October 1, 2004

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE BUS AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY Operators capture $9.9 million in security grants WASHINGTON — Motor- a branch of the Department of joint security planning and training panies, plus the Trailways Transpor- coach operators in 23 states, plus three Homeland Security, to the Office Complete list of grant project that will reach coach oper- tation System; the city of McAllen, industry trade associations and one of Domestic Preparedness. recipients, pages 12-13 ators across the U.S. Texas; the Northwest Motorcoach coach marketing organization, have Last year, TSA awarded $20 mil- monitoring systems and provide Last year, the two associations Association, and UMA-ABA were been awarded nearly $10 million in lion in grants for industry security. training for personnel to recognize were awarded more than $1.6 mil- awarded bus security grants this federal grants to improve security. Much of the grant money this and respond to criminal attacks lion that was used to develop and year that range in size from $747 to The grants are coming from the year will go to buy global position and terrorist threats. distribute a security training pro- more than $1.4 million. Office of Domestic Preparedness, a satellite systems for coaches. Such Nearly 92 percent of this year’s gram to hundreds of operators. Greyhound Lines, which last unit of the U.S. Department of systems allow operators to monitor, grant money will end up directly in This year’s grant to the associa- year ended up getting nearly half of Homeland Security. The federal track and communicate with their the hands of operators. tions will be used to expand on last all the money awarded by the TSA, government’s Intercity Bus Security coaches at all times. Other grants The remaining 8 percent is year’s effort, including programs for captured a more modest share this Grant Program was transferred ear- will be used to improve facility going to the United Motorcoach conducting security assessments, year — 16 percent. The two grants lier this year from the Transporta- security and buy driver shields, cell Association and the American Bus planning and training. awarded Greyhound this year total tion Security Administration, also phones, closed-circuit television Association, which will manage a A total of 51 motorcoach com- CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 þ Virginia operator gains stunning win in charter battle WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — making boned-headed decisions. Oleta Coach Lines of Williamsburg The ruling completely obliter- appears to have won a major victo- ated any notion anyone might have ry in its year-long struggle to stop had that the FTA is anything more Hurricanes haunt operators Williamsburg Area Transport from than a shill for public transit agen- conducting charter shuttle service. cies, one industry executive said. In a stunning move, James City The FTA decision is so egre- Nov. 30 can’t come too soon for companies County announced last month it gious, in fact, that it is scheduled to intended to cease operating the be highlighted at a hearing Sept. The devastating series of hurri- Lauderdale, said his company lost storms come during a busier period Jamestown Area Shuttle that it 27, by the U.S. House of Repre- canes that roared across Florida in dozens of bookings and $75,000 to for the industry, the financial losses helped Williamsburg Area Trans- sentatives Committee on Govern- August and September has turned $100,000 in revenues because of could have been much higher, port start one year ago. ment Reform. that state’s motorcoach industry on the storms. operators stressed. The announcement came even Committee Chairman Doug its ear. Operators in other parts of the Florida was struck by three though a regional administrator for Ose, who has been an outspoken Operators say they were flooded battered state reported similar loss- major hurricanes — Charlie, the Federal Transit Administration critic of the FTA’s non-enforce- with cancellations when the first es and all were left wondering how Frances and Ivan — in a three- had ruled earlier this year the shut- ment of federal charter service storm hit in late August and the long it will be before business week period. The trio of storms cut tle was not a charter service. rules, called the hearing to probe calls continued even after the third returns to normal and they can a deadly swath of destruction, “It has never ever happened not only the Oleta case but other storm struck during the third week start trying to recover some of the killing more than three-dozen peo- that a transit agency has backed outlandish examples of public tran- of September. losses. ple and causing billions of dollars in down like this,” said Victor Parra, sit agencies engaging in or trying to At the same time, however, the While the cancelled business damages to homes, businesses, president and CEO of the United engage in charter service, and to hurricanes also generated new, was a serious blow to most compa- roadways and bridges. Motorcoach Association. UMA hear from FTA Administrator unexpected business for some com- nies, it easily could have been While regular motorcoach tour and the American Bus Association Jennifer Dorn. panies. worse. Several operators noted that and charter business came to a vir- had backed Oleta in its fight. The Oleta-Jamestown fiasco is “We have taken $15,000 to two of the storms struck at a time tual standstill during the days The FTA decision in the Oleta- instructive because it shows just $20,000 in cancellations with each when the industry was between before and after the storms, many Jamestown case was widely seen by how easy it is for a private operator passing hurricane,” said Brian Scott busy periods. That is, the summer carriers gained new business as a coach industry observers as one of with good intentions to be steam- of Escot Lines in Largo, Fla. season had passed and the heavy result of the storms. the most outrageous rulings ever to rolled by a public transit system. Jim Davis, president of Davis school and fall seasons had not yet Dozens of carriers were called come out of an agency that is in a Oleta is a small family-owned Tours and Charters in Ft. gotten into full swing. Had the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ class by itself when it comes to CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ $ISCOVER WHY WERE THE 0ARTS 0ROS Á n “ˆˆœ˜ «>ÀÌÃ] ëii`Þ `iˆÛiÀÞ°

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BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 3 INDUSTRY NEWS Mike Sodrel drives hard in second bid for Congress JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — gressional Committee, told one Bush is expected to win the district Mike Sodrel, chairman and CEO of newspaper that Sodrel has “im- again this year. one of the coach industry’s best- pressed a lot of people in Repub- Sodrel’s rise in Republican cir- known independent operations, lican leadership in Washington. cles is evidenced by a visit by Vice The Free Enterprise System Inc., is “There are very few competi- President Dick Cheney at a making another run for Congress. tive races this election on either Jeffersonville fund-raiser, and the Sodrel ran two years ago, chal- side,” said Harmon. “This is a sol- fact Sodrel was chosen to speak at lenging the Democratic incum- idly Republican district, and Sodrel the Republican National Con- bent, Rep. Baron Hill, and narrowly ran surprisingly well in it last time. vention last month in New York. losing. In that race, Sodrel got little Now he has an established fund- Sodrel and 23 other House can- support from the national Repub- raising base. Nationally, we see this didates were picked by the party lican Party but this time things are as an absolutely great opportunity because they represent tight races different — very different. for Republicans to pick up a seat.” or open seats. Each got a minute to The 2004 Mike Sodrel cam- The 20-county district in speak to thousands of flag-waving paign has grabbed the attention of southeastern Indiana that Sodrel is delegates and bystanders and mil- Republicans nationally. Bo Harmon, running from has traditionally lions more on TV. It was easily the deputy communications manager backed Democrats, but it swung biggest speech of Sodrel’s political Mike Sodrel often drives an 18-wheeler to campaign events. for the National Republican Con- heavily to President Bush in 2000. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 þ Greyhound, Peter Pan cut fares to compete with Chinatown buses NEW YORK — The bus war Information about the reduced pitting Greyhound Lines and Peter Greyhound and Peter Pan fares, Pan Bus Lines against cut-rate including those to Washington, Chinese-American operators took D.C., is available on Greyhound’s an interesting turn last month Web site, www.greyhound.com, or when Greyhound and Peter Pan by calling Greyhound’s toll-free began promoting discounted fares number: (800) 231-2222. between New York, Boston and Peter Pan customers who go Philadelphia. to that company’s Web site, Friday through Sunday, the www.peterpanbus.com, looking for one-way walkup and internet fare the cheap fares are hot linked to on Greyhound and Peter Pan be- Greyhound’s Web address where tween New York and Boston is $15. they can purchase the tickets. That matches the fare charged Fung Wah’s Web site, by Peter Pan and Greyhound’s www.fungwahbus.com, also allows principal competitor on the online ticket purchases. Web pur- Boston-to-New York run, Fung chasers of Fung Wah tickets must Wah Transportation, which says it pay a 5 percent service charge. is the largest bus service provider Fung Wah boosted its New York- between the two cities. Other to-Boston fare last month to $15 Chinese-American line-run opera- from $10. tors also charge $15. The economics of Fung Wah Monday-through-Thursday, are interesting. The owner, Pei Lin Boston-to-New York fares on Liang, has been quoted as saying it Greyhound and Peter Pan are $20. costs him about $800 to cover driv- Roundtrips are double the one-way er salaries, tolls, fuel, maintenance fares. The weekday fares on Fung and insurance for every round-trip Wah are $5 less than those being between Boston and New York. He charged by Greyhound and Peter reportedly pays drivers $100 per Pan. trip. A one-way run between New Travel between New York and York and Boston is 215 miles. Philadelphia is even cheaper on On a 57-passenger coach, if a Peter Pan and Greyhound — $12 Fung Wah coach is full, Liang gen- one-way, seven days a week. A erates $855 in revenue per trip, roundtrip is $24. Chinese opera- meaning he clears just over $900 tors, such as New Century Travel, per round trip. Currently, Fung also charge $12 and $24. Wah is running 18 daily round- Restrictions on the Peter Pan- trips and as often as not the com- Greyhound fares are modest: The pany’s coaches are sold out. tickets are nonrefundable and there Earlier this year, Greyhound and are no other discounts. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ

POSTMASTER: Return postage guaranteed for return of undeliverable copies of Bus&MotorcoachNEWS. Return to 717 W. Pierson, #160, Phoenix, AZ 85013 4 — October 1, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS The

Costly Feds revamp Web site Sales tax exemption is lost in Virginia that provides safety RICHMOND, Va. — Motor- retained their sales tax exemp- lobbyists are urging companies to coach companies in Virginia lost tions on parts. And truckers sit tight for a few months, and not info on bus operators an important sales tax exemption warned they would move out of bolt the state while they attempt WASHINGTON — The first inspection and review informa- last month when the state’s new state rather than pay the tax. to get the law repealed. phase of an extensive makeover of tion) will be updated weekly. two-year budget went into effect. That’s exactly what happened the Federal Motor Carrier Safety • There will be a link to the The exemption, which had in Illinois last year after that state Illinois reduces Administration’s system for pro- new DataQs system. DataQs is an applied to replacement parts and instituted a commercial distribu- viding safety data on over-the-road electronic means that operators equipment repairs, is expected to tion fee raising truck and coach registration fee bus and truck companies is sched- can use to file complaints about cost operators thousands of dollars registration costs by 36 percent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — uled to take effect Oct. 1. the federal and state data released annually. and making it harder for coach Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich The FMCSA has spent to the public by the FMCSA. “It’s going to cost James River operators and truckers to qualify signed legislation last month that months retooling its SAFER Web Through this system, data con- Bus Lines $20,000,” said Stephen for a sales tax exemption on parts begins phasing out a fee he site in an effort to make it more cerns are to be automatically for- W. Story, president of James River and equipment. (See related story.) imposed last year on the motor- user friendly and to upgrade the warded to the appropriate govern- and secretary-treasurer of the Vir- The president of the Virginia coach and trucking industries. quality of information it makes ment office for resolution. The sys- ginia Motorcoach Association. Trucking Association was quoted The state raised coach and available to the public and indus- tem also allows filers to monitor Story said the legislature elim- as saying his association is prepar- trucking fees to help balance the try via the internet. the status of each filing. inated the exemption after argu- ing a summary of tax laws in budget, but critics said the move SAFER is an acronym for • There will be a link directly ing for months over ways to shore neighboring states for member drove businesses out of Illinois. Safety and Fitness Electronic to the pages containing the up the state budget. Finally, legis- companies trying to consider their The Mid-West Truckers Associa- Records. FMCSA’s Ordered to Cease Oper- lators decided to throw the sales options. tion reported earlier this year that The changes to the system ation documents, which can be tax exemption into the budget When the lifting of the ex- the number of big rigs registered begin with a new Web address — used to search both Out of Service brew. emption was proposed, state tax in Illinois had fallen by nearly that isn’t exactly more user friend- and Ordered to Cease Operation Virginia operators opposed officials said they could not esti- 17,000 to an eight-year low of ly. The SAFER system Web site orders against a particular company. abolishing the exemption and mate the additional revenue that roughly 151,000. that was parked at • The Carrier Safety Profile is tried to get it removed, but Story would be produced by ending the The bill Blagojevich signed www.safersys.org is being replaced being changed to Company Safety said legislators turned a deaf ear to tax break. The first tax payments will cut the Illinois commercial by the new-look version at Profiles. For a fee, users will be able their appeal along with those of resulting from the change are not distribution fee from the current http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. After to order company profile subscrip- Virginia truckers and others. due to the state until 20th of this 36 percent to 21.5 percent on July Oct. 1, when Web users search at tions online. “It was the weirdest thing; they month. 1, 2005, and to 14.35 percent a the old address, they will be redi- The next changes to the web were very close minded,” he said. Story said Virginia coach year later. rected to the new site. site will come in late October. A Besides eliminating the sales operators, truckers and others The new law reduces the com- The FMCSA says its new link will be added to a newly tax exemption, legislators also affected by the tax had met mercial distribution fee to $260 in SAFER site will contain specific streamlined FMCSA registration/ raised the Virginia sales tax to 5 recently with state tax officials 2005 and $173 in 2006 from categories so users will no longer update and payment process. percent from 4.5 percent, com- and there was considerable talk about $433 now for a 36,000- have to flip though several drop- The new registration process pounding the impact on coach about trying to get the tax 40,000 pound motorcoach. down menus to find what they are will allow users to answer specific operators and truckers. repealed early next year. It also makes it easier for looking for. New aspects to the site questions before registering with Story said that during the “There is still hope, strong coach operators and truckers to include: the FMCSA. After the questions debate over the issue, Virginia hope, that come January this law qualify for a rolling stock tax • The Carrier Snapshot, a are completed, the system will operators pointed out that neigh- is going to be repealed,” said exemption based on how much of record of a company’s identifica- direct the users to the specific boring states — like Maryland Story. their business is done across state tion and safety information. It is applications needed to register to and West Virginia — have In fact, some trucking industry lines. being renamed the Company receive a USDOT number (MCS- Snapshot since data can be 150 & 150A), or to register for a obtained on other companies reg- motor carrier operating authority House tries to stop overtime rules istered in the FMCSA Motor (OP-1, etc.). WASHINGTON — The U.S. language tinkering with the rules. sitivity to worker rights, saying the Carrier Management Information Within the registration site, House of Representatives has moved House Democrats, who were overtime privileges of up to 6 mil- System. The Company Snapshot companies will be linked to the to block the Labor Department from united against the rules, were able lion workers were at risk. will include additional review new PAY.GOV, a Department of implementing the new overtime to convince 20 Republicans to The White House and most information, including the date Treasury feature that can be used rules that critics say will deprive vote for the amendment to a $142 Republicans say the new rules and type of review conducted. to pay registration fees. many workers of their overtime pay. billion health and education update an antiquated overtime pay There also will be a search tool at The FMCSA has not said The House action is seen as a spending bill. system and would add more than 1 the top of each company record when its motor carrier SafeStat sharp rebuke of the new adminis- “The administration has cho- million lower-paid workers to allowing users to go from one com- and Accident Safety Evaluation tration policy that went into effect sen this time to institute new regu- those eligible for overtime. pany snapshot to another. Plus, Area scores that were removed at the end of August. (See Sept. 15 lations which for the first time in The House vote may be more there will be a message for compa- from its Web site this past summer issue of Bus & Motorcoach News.) 80 years scale back workers’ enti- symbolic that substantive. The nies that are inactive or cannot be will be restored for public viewing. By a 223–193 margin in favor tlement to overtime pay,” said Rep. Senate has yet to take up the health found in the Motor Carrier FMCSA Administrator Annette of blocking the new overtime rules, David Obey, D-Wis., a sponsor of and education bill and the provi- Management Information System. Sandberg said a few weeks ago the the House voted to defy the White the proposal. sion could be stripped out of the • Updates on a company’s SafeStat and SEA scores would be House, which has threatened to Democrats tried to cast the final bill when the two chambers, basic census data (name, address, reposted “as soon as we are assured veto a massive spending bill now issue as an election-season exam- both controlled by Republicans, vehicles and drivers) will occur the supporting data are more time- on the House floor if it contains ple of Bush