April 15, 2009

FMCSA adopts ‘two-strikes’ policy for unsafe companies WASHINGTON — During the aggravated assault. sessing maximum fines for ated the FMCSA, mandated the adopting a three-strikes rule that past 15 years, the three-strikes- The concept has been adapted schlocky motor carriers found to agency assess maximum civil pen- defined both the “pattern of viola- you’re-out rule has become a key and adopted by other government have committed a pattern of viola- alties on anyone who committed a tions,” and “previously committed aspect of the U.S. criminal justice units and applied to all sorts of tions of “critical or acute” safety “pattern of violations” of impor- the same or related violation,” as system. regulatory requirements and en- rules and gone to a two-strikes- tant safety regulations, or to have three cases of violations occurring The policy generally holds that forcement actions, including by and- you-get-a-big-fine policy. “previously committed the same or within the previous six years. repeat offenders are given manda- the Federal Motorcoach Safety The change went into effect a related violation” of critical Within a year or two of adopt- tory life sentences when convicted Administration. April 1. regulations. ing that policy, the agency began of committing particularly egre- Now, the FMCSA has thrown The Motor Carrier Safety Im- Five years later, the agency coming under fire from members gious crimes like kidnapping and out its three-strikes policy for as- provement Act of 1999, which cre- clarified its enforcement policy by CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c Greyhound Lines sponsors Operators win its own crash testing right to supply — The decision by ations was the SafeGuard seat and Greyhound Lines to have passen- restraint system IMMI recently Indy 500 ger restraints and safety seats in- began producing in a partnership — A last cluded in an order of 100 new Pre- with American Seating of Grand ditch effort by a public transit agen- vost motorcoaches came after the Rapids, Mich. cy to continue operating the lucra- nation’s largest line-run operator ran The restraint system features tive park-and-ride shuttle service the buses and a combination safety the SmartFrame seat, which sepa- for the Indianapolis 500 race has systems it was considering buying rates in a frontal accident with the been halted by the Federal Transit through a series of crash tests. front portion of the seat moving for- Greyhound’s new X3-45 Prevost coaches have been given an understated Administration. The company said results of the ward and the back section remain- livery that prominently features its iconic logo. In a ruling issued by Acting sled, reliability, durability and er- ing stationary, preventing unbelted level of protection for passengers As a result, she said Greyhound Deputy Administrator Matthew J. gonomic tests conducted for it by passengers from being thrown over by combining strength and com- opted to have the three-point re- Welbes, the federal agency rejected passenger restraint manufacturer the seat in front of them. partmentalization. straints and safety seats installed on a request by the Indianapolis Public IMMI of Westfield, Ind., convinced Greyhound spokeswoman Abby “Following the extensive test- all of its new coaches. Transportation Corp. for an excep- it to include three-point passenger Wambaugh said that results of the ing, the combination of the new Greyhound purchased 50 Pre- tion to the federal charter service belts and newly designed safety tests conducted at IMMI’s Center seat design, coupled with other as- vost X3-45 coaches last year, but rule that would have allowed it to seats on its new buses. for Advanced Product Evaluation pects of the coaches, make Safe- they were bought before the crash provide shuttle service for this The focus of the tests done on facility in Indiana showed the Guard a decision that further en- tests were completed and are not year’s race, May 24. the Prevost X3-45 models Grey- SafeGuard system not only ex- hances customer safety on the new equipped with the belts or safety The decision clears the way for hound ordered late last year for its ceeds current government injury coach design, which allows all ele- seats. private motorcoach operators to regular intercity and BoltBus oper- criteria, but provides the highest ments to work together,” she added. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c take over the service, which in re- cent years has attracted more than 15,000 riders who paid $15 each Legislators agree to drop New effort to lift N.J. tax for roundtrip tickets. The public transit agency — tax on N.Y. bus charters on out-of-state operators known as IndyGo — provided the ALBANY, N.Y. — The Bus As- terson to help bail the state out of a TRENTON, N.J. — A bill has for nearly a decade. race day service for years, but was sociation of New York reports that huge financial deficit. (See Feb. 1 been introduced that would elimi- The nuisance tax has been peri- to have given it up last year after the key state legislative leaders have Bus & Motorcoach News.) nate New Jersey’s corporate busi- odically attacked by the industry charter rule was rewritten to agreed to remove bus charters from The proposed tax was consid- ness tax on out-of-state bus compa- but previous efforts to get it lifted strengthen the prohibition against a proposed 4 percent sales tax on ered particularly onerous because it nies that bring passengers into the have failed. federally subsidized public transit transportation services. would have applied to any service state. Now, the industry is encour- agencies from competing with pri- BANY, as the association is used after June 1, regardless of when New Jersey’s requirement that aged by the action of state Sen. Jeff vate carriers for charter service. known, had lobbied the legislature the service was purchased. The ef- bus operators having more than Van Drew who’s sponsoring a bill However, IndyGo, warning that for weeks to get bus charters and fect of such a provision was to make five passenger trips into the state in the New Jersey Senate that, if private carriers might not be ready tours removed from the tax, which the tax retroactive on charters that during a year must file a state busi- passed, would prohibit the imposi- to take over the service without first was one of a number of taxes pro- had been booked but not yet used. ness tax return has been a sore tion of the corporate business tax seeing how it operated, won a one- posed by New York Gov. David Pat- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c point with the motorcoach industry CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c ABC C o m p A n i e s 1999-2000 Sale Ready starting at $150,000 t2145s Lease Rates starting at $2,495

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ABC-MN Preowned ad 3-09.indd 1 2/27/2009 3:41:34 PM Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2009 3 Operators jump on board Miles for Babies program ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Motor- Operators participating in the mothers have healthy pregnancies help prevent birth defects, prema- in the program will donate 10 cents coach operators and the motor- program are committing to donate and healthy babies. Additionally, ture birth and infant mortality. for every mile their fleet drives coach industry will be front and 10 cents a mile for each mile driven the money will fund research to “Premature birth is the leading Sept. 24, many operators also plan center for a major national fund- on that day and during the March of find answers to the serious prob- cause of newborn death, and the to conduct other events that day to raising effort in September on be- Dimes fall special events season. lems that threaten babies. March of Dimes is committed to re- raise money for the program. half of the March of Dimes’ healthy Operators also are being asked UMA Chairman Godfrey Le­ ducing its toll and ensuring that Operators will be conducting babies program. to donate a “motorcoach for the Bron says the Miles for Babies pro- every baby has a healthy start in auctions and raffles; holding bake, Coach operators are being day” to be auctioned off at a local gram gives each member of UMA life,” said LeBron. craft or rummage sales at their urged by the United Motorcoach March of Dimes event. the opportunity to partner with its “So, get on board. Help all ba- company offices; conducting coin Association to sign up for the Miles Money raised by operators will local March of Dimes chapter and bies be born healthy,” he urges fel- drives at local sporting events or for Babies program on Sept. 24. go to support programs in commu- become a champion for babies, low operators. meetings; hosting spaghetti dinners; Many already have. nities across America that help raising urgently needed money to While companies participating CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c 3 keys to reducing bus fires Goal: No-hassle inspections CRYSTAL CITY, Va. — Driver training, rate information on their numbers, causes CRYSTAL CITY, Va. — Bus safety in- ple from the industry, including a number of preventive maintenance and high-tech equip- and damages can be maintained. Efforts to spection programs work best when everyone state law enforcement officers and others ment are the best bets for the motorcoach in- gather such information have been made in involved works together. who run bus inspection programs. dustry to take on one of its major menaces the past by safety consultants, trade groups That’s what state and federal regulators Miller and other panelists suggested the — bus fires. and others, but no one has ever been sure of say they’ve found in planning and carrying programs run much smoother and are much That’s the shared opinion of more than the accuracy of the data. out aggressive inspection programs that are more effective when everyone who has a 150 industry representatives who gathered “Although fires don’t occur too often, we geared to making the motorcoach industry stake in the motorcoach industry and high- here last month for a special Commercial Ve- don’t know how often and that’s something safer by taking bad operators, bad drives and way safety is involved. hicle Safety Alliance summit on bus safety. we really need to know,” noted Neil Meltzer bad buses off the road. “It’s all about communications,” he said. Although their basic ideas were not nec- of the Volpe National Transportation Systems “We can’t get anything done without State officials attending the safety sum- essarily new, they did emphasize that it will Center, where bus fire testing is being done. partnerships,” said Robert Miller of the Fed- mit were in full agreement, saying they’ve take a combination of all three measures to be He said a new reporting system that sepa- eral Motor Carrier Safety Administration, had great success working closely with most successful in preventing fires and mini- rates bus fires from bus accidents would help one of several panelists who took part in a others. mizing damages when they occur. so regulators and the industry can learn as workshop at a Commercial Vehicle Safety In , inspectors bring in To help get the job done, they also sug- much as possible about the causes and what Alliance conference on bus safety here last property owners of casinos, amusement gested the industry needs to develop a meth- could have been done to prevent them. month. parks and other destination venues, while in od of tracking bus fires so detailed and accu- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c The conference drew more than 150 peo- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 c 4 April 15, 2009 Bus & Motorcoach News

