October 1, 2015

Industry urging Congress to block insurance increase WASHINGTON — As Con- year highway funding bill passed months, but has only managed to and is the primary funding source ing that although it laid out six gress continues to grapple with a in July by the Senate. approve a series of temporary bills for federal transportation projects years of spending authorizations it long-term highway funding reau- The House has been working designed to keep the federal High- and for various federal agencies, only provided for three years of thorization bill, the motorcoach on its own version, and transporta- way Trust Fund solvent. including the Federal Motor Car- funding. and trucking industries are redou- tion industry officials are hoping The last temporary extension rier Safety Administration. The House was expected to bling their efforts to convince law- an insurance provision will be in- was passed in July before lawmak- Before leaving for its summer come up with its own plan to fund a makers to include a provision serted into that bill. ers left Washington for a month- break, the Senate passed a six-year six-year transportation bill, but it is blocking any increase in required “All eyes are on the House long vacation and will expire Oct. funding plan called the Developing unclear whether that will happen insurance minimums. now,” one industry observer said. 29 unless Congress takes further a Reliable and Innovative Vision before Oct. 29 or if Congress will Such a provision already has Congress has been discussing action. for the Economy (DRIVE) Act. instead pass another temporary been included in two separate the need for a comprehensive The Highway Trust Fund re- House leaders, however, re- funding bill. bills, but it was left out of a six- transportation-funding plan for ceives its money from fuel taxes fused to take up the bill, complain- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c ABC unveils new 35-foot Van Hool CX35 motorcoach INDIANAPOLIS — ABC The sameness extends to floor Companies officially launched the height, entrance, step-well, parcel new Van Hool CX35 model here racks, restroom, windshields and late last month during the BusCon amenities. Expo 2015. That results in a reduction in The 35-foot Van Hool CX35 spare parts investment and also essentially is a CX45, only 10 feet mitigates the need for driver and shorter and with the tag axle re- mechanic training, the company moved. It is equipped with as said. many standard features as its 45- “For operators who want all the foot counterpart and shares many creature comforts in a smaller, of the parts. more fuel-efficient vehicle, we “The main difference is the think the CX35 has it all,” said Tim side view of the bus,” said Louis Wayland, ABC president and chief Hotard, ABC director of technical commercial officer. “It maintains services. “It’s 10 feet shorter but the upscale component that pas- packs all the punch of the larger sengers expect, while allowing op- coach and offers major parts inter- erators to cater to a new, smaller changeability with the CX45.” traveling segment.” From axles to windows to tail The CX35 will compete direct- lights to doors to bumpers to the ly with the Temsa TS-35, which A/C unit to brakes, the CX35 and has become the dominant 35-foot ABC Companies has officially launched the new Van Hool CX35 motorcoach, which essentially is a CX45, only CX45 are “basically the same model in the North American mo- 10 feet shorter and with the tag axle removed. It is equipped with as many standard features as its 45-foot bus,” the company said. torcoach market. counterpart and shares many of the parts. Delivery of the coaches will begin toward the end of the year. Flame-resistant seats, second doors possible, but costly WASHINGTON — Installing Transportation Safety Board quire higher flammability stan- double-trailer and tractor combina- talities and injuries resulted in part a second door and more flame-re- blamed inadequate fire perfor- dards for interior motorcoach tion crossed a 58-foot-wide median from the lack of adequate fire per- sistant interior materials on U.S. mance standards and slow passen- materials and a second door. on Interstate 5, sideswiped a pas- formance standards for commer- motorcoaches — as recommended ger egress in a fiery collision that Industry officials say both senger car then struck a Silverado cial passenger vehicle interiors by a federal safety board — would killed the driver and eight passen- could be accomplished but could Stages motorcoach nearly head-on. and the need for improvements in match European Union standards gers of a motorcoach traveling on increase the cost of motorcoach The impact ruptured a fuel vehicle design, including adding a while adding several thousand Interstate 5 near Orland, Calif., in seating by 30 percent. Adding a tank on the truck and sprayed fuel second passenger door, to facili- dollars to the cost of a new 2014. door would cost around $5,000. into the motorcoach, which had tate evacuations. motorcoach. The board called on the De- The California accident oc- been ripped open. Members of the safety board This summer the National partment of Transportation to re- curred when a Federal Express The NTSB found that the fa- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c Get a closer

