INSIDE: EXPO SPECIAL INSERT November 1, 2010

Industry weighs in on proposed seatbelt requirement with the National Highway Traffic Safety sponse to the seatbelt rulemaking issued by sibility and invited the industry to comment Top concern: Impact Administration that they would not support NHTSA in August. (See Sept. 1 Bus & Mo- on the issue. extending the mandate to motorcoaches cur- torcoach News.) The seatbelt mandate had The UMA and ABA said they back re- on smaller operators rently on the road. been under active consideration for two quiring passenger seatbelts on new motor- WASHINGTON — A proposed federal Such a requirement, they warned, would years, and it also had been recommended as coaches because safety is the first concern rule that would mandate three-point passen- be too costly and would run many small op- part of a major motorcoach safety plan in- of the industry, and the belts would make an ger seatbelts on new motorcoaches — three erators out of business. troduced late last year by the U.S. Depart- industry already recognized as being “very years after the effective date of the regula- The two associations reportedly arrived ment of Transportation. (See Dec. 15 Bus & safe” even safer. tion — has been endorsed by the industry’s at their recommendations independently, Motorcoach News.) “A requirement to install three-point seat- two major trade groups. and their positions diverge on certain as- While the rule does not propose mandat- belts in new motorcoaches will improve an But the United Motorcoach and Ameri- pects of the proposed rule. ing safety belts for existing buses, federal already exceptionally safe mode of transpor- can Bus associations said in separate filings The comments were submitted in re- regulators say they are looking into that pos- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 c Berg faces multiple charges Berg — who prosecutors say was convicted Former operator accused of bank fraud in Oregon two decades ago — could face a sentence of from 30 years to of fraud; arrested, jailed life in prison. SEATTLE — Federal prosecutors have According to the criminal charges filed charged former high-profile motorcoach by the U.S. Attorney for Western Washing- operator Darren Berg with 10 counts of ton last month, Berg raised more than $350 wire fraud and money laundering, alleging million during this decade, ostensibly to be he conducted a nearly decade-long Ponzi used for mortgage investments. Instead, scheme that defrauded upwards of 1,000 in- Berg funneled millions to himself to invest vestors out of more than $100 million. in his motorcoach operation and maintain Eight days after the charges were filed, an extraordinarily lavish lifestyle. federal authorities arrested Berg in Los An- Starting early in 2001, Berg created and geles and added more charges, alleging he operated a series of investment funds called concealed bank accounts, a property sale in Meridian Mortgage Investors Funds, Me- July and about $400,000. ridian Real Estate Opportunity Funds and Prosecutors moved to have Berg held CS Note Holdco. without bail because they consider him a Berg told fund investors their money flight risk. They say he was attempting to would be invested in real estate, seller-fi- WRAPPNG UP 100 YEARS. Indian Trails of Owosso, Mich., is marking its 100th nanced real estate contracts, hard money hide money to pay for a possible escape. year in business with celebrations and honors, plus a new Get Motorcoachified bus If convicted of the charges against him, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 c wrap. See story on Page 9. BIG enforcement change Dec. 1 Warning: Don’t overlook ‘PSP’ WASHINGTON — One month from said few operators he has spoken with had PHOENIX — An attorney who repre- Moseley warned. now, on Dec. 1, a new era in over-the-road taken the time to become familiar with the sents trucking companies and their insur- By using the Pre-Employment Screen- bus and truck safety begins when the Fed- program. ance carriers says it’s imperative that own- ing Program, bus and truck operators can eral Motor Carrier Safety Administration “Nearly every operator I have spoken ers and operators of over-the-road get a report on a prospective driver much goes public with its new enforcement initia- with does not even have a PIN number, commercial vehicles begin using a relative- like a motor vehicle report. (See June 1 Bus tive called CSA 2010. much less looked at their (CSA 2010) BA- ly new federal driver screening program. & Motorcoach News.) The safety measurement system replac- SICs. I suspect more than a few of the op- “If you choose not to use the (Pre-Em- Only instead of providing information es the current SafeStat program. erators have a surprise coming to them once ployment Screening Program), you’re mak- about how many speeding tickets and other Though no one knows for certain, there Nov. 30th rolls around,” he said. ing a huge mistake,” Rob Moseley told moving violations the driver has had, the is anecdotal evidence that many motor- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- trucking executives meeting here last month. federal screening program tells you about coach operators are not aware of the poten- tration Administrator Anne Ferro has been “Because the (Pre-Employment Screen- roadside inspection data for a particular tial implications of the new system and its quoted as saying few carriers have taken ad- ing Program) is available to you, everything driver, such as hours-of-service violations, implementation. vantage of the sneak preview her agency has that’s available to you today will eventually equipment-related violations and other One well-connected industry executive CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c be available to the lawyer who sues you,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 c Affordable Luxury

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Midwest Northeast southeast southwest westerN CaNada 800-222-2875 800-222-2873 800-222-2871 800-222-2877 800-322-2877 800-345-1287 10-2010 View hundreds of other pre-owned equipment at www.abc-companies.com and www.busbuys.com Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2010 3 BCI halts sale of coaches, shutters most operations LAS VEGAS — Bus and down its operations in Orlando, Coach International has abandoned Fla., and Jennings, Kan., and all of its four-year effort to market Chi- the pre-owned coaches that were nese-built motorcoaches to opera- for sale at the two shuttered loca- tors in the United States. tions have been sold. The troubled company con- He would not discuss personnel firmed late last month it had termi- issues, including the fate of Larry nated its distribution agreement Brennan, who took over as BCI’s with BLK/Bon Luck Bus Co. of top executive at the beginning of Nanchang, which had supplied the year and served as the company BCI with its signature Falcon 45 spokesman. “Those issues will be coaches. addressed in a press release in a While BCI will no longer im- couple of weeks,” he said. port or sell new or used coaches, it Several telephone messages left will continue to maintain a small with BCI seeking comment from office and warehouse here to serve Brennan were not returned. motorcoach operators that pur- The announcement that BCI The Pomona (Calif.) Police Department SWAT team converges on a Shalimar Tours’ coach during training. chased Falcon 45s since they were had stopped selling buses came as introduced to the U.S. market in no surprise to many of its custom- 2007, according to spokesman Sha- ers, especially those who have been Operator assists SWAT training rad Agarwal. closely following the trials and trib- POMONA, Calif. — It’s not He had hidden a gun on the Since gambling halls are a com- “We will continue to provide ulations of the company the past 12 hard to imagine. coach during the ride to the casino. mon motorcoach destination in parts and technical support to all of to 18 months. A disturbed, disgruntled and That essentially is the scenario Southern California, with many In- our customers,” he said. During one two-month period down-on-his-luck gambler decides Pomona Police Department Offi- dian casinos, plus Las Vegas and BCI sold 101 of the coaches to last year there was a flurry of re- to act out his frustrations and hos- cer Ralph Rivera came up with to Laughlin, Nev., within a few hours several dozen operators throughout ports BCI was about to either close tility during his trip home on a mo- expand the scope of training for drive, Rivera figured a scenario in the country during its time in the or file for bankruptcy, neither of torcoach that had taken him to the his department’s Central Negotia- which a deranged gambler takes out new-coach market. which proved to be true at the time. casino where he extended his long tion Team. his aggression on a tour coach was Agarwal, who represents Pro- Instead, the company reshuffled its losing streak. The SWAT unit typically trains a possibility. naia Capital, a Salt Lake City in- management, and downsized its The man decides to take the bus, in settings involving residential To execute his idea, Rivera vestment company that financed operations before introducing an its passengers and driver hostage. and commercial buildings. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 c BCI, said the bus company had shut CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c 4 November 1, 2010 Bus & Motorcoach News

Governors graded on fiscal prowess Federal rule bans texting WASHINGTON — The Cato and Joe Manchin (West Virginia). Three Republican governors Institute has released its latest as- Seven got an F, the governors who have been mentioned as pos- by bus drivers, truckers sessment of the fiscal perfor- of Oregon, New York, Connecti- sible presidential candidates in WASHINGTON — A rule is- is not texting. mance of state governors during cut, Illinois, Colorado, Wisconsin 2012 got grades ranging from sued by the Federal Motor Carrier The dangers posed by texting the past two years, and in many and Washington. A-C. Pawlenty got an A, Gov. Safety Administration went into ef- are largely what prompted the cases it does not present a pretty Governors elected in the past Mitch Daniels of Indiana got a B, fect late last month banning over- FMCSA to address texting sepa- picture. couple of years were excluded and Gov. Haley Barbour of Mis- the-road bus and truck drivers from rately from other distracted driving Those governors who raised from the study. sissippi got a C. texting while driving. issues, and to do so quickly. It has taxes and spending the most over Republican governors aver- The study, Fiscal Policy Re- The rule also prohibits compa- taken the agency just over six that time got the worst grades, aged about a B-, Democrats a D, port Card on America’s Gover- nies from requiring or allowing months to get from proposal to while those that cut spending and although neither party had a mo- nors: 2010, includes interesting their drivers to text, and it imposes final rule, a turnaround that re- taxes got the best. nopoly of low or high grades. For state-by-state observations on fi- sanctions, including costly civil flects the urgency given to this Four governors got an A (from example, Manchin is a Democrat, nances and individual governors. penalties and disqualification from issue by Transportation Secretary the top): Mark Sanford (South while Jodi Rell, the Republican The complete report can be operating a commercial vehicle in Ray LaHood. Carolina), Bobby Jindal (Louisi- governor of Connecticut got the found at www.cato.org/pubs/pas/ interstate commerce, for drivers ana), Tim Pawlenty (Minnesota), third lowest score. PA668.pdf. who fail to comply with the rule. Going further The rule follows up on guid- The final texting rule contains ance the FMCSA issued earlier this a significant departure from the Additional safety rules expected year and essentially codifies cur- initial proposal, which suggested a ARLINGTON, Va. — The head “improved fraud protection mea- texting ban and rent federal enforcement practices. texting ban only on cell phones. of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety sures,” she said. the cell-phone The penalty for conviction of The agency decided to extend the Administration says her agency Ferro also said the agency is in rule, is looking violating the rule can be a fine of texting ban to all in-cab and in-bus could issue three or four new safety the process of finalizing its entry- at “the full con- $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 devices that are used in conjunc- rules before the end of the year or level driver training rule, and it cept of distract- for the operator. The driver also tion with fleet management sys- shortly after the new year begins. could be sent to the White House ed driving,” can be disqualified. tems, and that can be used for pur- Anne Ferro, speaking to the for review in the coming months. Ferro said. She Under the Obama Administra- poses other than texting. Commercial Vehicle Training As- Her agency also is working on said the agen- tion, texting has become the cardi- “The agency does not see any sociation here last month, said the a series