0114 Busline Magazine by Busline Magazine

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CONTENTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

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 INDUSTRY NEWS .................................Page 41

Busline Vehicle Showcase

MOTORCOACHES

ON THE COVER:

46 - 53

Royal Coach Tours Vice President Dan Smith and President Sandy Allen stand next to one of their Prevost motorcoaches. The charter and commuter shuttle company is located in San Jose, CA. See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 2014 February 16-20 United Motorcoach (UMA) Expo At Travel Exchange Los Angeles, CA Info: 800-424-8262 MARCH 2014 March 16-18 International Motor Coach Group (IMG) Spring Meeting Tampa, FL Info: 888-447-3466 MAY 2014 May 4-7 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Kansas City, MO Info: 202-496-4800

JUNE 2014 June 7-11 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Annual Conference Gatineau, Québec Info: 416-365-9800 June 8-13 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Annual Expo St. Paul, MN Info: 800-891-0590 JULY 2014 July 19-23 National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting & Convention Charleston, SC Info: 518-220-9905

SEPTEMBER 2014 September 15-17 BusCon 2014 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 OCTOBER 2014 October 12-15 APTA Expo 2014 & Annual Meeting Houston, TX Info: 202-496-4800 JANUARY 2015 January 10-13 American Bus Association Marketplace St. Louis, MO Info: 202-842-1645

Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. 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 consent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net

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January/February 2014

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES

Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Email: drankin@consolidated.net Website: www.rankinpublishing.com (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 Fax: (217) 268-4815 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Design: David Opdyke Reception: Sandy Pierce Advertising Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959 Email: kevloraz@cox.net Or Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: drankin@consolidated.net

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See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #442

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Prevost .................................46

Website

5 Star Specialty Programs ABC Companies Aesys Amaya-Astron Seating American Cooling Technology, Inc. AngelTrax ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison Auto Meter Products, Inc. Bauer Compressors Bauerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Intelligent Transportation Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc. Bitzer Camira Chestnut Ridge Foam De Leo Textiles Dixie Electric, Ltd. eFleet Espar Climate Systems Euramtec EverBank Commercial Finance Freightliner Glaval Bus Lancer Insurance MCI (Motor Coach Industries)

Motor Coach Industries......48

Temsa ...................................51

Company

Page #

www.5starsp.com www.abc-companies.com www.aesys.com www.amaya-astron.com.mx www.actusa.us.com www.angeltrax.com www.arbocsv.com www.atlanticdda.com oem.autometer.com www.bauercng.com www.bauerscertifiedpreowned.com www.bergenseat.com www.bitzerus.com www.camirafabrics.com www.chestnutridgefoam.com www.deleoco.com www.dixie-electric.com www.efleetservices.com www.espar.com www.euramtec.com www.everbank.com www.freightlinerchassis.com www.glavalbus.com www.lancerinsurance.com www.mcicoach.com

25 14 44 18 39 2 22 26 42 34 30 56 33 55 54 56 44 40 35 38 31 3 11 27 7

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

ABC Companies ..................50

Glaval Bus ............................53

Company

Midwest Bus Corporation Mile-X Monochem National Interstate Nissan Commercial Vehicles PEX German O.E. Parts LLC Prevost Car Protective Insurance Company Relational Bus Systems RUD Russell Cress Company, Inc. Safety Step Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery Service Insurance Shriver Insurance Agency Sutrak Systems 2000, Inc. TEMSA TIB Transit Sales International Turtle Top UMA Motorcoach EXPO Vanner Power Volvo

Website

Page #

www.midwestbus.com 28 www.mile-x.com 43 www.worldwidemonochem.com 23 www.natl.com 15 www.nissancommercialvehicles.com 9 www.pexna.com 42 www.prevostcar.com 60 www.protectiveinsurance.com 17 www.rbs2000.com 12 www.ROTOGRIP.us 41 www.russellcressco.com 43 www.safetystep.net 45 www.sardobus.com 29 www.serviceins.com 45 www.shriverinsuranceagency.com 58 www.sutrakusa.com 10 www.sys2k.com 20 www.temsa.com 21 www.tibinsurance.com 36 www.transitsales.com 19 www.turtletop.com 13 www.motorcoachexpo.com 37 www.vanner.com 16, 32 www.prevostcar.com 5

Read or Download Complete Issues Of Busline Magazine Online At: www.buslinemag.com Page 6

BUSLINE

January/February 2014

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See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1343

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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 Busline Magazine Editor

hether the passenger is a star NFL player, Silicon Valley techie or grade school student on a long-anticipated field trip, being treated like royalty is commonplace for those aboard a Royal Coach Tours vehicle. The charter and commuter shuttle company is entering its 54th year of providing safe, reliable and comfortable transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The family company, headquartered in San Jose, CA, has come full circle in the commuter shuttle business, starting in the early 1960s by transporting local workers and now doing the same type of work for Silicon Valley companies. Through the years, officials at Royal Coach Tours have also built a solid reputation in the charter business. “Our success can be attributed to having great employees. We have people who have worked here for 30 or so years,” Royal Coach Tours President Sandy Allen said. “This has Page 8

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been an important part of our successs. It’s hard to keep really good people and it’s something we strive to do every day. “As a transportation provider, it’s also important that we maintain good equipment. Our drivers are proud to drive the equipment that Royal Coach Tours has in its fleet.” The company currently has 125 employees and 67 pieces of equipment such as charter motorcoaches (including 14 Prevosts), minibuses, specialty coaches and passenger vans. It’s headed by Allen and her brother, Royal Coach Tours Vice President Dan Smith. The siblings began at an early age in the family transportation business. It was started by their parents, the late Lee and the late Joanne Smith. They purchased a 37-passenger motorcoach in 1960 and began operating commuter trips between Fremont, CA, and the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, in Sunnyvale, CA. “My dad started transporting workers for $2 a week and soon had enough people for two bus loads. This is how our company started,” Allen said.

January/February 2014

After running the successful commuter service, two years later it was decided to transition into the charter bus business. This brought into existence Smith Charter Bus Service, which continued to expand with the growth of the San Francisco Bay Area. “My parents divorced in the 1970s and my mother remarried. She ran the company with her new husband, the late Robert Christian,” Allen said. In 1977, Joanne Smith changed the company’s name to Royal Coach Tours, a title meant to convey to clients the type of service her company was offering – first-class royal treatment. “Smith Charter Bus Service was quite a mouth full. My mother saw the Royal Coach Inn, in San Mateo, CA, and thought it was an elegant name. Therefore, she changed our company’s name to Royal Coach Tours. It has proven to be a great move. We get a lot of mileage from the ‘Royal’ name, such as stating that we treat customers as if they are members of royalty,” Allen said. After years of successful business practices

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Royal Coach Tours’ San Jose facility includes four work bays. Company employees are able to provide a wide variety of bus service needs.

Shown is the company’s sales office. Royal Coach Tours provides both charter and commuter shuttle work.

and operations, the company’s torch was passed to Sandy Allen and Dan Smith. The two have continued to build the company over the years with new levels of service and innovation. “My brother and I grew up in the bus business. I can remember being 5 years old and helping out,” Allen said with a laugh. Today, Allen is in charge of the company’s finances, while her brother oversees maintenance. “My brother started taking engines apart when he was 10 years old. He pretty much decides what equipment to buy and sell. He knows the equipment side very well, and is responsible for the specialty coaches that we put together,” Allen said.

Satisfying Tech-Savvy Commuters

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January/February 2014

lthough 60 percent of Royal Coach Tours’ business can be classified as charter work, Sandy Allen is also very thankful for the other 40 percent, that being commuter shuttles in the Silicon Valley. This area is home to some of the world’s largest corporations involved in technology, as well as many smaller startups. Silicon Valley is located in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes San Jose. “We work with some of the bigger corporations here, transporting many of their employees to and from work. We use our own equipment,

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“ I like to think of our company as a McDonald’s with Happy Meals. It’s important to introduce bus travel early to young people and make it a good experience. As these children grow, they will hopefully think of charter buses in a positive light.” — Royal Coach Tours President Sandy Allen Because these Silicon Valley commuters can be very tech savvy, there is a lot of pressure on Royal Coach Tours to provide the latest in technological advancements for its passengers. “Above all else, the Wi-Fi must be operational on our commuter vehicles. Heaven help us if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work,” Allen said. She added that so tech-reliant are some of these riders that there have been times when a Silicon Valley commuter has sent a text message to a dispatcher, wanting that dispatcher to contact the driver of the bus (he/she) is currently riding on to inform the driver that the bus temperature inside is either too hot or too cold. Officials at Royal Coach Tours started providing Silicon Valley commuter shuttles in June 2009. Currently, 20 vehicles are used. They range from 50-passenger units to smaller buses. Allen said 7 new routes are expected to be added in June 2014. On the charter side of the business, Royal Coach Tours provides service for a wide variety of riders – from school children on a field trip to professional and college sports teams. Allen said school charters represent a large percentage of the company’s business, and allow Royal Coach Tours to provide a positive image when it comes to bus travel. This image will hopefully continue as these students become older. “I like to think of our company as a McDonald’s with Happy Meals. It’s important to introduce bus travel early to young people and make it a good experience. As these children grow, they will hopefully think of charter buses in a positive light,” Allen said. “There are many students on our charters who take videos of their field trips. This often includes them being on our buses. They often post these videos, which can be a good form of publicity. “It’s important to remember that many of these students participate in car washes and other fundraisers to afford our trips. We want to make sure the entire experience is very good, which includes the charter ride.” A number of these student field trips are to San Francisco, which is 50 miles to the north of Royal Coach Tours’ facility in San Jose. Many other trips are to Los Angeles, over 5 hours away to the south. This includes charter trips for graduating high school seniors headed to such destinations as Disneyland. Of course, officials involved with Royal Coach Tours also provide other types of charter service outside of the student market. This includes charters for large corporations in the area, such as what Allen refers to as “dinner transfers.” This can include 70 buses for a Christmas party, etc. “We are capable of handling big functions, and a lot of our charter work involves the military as well as large weddings – whenever a client needs See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1118

while (the corporations) tell us where to pick up and drop off their employees,” Allen said. “Many of these people live in San Francisco and are picked up every half mile or so on Divisadero Street. They simply walk out of their houses and can quickly hop on one of our vehicles to be taken to Silicon Valley. Many of them work the entire time they are commuting. They take advantage of the Wi-Fi available to them on our vehicles. There is enough Wi-Fi capability for 50 users. We have a great system in place when it comes to Wi-Fi.”