Administration insen- meet to settle on a final version. daily, while safety data (crash, ly, complete and accurate.” BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 5 THE DOCKET Rule seeks to improve work zone safety, cut delays WASHINGTON — The fed- construction. worse because of the aging high- through project completion,” said Administration, Office of the Chief eral government wants states to do The highway administration way system and growing conges- the agency. Counsel, HCC-30, Federal Highway a better job of setting up and man- noted that enhancing construction tion in many locations. For additional information, con- Administration, 400 Seventh aging highway construction zones zone safety for workers, as well as “Addressing these safety and tact Scott Battles, Federal Highway Street, SW, Washington, DC to improve safety and reduce traffic motorists, and improving the mobility issues requires considera- Administration, Office of Trans- 20590-0001. Battles phone number jams. mobility of road users is important tions that start early in project portation Operations, HOTO-1, or is (202) 366-4372, while Cuprill can To back up the mandate, the because the issue is likely to get development and continue Raymond Cuprill, Federal Highway be reached at (202) 366-0791. Federal Highway Administration has issued a 24-page rule that amends its regulation governing traffic safety and mobility in high- way and street construction zones. “The changes to the regulation will facilitate comprehensive consid- eration of the broader safety and mobility impacts of work zones across project development stages, and the adoption of additional strategies that help manage these impacts during project implementation,” said the highway administration. The rule becomes effective Oct. 12, 2007, which is 16 years after Congress told the highway adminis- tration it wanted its work zone safe- ty and mobility rule revised to reduce both congestion and the high rate of crashes, fatalities and injuries in construction zones. Because all 50 states have a stake in the issue, the process of revising the rule became arduous. Twenty-seven states provided direct input into the revamped rule. Specifically, the new rule Sprinter Shuttle CL 100 requires states to manage the safe- Van-like value in a Versatility and value never ty and mobility impacts of highway true small bus. looked so good. projects more effectively when they are being implemented, and to develop systematic procedures to assess work zone impacts in proj- ect development. For example, states might alter work schedules to avoid congestion that occurs because of highway “Winning is a whole lot easier with Texas DOT opens DaimlerChrysler on your team.” first toll road I put a lot of trust in DaimlerChrysler products and believe me, you can’t ask for a stronger LAREDO, Texas — The Texas Department of Transpor- team player – whether you’re in racing or transportation. The DaimlerChrysler name stands tation has opened its first toll road, the Camino Colombia, a 22- for quality, reliability and performance. These buses deliver all that and more to the small to mile highway between the Mexi- mid-sized bus buyer. You get a great product that’s backed by the world’s leading commercial can border and Interstate 35. The road will be free for the vehicle manufacturer. And, you get lots of Smart Choices in size, capacity, floor plans and more. first two months, but after Nov. 8 it would be $2 for a two-axle If you’ve got some place to go, let these buses take you there. vehicle and $2 for every addi- tional axle. Private investors put $90 mil- lion into the road in the late 1990s, but traffic was light during the first three years after it opened and it was put on the auction block. Commercial Buses North America In May, the state paid $20 mil- lion for the highway, which is the only crossing for certified haz- DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses | 1.800.882.8054 | www.dcbusna.com ardous materials to and from Mexico. 6 — October 1, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS THE DOCKET Feds propose tire pressure Safety Input alert system Operators respond to FMCSA for ideas WASHINGTON — The WASHINGTON — Appar- Four sessions are scheduled this Oct. 26, Sheraton Springfield, For example, registration for the U.S. Department of Transporta- ently there is a goodly number of month, including one Oct. 5 near One Monarch Place, Springfield, Oct. 26, session will close at 5 p.m. tion’s National Highway Traffic motorcoach operators who think Dallas. Mass. 01144-1689 Phone: (413) Tuesday, Oct. 19. Lunch is served Safety Administration has pro- the federal government can im- Here are the dates and loca- 781-1010. at the sessions. posed a new safety standard to prove its regulation of the safety of tions for the remaining sessions. Registration for each session is All attendees will be encour- warn drivers when a tire is sig- over-the-road buses and trucks. All sessions begin at 9 a.m. and last limited to 100. There are two ways aged to participate during the dis- nificantly under-inflated. A series of listening sessions on until 4 p.m. to obtain more information, to reg- cussion periods. The proposal would require the way the Federal Motor Carrier Oct. 5, Hampton Inn & Suites ister or to speak at a session: For general information about manufacturers to install a pres- Safety Administration enforces Dallas/Mesquite, Mesquite, Texas, Go to: www.Acteva.com/go/ the initiative, contact William sure monitoring system that is safety rules has generated interest 1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, FMCSA and fill in the necessary Quade, (202) 366-2172, FMCSA, capable of detecting when a tire among coach owners and man- Texas 75149 Phone: (972) 329- information. You also can get to Office of Enforcement and Com- is more than 25 percent under- agers. 3100. the Acteva Web address by going pliance, 400 Seventh Street, SW., inflated and warning the driver. The listening sessions are being Oct. 12, Wyndham Chicago, to www.fmcsa.dot.gov and clicking Room 8310, Washington, DC The new standard would conducted to kick off a multi-year 633 N. St. Clair, Chicago, Ill. on the link in the box that 20590. Or, e-mail: William.quade apply to multipurpose passenger review project by the FMCSA to 60611 Phone: (312) 573-0300. describes the listening sessions. @fmcsa.dot.gov. vehicles and buses with a gross solicit ideas for getting unsafe Oct. 19, Fairview Park Or, phone Touchstone Con- The FMCSA is looking for vehicle weight rating of 10,000 truckers and bus operators off the Marriott, Falls Church, Va., 3111 sulting Inc. at (202) 449-7354. ways to measure the safety of bus pounds or less, except those nation’s roadways. Fairview Park Drive; Falls Church, Registration for the sessions and truck operations and how to with dual wheels on an axle, The first two sessions were last Va. 22042. Phone: (703) 849- ends at 5 p.m. eastern time on the take effective action to improve plus passenger cars and light month in San Diego and Atlanta. 9400. Tuesday preceding each session. safety performance. trucks. The standard also proposes adding an indicator that would Illinois operators support Chicago gambling warn the driver when the system CHICAGO — The Illinois including casino gambling. main competitive.” to jump on the bandwagon. is not working properly. Motorcoach Association is sup- Driving the initiative are the According to the chamber, gam- The association has asked its The standard would be porting a new initiative that would Chicago Chamber of Commerce, bling will have a positive economic members to back activities de- phased in over a three-year peri- bring casino-style gambling to the Chicago Federation of Labor impact but it will be exceeded by the signed to demonstrate support for od beginning next year. downtown Chicago. and the Chicago Tourism Bureau. broader economic benefit of keep- the initiative, including writing Written comments on the The gaming proposal is a key Advocates like the chamber ing downtown Chicago a “must-see letters. State legislators and the proposal should be sent to the component of what is being called say Chicago “must address casino tourist and business destination.” governor would be the targets of DOT Docket Facility, Attn: Yes! Chicago, a multi-faceted plan gaming as one component of a While still in its early stages, Yes! the letter-writing effort. Docket No. NHTSA-2004- to bring a new entertainment dis- comprehensive entertainment dis- Chicago is seeking support from com- For more information, go to 19054, Room PL-401, 400 trict to the region. Under the plan, trict. Seven of the nation’s top ten panies and business organizations www.chicagolandchamber.com; call Seventh St., S.W., Washington, existing tourist attractions would convention centers also offer some like the Illinois Motorcoach Asso- (312) 494-6749, or e-mail DC 20590-0001. be combined with new amenities, version of gaming. We must re- ciation, which is urging its members [email protected]. South Carolina RESTROOM COMPLAINTS? sheriff wants YOU’RE NOT USING … to check buses CHARLESTON, S.C. — Al Cannon, sheriff of Charleston County, S.C., says he wants his deputies to have more authority to check trucks and buses. Cannon already has a com- mercial vehicle enforcement unit to watch for traffic violations by bus drivers, truckers and other commercial drivers. Now he wants authority to inspect logs and check cargo. However, such authority would require a change in state law or an agreement authorizing deputies to act for the State Transport Police. News services report that CALL US TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN ENTIRELY ELIMINATE budget cuts have left fewer State Transport Police to patrol South SUMMER RESTROOM COMPLAINTS AND SAVE UP TO 50% OR MORE. Carolina highways and inspect commercial vehicles, and there have been several fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles UNIT CHEMICAL CORP (800) 879-8648 www.unitchemical.com this year in the Charleston area. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 7 INDUSTRY NEWS MCI is with you all the way.