State tax amnesty programs spread Sen. Arlen Specter to oppose Shortfalls trigger state referral fees and the other es that have posed hypothetical labor-backed card check bill half of the interest waived. situations about how much they WASHINGTON — Sen. porters get the 60 votes needed to forgiveness plans Following the amnesty, addi- might owe under certain Arlen Specter, the only Republi- overcome a potential Senate fili- tional penalties will go into effect conditions. can senator to support the Em- buster and pass the measure. on tax delinquencies not paid dur- Under the Alabama program, ployee Free Choice Act when it Specter announced his inten- TRENTON, N.J. — New Jer- ing the forgiveness period. the state will waive penalties and was debated two years ago, says tion in a floor speech, telling col- sey has become the latest state to The state hopes to collect $100 not seek criminal charges against he will vote against the legislation leagues he recognized the bill was adopt a general tax amnesty pro- million from the program. people and businesses that volun- when it returns to the Senate floor “a very emotional issue.” (See gram for businesses and individu- The offer may be of special in- tarily file past-due returns by May this year. April 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.) als that didn’t pay their taxes ear- terest to bus and truck operators, 15. The program also applies to Labor groups and Democrats Business groups, including lier in this decade. which New Jersey has singled out people and businesses that amend had hoped the sena- the National Association of Man- Alabama and Massachusetts for special attention if they are not their tax returns to properly report tor’s backing of the legislation — ufacturers and the U.S. Chamber currently have tax amnesty pro- registered to pay the state’s corpo- their tax liabilities. commonly called the “card of Commerce, applauded Spec- grams under way and Connecticut rate income tax. The amnesty ap- A fiscal analyst with the Na- check” bill — would help sup- ter’s decision. begins one on the first of next plies to those carriers that failed to tional Conference of State Legis- month. pay the New Jersey tax. latures reports that amnesty pro- State tax amnesty programs One trucking industry attorney grams in recent years have usually GAO: TSA needs to improve have been around for years, but said it seems probable that state met or exceeded state officials’ more states have begun using agents will again be out in force revenue expectations. But he notes bus, truck threat assessments them recently due to shrinking following the amnesty looking for it’s too early in the recession to tell state tax collections. unregistered motor carriers. whether that trend will continue. WASHINGTON — The Trans- GAO said. Under legislation signed into Alabama officials report that Oklahoma reported taking in portation Security Administration “TSA cannot be sure its ap- law by New Jersey Gov. Jon Cor- that state’s reprieve for tax dodg- $115 million last fall. Virginia needs to improve its terrorism proach for securing the commercial zine last month, the Garden state ers is producing lots of calls from took in $98 million last year and threat assessments of the bus and vehicle sector addresses the highest will be conducting a tax amnesty people interested in paying up nearly $41 million — with truck industries, says the Govern- priority security needs,” GAO said from May 4 through June 15, for without penalty, including one all three exceeding expectations. ment Accountability Office. in a report. all state tax liabilities due from with a tax debt of about $400,000. The Connecticut amnesty will TSA does evaluate threats, but The Congressional watchdog January 2002 through January State Revenue Commissioner run from May 1 through June 25. its assessments generally do not agency is recommending that TSA 2009. Tim Russell said several hundred It will cover nearly all tax pro- identify the likelihood of specific develop a plan and schedule for Delinquents who file tax re- people have called since Opera- grams administered by the Con- threats, GAO found in its finishing risk assessments, as well turns covering such liabilities and tion Clean Slate started Feb. 1. necticut Department of Revenue investigation. as performance measures for fed- who pay all the tax owed and half Generally, they have been anony- Services. The program features a Also, TSA has not determined eral security programs. the interest before the end of the mous taxpayers or accountants reduction in interest due and the when or how it will complete its Additionally, TSA needs to amnesty will have all penalties, representing anonymous business- waiver of all penalties. vulnerability assessments, the clarify the roles the various trans- portation security stakeholders play, and improve its coordination with stakeholders. TSA’s parent agency, the De- partment of Homeland Security, agrees with the recommendations, GAO said. Int’l visitors set record in 2008 WASHINGTON — A record 58 million international visitors came to the United states last year, according to new figures from the U.S. Depart- ment of Commerce. The total represents a 4 percent increase over the number of foreign visitors in 2007. The top five international re- gions for arrivals in 2008 were West- ern Europe (12,198 million), Asia (6,179 million), South America (2,556 million), Caribbean (1,201 million) and Oceania (852 million). However, there was a 7 percent decline in total monthly visits in De- cember, dropping to 3.9 million compared to the same period in 2007. Total fourth-quarter 2008 ar- rivals fell 6 percent. Both declines were likely due to the global eco- nomic downturn. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET April 15, 2009 5 Alexandria, Va.: Colorado lawmakers nix school seatbelt bill Travel with care — A bill that would have re- Rose Swenby, the mother of the last child to February. quired school buses purchased after June 30, die in a school bus accident in Colorado, said Much of the opposition to the bill came ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The 2010, to be equipped with lap-shoulder seatbelts members of the education committee appeared from school officials who complained about United Motorcoach Association is reminding operators to be good has failed to get out of the House Education to have made up their minds in advance against the bill’s unfunded state mandate on local citizens when sending coaches to Committee in the Colorado General Assembly. the bill before voting on it. school districts, and who questioned its neces- this historic community on the The bill would have mandated students to Swenby had testified on behalf of the legis- sity since only one student has been killed on a banks of the Potomac River. wear seatbelts while a bus was in operation, and lation at a February Senate committee hearing Colorado school bus in the past 20 years — The reason for the admonition drivers would have had to make an effort to as- and again at the House Education hearing last Swenby’s son. is that the city is stepping up en- sure the belts were being used. month. The Senate approved the bill in late The bill is likely to resurface next year. forcement of idling and parking rules in an effort to quell concerns of residents. Alexandria is a popular motor- coach and tourist destination be- cause of its historic buildings, res- taurants, shopping, hotels and the nearby home of George Washing- ton, Mount Vernon. “Operators should be mindful of all laws and signage. City po- lice are watching,” cautions UMA. Here are particular watchouts: • Idling for longer than 15 minutes is prohibited by Virginia law and is subject to a $50 fine. Also, the city code stipulates that buses parked in designated spots must turn off their engines when parked. • Double parking, stopping that obstructs traffic, and stopping to load or unload passengers in the traveled portion of any street is prohibited. Penalty: $200. • Using an undesignated park- ing space to park a tour or sight- seeing bus is prohibited. Penalty: $100. For more information, go to http://visitalexandriava.com/ about-alexandria/maps-transpor- tation/motorcoach-resources/, call the Alexandria Convention & Visi- tors Association at (800) 388-9119, or e-mail Ken Presley at UMA, [email protected]. Alabama adopts steel-coil measure MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Gov. Bob Riley signed a measure re- quiring truck drivers transporting steel coils to be properly trained so the coils don’t fall off their flatbeds. About 30 coils have come loose from trucks on Birmingham- area interstates since 1987, and while no deaths have resulted from the incidents, the cost of repairing highways has totaled more than $7 million. (See Aug. 15, 2006 Bus & Motorcoach News.) The law requires truckers in- volved in moving steel coils to use drivers trained and certified in properly securing them. Companies caught using an un- certified driver will face a $5,000 to $10,000 fine. Uncertified driv- ers face fines of $250 to $1,000 and could get up to one year in jail. 6 April 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

