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October 15, 2003

THE NEWS RESOURCE FOR THE AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY Frustrated operators eye new association TERRYTOWN, N.Y. - The lia- $21,000 and more per bus are com- BANY’s membership is com- attending were Victor Parra, presi- ance next year is an open question; bility insurance crisis in New York monplace. During the past five prised of intercity, charter, tour, dent and CEO of the United his insurer is considering pulling has prompted a large group of bus years, insurers have abandoned the transit and commuter companies. Motorcoach Association, and Peter out of New York. operators to explore the idea of New York market in droves. But critics say it is effectively dom- Pantuso, president and CEO of the The insurance crisis in New forming a new state motorcoach Privately, many of the coach inated by line-haul carriers and the American Bus Association. A York is being driven by a number of association. executives who attended the meet- seven coach companies that con- handful of BANY members also factors, including a very aggressive About 70 people, representing ing expressed disappointment with tract with Transit to were in attendance, including three personal liability bar, the absence of upwards of 45 operators, met here the performance of the Bus provide commuter service in and directors. meaningful tort reform, insurance late last month to discuss critical Association of New York, com- out of Manhattan. “There are three companies left fraud, an increase in the number of issues they are facing, including the monly known as BANY, in repre- The meeting was organized by that will insure operators in New crashes, the turmoil in the reinsur- insurance crisis, which forces New senting the industry and going to Stuart Weisberg, president of One York,” said Weisberg. “My insur- ance market and, most importantly, York operators to pay three times bat for it in Albany, the state capi- If By Land Tours, a charter and ance went up 21 percent last year outsized and out-of-control jury the national average for auto liabil- tal. BANY has been operating in shuttle operator based in Flushing, and 29 percent this year.” Whether awards. ity coverage. Annual rates of the Empire State for 65 years. a section of Queens. Among those Weisberg will be able to get insur- CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 FTA awards wheelchair lift grants

WASHINGTON — Seventy- four motorcoach companies — from Maine to Hawaii — are receiving grants from the Federal Transit Administration to help make their fleets more accessible to individuals with disabilities. The FTA announced early this month it was awarding grants totaling $6.87 million to private coach operators, with $5.2 million The Federal Transit Administration has rejected an appeal by Amador Stage Lines in Sacramento, Calif. (right) of a regional FTA ruling going to intercity coach companies Face Off that allowed Regional Transit of Sacramento (left) to take over a shuttle service that Amador had been providing. See story on page 3. and $1.7 million to charter, tour and commuter operators. About 95 percent of the money will be used to defray the cost of Quebec operator is first ‘certified carrier’ installing wheelchair lifts in new QUEBEC — The first “certified ous stages of trying to complete the “Getting certified is a serious Autocars Murray Hill has a fleet coaches and retrofitting lifts in carrier” program in North America program. business and the Murray Hill team of 26 coaches and has been in busi- existing coaches. has recognized the first motorcoach Staff and management of can be proud to have met all the ness 20 years. It will celebrate its The grant program, which is company to meet its rigorous quali- Autocars Murray Hill worked for requirements of the program,” said certification with a presentation called the Over-the-Road Bus ty standards. nearly 18 months to satisfy all of Romain Girard, executive vice and party later this month. Accessibility Program, has award- Autocars Murray Hill, a the program’s quality, safety, per- president of the Quebec Bus The Quebec Bus Owners ed $17.5 million to private coach Quebec-based charter operator, formance, customer service, - Owners Association. Association created the quality car- operators during the past four became the first operator to com- ing, financial, maintenance and Autocars Murray Hill is a sub- rier recognition program early last years. The fiscal 2003 grants bring plete the demanding Private Bus regulatory-compliance standards. sidiary of Le Groupe Gaudreault year as a marketing tool for its oper- the total to $24.3 million, which is Transport Company Certification “It took a lot of time to make sure Inc., which offers a wide range of ator members, giving them a leg up CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Program established by the Quebec everything was okay,” said Serge bus transportation services through on their competitors by differenti- Complete grant list page 6 Bus Owners Association. A dozen Rochon, general manager of nearly a dozen companies that ating their services, and as a means other Quebec operators are in vari- Autocars Murray Hill. operate more than 500 vehicles. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

TheThe Intercity Security Money that go into effect on Jan. 1. But DOCKETDOCKET Congress gave the Department of now the Turnpike Homeland Security $29 billion for Commission is looking at raising Wide Awake fiscal ’04, including $10 million for its tolls. Page 4 becomes the first intercity bus security. Page 4 state to make it illegal to drive Charter Notices while drowsy. Motorcoach driv- Toll Time Four public transit agencies ers appear particularly vulnera- The River Joint Toll serve up charter service notices. ble to the new law. Page 4 Bridge Commission rolls back tolls Page 7 Financing Rates As Low As 5.85% On Select Units *With approved credit; additional terms and conditions may apply.

