Bus & Motorcoach News

BUS & MOTORCOACH NEWSDecember— April 1, 1, 2005 2005 — 1 INDUSTRY NEWS

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Slow pay for hurricane evacuations is hurting operators Motorcoach operators from ing severe financial problems for but so far we’ve only gotten about business. That brought in cash to In addition to the slow pay, across the United States were quick operators. two-thirds of our money and we’re help him keep up with expenses. operators complain the pay rates to respond when the call went out Carriers that took part in the still waiting for the rest,” said Daryl Autobuses Garcia in Houston for the government work were for buses needed to move thou- massive evacuations prompted by Johnson, owner of JJ Charters in said it has been paid only about changed numerous times during sands of people away from danger Hurricane Katrina that hit Louisi- Crosby, Texas. “Our fuel bill ran up $7,000 of a $39,000 bill for its hur- the movements, causing confusion caused by two devastating Gulf ana and Mississippi in August and to $30,000 before we got any ricane work, and the slow payment and creating billing problems. Coast hurricanes this past summer. Hurricane Rita that struck Texas in money at all.” is creating problems for the compa- They said that early on the gov- Now, many of them are won- September say they still are owed Fortunately, he said, he had ny. “The drivers want their money ernment was paying $2 a mile for dering what is taking so long to thousands of dollars. held back five of his 12 buses from and we have fuel bills to pay,” said empty runs and $4 a mile with pas- get paid for their lifesaving work. “We thought we would get paid the hurricane work, allowing him spokeswoman Irma Gomez. “It has sengers on board, plus reim- In some cases, the delays are caus- right after the jobs were finished, to continue doing regular charter been a real struggle for us.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 þ Manufacturer Neoplan to close early in 2006; competition takes toll DENVER — Neoplan USA, disruption,” Neoplan CEO John which for nearly 25 years has pro- Russell said in a memo to employ- duced the most diverse line-up of ees. The workforce will receive buses in North America at its plant two weeks severance pay. in rural Colorado, is shutting down Generally, the shutdown is early next year. being blamed on Neoplan’s poor The long-expected collapse of market position, weak financial sit- Neoplan was announced late last uation and slow transit bus sales: month, confirming the worst fears “Despite everyone’s best efforts, of the company’s 300+ employees. we could not continue to operate The 186,800-square-foot Lamar against larger, stronger competi- plant will close Friday, Jan. 13. tors,” Russell said in his memo. Neoplan USA’s plant in Colorado (circa 2000) is being closed on Friday, the 13th. “By the middle of December, Among transit bus manufac- (commuter coaches). market with the introduction of a Germany. Later, after an owner- most production work in the plant turers, Neoplan was weakest kid on Neoplan has not been a signif- U.S. version of the celebrated ship change, it became a licensee will have ended, and we will be the block. It was being outpaced by icant factor in the motorcoach sec- Starliner luxury coach developed of Neoplan Germany. focused on activities essentially to New Flyer, Gillig, Orion, North tor of the bus industry for years. It by Neoplan Germany. Neoplan USA unveiled the ‘mothball’ the plant in a way that it American Bus Industries, Blue made a modest effort in 2000 to When it was founded, Neoplan glamorous Starliner at could be re-started with minimal Bird, and Motor Coach Industries re-establish itself in the charter bus USA was a subsidiary of Neoplan CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 þ Duane Spader: The force behind successful 20 Groups SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — They Group” business development team — him and other camper dealers pull out right, it failed because our accounting laughed at Duane Spader when he tried like the association had been operating of a prolonged gasoline shortage- wasn’t standardized,” he explains. to put together his first 20 Group. successfully for its car dealer members. induced slump. Spader didn’t quit, though. In 1976, But, as is so often the case, he got Spader was hoping a 20 Group, in “They laughed at us and said it he was back at it, but this time he had a the last laugh. which he and 19 other noncompeting would be impossible to start a group new game plan that bypassed the need It was 1974, and Spader was a recre- RV dealers would get together three or because our industry did not have stan- for everyone to have the same financial ational vehicle dealer in Sioux Falls. He four times a year to review each other’s dardized accounting,” recalls Spader. reporting system. had gone to the National Automobile financials, develop benchmarks for per- Unfazed by the response, Spader He called it his “one-dollar” con- Dealers Association and asked for its formance, and discuss how they might went elsewhere and found a company cept and he made it work by putting less Duane Spader help in creating an RV dealers “20 improve their businesses, could help willing to give it a try. “But, they were CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ Announcing ABC’s Catch & Release Program Net great savings during this unprecedented release on well-maintained MC-12s!

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FMCSA warns operators about process agent filing WASHINGTON — The Fed- penalties of up to $500 per day. companies providing the service. its members. Both associations are The letter gives operators 30 eral Motor Carrier Safety Admin- A process agent is a repre- Go to http://li-public.fmcsa. listed on the FMCSA Web site as days to designate a process agent istration has sent letters to motor- sentative who may be served court dot.gov, or to www.fmcsa.dot.gov, being blanket process agents. and file the appropriate paperwork coach operators across the U.S. papers in any regulatory or court click on Registration & Licensing UMA investigated the origin with the FMCSA. The agency has warning them they could lose their proceeding brought against a or Process Agent or Insurance Fil- of the letter and discovered that a a special document, Form BOC-3, operating authority because they motor carrier. Every carrier regis- ing, click on Continue and look for foul-up by federal agencies appar- that’s used for designating a proc- don’t have the name of a process tered with the FMCSA and the the small window that says Choose ently created its need. It appears ess agent. The form also can be agent on file with the agency. U.S. Department of Transportation Menu Option. Chose Blanket that the pre-1996 records of proc- found on the FMCSA Web site, The letters, sent last month by is supposed to list the name and Companies and click Go. ess agent filings, which were www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Click on Forms the commercial enforcement divi- address of an agent for every state The United Motorcoach Asso- maintained by the now defunct In- and scroll down to the BOC-3 sion of the FMCSA, also tells op- in which it operates. ciation provides blanket process terstate Commerce Commission, form and print it. The completed erators that if they fail to designate There are commercial firms agent services for its members that failed to be transferred to the old form must be sent to the FMCSA a process agent and provide the that will arrange process agents in request it — as a free member FHWA Office of Motor Carriers in Washington. agency with the name of that agent all states for a fee. The FMCSA benefit. The American Bus Asso- and subsequently do not show up Questions can be directed to (or agents) they are subject to civil Web site lists more than 30 such ciation provides similar service for in the current FMCSA database. (202) 385-2423. Operators now subject Voters retain Voters in three states to Ohio business taxes gasoline tax approve road bonds Voters in three states went to Ohio authorized $2 billion in debt COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s roll for work in Ohio. So, an oper- hike in Wash. the polls last month and approved for road construction and invest- new commercial activities tax has ator that has a single motorcoach OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fuel more than $5 billion in bonds for ments to foster business develop- gone into effect for motorcoach it keeps in Ohio could be subject taxes in Washington state are transportation projects. ment. About $1.35 billion of the companies doing business in the to the tax. going up for all motorists — not And in New Jersey, voters ap- Ohio bond proceeds are to be used Buckeye state and operators that Because the new levy taxes just bus operators and truckers. proved a measure to change the for highways and other infrastruc- have not registered for the tax are gross receipts, even companies That’s because voters rejected state constitution, allowing some ture projects such as water and subject to being fined. that did not make a profit are a ballot measure that would have revenue from taxes levied on busi- sewer systems. Nov. 15 was the deadline to required to pay it. In the past, if a blocked a gasoline tax increase nesses to be used to put