Bus inspections they complete them all by noon so them back in days,” he said. “We the bus companies that have been need to change that.” ExxonMobil increases oil, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 cited can get their required repairs Meantime, Miller said rogue a state agency pitches in completed and paperwork in order motorcoach companies remain a low-sulfur diesel output by helping motorcoach carriers in time for the buses to be ready to safety problem on highways across NEW YORK — ExxonMobil this year and, at their peak, are ex- keep track of the records of their pickup their passengers at the end the country and the FMCSA wants will spend more than $1 billion pected to add the net equivalent of drivers. of the day. to round them up so action can be during the next year or so to ex- an additional 485,000 barrels per “We always ask property own- They even have cell phones taken against them. He urged op- pand production of low-sulfur day to production. ers to come with us or send repre- available for the drivers so they can erators who know of any, or who diesel fuel as part of a plan to in- • The company is investing sentatives so they know what it is keep their companies informed of run across them during their daily vest a record $25 billion to $30 more than $1 billion in lower-sul- all about,” said Brian Cristy of the what is going on and multiple pri- operations, to alert the agency as billion in new oil and gas projects fur diesel projects at three refiner- Massachusetts Department of Pub- vate repair shops on standby so quickly as possible. annually over the next five years. ies in the U.S. and Europe. Once lic Utilities, which does numerous they can do any repairs that might “We want to know who they are ExxonMobil’s plans include: complete next year, these projects destination inspections. be needed before the coach can be and where they are operating,” he • Nine major projects are ex- will increase lower-sulfur diesel He said the practice of getting cleared to go. said. “We are here to help.” pected to commence production production by 140,000 barrels per day. property owners involved has been Gregg Bragg of the California Also, states interested in starting useful in convincing uncooperative Highway Patrol said his state’s De- or expanding bus safety programs Bus fires representatives who participated in owners to allow inspectors on their partment of Motor Vehicles tracks could get some financial assistance the conference. properties for inspections. the driving records of motorcoach from the federal government, ac- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 During an exercise in which “It’s a balancing act,” he said, drivers and notifies carriers when cording to Tom Kean of the FMCSA. “We do see some evidence that they were asked to prioritize the in- adding that many of them become one of their drives receives a traffic He said the agency’s Motor more fires are being reported,” he dustry’s main safety issues, most of involved when told that by taking ticket or some other action is taken Carrier Safety Assistance Program noted. them offered up bus fires as an im- part they can get a good sense of on the license. In addition, it also offers grants — $209 million this Meltzer said data collected portant one, noting that the use of the type of equipment that is com- sends each carrier an annual report year alone — to the states to devel- from various sources in the past in- high-tech equipment that warns ing on their property. of their drivers’ records. op goals, strategies and programs dicate that there are about 160 fires drivers of fire dangers and extin- Cristy said inspections are al- He said he’s now hoping to get aimed at improving the safety of a year with about 36 percent of guishes them as they break out ways planned so they cause the the state to revise a policy that al- buses and trucks on their highways. them starting in the engine and 32 would be a major boost to the in- least amount of inconvenience to lows motorcoach companies that “We won’t dictate to the states, percent igniting in wheel wells. dustry’s fire control efforts. the bus companies, the passengers, have had their state authorization but let them decide on a mixture of The engine fires often are trig- Training, too, they said is criti- and the venues. suspended to get back on the road programs such as inspections and gered by bad battery connections, cal, with special educational class- They usually do their inspec- within a day or two. audits,” he said. alternators, filters, turbochargers es needed for not only drivers, but tions away from the entrances so “Trucking companies get 30- Information is available at and other components in the engine mechanics as well. they do not create a spectacle and day suspensions while buses get www.ai.fmcsa.dot.gov. compartments, while brakes and They suggested that well- wheel bearings start most of the trained mechanics can help elimi- Victor Parra, president of the CEO of Motor Coach Canada. fires in the wheel wells. nate potential fire troubles by being New Jersey tax United Motorcoach Association, “We told the senator that many “The right fire suppressants and more thorough when doing routine CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 said motorcoach traffic to Atlantic (Motor Coach Canada) members fire detection systems have the po- and preventive maintenance work City had dropped 40 percent since are telling us they limit their New on out-of-state carriers that bring tential of preventing more than 70 on their coaches. the tax was enacted in 2001. Jersey trips to fewer than six per passengers to New Jersey. percent of the fires,” he stressed. Additionally, they said drivers “Hopefully they’ll come back year to avoid the hassle of having While there currently is a tax Other high-tech equipment that need to be provided continuous once we get this corporate fran- to file tax returns. Others tell us exemption for out-of-state opera- monitors exhaust systems, tires and training so they can recognize fire chise tax removed,” Parra told New they just don’t bother taking trips tors that conduct five or fewer trips other hot components on the buses hazardous quickly and know what Jersey newspaper reporters. to New Jersey anymore and, in- per year, carriers still must register possibly could eliminate even more to do when they discover a Motor Coach Canada, the trade stead, take Canadian charter-and- with the state by filing a nexus ac- fires, according to other industry problem. knowledgement form. group that represents private bus tour groups to other northeast U.S. Over the years, many operators operators across Canada, issued a destinations where (the corporate have stopped bringing groups to statement saying it supports Van bus tax) is not an issue. FMSCA policy So, when the agency discovers New Jersey because of the tax, the Drew and his bid to deep six the tax. “Hopefully, our letter of sup- two or more critical and/or acute hassle and the state’s sometimes “We have written to Senator port will help Senator Drew in his CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 violations in each of three or more aggressive enforcement. Van Drew in support of his efforts efforts to have the misguided tax of Congress and others who con- different regulatory parts it can The new effort by Van Drew is to scrap the tax, as we believe it abolished,” said Crow. tended its enforcement efforts were mete out maximum fines. being supported by industry trade drives tourism revenues away from A companion bill has been in- too weak. Congress ordered the A rogue carrier will be subject groups and others who rallied for a New Jersey and this hurts tourism- troduced in the New Jersey Gener- Government Accountability Office to the maximum fines when the press event earlier this month in dependant businesses in that state,” al Assembly by three Democratic to examine the agency’s enforce- pattern of critical or acute viola- Atlantic City. said Brian Crow, president and assemblymen. ment practices. tions is discovered after the opera- In 2007, the GAO issued a re- tor has had “previous contact” with Miles for Babies St. Stephen, Minn.; Magic Carpet Coaches of Arlington, Texas. port that said the FMCSA three- the FMCSA, a state motor carrier Ride of Vero Beach, Fla.; Stratton Daisy Tours of San Antonio, strikes policy had failed to assess safety enforcement agency, or CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Charters of Cuba City, Wis.; South- Texas; Coach Tours of Brookfield, maximum penalties against serious other FMCSA-designated repre- having “dress-up days” where, in ern Coach Co./Coach America of Conn.; Cavalier Coach Trailways of safety-rules violators and hadn’t sentative acting on behalf of exchange for a donation to Miles Durham, N.C.; Royal Coach Tours ; Best Charters of Royal achieved the 1999 law’s intent that FMCSA. for Babies, employees can come to of San Jose, Calif.; Paradise Trail- Palm Beach, Fla.; maximum penalties be imposed This contact can be through a work in casual attire, sports jerseys, ways of Hicksville, N.Y.; Panorama Balboa Transportation of San when there had been two distinct New Entrant Safety Audit, Pre-Au- Hawaiian shirts — whatever theme Tours Inc. of Clifton, N.J. Diego; Anchor Trailways and Tours patterns of violations or repeat thorization Safety Audit, Expedit- they choose, or developing an “Of- Newton Bus Service of of Nashville, Tenn.; All Aboard violations. ed Action Letter, Compliance Re- fice Olympics,” where employees Gloucester, Va.; Lancaster Trail- Charters of Sarasota, Fla., and A The GAO recommended the view, Notice of Violation, Notice compete at everyday tasks, or games ways of the Carolinas, Lancaster, Candies Coachworks of Gaines- FMCSA revise its policy. of Claim, Warning Letter or other such as a paper clip toss. Money is S.C.; Kobussen Trailways of ville, Fla. A year earlier, the U.S. Depart- “significant documented contact raised for Miles for Babies by em- Kaukauna, Wis.; Kelly Tours of Sa- The March of Dimes is the ment of Transportation Office of reasonably likely to have alerted ployees paying to participate. vannah, Ga.; Huskey Trailways of leading nonprofit organization for Inspector General had issued a the motor carrier to FMCSA’s reg- To sign up for the Miles for Festus, Mo.; Hotard Coaches of pregnancy and baby health. With similar recommendation. ulatory and enforcement jurisdic- Babies program, go to www.miles- New Orleans; Gray Line of ; chapters nationwide and its premier Now, 20 months after the GAO tion,” says the agency forbabies.org. Grand Tours of Lockport, N.Y.; Ex- event, March for Babies, the March report and three years after the However, a roadside inspec- Here are some of the coach cursion Trailways of Ft. Wayne, of Dimes works to improve the USDOT Inspector General recom- tion, alone, will not be considered a companies that have already signed Ind.; Escot Bus Lines of Largo, health of babies. For the latest re- mendation, the agency has revised “previous contact” for the purpose up: Young Transportation of Ashe- Fla.; Diamond Coach of Dallas, sources and information, go to its policy and issued a two-strikes of subjecting a carrier to the tough- ville, N.C.; Trobec Bus Service of Duncanville, Texas; Dan Dipert www.marchofdimes.com. rule. er revised rule.

