June 15, 2008

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Safety chief tries curbside buses Public transit agencies Enjoys safe, irritated by charter rule comfortable try end runs, loopholes WASHINGTON D.C. — Pub- congressional representatives for trip to NYC lic transit agencies across the U.S. help in possibly making changes to WASHINGTON — The feder- apparently aren’t finished with the rule. al government’s chief bus safety their efforts to retain some of the The FTA, meanwhile, said it administrator spent 10 hours riding lucrative charter work they were has not received any formal com- curbside intercity motorcoaches doing before the Federal Transit plaints about the rule other than the between Washington and New Administration clipped their filings for exemptions and advisory York late last month, pronouncing wings with new federal charter opinions, according to spokesman the experience safe and comfortable. service regulations. Paul Griffo. John Hill, administrator of the After inundating the FTA with Updating of the 30-year-old n o i

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- t several hundred letters of com- federal charter services regulation, a r t s ministration, hopped on a BoltBus i plaint prior to the new rule taking which was mandated by Congress, n i at the corner of 11th and G streets m effect April 30, the transit operators came after a year-long rulemaking d A y

Northwest, roughly a mile and a t now are taking other routes and procedure that included monthly e f a

quarter from his office in Wash- S turning to other sources to circum- meetings between FTA lawyers r e i r ington, and traveled five hours to r vent the rule or find loopholes in it. and representatives of public tran- a C

New York City for a conference. r Some are filing requests with sit agencies and private bus com- o t BoltBus is the curbside opera- o the FTA for special exemptions that panies. M l a tion set up by Greyhound Lines r would allow them to continue pro- Private operators have com- e d e and Peter Pan Bus Lines that be- F viding shuttle bus service to major plained for years that the existing , n o gan operating in the northeastern t sports events or community festi- rules were not working and were y a l

U.S. early this spring. Bolt is C vals. Others are asking for favor- being ignored by federally funded a g designed to meet the competition n able advisory opinions from feder- transit agencies that were taking u h s

posed by the so-called Chinatown a al regulators, declaring that some charter jobs away from them by h S

bus operators that have mush- y of their special bus services are not undercutting their prices. b o roomed during the past five years. t really charters under the new rules. So far, the FTA has issued a o h

A few hours later, Hill boarded P Still others are pushing news number of exemptions to transit an as yet unidentified Chinatown bus FMCSA Administrator John Hill pauses before boarding BoltBus for New York. articles in local newspapers that agencies that allowed them to con- for the return trip to Washington. “to personally experience a relative tors and traditional intercity bus sometimes imply the FTA and pri- tinue running shuttles to highly at- In writing about his experience newcomer to the transportation operators — no terminals or ticket vate motorcoach carriers are to tended major events, including the on the Internet, Hill gave little indi- industry: ‘curbside’ bus carriers.” offices and schedules posted blame for transit agencies not being Indianapolis 500 and professional cation as to what prompted him to Hill says he bought his tickets online. able to provide their usual shuttle baseball games in Seattle. use the cut-rate bus lines, other online and quickly noted the dis- “As I learned when purchasing service to popular events. In addition, it has fielded more than to say he decided he wanted tinctions between curbside opera- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ And, a few are calling on their CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ 2010 engine choices may unsettle coach industry In less than two years, when bus And there are predictions the diesel engine emissions-reduction from the major diesel engine sup- Protection Agency, which set stan- builders supplying motorcoaches to best technology for meeting the technologies. pliers have vigorously defended dards for 2010 engines that reduce the North American market begin 2010 federal emission standards Fleets will have to choose their companies’ choice of tech- nitrogen oxide emissions to practi- introducing their 2010 models, there could have a dramatic long-term which of the technologies is best nology, either selective catalytic cally zero. could be major differences among impact on the over-the-road com- for them, and that has the potential reduction, or exhaust gas recircu- To cut NOx, selective catalytic the competing brands unlike any- mercial vehicle industry. to trigger shifts in market shares lation. In some cases, there has reduction mixes urea into the en- thing operators have seen before. Unlike 2004 and 2007, 2010 among the OEMs. If coach buyers been pointed criticism of one tech- gine exhaust, where it becomes a That’s because the coach manu- will mark the first time engine don’t feel comfortable they may nology over the other. catalyst in a filter that converts facturers will be using two com- manufacturers and their coach and move their purchases to another The battle over diesel engine NOx into nitrogen and water. pletely different engine technolo- trucking-building customers will brand. emissions technology was insti- Exhaust gas recirculation, on gies to power their new models. be offering two distinctly different In recent months, executives gated by the U.S. Environmental CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ

Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2008 3 Court rules against industry in D.C. permit-fee suit WASHINGTON — A contro- The decision allows the D.C. trict government. The coalition has until June 27 to to out-of-state carries entering the versial District of Columbia De- DMV to continue to require charter As many as 1,000 charter buses file such an action that would take district. partment of Motor Vehicles’ regu- operators registered outside of the visit the nation’s capital every day, the case to the D.C. Court of Appeals. “We made our case at the oral lation that requires charter buses district to purchase permits for making the fee an easy and hefty UMA Vice President Ken Pres- arguments, but the judge already visiting the nation’s capital to have each coach they send into Wash- new source of revenue for the dis- ley said he, too, was disappointed had her mind made up,” said trip permits has been upheld by the ington. The permits cost $50 each trict and a major expense for char- by the decision and that an appeal Schweitzer, noting the judge deliv- D.C. Superior Court. and are good for six days. ter bus operators and their cus- certainly is an option. “The indus- ered an oral ruling from the bench Judge Jeannette Clark ruled the The requirement was chal- tomers, the three associations try has had its day in court, at least rather than issuing a more common disputed regulation — put in place lenged in court by three major mo- maintained. our first day,” he said. written one. a year ago by the D. C. City Coun- torcoach industry trade organiza- Rick Schweitzer, general coun- The industry argued that the He maintained that, in addition cil and which also affects trucks tions, the United Motorcoach, sel for the ABA who argued the permit requirement restricted inter- to Clark’s decision being incorrect, and other commercial vehicles — American Bus and National Tour court case for the industry, said the state commerce, conflicted with the she also erred in a key conclusion does not violate federal interstate associations, which said permit associations are considering ap- requirements of the International involving the interstate commerce commerce laws or vehicle registra- requirement not only was illegal, pealing the decision, which he de- Registration Plan, and was uncon- issue. tion rules. but was a “money grab” by the dis- scribed as disappointing and wrong. stitutional because it applied only CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ Feds award $11 million in coach security grants WASHINGTON — The U.S. Academy Express of Hoboken, Department of Homeland Security N.J. and Peter Pan Lines of has awarded $11.17 million to 49 Springfield, Mass., have each motorcoach companies under the received nearly $3 million during fiscal 2008 Intercity Bus Security the past six years, with Academy Grant Program. awarded $836,953 this year, and The amount of grant money Peter Pan getting $674,865. awarded this year was down slight- As it has virtually every year, ly from last year, when $11.64 mil- the Department of Homeland lion was awarded to 39 companies, Security modified the program but up from the previous two years. again for ‘08. This year, applicants In fiscal 2006, $9.5 million was were required to come up with a 25 awarded to 35 coach companies percent match to secure a grant. and in fiscal 2005, 25 grants total- That means the operators getting ing $9.66 million were awarded. grants this year must pony up a The reduced number in fiscal ’05 total of $2.79 million. resulted from tougher restrictions Operators applying this year on who could apply. also were required to have both a The ’08 grants mark the sixth company security plan and a vul- consecutive year the U.S. Depart- nerability assessment that had to be ment of Homeland Security has submitted to the Department of awarded money to private bus oper- Homeland Security ators to make security improve- The Intercity Bus Security ments. Grant Program has always been A total of $71.7 million in tax- weighted in favor of the industry’s payer dollars have flowed from the largest coach operators but less so federal treasury to private operators than in the past. during the past six years. However, This year, 55 percent of the just over 40 percent of that money money is going to operators having has gone to one company — Grey- 250 or more over-the-road buses, hound Lines, which has received a versus 70 percent last year. total of $29 million. Greyhound’s Because the security grant pro- fiscal ’08 grant was for $3.46 mil- gram has two “tiers” — one for the lion, up slightly from last year’s largest operators and the other for $3.28 million. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ UMA unveils Website for ’09 Expo ORLANDO, Fla. — The the show. Users will find: United Motorcoach Association • Registration information for has launched a Website for UMA both attendees and exhibitors Motorcoach Expo 2009. Go to • Up-to-date exhibitor list and www.motorcoachexpo.com. floorplan Next year’s Expo will be Jan. • Answers to frequently asked 21-25 in Orlando, making Expo questions roughly 220 days away. • Other timely information Following the recording break- Registration for UMA Expo ing January Expo in San Francisco, ’09 is now open and hotels are tak- next year’s event in Orlando, one of ing reservations. America’s favorite convention and As UMA Meetings and Opera- vacation cities, is expected to be tors Director Amy Stalknecht says: equally exciting and dynamic. “It’s never too early to make plans The Expo ’09 Website is a one- to attend the premier motorcoach stop location for information about and travel industry event.” 4 June 15, 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Warning issued A positive drug test: Now what do you do? for antismoking By Eric Arnold joint, so he thinks he might pass. If determine the time you were noti- ing the decision on whether or not he fails, oh well, on to the next job. fied, and then search your time to keep a positive driver, some From a safety and regulatory This type of positive test is records, dispatch sheets and log- questions which should influence drug ‘Chantix’ standpoint, a driver who tests posi- easy to handle, simply do not hire books to determine how long a your decision are: What type of WASHINGTON — The U.S. tive for drugs is not something to the driver. This is why you never, driver drove after you were noti- drug did he test positive? Was he Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- be taken lightly. ever, put a new driver behind the fied. If it is more than an hour or using it on the job or while off- ministration says drivers of com- USDOT takes its drug rules wheel until you get his or her pre- two, they will likely nail you for duty? Was it occasional or regular mercial motor vehicles should not very seriously, and will fine a com- employment drug test results back. using a positive driver. usage? How valuable is this use the antismoking drug Chantix pany several thousands of dollars if The more complicated sce- You must use your cell phone employee? because of potential side effects. every ‘i’ is not dotted and ‘t’ nario is when a driver fails a ran- and get the driver in question out Should you determine you The FMCSA also has advised crossed. While they may take it a dom test. If a driver flunks a ran- of the vehicle immediately. You want to keep the driver, he or she medical examiners not to qualify little too far, from a safety stand- dom test, the medical review offi- need to have that driver park his must go through the “substance anyone using Chantix. point you want to make sure your cer will notify you, probably with a vehicle and get another driver to abuse professional” process to re- The announcements from the employees are not using. If they phone call a week or so after the take over. qualify as a legal CDL driver. He FMCSA came one day after the are, it’s just a matter of time before test was taken. Do not let the positive driver or she must complete the sub- Federal Aviation Administration they hurt themselves, or worse, A phone call is not guaranteed, ride in the bus. stance abuse professional process banned use of the drug by airplane somebody else. however. Sometimes they send the Under no circumstances ignore exactly and completely, otherwise pilots and air traffic controllers. There are five types of USDOT results via fax or e-mail. Once you a positive test result. I have seen that individual will still be viewed The agencies made their deci- drug tests: pre-employment, ran- receive the results, you are respon- this happen time and time again — as a positive driver by USDOT. sions in response to a study by the dom, post-accident, reasonable sible for immediately removing a driver fails a test and the carrier When this rare circumstance Institute for Safe Medication suspicion, and return-to-duty. that driver from all “safety-sensi- just keeps on dispatching him. Get does happen, if you don’t remem- Practices claiming Chantix was The most common test a driver tive” functions. a positive driver out of the vehicle. ber exactly what to do, call an linked to seizures, dizziness, heart fails is the pre-employment test. The definition of safety-sensi- Now that you have removed a expert for help. rhythm problems, diabetes and You may think, “why on earth tive functions includes driving a positive driver from duty, what do Eric Arnold is a former more than 100 accidents. would a driver apply for a job if commercial vehicle, fixing a com- you? enforcement agent with the Federal According to the report, the he’s on drugs, and he knows he’s mercial vehicle, loading a vehicle, The simple answer is, fire Motor Carrier Safety Administra- drug was associated with 988 seri- going to be drug tested?” or even riding in one. him, but things are not always that tion, and an expert on USDOT ous incidents in the last quarter of A better question is: “Why USDOT expects you to act simple. compliance for small businesses. 2007. wouldn’t he?” After all, it costs immediately. When they are con- Perhaps he’s a long-time, loyal He heads Arnold Safety Consulting The U.S. Food and Drug him nothing. It may have been two ducting their audits they will find employee, and you want to give in Birdsboro, Pa. Contact him at Administration already has updat- weeks since he smoked his last out if you had any positive tests, him a second chance. When mak- [email protected]. ed warnings on Chantix’s label to reflect adverse effects, including GAO says FMCSA needs more drug testing authority depression and suicidal thoughts. WASHINGTON — Short- substitute or alter urine samples, empty their pockets, as sites should tors, posing as commercial truck The report, however, urges even comings in the oversight of drug require states to suspend commer- require, before proving a urine drivers needing drug tests, found stronger warnings. testing of commercial drivers is cial driver licenses for individuals sample. that employees at 10 of 24 collec- A FDA spokeswoman said the allowing some drivers to work who decline to take or fail a drug The report said many factors tion sites tested did not ask the agency was focusing on likely without submitting urine samples test, and give the FMCSA more contribute to the challenges of de- investigator to empty his pants links between Chantix and neu- for testing, says a new federal authority over the drug testing tecting drivers who are using ille- pockets, as they are required to do, ropsychiatric side effects. report. process. gal drugs and keeping them off the to ensure he was not carrying adul- Following its introduction two The report from the Govern- Results of the investigation road until they complete the terants or substitutes. years ago, Chantix developed a ment Accountability Office, the were announced last month by required return-to-duty treatment GAO’s analysis identified the reputation as a wonder drug for investigative arm of Congress, said Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., chair- process. following options as having the people wanting to stop smoking. the federal agency responsible for man of the House Transportation The study also noted that be- greatest potential for addressing But in recent months the drug has monitoring the safety of commer- Committee, who ordered it in cause FMCSA safety audits touch the issue: come under attack by drug-safety cial drivers, the Federal Motor Car- response to an investigation by a only about 2 percent of all truck • Increasing the number of groups due to its side effects. rier Safety Admministration, lacks Minnesota television that aired in and bus companies, carriers have drivers tested and strengthening Researchers say hundreds of the resources for oversight and March 2007. limited incentives to follow the the enforcement of safety audits patients reported various traffic enforcement. The GAO report said that “al- drug testing regulations. for new carriers. USDOT has mishaps while they were using the The GAO recommends that the though (the Federal Motor Carrier Additionally, drivers have begun doing this. drug. There have been reports of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Safety Administration) and its state learned that subverting the urine • Reducing opportunities to loss of consciousness, mental con- create a national database of drug partners review thousands of carri- drug tests is easy, either because subvert testing and giving FMCSA fusion, muscle spasms, vision testing information and move ers each year, these reviews touch collection sites are not following additional authority to levy fines loss, and severe skin reactions. quickly to improve safety audits. about 2 percent of the industry.” protocols or because of the ready when collection sites do not follow More than 3.5 million Ameri- The GAO also said Congress At 10 of 24 urine collection availability of products that adulter- federal protocols. cans have used Chantix, which should pass legislation to ban prod- sites, the report said, undercover ate or substitute for urine specimens. • Develop a national database costs roughly $130 a month. ucts that individuals can use to investigators were not asked to For example, GAO investiga- of drug testing information. Management of state governments is graded on performance: B- is average WASHINGTON — Utah, state governments dealt with a vari- Thirteen states were above In 2005, the last time Pew top three states to their position Virginia and Washington were the ety of issues and how much it cost average, while 19 were below issued its assessment, the highest this year. best performing and managed them. It then gave the states a grade average. grade, an A, went to Delaware, To examine the full report, go states in the latest assessment by based on their performance. The highest scores went to Utah and Virginia, and the lowest, to www.pewcenteronthestates.org. the Pew Center on the States. In the latest study, the national Utah, Virginia and Washington, all C-, went to Alabama and Cali- Look for the document Grading The 2008 edition of Pew’s peri- average was a B-, awarded to 18 with A-; New Hampshire was fornia. the States 2008: Pew’s 50-State odic evaluation examined how states. alone at the bottom with a D+. Better management helped the Report Card Evaluates States. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET June 15, 2008 5 Rhode Island puts limits on two bridges UCRA policing PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The not stopping north of Warwick, that road and traffic can be intense. been announced for Sakonnet Rhode Island Department of take I-295 North which bypasses If visiting Providence or Paw- Bridge but the best guess is they begins on July 1 Transportation has issued weight Providence and Pawtucket. It re- tucket and you do not wish to back- will be the same. INDIANAPOLIS — States restrictions for two bridges on joins I-95 in Attleboro, Mass. track south to I-295, visit the fol- To re-route, use the Mount participating in the Unified Car- major routes — the Pawtucket If destinations are further lowing Web page for routing Hope Bridge which connects rier Registration System, which River Bridge on Interstate 95 and north, simply continue on I-95; if through Pawtucket streets: http:// Bristol and Portsmouth, or use replaced the old Single State Reg- the Sakonnet River Bridge on State your destination is the cape, other www.dot.ri.gov/traffic/bridge550. Routes 95, 4, 1 and 138. istration System, have changed Route 24 — that could impact points east or west, I-95 intersects html. For example: A coach coming this year’s enforcement date to motorcoach operators. with I-495 at Exit 6 on I-95 near The weight restriction on the from the cape and heading to July 1. The restriction on the Pawtuck- Mansfield. Sakonnet River Bridge, which con- Newport can either take I-195 Earlier this year, when regis- et River Bridge on I-95, between For southbound, just reverse. nects Tiverton and Portsmouth (en west, then 136 south (through tration under the system began exits 27 and 28, is 18 tons. Fines Another option for points east route to and from Newport), is 22 Swansea, Warren and Bristol) go for 2008, most state members of are steep for violations — $3,000 is to continue on I-95 North tons. over the Mount Hope Bridge and the plan agreed to begin enforc- for the first violation and $5,000 through Warwick and into Provi- Empty coaches may use the connect with either 138 or 114 to ing the Unified Carrier Regis- for subsequent violations. dence and taking I-195 East to Fall bridge, but full buses must use continue to Newport. tration Act requirements on June To re-route: If traveling north- River, New Bedford and the cape. alternate routes. Fines have not Or, a coach can follow I-195 1. (See April 1 issue of Bus & bound through Rhode Island and However, there is construction on west to Providence, then take I-95 Motorcoach News.) south to Route 4 south, which con- Now, however, the states have I-35W bridge may open sooner than expected nects with Route 1 south, then fol- agreed to delay the enforcement MINNEAPOLIS — The con- The new bridge will be wider schedule the bridge is completed. low Route 138 east over the date until July 1, to accommo- tractor building the bridge that will than its predecessor, containing The Minnesota DOT is Jamestown and Newport bridges. date the registration of carriers replace the Interstate 35W bridge two more traffic lanes, plus shoul- not changing Dec. 24 as the esti- More information and a map may and other entities that may have that collapsed into the Mississippi ders on the right and left sides. mated date of completion — yet. be found at: http://www.dot.ri. received their UCRA registration River last year says it is more than The projected completion date However, an early opening gov/traffic/Sakonnetdetour.html. notices late. The Rhode Island DOT three months ahead of schedule is Dec. 24, but the contractor, would please MnDOT because it’s However, operators should be Website is at: http://www.dot.ri.gov/. for completing the project. Flatiron Construction Corp., puts estimated that the cost of doing careful. Some states may begin The bridges are being replaced Late last month, the first pair completion at closer to Sept. 15, without the bridge is nearly enforcement against their own for safety reasons. of pre-cast concrete main span 100 days early. $400,000 a day. carriers earlier than July. segments were placed on the St. Flatiron has a strong incentive Photos tracking the progress The bridge information was Anthony Falls Bridge across the to finish early — it will be paid on the construction are available provided to the motorcoach indus- Rhode Island Economic Develop- river in Minneapolis. $200,000 for each day ahead of at www.dot.state.mn.us. try by the tourism division of the ment Corp. 6 June 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS D.C. permit resentatives met with DMV offi- Tire makers sign truck stop deals cials and managed to convince CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 them to make some positive fixes Two major manufacturers and marketers of tires standing service to operators of commercial vehicles “She erroneously noted that the to it. However, they were unable to for motorcoaches — Michelin and Bridgestone mirrors that of Michelin, which makes the agreement fees only apply to intrastate com- get them to try to get the council to Firestone — have made deals with large truck stop beneficial to carriers from coast to coast. merce and not interstate commerce, rescind it. operators to distribute their tires. “Before the end of 2009, we will have enabled 100 and that a carrier could operate Among the changes the DMV Michelin Americas Truck Tires and Love’s Travel locations to carry the new Love’s Tire Care banner and through the district without being made at the urging of the industry Stops signed an agreement under which Love’s will fea- offer emergency road service along their key access subject to the fees,” he said. “That’s were making the permits available ture Michelin bus and truck tires and related products. corridors, as well as tire sales and services,” said just wrong.” for purchase online and allowing Earlier, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire Kevin McCarthy, Love’s divisional manager of tire A key industry argument operators to buy them in bulk, signed a seven-year agreement with TravelCenters of sales and services. Love’s has more than 200 locations. involving the IRP apparently drew rather than individually for each America to sell Bridgestone and Firestone commercial Under the Bridgestone Firestone-TravelCenters of little attention from the judge. coach in their fleet. They also tires at TravelCenter outlets and Petro Stopping Centers. America deal, Bridgestone becomes the exclusive Under an alternative written agreed to let operators obtain a Love’s also announced that it’s expanding services commercial tire offered by both TravelCenters of America into the trip permit regulations, free permit for a replacement bus offered at many locations to include tire and emer- and Petro:Lube vehicle maintenance and centers. operators do not have to have a per- if one with a permit broke down gency road service. The combined TravelCenters of America and mit on their buses if they purchase during a charter trip and had to be Guy Pekle, Michelin’s vice president of replace- Petro:Lube replacement tire network features more apportioned tags from their home replaced by a bus that did not have ment sales, said Love’s commitment to providing out- than 230 locations and 400 road service vehicles. state each year and pay the district a permit. a fee based on the number of visits Under the law, operators can be each coach makes to Washington. fined up to $500 if they do not have Had the judge ruled the permit a permit on a bus traveling in the fee was unconstitutional, as sug- district and up to $1,000 if they ARE YOU A CFO DRIVEN BY PASSION? gested by the industry, then the misuse a permit, including transfer- only option left to operators would ring it to a different coach. COME WORK FOR US be to buy the apportioned registra- Meantime, Presley urged oper- tion tags. However, the IRP pro- ators that do not have apportioned Meridian Transportation Resources, LLC (“MTR Western”), North America’s premier luxury motorcoach company, seeks a dynamic Chief Financial Officer with a proven track record of vides that charter buses are not plates to continue to purchase the serving on the executive team of a fast growing enterprise. Our ideal candidate will have already apportionable vehicles and the dis- trip permits for coaches that are served as the CFO of a rapidly expanding enterprise that operates in multiple jurisdictions, trict may not require an out-of-state sent to the district. across state and international borders, and will have already demonstrated an ability to maintain carrier to apportion its registration. In addition, he encouraged complete clarity despite the chaos that comes with aggressive expansion. The successful Schweitzer said charter carriers operators that currently utilize candidate will work directly alongside a dynamic, entrepreneurial CEO/ Owner/Founder who – may apportion registration at their base-state tags to become familiar like so many other company founders – has a penchant for making unreasonable demands and option under the IRP, but the dis- with IRP rules and apportionable pushing the enterprise to its limits. This CFO will be as much CEO babysitter – keeping our trict’s law would have become tags. “If anything positive has come fearless leader out of trouble – as he or she will be accounting professional. essentially mandatory had the per- out of the D.C. trip issue, it’s that mit fee been found to be illegal. many operators have discovered COME PREPARED: The trade organizations and that apportioned tags represent a In 2007, MTR Western was listed as the 166th fastest growing privately held company in several motorcoach operators savings for them,” he noted. “It America by Inc. Magazine (September, 2007). In addition, MTR Western was recently ranked as jumped on the permit requirement varies with base states and states the 17th largest motorcoach company in North America by Metro Magazine (January, 2008). when word of it became public last traveled.” With locations in Calgary, Vancouver BC, Seattle, Portland, Eugene, San Francisco, Salt Lake summer, some time after it was Still, he expressed concern that City, and Los Angeles, our financial challenges cross state and international borders. We have adopted by the D.C. City Council. other states (D.C. is considered a an incredible corporate culture, we enjoy our work, and we live out of swanky corporate offices The measure was included in a state under IRP rules) may use the located in the heart of downtown Seattle. package of changes the council ruling and attempt to collect trip routinely made to DMV rules and fees from operators as well. “State RESPONSIBILITIES: regulations and received virtually budgets are strained right now and ‹ Direct the company’s financial planning, budgeting, and accounting practices. no publicity when it was adopted. they seem to be looking under ‹ Oversee banking, accounting, budget, tax and audit activities. Before the law took effect in every rock for every possible tax ‹ Insure financial and accounting system controls and standards. August, motorcoach industry rep- dollar,” he noted. ‹ Produce statistical reports for management use. ‹ Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, review and approve daily/weekly cash ated in a safe manner, were familiar reports and monthly operating statements from division controllers. Mr. Hill’s bus ride with our safety regime, and both ‹ Final review of annual financial statements for U.S. and Canadian Operations. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 drivers appeared quite capable. ‹ Work with outside accounting and law firms. my tickets, low costs are the big “And, for those of you who are ‹ Direct the preparation of and review all annual tax returns for U.S. companies. draw (of the curbside operators). wondering, I did not reveal my ‹ Direct financial strategy, planning and forecasts. Curbside carriers typically offer identity during either trip,” Hill ‹ Study, analyze, report and advise on trends, projections and opportunities. ‹ Oversee the purchasing, hedging, and delivery of diesel fuel. incentives to buy tickets early,” asserted. ‹ Oversee all payroll and purchasing activity. Hill said. “As the administrator of the “For example, some curbside Federal Motor Carrier Safety REQUIREMENTS: bus companies offer seats for $1 to Administration — the federal the first purchasers. From there, agency that regulates the safety of ‹ 10 years financial experience in a leadership role the price increases as fewer seats interstate trucks and buses — I’ve ‹ CPA designation and or a Masters degree in accounting, finance or business become available. Buying a seat at always maintained that interstate ‹ Current knowledge of financial and accounting software the last minute, however, will still passenger carriers have long been ‹ Excellent verbal, written, and analytical skills only cost about $35 for a one-way and continue to be among the ‹ A keen sense of humor and a proven ability to not take trip to New York City. In fact, I safest mode of transportation in things personally paid more for a taxi to take me 33 the United States, something that For immediate consideration please submit your cover letter and blocks in Manhattan than I did for was demonstrated to me yet again resume with salary requirements in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat or the cost of the five-hour trip from last week. Our agency is commit- text format to [email protected]. No relocation or immigration Washington,” Hill noted. ted to rigorous oversight of the bus assistance available. Candidate must be currently eligible to work in the After his trip, Hill said both industry.” United States. Meridian Transportation Resources, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit www.mtrwestern.com. halves of the journey “were com- Hill did not indicate whether fortable and affordable. Most im- he would become a regular inter- portantly, however, they both oper- city bus traveler.