soot-re- And in Maine, voters approved register for the levy that taxes company lost money, it may not intended to help finance $8.5 bil- ducing filters on publicly owned or an $83 million borrowing package gross receipts in Ohio. If a com- have had to pay taxes. Now it will. lion in transportation projects. operated diesel buses and trucks. to bankroll investments in that pany fails to register, it could be The new tax replaces the state cor- The measure, Initiative 912, New York voters passed a $2.9 state’s infrastructure, including fined $100 a month, or a maxi- porate franchise tax. would have rolled back the 9.5 billion bond measure to fund high- highways and bridges. mum of $1,000. (See Oct. 1 Bus & Operators subject to the tax cents-per-gallon hike in Washing- way and bridge projects in upstate The largest of the five bond Motorcoach News.) must register with the Ohio De- ton’s gasoline tax approved by New York, and subway and rail issues on the ballot, Question 2, The commercial activities tax partment of Taxation. Registration lawmakers and signed by the gov- improvements in New York City. calls for $33.1 million for im- is essentially a yearly levy for the includes a one-time refundable fee ernor earlier this year. Half of the bond proceeds going to provements to roads and bridges, privilege of doing business in of $15 for registering on-line, or a The first three cents of the tax New York City will buy new buses airports, public transit systems, Ohio. It is based on gross income, $20 fee for paper registration. increase went into effect July 1, and subway cars, and pay for a state ferries and ports. with the amount of taxable gross On-line registration is avail- boosting the state tax to 31 cents new subway line and a Long Projects to be financed with receipts determining whether or able via the Internet at the Ohio a gallon for both gasoline and Island Rail Road extension to the bonds include the Waldo- how the tax applies. Business Gateway at www.obg. diesel fuel. Grand Central Terminal. The other Hancock Bridge replacement; re- Ohio-based bus operators that ohio.gov; paper applications are However, the ballot measure half of the money will be spent on construction of more than 100 road and bridge projects across the miles of highways, and replace- have annual taxable gross receipts available on the Ohio Department would have left in place a tax state. (See Oct. 15 Bus & Motor- ment or rehabilitation of 84 of at least $150,000 are subject to of Taxation Web site at increase for diesel fuel that is coach News.) bridges. (See Aug. 1, 2003 issue the tax. Out-of-state operators www.tax.ohio.gov. being primarily paid by truckers At the same time, voters in of Bus & Motorcoach News.) having more than $500,000 in tax- The first returns must be filed and bus operators. able gross receipts in Ohio or by Feb. 10. The fuel-tax increase, which driving more than 25 percent of Businesses with annual gross is being phased in over four years, Arkansas to vote on road plan their miles in Ohio are also sub- receipts of $150,000 or less are will finance more than 200 trans- LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ar- to $1 billion in debt. ject to the tax. not subject to the tax; those in- portation projects statewide. The kansas voters will decide this Six years ago, the association Operators doing a significant state businesses with receipts state had to put a planned sale of month whether to renew a 1999 supported the bond program — amount of business in Ohio, in- from $150,001-$1,000,000 pay a at least $60 million worth of the bond program for highway im- and a 4-cent tax increase on diesel cluding those in such adjoining minimum $150 tax; receipts debt on hold pending the outcome provements. fuel — that has transformed one states as Michigan, Indiana, Penn- exceeding $1 million — when the of the vote on the measure. The measure, which will be de- of the nation’s worst interstate sys- sylvania, NewYork, Kentucky and tax is fully phased in — will be The fairness of the measure cided in a Dec. 13 election, is be- tems into one of the best. West Virginia should verify their taxed at a rate of 0.26 percent caused many truckers and bus ing opposed by Arkansas truckers. Now, trucking executives mileage in Ohio does not exceed ($150 plus 0.26 percent) operators to oppose because it The Arkansas Trucking Asso- strongly object not only to using 25 percent of their fleet total. The tax rate for the first tax would have eliminated only the ciation executive committee voted expensive debt to finance road Out-of-state operators also period — from July 1 to Dec. 31, tax increase on gasoline, not to oppose the highway initiative. improvements but also to the bal- become subject to the tax if they 2005 — is 0.06 percent. diesel fuel. (See Sept 15 and The truckers had been expected to lot question that would transfer have more than $50,000 in real or For more information, go to Aug. 1 issues of Bus & Motor- support the program but, instead, authority to approve bonds from personal property in Ohio, or the Department of Taxation Web coach News.) said they would fight the plan voters to the appointed state spend more than $50,000 in pay- site or call (888) 722-8829. because it could obligate the state Highway Commission. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET December 1, 2005 5 Florida ports’ ID program is moving closer to reality PENSACOLA, Fla. — The The TSA is assisting with the cards by an estimated 200,000 biometric cards will store the fin- cepted at all 12 ports. However, state of Florida will begin phasing implementation and will gather workers at facilities in four states, gerprints of the cardholder, which having a card will not automatical- in its own version of the federal statistics to help assure the creden- including Florida. Results of the will be read by stationary readers ly allow the cardholder to enter Transportation Worker Identifica- tial program is well planned, the tests are being evaluated and it is at the gated entrances to the sea- any of the ports. tion Credential program before the rules make sense, and the process not known when the final phase of ports and handheld readers that “The credential just proves you end of this year, but motorcoach works properly, he added. rolling out the program nationally can be used elsewhere. have been vetted and you have operators probably won’t have to The federal program was start- will begin. “It will be sometime in Unlike the current situation gone through the background worry about it for several months. ed more than three years ago and the future,” said Nico Melendez of where a different identification check. It is then up to the individ- The state Highway Safety and last June completed its third phase the Los Angeles TSA office. card is needed for each seaport, ual port to authorize access,” said Motor Vehicle Department plans – the testing of some biometric Under the Florida program, the the new biometric card will be ac- Kneeland. to implement the program by the middle of December at the Pensa- cola seaport, one of 12 deep-water ports in the state where workers and others will have to use spe- cially issued biometric ID cards to WeWe ProvideProvide TheThe gain access. “Once we’re comfortable with Pensacola, then we’ll move to the ReliabilityReliability AndAnd Durability,Durability, next one, and once we are comfortable with that one then we’ll move to the next until we’ve done all 12,” said James Kneeland, YouYou ProvideProvide TheThe View.View. director of the department’s project management office. “This is not a big-bang conversion.” He said the motorcoach industry is not likely to be impacted until the implementation process reaches the first seaport that caters to cruise ships — Canaveral, which is No. 7 on the list. It is not expected to become involved for several months. Other seaports with cruise ship operations include Miami, Everglades and Manotee Detroit Diesel’s Series 60 engine, and they are further down the list. proven for 15 years with more than “It strikes me that they will 800,000 on the road, delivers have special lanes and techniques for the motorcoach industry to outstanding performance whether make it as quick and easy as pos- climbing mountains, cruising over sible for them,” Kneeland noted. the plains or operating in extreme “We absolutely recognize that the temperature conditions. only way the ports stay in business is through commerce, so we have ® to make sure there’s minimal disruption to commerce. We are try- ing to make sure the ports are as secure and safe as possible while • Will Meet 2007 EPA Standards minimally interrupting the nature of their business.” • Improved Performance Florida is moving to better And Electronics secure the seaports in response to state legislation adopted two years • Heavy Duty Durability ago mandating that all deep-water ports in the state have biometric • Dedicated Service Network access protection. It was supposed to have been in place last year but implementation was delayed so state officials could work closely with the Transportation Security Administration, which is putting together a national TWIC program l for seaport, airport, rail, pipeline, Fue trucking and mass transit facilities. e r ill Th ade Kneeland said Florida has St y Le reached an agreement with TSA nom that will make the state program a Eco prototype for the federal program. “This will help save the state money because we will not haveto do a second implementation when the federal government comes www.detroitdiesel.com around to do theirs,” he said. “Instead, we will already be done.” 6 December 1, 2005 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Impact of planned Indiana toll hike stretches to Ohio GRANGER, Ind. – Plans by The toll road is designated rent $14.55, or an increase of such as U.S. 20, U.S. 24 and state tion in Fulton County. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to Interstate 90. All of the highway about 113 percent. Route 2 became favorites of truck- Now the fear is the success hike tolls on the Indiana Toll Road east of the junction of I-90, By comparison, the toll for a ers, causing years of consternation may be short-lived because of have touched off plenty of criti- Interstate 80 and Interstate 94 also three-axle motorcoach would go by residents along those roads. Daniels’ proposal to raise tolls on cism, some of it coming from is designated I-80. to $11, from the current $8.85, or A year ago, however, Ohio the Indiana Toll Road in the neighboring Ohio. Daniels wants to boost tolls an increase of 24 percent. began an 18-month test of rolling spring. The Indiana increase is The Indiana Toll Road is a divid- along the entire 157-mile route, Trucking company executives back tolls to lure truckers back nearly as much as Ohio’s rollback. ed highway running across northern with autos and truckers bearing opposing the increase say it will onto the turnpike. Twelve months Truckers in northern Indiana Indiana. Its route is no more than 10 the brunt of the increase. An auto- force many truckers to seek alter- into the test, the Ohio Department with routes to eastbound destina- miles from either Lake Michigan or mobile traveling from one end to native east-west corridors. of Transportation reports a “pretty tions are saying they intend to the Michigan state line. It feeds the other would pay $8 under That’s exactly what happened steady rise” in truck traffic on the avoid toll roads as much as possi- directly into toll roads at the Illinois Daniels’ proposal, compared to the in Ohio during the past decade turnpike and a drop in the number ble in both states. In other words, and Ohio state lines, the Chicago current $4.65. That’s an increase when that state jacked up tolls for of trucks on secondary roads. Indiana’s toll rate hike could ham- Skyway on the west and the Ohio of 72 percent. A five-axle truck trucks on the Ohio Turnpike. On Route 2, ODOT measured per Ohio’s efforts to keep big rigs Turnpike in the east. would pay $31, up from the cur- Secondary east-west highways 60 percent less traffic on a stretch on the turnpike. near Port Clinton and 43 percent in Said one trucker: “It would be eastern Lucas County. On U.S. 20 in the best interest of Ohio to get a Coalition calls for more toll roads in parts of Williams County, traf- hold of Indiana and convince them WASHINGTON — A diverse director. “The time has come for new road or upgrading an existing fic decreased nearly 29 percent, not to do so. They need to work coalition of groups has called on all levels of government to road in their jurisdiction; while falling 23 percent on a sec- together.” state and local governments to acknowledge they don’t have the • Include tolling as an option consider tolling each time a new resources they need to build, main- when they consider road projects Maryland, Virginia study tolls road or road reconstruction project tain and upgrade America’s roads.” that may be several years off to WASHINGTON — Maryland Wilson Bridge, which crosses the is considered anywhere in the U.S. Other members of the coalition determine whether tolling would and Virginia plan to study adding Potomac River, the Washington Citing deteriorating roads and include the American Public allow them to accelerate those express toll lanes to Interstate 95 Post reported. a lack of funding to pay for need- Transportation Association, Envi- projects; and and 495 around Washington, also Officials said that combined ed improvements as two of the ronmental Defense, Hudson Insti- • When tolling is determined known as the Capital Beltway. with a plan already under study to biggest challenges facing state and tute, Intelligent Transportation not to be appropriate, provide a Maryland will study adding add toll lanes between the two local government officials, the Society of America, and the Rea- publicly explanation as to why. toll lanes to 14 miles of the Belt- new areas, the three stretches International Bridge, Tunnel and son Foundation. Jones also presented Maryland way’s western side, leading to could bring express lanes to about Turnpike Association and allied The coalition members had Gov. Robert Ehrlich and Virginia Interstate 270, while Virginia will half of the 64-mile Beltway. groups called for the move. three specific recommendations to Gov. Mark Warner with an award study adding 14 miles on the The proposed timeframe would “Roads have become a lower state highway officials: for their efforts to advance a study southern side, from the I-95 con- be a minimum of five years fol- priority than they should be,” said • Include tolling as an option to consider adding toll lanes to the nection at the southern part of the lowing completion of the studies, Patrick Jones, IBTTA’s executive whenever they consider building a Capital Beltway, near Washington. Beltway east to the Woodrow which will take about 18 months. Operators ning,” he said. cific documents backing up each ally, he said his company has been sent before they are sent to Iraq and FEMA gave the main contract charge for each bus used in the advancing money to some compa- when they return to the U.S. He CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for the evacuation work to evacuation. “We were told that nies that are having serious finan- said credit cards issued by the gov- bursements for fuel and lodging. Landstar Systems, a Jacksonville, everything had to match up pre- cial problems because they have ernment went bad several weeks Later, the loaded runs were dropped Fla., trucking logistics company cisely with the invoices or Carey not yet been paid for their hurri- ago and he has not received any to $3.50 a mile and finally $2.50. that has had a long-term relation- would kick them back,” he cane work. pay since. Also, the pay for sitting buses was ship with the federal government explained. “This is painful for us on two “They owe us in excess of reduced to $700 from $1,050. for emergency transportation O’Connor said many small levels — one because it is hurting $100,000 now and we have two needs. Landstar, in turn, contracted operators had difficulty following these little guys and two because “It got real confusing,” said buses out there right now moving with Carey Limousine, another the procedures, which resulted in we have the contracts with them Johnson. troops,” he said. “It’s not a problem The transportation manage- national transportation company, large numbers of invoices being and the payments are not coming which then hired two companies returned for additional documenta- through fast enough and it could right now, but it could be very soon ment companies that recruited the because we have bills to pay.” motorcoach operators for the hurri- involved in the motorcoach indus- tion. “We wore out two fax hurt us in the long run with the try, Bus Bank and Transportation machines sending things back and perception some of them might Curtis said he plans to take his cane work acknowledge that things concerns higher than the office have not been going very well and Management Service of Vienna, forth,” he said. have of us,” he noted. personnel at Camp Shelby. “I need they blame the Federal Emergency Va. Bus Bank and TMS did most Under the payment schedule set Some companies that were of the work in rounding up buses. up by FEMA, the carriers were to involved in the hurricane evacua- to talk to someone a little higher Management Agency for failing to Kevin O’Connor, chief operat- get 50 percent of their payment tions through private companies — than a sergeant to find out what’s properly set up the payment system ing officer of TMS, said a major within 10 days of receiving the rather than the government — had going on,” at the outset. part of the payment problems can invoice and the remainder after much better luck. However, one of Maulsby said although the situ- “Very frankly, FEMA was just be traced to the rush of signing up another 20 days. The counting peri- them fears that the slow payment ation with the hurricane project has not prepared for this, that’s really motorcoach companies and getting od, however, did not actually begin of the government might have been frustrating, it could teach the what happened,” said William buses to where they needed to be until the first “acceptable” invoice spread beyond FEMA. Maulsby, chief executive of Bus government a lesson for the future. to evacuate people. The initial con- was received, which in some cases Tom Curtis, president of The “The next time it does not need to Bank in Chicago. “It’s the govern- tracts with the companies did not delayed payments for weeks. Express Bus Co. in Hattiesburg, ment and that’s just how it is.” be a trucking logistics company or contain payment terms or billing “I have had seven or eight peo- Miss., said his company moved a limo company leading the