June 1, 2014

Report: Climate change poses challenges for industry WASHINGTON — A new sulting in localized flooding. federal report on the impact of cli- Bridge piers are subject to scour as mate change across America in- runoff increases stream and river cludes some sobering news for the flows, potentially weakening motorcoach industry, which al- bridge foundations. Severe storms ready has plenty of experience will disrupt highway traffic, lead- with weather-related disruptions. ing to more accidents and delays.” The National Climate Assess- Bus and motorcoach compa- ment, released last month by the nies are certainly used to dealing White House, predicts that rising with severe weather — the pro- sea levels, warmer temperatures and tracted winter in the East and Mid- an increase in severe weather events west this year played havoc with could wreak havoc on the nation’s many companies and their ability transportation system, influencing to get buses on the road, maintain the daily and seasonal operations of schedules and keep charter jobs. transportation companies. But costly weather-related dis- “Transportation systems are ruptions are not all that common, already experiencing costly cli- says Jim Davis, owner of Davis mate change-related impacts,” the Tours in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., report states. who has experienced his share of Impact of climate change in U.S. will vary by region “Many inland states — for ex- hurricanes. ample, Vermont, Tennessee, Iowa and rail systems — and the vehi- temperatures, more extreme storms will disrupt almost all “There aren’t any more now and Missouri — have experienced cles that use them. weather events and changes in types of transportation. than there were before,” Davis ob- severe precipitation events, hail “Over the coming decades, all precipitation.” “Storm drainage systems for served. “Hurricanes have been and flooding during the past three regions and modes of transporta- The report goes on to predict highways, tunnels, airports and city happening for centuries.” years, damaging roads, bridges tion will be affected by increasing that delays caused by severe streets could prove inadequate, re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Luxury service turns 11, changes hands Legal wrangling continues BOSTON — Two metropolis- es, three to four hours apart by in Caterpillar engine suits road, plus premium service. The motorcoach industry’s LLC in Highland Park, Ill., said he Those factors are critical to years-long struggle with Caterpil- and other plaintiff attorneys are achieving success for frequently- scheduled, luxury motorcoach ser- lar engines passed something of a not opposed to the consolidation vice, says the new president and milepost earlier this spring as law- of the separate cases pending in general manager of LimoLiner, the yers for Caterpillar Inc. asked a federal courts in Florida, New Jer- pioneering upscale coach service. federal judicial panel to consoli- sey, California, Louisiana and LimoLiner links downtown date five putative class-action law- Pennsylvania. Boston and New York’s Manhattan suits filed against the company. However, he said, they are re- with two to four daily departures The Caterpillar attorneys also questing that the case be heard in on full-size MCI coaches outfitted requested the suits over alleged de- New Jersey, where it will include for 28 business-class passengers. fects with Caterpillar C13 and C15 buses and trucks with C13 and C15 The carrier was founded in engines be transferred to the U.S. engines. In Florida, the case is lim- 2003 by Fergus McCann, a Scot- District Court for the Southern ited to the C13 bus engine, he said. tish-Canadian entrepreneur whose District of Florida in Miami. According to legal filings, Cat- interests included a golf vacation Mark Richardson, who began driving buses as a college student, now manages LimoLiner. “They’re engaging in legal ma- erpillar argued for the transfer to company and, for a time, control- ton Transportation Group, which Richardson and partners heard neuvering instead of saying, ‘we Florida “because the first action ling interest in the Celtic Football is headed by Mark Richardson, McCann was interested in selling should make this right by our cli- was filed there, significant discov- Club of Glasgow. (See Sept. 15, who got his feet wet in the motor- his company. ents. We should do the right ery and motion practice have oc- 2003, and Jan. 1, 2004, Bus & Mo- coach business as a college stu- “LimoLiner was his vision. He thing,’” said Paul M. Weiss, an at- curred there, and the court is famil- torcoach News.) dent about 25 years ago, driving did a good job building it into a torney representing bus and truck iar with the issues.” The 20-employee company tour buses on Martha’s Vineyard pretty successful business. He was owners who are suing Caterpillar. Plaintiffs in the Florida case in- in Massachusetts. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 was purchased in April by Hamil- c Weiss, of Complex Litigation CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c Rev up for MCI’s Reliability Rally!

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t Visit and learn more about ABC’s new partnerships abc-companies/partners Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2014 3 Calif. Air Resources Board gives small operators a break SACRAMENTO, Calif. — pushed back from 2020 to 2023. board and will not be finalized next few months. They will be publication, a large majority of The California Air Resources Those operators will also get until the summer of 2014,” ac- subject to a 15-day public com- speakers from the trucking indus- Board approved amendments to its two more years to bring the rest of cording to CARB. ment period before they are put try came down against the amend- Truck and Bus Regulation last their buses or coaches into com- The slate of amendments also into effect. ments, saying they were unfair for month to provide more time for pliance. They will have until 2016 addresses the troublesome issue of The board estimates that the those companies that had already small operators to meet the state’s for the second vehicle and 2018 particulate matter filters that have proposed amendments will save made the upgrades to comply, stringent emissions requirements. for the third. been recalled and cannot be re- affected fleets more than $400 which in some cases cost millions The board ruled that small op- Under the changed rules, small paired by their manufacturer. (See million in compliance costs of dollars. erators — those with three or fleet operators that were unable to March 1, 2013, Bus & Motor- through 2023. “I’m getting slapped in the fewer motorcoaches or buses – afford to bring buses into compli- coach News.) The board approved the chang- face because I complied,” the that complied with the regulation ance and were denied loans to up- Vehicles that had been retrofit- es after hearing hours of testimony owner of a 64-truck fleet was and brought at least one vehicle grade will be able to run them ted with the faulty filters will be from trucking and motorcoach in- quoted as testifying. “My husband into compliance by this year will as-is until 2017. allowed to operate for up to five dustry representatives, single- and I stepped up and are over $3 get to run it longer. But there’s a wrinkle: “The cri- years from the date of the recall. truck owner-operators, and mem- million in debt [to comply], while The deadline to replace the ve- teria for claiming this option is Final versions of the amend- bers of the public. competitors who have not com- hicle with a newer one will be being revised as directed by the ments will be hammered out in the According to one trucking CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c Lawsuit challenges tech shuttles in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO — Com- Set to begin in July, the 18- employees of high-tech companies The coalition that filed the suit moderate-income members of the munity activists here are continuing month program will permit the who live in San Francisco and work includes tenant advocacy groups community that live and work in their campaign against corporate shuttles to pick up and drop off pas- in Silicon Valley, help take hun- and the Service Employees Interna- areas near proposed shuttle stops,” tech shuttles, known as “Google sengers at about 200 bus stops for a dreds of autos off the road, reduce tional Union Local 1021. They con- the lawsuit states. buses,” including filing a lawsuit $1 per-stop, per-day fee. gridlock and benefit the tend that officials failed to conduct Run by Google, Apple, Face- last month to block the shuttles The program was approved by environment. an environmental impact review book and other tech companies, the from using public bus stops. the San Francisco Municipal Trans- The motorcoach shuttles are before approving the program. shuttles have become a symbol of The suit, filed in San Francisco portation Agency in January, and used by more than 35,000 passen- “(T)he project will result in sig- the influx of tech workers into San Superior Court, claims a city-ap- upheld by the County Board of Su- gers daily, eliminating at least 45 nificant environmental impacts, in- Francisco and a target of protestors proved pilot program that allows pervisors in April. (See Feb. 1 and million vehicle miles traveled and cluding air pollution, impacts to frustrated by gentrification, rising the shuttles to use city bus stops Feb. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) 761,000 metric tons of carbon pedestrian and bicyclist safety, de- housing costs and the displacement violates the state vehicle code and City officials contend the shut- every year from the region’s roads lays to public transportation sys- of longtime residents. environmental law. tles, which are used primarily by and air, according to the city. tems, and displacement of low- and CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c

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685448_Motorcoach.indd 1 3/12/14 10:37 AM 4 June 1, 2014 Bus & Motorcoach News