8 June 15, 2008 OPINION Bus & Motorcoach NEWS UMA wants training rule halted till CDL standards set WASHINGTON — The in the training requirements. The motorcoach operators cur- ciation concludes this likely creates United Motorcoach Association The proposed rule also ignores ‘The proposed rule rently training drivers may be an unintended path for CDL hold- has roundly criticized a proposed the reality of bus driver training as equally reluctant to bear the liabil- ers to progress to interstate driving, federal rule establishing training it exists in the United States today. ignores the reality ity of certifying bus drivers for the thus creating a significant number requirements for new-entrant bus The FMCSA could identify state. The FMCSA has not taken of drivers who may not have re- and truck operators, saying the 130 truck driver training schools, this liability into account, says ceived adequate or required training.” rule would be at cross purposes but the agency could not identify of bus driver train- Presley. with the government’s goal of even one independent facility for A motorcoach company would Putting the cart increasing highway safety. bus and motorcoach drivers. Yet, ing as it exists in take on a large risk by certifying before the coach In rejecting the Federal Motor somehow in the next three years, bus drivers trained at its facility, While UMA supports the Carrier Safety Administration’s bus driver schools are expected to the U.S. today.’ since such certification would be FMCSA’s overarching goal of proposed rulemaking, titled “Min- rise up fully accredited and ready required prior to the state’s granting strengthening entry-level driver imum Training Requirements for to take over the training that has becoming accredited, especially a CDL. The liability would remain training and is ready and willing to Entry-Level Commercial Motor been the sole responsibility of since the 58 hours of classroom throughout the driver’s career, assist in the development of higher Vehicle Operators,” UMA also motorcoach operators for decades. training and 32 hours of behind- which could be much longer than standards for bus and motorcoach said the proposal would compound In addition, the rulemaking the-wheel training stipulated by the term of the driver’s employment drivers, the association asserts that the national driver shortage that does not include guidelines on the the rule may fall short of the stan- at a particular company. This kind FMCSA has the process backwards. plagues the motorcoach industry. one outside source of bus driver dard that they have established for of certification should fall, instead, “An ‘accredited’/comprehen- Ken Presley, author of the education currently available — their own purposes. under the authority of the state, sive classroom/behind-the-wheel comments and UMA’s vice presi- the online coursework provided by Motorcoach operators train Presley contends. training program with rigorous dent for industry relations, argues the accredited Bus and Motor- drivers to meet their own business And, there is the tricky situa- testing is simply inconsistent with that FMSCA sought no counsel coach Academy administered by needs. This education can be quite tion of intrastate bus drivers the general low thresholds most from the passenger transportation the College of Southern Maryland. specific to the job at hand. A (school bus and transit drivers, for states require for obtaining a CDL.” industry in drafting the rule and as UMA contends that many of statewide certification would example), exempted from the pro- Meanwhile, FMCSA also is a result the proposal is barely rele- the current bus driver trainers, mean a more generic curriculum, posed rule and yet able to attain a revising CDL testing and learner’s vant to the training needs of future which are owners or employees of one less likely to suit the needs of CDL despite the required entry- permit standards (Docket No. bus drivers. motorcoach companies, will be the motorcoach company provid- level training. FMCSA 2007-27659). Imple- According to UMA, FMCSA unwilling to bear the expense of ing the training, Presley notes. “The United Motorcoach Asso- mentation of this rule could have persists in a “continued inclination significant implications for entry- to combine passenger transporta- N.H. bill will expose CDL holders’ violations level driver training, notes Presley. tion operations with long-haul “UMA suggests that further trucking issues and solutions and CONCORD, N.H. — Both funding. Failure to pass the bill read road signs, prepare reports, consideration of the proposed disregards the enormous disparities houses of the New Hampshire leg- would have resulted in the Federal and communicate with the public entry-level training rule be delayed in operations and responsibilities.” islature have approved a bill that Motor Carrier Safety Administra- and with law enforcement. until the effects of changes in CDL The rule draws from the Pro- removes the discretion of the courts tion withholding $4.9 million from Sen. John Barnes Jr., intro- requirements are known.” fessional Truck Driving Institute to place on file, or otherwise mask, the state in fiscal 2008 and $9.7 duced the bill — SB388 — to add The proposed rule sets up and affiliated programs and uses convictions incurred by commer- million each year thereafter until those same requirements to state more comprehensive training as a the Model Truck Driver Training cial driver license holders in New the provision was implemented. law. But the Senate Transportation prerequisite to obtaining a CDL. Curriculum as a sample training Hampshire or in other states. Meanwhile, a bill has died in and Interstate Cooperation Com- You wouldn’t get your master’s format while ignoring the Model Deferred imposition of sen- the New Hampshire Senate that mittee ruled it was “inexpedient to degree before you got your bache- Motorcoach Driver Training Cur- tence and diversion programs also would have made it clear that legislate,” effectively killing the lor’s. The “mandated and docu- riculum entirely. are included in the prohibition. aspiring truck and bus drivers measure for the year. mented minimum training require- As a result, says Presley, critical The measure — HB1343 — must have a firm grasp of English New Hampshire isn’t alone in ments” should be a “post-CDL “passenger transportation issues exempts parking tickets, however. before they can obtain a license to pursuit of rules intended to make attainment,” not vice versa. such as compliance with the The law goes into effect Jan. 1 if, drive. sure CDL-hopefuls can communi- For the full text of the United Americans with Disabilities Act, as expected, it is signed by the gov- Federal rules require people cate in English. Similar efforts Motorcoach Association’ com- lift and tie-down operations, bus ernor. who take tests for a commercial have been brought before lawmak- ments, go to www.regulations.gov., and motorcoach fires and evacua- Incentive for New Hampshire driver’s licenses to be able to read ers in Missouri, Ohio, South Caro- FMCSA Docket No.-2007-27748, tion procedures” are not included to adopt the rule is tied to federal and speak English well enough to lina and Virginia. RIN 2126-AB06.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 125 Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, To advertise or to mail advertising-related articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Marcia Milton Call: Johnny Steger First Priority Trailways E-mail: [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 (866) 930-8426 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Victor Parra Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Brookfield, Conn. Box No. 336 Call: (866) 930-8421 Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Jeff Polzien El Paso, TX 79925 Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Northfield Lines Starline Transportation Red Carpet Tours To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield, Minn. Seattle Oklahoma City To contact the Call: (866) 930-8421 United Motorcoach Association: Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Robert Hume Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Ken Presley Ellen Balm New World Tours Travel Mates Trailways Ready Bus Lines Call: (800) 424-8262 Bristow, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. LaCrescent, Minn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Oklahoma City, OK 73112 To send advertisements or photographs Amy Stalknecht Mark Gedris Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. via the Internet: Accountant Art Director James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro To report corrections: E-mail: [email protected] Krapf Coaches Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Magic Carpet Tours National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio ©2008 by the United Motorcoach Association. E-mail: [email protected] Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS OPERATOR NEWS June 15, 2008 9 Illinois operator makes news with clean-diesel coaches Wanna see your company name his wife, Cindy, who is company real numbers. That’s what they in lights? vice president, and marketing sup- want,” said Winkler, who said the On TV? In the newspaper? port provided by MCI’s “Go Coach, news coverage increased awareness Featured on the radio? Go Green, Go MCI” initiative for of his company and of the industry. Just buy a new motorcoach (or its successful media coverage. “People in the community have two or three), and tell the world “If it wasn’t for MCI taking the said ‘I see you’re going green.’ Our how “green” it (or they) are. lead with its green campaign and industry is doing all this work and That’s what an increasing num- marketing support, I don’t know if investing money toward improving ber of coach operators are doing we would have thought to hold a the environment. People need to and it seems to be working. press conference.” know what this industry is doing Take Peoria Charters of Peoria Winkler used facts from MCI’s for the future.” and Urbana, Ill., for example. materials and then demonstrated Peoria Charter’s new coaches, All three Peoria television sta- the smokeless exhaust with a which also have ZF AS Tronic tions, the local newspaper and ra- white-glove show-and-tell for the transmissions, replace older MCI dio stations sent reporters to Peoria TV cameras. models in its 59-bus fleet. Charter’s unveiling of three new In an interview with the Peoria At its media event, Peoria MCI D4505 coaches powered by Star Journal, Winkler pointed out Charter also noted that it uses an reduced-emissions Caterpillar engines. that a coach loaded with 56 people, 11-percent biodiesel blend fuel, “We saw our delivery as a great traveling 100 miles, uses 14 gallons and recycles oil and tires. Peoria Charter President Bill Winkler, left rear, speaks to local media. opportunity to show that we’re of fuel, while taking the same num- Peoria Charter keeps its coach- green,” said Peoria Charter Presi- ber of people the same distance by es on the road, providing charters operating a daily airport shuttle Winkler. “As soon as the press con- dent Bill Winkler. auto would use 70 gallons of fuel. and transportation to colleges and between Peoria and Chicago. ference ended, we sent the new Winkler credits the PR savvy of “I was able to give the press businesses around the state, plus “Our wheels are rolling,” said coaches out.” Pacific Western rolls out luxury ‘green’ air shuttle