way, He said the federal agency procedures because no one knew at ple working these bills fulltime 700 people from seven extended- but it needs to be someone in the made the project even more com- the time what they were going to ever since it all started,” O’Connor care facilities and 82 from two charter bus industry who deals with plicated by failing to bring in be. “We got buses out there in a emphasized. hospitals in New Orleans and was someone from the charter bus hurry and it was a couple of weeks To help cut through the red paid promptly by the businesses. motorcoach operators day in and industry to manage the massive before we knew what they were tape, O’Connor said he eventually “But now I am worried about day out,” he said. “We all know how job. Instead, he said the work was going to be,” he said. made arrangements with Carey to the military,” he said, adding that to do business with each other.” turned over to companies that were When the billing procedures contact his billing staff each time he has had a long-time relationship And, Johnson said, despite the involved in the trucking and lim- finally were developed, he said there was a question on a single with the U.S. Department of De- payment problems he is having, he ousine business. they were very complicated and invoice so it could be addressed fense to transport military troops in would do it all over again. “I sure “It was a system that just wasn’t required each operator to file immediately, which has speeded and out of Camp Shelby where would,” he said. “I know it was the set up very well from the begin- weekly forms containing very spe- up the payment process. Addition- members of the armed forces are right thing to do.” 3TYLE THATS AS EASY AS

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^Óääx ÌÀ >V `ÕÃÌÀiÃ ÌiÀ>Ì>] V° >` ÌÃ ÃÕLÃ`>ÀiÃ° À} ÌÃ ÀiÃiÀÛi`° 8 December 1, 2005 OPINION Bus & Motorcoach NEWS FMCSA increases focus on driver health, qualifications By Wendy Leavitt right? current treatment,” notes the certification has contributed FMCSA’s job; it is what they are Well, yes and no, according to FMCSA. “For example, advances directly to crashes,” reports the charged with doing. At NADME, “We’ve focused on brakes, the FMCSA, which will be re- in the treatment of people with FMCSA. however, we believe that the med- we’ve focused on tires — all of viewing all current medical stan- strokes have resulted in much bet- “The National Transportation ical examiner certification process those things — but the Crash dards and guidance for physicians ter outcomes, possibly reducing Safety Board, for example, has can be better handled in the private Causation Study shows us that we and developing new standards the period of time drivers would be documented cases where drivers sector. The last thing we want to clearly need to focus on drivers where gaps exist. disqualified from service. with serious disqualifying medical do is diminish the number of and the issues surrounding them,” For starters, there are now 13 FMCSA guidance for qualifying conditions were involved in signif- examiners available to do driver observed Administrator Annette standards directly related to med- drivers with issues related to psy- icant fatal and injury crashes. physicals or increase the cost. M. Sandberg head of the Federal ical requirements for commercial chiatry has not been updated since Reports from FMCSA field staff “An incentive-based program Motor Carrier Safety Administra- motor vehicle drivers, four are 1988. Medications that have been indicate numerous problems on that gives doctors a reason to par- specific and nine are general, available since that time may help our roads, where drivers who have tion (FMCSA) at a recent public ticipate can provide a much more according to the FMCSA. The drivers adjust to their mental disqualifying medical conditions meeting of certified medical ex- efficient and effective approach,” aminers. specific standards deal with phys- health conditions and be able to are operating commercial motor he adds. “To be truly successful, Sandberg was not talking about ical requirements relating to drive safely.” vehicles. These issues indicate that everyone has to benefit – the gen- driver training or experience or vision, hearing, use of insulin, and The proposed Medical Review there is a need to improve the med- eral public, carriers and drivers, even technical expertise, she was seizure disorder (epilepsy). These Board would be the entity charged ical certification process, and the talking about health and wellness. are absolute and not open to inter- with sorting out issues such as proposed National Registry of and physicians.” Today, FMCSA has three ma- pretation by a medical examiner. these and recommending changes Certified Medical Examiners is jor driver health initiatives under- The remaining nine, however, to the current standards and prac- one strategy for addressing this Merging the CDL, way, including the creation of a are general in scope, so medical tices. Details concerning the for- problem.” Medical Certificate five-member Medical Review examiners must decide whether or mation of the board, including According to the agency, if The third FMCSA driver Board to provide advice on how to not such medical conditions will recruitment of interested physi- established, the proposed registry health action item is to combine update the current physical quali- negatively affect the driver’s abili- cians and a tentative schedule of will be a directory of certified the CDL and the driver’s medical fications for drivers, the develop- ty to safely operate a commercial work, were to be published in the medical examiners who “fully certificate into a single record. A ment of a National Registry of motor vehicle. Federal Register last month (see understand the medical standards Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is Medical Examiners who are certi- “The medical advisory criteria Nov. 1 Bus & Motorcoach News). in the FMCSA regulations and scheduled to be published in fied to provide the required DOT under CFR 49 Part 391.41 (avail- how they relate to the mental and March 2006, where the details will physicals, and the merger of the able at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules- National Registry physical demands of operating a be presented and public comment CDL and Medical Certificate into regulations/ administration/fmcsr/ of Medical Examiners commercial motor vehicle. The solicited, according to the a single document. 391.41.htm) provide the medical While there seems to be gen- medical examiners listed in the FMCSA. Each of these projects is examiner with recommendations eral agreement on the need for up- directory will successfully com- It is, of course, in everyone’s intended to improve highway safe- and FMCSA interpretations of the dating driver medical qualifica- plete required training and a certi- best interest to make sure that only ty by making it easier to identify medical standards,” explains the tions to reflect the current best fication examination, and will be healthy drivers who are fit for the and weed out drivers who have FMCSA. “Much of this guidance practices and medical advances, listed on the proposed National difficult job they do are out on the is outdated. Complex issues, such there are some outstanding ques- Registry of Certified Medical health problems that make them nation’s highways. Over the unsafe, while permitting qualified as an aging commercial motor tions concerning the proposed Na- Examiners.” months ahead, the commercial drivers with now-controllable vehicle workforce population and tional Registry of Certified Medi- vehicle industry will have many medical conditions to continue lack of medical examiner training cal Examiners, including its poten- Another approach opportunities to explore ways to working. and certification, complicate the tial impact on costs and on the to certification CMV driver medical certification number of physicians available to Now the question on the table help achieve that goal. You can Updating driver process.” perform the estimated 6.4 million is: Is this strategy the best option learn more about FMCSA’s driver qualifications Specifically, the agency points physicals now conducted on a available? “The problem is find- health and wellness initiatives at It may seem strange to hear to areas such as neurology and biannual basis. These issues, along ing a way to fix this problem with- the agency’s Web sites, including: that the criteria for a person fit psychiatry where new treatments with other matters, will be out creating new ones,” observes www.nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov. enough to perform the task of and new medications have im- addressed later in the rulemaking Robert Hirsch, founder and presi- TCA Safety Commission News- driving could have altered over the proved outcomes. process. dent of the nonprofit National letter. Reprinted with the permis- past couple of decades. “Neurology research differs The stated need for the reg- Academy of DOT Medical Exam- sion of Primedia Business Maga- People are still the same, after from the regulation in that the istry, however, is clear: “There is iners (www.nadme.org). zines & Media Inc. Copyright all, and healthy is still healthy, agency standards do not reflect evidence that improper medical “Establishing the criteria is the 2005. All rights reserved.