Are you ready? Roadcheck 2014 is June 3-5 Bus drivers use It’s that time of year again. Transportation (Mexico). • Check your brakes inspections during the enforce- Roadcheck 2014 is right on (or The inspection free-for-all is • Ensure all required lamps ment campaign. Of those, a total seatbelts more; is it on top of?) bus and truck the largest targeted enforcement are the proper color and of 47,771 were North American operators. program of commercial vehicles operational Standard Level 1 inspections – the rate is still low The annual inspection event in the world, with approximately • Look and listen for leaks most comprehensive roadside and WASHINGTON — Seatbelt — the Commercial Vehicle Safety 14 trucks or buses being inspect- • Look over your tires; check destination inspections. usage among bus drivers grew at Alliance’s 72-hour safety blitz — ed, on average, every minute from for proper inflation, cuts, bulges CVSA is made up of local, the fastest rate of all types of will be June 3-5. Canada to Mexico during a 72- and the like state, provincial, territorial and commercial vehicle drivers be- CVSA sponsors Roadcheck hour period. • Don’t forget battery terminals federal motor-carrier safety offi- tween 2010 and 2013, figures re- with participation by the Federal Here’s a quick — and by no • Make sure you have all your cials and industry representatives leased by the U.S. Department of Motor Carrier Safety Administra- means complete — Roadcheck paperwork, including CDL and in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Transportation show. tion, the Canadian Council of checklist for drivers: medical card, and everything is up Since its inception in 1988, the Still, the rate of safety belt Motor Transport Administrators, • Buckle up to date, including the logbook roadside inspections conducted usage by bus drivers is the second Transport Canada, and the Secre- • Pre-inspect the condition of Last year, CVSA completed during Roadcheck have numbered lowest among all types of com- tariat of Communications and your vehicle more than 73,000 truck and bus more than 1 million. mercial vehicle drivers. Only dump truck drivers buckle up less often than bus drivers. Obama: Eliminate tolling ban on interstates The figures are from the latest WASHINGTON — President proposal, USDOT is to draw up If recent attempts to toll aging The Obama tolling proposal is Seatbelt Usage by Commercial Obama has proposed lifting the criteria by which toll plans would interstate highways to improve contained in the four-year, $302 Motor Vehicle Drivers survey ban on tolling existing interstate be approved. them is an indication of what will billion highway bill Transporta- compiled by the USDOT. highways. Tolling the interstate system is happen when states advance toll- tion Secretary Anthony Foxx sent Overall, the use of seatbelts by The highly controversial pro- a controversial issue that has been ing plans, the president’s proposal Congress. commercial drivers continues to posal was contained in the four- opposed for decades by many may not get much use by the While the bill is given little increase, hitting a record high last year transportation plan the highway user groups, as well as states, even if Congress agrees to chance of moving through Con- year, according to the USDOT Obama administration proposed shipper and manufacturing lift the ban. gress, Foxx urged lawmakers to figures. to Congress. groups. Under a federal pilot program, take up the proposal before the fed- The survey found that the Under the proposal, states Opponents contend tolling is Virginia, North Carolina and Mis- eral Highway Trust Fund account overall safety belt usage rate for could toll to raise money to up- an inefficient way of raising reve- souri were told they could lay runs out of money in August, not- drivers of all medium- and heavy- grade the interstates that run nue for infrastructure. plans to toll interstates, but the ing that a few states have canceled duty trucks and buses rose from through them, providing the U.S. The critics also say allowing in- outcry was so great at the state or delayed infrastructure projects 78 percent in 2010 to a new high Department of Transportation has terstate tolling would create the op- level that lawmakers in all three “because of the uncertainty at the of 84 percent in 2013. approved a state’s plan. portunity for a patchwork of incon- passed measures banning tolling federal level.” Since the inception of the study in 2007, overall safety belt But also under the president’s sistently maintained highways. on the roads. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c use for drivers has increased each year from a rate of 65 percent SOLVING TOMORROW’S SANITATION PROBLEMS TODAY! during the first year. The rate of seatbelt usage among bus drivers went from just M5000 47 percent in 2010 to 74 percent #1 GREEN CHOICE Toilet Deodorizer last year, outpacing all other driv- REVOLUTIONARY NEW High Traffic, High Heat er categories in rate of growth. BUS WASH Superior Odor Control For Variety of Road-Related Soils & Stains Increased Color, Fragrance & Actives But that 74 percent usage rate DYNA-BACT Attacks Dust, Mud, Diesel Exhaust Formaldehyde Free was below all other categories ex- Liquefies waste & tissue Pleasant Citrus Scent Super Concentrate Formula pect dump truck drivers, which Cleans tank system Safe for automated systems Unmatched proven performance had a 70 percent rate last year, up Dramatic savings on dumping fees from 65 percent in 2010. Convenient toss in pack ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEED! Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Anne Ferro said the 2013 survey shows that more commercial ve- hicle drivers are getting the mes- sage about the safety benefits of seatbelts, adding that her agency would continue to work to encour- age those drivers who do not use TOP MOP their safety belts to buckle-up. Concentrated Floor Other highlights from the /Surface Cleaner survey: Economical Superior Fragrance • Safety belt use was higher in Industrial Strength states governed by primary seat- GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE! belt-use laws, 85 percent, than sec- ondary belt-use laws, 78 percent. • The usage rate for drivers Experience the Monochem difference today call us 512-267-5190 and other occupants in the West or visit us at www.worldwidemonochem.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET June 1, 2014 5 Operator decries slow pace of FMCSA bureaucracy CORDESVILLE, S.C. — The tive oversight of its drivers, which not know four drivers listed on olations resulted because drivers from truck drivers to bus drivers. I owner of a six-coach company has led to unknown drivers and an Motts Transportation’s roadside were not properly signing in and thought they knew how to fill out shut down in February said he has unqualified driver operating its inspection reports and could not out of their log books. logs. They didn’t,” Carter told Bus been waiting for more than two motorcoaches. During the investi- explain how or why these drivers “There have been no com- & Motorcoach News, adding that months for a response to his re- gation, Jerome Carter Sr. could were operating Motts Transporta- plaints from the public, no acci- the federal investigators “picked quest to resume service. not identify all drivers who had tion motorcoaches.” dents. They are coming after com- the least little thing. They made a The Federal Motor Carrier worked for the carrier during the Carter said he was ordered out panies that don’t keep up with the federal case out of it.” Safety Administration ordered previous 12 months…(he) told of service for paperwork errors. paperwork. Carter has been in the motor- Motts Transportation Inc. of FMCSA investigators that he did He said some hours-of-service vi- “The drivers I have converted CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c Cordesville, S.C., out of service in mid-February, citing a number of violations of driver and vehicle safety. The list included a trip on which an unqualified driver was allowed to operate a motorcoach. Federal investigators said the com- pany owner could not identify some drivers listed on his logs. James Carter Sr., the owner, said he hired an attorney and safe- ty consultant to deal with the alle- gations and shutdown. “For what they shut me down for, the sentence doesn’t fit the crime,” he said, adding “we have to try to get it right. “We submitted a 125-page compliance letter. They have had this paperwork since the last part of March. The month of April is gone. Now this is May and they still haven’t done anything. “I have been calling every day and I have no indication of when they might act. I am doing every- thing I can to do what they asked me to do.” In the meantime, said Carter, “I have six buses sitting in my yard. It is like they want you to give up.” An FMCSA news release said Mott’s was investigated because of “elevated alert” scores in the agen- cy’s BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Catego- ries) peer-group safety ranking system. The out-of-service order is- sued by the FMCSA cited “wide- spread and serious noncompliance with federal safety regulations. Motts Transportation fails to over- see and monitor its drivers and en- sure that its motorcoaches are sys- tematically and properly inspected, repaired and maintained and meet minimum safety standards.” Inspectors also said Motts does not ensure drivers submit ac- curate records-of-duty status and hours-of-service reports. The company was cited for employing part-time drivers but not requiring them to report hours spent on duty for other motor car- riers or jobs. By reconstructing records, in- vestigators said they found five days, from Nov. 23 to Dec. 14 last year, during which one driver vio- lated hours-of-service regulations. The order stated: “Motts Transportation also has no effec- 6 June 1, 2014 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News FMCSA foot dragging? not doing anything to help me get alcohol testing and vehicle inspec- Missouri, Oregon courts say going again? Everybody is giving tions and maintenance. The carrier CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 me the runaround. I am at the bare “was unable to produce all — or coach business for 12 years. minimum right now. I am at the even many — of the required ve- flashing headlights is okay “I have had issues in the past bottom of the bottom.” hicle records,” the order stated. ST. LOUIS — Two courts to hold that, as in the case before and got it straight. Now they say The FMCSA shutdown order One Motts coach was placed have ruled that a driver’s flashing him, warning of a speed trap was ‘the law has changed — for what said Motts did not have driver out of service for defective brakes his headlights to warn other driv- protected communication under we slapped you on the wrist before qualification files for eight of its twice, last June in Georgia and ers of a speed trap is constitution- the First Amendment to the U.S. the law is stricter now. You have to drivers and allowed a coach to be then in January in South Carolina. ally protected “speech.” Constitution. do better.’” driven by an individual who did On the latter trip, the coach was In the first case, the U.S. Dis- In Oregon, the Justice Court The violations cited by the not hold a valid Class B commer- driven by Carter. trict Court for the Eastern District for Jackson County in Central FMCSA brought $14,000 in fines, cial driver’s license. Roadside inspections of Motts of Missouri in St. Louis, issued a Point, threw out a ticket given to Carter said. “How am I going to Motts also was cited for defi- coaches produced a 60-percent out- permanent injunction against the a truck driver who flashed his pay a $14,000 fine when they are cient practices in driver drug and of-service rate, the order stated. city of Ellisville, Mo., prohibiting lights to warn drivers ahead of it from enforcing its ordinance him that he was being followed by Interstate tolling a corporate tax overhaul this year. duty, and face economic pressure that forbade the flashing of lights a police car. The Obama bill contains other to jeopardize safety by driving be- by any vehicles other than buses. The court found the driver’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 controversial items. For example, yond the mandatory limits.” The federal judge pointed out action to be protected “expressive The administration bill, called it would authorize the Federal Additionally, the bill would that the ordinance contradicted conduct,” under the state the “Grow America Act,” would Motor Carrier Safety Administra- change the Highway Trust Fund guidance by the Missouri Depart- constitution. update programs in the 2012 MAP- tion to set standards for driver name to the Transportation Trust ment of Transportation to the ef- The driver had been issued a 21 law that expires in September. compensation. Fund and include $19 billion for fect that drivers should be allowed ticket for misuse of his high The new proposal is similar to Federal Motor Carrier Safety rail programs in a separate ac- to flash their lights to warn others beams. The court found the rule the president’s fiscal 2015 budget Administration Administrator count. It would authorize $25 bil- of emergencies, and then went on invalid “as applied.” submission in which he called for Anne Ferro said the provision is lion for the Transportation Trust reforming corporate taxes to gener- designed to “ensure fair pay for Fund’s highway account in 2015. Former House transportation leader dies ate some $150 billion in revenue. long-distance bus and truck driv- It also would eliminate the POTOMAC, Md. — Former to Congress in 1974 as a member Top House Republicans have ers who are often paid by the miles practice of self-insurance among House Transportation and Infra- of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor indicated they will not adopt such they travel, not their total time on large motor carriers. structure Chairman James Ober- Party in a district that encom- Drivers seatbelts to surface streets, 78 percent. straint use by drivers and occu- star died last month. passed Minnesota’s Iron Range, • Safety belt usage in heavy pants of medium and heavy-duty He was 79. where he was born. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 traffic, 85 percent, continues to be commercial motor vehicles. The longest-serving Con- He became chairman of the higher than in light traffic. A copy of the report can be ob- gressman in Minnesota history, Transportation Committee in was the highest at 91 percent, The survey is described as a tained from the FMCSA Office of Mr. Oberstar, a Democrat, was 2006 but was swept from office in compared to the Northeast, which dominant in transportation policy- the 2010 wave of Republican sen- had the lowest rate at 76 percent. nationally representative field Outreach and Education at (202) making for 25 years. timent that ended Democratic • Usage rates were higher on data collection program that pro- 366-0627, or email the request to Mr. Oberstar was first elected control of the House. expressways, 86 percent, compared vides estimates of safety belt re- [email protected].