TORONTO — One of North America’s largest motorcoach op- erators, Pacific Western Trans- portation, has upgraded its shuttle between downtown and Lester B. Pearson Airport with more conven- ient, luxurious and “green” service. Pacific Western, the fourth largest motorcoach operator in North America, according to Metro magazine, unveiled a fleet of well- appointed, low-emissions Prevost coaches for its Airport Express service. “Our passengers can cut green- house gases at the same time they relax in leather seats, enjoy Wi-Fi internet service, and pay consider- Airport Express coaches feature WiFi connections, outlets for laptop users. ably less than those using the aver- age limousine or taxi service,” said for getting to the airport” through per 100 passenger kilometres, com- Mark Hannah, Pacific Western vice the local media, Pacific Western pared to 8.4 litres of gasoline per president, motorcoach operations. pointed out that it’s new coaches: 100 passenger kilometres for a car The Pacific Western’s Airport • Help reduce smog because with a single occupant — more Express coaches now include: the low-emissions engines produce than six times more efficient • Passenger seat belts — a 55 percent less nitrogen oxide and • Shrink the “carbon foot- first for any scheduled run in North 90 percent less particulate matter print” by taking as many as 54 cars America than the previous generation of off the road and reducing carbon • Full accessibility for persons coaches dioxide emissions by roughly 85 with disabilities • Help cut green-house gases per cent for each and every passen- • Upscale leather seats and — that contribute to global warm- ger Downtown Toronto looms in the background as three new Airport Express increased legroom ing — by using low-sulfur diesel “There is no better or greener ‘green’ coaches head to Pearson International Airport • Mobile Wi-Fi internet serv- fuel way to travel between downtown ice and a lap top power outlet • Increase fuel efficiency by Toronto and Pearson airport,” said The Pacific Western Airport between Pearson International In promoting its “green option using only 1.3 litres of diesel fuel Hannah. Express makes 80 trips per day Airport and the downtown core. Canadian operators promote buses’ environmental pluses TORONTO — Canadian mo- out that buses use significantly motorcoach has used only five Coaches are even more fuel Canada, said Dave Willis of Ayr torcoach operators hope to boost less fuel per passenger than cars. litres of fuel.” efficient per passenger than hybrid Coach Lines in Waterloo. their appeal by highlighting the “Let’s say you drive (alone) As well, “the ultra low-sulphur cars, the brochure notes. “The entire industry will bene- environmental advantages of trav- from Point A to Point B and use 20 diesel fuel used exclusively on Titled Reduce your footprint, fit from the increased awareness eling by bus. litres of fuel. A motorcoach makes motorcoaches burns cleaner than take a motor coach, the brochure is of motorcoaches’ eco-friendly A brochure issued by Motor the same trip, with 56 people on regular unleaded” gasoline, result- one of the ways that the two trans- nature,” said Willis. Coach Canada and the Ontario board, and uses 280 litres of ing in fewer greenhouse gas emis- portation groups are promoting the The brochure is available online Motor Coach Association points fuel. … Each person on board the sions, says the brochure. motorcoach and tour industry in at www.motorcoachcanada.com. 10 June 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