How to contact us: ISSUE NO. 67 Dale Krapf To submit or report news, Letters to the Krapf Coaches To contact the West Chester, Pa. Editor, articles: United Motorcoach Association: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION E-mail: [email protected] Godfrey LeBron Call: (800) 424-8262 Paradise Trailways Fax: (866) 930-8426 Online: www.uma.org Staff Advisory Board West Hempstead, N.Y. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To send advertisements or Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Joan Libby Glendale, AZ 85301 Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Cavalier Coach photographs via the Internet: Victor Parra Call: (623) 930-8423 Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Boston, Mass. E-mail: [email protected] Larry Benjamin Steve Haddad Jeff Polzien Upload: www.jezac.com/uploads Sales Director Senior Editor To advertise or to mail advertising- Johnny Steger Northfield Lines Carl R. Bieber Tourways Red Carpet Tours Bruce Sankey Northfield, Minn. Kutstown, Pa. Oklahoma City related materials: To subscribe or inquire about your Call: Johnny Steger subscription: Government Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Rick Hillard Tom Ready (623) 930-8422 or (602) 980-0840 New World Tours Tri-State Tours Ready Bus Lines Call: (623) 930-8421 Norman Littler Ellen Balm Bristow, Va. Galena, Ill. LaCrescent, Minn. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant Bob Brisman Todd Holland Brian Scott Fax: (866) 930-8426 West Point Trailways Ramblin' Express Escot Bus Lines Glendale, AZ 85301 Tara Sheehan Amy Stalknecht Vails Gate, N.Y. Colorado Springs Largo, Fla. Mail: 4930 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 6 To report errors: Glendale, AZ 85301 Accountant Editorial Assistant David Brown Robert Hume Michelle Silvestro Holiday Tours Travel Mates Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (623) 930-8421 John Giddens Melissa Harden Randlemann, N.C. Harrisonburg, Va. Richfield, Ohio E-mail: [email protected] ©2005 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Art Director Steve Brown Daryl G. Johnson T. Ralph Young written permission is prohibited. Brown Coach J & J Charters Young Transportation Mary E. McCarty Amsterdam, N.Y. Crosby, Texas Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2005 9 Important dot-travel Safety award nominations sought TAMPA, Fla. — Nominations industry for at least five years; adds Daecher, a safety guru. deadline is Dec. 31 are being sought for the 2006 active in industry initiatives and A nomination form can be United Motorcoach Safety Leader organizations; active in non- obtained from the Daecher Con- LONDON — More than Authentication simply means that of the Year Award, the top safety industry activities, and safety- sulting Group by e-mailing 10,000 travel companies and an approved organization has con- honor in the over-the-road bus related accomplishments at his or [email protected] or organizations worldwide reported- firmed that a particular company industry. her company or in the industry. calling (717) 975-9190. ly have signed up for at least one or organization does business in The award, presented annually “The person’s position or title The form basically asks for new .travel domain name. the travel and tourism industry. at the Vision Awards Banquet dur- is not a factor,” explains Carmen two things: Safety achievements Interest in the new Internet The goal of the .travel program ing Motorcoach Expo, is given to Daecher of the Daecher and other notable activities and/or Web-address extension, known as is to boost the Internet visibility of a person who has made a measur- Consulting Group of Camp Hill, achievements of the person being .travel, was said to be widespread the travel industry by having its able impact on safety at his or her Pa., whose organization sponsors nominated. at the World Travel Market here own Web-address extension. So, company or in the motorcoach the award. “His or her achieve- The award will be presented last month. instead of having a Web address industry. ments in the motorcoach safety during the Vision Awards Banquet Launch of the .travel registry that ends in .com or .net, motor- The specific qualifications field and activities in and outside on Friday, Jan 20, at Motorcoach will occur on schedule next month, coach and other travel companies include being involved in the of the industry are what count,” Expo in Tampa. Ron Andruff, president and CEO that want to participate in the pro- of Tralliance Corp., announced at gram will have an internet address the show. Tralliance is a U.S. com- that ends in .travel. Companies can pany that develops and promotes keep their .com extension and e-commerce products and services adopt .travel, as well. for travel and tourism providers. It Members of the United Motor- has been organizing and develop- coach Association, the National ing the idea of a .travel registry Tour Association and the Ameri- and domain for more than two can Bus Association can reserve a years. .travel Web name by registering “All systems are go” for the with one of the associations. The global kickoff, said Andruff. associations have been authorized Right now, the .travel domain to handle the reservation process. is in what is being called a limited The Dec. 31, deadline is launch phase. That continues important because after that date through Dec. 26 to confirm that all any company or organization can systems are operating and func- apply for a .travel name as long as tioning as planned, said Andruff. it can be verified as being in the Then, in January, the official travel industry. launch takes place. Coach operators interested in To adopt a Web name with a signing up for a .travel domain .travel extension, motorcoach name should call or visit the Web companies and others in the travel site of the association they are a industry must register the Web member of and request or look for name they want use by Dec. 31, the .travel information. There is a and they must the “authenticated.” fee for registering a .travel name.

