July 15, 2008

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BUS INDUSTRY Community involvement pays off for coach operators From loaning buses and drivers “(Community involvement is) “When you’re a leader in your age (of business earned), but it was was really my job, to be the face of to transport Alzheimer patients on a form of networking. People tend community you get sought after,” significant. It’s really sales and Eyre in the community.” excursions, to extensive support of to gravitate toward people involved says Ron Eyre, president of Eyre marketing 101. Instead of advertis- Eyre says that at the height of the March of Dimes, Godfrey in charities. It makes people more Bus, Tour & Travel in Glenelg, ing, go out personally,” urges Eyre. his community involvement, about LeBron has put considerable effort comfortable with you,” says Le- Md. “People come to me. When Today, Eyre’s son Matthew car- 25 percent of his time went to the into his community – and reaped Bron, who also is chairman of the you become a community advo- ries the community mantle for community, between monthly the benefits. United Motorcoach Association. cate, it puts you out there as a their three-generation company, meetings and evening events he “It’s not just about money; but Across the U.S., coach opera- viable leader,” adds Eyre. although the senior Eyre continues attended with his wife. Hospitals, a it does bring you money,” says tors report they are enhancing their “Every organization that I net- to do his part. school, and tourism organizations LeBron, who is co-owner of Para- financial success by increasing worked in, I got business. And they “You are networking with hun- all have benefited from his dise Trailways in Hicksville, N.Y. involvement in their communities. referred others. There’s no percent- dreds and hundreds of people. That CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ Drivers perform D.C. police worse in safety citing buses check this year along I-295 WASHINGTON — The out- WASHINGTON — Motor- of-service rate for motorcoaches coach drivers who use a popular inspected last month during Road- shortcut to reduce the time and dis- check 2008 was virtually un- tance it takes to bypass the District changed from last year, but the of Columbia might want to rethink number of drivers placed out of their strategy. service increased by 18 percent, the It could save ’em hundreds of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alli- dollars. ance reports. Police have begun ticketing During the three-day Road- buses along Interstate 295 for not check safety blitz, 12.2 percent of having a District of Columbia- the motorcoaches inspected, were required trip permit — a citation ordered off the road because of megabus.com launched double-deck, curbside service out of New York City last month with an above-the-street ceremony that carriers a $500 fine. safety and mechanical problems. on the marquee of the Hard Rock Café, formerly the Paramount Theater, on Broadway in Times Square. The route is used by most Last year, the out-of-service for motorcoach drivers traveling from passenger buses was 12.3 percent, Baltimore and the northeast, and and in 2006 the rate was 9.2 percent. megabus ‘ups’ the ante in N.E. from Richmond and the southeast, The out-of-service rate for Strahan commented on the im- michael. It arrived on time in D.C. because it is much shorter than motorcoach drivers increased this Introduces first pressiveness of the double-deck after a brief stop in Baltimore. using the Interstate 495 beltway, year to 4.5 percent, an abnormally double-deckers coach, but the real thrust of his megabus.com, which is owned which is outside the district. high rate for over-the-road bus comments was on how “green” it by Coach USA, is the largest car- Operators report that patrol drivers. By Dave Millhouser is to travel by motorcoach. He rier in the U.S. specializing in ex- officers are not only stopping A year ago, 3.8 percent of the noted that the 79-seat, double- press runs with curbside pickup. coaches on I-295 that do not dis- coach drivers stopped for a Road- NEW YORK — New York deck Van Hool used only four Patterned after a similar success- play the permit, but also are using check inspection were ordered out Giants’ football great Michael pints of fuel per passenger on the ful Stagecoach Group operation in cameras in cruisers parked along of their buses. In 2006, the percent- Strahan helped megabus.com kick New York-to-Washington trip. the United Kingdom, it serves 30 the roadway to catch violators. age was 2.9. off the first East Coast, double- Shortly after the ceremony, the U.S. and Canadian cities with a Tickets are being issued, they The out-of-service rate for bus deck, line-run service here last coach departed for D.C., from combination of double-deck and say, even though the drivers are drivers has increased steadily dur- month with a ceremony in Times megabus.com’s New York curbside traditional coaches. Stagecoach not planning to stop in the district ing the past half-dozen years. Square. location adjacent to Penn Station Group is the corporate parent of and the part of I-295 used by the When CVSA inspectors checked Joined by Stagecoach Group with 69 passengers, including Coach USA. buses only cuts through a small log books, CDLs, medical cards Chief Executive Brian Souter and Souter, Moser and Coach USA Carmichael said megabus section of the southeastern portion þ þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Coach USA President Dale Moser, Senior Vice President Don Car- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2008 3 Feds schedule new round MCI announces ’09-model updates SCHAUMBERG, Ill. — Motor component combinations and addi- sive research, plus test-track and of motorcoach crash tests Coach Industries has announced it tional high-end entertainment in-service testing on demonstrator WASHINGTON — The second gineers at the Vehicle Research and will begin delivering 2009 coaches options. coaches to develop its “wide-ride phase of a National Highway Test Center in East Liberty, Ohio, next month, with the new models “New interior seating fabrics suspension” that features Koni Traffic Safety Administration crash will fit a crash sled with three rows offering more safety, entertain- and LED center-aisle lighting, with front shocks and frequency-selec- testing program for motorcoaches of motorcoach seats with life-size ment, durability and performance soft start and fade, will create an tive-damping rear shocks. will get under way this month at a dummies. They then will run nine features. upscale living-room ambience to The research and track testing testing facility in Ohio. separate crashes with the dummies New for the ’09 J4500 model which riders will respond,” said confirmed that the positioning of Engineers plan to conduct nine seated in various configurations will be an electronic stability con- Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president the shocks and upgraded hydraulic separate sled tests so they can with some wearing lap belts, others trol system and a “wide-ride” sus- and chief customer officer. performance improve handling, examine seat and seatbelt anchor- wearing three-point restraints and a pension; a reverse sensing system Outside, MCI says it has im- cornering and crosswind control, age loads and the impact accidents few unrestrained. will be available on both the J4500 proved panels and hinges to better the coach builder said. have on belted and unbelted pas- It was not known how long the and E4500 models, and all models take the wear, tear and harsh To supplement the suspension sengers seated in various locations testing will take or when the results will have an upgraded Smartwave weather that come with motor- modifications, MCI has added an on a full-size coach. would be available. In the first test- tire pressure monitoring system, coach operations. electronic stability control system The tests are part of an exten- ing phase, preliminary results were more electronic, video and audio MCI says it conducted exten- CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 þ sive three-part study the NHTSA released about a month after the plans to use to address a long list of tests were completed. safety issues, ranging from the use The NHTSA said the testing of seatbelts on coaches to new was running behind earlier sched- design standards for coaches. ules because of the need to collect a The sled tests follow crash and large amount of bus data and ana- rollover testing the NHTSA did in lyze it so more information could December using five older model be fed into the testing process. coaches — one more than original- The flammability tests that will ly planned — to study seatbelt an- come next year will be geared chorage loads and roof strengths. toward studying how a motorcoach Those tests opened the