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See the CX35 Our growing family is a sign of at these upcoming shows: our commitment. • GrayLine Convention October 5-8, New Orleans, LA Meet the CX35 — The newest • California Bus Association Convention member of the ABC family. October 17-20, Yosemite National Park • ABA Marketplace 2016 January 9-12, Louisville, KY • UMA Motorcoach Expo January 31-February 4, Atlanta, GA Contact your Account Manager for more information. www.abc-companies.com Email: [email protected] Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS October 1, 2015 3 Poll: Majority supports fuel-tax increase to fix roads Seventy-one percent of U.S. idea of increasing the tax on gas Transportation expenses have Transportation advocates have pump. However, critics say the residents would support a 10-cent and diesel fuel for the first time in been outpacing fuel-tax receipts argued that increasing the gas tax temporary bandages are contribut- increase in the 18.4 cents-per-­ more than two decades to make up by about $16 billion annually in would be the easiest way to close ing to a weakened national gallon gas tax that is used to pay the difference. recent years as construction costs the gap. Lawmakers have been re- infrastructure. for federal transportation projects, The gas tax, which pre-dates have risen and cars have become luctant to ask drivers to pay more at Congress had a chance to pass according to a new poll. the development of the Interstate more fuel efficient. the pump, however, viewing a gas a multi-year transportation fund- The survey, conducted by the Highway System by nearly two de- The current level of federal tax increase as politically toxic. ing package earlier this year, but San Jose, Calif.-based Mineta cades, has been the primary fund- spending on transportation is Congress has instead turned to lawmakers could not agree on a Transportation Institute, comes as ing source for federal transporta- about $50 billion per year, but the other areas of the federal budget in way to pay for more than a couple lawmakers are facing an Oct. 29 tion projects since its creation in gas tax only brings in about $34 recent years to close the gap in lieu of months’ worth of projects, re- deadline for renewing federal in- the 1930s. billion annually at its current rate. of asking drivers to pay more at the sulting in a temporary extension frastructure spending that has been that lasts until Oct. 29. the subject of debate in Washing- The approximately $8 billion ton for most of the year (see relat- Long Island bus company in Chapter 11 patch that was passed in July, which ed story on Page 1). reauthorized the collection of the Support for increasing the gas NEW YORK CITY — A luxu- of $5.1 million in its bankruptcy $45 one-way trips between New gas tax but did not increase it, was tax to 28 cents-per-gallon drops to ry bus company that ferries well- filing. York City and the Hamptons, as intended only to prevent a bank- 31 percent if the money is used to to-do Manhattan residents to the The company was able to post- well as Long Island winery tours. ruptcy in the Department of Trans- “maintain and improve the trans- exclusive Hamptons for summer pone payment of its debt until the It touts such modern amenities as portation’s Highway Trust Fund. portation system” instead of to getaways has filed for Chapter 11 end of the year, but efforts to refi- free Wi-Fi, a library, reclining The trust fund had been sched- “improve road maintenance.” bankruptcy protection. nance led it to take out a loan with leather seats, personal power out- uled to run out of money this “The survey results show that The New York Times reports an excessive interest rate, fees and lets, free snacks and water and month without congressional ac- a majority of Americans would that Hampton Luxury Liner said expenses. flat-screen televisions showing tion, but recent figures indicate it support higher taxes for transpor- its financial troubles stem from As a result of its troubles, the movies. has enough money to last longer tation — under certain condi- Hurricane Sandy, which battered company says it was “left with no According to a 2012 New York than that. tions,” the institute said. the East Coast in 2012. choice but to file the instant Chap- Times review of Hamptons bus The Transportation Depart- The gas tax has been used to The bus company said in its ter 11 case to afford it the opportu- options, Hampton Luxury Liner is ment said recently that highway pay for road and transit projects bankruptcy petition that it lost nity to restructure its debt in such for “socialites, boldface New funding could last well into 2016, since the 1930s, but the amount of more than $1.5 million as a result a way that it may pay its creditors Yorkers and anyone else who giving Congress an extra half year the tax has not been increased of the storm, forcing it to default and continue to operate its busi- doesn’t want to be disturbed by an to come up with the long-term in- since 1993. 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Bus drivers union settles with NYC over safety law NEW YORK CITY — After violation — a misdemeanor crime late that definition to police com- noting that the law had never de- They also distributed a cartoon clashing repeatedly this year over a in some cases in which a driver in- mands, a standard that city offi- fined “due care.” When a driver showing de Blasio handcuffing a new traffic safety law, Mayor Bill jured or killed a pedestrian or cy- cials say has already been in place hits a pedestrian, it does not auto- bus driver and traveled to Albany de Blasio and the city’s major bus clist who had the right of way. since the law’s passage. matically mean the driver failed to to bring attention to a state bill that drivers union have reached a truce. The union has pushed for city “This settlement makes explic- use appropriate care, he said. would prohibit bus drivers from The city reached a settlement bus drivers to be exempt from the it what the city, the N.Y.P.D. and “Now it has to be demonstrat- being arrested at the scene of a with Transport Workers Union law. At least six bus drivers have district attorneys mean by ‘due ed that an operator operated their crash, a measure that passed the Local 100 on a federal lawsuit been charged since it went into ef- care,’ and the standard we are bus in a way that a reasonably pru- state Senate in June. challenging the law that led to the fect in August 2014. using as we implement this law,” dent person wouldn’t have done,” Samuelsen said the union was arrest of several bus drivers in- Under the law, a driver must fail de Blasio said in a statement, call- Samuelsen said. prepared to restart its campaign if volved in serious crashes. to “exercise due care” to be charged. ing the law “a powerful tool to Union officials had protested bus drivers were charged under the The law, passed last year as As part of the settlement, the city keep pedestrians safe.” the law by slowing down buses to law when they exhibited due care in part of the mayor’s Vision Zero defined due care as care used by The union’s president, John show there would be delays if driv- a crash. The union wants to work traffic safety plan, made failure to “reasonably prudent drivers.” Samuelsen, called the settlement ers did not enter crosswalks until with the city, he said, to make inter- yield — which had been a traffic The city also agreed to circu- “a huge victory” for bus drivers, they were completely clear. sections safer. Texas man sentenced to 40 years for fuel tax fraud Ontario waives tests AUSTIN, Texas — In a sharp involved taxes. But the long sen- tion conducted by the Comptrol- sponsibility to prosecute those for military drivers rebuke to people who seek to prof- tence should give pause to anyone ler’s Criminal Investigation Divi- offenders.” TORONTO — The province it by selling dyed diesel fuel, a thinking of selling dyed diesel. sion led to the arrest and conviction Prosecutors proved that Speer of Ontario now recognizes Cana- Texas man has been sentence to 40 Dyed diesel, so named because of a Gorman, Texas, man on two intentionally or knowingly trans- dian Department of National De- years in prison for fuel-tax fraud. red dye is added by the supplier, is counts of motor fuel tax fraud. ported motor fuel to a location fense (DND) 404 driver’s permits, The Office of the Texas Comp- exempt from fuel taxes in most An Eastland jury sentenced without delivering documents re- allowing such license-holders to troller of Public Accounts, the states when used for non-highway-­ Rickey Wayne Speer, 42, to 40 lating to the shipment, and that he more easily transition into the pri- state’s tax agency, said the specific use vehicles, such as farm or road- years in prison for unlawfully ac- engaged in a motor fuel transac- vate sector and commercial driv- offense involved transporting and way construction equipment. quiring and selling large amounts tion without being licensed to do ing jobs. selling dyed diesel for highway However, unscrupulous char- of dyed diesel fuel. so as required by law. Ontario conducted a review of use. acters have been known to sell it “When people break Texas tax Speer was tried as a habitual DND licensing standards and The length of the prison term, for use in highway-use vehicles, laws, they are not cheating the felony offender and faced a mini- found the military training and however, stemmed from the cul- including motorcoaches, to avoid state — they are cheating their mum of 25 years to life in prison testing requirements meet or ex- prit’s several previous felony con- paying state taxes. fellow Texans,” Comptroller as a result of previous felony ceed its standards. victions — which may not have In the Texas case, an investiga- Glenn Hegar said. “It is our re- convictions. This means a driver who was qualified to operate heavy-duty vehicles in the military will have that license recognized by Ontar- POT SHOT io. Knowledge and road tests will be waived, but the license-holder TRY IT will still have to pass a vision test, meet medical standards, satisfy identification requirements and SPECIAL pay a fee. 128 Colorado requires PREMEASURED chains on I-70 SERVICES DENVER — As of last month, WORKS THE BEST - COSTS LESS Colorado’s requirement that vehi- cles over 26,000 pounds gross $37.95 weight carry chains on the central FORMULATED RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!! portion of Interstate 70 in the state WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTINUALLY CHANGING FORMULAS, SUPER DELIVERED is in effect. That rule holds between mile- STRENGTH POT SHOT’S QUALITY REMAINS UNSURPASSED. THERE’S ANYWHERE posts 133 (Dotsero) in the west SIMPLY NO BETTER ODOR CONTROL PRODUCT FOR THE RESTROOM. and 259 (Morrison) in the east, PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND YOUR FREE SAMPLE. IN USA AND and applies from now through the POT SHOT IS AVAILABLE IN 2 OZ, 8 OZ, GALLONS, PAILS AND DRUMS TERRITORIES end of next May. Fines for a failure to carry (800) 879-8648 - (702) 564-6454 - www.unitchemical.com chains adequate for the vehicle ­operated are expensive. For more 29¢ details, contact the Colorado 60 Years Manufacturing Environmentally Safe Products PER SERVICE Motor Carriers Association at 303-433-3375. DUE TO INCREASED SALES VOLUME AND STREAMLINED MANUFACTORING PROCESSES, COACH-TRANSIT HAS REDUCED COST AND WE’RE PASSING THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU “OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS”

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North America will engage in cars. driver roadside inspections and There also were outreach Operation Safe Driver Week heightened traffic safety enforce- Many of those accidents are driver regulatory compliance. events throughout the week at high is sponsored by CVSA in partner- ment and education aimed at un- the fault of the drivers – both com- In addition to enforcement, schools, state capitals, state fairs, ship with the Federal Motor Car- safe driving behaviors by both mercial motor vehicle drivers and education is an important compo- truck rodeos, sporting events and rier Safety Administration and commercial motor vehicle drivers car drivers. nent of Operation Safe Driver other locations. with support from industry and car drivers. CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week. Law enforcement and trans- The top five warnings and ci- and transportation safety The effort is part of the Com- program was created to help to re- portation safety officials will offer tations issued to CMV drivers organizations. mercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s duce the number of crashes, deaths educational and awareness safety were: speeding, failure to use a The event aims to help im- annual Operation Safe Driver and injuries resulting from crashes programs to the motor carrier pop- safety belt, failure to obey traffic prove the behavior of all drivers Week. involving large trucks, buses and ulation and the motoring public. control devices, improper lane operating in an unsafe manner — From 2011 through 2013, cars. Last year, during the weeklong change, and following too closely. either by or around commercial 12,502 people were killed and During Operation Safe Driver campaign, law enforcement offi- The top five warnings and ci- vehicles — and to initiate educa- more than 287,000 were injured in Week, activities will be held across cers pulled over 59,080 commer- tations issued to passenger car tional and enforcement strategies the U.S. in crashes involving at the United States, Canada and cial vehicle drivers and car drivers drivers were: speeding, failure to to address those exhibiting high- least one large truck or bus. More Mexico with the goal of increasing for unsafe driving behaviors. Data use a safety belt, failure to obey a risk behaviors. Commuters get new gates at Port Authority bus terminal NEW YORK CITY — The ostensibly to reduce delays and to the south wing of the lower signed to reduce in-terminal con- ager Diannae Ehler. three-year program to upgrade the overcrowding for the 110,000 pas- level and Lakeland gates are now gestion, which can stretch out into The Port Authority, which also nation’s busiest bus terminal took sengers who use the building daily. on the second and fourth floors. the inbound Lincoln Tunnel and operates New York-area bridges, a big step forward last month when Many of the gates for the termi- The Port Authority of New beyond. tunnels, ports, airports and the gates for more than 30,000 week- nal’s largest operator, New Jersey York and New Jersey, which oper- “The consolidation of NJ Tran- World Trade Center, has been crit- day commuters were reassigned. Transit, were consolidated on the ates the 65-year-old terminal in sit’s operations and Coach USA’s icized for years over the state of Buses operated by three Coach third floor. NJ Transit buses serve Manhattan, made the changes as operations will empower those the bus terminal. USA units — Rockland, ShortLine more than 60 percent of the terminal part of its ongoing “Quality of carriers to better manage their bus Earlier this year, a group of and Suburban — plus those of De- passengers during peak periods. Commute” program, which began logistics within the terminal, and proposals to build a new terminal Camp and Lakeland bus lines and The Coach USA units now in earnest last year. (See Oct. 15, build on our previous successes in was rejected by Port Authority New Jersey Transit were shifted have most of their gates on the 2014, Bus & Motorcoach News.) helping buses arrive and leave on commissioners as too expensive or among the terminal’s four floors, fourth floor. DeCamp gates moved The gate realignment is de- time,” said terminal general man- not feasible. The Best in Innovation, Quality & Style, Available Today.