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HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322 10 December 1, 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Neoplan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 REI partners with fleet tracking supplier OMAHA, Neb. — Radio Engi- Fleet Management Solutions, can track vehicles in a variety of nology with its surveillance and Motorcoach Expo 2000 in Orlando neering Industries has announced a which has its headquarters in San ways and create a number of A/V products for the motorcoach, but was only able to generate a few strategic partnership with Fleet Luis Obispo, Calif., manufactures, reports, including stop reports, transit, school bus and agricultural orders. Also for 2000, Neoplan Management Solutions aimed at distributes and supports systems idle-time reports, DOT logs, state- markets. upgraded its Cityliner over-the- boosting sales of the satellite- that help fleet operators track and crossing reports and trip reports, “Used separately or integrated road coach with a curved entry based fleet management, tracking manage their vehicles. plus such information as vehicle with REI’s surveillance products, stairway (a la MCI E-model), and a and vehicle-location systems pro- Fleet Management Solutions speed, direction and location. this partnership provides addition- new A/C system that expanded leg duced by Fleet Management made news in the coach industry (Firmware is computer program- al cost-effective solutions for fleet room. Solutions. early this year when it entered into ming instructions that are stored in managers,” said Dave Ruback, In 2001, Neoplan brought what REI, which is based in Omaha, an agreement with ABC Compa- a read-only memory unit rather president of REI. may have been the most unusual is best known in the motorcoach nies to supply a satellite system than being implemented through “Together, REI and FMS will bus ever displayed at a Motorcoach industry as the No. 1 supplier of that enables ABC to, among other software.) quickly and substantially increase Expo, the Intermodal Expeditor. A audio/video entertainment sys- things, track coaches it leases. In announcing the partnership, the installed base of the FMS ap- combination passenger/freight ve- tems. It also produces camera sur- The systems of hardware, soft- REI said it was incorporating all plications in this rapidly growing hicle, the 12-wheeled Expeditor veillance systems for a wide range ware and firmware that Fleet Fleet Management Solutions’ market,” said Cliff Henley, CEO could seat up to 35 passengers in a of bus customers. Management Solutions produces satellite-based Web tracking tech- of Fleet Management Solutions. double-decker compartment in the front half and haul 20,000 pounds ceasing production and sale of its Lamer, Colo., in 1981, Neoplan with either diesel or natural gas. in the U.S. prior to 1985. of freight in back. Cityliner, Skyliner, Starliner and survived, and at times flourished, Then there was its 60-foot In 1984, 106 Neoplan coaches Also in 2001, Neoplan an- Spaceliner models. The Skyliner as a niche manufacturer, offering articulated transit bus and special- were sold in the U.S. The next year, nounced it was opening a second was the industry’s only double- an extraordinary array of buses ty low-floor models like the 45- however, Setra took over top manufacturing plant. It made ar- decker motorcoach and the and producing them in the low- foot Intraliner. The 100 percent billing, reports National Bus rangements with Brownsville, Tex- Spaceliner was a conversion shell. overhead environment of rural low-floor Intraliner was primarily Trader editor Larry Plachno. as, to occupy the old Eagle plant. Neoplan produced another inter- southeastern Colorado. Lamar was used by airports and could be out- Industry speculation that Neo- The heavily vandalized Eagle facil- city model, the Metroliner AN340, home base until last year when fitted with as many as four doors plan was on the ropes has circulat- ity was refurbished by Brownsville which competed with MCI’s Com- headquarters were moved to on one side. ed for months. The layoff of 100 taxpayers and a gala opening was muter Coach. Several transit sys- Denver. The Neoplan nameplate first workers last year helped fuel the conducted in June 2001. Three tems bought the Metroliner, whose Besides a half-dozen motor- appeared in the U.S. in the 1970s talk. Neoplan was by far the single months later, 9/11 happened. exterior appearance strongly re- coach models, it also produced with the import of German-made biggest private-sector employer in Within months of those events, sembled the MCI D-model. 30-, 35- and 40-foot transit buses Neoplans. According to National Prowers County, Colo., and Lamar, Neoplan revealed it was withdraw- Almost from the time it began in both standard and low-floor con- Bus Trader magazine, Neoplan a community of 8,800 people, 200 ing from the motorcoach sector, producing buses at its plant in figurations. These were available was the top-selling imported coach miles southeast of Denver.

12 December 1, 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Pretty in Pink Invitational 100 in ’06 is set for Wraps add marketing power Virginia valley Two motorcoach companies with breast cancer awareness. from different parts of the U.S. After the promotions were MOUNT JACKSON, Va. — have found that pink buses can be completed, the coach operators The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia powerful marketing tools. found their pink-wrapped buses will be the locale for the 2006 The companies, Tourco Travel continued to create a stir among Invitational 100 meeting, which of Minneapolis and Paradise Trail- customers and potential cus- annually brings motorcoach tour ways of Hempstead, N.Y., were tomers, encouraging both compa- and charter operators from asked to assist in promotions that nies to keep the wraps on longer throughout the U.S. to meet with required one of their coaches get a than they originally had expected. March of Dimes volunteer moms gather at the CBS Early Show in New York City with leading tourism suppliers. The historic Stonewall Jackson pink-dominated bus wrap. “My cost to donate a coach for the Prematurity Awareness Day coach, owned by Paradise Trailways, behind them. A March of Dimes spokesman said the bus helped make the day a “huge success.” Hotel and Conference Center in Paradise Trailways was asked a day and keep it wrapped through Tourco Travel of Minneapolis’ J-model MCI, below, was wrapped with a Pink Frango Staunton, Va., will serve as head- by the March of Dimes in New out the holiday season gets us a lot flower graphic. quarters for the ‘06 invitational, York to donate the use of a coach of goodwill at very little cost,” said July 20-23. Staunton is where In- during the third-annual Prematur- Godfrey LeBron, vice president of terstates 64 and 81 intersect, in the ity Awareness Day, which focuses Paradise Trailways. heart of the Shenandoah Valley. public attention on the growing And David Ebertowski, found- The Invitational 100 is hosted problem of premature birth. er and president of Tourco, said jointly by the National Motor- Tourco was asked by the Mar- that “when people saw our coach coach Network and the Trailways shall Field department store chain they asked about the promotion, Transportation System. to help support the launch of a lim- and we’re getting calls specifically “We’re excited to bring this ited edition of Pink Frango Mints. asking for that ‘pink bus.’ meeting to this part of Virginia for A portion of the sale of the mints is “It’s been enlightening to learn the first time,” said National Mo- going to the Breast Cancer Re- first-hand the successful impact of torcoach Network President Steve search Foundation. a wrapped coach as a traveling Kirchner. The March of Dimes uses pink billboard.” out the U.S. and Canada, has a operated Paradise Trailways since Additional information about and blue colors to help promote Ebertowski founded Tourco 14 fleet of 15 coaches. 1987. The charter company has a the event is available by calling Prematurity Awareness Day, and years ago. The company, which of- Godfrey LeBron and his wife, fleet of eight coaches. National Motorcoach Network at pink has become widely identified fers more than 150 tours through- Lauren, company president, have (888) 733-5287 or Trailways at (703) 691-3052.