three-phase fire spreads into the passenger program that early next year will compartment, identifying interior add the final piece of the study, an material flammability, determining extended testing of coach fires and the feasibility of establishing re- their causes. quirements for fire-hardening or In this phase of the testing, en- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 þ Driver training money awarded, almost all goes for truck drivers WASHINGTON — The federal and in communities seeking en- government is doling out $1 mil- riched economic opportunities for lion to nine technical and commu- the future.” nity colleges across the U.S. for However, it’s almost exclusive- commercial driver license training ly an investment in better truck programs, but only one recipient drivers. appears on the way toward estab- Eligible entities for the annual lishing a curriculum for motor- commercial motor vehicle grants coach drivers. include accredited public and pri- A second school says it’s pre- vate institutions of higher educa- mature to talk about a bus driver tion, federally recognized Native program and the others are either American Tribal Governments, and focusing exclusively on over-the- city, county and state governments. road truck drivers or could not be The CMV Operator Training reached for comment. Grant Program, which was estab- The Federal Motor Carrier lished by Congress three years ago Safety Administration announced has two goals: last month it was awarding the $1 • To expand the number of million in grants to the schools to CDL holders possessing enhanced enhance classroom safety curricu- operator safety training to help lums and behind-the-wheel training reduce the severity and number of courses for students enrolled in crashes on U.S. roads involving commercial driver license training commercial motor vehicles. programs. • To assist economically dis- “Our nation relies on a work- tressed regions of the country by force of well-trained, safety con- providing workforce training op- scious, professional truck and bus portunities for qualified individuals drivers to move our economy,” said to become commercial motor vehi- FMCSA Administrator John H. cle operators. Hill. “Through this grant program, Maricopa Community College we are helping provide the cadre of in Glendale, Ariz., was awarded highly qualified commercial driv- $52,663, and is actively putting ers that our nation needs. This is together plans for a program to also an investment in individuals CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 þ 4 July 15, 2008 Bus & Motorcoach NEWS

Bill aims to State & Provincial Fuel Tax Rates Florida adopts idling limits No states reduced fuel-tax rates during the past three months while six posted increas- put limit on es. Here are the updated rates for all states and provinces as of April. 1, 2008 Tallahassee, Fla. — A Florida • To operate defrosters, heat- state environmental body has ap- State Gasoline Diesel State Gasoline Diesel ers, air conditioners or other state taxing Alabama 16 19 North Carolina 29.9 29.9 proved a five-minute idling limit equipment “to prevent a safety or Alaska 8 8 North Dakota 23 23 for diesel vehicles weighing 8,500 health emergency” WASHINGTON — There’s a Arizona 18 26 Ohio 28 28 pounds or more that closely re- • To operate auxiliary equip- new push in Washington to adopt Arkansas 21.8 22.8 Oklahoma 16 13 sembles California’s anti-idling ment like a lift legislation that would address the California 48.84 36.6 Oregon 24 0 regulations. One official with Florida’s en- Colorado 22 20.5 issue of overreaching state taxation Pennsylvania 31.2 38.1 The Florida regulation goes vironmental department said edu- of interstate businesses, especially Connecticut 43.9 37 Rhode Island 30 30 Delaware 23 22 South Carolina 16.75 16.75 into effect Dec. 15 and fines can cation about the new idling limit small ones. Dist. of Columbia 20 20 South Dakota 24 24 be as much as $1,000. will be more important than en- The latest proposed legislation Florida 20.67 31.07 Tennessee 21.4 18.4 The Florida Environmental Reg- forcement, initially. is called the Business Activities Georgia 15.8 16.7 Texas 20 20 ulation Commission unanimously “For the first year of imple- Tax Simplification Act of 2008 Hawaii 16 16 Utah 24.5 24.5 approved the five-minute limit last mentation, our emphasis will be (H.R. 5267). The legislation, which Idaho 25 25 Vermont 20 26 month. The regulation would allow on what we call compliance assis- Illinois 34.3 37.5 has appeared in similar forms in Virginia 21.6 21.6 idling of longer than five minutes tance,” said the official. “We want Indiana 29 27 Washington 36 36 the last several sessions of Congress, under the following exceptions: to help (commercial vehicle oper- is gaining support among Con- Iowa 21.7 23.5 West Virginia 32.2 32.2 Kansas 24 26 • While stopped during traf- ators) understand that the rule is gressmen and Senators as the ef- Wisconsin 32.9 32.9 Kentucky 22.9 24.2 Wyoming 14 14 fic conditions over which the driv- out there and give them time to fects of more aggressive taxing ef- Louisiana 20 20 U. S. 18.4 24.4 er has no control learn about it.” forts by states is made clear to them. Maine 29.28 29.32 Tax Rate in U.S. is cents per gallon The bill would restrict states Maryland 23.5 24.25 from imposing any general busi- Massachusetts 21 21 Province Gasoline Diesel Missouri bill will mandate ness tax on an interstate business Michigan 43.45 40.17 Alberta 9 9 that does not have strong physical Minnesota 22 22 British Columbia 14.5 15 Mississippi 18.4 18.4 Manitoba 11.5 11.5 English-only tests for CDL contacts with that state. New Brunswick 10.7 16.9 Missouri 17 17 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Key provisions of the new law In other words, it would solve Montana 27.75 28.5 Newfoundland 16.5 16.5 Gov. Matt Blunt is expected to would require that the commercial the motor carrier industry’s so- Nebraska 23.9 23.3 Nova Scotia 15.5 15.4 called “nexus” problems with Nevada 23.81 27.81 Ontario 14.7 14.3 sign a bill that would require new driver’s license written test to be states like New Jersey that stop and New Hampshire 20.625 20.625 Prince Edward Is. 15.8 20.2 CDL applicants in Missouri to offered only in English, and appli- hold buses and trucks for ransom, New Jersey 14.5 17.5 Quebec 15.2 16.2 prove they have a firm grasp of the cants would be required to under- and certain other states that claim New Mexico 18.875 22.875 Saskatchewan 15 15 English language to obtain a com- stand traffic signs and signals many years of back taxes from car- New York 38.4 36.65 Tax Rate in Canada = cents per liter mercial driver’s license. (See May written in English. They also riers with very slight contacts. month on the bill that is being con- Commercial and Administrative 1, 2007 and Feb. 1, 2008 issues of would be prohibited from using There was a hearing late last sidered by the Subcommittee on Law in the U.S. House. Bus & Motorcoach News.) translators while taking the test. Supporters of the bill adopted by the state General Assembly say they are concerned that people are allowed to drive commercial vehi- cles on Missouri roads without a command of the English lan- guage. They point out that federal safety regulations (391.11) state that applicants are required to: “Read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to under- stand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records…” Opponents said that adopting the strict standards would push cer- tain trucking companies to go “un- derground” by hiring people to sit behind the wheel of their vehicles. Another provision in the bill would prohibit local governments from enacting policies that give sanctuary to illegal immigrants. State funding would be cut for localities that do not cooperate with federal officials trying to enforce immigration laws. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS THE DOCKET July 15, 2008 5 Colorado hikes fines in work zones Delays, detours are expected DENVER — Colorado Gov. Once the enforcement tool is likely to increase in these work Bill Ritter has signed a bill author- put into use, though, signs warning zones by more than $3.3 million around Mount Vernon Estate izing the use of speed cameras in of photo radar will be required to annually. MOUNT VERNON, Va. — A drainage improvements, a trail highway work zones. be posted four hours before the A separate provision of the new construction project along the extension and sidewalk additions. The new law also doubles fines start of highway work. law adds road maintenance and George Washington Memorial Park- In its latest project update, the in work zones when highway The Department of Public construction vehicles to the list of way and around George Washing- Park Service says road construc- workers are on the job site. During Safety will be authorized to con- personnel that state law requires all ton’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gar- tion has begun on the median and such times, law enforcement can tract with private vendors to oper- drivers to maintain a safe distance dens has begun restricting traffic, the loading and unloading areas at issue speeding tickets with fines ate the photo radar vans. upon approaching. The rule is de- creating delays and causing detours. the Mount Vernon Circle. Work on between $60 and $540. Other violations in work zones signed to protect police and other The National Park Service, in Mount Vernon Circle, which is Photo radar vans could be that could result in offenders pay- personnel during roadside stops. cooperation with the Federal High- adjacent to Mount Vernon Estate deployed to snap pictures of speed- ing double fines include careless Of particular interest to com- way Administration, is making and Gardens, is expected to con- ers, leading to tickets. It’s not clear, driving, driving in the passing lane, mercial vehicles, the “move over” upgrades to Mount Vernon Circle tinue until mid-August. however, how soon the state will and failure to signal. rule also applies to drivers ap- and to parking lots adjacent to the One travel lane around Mount start using photo radar in work A fiscal impact statement on proaching vehicles pulled over along Mount Vernon estate. (See April Vernon Circle is to remain open at zones. the bill estimates that fines are roadsides to attach tire chains. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) all times. However, coach drivers The project, expected to be and other visitors should look for completed this fall, is reconfigur- signs announcing lane closures, Toll road funding sought in N.C. ing traffic through Mount Vernon detours and delays. Circle, extending Mount Vernon Construction updates and sug- RALEIGH, N.C. — A re- million annually to help pay off between the amount of revenues Trail, resurfacing parking lots, gested alternate routes can be newed effort in the North Carolina the cost of construction for the the state expects to generate from adding 150 parking spaces, and found at http://www.efl.fhwa.dot. legislature to come up with extra southern portion of a proposed tolls and the total cost — about $1 improving visitor access. gov/traffic-advisory.aspx, or by money to help pay for new state extension of Interstate 540, known billion — to build and maintain Construction includes grading, calling (703) 404-6260 or (800) toll roads is having success. as the Triangle Expressway. The the expressway. pavement resurfacing, utility and 892-8776 (press option No. 3). The North Carolina House has appropriation would continue for The roadway would extend I- approved funding for a toll road in 39 years to help build the 18.8- 540 from Morrisville to Holly western Wake County. It would be mile stretch of roadway. Springs. The route is slated to be Seattle to try variable speed limits the state’s first toll route. Wake Money for the project would toll-free north of state Route 55. County is in central North Caro- come by phasing out the $172.5 Supporters say the toll route is SEATTLE — A $25 million Traffic engineers will use the lina; Raleigh is the county seat. million that annually is rerouted needed to maintain economic project is underway here that will system to prevent congestion while A budget provision adopted by from the state’s Highway Trust growth and reduce traffic conges- alter speed limits on Interstate 5 as the Alaskan Way Viaduct section the House would give the North Fund to the General Fund. It tion. Critics say it’s unfair that congestion and other conditions of State Route 99 — weakened by change. The system will help con- age and earthquake damage — is Carolina Turnpike Authority $25 would help make up the difference people using the expressway in trol traffic on a six-mile segment being replaced. SR-99 is a major western Wake County might have of the roadway. north-south artery and carries 20- to pay tolls to complete the road- A key aspect of the system is 25 percent of downtown Seattle N.J. adds ‘driving rights’ law way when the northern half was the installation of overhead elec- traffic. TRENTON, N.J. — A pack- ileges but still allows them to go built with tax dollars. tronic speed limit signs on I-5 be- It is anticipated that varying the age of new laws in New Jersey about their daily work,” Turner It now is up to the Senate to tween Boeing Field and Interstate speed limit will reduce the occur- that make it easier for drivers with said. approve the expenditure. suspended licenses to keep their 90. rence of rear end collisions on I-5. driving privileges took effect this month. One of the new laws helps drivers of commercial vehicles stay on the road. The legislation stems from a report issued more than a year ago that said suspending driver licens- es often creates unintended conse- quences, such as job loss and diffi- culty in finding employment. “In New Jersey, driving is a necessity, not a luxury. For many… the loss of their driver license can equate with the loss of their job and their ability to support their families,” Sen. Shirley Turner, D- Mercer, said in a statement. As part of the legislation, one bill reduces the severity of license suspensions for certain people. It gives judges or the state Motor Vehicle Commission the option to suspend a vehicle registration rather than the driver’s license. The provision allows people with jobs that require a valid driver’s license to continue to work but only drive vehicles registered by their employers. “For those individuals whose livelihood comes from sitting behind the wheel of a company- owned (vehicle), this is a crucial change. It penalizes the driver by taking away personal driving priv- New Formulation 973 589-9265 • Toll Free 800-526-8055 Increased Fragrance FAX 973-589-2253 • P.O. BOX 5157 • NEWARK, NJ 07105 and Dye–Now with www.nimcobus.com Effervesce 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

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MCI ’09

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 for the J4500 that automatically intervenes in situations where vehi- cle stability enters a critical area. The system provides the added pro- tection of roll stability control. “With MCI’s (electronic stabil- ity control) system, the driver has a more satisfying sense of control and gains added protection against roll-over, skidding and spinning,” said Ziska. The reverse sensing system, standard on 2009 MCI J4500 and E4500 models, senses objects at the rear of the coach, alerting the driver to their presence and dis- tance from the bumper. “Some smaller objects can’t be detected by the system but overall the technology has proven to be a benefit when backing up and maneuvering in tight spaces,” Ziska reported. All 2009 MCI models will ac- commodate wireless Internet access. Passengers can send and receive e- mail and use the Internet for free or through a prepay service as desig- nated by the coach operator. Service door hinges have been upgraded and body panels ex- posed to salt spray have been treat- ed for corrosion resistance for ’09. The main battery disconnect switch has been modified from a knife-type version to a driver-acti- vated dash switch with an auto- matic wake-up mode and 30- minute time-out feature. Fuel tank fittings and relief valves have been updated as well as the rear air suspension which now includes a single check valve to isolate it from front accessories to minimize air leaks. MCI’s 2009 D4505 will feature a new Braun wheelchair lift, plus other improvements. MCI says its ’09 coaches will be available in mid-August, follow- ing the production line’s annual summer vacation, and can be ordered now. 8 July 15, 2008 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Make sure your random drug testing is really random Turning over a motorcoach Here are tips that could help be removed from the pool and be diately to the collection site. If an tion. This means that a worker who carrier’s federally required random you make sure your program meets replaced by an alternate. operator knows that an employee is doing clerical work, but is avail- drug and alcohol testing to a third federal government requirements: An individual cannot be will be unable to leave the work able to drive, is subject to random party doesn’t relieve the coach Do not select the pool a year required to report for a test in the site promptly, they should not be alcohol testing. operator of the responsibility of ahead of time or even on a quarter- middle of vacation time, while notified until such time as they are Additionally, testing for alco- seeing that the program is run ly basis because people hired after sick, or on other types of excused able to leave. hol should not be confined only to properly. the selection would