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844.490.6454 • www.DonBrownBus.com *Monthly payment prices are calculated at 5.75% with 10% down. 60 Monthly payments. Prices are subject to change. 8 October 1, 2015 NEWS ANALYSIS / OPINION Bus & Motorcoach News Why Ontario should fear further U.S. trade barriers By Livio Di Matteo Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and The value of Ontario exports tourism, Ontario is well positioned icans visiting Ontario went into New York). More importantly, the has performed anemically in the because it is adjacent to populous free fall in the wake of 9/11 and by Wisconsin governor and poten- U.S. accounted for nearly 80 per- wake of 9/11. Whereas in 2005 the U.S. states. Indeed, Ontario gener- 2014 monthly visitors from the tial presidential candidate Scott cent of Ontario’s exports, with total value of Ontario’s interna- ally accounts for half of U.S. trav- U.S. only averaged 900,000. Walker’s recent comment that it is Michigan alone taking in about tional merchandise export sector elers to Canada. In 1995, the aver- The current decline in the Ca- not an unreasonable idea to con- one quarter. Windsor is Canada’s was $180 billion and accounted for age monthly number of American nadian dollar represents an oppor- sider building a security wall be- primary border crossing into the 32 percent of its GDP, by 2014 it visitors to Ontario was 2.1 million tunity for Americans to visit On- tween Canada and the United U.S. for trucks, with approximate- was only $177 billion and the share and this grew to 2.4 million in tario and, indeed, the statistics for States should not be laughed off. ly 3.5 million of them crossing of GDP was down to 25 percent. 2000. the first six months of 2015 show While the probability of an ac- each year. When it comes to travel and However, the number of Amer- an increase of 7 percent, with just tual fence or wall being built along over 1 million U.S. visitors to the the 8,900-kilometer frontier is province in June alone. However, small, the implication of such Congressman pushes for higher insurance this turnaround may prove to be comments is that the border be- short-lived if Americans come to tween the two countries may be WASHINGTON — The drive Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- from devastating highway acci- fear the Canadian border as a re- about to get even thicker. in Congress to boost liability in- ministration, “detailing the need dents, utilizing minimum insur- sult of the current trend for the And of all provinces, Ontario surance minimums on commercial for raising the level of monetary ance rates to improve safety out- U.S. to dwell on its security. has the most to lose from any fur- buses and trucks is being led by a accountability on motor carriers, comes,” wrote Cartwright in his What is Ontario to do? Proac- ther barriers to trade and com- freshman House member from including trucks and buses.” letter to Darling. tive and assertive steps are re- merce along the border. Pennsylvania. Cartwright cited a collision in He also contends that by re- quired. On the trade side, Ontario In the wake of the attacks of What sort of professional his home state where a tractor- quiring higher levels of insurance has to lobby both Ottawa and Sept. 11, 2001, wait times and as- background would you guess trailer slammed into a tour bus, “companies will be encouraged to Washington to eliminate any cost- sorted security programs at the Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright killing three and injuring a dozen examine their overall safety prac- ly border processes that are not re- Canada-U.S. border, designed to has? others. tices, risk perceptions and mitiga- lated to legitimate security con- deal with the threat of terrorism, The answer is too easy. For 25 “When truck and bus compa- tion techniques.” cerns. In business, time is money have led to what has been termed years he was a trial lawyer, a per- nies’ insurance policies cannot Cartwright was sworn into and the key is to reduce the amount “border thickening.” sonal injury attorney. provide appropriate compensation Congress on Jan. 3, 2013. Since of time needed to comply with se- The effect has been an increase What he wasn’t, however, was for the crashes they cause, the re- then he has introduced more than curity procedures. in government spending on secu- a run-of-the-mill ambulance chas- sulting health care costs are passed 60 pieces of legislation — the Moreover, it cannot be stressed rity and administration as well as a er. From 2009 to 2012 he served on to taxpayers through govern- most by any House Democrat dur- enough how important it is that a rise in the cost for businesses con- on the board of governors of the ment programs, such as Medicare, ing that period. new bridge be constructed at ducting trans-border trade and in- American Association for Justice. Medicaid and Tricare,” Cartwright Most of the measures were Windsor as quickly as possible to dividuals for cross-border travel. The association, formerly wrote in his letter. aimed at seniors, military fami- increase border-crossing infra- Cross-border activity has been known as the Association of Trial In June, Cartwright failed in lies, veterans, students, workers, structure, especially given the im- affected. For example, a 2012 Fra- Lawyers of America, is an advo- an attempt to amend a House bill consumers, the middle class, and portance of Ontario-Michigan cacy and lobbying organization on transportation funding to delete the environment. Reportedly, the ser Institute report found that be- trade. for plaintiff lawyers. It is focused a portion that would prevent regu- majority of his bills were intro- tween 2000 and 2009, total person As for tourism and cross-bor- on opposing tort reform, and it is lators from increasing insurance duced with bi-partisan support. trips by American residents to der travel, now is as good a time as one of the Democratic Party’s minimums. Prior to coming to Congress, Canada fell by 53 percent. As well, any for renewed marketing efforts most influential political allies. But Cartwright hasn’t given Cartwright worked as an attorney all the assorted security programs by Ontario in adjacent U.S. states Largely as a result of Cart- up; he continues to recruit House with the firm of Munley, Munley and expenses of the “thickened touting the province as a safe, se- wright’s diligence and ability to members in his fight and to urge & Cartwright in Scranton, Pa., for border” cost Canadian taxpayers cure and attractive destination for gather support, the debate over in- the FMCSA to boost insurance 25 years. alone as much as $1 billion American visitors. creasing liability insurance mini- minimums. He spent his legal career annually. Livio Di Matteo is a professor mums for bus and truck operators “The safety of our nation’s in- “fighting for the middle class and This trade effect from border of economics at Lakehead Univer- continues in Congress. terstate highways is critically im- working families,” according to thickening is especially serious for Cartwright recently wrote a portant and we urge the FMCSA his congressional website. sity in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This Ontario, which neighbors six U.S. letter to Scott Darling, chief coun- to strengthen protections for indi- Cartwright appears to be a article appeared in the Waterloo states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, sel and acting administrator of the viduals and families who suffer force to be reckoned with. Region Record.