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 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2005 13 Nat’l Interstate MCI opens Nashville sales, service center NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Motor owned buses available for imme- many reasons,” said Pete Cotter, ing areas.” reports big jump Coach Industries has expanded its diate delivery. MCI senior vice president of Mark Paterson, general manag- reach in the Mid South by opening The 18,720-square-foot facili- coach sales. “We’ll be able to bet- er of the MCI service center in Des in quarterly net a sales-and-service center in ty has six drive-through service ter serve coach operators traveling Plaines, Ill., will also be responsi- Lebanon, Tenn., 22 miles east of bays, a bus wash, customer lounge to and through this popular tour ble for the new center. Mike RICHFIELD, Ohio — Strong Nashville. and parts warehouse with sales destination. Additionally the new Hannum has joined the facility as results by all aspects of its busi- The new facility, which opened counter. The center will provide site demonstrates MCI’s renewed customer service manager. ness produced sharply higher net Nov. 28, is the company’s seventh warranty, routine maintenance, commitment to the conversion and A grand opening event is income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, at National Interstate Corp. sales and eighth service center. repair and major collision services entertainer market. We’ll also be being planned for early February. Net earnings for the insurer’s Built on a 7.7-acre site, the by MCI-trained technicians. able to better serve the entertainer The center is at 215 Maddox latest reporting period were $8.2 center will sell conversion shells “The Nashville area is an ideal conversion leasing companies and Simpson Pkwy. in Lebanon. million, or 43 cents per diluted and seated coaches, plus pre- sales and service location for related businesses in the surround- Phone: (800) 927-50414. share, compared to $4.7 million, or 31 cents per share diluted, for the third quarter of 2004. A year ago, National Interstate had fewer shares outstanding, ac- January 18-22 • Tampa, Florida counting for the noticeably higher per-share earnings figure. The company made its initial public stock offering in February of this year. The 75 percent increase in FindingFinding YourYour RoadRoad 2005 third-quarter profit reflects a 29 percent increase in earned pre- mium, a 4.6-point improvement in toto SuccessSuccess the GAAP combined ratio, and a 35 percent increase in net invest- ment income. Net earnings for the first nine months of 2005 increased to $22.4 million, or $1.18 per share diluted, The Biggest Show for the Motorcoach compared to $16.1 million, or and Travel Industry! $1.05 per share diluted, for the • 2,800 same period last year. • New Solution Sessions, including: Fe Squa et of E re National Interstate, corporate Spa xhibi Update on 2007 Engine Emission Requirements ce Ad t parent of the bus industry’s second- • S ded chool largest insurance company, also Implementing a Fuel Surcharge will Buse be on s announced its board had declared a Show the 4 cents per share dividend. The div- Easy-to-Use Market Research Techniques Floor idend is payable Dec. 15, to share- Developing Packaged Travel holders of record Dec. 1. Alan Spachman, chairman and Buying Pre-Owned vs. New: Understanding Replacement Costs president of National Interstate, said the dividend reflects an inten- Special Sessions for the Small Operator tion by the board “to begin paying Special Sessions for the School Bus Operator a regular quarterly dividend.” He noted the board “is expressing its • Exciting hospitality events, including the Welcome Reception at the Florida confidence in the company’s Aquarium and the not-to-be missed UMA Vision Awards Banquet! prospects for continued growth and profitability.” • Industry networking opportunities you Only Get at Expo! Insurance losses and the com- • Over 13 exclusive exhibit hours! pany’s loss adjustment expense ratio were slightly higher in this …Plus Save More in 2006! NEW year’s third quarter but consistent with expectations. The underwrit- Save when registering multiple operators! ing expense ratio was sharply Save another $25 per registrant by staying at one of the Expo 2006 hotels. lower, reflecting several factors, including efforts to control expens- Save with the Package Deal for UMA Membership and 2006 Expo! es, retention of public transportation products, a reduction in esti- See www.motorcoachexpo.com for info on Package Deals mated expenses for insolvencies and more detailed schedule information! and other state fees, and reclassifi- cation of expenses that had no impact on income. Said Spachman: “We had an exceptional third quarter in all aspects of our business. Our year- to-date results remain strong, and we are well-positioned as we head into the final quarter of the year.” National Interstate also reiterat- ed that its losses, compared to others in the insurance industry, from this year’s killer hurricanes – Katrina, Rita and Wilma – were lim- Register today at www.motorcoachexpo.com ited. Its estimated losses are not expected to exceed $3 million, mak- Comments? Questions? Call 800-424-8262 or e-mail us at [email protected] ing them comparable to last year. 14 December 1, 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS School bus operator appeals ruling for firing hurt driver NEW YORK — A school bus month, according to Ted Fitzger- The incident took place in violated the Surface Transporta- regional administrator in New service has appealed a federal rul- ald, spokesman for the Occupa- February 2004, while Marziano tion Assistance Act. York. “We will not hesitate to take ing that it pay back wages and tional Safety and Health Adminis- was operating a school bus carry- OSHA investigated and deter- the necessary legal steps to protect penalties of nearly $60,000 to a tration in New York. ing teenagers who caused a distur- mined that a reasonable bus driver employees’ rights to safe working driver who was fired for refusing In addition to the monetary bance. The driver said he was pelt- would not have continued driving conditions.” to continue his route after he was assessment, OSHA also ordered ed on the back of the neck with after blacking out and becoming The ruling by OSHA ordered injured by rowdy students who Kids Bus to rehire driver Jack hard snow and ice, causing him to disoriented because those condi- Kid’s Bus Service to pay $33,227 pelted him with packed ice and Marziano, expunge his personnel momentarily black out and making tions could have led to an accident. in lost wages, $1,288 in interest, snow. records of any adverse references him feel dizzy. He refused to con- “The safety of both workers and $25,000 in compensatory The appeal by Kids Bus about the firing, and refrain from tinue the route and later was fired. and passengers must be a para- damages. Service of Bronx, N.Y., will be making negative comments about Marziano filed a complaint mount concern in operating buses Neither the bus company nor heard by a U.S. Labor Department the discharge to any future re- with OSHA shortly after he was and other commercial vehicles,” Marziano was available for com- administrative judge early next quests for employment references. discharged, claiming the firing said Patricia K. Clark, OSHA’s ment Spader good results for the RV dealers that ago when the International Motor ward, projecting what is going to the members of a 20 Group have it caught the attention of other in- Coach Group began offering the happen,” he explains. “And this been critical to its success as well, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dustries. Marine dealerships talked 20 Group program to its 50 select has turned out to be a great big he says, adding that the members emphasis on the many complicated Spader into bringing the program members. The program is just jump for a lot of our members.” usually form a strong bond that details that make up financial to their industry. Later, he intro- beginning to spread deeper into the Spader said once a company is allows them to be very candid with reports and concentrated more on duced it to the office furniture, motorcoach industry with the about 30 percent into its business each other much like what usually the bottom line. power sports, trailer, farm equip- announcement last month that the year, projections can be made that is seen among boards of directors. “It’s like a basketball game ment, lighting showroom, and bus United Motorcoach Association will show how well it will perform “Some times, at national meet- with traditional accounting being distribution industries. has partnered with Spader to began if it continues to do what it is doing ings, Group 20 members are seen all of the many statistics in a game “It led from one to another and marketing the program to its 800 at the time. This gives the group as cliques, but it’s really that and the one-dollar system being it just exploded,” says Spader, who operator members. the opportunity to figure out what they’ve just developed such a close just the score,” he said. “If a player eventually turned to consulting One of the keys that helped it can change so the results will bond,” said Spader. “They know had to keep track of his or her sta- fulltime