of distracted driving pro- cy’s examina- Anne Ferro nal sin among the numerous be- necessity for drivers to read text FMCSA’s commercial learner’s posals. The testing ban has been is- tion would look at other in-vehicle haviors that fall under the general messages or type text responses on permit rule is one she expects will sued (see story on this page) and up technologies “because there are description of distracted driving. any device while the vehicle is be out by early next year and pos- next are restrictions on cell-phone safety efficiencies, there are gains Research has shown that texting being operated on public roads,” the increases by more than 23 times FMCSA said in its commentary. sibly at the end of this year. use. That proposal is at the White to some of that equipment. There’s the chances of getting into an ac- The agency declined to provide The rule will incorporate House for review. proper use, and there’s improper cident, compared to a driver who a clearer definition of the term tougher licensing standards and A third piece, following the use.” “allow” in its language prohibiting operators from allowing their driv- ers to text. There is ample precedent for the term in federal rules, and neither the industry nor the unions have cited any difficulty complying with these rules, the agency said. In recent years, 30 states have posted laws banning texting. These bans remain in effect, provided they are compatible with the new federal rule, and the states may institute new prohibitions if they want to. Protecting your business … The FMCSA received about 400 comments on its rule, most it’s our privilege and commitment. supporting the ban. There was con- cern among some commenters Offering: about enforcement of the ban. Ⅲ Traditional, deductible and captive insurance programs The Commercial Vehicle Safety Ⅲ Exceptional service and claims handling Alliance, for example, pressed for Ⅲ Strength and stability – rated “A” (Excellent) VIII by A.M. Best Company more performance-based regula- tions, rather than a prescriptive ban, Contact us at: 800-929-1500 | [email protected] | www.NATL.com and the Owner-Operator Indepen- dent Drivers Association was con- cerned about giving officials access to the driver electronic devices. The agency responded that it does not think such questions Financial Str ength Rating A

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A Excellent restrict texting. It will take a while for enforcement authorities to de- velop their enforcement proce- dures, the agency said. DDS-0884 National Interstate General Ad Gayle Bentkowski | Media Media Relations Specialist | National Interstate Insurance Co. | 330.659.8900, ext. 1447 Deemer Design Studios | 216.544.6385 Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET November 1, 2010 5 Board proposes UCRP fee freeze It’s not a matter of IF SANTA FE, N.M. — The board of the Unified Carrier Regis- tration Plan has recommended that plan fees be frozen for 2011. In a joint letter to Ray LaHood, it’s a matter of WHEN ... secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the plan chair- man and vice chairman said the plan board had voted that both fees and fee brackets be unchanged next year. For this year, UCR fees were nearly double those of 2009. Under federal law, the UCR board is required to make a recom- mendation to the Secretary of Transportation each year whether the fees or fee structure should be changed. The board made its recommen- dation even though the collection of Unified Carrier Registration system fees remains below what states are entitled to receive. Since the UCR system replaced the old Single State Registration System three years ago, plan collec- tions have lagged. This has been blamed on both lousy enforcement efforts by the states and poor com- pliance by motor carriers. Many states have already begun collecting fees for 2011, fully expecting there would be a rate freeze this year. For more information about UCRP registration and fees, go to www.ucr.in.gov.

Canadians and UCRP Motor Coach Canada appears to have won a victory related to UCRP fees paid by Canadian op- erators traveling into the U.S. UCR fees are based on fleet size as reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- tion on the carrier’s latest MCS- 150 form. In a letter to Unified Carrier Registration Plan Chairman Aveli- no Gutierrez, Motor Coach Cana- da said it was not fair or reasonable for Canadian carriers to have to pay UCR fees based on their entire fleet, as reported on their MCS- 150, when not all vehicles operate When it does call the experts. in the U.S. The Canada motorcoach asso- ciation suggested the UCRP con- sider adopting a pro-rated system, like IFTA, basing Canadian carrier fees on miles traveled in the U.S. Las Vegas Location NOW OPEN instead of fleet size. “We received a letter last week Calgary, AB Las Vegas, NV from the chairman of UCRP which Phone: (403) 243-7400 Phone: (702) 632-2847 acknowledged our concern, and said Canadian carriers can subtract Toll Free: (888) 848-8686 Toll Free (888) 645-8585 from the number of vehicles re- ported on the MCS-150 those ve- [email protected] hicles that do not cross the border into the U.S.,” reported Motor Coach Canada. www.brccoachandtransit.com 6 November 1, 2010 THE DOCKET Bus & Motorcoach News Momentum builds to alter International Registration Plan DALLAS — An effort is under being called the Full Reciprocity the current IRP plan and how the If the operator’s plans change rier would pay on the basis of where way to change the International Plan, although an earlier version proposed Full Reciprocity Plan during the year and it needs to its vehicles traveled in the preced- Registration Plan, the system of the idea, which has been around would differ: travel into additional jurisdictions, ing year. It would pay fees only to through which interstate bus and for several years, was called the Under the International Regis- it must either add those to its regis- the jurisdictions it actually traveled truck operators fulfill their vehicle Dallas Plan. tration Plan as it is now, an opera- tration or buy trip permits. Either in, but it would be registered registration obligations. The concept, which reportedly tor renewing its registration de- option can be expensive, and both everywhere. The proposed change would is gaining a lot of support from clares to its base jurisdiction which can delay vehicle movements. The International Fuel Tax make the plan more flexible for states, would only impact those states and provinces it plans to The proposed Full Reciprocity Agreement works much this way motor carriers and simpler for bus operators and truckers that travel in during the coming year Plan, or FRP for short, would already. states and private companies alike. have apportioned plates. At the and pays apportioned fees to those eliminate the complexity by auto- Adoption of the FRP would re- Additionally, for many carriers same time, there is more and more jurisdictions on the basis of where matically making IRP registration quire a significant amendment to the changes also would reduce costs, talk among IRP officials about re- the company’s vehicles traveled a registration for all IRP member the IRP, which requires the approv- according to the American Trucking quiring charter bus operators to the preceding year. states and Canadian provinces. al of three-quarters of the IRP- Associations’ State Laws Newsletter. have apportioned tags. Only the declared jurisdictions IRP fees would be calculated member jurisdictions. That could The proposed IRP overhaul is Here’s a quick explanation of appear on the registration cab cards. the same way they are now. A car- occur within the next year or so. Coalition seeks renewal ADA reports: Action on highway bill of diesel retrofit program Did you send predicted for next year WASHINGTON — A broad percent of the DERA funds will PHOENIX — A leading Re- fore we get started on it.” coalition of environmental, sci- go to national competitive grants, yours for ’10? publican senator predicts Con- Kyl also said it’s important for ence-based, public health, indus- with the remaining 30 percent al- gress will finally start seriously Congress to tackle the highway try, labor, and state and local gov- located to the states. WASHINGTON — Over-the- working on a highway and public bill during the first 10 months or ernment groups are supporting Details of the program will be road bus and motorcoach operators transportation reauthorization so of the next Congress. “Other- reauthorization of the Diesel posted at http://epa.gov/cleandie- that haven’t submitted their 2010 program once the mid-term elec- wise it’s going to become a victim Emission Reduction Act (DERA), sel/grantfund.htm. federal Americans with Disabilities tions are out of the way and this of the next election cycle.” which expires in 10 months. According to the coalition sup- Act reports need to get in gear. The law established a volun- porting reauthorization of the The deadline was late last month. fall’s lame duck session ends. The big battle over reauthori- tary national and state-level grant DERA program, the initiative has Under federal rules, all U.S.- It has typically taken a lot of zation of the highway-public and loan program designed to been successful from an economic, based over-the-road bus companies time to get long-term highway and transportation bill will be how to help cut emissions from existing environmental and public health must submit three types of reports public transportation funding bills pay for the country’s needed infra- diesel engines through retrofits. perspective, “yielding one of the to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety passed in the past, said Sen. Jon structure repairs and improve- Since its adoption in 2005, the greatest cost-benefit ratios of any Administration every 12 months, Kyl from Arizona, the Republican ments, said Kyl. USEPA has provided $464.9 mil- federal program. documenting requests they have Whip, and this time is no The current Highway Trust lion in grants for diesel retrofit “In a recent report to Congress had for accessible bus service and exception. Fund, he said, is unsustainable — projects — primarily for school on the first year of the DERA pro- how the requests were handled. “There are four separate com- both because the amount of fuel and transit buses, but also for gram, the U.S. Environmental This year’s reports were due mittees in the Senate that have a taxes going into it are dropping as over-the-road trucks and govern- Protection Agency estimates that Oct. 25, and cover the period from piece of action on the bill,” he ex- vehicles become more fuel-effi- ment-owned fleets. for every dollar spent on the Oct. 1, 2009, through Sept. 30, 2010. plained. “The finance committee cient, and because there’s too Sens. Tom Carper, D-Del., and DERA program, an average of The three reports operators didn’t even have a meeting last much money spent on projects George Voinovich, R-Ohio, have more than $20 in health benefits must submit provide the feds with year on the subject. Not one.” that are not highway-related. introduced a bill that would reau- (is) generated. the following: There were some scheduled, he “I am advocate of taking a pret- thorize the program. “Every state in the nation now • Summaries of all accessible/ said, but they got canceled. ty sharp knife to the program in Meanwhile, the USEPA an- has a diesel retrofit program and equivalent service requests re- After Congress returns from its that regard,” he said. “Gas tax is nounced it plans to post a request benefits from DERA funding,” ceived during the previous year election recess, Kyl predicted, it supposed to be a user fee; let’s use for proposals early this month for says the coalition. and the response/services provid- will enact some type of short-term it for the things it should apply to.” the 2011 DERA grant program. Among the coalition’s more ed by the operator. extension of current funding that Jon Kyl made his remarks at About $60 million is expected than 340 members supporting re- • The number of passengers will give Congress time to work on the annual American Trucking As- to be available for the upcoming authorization are the National who used a wheelchair lift to board longer-term legislation. “So, we’re sociations Management Confer- round, according to the Diesel School Transportation and United an accessible coach. looking at sometime next year be- ence here. Technology Forum. Roughly 70 Motorcoach associations. • Summaries of motorcoach fleet composition, including the number of buses and the number Feds to beef up tire rules Canada probes school van use that are wheelchair accessible. WASHINGTON — The Na- Act, passed in 2000. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — issue later this year. The Transport Information about the federal tional Highway Traffic Safety Ad- In remarks to the Rubber Man- Nearly three years after the crash of Canada report was discussed by ADA guidelines and reporting re- ministration has published a pro- ufacturers Association in April, a 15-passenger van in New Bruns- provincial and territorial ministers quirements can be found at www. posed rule to revise and upgrade David Strickland, NHTSA admin- wick killed seven high school bas- of transport at a recent meeting in fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/ Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan- istrator, noted that “FMVSS 119 ketball players and an adult, Trans- Halifax, but the department will bus/company/ada-guidelines.htm. dard 119, which specifies require- went into effect in 1973 and has port Canada continues to study the not release it to the public. The Members Only section of ments for new bus and truck tires. not been significantly updated safety of the vans and legislation A coroner’s inquest into the the United Motorcoach Associa- NHTSA proposes to require a since then. Heavy truck (and bus) has been introduced calling for a tragic Jan. 2008 Bathurst, New tion website, www.uma.org, also more stringent endurance test and tires on the market today perform nationwide ban on the use of Brunswick, van crash made 24 rec- contains the ADA final rule and to add a new high-speed test for far and above the requirements of 15-passenger vans for school trips. ommendations, including a prohi- reporting forms. several heavy-load range tires used FMVSS 119. We’ve been conduct- The proposed legislation by a bition on transporting students in A company’s failure to comply on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight ing extensive testing to determine New Brunswick member of Parlia- 15-passenger vans. The inquest with the requirements may result rating of more than 10,000 pounds. what the new performance require- ment would make it an offense recommended only school buses or in a USDOT referral to the U.S. NHTSA also proposed that ments should be.” under the criminal code to trans- “multi-function activity vehicles” Department of Justice for investi- truck and bus tire sidewalls be la- Comments on the proposed port students in vans with more be used for transporting students. gation and possible litigation. beled with the tire’s maximum rule are due Nov. 29. You can read than 10 and fewer than 17 seats. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Questions about the require- speed rating. the notice of proposed rulemaking Motor Coach Canada reports and Quebec no longer allow ment can be directed to UMA at Upgrading the truck and bus in the Federal Register at http://ed- that Transport Canada is expected 15-passenger vans for transporting [email protected], or calling tire test standards was one of sev- ocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/ to announce its findings on the students on school trips. (800) 424-8262. eral mandates under the TREAD pdf/2010-24347.pdf. Bus & Motorcoach News THE DOCKET November 1, 2010 7 Hoover Dam bridge bypass is welcomed HOOVER DAM, Ariz. — A Coach Manager spectacular bridge spanning the Colorado River — 1,500 feet south of Hoover Dam — has opened five years after construction began. Charter and Contract Booking System The 1,900-foot bridge is part of a $240 million four-lane bypass project that reroutes traffic (for 3.5 miles) from the former two- Coach Manager is a start to finish orders and invoices, the system lane bottleneck on U.S. 93 that solution for the management of uses a highly visual scheduling crosses the dam, connecting Ari- zona and Nevada. charter and contract bookings. tool to ensure the best possible It also eliminates detours of In addition to producing client utilization of both vehicles and roughly 25 and 75 miles for com- mercial vehicles traveling U.S. 93, a quotations, confirmations, driver drivers. roadway that’s perhaps best known as the most-direct route linking Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as a popular tourist route between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. “When DATTCO set out to replace our legacy system we knew we needed two Due to increases in commercial things; a software solution that offered us the versatility to do things the way our traffic to and from southern Cali- fornia, and the population booms business dictates and a partner that understood our needs. We found both in in Las Vegas and Phoenix during Distinctive Systems.” the past two decades, the road over Hoover Dam had became progres- sively more congested. Dennis Lyons – Vice President – DATTCO, Inc. Security concerns after Sept. 11, 2001, led authorities to ban most commercial vehicles from “Coach Manager is our central resource for sales, fleet allocation and customer traveling across the dam, forcing truckers and over-the-road buses billing. Distinctive Systems has been an outstanding business partner for Peter to take long detours. The new by- Pan and Coach Manager has increased our ability to utilize all company assets pass shortens the route for com- mercial vehicles and reduces over- more effectively.” all traffic congestion. The bridge was dedicated last Steve Manning – IT Director – Peter Pan Lines, Inc. month by U.S. Transportation Sec- retary Ray LaHood with more than a thousand workers who helped build it looking on. “Five years ago I set out to find the best motorcoach charter software available, It has been named the Mike and with Coach Manager, we are quite proud to say that we use the best O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memori- al Bridge. O’Callaghan is a former charter software in the world.” governor of Nevada and Tillman is the former NFL star who gave up Ray Land – President – Fabulous Coach Lines his football career to join the Army. He was killed in Afghanistan. “This magnificent bridge is proof positive that America is not “Distinctive Systems’ ability for extensive customization allows each user to tailor afraid to dream big,” said LaHood. the application to their unique business needs and procedures, creating a greatly The bridge is the western hemi- sphere’s longest single-span con- fulfilling product. Coach Manager allows you to gather the information you need, in crete arch bridge and one of the tall- the form that you need it, to run a successful company. It gets an ‘A’ in my book!” est in the world. It has a walkway along its north side, giving visitors a stunning view of Hoover Dam John Nichols – President – J. A. Nichols & Company and the Colorado River 900 feet below. There is parking on the west side of the bridge for vehicles. Visitors can still drive across Hoover Dam, which became 75 Visit our website for more information years old Sept. 30, but only from the Nevada side. The dam is 30 www.distinctive-systems.com/charter miles from Las Vegas. The actual opening date for the Telephone: (646) 448-9981 bridge was kept a secret to prevent traffic jams from motorists vying Distinctive Systems Inc, 928 Broadway, Suite 1000, New York, NY 10010 to be first across. 8 November 1, 2010 NEWS ANALYSIS Bus & Motorcoach News

Diesel engine builders invest big My bus driver saved my life. A America, announced the overhaul and CARB-certified 2010 on- large kid punched me in the stomach Spend millions of the Redford plant early last highway engines as of the end of summer. September. The engine builder everyday. When we would get off at for new plants The sprawling, three million- also said that customer feedback the bus stop. My mom and the school REDFORD, Mich. — Detroit square-foot complex is Detroit’s indicates that these engines are de- Diesel Corp. is spending $194 mil- only factory for new production. livering up to 6 percent better fuel tried to stop it but nothing worked. lion to renovate its 72-year-old The plant opened in 1938 when economy compared to 2007-com- Then came Lester, he thought of a factory here. Detroit Diesel was a subsidiary of pliant engines. Cummins Inc. is investing General Motors. Since 2007, Swedish truck brillant plan. When he drove the bus to about $100 million to expand its The company makes its major maker Volvo AB has poured more the end of the street to turn around. engine plant in Seymour, Ind., lines there — DD13, -15 and -16 than $100 million into its Hagers­ adding more lines of clean-diesel engines — as well as Series 60 off- town, Md., factory, which cranks He would let me off there and then pull and natural gas engines in the highway models, diesel particulate out heavy-duty diesel engines and on down to the regular stop and let future. filters, and axles. The DD13 is De- gearboxes for automatic transmis- Those are just two of the latest troit’s new motorcoach engine. sions. Volvo is the parent company off the kid. The whole problem was examples of diesel engine builders A major part of Detroit’s reno- of Prevost Car and Nova Bus, and solved and I think he is heroic. and their parent companies pour- vation project is adding equipment Volvo power plants have become ing tens of millions of dollars into for machining engine cylinder the engine of choice in Prevost by Chancellor facilities to manufacture the com- heads. Currently, the heads are coaches. plicated new power plants required machined at a Daimler Trucks “We made a $150 million in- by federal mandates and, in some plant in Mannheim, Germany. vestment in our Hagerstown facil- It’s the simple things cases, to vertically integrate To help finance the invest- ity for our 2010 efforts,” reported production. ment, Michigan gave the company an executive for Volvo Powertrain. that make a difference Since 2007, according to one a $56.8 million tax credit. The That investment includes $40 HIGH POINT, N.C. — A West for his simple yet thoughtful ini- estimate, a combined $800 million company also will get a partial million to develop a new engine Virginia school bus driver has tiative to switch the order of two has been spent on four new U.S. abatement of local property taxes test lab “where we did all the work been honored for altering a situa- bus stops. By doing so, it made a diesel engine plants. and a “brown-field” redevelop- to comply with 2010 emissions” tion that resulted in the daily bul- significant impact in the life of The spending correlates with ment credit for improving an older cuts, the executive added. lying of a second grader who rode one of his passengers, a youngster two rounds of tougher federal industrial site. Renovation of the The Hagerstown plant spans the driver’s bus. named Chancellor. emissions standards for diesel en- plant is slated to run through Sep- 1.5 million square feet. The bullying stopped when the In the winning essay, Chancel- gines, demands by fleets for en- tember 2011 In September 2008, Navistar circumstances were modified by lor describes how LeMasters in- gine builders to improve the fuel In addition to the $100 million Inc. opened an engine plant in Lester LeMasters, a driver for the tervened in the ongoing bullying mileage of their power plants, and Cummins is spending on its plant Huntsville, Ala., to make its Maxx- Monongalia County Schools in issue that was confronting Chan- truckmakers’ desires to source en- in Seymour, Ind., the company Force 11- and 13-liter engines. The Morgantown, W.V. For his action, cellor daily. gines internally. also invested more than $63 mil- $60 million facility covers 300,000 he was named Children’s Choice LeMasters’ action not only re- Diesel engine technology, lion during the past two years to square feet and can make 60,000 School Bus Driver of the Year. instated Chancellor’s sense of se- since the mid-1990s, has advanced ready its Jamestown (Indiana) En- engines a year, assuming two The award is sponsored by curity, but also created a lasting significantly, and there have been gine Plant for full production of shifts. Thomas Built Buses, a leading bond between driver and student. fundamental changes to engine ar- the ISX11.9 engine line. One of Navistar also makes medium- manufacturer of school buses, and LeMasters and Chancellor are chitecture. For example, 15 years the applications for the ISX11.9 is duty engines at a separate Hunts- was created to recognize drivers attending NAPT’s annual summit ago there were no pollution con- in motorcoaches. ville plant. who are making a difference in the this fall in Portland, Ore., for recog- trols or engine computers. Since mid-2009, the James- With the exit of Caterpillar lives of their young passengers. nition by executives from Thomas Initially, manufacturers up- town plant has been producing from the on-highway market, the Roughly 900 essays were sub- Built Buses and its parent company, graded and modernized their pro- 2010 heavy-duty engines, includ- remaining engine makers are mitted this year from students all Daimler Trucks North America. duction facilities as far as they ing the ISX15, and has shipped up- vying to fill the void. across North America who shared In addition to the trip, Chan- could; now they are investing in wards of 10,000 heavy-duty Some observers think bus op- stories of compassion, joy and cellor will receive a laptop com- new plants and capabilities. engines. erators will see better service and some that affected their lives in puter and educational savings Detroit Diesel and its corpo- Cummins said it manufactured support from the remaining engine the face of danger. bond, while LeMasters receives a rate parent, Daimler Trucks North and shipped nearly 37,000 USEPA- competitors. LeMasters received the honor $1,000 Visa gift card.