ISSUE NO. 293 Jeff Polzien How to contact us Red Carpet Charters Oklahoma City To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise: Interested in placing an ad, Tom Ready the Editor, articles, news releases or to and new to Bus & Motorcoach News? Ready Bus Lines LaCrescent, Minn. report corrections: Call: Jamie Williams at (352) 333-3393 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Ron Sargoni Gray Lines of San Francisco [email protected] Staff Advisory Board San Francisco Fax: (602) 559-4153 William Allen Larry Hundt Existing advertisers, or to submit Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Brian Scott Mail: 2235 E. Lincoln Way advertising materials: Amador Trailways Great Canadian Trailways Escot Bus Lines Sacramento, Calif. Kitchner, Ontario Largo, Fla. Phoenix, AZ 85020 Senior Editor: Hal Mattern Call: (602) 535-5952 Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 Brian Annett Dale Krapf Tim Stout E-mail: Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Krapf Coaches Stout’s Transportation Sebring, Fla. West Chester, Pa. Ewing, N.J. To subscribe or inquire about your [email protected] Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Industry Editor: Ken Presley James Brown Sr. Joan Libby Dennis Strief subscription: Magic Carpet Tours Cavalier Coach Trailways Vandalia Bus Lines Box No. 336, El Paso, TX 79925 Richmond, Va. Boston, Mass. E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Caseyville, Ill. [email protected] Dave Dickson Marcia Milton Alan Thrasher To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Elite Coach First Priority Trailways Thrasher Brothers Trailways Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: Ephrata, Pa. District Heights, Md. Birmingham, Ala. Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Editorial Assistant: Terri Tackett Call: (800) 424-8262 Gladys Gillis David Moody Tim Wayland Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Starline Luxury Coaches Holiday Tours Online: www.uma.org ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Editorial Assistant: Seattle Randleman, N.C. Faribault, Minn. Maggie Vander Eems Bob Greene Michael Neustadt T. Ralph Young ©2015 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Amaya-Astron Seating Coach Tours Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Omaha, Neb. Brookfield, Conn. Asheville, N.C. 9Bus &October Motorcoach 1, 2015 News OPINION BusOctober & Motorcoach 1, 2015 News 9 It’s amazing what you’ll see by walking around your bus By Dave Millhouser can often spot problems before turn and spotting a trail of luggage Sounds can be instructive, too. poised to load they become serious. flung out a baggage door that A click-click at slow speeds can be for a jaunt to “You don’t have to worry about Ever notice those crafty light wasn’t securely latched. a texting passenger or a loose lug. Colorado. We’d it,” my boss said. “The bus is prac- bulbs never fail at your facility, so I’ve told this one before, but it Any strange noise is worth pre-tripped tically new. What could be you can nail them on a pre-trip? isn’t plagiarism when I steal from investigating. these magnifi- wrong?” Inspectors are convinced that you myself. A driver called in to com- Air leaks are a personal favor- cent machines, As a parts salesman for a com- deliberately venture forth with de- plain that his Scenicruiser wouldn’t ite. Hissing hoses, connections and and assuming pany that also sold new coaches, fective lights. You have to sneak up start, and we told him to check the bellows all can be used by the Bus manly poses I’d been asked to look at a GM by checking them every time you batteries. After looking diligently, Ogre to create mayhem. were strutting Dave Millhouser 4905 that was being traded on a stop. he called back to say there were no My buddy Oakie and I were around our new bus. Because our coaches were an- batteries. Whoever had last ser- transporting a group of kids to buses waiting for the passengers. The boss was wrong. I walked cient, the folks I drove with devel- viced them had left the lock pin camp when, at a stop, they asked One wandering driver noticed around the coach and noticed the oped the habit of wandering out of the tray and failed to prop- for a picture of us. Standing by the an interesting pattern of cracks on compartment door was ajar on the around the bus at every opportu- erly secure the door. side of the coach, one looked up a steering axle wheel — a thin line corner of the bus where the A/C nity. We used all our senses. An Somewhere en route the tray and noticed a crack in the roof, between each and every lug nut. In compressor traditionally lived. overheated brake smells different rolled out and the batteries pointed it out to Oakie and asked fact, we found the same pattern on Being the helpful sort, I went than a leaking lav. Condensate (on bounced off. Dangling on the side him what it meant. several wheels. to latch it and noticed the space the rare occasions when our A/C of the bus, they spewed acid until “The bus is breaking in half, Turns out we’d burnt a Sceni- was empty, the A/C compressor worked) is a different color than they disintegrated. All that re- don’t worry about it.” cruiser a couple of months prior having departed for parts un- leaking coolant or lubricant. mained were dangling cables and It survived the trip, but the les- and had salvaged, among other known. It hadn’t been unbolted. It never hurts to look down the acid etched side panels. son is that looking up can be valu- things, some wheels. Someone cut it out with a torch, sides of a bus to make sure a pas- A walk around the bus (or a able, too. Apparently they were weak- leaving wires and Freon hoses senger hasn’t unlatched a window. peek at the mirror) would have Occasionally well-intended ened by the fire, but didn’t demon- hanging. On some coaches a loose window picked up on the unlatched door (but dim) passengers open roof strate their discomfort until that Little things like that can im- acts out by imitating an airplane before we dissolved the paint on hatches in an effort to cool the very moment. pact the value of a coach. wing, going horizontal in a high- several following cars. coach. We sophisticates under- That driver’s walk around the It’s important to walk around way speed slip stream before head- If the engine compartment stand that this defeats the HVAC. bus probably averted a tragedy if your bus at every opportunity, no ing for parts unknown, perhaps door is black, you might have an At night, sometimes marker lights those wheels had let go at speed. matter how thorough the pre-trip trying to meet the fugitive A/C oil leak (unless, of course, it’s a are napping and the only way to Dave Millhouser is a bus indus- inspection. In addition to being compressor. black bus). Try checking the dip- catch these things is looking up. try marketing consultant and free- great exercise — 53 laps around a For excitement, it’s hard to beat stick — in fact check all the Circa 1971 we had a convoy lance writer. Contact him by email 45-foot bus is about a mile — you looking in the mirror after a sharp fluids. parked in King of Prussia, Pa., at [email protected].

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“ We had a great experience purchasing our coach bus through Advantage Funding. We received low rates, and Same Day Turn-Around the application process was easy with a fast approval. It was a pleasure working with a company who supports and Skip Payment Options understands our industry.” Tim S., Stout’s Transportation Flexible Finance & Lease Terms to 84 Months Call Us Now Trac Leases 888-876-4728 Black Car | Limousine | Limo Bus | Mini/Shuttle Bus | Charter Coach | Funeral 10 October 1, 2015 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Chinese tourists spark boom in demand for buses in Japan TOKYO — Chinese travelers and sightseeing. pared with a year earlier. under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, rivals, which doubled to more than have been flooding tourism desti- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus There’s currently a shortage of whose policies have helped weak- 2 million, according to Japan Na- nations around the world in recent Corp. said it received more orders buses to cater to the demand gen- en the yen by more than 30 percent tional Tourism Organization. years, including the United States. for large sightseeing buses during erated by an increased number of against the dollar since he took Bus sales were a bright spot in But they apparently are mak- the first half of this year than the foreigners visiting Japan, many of office. an otherwise difficult first half for ing a major impact on Japan, total for a typical year. them Chinese, said Masashi The number of foreign visitors Japan’s auto industry. Toyota where the surge in Chinese visitors Hino Motors Ltd. Reports that Yanagisawa, a spokesman at Hino during the first six months of this Motor Corp. fell behind Volkswa- is sparking a boom in demand for sales of large tourist buses rose 63 Motors. year climbed 46 percent to more gen AG in global deliveries in part tour buses to take them shopping percent in the second quarter, com- Tourism in Japan has surged than 9 million, led by Chinese ar- due to an 11 percent drop in do- mestic passenger car sales. Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. suffered even steeper declines of 16 percent and 18 percent, respec- tively. Honda cut local production by 36 percent. Hino expects the high level of demand to continue, leading up to when Tokyo plays host to the Olym- pics in 2020, Yanagisawa said. Vancouver raises tax on hotel guests VANCOUVER, B.C. — Visi- tors and staycationers at metro Vancouver’s hotels are paying more for their overnight hotel stay. After receiving approval from the provincial government, a tax on hotel guests that supports Tour- ism Vancouver’s initiatives was raised from 2 percent to 3 percent last month. Much of the new revenue raised will go towards Tourism Vancouver’s debt for its share of funding the construction of the Vancouver Convention Center expansion. Completed in 2009, the land- mark building cost $883 million to construct, with $540.7 million from the provincial government, $222.5 million from the federal government, $90 million from Tourism Vancouver through debt repayment, and the remaining amount from the convention cen- ter’s revenues. The convention center expan- sion has become a major driver for tourism and overnight stays, allow- ing Vancouver to host a number of major conventions and events that stimulate the local economy. But with the provincial govern- ment charging a 6.1 percent inter- est rate, the tourism agency’s con- vention center debt has actually grown to over $100 million despite millions in annual repayments. The high interest rate costs the tourism agency about $2 million a year that otherwise would be spent on promotional initiatives and events that could provide a boost to the local economy. There are about 14,000 hotel rooms within Tourism Vancouver’s jurisdiction, generating $16 million in hotel tax revenue each year. A hotel tax on rentals through Airbnb also is being contemplated. Shore Funding Ad FINAL 37191:Layout 1 2/6/15 12:05 PM Page 2 Financing & Leasing Since 1978 Not Just a Resource ... But Resourceful