ing the agency could contract with Transit shenanigans the county to provide bus service in CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the community during an officially Operators urged to go to FTA seminars than a dozen requests — five of declared emergency. ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The locations across the U.S. inars. Dates and cities are: them from the Rochester-Genesee Meanwhile, news releases United Motorcoach Association is Each seminar will feature • June 11-12, Crown Plaza Regional Transportation Authority issued by transit agencies and news urging its members to participate speakers with specific experience Hotel, Denver — for advisory opinions from tran- articles featuring the loss of some in a series of seminars being con- in transit public-private partner- • July 30-31, Hotel 480, San sit agencies trying to protect char- shuttle service by transit agencies ducted this summer and fall by the ships. The seminars will also pro- Francisco ter work that they have been doing are turning up in communities Federal Transit Administration. vide practical information, such • Sept. 17-18, Crown Plaza for years. The FTA has across the country. The seminars focus on creating as specific federal, state and local City Center Hotel, Philadelphia ruled on five of them, saying that An article in the Business public-private passenger transpor- public-private partnerships laws, • Oct. 22-23, Radisson Hotel all but one appear to fall under the Courier in Cincinnati reported that tation partnerships. They are ex- ways to leverage financing, how Central Dallas, Dallas definition of charter in the new the Southwest Ohio Regional pected to give private bus operators to facilitate public-private partner- Typically, the seminars begin rules and should be offered first to Transit Authority was trying to greater insight into working with ships for transit-oriented develop- at 8 a.m. on the second day. The private carriers. rally public support for an exemp- their local transit agency, learning ment, plus a roundtable discussion first day is for an evening net- They included park and ride tion from the FTA that would allow the ropes of how transit business is on the mechanics of developing working reception. shuttles to professional football and it to continue providing shuttle conducted, and getting in on the partnerships. For additional information, go baseball games in Kansas City service to football games. ground floor when public-private The FTA is working with the to http://www.ncppp.org. E-mail sought by the Kansas City Area An article in The Washington transit partnership opportunities National Council for Public- Deputy FTA Administrator Sherry Transit Authority and to the Post about the loss of shuttle serv- develop. Private Partnerships and other Little at [email protected]. Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles ice to sports and entertainment The seminars will be at four organizations to conduct the sem- requested by Foothills Transit. events, including Redskins games, The FTA also said shuttles to an that had been provided by transit fired off a letter to Simpson saying numerous issues that have been been revealed through this process annual golf tournament in Silva, agencies drew a reply from FTA he has “serious concerns about the raised by transit authorities on are in violation of grant agreements Ill., that Rock Island County Administrator James S. Simpson. privatization of services long pro- implementation of the final rule, these properties have with the Metropolitan Mass Transit wants to Simpson pointed out in a letter vided by public transit entities.” we believe the final rule should be FTA,” it maintained. provide, and business convention to the newspaper that the article He questioned provisions of the implemented and enforced vigor- The coalition asked Simpson to shuttles in Queensbury, N.Y., that failed to mention how public and rules that deal with temporary shut- ously,” wrote the coalition of the keep in mind the FTA mission of Greater Glens Falls Transit wants to private bus operators worked tle service to special events, event United Motorcoach Association, protecting the private motorcoach operate appear to be charters as together to develop the regulations sponsors contacting transit agen- National School Transportation As- industry from transit agencies that well. and that they allow transit agencies cies if their negotiations with pri- sociation, International Motorcoach illegally take away their business. However, the agency said Rock to focus on their core mission of vate carriers fail, game-day and Group, Northwest Motorcoach As- “Protecting private operators’ Island could run the golf shuttles if providing high quality, fixed-route season-long stadium bus service sociation, California Bus Associa- ability to compete in an open and it initiated the service on its own bus service. and the need for a private carrier to tion and Trailways. competitive market without the hin- and it was not sought by the event “All in all, we believe this regu- provide ancillary services request- It charged, too, that the number drance of subsidized public transit sponsors and Glens Falls could pro- lation is a win-win for riders as well ed by event sponsors. of requests for exemptions and authorities using federal tax dollars vide the convention shuttles if it as all types of charter operators A coalition of private motor- advisory opinions have revealed to unfairly compete is the very basis charged its regular transit fare and around the country,” he empha- coach organizations quickly deliv- that the volume of illegal charters for the charter rules and Congres- did not negotiate a price with the sized. ered a detailed, six-page letter to being performed by transit authori- sional direction to revise them,” the businesses holding the conven- The push by some transit oper- Simpson answering each of the ties at subsidized or below market group maintained. “We implore tions. ators to get members of Congress issues raised by Feingold and rates far exceeded the level of the FTA to hold fast to this principle.” The FTA also issued a favor- to look into the rules brought some stressing its strong support for the activity that private carriers knew Feingold’s letter also drew a able opinion on one of the immediate action from Sen. Russ new rule. or had estimated. brief response from the American Rochester-Genesee requests, say- Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat who “While we understand there are “The illegal charters that have Bus Association, which reminded the FTA that game-day stadium bus service is clearly charter service. However, it also said if transits want to run game-day shuttles, they could do so by increasing the num- ber of buses on their regular routes as long as they do not take money from the event organizers or charge more than their regular bus fare. 5 hurricanes are forecast CAMP SPRINGS, Md. — This year’s Atlantic hurricane season may be more active than usual, with as many as nine storms, which could include five major hurricanes. That’s the ’08 forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center. At least two or three tropical storms, including a major hurri- cane, will likely reach the East Coast between Florida and New England, says the forecast. The big Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 led to a steep climb in fuel prices after Gulf Coast refiner- ies were closed in their wake. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWS June 15, 2008 11 ‘Mama mia!’ Bus driving in Italy presents challenges By Don Harris the stalled trolley moved ahead, garage for repairs late one night. A and the Perillo bus was on its way. second Perillo bus was summoned MILAN, Italy — Tour bus “Naples traffic is the worst,” to transport the group back to their drivers in Italy face bizarre traffic he says. “It’s go, go, go.” hotel after dinner. challenges, especially in teeming Lagana’s goal is to please cities like Naples, that would drive Italian creativity everybody, which isn’t always pos- most American motorcoach driv- Massara was confronted with sible, of course. Occasionally ers to a psychiatrist’s couch. an even hairier challenge driving tourists wander away from the It’s the norm for motorbikes to back to Florence from a day trip to group and become lost. Her job is zip in front of lumbering motor- Sienna. Traffic on the highway to track them down, keeping the coaches, cutting off two or three was at a complete standstill. bus from leaving until everyone is subcompact autos in the process. Massara noticed that no other aboard. Such delays rankle the rest But because Italian tour bus driv- vehicles were entering the clogged of the group. s i r ers are familiar with the territory, r road from an on-ramp so he a The best part of her job, she H they don’t flinch as they maneuver e