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See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #9, #1411

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Royal Coach Tours’ employees shown in the above three photos are, left to right, Maria Herrera, sales; Kristine Stewart, sales; Sharon Wilkerson, sales; Monika Tomasik, sales manager; Ava-Marie Jones, sales; Veronica Paganelli, human resource director; Greg Gallup, chief operating officer; Breann Mello, safety administrator; and Candie Hemphill, safety instructor. Pictured standing in the photo to the left are, from left to right, John Gilb, account manager; Daniel Fernandez, operations supervisor; Lisa Gardere, dispatcher; Florinda Merino, dispatcher; and Ria Ullal, office staff. Seated is Earl Reed, general manager.

to move a vast number of people in a short amount of time,” Allen said. “I’m always thankful to my parents for getting us in a business where people continue to need our services.” That is not to say that it’s always easy to move clients from point “A” to point “B” and back again. Allen said many customers provide short

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such high profile local universities as Stanford, California-Berkley and San Jose State. “We participate in a lot of sponsorships with local colleges. They are good about refering us to incoming teams. Royal Coach Tours has transported teams from such well known universities as Notre Dame and the U.S. Naval Academy. All types of sports are involved, just not football and basketball,” Allen said. “We are really proud to carry all of these collegiate teams. Once again, however, these customers have high demands. For exam“We try to retain our people by treating all of them very ple, they often require that our buses be well, listening to their concerns, properly maintaining our at the airport two to three hours prior to an incoming flight.” equipment and caring about each person... A sign on the She added that drivers often have a desk of our general manager says, ‘Director of Smiles.’ great time transporting sports teams Part of his job is to listen to employee concerns.” around the Bay Area. “I have one driver, for example, who The company’s vehicles often receive public- puts the fight song of each particular college “It’s all about striving everyday to provide the best and safest service possible. This is true ity in other ways when transporting NFL teams, team he is transporting on a CD. That fight song whether our passengers are school children, especially when high profile players are is playing when the players board the bus from the airport. It’s a great selling tool, and that senior citizens or members of a high-profile involved. “I have seen Instagrams, for example, of San driver is requested all of the time,” Allen said. college or professional sports team,” Allen said. Officials at Royal Coach Tours find it helpful There are some differences, however. Allen Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said when transporting NFL teams, a police boarding a Royal Coach Tours bus with our to participate in yearly trade shows that involve company logo in the shot. That is pretty neat,” companies that cater to the university hospitaliescort is part of the transportation procedure. ty market. This includes transportation, restau“Working with incoming NFL teams can be a Allen said. Royal Coach Tours also transports college rant and lodging-related businesses. three-day service as they often fly in a few days prior to the game. We will pick the team up at sports teams, including those traveling to play “There is a lot of information-sharing notice when requesting vehicles. “A lot of times it’s very ‘last minute’ in today’s world. There are customers who think nothing of ordering 20 buses for next Thursday,” she said. Another large charter client base for Royal Coach Tours is athletes, such as those playing for local and visiting NFL teams. Allen said these clients are no different than other customers in that they demand great service.

the airport and then be escorted by police to a drop-off point. Ours drivers often say this type of trip is exciting, but at the same time requires a different type of driving compared to normal conditions. These police escorts often use certain service roads, places where we don’t normally travel,” Allen said. “In the Bay Area, many times people will see our buses being escorted and followed by a lot of red lights, but in a good way.”

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1004 Page 16

BUSLINE

January/February 2014

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involved,” Allen said. “These trade shows help us add to our visibility within the marketplace. They attract officials from colleges and universities looking for transportation options when traveling in northern California.” Employees And Equipment Lead The Way

he pop hit, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” released in 1968 by singer Dionne Warwick, quickly became an international music sensation. The song tells the story of a San Jose native wanting to return home after failing to make it big in the entertainment industry of Los Angeles. Since that song’s release, many people have found their way to San Jose, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area, to seek their fortunes in technology-related ventures. This growth has helped Royal Coach Tours expand. “The San Jose area is a wonderful place to be located and very fast paced. There is a lot of activity here, especially in the Silicon Valley. It can sometimes be hard to keep up as everybody seems to be in such a hurry. The good thing is this activity has led to a great demand for commuter shuttles and charters,” Allen said. The current facility in San Jose for Royal Coach Tours was purchased in 1975 and continues to serve the company well. The property,

which has been expanded over the years, formerly housed a waste hauling business and came complete with underground fuel tanks. Today, it includes a maintenance area featuring four work bays, a large parts area and an office complex. “Our maintenance department performs just about every kind of task, including engine overhauling. The only thing we don’t provide is paint work. Royal Coach Tours also inventories a wide selection of bus parts. I always tell people that we could build a bus from all the parts we have in stock,” Allen said. “We take pride in being able to assist other transportation companies in the area when they have a breakdown. We have been known to travel 100 miles to help people. We usually have a part in stock that they need.” Over the years, adjacent parcels of land have been purchased at Royal Coach Tours to meet added needs. “We have everything at our location, including a room for our drivers that features computer access. We strive to design our facility with success in mind heading into our 54th year,” Allen said. Another component of the company’s success is a quality workforce. Allen said her family is very proud of the dedicated employees working at Royal Coach Tours.

“Hiring great people and keeping them at our company is very important. We don’t have a lot of employee turnover, which has helped us remain successful,” she said. One challenge in the competitive Silicon Valley is finding and retaining quality drivers. Allen said demand for drivers, especially within the area’s commuter shuttle marketplace, is high. “Many drivers in our region know that they are in demand right now,” she said. “We try to retain our people by treating all of them very well, listening to their concerns, properly maintaining our equipment and caring about each person. We also provide special events such as pot luck lunches for employees as well as giving gifts. A sign on the desk of our general manager says, ‘Director of Smiles.’ Part of his job is to listen to employee concerns.” When it comes to seeking new drivers, officials at Royal Coach Tours have always looked for candidates with driving experience. Due to an increased demand for drivers of buses/motorcoaches, however, the company has begun training candidates from the ground up. “We look for capable people with personalty who can also work odd hours. It’s a tough position to fill full time, especially in charter work as drivers often don’t know their hours from one week to the next. For some people, this type

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1329 Page 18

BUSLINE

January/February 2014

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of schedule works really great. They don’t mind established drivers are trained on an ongoing ger buses, 22- to 42-passenger specialty coachirregular hours,” Allen said. “Good drivers can basis. This includes 10 hours of classroom work es and full-size motorcoaches. The company’s make a world of difference. A not-so-friendly per year. We also require our drivers to be in specialty coaches are used for such events as weddings and proms, Allen said. They feature driver can ruin a trip for passengers. It also uniform. “Uniformity is important at our company and lounge seating, big screen TVs, galleys, etc. helps to maintain quality equipment. I feel our Included in Royal Coach Tours’ fleet are 14 drivers are proud to operate the equipment pro- involves our equipment as well. We recently changed our vehicle paint scheme from a stripe- Prevost motorcoaches used in the company’s vided by Royal Coach Tours.” charter operation. She added that training “We started purchasing plays a key role in maintain“We are finding that today’s passengers know Prevosts in 1998 and it’s been ing a safe environment for great experience. The cusemployees and passengers the difference when they are riding in a quality atomer service at Prevost has alike. Along with initial and been wonderful and the motorongoing training, company coach. This is true even on shorter trips. They coaches are very reliable. The vehicles and drivers are also notice the comfort.” company has always been School Pupil Activity Bus helpful and provides a great (SPAB) certified by the based look to one that features stars. Not all of product. Our Prevosts are used for a variety of California Highway Patrol. In California, a vehicle designed to carry 10 our vehicles have the same scheme right now, charter services – whether it’s a local dinner or more passengers and that will be transporting which can make it tricky when dispatching transfer or a 10-day trip. Passengers on these students to and/or from any school sponsored equipment for a customer. We try to make sure vehicles range from school children to senior event, must be SPAB certified. The driver of the all of the buses assigned to a specific trip match. citizens,” Allen said. “My brother (Dan Smith) SPAB-certified vehicle must also meet certifi- It’s all part of our customer service focus, and it just drove a new Prevost home. We are very big cation standards. SPAB drivers and vehicles are makes our company look good when a group of Prevost fans for our charter operation. They are required to adhere to stricter regulations than identical looking vehicles are traveling down known for comfort and handling.” It helps that today’s new motorcoaches come the road together.” non-student charter trips. The company also places a lot of emphasis on with many modern amenities and technological “This is a whole different license requirement advancements such as Wi-Fi and air ride susfor the bus and driver. Not all companies partic- vehicle cleanliness, both inside and out. “We pay extra to have our windows very pension, Allen added. ipate because of the tougher laws and the “We are finding that today’s passengers know amount of training involved. In order for us the shiny and clean. A lot of money is spent overall carry school children, however, we must main- when it comes to detailing vehicles,” Allen said. the difference when they are riding in a quality Among the different types of equipment in coach. This is true even on shorter trips. They tain this license. It’s also important that we have a certified trainer in place,” Allen said. “Our Royal Coach Tours’ fleet are 12- to 16-passen- notice the comfort,” she said.

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Silicon Valley Concierge Association; and a past Vision Award - Large Operator presented by the United Motorcoach Association. hat makes a transportation company Although the main service region for Royal successful? Representing a business Coach Tours is focused around the San Francisco that has 54 years of experience movBay Area, Allen said the company will, and has, ing people to their desired destinations, Allen traveled throughout the United shared her thoughts on States. This includes charter trips to why Royal Coach Tours “Our company has stopped traveling between the eastern and southeastern parts of has enjoyed success over the country. the past five-plus decades. the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on charters if “For example, we have provided “It’s all about providing the trip is more than 300 miles. Our drivers get transportation services in the past great service. We have some customers who have people safely to where they need to be and we for various groups helping hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast. We will been with us for 30-plus have to take care of them (drivers) as well. also deadhead anywhere. We often years. Repeat business is I believe the customer is No. 1, but our do this to Los Angeles before bringvery important. In order to ing a group north to the Bay Area,” have customers who conemployees are also No. 1.” Allen said. “I have always been tinually use our services, we must keep them happy. This involves using dren, but there is a time and a place for new proud to say that every piece of my equipment the best equipment and immediately addressing equipment. We have done quite well over the can go to New York tomorrow.” Safety, however, remains a high priority no any concerns that come up,” Allen said. “I feel we years in turning equipment as needed. It really have great communications in place at Royal helps with repeat business. For example, we have matter how short or far a trip. The company has Coach Tours. It’s really important that customers school groups that book for the next year right recently changed its hours of service for longer after returning home from their annual trips. They trips due to safety concerns. can easily reach us if there are problems.” “Our company has stopped traveling between Allen and other company officials also contin- are booking a year in advance to make sure our the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on charters if the ue to “get the word out” about the different serv- equipment and drivers are still available. “I feel very good about our future. Our compa- trip is more than 300 miles. We don’t feel it’s safe ices that Royal Coach Tours provides. This is done, in part, by visiting with potential customer ny’s reputation is well known, and we have won for us to leave Disneyland, for example, at midnight and drive home to the Bay Area,” Allen said. groups as well as various chamber of commerces. several awards in the industry.” Such accolades include the 2012 Spirit Award “Our drivers get people safely to where they need “We always strive to keep our name in front of the public. This involves our Internet presence given by the International Motor Coach Group; to be and we have to take care of them (drivers) as and being active in the community such as with the 2010 Best Transportation Service Award from Continued On Page 40 54 Years Of Service And Counting

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different service organizations,” Allen said. Another key to success, she added, is keeping the company’s fleet up-to-date. “It’s important to stay modern. You can’t be running antique equipment,” Allen said. “I love some of our older buses. They are like our chil-

January/February 2014

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Transit Companies Using New Ideas To Attract Users By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor

In a time of funding challenges, ever accelerating technological advancements and changing societal demographics, executives from three U.S. public transit systems shared with Busline Magazine how their respective authorities continue to meet the needs of riders. While the three public transit authorities outlined are located in different parts of the country with varying challenges and opportunities, a common thread is the ongoing brainstorming of ideas to attract ridership and advance the status of public transportation nationwide. Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) KRT Assistant General Manager Doug Hartley

The Rapid The Rapid CEO Peter Varga

Chatham Area Transit (CAT) CAT CEO Dr. Chadwick Reese

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ocated in the Appalachian Mountains region, the state of West Virginia more than lives up to its nickname — The Mountain State. Dealing with a rugged and sometimes challenging topography, the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) services Kanawha County and portions of Fayette and Putnam counties. Headquartered in Charleston, WV, the state capital and county seat of Kanawha County, KRT services a 913square-mile area, with a population of about 195,413. “About 88 percent of the population lives within 3/4 of a mile from an existing KRT bus route,” said KRT Assistant General Manager Doug Hartley. “Charleston is the main city in which we operate and has a population around 53,000 people. Kanawha County is very big and has very mountainous terrain with two river valleys (the Elk and Kanawha rivers) that meet in Charleston. The narrowness of the two river valleys places a lot of constraints on KRT.” The river valleys limit the number of roads in and out of Charleston, the result of which causes some of KRT fixedroutes coming into the city to overlap, Hartley explained. KRT operates a network of 21 fixedroutes oriented around Charleston’s commercial center. “All of our buses come into a downtown transfer location called the Laidley Street Transit Mall. Then the routes branch out from the transfer center like a

January/February 2014

‘spider web,’” Hartley said. The KRT was founded in 1971 by Kanawha County and the city of Charleston, taking over from the Charleston Transit Corporation, which was a private operator. “KRT currently has 150 employees, 141 of which are full time and 9 are part time,” Hartley said. “We have 97 bus and van operators, 24 mechanics and the balance of the 150 employees are supervisors, dispatchers and other support staff. “The transit authority has a fleet of 54 vehicles, three of which are the 1984-85 vintage street cars that operate the downtown circulator. We operate seven days a week from 4:15 a.m. until after midnight. The last buses usually pull into the garage just before 1 a.m.” KRT buses travel an average of 2.85 million miles a year. “Since 2009, ridership has increased 12 percent.” Hartley said. “We attribute a lot of the ridership increase to gas costs and more choice riders. West Virginia has higher fuel costs than some neighboring states. We have higher taxes on our fuel than some of these states. When gasoline was hovering around almost $4 a gallon, our choice ridership increased. However, for the majority of our ridership, transit is their only form of transportation.” The Kanawha Valley, along with the rest of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, is located on top of the Marcellus Shale Deposit, a formation that stretches 575 miles, making it one of the largest fields of natural gas in the

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world. Because of the proximity of the Marcellus Shale Deposit, KRT would like to explore moving to CNG-fueled buses. “We tested some CNG buses in the early 1990s, as well as some fueled with methanol,”

KRT

Hartley said. “Today, we have four dieselelectric hybrid buses and we are exploring the possibility of looking at CNG again. Currently, we don’t have the funding for CNG vehicles or for the infrastructure to construct a fueling station, but we are looking at some private/public partnerships.” KRT’s paratransit service, known as KAT (Kanawha Alternative Transit), operates during the same days and hours as the regular fixed-route service.

“KAT is for ADA-registered passengers only,” Hartley said. “Paratransit vehicles carry up to 130 people each weekday. It is primarily curb-to-curb, but we do provide door-to-door service if there is a need.” According to Hartley, in order for KRT to keep up with the ongoing evolution of the community and its changing needs, the authority has embarked on a study evaluating its current service in light of future needs. “At KRT, we believe people ride the bus for two reasons — to travel somewhere to a job to earn a wage or to go somewhere to spend some money,” Hartley said. “Our philosophy is to provide safe, efficient and effective transportation, while always looking at possible opportunities as our area changes over time. “The goal of the study is to find out how to operate five years from now on today’s resources, because we don’t see a big increase in federal funding coming down the road. We are looking at such issues as do we need to re-allocate resources to other areas

“At KRT, we believe people ride the bus for two reasons — to travel somewhere to a job to earn a wage or to go somewhere to spend some money. Our philosophy is to provide safe, efficient and effective transportation, while always looking at possible opportunities as our area changes over time.” — KRT Assistant General Manager Doug Hartley as dollars get tighter? “We are also looking at expanding services. For example, to make it easier for our passengers, we are in the process of implementing Google maps for transits. We hope to have that program up and running in the summer of 2014. This system will allow a person to enter a few codes into the program that will indicate where he or she is located and the desired destination. This can be done from a smart phone, a computer or a bus stop. Once this information is entered, Google transit will develop a routing plan for the customer. One of the goals of our study is to make it user-friendly for someone who has never used public transit, so

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he or she wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be intimidated to ride the bus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also exploring installing a new GPS system in the next 18 months. In addition, KRT is in the process of a fleet upgrade. We have 11 new buses coming in February and 14 more to replace as funding becomes available.â&#x20AC;? The authority also recently completed ren-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funding is a challenge right now with the budget issues and fights in Washington, D.C. More burdens are being pushed down to state and local levels, which I think doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bode well for transit nationally. This is part of the reason our study is looking at how to operate five years down the road on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources.â&#x20AC;?

a year,â&#x20AC;? Hartley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though the authority offers a very competitive wage and its drivers, mechanics and cleaners are union represented, it is getting harder to find qualified individuals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is especially tough to find mechanics. There seems to be a cycle that when the coal

KRT

ovations on its garage facility and is in the process of updating the automated phone system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also installing new radios in buses to try to improve communications with our drivers,â&#x20AC;? Hartley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our service area is so large that sometimes buses are as far away as 30 or 40 miles from downtown.â&#x20AC;? When it comes to finding and retaining qualified bus operators and other technical staff, KRT often finds itself competing with the coal industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Out turnover rate is about 7 to 10 operators

industry is booming in our area, the coal mines gobble them all up, along with drivers. Then, when the coal industry goes through a little downturn, they all get laid off, and want to come back to public transit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been working with the Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute (RTI) out of Huntington, WV, in an effort to train people to become mechanics. The training is also designed to bring existing mechanics up to speed, especially in the area of computer technology. Many times mechanics who have been around for 20 or 30 years tend to continue to do their jobs the old fashioned way.â&#x20AC;?

According to www.njrati.org, RTI is a leader in multimodal transportation and economic development in West Virginia and the surrounding 13-state Appalachian Region. RTI is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for transportation excellence focused on applied technology, research, education, outreach and training. RTI is also the lead research institution in the Multimodal Transportation and Infrastructure Consortium (MTIC) funded through the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Hartley also spoke of what he sees as a gap in experience between older workers facing retirement and newcomers into the public transit industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brain drainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is happening in public transit in West Virginia now,â&#x20AC;? Hartley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems like in the past four or five years, there have been a lot of people who have been around for a long time who are starting to get to retirement age. Five years ago, KRT had several drivers with more than 30 years of experience and now there is only a few. Nothing beats experience.â&#x20AC;? According to Hartley, when it comes to commitments from the government, both on the local and federal levels, public transit in West Virginia has historically had some very important and influential backers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a wonderful state Division of Public Transit. This agency has done so much for public transportation in West Virginia,â&#x20AC;?

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January/February 2014

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Hartley said. “We have also been very fortunate to have had influential representation in Washington, D.C. For many years we had Sen. Byrd (the late Robert C. Byrd, who died in 2010 at age 92, a conservative Democrat who was the longest-serving member of Congress in history). He was the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee until he passed away. We also have Sen. (John Davison ‘Jay’) Rockefeller who is a long-time serving senator. As was Sen. Byrd, his successor Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Rockefeller are very pro public transit and have worked with KRT on several projects. On the U.S. House side, tran-

sit has great support from Rep. Shelly Moore Capito and Rep. Nick Rahall, who was the chairman for years and is currently the ranking Democrat on the Infrastructure Committee in the House. “KRT also couldn’t have better support statewide. They help us with matching funds. We don’t get any operating money from the state, but we do get support from the state on matching funds for capital projects. In fact, the state provided the complete match for three of the 11 new buses we have on order. We owe a lot of what we have to the state Division of Public Transit.”

Despite West Virginia’s success at gaining federal funding for public transit over the years, Hartley does not think federal funding is going to increase during the next few years. “Funding is a challenge right now with the budget issues and fights in Washington, D.C.,” Hartley said. “More burdens are being pushed down to state and local levels, which I think doesn’t bode well for transit nationally. This is part of the reason our study is looking at how to operate five years down the road on today’s resources. “There are no more earmarks and transit fleets are beginning to age. Some of the changes in ISTEA (The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) were very detrimental to small urban systems. The 5339 program, which is the capital program for systems our size, only provides $600,000 to the entire state, which won’t even buy two buses.” Despite funding issues and other challenges, Hartley sees a positive shift in many people’s perception of public transportation. “I think a lot of people realize public transit is an important part of the nation’s infrastructure,” he said. “Whether they ride the bus or not, people benefit from having a public transit system. The person who prepares lunch at the restaurant or waits on customers at the shopping center or the receptionist in the doctor’s office, all may have taken the bus to work. Oftentimes, in rural areas, public transportation is the only link for people to medical facilities.” Contact: Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, P.O. Box 1188, Charleston, WV 25324. Phone: 304-343-3840. Website: www.rideonkrt.com.

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January/February 2014

erving the public transportation needs of Grand Rapids, MI, and five neighboring communities is The Rapid, incorporating 28 fixed-routes supported by the entire six-city region. In addition to Grand Rapids, the cities of East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Granville and Walker are included in the transit authority. Grand Rapids is located about 25 miles east of Lake Michigan in the west/central part of the state. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metro area had a population of just over 1 million. The city is the home of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Former President Ford and his wife, Betty, are buried on the museum grounds. “The Rapid was formed in 2000 as a regional authority taking over from the previous agency called Grand Rapids Area Transit Authority (GRATA),” said The Rapid CEO Peter Varga. “The Rapid was formed under a state act, which gave it the authority to pass millages and bonds, do revenue financing and take property. The mayors of the six cities, at that time, got together and forged an agree-

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ment to go for a set millage rate for six serv- electric vehicles and is purchasing 10 more for ice improvements. When the millage passed, the BRT project. “We are exploring the possibility of purthe new authority took over.” chasing some CNG (comVarga was the executive pressed natural gas) director of GRATA before buses,” Varga said. “Over becoming CEO of The time, I think we will be Rapid at its inception. converting somewhat to “Since forming The CNG vehicles.” Rapid, we have passed four Planning for the BRT property tax increases and project, called Division expanded services,” Varga Avenue Bus Rapid Transit said. “During the past 13 (SilverLine), began more years, we went from a than a decade ago. As a position where we had a part of the project, 34 stadeficit to balanced budgtions will be built spanets. We also expanded our ning the three cities of system from about a $12 Grand Rapids, Kentwood, million budget to more and Wyoming. It will be than $42 million budget, the first BRT line in the while increasing services state of Michigan. during the entire period. The Rapid CEO Peter Varga “We are also looking at Part of our last millage also approved the implementation of a bus rapid another corridor for a second BRT,” Varga transit (BRT) project, which we are going to said. “In addition, we are opening an Amtrak station adjacent to our central station. We open Aug. 25, 2014. “Today, we pull out 126 buses at peak. We received a Federal Railroad Administration used 43 buses at peak when I first started Railway Location grant for this project. We working here. Also, when I started, we were are opening the station in the spring. The under 4 million riders a year and now we have Amtrak facility will be the final piece of what will truly be an intermodal station with 20 12.9 million riders a year.” Currently, The Rapid operates five hybrid- fixed-route lines coming in from different

areas, in addition to Greyhound and Indian Trails (motorcoach) services.” In addition to the 28 fixed-routes supported

“I meet with all employees when they are hired. We talk about how every employee is a customer service representative. I emphasize that our business is mobility, therefore increasing and improving ridership is what our focus should be, because then we are a successful business.” — The Rapid CEO Peter Varga by the six cities in the authority, The Rapid also contracts with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) for five additional routes. “The community college campus is spread out in the downtown area, and GVSU operates two campuses,” Varga said. “About 80 percent of our clients say they use public transit to go to and from work. “The Brookings Institution did an analysis and The Rapid ranked seventh in the nation

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“I think one thing many of us in the industry should start paying attention to is the changing demographic that is causing greater interest in public transit. This changing demographic is coming primarily from two sections of the U.S. population — Baby Boomers and the Millennials.” among systems where most of the people riding the bus are proximate to their route system. This was done by design at The Rapid. We expanded the system to make employment transportation work. We look at ourselves as a system primarily transporting people to and from jobs, in addition to transporting high school and university students, as well as faculty members. “I meet with all employees when they are hired. We talk about how every employee is a customer service representative. I emphasize that our business is mobility, therefore increasing and improving ridership is what our focus should be, because then we are a successful business. There is a very strong emphasis on customer service throughout the organization and I pass that down as CEO to the employee base.” The Rapid employs about 365 people. As the system has expanded, The Rapid has not had a hard time finding and keeping qualified drivers; however, finding qualified people to

fill technical positions, such as mechanics and technicians, has been difficult at times, Varga reported. “We were having trouble finding good technicians/ mechanics, but with a partnership with the Kent Intermediate School District and Baker College, we have been able to hire people out of their training programs.” Students from area colleges and universities are able to ride The Rapid for free or with reduced fares. GVSU subsidizes several routes, allowing students, faculty and staff with a valid GVSU ID to ride any bus for free. GRCC students can ride the GRCC Sneden Shuttle for free with a valid GRCC ID. Aquinas College of Grand Rapids also subsidizes fares allowing students, faculty and staff to pay 25 cents per ride with a valid Aquinas ID card. In partnership with Ferris

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January/February 2014

The Rapid

State University (FSU), The Rapid operates an express service between Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids and the Big Rapids, MI, (located about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids) campus of FSU. FSU students can purchase a semester pass that is good on this route only. The general public can also travel on the shuttle for a fee. Calvin College students, faculty and staff pay 50 cents per ride with a Rapid Discount Card issued by the college. Calvin subsidizes the remainder of the fare. Meanwhile, The Rapid’s PASS program is designed to help people connect with Rapid buses who find getting to the nearest bus line

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a challenge. If a person lives more than 1/3 of a mile from a bus line, a PASS vehicle will pick up and carry that person to the nearest bus stop for a fee that includes a transfer to a fixed-route bus. The service is available seven days a week during the same hours as The Rapid. PASS vehicles are wheelchair accessible, however drivers cannot assist passengers to or from the vehicles. The Rapid’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service, called GO!Bus, offers door-to-door mobility for seniors and the disabled in the six cities in the authority. The service is for those whose disabilities prevent them from riding on regular fixed-routes. “The paratransit service is provided under contract with MV Transportation. There are 68 buses in the paratransit fleet,” Varga said. “We also have some contracts with other entities such as the Workforce Development Board for work-related trips from outside the six-city area. We also contract with another agency to meet a lot of community mental health transportation needs.” Looking down the road, Varga said The Rapid will continue to build upon the support the system has garnered for regional transportation. “I think one thing many of us in the industry should start paying attention to is the

changing demographic that is causing greater interest in public transit,” Varga said. “This changing demographic is coming primarily from two sections of the U.S. population — Baby Boomers and the Millennials.” According the Pew Research Center, the country’s newest generation, the Millennials, are approaching age 30, with its youngest members approaching adolescence. The Baby Boomer generation are those who were born between 1946 and 1964, which means many are retired or approaching retirement. “Many Baby Boomers are coming back to the urban core from the suburbs and getting rid of one car,” Varga said. “Meanwhile, fewer Millennials are obtaining drivers licenses than in past generations, and are moving into cities that have good mobility options. “Cities where public transit, bicycling and walking are really highlighted are providing the kind of mobility options that many Baby Boomers and Millennials want. In cities that really pursue this strategy, public transit will continue to gain a lot more support. “I think we are at a good time here in Grand Rapids in terms of what we have been able to accomplish. Public transportation is becoming more important to the nation and especially in those cities that are really trying to attract talent, growth and development.”