Coach Financing and Leasing Specialists 12 October 1, 2015 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Second doors accident­ reconstruction The NTSB report concluding tion and propagation investigator cording to a 2009 report from the investigations. its investigation said Federal for the board, said the current Volpe National Transportation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 NTSB Chairman Christopher Motor Vehicle Safety Standard standard for fire resistance in Systems Center in Cambridge, chastised the National Highway A. Hart criticized federal regulators 302 “does not adequately account buses “involves a test that is repre- Mass. Approximately 95 percent Traffic Safety Administration for for imposing “double standards in for modern vehicle interior com- sentative of a small-scale ignition of those fires cause no injuries. failing to act on recommendations regulations protecting motorcoach ponents or conditions experienced source like a cigarette. However, it The engine compartment and made nearly three decades ago to passengers versus passengers in in real-world vehicle fires, nor does not simulate the ignition wheel wells were identified as the improve flame-resistance stan- other modes of transportation… does it include specific fire resis- course that typically results in source of 70 percent of motor- dards for bus interior materials. Fireproofing on airplanes is de- tance material standards more ap- ­vehicle fires such as an engine coach fires and contributed to 10 The board also blamed a lack signed to withstand a major fire. propriate for large commercial ve- fire or the forced fire resulting of 12 studied incidents that pro- of mandatory pre-trip safety brief- Present regulations require none of hicles with increased passenger from a collision.” duced fatalities or injuries. Fuel ings for passengers and called for these safety protections for motor- capacity.” About 160 motorcoach fires systems caused 1 percent of the event data recorders to assist in coach passengers.” Joseph Panagiotou, fire initia- occur in the U.S. each year, ac- fires while 3 percent originated in bus interiors.

Combustible materials Panagiotou said the current standard for interior materials was developed in the 1970s. “Today’s vehicles, particularly vehicles with high occupancies, Leading the industry starts have synthetic, lightweight materi- als such as plastics and foams that are more combustible than the ma- with a winning team. terials available when the test was developed. The burning character- istics of these materials, in combi- nation with thermal and toxic gas emissions, severely limit escape time and a passenger’s odds of survival. “NTSB has been concerned about motorcoach and bus interi- ors for 30 years and has issued nu- merous recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” he said. “The 302 standard has not been updated in that time. However, other modes of transportation, like rail and avia- tion, have made improvements to MCI J4500 Setra S 417 MCI D-Series Top-selling private sector model for Worldwide luxury leader First in total market sales for 2014, with the standards.” 2014 and for 11 years running more on the road than any other model The federal standard for flam- mability of interior materials was established in 1972 and modified in 1975. It covers passenger cars, trucks and buses. “The existing standard does not address fires that originate outside the passenger compartment,” said a 2007 motorcoach safety plan writ- Parts Support Training Manufacturing Performance World-class fill rates and 24/7 via in-house ERSA, Online LMS, LEARN Quality-at-the-source Lowest total operating ten by the National Highway Traf- inventory for all makes Technical Call Center and webinars and Technical transformation cost, maximum uptime fic Safety Administration. and models extensive field support Tune-ups European fire protection rom head-turning good looks to the market’s from our team to troubleshoot your problem, get you Interior materials used in Euro- lowest cost of ownership, and safety technologies your part, and get you on your way, thanks to second- pean motorcoaches are tested for F flammability as well as ability to like adaptive cruise control and optional collision to-none service and support. It’s what MCI has been repel fuel or lubricants. Materials mitigation, our coaches lead the industry not just in doing better than anyone for the last 80 years. And it’s also are tested for melting rate. sales, but in features, amenities and value. Plus, we what we’re still doing better today. See what an MCI Upgrading North American motorcoach flammability stan- offer the assurance that there will always be someone J4500, MCI D-Series, or Setra coach can do for you. dards to those of the European Commission would increase costs of seating by about 30 percent, Discover what it means to be Reliability Driven. said Juergen Mill, senior vice pres- ident of engineering for the Kiel Group in Nördlingen, Germany. To learn more about the “Kiel’s continuous investment MCI J4500’s lowest total cost of operation advantage, scan here. in R&D and innovative design and materials allows the company to comply with and, in many cases, mcicoach.com exceed the varying fire safety ©2015 MCI standards for Europe and North CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c