embarked on a maneuver that he n says, is when she hears people say n a between moving and stationary said later was “not normal.” o they will take another Perillo tour J y objects with barely an inch or two Putting the 52-passenger 2001 b and that they’re happy with her o t of clearance on either side. o Orlandi Domino HDH bus in h presentations and the detailed Basically, whoever is gutsiest P reverse, he carefully and success- This 52-passenger 2001 Orlandi Domino HDH is a typical tour coach in Italy. information she shares. goes first. Of course, Italian fully managed to back off the At one point, when the bus had motorists are smart enough to highway using the entrance ramp. The bus has a speed limiter Entering several cities, includ- to detour through another part of a avoid confrontations with a tour His task completed, Massara that restricts his highway speed to ing Venice, Florence and Sienna, town, Lagana had information on bus. received a round of applause from 100 kilometers, or about 62 miles tour buses are required to register some of those off-the-beaten track Meanwhile, tour managers, his passengers, and he was able to an hour. with authorities and receive a per- sights, knowledge gained from her who shepherd groups from city to take a less-congested route to Massara’s colleague, tour man- mit to proceed. years in the tourism profession. city, in and out of restaurants and Florence in time for his tour ager Sandra Lagana, has been with “It helps these cities control Lagana says she doesn’t con- hotels, and to inviting destina- group’s dinner. Perillo since 1977. She’s not sur- the flow of bus traffic and it helps sider her job tough, though the tions, are coping with edgy prised how easily Massara and with the environment because hours are long and the breaks are American visitors who don’t think And the seatbelts? other tour bus drivers deal with buses aren’t clogging the streets,” brief. they’re getting their dollar’s worth. Massara, who’s employed by tight traffic squeezes. Lagana says. About an hour after dropping And, they’re not, because of an SATA, wears a natty blue blazer “They drive the same size She’s on call 24 hours a day, off one tour group at the Milan air- exchange rate that was more than and a dress shirt and tie with the vehicle all the time and know how whereas a driver can walk away port, she was set to greet another $1.60 per euro late this spring. company insignia on them. He to judge what to do,” says British- from a bus at the end of the day Perillo group. “It’s my livelihood,” Sticker shock quickly sets in straps on his seat belt, and though born Lagana. “If they had to and relax, but there are exceptions. she says. when they realize a 10-euro lunch the coach is equipped with seat- switch from a smaller bus to a big- Massara’s bus developed a Don Harris writes frequently really costs more than $16 (U.S.). belts for all passengers, no one ger one, that would be more of a computer problem in Florence and for Bus & Motorcoach News. He uses them. challenge.” he was able to get it to a company took a bus tour of Italy this spring. Driver stress grows Romano Massara, 58, a tour bus driver in Italy for 34 years, says his job has become more stressful. While he never seems to lose his cool, Massara takes a quick cigarette break at every rest stop. “It’s a job,” he says matter-of- factly. “It was a good job, but now there is too much stress because of the traffic. Everybody is in a hurry.” On a recent two-week Perillo Tours run from Rome to Milan, with numerous stops along the way, Massara managed to easily squeeze out of a couple of nerve- wracking traffic situations. Not once did he or his passengers see an accident, but close calls were everywhere. In Naples, two lanes are set aside for buses and trolley cars on busy midtown streets, with curbs separating them from other traffic. But motorists in cars and on motorbikes ignore the restriction (and the curbs), which leads to impossible congestion. Massara attempted to pass a stalled trolley car, and came nose- to-nose with an oncoming bus. Both drivers paused, and Massara was able to inch back into his lane, 12 June 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Security grants Operators awarded 2008 bus security grants CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Academy Express: $836,953 – Hoboken, N.J. Hotard Coaches: $159,307 – New Orleans Plymouth, Mass. everyone else, smaller operators do not have to “compete” directly with American Coach: $296,999 – Miami Hubers Bus Service: $49,974 – Glen Burnie, Md. Premier Coach Company: $230,632 – Colchester, the industry giants for money. Anchor Tours: $72,801 – Whites Creek, Tenn. Industrial Bus Lines: $199,274 – Odessa, Texas Vt. The dollar breakdown for fiscal Anderson Coach and Travel: $82,014 – Greenville, Keller Transportation: $76,009 – Waldorf, Md. Private One of New York: $129,702 – Brooklyn ’08 was: Pa. Klein Transportation: $60,615 – Douglassville, Pa. Ramblin Express: $184,415 – Colorado Springs • Tier I: $6.1 million for oper- Burlington Trailways: $8,928 – West Burlington, Krapf Coaches: $65,043 – Exton, Pa. Royal Coach Tours: $110,164 – San Jose, Calif. ators that have 250 or more over- Iowa Lakeland Bus Lines: $135,527 – Dover, N.J. Ryan’s Express Services: $355,584 – North Las the-road buses. Arrow Stage Lines/Busco: $188,606 – Omaha Lamers Bus Lines: $232,520 – Green Bay, Wis. Vegas, Nev. • Tier II: $5 million for opera- Calco Travel: $109,892 – Lutcher, La. Lancaster Tours: $24,914 – Lancaster, S.C. Classic Coach: $158,936 – Bohemia, N.Y. tors that own 249 or fewer over-the- Coach America: $450,906 – Dallas Gray Line of Nashville: $222,484 – Nashville Southeastern Stages: $111,490 – Atlanta road buses. Coach USA: $739,350 – Paramus, N.J. Local Motion of Boston: $15,975 – Newton, Mass. Star Shuttle and Tour: $46,410 – San Antonio, There are eight operators in the U.S. with 250 or more motorcoach- DATTCO: $86,745 – New Britain, Conn. Miller Transportation: $206,500 – Louisville, Ky. Texas es that were eligible to compete for David Thomas Tours: $143,453 – Philadelphia Monroe Bus Corp.: $34,763 – Brooklyn, N.Y. Starkville Trailways: $8,927 – Starkville, Miss. the $6.1 million, while the remain- DeCamp Bus Lines: $136,425 – Montclair, N.J. Monsey New Square Trails: $34,763 – Spring Starr Transit Company: $73,313 – Trenton, N.J. ing 3,000+ U.S. operators with 249 Easton Coach Company: $91,978 – Easton, Pa. Valley, N.Y. Stout’s Charter Service: $124,614 – Ewing, N.J. or fewer coaches competed for the Escot Bus Lines: $206,692 – Largo, Fla. Northwestern Stage Lines: $6,621 – Spokane, Sun Diego Charter Co.: $139,675 – National City, $5 million share. Fullington Auto Bus Co.: $8,336 – Clearfield, Pa. Wash. Calif. There is no minimum number Golden Ring Travel/Trans.: $96,806 – Baltimore Peter Pan Bus Lines: $674,865 – Springfield, Yankee Trails World Travel: $157,091 – of motorcoaches necessary for an Grand Island Tours: $31,200 – Lockport, N.Y. Mass. Rensselaer, N.Y. operator to apply, but those seeking Greyhound Lines: $3,459,500 – Dallas Plymouth & Brockton St. Rlwy: $23,484 – Wilson Bus Lines: $71,075 – Templeton, Mass. the money must provide at least 50 trips annually into areas the operators in ways that go far Program, which totals $844 million tect dams, power plants, nuclear million for the Transit Security Department of Homeland Security beyond security. this year, up from $445 million in facilities, stadiums, arenas and Grant Program, under which eight has determined to be most at risk of The Intercity Bus Security fiscal ’07. The big winner this year chemical plants, and the Highway urban areas identified as being the a terrorist attack. Grant Program is a small piece of was public transit. Other elements Watch program. highest risk for a terrorist attack Operators typically use the the Department of Homeland of the program include port and This year, the Department of will receive a total of $333.2 mil- grant money to install security Security Infrastructure Protection intercity rail security; grants to pro- Homeland Security allocate $380.1 lion, a 46 percent increase com- cameras and fencing, buy explo- pared with 2007. In addition, 23 sive screening equipment, install Directory of Canadian motorcoach, tour operators is released Tier II urban areas will receive a driver shields, and add global total of $16.9 million. TORONTO — Motor Coach The directory is designed both to international inbound markets. positioning satellite tracking sys- DHS also is providing $25 mil- tems to their coaches. Thousands Canada has announced the avail- to facilitate travel to and within The directory is widely distrib- lion for Amtrak to secure track and of coaches now have sophisticated ability of the 2008 Directory of Canada, and to promote the serv- uted at events and by mailings. tunnels, train employees in counter- GPS systems today as a result of Motor Coach and Tour Operators ices of Motor Coach Canada’s For more information, e-mail terrorism measures and expand vis- the security grant program, aiding in Canada. members throughout Canada and [email protected]. ible deterrence initiatives.