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8 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News MCI rallies showcase new suspension, axle, brake systems FORT WORTH, Texas — Mo- briefing sessions; test rides; sup- torcoach operators ordering new plier and sponsor representatives MCI J4500s in the days and weeks and booths, and lunch. ahead will take delivery of a coach Also part of the activities are that is markedly different at its ride alongs and familiarization core — with new axles, indepen- briefings on the new two-door dent suspension, brakes and air Setra S 417 Top Class coach, a dis- system — than previous J-models. play of new and used coaches, and MCI is unveiling the new com- MCI-Setra parts and service ponents and systems on its most promotions. popular coach at a series of cus- “We wanted to bring the prod- tomer events, called Reliability uct to the customers,” said MCI Rallies, taking place across the Executive Vice President Patrick U.S. Scully. The first was conducted here at The heart of the events, how- the Texas Motor Speedway, site of ever, is the showcasing of one of the 2014 Duck Commander 500 the dozen test-bed MCI J4500s Photo by Fred Rayman NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock that have been outfitted with new car race. ZF axles and independent suspen- The venue was perfect for both sion systems, new Bendix ABD explaining, highlighting and dem- 22X brakes, and an upgraded air onstrating the new features – even system that is said to be more ef- if the sleek 700-horsepower NAS- ficient and reliable. MCI Rally attendees get an up-close look at the independent front suspension system on the J4500. CAR machines were long gone. The benefits of the ZF inde- The rallies continue at auto pendent front suspension on the MCI says operators should see ior,” said a ZF technical service said one ZF engineer. race tracks and major sports stadi- J4500 are multifaceted and reduced tire wear because of the manager. And, importantly, the system ums through the rest of this spring pronounced. standard passive rear-steer tag and The system uses made-in-the- weighs less. The J4500 gains a and summer, with the next one The turning radius — with the automatic tag axle. USA parts, offers improved ser- 700-pound payload increase with June 4 at Gillette Stadium in Fox- standard, passive steering ZF tag The independent suspension viceability and has fewer compo- the ZF and Bendix systems. boro, Mass. The second rally was axle — has been reduced from 45 system also provides a smoother nents, according to ZF and MCI The ADB22X Bendix brakes May 22 at Chicagoland Speedway feet to less than 41 feet. The reduc- and quieter ride with improved sta- executives. mounted on the new ZF axles are in Joliet, Ill. tion is achieved through a sharper bility, bump isolation and driver Both the independent front and designed to not only provide short- The MCI events feature both front-wheel cut and a tag axle that comfort. drive axles require less mainte- er, safer braking but do it with a technical and under-the-coach offers 10 degrees of steering. “It has fantastic driving behav- nance than the axles they replaced, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c

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www.donbrownbus.com (855) 546-6060 10 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Cat engines watching out for them and we’re in for on-highway commercial trucks Stress inducing buying six MCI coaches with 2008 this to the long haul.” and buses. Breakdowns occurred so fre- model-year Caterpillar engines. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The case is scheduled to go be- One major problem cited in the quently that his son, the company “We went right back to MCI, clude a number of bus operators, fore a jury in Orange County, lawsuits had to do with the en- maintenance director, quit. and they took back three of the including Salud Services Inc., Calif., on June 24. gine’s regeneration, or “re-gen,” “He couldn’t handle the stress Caterpillar engines and replaced doing business as Endeavor Bus system that’s designed to burn off anymore. He was getting calls in them. We continued to run three of Lines, of Miami; Gentry Coach Muzzled settlement or oxidize the soot in the diesel the middle of the night so often the Caterpillar engines with nu- Co./Gentry Trailways of Knox- At least one coach operator is particulate filter. when we had buses out of town, merous problems,” said Wynne, ville, Tenn.; Vandalia Bus Lines of known to have settled with Illi- When the system malfunc- and they break down, you have a who joined the Florida suit last Caseyville, Ill.; Roadrunner Char- nois-based Caterpillar but, under tions, the engine shuts down, often busload of people. Cat won’t help year. ters of Dallas, and Eclipse Char- the terms of the settlement, the op- stranding the vehicle and its pas- you because you can’t get a hold of He estimates that each of the ters & Tours of Gary, Ind. erator is not allowed to acknowl- sengers on the highway. anybody in the middle of the buses was in the shop between 18 The coach operators filed their edge that it even had a dispute, night,” said Willis, adding that his and 24 times a year. case in late 2012 (see Dec. 15, much less that there was a ‘Breakdowns occurred son has since rejoined the “We’d pick the bus up and it 2012 Bus & Motorcoach News). settlement. company. would go back in the next week The New Jersey lawsuit was filed Such confidentiality orders put so frequently…the He said on-the-road break- with the same problem,” he said. by BK Trucking in April 2013. other plaintiffs at a disadvantage, downs have lessened through the “Any manufacturer is going to said attorney Richard Burke, also years as the engine maker refined have challenges. That’s just part of Lawsuits aplenty of Complex Litigation. company mainte- a troublesome part. But he gave the bus industry. But when they The lawsuits are among scores “It’s one thing if one person has more credit to his maintenance can’t fix it and it gets repetitive, of legal actions brought against a problem, it’s another thing if a nance director quit.’ personnel’s savvy at monitoring that’s when it’s frustrating.” Caterpillar over its on-highway en- hundred people have a problem for potential malfunctions than to Wynne and other operators gines, including one involving and they can’t tell anybody about Caterpillar, which reportedly Caterpillar’s fixes. seem less inclined to fault coach Transportation Specialists Inc., it. That means every time there is a used its ACERT technology in “They’ve gotten it to the point manufacturers than the engine which does business as Red Carpet case, the defendant can say, we about 20,000 15-liter engines and where it’s serviceable now, where maker for the problems. Charters in Oklahoma City. In didn’t do anything wrong,” he said. an unknown number of 13-liter en- we’re able to use the buses, but we 2006 and 2007, it bought more In the pending putative class- gines, bailed out of the on-high- still have problems with it,” he It’s Cat, Cat, Cat than 40 new Van Hool coaches action lawsuits, plaintiffs allege way bus and truck market in 2009, said. “We just know when it’s com- “It’s not MCI. I don’t want to powered by Cat engines. “that model-year Caterpillar C13 just ahead of the USEPA mandate ing up. We’re really proactive, and throw MCI under the bus. It’s Cat- Another case is unusual in that and C15 engines have defective re- that 2010 engines meet even strict- we’re able to fix it before it shuts erpillar, no matter which manufac- the plaintiff is a motorcoach dis- generation systems; that the defect er pollution control requirements. us completely down.” turer. I’ve heard of people who tributor, CH Bus Sales Inc., of leads to frequent breakdowns and Ron Willis of Roadrunner bought Van Hools who were pick- Fairbault, Minn., which distributes repairs causing economic loss to Charters in Dallas has seen it all Problems keep coming ing them up in Florida and bring- Temsa coaches in the U.S. the owners’ of vehicles containing with his Caterpillar-powered Now, he’s facing other ing them back to Texas and they CH filed its lawsuit over 72 the engines; that Caterpillar failed coaches. The operator said they problems. didn’t even make it to Texas,” he Caterpillar C9 engines that went to comply with its obligations have been the source of innumera- “I’m out of warranty on this said. into 35-foot Temsa coaches pur- under the emissions system war- ble headaches. stuff, and I’m still paying to have “Basically I want Caterpillar to chased in 2009. ranty; that the engines are not mer- “For instance, with a 2010- them redone because they’re still admit fault for what they’ve done. Michael Haggerty, owner of chantable [or “marketable”], and model Van Hool, we had a custom- failing every three to six months,” And, yes, financial considerations CH Bus Sales, said the suit asks that the engines do not comply er in Washington D.C., and the bus he said, noting that one vital part should be awarded. I’ve lost thou- that Caterpillar pay about $125,000 with a warranty of fitness for a was only two months old at the costs about $200. “That’s not sands of dollars because of a brand per vehicle, the cost of re-power- particular purpose.” time, and it shut down on the road,” counting what it costs for the new engine I bought from them ing all the coaches and installing said Willis, who has 12 buses with breakdown, people wanting their that should have been tested.” new transmissions. Dirty word: Re-gen 2008 and newer Cat engines. money back, the tow bill or any- According to Weiss, the case is “We want them to (pay for re- The complaints about the en- “I had to send a bus all the way thing else.” likely to be resolved “within a powering) all 72 vehicles. We want gines focus on emissions technol- from Texas to pick them up. Not Bedford Wynne of Wynne Mo- year, maybe two.” He invited other to make it right for our customer,” ogy, called ACERT, that Caterpil- only I was out the fuel, of course, torcoaches in Dallas, can recount operators who own coaches said Haggerty. lar used to meet 2007 pollution but I had to put the passengers up similar stories. equipped with the Caterpillar en- “We hope it sends a strong standards mandated by the U.S. in hotel rooms. This was a brand He said he began encountering gines to contact the firm at info@ message to the industry that we’re Environmental Protection Agency new bus.” problems almost immediately after complexlitgroup.com.