ISSUE NO. 180 Joan Libby How to contact us Cavalier Coach Trailways Boston, Mass. To submit or report news, Letters to To advertise or to mail advertising- the Editor, articles, news releases or to related materials: Marcia Milton First Priority Trailways report corrections: Call: Johnny Steger at (866) 930-8426 A PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION District Heights, Md. E-mail: E-mail: Michael Neustadt [email protected] [email protected] Coach Tours Staff Advisory Board Brookfield, Conn. Fax: (405) 942-6201 Mail: 2200 N. Yarbrough, Suite B William Allen James Brown Sr. Jeff Polzien Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Box No. 336 Editor & Publisher: Victor Parra Amador Trailways Magic Carpet Tours Red Carpet Charters Oklahoma City, OK 73112 El Paso, TX 79925 Sacramento, Calif. Richmond, Va. Oklahoma City Senior Editor: Bruce Sankey Call: (866) 930-8421 Brian Annett Steve Brown Tom Ready To send advertisements or Sales Director: Johnny Steger Annett Bus Lines Brown Coach Ready Bus Lines To subscribe or inquire about your photographs via the Internet: Sebring, Fla. Amsterdam, N.Y. LaCrescent, Minn. subscription: Industry Editor: Ken Presley Larry Benjamin Gladys Gillis Brian Scott E-mail: [email protected] Northfield Lines Starline Luxury Coaches Escot Bus Lines E-mail: Associate Editor: Ellen Balm Northfield, Minn. Seattle Largo, Fla. [email protected] To contact the Art Director: Mary E. McCarty Dave Bolen Larry Hundt Michelle Silvestro Fax: (405) 942-6201 United Motorcoach Association: New World Tours Great Canadian Trailways National Interstate Insurance Co. Bristow, Va. Kitchner, Ontario Richfield, Ohio Mail: 3108 NW 54th Street Call: (800) 424-8262 Editorial Assistant: Amy Stalknecht Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Autumn Dipert Brown Dale Krapf Tim Wayland Online: www.uma.org Editorial Assistant: Michele Nosko Dan Diepert Coaches Krapf Coaches ABC Companies Call: (866) 930-8421 Arlington, Texas West Chester, Pa. Faribault, Minn. Editorial Assistant: Maggie Masterson David Brown Godfrey Lebron T. Ralph Young ©2010 by the United Motorcoach Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without Holiday Tours Paradise Trailways Young Transportation written permission is prohibited. Accountant: Ted Williford Randlemann, N.C. Hicksville, N.Y. Ashville, N.C. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2010 9 Motorcoach Council retains firm to promote coach travel DENVER — The public rela- Gilanelli, the Motorcoach Council communications professionals has erage for the RVIA during the past about the latest findings on the en- tions agency that helped change aims to capture the attention of worked with national corporations two decades, using an aggressive, vironmental benefits of motor- public attitudes about recreational television producers, magazine and associations across the country. proactive public relations strategy. coach transportation and the luxu- vehicles has been retained by the editors and travel writers at the The work the agency has done for As a result, the RV industry has ry, comfort, convenience and value Motorcoach Council to launch a highest levels of print and broad- the RVIA is what appealed most to enjoyed decades of media coverage in our coaches provide.” campaign aimed at enhancing per- cast media, said council Executive the Motorcoach Council, knowing a variety of large-circulation maga- The Motorcoach Council was ceptions of motorcoach travel and Director Heather Horton. several parallels exist between the zines, as well as every major newspa- created to promote motorcoach boosting ridership. “We knew that an effective, PR challenges the RVIA once faced per, network morning show and eve- travel. To get involved, go to www. The council hired Philadelphia- tactical PR strategy would be the and those currently felt by the mo- ning news broadcast in the country. MotorcoachCouncil.org/involved. based Barton Gilanelli & Associ- most cost-effective and strategic torcoach industry,” said Horton. “I believe North Americans To learn more about the bene- ates Inc., the PR agency for the way to broadcast the Motorcoach According to Horton, Barton Gi- are…looking for new travel solu- fits of motorcoach travel and view Recreation Vehicle Industry Asso- Council’s mission ‘to promote lanelli has generated an extraordi- tions,” said Horton. “The general industry statistics, go to www.Go- ciation (RVIA) for the past 21 years. public awareness about the avail- nary volume of positive media cov- public simply needs to be informed Motorcoach.org. Barton Gilanelli played a key ability, selection, usage and bene- role in developing and implement- fits of motorcoach transporta- ing the recreational vehicle indus- tion,’” said Horton. Indian Trails still young at 100 try’s successful “Go RVing” mar- Barton Gilanelli was the logi- OWOSSO, Mich. — Indian to build awareness of the eco- each Indian Trails’ coach bearing keting campaign. cal choice, she suggested. Trails, which has marked its 100th friendliness of motorcoaches. the name of an Ottawa, Potawato- By collaborating with Barton “Barton Gilanelli’s staff of anniversary in business this year Now, Indian Trails’ newest mie or Chippewa chief. Global promotion campaign expands with a variety of activities, includ- coach, “Chief Niauega,” has been In addition to a chief’s name, ing a companywide celebration and given a Get Motorcoachified full- all new Indian Trails’ coaches also GENEVA, Switzerland — 74 countries where its members are honors from the Michigan Depart- wrap design. are outfitted with Wi-Fi, electrical Smart Move, the global awareness located. ment of Transportation and the “We are just an environmental outlets, DVD players with four or campaign advocating increased use New developments at Smart Michigan State Transportation way to travel,” said company Vice five color monitors, foot-and-arm of buses and motorcoaches to achieve Move include an upgraded monthly Commission, also is commemorat- President Chad Cushman. rests, and now belted seats. sustainable mobility, is gaining mo- newsletter and entry into the social mentum, says Oleg Kamberski, an media sphere with a Facebook page, ing its longevity by having Get Mo- In the early 1930s, after the Indian Trails remains a family- official with Geneva-based Interna- Twitter account and YouTube torcoachified campaign graphics company name had been changed owned company, now in its third gen- tional Road Transport Union. channel. added to another of its coaches. to Indian Trails, co-founder Cora eration, headed by President Gordon The IRU, an amalgamation of To sample the Smart Move Indian Trails is a founding Taylor initiated the tradition of Mackay. It operates 54 coaches from bus and truck associations in Eu- campaign, go to www.busand- partner of the Motorcoach Council naming each new company motor- three facilities in Owosso, Kalama- rope, South America, Japan and coach.travel. Contact Kamberski, and its Get Motorcoachified cam- coach in honor of a native Michi- zoo and metro Detroit, with daily North America, sponsors Smart who heads passenger transport for paign, and previously adopted full gan Indian chief. service along nine routes, plus shut- Move to promote bus travel in the IRU, at [email protected]. campaign bus wraps on two buses The tradition continues, with tles, casino runs, and charter service.