8 April 15, 2009 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News Ahhhh, the joys of operating a motorcoach company With Continental , In D.C., it’s ‘we don’t want motorcoaches’ WASHINGTON — Late last driver for his license and the driv- “While we don’t expect great it’s ‘our way or the runway’ month, Miller Transportation of er told him he didn’t want to give treatment in D.C., I have never had Indianapolis had three coaches at it to him, at which point the offi- a driver handcuffed and threat- TULSA, Okla. — In an era verted from the same airport in the National Zoo as part of a trip cer grabbed the driver by the ened with jail,” said Steve Bahler, when economists, public policy Arkansas to Tulsa, and it wanted to Washington. throat and handcuffed him. general manger of Miller Trans- makers and even the president of to bus its passengers to The zoo’s parking attendant For more than an hour and a portation’s Indianapolis division. the United States are bemoaning Bentonville. asked them to unload and pull half the driver stood at his bus “We run many, many trips to today’s overly pervasive credit Great. Kraft’s driver loaded around the corner to park while he handcuffed while the officer wrote D.C. and have never had anything culture, what happens when a mo- the bus and inched his way filled the lot with cars, since they three tickets, asked him how long happen like this. This is one of my torcoach operator rejects a credit- through heavy fog to deliver his were paying $20 a piece. He told it would take his company to get top drivers, and his comment was card payment from a large com- passengers safely to their destina- the coach drivers that after the another driver, and continued to that he supposed he should have pany and says he’s willing to wait tion. Days later, Kraft submitted a parking spaces were filled he threaten him with jail. handed his license to the guy but to be paid by an old-fashioned statement to Continental’s on-du- would let them back in to load. The officer also threatened the there was no a badge visible. He check? ty station chief in Tulsa. A week The third of the Miller coaches other two drivers and the D.C. es- thought it was a rental cop.” He’s figuratively slapped up- or so later the station manager was parked along the street when a cort (the wife of a retired general), When last seen, Bahler was side the head, threatened to have called Kraft’s office to pay the bill zoo police officer rolled by and saying if they didn’t walk away he writing letters to his congressional future business cut off, and forced with a credit card. screamed at the driver: “Move that would “give them the same thing representatives and agreeing with to wait for weeks and weeks and “While we accept credit cards damn bus.” this guy is getting.” one long-time coach industry weeks to be paid. He’s still …bank processing fees are sub- The driver, one of Miller’s When told it would take more Washington observer: “Motor- waiting. stantial,” notes Kraft. “In our most seasoned, tried to explain than 24 hours to get another driv- coaches are about as welcome in That’s what happened to Mi- case, 4 percent of the amount, not that he had been directed by the er, the officer finally let the driver D.C. as the plague. There are so chael Kraft, managing director of an insignificant fee on a $900 bill. zoo attendant to that location, but go, but not before telling the Mill- many, and they have been coming Kraftours of Tulsa. I explained to (the station manag- was told that didn’t mean a thing. er drivers “we don’t want motor- for so long, they are taken for Kraft got a call in late January er) that I would gladly wait for his The police officer asked the coaches here” several times. granted.” to help a regional with a check as payment, or I could ac- flight that looked like it was going cept his credit card with the addi- seek other services in the future.” Continental Airlines would not today than are we,” said Kraft. to be forced to return to Tulsa In- tion of a 4 percent processing fee. Kraft said he politely remind- need our services in the future. I “That is the reason we attempted ternational Airport because lousy “(The station manager) harsh- ed the station manager that he had was stunned and incredulous,” to do what we could to avoid ad- weather was keeping it from land- ly rejected any processing fee and raised a driver from his bed dur- said Kraft. ditional, unnecessary fees for our ing at Northwest Arkansas Re- insisted that a check would re- ing terrible, cold, foggy weather It should be noted that in its services charged to our custom- gional Airport in Bentonville. It quire four to six weeks. When I and sent him to Continental Air- 48 years in business Kraftours has ers, or to us. What we received was the kind of call Kraft had got- told (the Continental manager) I lines, “no questions asked, with- never been called by Continental instead of cooperation was a bold ten many times in the past and to would willingly wait for his out any insistence on how or when Airlines for emergency or any and unequivocal threat. which he had invariably check, he forcefully proclaimed we would be paid because our other bus services, so a threat to “Conspicuously missing from responded. that I should know that Continen- help was needed that night to take withhold business was not partic- my exchange with (the station When the bus arrived at the tal Airlines prefers to pay by cred- passengers safely to Arkansas. ularly persuasive to Kraft. manager) was any hint of appre- airport, however, the driver it card and would not knowingly “We performed our work And, second, while Kraftours ciation for the service we per- learned the weather had momen- tolerate any additional service flawlessly, and (the station man- made no demands of the station formed instantly and faultlessly. tarily cleared and the flight was fees. ager) elected to threaten us with manager, or Continental Airlines, Moreover, missing was recogni- able to land at the Bentonville “He went on to insist that if we no business because we are will- before leaping to its aid, it appar- tion that we are occasional, some- airport. refused to accept his credit-card ing to wait for payment by check. ently will be blacklisted by the times frequent, air travelers, too.” But, all seemingly was not payment without a service fee, (The station manager) argued that airline just because it was willing Kraft has appealed to the pres- lost. The driver was directed to even if we were willing to wait for if I were willing to throw away the to wait for payment by check. ident of Continental for payment. the station manager for Continen- a check, we should be advised business of Continental Airlines “No one is more aware of the He’s still waiting to hear back… tal Airlines which had a flight di- that Continental Airlines would over $36, then I should know challenges faced by businesses and for his money.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 144 To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- Joan Libby the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Cavalier Coach Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Boston, Mass. E-mail: E-mail: Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways [email protected] [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Coach Tours Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Brookfield, Conn. , OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Jeff Polzien To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Red Carpet Charters Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Oklahoma City Industry Editor: Ken Presley subscription: Larry Benjamin Tira Wayland Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines ABC Companies Ready Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Faribault, Minn. LaCrescent, Minn. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Gladys Gillis Brian Scott Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Bristow, Va. Seattle Largo, Fla. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Mark Gedris Dan Diepert Coaches Krapf Coaches National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young ©2009 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus and Motorcoach_PREVOST.ai 23/12/08 09:40:49