and expanded the business spread the success of the 20 Group turn out better. they’ll get an honest answer.” tistics during a game it would bog by adding business training and a was a switch in the emphasis from “You can’t make decisions that Spader, who is cutting back on them down and they would not business software program to his looking to the past to looking for- affect the past, you can only make his work load and transitioning his play well.” offerings. ward, according to Spader. “We decisions that affect the future,” he firm to his son, John, gets excited The concept worked so well Motorcoach operators got still evaluate the past but we put stresses. when he talks about the success of and the 20 Group produced such involved with Spader seven years more emphasis on looking for- Honesty and openness among businesses that participate in the 20 Group program. “I have an RV client who just CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING sold his business for $120 million and when he started in the business PARTS & LITERATURE WANTED 10 years ago he could hardly afford ABC Companies is currently our workshop fee,” he says. “And restoring a 1940 Yellow Coach, there are stories like that in all of Coach #TG211077. the other industries as well.” He seems to take special pride Please send a list of parts or in watching struggling companies literature along with asking price to: turn around after joining a 20 ABC Companies / Keith Harvey Group. “We’ve had some who when FOR SALE 17469 W. Colonial Drive they came to us had lost as much Winter Garden, FL 34787 as 80 percent of their business and 1 • 1989 • 102C3 1 • 1998 MCI 102 EL3 • 350,000 Miles they survived,” he emphasizes. 8V92 Automatic • AC • R134A or e-mail your list to [email protected] Transmission • Allison B500 • Jake Brake Those who have worked with Enclosed Parcel Rack • AM/FM Cassette 56 Pass. • Series 60 • AC • Lavatory Spader see him as a dedicated Baggage Door Air Locks 6 Monitors • VCR • AM/FM, Cassette CD Aluminum Wheel Polishing businessman who simply likes VCR • 6 Monitors Changer • Wireless Mic. • Baggage Door 1-800-333-0268 ~ Nationwide ~ New & Used Good Condition, Ready to Go! Locks. All Updates Performed. what he’s doing and enjoys helping $35,000 or B/O Coach is eady to Go $169,000 others. “I think he just really likes watching companies make money Call Tim at 320-251-1202 and show improvements in a lot of different areas,” observes Stephen Story, president of James River Bus Lines in Richmond, Va., who Machined, Sanded, Cut & Polished has been a 20 Group member since 1998. “It shows in what he does www. .com Wheel Polish Specialist and how he does it.” Rather than take all of the cred- FOR SALE it, though, Spader points to the (1) 1999 MCI 102EL3 – members themselves for carrying 1998 MCI 102EL3 54 pax, Series 60, B- out what they learn in their 20 54 pass • Series 60 Engine • New B500R Trans. 500R, 250,000 miles, Group meetings. New Rear End • Cruise Control • Alum. Wheels with one owner, factory “What we do is unusual and dif- New Tires • 6 Monitor VCR • CD Player updates, VCR w/6 monitors, 6 disc CD w/ wireless mic. ferent and we have thousands of National 4210 Seats with Trays and Mag. Holders Overhead blowers, shades, enclosed racks, beem central vac w/ business people who have gone on All Updates Done inverter (not installed), fabric on sidewalls, rear bulkhead, under to be much more successful, not be- 588k – Very, Very Clean Unit – $175,000 racks, kneeling, flush lav. New white paint. $187,500.00 cause we made them successful, but 845-658-3960 ask for Gary because we gave them some tools Call Riley’s Bus Service 1-800-288-8246 Arrow Bus Line, Inc. • Tillson, NY they were looking for,” he says. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS December 1, 2005 15 Improving Greyhound helps boost parent company NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Laidlaw The impact of the system make- ago, it had 20,000 daily departures • Greyhound now has roughly number of company-operated bus International, the holding compa- over that Greyhound announced in to 3,700 destinations. 12,800 employees, down from terminals to 100 from 150 two ny that owns Greyhound Lines, June of last year is reflected in the • Greyhound now has a fleet of 16,000 two years ago. The number years ago, and the number of says Greyhound’s improving per- fiscal 2005 annual report Laidlaw approximately 3,300 coaches, of drivers has fallen to 4,700 from agency-operated terminals to formance helped boost Laidlaw filed late last month with the down from 3,700 two years ago. It 6,500 and the number of mechan- 1,800 from 2,100. financial results for fiscal 2005. Securities and Exchange Commis- “retired” more than 300 buses in ics to 900 from 1,000. The number Laidlaw’s board declared a div- And Laidlaw thinks Grey- sion. Some comparisons: the past year. The average age of of supervisory and clerical work- idend of 15 cents per share of com- hound profitability will continue • Greyhound now operates coaches in the Greyhound fleet has ers has dropped to 2,100 from mon stock, to the owners of record to strengthen, helping the parent roughly 15,000 daily departures to increased to 8.7 years, from 7.6 3,500. on Nov. 29. The dividend will be company achieve better bottom- about 2,400 locations. Two years years in 2003. • Greyhound has reduced the paid Dec. 7. line operational numbers next year. For the 12 months ended Sept. 30, Laidlaw earned $212.4 million, or $2.12 a share, compared to fiscal 2004 net income of $61.7 million, or 62 cents a share. The huge jump in fiscal ‘05 earnings resulted primarily from the sale of Laidlaw’s healthcare subsidiaries. For its continuing operations, Sometimes you need a little Laidlaw reported a fiscal 2005 loss of $5.6 million, compared to earnings of $46.5 million in fiscal ’04. The company said it was hurt by help getting to the top higher fuel prices and debt restruc- UMA 20 Group turing expenses. A is just the help that you need. Laidlaw retired $399 million of its post-reorganization debt, as well as $155 million in Greyhound bonds. A UMA 20 Group is a series of high-level management Revenue at Laidlaw for fiscal meetings that can help operators improve their entire ’05 was essentially flat at $3.3 bil- business. Through the use of benchmarks and peer lion, reflecting continuing efforts feedback, a 20 Group can help you: by both Greyhound and the com- • Learn cutting edge management techniques specific pany’s school bus operation to get to the motorcoach industry and your company! rid of poor performing segments of their operations. At Greyhound, • Create unique solutions to all your business that has meant abandoning hun- problems through brainstorming with the best dreds of stops and routes that were minds in the industry. money losers. • Totally revolutionize your marketing, operations and Total revenue at Greyhound in financial procedures fiscal 2005 was $1.2 billion, down in order to improve “I have been a regular participant in slightly from fiscal 2004 revenue of $1.23 billion. your bottom line! 20 Groups for over 5 years and have Fiscal ’05 EBITDA at Grey- • Share your best enjoyed unprecedented growth not hound climbed to nearly $102 mil- practices, while only in my fleet size, but where it lion, up from $86.2 million in fis- learning the best counts, in my bottom line…all of cal 2004. EBITDA is a financial practices of others measure, used in certain industries, this during what is arguably one in a non-competitive that in the case of Laidlaw repre- of the most turbulent times in the sents operating income plus depre- environment. motorcoach industry. I cannot say ciation and amortization. Laidlaw This is a very special enough about the power and value provides EBITDA numbers for its opportunity you can only the decision to participate in a 20 subsidiaries but not net income figures. be a part of by being a Group will bring to your company.” UMA Member. UMA 20 Laidlaw says Greyhound’s David Brown, Holiday Tours EBITDA will continue to improve Groups will be run by the as its system makeover matures Spader Group–the Spader and its operating lease expenses Group is a business management organization that has decline because it is leasing fewer worked with the motorcoach industry for years–Duane buses. Spader is a frequent speaker at Motorcoach Expo. The Greyhound’s EBTDA margins Spader Group knows the motorcoach industry and their have improved during the past two years to 8.5 percent from 5.5 per- insights and information are second to none. cent, and further improvement into A UMA 20 Group can really transform the low double-digit range in the next few years is anticipated. your business and make it soar to Laidlaw expects companywide new heights! per-share earnings from continuing operations in fiscal 2006 to be $1.20 to $1.35. That would com- pare with a fiscal 2005 per-share To sign up today, please call Milt Ellis at the Spader Group, 1.800.772.3377 or 605.339.3616. loss on continuing operations of 6 cents. COMING SOON, THE Now’s your chance to see the new Prevost X3-45 passenger coach. Prevost’s renowned long-wheelbase concept, developed for the Entertainer coach industry, now brings an ultra-smooth ride to the passenger coach market. Experience this rock star ride at the 2006 Motorcoach Expo. When? January. Where? Tampa.