Contact: The Rapid, 300 Ellsworth SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4005. Phone: 616-456-7514. Email: info@ridetherapid.org. Website: www.ridetherapid.org.

nown for its beautifully maintained public squares in its historic district, Savannah, GA’s public transportation needs are served by Chatham Area Transit (CAT). The authority is truly multimodal, offering fixed-route bus, paratransit and CAT Bike, the first municipal bike sharing program in Georgia. CAT also offers a streetcar and ferry service. “CAT is a mostly urban authority with some rural service,” said CAT CEO Dr. Chadwick Reese. “The authority averages about 4 million miles a year on its fixed-route service and about 1 million miles a year for paratransit. On an average weekday, we carry about 13,000 to 14,000 passengers. Annually, we carry about 2.5 to 3 million fixed-route and paratransit riders, with about 3.3 million people on all modes.” All CAT buses contain features and equipment that allow passengers with disabilities to board, ride, and exit vehicles easily. Savannah boasts the nation’s largest registered Urban Historic Landmark District. The city has 22 green squares and more than 1,600

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1115 January/February 2014

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“CAT’s primary ‘internal’ customers are its bus operators. The basic idea is that all CAT staff members work to support bus operators in what they have to do to best perform their jobs... This is a somewhat different approach than what we have taken for the past 40 or 50 years.” — CAT CEO Dr. Chadwick Reese historically and architecturally significant structures, CAT CEO all within a 2.5Dr. Chadwick Reese square-mile area. While the majority of CAT riders are people traveling to and from work, Reese said, with its many attractions, Savannah also hosts a large segment of tourists throughout the year. “We are very much a tourist market,” Reese said. “In addition to tourists, about 20 percent of the population is college students. In all, about 30 percent of the mobility needs of this community involve tourists and college students.” Savannah is the home of one of the largest art schools in the country — the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Also located in the city are Savannah State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah Technical College, South University, University of Phoenix –

Savannah Campus and Virginia College in Savannah. CAT’s Universal Pass (U-Pass) Program allows all students of a participating institution to ride CAT buses anywhere at any time without charge. The city of Savannah is located on the Savannah River, about 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The Savannah River is one of historic Savannah’s most popular attractions. Savannah is the largest port in Georgia and is located near the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway. Tour boats, yachts, tugboats and ocean-going vessels can be seen on the river. A staple of the riverfront scene is CAT’s River Street Streetcar, a classic style vehicle that operates Friday through Sunday every week. “We are looking at expanding our streetcar network,” Reese said. “In addition, we are moving to a more regional system, which will feature express and park and ride services to

attract more of the choice rider market. “We experienced a record high in ridership a couple of years ago with a more than 20 percent increase; however, this year it is down about 2 percent.” The River Street Streetcar accommodates 54 passengers, while making six stops along River Street. The streetcar also connects with the Savannah Belles Ferry system. The ferry system is an alternative to the Talmadge Bridge, serving as a link between Savannah and Hutchinson Island, site of the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa. When it comes to customer service, CAT’s strategy is to emphasize to its staff the importance of serving both “internal” and “external” customers. “CAT’s primary ‘internal’ customers are its bus operators,” Reese explained. “The basic idea is that all CAT staff members work to support bus operators in what they have to do to best perform their jobs. “Mechanics are required to look at bus operators as their customers. The people who service the bus and who work in the office must consider bus operators as their customers. This is a somewhat different approach than what we have taken for the past 40 or 50 years.

KEITH IAIA Revolution CNG Owner Distributes & Services BAUER compressors “I have not seen another company in this industry with the total commitment to customer service that BAUER demonstrates every day. Whether we are supplying a brand new BAUER machine, or servicing a 12 year old unit that is still going strong, the quality and reliability of BAUER equipment and support make me and my company look good.” Connect with us.

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transportation system. Each paratransit lift-equipped van accommodates three wheelchair passengers or up to 10 seated passengers. Paratransit operators assist passengers on and off the vans. Service is typically provided from door-to-door. While funding is a problem for many transit systems across the country, CAT has a series of revenue streams, according to Reese. “We have experienced good support from the local government “The younger generation is choosing to drive less with the funding mechanisms that are and choosing more fuel-efficient automobiles. in place,” he said. This societal shift, coupled with the trend of “We have a dedicated people opting to move from suburbia back to the property tax for trancity... is where I think the future of public transit sit operations and we just had a 19 percent in our community lies.” increase in property just executed a new labor agreement, so hope- taxes for public transit. “CAT uses a portion of local sales tax revfully that will begin to stabilize the turnover enues dedicated for local matches for capital we have had in paratransit.” CAT’s paratransit service transports eligible projects. There is also a hotel and bed tax, persons with disabilities throughout Chatham which funds our downtown operation.” In discussing the future of public transit, County. This includes people who are unable, due to a permanent or temporary physical or Reese sees positive signs that the younger mental disability, to use the fixed-route public generation is more likely to embrace riding the “This strategy is based on the notion that we can motivate operators to perform and provide a level of customer service to ‘external’ customers (passengers) similar to what our staff provides the bus drivers.” CAT employs nearly 300 people. While the system has had no problems in finding and keeping qualified fixed-route bus operators, Reese reported there has been some turnover in its paratransit operation. “We have a union that represents the bus and paratransit operators, as well as mechanics and utility workers,” Reese said. “We have

Chatham Area Transit

bus as a “choice” option. “The percentage of people in the 18- to 24-year old age group with drivers licenses is down more than 20 percent since the 1970s, which is an issue of choice and not one of necessity,” Reese said. “The younger generation is choosing to drive less and choosing more fuel-efficient automobiles. This societal shift, coupled with the trend of people opting to move from suburbia back to the city and who are looking for alternative means of transportation, is where I think the future of public transit in our community lies.” Contact: Chatham Area Transit, P.O. Box 9118, Savannah, GA 31412. Phone: 912-233-5767. Email: info@catchacat.org. Website: www.catchacat.org.

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See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1117 January/February 2014

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he City of Angels, otherwise known as Los Angeles, CA, is home to the United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA) Motorcoach Expo 2014 at Travel Exchange. For the second year in a row, the UMA Expo will coincide with the National Tour Association (NTA) Annual Convention. The two organizations will be co-locating their events on February 16-20, 2014, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. NTA’s educational sessions and the NTA Mall are open to all UMA Motorcoach Expo participants at no additional cost. Meanwhile, UMA’s educational sessions and Expo floor are also open to all NTA convention participants at no additional cost. Joint events are open to all participants as well. NTA’s Exchange appointments on Wednesday, February 19, and Thursday,

UMA EXHIBIT HALL HOURS February 17 - February 19 MONDAY Sneak Preview, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. - Noon February 20, are open to UMA Expo participants for an additional fee. On Sunday, February 16, UMA Expo registra-

tion will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Exhibit Hall lobby. Additionally, the UMA State Association Summit is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Also taking place on Sunday will be various sightseeing tours from 9 a.m. to noon as well as NTA educational sessions from 2 to 4:30 p.m. A main event, scheduled for 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, will be the UMA & NTA Welcome Reception/Icebreaker at Universal Studios Hollywood. Monday, February 17, starts with UMA registration scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. A joint UMA/NTA opening ceremony and breakfast is scheduled from 8 to 9:15 a.m. on Monday with CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg serving as the keynote speaker. This will be followed by the UMA Active Member Meeting and

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The Los Angeles Convention Center

Legislative & Regulatory Update, which will take place from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Also starting at 9:30 a.m. and running until 4:30 p.m. is the UMA Maintenance Interchange. Motorcoach owners, operators and maintenance personnel are invited to openly discuss maintenance issues at this event. The first group of several UMA Concurrent

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Solution Sessions is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday. They are: n Making the Right Hiring Decisions As Demand Picks Up (Operations); n Buying Media (Marketing); n Public/Private Partnership (Finance); and, n Travel Itineraries vs. Hours of Service – Making it All Work Together (Travel Exchange).