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10 April 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Seatbelts: There’s much more to the issue than the belts By Dave Millhouser there’s a major push by some to have them have seatbelts, what happens to the residual don’t” comes to mind. installed on coaches. They should certainly value of every coach in the land? Buses are Driver training is It was a convoy. Two Brills and an Aero- be considered as part of new safety legisla- expensive and durable. growing increasingly coach chugged west on the Colorado prairie, tion, but they aren’t a panacea, nor without Most successful financial models of our critical. Belts are only blindly following the leader’s “short cut.” problems. industry assume high resale value over a important in a crash, Approaching a construction zone, the Some operators are now specifying seat- long period. We can’t scrap them, and we’re so prevention remains leader wasn’t able to slow in time to avoid belts on new coaches in an effort to stay going to find it hard to sell them if we let crucial. the flagger working the two-lane highway. ahead of the curve and/or promote safety. them be perceived as unsafe. S e a t b e l t s , a n d Buses of this vintage had “virtual” Along with these devices come consider- Some companies are retro-fitting buses other safety features of brakes that only gave the illusion of stop- ations critical in our litigious society. with belted seats, and there are times when the coach, are only Dave Millhouser ping. He veered right, onto the prairie, Some passengers invariably will not this makes sense. As usual, though, there are useful when drivers swung left to parallel the road and slowed buckle up and, in an accident, could become a couple of caveats. and passengers know how to use them. enough to regain the pavement — a terrify- missiles that hurt belted people. New tech- A set of seats costs as much as a new en- Quality pre-trip briefings are a must. ing quarter mile later. nology is available that helps in those cases, gine. With that much money at stake, at Finally, we need to push Congress to One by one, the convoy followed suit. but who becomes responsible for injuries what point is a coach not worth the effort? adopt thoughtful regulations that protect our Like Peabody ducks, they waddled across caused by the flying folks? When a coach isn’t worth retrofitting, are customers in a comprehensive way. Those the Great Plains in search of the asphalt they Airlines mitigate the problem by having you assuming huge liability by operating it? designs should follow studies that evaluate shouldn’t have left. flight attendants force the issue, but can we Will insurance companies get antsy? their effectiveness in as many types of acci- Some dangers are inherent in going with afford that? There also may be questions as to dents as possible. the flow. In some accidents customers may be tan- strength of seat mounting hardware on older Properly designed seatbelts and com- It’s not clear our industry is having more gled in the belts, how do we extricate them? buses. If the coach wasn’t built with belted partmentalization may well be part of the accidents than in the past, but with a 24- What equipment should be on board? seats in mind, and the “stuff ” has aged, you solution. hour, TV news cycle almost every coach in- Belts need to be inspected and main- could be at risk in an accident. When manufacturers and operators cident gets attention. tained. How will we handle broken buckles? Significant differences exist between comply with carefully researched safety reg- Historically, buses have depended on Airlines shut down that seat, a painful policy two- and three-point belts that merit thought, ulations, they should be protected from re- compartmentalization for passenger protec- on a full charter bus. whether installed in new, or used, buses. lated lawsuits. tion in crashes. That works in certain situa- Once you have belted buses in your Having once again raised questions I We need to keep our heads up, or we tions, but may have become less effective as fleet, how do you market them? Are all your can’t answer (it’s my gift), here are few may end up following each other across the windows have grown. older coaches suddenly “unsafe?” things worth considering. prairie — maybe even a minefield. Like an Two different approaches are currently When seatbelts are touted in charter The elephant standing unnoticed in the old bus, once we get going in a direction it’ll marching through Congress that address bus sales, there is the implication that there’s a room is that we ARE safe. Sure we can do be hard to stop. safety and it behooves us to be involved. safety problem with other buses, nasty if better but no other form of transportation Dave Millhouser is a bus industry mar- Seatbelts have been effective in saving there is an injury later on. beats us. We need to present improvements keting consultant and freelance writer. Con- lives in auto, truck and aircraft accidents, so If the time comes when all new vehicles carefully. “Damned if you do, damned if you tact him at: [email protected].

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We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2009 11 NYC sightseeing operations are merged — The Both operations are perhaps percent of the economic rights in leading bus sightseeing operations best known for their hop-on, hop- the venture, with CitySights NY here, Gray Line New York and City- off double-decker tour buses in holds the other half of the voting Sights NY, have formed a joint ven- New York. rights and 40 percent of the eco- ture and a new company to operate In announcing the deal, Stage- nomic rights. the services of both companies. coach Group noted that the sight- The gross assets being contrib- The company is called Twin seeing market in New York City uted by Gray Line New York to the America LLC and it began operat- “has been adversely affected by venture had a net book value of ing on the last day of March. poor economic conditions and a $22.5 million as of Feb. 28, while Gray Line New York was owned weaker tourist market characterized the gross assets that CitySights NY by Stagecoach Group PLC, the by reduced hotel occupancy rates contributed had a net book value of Scottish-based parent company of and lower airline traffic.” $6.1 million. Coach America and .com, The two companies also were For the year ended April 30, while City Sights NY was part of locked in a tough competitive fight 2008, Gray Line New York had an the New York Airport Service marked by price competition. operating profit of $17.3 million, Star Attraction. When Trailways had its 73rd annual Conference and group of companies, one of city’s While both companies have and for the 12 months ended Jan. Meeting in San Antonio last month, a highlight was this beautifully re- largest operators of ground passen- contributed vehicles, licenses and 31, 2009, CitySights NY reported stored 1975 Eagle, owned by Flagship Trailways of Cranston, R.I., and its ger transportation, tour and sight- other assets to the combined opera- an operating profit of $8.7 million. president Tom McCaughey. The 05 Eagle is part of Flagship’s regular fleet, seeing services for leisure and cor- tion, Stagecoach Group holds 50 Stagecoach suggested those with a refurbished 49-passenger interior that’s as pristine as the exterior. porate markets. percent of the voting rights and 60 numbers won’t be realized during the remainder of this year because of the falloff of visitors to New ABC Companies packages customer-support services York. FARIBAULT, Minn. — ABC through ABC’s core support opera- assistance coordination. Customer- The parts operations offer 24/7 The new venture is retaining Companies has bundled its custom- tions centers,” said ABC Vice Presi- Care also is responsible for techni- online or live parts ordering, prompt both the Gray Line and CitySights er-support services under a new dent of Marketing Brenda Borwege. cal training. shipping, and special values. brands. program called ABC Support 360°. Key elements of the program • ABC Parts Source/Muncie • Seven ABC Service Centers, A board of directors, which in- The name is designed to reflect include: Transit Supply and Baker Transit offering comprehensive vehicle cludes representatives from both how ABC’s range of services deliv- • ABC CustomerCare, which Parts. These units provide a com- care and maintenance services, in- companies, will oversee the ven- er “full-circle coverage” to custom- provides live technical assistance, prehensive selection of OEM, after- cluding collision repair, graphics ture, with Mark Marmustein of er motorcoach operations. via a toll-free number; warranty market and private-label parts and and wraps, wheelchair-lift installa- CitySights NY named chief execu- “Under the program, a full line- and technical support; claims pro- components for a wide variety of tion, and variety of other specialty tive and leading the day-to-day up of support services are delivered cessing, and emergency roadside motorcoaches and transit buses. services. management of the business. 12 April 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News