WESTERN SOUTHEAST MIDWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHWEST 800-322-2877 800-222-2871 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2877 www.abc-companies.com BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 15, 2003 — 3 OPERATOR NEWS Coach USA parent company experiments with no-frills service with low, low fares PERTH, Scotland — Think the to switch to .” fares charged by New York’s In August, a pilot megabus.com Chinatown bus operators are low? service was launched between The parent company of Coach Oxford and London, England, with USA is experimenting with an 3,000 tickets sold in three weeks. If Internet-driven bus service that is the Scottish routes are a success, offering travel between major cities Stagecoach plans to roll the service in Scotland for the equivalent of out to other parts of the U.K. $1.66, or one British pound. All megabus.com fares will Last month, remain at 1 pound until the service PLC launched megabus.com, a no- is established. The company will frills, point-to-point service. The then yield manage the seats in the Web-based ticketless service pro- same way as the airlines, with vides passengers with cheap travel slightly higher fares for last-minute between Glasgow, Edinburgh, bookings or popular destinations. Perth and Dundee, Scotland, using “At least 40 percent of our seats double-decker . will always be at the lowest 1 Distinctive blue and yellow pound fare and the highest prices Megabus coaches run 10 times a will still be competitive at around 3 Maine partnership boosts service day on the competitive route to 4 pounds ($5-$6.65 U.S.),” PORTLAND, Maine — When and the popular bus while the buses have 12 daily runs. between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Souter said. started its Downeaster service, as well as the public.” Both Concord Trailways and Seven runs a day link Perth and Stagecoach is using Olympian service between Portland and The Flexpass went on sale at the Amtrak also hope the arrangement Dundee to Edinburgh and coaches that it previously operated , Concord Trailways didn’t beginning of this month at the will encourage more people to try Glasgow. in Hong Kong. The double-decker welcome the new competition. introductory rate of $99 for six one- their services. Stagecoach Chief Executive buses carry 94 passengers, allowing Now, nearly two years later, way tickets between Portland and When the Downeaster service Brian Souter said: “This is a totally megabus.com to target high-vol- Concord and Amtrak have decided Boston, representing a savings over began, Concord Trailways feared new concept. … We’ve looked at ume, low-cost business. The buses that and motorcoaches make regular train and bus fares. the train would lure away cus- the way the cheap airlines run their have no toilets, but no route on the better partners than competitors. But while the discounted fare is tomers and the company noted the operation and we believe there’s a new service is longer than two The Concord, N.H.-based seen as a plus for travelers, the real heavy federal subsidies that big market out there that doesn’t hours. The coach interiors have intercity carrier and Amtrak have benefit is expected to be the added Amtrak reaps. Ken Hunter, vice use the bus at present but can be been refurbished, leaving them joined to offer passengers a flexibility the arrangement gives president of Concord Trailways, attracted to our new product. clean and comfortable. “Flexpass” that allows travelers a travelers when it comes to schedul- now says cooperation makes more “We feel young people, and stu- Megabus.com has an attractive choice of taking the train or bus. ing the time of their trips. The sense. Together, the Downeaster dents in particular, will catch on to Web site, featuring its Megadriver One newspaper in Maine said Downeaster, which shares Concord and Concord Trailways can better the service. … We also hope the character. Go to www.megabus. the partnership “promises to be a Trailways’ passenger terminal in take on their real competition: the low cost will encourage car drivers com. ‘win-win-win’ decision for the Portland, makes four trips daily, automobile. California Bus Assn. loses appeal on service takeover WASHINGTON — The program of projects as required by administrator of the Federal Transit federal statutes and regulations, as Administration has upheld a ‘The CBA’s appeal is based almost entirely on new well as the agency’s master agree- regional decision that allowed ment” with the FTA. Sacramento Regional Transit evidence and new allegations of violations of federal “There was a lot of new infor- Authority to summarily take over a Regional Transit mation in the appeal,” said a disap- shuttle service that had been oper- transit regulations by .’ pointed William R. Allen, presi- ated by Amador Stage Lines of dent of Amador Stages Lines. Sacramento. In a letter announcing her deci- during the investigation of the and new allegations of violations of Jim Seal, a consultant to the FTA Administrator Jennifer L. sion, Ms. Dorn rejected CBA’s complaint. federal transit regulations by CBA on the case, said Ms. Dorn’s Dorn rejected an appeal filed by the appeal on the narrowest of grounds, “In accordance with the charter Regional Transit. Among other letter failed to address any of the California Bus Association on saying Sacramento Regional service regulations, I am not taking things, the CBA accused Regional substance of the issue. behalf of Amador. The CBA had Transit was providing mass trans- any action on the appeal since Transit of freely violating those Although it’s not likely the appealed a decision by FTA portation service, not charter serv- CBA presented no new matters of statutes calling for private enter- CBA will appeal Ms. Dorn’s deci- Regional Administrator Leslie ice, and therefore was not in viola- fact or points of law that were not prise participation in public transit sion to the courts, Allen does hold Rogers that gave the transit author- tion of FTA charter service regula- available or not known during the decision making. out hope for other possible solu- ity carte blanche to take over a tions. investigation of the complaint” as In fact, the CBA appeal main- tions. For example, Rep. Doug Ose, contract that had been awarded to The letter went on to say that required by the regulations, Ms. tains that “absolutely no material R-Calif., an outspoken critic of the private operators like Amador for the only basis on which Ms. Dorn Dorn wrote. evidence was submitted by FTA’s decision, has indicated he 25 years. can take action to uphold an Those involved in the case are Sacramento Regional Transit” might push for Congressional The shuttle transports state appeal is when new evidence is pre- dumbfounded by this assertion by showing it ever implemented even action, and Allen is hoping a new workers to and from their offices sented indicating there are “new Ms. Dorn. a minimum consultative process to governor in California might near the capital to parking lots matters of fact or points of law” that The CBA’s appeal was based provide private enterprise partici- change the way the state views its elsewhere in Sacramento. were not available or not known almost entirely on new evidence pation in the development of its contract with Regional Transit.

POSTMASTER: Return postage guaranteed for return of undeliverable copies of Bus&MotorcoachNEWS. Return to 717 W. Pierson, #260, Phoenix, AZ 85013 4 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS TheTThehe DOCKETDDOCKETOCKET Driving sleepy becomes criminal offense in N.J. TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey senger accusations of driving are pending in New York and York State Thruway about 16 authorities to penalize commercial has become the first state in the while sleepy. have been discussed by lawmakers miles from Rochester. bus and truck drivers who violate nation to adopt a law against driv- The law is named for a 20-year- in Washington state. Passengers reported seeing the hours-of-service rules that man- ing while drowsy. old college student killed six years Prosecutors across the U.S. driver dozing off just prior to the date no more than 10 straight Under Maggie’s Law, prosecu- ago by a van driver who admitted already are targeting motorists, crash and said he ignored their hours of driving, followed by an tors can charge a driver with he hadn’t slept in 30 hours. including motorcoach drivers, repeated requests to pull over and eight-hour break. vehicular homicide if there is evi- Recent studies have estimated whose inability to stay awake has rest. Safety advocates think the dence an accident involving a that 51 percent of motorists get cost lives. (See June 15 issue of Bus & New Jersey law will spur prosecu- fatality was caused by sleepiness. drowsy while behind the wheel, In May, the driver of an Arrow Motorcoach News.) tors to pay greater attention to The law provides for punishments and nearly 2 of every 10 drivers Coach USA bus taking a church A half-a-dozen years ago, a possible sleep deprivation when of up to 10 years in prison and a say they have fallen asleep while group home from Niagara Falls Virginia judge sentenced a driver they investigate accidents. $100,000 fine. driving during the past year. was sentenced to up to 10 years in to five years in prison because he And, it could eventually lead Motorcoach and bus drivers While New Jersey is the first prison. He admitted gambling and fell asleep on his morning com- to states cracking down on sleepy may be particularly vulnerable state to specifically list going with- skipping sleep before a crash that mute, killing two people. driving the way many did against under the new law because of pas- out sleep as a crime, similar bills killed five people on the New Federal regulations allow drunken driving two decades ago. Audit criticizes Delaware River toll increase Colorado oversight is rolled back after protests MORRISVILLE, Pa. — The the toll for a three-axle coach The commission said it was of motor carriers Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge will be $8.25 instead of the pre- able to reduce the tolls in part Commission is reducing the size viously planned $9.75. because the governors pledged to DENVER — An audit has carriers, and failing behind in per- of a toll increase that goes into The toll increase for autos is take financial responsibility if found that Colorado’s oversight of forming safety inspections of effect in January for seven being cut to 75 cents from $1. the bridges were destroyed or bus companies, truckers and other high-risk carriers. bridges that cross the Delaware The rollback did not satisfy damaged in a terrorist attack or motor carriers is inadequate. PUC Director Bruce Smith River between New Jersey and trucking groups which had other catastrophic event, said Auditors for the state legisla- told members of the legislative Pennsylvania. sought a bigger reduction. Both spokesman Frank McCartney. ture checked 143 motor carriers audit committee he was “person- The commission board voted the New Jersey and Pennsylvania The toll increases are funding and found that 17 percent did not ally embarrassed” by the findings. to cut its planned hike in bus and motor truck associations called a 10-year, $500 million capital have insurance records on file, a He and Rick O’Donnell, execu- truck tolls to $2.75 per axle. The the decrease disappointing and improvement program, including violation of state law. Some insur- tive director of the Department of tolls were scheduled to increase less than they had hoped for. installation of EZ Pass systems. ance records that were filed were Regulatory Agencies, said to $3.25 per axle in January. Govs. James McGreevey of The bridge commission also more than eight years old. changes have been made to cor- The toll commission acted New Jersey and Ed Rendell of came under heavy criticism after A wire service reported that rect what O’Donnell described as after it came under enormous Pennsylvania had urged the an investigation by the newspa- Arrow Stage Lines of Norfolk, an “intolerable” situation. pressure from bridge users, as well commission to reduce the toll per in Allentown, Pa., discov- Neb., which has a O’Donnell’s de- as the governors of Pennsylvania increase to $2.75, 50 cents per ered that nearly half of the large charter oper- partment oversees and New Jersey. axle less than what was adopted. money raised by the toll increase ation in Denver, ‘The PUC was the PUC. Last December, tolls for a The governors began negotia- would be used to fund an ambi- operated for near- There are more accused of failing three-axle bus using the seven tions to reduce the tolls after tious economic development ly 15 years without than 10,000 bridges more than doubled, going truckers and commuter groups program, rather than bridge a state safety and truckers, bus com- to identify from $3 to $6.75. Now, on Jan. 1, protested the hikes. improvements. compliance in- panies and other spection, although underinsured commercial carri- it had undergone ers operating in periodic federal or uninsured Colorado. Not all Toll hike urged for Pa. Turnpike inspections. require inspec- Harrisburg, Pa. — An engi- pike launched a program of The Pennsylvania Turnpike Ten passenger carriers.’ tions, however. neering consultant has recom- “total reconstruction.” has two routes, a north-south carriers, including In fiscal 2003, mended that tolls for the It costs between $8 million corridor, stretching from taxicabs, children’s buses and lim- the PUC’s four compliance inves- Pennsylvania Turnpike be and $10 million to completely to Scranton (I- ousines were permitted to operate tigators completed 371 inspec- increased. rebuild a mile of the 63-year-old, 476), and an east-west leg from for at least two years without tions of 363 carriers, or about 6 Tolls on the roadway have 530-mile turnpike. Philadelphia to the Ohio state being inspected. percent of the 6,000 carriers for not changed since 1991, when Currently, the turnpike gen- line (I-76). The audit said there was no which the PUC conducts safety they were increased 30 percent. erates roughly $400 million A 40,000-pound motorcoach assurance that “even the most and compliance inspections. At The Michael Baker Corp., annually from tolls and another (Class 5) pays a toll rate of just basic regulatory functions” were that rate, it will take the inspec- the turnpike’s engineering con- $10 million from concessions. under 12 cents a mile for using being carried out by the state tors more than 16 years to inspect sultant, says tolls need to be “Our needs far outstrip our the turnpike. A 351-mile trip Public Utilities Commission. all 6,000 carriers. increased if the highway is to sus- available funds at the present from the Ohio border to The PUC also was accused of O’Donnell vowed more fre- tain its aggressive rebuilding pro- time,” says the turnpike director Philadelphia costs a coach oper- failing to thoroughly identify quent inspections and unan- gram. Four years ago, the turn- of communications. ator $41.15. underinsured or uninsured motor nounced safety checks.