January/February 2014

A Broadway Luncheon is set for 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. on Monday, and will be followed by the second group of UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions, scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. They are: n FMCSA Safety Management Cycle (Operations); n Converting Price Shoppers to Value Buyers (Marketing); n The Performance Puzzle: Strategies of Successful Operators with a Focus on Managing Maintenance and Costs – Part I (Finance); and, n Developing a Tour Operation (Travel Exchange). The third group of UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions on Monday are slated for 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. They are: n Understanding the Affordable Care Act (Operations); n Website Optimization: Increasing Your Site’s Traffic – Part I (Marketing); n The Performance Puzzle: Strategies of Successful Operators with a Focus on Managing Maintenance and Costs – Part II (Finance); and, n Motorcoach Marketing Council’s Operator Tool Box (This session will be repeated at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, at the Exhibit Hall.) Meanwhile, the NTA Destination Pavilion Open House & Ice Cream Social, designed for UMA attendees, is scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

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A major event on Monday will be the UMA Expo Exhibit Hall and NTA Mall Sneak Preview, taking place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Exhibitors will give demonstrations and showcase their latest industry products and services during the sneak preview. Also taking place at this time will be the first day of the Motorcoach Marketing Council’s silent auction. A number of NTA events will also take place on Monday. These include the NTA Mall being open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. as well as NTA educational sessions and pavilion appointments. The UMA Motorcoach Expo at Travel Exchange on Tuesday, February 18, will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the Maintenance Competition. This event will last until 11 a.m. and provide participants with a chance to compete against each other to solve different maintenance-related issues. Tuesday’s UMA Expo registration is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a continental breakfast at the Exhibit Hall from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The UMA Expo Exhibit Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, allowing attendees to visit a wide variety of vendors. Lunch will be served at the Exhibit Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on this day. Also taking place on Tuesday will be several UMA Education Sessions at the Exhibit Hall. Topics include: n Vehicle and Driver Certification that

Improves Company Profitability and Visibility; and Tires, Tires, Tires! (both sessions from 9 to 10 a.m.); n Bus Operators Beware! Plaintiff Attorneys Have You In Their Crosshairs; and Website Optimization: How to Maximize Your Site’s Potential During Development - Part II (both sessions from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.); n Driver Background and the Safety Management Cycle (from 1 to 2 p.m.); n Improving Your Odds: Implementing a Continuous Safety Improvement Program (from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.); and, and the Motorcoach n Technology Experience: Comfort/Safety/Security; and California Here I Come… Guidance for California’s Diesel Risk Reduction Plan (both sessions from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.). The second day of the Motorcoach Marketing Council’s silent auction will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, while the council’s live auction begins at noon. Meanwhile, members of the National Association of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO) will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. Also taking place on Tuesday will be several NTA events, including educational sessions and pavilion appointments. The NTA Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday’s final event will be the UMA & NTA Awards Dinner, scheduled from 6:30 to 11 p.m. This will include a reception, dinner, a presentation of awards and cigars/cordials/dancing.

The final day that the Exhibit Hall will be open for the 2014 UMA Motorcoach Expo at Travel Exchange is Wednesday, February 19. Show floor hours for that day are 9 a.m. until noon, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. A continental breakfast at the Exhibit Hall will take place from 8 to 9 a.m., while a luncheon is scheduled from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. The final Motorcoach Marketing Council Silent Auction is scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. Also taking place on Wednesday are several UMA Concurrent Solution Sessions at the Exhibit Hall. Topics include: n Motorcoach Marketing Council’s Operator Tool Box; and Brakes (both sessions from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.); n FMCSA Safety Management Cycle - Part II (from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.); n Using Electronic Logs as a Management Tool; Smart Ways to Raise Prices; Managing Fuel Costs; and Fuel Efficient Driving 101: “Eco Driver” Certification (all sessions from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.); and, n Reducing Unnecessary Idling: “Idle Free” Driver Certification (from 3 to 4 p.m.) Many NTA-sponsored events will also take place on Wednesday, including educational sessions and exchange appointments. The NTA Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday will conclude with a joint UMA/NTA event “Tourism Rocks” from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Hard Rock Café Hollywood. Tickets for exhibitors and non-

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exhibiting suppliers are $50 in advance and $60 on-site. All motorcoach operators attending the UMA Motorcoach Expo are invited to attend the event for free as guests. The UMA 10th Annual Ray Dupuis Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, February 20. The event is to be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Industry Hills Golf Club in Industry, CA. A number of NTA events will also take place on Thursday. These include the NTA Mall from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., educational sessions, exchange appointments, a luncheon, and an evening event from 7 to 10 p.m. Visit www.motorcoachexpo.com for more information. Dates, times and events are subject to change. The Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. The phone number is 213741-1151.

Visit Busline Magazine During UMA at Booth #

824

Royal Coach Tours: Continued From Page 22 well. I believe the customer is No. 1, but our employees are also No. 1. When you have happy employees, you have everything.” She added that those involved with providing bus and motorcoach transportation should understand that superior service must be rewarded with proper payment. In other words, carriers must charge enough to make a profit. “I feel this has been one area in our industry that has often been a negative. Other companies, and probably us as well, have struggled to keep rates up. This puts everyone in our industry at a disadvantage,” Allen said. “As a company, we are responsible for providing training and safe transportation in many different kinds of adverse conditions. It’s important, therefore, to keep up with rates. This allows operators to buy better equipment and employ the best drivers.” According to Allen, most bus operators in the San Francisco Bay Area have done a good job at keeping their rates at acceptable levels. She said, however, operators in certain other parts of the country have struggled. There are encouraging signs, however, showing more people are understanding that price is not everything. “We are a member of the Student & Youth

Travel Association (SYTA). In the past, many other members have asked a lot about price. Today, we are receiving more inquiries about the various amenities that are available on our equipment. More customers are willing to pay for the Wi-Fi, good service and repeat drivers,” Allen said. She noted that the latter point is very important to certain student groups, such as those traveling long distance to visit the West Coast. “Once here, they can be traveling with us for four or five days. Their preference is often to have the same driver every year and we really strive to make this happen. It helps to make their trip more successful and enjoyable.” Allen stressed that the satisfaction employees of Royal Coach Tours receive when customers are happy with their service is immeasurable. “We get such sweet letters from young students, for example, on how a driver made their day. Our drivers get to take these students to many fun and exciting places, while treating them well. They, in return, are very appreciative. This helps make our jobs worthwhile,” Allen said. “There are many different types of people who need transportation options, and Royal Coach Tours is here to help them out in a safe manner.” Contact: Royal Coach Tours, 630 Stockton Ave., San Jose, CA 95126. Phone: 408-279-4801. Website: www.royal-coach.com.

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NEWS

From Bitzer:

New CSV Series Of Screw Compressors In describing the Bitzer CSV series of intelligent, networkable compact screw compressors, company spokespeople say the compressors are more efficient due to the technology. The fully integrated frequency inverter is cooled by refrigerant and includes automatic, variable speed control to ensure the right temperature profile. Proactive monitoring of the application limits

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adds to operational reliability. CSV series compressors send an advance warning to the overriding controller, allowing users to take preemptive action. All CSV series compressors are fitted with pressure and temperature sensors, oil heater control and power supply monitoring. Components are functionally pre-wired and tested, for quick installation. Bitzer says the CSV series compressors are also easy to use in com-

bination with CSH and CSW series compressors for maximum efficiency and “no hassle.” Further benefits of the CSV series include broad operating parameters spanning the entire speed range, compact design, soft start function and an automatic compressor system check

every time the compressor is switched on. Bitzer US, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Bitzer Group of 36 companies. Bitzer is an independent manufacturer of A/C and refrigeration compressors with sales companies and production sites for reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors as well as pressure vessels all over the globe. In 2012, 3,046 employees generated sales of 639 million euros. Visit www.bitzerus.com for more information.

Third Generation Of Birnie Family Joins Birnie Bus Company Kait Birnie, third generation of the Birnie Family of Rome, NY, has joined Birnie Bus Service, Inc. She is the first member of the third generation of Birnies to join the family business. Kait Birnie has nearly four years of experience in corporate America. Having lived in New York City over the past four years, she brings sales and marketing experience from Madison Square Garden and the retail executive recruiting firm, Berglass + Associates. She is working on operational support and business development for Birnie Bus. She is a graduate of Providence College in Providence, RI, and has a bachelor of science degree in marketing. In addition to its long standing partnership with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL hockey league as the official transportation provider, Birnie Bus Kait Birnie recently retro-fitted a luxury motorcoach with leather seats and extended leg room, hardwood floors, Wi-Fi capabilities and a lounge area. Birnie Bus is also the official transportation provider for the new Utica Comets of the AHL.

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #727 January/February 2014

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Greyhound Orders 55 Additional Coaches From Prevost Prevost announced that it has received an order for 55 more X3-45 coaches from Greyhound in addition to the two orders it received earlier, for a total of 145 vehicles.

and has nine strategically located parts and service centers in the United States and Canada.

Prevost Introduces NASCAR Merchandise Program

Out of the 145 vehicles ordered, 50 were delivered between April and September 2013. The 95 remaining coaches will be delivered in April and May 2014. Prevost supplied Greyhound and First Canada (both part of FirstGroup) with a total of 350 vehicles between 2008 and 2012, inclusively. Prevost is a manufacturer of intercity touring coaches and a producer of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec,

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #607 Page 42

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Prevost, official luxury motorcoach of NASCAR, has introduced a program which offers NASCAR licensed merchandise, including shirts, jackets, hats and backpacks. Prevost hospitality, executive, and technical support coaches serve as mobile work stations for manufacturers, teams, and sponsors. Each race weekend, whether as a motorhome or as an executive coach, Prevost says its motorcoaches play an integral role in the transportation and staging of NASCAR events across the country. Visit www.prevostcar.com for more information.

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #705

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Companies Purchase Temsa Coaches Young Transportation & Tours

Cavalier Coach Trailways

Young Transportation & Tours, located in Asheville, NC, has been offering transportation services to the surrounding area since

Cavalier Coach Trailways, located in Boston, MA, offers shuttle, charter, and tour services throughout the Boston area for a variety of groups including athletic teams, military, corporate events, weddings, casino trips, and community events.

1933. During the 2013 Christmas season, the company participated in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas is for Kidsâ&#x20AC;? toy drive, which was sponsored by a local radio station. The drivers, office staff, mechanics and owners purchased new unwrapped toys to be given to children who spent Christmas in foster homes and shelters. After collecting toys for two weeks, the company filled a Temsa TS 30 with a variety of toys for the kids. They filled all 30 seats as well as the storage compartments below and drove the bus to the radio station to deliver the gifts. Young Transportation & Tours purchased two Temsa TS 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in October 2013.