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Ultimately, many observers predict the In fact, it’s likely that access to the PSP Big change data will impact insurance rates. Screening program will mean more work, not less, as an opera- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 When the FMCSA began posting the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tor orders more reports to try to uncover the been providing since mid-year for operators CSA 2010 information, it said it was provid- information. truth behind violations, say those familiar to see where they stand with the new regi- ing carriers with the early look so they could Both the motorcoach and trucking in- with the program. men. (See June 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) see their performance data, identify unsafe dustries lobbied for years to get the USDOT Another Pre-Employment Screening Pro- Ferro also has been asking truck and bus behaviors and address safety compliance is- to open its databases and let carriers take a gram issue is that it is covered by the Fair safety enforcement officials and others to get sues right away. peek at the roadside inspection histories of Credit Reporting Act. Not only do operators the word out about the revamped system, and The FMCSA recommends carriers verify prospective drivers. have to get consent on the front end from the to encourage operators and particularly their and update their motor carrier census data, in Now that the information is available, potential employee to check them using PSP drivers to check their preliminary scores. particular the number of vehicles and vehicle operators need to figure out the best way to (just as they do now for MVRs), but opera- Specifically, what Ferro is referring to is miles traveled on the MCS-150 form, and make use of the data. Otherwise, a plaintiff tors also are required to take another step on the company and driver safety assessments take the necessary steps to correct unsafe attorney could make a case that you should the back end if use of that data causes the op- the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- driver and/or company safety practices. have been, say experts. erator to not hire the driver, or to hire him on tration has compiled as part of the Compre- Before year end, FMCSA plans to begin One challenge with the data, however, is some sort of provisional basis, require him to hensive Safety Analysis 2010 initiative. sending warning letters to carriers that do you can’t look at the report and tell whether have remedial training, that kind of thing. The assessments are available on the not make the grade under CSA 2010, and a violation is the driver’s fault or whether it’s It’s called an “adverse determination no- CSA “data preview” website. Ferro and her roadside inspectors will start using the data his prior employer’s fault. tice,” and it needs to tell the applicant about agency strongly recommend operators visit system to identify carriers for inspection. “Is the equipment violation because the the adverse action, give him or her informa- the website, http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov, The program will be fully implemented company didn’t maintain its equipment, or tion about the PSP and how he can get that to get familiar with how the system works state-by-state during 2011 as states get up to did the driver not tell the company he had information, and if he or she desires to con- and preview their data. speed. been driving for six weeks with a light out?” test the data. What operators will learn on the website Enforcement officials are worried that asked Mosley, a partner in the Greenville, Carriers already are supposed to be is where they stand in each of six Behavior come Dec. 1, thousands and thousands of truck S.C., office of the law firm of Smith Moore doing this for MVRs, Moseley said, but it’s Analysis and Safety Improvement Catego- and bus operators will be in for a rude awaken- Leatherwood LLP. He spoke during an edu- often overlooked. He believes with PSPs it ries based on roadside data, investigation ing when the CSA system goes public. cational session at the American Trucking could be more of a land mine. findings, inspections, and other interactions As an executive at a leading electronic Associations’ annual management confer- “This could be a cottage industry for with enforcement officials. onboard recorder manufacturer observed: ence in Phoenix. suing…companies for not complying with Currently, each carrier’s BASIC assess- Most companies probably aren’t as good as Another challenge, said Mosley, is that the Fair Credit Reporting Act.” ments are visible only to them and to enforce- they think they are. your company must come up with new stan- Moseley believes the Pre-Employment ment staff until Dec. 1, when they are sched- Just as most parents think their kids are dards for hiring that take into account this Screening Program will do more to weed uled to be made available to the public. above average, nearly all operators and fleet data — just like you might have a standard out “bad apple drivers than any other federal Operators can expect their more sophisti- managers think the same thing about their that you won’t hire a driver who has more enforcement program. cated customers to begin using the informa- drivers and vehicles. than X tickets in X years on his MVR. To learn more about the Pre-Employ- tion, and for the news media to publish your This is known as the superiority bias, “You’re going to have to wrestle with the ment Screening Program, go to the Federal numbers whenever one of your coaches is in- which causes us to overestimate our positive PSP and figure out what it means to your Motor Carrier Safety Administration PSP volved in any type of accident or incident. qualities and underestimate our negative ones. company,” said the attorney. page at www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Bus & Motorcoach News Quarter Page Ad - November 2010.indd 1 10/21/2010 9:34:55 AM Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2010 11 CSA 2010 could hold ugly surprises for procrastinators By Dave Millhouser safety, is introduced by the Federal even warnings) will be folded into reported regarding your company, steering box Motor Carrier Safety Admin­- your score, and can trigger pain. particularly things that are about to o n a J e e p . It was the business trip from istration. Some carriers don’t realize that be counted in your new rating. Someone no- heaven. The FMCSA has gone to great information ALREADY in their Know what it will look like after ticed that it The boss asked if I was willing pains to assure the new system is record will suddenly count. Savvy the change. mounted on to represent the company at a fair and balanced in terms of how carriers checked their Safer Sys- Second, search for errors. Now the opposite meeting in Montego Bay. I wasn’t it views and disciplines carriers. tem scores regularly, but many did is the time to correct them, before side of the axle certain if this was a reward or his Fleet size, miles traveled and rela- not go one step farther and check they pull the trigger on something from the one it way of getting me out of the coun- tive seriousness of violations are underlying, but available, statistics ugly. The FMCSA can’t make cor- replaced, but Dave Millhouser try. But Jamaica was . . . Jamaica. all folded into the new method of on things like driver violations and rections, as they rely on state agen- heck, it bolted When we landed, I hustled to rating and disciplining carriers. warnings that did not (then) influ- cies for data. You can only get mis- on. The problem was that when you the rental counter, signed every- Many operators have made the ence scoring. takes corrected by contacting the turned the steering wheel to the thing and leaped into the car. Alert, assumption that if they’ve been The rules have changed a little, agency that issued the violation. right, the Jeep went left. We learned as always, I noticed right away successfully following current but what has changed a lot is how Once they make a change, make a couple of things. Jeeps are pretty there was no steering wheel. rules the transition will be pain- the score is kept. It’s as if you were sure your record is updated. tough, even when driven into a pit. Perhaps it would have been less. While they should be ap- in the middle of a baseball game It has always been a good idea And, you can never get used to wise to have listened more care- plauded for their efforts, tain’t and found out that runs matter less to keep track of this data, but it has backward steering. fully to the rental agent. But, I necessarily so. and hits are what really count, in- now become critical. Those who get CSA 2010 com- soon found it — on the wrong side Without going into detail (I’d cluding those made before the Ultimately the new system will pliance right will be fine, likely of the car. bore you AND you’d figure out change. make roads safer but this transition better than before. By now you’ve remembered I’m not too smart), lots of data that A nasty little surprise is that period could be painful if carriers Those who dally or ignore it that Jamaicans drive on the LEFT was collected in the past was often stuff in the system from as long don’t quickly delve deeply into in- will be in the same spot we were side of the road, but you may not ignored by operators. That was be- ago as 24 months will be factored formation that has been collected when driving the Jeep, going bold- know that the exit from the Mon- cause it neither counted in the into a safety score that can trigger about them, and act appropriately. ly where we didn’t want to go. tego Bay airport is a giant traffic score published on www.Safersys. investigations, nasty letters and Bad actors are going to be weeded I don’t claim to fully under- circle. What followed was exciting org, nor triggered “visits” from suspension of operating authority. out, but some good companies stand this stuff. But remember, it for everyone in the “roundabout,” safety inspectors. Drivers who had violations, but no could be in pain. doesn’t matter if I understand it; it as I learned what life was like when All of that data is now relevant, accidents, suddenly matter. If you’d like an early look at is critical that you do. all the rules suddenly change. and will get the attention of regula- A couple of steps may prevent your CSA 2010 score, before the Dave Millhouser is a bus in- Our industry may be in for a tors. In the past accidents and out- pain. information is made public and in- dustry marketing consultant and similar experience as CSA 2010, of-service violations were pretty First, go as deeply into your terventions begin, go to http:// freelance writer. Contact him at the new regulatory framework for much all that mattered. Now, any Safersys statistics as you can. csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/. his new email address: Davemill- evaluating operator and driver written violation (or in some cases Look for everything that has been Years ago, we changed the [email protected].

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(877) 860 - 2583 ext. 330 • http://www.terrapinblue.com • [email protected] 12 November 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News USDOE: Diesel to average above $3 for 2011 Board member WASHINGTON — The U.S. $2.46 per gallon in 2009 and will oil prices. EIA expects the price of tions improve. Department of Energy predicts average $2.96 per gallon this year, West Texas Intermediate crude oil Heating oil demand can impact to be chosen by diesel fuel prices will average will average $3.14 in 2011. to average about $80 per barrel diesel prices. Weather in the U.S. about 20 cents more a gallon next The agency projected regular- this winter, a $2.50-per-barrel in- Northeast, the principal market for UMA associates year than they have this year. grade gasoline prices will rise, crease over last winter. heating oil, is projected to be about TAMPA, Fla. — Associate members of the United Motor- In its Short-Term Energy and from an average $2.35 per gallon The agency’s forecast for aver- 5 percent colder this winter than coach Association attending UMA Winter Fuels Outlook, the USDOE last year and $2.74 per gallon this age West Texas Intermediate pric- last winter, according to the Na- Motorcoach Expo 2011 here in Energy Information Administra- year, to $2.92 per gallon in 2011. es rises gradually to $85 per barrel tional Oceanic and Atmospheric January will be asked to pick a tion predicted on-highway diesel Driving the gasoline and diesel by the fourth quarter of 2011, as Administration’s most recent pro- non-coachbuilder associate repre- fuel retail prices, which averaged fuel increases will be higher crude U.S. and global economic condi- jection of heating degree-days. sentative to serve on the associa- tion board for the next three years. The term of current non-coach- builder associate representative Michele Silvestro of National In- terstate Insurance expires at the end of this year. Silvestro, who has served on the board for two terms, is permitted to seek re-election. The election will take place during the UMA Associate Mem- ber Meeting, which is conducted annually as part of Expo, and is an opportunity for associate members to discuss issues affecting the mo- torcoach industry and to network with board representatives, UMA staff and colleagues. Topics typically discussed at the meetings include Expo-related issues, UMA initiatives, future Although new BCI coaches were on display in January at UMA Motorcoach Expo in Las Vegas, sales had slowed to a trickle. Expo locations, and advertising and sponsorship opportunities. BCI closes number frequently goes from ring- The company was the first company. Those efforts failed, too. Questions regarding serving on ing to a dial tone — and when he North American motorcoach sup- the UMA board as an associate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 has gotten through the people he plier to make passenger seatbelts Tough business member should be directed to upgraded Falcon 45 and assuring has spoken to have not been standard and equip its buses with If nothing else, the failure of UMA President and CEO Victor the industry it was in the motor- helpful. anti-collision radar, adaptive cruise BCI is further proof — if it was Parra. Contact him at vparra@ coach business to stay. “We’re kind of on our own out control and reinforced roofs that needed — that introducing a new uma.org, or (800) 424-8262. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” said here,” he said. “I can’t understand meet European standards for motorcoach, in a new market — John Thulin of Travel by Bus in how the government lets someone rollovers. particularly the U.S. market, is far CCW gains honor Hialeah, Fla., which has six Falcon bring coaches into the United It also made leather passenger more difficult than most people 45 buses in its eight-coach fleet. “I States without having some sup- seats and ergonomic driver seats imagine. U.S. bus bone yards are for its advertising expected something to happen port. It’s very sad.” standard equipment. littered with other failures — Dina, RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Com- down the road.” Verner Lewis of LL&L Enter- And at this year’s UMA Motor- Irizar, Saber, TAM, the new Eagle, plete Coach Works has won a first He said his coaches have per- prise of Hutchins, Texas, which coach Expo in Las Vegas in Febru- and many more. place award in the American Pub- formed well and have not had major purchased a Falcon 45 last year to ary, BCI introduced an upgraded “It takes more money and lic Transportation Association Ad- problems, mainly because his com- add to a fleet of nine coaches, said Falcon 45 that was powered by a savvy than they expect,” said one Wheel Award competition. pany has been able to handle ser- he was aware BCI was having dif- 13-liter International MaxxForce long-time industry executive. “It Complete Coach Works’ award vice and parts issues on its own. ficulties, but he did not realize the engine, the only power plant in the takes character to get it right.… came in the “business member cat- “We are very self sufficient seriousness of its troubles. industry that does not use selective Look at the list of failures and pick egory” for its advertisement titled and independent,” he stressed. “I suspected they were in trou- catalytic reduction technology to one that had any character. Char- “Happy Buses.” Thulin said finding parts for ble, but not shutting down,” he said. meet 2010 federal emissions stan- acter means taking the time and The award marks the first time the coaches has not been much of a Lewis said BCI initially was dards. Instead, the MaxxForce uses money to sell your product to the CCW has been honored with such problem so far because most of the very cooperative and helpful after upgraded exhaust gas recirculation right people, not expedient ones. It an award for its marketing efforts. most common ones are available at he purchased his 2009 coach, but system, which BCI said would save means having the stones and capi- The ad concept was inspired by a TV series about individuals several retail outlets throughout customer service dropped off operators money because it does tal to fix startup problems quickly, struggling with addictions, and the country. sharply this year, noting he has had not require adding urea to the regardless the cost. who were confronted by family to wait long periods to get parts. engine. “Even if you do everything members and friends to seek help Parts challenges “It’s real tough getting parts An effort last year to refinance right, this is a tiny market, but these through a rehabilitation program. Other customers tell a different now,” he said. the company floundered. Six guys all seem to think that isn’t im- “The same life-changing trans- story about having difficulty find- months after announcing an agree- portant, and over promise.…BCI formation occurs when Complete ing parts, however, including one Getting started ment to buy the company, Canadian did it with the Chinese. Coach Works partners with its cus- South Carolina operator who said BCI, which sold its buses under merchant bank SKANA Capital “Finance and trade values are tomers to rehab their fuel-addicted he had to park one of his coaches the slogan “built by operators for Corp. pulled out of the deal, saying key.…By shoring up the used mar- buses,” said Macy Neshati of CCW. for over a month while he waited operators,” was founded in 2006 by it wanted instead to focus on re- ket you give finance companies and “The vehicles come out of the pro- for an engine part. Phillip and David Oldridge, broth- source-based opportunities. the industry confidence that prod- gram with a refreshed look, are up- “You can’t print what I have to ers who had years of experience in A short time later, the Oldridge uct and support are going to last. graded with cleaner propulsion sys- say about BCI,” said Bob Clemmer the motorcoach industry and who brothers, who retained 52 percent “This may seem simple, but tems, and are placed back into of Lancaster Tailways in Lancaster, envisioned the Falcon 45 as a trend- of the business but were no longer implementing it is tough,” he service for many years of success- S.C., which has three Falcon 45 setter in the industry. involved in its day-to-day opera- added. ful operation.” coaches in its fleet of 26 buses. Phillip Oldridge is a former op- tions, tried to acquire all of the Agarwal said Falcon 45 owners CCW created and executed the He said the company has been erator and David Oldridge is a tech- company assets so they could re- can obtain service and parts by call- ad internally; nearly 650 ads com- difficult to reach — the telephone nical guru. launch the Falcon 45 under a new ing (877) 224-3354. peted for AdWheel awards. Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2010 13 Trailways adds tour operator in San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Alamo Sightseeing Tours is the newest member of the Trailways Transportation System. The company name has changed to Alamo Trailways and it becomes the eighth Trailways op- erator in Texas. “We are delighted to add yet another premier transportation company to our Trailways Texas Team,” said Trailways President/ CEO Gale Ellsworth. Alamo Trailways owner, Ed- ward Torres, has 25 years experi- ence in the motorcoach industry. His company has been in business for more than 20 years and has a fleet of 23 vehicles, including mo- torcoaches and vans. “One of my goals when I start- ed my own company was to be part of the Trailways network of good service providers that have great public name recognition,” said Torres. Torres’ company offers sight- seeing, tours, charters and airport shuttle services. It has a staff of more than 60 employees. For more information, go to www.citytoursinc.com. Riteway honored for clean-air work GERMANTOWN, Wis. — The Wisconsin Asthma Coalition has presented its annual WAC Taking Action for Asthma Award to Rite- way Bus Service of Richfield, Wis. Riteway was chosen for its leadership and commitment to re- ducing air pollution and providing a safer environment for people with asthma. The coalition noted that Rite- way recognizes that people with asthma are particularly vulnerable to diesel exhaust and strives to re- duce pollution from its vehicles. Riteway was cited for its idle reduc- tion and fuel conservation pro- grams; emissions control technolo- gies; newer, lower emitting buses, and using new hybrid school buses. The award was presented to Ronald Bast, president of Riteway, during the Wisconsin Asthma Co- alition’s fall meeting last month. Riteway has been recognized previously for its environmental initiatives, receiving the 2010 Wis- consin Partners for Clean Air award and the 2010 United Motorcoach Association Green Highway Award. Riteway is a family-owned company. For more information, go to www.ritewaybus.com. 14 November 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Prevost launches ‘Prevost Connection’ webinar program SAINTE-CLAIRE, Quebec — allow for online discussion be- of concentration. cessed at prevostevents.webex. it has launched a website designed Prevost announced it is establish- tween Prevost product and service During the webinar itself, at- com, where individuals can register for the motorhome market. ing a webinar program for its cus- experts and customers. tendees view the presentation or view recordings of past events. The site can be found at http:// tomers called Prevost Connection. Topics for upcoming sessions through a simple internet link and Upcoming webinars include, motorhome.prevostcar.com. Under the program, Prevost will include Prevost vehicle winter listen to the presentation by calling motorcoach winter preparation/ The website provides informa- will conduct an ongoing series of preparation, Prevost tire pressure a toll-free number. Attendees can heating system maintenance, 2:30 tion about Prevost motorhomes, on-line presentations and discus- monitoring system, fire suppres- ask questions throughout the pre- p.m. EDT Nov. 4; Volvo I-Shift the motorhome lifestyle, mo- sions for motorcoach operators, sion system maintenance and diag- sentation and discuss points of in- transmission, 5 p.m. EST torhome converters, and service. drivers and maintenance personnel. nostics, and the Volvo I-Shift terest with the presenter leading Nov. 18; tire pressure monitor- “This new site is a user-friend- The program will focus on ed- transmission. the discussion. ing system and fire suppression ly environment for those interested ucating customers about important Prevost said that during webi- After the webinar, attendees are system maintenance and diagnos- in Prevost motorhomes, giving topics regarding new and existing nar registration, attendees can sub- invited to offer suggestions and top- tics, 1 p.m. EST Dec. 10. them a chance to explore every- Prevost vehicles and vehicle main- mit questions for the presenter to ics of interest for future sessions. thing we have to offer,” said Mike tenance, as well as company cus- address during the session and can Prevost has set up a schedule of Motorhome website Power, Prevost director of market- tomer service initiatives, and will offer suggestions for specific areas webinars for this fall that can be ac- Separately, Prevost announced ing communications. ing, UMA also is worried by talk by estimated one to eight lives annu- broadening the type of buses that urban transit buses are used exten- Seatbelt rule some in the industry about “volun- ally and prevent 144 to 794 inju- would be subject to the rule. It sively in various applications (per- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tary” retrofitting of seatbelts in ex- ries. They estimated the cost per asked that the minimum weight for haps misapplications), including tation,” UMA stressed in its filing. isting motorcoaches using federal equivalent life at $1.3 million to buses subject to the rule be de- (on) interstate highways and ex- Cost was among the chief rea- standards. Such a possibility could $9.9 million. creased from the proposed 26,000 pressways at high speeds, and sons UMA and ABA said they backfire, according to UMA Vice The cost figures caught the eye pounds to 10,000 pounds. these vehicles routinely use a com- could not support retrofitting exist- President Ken Presley. of some operators who filed objec- “These types of buses are in- bination of side-facing and multi- ing buses to meet a seatbelt He said UMA’s overriding con- tions to the seatbelt mandate with creasingly used in over-the-road, ple-row forward seating. mandate. cern with the terms “voluntary” the NHTSA. intercity charter-and-tour bus ap- “These vehicles are widely UMA emphasized that many and “retrofit standards” is that Asking our industry to pay al- plications, and many of the recent used by transit authorities in char- motorcoach carriers don’t have the they have a way of being perceived most $20 million is unconscionable accidents leading to the promulga- ter applications. UMA suggests estimated $30,000 to $65,000 nec- as requirements and they could to propose saving a total of one to tion of this rule have been used in additional attention to this catego- essary to retrofit even one motor- play key roles in insurance settle- eight lives annually,” wrote Dennis over-the-road intercity charter- ry of vehicles is likely warranted,” coach, much less an entire fleet. ments and legal cases. Strelf, vice president of Vandalla and-tour bus applications,” the the association added. “Typically, modest reserves “Any operator can easily envi- Bus Lines in Caseyville, Ill. trade group said. exist for highway breakdowns and sion how ‘voluntary’ becomes He determined his estimate by UMA pointed out that smaller Seatbelt usage business income gaps,” it noted. ‘could have’ and ‘retrofit stan- multiplying the 1,500 coaches sold buses have increased in popularity Regarding the issue of getting “Depleting these modest reserves dards’ becomes code for ‘should in the country each year by the and it is not unusual to see motor- passengers to use seatbelts, UMA will only serve to jeopardize the ex- have’ in litigation,” said Presley. $13,000 it would cost to include coaches and midsize buses work- had this to say: “It is anticipated ex- istence of small motorcoach com- “The UMA board of directors three-point belts on each of them. ing simultaneously with the same isting, revised or new state laws re- panies and the jobs they provide feels the inclusion of a voluntary group. garding motorcoach passenger use (to) the communities” they serve. standard would ultimately force A different drum “Only a NHTSA standard and requirements will be the prevailing operators into untenable