dyGo missed a key element of the exception ing federal funding. “We never intended to new challenge to private carriers. Indy decision clause: A requirement that transit agencies take away any business from private carriers, “I think the ball is in IMS’s (International CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 seeking to provide charter services for events but the issue needs to be looked at,” he said. Motor Speedway) court now,” he said, adding time FTA exemption to the rule that allowed of regional or national significance must in- He suggested the rule may need some that it might work best if the race sponsors of- it to run the service for last year’s race. clude the use of some private carriers. clarification to address the question of how a fered exclusive use of staging areas at the As part of the agreement, IndyGo al- “Since IndyGo stated its intention not to private carrier can handle such a large shuttle race track and then the companies went lowed several motorcoach companies to include registered charter providers in the operation without a third-party contract. In- through a selection process to provide either shadow transit officials on race day so they provision of park and ride shuttle services to dyGo ran the service on its own without any all or parts of the service. could get a first hand look at the operation. the Indianapolis 500, FTA is unable to grant contract with the race sponsors by simply Meantime, the motorcoach industry, Additionally, IndyGo agreed it would IndyGo’s request for an exception to the char- picking up people at various places in the which has been pushing steadily for firm en- step aside for this year’s race so private com- ter service regulations,” he wrote in the deci- downtown area and other locations. forcement of the charter rule, praised the panies could operate it on their own. sion that was issued March 24. “This could be challenging for the private decision. However, in February, IndyGo reneged Welbes also noted in his ruling that the companies because they are used to working “We wholeheartedly support the FTA’s on its agreement and asked the FTA for an- FTA granted IndyGo its exception last year with a contract,” he said. “Right now it is a decision,” said Ken Presley, vice president of other exemption for this year’s race. It said because the transit agency made the commit- gray area.” industry relations for the United Motorcoach the request was in response to numerous tele- ment to phase-in the use of private providers John Miller, owner of Miller Transporta- Association. “Private transportation compa- phone calls it received from public safety of- in the park-and-ride operation. tion of Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky., and nies have continually demonstrated over the ficials and others, including the International Terry said his agency will honor the deci- one of several companies interested in oper- past year they are suitably capable of provid- Motor Speedway where the race is held. sion, adding he has no intention of jeopardiz- ating the service, agreed that it will present a ing services for these large-scale events and “The reason for the petition is not that pri- can do so at no expense to the taxpayer.” vate charter companies cannot provide buses N.Y. sales tax “This is a great victory for BANY, and we UMA filed formal comments in opposi- to transport passengers, but that public safety appreciate the involvement of the American tion to IndyGo’s petition and worked on the officials and event organizers believe the In- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bus Association, the United Motorcoach As- issue with the Coalition of Private Passenger dianapolis Public Transportation Corp. is BANY members also feared the sales sociation, the (New York State) Hospitality Transportation Organizations, which repre- best prepared with the resources, infrastruc- and use tax on charter and tour operations and Tourism Association, our members, and sents more than 1,200 motorcoach and school ture in place and experience to provide the would result in the loss of business to neigh- our supporters,” said Silvanie. bus companies that operate 124,000 vehicles level of service to the public and in coordinat- boring states that don’t have such a tax. BANY members and their supporters nationwide. ing required emergency evacuation if needed “Great news! visited legislators, conducted a press confer- In addition to UMA, the coalition in- for this nationally significant one-day event,” “All of our hard work and efforts have ence and a post card-mailing campaign, cludes the National School Transportation IndyGo President Michael A. Terry said in paid off,” said BANY President John Sil- turned its lobbyist loose, and urged mem- Association, California Bus Association, the petition. vanie, who operates Suburban Charters of bers to make direct contact with legislators Northwest Motorcoach Association, Interna- IndyGo filed its request for the waiver White Plains, N.Y. to push its effort. tional Motor Coach Group Inc. and Trailways under a clause in the charter rule that permits Silvanie said three legislative leaders “Many other nuisance taxes were includ- Transportation System. public transit agencies to operate charters, have agreed to remove the transportation tax ed in the new budget but happily we have “This is not just a win for the operators in such as parking lot shuttles, for “an event of on charters and other bus trips from the pro- escaped this charge which would have been the Indianapolis area,” stressed Presley. regional or national significance.” posed state budget. However, the state still very harmful to our members and our indus- “Every favorable decision is a victory for the Welbes, in rejecting the request, said In- plans to tax executive cars. try,” said Silvanie. entire industry.”

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U 3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 S Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2009 13 Major stockholders of National Interstate may sell shares RICHFIELD, Ohio — Owner- around $17 a share, down from a this year, will stand for re-election. Bermuda-based reinsurance ance Co. ship and control of National Inter- 52-week high of $25.59, but up The four directors are: Joseph E. company. • Larson also has been a direc- state Corporation may be up for from a low of $12.95 during the ‘Jeff’ Consolino, Theodore H. El- • Elliott has been a director tor since April 1991. He served as grabs in the wake of a registration past year. liott Jr., Gary J. Gruber and Donald since 1989. He is a venture capital- National Interstate’s chairman from statement the company filed with Separately, National Interstate D. Larson. ist and chairman of Prime Capital 1993 until 2004. He has been exec- the U.S. Securities and Exchange announced its annual meeting will • Consolino has been a director Management Co. utive vice president and president, Commission late last month. be April 29, at company headquar- since May 2006. He is executive • Gruber has been a director specialty group, for the Great The registration covers the po- ters in Richfield, and that four of its vice president and chief financial since April 1991. He is senior vice American Property and Casualty tential sale of 64 percent of the out- eight directors, whose terms expire officer of Validus Holdings Ltd., a president of Great American Insur- Insurance Group since 1999. standing stock of National Inter- state Corp., the parent company of leading motorcoach industry insur- er, National Interstate Insurance Co. The sellers are National Inter- state Corporation’s two largest stockholders. Great American Insurance Co. of , Ohio, may sell the 10.2 million shares, or 52.6 percent of the outstanding stock, it owns. Great American is National Inter- The Ultimate Protection for state’s majority shareholder and has Belted and Unbelted Passengers been since the company went pub- lic four years ago (see Feb. 15, 2005, Bus & Motorcoach News). National Interstate founder and chairman, Alan R. Spachman, and three trusts controlled by Spach- man, could sell 2.39 million shares, or roughly 12.3 percent of the out- standing stock. At the time National Interstate went public, Spachman owned 16+ percent of the com­ pany’s outstanding shares. “The selling shareholders may sell their common shares from time to time, through public or private transactions, on or off the Nasdaq Global Select Market at prevailing market prices or at privately negoti- ated prices,” says the National In- terstate registration statement. “The selling shareholders have sole discretion as to whether and on what terms to sell their common shares. The registration of the com- mon shares covered by this pro- spectus does not necessarily mean that any or all of the common shares will be offered or sold by the selling shareholders.” Elsewhere in the registration statement, National Interstate says “the selling shareholders have ad- Safety for Your vised us that there are currently no plans, arrangements or understand- ings between any selling sharehold- Entire Family of Passengers ers and any underwriter, broker- ® dealer or agent regarding the sale of American Seating and SafeGuard , two industry leaders, have the common shares by the selling joined forces to offer a belted seat that revolutionizes motorcoach shareholders. ® “Selling shareholders may de- safety. With exclusive SafeGuard SmartFrame technology, cide not to sell all or a portion of the even your unbelted passengers have frontal crash protection. common shares offered by them pursuant to this prospectus.” The company will not receive For more information on Premier from any money from any shares that American Seating and SafeGuard, call 1-800-748-0353. end up being sold by Great Ameri- can, Spachman or the Spachman trusts. As of last month, National In- terstate Corp. had just under 19.4 million common shares outstand- americanseating.com safeguardseat.com ing. The stock has been selling at