not be subject leave. The individual, however, Also, the definition of “imme- just before an employee begins Instead, it should make them to immediate testing. may be called in for work and then diately” should be clearly spelled work. Instead, some tests should be even more vigilant. Place all new employees who be tested. out in the employer’s drug and scheduled during the shift or The rules set by government required testing in the testing pool Operators should keep in mind, alcohol testing policy. For exam- immediately after the shift. regulators for testing drivers and immediately after they are hired, too, that the random testing is a ple, if the collection site is within And, finally, individuals cov- other workers assigned to safety- and remove those workers who are “short notice” test and the individ- five minutes of the work site, the ered by FMCSA rules and those sensitive jobs can be complicated, no longer in safety-sensitive jobs ual should not be given excessive policy should say that when an who are not cannot be mixed in the creating a need for someone in the or who have left the company. notification time to be tested. individual leaves to go to the col- same testing pool. You may have company to become extremely If someone is not tested during For example, an employee lection site, they must arrive with- one random testing pool for both familiar with them and to carefully the selection cycle, they cannot be should not be told at the beginning in 10 or 15 minutes or it will be drugs and alcohol provided you monitor the program. tested during the next selection of his or her work shift that they considered a refusal. have documentation of how the The random testing mandated period. However, if the person was are to report to a clinic for a drug The rules differ a little between process works and that the method by the Federal Motor Carrier not tested, then their name must be test at the end of the shift. Such drug and alcohol testing. is scientifically valid and impartial Safety Administration is aimed at returned to the pool for the next notification would give them time An employee is subject to ran- regarding who gets selected. Or, deterring individuals in safety-sen- selection time frame. to drink large amounts of water to dom alcohol testing only while you may have two separate pools, sitive positions from using illegal An individual can be tested at dilute the specimen, obtain prod- performing safety-sensitive func- one for drugs and one for alcohol drugs and misusing alcohol. If they any time during the selection time ucts to adulterate the specimen or tions or just before or just after testing. don’t know when they might be frame and it is up to the employer obtain substituted urine specimens. they perform such functions. The bottom line is that opera- tested, regulators say, then drivers to know the worker’s work and FMCSA directs employers to Performing a safety-sensitive func- tors need to be sure they have doc- and mechanics will be less likely to vacation schedules and to make ensure that once a selected individ- tion includes being immediately umentation for all of their testing use drugs or misuse alcohol. sure they are available when called ual is notified, they proceed imme- available to work in such a posi- procedures and the actual testing. Under the rules, each person in in to be tested. Selecting a substi- the random testing pool must have tute who might be more readily an equal chance of being selected, available is not permitted. Tire failure: What to expect, do testing must be spread evenly Employees who are placed on through out the year and test times extended sick leave and will be During the past two years, Vibration. If the coach thumps prevent this is to keep a firm grip should not be predictable. gone for the entire test period can there have been a handful of sig- or vibrates heavily, it might be a on the steering wheel with both nificant motorcoach crashes that sign that one of the tires has gone hands at all times. resulted from tire failure. flat. With a rear tire, that might be Stay off the brake. It’s natural Safety check vehicles (mostly trucks) was 20.8 Here are a half-dozen driver the only sign. to want to brake in an emergency. percent, down from 21.5 percent. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tips that could prove not only Feel. If the steering feels However, braking when a tire has Early last month, 9,148 CVSA helpful but lifesaving. Major signs “heavy,” it is probably a sign that failed could cause loss of control. and other factors in 2005 and 2004, and FMCSA-certified inspectors at of tire failure: one of the front tires has failed. Unless the coach is about to the out-of-service rate for coach 1,683 locations across North Amer- Sound. The loud “bang” of a Sometimes the failure of a rear run into something, stay off the drivers was 2.7 percent. In 2003, ica performed 67,931 truck and bus blowout is often easily recog- tire will cause the vehicle to “fish- brake until the vehicle has slowed. the driver out-of-service rate was a inspections. More than 52,000 of the nized. Because it can take a few tail,” that is, to wander back and Then brake very gently, pull off modest 1.7 percent. total were North American Stand- seconds for a motorcoach to react, forth. the road and stop. The out-of-service rate for all ard Level I inspections, the most however, the driver might think it What a driver should do: Check the tires. After the drivers (most of which are truckers) comprehensive roadside inspection. was some other vehicle. Best Hold the steering wheel coach has come to a complete decreased this year to 5.3 percent, Both the total number of in- advice: Any time a driver hears a firmly. If a front tire fails, it can stop, get out and check all the down from 6.2 percent in 2007 and spections and Level I inspections tire blow, it’s safest to assume it literally twist the steering wheel tires. Do this even if the vehicle 5.6 percent in 2006. were records for the annual Road- was on his or her bus. out of your hand. The only way to seems to be handling OK. The out-of-service rate for all check event.

How to contact us ISSUE NO. 127 Joan Libby Cavalier Coach Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to the Editor, To advertise or to mail advertising-related articles, news releases: materials: A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION Marcia Milton Call: Johnny Steger First Priority Trailways E-mail: [email protected] Staff Advisory Board District Heights, Md. Fax: (405) 942-6201 (866) 930-8426 E-mail: [email protected] Editor & Publisher William Allen Bob Foley Michael Neustadt Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Sierra Trailways ABC Companies Coach Tours Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B Victor Parra Sacramento, Calif. Faribault, Minn. Brookfield, Conn. Box No. 336 Call: (866) 930-8421 Sales Director Senior Editor Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Jeff Polzien El Paso, TX 79925 Johnny Steger Bruce Sankey Northfield Lines Starline Transportation Red Carpet Tours To subscribe or inquire about your subscription: Northfield, Minn. Seattle Oklahoma City To contact the Call: (866) 930-8421 United Motorcoach Association: Industry Editor Associate Editor Dave Bolen Robert Hume Tom Ready E-mail: [email protected] Ken Presley Ellen Balm New World Tours Travel Mates Trailways Ready Bus Lines Call: (800) 424-8262 Bristow, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. LaCrescent, Minn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant David Brown Daryl G. Johnson Brian Scott Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Holiday Tours J & J Charters Escot Bus Lines Oklahoma City, OK 73112 To send advertisements or photographs Amy Stalknecht Mark Gedris Randlemann, N.C. Crosby, Texas Largo, Fla. via the Internet: Accountant Art Director James Brown Sr. Dale Krapf Michelle Silvestro To report corrections: E-mail: [email protected] Krapf Coaches Ted Williford Mary E. McCarty Magic Carpet Tours National Interstate Insurance Co. Call: (866) 930-8421 Richmond, Va. West Chester, Pa. Richfield, Ohio ©2008 by the United Motorcoach Association. E-mail: [email protected] Steve Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young Reproduction in whole or in part without Brown Coach Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Amsterdam, N.Y. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS NEWS ANALYSIS July 15, 2008 9 Final border crossing rules are seen as worrisome WASHINGTON — The federal ing the types of documents present- will need to enter or re-enter the Beginning next year, the Association and the Travel Busi- government’s “final rule” for all ed will result in a more secure and United States starting June 1. Ap- Department of Homeland Security ness Roundtable have expressed land and sea travel into the United efficient border. We will continue proved documents include a pass- will institute special provisions that concern that the feds’ plan for States, which goes into effect next to encourage cross-border travel and port, a “trusted traveler card” allow school or other organized building awareness of the new rule June, has travel industry groups trade while at the same time de- (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST), or groups of children ages 18 and is neither ambitious nor expansive worried it could result in confusion creasing identity theft and fraud.” a Washington State Enhanced under who are U.S. or Canadian cit- enough. and logjams at America’s northern Meanwhile, the Department of Driver’s License. izens to enter the U.S. with proof of “Despite receiving hundreds of border and possibly hurt inbound Homeland Security has okayed the The Department of State also is citizenship alone. comments about confusion with U.S. tourism. Washington State Enhanced Driv- accepting applications for the new During the next year, the State the new rule changes, the Depart- The U.S. Department of Home- er’s License as a federal govern- “Passport Cards,” a streamlined and Homeland Security depart- ment of Homeland Security has yet land Security and the U.S. Depart- ment-approved document. passport, and additional states and ments will be conducting public to implement a comprehensive and ment of State jointly issued the rule The feds published the final Canadian provinces will be issuing information campaigns to inform well-funded communications cam- as part of the Western Hemisphere rule well in advance of its imple- enhanced driver’s licenses in the U.S. and Canadian citizens about paign,” said Roger Dow, president Travel Initiative, a core 9/11 Com- mentation to give travelers ample next several months — all designed the new document requirements. and chief executive of TIA. mission border security recommen- time to obtain the documents they for land and sea border use. However, the Travel Industry “The economic stakes are too dation. high for a casual implementation The rule requires travelers to strategy. A 5 percent decline in present a passport or other ap- Truckers pitch for more road money Canadian visits to the United States proved document, denoting citizen- WASHINGTON — The truck- cal traffic bottlenecks, more atten- session with members of the trans- could cost the American economy ship and identity, for all land and ing industry, as represented by its tion to rural highways, limits on portation and infrastructure sub- nearly $700 million,” he added. sea travel into the U.S., starting largest trade association, is calling tolling and private financing of committee of the Senate Commit- Dow says the “Travel Promo- June 1, 2009. The requirement cov- for dramatic changes in federal road projects, more generous tee on Environment and Public tion Act” (S. 1661 and H.R. 3232), ers all travelers who were previous- ground transportation policy, in- weight-and-size restrictions, and Works. currently pending before Congress, ly exempt, including citizens of the cluding more money for highways. dedicated federal congestion- “A long-term plan to rebuild would establish a well-funded pub- U.S., Canada and Bermuda. “Currently, our country ap- relief funds all have been recom- our highway infrastructure and lic-private campaign to better “We are on course to imple- pears to be facing an economic mended by Kuntz, who is chair- reduce congestion will stimulate explain changing U.S. entry poli- ment and enforce the Western slowdown, we are in the midst of man of a trucking company based our economy, reduce fuel con- cies and welcome more interna- Hemisphere Travel Initiative which an energy crisis, and an environ- in Helena, Mont. sumption, reduce our carbon foot- tional visitors. is an important step forward in se- mental crisis is looming,” says Ray Such changes to federal sur- print and ensure our nation’s ability “Border states and the entire curing the homeland,” said Home- Kuntz, chairman of the American face transportation policy would to compete in a global economy,” American economy need an effec- land Security Secretary Michael Trucking Associations. make the highway system much said Kuntz. “The correct path, tive travel promotion and commu- Chertoff. “Limiting and standardiz- More money to eliminate criti- more efficient, Kuntz said in one though not easy, seems clear.” nication program,” said Dow. 10 July 15, 2008 UMA NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS UMA election scheduled for fall, directors to be chosen ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Ralph Young of Young Transporta- ing, and he will not stand for re- who also serves a three-year term. dates nominated for the board must United Motorcoach Association is tion in Asheville, N.C., and Region election. Qualification standards for represent an active UMA-member seeking nominations from its III (the Northeast): Joan Libby of Of UMA’s 20-member board, UMA directors can be found in company in good standing. Direc- coach operator members to fill a Cavalier Coach Trailways in Bos- 18 are regional directors who must Article VI of the UMA Bylaws tors serve without pay, but the asso- half-dozen, three-year elected ton, and Godfrey LeBron of Para- be coach operators and who are printed in the back of the member- ciation generally reimburses direc- seats on its board. dise Trailways in Hicksville, N.Y. elected to three-year staggered ship directory. tors for travel and accommodations Sept. 1 is the deadline for let- Hume announced at the UMA terms. In addition, it has one non- Nominations for the regional while performing UMA business ters of nomination for the director mid-year board meeting here last coachbuilder associate representa- board directorships must come and/or attending UMA meetings. positions. month that he and his wife have tive who serves a three-year term, from active UMA members who Written letters of nomination Two directors will be elected sold their company, will be retir- and one coachbuilder associate are motorcoach operators. Candi- must state the candidate’s name, from each of UMA’s three mem- company affiliation, home-base bership regions. Maps showing the location, and be postmarked no regions are printed in the 2007-08 Canadians may get UMA board seat later than Sept. 1. Regional UMA UMA Membership Directory and ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Direc- sit on the UMA board. fied representation on the board. Nominating Committees will cer- the soon-to-be-released 2008-09 tors of the United Motorcoach Currently, UMA has three The recommendation was unan- tify the eligibility of all candidates directory. Association have voted to add a regions with Canadian provinces imously approved by the board to produce a list of nominees in All of the UMA director seats coach operator board member and territories divvied up among and will be voted on by UMA each region no later than Oct. 1. to be contested are the result of from Canada. the regions based on their geo- members in January at the UMA Ballots will be mailed to UMA expiring terms of incumbent The directors took the action at graphic location. Simply put, west- Motorcoach Expo in Orlando. members by Oct. 15, and must be regional coach operator directors, their mid-year meeting here last ern Canadian provinces are part of Also at its June meeting, the returned no later than Nov. 15. who may seek re-election. month. the West region of UMA, eastern UMA board approved Long Winners will be announced in the The directors whose seats are The association’s strategic plan- provinces are included in the East Beach, Calif., as the site of the Dec. 1 issue of Bus & Motorcoach expiring are: Region I (the West): ning committee had recommended region, and central provinces are 2012 UMA Motorcoach Expo. The News. Daryl Johnson of J&J Charters in that a fourth UMA membership part of the Midwest/South region. board picked Long Beach over UMA members with questions Houston, and Tom Ready of Ready region be created and the region The proposed change would ex- Phoenix for a variety of reasons, about nominations should contact Bus Lines in LaCrescent, Minn.; represent all Canadian coach oper- pand the UMA board to 21 mem- including more reasonable room the association at (800) 424-8262. Region II (the Midwest and South): ator members. Under the recom- bers, from 20, and mark the first rates, a wider variety of hotels Mail nomination letters to: UMA Robert Hume of Travel Mates of mendation, a single member would time Canadian operator members close to downtown and exclusive Nominations, 113 S. West St., 4th Virginia in Harrisonburg, and be elected by Canadian operators to of UMA would have direct and uni- use of the city convention center. Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314-2824.