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14 October 1, 2015 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Stephen Keppler departs Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance GREENBELT, Md. — Ste- awarded Keppler the job. tion as the association seeks to mercial motor vehicle safety and latory administration, preferably phen A. Keppler, executive direc- CVSA President Maj. Bill expand. security by providing leadership to in transportation safety manage- tor of the Commercial Vehicle Reese of the Idaho State Police Collin Mooney, CVSA deputy enforcement, industry and policy ment or enforcement. Safety Alliance for the past five made the announcement that Kep- executive director since 2010, will makers. An in-depth understanding of years, left the organization last pler was leaving, noting he had ac- serve as acting executive director It establishes the criteria used governmental protocol, policies month. cepted a position with the Inter- until the position is filled on a per- by departments of transportation and procedures and private-sector Keppler joined the CVSA in modal Association of North manent basis. and police agencies across the regulatory issues and concerns as 2000, and had been director of America. Keppler’s resignation CVSA is best known as the U.S., Canada and Mexico when they pertain to commercial motor policy and programs when he be- apparently surprised many. quasi-law enforcement organiza- conducting commercial vehicle vehicle and commercial motor came interim executive director in At the Intermodal Association, tion comprised of local, state, pro- inspections. carrier safety and enforcement September 2009, after Stephen which serves the interests of the vincial, territorial and federal CVSA would like to hire a new programs also is strongly Campbell left the alliance. intermodal freight industry, Kep- motor carrier safety officials and executive director who has a post- preferred. About a year later, after an 11- pler will be senior vice president industry representatives from the secondary degree and experience More information can be month national search for an ex- and the No. 2 executive. He is U.S., Canada and Mexico. in progressively responsible man- found at http://cvsa.org/contactus/ ecutive director, the CVSA board moving into a newly created posi- Its mission is to promote com- agement positions related to regu- employment.php. Second doors have seen an increasing interest for flammability and smoke emis- There could be trade-offs in adopt the European Commission from bus and motorcoach builders sions, which used to be a common producing seats that are more fire- standards for a second door. It said CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 as well as operators in safety stan- requirement for our clients in the resistant, Mill said. modifying a wheelchair-access America,” he said. “Lately we dards as strict as Docket A testing rail sector only.” “Materials from the rail and door so it could be used as an aviation industries are certainly emergency exit was an option. available and can, in theory, be im- plemented in the construction of European doors even safer bus and coach seats, but Passenger vehicle regulations this is an ideal time to contemplate imposed by the European Com- what really makes a seat safe,” he mission require two exit doors on said. the curbside of a motorcoach. This “Kiel’s philosophy is that safe- is typically a service door with a ty and comfort form a perfect bal- steep incline on the steps leading ance…Similarly, it’s fundamental to the center aisle of the bus. to see the interior of a motorcoach/ European regulations, far more bus as a whole that needs to func- detailed than U.S. standards, speci- tion and react to a possible fire as fy width and height dimensions for a unity. Fireproofing seats alone doors and the placement of the sec- and compromising comfort and ond door in relation to the rear other safety features under consid- wheels. Exit windows are required erable cost increases might really to be 20 to 39 inches above floor not have the safety benefits they level inside the coach. are intended to have.” Due to the European regula- Mill said sophisticated smoke tions, many motorcoaches sold in detectors might yield better and North America already are engi- more cost-effective benefits than neered for second doors, including upgraded seating materials. Setra models sold by MCI and “It is also very important to re- Belgian-made Van Hool coaches member that there is a human fac- sold by ABC Companies in the tor that we cannot engineer away,” U.S. and Canada. he said. “The most uncontrolled “Van Hool markets and sells and highly flammable material in a coaches equipped with a second vehicle is the luggage and the pas- door for the entire world, including senger’s clothing.” North America,” said Tim Way- land, president and chief commer- Escape exits cial officer of ABC. Surviving passengers in the “Two of the three motorcoach Orland fire told investigators that models we sell, the TX45 and they struggled to escape from the TDX, already have this option burning bus, said Ronald Kamin­ available. Engineering a second ski, the board’s survival factors door into the third model we sell, investigator. the CX45, would not be difficult. The front door of the bus was ABC has delivered over 700 two- blocked by flames and some pas- door coaches into the North Amer- sengers did not know how to open ican market.” emergency exit windows. Some The single-deck TX45 can be passengers who did use the emer- configured to accommodate the gency windows were injured while second door with the same seating escaping because the windows capacity as a single-door coach, UMA Safety Management Seminar were seven feet above the ground. Wayland said. “A secondary door would allow “The cost difference between a December 2-3, 2015 passengers to stay low, avoid the two-door and non-two-door ver- NTSB Training Center Virginia fire-related heat and rapidly evacu- sion of our TX45 is under $5,000,” ate the vehicle,” Kaminski said. he said. “Our TDX25 double-deck Essential Topics. Critical Information. Invaluable Knowledge. A 2009 report prepared for is only offered in a two-door Contact the UMA office for more info at 1-800-424-8262 / [email protected] NHTSA called for the U.S. to version.” GREAT BRANDS THINK ALIKE.

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FMCSA to post a disclaimer on its Compli- signed for particular industries. “They are working on a bipartisan bill FMCSA has issued reports in support of ance, Safety, Accountability website that According to Forbes magazine, the pro- and say it will be fully funded for six years,” raising the minimum, but critics contend the states the scores “are not necessarily reliable visions include deductions for mortgage in- the industry observer said. “There is a whole agency has not provided credible data dem- indicators of relative safety performance.” surance premiums, a railroad track mainte- bucket list of provisions we are trying to get onstrating a correlation between financial Critics of CSA include some members of nance credit, three-year depreciation for into that bill.” responsibility limits and improved safety. Congress, the motor carrier industry and the racehorses, seven-year recovery for motors- First in the bucket would be a provision There is a separate bill — H.R. 2077 — Government Accountability Office. They ports entertainment complexes, bonus de- that would block FMCSA from raising the awaiting action in the House that would pre- have strongly argued that CSA data is deeply preciation, rules for film and television pro- minimum insurance coverage required of vent FMCSA and the Secretary of Transpor- flawed and doesn’t accurately reflect the safe- ductions and incentives for biodiesel and commercial motor carriers. FMCSA has pro- tation from raising insurance limits and ty records of bus and truck companies. alternative fuels. posed to at least double the current $5 million require within one year a highly detailed The Senate DRIVE Act would require “Failure to extend these provisions is a limit for motorcoach operators and possibly study of the needs and effects of higher FMCSA to add a qualifier to the CSA ratings tax increase,” the letter states. “It will inject increase it to as much as $20 million to $30 limits. on its website: ‘‘Readers should not draw instability and uncertainty into the economy million per incident or claim. The bill was initiated by the United Mo- conclusions about a carrier’s overall safety and weaken confidence in the employment Proponents of the increase say larger torcoach Association and introduced in April condition simply based on the data displayed marketplace. Acting promptly on this matter minimums are needed to cover increasing by Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. UMA has encour- in this system. Unless a motor carrier has re- will provide important predictability neces- medical costs for accident victims and to in- aged its members to contact their congressio- ceived an UNSATISFACTORY safety rat- sary for economic growth.” centivize safer operations by carriers. The nal representatives and urge them to co-spon- ing…or has otherwise been ordered to dis- The Committee for a Responsible Fed- industry has countered with statistics show- sor the bill. They also are pushing to include continue operations by the Federal Motor eral Budget has called on Congress to study ing that the increase is unnecessary because the insurance ban in the House highway bill. Carrier Safety Administration, it is autho- the need for each provision rather than tem- few insurance claims have reached the cur- “The Senate version of the bill does not rized to operate on the Nation’s roadways.’’ porarily extending all, for a few years at a rent minimum. contain a provision to halt the Federal Motor time, in the crush of business at the end of The House passed a $55.6 billion trans- Carrier Safety Administration’s march to Hours of service each legislative session. portation and housing spending bill in June raise your insurance liability to $20-$30 The Senate bill also would require the “The perennial use of these extenders cre- that included a ban on the insurance in- million or more,” Ken Presley, vice presi- Department of Transportation to study the ates unnecessary uncertainty for individuals crease. However, a Senate committee was dent of industry relations and chief operat- work of motorcoach drivers before changing and business, obscures their true budgetary forced to water down the bill to win Demo- ing officer of UMA, wrote in a legislative their hours-of-service rules. cost, and will likely push debt levels higher cratic votes. alert to members. This provision states, “The Secretary going forward,” said a committee statement. Instead of a ban, the Senate bill would “Your insurance premiums could easily may not amend, adjust, or revise the driver “If Congress chooses to extend any of these prevent FMCSA from using funds to devel- double.” he warned. hours of service regulations for motor carri- provisions, they should be fully offset by sav- op, issue or implement such a regulation ers of passengers, by rule making or any ings elsewhere in the budget. Ideally, Con- until 60 days after it reports to Congress on CSA disclaimer other means, until the Secretary conducts a gress would resolve the quasi-permanent sta- the impact of an increase. The Senate Drive Act does contain other formal study that properly accounts for op- tus of these extenders as part of tax reform, That report would assess catastrophic provisions of interest to the motorcoach in- erational differences and variances in crash evaluating each one and either making it per- crashes in which damages have exceeded in- dustry that could also wind up in the House data for drivers in intercity motorcoach ser- manent or letting it expire.” vice and interstate property carrier opera- Among the organizations supporting the tions and between segments of the intercity blanket extension letter are the U.S. Chamber r motorcoach industry.” of Commerce, the Railway Tie Association ou h and the two bus groups. k Y t Driver licensing ic ng The Senate bill would allow FMCSA to Highway Trust Fund P e launch a six-year pilot program for licensing All of these provisions, of course, de- tr THE MOST POTENT PACKET AVAILABLE 18-to-21-year-old drivers in limited inter- pend on Congress passing an overall high- S state commerce. way funding reauthorization bill. The plan would allow states to form The federal government has been spend- compacts that would recognize the commer- ing about $50 billion annually on transporta- cial driver licenses of younger drivers within tion projects, but the fuel tax is raising only 100 miles of state borders. The Senate would $34 billion. Since 2008 Congress has trans- allow the Transportation Secretary to ap- ferred $65 billion from other sources to sup- prove up to three compacts of up to four port the Highway Trust Fund. ULTRA states each. The Congressional Budget Office has The Department of Transportation would said a six-year transportation bill would re- CALL NOW! be required to report on the feasibility of the quire $100 billion in new revenue, and de- 1-800-974-7383 plan annually, beginning three years after termining a source of that revenue has been PowrPaks• Rapid Effervescent Ext. 114 the first compact is approved. a majoring sticking point in Congress. Dispersion The fuel tax has not been increased since • The Most Active Odor Hair testing 1993 and it has struggled to keep pace with Control Formula Available The Senate DRIVE Act adds language to infrastructure expenses in recent years as Pick a regulations concerning controlled substance cars have become more fuel-efficient. • Amazing Fragrance performance level testing. These phrases would permit motor Transportation advocates have argued • Blue Non-Staining Color that meets your needs. carriers “to use hair testing as an acceptable that increasing the fuel tax would be the eas- • Non Formaldehyde ULTRA-LITE alternative to urinalysis…in conducting pre- iest way to close the gap. Lawmakers have ULTRA-CLASSIC employment screening for use of a con- been reluctant to ask drivers to pay more at ULTRA 2X trolled substance and in conducting random the pump, however, viewing a gas tax in- ULTRA 4X screening for the use of a controlled sub- crease as politically toxic. ULTRA 6X stance by individuals who were subject to There also has been talk of tying the ULTRA BIO pre-employment screening.” funding to tax reform, including the repatri- ation of corporate offshore profits. Tax extenders Meanwhile, the Highway Trust Fund is on UMA and the American Bus Association the verge of running out of money, and critics were among hundreds of organizations that say the temporary bandages are contributing signed an open letter to members of Congress to a weakened national infrastructure. urging legislators to “act immediately on a Several states, concerned that federal 800-974-7383 111-118 Industrial Dr. seamless, multiyear or permanent extension money won’t be available for transportation 817-478-3221 Kennedale, TX 76060 of the expired and expiring tax provisions.” projects, have raised their fuel taxes to make 817-561-1293 (fax) cpacex.com These temporary provisions are known up for the shortfall. 17Bus & OctoberMotorcoach 1, 2015 News UMA MOTORCOACHOPINION EXPO 2016 BusOctober & Motorcoach 1, 2015 News17 Maintenance Interchange reason enough to attend Expo ATLANTA — If you ask past Dan Shoup, vice president of covered that I need to check for, guys in the room as a great source could I glean from this kind of participants of UMA’s Mainte- Cardinal Buses — “Having only learn faster and better ways to do of information. I have not gone knowledge bank and not be nance Interchange, they’ll tell you operators in a truly open forum, specific procedures, and learn about once where I haven’t gotten some- charged hundreds of dollars an it’s an event they won’t miss. without any suppliers, makes for a new or existing products that either thing out of it, and we tweak our hour? It’s worth the cost of the The Maintenance Interchange, good, free discussion. It’s a great do or don’t work as advertised.” maintenance program after every event for me if I only went to this.” now in its 18th year, is the longest opportunity to meet and talk to Scott Greteman, vice presi- show attended.” Participants can register for continually operating session at other maintenance personnel and dent of Windstar Lines — “I see Joseph Gillis, President of Maintenance Interchange at www. UMA Motorcoach Expo. People learn of issues that they have dis- the knowledge from the other 100 NW Navigator — “Where else motorcoachexpo.com. who have attended this session often come back year after year be- cause of the valuable knowledge they gain, and the number of new attendees grows every year. The Interchange is a daylong information session conducted on the first full day of Expo. It will be held on Feb. 1 during the 2016 Get Lancer behind Expo, which is set for Jan. 31 to Before you Feb. 4 at the Georgia World Con- your fleet! gress Center in Atlanta. take a turn Maintenance Interchange is a Since 1985, motor coach companies roundtable discussion, with every- one from mechanics who turn for the worst... have known that, when disaster wrenches to the folks who own buses and motorcoach companies strikes, no insurer has their back like gathering to share ideas and their Lancer. Today, more motorcoach maintenance- and equipment-re- lated experiences. companies rely on Lancer than any “It’s one of our highest-rated sessions at Expo year after year,” other insurer for on-site support from said UMA meetings and operations our exclusive Catastrophic Response director Maggie Vander Eems. Each year, Kevin Whitworth, (CAT) Team...and over 100 nationwide president and CEO of Ohio-based bus claims specialists whose only job Whitworth Bus Sales Inc., serves as moderator, asking those attend- is to get them back on the road to ing for questions and topics a month ahead of time and then profits fast! using them to guide the day’s discussions. Future purchases and detailed For a premium quote, call your agent maintenance issues are frequent topics of conversation among the or 800-782-8902 x3264. 75 to 125 participants. Email: [email protected] “It is operators only — no ven- dors,” Whitworth said. “No paid Learn more: lancerinsurance.com political speech and no pressure. And there is no head table and no microphones.” Here is what a few longtime participants say about their experiences: Greg Lammers, fleet manager at Cavalier Coaches, Inc. — “The Maintenance Interchange is worth the price of admission by itself. The wealth of knowledge and ex- perience in the room is priceless.” Scott Gallegos, superintendent of motorcoach maintenance at Holland America Princess Alaska — “It’s quite an investment to bring all our guys to Expo, but with the industry the way it is today, with its regulatory and me- chanical complexity, we can’t af- ford not to. At every Maintenance Interchange I’ve been to there’s al- ways at least one or two ‘paid-for- it moments’ when we learn of a 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004, Long Beach, NY 11561 I lancerinsurance.com I new product, solution or mainte- nance technique.” 18 October 1, 2015 UMA MOTORCOACH EXPO 2016 Bus & Motorcoach News Education sessions set for UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 ATLANTA — The United Mo- keting channels, reaching new cus- perfect phase for installing a sound vertising, Broadcast/Cable, Direct ize on emerging markets that will in- torcoach Association has unveiled tomers/markets, and maximizing cash-flow management program. Mail, etc. This session will impart clude faith-based, group tours, cruise, the topics that will be highlighted current customer base. Learn strategies to manage your cash multiple strategies for determining international and more. during two days of education ses- Small fleet operator topics will to ensure that you have available rev- how to handle each marketing chan- sions at UMA Motorcoach Expo be presented in a three-part session enue to cover expenses during slow nel, highlighting that tactics and costs Small Fleet Operator: Session 3 2016. and will include pricing strategies, months. can vary significantly between chan- The sessions will focus on four insurance requirements, up-to-date nels. You’ll learn methods to help you Equipment Maintenance for Small Marketing: Being the Highest- make sure that tactics in each mar- Fleet Operators — Breakdowns and areas: operations, finance, market- compliance information, filing for Priced Player in Your Market. Don’t keting channel work together and out-of-service orders are particularly ing and small fleet operators. tire and fuel tax refunds, and main- allow your competition to dictate your support each other. punitive for small fleet operators, Attendees of the operations ses- taining your equipment. pricing. Sell your service for the right harming reputations and operating sions will learn about regulations Here are the educational ses- price and earn what you deserve. This Small Fleet Operator: Session 2 reserves. This session covers funda- and challenges that will affect their sion schedules for Feb. 1 and 2: session will review the hidden costs mental methods to avoid the effects businesses, attracting and retaining of doing business and highlight the Cash is King — Always has been, of mechanical defects or failures. drivers, managing growth, and MONDAY, FEB. 1 importance of considering them when and always will be. This short course (Management) maximizing fleet utilization. you determine rates and price points. highlights the fundamentals of having People attending the finance 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. “cash-on-hand” and adequate re- Managing a Breakdown — Break- sessions will learn about effective Small Fleet Operator: Session 1 serves for a business that is often cy- downs are costly and can damage strategies to manage cash flow, se- Operations: Creative Ways to At- clical. From managing receivables to your reputation and cash reserves. tract and Retain Drivers. Learn new curing the best financing options, Big Ideas — Small Fleet — The paying bills on time, these well-tested Despite best efforts to prevent road- and unique ways operators are at- fundamentals of meeting customer fundamentals continue to serve as side failures, unanticipated delays and methods of saving time and tracting top talent — and how they money. expectations are always relevant and guiding principles. (Finance) can happen. This session utilizes the keep them when business is slow. small fleet operators have many ad- fundamentals of a response to a seri- The marketing sessions will vantages in the marketplace. This The Fundamentals of Regulatory ous crash to minimize the impact. focus on pricing optimization Finance: Cash-Flow Management. A course will review ways to position Compliance — Safety and regulato- (Management) techniques, how to integrate mar- business that is improving is in the your company in your marketplace to ry compliance must be cohesive with be the “go-to” motorcoach resource. every motion of the company. Checks Americans with Disabilities Act CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (Marketing) and crosschecks are fundamental to Compliance — Small fleet operators safety and preventing breakdowns in have unique compliance responsibili- Business 101 – Small fleet operators management. Maintaining low “safe- ties when it comes to ADA. Lift? No 2009 MCI often find themselves in big trouble ty management scores” and a “satis- lift? Reports and preparing for an by not anticipating the harsh realities factory” USDOT rating are essential to “ADA audit” are important compo- J4500 of owning a small business in today’s consumer confidence, financial insti- nents to meeting regulatory responsi- 50 Passenger State- society. This fast-paced course briefly tutions and insurers. (Regulations) bilities. (Regulations) illustrates the foundation of long-term of-the-Art Customized www.nageltours.com & Fully Loaded success by building an essential IRP, IFTA, UCR, and URS — Small TUESDAY, FEB. 2 team, and, perhaps more importantly, fleet operators have some important Continental breakfast will be CAT Engine • ZF 12 Speed Transmission • Only 242,000 Miles peace of mind. (Management) decisions to make when renewing served prior to these sessions Swiss Leather Seating • Beverage Station • Internet Connection their tags in 2016. The new IRP rules Rear Entertainment Center • 9 Monitors • Many More Options! Subcontracting, Farm-Outs, and add to the programs designed to im- 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Bob Nagel at 1-800-562-9999 or [email protected] the New Leasing Requirement — A prove interstate commerce. These final rule by the Federal Motor Carrier four plans are often confused. This Operations: Maximizing Equipment Safety Administration fundamentally short session covers the fundamen- Utilization. Shooting for 100 percent Low Mileage changes the way other bus and mo- tals of each program and their com- utilization has become the goal, but is torcoach operators engage each pliance requirements. (Regulatory) it really the best approach? What is 2006 International other to supplement their service. the true optimal utilization rate for Chassis 2008 El This course will highlight the chang- 3:15–4:15 p.m. your company and how do you es, new responsibilities and possible achieve it? In this session, you’ll hear Dorado Aero Elite solutions. (Management) Operations: The Next Generation how different operators approach 2 Year Jasper Engine Warranty! • 28 non-reclining Fabric Seats — How Are the Millennials Looking equipment utilization to ensure that Simulated Wood-look Flooring! • Parcel Racks with Reading Lamps 2–3 p.m. at This Industry? What do young they are maximizing profitability. (no rear luggage) • International Diesel Engine VT 365 with Auto professionals in the motorcoach in- 2 Monitors with DVD Player and PA • Only has 80,000 miles on it Operations: Electronic Logging De- dustry see as the industry’s future Finance: Putting the Best Financ- Very clean and still in service! Contact Jimmy Hall at vices (ELDs) — What Now? FMCSA challenges and growth opportunities? ing Strategy in Place for My Next 757-494-1480 or [email protected] plans to issue a final ELD rule by the What do they plan to do differently Coach Purchase. Should you lease fall. This is Part 2 of a standing room- than previous generations? This ses- or secure an equipment loan? Should only session held in New Orleans. sion will discuss the next generation’s you use your bank or an equipment Excellent Condition–none nicer! Learn the technical and performance issues, challenges and accomplish- lease/loan specialist? How do credit Cummins • B500 • 58 pax w/lav requirements FMCSA has mandated ments in their transition into their ratings impact finance models? An- 200k TCM • Michelin Tires for these devices, as well as smart family’s business. swering these questions will help you business applications for ELDs. structure payment terms that will Alcoa Rims • Cordless Mics NEW Finance: Spader Business Man- preserve the cash when you need it CD/DVD • Lots more options LOWER PRICE! Finance: Spader Business Man- agement — Part 2: Managing the most. This session will discuss Partial Financing O.A.C. agement — Part 1: Financial Growth and Plateaus. Learn how to the steps required to determine and $264,900 Trends. Reviewing the financial identify what plateau your company is secure the best financing for equip- Trade for MCI D or DL3 Considered • More available trends that we see in 20 Group we in and how to manage your growth ment purchases. Call / Email today for photos and more info! have observed this year that we are profitably through good plateau [email protected] / 808.832.6261 trending upward from a net income management. Marketing: Leveraging Current perspective. Learn what is contribut- Customer Base. Every single person ing to that upward trend and discuss Marketing: Reaching New Custom- on the bus represents a potential fu- REPOS FOR SALE the continued control over all ers; Tapping into Emerging Markets. ture customer. Everyone on board has •“Bank Repos” across the US • Priced to Sell expenses. What are other companies doing, right connections to other profitable leads. • Variety of Makes & Models now, to expand their customer base? What are companies doing to maxi- Marketing: Integrating Online Mar- It’s time to seriously think about at- mize their “install base.” All of this 1-877-737-2221 x30716 keting — Email, Website, Social tracting new customers while you culminates into one important ques- Media, etc. — With More Tradition- have cash available to spend on mar- tion: how do we make salesmen out www.Bus-Buys.com — View “Repo Inventory” al Offline Marketing — Print Ad- keting. You’ll also learn how to capital- of our drivers? IN AN INDUSTRY THAT VALUES QUALITY, IT’S NICE TO BE NUMBER ONE.