Go with a name you can trust…

 We know buses & the marketplace…

 We are Accurate!

 1-400 coaches, we can handle them all.

 Bus Companies, Insurance Companies, and Lending Institutions

Please call today for pricing and references. Toll Free: 1-877-MICHAUD (642-4283) Or visit: www.BusesOnline.com Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2008 13 A few thoughts on right sizing your motorcoach fleet By Dave Millhouser plan. or profit. Different models, from the and pleasant “To be or not to be?”… is not Even when the opportunity is If all the carriers in a region same manufacturer, still offer the for both the question. year round, it’s important to know independently reach the same con- advantage of a single relationship sides. If you “How big should my fleet be?” how long it’s REALLY going to clusion that it’s best to size their with parts and technical people, only shop is far more relevant to profitability last. Real excitement is financing a company to meet normal, not peak, and some parts commonality. price, most in our business. coach for seven years but losing the demand, prices migrate upward. Often a manufacturer’s different manufactur- Someone (way smarter than contract after three — just as the An ideal fleet has some buses models share components and a ers will lose me) once said he’d never seen warranty runs out. that are paid for. When those jewels philosophy of maintenance that interest. another industry that incurred so Bus fleets are like cell phones are sitting, it doesn’t cause too will serve you well. On the much debt to meet peak demand. — smaller is better. If you are a lit- much heartburn, and they are avail- There are a few downsides to a other hand, Dave Millhouser The correct goal is achieving tle bit too small you can usually able to seize opportunities that are one-vendor approach. A single all are hap- the delicate balance between maxi- find an extra coach or two when real. An all new fleet sounds good, meteor, the size of a basketball, py to sell to mizing utilization without passing things get tight. The only serious but is UGLY when it’s parked. could destroy his factory. That has- a company that maintains a real up too many opportunities. risk by being too small is that you’ll Many well-run companies have n’t happened yet, but we have had bond with two builders, rewarding Heck, you knew that, but how chase some business to a competi- fleets that are a mix of new and plants shut down by fire, flood and the most responsive with a larger do you arrive at the right size? tor. This pales in comparison to older coaches, with the mix being financial woes. A problem with one share of each order. They value and The folks I respect most do being too large. determined by their mechanical manufacturer would create a short- compete for that kind of customer. serious analysis of their sales, and If you have too many buses, and skills and customer demands. age, and the other builders would Each company’s situation is dif- know how many days each bus in business slows, the first sacrifice is Conventional wisdom has been serve existing customers first. A ferent, so the decision on size and their fleet is used. They also look at price. Trips are run on miniscule that you’re better off with a single lengthy disruption could cause that makeup of your fleet is an individ- the revenue side because running a margins, often during the nastiest, brand of coach (even a single brand’s resale value to plummet, ual one. bus at cost (or less) during slow riskiest time of the year. model). In recent years a number having two brands hedges your bet. When I was in sales, if you times doesn’t help the bottom line What happens next can be even of operators, both midsize and These days, delivery of parts is were buying from me, I always rec- and exposes you to risks that may uglier: customers are now trained large, have consciously decided to so efficient that most operators ommended that you stick with the eventually bite you. They don’t buy to expect cheap transportation. No run two brands of coaches. Each stock fewer parts, so inventory is standardized fleet approach. If buses to “turn wheels.” amount of explanation about the approach has strengths worth con- less important. Most manufacturers you’d been buying from the other Lots of coaches have been seasonal nature of the charter busi- sidering. have good technical support, so guys, I urged you to consider the bought, over the years, to meet ness will ever quite convince them Having a single model of coach you’re less likely to be left dangling two manufacturer plan. I could be sudden “opportunities” that didn’t they aren’t being gouged during simplifies maintenance, cuts parts than in ye olden days. at your place in an hour. really use the bus enough of the peak periods. inventory, and makes driver train- Buses are not commodities … Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- year. Operators hoped to generate A certain amount of fluctuation ing simpler. Your operations folks where cheapest is best. Your manu- try marketing consultant and free- enough extra business to make it is accepted, but when the spread use fewer brain cells deciding facturer is your partner and the lance writer. Contact him at: work. “Hope” is a risky marketing gets big, operators lose credibility, which bus goes where. relationship should be profitable [email protected]. CHARTER Dump New Formulation CLEAN... Increased Fragrance and Dye–Now with Effervesce Dump LEGAL!

WASHROOM WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Installs directly into your existing sewer system!

avatory dump hopper is assembled and ready Washroom to install in your existing sewer system. Its waste is cover plate is easily rolled back with the L removed remover tool. Each of your service lanes can easily be equipped with this time-saving unit, which has been the quickly, industry standard for over thirty years. All major credit easily and cards accepted. safely Call 1-866-LAV-DUMP or email [email protected] for additional information.

HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 14 June 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS 2010 engines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Supplier says it will meet urea requirement the other hand, circulates some LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Daimler, which supplies engines to tion) vehicles, said Chet Murphy, “We are planning to build an engine exhaust gas back into the world’s largest distributor of chem- Setra, have announced they will vice president of market develop- infrastructure which will provide a engine to cool combustion, reduc- icals has announced it will supply use selective catalytic reduction to ment at Brenntag. cost-effective solution to ensure ing NOx. urea to the North American truck and comply with the next round of EPA “While North American opera- ease of compliance for the indus- The cost to develop both tech- bus industries in time to meet the emissions requirements. tions have different challenges than try,” said Steve Holt, Accuride’s nologies has been enormously 2010 federal emissions standards. In response, Brenntag has in Europe, we don’t see any of senior vice president of strategy, expensive. Brenntag, which calls itself the launched what it calls “Urea 2010,” these challenges as show-stop- growth and technology. Daimler, owner of Setra and largest distributor of automotive- which the company says will as- pers,” Murphy added. “We recognize the sheer Detroit Diesel, and Volvo AB, grade urea in the world, said it will be sure there are adequate supplies of The company said it will focus scope of effort required to meet the which owns Prevost Car and pro- ready to meet demands in two years. urea for OEMs and fleet operators on the “fast and reliable delivery” needs of this market rollout, and duces Volvo-brand engines, have Some of the manufacturers that throughout the U.S. and Canada. of urea, offering partial- and full- joining with Accuride will afford said they will use SCR, which is supply engines to the bus and truck “Brenntag understands the tank deliveries for fleets and sup- us the opportunity to expedite the used widely in Europe but is new to industries will require that urea be complexity of a start-up (for urea) pliers. manufacturing and installation of North America, for their 2010 used in conjunction with their and we are applying our experience Accuride has entered into a joint the storage and dispensing units at heavy-duty engines. selective catalytic reduction sys- and knowledge to successfully venture with Benecor to focus on truck stops, diesel fueling stations International Truck and Engine tems, starting in 2010. launch a customer-friendly package establishing a urea distribution and and fleets throughout North Amer- Corp. will use only exhaust gas re- Both Volvo Group, which sup- to manufacturers and fleet opera- dispensing infrastructure through ica,” noted Brendan Foster, presi- circulation, which has been used in plies engines for Prevost, and tors” of (selective catalytic reduc- truck stops and other outlets. dent of Benecor. motorcoaches and trucks since 2002, while engine maker Cum- new exhaust standards, to sugges- by SCR: an extra tank and extra a pamphlet that asserts, “There is system integrity.” mins Inc. will use SCR for its tions it may be planning to bail out emissions system, in addition to a no delivery infrastructure in place Navistar’s claim of urea avail- medium-duty engines and EGR for of the on-highway engine market. diesel particulate filter. The to support urea distribution in ability problems is disputed. its heavy-duty models. Stay tuned. International executives contend North America for 2010…the need Spokesmen from Volvo and Daim- Caterpillar has not yet an- In briefings, executives from there are going to be more mainte- for urea demands a separate tank ler point out that only a tiny amount nounced what technology it will International have pointed out the nance issues and more parts that that will add weight and reduce of urea is needed for each gallon of use. Cat’s delay has spurred wide- significant differences between the can break down with SCR. payload … SCR urea must be a diesel. spread speculation, ranging from two technologies, noting specifi- Navistar, which is Internation- high grade and a precise solution to According to one calculation, if talk it’s having trouble meeting the cally the “extra components” used al’s corporate parent, has published avoid catalyst damage and assure a motorcoach has a 230-gallon die- sel tank, the urea tank would only have to be 5.75 gallons to run the CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING coach for two-and-a-half to three fill-ups. COACH OPERATORS & MECHANICS WANTED Daimler, other truck makers and independent suppliers are working to establish a nationwide urea distribution system. (See relat- ed article above.) Meanwhile, Cummins contends that long-distance fleets “do not need another component to worry about” in running their businesses, especially something that can shut them down, such as being unable to ONE OF COLORADO’S LEADING TRANSPORTATION find urea. COMPANIES IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES. 2010 SCR-equipped vehicles We are looking for CDL Drivers class A or B, with passenger must have a system to de-power endorsement (P/2), with 3 yrs. experience, clean MVR, DOT and eventually shut down the en- medical card and able to pass a background check. gine if the system runs out of urea. Meanwhile, supporters of SCR We are also looking for Diesel mechanics/technicians to help note the technology is being used maintain our expanding fleet. Must have 3 years experience, bus successfully in Europe and they and motor coach experience is a plus. decry the “misinformation and scare tactics” about SCR. Positions are open in the Denver Metro and the Colorado Springs Before SCR was introduced in www.Ramblin.com areas. Application available online at or Europe earlier in this decade there apply in Denver at 875 W. 64th Avenue Bldg.C or in Colorado Springs at 3465 Astrozon Place. were doubts urea would be avail- able but most of the perceived SCR issues vanished after it hit the road. REDUCED TO And, despite some reports, $175,000 drivers will not have to add urea to (2) ’97 Dina Viaggio 1000’s (2) ’99 Vanhool T-945’S fuel and will not have to fill their 2000 MCI 52 PAX + 1 Escort Seat $50,000 57 PAX, + 1 Escort Seat, vehicle’s urea tank every time they E4500 w/tires – New Paint $120,000 w/tires – New Paint buy fuel. One tankful of urea will All buses are Clean - Well Maintanied - Excellent Condition be enough for several tanks of die- 3 available! sel fuel. Extremely low For more pics: http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/amaralbus/ Call Joe: 508-993-4503 or e-mail [email protected] SCR supporters also note that miles, 1 owner, well cared for high-end charter coaches. You will — by using the technology — they not find any nicer! Series 60, B500R, 58 Seats with Lav, Michelins will be able to cut NOx to accept- on Alcoa rims, CD & DVD Players, cordless mikes. $195,000/offer. able levels without increasing the REPOS FOR SALE amount of exhaust gas recirculation Marc 808.832.6261 Will deliver to West Coast Variety of makes and models of in their engines. “Bank Repos” across the United Because EGR causes engines to run hotter and decreases fuel To Advertise Here… States and Priced to Sell! mileage, use of SCR will improve Call Johnny at 866-930-8426 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! efficiency, they say. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS June 15, 2008 15 Stallion Bus gets new v.p., National Seating’s Tom York to introduce 30-seat model dies at 65; memorial June 27th CORONA, Calif. — Stallion Brownsville, Texas, now heads MONTOUR FALLS, N.Y. — Lakes region of New York, an Bus Industries, one of the handful Stallion’s manufacturing operation Tom York, veteran regional sales entrepreneur, and a long-time of new manufacturers trying to in Corona, near Los Angeles. manager for National Seating Co., member, supporter and former carve out a niche in the 35-foot Larue’s industry experience died last month of a brain tumor. secretary-treasurer of the New coach market, has named a new also includes working at Transpor- He was 65. England Bus Association. He sup- vice president of manufacturing tation Manufacturing Corp. in Ros- Mr. York represented National ported other state associations as and announced plans to introduce a well, N.M.; at transit bus maker Seating in New England for more well. Jim Larue of Stallion Bus 30-seat model. New Flyer Industries, where he was than 20 years, developing a well- There will be a military grave- Stallion sprang on the scene 18 director of manufacturing, and at twice the fuel economy of conven- deserved reputation for providing side memorial service at 11 a.m. months ago with the Sunliner, ini- Neoplan in Lamar, Colo., where he tional coaches (read 45-footers) at exceptional service to his cus- June 27 at the Bath National tially introduced as a 35-foot was the company’s last vice presi- approximately half the cost. The tomers. Cemetery in Bath, N.Y. model, featuring a body built in dent of manufacturing. Neoplan was environment benefits as well, as “He was legendary for resolv- Mr. York’s family has asked China mounted on the popular shut down just over two years ago. less fuel usage equals less pollu- ing problems,” said a friend. “Tom that individuals wishing to memo- Freightliner XBR-series, rear- Stallion and its body-on-rail tion.” was like a heat seeking missile — rialize Mr. York should send a engine chassis. Sunliner models present a new The Stallion Sunliner comes fire and forget. If a customer donation to the American Cancer Jim Larue, a veteran bus execu- challenge for Larue that he’s excit- equipped with a Cummins ISB bought National Seats and had a Society or the charity of their tive and engineer who traces his ed about tackling. engine, ZF independent suspension problem, one call to Tom and it choice. Confirmations of dona- industry roots back more than 35 He says Stallion buses are that allows a 60-degree wheel cut, was solved.” tions can be mailed to Mr. York’s years to Eagle International in designed and built with customers’ and front air suspension. Mr. York was a veteran, a for- widow, Denise York, at P.O. Box drivers and maintenance depart- The 30-seat model, known as mer bus operator in the Finger 819, Montour Falls, NY 14865. At $4+ per gallon… ments in mind. “Ergonomics play the 800 series, will be introduced in an essential role in each vehicle,” the fourth quarter. chester, N.H. Info: Go to SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Auto- Calendar www.bus-history.org. mobile manufacturers are doing it. says Larue. “Placement of driver Stallion coaches are covered by JUNE 2008 So are car dealers. controls and easy access to vehicle a five-year/300,000 mile compre- 24-26 National Tour Associ- Now, a coach manufacturer has maintenance points definitely make hensive warranty that, says Larue, 17-20 Pennsylvania Bus Asso- ation Grassroots Symposium, jumped on the fuel-with-a-vehicle- a Stallion coach user friendly.” stands on its own merits as being ciation 2008 Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. Info: Go to purchase bandwagon. Larue also says Stallion is among the best offered. Sheraton Atlantic City. Info: Go www.NTA.travel. determined to deliver high quality Stallion Bus is headquartered in to www.pabus.org, or call (717) Motor Coach Industries is offer- 26-29 New England Bus buses that are safe, fuel efficient, New Milford, Conn., with direct 236-9042. ing up to $ 5,000 in fuel with the Association Annual Meeting, durable and perform. sales outlets in Connecticut, purchase of a new Fast Track MCI 20-22 Bus History Associa- MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, D4505 model or qualifying pre- “Stallion takes the lead over the tion 2008 Convention, Holiday Mashantucket, Conn. Info: Go to owned coach. competition by offering almost Arizona and California. Inn Manchester Airport, Man- wwwnewenglandbus.org.

973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 www.nimcobus.com Supplying the Transportation Industry with Used, Serviceable & Rebuildable Bus Parts for Over 25 Years! VOLUME DISCOUNTS • PRIDE IN PERFORMANCE DEEP DISCOUNTS! on all Detroit Diesel & Allison Transmissions SAVE MONEY ~ SAVE TIME We sell good running qualified bus components. NO RISK PURCHASE PLAN We unconditionally guarantee our customers satisfaction. WE ALSO STOCK • Front and Rear Axle Parts • Engine Accessories • Alternators and other Electrical Components • Air Conditioning Components • Body Parts We Buy & Sell Buses. . . Call for a Quote You’re behind the wheel of a Prevost. From experience you know One that has stood the test of mile marker upon mile marker. Obviously that it doesn’t get any better than this. You’re surrounded by it’s more than a coach. It’s an experience. Knowing that we’re state-of-the-art technology. And methods of construction that always there for you. Anticipating the unexpected. Challenging hearken back to the days of exacting craftsmanship. This is the detours. Outdoing what’s been done. This is the Prevost way. after all a Prevost. A coach that carries with it the finest reputation. To learn more please visit prevostcar.com. THE ULTIMATE CLASS

H-Series and the X3-45

©2007 PREVOST CAR, INC.