choices, Greyhound Lines, which has requirement can assure motorcoach laws in such matters. It is further Robbing Peter… including expensive, unwarranted been buying new coaches with companies and their passengers of anticipated that industry state asso- UMA also cautioned that a ret- retrofits of older equipment, dra- seatbelts since 2008, also joined consistent occupant protection ciations will avail themselves to rofit requirement could have the matic fleet reductions, or possible UMA and ABA in supporting from vehicle to vehicle,” it added. state lawmakers to afford guidance unintended consequence of down- business cessation,” Presley added. mandating the belts on new buses. UMA said it supported the po- regarding development and/or im- grading existing safety measures. But, unlike the two groups, it said sition of the National Transporta- plementation of said laws. “Any retrofit requirement or Operators have say retrofitting existing buses is not a tion Safety Board regarding belts “UMA further supports ade- retrofit standard would likely di- Several motorcoach operators bad idea either. for smaller buses, noting there quate signage reminding passen- vert financial resources otherwise that also filed comments with the In its filing, the nation’s largest have been a series of high-profile gers to “buckle-up.” It is further earmarked for other safety efforts National Highway Traffic Safety line-run carrier said it favored a fatal crashes in recent months in- recommended that NHTSA advise and associated components, such Administration raised similar con- NHTSA suggestion that all buses volving cutaway buses. the Federal Motor Carrier Safety as training and maintenance,” sug- cerns, saying they would be hard manufactured in the five years Administration (to) revise its guid- gested UMA. “These systemic op- pressed to stay in business if they prior to the effective date of the What about transits? ance for pre-trip announcements erational efforts are at the very are required to put passenger safe- rule be required to have seatbelts Elsewhere in its comments, and/or instructions to include re- core of the current motorcoach in- ty belts on coaches already in their within three years of that date. UMA questioned one of the rec- minders and directions for passen- dustry safety record and any diver- fleets. As an alternative, Greyhound ommendations made by NHTSA, gers regarding the use of seatbelts.” sion of resources could have the “Any requirement for motor- said NHTSA could make retrofits and offered specific suggestions In addition to industry repre- undesirable effect of increasing, coach operators to install seatbelts voluntary, but set a future date cer- for beefing up another. sentatives, NHTSA also heard from rather than decreasing, motor- in buses I already operate, and to tain by which all motorcoaches First, it challenged the notion some family members of people coach accidents and the related in- reinforce vehicles’ structure, would have to have three-point that transit buses should be totally who were killed in bus accidents. juries and fatalities.” would potentially force my com- belts. It said a similar arrangement excluded from the rule, and it Yen-Chi Le of Houston, whose The ABA raised the possibility pany out of business or force us to was adopted for the installation of urged NHTSA to ask the Federal mother died in a charter bus acci- that many operators would need fi- severely restrict our business op- wheelchair lifts — 50 percent of Motor Carrier Safety Administra- dent in Sherman, Texas, in 2008, nancial assistance from the govern- erations,” said Sue Anderson Nick- coaches required to have them in six tion to come up with guidance for called the seatbelt mandate a ment to meet such a seatbelt re- lin, vice president of Anderson years and 100 percent by 12 years. operators regarding seatbelt usage. “great first step,” but suggested quirement for their existing buses. Coach & Travel of Greenville, Pa. Greyhound said the rational for “NHTSA proposes excluding that new buses also be required to “Such a program would need NHTSA has been talking up the lift rule was that the average urban transit buses from the pro- have crush-resistant roofs, anti- to provide financial assistance for the need for passenger seatbelts over-the-road fleet turns over posed definition of motorcoaches ejection window glazing, and tire small business carriers who would for several years, but only began a every 12 years, so if an operator because fatality data for urban tran- pressure monitoring systems. otherwise be forced out of busi- major push for them after crash maintained a normal turnover it sit buses differ significantly from “Accidents will happen, but ness,” it warned. tests showed belts could help save could make all of its buses lift- that of motorcoaches, and because with the new rules in place I hope “For those operators not forced lives and reduce serious injuries, equipped without retrofitting. of the stop-and-go manner in which that other groups will not experi- out of business, many would be re- particularly in crashes involving “In either case, very little ret- urban transit buses are used,” UMA ence such a catastrophic loss of quired to invest in rebuilding their rollovers. rofitting should be required,” the wrote in its comments. lives as in the Sherman bus crash,” existing vehicles, thereby delaying Researchers involved in the company emphasized. “UMA does not propose these she said. their ability to purchase new testing concluded that three-point UMA also offered suggestions vehicles be included in this rule- The crash killed 15 of the 55 motorcoaches.” belts could reduce fatalities in a for fine-tuning the seatbelt man- making; however, we would be re- passengers who were being driven While not spelled out in its fil- bus crash by 77 percent, save an date for new buses, including miss if we did not stress that these to a religious festival. DeODOriziNg • ODOr CONtrOl • CleANiNg SOlutiONS

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Complete line of Cleaning products for inside & Outside of Your Coaches! indoor Odor Control products And More!! 16 November 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Berg charged post office boxes under the last three months,” the agent wrote. the names of fake bor- Mark Calvert, the court-appointed trust- Calendar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 rowers who were to re- ee in charge of overseeing the Meridian loans, and mortgage-backed securities, and ceive loan confirma- bankruptcy case, told the investors in Au- NOVEMBER 2010 tion letters from an gust that the way Berg ran Meridian met the they would earn top returns. 8-9 International Conference on Instead, say prosecutors, he misappropri- independent auditor. classic definition of a Ponzi scheme. Commercial Driver Health and Well- ated millions for his own benefit and ran a Berg allegedly placed Investors were promised a higher rate of ness, Baltimore. Info: Go to www.trb.org. Ponzi scheme, paying off early investors automatic mail-for- return than on other investments. Early inves- with money raised in succeeding years, con- warding instructions tors’ redemptions and interest was paid from DECEMBER 2010 cealing the fraud. on the mailbox ad- money raised from later investors. Additional 1-2 UMA Safety Management Seminar, Much of the money Berg directed to dresses so he would re- Darren Berg money was constantly being raised to keep himself was for luxury yachts, private jets, ceive the loan confir- the funds and the scam going, Calvert said. NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, Va. Info: expensive cars, multiple homes, remodeling mation letters. Berg then sent fake In addition to saying he never intended Call (800) 424-8262 or www.uma.org his $12 million waterfront Mercer Island documents to the auditors, prosecutors say. to run a Ponzi scheme, Berg blamed his fi- JANUARY 2011 mansion, and creating and funding his bus In the case of one Berg fund, CS Note nancial problems on the collapse of his operation, whose principal unit was MTR Holdco, prosecutors say Berg fabricated funds’ mortgage investments. 8-12 Marketplace 2010, Philadelphia. Western of Seattle. emails between himself and a fictitious per- Berg’s various Meridian funds started Info: Go to www.buses.org Until the additional charges of hiding son named “John Arlett” as part of what filing for bankruptcy court protection in money were filed, Berg had not been arrest- prosecutors called an elaborate ruse to back early July. He filed for personal bankruptcy ated millions of dollars” of their money “for ed. He told a Seattle newspaper after the ini- his claim he was negotiating with a third- protection July 27, and the bankruptcy court his other business interests, including the tial charges became public that he was coop- party investor willing to buy the notes. has been overseeing the sale of personal as- creation and operation of a luxury bus com- erating with investigators. With two of the later Meridian Funds, sets, including his Mercer Island mansion. pany, the purchase of several multimillion “We will continue to cooperate with Berg never actually invested the money as Between 2003 and last year, Berg cut a dollar yachts and private jets,” plus other these guys,” he was quoted as saying. he promised, according to the court filing. wide swath in the motorcoach industry. His toys and diversions. Previously, Berg had said he never in- The FBI says that was typical of Berg. ascent from a four-coach operation to the in- Meanwhile, bankruptcy trustee Calvert tended to defraud investors or operate a “Contrary to Mr. Berg’s initial represen- dustry’s 12th largest operator, with a fleet of withdrew his proposal to pay Berg a $70,000 Ponzi scheme. tation regarding the extent and scope of the nearly 170 coaches, in a half-dozen years consulting fee to unravel the complex finan- However, the papers filed in U.S. Dis- fraud, our investigation has revealed that, in was seen by some as spectacular. Many of cial transactions surrounding the nine Me- trict Court here paint a very different pic- fact, Mr. Berg’s investment funds never pur- his competitors, however, insisted it was too ridian funds. ture. Prosecutors say Berg was a career chased or owned many of the assets he good to be true. In earlier filings, Calvert had said he was criminal who fabricated records, loan files, claimed to have purchased with investor Along the way Berg was given the Bus- reluctant to hire Berg to sort out the transac- appraisals and title reports to hide an elabo- funds, and he had been making numerous Ride Motorcoach Industry Achievement tions but ultimately concluded that creditors rate scheme that stretched over most of the false statements about the investment funds Award and the Green Highway Award at and fund estates would be better served by past decade. for much longer than he initially admitted,” UMA Motorcoach Expos, and elected to the Berg’s involvement. They also say Berg went to great lengths reported FBI Special Agent Steven Rausch. board of the American Bus Association. Calvert’s plan was not popular with to mislead independent auditors. In 2007, “Mr. Berg has continued to lie to the Berg’s investors never knew, according many of the investors who lost money in- for example, Berg opened dozens of private FBI, the bankruptcy trustees and others over to the charges against him, he “misappropri- vesting with Berg. Lead Mechanic Position Available Starline Luxury Coaches, one of the largest privately held charter bus com- panies in the Pacific Northwest, with a proven reputation as one ofthe most reliable, innovative and diversified companies in the industry is cur- rently hiring. The Lead Mechanic position is now available within our fi- POSITION AVAILABLE nancially sound company that is experiencing consistent growth. The Lead Job Title: General Manager • Reports to: President and CEO Mechanic’s job entails overseeing and performing repairs and maintenance Coordinates with: COO of our fleet of 19 motorcoaches and 18 minibuses, both in the shop and for Summary – Responsible for effective management of all phases of operating company. occasional road side service. Our current crew of 4 experienced, motivated Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Under the general direction and ultimate control of the mechanics is ready, willing and able to take direction from the right person. President, the General Manager is responsible for the cost effective management of all re- sources in the daily operation of the Company. The General Manager will directly supervise the managers of line run, charter, tour and limousine sales, school bus services, operation and Qualifications finance. Will select and train direct reports, and assist in the selection and development of other exempt and non¬exempt employees. Will coordinate with COO in assuring that maintenance • Leadership skills • Parts inventory management and and safety are performed. Will also coordinate with corporate office in policy development and • Strong verbal communication maintaining vendor relationships implementation. With the assistance of corporate staff, responsible for all issues of compliance skills • Experienced use of computerized including Affirmative Action, OSHA regulations, EEOC, PUC, FMCSA and DOT. • 5 or more years of hands on diesel diagnostic equipment Qualifications –To perform the primary functions of this position the individual must mechanic experience required • Required CDL, minimum Class possess minimum skills set in the following areas: • Knowledge of diesel engine, B no airbrake restriction with a Education: Minimum of four-year degree from college or university with emphasis in areas of drive train, Allison automatic clear driving record Business Administration, Accounting, General Management, and/or communications. Experience: Minimum of 10 years general management experience with responsibility