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We are America’s coach. © Motor Coach Industries, Inc. 2004, All Rights Reserved 8 — October 1, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS OPINION Part of the Solution Certificates of Title Early last month, news outlets congestion solutions. across the U.S. picked up a story In the wake of the study, the There are other rules and odometer disclosure statement for about how much traffic delays are president of the American Public exemptions relating to vehicles vehicles less than 10 years old, costing motorists in the 85 biggest Transportation Association, William used for agricultural purposes, plus unless the vehicle has a GVWR cities. W. Millar, issued a call for “immedi- ATV’s, snowmobiles and other of more than 16,000 pounds. The basis for the story was the ate passage” of the stalled federal off-road vehicles. Damage disclosure statements annual congestion study produced highway and public transportation All Certificates of Title are are also required on models less by the Texas Transportation Insti- bill and an increase in federal spend- clean unless they contain a brand- than six years old unless the vehi- tute. The institute’s latest report ing for public transit programs. ing certification. Typical branding cle has a GVWR of more than said the average urban traveler was While Millar’s pitch for more certifications include rebuilt, sal- 26,000 pounds. stuck in traffic 46 hours in 2002, a money for his members was to be vage, or flood damaged. Some Lienholders perfect their secu- 187 percent increase over the 16 expected, he made one statement By Thomas D. DeMatteo states may differ in their defini- rity interest in coaches by ensuring hours lost in 1982. that we wholeheartedly agree with: Vice President & tions, but generally vehicles sus- that the Certificate of Title con- In 54 urban areas, traffic tie-ups “The need for more solutions to General Counsel taining 70 percent damage or tains their name as lienholder. increased 30 percent faster than existing traffic congestion is clearly ABC Companies more will be branded “Rebuilt”. They must supply the department roads could be built to alleviate overdue,” he said. Vehicles declared a total loss with the name and address of the All states have similar title them. Bold and decisive action is because of water damage will be lienholder and the date of the secu- standards. Not surprisingly, the average needed and the private bus sector branded “Flood Damaged” and rity agreement. Upon payment in Generally, every vehicle must Los Angeles commuter spent 93 needs to be part of the action plan. vehicles less than six years old full, the lienholder must then exe- be titled unless it is owned by the hours snarled in traffic in 2002, the Like public transportation, pri- that have been designated as a cute a release of lien within 15 days U.S. government, used by a man- most of any city in the survey. vate-sector bus operations can and “repairable total loss” by a and deliver it to the owner or the ufacturer for testing purposes, is Drivers in Dallas-Fort Worth saw do help reduce commute times, licensed insurance company will next secured party on the title. owned by a non-resident and the biggest increase in the amount reduce air pollution, promote eco- be branded “Salvage.” titled in another state, or is regu- of time they spent spinning their nomic activity and development, Sometimes questions arise Thomas D. DeMatteo is also an larly engaged in the interstate wheels in rush-hour traffic, up 48 help make communities more liv- concerning disclosure of mileage adjunct professor at Hamline transportation of people or proper- hours since 1982, to 61 hours. able, and provide greater access and or damage at the time of transfer. University School of Law in ty and registered in another state. After reading such reports, one freedom for people from every walk Most states generally require an St. Paul, Minn. has to wonder how much longer of life and economic strata. Footnote: Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Section 580, Subpart 17; Minnesota Stat. Ann., Section 325E, Subpart public policymakers are going to Despite the benefits public 15; National Automobile Dealers Association, Title and Registration Desk Book, 2002. keep ignoring the contribution the transportation brings, many Amer- private bus industry could make to icans still do not have access to ameliorate those awful numbers? service. And the fact is, the public West Virginia offers brief tax amnesty And, how much longer are sector will never be able to serve CHARLESTON, W.Va. — qualifies for amnesty, but does not Property tax is not eligible for Congress and the Bush Admin- everyone or go everywhere. The West Virginia is offering a tax participate in the program, the the program. istration going to tolerate the fail- private-sector bus industry can and amnesty through Nov. 1, for taxes state adds a 10 percent penalty to If amnesty program participants ure of public transit agencies to does help fill the gap. accrued after Jan. 1, 1986, and the current tax liability. cannot pay the amount owed in the abide by federal laws that require But it’s going to take policy before Jan. 1, 2004. All state tax department taxes, program, installment payment them to reach out to the private makers with the vision to look Individuals and businesses can licenses and fees qualify for the agreements are available for up to sector when developing solutions beyond the public transit lobby and eliminate almost all taxes, licenses amnesty program, including indi- 12 months. A down payment of 25 to public transportation problems? the build-more-highways crowd, and fees administered by the state vidual and partnership taxes, per- percent, or $1,000, whichever is Clearly, the private bus industry and see the potential represented tax division by participating in the sonal income tax, individual use greater, must be made at the time can help lessen congestion — but by the thousands of private bus program. Taxpayers with an out- tax and estate tax. Other eligible the installment payment agree- Congress and administration offi- operators that operate in this coun- standing debt will have all penalties taxes include motor carrier road ment is submitted. cials are blind to that fact, and try. Unfortunately, they’ll probably and additions to the tax waived, as tax, International Fuel Tax Agree- More information is available transit agencies think only they have to be hit by a bus before they well as 50 percent of the interest. ment, corporation net income tax at www.wvtaxamnesty.gov, or by should be allowed to contribute to see the light. If a taxpayer has a debt that and withholding tax. calling (800) 982-8297.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 39 To submit or report news, To contact the United Motorcoach Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: Association: Oklahoma City E-mail: [email protected] Call: (800) 424-8262 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 or go to: www.uma.org Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. or (877) 510-5602 Stauton, Va. To e-mail advertisements Mail: 717 West Pierson #160 or photographs: Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Phoenix, AZ 85013 Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines E-mail: [email protected] Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (623) 930-8421 or upload at www.jezac.com/uploads Sales Director Senior Editor Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh West Point Trailways Travel Mates Trailways Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To advertise or to mail To subscribe or inquire Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. advertising-related materials: about your subscription: Government Editor Art Director David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Call: Johnny Steger Call: (623) 930-8421 Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines (602) 980-0840 Norman Littler Mary E. McCarty Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. To send subscription orders E-mail: [email protected] or changes of address: Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie Mail: Post Office Box 12903 ABC Companies Paradise Trailways Suburban Charter Services E-mail: [email protected] Tara Sheehan Ellen Balm Faribault, Minn. West Hempstead, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Tempe, AZ 85284 Fax: (877) 510-5602 To complain: Accountant Editorial Assistant Steve Haddad Joan Libby Alan Spachman or (877) 510-5598 Carl R. Bieber Tourways Cavalier Coach National Interstate Insurance Co John Giddens Amy Stalknecht Call: (623) 930-8421 Mail: 717 West Pierson #160 Kutstown, Pa. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] Phoenix, AZ 85013 Rick Hillard Warren Miller T. Ralph Young Tri-State Tours Pacific Coach Bus Service Young Transportation ©2004 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part Galena, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Ashville, N.C. without written permission is prohibited. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 9 INDUSTRY NEWS UMA announces initiative to aid state associations ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The and regional associations know well as provide them with an ongo- and start getting regular updates on “We firmly believe state and United Motorcoach Association what’s going on, not only in their ing mechanism for communicating all state legislative and regulatory regional bus and motorcoach asso- has announced an initiative state, but in surrounding states as regularly with counterparts in other matters. ciations are our first line of designed to help state and regional well,” said UMA President & CEO states, UMA is instituting what it “After that, the association will defense. That’s why we think it’s motorcoach associations better Victor Parra. calls the UMA State Association receive periodic updates from important to support their efforts serve their members. “We know from experience Listserv and inviting state and UMA, as well as from other state and do what we can to help them The backbone of the program is that a tax bill, for example, intro- regional associations to join — at associations.” be successful in representing and a Web-based service that alerts duced in one state often has a way no charge. A letter has gone out to Participants also will be able to fighting for the interests of the state and regional associations to of affecting nearby states,” said state associations asking them to provide information to other asso- operators in their states,” Parra state legislation that may impact Parra. “We want to give state asso- sign up. ciations about projects they’re in- added. their members, plus help associa- ciations a heads up should such “Here’s how the listserv will volved with that may be of interest. Questions about the initiative tions improve communications problematic developments occur in work,” said Parra. “Once we receive “And, of course, they’ll be able should be directed to Parra or Tara with their peers in other states. a neighboring state.” an association’s e-mail address, to share ideas and possible solutions Sheehan, membership and market- “We are launching this brand To help state and regional asso- UMA will send information show- to challenges other associations are ing manager at UMA. Phone: new service to make sure the state ciations stay better informed, as ing how to sign up for the listserv facing,” Parra noted. (800) 424-8262.

stronger when government takes 2002 campaign, and has raised Sodrel less money from our nation’s fami- more than that for this year’s run. People CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 lies. Sodrel is an Army National ABC Companies announced career. He reportedly wrote the 100 “And I know America’s Guard veteran, former chairman of the appointment of Hugh J. words himself and his wife, Kita, stronger when we defend tradition- the Southern Indiana Chamber of McElvaney as national sales man- told a reporter he wasn’t the least al moral values.” Commerce, past president of the ager for ABC Parts Source. bit nervous about delivering it. Two years ago, the bulk of local Rotary, and a member of the McElvaney brings nearly 25 years Sodrel told the Republican del- Sodrel’s campaign funding came American Legion. of sales and management experi- egates and a C-Span television from his own wealth. He put in A native of New Albany, Ind., ence to the job. In his new posi- audience about his foreign-born some $1 million of the nearly $1.2 he owns and operates three busi- tion, McElvaney will be responsi- great-grandfather, whose obituary million he spent in the losing race. nesses headquartered in ble for parts sales for both Van called him “intensely American.” Sodrel’s own contribution was part- Jeffersonville: The Free Enterprise Hool and nonVan Hool coach cus- “He loved God, family, and ly in the form of loans that he has System, SOLO Logistics, and Mike Sodrel tomers. He also will be responsible country ... So do I,” Sodrel said. “I yet to repay. This year, his fund- Sodrel Truck Lines — employing appearances. for the growth and management of know America’s stronger when we raising base is more diversified. more than 500 people across Sodrel’s Web site, www.mikeso- the national sales team for the Parts create family-supporting jobs here Hill, who is seeking his fourth Indiana. He often campaigns by drel.com, offers ways you can help Source division. He will be based in in America. I know America’s term, spent $1.1 million in the driving an 18-wheeler to political his campaign. Camden, N.J.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Exactly one year after Oleta in the case, Anthony Conyers, upon to help evacuate people from began its service, Williamsburg Area manager of community services for neighborhoods, nursing homes, Transport, Yorktown Trolley and James City County, announced the hospitals and other facilities in Colonial Williamsburg announced shuttle was being shutdown. advance of the storms, and then they were teaming up to connect Among reasons cited by Conyers several hundred coaches were hired the Historic Triangle via a bus ser- was the “major administrative bur- by the Federal Emergency Man- vice of their own that would be den associated with the service. agement Agency, Florida National operated by Williamsburg Area Much of that burden was due to the Guard and utility companies to Transport at no cost to tourists. unsuccessful challenge (by Oleta),” transport repair crews, guardsmen, Williamsburg Area Transport got a said Conyers. cleanup teams and other workers their families,” said Scott. Others expressed confidence $44,600 federal grant to help pay While the Smiths are happy between hotels and job sites Davis, who had six coaches that tourism will bounce back rap- for the service. with their apparent victory, they throughout the state. involved in the clean-up effort, also idly and the motorcoach industry Howard W. Smith, president aren’t satisfied and they aren’t fin- Karl Mobery, who owns a half- was pressed to round up drivers. “It will be back to normal just about as and CEO of Oleta; his son David, ished fighting. dozen coach companies in the was a big problem finding drivers quickly. who is the company’s director of As David Smith told Bus & Daytona and Coco areas, said the who would go out of town and be “I really don’t think it is going sales and marketing, and other fam- Motorcoach News: “We don’t see it hurricane work actually was a boon gone for a week while a hurricane is to be a problem,” suggested ily members were astounded and as being over yet. We’re looking for to his company, which generally bearing down on them,” he said. Schmidt of Sunrise Tours in outraged. financial compensation.” sees a slow down in late August and Mobery said he resolved the Orlando. “It is a seasonal thing and The Smiths protested, becom- The $44,600 federal grant, he early September. driver shortage by increasing the this year has been just a very busy ing a thorn in the side of the says, should have gone to Oleta. “I have 50 coaches and they pay of his regular drivers and put- year for storms. But people still Fung Wah now shares a gate at have been sold out every day for ting office personnel and shop want to travel and come here and I Bus Wars Boston’s South Station Bus the past four weeks,” he said, workers behind the wheel of his don’t think it will have a significant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Terminal and says it no longer stops adding that on one mid-September coaches. “We kind of bribed them,” affect at all.” Peter Pan sued Fung Wah and anoth- on the streets of Chinatown. day, his business had the largest he said. “Everybody who could Davis said he thinks Florida will er small operator, accusing the com- Efforts to get the Chinese- gross-revenue day in its history. drive drove, and everybody stepped always be a big draw for tourists panies of running regularly scheduled American operators off the streets up to the plate and helped out.” regardless of its potential for prob- “This has turned out to be very intercity service in violation of feder- of New York City appear to be a The clean-up effort has created lem weather. “This is heaven on good deal for our business.” al regulations. The bigger companies more intractable problem. Some Others reported similar experi- one potential problem for Florida earth, and I believe the people who said Fung Wah was using a charter have speculated that because there ences. “I hate to put it this way but operators, according to Mobery. live in those northern states will service registration. The suit was is a luxury bus service loading its it helped our business a little, too,” “The only problem we have now is still want to come down and they dropped late this summer. well-heeled passengers on New said Skip Schmidt, traffic manager that we’ve seen some of the boys will be down,” he said. “They may Police also cracked down on York streets, the city isn’t likely to of Sunrise Tours and Cruises in from Georgia and Alabama who not be down until the hurricane Fung Wah and the other Chinese- force the Chinatown operators into Orlando, which had four buses in work cheap, almost for nothing, season is over, but they’ll be down.” American bus companies to stop the Port Authority Bus Terminal the field transporting disaster crews. coming down here,” he said. Mobery said he had been them from picking up and dropping until it forces all others off the Scott said the storm evacuation While few groups have can- extremely worried about a rebound, off passengers on the streets of streets. work his company received helped celled upcoming motorcoach book- but those concerns were dashed a Chinatown in Boston. In other fare news, Greyhound make up for some of the business he ings because of fears over future few days after Hurricane Ivan tore Police said the bus traffic had and Peter Pan announced they lost from storm-related cancella- storms, some operators worry that through the Florida panhandle. He gotten out of control and had have revived their companion tions. the string of bad weather may have began getting calls for upcoming become a public safety issue. Resi- fares, which allow customers to While motorcoach operators an adverse long-term impact on school field trips. “That pretty dents, businesses and other bus purchase one round-trip ticket at across the state were eager to carriers and the entire industry much answered the question that it companies were complaining. Po- full fare, with a three-day advance respond to the call for coaches to throughout the state. will be stronger than ever,” he said. lice started slapping drivers with purchase, and get 50 percent off the help evacuate people and move dis- “You must wonder just how Scott offered that it is impossi- $50 tickets for loading passengers fare for a companion. aster work crews, most of them had much business will just never mate- ble to estimate how long it would in tour-bus designated areas. Greyhound also said it has a difficulty finding enough drivers to rialize because the not-so-sunny be before things return to normal. Some of the Chinatown bus new discount program for weekend handle the sudden surge in work. side of Florida may keep people “Getting back to normal . . . well operators began using walkie- getaways and reduced weekday “Driver shortages were tough away?” asked Scott. “That we will hurricane season ends Nov. 30,” he talkies to outmaneuver police by walkup prices to popular destina- because few were willing to leave never know.” said. switching boarding locations. tions with no planning required. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 11 INDUSTRY NEWS Employment law: A minefield awaiting the unsuspecting RAMSEY, N.J. — Staying on Know Your Notification Obli- heavy federal laws: the Family and Right to Representation has been rights to non-union employees fac- the right side of employment law is gations explains the new notifica- Medical Leave Act, the Health updated to alert you to the latest ing discipline investigation inter- never an easy task for small- and tion rules under the Consolidated Insurance Portability and Accounta- decision of the National Labor views. medium-size companies. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, bility Act, and the Employee Relations Board in which it revers- Providing Appropriate Meal A small company’s personnel or as well as the essential require- Retirement Income Security Act. es its earlier pronouncement and Rest Breaks provides a state- human resources “manager” may be ments of three other notification- Discipline Interviews: The extending so-called Weingarten CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ the owner, and at a larger company it may be the general manager or the office manager. And for them to keep up with changing employment regulations, court decisions and laws is a formi- dable — if not impossible — task. A company that specializes in publishing newsletters, booklets and loose-leaf manuals on human resource issues and employment law has a number of special reports available that may help companies improve their personnel opera- tions, as well as help owners, man- agers and supervisors avoid mis- takes that could lead to fines and lawsuits. 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It also and legally, plus includes a form Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$65,232 GPS System ...... $8,112 touches on breaks for religious or you can use to rate your perform- Ramblin Express; Colorado Springs G & L Transit; Helena, MT disability-related reasons, and the ance appraisal interview technique. GPS System ...... $43,484 Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$21,283 always-hot debate between smok- Your Blueprint for Avoiding Post Road Stages; South Windsor, CT Carolina Trailways (Carolina Coach); Raleigh ers and non-smokers. Discipline Disasters provides a dis- Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$26,200 Driver Shields ...... $47,232 Turning Negativity Into cipline training toolkit that will DATTCO; New Britain, CT Carolina Trailways (Carolina Coach); Raleigh “Positivity” provides strategies for help prevent costly and time-con- GPS System ...... $28,403 encouraging job satisfaction; sug- suming lawsuits alleging discrimi- GPS System ...... $103,486 gestions for dealing with negative natory disciplinary decisions. ABA – UMA Joint Venture; Washington, DC Carolina Trailways (Carolina Coach); Raleigh employees, and steps for preventing Workplace Etiquette explains Multiple Projects to Include Security Cameras ...... $26,809 a negative attitude from becoming where to draw the line in situations Security Assessment/Security Plan C&J Trailways (Jalbert Leasing) a legal issue. You also get a sample where a manager’s seemingly inno- and Training ...... $920,364 Portsmouth, NH Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$84,623 behavior-at-work policy, and an cent remarks can cause lawsuits American Coach; Miami employee satisfaction survey to from offended employees. It will GPS System ...... $59,711 Concord Coach Lines; Concord, NH measure your employees’ satisfac- also teach you how poor workplace Facility Security ...... $40,508 tion at work. “manners” can lower employee American Coach Lines; Jacksonville, FL GPS System and Cameras ...... $23,765 Starr Transit; Trenton, NJ When Work and Family Obli- morale and cause negative impres- GPS System ...... $86,457 gations Collide gives employers sions among customers, clients and American Coach Lines; Lake Worth, FL Passaic Valley Coach Lines; Chatham, NJ practical and legal advice on how potential employees. Training ...... $25,560 Monitoring, Tracking, and to help employees handle work and Navigating the Legal Mine- First Class Coach; St. Petersburg, FL Communications Equipment ...... $26,237 family demands, while balancing field of Recruiting, Interviewing Multiple Projects to Include GPS Academy Express; Hoboken, NJ the bottom line with retention and and Hiring identifies legal and System and Facility Security ...... $68,625 morale efforts. You also get a state- practical pitfalls in the hiring/inter- GPS System ...... $324,475 Northwest Iowa Transportation; by-state look at which states require viewing process, and offers expert Fort Dodge Academy Express; Hoboken, NJ school visitation or parental leave. guidance on how to make sure you GPS System ...... $25,682 Fencing ...... $45,956 Are Your Documentation and your company don’t acciden- Excellent Adventures; Fort Wayne, IN Coach USA; Paramus, NJ Ducks in a Row? Lays out the do’s tally stumble into court. GPS System ...... $15,292 GPS System ...... $1,261,400 and don’ts of creating, maintain- Top Tips for Avoiding Per- Star of America (Sodrel Truck Lines); K-T Contract Services (CUSA) ing, and retaining the forms you formance Appraisal Mistakes helps Jeffersonville, IN North Las Vegas work with every day, from both a you stay out of subjective territory GPS System and Cameras ...... $30,339 Surveillance Equipment ...... $34,931 legal and practical perspective. during a critical evaluation review; The Free Enterprise System (Sodrel Truck Overcoming Attendance Prob- enables you to create your own Ryan’s Express Transportation Services lems focuses on mistakes managers action checklist for appraising your Lines); Jeffersonville, IN North Las Vegas can make — and how to avoid appraisal process, and has a work- GPS and Cameras ...... $113,436 Facility Security Enhancements . . .$304,915 them — when dealing with absen- shop Q&A to point you toward Hotard Coaches; New Orleans Hampton Jitney; Southampton, NY teeism and tardiness problems, consistently successful performance Facility Security Enhancements . . .$203,772 GPS System ...... $36,050 especially regarding Family and evaluations. M and L Transit Systems; Woburn, MA Sunrise Coach Lines; Greenport, NY Medical Leave Act and workers’ Conducting an Employment Driver Shields ...... $31,674 Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$12,041 comp requirements, along with pit- Law Audit is a step-by-step guide M and L Transit Systems; Woburn, MA Classic Transportation Group (Schoolman falls that exist when absenteeism for finding your company’s vulnera- GPS System and CCTV ...... $57,363 Transportation System); Bohemia, NY decisions bump up against other ble spots and turning them into GPS System ...... $25,754 antidiscrimination laws. lawsuit-proof policies and proce- M and L Transit Systems; Woburn, MA Family & Medical Leave Act dures. You’ll learn which areas need Access Control ...... $53,600 Classic Transportation Group (Schoolman Confusion Continues helps allevi- to be audited and how to go about Transportation System); Bohemia, NY Peter Pan Bus Lines; Springfield, MA CCTV ...... $22,041 ate some of the extensive confusion this task. You’ll get a list of more Driver Shields ...... $20,250 that has arisen concerning how to than 75 questions which need to be Allen AME Transportation; Jamaica, NY Peter Pan Bus Lines; Springfield, MA apply the regulations and guide- answered in order to ensure your GPS System and Surveillance . . . . .$20,588 Video Monitoring System ...... $382,500 lines for the Family and Medical company’s protection against em- Leprechaun Lines; Newburgh, NY Leave Act, including case examples ployee lawsuits. MCT Charter Tours; Beltsville, MD GPS System ...... $38,803 Multiple Projects to Include GPS and advice on what certification Records: Identifying Vulner- Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY demands you can make, when you able Spots protects your company System, Fencing, and Lighting . . . . .$20,600 GPS System ...... $70,052 have to reinstate a returning work- from vulnerable record-keeping First Priority Tours; Mitchellville, MD Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY er, what ailments qualify under the mishaps with: a case-by-case ac- Multiple projects to Include GPS Fencing and Lighting ...... $84,524 FMLA and more. count of legal record-keeping re- System and Surveillance ...... $42,075 Investigations 101 provides quirements; 10 steps for avoiding Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY Keller Transportation; Waldorf, MD legal and practical basics for con- record-keeping liability, and 8 areas Security Plan ...... $139,500 Cellular telephones ...... $34,740 ducting the most common types of that you should never collect infor- Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY internal investigations, including mation on. Plus, there’s a record- Keller Transportation; Waldorf, MD Training ...... $14,913 sexual harassment, misconduct and keeping policy which all your man- GPS System ...... $55,672 Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY background investigations. agers must follow to prevent legal Keller Transportation; Waldorf, MD Bus ID System ...... $5,963 Discipline Done Right offers firestorms. CCTV ...... $9,693 Adirondack Transit Lines; Hurley, NY legal and practical advice for doling The reports are in PDF format. Ready Bus Line; LaCrescent, MN Facility Surveillance ...... $24,705 out discipline, crafting and polish- To have the free reports Monitoring, Tracking, and ing a discipline policy, dealing with e-mailed to you, go to Southern Tier Stages; Johnson City, NY Communication Technologies ...... $30,935 a problem employee, and adopting www.ahipubs.com; mark the box Access Control ...... $747 progressive discipline techniques. next to the report(s) you would like Ready Bus Line; LaCrescent, MN Southern Tier Stages; Johnson City, NY Plus, there is a sample discipline to receive; enter your e-mail Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$18,058 GPS System ...... $4,479 documentation notice you can use address in the box at the bottom of Three Rivers Travel; Fairdealing, MO þ to document your disciplinary the page, click on “submit.” Driver Shields ...... $31,350 CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 13 INDUSTRY NEWS • Adirondack Trailways, Hur- Grants ley, N.Y.: $339,657. Bus Security Grant Recipients CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 • Ryan’s Express, North Las just over $1.6 million, compared to Vegas: $304,915. Southern Tier Stages; Johnson City, NY Valley Transit; Harlingen, TX the $9.07 million granted last year. Seven operators in New York CCTV ...... $59,439 Driver Shields ...... $236,529 Four subsidiaries of Greyhound received grants, the most in any Carl R. Bieber; Kutztown, PA Greyhound Lines; Dallas — Carolina Coach Co., Hotard state, while six Texas companies GPS System ...... $138,776 Communication Devices ...... $1,432,271 Coaches, Valley Transit and Vermont got grants. Only one California operator was awarded a grant. Capitol Bus; Harrisburg, PA Greyhound Lines; Dallas Transit — also received grants. Officials do not disclose how Surveillance Equipment ...... $13,121 Facility Security Enhancements . . .$170,813 The Trailways Transportation System picked up two grants total- many companies apply for grants Capitol Bus; Harrisburg, PA Cougar Bus Lines; Laredo, TX ing more than $1.5 million. That and policies prohibit them from Bus Security Equipment ...... $118,955 GPS System ...... $10,500 divulging selection criteria. They money will be distributed to Trail- also do not reveal the actual Elite Coach (MGR Travel); Ephrata, PA James River Bus Lines; Richmond, VA ways members to expand installa- amounts companies apply for ver- GPS System ...... $33,759 GPS System ...... $83,094 tion of global positioning satellite sus what they are awarded. A.C. Coach Operations; Greenville, PA Trailways (Trailways Transportation System) technology, video systems, and Companies typically receive so-called panic buttons that pro- Fencing and Surveillance ...... $16,295 Fairfax, VA less than they request, oftentimes vide instant alerts for onboard Americoach Tours (CUSA); Memphis GPS and Video Systems ...... $1,205,101 far less. However, the ABA and Fencing and Surveillance ...... $19,773 Trailways (Trailways Transportation System) emergencies. UMA received nearly 93 percent of Fairfax, VA “We’re very excited we took the money they requested. Central Texas Trails; Waco, TX this huge step for our members,” Fencing and Surveillance ...... $29,415 Training ...... $330,010 Companies applying for grants said Gale Ellsworth, president and are required to detail specific vul- TNM&O Coaches; Lubbock, TX Vermont Transit; Burlington, VT CEO of Trailways. Driver Shields ...... $13,605 nerabilities and the associated secu- Driver Shields ...... $78,309 In addition, seven companies rity costs. The operators receiving TNM&O Coaches; Lubbock, TX Vermont Transit; Burlington, VT that market themselves under the the money are to be reimbursed Facility Security Enhancements . . . .$73,479 Lighting and Cameras ...... $93,302 Trailways brand also received throughout the year for projects grants. TNM&O Coaches; Lubbock, TX Vermont Transit; Burlington, VT stipulated in their applications. Other large TSA grants went to: Cameras ...... $45,079 On-Board Communication Units . . . .$14,264 During the installation period, • Coach USA, Paramus, N.J.: Evergreen Trails; Seattle grant officers and program managers City of McAllen; McAllen, TX $1.26 million. GPS System ...... $212,139 monitor recipients’ projects to assure Facility Security ...... $36,850 • Peter Pan Bus Lines, Spring- they stay within budgetary and oper- Cowtown Bus Charters; Fort Worth, TX Northwest Motorcoach Association field, Mass.: $382,500. ational guidelines. Grant recipients Communications and Location Snohomish, WA • Academy Express in Hobo- that do not meet the standards may System ...... $18,208 GPS System ...... $61,955 ken, N.J.: $370,431. be denied reimbursement. 14 — October 1, 2004 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS

C LASSIFIED A DVERTISING Arrow Stage buys Gray Line/Phoenix PHOENIX — Arrow Stage Citizen Auto Stage will contin- Gray Line name in Phoenix and PREVOSTS FOR SALE Lines of Phoenix, Arizona’s largest ue to operate Gray Line of Tucson. access to Gray Line’s worldwide motorcoach operator, has acquired Ron Waller, Arrow general Web site,” said Waller. Gray Line Sightseeing of Phoenix. manager, said Gray Line’s charter Arrow, which has a fleet of 80 Citizen Auto Stage of Tucson, and narrated sightseeing operations buses, is a unit of CUSA LLC of Ariz., sold its Phoenix Gray Line will be merged into Arrow. Gray Dallas, the nation’s largest motor- operation to Arrow. Terms of the Line drivers and staff were offered coach charter and tour company, deal, which was completed Oct. 1, employment. with operations in 18 major mar- were not disclosed. “The acquisition gives us the kets of the West and Southwest.

2) 1996 Prevost H3-45s, 1998 Prevost H3-45 48 passenger 56 passenger Detroit Series 60 Detroit Series 60 B500 Allisons B500 Allison Jake Brakes Jake Brake 4 monitors, w/cassette 4 monitors, w/cassette VCP/PA/AM/FM VSP/PA/AM/FM Reclining seats Reclining seats Transit Division NA Charters Footrests, lavatory Footrests, lavatory Bettendorf, Iowa Burlington, Wash. Priced to sell at Priced to sell at $114,000/each $199,000 The transit division of the Bettendorf Public NA Charters, with facilities near Seattle; Durango, Works Department has added six new ABC-brand Colo., and Portland, Ore., has taken delivery of three Vehicles are well maintained and in excellent condition. M1030 buses to its fleet. E4500 coaches from Motor Coach Industries. Maintenance records available. The buses were purchased with grants from the NA Charters’ new E4500s have Kenwood GPS Federal Transit Administration and will replace the systems, Amaya seating with fabric by Holdsworth, Contact Gary Agnes, Ramblin Express Inc. city’s existing fleet of light-duty buses that have and REI entertainment systems with six monitors. The (719) 955-1271 or (800) 772-6254 reached over twice their expected life. The Bettendorf A/V systems include a computer laptop hook-up, Transit System operates four bus routes within the allowing for presentations on the monitors. community of nearly 30,000 people. Scenic-view and back-up cameras by REI also are All six of the 30-foot ABC buses have Cummins included on the new coaches, which are powered by Classified Advertising ISB 205-horsepower engines, Allison 2400 transmis- Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines hooked to Allison B- sions, Arens keypad control shifters, and Carrier KR4 500 transmissions. 120,000-BTU roof-mounted air conditioning. The NA Charters, which formerly was known as ORDER FORM buses also are equipped with Twin Vision LED destina- Noah’s Ark Transportation, is a growing company tion signs, passenger pull cords with chime, and Ricon serving the western U.S. and Canada. It operates a Bus & Motorcoach NEWS is published on the in-step lifts, making them ADA accessible. They are fleet of 27 vehicles and Ralph Dreitzler is owner. 1st and 15th of the month. configured for 27 passengers, or 18 passengers with two For more information, go to www.greatwestern Ad deadlines are one week prior to publication. wheelchairs on board. journeys.com. Please print or type your advertising copy. A.S. Midway of Baltimore joins Trailways If you prefer, print or type your ad on a separate sheet and attach to this form. All Classified Advertising must be accom- BALTIMORE, Md. — The with churches and other organiza- ety of packaged tours throughout panied by payment before insertion. VISA, MasterCard and newest member of the Trailways tions in and around Baltimore, and the country. American Express cards are accepted. Transportation System is A.S. we believe the Trailways name “We added the travel and tour Midway Trailways of Baltimore. added to our established reputation component a few years ago when Type of ad you prefer: __Display__Line Al Spence, president of the will encourage even more people to we realized a lot of our motorcoach Samples and ad rates on reverse side. charter and tour operator, said he travel with us,” said Spence. clientele were doing other trips but Number of issues you would like this ad to appear in: 1 2 3 4 5 6 More?__ expects the Trailways affiliation to A.S. Midway Trailways is in its were not doing them on our Name boost business and aid his com- 10th year of business, although the coaches,” said Spence. “So, we Person Authorizing Advertisement - Please Print pany’s growth plans. Spence family has operated coach started this service to cover all our Company “We believe networking with companies in Baltimore for several customer travel needs.” the (Trailways’) team of companies decades. Besides charter services for Spence has been an active Address across North America will help us schools, churches, civic organiza- member of the Maryland Motor- City State Zip grow our business, especially the tions and conventions, A.S. coach Association, serving as presi- Signature senior sector. Our intent is to work Midway Trailways also offers a vari- dent for five years.

Credit Card Information Card No. Easton awarded paratransit contract Expiration Date EASTON, Pa. — Easton more than 100 vehicles. BARTA In addition to the contract

Name on Card Coach Co., a diversified passenger has operated its specialized para- with BARTA, Easton Coach also transportation services provider, transit service for the elderly and operates public paratransit con- Fax or Mail this form to Bus & Motorcoach NEWS has been awarded a five-year con- disabled for 25 years. tracts in Northampton, Lehigh tract to operate supplemental para- Easton Coach has been provid- and Carbon counties in Penn- Toll-free fax: (877) 510-5598 transit services for the Berks Area ing paratransit services under vari- sylvania and a private fleet of 28 Mail to: 717 West Pierson #160, Phoenix, AZ 85013 Reading Transportation Authority ous contracts since 1988, and has motorcoaches and 15 other vehi- (BARTA) in Reading, Pa. “enjoyed healthy growth in recent cles for charter, line-run and other Make checks payable to: Bus & Motorcoach NEWS BARTA operates the public years through quality long-term contracted purposes. Questions? Call Johnny: (602) 980-0840 transportation service for Reading contracts like this one,” said Joe The company employs close Email: [email protected] and Berks County, with a fleet of Scott, president of Easton Coach. to 250 people and has 170 vehicles. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 1, 2004 — 15 INDUSTRY NEWS Safety-security workshop to supply unique information ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The made by representatives from the nologies and their use in improving attendees will attend these sessions. Registration for the workshop, motorcoach safety and security insurance industry, NTSB, Federal safety programs. A tour of the “If you want to improve your which is open to anyone employed workshop to be presented in early Motor Carrier Safety Administra- NTSB training facility, including management abilities and your in the motorcoach industry, is lim- December by the United Motor- tion and Transportation Security the TWA Flight 800 aircraft and company’s safety and security pro- ited to 100. The fee is $175 for coach Association will provide Administration. the coach involved in the October gram, you should attend the UMA UMA members and $200 for non- important training and information At the end of the second day 2003 church bus crash near Tallu- Safety Security Workshop,” said members. To register, call UMA at that is unique to the private bus there will be a discussion of tech- lah, La., will be conducted. All Daecher. (800) 424-8262. industry, says seminar organizer Carmen Daecher. “Owners, safety directors, hu- man resource managers and driver supervisors will receive useful infor- mation and ‘how-to’ advice that will help them improve their safety and security programs,” said Daecher, who heads the consulting firm of Carmen Daecher & Asso- ciates in Camp Hill, Pa. “Managers who are new to safe- ty management or have relatively little experience will receive invalu- able information regarding estab- lishing and using a management sys- tem to improve safety throughout EXPO 2005 will be the biggest and best industry event ever! Including some exciting their organization,” said Daecher. additions to this year’s show… • Industry leaders will gather at the first ever State Association Summit “They will also receive infor- • New Solution Sessions covering sales, pricing, cost management, contract work, and marketing lessons from other mation on security issues and con- industries and much, much more! siderations for use in their opera- • The 1st Annual Ray Dupuis Golf Tournament in honor of one of our industry’s leaders and a UMA founder tions. They will leave the workshop • Many exciting new products to see on the exhibit floor with a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of PLUS • The always popular UMA Maintenance Interchange establishing a hiring process for • And the highlight of last year’s EXPO….the 2nd Annual UMA Awards Banquet! drivers, training programs for driv- ers and on-going management of For further information, drivers,” Daecher explained. please visit our website Also to be discussed will be secu- www.motorcoachexpo.com rity issues and considerations for facilities, employees and operations. Attendee Registration Form Make copies for additional registrants. Motorcoach Expo 2005– For all attendees of the seminar, there will be plenty of handouts as First Name Last Name Badge Name (First or Nickname Only) it's all right here! part of the two-day program, Dec. Company Name Schedule of Events 1-2. The event will be conducted at Sunday – Tuesday, February 20-22, 2005 the training facility of the National Mailing Address City State Zip Country IMG Maintenance & Safety Forum Transportation Safety Board in Tuesday – February 22, 2005 Phone Fax E-mail 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM State Association Summit NEW Leesburg, Va. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Welcome Reception For experienced safety profes- Wednesday – February 23, 2005 *Include Las Vegas Hilton confirmation number and receive $25 off each registration! See below for details. 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Maintenance Interchange sionals, the UMA Safety Security 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Motorcoach Industry Panel Industry Role (Building a Strong Foundation) Workshop is designed to maximize Please check only one: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Legislative and Regulatory Update ____ Operator ~ Motorcoach owner, operator, or staff person who is an active part of a motorcoach company recognized by 11:00 AM - 4:15 PM Education Sessions and improve their effectiveness in the USDOT. (Concurrent Sessions) NEW using safety-related procedures and ____ Travel Partner ~ Companies that are involved in the travel and tourism market- hotels, destinations, rest stops, etc. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ____ Non-Exhibiting Supplier ~ Companies that sell/supply to the motorcoach industry but are NOT exhibiting on the show Marketing and Sales: Finance: Operations: materials, said Daecher. “A more floor at Motorcoach Expo 2005. Selling 101- Raising your Instilling a Safety The Sales Process Rates Culture technical understanding of acci- Registration Fees 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Marketing and Sales: Finance: Operations: dent investigation, as well as ‘how- UMA Members Price (M) / Non UMA Members Price (NM) *Save $25 on each Expo 2005 How to get the phone Profit Power Process of securing Advance Regular On-Site Registration! ringing using cost contract work to’ tips for conducting effective until 10/31/04 until 1/31/05 after 1/31/05 By booking a room at the Las Vegas Hilton effective marketing and providing UMA with the confirmation channels driver interviews, preparation of M / NM M / NM M / NM number, you’ll receive $25 off each Expo Operator $250 / $300 $295 / $350 $325 / $375 registration! Las Vegas Hilton - 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM reports and documentation, and 1.888.732.7117 Marketing and Sales: Operations: Travel Partner $275 / $325 $325 / $375 $350 / $400 Making your website Recruiting and the benefits of cumulative accident Non-Exhibiting Supplier $500 / $600 $600 / $700 $650 / $750 **Package Deals for UMA an integral part of training new Membership and 2005 Expo! your marketing and drivers analysis will be presented,” Spouse $175 / $225 $225 / $250 $250 / $300 Includes UMA membership for one year sales effort PLUS two full registrations for 2005 NEW Daecher explained. Child $75 / $125 $100 / $150 $125 / $150 Motorcoach Expo! *Only available for those 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Operator Luncheon who have NOT had an active UMA Marketing Lessons from Other Industries Other advanced sessions will **Package Deal: $675 $775 $825 membership within the last 12 months. 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open - “Sneak Preview” explain how to: CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $50 processing fee for all cancellations. This fee is assessed on a per person basis. There is Thursday – February 24, 2005 no refund for cancellations made after 12/31/04. All refund requests are up to the discretion of Expo Management. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Networking Opportunity • More effectively use and ana- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Education Sessions Payment Information NEW lyze SafeStat. (Concurrent Sessions) K K Visa K MasterCard K American Express Marketing and Sales: Finance: Operations: • More effectively prepare for a Check Credit Cards: What operators want Margin versus Airport access issues in vendor relationships markup and fees compliance audit, including a Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______misconceptions discussion of critical and acute viola- 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open Cardholder’s Name: ______Signature:______6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Vision Awards Banquet tions. Friday – February 25, 2005 Make Checks Payable to: Mail all others to: Motorcoach Expo, 113 South West 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open • Prepare a security operation UMA Motorcoach Expo Street, 4th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314-2824 Saturday – February 26, 2005 NEW and crises response. Fax Credit Card Payments to: Comments? Questions? 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Ray Dupuis Memorial Golf At the beginning of each work- 703-838-2950 Call 800-424-8262 or e-mail us at [email protected] Tournament at Silverstone Golf Club shop day, presentations will be