6 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS THE DOCKET FTA Wheelchair Lift Grants Private safety group Premier Alaska Tours, Inc ...... $26,316 Sunrise Coach Lines ...... $39,384 Anchorage, AK Green Port, NY advocates expiration Marin Airporter ...... $112,365 Syracuse and Oswego Motor Lines...... $43,481 San Rafael, CA East Syracuse, NY Pacific Coachways ...... $25,200 Trans Express, Inc...... $33,750 date for vehicle tires Garden Grove, CA Brooklyn, NY WASHINGTON —A private That group told consumers to Quest Transportation ...... $74,160 Utica Rome Bus Company ...... $41,990 safety group has asked the replace unused tires if they’re San Luis Obispo, CA Clinton, NY National Highway Traffic Safety older than 6 years and replace all Silverado Stages ...... $74,160 Carolina Trailways ...... $33,151 San Luis Obispo, CA Raleigh, NC Administration to study whether tires older than 10 years. Express Charters...... $27,000 Butler Motor Transit...... $37,800 expiration dates should be placed “Our goal was to tell NHTSA Fort Collins, CO Butler, PA on tires. what our findings were and to Escot Bus Lines...... $39,368 Capitol Bus Company ...... $50,400 The group said there is evi- open some dialogue on what’s Tampa, FL Harrisburg, PA dence that even unused tires can happening,” said Sean Kane of Good Time Tours ...... $2,700 Hagey Coach...... $50,400 become dangerous as a result of Alexandria, Va.-based Strategic Pensacola, FL Franconia, PA aging. Safety. Kane said his group has RDH Transportation Services...... $55,576 Krapf's Coaches ...... $25,200 Tire manufacturers said the documented 20 accidents caused Honolulu West Chester, PA aging of tires is impacted by a by failure of older tires. Cavallo Bus Lines, Inc...... $35,000 Lenzer Tour and Travel ...... $37,800 number of factors, not just the Zielinski said a discussion of Gillespie, IL Sewickley, PA passage of time. “It’s not so simple expiration dates would be worth- Colonial Coach Lines...... $112,274 Penn Highway Transit Co...... $33,712 to just slap a date on it,” said Dan while, but said NHTSA shouldn’t Des Plaines, IL Lancaster, PA Zielinski, a spokesman for the act without collecting some solid Dixon Meyers Bus Transportation ...... $35,946 Perkiomen Tours ...... $33,300 Rubber Manufacturers Associa- scientific evidence. Zielinski said Mt. Morris, IL Pennsburg, PA Peoria Charter Coach Co...... $35,910 Susquehanna Transit Co...... $100,596 tion. tire manufacturers worry that Peoria, IL Avis, PA In a letter to the NHTSA, consumers wouldn’t heed expira- Pioneer Coach Lines, Inc...... $27,000 Trans-Bridge Lines ...... $154,101 Strategic Safety LLC asked the tion warnings or would fail to Bethlehem, PA agency to begin collecting data on change heavily used tires. Robinson Coach ...... $35,500 Alpha Bus Leasing ...... $54,871 aging from tire manufacturers, “People might think, ‘Here’s Evanston, IL Cincinnati including all lawsuits involving the tire industry trying to get us to Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc...... $52,332 Brecksville Road Transit ...... $37,104 tread separation on tires older buy more tires by stamping a date Caseyville, IL Brecksville, OH than six years. It also asked the on them,’” he said. Burlington Trailways ...... $85,488 Bonanza Bus Lines ...... $109,935 agency to consider adopting expi- NHTSA issued new tire per- West Burlington, IA Providence, RI ration dates. formance standards in June but Blue Grass Tours ...... $28,507 Champion Coach...... $27,000 Strategic Safety cited what it put off an aging test because Lexington, KY Greenville, SC called an unprecedented warning experts haven’t been able to agree Angelic Luxury Coach ...... $35,000 Lancaster Tours and Travel ...... $35,000 to consumers issued last month by on how to conduct such a test. District Heights, MD Lancaster, SC the Tyre Industry Council, a The agency hopes to have a Elegance Bus Tours, Inc...... $35,000 Americoach Tours...... $38,250 Suitland, MD Memphis, TN British organization funded by the proposal on tire aging by June Eyre Bus Service, Inc...... $63,142 Cowtown Bus Charters ...... $28,474 tire industry. 2005. Glenelg, MD Fort Worth, TX First Priority Tours ...... $20,965 El Expresso...... $76,050 new coaches and retrofitting 80 District Heights, MD Houston FTA grants buses. Another $335,546 will go Thomas Tours ...... $12,617 Fun Time Tours ...... $38,554 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for training. Beltsville, MD Corpus Christi, TX what Congress authorized when it Last year, the FTA also award- Entertainment Tours ...... $63,000 Gotta Go Express Trailways...... $25,626 passed the Transportation Equity ed 74 grants but the amount Braintree, MA Forth Worth, TX Act for the 21st Century (TEA- totaled more than $7.1 million. Peter Pan Bus Lines ...... $157,859 Greyhound ...... $2,588,544 21) in 1998. The higher amount last year was Springfield, MA Dallas of Dallas was because all of the money had not B&W Charters, Inc...... $36,961 Gulf Coast Transit ...... $38,250 again awarded the largest grant, been spent in the previous three Kalamazoo, MI Houston totaling nearly $2.6 million. The years. A total of 91 operators Jefferson Lines...... $133,250 Kerrville Bus Co...... $176,670 Minneapolis San Antonio second largest grant went to applied for grants last year. The Red River Trails ...... $27,239 TNM&O...... $165,755 Adirondack Trailways of Hurley, fiscal ’02 grants helped offset Moorhead, MN Lubbock, Texas N.Y. It received $187,500. The wheelchair installations in 149 Trobec Bus Service ...... $27,000 Valley Transit...... $99,453 smallest grant, $2,700, went to a new coaches and the retrofitting St. Stephen, MN Harlingen, TX tour and charter operator in of 68 buses. Roughly $475,000 North Mississippi Services ...... $45,814 Utah Trailways...... $28,135 Florida. went for training. Greyhound got Tupelo Salt Lake City A total of 84 operators applied $3.02 million last year. Tiger Air Express ...... $45,022 Abbott Bus Lines...... $91,482 for $17.6 million in federal The FTA bases selections on Columbia, MO Roanoke, VA money: $10.5 million requested “each applicant’s responsiveness ...... $48,800 Brown Bus Company...... $28,710 by intercity operators, and $7.1 to statutory project selection cri- Concord, NH Richmond, VA million requested by tour, charter, teria, fleet size and level of fund- Shortline (Hudson Transit) ...... $180,000 Bristol Tours...... $39,547 airport and commuter services. ing received in previous years.” Mahwah, NJ Bristol, VT Because the demand for The grant program was an- Trolley Tours ...... $94,950 Vermont Transit Co...... $33,151 money exceeds the funds avail- nounced in February (see March Forked River, NJ Burlington, VT Adirondack Trailways ...... $187,500 Central Washington Airporter...... $44,305 able, most applicants receive less 1 and March 15 issues of Bus & Hurley, NY Ferndale, WA than they request. But all “quali- Motorcoach News). Blue Bird Coach Lines...... $87,030 Northwestern Stage Lines...... $29,250 fied” applicants receive some Efforts are being made to North Tonawanda, NY Spokane, WA funding, according to the FTA. extend the program in the surface , Inc...... $28,800 Wisconsin Coach...... $108,000 The fiscal ’03 grants will help pay transportation bill that’s currently Southampton, NY Waukesha for adding wheelchair lifts to 128 bogged down in Congress. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 15, 2003 — 7 THE DOCKET