The coaches we build are designed to win accolades from passengers. But we were especially proud to learn that Prevost recently ranked first in seated coach sales. It’s proof that our industry is increasingly committed to passenger comfort, convenience and safety. And it affirms our dedication to building coaches that deliver the superior quality that tour operators need in today’s competitive marketplace. www.prevostcar.com You’re invited!

including jerseys, and  other great MCI All-Star prizes! a Open House Win & Reliability Rally Montreal Canadiens Join MCI as we celebrate our all-stars: the Hockey Package! D-Series, overall top-seller for the year, and the MCI J4500, top sales leader for 11 consecutive years. Learn how Setra’s “The Sign of Excellence” slogan reflects the Daimler coach brand’s focus on perfection and aesthetics — exemplified by the Setra S 417 TopClass. Bring your teams to meet ours. Enjoy food, friends and fun.  Tour and learn about MCI’s Service Center  Overview of MCI’s and Setra’s latest product updates Oct. 22, Thursday  Take a test drive of our new and pre-owned coaches  Aftermarket support and service—meet with your team! Montreal, QC  Virtual Technical Diagnostics can maximize uptime MCI ServICe Center  Learn how to improve fuel economy 3500 rue Saint-Patrick  Nominate your driving team for driver of the month 800-663-3328 10:00 am to 3:30 pm  Tips on servicing Bendix and ZF systems for the MCI J4500  Q&A on regeneration and preventing road failures RSVP: mcicoach.com/open-house  Wheelchair lift service and preventative maintenance

SPECIAL OFFERS Special A discounted Receive down-payment 10% OFF all parts $75 per hour** $5,000 OFF the discounts* on MCI purchased in-person labor rate on all price of a pre-owned demos and in-stock on day of event service scheduled coach purchased on 2015 inventory during open house the day of the event

*Speak to your MCI sales representative for details **Canadian dollars. Certain restrictions apply Platinum SPonSorS GolD SPonSorS

RR 2015 ad_BMN_Montreal.indd 1 9/10/15 3:53 PM