transpor- Winnipeg Greyhound has relocated. tation Center is ideally located on 2003 MCI Vehicle dynamics/J models: 3/16. Des As an MCI Fleet Support ser- the bay, right where coaches park D4000 Plaines; 4/27, Nashville; 5/11 Dallas; 6/15 vice center, the facility will be and where drivers can relax,” said Winnipeg open seven days a week for ser- Jerry Cignarella, vice president of For more information, call vice, warranty work, repairs and MCI Fleet Support service cen- NEW (701) 825-5227 or (502) 318-3000, parts sales. ters. Dan Heath, general manager Condition ext. 3577, or e-mail mcitrain- “We welcome the opportunity of MCI’s service center in Black- Loaded [email protected]. Information to serve all operators visiting At- wood, also will be responsible for also is posted under Parts/Service/ lantic City,” said Tom Sorrells, the new center. $275,000 Support on MCI’s Web site, MCI president and chief executive. The facility is at 1501 Albany www.mcicoach.com. “Our Blackwood, New Jersey, Boulevard, Exit 2. DD Series 60, Jake Brake, Allison B500 Auto, Eng/Trans warr thru 3/08, 49 pass, Alum Wheels & Tires, 6 Monitor Video, Lav second-largest private bus operator Baltimore-Washington area, and on Holding Tank, Window Shades, Card Table, 130,000 miles CUSA in North America, ahead of the West Coast it will stretch from CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Call David 1-888-382-8737 ext. 200 Greyhound Lines but slightly San Diego to Portland, Ore. email for pictures - [email protected] more/ Washington, D.C. behind Coach USA, according to CUSA CEO Craig Lentzsch American Coach Lines has a figures in the January issue of said his company and American fleet of 430 motorcoaches and 110 Metro Magazine. Coach Lines share a common FOR SALE other vehicles, mostly small and CUSA has filed for approval of approach to customers, “which (1) 1999 MCI 102EL3 – midsize buses. It has 1,200 full- the purchase of American Coach should insure a smooth consoli- 54 pax, Series 60, B- and part-time employees. Lines with the Surface Trans- dation.” 500R, 250,000 miles, Dallas-based CUSA, which pri- portation Board, a unit of the U.S. Added American Coach Lines’ marily operates under the Coach Department of Transportation. CEO Mark Konttinen: “We’re one owner, factory USA name in 20 markets of the When completed, the acquisi- excited about the opportunity to updates, VCR w/6 monitors, 6 disc CD w/ wireless mic. Southwest, Rocky Mountains and tion will expand CUSA’s reach become part of CUSA because Overhead blowers, shades, enclosed racks, beem central vac w/ West Coast, has 1,100 motorcoach- across the southern half of the U.S. both companies are dedicated to inverter (not installed), fabric on sidewalls, rear bulkhead, under es and 900 other vehicles. On the East Coast, the network will safety and high-quality customer racks, kneeling, flush lav. New white paint. $187,500.00 The deal will leave CUSA the extend north from Miami to the service.” 845-658-3960 ask for Gary In the week before the an- Arrow Bus Line, Inc. • Tillson, NY nouncement, speculation about CHARTER CUSA buying American Coach Lines was a favorite topic of con- versation at Motorcoach Expo in Tampa. There was considerable Dump BUS LAVATORY WASTE discussion about whether the deal ...removed quickly, easily and safely made operational sense or if there CLEAN... were efficiencies to be gained from Lavatory dump hopper is assembled and ready to the deal. install in your existing sewer system. Its cover In the end, the prevailing thought was that the purchase prob- plate is easily rolled back with the remover tool. ably boiled down to two factors: Dump Each of your service lanes can easily be equipped CUSA was offered a deal that was with this time-saving unit, which has been the too good to pass up, or American industry standard for over thirty years. All major Coach Lines is performing very LEGAL! credit cards accepted. well, or both. CUSA declined to expand on Call 1-866-LAV-DUMP or email the reasons behind the deal, saying [email protected] for additional information. it was premature. WASHROOM WASTE American Coach Lines is being DISPOSAL UNIT sold by the group of investors, led Installs directly into your HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION by Lincolnshire Management, a existing sewer system! Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP • Fax: 1-201-420-3322 private equity fund manager based (1-866-528-3867) in New York, that formed the com- pany in late 2003 and early 2004. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS February 2006 19 Respected operator Jim Drucker dies Calendar FEBRUARY 2006 BELMONT, Calif. — James A. highly respected charter company,” Casey remembered that Mr. Drucker, a much-respected motor- said Michael R. Waters, vice presi- Drucker asked his employees to 3-8 American Bus Association coach operator from Northern dent and general manager of always be mindful of telephone Marketplace 2006, Gaylord California, died late last month CUSA Franciscan Lines/Gray manners because “the next phone Opryland Nashville Resort & after losing his battle with cancer. Line/San Francisco Sightseeing. call may become a 20-year cus- Convention Center, Nashville. He was 64. “Numerous individuals bene- tomer.” He liked to emphasize the Info: (800) 283-2877, or go to Mr. Drucker owned and oper- fited from the friendship and men- point with a story about getting a www.buses.org. ated San Francisco-based Francis- toring Jim provided, many of call at home late one night from an 20-21 ABA-UMA Security and can Lines for 33 years, selling the whom continue on to this day as individual who desperately needed Emergency Preparedness company in late 1997 to Travel- leaders in the motorcoach industry. coaches on short notice. Mr. James A. Drucker Planning Workshop, Hartford, ways, the coach industry consol- He will be missed by all.” Drucker was able to supply them, Conn. Co-sponsor: New England idator that operated for a few years Jim Casey, head of CUSA’s and the caller became one of his California and among the most dif- Bus Association. Info: Contact in the late 1990s. charter department in San Fran- company’s best customers. ficult courses in the world. Daecher Consulting Group, (717) Mr. Drucker served as a re- cisco, was a friend of Mr. Druck- Yet, said Casey, Mr. Drucker Many of Mr. Drucker’s closest 975-9190, or e-mail gional vice president of Travel- er’s for more than 40 years, worked “didn’t toot his own horn.… He friendships were formed on the [email protected]. ways, which changed its name to for him for 20 years, and came into was a wonderful man.” golf course. In recent years, he and VecTour, before retiring in 2000, to the industry at Mr. Drucker’s beck- Mr. Drucker’s favorite avoca- his wife traveled widely in Europe 23-26 North Carolina Motor- enjoy life with his wife, Shirley, oning in 1978. tion was golf. He was a member of — particularly enjoying the golf coach Association Annual Meet- their daughters and grandchildren. “His demeanor as a man, you San Francisco’s famed Olympic courses in England and Ireland. ing & Market Place, Hilton During his career, he served as couldn’t beat him,” said Casey. “He Club for nearly 30 years, serving Mr. Drucker was a native of University Place, Charlotte, N.C. president of the California Bus was moral and honest. In his view, on its board from 1995-98, and as San Francisco, and educated at St. Info: (336) 495-4970 or go to Association. people worked with him, not for club president his final year. Ignatius High School and the www.ncmotorcoach.org. Mr. Drucker’s closest industry him. He knew everyone who In 1998, the Olympic Club University of San Francisco. MARCH 2006 colleagues remember him as a worked for him even when he had hosted the U.S. Open, which was In addition to his widow, Mr. highly principled and astute opera- more than 100 employees. He was won by Lee Janzen, who came Drucker is survived by three 6-7 ABA-UMA Security and tor, an effective and farsighted there every day, and (on those rare from five strokes back to defeat daughters, a sister, and eight Emergency Preparedness Plan- business executive, a devoted fam- occasions when he wasn’t at the Payne Stewart on the Lake Course. grandchildren. ning Workshop, 70th annual ily man, and an exceptional person. company) he was always reachable. Mr. Drucker, as the club president, Donations in Mr. Drucker’s Trailways Conference and Meet- “You couldn’t beat him… he was a “He had a marvelous knack for had an opportunity to rub elbows name are being accepted for the ing, Scottsdale, Ariz. Co-sponsor: man for all seasons,” said one. reading the business,” Casey con- with the sport’s greatest players. Drucker Family Scholarship Fund, Trailways Transportation System. “Over the course of his long tinued. “He knew exactly when to He also was a member of in care of St. Ignatius College Info: Contact Daecher Consulting career in the bus industry, Jim set increase the number of buses (in his Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Preparatory, 2001 37th Ave., San Group, (717) 975-9190, or e-mail the standard for a well-run and fleet) and when to sell off buses.” toughest test of golf in Northern Francisco, CA 94116. [email protected]. PRE50003-GlassNwsp-BMN 11/22/05 4:22 PM Page 1

IT’S A ROCK AND ROLL RIDE THAT DOESN’T ROCK OR ROLL.

IT’S HERE, THE The new Prevost X3-45 passenger coach, based on our world-class Entertainer coach platform, brings a smoother, quieter kind of comfort to the passenger coach market. This rock star ride was experienced for the first time at the 2006 Motorcoach Expo.

www.prevostcar.com

CLIENT: PREVOST CAR SIZE: LIVE: COLOR: 4/C 921 Washington Avenue South JOB #: PRE50003-GlassNwsp-BMN TRIM: 10.25" X 13" PUB: BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS Minneapolis, MN 55415 612.399.0500 VERSION: US ENGLISH BLEED: N/A ISSUE DATE: