July 1, 2013

Feds shutdown four more egregious safety violators WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor are not facing criminal charges is baffling. party bus fell out the rear door and was fa- found to willfully violate the orders. Carrier Safety Administration “Operation In moving against Lucky Star, a Boston- tally struck by other vehicles. In each case, the carriers were cited for Quick Strike” maintained a blistering pace based curbside operator that served New Also ordered to cease operations were a “widespread and serious noncompliance as it shut down four more bus operators dur- York City Chinatown, the FMCSA said in- pair of Southern operators, Destiny Tours of with federal safety regulations” that involved ing the first two weeks of June, calling them vestigators found the company’s buses had Lake City, S.C., and Advanced Ventures of both vehicle defects and drivers’ duties. imminent hazards to public safety. broken down more than 80 times in the past Springfield, Va. The violations included operating with- The massive number and egregious na- year, forcing passengers to disembark on the All four companies were told to park out authority, no insurance, falsified annual ture of the violations accumulated by the four highway at times. their buses at their next stops and to report inspection records, blocked emergency exit companies and their near total disregard for Another company, Kansas-based Mid- the locations of all vehicles to the FMCSA windows, and allowing drivers placed out of safety rules is both stunning and appalling. night Express, was targeted after a female within eight hours. Their owners face service for an inability to speak English to Why some of the owners and managers passenger riding in the company’s modified $25,000 fines and a year in jail if they are CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c Operators say they’re ready for tough hurricane season With forecasters predicting an storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major “above average” 2013 hurricane hurricanes.” season, motorcoach operators in NOAA’s acting administrator, Gulf and Eastern Seaboard states, Kathryn Sullivan, added a warn- along with the company that coor- ing that won’t surprise motorcoach dinates much of the evacuation ac- operators who’ve assisted in past tivity, say they’re well prepared for weather emergencies. any emergency response needs “As we saw first-hand with they may face this year. (Superstorm) Sandy, it’s important The Atlantic hurricane season, to remember that tropical storm as recognized by professional and hurricane impacts are not lim- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c forecasters, began June 1 and ex- ited to the coastline. tends to Nov. 30. “Strong winds, torrential rain, “There is a 70 percent likeli- flooding and tornadoes often hood of 13 to 20 named storms threaten inland areas far from (winds of 39 mph or higher), of where the storm first makes land- which 7 to 11 could become hur- fall,” she noted. ricanes (winds of 74 mph or high- A voluntary committee repre- New Orleans is installing 14-foot stick figures to mark bus pick-up points during evacuations. See story Page 13. er), including 3 to 6 major hurri- senting motorcoach operators from canes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 11 hurricane-prone states has begun Evacuation Committee (SEEVAC). drivers can be fed or lodged,” said “We are ready to assist any 111 mph or higher),” the National holding weekly teleconferences to “We have phone conversations Newton. state that needs our help. We want Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- review and update contingency every Thursday to talk about the “The committee is a sounding to facilitate a better, smoother istration reports. plans, reports Warren Newton, number of buses that we have board for operators to relay con- evacuation. We have worked pretty “These ranges are well above spokesman for the Southeastern available, evacuation procedures, cerns to the contracting state or much every major storm in the last the seasonal average of 12 named Motorcoach Operators Emergency where we can buy fuel, where contracting company. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Airlines reap billions in fees; can the coach industry? U.S. airlines create billions of more than $6 billion in baggage and (motorcoach) industry who are try- new perk that should at least pay for much. Student groups want to be on dollars in incremental revenue each reservation-change fees last year, ing to put buses out the door instead itself, says Ready. He knows one op- Wi-Fi all day. Fifty eighth-graders year by tacking extra fees onto ticket according to a report in USA Today. of putting profits in their pockets,” erator who has spent up to $400 are going to be downloading movies prices. In fact, the air industry’s 3.7-per- said Tom Ready of Ready Bus Lines monthly in Wi-Fi fees. and texting their friends in the back Some leading motorcoach oper- cent profit margin was created en- of La Crescent, Minn., a former “Most operators are eating all of the bus.” ators think their peers also should go tirely as a result of the fees levied on chairman of the United Motorcoach those costs. We (Ready Bus Lines) Callen Hotard of the Calco Ho- after more incremental revenue. passengers, many of who probably Association. charge $15 a day for Wi-Fi. That tard Group in New Orleans, said his Other operators, however, insist it’s thought their ticket price would “We are giving things away to should average what your costs are company doesn’t currently charge easier said than done. cover their trip. get business.” per month,” said Ready. for Wi-Fi, “but we have that under The nation’s airlines bagged “We see a lot of people in the Wireless internet service is a hot “Senior groups don’t use Wi-Fi CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c WE’VE G T THAT PART!

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www.abc-companies.com/parts Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2013 3 Academy buying Conway bus unit Tim Wayland named president, HOBOKEN, N.J. —­ Academy expect from Boston to Washing- market its tours throughout the Dane Cornell chairman, of ABC Bus, the largest privately owned ton, D.C.,” Tedesco added. northeast, from Boston to FARIBAULT, Minn. — ABC all facets of and operated motorcoach compa- Conway, which has been pro- Washington. Companies announced the promo- ABC sales ny in the U.S., is acquiring the viding bus service for 87 years, “They will focus on the beautiful tion of Tim Wayland to president activities. charter bus division of Conway will remain in business as a tour new buses,” said Peter Conway, “and and chief commercial officer. Wayland Bus Service/Conway Tours in operator, utilizing motorcoaches we can focus on providing afford- Additionally, it announced that joined ABC 19 Cumberland, R.I. supplied by Academy. able, first-class motorcoach tours. “The incorporation of Conway “We will now be able to do “Academy’s vision and overall company CEO, Dane Cornell, has years ago as Tours’ charter bus operation al- what we do best, which is create reputation is simply the right fit,” been elevated to chairman, and his president of lows Academy to further strength- and provide exceptional travel added Conway. father, ABC Companies’ founder, ABC Financial en our presence in both Rhode Is- tours without having to operate our All Conway Tours’ charter bus Clarence ‘Clancy’ Cornell, has Services and been appointed chairman was named land and the New England area,” own fleet of buses,” company vice employees have been given an op- Tim Wayland said Francis Tedesco, president of president and CEO Peter Conway portunity to go to work for Academy. emeritus. chief financial Academy. told a local newspaper. That includes 55 bus drivers, most of Clancy Cornell will remain an officer 5 years ago. He was promot- “Conway Tours shares Acade- “We can also turn our attention them part-time employees, and four adviser on ABC’s board. ed to chief commercial officer in my’s values of quality, safety and to our growing division of air tours maintenance staff members. In his new position, Wayland Oct. 2011. customer service, ensuring that to the western U.S. and Europe.” Conway Tours was started in will work closely with the ABC He will continue to hold a seat our customers will receive the Additionally, Academy will Cumberland in 1926 by John board and the company senior ex- on the ABC board. same great service they know and provide a platform for Conway to CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c ecutive team to assure business “Tim Wayland has become an objectives for growth, profitabili- icon in our industry, and his broad ty and organizational develop- financial background and knowl- Anchor Tours buys Brantley Charter ment are met. edge of our markets have been an He also will be responsible for important part of ABC’s success Nashville, Tenn. — Anchor many core values that the merger “making it possible to provide af- the day-to-day operation of the story. We are continuing to grow Tours, a motorcoach operator based seemed natural,” said Anchor Pres- fordable services in the western part company and will continue to di- our company and Tim will play a here, has purchased Brantley Char- ident John Stancil. of the state, including Memphis. rect the development of corporate- strategic role in our long-term di- ter of Lexington, Tenn., which is “If you were to draw a line to “With these strategically locat- wide sales plans, policies and fore- rection for ABC Companies,” said 111 miles southwest of Nashville, all four Anchor Tours’ locations, it ed facilities, our offices can sup- casts to meet targeted objectives in Dane Cornell. off Interstate 40, midway between forms a triangle of sorts with the port each other to cover volume or Memphis and Nashville. Nashville home office…equidis- unforeseen service interruptions, all times,” he added. Brantley Charter had been With the acquisition, Anchor tant, via major highways, to each and our main Nashville garage can Founded within a year of each owned and operated by Danny and Tours now has four offices, the of our locations.” provide scheduled state-of-the-art other, Anchor Tours and Brantley Nancy Brantley since 1988. With other two being in Paducah, Ky., Company Vice President Jared maintenance, rotating our equip- Charter are family owned and run. their children grown, the Brantleys and Tuscumbia, Ala. Stancil said the acquisition was a ment to all offices, assuring safe Both companies also operate MCI decided they wanted to spend “Our two companies shared so logical extension of the company, transportation to our customers at coaches. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c 4 July 1, 2013 Bus & Motorcoach News

Will truckers’ new hours rules impact coach industry? WASHINGTON — A major year, but enforcement only offi- gious” defined as allowing a driv- As of the first quarter in 2014, change for truckers occurs July 1 cially begins this month. ‘The new rules could er to drive more than three hours one trucking economist estimates when enforcement of new hours- The American Trucking Asso- beyond the limit. that nearly 400,000 additional of-service rules begins. ciations is still fighting the rule in have a negative There have been fairly wide- driver recruits will be required to The changes could impact the court, along with the Owner-Oper- impact on trucking spread predictions the new rules meet increased trucking capacity motorcoach industry — but prob- ator Independent Drivers Associa- will have a dramatic and largely demands. ably only to the limited extent that tion, but prospects of the rule capacity.’ negative impact on trucking As even more federal regula- coach companies compete with being overturned appear slim. capacity. tions go into effect, the number of trucking outfits for drivers. Mike Card, ATA chairman, ad- time resting in a parked truck as For the first half of 2013, additional truck driver recruits The most notable change to the mitted in May at the Great West off-duty. roughly 200,000 additional driver needed reaches over one million truckers’ hours rules are that driv- Fleet Executive Conference that The amount of hours a driver recruits were required to fill opens by the end of 2016. ers are now limited to one 34-hour ATA’s lawyers have advised the as- can work in a week has been re- in the trucking industry. “We are in for some very sub- restart per week, and every restart sociation it’ll probably lose the duced, though, from 82 to 70. But, in the third quarter of this stantial (driver and capacity) short- must include two 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. case. The new rules also include year (after the new hours-of-ser- ages unless we have a recession to periods. The new rules also include penalties for carriers that allow vice rules go into affect) that num- balance that out some,” predicted The rule has technically been changes to what constitutes on- drivers to “egregiously” violate ber increases rapidly, say industry one trucking industry analyst. in effect since February of last duty time so drivers can count any hours-of-service rules, with “egre- economists. Tolls in Maryland take BIG jump on July 1 CSA program Rates on Maryland toll roads, Tunnel, I-895 Baltimore Harbor where no cash is collected. On the U.S. 50/301 Chesa- to get facelift bridges and tunnels are spiking Tunnel and I-695 Francis Scott All these Baltimore-area tolls peake Bay Bridge, three-axle WASHINGTON — The Fed- July 1 in the second stage of a two- Key Bridge) go up from $6 to $9 are collected both directions. coaches headed to Delmarva Pen- eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- part set of hikes approved by the and the video toll from $8 to $12 On the I-95 Kennedy Highway, insula or the Eastern Shore now istration has confirmed it will pro- Maryland Toll Authority board in for a three-axle motorcoach. at the single toll point northbound face a $8 base toll, going to $12 pose changes to the presentation the fall of 2011. Video toll rates apply to any and also at the nearby and parallel July 1. Video tolls on three-axle of its safety-rankings system later Tolls were previously raised Nov. vehicle without an E-ZPass ac- U.S. 40 Hatem bridge, a three-axle coaches go from $12 now, to $18. this year. 1, 2011, but before that had been fro- count going through an E-ZPass- motorcoach now pays $12 and will At the U.S. 301 Nice Bridge in The changes to the Compli- zen for over a decade. (See Oct. 15, only lane at toll points with cash pay $16 starting July 1. the far lower reaches of the Po- ance, Safety, Accountability pro- 2011, Bus & Motorcoach News.) collection, and also to those trav- Video toll charges go from $18 tomac, the tolls to go into Virginia gram are aimed at making it clear- Maryland E-ZPass or cash eling without an E-ZPass account to $24 for three-axle coaches. will rise in line with Chesapeake er to the public that carriers’ scores rates for the Baltimore Harbor on the all-electronic MD 200 In- These tolls are collected north- Bay Bridge tolls. There are no are not meant to be safety ratings. Crossings (I-95 Fort McHenry tercounty Connector toll road bound only — no toll southbound. tolls northbound into Maryland. The Safety Measurement Sys- tem, a component of CSA, pro- vides the public with violation and inspection data. “We recognize the presenta- UMA Members: Save up to 25%off your Log Books, tion can be made clearer so visi- tors can better understand what Inspection Reports and other safety & compliance products! the scores mean — and what they don’t mean,” FMCSA spokesman win . win \ win - win \ adj : guaranteeing a favorable outcome for everyone involved Duane DeBruyne told a leading trucking publication. The changes will not impact One of the many benefits of your UMA membership is the ability to order the safety and compliance how FMCSA calculates scores or products you use every day at a significant discount off standard list prices—plus a portion of your purchase uses CSA to prioritize its enforce- goes to help UMA work on your behalf! A win-win for everyone! ment actions, DeBruyne said. SMS data reflect how a com- Popular products: pany’s violations and audits com- pare with similar companies, ex- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Bus Driver’s Vehicle Bus Driver’s Daily 2013-2014 UMA pressed as percentile rankings in Regulations Pocketbook Inspection Report Log Book Membership Directory different violation categories. They are not official ratings, No w which can only be issued after Availab le! FMCSA auditors evaluate a carri- er’s operations. The SMS changes will make that distinction clearer, DeBruyne said. FMCSA also wants to make List price: $5.99 List price: $2.91 List price: $3.13 Non-member price: $65.00 clear that a carrier should not be UMA Member price: $4.80 UMA Member price: $2.20 UMA Member price: $2.35 UMA Member price: $15.00 considered unsafe just because the Prices subject to change. agency does not have data. To order these products or to see other products we have available, visit “The lack of data should not www.uma.org and go to “Industry Products and Services” > “UMA Products” be interpreted to the detriment of or simply call us at 800.424.8262! the carrier,” DeBruyne said. Heavy-duty reliability Made in U.S.A. Happy operators

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7630-2_FCCC_Powerline_BusMotoNews.indd 1 12/18/12 11:15 AM 6 July 1, 2013 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Florida to increase time Texas ban: Left lane off limits DALLAS — The Texas De- According to an article in the Worth from 38th Street to the Tar- duration of yellow lights partment of Transportation plans Fort Worth Star-Telegram, com- rant-Johnson county line; Texas to expand the number of highway mercial vehicles already are pro- 121/Airport Freeway from down- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The son continued, writing later that left lanes in North Texas where hibited in the fast lane of Inter- town Fort Worth to East Loop 820 Florida Department of Transpor- some research says “when you in- buses and trucks with three or states 20, 30 and 45 in the near Richland Hills; Loop 820 tation announced it plans to re- stall a red-light-running camera more axles cannot operate. Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. from Interstate 30 in west Fort calculate the timing on all yellow that you will have a drop in right- The ban will begin this sum- New freeways that will be im- Worth to Blue Mound Road, and lights at intersections throughout angle crashes, but also sometimes mer pending approval by the state pacted by the left-lane ban in- Texas 183 to I-20 in Arlington. the state. a small increase in rear-end crash- Transportation Commission. clude: Interstate 35W in Fort According to the Florida es, so I was thinking that a slightly Times-Union, yellow-light dura- longer yellow phase may help with tions will see an increase of four- this issue.” Texas work zones go high tech tenths of a second prior to the The article goes on to report AUSTIN, Texas — With more the End-of-Queue Warning System Each day, between 55,000 and stoplight turning red. that the reason behind the deci- roadway construction under way uses sensors to measure the speed 115,000 vehicles travel this I-35 The increase in yellow-light sion to increase the time duration than ever in the Lone Star State, the of approaching vehicles and then corridor, including many buses. durations will be implemented on yellow lights comes from a re- Texas Department of Transportation warns drivers through portable, “This technology represents first at all intersections with red- port by the National Cooperative has introduced a first-in-Texas high- electronic signs about upcoming the future of roadway safety as it light cameras by the end of the Highway Research Program. way safety feature that incorporates traffic backups because of night- uses a comprehensive approach to year, and all other intersections in It said: “The average reaction an “End-of-Queue Warning Sys- time lane closures in work zones. warn drivers of traffic backups, the state will be updated by June time is 1 second, but a consider- tem,” with temporary rumble strips, The rumble strips are spaced thereby decreasing the likelihood 20, 2015. able chunk of the population — to reduce work-zone collisions. between sensors to send mild vi- they will enter a work zone at an Florida’s DOT Traffic Opera- 15 percent — takes 1.33 seconds Last year, nearly 17,000 state- brations through vehicles to get unsafe speed,” said Phil Wilson, tions Engineer Mark Wilson told or longer to react.” wide work-zone crashes resulted the attention of distracted or TxDOT executive director. the Times-Union that as drivers get The report said those slower- in 132 fatalities and many more drowsy drivers. The warning system is being older, they can’t react to changing reacting drivers could still brake injuries, TxDOT officials say. Spanning McLennan, Bell, implemented as part of the 96- traffic lights as they used to. in time for yellow lights but they’d Through the first four months Falls and Hill counties, this new mile, central Texas I-35 expansion “People who can’t make it in have to slow down more rapidly, of this year there were 4,713 combination is deployed as need- project that will widen the highway time make up for it by braking according to the article. work-zone crashes, resulting in 24 ed through construction zones and from four to six lanes and change (harder),” Wilson told the paper. It is probably just a coinci- fatalities. is designed to improve safety in two-way frontage roads into one- “That means we have people who dence that the announcement Making its debut along a cen- one of the most heavily traveled way lanes. The projects are sched- are doing hard braking. That al- comes just weeks after a Tampa tral Texas stretch of Interstate 35, corridors in the country. uled for completion in 2017. lows the person to say, I don’t television station investigation have to slam on my brakes. I can found that a policy change three intersections, boosting revenue for Motorcoach News.) $50 million increase in revenue make it through this. years ago allowed the Florida the municipalities, the state gen- The report by WTSP News in from violations at intersections “I’m hoping our rear-end DOT and municipalities to short- eral fund and red-light camera Tampa Bay drew attention to the policed by red-light cameras in 70 crashes drop because of this,” Wil- en the duration of yellow lights at companies. (See June 1 Bus & policy change, saying it led to a municipalities. Making hiring

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Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Fonts: ITC Franklin Gothic (Demi, Heavy; Type 1), Franklin Gothic Book (Regular; OpenType) Images: M4113C01_R3_TRPBusSprd_240.eps (375 ppi, -375 ppi; CMYK), TRP_busparts_R_4C.ai, 6ib1v9_default_Bus_and_Motorcoach_Brake_July_2013.tif (576 ppi; CMYK), PETERBILT_4C.eps, KENWORTH_4C.ai 8 July 1, 2013 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News CARB report cites success of diesel emissions regs SACRAMENTO, Calif. ­— that reductions in black carbon as has taken too tough a stance in try- and wildfires. period, beginning with the estab- The nation’s most aggressive envi- a result of clean air regulations ing to regulate diesel emissions, CARB says the three-year- lishment of CARB in 1967. ronmental protection agency says were equivalent to reducing CO2 which has led to higher prices for study is the first comprehensive re- Researchers say they found the its programs have resulted in a emissions in California by 21 mil- goods moved by trucks, along with gional assessment of the climate state’s efforts to reduce diesel emis- measurable reduction in the con- lion metric tons annually, or taking forcing some commercial vehicle impact of black carbon on Califor- sions to have lessened the impact of centration of global warming pol- more than 4 million cars off Cali- operations out of business due to nia. In conducting the study, scien- global warming on California, sup- lutants in the atmosphere. fornia roads every year. the high costs of compliance. tists used computer models and air porting earlier theoretical computer A new study for the California “We know that California’s Black carbon, which is the tiny pollution data collected by aircraft, modeling that reducing black car- Air Resources Board says that reduc- programs to reduce emissions soot particles released into the at- satellite and ground monitors. bon from diesel combustion is a tions in emissions of black carbon from diesel engines have helped mosphere by burning fuels, has CARB claims the study results potent ‘climate cooler.’ since the late 1980s, mostly from clean up the air and protect public been linked by CARB to adverse support the notion that it is possible The reductions occurred dur- diesel engines as a result of air qual- health,” said CARB chairman health and environmental impacts, to immediately slow the pace of cli- ing a time when diesel fuel con- ity programs, are the reason carbon Mary D. Nichols. including being a major short-lived mate change regionally by reduc- sumption increased by about a fac- dioxide emissions have declined. “This report makes it clear that contributor to climate change. ing emissions of short-lived cli- tor of five, CARB says, attesting The study, funded by CARB our efforts to clean up the trucks The leading sources of black mate pollutants, like black carbon. to the effectiveness of its regula- and led by Veerabhadran Ramana- and buses on our roads and high- carbon in California are diesel- Study co-author Dr. Tom tions requiring cleaner fuels and than of the Scripps Institution of ways also help us in the fight burning mobile sources, residen- Kirchstetter of LBNL, says black vehicle technology. A copy of the Oceanography at the University of against climate change.” tial wood burning in fireplaces carbon levels have decreased by report can be found on the CARB California in San Diego, estimates Critics of CARB say the agency and heaters, agricultural burning about 90 percent over a 45-year website, www.arb.ca.gov. NTSB report points to second truck in I-5 bridge collapse MT. VERNON, Wash. — It’s It says the incident occurred as in the left lane. structure. sway braces, as measured over the looking increasingly like a mys- a pilot vehicle, assisting a 2010 The driver of the oversize load The impacts, says the NTSB, active portion of the roadway, was tery big rig may have played a crit- Kenworth truck-tractor that was reported to investigators he felt caused significant damage to load- determined to be 14 feet 8 inches. ical and possibly catastrophic role pulling a flatbed trailer with an “crowded” by the passing tractor- bearing members of the bridge’s According to the operator of the in the May 23 bridge collapse on oversize load, was traveling south- trailer so he moved his vehicle to superstructure, resulting in the pilot vehicle, the clearance pole Interstate 5 in Washington state bound on Interstate 5. the right. failure and subsequent collapse of mounted on the front of her vehi- that sent two vehicles into the According to witnesses, as As the oversize load continued the northernmost bridge span. cle was set at 16 feet 2 inches. Skagit River. both vehicles approached the I-5 across the bridge, the top of the During the investigation, the Two passenger vehicles on the The National Transportation bridge in Mount Vernon, another load collided with the overhead driver reported he thought the bridge fell into the river. The three Safety Board issued a preliminary southbound tractor-trailer over- portal and multiple sway braces on height of the load was 15 feet 9 vehicle occupants were later res- report on the event last month. took and passed the oversize load the far right side of the truss inches. The lowest portion of the cued from the water.

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800.826.3486 [email protected] www.sefac.com Full line oF Super-eFFective SolutionS For MotorcoacheS! Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET July 1, 2013 9 Traveler with service dog Bill targets limo safety in California SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In response to a dead- a separate incident in Walnut Creek, Calif., in which ly limousine fire on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, 10 elderly women safely escaped a limousine as it wins discrimination dispute a California lawmaker has introduced legislation that caught fire. WASHINGTON — Super­ training. would add safety features in limos. That fire came a little over a month after the well- Shuttle entered into a settlement “Once a guest with a service The proposed law would require limousines to publicized May 4 limo fire on the San Mateo Bridge agreement with the federal gov- animal has answered those initial have two rear exit doors in the passenger compartment, that killed five women, including a new bride, as the ernment after a woman who is questions, no employee may ask as well as two windows that could be pushed out from group headed to a bridal celebration. Four women sur- blind reported the company would the guest any further questions the inside in the event of a fire or other emergency. vived by crawling through the window that separates not allow her to travel with her about his or her service animal.” The bill was introduced last month, one day after the driver from passengers in many limousines. service dog on a shared ride, and instead required her to take a more expensive non-shared ride. The complaint stemmed from an August 2010 incident, when the woman and five traveling companions arrived at Dulles In- ternational Airport, and a member of the party went to the Su- perShuttle counter to ask for a non-exclusive shared ride. A reservation agent charged the group $91 for the ride. Once the agent noticed the service dog, though, the group’s booking was changed to an exclu- sive ride, which costs $125. “The agent did so because of the stated belief that ‘no one would want to travel with a service ani- mal,’” according to the agreement. Several days later, the woman filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act, alleging she was discriminated against. According to the settlement agreement, SuperShuttle had a policy in place stating the compa- ny “is committed to providing ex- ceptional guest service for our customers with disabilities, in- cluding those…who are accompa- nied by service animals,” but that the policy wasn’t enforced. Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Super­ Shuttle International Inc., which operates in 50 cities, agreed to pay the woman $1,000 and to imple- ment a roster of remedies, includ- ing the adoption and dissemina- Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists tion of a “Service Animal Policy,” posting “Service Animals Wel- • Coach and School Bus Financing • Low Fixed Rate Equipment Financing come” signs at each of its guest services centers, and training per- • Terms Up to 84 Months • Fleet Refinancing sonnel on the requirements of title III of the ADA and the terms of • Balloons and Skip Monthly Payments Available • Used Equipment Financing the “Service Animal Policy.” The company’s two-page pol- • 100% Financing Available to • TracLeases Available icy contains rules and guidelines such as: “If you are unsure wheth- Qualified Credits er an animal meets the definition of a service animal, a SuperShut- tle reservationist or, where neces- sary, management may ask the guest the following questions: www.shorefundingltd.com [email protected] “1. Is this a service animal re- quired because of a disability? “2. What work or tasks has the (800) 542-7467 animal been trained to perform? “You may not ask a guest TEL: (732) 389-7500 FAX: (732) 389-7505 questions about his or her disabil- ity. You may not ask a guest to show certification or a special ID card as proof of his or her animal’s 10 July 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Museum ‘Spring Fling’ is reunion of people…and buses HERSHEY, Pa. — Formally, it’s called the Museum of Bus Transportation “Spring Fling.” Informally, it’s the bus indus- try’s annual family reunion. Early last month, nearly 400 people traveled to Hershey in east- ern Pennsylvania for the fling. One of the hallmarks of the gathering was the large number of motorcoach industry veterans who attended, using the event to recon- nect with old friends and colleagues. Many active and retired driv- ers, mechanics and executives were in the crowd. In addition, A GM PD-4104, left, and MC-9 were on display during the event. there were numerous families with links to the industry, and lots of The market was conducted in- were owned by the museum, but hobbyists. side, in space the museum shares there was a sizable contingent of Attendance accelerated as the with the Antique Automobile Club coaches owned and operated by day progressed, a result of folks of America Museum. The indoor private individuals. taking advantage of the myriad as- arrangement created a unique at- These ranged from a 1908 mosphere; memorabilia surround- Martz Lines’ White to a 2013 H3-45 sortment of family attractions in The annual flea market was held on the museum display floor. the area. ed by antique buses. Prevost demonstrator — 105 years Brookfield, Conn.-based A total of 56 buses and coaches of bus industry evolution. of years, but this time delighted coaches have progressed. Coach Tours Ltd. showed up in the — of every sort — were on exhib- Virtually every bus was in its savvy attendees by using a brand Greyhound also showed a sim- afternoon with a chartered bus full it, displayed in the museum park- original seated configuration, a bit new Temsa TS 35, sporting a creative ilarly equipped 2013 Van Hool of enthusiasts. ing lot, the indoor exhibit area and different from most other bus gath- graphics package. C2045 from its “YO!” curbside Museum President Tom Col- the nearby George M. Sage Me- erings where many of the coaches Greyhound Lines displayed a operation. lins noted that participation in one morial Annex. The annex is used are converted motorhomes. Prevost X3-45 configured in Grey- MCI operators, Capital Area of the fling’s other activities, the to maintain the museum antique Wolf’s Bus Lines of York Springs, hound’s classic-look, two-tone blue Transit System of Harrisburg, Pa., bus memorabilia flea market, was bus fleet and store buses not on the Pa., provided shuttle service between livery, three-point seatbelts, Wi-Fi and Delaware Express of Newark, up nearly 10 percent from last exhibit floor. the museum and the annex. Wolf’s and 110-volt outlets, providing a Del., brought a D4505 and J4500, year. Most of the vehicles on display has offered the service for a number visual reminder of how far motor- respectively. Driver injured chasing passenger, wins worker’s comp claim MILWAUKEE — A driver for a compa- surgically repaired and caused a 5 percent never leave his seat unless to help a disabled returned to his seat and continued to drive ny that employs drivers for the public transit permanent partial disability at the left ankle passenger or defend himself from danger, the bus,” according to the opinion. system here is entitled to worker’s compen- and right knee. should have a safety shield up, and should “Milwaukee Transport argues that the sation after he injured his ankle and knee Bracey, who had worked for the compa- not confront passengers. deviation was substantial…and points out while chasing an abusive passenger, the ny for 17 years at the time of the incident in However, the state Labor Industry Re- that Bracey admitted he was not going after Wisconsin Court of Appeals has ruled. January 2010, sought worker’s compensa- view Commission and a circuit judge sided the spitting passenger to collect a fare or to The company, Milwaukee Transport Ser- tion for lost wages, medical expenses and with Bracey. The appeals court deferred to benefit the bus company. vices Inc., argued that driver Isaac Bracey permanent disability. the commission’s decision. “Milwaukee Transport thus argues that had abandoned his work duties when he Milwaukee Transport, which employs “Although Bracey broke rules by chas- Bracey ‘abandoned’ his work duties…and chased the man, who had spit on Bracey and drivers for Milwaukee County Transit Sys- ing the unruly passenger, what Bracey did, the deviation would have been much longer used a racial slur when told his transfer tick- tem, refused the claim. as the commission found, was impulsive, if Bracey had not fallen. The commission’s et had expired and asked to leave the bus. An administrative law judge ruled momentary, and an insubstantial deviation determination to the contrary was, under the During the brief chase, Bracey fell and against the driver because he broke several — it was a fleeting, knee-jerk reaction pro- circumstances of this case, entirely reason- tore tendons in both legs, which had to be company rules, which state a driver should voked by an unruly passenger. Bracey then able. Thus, we affirm.”

ISSUE NO. 241 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours Randleman, N.C. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Michael Neustadt the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Coach Tours Brookfield, Conn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Jeff Polzien Red Carpet Charters [email protected] Staff Advisory Board Oklahoma City Fax: (405) 942-6201 Existing advertisers, or to submit William Allen Callen Hotard Tom Ready Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel Ready Bus Lines advertising materials: Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (866) 930-8421 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Larry Hundt Brian Scott E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Dan Shoup subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Cardinal Buses Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. E-mail: Middlebury, Ind. [email protected] Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron Dennis Strief To contact the Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Caseyville, Ill. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Call: (800) 424-8262 Thomas Foley Joan Libby Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Transportation Insurance Brokers Cavalier Coach Trailways Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 North Oaks, Minn. Boston, Mass. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange Gladys Gillis Marcia Milton T. Ralph Young ©2013 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Starline Luxury Coaches First Priority Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Seattle District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. 11Bus &July Motorcoach 1, 2013 News OPINION Bus &July Motorcoach 1, 2013 News11 Are rising compliance costs re-regulating the industry? By Dave Millhouser well as human resources, and envi- petitors, but they drive you to do a learn the answers to a test, rather transportation ronmental gurus over the revenue better job, and bring creativity to than understanding the material. for the A pig and a chicken were from 5 to 10 coaches? an industry that sorely needs it. We The real connection seems to disabled). strolling down a country lane when The net effect of the avalanche need agile new entrants and small be between the 24-hour news cycle Tyrone they saw a homeless family camp- of regulation will be to gradually companies to attract people to and politicians’ and bureaucrats’ was a perfec- ing in a field. eliminate small and midsize opera- coach travel. need to appear relevant. tionist, and Said the pig: “We should try tors. It will become increasingly Does anyone think, for a min- Some of our problems are self every coach and do something nice for those difficult to survive without being ute, that the legacy carriers would inflicted. that came out large, and able to multitask (like be doing the innovative things they We’re not presenting a unified of the garage unfortunate folks.” Dave Millhouser Replied the chicken: “Great combining commuter runs with are right now, if the dreaded “curb- face to either the government or he managed idea. How about we treat them to a local charters and transfers). side carriers” hadn’t developed an the public. was perfect. The problem was that ham-and-egg breakfast?’ What happens next is that, with entirely new paradigm and market. We’ve failed to convince folks the company he worked for sold Stunned silent for a moment, fewer coaches available, the public In the regulatory world…“Quis that our service is really valuable used buses, and just couldn’t af- the pig pointed out: “HEY, for you is driven (pun intended) back into custodiet ipsos custodes?” (Who (so we can afford to deal with all ford to make them “perfect” (that’s that’s a sacrifice, but for me it’s a automobiles, which are far more will watch the watchmen?)…And those mandates). We aren’t quite why used coaches cost less than total commitment!” dangerous and polluting than even you thought I didn’t know Latin. as safe as we used to be. new). It’s always easy (and safe) to the worst buses. We have the specter of compa- I’m for safety, a clean environ- When he couldn’t break the commit someone else to a worthy In effect, the industry is be- nies being shut down immediately ment and equal opportunity for the habit of perfection, management cause. coming, de facto, regulated. If after getting “satisfactory” Com- disabled. I travel on the same roads had to let Tyrone go. Nobody would fault the goals you’re one of the large carriers, pliance Review ratings, with poli- as buses, breathe air and have high Voltaire said: “The perfect is of the current abundance of regu- this may seem to be a good thing. ticians and bureaucrats suggesting hopes of getting old and infirm. the enemy of the good.” lations and enforcement raining The cost of compliance is a pain draconian solutions to problems The problem is that, in an ef- He said it in French, but I’m down on the motorcoach industry. for you, but fatal to smaller that are either smaller or very dif- fort to make things perfect, people pretty sure his point is that if you Golly, it’s about safety, envi- competitors. ferent than what they claim. who have no “hands-on” experi- try too hard for perfection, either ronment and service levels. All There are two problems with Take a look at: www.openmar- ence, and no stake in the coach in- nothing gets done…or you slide good. that scenario (probably more, but ket.org/2013/05/09/governments- dustry, are burying us in rules that backwards. The problem is the unintended I’m not that smart). chinatown-bus-shutdowns-based- are marginally effective at reach- It’s particularly ugly if those consequences. Complying costs a First, have we forgotten the on-statistical-malpractice/. ing their worthy goals. demanding excellence have no lot of money, and small companies fate of the private transit proper- There is not, as yet, a clear They will have moved on be- skin in the game, or even any idea don’t enjoy the economies of scale ties, virtually all now swallowed connection between what FMCSA fore the consequences are mani- how the game is played. the big guys do. up by government agencies? This is measuring and safety. Compa- fest, leaving a much smaller indus- Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry How do you spread the cost of is not an identical situation, but nies find it necessary to work the try (with more people killed in marketing consultant and freelance a safety director, administrator for there are plenty of parallels. system, rather than concentrate on automobile accidents, more pollu- writer. Contact him by email at: ADA training and paperwork, as Second, you may not love com- safe practices, like students who tion and less access to intercity [email protected]. 12 July 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Hurricane preparations for emergency work. there. They will print a QR code “We invested in a new commu- they can take to an express check- Best Tours’ Nick Sayah dies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 nications truck. Last year, a state in line and we won’t have to write 10 years. We certainly have made was a little frustrated with us be- up their information.” FRESNO, Calif. — Nick W. slowed in recent years. progress.” cause we couldn’t e-mail reports A QR (Quick Response) Code Sayah, an immigrant from Leba- Mr. Sayah’s family attributed Newton said SEEVAC repre- out. We are more self-sufficient in is the square, dot-matrix barcode non who studied to become a civil his business success to his insis- sents companies with approxi- that area,” Sherman said. seen on many products and adver- engineer but combined a love of tence on a standard of quality ser- mately 4,400 coaches. The truck, based on a Chevro- tisements. The code can be read by travel and joy of helping others to vice, plus a commitment to safety, “They are predicting quite a few let Suburban, was designed by the an optical scanner. found a motorcoach company, good maintenance and people. storms (this year). Whether that Red Cross and carries a satellite “We are trying to do a lot of the died last month. He was 65. “He always had an open-door transpires or not we will have to dish and a 35-foot radio mast with work in advance. When you have a Mr. Sayah started Best Tours policy,” said a family member. see, but we have plans to be ready a camera mount. couple of hundred buses to check & Travel here in 1978 and grew “He would never turn away a to accommodate any need that aris- “The satellite dish goes up and in, it can take days. We have gotten the company to be the largest friend, employee, client or es,” said Newton, owner of Newton finds its own signal. It also gives it down to close to two minutes coach operator in Fresno and Cali- stranger.” Bus Service in Gloucester, Va. us a wireless internet signal that each. If they have the QR code, we fornia’s Central Valley. Mr. Sayah was born in Leba- When called in for storm evac- we are told will work up to a half- will just need to check their driver’s Specializing in California non in 1948 and nearly completed uations or supplementing post- mile away,” he said. license and then they go through a Wine Country and family-friendly a degree in civil engineering be- storm transportation services, SE- safety check and get in line with the tours, runs to Las Vegas and char- fore leaving school to marry. EVAC members may work directly Feeding drivers other vehicles to get their directions ters, Best Tours expanded to a He is survived by his wife, with state governments or with Another shortcoming of recent and driver welfare stuff.” fleet of 35 coaches but had down- Margaret; son Adeeh, and daugh- Transportation Management Ser- evacuation responses, due to cur- TMS also has added automa- sized to 30 buses as the economy ters Jasmine, Nicole and Nadine. vices (TMS), which coordinates fews and storm damage affecting tion to its invoicing and payment activity are expected to come to- “This year, oceanic and atmo- emergency transportation assis- local businesses, has been meal systems, Sherman said. gether to produce an active or ex- spheric conditions in the Atlantic tance for the Federal Emergency service for bus drivers. “We want operators from Texas tremely active 2013 hurricane sea- basin are expected to produce more Management Administration and “We now have a caterer who and up the East Coast to make sure son. They are: and stronger hurricanes,” said several southeastern states. will travel with us. Feeding the they have a contract in with us. If they • A continuation of the atmo- Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal TMS, headquartered in Sandy drivers has been difficult because already have a contract they should spheric climate pattern, which in- hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Spring, Md., has contracts with we know where we are going to have been sent a yearly addendum. cludes a strong West African mon- Climate Prediction Center. “four or five” states, which com- stage but we don’t know where we “We want to make sure all the soon, that is responsible for the “These conditions include pany CEO Frank Sherman de- will send the drivers. That could be contracts and insurance papers are ongoing era of high activity for weaker wind shear, warmer Atlan- clines to identify. 25 places,” said Sherman. done so all we have to do is say Atlantic hurricanes that began in tic waters and conducive wind pat- “A lot of states don’t have con- Driver check-in at staging areas ‘How many buses do you want to 1995; terns coming from Africa. tracts with us but they have our also is being automated to speed send us?’ We are getting faster and • Warmer-than-average water “NOAA’s seasonal hurricane phone number and if they need us the process, he said. faster in paying the guys.” temperatures in the tropical Atlan- outlook is not a hurricane landfall they will call.” tic Ocean and Caribbean Sea; and forecast; it does not predict how Sherman said TMS personnel “Bus companies will be given a NOAA 2013 predictions • El Niño is not expected to de- many storms will hit land or where spent the off-season improving website where they can tell us Three climate factors that velop and suppress hurricane a storm will strike,” the agency company equipment and systems which drivers and buses will be strongly control Atlantic hurricane formation. adds.

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Call 866-930-8421 or email changes to: [email protected] Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2013 13 Sculptures mark New Orleans hurricane evacuation sites NEW ORLANS — It has been rides to safety. ty buses and taken to Union Pacif- nearly eight years since this city While the sculptures serve a ic Terminal bus station for trans- was decimated by Hurricane practical and possibly life-saving port to state and federal shelters. Katrina. purpose, they also are considered Private motorcoaches, con- Roughly $8 billion has been public art and the $200,000 cost tracted for by Louisiana state gov- spent during those years hardening was paid by the Arts Council of ernment, will transport the evacu- the area’s infrastructure against fu- New Orleans, the city’s official arts ees to inland shelters. ture storms and flooding. agency, and Evacuteer.org, a post- Plaques mounted on the leg of Additionally, the city has trained Katrina philanthropic organization each stick figure carry the mes- more than 300 volunteers to help founded to help support the New sage that the location is a “city as- keep residents aware of the threat Orleans Office of Homeland Secu- sisted evacuation pick-up point” from hurricanes and to assure fu- rity and Emergency Preparedness. and that evacuees are allowed to ture evacuations go smoothly. Installation of the stick figures bring one carry-on bag, whose Included in the preparation began one day before the official combined dimensions can be no ­effort has been the designation of start of the 2013 hurricane season, more than 45 inches; no alcohol; 17 locations across the city as on June 1, with completion of the no weapons, and dogs on leashes. Evacuspots. program expected by the end of Eighty artists from across the At 15 of the evacuation sites, June. country competed to win the com- giant stainless steel stick figures “Considering the logistical mission to design the evacuation have just been erected, providing chaos that followed Hurricane Ka- beacons. an easily-understood symbol for trina and the levee failures, well- An official with the Arts Coun- residents (and visitors) – hey, this marked evacuation sites could be a cil said the competition was is a place where you come if you blessing,” opined a New Orleans opened to all artists because the need transportation out of the city. newspaper writer. 2005 Katrina storm and flood was The sites where the figures The stick figures were de- viewed as a nationwide event. have been installed include parks, signed by Massachusetts artist Kornfeld said his simple, senior and community centers, Douglas Kornfeld to represent an hailing-a-cab design was done high schools, libraries, Ys and individual hailing a cab, with one purposely. N.O. Mayor Mitch Landrieu mimics the evacuation stick figure. shopping centers. Two locations arm raised. “I didn’t want to create some- “During the middle of my pitch beads from floats during Mardi use conventional signage because “If you need transportation, you thing threatening or anxiety pro- to the jury,” he told an interviewer, Gras.’” of space limitations. raise your hand,” said Kornfeld. ducing,” he explained. “when I was presenting my design, “That was the moment I went, In the event of a citywide hur- In the event of an evacuation, Kornfeld believes the up- someone interrupted me and said, ‘I won the competition,’” Kornfeld ricane evacuation order, the 14- individuals gathered at the Evacu­ stretched arm won him the job, but ‘Well, that gesture of hailing a cab said, “because it’s quintessentially foot sculptures will mark gather- spots will be picked up by New not, perhaps, for the reason he is the same gesture people do when New Orleans, but it’s also univer- ing sites for those seeking bus Orleans Regional Transit Authori- expected. they want someone to throw them sal to everybody.” 14 July 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Operation Quick Strike spected were placed out of service and 69 ve- FMCSA continued: “However, the most operation of unsafe motorcoaches. hicle defects were discovered,” the order stated. egregious example of Midnight Express’ “Instead of conducting an annual in- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In addition to mechanical violations, of- utter disregard for safety is reflected in your spection of its motorcoach, Destiny Tours get back behind the wheel. ficials cited the company for failing to over- complete failure to establish a system of falsified the annual inspection certification. The latest round of closures brings to 14 see driver behavior. equipment inspection, maintenance and re- …The inspection revealed the motorcoach the number of operators shutdown by the “Lucky Star has no system for monitor- pair – especially with regard to passenger had nine mechanical violations, including feds since April 1, when more than 50 spe- ing and tracking drivers’ hours of service safety. Midnight Express has no preventative two out-of-service violations.” cially trained safety investigators began and does not require its drivers to complete maintenance program. No records are main- As for driver screening, “Destiny Tours conducting in-depth probes of high-risk records of duty status. Lucky Star fails to tained of required minimum maintenance.” fails to monitor and ensure that its drivers passenger carriers, according to the agency. test drivers for controlled substances before In the days following the accident, the comply with drivers’ hours-of-service re- In addition to Lucky Star, several of the allowing them to perform safety-sensitive Kansas Highway Patrol conducted a Level 1 quirements, drivers’ records-of-duty re- 21 companies sidelined so far this year by functions,” the order said. inspection of the accident vehicle, a 21-­ quirements, and drivers’ controlled sub- the FMCSA operated discount curbside bus Inspectors found that five of six drivers passenger 1999 Ford cutaway, and found stances and alcohol use and testing service from New York City’s Chinatown. sampled exceeded the maximum driving that “the emergency exit windows were requirements,” the order states. They include Ming An, Anglemoarge Ser- hours on multiple occasions, with several blocked by vehicle seats that had been ro- “Although Destiny Tours claims it has vices, and Fung Wah Transportation, the na- driving more than 10 hours regularly. tated 90 degrees so that seatbacks were ar- only one driver, FMCSA’s investigation re- tion’s best-known of the so-called “China- In addition, the company disregarded ranged parallel to and blocking the emer- vealed the company has used two additional town buses.” out-of-service orders placed on two drivers gency exit windows,” the order stated. drivers during the past year. During 2012, In addition, the agency shut down three deemed unable to communicate in English, Federal inspectors later found the vehi- Destiny Tours failed to send any drivers for other Chinatown operators in a highly publi- the order continued. cle’s “rear emergency exit window is random controlled substances and alcohol cized roundup a year ago. “With the assistance of an interpreter, blocked by an ice box apparatus; the release testing.” The Chinatown buses are credited with re- FMCSA discovered that neither driver re- latch is jammed and inoperable.…The Kan- The company’s out-of-service order is at vitalizing the scheduled-service market in the ceived any English communication training sas Highway Patrol’s inspection report also www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/about/ northeastern U.S. after 9/11, and their sidelin- since being ordered out of service. Lucky demonstrates the only onboard fire extin- news/2013DestinyTours.pdf. ing would appear to clear the way for rivals, Star falsified both of the inspection certifi- guisher was fully discharged, and it was last including Peter Pan and Greyhound bus lines, cations on the driver/vehicle inspection re- recharged in 2004. Advanced isn’t which jointly operate YO!, a line offering ser- ports that all of the violations were correct- “There are no bus emergency exit mark- Three-year-old Advanced Ventures, which vice from Manhattan’s Chinatown. ed when, in fact, it had taken no steps to ings, no posted operating instructions, and lists Khalid Hafeez as owner and Rumman “There is no higher priority than safety,” ensure the drivers could communicate in no bus standee line or notice to stand behind Zaheer as CEO, was shutdown June 12. said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray La- English,” the document stated. the required line while the bus was in mo- The company was targeted for investiga- Hood in a press release about the Lucky Star Further, it stated, a review of the com- tion. Midnight Express operates the motor- tion after two of its BASICs scores — 87.6 closure. “Bus and truck companies must pany’s GPS records and speed reports re- coach with no brake pedal reserve, meaning percent in Unsafe Driving and 89.8 percent comply with federal safety regulations, which vealed that eight out of eight drivers sam- the brake pedal goes to the floor when de- in the Hours-of-Service Compliance — rose protect every traveler on our highways and pled exceeded the maximum speed limit on pressed,” the order continued. well above satisfactory levels. roads. Companies that disregard the safety numerous occasions. “The engine exhaust system leaks from According to the order, FMCSA inspec- rules will not be allowed to operate.” “Forty-four records were sampled and beneath the passenger compartment,” it stat- tors surveyed five company buses, placed 40 instances of drivers failing to comply ed. “These violations…substantially in- two of them out of service, and noted a total Lucky Star extinguished with the speed limits were discovered; this crease the likelihood of serious injury or of 39 vehicle defects. They said company With 21 coaches, the largest company by amounts to a violation rate of (more than) 90 death to Midnight Express’ drivers, passen- officials had falsified three periodic annual far in the latest shutdowns was Lucky Star, percent. This pattern substantially increases gers and the motoring public.” inspections and possessed a stolen inspec- operated by Edward Leung, president; Al- the likelihood of a crash causing death or in- Interestingly, the Midnight Express Ford tion sticker. bert Leung, vice president; Maria Wong, as- jury,” the FMCSA concluded. F-450 cutaway was sold three and a half “Advanced Ventures’ Fleet Manager, sistant secretary, and Qiao M. Chen, opera- Lucky Star owner Edward Leung was re- years ago in a state of Kansas surplus equip- Rumman Zaheer, told investigators he paid tions manager. portedly taken by surprise by the shutdown. ment auction for $2,200. cash to a mechanic at a local vehicle repair “The carrier was identified for investi- “It happened so suddenly, I’m shocked,” It previously had been operated as a facility. However, the mechanic denied con- gation after having two BASICS in alert at he told the Boston Globe before referring shuttle in Fort Scott, Kan., and at the time it ducting the inspections. Mr. Zaheer then ad- the time of assignment,” the order stated. the reporter to an attorney. was sold had more than 105,000 miles on mitted he filled out the annual inspection “Lucky Star had an 85.7 percent in the Un- The company’s imminent hazard out-of- the odometer and a number of problems, in- sheets,” the order stated. safe Driving BASIC and a 44.8 percent in service order can be found at www.fmcsa.dot. cluding a bad ignition. “FMCSA investigators also discovered the Hours of Service Compliance BASIC.” gov/documents/about/news/2013/LuckyStar.pdf. The out-of-service order for the company that Advanced Ventures was issued a ticket BASICs, which is short for Behavior is posted at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/ by the Fairfax (Va.) Police Department for Analysis Safety Improvement Categories, Lights out at Midnight about/news/2013MidnightExpress.pdf. possessing a Virginia state inspection ticket are key elements of the FMCSA Compli- Midnight Express of Olathe, Kan., came that did not belong to Advanced Ventures’ ance, Safety, Accountability safety rankings under scrutiny following a fatal accident in Destiny disdains safety bus,” according to the order. and enforcement system. In its investiga- early May. The first operator shut down in June was Further, the carrier was cited for its re- tion, the FMCSA determined that Lucky A subsequent FMCSA Compliance Re- two-year-old Destiny Tours. peated failure to oversee and monitor its Star’s “near around-the-clock” dispatch view found the company had failed to file a During its investigation, the FMCSA drivers. schedule led to its failure to keep up with the Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form discovered Destiny Tours was owned by “Random controlled substance and alco- inspection, repair and maintenance of its MCS-150, which had allowed it to operate Cornelius Scott, and not Frances Fleming, hol testing was not conducted at the appli- fleet, the order stated. without oversight by either state or federal the name listed on the company USDOT cable annual rate in 2012. This is the third “Investigators discovered that Lucky Star’s agencies, and did not carry the $5 million in registration. time in three consecutive years this has oc- motorcoaches broke down on 80 separate oc- liability insurance required of passenger Further, the order noted that Scott “has a curred, evidencing Advance Ventures’ will- casions between New York City and Boston carriers, according to the document. history of operating in an unsafe manner,” ingness to allow on the road untested driv- from May 5, 2012, through May 22, 2013. “As the members of Midnight Express, and that his previous company, Happy Tours ers,” the order stated. The breakdowns involved more than 10 Adam Breidenthal, Derrick Hansroth and LLC, “also operated without the required Like the other companies shut down, Ad- of Lucky Star’s 21 coaches, “some of them Edward Goetz are responsible for the com- operating authority.” vanced Ventures was notified of the steps it simultaneously,” according to the document. plete breakdown of safety oversight and “Destiny Tours could not provide must take before it can request the order be “For example, on Dec. 27, 2012, three of management,” according to the filing. FMCSA investigators any evidence showing rescinded. The steps include an explanation Lucky Star’s motorcoaches brokedown, and The review found the company’s “opera- that its motorcoach had ever been inspected, of the causes for noncompliance, a detailed on Feb. 17, 2013, two broke down. These tions fail to comply with driver qualification repaired and/or maintained as required by action plan to correct each area of noncom- break downs caused passengers to have to requirements in virtually every respect. federal safety regulations,” the order states. pliance, a written commitment to comply disembark along the highway and at un- Midnight Express has no driver qualifica- The FMCSA reported the company’s with safety regulations, and a certification of scheduled stop areas.” tion files and does not maintain the required compliance with federal safety regulations the safety management plan to be executed Inspectors also found a motorcoach driver applications, copies of drivers’ medi- and record-keeping requirements “is almost by all company owners and officers. with a 4-by-2-foot hole in the floor and sig- cal cards, responses to previous employer nonexistent. Destiny Tours does not have a The company’s out-of-service order is nificant frame damage. inquiries, or driver driving histories,” the systematic vehicle inspection, repair, and posted at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/ “In total, four out of six motorcoaches in- order stated. maintenance program in place to prevent the about/news/2013AdvancedVentures.pdf. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2013 15 ABC Cos., IBP Industries sign distribution agreement WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — IBP parts and components in in Apopka, Fla., is a leading de- “Our exclusive partnership natural fit. ABC Companies and IBP Indus- North America. signer and fabricator of body com- (with IBP) greatly enhances the “ABC’s North American pres- tries have signed an agreement The deal gives ABC sole distri- ponents for the motorcoach and ABC Parts business capability – ence and established distribution under which ABC will distribute bution rights to IBP exterior bus transit bus markets. The company significantly expanding inventory network broaden both our supply components, which includes a has been engineering and produc- levels of body parts, which will be chains and give ABC customers wide variety of body parts for such ing bus body parts for 26 years. made available under the ABC Se- more convenience and access to BoltBus accord major coach and bus brands as “This is an important strategic lect Parts offerings.” the body components they require MCI, GILLIG, Prevost, Van Hool initiative for ABC and our custom- Al Runfola, founder and CEO for all makes and models.” is terminated on and others. ers,” said Dane Cornell, chairman of IBP, said the company’s ar- Additional product releases are NY Long Island IBP Industries, which is based and CEO of ABC. rangement with ABC was “a very expected as a result of the deal. BOHEMIA, N.Y. — The li- censing arrangement that had Bo- hemia-based Classic Coach/ Schoolman Transportation operat- ing BoltBus curbside service on Long Island has lasted six months. It was revealed last month that the agreement between Classic See. Learn. Meet. Connect. Coach/Schoolman and Grey- hound/Peter Pan lines, which oper- ate BoltBus throughout the north- eastern U.S., was ending. Classic Coach/Schoolman, which launched the licensed Bolt- Bus service on Long Island early this year, has rebranded the opera- tion as 7Bus. Michael Schoolman, who managed the Long Island-to-Man- hattan BoltBus, told a Long Island business publication that Classic Coach decided to drop the licens- ing agreement with Greyhound to be able to expand the service. “We had a really good relation- ship with them,” Schoolman said of BoltBus. “We just wanted to offer more than their systems allowed, like commuter passes, intra-island travel and tourism packages. So we came out with our own brand.” The 7Bus name relates to the amount — $7 — most commuters will pay for a seat on one of the buses. Schoolman told the Long Is- land publication that 7Bus would use the same buses and drivers as the BoltBus operation. Additionally, identical routes will be run with the same frequen- cy, although a stop will added in Southampton. Schoolman said the Southamp- ton stop will be one of the tie-ins for 7Bus tourism packages, which could include outings to the beach and winery tours. In addition, under the revamped system, intra- island travel from Melville to Southampton, for example, also will be possible, he said. 7Bus is adding two stops in New York City as well. Riders will TION be able to be picked up at 47th REGISTRA Street and Lexington Avenue and dropped off at 47th Street and 3rd IS NOW OPEN! Avenue. The service currently stops on Third Avenue at 40th and 59th streets. February 16 - 20, 2014 | Los Angeles, CA BoltBus was launched by www.motorcoachexpo.com Greyhound and Peter Pan five years ago to compete with mega- bus.com and the so-called China- town curbside operators. 16 July 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Coach companies with tour units may want to make Contact UMA Chairman Bill Allen has ing your motorcoach operations tour industry through educational relationships with tour operators,” Safety Seminar set issued an invitation to UMA mem- with tour planning services, or programming and making connec- said Allen. UMA has announced that its bers to join him at NTA’s tour op- looking to build on your already tions with potential partners Contact attendees also are in- 10th annual Safety Management erator retreat, known as Contact, existing tour business, Contact is through networking opportunities. vited to participate in pre- and Seminar will be Dec. 4-5, at the being held Aug. 15-17 on the Big an intimate meeting designed to “I’ve often heard it said, in re- post-familiarization tours, as well NTSB Training Center in Ash- Island of Hawaii. foster those kind of conversations gard to being successful in the mo- as local sightseeing. burn, Va. NTA was formerly called Na- and partnerships,” said Allen. torcoach industry, that ‘it’s all To find out more about Contact Registration and program in- tional Tour Association. Contact enables attendees to about relationships’; Contact is a or to register, go to www.ntaonline. formation will be available in “If you’re thinking of expand- broaden their knowledge of the great place to start to build those com. Look for the Quick Links. mid-September. Martz tourney benefits effort Take YOUR Business to the to fight cancer WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — For nearly 30 years, the Martz Group, Next Level one of the nation’s best-known mo- torcoach operators, has sponsored a fund-raising golf tournament here as a community service. Scott Henry, president of Martz Trailways, launched the tournament in 1984 to benefit the health and well being of many in his home region. Henry had friends or relatives who had been afflicted with can- cer. So, he latched onto the idea of an annual golf outing, with pro- ceeds from players, hole sponsors and prize donors going to the Wy- oming Valley Chapter of the Amer- ican Cancer Society. The money raised would be kept local to benefit the people of the region. Over the years, the Martz/ American Cancer Society Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million for the local cancer society. This year’s tournament, which carries on the tradition, will be Monday, Aug. 26, at Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Country Club. Anyone who is interested in participating as a player or sponsor can do so by contacting Crystal Posten of Martz at (570) 821-3860. The tournament will have a 12:30 p.m. shot-gun start and fea- ture a barbecue lunch, cocktail hour, dinner and awards for golfers. Prizes will include champion awards in all flights, gifts for all With two tracks of learning—the Clarence Cornell participants, closest-to-the-line School of Business and the Motorcoach Operator prizes for men and women, closest- to-the-pin prizes on all par three Program—the Bus & Motorcoach Academy will holes, and a chance to win a new car with a hole in one. help you, and your employees, increase your There are six categories of sponsorships: Individual player, business and operational knowledge... $250; foursome, $850; hole spon- taking your business to the next level. sor, $450; tournament champion, $2,000; ACS/Martz champion, $2,500, and ACS Champion, $5,000 and up. Summer semester begins July 9th—visit www.uma.org/academy to learn more. “It’s a fun day for all and the best part is everyone knows they are helping out to make the cure Click. Learn. Succeed. for cancer one step closer,” said Henry. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS July 1, 2013 17 Oklahoma tornadoes hit employees of Red Carpet Charters OKLAHOMA CITY — Two service pit if it got to us,” Polzien their cars and all their worldly pos- Within two weeks, Red Carpet the next tornado season I think employees of Red Carpet Charters said. “That one passed six miles sessions. They are staying with was “pretty much back to normal,” we’re going to get auxiliary gen- in Oklahoma City lost their homes south of us.” relatives while the company and he said. erators so we can at least run our and autos — “everything” — to However, “that one hit two of employees are pitching in to help “We have had some charter phones and computers if the power the tornadoes that struck the area our employees’ houses. They lost them out.” cancellations but not many. Before goes out.” in late May and a third employee had to evacuate his flooded home. The company’s main office re- ceived minor debris damage in the massive tornado that struck on the last day of May. Buildings right across the street from Red Carpet’s facilities suffered major wind and water damage. The May 31 category-five tor- nado that killed 22 people devas- I am tated the Oklahoma City suburb of El Reno, but it dissipated just as it approached Red Carpet’s location. It still had enough punch, how- UMA ever, to take out dozens of utility poles, tear off roofs of commercial buildings and do other damage. It arrived on a Friday evening, when Red Carpet’s coaches had left the yard for weekend runs. The company was without electricity for four days, said owner Jeff Polzien. “We saw the storm when it was Join the Club. west of Oklahoma City and we evacuated the building. We are liter- ally across the street from some se- provides programs and benefits to help your business succeed, but it also rious damage,” he said. “A little bit UMA membership of our perimeter fence was downed provides so much more. UMA members are a community of motorcoach operators and some debris hit a company car and knocked out a window. We did who can learn from each other, share experiences with each other and help each other lose our electrical power.” in times of need. Red Carpet’s Oklahoma City location, near Interstate 40, is the company’s central dispatch base. If you’re not already a UMA member, don’t miss out on these valuable relationships— “We were using flashlights and dispatching with cell phones,” said join the club today. Polzien. “We found people who had electricity at home who went there to print schedules and brought them back. “Our company wanted to thank UMA and all of its resources. When it came time for us to “Our shop mechanics couldn’t increase our fleet, and add insurance and benefits, our UMA membership really paid off use some of their tools and our wash bay was not working. We just and we were able to reach out to our UMA partners to help us with our needs.” did the best we could. “We were really busy that — Ray Sargoni, President weekend, but we got everything handled. It was pretty amazing.” Gray Line of San Francisco, San Jose & Monterey Red Carpet’s staff watched the UMA member since 2007 May 20 tornado on a television set in the service department. The EF-5 storm peaked at 1.3 miles in width and packed winds estimated at 210 miles per hour. That was the tornado that de- stroyed whole neighborhoods in Moore, Okla., which is directly south of Red Carpet’s location. “We were all going to get in the To place a Classified Ad, call Visit www.uma.org to learn more about UMA or to join, or contact us at 800.424.8262! 866-930-8426 18 July 1, 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Incremental fees said he would be reluctant to imple- revenue” from each passenger by the ually, and together with their branded credit or debit cards in the ment service charges as eagerly as end of this year. respective member banks, violated U.S. between Jan. 1, 2004, and Nov. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the airlines have done. Such schemes will not fly on the the anti-trust laws…because they 28, 2012.” consideration. “I would not be inclined to add motorcoach highway, Neustadt imposed and enforced rules that lim- The settlement also would allow “We have implemented add-in any extra charges for services that my argues. ited merchants from steering their merchants, under their credit card fees, which have made a positive ef- customers have come to expect from “Many airlines have been getting customers to other payment meth- agreements, to charge customers an fect on the bottom line. We charge a me. That said, we do charge the cus- away with so many extra charges be- ods,” says the notice of class action extra fee for using credit cards or fuel fee, an environmental fee and a tomer separately for the driver’s room cause there is very little competition settlement posted on the district offer discounts to customers who use cleaning fee on top of our regular on overnight trips and for the gratuity. on most routes. Even though the court’s web site. forms of payment that are less expen- charter rates. And we specify that any bus permits customer is upset with being nick- “Visa and MasterCard conspired sive to the merchant. “The fuel fee is a percentage of or parking charges for locations that eled and dimed to death, they have together about some of the business the charter based on our actual fuel are not listed in the original quote no choice,” he said. practices challenged (and) caused Lots of unhappiness costs. The cleaning fee is $35 and will be added.” “The charter bus industry is very the merchants to pay excessive fees Various news reports in recent the environmental fee is $15. That In addition to bag-check fees different. I have a dozen or more for accepting Visa and MasterCard weeks have listed dozens of major helps defray the environmental costs ($3.5 billion) and reservation- competitors in every market I serve. cards.” retailers, trade association and state we are charged, as well as the costs change fees ($2.6 billion), airlines I want my customers to love my “After seven years of extensive attorneys general that have submit- associated with our facilities’ costs, also charge extra for extra legroom, company not just because I am the litigation,” the court notice states, ted court briefs rejecting the pro- such as water testing. We have a lot meals and the privilege of skipping cheapest today but because we offer “The court has not decided which posed settlement because it would of expenses in this area with mainte- security lines. the best service.” side was wrong, or if any laws were not prevent Visa and MasterCard nance, fueling, washing and dump- Delta Airlines earned $865.9 violated. Instead, both sides agreed from continuing to wield market ing buses.” million solely from baggage fees, an Credit Card Surcharges? to settle the case to avoid the cost dominance to set or raise swipe fees. average of $7.44 per passenger, USA Credit card swipe fees, a cost and risk of trial and appeals that “This is an empty settlement. It Hold on a minute Today reported. An internal newslet- that nibbles profits, are on trial in a would follow a trial.” fails to address the price fixing that Michael Neustadt of Coach ter at United Airlines described a $7-billion anti-trust lawsuit working harms merchants and their custom- Tours Ltd., in Brookfield, Conn., goal of earning $19.29 in “ancillary its way through the U.S. District Laws are road block ers,” said Mallory Duncan, senior Court for the Eastern District of Current credit card merchant vice president and general counsel New York. The court is considering a agreements and laws in some states of the National Retail Federation. negotiated settlement that seems to prohibit businesses from passing the A “Fairness Hearing” on the be acceptable only to Visa and Mas- interchange fees on to customers proposed settlement is set for Sept. terCard, the defendants in the suit. who use credit cards. 12 in the U.S. District Court. Re- Credit card swipe fees, 1 to 2 “We don’t charge credit card gardless of its final determination, percent of a total sale, could be fees and I certainly would like to,” merchants in many states still will be skimming $20 off of revenue from a said Autumn Dipert Brown of Dan prevented from surcharging credit typical motorcoach charter. Dipert Coaches in Arlington, Texas, card companies because of state The credit card swipe fee lawsuit who is following the anti-trust suit. laws. was filed in 2005 by merchants and “The fees can be pretty steep — Ten states already ban credit card trade associations that contend Visa, about 2 percent on total sales. Close surcharges and 18 states are consider- Model Year Make Eng/Trans Price MasterCard and their affiliated to 60 percent of our total revenue is ing such legislation, according to the DL 1999 MCI Det/Allison $69,000 banks engage in anti-competitive paid by credit card,” she said. “We American Banker newspaper. “Mer- 102C3 1992 MCI Det/Allison $19,000 practices in setting “interchange would rather be paid by credit card chants fiercely opposed the bills be- fees” added to each credit card sale than not be paid at all, but it is a cost cause, if passed, their options for re- T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 accepted by a retailer or other we have to bear.” covering income lost to interchange T2145 2005 VanHool Cummins/Allison $163,000 business. She said the ballpark figure for a would be limited,” the paper stated. “The lawsuit is about claims that multi-day charter package in her The report quoted David Vite, C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 merchants paid excessive fees to ac- part of the country could range from president of the Illinois Retail Mer- C-2000 2002 VanHool Cummins/Allison $115,000 cept Visa and MasterCard cards be- $900 to $1,200 per day, placing the chants Association: “This is simply T2145 2000 VanHool Cummins/Allison $98,000 cause Visa and MasterCard individ- fee for that 2-percent surcharge at a way to hide the fact that Visa and $18 to $24 daily. MasterCard charge exorbitantly 102A3 1990 MCI Det/Allison $16,000 Academy/Conway Because merchants are not per- high prices.” DOT Inspected 47-57 Passenger Location: Clio, MI mitted to surcharge credit card cus- American Banker listed states CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 tomers, the cost must be absorbed now banning surcharges as Califor- For Pictures go to ‘Pappy’ Conway, with a single bus across all customers. “Those who nia, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, to serve the town’s schoolchildren. don’t pay by credit card are paying a Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New www.UsedBusDeals.com During the 1950s, the company portion off the fees for the others York, Oklahoma and Texas. grew when Eugene Conway, now who charge,” Brown said. Bans have been proposed in Ar- Call toll free 800-282-4287 ext. 1311 91, began driving mill workers The settlement on the table in kansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, email [email protected] from Woonsocket, R.I., to the Attle- the U.S. District Court would trans- Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, boros in Massachusetts. fer billions of dollars from the credit Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Later, he began to plan weekend card companies and banks to “any Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Is- ODOR CONTROLLER trips on more comfortable buses, person, business or other entity that land, South Carolina, Tennessee, SUPER CONCENTRATED FORMULA and Conway Tours was born. accepted Visa- or MasterCard- Utah, Vermont and West Virginia. is a non-staining, non-formaldehyde soluble based solution. Its long-lasting For Hoboken-based Academy, odor control comes in sweet smelling cherry scent. It is guaranteed, in its diluted the acquisition of Conway’s char- Anchor/Brantley Danny Brantley will continue form to eliminate and control odors. It maintains a fresh scent ter operation marks the second working, with responsibilities in even on long trips. This product will lower your cost while Rhode Island purchase by the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 operations and equipment maintaining a clean and fresh scent in your bus lavatories. company in the past three years. In more time enjoying the fruits of a maintenance. $325.00 per 5 Gallon Pail September 2010, Academy ac- 1 farm they also own. Bud Hale, an Anchor driver 5 gallon pail makes 2 /2 55 gallon drums – 3 oz p/toilet quired Archway Bus Transporta- Crawford Distributing & Detail “This was a difficult decision and manager formerly of the com- tion of West Warwick, R.I. for us,” said Danny Brantley. “This pany’s Tuscumbia office, is han- 760-403-8298 Academy’s 10 locations www.crawforddistributing.com business has been like one of our dling the day-to-day operations at throughout the Northeast include children and our customers and the Lexington facility. terminals in Bridgeport, Conn.; drivers are like family. However, All Brantley Tours employees REPOS FOR SALE Providence, R.I., and Boston when we met the folks at Anchor have been offered positions with •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell The U.S. Surface Transporta- Tours, whose company and corpo- Anchor Tours. tion Board may or may not rule on • Variety of Makes & Models rate values so closely mirrored our Anchor Tours, which has been the Conway-Academy deal. In fil- own, we knew the Stancils and in business since 1989, purchased 1-877-737-2221 x30716 ings with the board, Conway con- their team would continue to run the five coaches operated by tends the transaction falls outside Brantley, bringing its fleet to 55 www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” the business and take care of our the board’s purview. customers as we would.” buses and coaches. The exceptional efficiency of an integrated powertrain

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PRE017-11_9700Ad-120811-B&MN.indd 1 12/8/11 4:18 PM MCI Re-Energized Get a Close Look at a Reliable Pre-Owned Coaches Each coach starts as a quality MCI MCI Pre-Owned Coach. that is put through our rigorous 210+ point inspection. Mechanical issues are Call our Coach repaired and required wear items replaced Concierge at or repaired, including brakes, steering, 1-877-428-9624 suspension, shocks, bushings, HVAC and electrical system. From there, we help you select coach one-year limited warranty*, and 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** enhancements that meet the needs of your Two-year limited warranty* on remanufactured engine/transmission operation and customers. These can include: one-year limited warranty*, and 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** Re-Energized: üSafety and compliance items 60-day limited warranty, plus 60 days/30,000 miles scheduled maintenance!** • FMVSS 210 certified seats with three-point belts Low prices on all makes and models. These are some of our most amazing deals! • SmartTire tire pressure monitoring system • Electronic stability control • Fire detection and suppression • Electronic On-Board Recorders with driver outlet outlet outlet log functionality • Wheelchair lift installation Major Mechanical (not addressed in ü210+ point inspection and repair) • Remanufactured OE Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines • Remanufactured Allison B-500 transmissions 1998 MCI 102DL3 1999 MCI 102DL3 1998 Prevost LeMIrage XL-45 ü Appearance items DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500R. DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500R. DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500. 55 Passenger, • Paint and graphics 55 Passenger, American Seats, Blue and 55 Passenger, National Seats, 6 Monitor American Seats, Steel Wheels. VIN #26563. • Entryway and flooring, including upgraded White Exterior. VIN #50818. Was $50,500 Video System. VIN #52308. Was $74,000 Was $37,000 Now only $25,000! trim and flooring Now only $37,000! Now only $52,000! • Re-upholstery (seats and interior) outlet outlet outlet • Seat re-spacing • Steam cleaning ü Amenities and electronics • 110v outlets with inverter • Upgraded A/V system including flat-screen monitors • Wi-Fi • Interior lighting 1999 MCI 102DL3 2000 MCI 102DL3 1998 MCI 102DL3 • Improved driver A/C ventilation DD S60 12.7L, Allison B-500. WCL, 49 DD S60 12.7L - 435HP, Allison B-500. 49 Cummins M-11, Allison B-500R. WCL, 51 Passenger + Bunk, Amaya Seats, Steel Passenger + Bunk, Amaya Seats, Steel Passenger, White Exterior. VIN #50514. Was We will work with you to deliver your coach on Wheels. VIN #52265. Only $109,000! Wheels. VIN #52999. Only $130,000! $89,000 Now only $48,000! time, and back it with our leading warranty to give you a coach that will provide many more years of service. Please contact one of our outlet outlet outlet sales representatives. Sincerely, Mitch Guralnick Director of Pre-Owned Coach Sales

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MCi s ales & serV i C e C enT ers California new Jersey illinois florida Texas Canada 800.777.4101 800.262.1287 800.428.7626 800.390.0287 800.248.4942 800.663.3328 Find our latest * See www.mcicoach.com/preowned for complete POC limited warranty details. Warranty effective on purchases beginning 6/1/13 Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable news and offers: sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental **Scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and recommended fluid and filter changes at an MCI service center included fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject for 60 Days/30,000 Miles, whichever comes first, as determined by the maintenance manual applicable to the coach. Service to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. intervals assume mileage is zero at date of pre-owned coach delivery. ©MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2013, All Rights Reserved

BMN_POCad_061013.indd 1 6/13/13 11:26 AM