ISSUE NO. 262 David Moody How to contact us Holiday Tours To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, articles, news releases Randleman, N.C. or to report corrections: Michael Neustadt E-mail: [email protected] A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Coach Tours Fax: (405) 942-6201 • Call: (866) 930-8421 Brookfield, Conn. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Jeff Polzien Staff Advisory Board Red Carpet Charters To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: William Allen Callen Hotard Oklahoma City Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Calco Travel E-mail: [email protected] Tom Ready Sacramento, Calif. Geismar, La. Ready Bus Lines Fax: (405) 942-6201 • Call: (866) 930-8421 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Brian Annett Larry Hundt LaCrescent, Minn. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Great Canadian Trailways Brian Scott Sebring, Fla. Kitchner, Ontario Escot Bus Lines To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, and new to Industry Editor: Ken Presley Largo, Fla. Bus & Motorcoach News? James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Magic Carpet Tours Krapf Coaches Dennis Strief Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 • E-mail: [email protected] Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Vandalia Bus Lines Caseyville, Ill. Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Dickson Godfrey Lebron Existing advertisers, or to submit advertising materials: Elite Coach Paradise Travel Alan Thrasher Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Ephrata, Pa. Hicksville, N.Y. Thrasher Brothers Trailways Birmingham, Ala. E-mail: [email protected] Gladys Gillis Joan Libby Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B, Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Editorial Assistant: Starline Luxury Coaches Cavalier Coach Trailways Tim Wayland Maggie Vander Eems Seattle Boston, Mass. ABC Companies To contact the United Motorcoach Association: Faribault, Minn. Bob Greene Marcia Milton Call: (800) 424-8262 • Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Greg Lange T. Ralph Young Radio Engineering First Priority Trailways Young Transportation ©2014 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without ­Industries District Heights, Md. Asheville, N.C. written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Omaha, Neb. 11Bus &June Motorcoach 1, 2014 News OPINION Bus &June Motorcoach 1, 2014 News11 Driver responsibility, authority…and paying attention By Dave Millhouser According to news reports, thing they could have reasonably proved because communities think seems that “when troopers arrived they saw foreseen. some of their passengers import some of the The summer sun was setting as teenagers, many obviously intoxi- Years ago, a lady from Gene- controlled substances. young ladies the two-bus convoy headed west cated, and at least 100 beer cans and seo, N.Y., wrote a letter to the edi- A different GBB had an unfor- were “moon- across Kansas on old U.S. 40. ‘several gallons’ of opened and tor. In stilted language that seemed tunate decapitation aboard a coach ing” the truck- Between them, the well-trav- empty bottles of whiskey and rum.” laughable at the time, she referred (as if there could be a “fortunate” ers. My pal put eled Brill IC41’s were carrying 75 “It’s really a shame that this is to “Bus Captains” and insisted we one). a stop to it, and high school kids, as we looked for happening,” the charter company’s should treat drivers as captains be- In each case the companies are chastised him- a safe place to pull over and make owner was quoted as saying. “He cause they had similar responsi- aware they have a measure of re- self for not Dave Millhouser “the switch.” has been a good driver. He did the bilities to airline and ship captains, sponsibility for everything that checking his Experience had taught us that right thing.” and often operated in a hostile happens on board their buses, and mirrors more often. teenagers foam with hormones, The owner also was reported as environment. endeavor to train drivers A couple of weeks later, the and the only sure way to control having said: “These kids sneak She was right (and I was wrong accordingly. same driver was transporting the the situation during nighttime was stuff in and how are you to know? to laugh). Both the coach company If a motorcoach driver is not in same team. He again noticed that by putting all the girls on one bus, It’s really the parents’ responsibil- and its driver are responsible for charge…then who is? everyone that passed him was and the boys on the other. ity at this point.” what’s going on in the back of the Drivers need to be given the smiling. This was the days of open win- While I don’t know the ALL bus. authority to enforce discipline on A belated check of his mirror dows (A/C was a luxury we specifics of this case, but if the One charter operator says his their buses, and backed up when revealed that this time the girls had couldn’t afford) and foaming is an owner was quoted accurately, he’s company frequently turns down they exercise it. Sometimes there’s their lacrosse sticks out the win- understatement, so we made sure wrong. charters when they don’t feel a delicate balance between enforc- dows, and were “rowing” in uni- we didn’t pass each other…heaven The driver may be a fine fel- there’s likely be to adequate super- ing rules and retaining customers, son, like an ancient galleon. knew what would transpire if the low, but he wasn’t doing his whole vision or discipline. but in the end the driver, and ulti- An improvement, but danger- coaches got too close. job if all the drinking was taking Frequently, parents of party- mately the company, are responsi- ous if the bus passed close to This also was in the days be- place without him having a clue. hungry teenagers castigate him for ble for anything they can reason- anything. fore lawyers swarmed like locusts, As for it being the parents’ re- “forgetting what it was like when ably anticipate. While not so good at checking but even then we knew we were re- sponsibility -- they weren’t there. he was young.” Different types of groups re- his mirrors, my buddy at least real- sponsible for virtually everything And, gee whiz, maybe the kids He hasn’t, which is why he de- quire different approaches, and ized that, as the driver, he was ulti- that happened on our buses. fibbed when asked if there were mands chaperones, and has drivers some training and discussion mately responsible for the safety In mid-April, a New York party chaperones. check for contraband as passen- might be in order. and behavior of his passengers. bus driver was arrested for “child Best guess is that a helpful liti- gers board. A friend was driving a girl’s la- Dave Millhouser is a bus ­industry endangerment” after he pulled into gator is going to help him under- One GBB (Great Big Busline) crosse team in a school bus when marketing consultant and freelance a rest area to determine the source stand that both his driver and his occasionally has difficulty getting he noticed trucks passing, then writer. Contact him by email at: of a loud “bang.” company are responsible for any- curbside pickup locations ap- slowing down and passing again. It [email protected]. HOWHOW CANCAN WEWE It’s Not Just our Name It’s What We Do HELPHELP YOUYOU SHINESHINE TODAY?TODAY?