12 July 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS megabus Coach USA/Coach Canada show CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 operates 17 of the Van Hool T925 profit, revenues gains in FY ’08 double-deck coaches on Midwest- ern routes, and is ramping up to PERTH, Scotland — Revenue ahead of plan,” the company said. run 18 in the Eastern U.S. The lux- and operating profit at Coach USA Stagecoach said Coach USA ury double-deckers are equipped and Coach Canada posted solid and Coach Canada continue to with WiFi, DVD players, individ- increases during fiscal 2008, but focus on providing high quality ual headsets and seat belts. the gains trailed those of other and safe service, effective market- Moser pointed out that double- units of their parent company, ing of core scheduled and leisure deckers offer the passengers a Stagecoach Group. services, operational efficiencies, unique experience, while megabus For the 12 months ended April and winning and retaining contract (and the environment) benefit 30, Coach USA and Coach Canada business. from their efficiency. had combined revenue of $474.3 Coach USA-Coach Canada in- Until recently, line-haul pas- million, up 5 percent from fiscal creased capital spending in fiscal senger counts had been declining 2007 revenue of $451.4 million. 2008 to $56 million, up from rough- in the U.S., but that trend has The revenue growth between fiscal ly $44 million the year before. reversed during the past two years ’07 and ’08 was less than between Meanwhile, Stagecoach said (See January issue of Bus & ’06 and ’07, when revenue rose by companywide profits climbed 7 Motorcoach News). more than 8 percent. percent in fiscal 2008, to 174 mil- According to Souter the obvi- The revenue figures do not lion pounds, or roughly $347 mil- ous explanation, increasing fuel include sales by megasbus.com, lion (U.S.). Revenue from continu- prices, is only a minor reason for the intercity curbside service that ing businesses was up 17.2 per- the upswing. megabus.com and was launched by Coach USA in cent, to 1.76 billion pounds, or some of its competitors have been spring 2006. megabus posted rev- $3.5 billion (U.S.). experiencing rapid growth, with enue of $11.3 million in fiscal ’08, Stagecoach, which operates only a few routes that didn’t carry up from $4.7 million in fiscal ’07. buses and owns several rail fran- their weight. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter, left, and Coach USA Operating profit for Coach chises in the United Kingdom, said Souter attributes the growth to President Dale Moser, right, are joined by N.Y. Giants’ football great Michael USA and Coach Canada, exclud- global factors were making public several factors. Like others, mega- Strahan for the kickoff of megabus double-deck service. ing megabus.com, during fiscal transport more popular with bus avoids the pitfall of scheduling 2008 was $48 million, a sharp British travelers. a complex web of routes, special- In many locales, strategically ther on a bus than their British increase from the $36.6 million Chief executive Brian Souter izing instead in providing direct located curbside pickups, near counterparts, perhaps as a result of earned a year ago. said the change in attitudes was service between logical city pairs. restaurants and public transporta- the UK’s extensive rail network. The operating profit margin for being driven by “increasing road It then works with the cities to tion, may actually feel more com- In addition to marketing cam- Coach USA-Coach Canada in fis- congestion, rising fuel costs and select curbside locations that are fortable and safer to potential pas- paigns targeting students and the cal ‘08 was 10.l percent, up from 8 concern about climate change. We convenient for customers. sengers. Internet savvy, part of megabus’ percent in fiscal ’07. are leading the sector in offering What evolves is a hub-and-spoke In analyzing their market re- strategy is to ride a wave of “word megabus.com continued to lose customers greener, smarter travel system that fits the megasbus.com search, one surprise has been the of mouth” advertising. money in fiscal ’08 as the start-up to reduce their carbon footprint,” schedule to the needs of the cus- number of young women who ride “Googling megabus seems to and expansion of the service con- said Souter. tomer, rather than scheduling for megabus regularly. Souter felt this indicate it’s working, and Coach tinued. megabus lost $5.8 million “In the UK, our bus division the convenience of the system. was a result of company efforts to USA sources say revenue contin- in FY ’08, versus a $2 million loss has achieved six successive years He also thinks the use of create both the perception and the ues to grow. in fiscal ’07. of organic passenger volume Internet-based ticketing and avoid- reality of a safe environment. While waiting for the coach, Stagecoach Group said it was growth and we have expanded our ing traditional bus stations Asked about differences be- one passenger told a reporter for pleased with the Coach USA- regional bus operations through changes the demographics. Fair, or tween UK and U.S. bus passen- the New York Daily News: “I want Coach Canada results in view of targeted bolt-on acquisitions. not, bus stations are not generally gers, Souter indicated their expec- a bus with dignity.” the “challenging economic envi- “We have strengthened our perceived as safe, comfortable or tations were about the same. U.S. Maybe an idea whose time has ronment.” position as a leading UK rail oper- clean places. riders were willing to go a bit far- come. “We have achieved further like- ator, generating strong revenue fire testing,” noted NHTSA and then click on Submit. When for-like revenue growth in our growth, winning new contracts and Crash test spokesman Eric L. Bolton. the next page appears, click on the operations in the United States and offering consistently high quality CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Among the preliminaries are: highlighted docket number. Canada and met our objective of a of service to our customers,” fire-resistant exterior components, • An inspection of buses that 10 percent operating margin a year Souter added. and assessing the tenability of the have been involved in fires tickets have been issued, either on enues and have attempted to get passenger compartment during a • A literature search on mate- D.C. tickets I-295 or totally. the district to drop it. D.C. trip per- wheel-well fire. rial flammability CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Under the D.C. law, operators mits cost $50 for each coach and The NHTSA said the tests will • An evaluation of laboratory of the district. can avoid the need for a trip permit are good for just six days. focus only on fires that start in the test results The D.C. Motor Carrier Divi- if their coaches are fully registered The coalition sued the district areas near the rear wheel wells and • An examination of existing sion of the Department of Motor in the district or if they purchase last year, claiming the requirement fuel lines because the Swedish requirements for materials used Vehicles confirms that the permit apportioned plates in their home violated federal interstate com- National Testing and Research inside coaches requirement is being enforced state and pay the district a fee merce laws and vehicle registration Institute is planning full-scale fire The results of the completed throughout the district — includ- based on the number of times each rules. However, to the surprise of testing of motorcoaches and there crash tests and the study method- ing along I-295 — and not just coach travels through the district virtually no one, the permits were is no need to repeat the same tests. ology developed for the upcoming where there is a lot of tour and each year. upheld by a D.C. Superior Court Instead, it said results of the sled and fire tests can be viewed charter bus travel. The districtwide ticketing poli- judge in June, allowing police to wheel-well study will complement online at www.regulations.gov. “If you enter the district any- cy adds to the controversy the trip- continue enforcement efforts. An the Swedish testing. Under the heading More Search where without a permit or an permit requirement has generated appeal is being considered. The testing process is not Options on the right side of the apportionment tag that does not since it was put into effect about a For more information about the scheduled to start until early next screen, click on Advanced Docket include the district, then you will year ago. permits, or to apply for one, call year and will take about two years Searches. Put National Highway be subject to a ticket and a fine,” A coalition of industry trade (202)729-7083, or visit www.dmv. to complete. “There is a fair amount Traffic Safety Administration in stresses a spokeswoman for the groups has charged that the permit dc.gov and click on Trip Permit. of research and development nec- the Agency box and NHTSA- agency. requirement is simply a money The permits can be obtained by essary in preparation for the actual 2007-28793 in the Docket ID box She did not know how many grab by the district to bolster rev- telephone, fax or online. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2008 13 The adventures of an old guy riding curbside buses By Dave Millhouser apparent immediately. There are but we all worked things out as a chosen curbside locations and tar- of all sorts LOTS of folks riding the curb- team, and had a good time doing geted marketing have created a of folks. You I love flying. sides. On this Monday morning, it. Here we were, strangers on a “safe” atmosphere that women could make I HATE airports and airlines. four different carriers left from the Manhattan street corner actually appreciate. the case that So, when I had to make a trip same spot and each was at least 75 talking to each other. If he was pleasantly surprised, our multi- from Boston to New York, it percent full. The buses were new, and clean. imagine how the young men on cultural seemed wise to try the new curb- It seemed just like an airport The seat spacing was far better the buses feel. Since a substantial gang looked side bus lines. (In addition, if you gate until a young woman turned than an airplane, and the computer portion of the curbside’s market- like the cast hadn’t figured it out, I’m cheap). up with some sort of ticket prob- WiFi worked perfectly. You’re ing is word-of-mouth…this ratio of a disaster Even better, I conned the sen- lem. A dispatcher jokingly told her allowed to use your cell phone, may change. film…but ior editor of this newspaper into he’d have to slap her hand, then and the few conversations that I The demographics were inter- we had no Dave Millhouser letting me write an article about sorted out her ticket, and made noticed were quiet and civilized. esting. Many of the passengers disaster. the experience, and he’d pay for sure she was on the right bus. You Once the coach reached the were college-aged kids, with a On each of the three legs I rode the trip. I’d travel incognito (Latin had the feeling that, in an airport, interstate, you forgot you were on substantial number of older folks. there was at least one elderly cou- for “I don’t know who I am”). the slap might have been harder, a bus. On two different carriers, That makes sense, in that these ple, formally dressed, looking like The only hard part was figur- and on the face. riding three routes, the experience groups have less money, and more they were riding a 1940’s passenger ing out how to buy tickets. Many Curbside, there were a few dif- was virtually the same — smooth time, than business people. train. Nice. of the curbside carriers have gone ferences between companies, drivers, reasonable speed. Ironically, once you sort out Forty-year-old Derek Hackett to Internet-based ticketing. In minor in nature. One carrier pro- In a later conversation, the ground transportation, waiting told the New York Daily News that addition to saving money, it tends vided a dispatcher, while the oth- executive of one curbside operator time in the airport, and security he liked the curbside buses because to eliminate some of the riff-raff. ers seemed to depend on passen- said his company had been pleas- delays, it’s not certain that air trav- “They don’t stink.” If that’s their strategy, they’ll have gers informing each other, with a antly surprised by the number of el would have been faster on any If my experience is representa- to do better because even an aging little help from drivers. young women traveling on their of the three legs. tive, they’re doing a whole lot bet- riff-raff (like me) can figure out There was a bit of confusion coaches. He believes that carefully There was a liberal sprinkling ter than that. For trips of 400 miles the web pages. or less, it’s a civilized way to go. Cleverly disguised as a chubby And, in case you were wonder- old guy, I waddled to the gate at Toronto-New York curbside service begins ing, no one saw through my crafty Boston’s South Station, clutching NEW YORK — Greyhound recently launched megasbus.com way. Typical fares are $25 to $75. disguise, everyone on all three bus- the printout of my $8.50 ticket and Canada and Adirondack Trailways runs between the two cities. Walk-up tickets cost $85 one way. es thought I was a chubby old man. began the adventure. Tickets in the have created a new curbside serv- The Greyhound-Adirondack The Neon coaches have video Dave Millhouser is a bus Northeast vary in price from $1 to ice that operates between New service is called Neon and it offers screens, Wi-Fi service and power industry marketing consultant and $18 depending on when you book. York City and Toronto. twice daily departures from both outlets. Tickets are being sold freelance writer. Contact him at: A couple of things became The service competes with the cities, with fares starting at $1 one online at www.greyhound.com. [email protected].

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U 3108 NW 54th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Fax to: (405) 942-6201 Questions: [email protected] … or call (405) 948-6555 S 14 July 15, 2008 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach NEWS Getting involved One technique LeBron uses is nationwide effort to identify future involving his business in the com- community leaders. Tourism Cares events scheduled CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 munity. For example, he some- “I hope to get some business, CANTON, Mass. — The 2008 ored and inducted into the hall of involvement. And Eyre Bus has times donates a bus to excursions but I want my company to be a go- Tourism Cares Summit will be fame. reaped rewards as well. for Alzheimer patients involved in to for solutions in the community,” Aug. 3-6 in Las Vegas, with a For information about the two a YMCA adult-care program. says Scott. Industry proponents of com- focus on “green travel.” events, go to www.tourismcares.org. munity involvement have some Steve Klika, president of Inter- Leadership programs are the The annual summit brings trav- Last month, Tourism Cares practical advice to operators for national Motor Coach Group Inc., easiest and best way to get started el sellers together with buyers. relocated its office in Canton to getting out into the community. also suggests operators encourage in the community, says Klika. “It Forums at this year’s event will 275 Turnpike St. The phone, fax The senior Eyre has found their staff to get involved, whether teaches you social responsibility. consider the “responsible and sus- and Zip Code remain unchanged. advantages in being involved with it’s with a church or parent-teacher You will be expected to get involved civic groups, such as the Rotary organizations. in boards, community service.” tainable tourism” movement. Tourism Cares for America is a Club. “The business that I got from LeBron agrees. “It gives the Klika himself has long been On Sept. 16, Tourism Cares nonprofit organization that strives that was unbelievable,” he says. company a strong sense of moral involved in his communities. Today, will host the 2008 Tourism Hall of to bring individuals employed in “The business return, the name strength. …Not everyone can write in Kansas, he serves as a school Fame Gala dinner. J.W. ‘Bill’ tourism together to work, network recognition — the face was there a $1,000 check, but you might have board member for Blue Valley Marriott Jr., chairman of CEO of and give back, while demonstrat- in the community.” an employee who can give $10.” School District, and has leadership Marriott International, will be hon- ing the industry’s importance. LeBron also believes firmly in Brian Scott, president of Escot roles with the Overland Park Con- the power of networking. His local Bus Lines in Largo, Fla., is in the vention & Visitors Bureau, Johnson antics ended up on the front page tion to service come from? chamber of commerce, for exam- infancy stages of his community County Transit and SAFEHOME, a of the community paper. “People “It all pretty much comes from ple, has helped him financially involvement, but he has hopes for domestic violence program. sent e-mails, made copies. We got my mom. She always stressed that through networking functions. “I big things. He has been involved in Eyre notes that community a huge reaction from that, even in me when I was a young boy. would recommend to take advan- the industry for the past decade, involvement can also bring press nine months later.” Your good deeds will help you tage of networking.” but now he’s ready to expand his coverage. Eyre’s connections in the Operators also point out the with your life. The more you give, But, choose your charities local community activites. community brought him, for exam- intangibles of giving back — it the more you will receive. carefully, advises LeBron. “Today, “I want to be a positive influ- ple, a feature on the cover of The feels good. “One of the highest forms of in this world of being politically ence,” Scott says. He attends tran- Baltimore Sun’s business section. “I have always felt the need to donating is employing people. correct, you have to choose things sit board meetings regularly, and In another case, Eyre and his give back to the community that We’re always maligned. The only that aren’t going to offend people. he is