14 April 15, 2009 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News BoltBus is Greyhound makes service cutbacks DALLAS — The slowing customer,” she said. immune to the challenges of the N.M., will lose service. Efforts are one year old economy and a cost-cutting pro- BoltBus and NeOn offer free economic downturn. We don’t being made to sustain service for gram by its parent company has re- WiFi, extra leg room, shorter routes eliminate that many routes; it’s Alamosa, N.M. DALLAS — BoltBus, the sulted in service reductions at and street-side pick-up. “It attracts very uncommon to drop a route,” The Albuquerque-Denver route curbside service set up last year by Greyhound Lines. a different customer all together,” she said, adding that routes are pe- was attracting fewer than 10 riders Greyhound Lines and operated in FirstGroup of Aberdeen, Scot- she added. riodically eliminated each year. daily. “It doesn’t make sense… affiliation with Peter Pan Bus land, corporate parent of Grey- BoltBus serves four major “We can’t directly tie any of our when ridership is so low,” said Lines, marked its first anniversary hound, says mileage at Greyhound northeastern cities (see accompa- increases or decreases (in rider- Wambaugh. of service last month. has been reduced by 7 percent, pri- nying story), while NeOn runs be- ship) to the economy,” she said. “I • Two daily round-trip runs “For the past year we have marily because of the economic tween New York and , with don’t have the type of statistics to from Minneapolis to Fargo, N.D., safely carried more than 800,000 downturn. stops in Buffalo, Rochester and show that.” will be dropped April 22. Commu- passengers on BoltBus and have A spokeswoman for Grey- Syracuse, N.Y. Routes eliminated in the past nities along the route are served by provided an enjoyable customer hound told Bus & Motorcoach While acknowledging that the six months include: other Greyhound routes or Rim- experience that includes outgoing News that since October the cut- economy was having an impact on • Carlsbad, N.M., to Alba, rock Stages Trailways out of drivers, a unique set of amenities backs have resulted in at least four Greyhound, Wambaugh suggested N.M. As a result of this cutback, Montana. and a commitment to safety,” said Greyhound routes being shut down, that other factors also may account Vaughn and Artesia, N.M., no lon- Wambaugh did not have infor- David Hall, BoltBus’ general leaving some communities without for service changes and reductions. ger have Greyhound connections. mation on routes that have been cut manager. service. She noted, though, that U.S. Grey- • Lubbock to Wichita Falls, but service continued through other “BoltBus has exceeded our ex- But Abby Wambaugh denied hound ridership last year dropped Texas. As a result, Seymour, Texas, means. She noted there has been no pectations and we look forward to that Greyhound’s two curbside op- to 15.7 million, from 18 million in is no longer served. geographic pattern to where the expanding to new markets in 2009.” erations, BoltBus and NeOn, had 2007. • The once-a-day, round-trip route reductions have occurred. Since its launch at the end of cannibalized traditional Grey- “Greyhound is a strong busi- route from Albuquerque, N.M., to Wambaugh also said layoffs March last year, BoltBus has been hound service. “It’s a very different ness,” she said. “(But) we are not Denver is being shut down. Taos, have been minimal. recognized by travel groups for its focuses on affordable yet enjoy- free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. It com, or from a driver before board- are sold at full price. All tickets are service and value. Jaunted.com, an able travel, gave BoltBus a thumbs offers a loyalty program that re- ing. One-way fares start at $1, plus nonrefundable. on-line pop culture travel guide, up as a travel deal in its February wards frequent riders with free a booking fee. Other fares are BoltBus operates in four mar- voted BoltBus the “Best Travel 2009 edition. travel. based on market demand. A ticket kets: New York, Boston, Philadel- Newcomer of 2008.” And Budget BoltBus coaches have such on- Tickets are available for pur- purchase guarantees a seat on the phia and Washington, D.C. It is Travel, a monthly magazine that board amenities as extra leg room, chase in advance at www.BoltBus. selected schedule. Walkup tickets headquartered in Secaucus, N.J.