ABC nEW FLyEr BCI novA Featuring DInA orIon The Industry’s Deepest Inventory GILLIG prEvost Quick Delivery & Shipping GLAvAL sEtrA Great Pricing, Exceptional Service IrIzAr stALLIon MCI tEMsA Warehouse Locations nABI vAn HooL Oregon, Indiana, Florida & Arizona nEopLAn voLvo SunTrust Equipment Finance and Leasing Motorcoach, Transit, Shuttle, Livery and School Bus Financing (800) 714-7171 (541) 684-7868 Contact Greg Berg at 817-488-7585 or [email protected] www.CoachGlass.com [email protected] Please let us help you with all of your financing needs How can we help you shine today? 12 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Climate impact frastructure in the Northeast can be Southeast companies, aside from flooded nities with few alternatives to ex- seriously stressed by coastal and The Southeast is vulnerable to and damaged roads and bridges, isting coastal transportation net- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 river flooding caused by a combi- sea level rise, extreme heat, hurri- could be a decline in tourism. works, such as on parts of Highway But Davis agrees that severe nation of sea level rise, storm surge canes and decreased water avail- “Tourism and recreation, gen- 101 in Oregon, sea level rise and weather can disrupt bus companies and extreme precipitation. ability, the report states. erated by the Southwest’s winding storm surge will pose an increas- and cost them money. He said he In Vermont, more than 500 It adds that ‘New Orleans (with canyons, snow-capped peaks, and ing threat to local commerce. has been running tour buses to miles of roadways and approxi- roughly half of its population living Pacific Ocean beaches, provide a The report also notes that na- Busch Gardens in Tampa for 30 mately 200 bridges were damaged below sea level), Miami, Tampa, significant economic force that tionally, “the transportation net- years without incident — until a by Hurricane Irene, with estimated Charleston, and Virginia Beach are also faces climate change chal- work has some capability to adjust few weeks ago when a major rain rebuilding costs of $175 million to among those most at risk.’ lenges,” the report states. to climate-related disruptions due storm flooded the tourist attrac- $250 million. The report predicts that the sea “The recreational economy to the presence of network redun- tion, forcing it to close. According to the report, the level is likely to rise globally from 1 will be increasingly affected by re- dancy — multiple routes are often About 50 buses, including four frequency, intensity, and duration to 4 feet by 2100. It also notes that duced streamflow and a shorter possible for long-distance travel, from Davis Tours, filled with se- of heat waves is expected to in- “the frequency of the strongest hur- snow season, influencing every- and more than one mode of trans- niors and school groups had to crease in the Northeast, with states ricanes (Category 4 and 5) in the thing from the ski industry to lake portation may be used for travel.” turn back. such as Maryland, Delaware, West Atlantic is expected to increase. and river recreation.” However, it says that in some “That was the first time that Virginia and New Jersey projected As hurricanes approach land- In California, which boasts the cases, only one major route con- happened in 30 years,” Davis noted. by mid-century to experience more fall, they create storm surge, which nation’s largest ocean-based econ- nects major destinations, “such as There also can be a positive than 60 additional days per year carries water farther inland. The omy, the sea level has risen along Interstate 5 between Seattle and side for bus companies when se- above 90 degrees. resulting flooding, wind damage the coast by 6.7 to 7.9 inches over San Francisco; movements along vere weather occurs. Winter and spring precipitation and bridge destruction disrupts the past 100 years. such links are particularly vulner- “It gives us more work,” said also is projected to increase, main- virtually all transportation systems “In the last decade, high tides able to disruption.” Fred Altman, owner of Florida ly in northern states. in the affected area.” on top of this sea level rise have Coach Tours in Orlando. He said “The frequency of heavy Such events likely would have contributed to new damage to in- Midwest that after hurricanes, his company downpours is projected to contin- the most impact on charter and frastructure, such as the inunda- The greatest impact of climate has been hired by utilities and even ue to increase as the century pro- tour bus companies that cater to tion of Highway 101 near San change in the Midwest would be to Amtrak to transport workers and gresses,” the report states. tourists and other groups of travel- Francisco,” the report states. the region’s agricultural lands. The stranded travelers. “Seasonal drought risk is also ers. The report says that in 2012, “If adaptive action is not taken, region has experienced increases The National Climate Assess- projected to increase in summer Louisiana and Florida alone host- coastal highways, bridges, and in annual precipitation of as much ment outlines how climate change and fall as higher temperatures ed more than 115 million visitors. other transportation infrastructure as 20 percent in some locations in will affect various regions of the lead to greater evaporation and Major weather events also can are at increased risk of flooding.” the last century, and the tendency country in the coming years, with earlier winter and spring snow- disrupt fuel supplies, making it Major cities in the Southwest toward more intense precipitation Miami and parts of South Florida melt,” according to the report. difficult — and expensive — for that already experience little rain is expected to continue. expected to be the most vulnerable In New York state, the report bus companies to obtain fuel to and extreme heat, such as Phoenix The reports says that flooding because of rising tides and says, two feet of sea level rise operate their fleets. and Las Vegas, could get even hot- can disrupt road travel, noting that hurricanes. could “flood or render unusable For example, the report says, ter and drier. flooding in 2008 resulted in the The report also predicts more- 212 miles of roads.” “power outages resulting from The West already has experi- closure of key routes. frequent flooding in the Northeast, If such predictions come true Hurricane Katrina shut down three enced an increase in wildfires, and heat waves in the Midwest and and higher temperatures, increased major petroleum pipelines for two that is expected to worsen, the re- Great Plains drought and wildfires in the West. precipitation and severe flooding days, and the systems operated at port predicts. The report offered no predic- Here is a rundown on how mo- do occur more frequently, motor- reduced capacities for two weeks.” tions about the effects of climate torcoach operators could be affect- coach operators could be forced, at Northwest change on the transportation infra- ed by climate change in six regions the worst, to alter or cancel sched- Southwest The report doesn’t provide de- structure in the vast Great Plains of the country. ules because of washed-out roads Extreme heat, drought and tails of transportation infrastructure region. However, bus companies and bridges. wildfires are likely to increase in problems in the Northwest, aside likely will face some of the same Northeast Business also could be affected the Southwest due to climate from those that could potentially be challenges there as they will in As hurricanes Irene (2011) and by weather-related cancelations by change, according to the report. caused by coastal flooding. other regions of the country — Sandy (2012) proved, the aging in- tour groups. The biggest impact on motorcoach Still, it predicts that in commu- floods, drought and heat waves.

body is willing to spend a higher LimoLiner sold fare for more amenities, we com- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 pete with Amtrak and the airlines.” at retirement age and thinking Amtrak’s Acela Express trains about moving on,” Richardson also run from Boston to New York said. “He is still available on an ad- City before continuing to Philadel- visory basis.” phia, Baltimore and Washington, The LimoLiner business model D.C. Amtrak says the Acela trains is based on a coach interior de- can hit speeds of 150 miles per signed in the manner of a corpo- hour, but Richardson says Limo- rate jet – over-size leather seats, Liners can cover the ground be- comfortable work stations, a kitch- tween Boston and New York in enette, fresh beverages and snacks, comparable overall times. Wi-Fi, satellite television, XM Fares for Amtrak express ser- Radio and en-route movies. vice range from $129 to $150 one- Each trip is staffed by a driver way, he said. LimoLiner’s current and passenger attendant. The toi- fare is $89 each way, $69 for pas- lets flush with running water. sengers willing to take the 6 a.m. The company’s newest coach coach out of Boston. pany calls them — are advised to tling or cabbing to and from air- or read. If you want to kick back was customized by Creative Mo- LimoLiner’s fares are about arrive 10 minutes before departure. ports. “We operate from right in and relax, you can do that, too,” bile Interiors of Grove City, Ohio. four times those charged by most “We offer about the same door- the center of Boston and drop off Richardson said. “The drivers trav- The first four coaches in the fleet bus companies covering the basic to-door time,” Richardson said. “If in midtown Manhattan, which is el as smoothly as they can. They were outfitted by Amadas Coach consumer market. you fly you have to be there an very convenient,” Richardson said. don’t need to rush, and travel at a of Suffolk, Va. LimoLiner also can match the hour or hour-and-a-half early to go Furthermore, the hours that safe speed.” “We are not positioned to com- airlines for total time and make the through security.” passengers forego in airport secu- Luxury bus service “is a good pete with other bus companies,” trip more productive and relaxing, Liner trips also spare many rity are passed in a comfy leather value for the fare,” he said. “We Richardson said. “Our fares are he said. Passengers taking a motor- business travelers the time and ex- seat with table service. offer dependability and frequency much higher. However, if some- coach — or a “liner,” as the com- pense of driving, parking, shut- “You can work on your laptop CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 c Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2014 13 Study: Climate change may result in airport flooding WASHINGTON — Motor- LaGuardia was closed for three fairs for Airports Council restructured before Hurricane Ka- remove water and adding insula- coaches are often pressed into ser- days. International-North America. trina hit that city in 2005, and the tion to protect lighting from sea- vice when airports cancel flights LaGuardia maintains a dike For example, airports in Oak- buildings and runways avoided water, Oswald said. because of snow, ice or a combina- and pumps for floodwaters, ac- land and San Francisco are study- flooding. But such spending has to be tion of both. cording to a 2002 U.S. Transporta- ing how to buttress facilities General airport strategies in- weighed against other priorities, But coaches being used be- tion Department study cited in the against storm surges, Oswald said. clude building berms to keep water such as coping with earthquakes cause airports are flooded? White House report. The New Orleans airport had out, installing drains and pumps to on the West Coast, he noted. Could happen. “Many coastal airports are vul- Twelve of the nation’s 47 larg- nerable to flooding,” the 2002 re- est airports are vulnerable to storm port noted from a California as- surges that are expected to in- sessment about airports built on crease as a result of climate swamps in San Francisco and change, according to the climate Oakland. report released by the White House “Extreme high tides, coupled last month. with flood conditions, can reach The U.S. National Climate As- close to the existing levels.” sessment warned that coastal air- Sea levels are projected to rise ports with at least one runway 12 1 to 4 feet during this century, and feet or less above sea level could more frequent storms from climate suffer flooding during moderate- change could either flood runways to-high storm surges. or force construction of expensive The report noted that metro barriers, the report said. New York’s big three airports — The damage from Hurricane John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Sandy served as a wake-up call for Newark — flooded in October airports to protect against flood- 2012, during the 14-foot tidal ing, said Chris Oswald, vice presi- surge from Hurricane Sandy. dent of safety and regulatory af-