working to get involved in the wife, Joanne, won a dancing con- you serve, which for us is the entire time we get press is when there is People don’t usually have a prob- prestigious Leadership Pinellas, test to benefit Howard County Baltimore-Washington, D.C., mar- an accident. (But) we are the fiber lem with babies,” so he has been which is a member of The Com- Tourism — a not-for-profit that ket,” says Eyre. of the community because travel is active with the March of Dimes. munity Leadership Association, a promotes tourism — and their Where does LeBron’s dedica- central to life.” he said. “It’s not an eight-hour-a- of instruction and will focus on school bus drivers, how to control other grant recipients: Driver training day job. And with fuel prices where school buses and motorcoaches. It bullying on a school bus, danger • Cuyahoga Community Col- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 they are, everybody is looking for a will include information on the zone awareness and night driving,” lege, Cleveland, Ohio. Awarded train potential bus drivers. It is the part-time job.” need to pass U.S. Department of he said. $83,300. An official of the college’s only one of the nine known to be Blagg has no idea how many Transportation drug screening; Asked whether he will market Regional Transportation Institute doing so. students will apply, and the number a written exam that covers the state the program to bus companies, said the intention is to launch a bus Chuck Blagg, a former motor- he will be able to accept depends motor vehicle division skills pro- Blagg replied: “We’ve got things in driver training program, but he coach driver and director of the col- on whether he receives one bus or gram; vehicle inspections, and a the works but nothing solid yet.” couldn’t provide details. lege’s program, is hoping to obtain, two. A lot also depends on whether behind-the-wheel driving test. Blagg and a staff member both • Arkansas State University, as donations, two school buses to school districts will turn over their “We’ll test them at the end and have passenger endorsement CDLs Newport, Ark. Awarded $87,500. use for behind-the-wheel training. driver programs to him. send them to MVD,” Blagg said. from Arizona. Together they have Bentley Wallace, director of the The need for bus drivers is crit- “I can do it cheaper,” he asserts. The course also will provide more than 30 years of experience commercial drivers training pro- ical, in part, because there’s consid- The course, which Blagg hopes instruction on handling and dealing behind the wheel of motorcoaches, gram, said the school does not train erable turnover, said Blagg. “Most to have up and running by with passengers. he said. bus drivers. “We always look at op- school bus drivers are part-timers,” September, will consist of 80 hours “It will cover first aid for Here is a rundown on the eight portunities to expand the curricu- lum, but the guidelines of our grant would not allow that. Our grant is CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING specifically for enhanced safety training for over-the-road drivers.” REDUCED TO Wallace added that most bus com- $175,000 panies train their own drivers. • West Hills Community Col- 2000 MCI lege, Coalinga, Calif. Awarded E4500 $80,640. The school focuses on 3 available! training heavy equipment drivers. Extremely low • Ozarks Technical Community miles, 1 owner, well cared for high-end charter coaches. You will College, Springfield, Mo. Awarded not find any nicer! Series 60, B500R, 58 Seats with Lav, Michelins $198,087. Cindy Stephens said the CDL program is exclusively for on Alcoa rims, CD & DVD Players, cordless mikes. $175,000/offer. over-the-road truck drivers. “Our Marc 808.832.6261 Will deliver to West Coast current focus is not on the bus and motorcoach industry,” she said. • Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, Ill., awarded $49,855; National Tractor Trailer School, Liverpool, N.Y., awarded $120,000); Lehigh Carbon Com- munity College, Schnecksville, (2) ’97 Dina Viaggio 1000’s (2) ’99 Vanhool T-945’S REPOS FOR SALE Pa., awarded $127,955, and 52 PAX + 1 Escort Seat $50,000 57 PAX, + 1 Escort Seat, Variety of makes and models of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical w/tires – New Paint $120,000 w/tires – New Paint “Bank Repos” across the United College, Orangeburg, S.C., award- All buses are Clean - Well Maintanied - Excellent Condition ed $200,000, did not return phone For more pics: http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/amaralbus/ States and Priced to Sell! calls or could not be reached for Call Joe: 508-993-4503 or e-mail [email protected] 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 716 for more information! comment. Bus & Motorcoach NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS July 15, 2008 15 Calendar NAMO conference is next month in Houston JULY 2008 HOUSTON — The National Topics include: Surviving a Guest speakers will represent dent and Van Hool. Association of Motorcoach Oper- catastrophic accident; Purchasing: National Interstate Insurance, Lancer Representatives from other 16 MCI Webinar on ators 2008 Semi-Annual Confer- New vs. Pre-owned Coaches; In- Insurance, the Federal Transit Ad- industry suppliers and vendors also Regeneration. 2 p.m. Central Time. Info: E-mail: marketing@ ence will be Aug. 14-17 at the vestigating and Entering New ministration, the United Motor- will be on hand. mcicoach.com. RSVP by July 14. Doubletree Hotel Houston Inter- Markets; Go Green Initiatives for coach Association and the Ameri- For more information about the continental. Your Company; Legislative Issues can Bus Association. conference, including registration 17-20 National Motorcoach The conference will feature Affecting the Transportation A new coach display will fea- information, go to www.namo- Network Invitational 100, seminars and presenters discussing Industry, and Obtaining Affordable ture buses from from BCI, MCI, coaches.org, or e-mail jjcharters@ MainStay Suites Hotel, Pigeon key industry issues. Financing. Prevost, Setra, Stallion Bus, Tri- aol.com. Forge, Tenn. Info: Go to www.motorcoach.com, or call (888) 733-5287. 19-22 Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association Annual Meeting & Marketplace, Hilton Atlanta North East, Atlanta. Info: www.gamotorcoachoperators.org. 23 MCI Webinar on Updating Your Website. 2 p.m. Central Time. Info: E-mail: marketing@ mcicoach.com. RSVP by July 21.

AUGUST 2008 Don’t Settle for Anything Less Than the Express 3-7 Alabama Motorcoach Association Annual Meeting & Marketplace, MainStay Suites Hotel, Pegeon Forge, Tenn. Info: www.alabamamotorcoach.org. 6-8 International Motor Coach Group Strategic Alliance Meeting, Chantilly, Va. Info: Go to www.imgcoach.com. People Mark L. Szyperski has been named director of business devel- opment of Anchor Trailways in Nashville, Tenn. The job is a new position for Anchor Trailways, although the company had con- tracted with Szyperski as a con- sultant in the past. Szyperski has more than 30 years of experience in the motor- coach industry, having held posi- tions of operations supervisor through general manager at motor- coach companies. Most recently, Szyperski has been working with the Trailways Transportation System as a consultant doing sales 12 Year Altoona Designed and training. In his position at Anchor Trailways, Szyperski will Stainless Steel Body Construction be responsible for a number of operational, marketing and human Luminated Luggage Compartments resource activities. “Mark Szyperski has years of The Industry’s Best Ride experience in our industry that we and Drivability are able to use as we work toward continuous improvement in our Comfortable Seating Configurations up to 57 Passengers company,” said Jared Stancil, vice president. “His knowledge and Your Solution for BRT and Commuter Express Applications Made in USA contacts will help us in taking the company to the next level,” Stancil added. Anchor Trailways has been in business for 19 years and has op- Blue Bird Coachworks Phone: 478.825.0330 erations in Alabama, and Ken- tucky. It has a fleet of 43 motor- One Wonderlodge Way Fax: 478.825.0340 coaches, 2 executive coaches and 2 midsize buses. Fort Valley, GA 31030 [email protected] State-of-the-art technology is a Prevost state of mind. Take for either applying brakes to the appropriate wheels or overriding example the new Prevost Electronic Stability Program the throttle. Incredible indeed, protecting passengers, (ESP) designed to bring a higher level of vehicle safety. assets, and your company’s reputation. This is after all a Prevost. ESP electronically compares performance models to actual More than a coach. It’s an experience. Knowing that we’re vehicle movement, monitoring wheel speed, steering angle, always there for you. Anticipating the unexpected. Challenging lateral acceleration and yaw. When the system senses a the detours. Outdoing what’s been done. This is the Prevost way. potentially dangerous situation, it will help correct the situation by To learn more please visit prevostcar.com. THE ULTIMATE CLASS

H-Series and the X3-45

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