0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:50 AM Page 1 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:50 AM Page 2 SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE Digitally sharpen video that is altered by the elements Advanced dual exposure technology automatically adjusts exposure frame-by-frame to capture optimum picture detail HD CLEARLY DEFINED Run your routes in hi-def Capture image details at all light levels 1280 x 720 resolution Outfit your fleet with high-definition cameras for clear image capture day or night. Monitor passenger behavior and driver habits, track your vehicles and settle safety concerns with cutting-edge surveillance technology working for you. IP68 certified waterproof, vandal-proof and scratch-resistant, AngelTrax HD cameras are built to last and feature built-in audio with digital noise reduction and 90-degree angle adjustment. See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1405 Learn more at angeltrax.com/HD, or call 1.800.673.1788 Copyright © 2014 IVS, Inc. dba AngelTrax. All Rights Reserved. 1 1 5:50 PM 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:50 AM Page 3 +HDY\GXW\UHOLDELOLW\ 0DGHLQ86$ Happy operators Panoramic view Heavy-duty power trains Exceptional fuel economy ,QFUHGLEOHFRPIRUW 2XWVWDQGLQJVWDELOLW\ 8QPDWFKHGPDQHXYHUDELOLW\ Excellent stopping power Unmatched 24/7 factory support | Extensive parts availability | Nationwide service network | Exceptional warranties THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU WANT OUT OF A CHASSIS. LET’S START BY GIVING YOU ALL OF THEM. Compromising on your needs is never a good place to start. So we don’t make you. Product quality, numerous options, and uncompromising factory and service support. You get everything you need from your chassis and your manufacturer. That’s the peace of mind that comes with owning a Freightliner. | Find out more at freightlinerchassis.com. ON THE ROAD? )LQGRXWPRUHZLWK\RXUVPDUWSKRQHE\VFDQQLQJWKLVFRGH Get the free app at http://gettag.mobi IP68 certified waterproof, vandal-proof and scratch-resistant, AngelTrax HD c 9 6SHFLÀFDWLRQVDUHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH)UHLJKWOLQHU&XVWRP&KDVVLV&RUSRUDWLRQLVUHJLVWHUHGWR,62DQG,62&RS\ULJKW'DLPOHU7UXFNV1RUWK$PHULFD//& $OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG)UHLJKWOLQHU&XVWRP&KDVVLV&RUSRUDWLRQLVDVXEVLGLDU\RI'DLPOHU7UXFNV1RUWK$PHULFD//&D'DLPOHUFRPSDQ\ 2:37 PM 1 1 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:50 AM Page 4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com MAGAZINE IN THIS ISSUE Serving San Francisco Bay Area: Royal Coach Tours In 54th Year .....................8 Transit Companies Using New Ideas To Attract Users ..........24 Travel Exchange Features UMA, NTA......................................36 Busline’s Buyers Guide To Seating & Fabrics ..................................54 UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth Numbers Current As Of 01/15/14, courtesy of www.motorcoachexpo.com. RAPID RESPONSE ..................................Page 6 Busline Vehicle Showcase INDUSTRY NEWS.................................Page 41 MOTORCOACHES ON THE COVER: Royal Coach Tours Vice President Dan Smith and President Sandy Allen 46 - 53 stand next to one of their Prevost motorcoaches. The charter and commuter shuttle company is located in San Jose, CA. See page 8. CONTENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES FEBRUARY 2014 JUNE 2014 SEPTEMBER 2014 February 16-20 June 7-11 September 15-17 Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. United Motorcoach (UMA) Canadian Urban Transit BusCon 2014 Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers Expo At Travel Exchange Association (CUTA) Indianapolis, IN 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Los Angeles, CA Annual Conference Info: 800-576-8788 Info: 800-424-8262 Gatineau, Québec Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Info: 416-365-9800 OCTOBER 2014 Email: [email protected] MARCH 2014 October 12-15 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com March 16-18 June 8-13 APTA International Motor Coach Community Transportation Expo 2014 (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 Group (IMG) Association of America & Annual Meeting Fax: (217) 268-4815 Spring Meeting (CTAA) Annual Expo Houston, TX Tampa, FL St. Paul, MN Info: 202-496-4800 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Info: 888-447-3466 Info: 800-891-0590 Rick Mullen, Associate Editor JANUARY 2015 MAY 2014 JULY 2014 January 10-13 Design: David Opdyke May 4-7 July 19-23 American Reception: Sandy Pierce APTA Bus National School Bus Association & Paratransit Transportation Association Marketplace Conference Annual Meeting & St. Louis, MO Advertising Kansas City, MO Convention Info: 202-842-1645 Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959 Info: 202-496-4800 Charleston, SC Info: 518-220-9905 Email: [email protected] Or Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2014 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written con- Fax: 217-268-4815 sent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Email: [email protected] Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net USA 336-393-3929 Canada 418-883-3391 w Page 4 BUSLINE January/February 2014 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:50 AM Page 5 VOLVO PERFORMANCE BACKED BY unparalleled SERVICE. TALK ABOUT A WINNING COMBINATION. When you pair unbeatable operational efficiency with the highest standard for service in the industry, you have one powerful machine on your hands. The Volvo 9700 uniquely combines the proven performance and fuel efficiency of the Volvo D13 engine with the exceptional and experienced network of Prevost professional service. But it doesn’t stop there. This workhorse ups the ante on fuel economy with integrated features, like the I-Shift transmission, which ensures that the engine runs at the ideal speed for maximum fuel savings. Advanced safety features and passenger comfort round out the list of features that make the Volvo 9700 the best investment your business can make. For more information: USA 336-393-3929 Canada 418-883-3391 www.prevostcar.com See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #442 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:51 AM Page 6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com MAGAZINE Prevost .................................46 Motor Coach Industries......48 ABC Companies ..................50 Temsa ...................................51 Glaval Bus ............................53 Company Website Page # Company Website Page # 5 Star Specialty Programs www.5starsp.com 25 Midwest Bus Corporation www.midwestbus.com 28 ABC Companies www.abc-companies.com 14 Mile-X www.mile-x.com 43 Aesys www.aesys.com 44 Monochem www.worldwidemonochem.com 23 Amaya-Astron Seating www.amaya-astron.com.mx 18 National Interstate www.natl.com 15 American Cooling Technology, Inc. www.actusa.us.com 39 Nissan Commercial Vehicles www.nissancommercialvehicles.com 9 AngelTrax www.angeltrax.com 2 PEX German O.E. Parts LLC www.pexna.com 42 ARBOC Specialty Vehicles www.arbocsv.com 22 Prevost Car www.prevostcar.com 60 Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison www.atlanticdda.com 26 Protective Insurance Company www.protectiveinsurance.com 17 Auto Meter Products, Inc. oem.autometer.com 42 Relational Bus Systems www.rbs2000.com 12 Bauer Compressors www.bauercng.com 34 RUD www.ROTOGRIP.us 41 Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation www.bauerscertifiedpreowned.com 30 Russell Cress Company, Inc. www.russellcressco.com 43 Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc. www.bergenseat.com 56 Safety Step www.safetystep.net 45 Bitzer www.bitzerus.com 33 Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery www.sardobus.com 29 Camira www.camirafabrics.com 55 Service Insurance www.serviceins.com 45 Chestnut Ridge Foam www.chestnutridgefoam.com 54 Shriver Insurance Agency www.shriverinsuranceagency.com 58 De Leo Textiles www.deleoco.com 56 Sutrak www.sutrakusa.com 10 Dixie Electric, Ltd. www.dixie-electric.com 44 Systems 2000, Inc. www.sys2k.com 20 eFleet www.efleetservices.com 40 TEMSA www.temsa.com 21 Espar Climate Systems www.espar.com 35 TIB www.tibinsurance.com 36 Euramtec www.euramtec.com 38 Transit Sales International www.transitsales.com 19 EverBank Commercial Finance www.everbank.com 31 Turtle Top www.turtletop.com 13 Freightliner www.freightlinerchassis.com 3 UMA Motorcoach EXPO www.motorcoachexpo.com 37 Glaval Bus www.glavalbus.com 11 Vanner Power www.vanner.com 16, 32 Lancer Insurance www.lancerinsurance.com 27 Volvo www.prevostcar.com 5 MCI (Motor Coach Industries) www.mcicoach.com 7 Read or Download Complete Issues Of Busline Magazine Online At: www.buslinemag.com Page 6 BUSLINE January/February 2014 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:51 AM Page 7 See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1343 0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:51 AM Page 8 Serving San Francisco Bay Area Royal Coach Tours In 54th Year Royal Coach Tours President Sandy Allen, left, and her brother, Vice President Dan Smith, lead the San Jose, CA, company. Pictured above are the company’s facilities. By Harrell Kerkhoff been an important part of our successs. It’s hard After running the successful commuter serv- Busline Magazine Editor to keep really good people and it’s something ice, two years later it was decided to transition we strive to do every day. into the charter bus business. This brought into hether the passenger is a star NFL