out, on some days we run with just LimoLiner sold a few people,” he said. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 The carrier departs Boston and and provide good service.” New York City three times daily The company could add more from Monday through Thursday, trips to its schedule at some point. four times on Friday and Sunday Richardson said service be- and twice on Saturday. There is an tween New York City and Wash- intermediate stop in Framingham, ington, D.C., would be a logical Mass. next step for LimoLiner although Morning passengers are served he recently read, in the May 1 Bus a breakfast, such as a croissant, & Motorcoach News, that startup bagel or fruit cup. At lunch and din- Royal Sprinter has launched ser- ner times a “sandwich of the day,” is vice on that route. The new com- offered, prepared by the company’s pany makes two daily runs using “high-quality” caterer. Passengers Mercedes Sprinter vans fitted with on evening trips are greeted with a eight reclining leather seats. The complimentary glass of wine. one-way fare is $90. That story also described ser- Bus boy vice offered by Vamoose, which “I’ve always wanted to be the conducts a limited Gold Bus ser- owner or part-owner of a company, vice on coaches equipped with re- and I’m from the Boston area,” clining leather seats at a one-way Richardson said. fare starting at $60. After graduating from college he stayed in the bus business, hold- Perfect distance ing management jobs for carriers Richardson and his partners in upstate New York, Connecticut spent several months in research and Vermont before serving as as- and negotiations before closing on sistant general manager of trans- the purchase of LimoLiner. They portation at Boston Logan Interna- found the Boston-New York City tional Airport. corridor to be “just right” for luxu- He recently took a drug test ry motorcoach business. and is getting the paperwork in “There is a lot of business travel order to re-certify himself as a mo- between the two cities. The model torcoach driver. is having two metropolitan areas “With my last company I was a that are three to four hours apart,” back-up driver. I jumped in once or he said. “If the cities are much clos- twice a month to cover a trip,” he er people drive. If they are too far said. “I have never minded be- apart it becomes an airplane trip.” cause it is a good chance to get out LimoLiner carries about and visit customers and see the op- 25,000 passengers annually with eration. I’m getting my compli- an occupancy rate of about 50 per- ance in order to be ready to go if cent. “On some days we are sold there is a need to fill in.” 14 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News CARB rules diesel particulate filter retrofits. tending deadlines across-the-board should develop an individualized verification/certification proce- He asked the board to amend to noncompliant companies. plan to accelerate compliance, in- dures for diesel particulate filters; CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 the rules so motorcoaches with “Noncompliant motorcoach cluding credit for reduction of failure to properly self-inspect plied are getting the golden faulty filters that were purchased fleets undercut the charter market fleet since 2006, if applicable.” diesel fleets to ensure that vehi- ticket.” in good faith and installed on well- and should be brought into com- Meanwhile, CARB has been cles meet state smoke emission Bill Allen of Amador Stage maintained buses be allowed to pliance on an individual basis no busy enforcing diesel air quality standards, and dispatching non- Lines in Sacramento, presented operate until 2021, and that own- matter the size of the fleet,” he rules. It announced settlement of compliant trucks on state the California Bus Association po- ers be released from “a regulatory said. 256 cases last year with fines that highways. sition. He said CARB should con- purgatory consumed in endless pa- “Therefore, if a noncompliant totaled more than $2 million. The companies paying the sider the motorcoach industry’s perwork for no practical or public fleet owner self-discloses to Violations included failure to highest amounts were: “unique conditions, especially purpose.” CARB enforcement, prior to being comply with the statewide truck • Thermo King Corporation safety concerns” as they relate to He also strongly opposed ex- cited by CARB, then CARB and bus program; failure to meet – $213,200 • California Gas Transport – $136,125 • GC Harvesting - $120,000 • KS Industries Inc. – $230,250 • Roly’s Trucking – $58,000 • White Arrow – $50,700 • THX Transport – $50,000 San Francisco

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 “What the buses do is facilitate the ability for highly paid tech em- Laissez les bons ployees to live in our city who oth- erwise would not, and when we have an extremely limited pool of housing stock available, what that temps rouler! does is push folks at the lower in- come levels out of the city,” Sara Shortt, a tenants rights advocate, told the San Francisco Chronicle. Supervisor Scott Wiener, whose district includes neighborhoods that are heavily trafficked by the shuttles, said that fighting the pilot program would not solve the problems. “What they are trying to do is delay or (they’re) trying to kill our ability to actually regulate these shuttles. “The whole point of the pilot program is to make sure shuttles use appropriate routes and bus stops, to try to reduce the conflicts with Muni and to have adequate staffing to enforce the rules,” Wie- ner told the Chronicle. “To attack the pilot program… actually undermines our ability to appropriately regulate and oversee the shuttle program. In addition, it implies to the public that getting rid of the shuttles is somehow going to help our housing crisis, when that’s completely untrue,” he said. Good Times. In addition to the city, several tech companies and the University Good Friends. of California, the suit also names Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation, GREAT Business. Compass Transportation and a handful of other Bay Area motor- coach companies, which operate some of the shuttles for high-tech companies, as defendants. MOVING? Don’t leave October 15, 2012