Safety Administration was wrap- struction standards for coaches. cials have met to talk about their have supported seatbelt legislation Greyhound seatbelts ping up a series of crash and roll- Preliminary results of those separate tests, but neither side for motorcoaches in the past. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 over tests as part of a much broad- tests show that passengers wearing would say much about those He told Bloomberg news that The testing ordered by Grey- er program designed to evaluate lap or three-point belts would suf- discussions. FirstGroup supports requirements hound came at the same time the the need for passenger restraints fer substantially fewer injuries in “They have been in to talk to us for the use of seatbelts on coaches National Highway Transportation and possibly new window and con- an accident than those who are not about certain issues and we have as long as they do not mandate that restrained. had discussions with them,” said existing coaches be retrofitted NHTSA officials have hinted NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson. with them. “If you look at 10 years CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING that a recommendation for seat- The agency has hinted several time, all the vehicles will have (2) ’99 Van belts — at least on new buses — times that its tests are likely to lead seatbelts,” he said. “So start now, Hool T-945’S and some new window and con- to some form of seatbelt require- that’s my advice.” 57 PAX, + 1 Escort struction standards are likely to ment and possibly new windows The direction taken by Grey- Seat, $89,500 come after all of the test results are and bus construction standards, hound on seatbelt standards re- w/tires – New Paint analyzed and additional testing for but have yet to say what they might flects an industry trend that ap- bus fires is completed. be. pears to acknowledge that All buses are Clean Wambaugh said Greyhound is Wambaugh said Greyhound requirements are on the way. Well Maintanied supportive of the NHTSA testing agrees that seatbelt standards are At the United Motorcoach As- Excellent Condition and called for the federal agency to needed and believes that its choice sociation Motorcoach Expo 2009 For more Photos: continue to follow the recommen- of three-point belts that are engi- in Orlando in January, most motor- http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/amaralbus/ dations of the National Transporta- neered into the design of its new coach manufacturers displayed Call Joe: 508-993-4503 or tion Safety Board, which initially coaches will meet requirements coaches equipped with seatbelts e-mail [email protected] called for the study, the first of its that might be developed by federal and a few said they will be stan- kind by the federal government. transportation safety regulators. dard equipment on at least some of “We are committed to working “We believe this will accom- their new models. with NHTSA to not only study the modate whatever federal standard Part of the push for the passen- area of seatbelts, but also other is set,” she said. ger restraints, according to the bus equipment features made to best In January, Sir Moir Lockhead, manufactures, is coming from mo- enhance motorcoach safety while chief executive of FirstGroup, the torcoach operators who say they 2000 MCI DL103, WESTERN COACH, 2000 MCI DL103, SOUTHERN not removing the safety benefits of parent of Greyhound, was in Wash- are getting more requests from NEW TRANSMISSION, WHEEL CHAIR COACH, FRONT END KIT, LIFT, NEW PAINT, WEBASTO, GOOD WEBASTO, GOOD RUBBER, current vehicle design,” she said. ington D.C., where he met with customers for coaches equipped RUBBER 12.7 SERIES 60 DETROIT ALCOAS 12.7 SERIES 60 DETROIT Greyhound and NHTSA offi- congressional representatives who with seatbelts. Asking $155,000 each or OBO – all fair offers considered ~ We have more on the way!! ~ Downtown, Kansas City, Mo. 16-19 Pennsylvania Bus Call 507-456-5310 or 507-583-4585 with any questions Calendar Info: www.motorbussociety.org, or Association Annual Meeting/ APRIL 2009 e-mail [email protected]. Sales Retreat, Split Rock Resort and Golf Club, Lake Harmony, Pa. 20-22 Ontario Transportation REPOS FOR SALE JUNE 2009 Info: Go to www.pabus.org. Variety of makes and models of Expo, Holiday Inn Select Toronto Airport, Toronto. Info: www.ote.ca. 5-6 Museum of Bus Transpor­ “Bank Repos” across the United tation annual Spring Fling, Bus 21 United Motorcoach Asso­ 24-26 Motor Bus Society Show and Flea Market, Museum ciation Mid-Year Board States and Priced to Sell! Spring 2009 Convention, Memorial Annex, Hershey, Pa. Meeting, Alexandria, Va. Info: 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! Crowne Plaza Hotel Kansas City Info: Go to www.busmuseum.org. Call (800) 424-8262. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS April 15, 2009 15 Chris Levering of Gray Line in Nashville dies at 55 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — During out the motorcoach and Mid-South individual” who “never asked us to 1, 2006, Bus & Motorcoach News). & Motor­coach News). a holiday season in the past, when tourism industry. do anything he wouldn’t do.” Com- The business is the largest motor- In addition to his brother, he times were tough like they are today Motorcoach industry col- pany drivers, on the road with tour coach operation in the region. is survived by his widow, Patty; and there was an urgent need for a leagues remember him as a “genu- groups, sent electronic remem- Mr. Levering also was an in- children Alicia Carico, and Kristin group of special-needs children, it ine gentleman,” “class through and brances to The Tennessean newspa- dustry leader and developed scores and Taylor Levering; brother Nick, was Chris Levering of Gray Line through,” “a great person,” and an per online obituary page. of friends through his member- and sisters Vickie McKelvey and Nashville who stepped forward and individual who invariably had a Mr. Levering was vice president ships in the UMA, the Tennessee Sherree Levering. personally assured there would be a kind word, a quick smile and a of Gray Line Nashville, a company Motor Coach Association, Interna- A memorial in Mr. Levering’s bright spot for each and every one friendly laugh. He leaves a “great he co-founded with his brother tional Motor Coach Group, Gray name has been established with the of the 43 kids. void in our industry,” said one. Dennis in the 1970s. Mr. Levering Line Worldwide, and the ABA. He Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, It was a mark of the man. Those he worked with in the was known as an enthusiastic inno- was a keen supporter of the Motor- 2410 Patterson St., Ste. 110, Nash- Mr. Levering died last month broader tourism sector, said the in- vator in the travel industry (see Oct. coach Council (see March 15 Bus ville, TN 37203. after losing a tough battle to cancer. dustry had “lost a wonderful man” He was 55. who would be “truly missed.” Mr. Levering was widely ad- And his employees remember mired, liked and respected through- him as a “great boss,” and a “caring Michael Ritchie dies at 59, popular northeast operator NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — person.” “He never ever failed to help an- One also noted that Mr. Ritchie other operator” is the way one for- was positive and strong throughout mer business associate and long- the course of his battle with diabetes. time friend remembers Mike Mr. Ritchie was raised in Ritchie of Ritchie Bus Lines. Northborough, the son of Robert Mr. Ritchie died late last month and Mildred Ritchie. The senior after a long struggle with diabetes. Ritchies operated Ritchie Bus He was 59. Lines, which was founded 50 years Mr. Ritchie was universally ago. Mike Ritchie was president loved and respected by New Eng- and owner of the company at the land coach operators because of time of his death. his willingness to bend over back- Mr. Ritchie served as select- wards to be helpful, say his former man for the Town of Northborough colleagues. for six years. “He was one of the hardest In addition to his mother, he is working, most friendly and ethical survived by his widow, Dianne; owners in the New England motor- two sons, Shawn and Timothy; a coach industry,” said one. daughter, Amy Ryan; two sisters, “When many of us called Sharon Nesvold and Donna Ure, Mike, we were asking, ‘Can you and a brother, Stephen. help me out?’ And the consistent Memorials in Mr. Ritchie’s response from Mike was, ‘I’ll be name have been established with happy to, what do you need?’” the American Diabetes Associa- Industry friends describe Mr. tion, Attn: National Call Center, Ritchie as one of the industry’s 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexan- “bright lights,” a low-key individu- dria, VA 22311, and the American al with a fun-loving nature, a lot of Legion Scholarship Fund, c/o Don energy, a great sense of humor, and Starkey, P.O. Box 234, Northbor- generous to a fault. “A very special ough, MA 01532. ence. His background includes in- People side/outside sales, business devel- opment, training, and finance. Bill Steele, chairman of the Martin will be responsible for sales Trailways Transportation Sys­ in 11 Western states. Contact him tem from 2000-08, and president at (707) 318-2122, or via e-mail at of Carolina Trailways, has re- [email protected]. ceived the Trailways Vanguard Cliff Clare, former president of Award, the system’s highest leader- Stallion Bus Industries, has es- ship award, for his outstanding ser- tablished a consulting firm, Green vice to Trailways for the past 23 Wave Consultants LLC, operat- years. Steele was honored at Trail- ing out of New Milford, Conn. ways’ recent 73rd annual confer- Clare says his firm will give ence in San Antonio, Texas. motorcoach operators, transit prop- Daimler Buses North Ameri­ erties and other types of bus opera- ca in Greensboro, N.C., announced tions and manufacturers a place to it has hired Greg Martin as ac- come “for the best answers to im- counts sales manager, Western re- plementing the new wave of green gion, for the Sprinter shuttle bus. strategies.” Martin joins Daimler Buses with Contact him at (914) 474-1152, more than 19 years of fleet and or via e-mail at cclare@greenwav. commercial vehicle sales experi- com. THE NEW VOLVO 9700. UNIQUELY SAFE.

The new Volvo 9700 is the safest coach we have ever built. We would be able to fi ll this entire page with details of equipment and characteristics that contribute to high safety. Such as our ESP electronic stability program. Instead, we intend to focus on just a few important new features that we are alone among bus manufacturers in offering. Front Impact Protection is one example, Knee Impact Protection is another. Both considerably reduce the risk of the driver being injured in a frontal collision. What is more, the Volvo 9700 is equipped with the Front Underrun Protection System. It’s there to protect the occupants in an oncoming passenger car if it is unlucky enough to collide with the coach. Welcome aboard.

FOR SALES INFORMATION USA 1-877-773-8678 CANADA 418-883-3391 Prevost, 35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire QC G0R 2V0 CANADA Volvo 9700 motorcoaches are distributed by Prevost, a fully owned subsidiary of Volvo Bus Corporation. Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information. www.prevostcar.com

Volvo Buses. When Productivity counts

Bus and motorcoach.indd 1 23/12/08 08:06:56