for bottom transmission, airbrake, • Knowledge of DOT regulations line profitability, preferably in bus or tour operations. hydraulic and electrical systems • Able to pass a background check Communication Skills: Must demonstrate ability to effectively communicate in written and ver- maintenance and repair required and pre-employment drug test. bal forms. Must be willing and comfortable to do group presentations and communicate with employees on all levels. • ASE certified • List is not inclusive Fiscal Skills: Must understand and be able to read all company financial statements and adjust expenses and revenue accordingly. Must be able to prepare annual budget and monitor monthly Full Time w/Benefits 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation & Holiday pay status reports to meet company financial goals. Competitive salary with bonuses and guaranteed salary increases. Leadership: Above all other skills, the General Manager must be able to motivate and direct his/ her teams of employees. The individual must have demonstrated the ability to create a positive Job Location: 9801 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98118 work environment and capitalize on available talent. Physical Demands: The employee is regularly required to walk, sit, talk and hear. Must also pos- sess a valid driver’s license and be available for limited travel from time to time. If interested please write and submit your resume to: Aerial Fullington Weisman, President & CEO The Fullington Auto Bus Company 316 East Cherry Street, P.O. Box 211 Send resume to Tina Thompson: [email protected] Clearfield, PA 16830 Bus & Motorcoach News INDUSTRY NEWS November 1, 2010 17 Ticket kiosks J.J. Keller introduces onboard electronic log NEENAH, Wis. — Compli- bile phone, laptop or PDA. Keller’s mobile software and sup- apply to e-logging devices in- introduced by ance services provider J.J. Keller Fleets would pay $199 per bus ply the communications link to stalled in trucks and buses made & Associates has released its first or truck for the hardware, which relay hours-of-service data back to after June 4, 2012. software maker onboard electronic system for they would install themselves, dispatchers. The spokeswoman told Bus & RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — keeping track of driver hours of plus a $6 monthly subscription fee A company spokeswoman said Motorcoach News that several mo- A California-based software com- service. per vehicle. the J.J. Keller device will need torcoach operators participated in pany has introduced an automated The e-logging system com- To run J.J. Keller’s e-logging only a software update to comply Keller’s beta-test period when the ticketing system for motorcoach bines black box-style hardware software, fleets would have to pro- with the Federal Motor Carrier product was being completed. companies that allows operators to with J.J. Keller’s web-based fleet- vide their own smart phones or lap- Safety Administration’s latest The system will be promoted at sell their services — tours, casino management software and a mo- tops. These devices would run J.J. technical specifications, which UMA Motorcoach Expo in Tampa. trips, shuttle runs or other travel — at self-service kiosks. American Trans-Data of Santa Ana, Calif., introduced its self-ser- 7th Annual vice ticketing kiosk at the annual California Bus Association con- vention and trade show here late last month. During the past 10 years, self- UMA Safety service kiosks have been adopted by many industries. Whether drive- thru ATMs at banks or self-service checkout lines at grocery stores, self-service kiosks offer companies Management many benefits, notes Matt Mueller, CEO of American Trans-Data. First, and perhaps foremost, ki- osks help companies reduce costs, says Mueller. Employees making Seminar $10 an hour cost companies $20,000 per year in salary alone, not includ- ing taxes, worker’s compensation, And introducing... or unemployment benefits. December 1 - 2, 2010 “By replacing a portion of their 1st Annual workforce with kiosks, most com- panies stand to recover their in- vestment in kiosks in as little as NTSB Training Center three to six months after installa- Business tion,” said Mueller. Also: • Kiosks, wrapped in a com- Ashburn, VA pany’s logo, increase a company’s Management presence and sales opportunities. • Kiosks can be installed any- where electricity and an internet connection is available. Seminar • Kiosks enhance the custom- er experience and increase cus- tomer brand loyalty. November 30, 2010 • Customer-friendly kiosks help companies reduce wait times, - December 1, 2010 leading customers to view their product or service in a positive light and leading them to repeat NTSB Training Center purchases. American Trans-Data is offering Ashburn, VA bus operators two software options. First is what the company calls a complete self-service solution, which is fully integrated into an op- erator’s tour reservation system. ATD says it recommends this version for all tour companies because it offers the biggest return on investment. Second, ATD will offer a stand- alone version for tour companies. This allows tour companies, which do not want the solution integrated into their reservation system, the ability to offer self-service. American Trans-Data has been developing software applications for the transportation industry since 1981. Contact the company at www.americantransdata.com. Register today at www.uma.org! 18 November 1, 2010 INDUSTRY NEWS Bus & Motorcoach News Nat’l Interstate hits milestone DATTCO named People RICHFIELD, Ohio — National transfer members is a significant FAIRFAX, Va. — The board of Interstate Insurance Co. announced milestone for National Interstate, Northeast dealer the Trailways Transportation that its alternative risk transfer in- and we are extremely pleased with System has elected Tom Bazow, surance program, also known as our ongoing success in this part of for Thermo King president/CEO of Excursions captive insurance, has grown to our business,” said Dave Michel- NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Bus Trailways of Fort Wayne, Ind., to a more than 500 customers. son, president and chief executive and motorcoach operator DATT- midterm replacement position that Thomas Bazow Annette Sandberg National Interstate, which spe- of National Interstate. CO Inc., has been named the Ther- continues through next year. cializes in alternative risk transfer Terry Phillips, company senior mo King dealer for New England, “Ernst & Young Scotland Overall A former teacher, Bazow, and Entrepreneur of the Year 2010” insurance for the transportation vice president, noted that alterna- replacing Boston Thermo King partner Pat O’Brien, decided to industry, launched its first captive tive risk transfer programs have and Thermo King of Hartford. and he also collected a European form their own company a decade award in Paris for a career of ser- program 15 years ago. become a core competency of the The two branches have been ago. Both had been driving for the vice to public transport. (See July Today, it has two dozen such company, and the programs combined to form Thermo King same employer. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.) programs, representing 62 percent launched during the past year and Northeast. Beginning with a single coach, SPOKANE, Wash. — Former of its gross premiums. a half have doubled their member- DATTCO also purchased the Excursions Trailways has grown to physical assets that Thermo King Federal Motor Carrier Safety “Reaching 500 alternative risk ship just since January. a fleet of 13 coaches and 55 part- Administration Administrator had used to service customers in and full-time employees and has a the area. Annette M. Sandberg is joining the Dayton bus tires flattened second located in Ottawa, Ohio. law firm of Scopelitis, Garvin, The acquisition, which in- Excursions has been a Trail- M U S C AT I N E , I owa — duct business with us,” said Kurt cludes locations in Connecticut, Light, Hanson & Feary in a new ways member since 2005. Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solu- Danielson, president of Bridges- Massachusetts and New Hamp- office it is establishing here. PERTH, Scotland — Stage- shire, will allow DATTCO to offer Sandberg also is a former depu- tions, a division of Bridgestone tone Bandag Tire Solutions. coach Group Chief Executive Thermo King refrigeration prod- ty administrator of the National Americas Tire Operations, says it “As a supplier who works with Brian Souter has received a major ucts and services to a wide range Highway Traffic Safety Adminis- will discontinue sales of its Day- fleets to implement tire manage- entrepreneur award in the United of transport customers. tration and spent 17 years with the ton brand bus and truck radial tire ment solutions to lower overall op- Kingdom. line effective Jan. 1. erating costs, we feel that Firestone Conversely, current Thermo King Washington State Patrol, the last The co-founder of Stagecoach, 6 as its chief. She joined the FMCSA Dayton brand light truck and brand truck and bus tires will offer customers in the Northeast will re- which is celebrating its 30th anni- in 2003 and left March 1, 2006. passenger tires will continue to be customers a viable alternative.” ceive the same refrigeration service, plus the added vehicle and collision versary, was named “UK Master At the Scopelitis firm, Sand- sold in the U.S. It is anticipated that supplies repair options offered by DATTCO. Entrepreneur of the Year” at an berg will be a senior attorney repre- “This decision is based on the of Dayton brand bus and truck “While DATTCO is widely awards ceremony in London. senting motor carrier clients on safe- desire to simplify our product of- tires will be available only through known in the motorcoach and The award was given by the in- ty and regulatory issues, including fering, making it easier for our this quarter. Dayton warranties school bus industry, it has been the ternational accounting firm of CSA 2010 compliance. In addition distributors and customers to con- will continue to be honored. best-kept secret in the trucking in- Ernst & Young and is based on to her affiliation with the law firm, dustry,” said Don DeVivo, DATT- such factors as innovation, leader- Sandberg will continue as the CEO CO president. Becoming a Thermo ship, financial performance and of TransSafe Consulting LLC. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING King dealer will help the company corporate social responsibility The Scopelitis law firm has of- increase its position in that market, Earlier, Souter was named fices in seven other cities. REDUCED * ONE OWNER * MCI E4500 he said. “The SWAT team was fortunate Excellent Condition SWAT training to have training on a vehicle that None Nicer! Low Miles Axles get smart CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 can be mobile, and (the team) Michelin Tires, Alcoa Rims, TROY, Mich. – Are you ready for learned the ins and outs of the mo- CD/DVD, Cordless Mic, this: An “intelligent axle system?” ­contacted Shalimar Tours & Char- torcoach,” said Rivera. Partial Financing O.A.C. Truck and bus component ter of Ontario, Calif., for assistance. Corp. Glenn Sugiki of the Po- Delivered to West Coast maker ArvinMeritor Inc. has un- The folks at Shalimar agreed to mona Police Department said the Trades for clean MCI D & veiled a wired intelligent axle sys- participate, providing a coach for DL models considered tem that’s designed to optimize lu- the training session. team learned about the strengths $229,000 brication during operation. The Ultimately, the training in- and weaknesses of the vehicle, as system may improve fuel economy volved a hostage scenario, using well as new techniques for dealing Marc 808.832.6261 for photos and more info in heavy vehicles equipped with the volunteer hostages, and a bomb with a hostage situation in such technology, the company says. threat involving the motorcoach. circumstances. The Meritor LogixDrive system “Fortunately, we have never During the simulation, the REPOS FOR SALE uses electronic sensors to monitor dealt with this sort of situation,” SWAT team was aided by Dave Variety of makes and models of “temperature, speed, braking and said Erin Crosby, executive direc- Dorr of Motor Coach Industries re- torque conditions to apply the opti- tor of Shalimar Tours & Charter. garding technical aspects. “Bank Repos” across the United mized amount of lubrication to the “Our drivers learned some valu- Shalimar Tours & Charter has States and Priced to Sell! axle,” ArvinMeritor said. able information that will help been in business for more than 25 LogixDrive will be available as them if they are ever in a real life years. For more information, go to 1-877-737-2221 Ext. 30716 for more information! an option in two years. situation of this nature,” she added. www.shalimartours.com. DE. INCREASE SM hified.com RIDERSHIPGet NATIONWIMotorcoac FUELA POWERTRAIN THAT ECONOMYWILL MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD. THAT WILL PAY YOU BACK. Introducing the Volvo 2010 D13 SCR engine. The Volvo D13 is the only 2010 motorcoach engine built on an existing, well-proven platform. Plus it’s the only engine that exceeds EPA 2010 emissions standards, thanks to advanced technology that significantly lowers fuel costs and eliminates active regenerations. Together the D13 engine and I-Shift transmission deliver the industry’s only fully integrated power delivery system. The Volvo 2010 Powertrain offers the optimum combination of performance, fuel efficiency and uptime. Count on it to drive your business to the next level of success. Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information.

www.prevostcar.com 35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire QC, G0R 2V0, Canada | USA 1-877-773-8678 | Canada 418-883-3391

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