New settlements — It’s prob- WASHINGTON cidence the U.S. ably not a coin tice announced Department of Jusonth in four ac- Large operators appear ready for critical ADAsettlements deadline last m tions it brought agrsainst and three a major mo- torcoach operato 100% accessibilitygh-visibility r for apparent For 14 years, a hi group tour operatoAmericans with .S. motorcoach violations of the segment of the Ud Oct. 29, 2012, industry has ha nge planning Disabilities Act. appear to be without us! The settlements circled on its long-ra on the Internet timed to show up calendar. ch is now fast That date, whi just before all mottoorcoach file annual opera- re- approaching, is when large, fixed- tors are required the ADA. (See ports mandated by route operators mususest have wheelchair 100 per- cent of their b Oct. 1 Bus & Motorcoach accessible News.) Whether they have www.motorcoachexpo.com accessible. after Oct. 29, hether they pro- buses or not, or w That means that disability should vice or not, all any person with a ticket on any vide accessible sertors are required be able to buy a at any time, and motorcoach opera by Oct. 29, or Greyhound bus, able to access to file ADA reportsty of large fines, be assured of beingpulls into a sta- face the possibili ngly becoming that coach when it . or what is increasiustice Depart- Call 866-930-8421 tion or up to a curb oes for more commonplace: J tating ADA com- And the same g ment lawyers dic ents as part of than 30 other large operators.appears to September 1998. lly went into pliance requirem. Though no one mpliance with ac- When the law rinitia 2000, the rules legal settlements industry sources it will be in co know for certain, mistic that all us As- effect in Octobe for large carriers That is what happesed motorcoachned to three cessibility standards,” Bus a &company Motor- are cautiously optihe operators re- president of the American ludesB ex- were fairly simple ute service. Orlando, Fla.-ba nth, as well as but a handful of t rail- spokesperson told that offered fixed-rodisability who operators last mo ᭤ mplaint with the sociation, whose board inc CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 coach News. , the industry A person with a quired to be co Disabilities Act ecutives from Adirondack Tter Pan r would have to In the mid-1990s29, 2012, ADA ᭤ Americans with ve all of their Academy used a wheelchaiCONTINUED ON PAGE 20 ways, Jefferson Lines, Pe negotiated the Oct. rule will, in fact, leha on Oct. 29. iers. e federal govern- on Bus Lines, Coach USA, deadline with th fixed in law in or email changes to: coaches accessib Bus and other big legacy, the carr nation’s ment and it became “I think they’re definitely.…By Greyhound Lines re going carrier, “believes track to meet the deadline largest intercity Employee misclassification and large, I would say theyr Pantuso,a breathing room” to be all ready,” said Pete represents a chal- bankrupts majorfiling toCarey secure “vers wonunit the large Del. — One after 16 of its dri every complaint WILMINGTON, n a lawsuit claim- from River Cit- lenge for the small operator. ivisions of Carey arbitration award i isclassified as a charter ser- of the largest d rejected an appealit, also of Pierre, That’s because in world’s biggest ing they had been ractorsm and were S.D. operator wins charter decisionTA, which has a International, the ies Public Trans e illegal service vice case, the F independent cont nal wages and which provided th with virtually all chauffeured serviceptcys company, protection has entitled to additio Four years later! tedly continues cozy relationship sit agencies it ees. One of the in 2008, and repor filed for bankru $4.5 million ar- benefits as employ al Chief Fi- PIERRE, S.D. — te the charter ser- of the public tran after being hit by a first — formal to regularly viola very high bar for for treating its Carey Internationitchell Lahr said funds, has set a bitration award first — if not THE by a private bus vice rule. t (the FTA) nt contractors nancial Officer M ge from the ar- [email protected]. t bears the drivers as independe complaints filed a public transit “I’m pleased abou the potential damawas compounded Dawnita Forell, “The complainan rather than as employees.L.A. Inc. list- operator against decision,” said f,” says Rogoff. bitration award California stiff- ll Limousine & burden of proo t must prove its Carey Limousine agency for providiunderng illegal the federal char- who co-owns Fore der $500,000 and in January when mployers that usband, Charles. “The complainan derance of the ed assets of un $150 million in ened penalties on e ter bus service le adopted four Bus with her h a Band-Aide ers. charter service ru case by a prepon debts of nearly in bankruptcy misclassify work ot agree that go has finally “But it’s like putting ᭤ and a half years a evidence.” rators, the documents filed “The debtor does n on an artery.” seven or eight Like other small ope court here. based Carey CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 been decided. r of the Fed- During the past t have the time, Forells do no The Los Angeles-de the Chapter 11 The administratoinistration, Peter es to continually years, the Forells haveule complaintslodged nu- money or resourc ᭤ division said it ma eral Transit Adm CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 d a strong ruling merous charter r ies Public Transit. M. Rogoff, issue A website last against River Cit lose some, but — posted on the FTof Forell Limou- They win most, month — in favor sine & Bus Service of Pierre, and Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2014 15 Nat’l Interstate takeover fight is costly; quarter strong RICHFIELD, Ohio — The ill- Motorcoach companies partici- “Our combined ratio of 97.2 per- digit rate increases and in some prod- lion a year ago. fated effort early this year by the cor- pating in National Interstate-operated cent improved slightly from the 2013 ucts double-digit rate increases, and National Interstate said the big porate parent of National Interstate alternative risk transfer (or captive) first quarter,” said Dave Michelson, our expenses continue to be well jump in investment income resulted Corporation to essentially turn Na- insurance programs may have felt the president and CEO of National managed.” from an increase in average invested tional Interstate into a private com- rate increases, as well as coach com- Interstate. Gross premiums written by Na- assets, new purchases at higher pany proved to be expensive. panies that have traditional auto lia- “Continuing from last year, we tional Interstate during this year’s yields, gains from holdings in limited National Interstate reported last bility insurance through National are closely monitoring our pricing first quarter climbed by 8 percent partnership investments, and the sale month that its total after-tax expenses Interstate. and risk selection on both new and from a year ago to $163.6 million. of some investments. resulting from the proposed transac- Somewhat offsetting the rate in- renewal business to improve and re- After-tax net realized gains from Directors of National Interstate tion were more than $1.3 million, or creases and other revenue enhancing store underwriting results to their his- investments at National Interstate declared a quarterly dividend of 12 seven cents per share. factors were slightly higher loss and torical levels. We are growing our swelled to $1.69 million during the cents per share, payable June 5 to However, because National Inter- loss-adjustment expenses. business in part due to high single- first quarter of this year from $1 mil- shareholders of record May 21. state produced substantial gains from investments during the first quarter, the bottom-line hit from the added Your Expert Source for expenses stemming from the aborted takeover was reduced. Coach Financing and Leasing For the three months ended March 31, net income at National In- terstate totaled $8.05 million, little Advantage Funding is the largest changed from first-quarter 2013 net income of $8.02 million. Independent Commercial On a per-share basis, net income was 41cents for both the first quarter Transportation Lender in the U.S. We of this year and last year. Early this year, American Finan- have the flexibility to provide solutions cial Group of Cincinnati attempted to when banks and others can’t. buy all of the outstanding shares of National Interstate that were not Use us to your Advantage! owned by Great American Insurance Co., a subsidiary of American Finan- cial. (See March 1 and March 15 Bus “ We had a great experience purchasing our coach bus & Motorcoach News.) Same Day Turn-Around through Advantage Funding. We received low rates, and The purchase offer quickly de- the application process was easy with a fast approval. It was a pleasure working with a company who supports and volved into a contentious stockholder understands our industry.” fight. At least two class-action law- Skip Payment Options Tim S., Stout’s Transportation suits were filed challenging the fair- ness of the offer and seeking to halt Flexible Finance & Lease Terms the transaction. to 84 Months Additionally, National Interstate’s Call Us Now two largest independent stockhold- ers, company founder and former Trac Leases 888-876-4728 chairman, Alan Spachman, and the mega-investment firm of T. Rowe Black Car | Limousine | Limo Bus | Mini/Shuttle Bus | Charter Coach | Funeral Price Associates, announced they too opposed the deal, calling it unfair, in- adequate, troubling, and coercive. In the end, legal wrangling killed the deal. (See April 1 Bus & Motor- POT SHOT coach News.) American Financial withdrew its TRY IT offer after a U.S. District Court in Cleveland, acting on a lawsuit filed by Spachman, announced it intended SPECIAL to grant a motion for a preliminary injunction that would block Great American from completing the offer 128 to buy the 9.5 million shares of Na- tional Interstate it didn’t own. PREMEASURED Spachman, by leading the fight to block the offer, essentially rejected a SERVICES potential payday of $51 million for WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS his shares — at the $30 offering $37.95 price. FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! The short-lived tiff was a finan- cial bonanza for lawyers, however. WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER DELIVERED For the first quarter of this year, STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S ANYWHERE National Interstate reported that net SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. income from operations climbed to PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. IN USA AND $7.67 million from $7.01 million a year ago. POT SHOT IS AVAILABLE IN 2 OZ, 8 OZ, GALLONS, PAILS AND DRUMS TERRITORIES The gain resulted from a variety of factors, including rate increases — (800) 879-8648 - (702) 564-6454 - www.unitchemical.com some of the double-digit variety; bet- ter monitoring of risk selection, and a 29¢ modest improvement in the company 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products PER SERVICE combined ratio. 16 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Museum’s annual Spring Bus Fling will be June 7 MCI rallies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 HERSHEY, Pa. — The Muse- portion of its historic bus fleet. buses) is reduced for other visitors Pa., again will provide shuttle ser- passenger car-like brake pedal feel. um of Bus Transportation’s annual The museum is one mile north from the normal $10 to $5. vice to and from the storage facility This is achieved via an “optimized “Spring Bus Fling,” featuring the of Hersheypark on Pennsylvania There will be more than 20 ta- during the day. friction couple,” says Bendix. latest additions to its fleet of vin- Highway 39 in Hershey. bles of bus-related artifacts for Bus operators, manufacturers The ADB22X uses a two-pin tage buses, will be Saturday, June 7. The fling, which will run from sale to visitors. and individuals are invited to dis- floating caliper design that has The event will be in and on the 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is free to The fling is an opportunity to play a bus; there is plenty of park- fewer components than four-pin air grounds of the Antique Automobile museum members. The regular ad- view the museum’s entire fleet in ing and there’s no charge to disk brakes, improving serviceabil- Club of America Antique Automo- mission fee to the museum, which one day, including those buses display. ity, reducing weight, and offering bile Museum, where the Museum houses more than 130 vehicles housed at its nearby storage facility. For more information, call the more precise brake adjustment. of Bus Transportation houses a (cars, trucks, motorcycles and Wolf Bus Lines of York Springs, museum at (717) 566-7100 ext. 119. The brake has integrated pad- and rotor-wear sensing, and has common brake rotors. The MCI J4500 is delivered with the Bendix electronic stabili- ty program that improves vehicle control, especially in challenging driving situations, including those Drivers Wanted. where a rollover is possible. The system appropriately in- tervenes during untoward driving events, reducing engine torque and, if needed, applying the correct pressure to the brake system. A new option for the J4500 is the Bendix Wingman, which pro- vides adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation functionality. The system monitors a coach’s position behind other vehicles and automatically reduces throttle or applies the brakes to maintain safe following distances when the driv- er does not act. The Bendix Wingman system is said to be the only collision miti- gation technology delivering ac- tive braking, stationary object alerts, “always-on” driver alerts, potential fuel economy improve- ments, and helpful data outputs. The upgraded J4500 air system speeds coach rise times and has fewer connections, meaning great- er reliability, says MCI. Combined with the MCI “dy- namic suspension system,” the air system allows lower kneeling and faster recovery. To test the new systems on the J4500, MCI used the Bosch auto- motive test track near South Bend, Ind., where an independent team simulated nearly one million miles Introducing the Bus & Motorcoach Academy’s of driving. Prevost Preparatory School for Professional Additionally, MCI has nine J- coaches, featuring the ZF and Motorcoach Drivers. Bendix systems, in field tests with larger operators across the U.S. Developed to help new drivers prepare for The first production models with the new systems and compo- their CDL, Prevost Prep also gives nents are expected to roll off the assembly line in September. experienced drivers an opportunity to keep MCI D-series coaches are to get the same system, but without the in- current on the unique skills and responsibilities dependent front-wheel suspension. of a professional motorcoach driver. The other MCI rallies and test drives will be June 11 at the Sands Resort & Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.; Summer semester begins July 30! June 26 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., and July 8 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Each event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at www.mci- www.uma.org/academy coach.com. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS June 1, 2014 17 Coach operator, Bieber, obtains $5.5 million credit line KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Carl R. fund its growth and capital needs rate customers. “However, as a result of the date its existing senior credit fa- Bieber Inc./Bieber Transportation in the coming years. It has a fleet of close to 55 mo- prolonged economic downturn, a cilities and provide it with Group, a 68-year-old motorcoach Ultimately, Griffin selected torcoaches, plus around a dozen constrained operating line of credit increased liquidity and working company based here, has lined up Veritas Financial Partners as its se- smaller vehicles, including vans and meaningful capital spending capital to support its growth and $5.5 million in new financing. nior lender for the transaction, and limousines. needs, the company faced a seri- capital needs,” Griffin added. Griffin Financial Group, an in- which closed last month. Griffin said that despite diffi- ous liquidity problem. Veritas Financial Partners spe- vestment banking firm headquar- Bieber, which was established cult economic conditions, Bieber’s “Bieber engaged Griffin as its cializes in providing financing to tered in Reading, Pa., and Veritas in 1946, provides line runs, char- existing business has remained exclusive investment banker in middle-market businesses. Its Financial Partners, a financial ser- ters, tours, limousines and shuttle profitable and growth had been order to seek a new lending part- commitments typically range from vice firm based in Boca Raton, services for individuals and corpo- consistent. ner that would replace and consoli- $2 million to $10 million. Fla., announced the line of credit for Bieber will be used to refinance existing indebtedness and for gen- eral ongoing working capital needs. Veritas Financial Partners pro- vided the credit, which is collater- alized by Bieber’s account receiv- ables and equipment. The Bieber operation uses a variety of names, including Bieber Tourways, Bieber Tours and just plain Bieber. Take YOUR Griffin said it managed a com- petitive capital raising process to replace Bieber’s senior credit fa- cilities. The investment banking Business firm said it obtained multiple fi- nancing offers, negotiated terms with the prospective lenders, and was successful in securing financ- to the ing collateralized by Bieber’s fixed and other assets, to satisfy the company’s existing lenders and to provide Bieber with the ability to Next Level Prevost facility near Quebec City is open 24 hours Saint-Nicolas, Quebec — Pre- vost has expanded the hours of its service center in Saint-Nicolas, which is a suburb of Quebec City. The facility is open round the clock, from 7:30 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Saturday; it remains closed the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday. The service operation has seven repair bays which handle every- thing from routine maintenance to retrofits and comprehensive acci- The Bus & Motorcoach Academy’s dent repairs for all makes and mod- els of motorcoaches, transit buses, Clarence Cornell School of Business motorhomes, and other conversion vehicles. will help increase your business and Other services include electri- cal hookups and a wastewater operational knowledge...helping you dump station. A controlled-access fence is operational after hours take YOUR business to the next level. and monitored by a nighttime se- curity patrol. Summer semester begins July 30! Guillaume Charron, branch manager of the Saint-Nicolas fa- cility, said, “These expanded hours will open a new level of support to customers in this area and those who travel through Quebec.” The center is at 850, chemin Olivier, Saint-Nicolas. The phone number is (866) 870-2046. www.uma.org/academy 18 June 1, 2014 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Greyhound ‘mobile museums’ will mark 100th anniversary DALLAS — Greyhound Lines Greyhound television advertise- The mobile museums also will to Alice, Minn. Dallas: Sept. 13-Oct. 22 is 100 this year, and the pioneering ments that have been seen through be on display at public venues each Wickman charged customers 15 Arlington, Texas: Oct.11 intercity operator is marking its the years, and a 35-minute feature week during the tour, such as Six cents one way and 25 cents round El Paso, Texas: Nov. 15 anniversary with a multi-city, film the company produced in Flags theme parks, the U.S. Capitol, trip during that first year, 1914. Phoenix: Dec. 6 cross-country mobile museum 1956 called “Freedom Highway.” museums and parks, sports venues, Here is the latest information Las Vegas: Dec. 13 tour that gets underway May 29 The film, which can still be and during the State Fair in Texas. for the mobile museum tours, Los Angeles: Dec. 20-21 and continues to just before found on the Internet, stars an ex- “This tour is a once-in-a-life- showing terminal locations and Christmas. tremely fetching, 25-year-old time opportunity for much of the dates the buses will be at those North Tour The Greyhound “Centennial Angie Dickinson; 15-year-old Dis- public to see Greyhound’s history terminals: Cleveland: June 28 Tour” will be comprised of two ney star Tommy Kirk; western bal- brought straight to them,” said South Tour Columbus, Ohio: July 1 separate tours, each with a bus that ladeer and actor Tex Ritter; hand- Kim Plaskett, Greyhound director Boston: May 29 Cincinnati, Ohio: July 12 has been transformed into a travel- some Marshall Thompson, and of marketing. New York City: June 7 Indianapolis: July 19 ing museum, moving from the other familiar character actors. “Not only are we showcasing Philadelphia: June 14 Chicago: July 26 East to the West Coast, making The movie was co-produced by our company’s rich heritage, but Washington, D.C.: June 21 Milwaukee: Aug. 2 one-day stops in 37 cities. Greyhound and Academy Award- the exhibit will also feature a mod- Richmond, Va.: June 28 Minneapolis: Aug. 9 Inside the museum buses visi- winning short subject director ern flair, echoing the efforts Grey- Raleigh, N.C.: July 1 Kansas City, Mo.: Aug. 16 tors will find a timeline of histori- Jerry Fairbanks. The very 1950s hound has been making to trans- Jacksonville, Fla.: July 12 St. Louis: Aug. 23 cal events, featuring touch screen film won a special award from the form intercity bus travel today.” Orlando, Fla.: July 19 Memphis: Aug. 30 displays, as well as various items Freedoms Foundation. Along with the traveling mo- Miami: July 26 Little Rock, Ark.: Sept. 6 from different eras that are de- Greyhound customers, bus bile museums, Greyhound also Tallahassee, Fla.: Aug. 2 Shreveport, La.: Sept. 13 signed to bring back memories for nuts, and employees, as well as in- will feature coaches from its his- Atlanta: Aug. 9 Dallas: Sept. l3-Oct. 22 some people and enlighten others dustry buffs, in each city where the torical fleet, such as the Sceni- Nashville, Tenn.: Aug. 16 Denver: Nov. 1 about the nation’s largest intercity tour stops will get a chance to see cruiser and the Hupmobile, which Birmingham, Ala.: Aug. 23 Seattle: Nov. 15 motorcoach company. the museum buses when they make was the first vehicle used by com- New Orleans: Aug. 30 Portland, Ore.: Dec. 6 The two buses also will feature a day-long stop at the local Grey- pany founder Carl Eric Wickman Houston: Sept. 6 San Francisco: Dec. 13 a variety of videos, including hound terminal. to transport miners from Hibbing Austin, Texas: Sept. 13 Los Angeles: Dec. 20-21 For Sale: NOVA Low Floor Transits, 1998 MCI 102 EL Bus – White 56 Passenger Shuttle – $89,000 Calendar Setra 217HDH and MCI E4500s JUNE 2014 7 Museum of Bus Transporta- ESCOT Bus Lines in Florida has (2) tion Spring Bus Fling, Museum 1999 model year, and (2) 2000 mod- of Bus Transportation, Hershey, el year, good running, 40 foot, NOVA Pa. Info: (717) 566-2001 Ext. 119. Low Floor transit buses for sale. 34 seats + room for 20-30 standees, 12-14 The Bus History Associ- ADA ramp, Series 40 engine, B400 Al- ation 2014 Annual Convention, lison trans, Carrier HVAC, Twin Vision Country Inn & Suites at Mall of destination signs. These buses have America, Minneapolis. Info: been owned and operated by Escot 6 televisions, DVD player, PA www.bus-history.org. in contract service since 2008, ideal system, restroom with running for a parking lot or game day shuttle water, tons of luggage space. 16-19 Greater New Jersey where moving a high volume of pas- Recently spent over $15,000 Motorcoach Association and sengers quickly is needed. $15,000 on making the bus perfect, with Pennsylvania Bus Association each or $55,000 for all four. Spare receipts. All service has been Joint Annual Meeting, Industry parts also available. recently done. Good rubber Expo and Sales Retreat, Sands and brakes, everything works Bethlehem (Pa.) Info: www.pabus. ESCOT also has (1) 1998 model year, great and this is a turn key bus org or www.gnjma.com. good running, 45 foot, Setra S217HDH ready to make lots of money. 18-21 New England Bus Asso­‑ for sale. Series 60 Engine, B500R For Sale or Possible Trade For? ciation 2014 Annual Confer- Allison trans, 59 passenger seats. Please contact Phil at 408-859-6248 ence, Hilton Mystic, Mystic, Escot has owned and operated Conn. Info: mitch.guralnick@ this bus since new, 633,000 miles. mcicoach.com. $30,000. Spare parts also available. 2011 MCI J4500 only 14,000 Actual Miles! Detroit Series 60, Allison B500, 24-25 UMA Capital Hill Days, ESCOT also has (4) 2002 MCI E4500 Passenger Seat Belts $349,900 Washington, D.C. Info: Ken coaches for sale. Series 60, B500, We have great financing sources at Presley at UMA, email kpresley@ uma.org, or call (800) 424-8262. Call Brian at aluminum wheels, 665,000-735,000 competitive rates for qualified buyers miles, Escot has owned and operated Call JD at 763-856-0778 or email 727-545-2088 all since new. $109,000 each. [email protected] JULY 2014 Call Darcy at 800-322-8687 or email 13-16 Joint Annual Meeting of [email protected] Virginia, North Carolina and Excellent Condition–none nicer! For more photos and details on these and other fine coaches go to: South Carolina Motorcoach Cummins • B500 • 58 pax w/lav http://BusesAndMore.com Associations, Richmond Mariott, <150K TCM Michelin Tires Richmond, Va. Info: www.scmotor- Alcoa Rims • Cordless Mics coach.org, www.ncmotorcoach. CD/DVD • Lots more options REPOS FOR SALE org, or www.vamotorcoach.com. Partial Financing O.A.C. •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell 23 Florida Motorcoach Starting at $350,000/OBO • Variety of Makes & Models Association Education and Trades for clean MCI D model considered • More available Compliance Meeting, Sheraton Call / Email today for photos and more info! 1-877-737-2221 x30716 Lake Buena Vista Resort, [email protected] / 808.832.6261 www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” Orlando. Info: [email protected]. INCREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY ISN’T MARKETING. IT’S AN UNDERSTANDING.