Public agencies seek charter firms Homeland Security bill contains The following public transit Port Angeles, Wash. Deadline: Mansfield, Ohio. Deadline: money for intercity bus security providers have informed the Oct. 17, 2003. Write to: General Oct. 24, 2003. Write to: General United Motorcoach Association Manager, Clallam Transit System, Manager, Richland County WASHINGTON — Con- Transportation Security Ad- of their intent to provide charter 830 Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, Transit, 232 North Main Street, gress passed a fiscal 2004 appro- ministration in the form of service unless willing and able pri- WA 98363. Phone: (360) 452- Mansfield, OH 44902. Phone: priations bill for the U.S. grants to carriers applying for vate charter operators step forward 1315. (419) 522-4504. Department of Homeland the money. However, neither to offer their services, or to bid on Jefferson City, Mo. Deadline: Athens, Ohio. Deadline: Oct. Security that includes $10 mil- the bill nor the joint House- contract opportunities. Oct. 20, 2003. Write to: Director, 28, 2003. Write to: Project lion for intercity bus security. Senate conferee report on the The United Motorcoach Asso- JEFFTRAN, 820 East Miller, Manager, Athens Transit, 397 The bill, which provides legislation specifies how the ciation urges operators to respond Jefferson City, MO 65101. Phone: West State, Athens, OH 45701. $29.4 billion in funding for the money is to be spent. to these public notices: (573) 634-6477. Phone: (740) 994-2003. department, is $1 billion larger A much larger bus security than President Bush had bill remains stalled in the U.S. requested for the department. House. The money earmarked for The Department of Home- Fire damages Capitol Trolley Museum intercity bus security probably land Security fiscal year began COLESVILLE, Md. — A late The museum is expected to be Austria. Another car was built in will be distributed by the Oct. 1. September fire heavily damaged closed until sometime next year. 1926 for the city of Johnstown, Pa. the National Capitol Trolley The Washington Post reported The museum owns 11 cars that Museum near Silver Spring, Md. that among the cars that were lost were housed in a separate garage or Driver safety training in New Jersey Nearly half the museum’s relics four were of local origin, including at other sites. ELWOOD, N.J. — The South There will be a shuttle between were destroyed. a 1935 turquoise art deco trolley The 34-year-old museum was Jersey Transportation Authority is the Atlantic City Transportation The early morning blaze (the “”) and two centu- open only on weekends but it drew offering a Driver Safety Training Center and Rufford Bus Parking burned the car barn and eight trol- ry-old snow sweepers that cleared a loyal following. The museum Course on Nov. 5, in Pleasant- lots to the course site, Wash’s ley cars inside. the tracks with spinning bamboo- attracted about 20,000 visitors a ville, N.J., near Atlantic City. Catering Service. It was not clear what caused the reed brushes. Some of the cars year, including streetcar aficiona- The 2-1/2 hour course will Lunch and certificates will be fire, but lightning was reported in were the only surviving represen- dos from around the world. include sessions on inspections, provided. Reservations can be the area at the time. tatives of their type. The museum is supported by hours of service rules, inclement made by calling (609) 345-5572, The damage was between $8 Three of the cars destroyed admission fees and donations and weather driving, and reducing Ext. 423 or (888) 565-7582, million and $10 million. were pre-World War I models from is run by a group of volunteers. stress and fatigue. Ext. 423. 8 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS OPINION