Cavalier Coach has four Temsa TS 35â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The company purchased its first TS 35 in the summer of 2012 and recently took delivery of its fourth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The TS 35 is constructed from stainless steel for extra durability and safety. An American driveline is combined with European quality and craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience. The TS 35 has independent front suspension and automatic transmission, contributing to a smooth, comfortable

ride,â&#x20AC;? according to the company. CH Bus Sales, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States. CH Bus Sales is a privately owned corporation with an industry experienced ownership and management team. Temsa is a fully owned subsidiary of Sabanci Holding in Turkey.

Martz Trailways Martz Trailways, located in Wilkes Barre, PA, has been offering transportation services to the surrounding areas since 1908. The company began as a family operation and continues that tradition today. Currently operating 250 coaches, the company recently purchased two 2013 Temsa TS 30s to join its large fleet.

Temsa representatives say the TS 30 has independent front suspension and automatic transmission, contributing to a smooth, comfortable drive. Visit www.chbussales.com or www.temsa.com for more information.

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Corporate Coaches Takes Delivery Of Two 2014 Wheelchair Accessible Van Hool C2045L Motorcoaches Corporate Coaches, Inc., headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, recently took delivery of two wheelchair accessible 2014 Van Hool C2045L motorcoaches. With this addition, Corporate Coaches now has nine wheelchair accessible motorcoaches in its vehicle fleet. Corporate Coaches uses ABC Bus Companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fleet Assist program, which provides continual service and performs tracked preventative maintenance. These new motorcoaches will be used for in-town and outof-town single and multi-day charters for corporate, school and other organizations, as well as airport and port transportation services. Corporate Coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overall fleet size now includes more than 45 commercial vehicles, including 33 full-size motorcoaches and three, 81 passenger double decker motorcoaches, mini-buses, limousines, luxury sedans and vans. Corporate Coaches is owned by Andy and Laurie Bardar, and has been in business for 16 years. It has additional locations in Fort Myers and Orlando. Visit www.CorporateCoachesFla.com or www.ABCCompanies.com for more information.

Pictured left to right, are: City of Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and son, MTA General Manager Ed Benning, MTA Board Member Joe King, U.S. Representative Dan Kildee, MTA Board Member John Northrup and MTA Board Member Mike Zelley.

Flint, MI, MTA Honors Veterans With Bus Wrap Flintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mass Transportation Authority recently unveiled a fully wrapped veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bus in honor and gratitude of the service of area veterans. The bus wrap was sponsored by several organizations.The interior of the bus has bus placards showing the history of wars the United States has fought in from the Revolutionary War to the Afghanistan War. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This bus is in honor of our veterans. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MTAs way of saying thank you to those who have served in the past and those serving today,â&#x20AC;? MTA General Manager Ed Benning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was important to share this with the community. When you have a mobile billboard, it serves as a daily reminder of how we honor our veterans. We ask that everyone take a moment and thank a veteran.â&#x20AC;? The veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bus will be on the road for a full year. Visit www.mtaflint.org.

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See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #1033

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MCI Coach Sales NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT has awarded MCI a contract for 84 natural-gas-fueled commuter coaches with wheelchair lifts. The new CNG coaches will replace coaches that have each logged more than a half a million miles. Delivery will begin in late 2014. The agency took delivery of 50 of the CNG coaches in 1999 as part of a pilot program, ordering an additional 27 CNG units the following year. Over the last three decades, MCI has supplied more than 2,350 commuter coaches to NJ TRANSIT. ADA and Buy America compliant, the MCI Commuter Coach is available in cleandiesel, hybrid or CNG configurations. MCI won its first contract with NJ TRANSIT for 700 MC-9 cruiser buses in 1982; the agency purchased another 415 units in 1987. In 2000, NJ TRANSIT awarded a contract to MCI for 1,400 commuter coaches. The agency operates a fleet of 2,027 buses, 711 trains and 45 light rail vehicles, providing nearly 223 million passenger trips each year.

Premier Coach Premier Coach says it has been buying Setra coaches since 1992, the same year the Milton, VT, charter company opened for business. In September, it took delivery of five new Setra S 407s. Previous Setra brand coaches had come directly from Setra. Part of the Setra ComfortClass line, the S 407 offers German engineering and European styling. Premier Coach says it chose the S 407s primarily to serve its college contracts. The company’s 64-coach fleet includes a total of 45 Setras, including several other S 407s and one of the largest collections of TopClass S 417s in North America. The company also has MCI D4005 and D4505 coaches. With five locations across three states, and a 37,000-square-foot facility with a full maintenance shop, Premier Charter is the largest operator in Vermont, serving all of New England and eastern New York. Its clients include universities, colleges, charter groups, convention planners and the military, logging more than 2 million miles a year. Its website is www.premiercoach.net.

Peter Pan Bus Lines MCI says Peter Pan Bus Lines is setting a new company record by expanding its coach fleet with 42 MCI models within 12 months. By the end of 2013, the Springfield, MA, company will have added 30 new MCI J4500 coaches as well as 12 MCI Commuter Coach models. Peter Pan says it is adding new coaches in response to growing demand for intercity travel throughout the Northeast and to further update its fleet. Redesigned last year with new, angled LED headlights, the J4500 model also has a smoother ride, along with new EPA-mandated clean-diesel engine technology and system enhancements that help with fewer emissions and conserve fuel, according to MCI. Peter Pan’s relationship with MCI began in the early 1970s. In addition to its Springfield headquarters, Peter Pan operates office and garage facilities in Boston and Central Connecticut, employing 500 people companywide. Learn more at www.peterpanbus.com. Visit www.mcicoach.com for more information about MCI.

SAFE, STURDY & DURABLE Safety Step will meet all your transportation needs…

s Safety Steps full line of transportation steps are designed specifically for the transportation industry s Anti-tip design makes it impossible to tip over with normal use s Transportation models provide a 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” boost s The 10" and 12" steps have brackets for extra durability s Rugged all-aluminum welded construction s All models are lab tested to hold over 1,000 pounds, but weigh a mere 7 pounds s Non-slip angled rubber leg tips and gripper strips keep your passengers and your Safety Step securely in place s Durable powder coat finish available black, silver or safety yellow

To view all our transportation steps or to order online, visit our website:

www.safetystep.net or call (888) 448-4237 January/February 2014

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Prevost

Prevost X3-45

Prevost H3-45 With its striking appearance, the H-Series illustrates Prevost’s passion for continuous improvement. Prevost AWARE Adaptive Cruise Braking, the Prevost Electronic Stability Program, and the Prevost Welded Rail System take safety to a new level. Volvo’s D13 engine has smooth, quiet operation and drastically lowers emission of air pollutants. The Volvo D13 with advanced SCR exceeds EPA emissions standards to bypass the industry in terms of environmental care. Using its multiplexed architecture, Prevost moved controls for key functions from the dashboard to the steering wheel, helping to increase safety for all on board. Prevost’s Cluster showcases an insightful Driver Information Display (DID), providing significant advantages to drivers and operators. Important information is easily communicated, offering several valuable tools such as fuel data management, data logging and clear text display messages. Visually, the H-Series grabs public attention and embodies the Prevost brand and its unique DNA in a highly recognizable and memorable way. Its elegance and prestige confirm a company’s status and reputation.

Model............................................................................................Prevost H3-45 Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56 Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height........................................................................................................146.25” Wheelbase......................................................................................................314” Overhang (front/rear) ......................................................................75” - 107” Inside Height (min./max.)..........................................Floor to Ceiling - 77” Turning Radius ............................................................................................44.6’ Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine................EPA Compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 435 HP, 13L Transmission ..................Allison World, 5th Gen., 6-Speed Auto. Trans.; Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Automated Manual Brakes..........................................................All-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS Fuel Tank Capacity.......................................................................230 U.S. gal. Air Conditioning..........................................................................Bitzer 4FNCY Baggage Capacity............................................................................580 cu. ft. Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable Swap & Plug Steering ........................................Steering Wheel w/Integrated Controls, Tilt & Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering, Variable Assistance Power Steering Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle Page 46

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The X3-45 carries on the Prevost tradition of innovation, showcasing advanced technologies. The Prevost Welded Rail System and Prevost Electronic Stability Program take safety to a new level. Volvo’s D13 engine has smooth, quiet operation and drastically lowers emission of air pollutants. The Volvo D13 with advanced SCR exceeds EPA emissions standards. The Prevost X3-45 has the longest wheelbase in the touring coach market (334.5 in.), giving passengers a smooth ride, and features the largest under-floor surface area (139 sq. ft.) in the industry. At 134 inches, the Prevost X3-45 has the lowest overall height of all seated coaches, providing easy access to virtually any pick-up or drop-off site. Equipped with the Prevost Advanced Multiplex System, the Prevost X3-45 delivers dependability and maximizes operational efficiency. The user-friendly system features a multitude of benefits, including easier maintenance, faster troubleshooting and quick and accurate diagnosis of problems with vital components.