While other brands may tout increased fuel economy, only Prevost has the reputation to back it up. No gimmicks here, just the innovations that are known for making our motorcoaches run as effi ciently as possible. These include features like the PRIME Energy Management System, which keeps operation costs down by using engine negative torque to generate “free” electricity, thus increasing fuel economy. And the Volvo D13 engine with 2014 engine technology gives improved fuel effi ciency, even over last year’s engine. Pair that with the I-Shift transmission, and you have the formula for optimal operational effi ciency. Safety features, such as AWARE Adaptive Cruise Braking and the Electronic Stability Program, also help you avoid costly downtime by avoiding incidents and keeping your vehicles where they belong—on the road.

For more information: USA 336-393-3929 Canada 418-883-3391 www.prevostcar.com Reliability Rally Reliability Rally Rally around MCI’s and Setra’s latest equipment and technology

Looking to put a new MCI or Setra coach through the paces? Race on down to a speedway or stadium near you, and join the MCI Reliability Rally. Our big spring-summer test-ride event is your best chance to get a look at what’s new:

 The best-selling MCI J4500, introducing our upcoming, tight- turning ZF axle, independent front suspension, and Bendix Join MCI at one of these braking with available adaptive cruise control. Reliability Rally locations: Great Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX  The luxurious, custom-tailored Setra S 417 with second turnout! Wednesday, April 30 door and club corner. Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL  The latest, greatest pre-owned coaches, priced to sell. Thursday, May 22 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA  Supplier showcase, featuring system updates and maintenance Wednesday, June 4 tips from key vendors. Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, PA  Lunch, giveaways and prizes. Wednesday, June 11 Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, GA Plus, our top technical troubleshooters, parts reps and other MCI team members Thursday, June 26 will be on hand to answer your questions, lead educational sessions and more. AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA This event has something for everyone, from business owners to drivers and Tuesday, July 8 technicians. So bring your team, mark your calendars, and start your engines!

Scan this code to sign up for one of MCI’s Reliability Rally events, or visit mcicoach.com/rally

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