A gaping hole Uncle Sam provides tax incentives There was a horrific, five-vehi- and “excess” insurance up to $5 cle accident earlier this month near million. Its excess insurance was Chicago, killing eight and injuring canceled in June. Unless Leisure for wheelchair lift installations another 15. A tractor-trailer Pursuit removed a bunch of seats WASHINGTON — The See related story page 1 under both Section 44 and plowed into the back of a cutaway from its buses, the company was federal government provides Section 190. For example, a bus on the Northwest Tollway not carrying the required insur- two tax incentives to motor- cover a variety of expenditures, small business that spends (Interstate 90). Veteran state ance. In fact, the L&I System says coach companies to help cover including the purchase of adaptive $20,000 for access adaptations troopers described the crash as the that Leisure Pursuit Charters’ the cost of adding wheelchair equipment. The credit cannot be may take a tax credit of $5,000 worst accident they had ever seen. Authority Status was “Inactive.” lifts to coaches. The incentives used, however, for the costs of new (based on $10,250 of expendi- It received a lot of news coverage. However, if anyone who wanted are available to all businesses construction. It can be used only tures), and a deduction of From all indications, the truck to hire Leisure Pursuits Charters, that make changes that for adaptations to existing equip- $15,000. The deduction is equal driver clearly was at fault. including the women who died in improvement access to the difference Still, as often happens when the Northwest Tollway crash, had for people with dis- between the total tragedy strikes, questions have gone to the FMCSA Safer System abilities. The amount of the tax credit is expenditures and been raised about to check on the com- The first is a tax ‘ the amount of the whether the bus should ‘Welcome to pany safety record, credit that can be equal to 50 percent of the eligible access credit claimed. have been at the wrong they would have seen used for equipment The tax credit the land of place at the wrong that the company acquisitions, archi- expenditures in a year; the tax deduction and deduction time. the data operating authority tectural adaptations can be used annu- is for a maximum of $15,000 per year. A check of the disconnect.’ status was “Active.” and services such as ’ ally. Companies Federal Motor Carrier Welcome of the sign language inter- cannot carry over Safety Administration Licensing land of the data disconnect. preters. The second is a tax ment or facilities that are required expenses from one year to the and Insurance System indicates the The FMCSA operates a number deduction that can be used for to comply with the ADA. next and claim a credit or bus operator, Leisure Pursuit of valuable databases designed to transportation or architectural The amount of the tax credit is deduction for the portion that Charters of Lake Bluff, Ill., wasnít increase roadway safety. The prob- adaptations. equal to 50 percent of the eligible exceeded the expenditure limit properly insured and should not lem is this: Virtually all of the Remember, a tax credit is access expenditures in a year, up to the previous year. However, if have been operating. attention and publicity is focused subtracted from your tax liabili- a maximum expenditure of the amount of credit you are The L&I System data shows on the Safer System “Carrier ty after you calculate your taxes, $10,250. There is no credit for the entitled to exceeds the amount that Leisure Pursuit Charters had Snapshot,” a “concise electronic while a tax deduction is sub- first $250 of expenditures. The of taxes you owe, you may carry $1.5 million worth of insurance record” of a carrier’s safety informa- tracted from your total income maximum tax credit, therefore, is forward the unused portion of coverage but was required to have tion. Nothing on the Safer System before taxes, to establish taxable $5,000. the credit to the following year. $5 million. A review of the system splash or explanation page directs income. The tax deduction, established For further details and infor- also shows that during the 1990s or guides users to the L&I System. The tax credit, established under Section 190 of the Internal mation, review these incentives and continuing until mid-2001, Once you look up a specific car- under Section 44 of the Internal Revenue Code, is for a maximum with an accountant or contact the company always had $5 million rier’s “Snapshot,” there are links to Revenue Code, was created in of $15,000 per year. A business of your local IRS office. Or, request in insurance, which is required of the L&I System but nothing tips 1990 specifically to help small any size may use this deduction for IRS Publications 535 and 334 carriers operating vehicles with a you that the information is just as businesses cover Americans the removal of transportation or for further information on tax seating capacity of 16 passengers or vital as the Carrier Snapshot. with Disabilities Act-related architectural barriers. The renova- incentives, or Form 8826 to more. Companies operating vehi- Worse, there is no “red flag” on the access expenditures. A business tions under Section 190 must com- claim your tax credit. cles with seating capacities of 15 Snapshot page to indicate that a that either had revenues of $1 ply with applicable accessibility A fact sheet on the incen- passengers or fewer can get by with carrier’s authority status has million or less, or 30 or fewer standards. tives is available at $1.5 million in insurance. become “inactive” because of inad- full-time workers, may take Small businesses can use these www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/tax- Beginning in July 2001, Leisure equate insurance. advantage of the tax credit. incentives in combination if the pack.htm. Scroll down to Fact Pursuits Charters began carrying This is a gaping hole the The credit can be used to expenditures incurred qualify Sheet 4. “primary” insurance of $1.5 million FMCSA should plug — right away.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 16 Jeff Polzien To send or report news, To e-mail advertisements Red Carpet Tours Letters to the Editor, articles: or photographs: Oklahoma City A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Robert L. Quick Fax: (877) 510-5598 Staff Advisory Board Quick-Livick Inc. To subscribe or inquire Stauton, Va. or (877) 510-5602 about your subscription: Mail: 717 West Pierson #260 Editor & Publisher Alex Allen Todd Holland Tom Ready Call: Ellen Balm Victor Parra Amador Stage Lines Ramblin' Express Ready Bus Lines Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 488-8378 Sacramento, Calif. Colorado Springs LaCrescent, Minn. Call: (602) 242-7361 Managing Editor Senior Editor Bob Brisman Robert Hume Bill Rohrbaugh Travel Mates Trailways Bill Rohrbaugh's Charter Services To send subscription orders Danielle Staudt Bruce Sankey West Point Trailways To advertise or to mail or changes of address: Vails Gate, N.Y. Harrisonburg, Va. Manchester, Md. advertising-related materials: E-mail: [email protected] Government Editor Art Director David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Call: Johnny Steger Norman Littler G. Reid Helms (602) 980-0840 Fax: (877) 510-5602 Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. E-mail: [email protected] or (877) 510-5598 Editorial Assistant Associate Editor Bob Foley Godfrey LeBron John Silvanie ABC Companies Paradise Trailways Suburban Charter Services Mail: Post Office Box 12903 Tara Sheehan Ellen Balm Mail: 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 Faribault, Minn. West Hempstead, N.Y. White Plains, N.Y. Tempe, AZ 85284 Phoenix, AZ 85053 Accountant Editorial Assistant Mitch Guralnick Joan Libby Alan Spachman Victoria Bus Coach National Interstate Insurance Co John Giddens Amy Stalknecht Boston, Mass. Boston, Mass. Richfield, Ohio

Rick Hillard Warren Miller T. Ralph Young ©2003 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in Sales Director Tri-State Tours Pacific Coach Bus Service Young Transportation part without written permission is prohibited. Johnny Steger Galena, Ill. San Francisco, Calif. Ashville, N.C. Now offering a 3-year warranty on America’s best selling motor coach the MCI D4500 MCI has a limited quantity of 2003 D4500 coaches in-stock and available for immediate delivery. This is a limited time offer*, so make your best deal today, and get one additional year of factory authorized warranty to save you money down the road.

Limited Quantities Available!

Contact your local MCI Sales Representative today. EAST 800-262-1287 • SOUTHEAST 800-390-0287 • SOUTH 800-248-4942 • MIDWEST 800-743-3642 • WEST 800-777-4101

Now get one *Applicable to coaches purchased and delivered between September additional 16, 2003 through November 1, 2003. MOTOR COACH Not applicable to prior sales. No year of factory trades will apply. All stock coaches authorized warranty! INDUSTRIES subject to prior sale. 10 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Obituaries People Special Expo Mitch Guralnick has been rates offered Pawtuxet Valley Bus Lines’ named sales manager for Motor Coach Ernest P. Archambault dies Industries. In his new job, to readers Ernest P. “Kit” Archambault, Mr. Archambault also had been Guralnick will be responsible for Memo to Readers: You can founder of Pawtuxet Valley Bus town treasurer of West Warwick for new coach sales in New York, save $50 by using the reservation Lines in West Warwick, R.I., died 12 years, and he was a Navy veter- Maine, , Vermont, Guralnick Grainger form for Motorcoach Expo 2004 last month in Warwick. He was 80 an of World War II. , Lease, the largest member- included with this issue of Bus & years old. Besides Stephen, Mr. and . Previously, owned truck leasing company in Motorcoach News. Mr. Archambault founded Archambault is survived by his Guralnick was executive director North America, on Nov. 10. The flyer offers an advance Pawtuxet Valley Bus Lines 50 years wife, Carmel; two daughters, Gail of field service operations. He Grainger left Laidlaw Interna- reservation fee for members of the ago and remained owner and presi- M. Mey of Winthrop, Mass., and joined MCI five years ago as a tional, successor to Laidlaw Inc., United Motorcoach Association of dent until 1997, when he retired. Denise A. Larson of Penfield, N.Y.; new coach sales account execu- at the end of August. He spent $225, which is $50 less than the His son, Stephen, now runs the a sister, Annette Carpenter of West tive. After three months, he was 13 years at Laidlaw, most recent- regular registration fee and $100 company. Warwick, and five grandchildren. promoted to senior account ly as president and CEO of its less than the on-site registration executive. He was named direc- contract bus operation. From fee. tor of field service operations last Jan. 2000 to Sept. 2002, he was Nonmembers of the association Joanne Schmidt, wife of year and became executive direc- president and CEO of Laidlaw also can save big. The advance tor earlier this year. Guralnick Inc. Grainger has had a relation- reservation fee is $275, which also Prevost sales executive, dies previously held management ship with Oak Brook, Ill.-based is $50 less than the regular fee and Joanne T. Schmidt, wife of Schmidt spent her professional positions at Keeshin Charter NationaLease since 1986. $100 less than the on-site fee for Prevost Car Regional Sales career as a special needs and 5th Service in Chicago and White Amy Stalknecht has joined nonmembers. Manager David Schmidt, died last grade school teacher. She taught Bus Company in East Orange, the United Motorcoach Associa- And, as a special bonus for Bus month after battling cancer for 26 up until two years ago. Her chil- N.J., where he eventually tion as member relations assis- & Motorcoach News readers, the months. She was 55 years ago. dren and students were the center became owner. He has been a tant, a new position. Ms. Stalk- deadline for the advance reserva- The Schmidts lived in of her life. member of the United necht previously was employed tion is being extended to Nov. 1. Franconia Township, Pa. They A memorial has been estab- Motorcoach Association board at the Truck Renting and So, ignore the date on the form but had been married for 30 years and lished in the name of Joanne of directors for the past 10 years. Leasing Association. She holds a do act before Nov. 1. raised three children. Schmidt with the Grace Christian After graduating from Drexel School Scholarship Fund, 320 N. John Grainger, a former top bachelor’s degree in business Motorcoach Expo will be Feb. University in 1972, Joanne 3rd St., Telford, PA 18969. executive at Laidlaw Inc., will administration and marketing 8-10, 2004, in Atlanta, at the become president of Nationa- from James Madison University. Georgia World Congress Center. See you there. Who Has

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Bus & Motorcoach News is proudly published by the United Motorcoach Association, and is the official publication of Motorcoach Expo 2004. BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 15, 2003 — 11 INDUSTRY NEWS Insurance sting in New York City nabs 51 NEW YORK CITY — The ring’s alleged street general, Alvin New York Police Department Owens of Brooklyn. Owens organ- arrested 51 people who were partic- Scam is linked to Russian mobsters ized so-called runners — people ipating in a huge auto insurance today proves that criminals are tens of millions of dollars from the pects to tell them they’d won who got $2,500 to stage accidents fraud ring that is believed to have aware of how to circumvent the auto insurance system and cause claims up to $11,000, but they had or create them on paper, the police bilked insurance companies out of current no-fault (insurance) law auto insurance rates to increase for to go pick up the checks at an office said. Runners steered bogus vic- tens of million of dollars. and make a great deal of money by honest New York drivers.” in City, Queens. tims, who got $700 upfront and Police linked the massive scam doing so,” said New York Detectives were tipped off to the Instead of easy money, they were promises of fat settlements, to six to the Russian mob operating in Superintendent of Insurance fraud last year by Liberty Mutual arrested and charged with fraud. medical clinics in the city and one New York. Gregory V. Serio. “The Governor, Insurance Co., whose staff noticed The scam was allegedly run by a in Albany. Further arrests, including the Insurance Department and law that dozens of scammers filed iden- firm called Parallel Management Paid-off attorneys carefully kept crooked doctors and lawyers, were enforcement agencies … are doing tical medical reports. Bus industry on Coney Island Ave. in Brooklyn. claims under $50,000, the maxi- expected in the sting, which is everything within the power of the insurer, Lancer Insurance Co., was It handled billing, kept most of the mum allowed by New York’s no- called Operation Gateway. current law to take these criminals among 18 insurance companies money and is owned by unidenti- fault laws, to deflect suspicion from “The elaborate scheme and off the street, but until there is leg- participating in the investigation. fied Russians with ties to organized the scheme, according to police. sophistication of the criminals islative action we will continue to Posing as insurance company crime, police said. To report insurance fraud in involved in the case dismantled see criminals like these who steal representatives, police called sus- Among those arrested was the New York call (888) 372-8369. New York operators operators mounted individual Weisberg believes a majority of efforts to get their complaints heard those attending the meeting want Jury awards $10 million CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 by state officials. to form a new association. “We’re Easy fixes are nowhere to be In March, two operators who are not looking to start a new organiza- found. directors of the UMA, joined with tion if we don’t have to,” he says. in fatal Texas bus crash There has been discussion of a church-affiliated operator to meet “But many people don’t see much DALLAS, Texas — A jury has Rockmore Discovery Coaches and setting up a new captive insur- with a group of state lawmakers. hope for reforming BANY.” awarded $10 million to the parents Tours, was negligent when he hired ance company for New York The following month, a delegation A key priority of BANY or a of one of four young people killed Carter as a substitute driver two operators but that may not be of operators, insurers and staff mem- new group, said Weisberg, should last year when the coach they were days before the crash. realistic because of state laws bers from the ABA met with New be to work to bring more tourism riding in slammed into a concrete Investigators subsequently making it both a costly and rigor- York Superintendent of Insurance business to New York and promote bridge support near Terrell, Texas. found that Carter had falsified his ous process. Gregory V. Serio and state Senator the state as a travel destination. “If An investigation said the driver medical certificate. The state insurance fund in Malcolm Smith. we get the utilization of equipment was at fault, blaming the crash on a Jurors concluded in making the New York also offers no help — Frustration among operators is up then the cost of insurance is not combination of fatigue, distraction award to Debbie and Dennis it’s bankrupt. One operator who growing as financial pressures as much of a factor,” he said. and drugs. Ernest Carter, the driver, Kimmons that Carter’s hiring con- contacted the fund about cover- mount and they see no relief from The next step is for Weisberg to also died when the left side of the tributed to the death of their 16- age was quoted a price of $65,000 state lawmakers. There also is a per- pick a committee from those bus hit the bridge pillar. year-old daughter Lindsay. per coach. ceived absence of activity and lead- attending the meeting to meet with The Dallas County jury found Carter crashed the bus on the This past spring, a number of ership on the part of BANY. members of the board of BANY. that Eric Rockmore, owner of way to a Louisiana church camp. OMCA annual conference is November 2-5 HeavyHeavy DutyDuty LiftsLifts TORONTO — The last Ontario Motor Coach Association forfor aa HeavyHeavy DutyDuty IndustryIndustry Annual Conference and Market- place operated under its current format will be Nov. 2-5 at the • Electro-hydraulic Westin Harbour Castle. mobile heavy duty lifts * Next year, the conference and marketplace are being merged with the Prospect Ontario marketplace. • Available new, used The combined event is expected to or demo % reduce trade shows costs for Ontario attractions and tourist Financing properties while providing them • ISO 9001 Certified greater exposure. & unlike our other Meanwhile, this year’s OMCA • 64,000 lb. capacity, competitors 0% marketplace is expected to attract more than 700 buyers and sellers. per set of four maintenance Attendees will come from every Canadian province, as well as 30 *All financing will be done through our leasing company, Noreast Capital Corporation states and Mexico. It’s estimated pending credit approval. A wide variety0 of other financing options available as well. that more than $50 million in new business will be developed during the marketplace. 800-336-6637 Information is available by call- Our Web site: www.stertil-koni.com ing OMCA at (416) 229-6622 or visting www.omca.com. E-mail: [email protected] 12 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS NEW COACH DELIVERIES

Quebec operator CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of raising coach industry standards throughout Quebec. The program was developed for the association by the Quebec Standards Bureau, which special- izes in organizing, implementing of the C2045s is equipped with a and maintaining certification pro- Utah Trailways Stewart & Stevenson wheelchair grams for private industry. A task- Salt Lake City lift. force of 17 individuals, represent- Now in its 21st year of business, ing customers, carriers and govern- Utah Trailways has taken deliv- the company changed its name mental organizations oversaw the ery of five Van Hool C2045 coach- from Casino Caravans to Utah process that lead to creation of the es. All five of the 57-passenger Trailways early last year when it program. coaches are equipped with 400- joined the Trailways system. About The Quebec Standards Bureau horsepower Cummins ISM 80 percent of company business is has developed nearly 40 such certi- engines, daytime headlamps, flush- charter sales. Utah Trailways has fication programs, which it oper- type restrooms with extra holding an all Van Hool fleet of 13 full-size ates as an independent, third-party tanks, REI six-monitor video sys- coaches, plus an ABC M1035 mid- certifier and verifier. Its programs tem with wireless PA microphones size bus which it added last year. have been adopted by environ- and eight-disk CD changers. One Dick Maben is company president. mental, health and safety, tourism, with a professional organization, implement a “vehicle classifica- urban facilities and transportation offering quality services that have tion” program that specifies the organizations. been objectively measured by an level of comfort and quality the “The Private Bus Transport independent third party. customer will receive when char- Company Certification Program The program guarantees quality tering or renting a coach. In fact, aims to enhance the quality of in five key areas: Customer service, customer contracts must specify business relations at each step of bus classification, staff training, the level of equipment the cus- customer services, starting with the performance during the transporta- tomer will receive. very first contact between the cus- tion of passengers, and respect for Each coach in the fleet of a cer- tomer and the certified carrier,” the environment. Certified opera- tified carrier must be identified said Girard. “Nothing is left to tors also can tout the fact they according to comfort characteris- change. Safety, competence, quali- scrupulously meet all safety regula- tics, with a logo affixed to the buses ty and reliability are no longer tions related to passenger safety. identifying the comfort level. The taken for granted. The new stan- Other important aspects of the five types of vehicles are: Lewis Sanders, transportation manager at New Revelation Mission Baptist dards guarantee that a certified car- program require operators to have: • Luxury comfort class. A coach Church, talks to MCI regional sales manager Eric Lundeen (right). rier company will deliver the • At least $10 million worth of of less than six years of age, offering New Revelation Mission Baptist Church promised high level of service,” liability insurance if they operate in greater spacing between seats and Girard added. the United States. having audio-visual equipment. Pasadena, Calif. Collaborating with the associa- • No convictions during the • Deluxe comfort class: A regu- The New Revelation Mission B500 transmission with Jake tion and the Quebec Standards previous 12 months of operating a lar long-distance coach of a maxi- Baptist Church, which for years Brake, Amaya seats with Somtex Bureau were the Quebec Ministry coach with an unlicensed driver. mum of 12 years of age. operated an MC-9, has upgraded fabric, Carrier air conditioning, of Transportation, Tourism Que- • A preventive maintenance • Superior comfort class: A reg- its church coach by purchasing a RCA flooring and Alcoa alu- bec, industry representatives and program recognized by the Société ular long-distance coach of a maxi- new J-4500 model MCI. The J- minum wheels. The sale was han- customers. d’assurance automobile du Québec. mum 13 years of age. coach is equipped with a Detroit dled by MCI’s branch in Los Operators completing the pro- • Staff that can accommodate • Intermediate comfort class: A Diesel Series 60 engine, Allison Alamitos, Calif. gram can market themselves and the linguistic requirements of cus- cutaway bus. their certification as guaranteeing tomers. • Economy comfort class: A tra- customers they are doing business Certified operators also must ditional or shortened school bus. MCI expands, renovates Des Plaines center DES PLAINES, Ill. — A day- additional five-bay body shop and routine maintenance. long open house on Sept. 30, new customer lounge. The The Des Plaines facility also is marked completion of a major redesign also provides customers approved for Detroit Diesel, renovation, as well as the 20th with improved access to replace- Allison Transmission and ZF Laredo Metro Oregon State Univ. anniversary, of Motor Coach ment parts. Transmission warranty service. Laredo, Texas Corvallis Industries’ Fleet Support Service “We needed to improve the On hand for the event was the Laredo, Texas, has taken deliv- Oregon State University has Center in Des Plaines. space to handle the volume of Madden’s Cruiser, the MCI ery of four 2003 Blue Bird XCEL added an SLF 230 low-floor bus Attending the open house business,” said Ray DuPlantier, E4500 conversion coach used by 102 buses. The 35-foot buses are manufactured by DaimlerChrysler were members of the steering general manager of the Des ABC Sports broadcaster John equipped with John Deere 8.1-liter Commercial Buses. The 30-foot committee of the newly formed Plaines facility. DuPlantier has 15 Madden. The coach pulled in CNG engines, Allison B300R bus is equipped with a Cummins Motorcoach Association. factory-trained technicians work- after a Monday Night Football transmissions, front and side desti- ISB engine, Allison transmission, They provided owners and opera- ing for him. game at Soldiers Field. nation signs, air suspension, Thermo King MRT HVAC sys- tors attending the event with The expansion means the Located at 10 East Golf Road Carrier air conditioning, front and tem, Ricon wheelchair ramp, and details about the association, service facility now has a total of in Des Plaines, the 10-acre, center doors, and video surveil- Freedman Citiseat seating. It also which will begin accepting mem- 14 service bays, offering body 56,000-square-foot service facility lance systems. The buses are con- has stanchions that were repainted berships Jan. 1. work, paint, maintenance, war- houses MCI’s Midwest sales figured to seat 32, with an option orange — a school color. The bus Upgrades to the Des Plaines ranty and repair, along with offices for new and preowned for two wheelchairs. National Bus was delivered with standard yellow service facility include a new CoachEXPRESSSM programs that coaches. The center can be con- Sales and Leasing Inc. of Texas stanchions — a team color of arch- drive-through service bay, an guarantee turn-around times on tacted by calling (800) 743-3624. handled the procurement. rival University of Oregon.

14 – October 15, 2003 — BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS ClassifiedClassified AdvertisingClassifiedClassified Advertising AdvertisingAdvertising

3 - 1978 PREVOST MCI MC-8s COACHES $25,000 each FOR SALE H3-45s GREAT AS A 1987-88 MCI FOR SALE 102A3’s and 96A3’s 5-1996 / 56 & 52 Pax CONVERSION SHELL! 8V92, Low mileage SERIES 60/B500 CHERRY COACHES. engines, 5 speed or some 4-Monitor Videos All are beyond EXCELLENT automatics, maintenance condition - you’ve never seen records, coaches are FROM $130,000 any this clean! Upgraded in and out currently in service. CALL: SKIP CUMMINGS DaimlerChrysler offers at a cost of over $50k per bus! All have 53 reclining seats, no lavatory, Starting at $40,000 8V-71 engines, HT740 automatic Carl R. Bieber Tourways new options for CL 100, transmissions, converted to R134a Kutztown, Pennsylvania (631) 445-2322 refrigerant, white paint, polished (800) 243-2374 -or- unveils Sprinter Shuttle stainless steel exterior, chrome rims! Ask for Steve [email protected] Call for pictures! Hurry! GREENSBORO, N.C. — paratransit operations. Upgrades E-Mail: SHADDAD@ HARRAN Marc (808) 832-6261 BIEBERTOURWAYS.COM DaimlerChrysler Commercial and additional features can be Buses has made two significant added. marketing and product moves “Smart Choice packages were designed to attract the growing developed through extensive number of passenger transportation research with customers in that companies that are spurning large field of business,” said Domabyl. Classified Advertising Display vans and picking small buses The packages take into considera- instead. tion chassis load limits, including ORDER FORM CLASSIFIED First, DaimlerChrysler Com- anticipated weight of passengers, Display Classified mercial Buses (DCCB) has begun door cycles, luggage requirements Bus & Motorcoach NEWS is published on the 1st and 15th of the month. Advertisements offering its CL 100 cutaway buses and seating preferences. Ad deadlines are one week prior to publication. Advertise your used equipment, with a series of option packages Conventional features and products or services with our eye- designed to make the bus buying options remain available for tradi- Please print or type your advertising copy. catching display classified ads. process more like purchasing an tional commercial bus buyers to If you prefer, print or type your ad on a separate sheet and attach to this 1 column x 2” minimum size. automobile. That is, simpler. pick and chose. form. All Classified Advertising must be accompanied by payment before Frequency discounts available. The options packages, called In addition to the options insertion. VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted. CLASSIFIED: Smart Choice, are packages, all CL $20 per column inch. designed for specif- 100 buses now fea- All classified ads are $20 per column inch. Send us your copy and we will RECRUITMENT: ic applications or ‘Sprinters feature ture extra-wide, design an eye-catching ad for you. Minimum size one column by two inches. $30 per column inch. service types . tinted passenger Samples and ad rates on reverse side. Second, DCCB full-height interiors, windows for Number of issues you would like this ad to appear in: 1 2 3 4 5 6 More? Line Classified is now marketing a greater visibility. Advertisements variety of passen- independent Separately, it Name Set in 6 pt. Type, in paragraph ger models of the was announced Person Authorizing Advertisement - Please Print form only, with the first four European-designed that the Sprinter suspensions and high- words in capital letters. Sprinter Shuttle. Shuttle is now Company CLASSIFIED: $20 for the first 6 The Sprinter is an available to com- lines per insert. $15 each addi- visibility windows.’ Address oversized Mercedes mercial operators tional line per insert. Benz-developed in a variety of City State Zip Payment transporter that can be configured models from DaimlerChrysler for all sorts of applications ranging Commercial Buses. “We’re pleased Signature Prepayment required for all ad placements unless credit has been from FedEx delivery vans to people to offer our customers another movers. quality product for shuttle applica- Credit Card Information established. MasterCard, Visa, American Express accepted. “As many owners plan to tions,” said Domabyl. Card No. replace their (15-passenger) vans, Sprinters feature dual outward Deadlines we saw the need to create an easier opening doors, full-height interi- Expiration Date Seven days prior to publication way for our customers to buy shut- ors, independent suspensions, dates of 1st and 15th of the tle buses,” said Tony Domabyl, high-visibility windows, executive- Name on Card month. president of DaimlerChrysler style interiors and full heating and Commercial Buses N.C. “These cooling systems. Hours Fax or Mail this form to Bus & Motorcoach NEWS packages are ... user-friendly, espe- Smart Choice packages also are Call Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. cially for nontraditional commer- available on the Sprinter Shuttles. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Toll-free fax: (877) 510-5598 cial bus buyers who may be replac- “We’ve developed a variety of Sales Representative ing their large vans. Developing packages to provide operators with Mail to: 16845 North 29th Avenue # 759, Phoenix, AZ 85053 Johnny Steger Smart Choice packages with the a cost-effective solution for their Phone: (602) 980-0840 appropriate features specific to the shuttle applications,” said Fax Toll-Free: (877) 510-5598 Make checks payable to: Bus & Motorcoach NEWS application eliminates a lot of the Domabyl. E-mail: [email protected] Questions? Call Johnny: (602) 980-0840 guesswork from bus buying.” “The Sprinter Shuttle is ideal Bus & Motorcoach News Email: [email protected] Specific Smart Choice packages for smaller shuttle runs — it has a 16845 North 29th Ave. #759 are available for hotels, airports, lot of storage, comfortable seating, Phoenix, AZ 85053 retirement communities, churches, exceptional fuel economy and low parking facilities, hospitals and maintenance costs.” BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWS — October 15, 2003 — 15 INDUSTRY NEWS Greyhound Lines cuts 300 administrative, manager jobs DALLAS - Greyhound Lines She noted that more travelers are announcement concerning the sively to increase revenues, growth strategies.” has eliminated about 300 jobs, half using automobiles. 300 jobs was the biggest cutback decrease costs and improve per- The layoffs come three months of them at its Dallas headquarters. During the past two years, announced so far. formance,” the company said in a after Greyhound hired Chief Exe- The company said the staff Greyhound has reduced the fre- “Greyhound could no longer statement. “Today’s action was cutive Stephen Gorman, a former reductions were the result of quency of some runs and eliminat- afford to wait for the economy to necessary to stabilize the company Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and declining revenues caused by the ed staff at some stations. But the turn around and is moving aggres- so that we can focus on long-term Northwest Airlines executive. weak economy and higher costs. The layoffs amount to roughly 2.5 percent of the company’s 12,000-person work force but about 15 percent of its headquar- ters staff. All reductions were in administration and management. Greyhound, which lost $112 million on revenue of $992 million last year, says it continues to feel the impact of the change in Americans’ travel habits since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “People have been staying clos- er to home or not traveling at all,” said spokeswoman Kim Plaskett. NMN adopts emergency road assist program FAIRFAX STATION, Va. — Beginning Nov. 1, all motorcoach members of the National Motorcoach Network will be pro- vided with on-the-road emergency coverage through the ATTREX service network. National Motorcoach Network announced it has signed an agree- ment with ATTREX, a nationwide roadside assistance program based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Steve Kirchner, president of National Motorcoach Network, said ATTREX spent more than three years planning and develop- ing a nationwide network of motorcoach service providers. “A network of qualified and competent bus repair and service facilities, immediately available, is not a convenience. It’s a business survival necessity,” said ATTREX President Lee Puglisi. The ATTREX program is being provided as a new service to National Motorcoach Network members at no additional cost. Participation in the program is now part of the basic annual net- work membership fee of $395. In addition to roadside assis- tance, the ATTREX program also offers a bulk purchasing program that includes various wireless com- munications, tire, fuel and insur- ance options. Information about National Motorcoach Network can be obtained by calling (888) 733- 5287 or by going to www.motor- coach.com. www.blue-bird.com

The cost savings of the Express 4500 could buy you fuel for two years and tires for six.*

The new Blue Bird Express 4500 multipurpose coach delivers steel construction; independent front suspension and air disc the versatility and reliability you expect—at a cost you don’t. brakes; ergonomic dash design; panoramic insulated glass With a significantly lower price point than other commuter windows; multiplex wiring system; and an easy access engine coaches, the Express 4500 doesn’t compromise on quality. 12 YEAR service compartment. Built in America by Blue Bird, the Express 4500 is 12-year ALTOONA When you consider the cost savings, durability, comfort, DESIGN Altoona designed and possesses the desired features driveability, and overall value of Blue Bird’s Express 4500, demanded by the North American market. you’ll realize this is one coach you can’t afford to pass up. With seating for up to 55 passengers, the 45-foot coach For more information please contact Blue Bird at offers a new integrated body and chassis design; all stainless 1-800-486-7122.

* These figures are based on yearly estimates and may vary depending upon the number of hours your bus(es) operate and actual number of miles driven.

©2003 Blue Bird Corporation. Blue Bird Corporation is a subsidiary of Henlys Group plc.

Blue Bird Corporation, 402 Blue Bird Blvd. Fort Valley, GA 31030 COMMERCIAL COACH