Prevost 35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire, Quebec GOR 2VO CANADA Tel: 418-883-3391 Toll-Free: 877-773-8678 Fax: 418-883-4157 Website: www.prevostcar.com

Model............................................................................................Prevost X3-45 Seating Capacity .............................................................................................55 Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................134” Wheelbase .................................................................................................334.5” Overhang (front/rear) ...........................................................72.30” - 86.60” Inside Height (min./max.) .........................................Floor to Ceiling - 80” Turning Radius ............................................................................................42.6’ Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine ................EPA Compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 435 HP, 13L Transmission ..................Allison World, 5th Gen., 6-Speed Auto. Trans.; Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Automated Manual Brakes..........................................................All-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS Fuel Tank Capacity ........................................................................192 U.S. gal. Air Conditioning..........................................................................Bitzer 4FNCY Baggage Capacity .............................................................................513 cu. ft. Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable Swap & Plug Steering ........................................Steering Wheel w/Integrated Controls, Tilt & Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering, Variable Assistance Power Steering Available Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle

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Prevost

Volvo 9700

Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach

The Volvo 9700 is a coach that makes an impression. A modern exterior with characteristic Volvo feel is matched by an elegant interior featuring soft, gentle shapes and well-designed trim. Exceptional comfort abounds throughout the Volvo 9700. Electronically controlled air suspension and a rigid frame design make for a confident, reassuring ride. A low interior noise level and comfortable seats also ensure an enjoyable journey, and large tinted windows provide excellent visibility all around. High-efficiency brakes, electronic stability program, three-point seat belts and Volvo-unique impact protection for the driver and the other road users are just some examples of its safety equipment. With all its service points grouped together logically, the Volvo 9700 is easy to maintain. Highly integrated components – like the D13 engine and IShift Transmission – simplify service scheduling and make for convenient “one-stop shopping” when vehicles require maintenance. The I-Shift is an intelligent transmission system that combines the robustness and dependability of a manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of an automatic transmission. Its latest generation ensures substantially improved performance and fuel economy. Productivity, efficient design and safety define the Volvo 9700.

The X3-45 Commuter Coach is designed from the Prevost platform known for durability, reliability, and lifetime value. The X3-45 coaches are constructed to be used in a demanding commuter application which requires reliable vehicle performance, and the coach has been 12-year Structural Integrity Tested. Developed with a focus on transit operation concerns such as passenger safety, accessibility, low operation costs and ease of maintenance, the X3-45 Commuter features a very reliable structure. The Prevost Electronic Stability Program is the first system with rollover and under/over-steer protection and electronically compensates for quick reactions in adverse conditions, according to Prevost. The Prevost X3-45 includes three-point seat belts on a 20G rated welded rail system for an exceptionally secure passenger environment. Passengers of the X3-45 Commuter immediately notice the large entry area through the bi-part doors with the lowest steps and shortest stairway, making it easier on mobility challenged passengers. Another feature noticed by passengers is the high interior space – a full 80-inches of space from floor to ceiling. Additionally, the commuter can be outfitted with a Wi-Fi system, state-of-the-art sound and video, and electrical outlets at each seat to keep passengers plugged in and in touch while commuting.

Model .................................................................................................Volvo 9700 Seating Capacity.............................................................................................54 Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................145” Wheelbase ......................................Between front and tag axle - 254.84” Overhang (front/rear) .....................................................................112” - 109” Inside Height (min./max.) .................................Front - 77.2”; Rear - 72.8” Turning Radius..........................................................................................42.83’ Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine ................EPA Compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 435 HP, 13L Transmission.........................Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Automated Manual Brakes...............................All-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ABS double circuitry Fuel Tank Capacity........................................................................210 U.S. gal. Air Conditioning .........................................................Carrier - AC353 GenIV Baggage Capacity................................400 cu. ft. (under-floor capacity) Wheelchair Lift Option .........................................................................Built in Steering .....................Tilt and Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle

Model .........................................................Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach Seating Capacity .............................................................................................57 Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................134” Wheelbase .................................................................................................334.5” Overhang (front/rear) .............................................................72.30”; 86.60” Inside Height (min./max.) .........................................Floor to ceiling - 80” Turning Radius ............................................................................................42.6’ Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine.................EPA Compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 435 HP,13L Transmission ....................Allison World, 5th gen., 6-speed auto. trans. Brakes...........................................................................All-Wheel disc. w/ ABS Fuel Tank Capacity ........................................................................192 U.S. gal. Air Conditioning..........................................................................Bitzer 4FNCY Baggage Capacity .............................................................................513 cu. ft. Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable swap & plug Steering.........................................Steering wheel w/integrated controls, Tilt & telescopic, and integral power steering, (Variable Assistance Power Steering Available) Suspension.................................................Wide-stance tuned suspension w/liftable tag axle January/February 2014

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Motor Coach Industries

MCI J4500

MCI D4505/D4005

Refined design. The J4500 coach delivers on its rank as the industry’s best-selling model for 10 years running, offering low total cost of operation and double-digit fuel economy gains thanks to powertrain optimization. Redesigned with heightened curb appeal and a more elevated presence, along with bright, durable LED headlamps and a smooth rear cap for more branding space, the J4500 also comes equipped with advanced safety systems including electronic stability control; SmartWave tire-pressure monitoring; and fire detection and suppression as well as three-point passenger seatbelts. Options include such modern amenities as Wi-Fi and power outlets.

The workhorse. Designed for tough line-haul applications, MCI’s 40- and 45-foot MCI D-Series coaches prove themselves with more units on the road in the United States and Canada than any other model. Built using MCI’s stainless steel construction, MCI D-Series coaches offer easy maintenance centered around an ACTIA multiplexing system. Standard safety features are robust, with an emphasis on electronic stability control, ATC, integrated tire-pressure monitoring with always-on sensors, updated fire-suppression system, disc brakes with 6-channel ABS, and three-point passenger seatbelts. Optional features include a steerable tag axle to make the D4505 extra-nimble and an auxiliary heater for more efficient coldweather startups.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model ..................................................................................................MCI J4500 Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56 Length .........................................................................................................45.58’ Height ........................................................................................................140.74” Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Turning Radius................................................................................................47’ Wheelbase......................................................................................................315” Floor - Low or standard ...................................................................Standard Engine Options ....................................Cummins ISX, Detroit Diesel DD 13 Transmission ...................................................Allison B500 or, ZF Astronic Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque Fuel Tank Capacity ................................................................................183 gal. Fuel Options ................................................................................................ULSD Brakes..............................................................Meritor all-wheel EX-225 disc GVWR ..................................................................................................54,000 lbs. Page 48

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Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model...............................................................................................MCI D-Series Seating Capacity ......................................................................................55; 47 Length.......................................................................................................45’; 40’ Height..............................................................................................................137” Headroom. .................................................................................................78.25” Turning Radius ..................................................................................47’; 44.70’ Wheelbase (s).....................................................................................318”; 279” Floor - Low or Standard...................................................................Standard Engine ....................................................................................Cummins ISL, ISX Transmission.................................................................................Allison B500 Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................................164 gal. Fuel Options ................................................................................................ULSD Brakes.............................Air or Hydraulic: Meritor all-wheel EX-225 disc GVWR...........................................................................50,000 lbs.; 46,000 lbs.

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Motor Coach Industries

MCI Commuter Coach Setra S 417 Safety and style. Built for highway speeds, the MCI Commuter Coach, which is Buy America-compliant and available in cleandiesel, hybrid and CNG options, has earned its position as a North American leader in longer-distance express service for public transit systems. Strong and durable, it offers a rugged semimonocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above traffic, plus electronic stability control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring and a fire suppression system that make express routes, BRT and Bus-on-Shoulder service safer. The MCI Commuter Coach offers a competitive per-seat price, plus low cost of operation and the best MDBF rate.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model ..............................................MCI® Commuter Coach D4500/D4000 Available in CNG, Hybrid & Clean-Diesel Seating Capacity........................................57 Passengers; 49 Passengers Length.......................................................................................................45’; 40’ Height..............................................................................................................137” Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Turning Radius ..................................................................................47’; 44.70’ Wheelbase...........................................................................................318”; 279” Engine Options....................................................Cummins ISL, ISX or ISL G Transmission ...........................Allison B500, Allison EP 50, Hybrid drive Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque Fuel Tank Capacity .................................................164 gal. CNG 114.6 (DGE) Diesel Gallon Equivalent Fuel Options..........................................................Clean-diesel, hybrid, CNG Brakes...........................................Air, disc with unitized hubs and preset GVWR...........................................................................50,000 lbs.; 46,000 lbs.

Best-in-Class: Exemplifying exclusive European styling, German engineering and custom-tailored luxury, the Setra S 417 Top Class offers more choices, with a second door, club corner lounge seating, premium fabrics and galleys. Comfort and ambience delight passengers, and the optional TopSky and rear window offer the best views anywhere. A true driver’s vehicle, the S 417 features an IFS suspension system for a smooth, quiet ride. The front collision guard, cornering lights and rain/light sensors are just a few of the features contributing to the model’s top safety standards. Vehicle monitoring capabilities, with integrated tire monitoring and an onboard diagnostics system, ensure that drivers and maintenance professionals are ideally equipped to increase uptime. Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model ...........................................................................................TopClass S 417 Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56 Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Height.................................................................................................................12’ Headroom .......................................................................................................6.6’ Turning Radius ..........................................................................................481.7” Wheelbase.....................................................................................................280” Floor - Low or Standard...................................................................Standard Engine .............................................Mercedes-Benz OM 471 EPA 10 450 hp Transmission..............................Allison B 500R or, ZF Astronic 12-speed Chassis .............................................................................Monocoque Integral Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................................180 gal. Fuel Options................................................................Ultra low sulfur diesel Brakes - Air or Hydraulic.................................................Knorr disc brakes GVWR...................................................................................................50,534 lbs. January/February 2014

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ABC Companies

Van Hool TX

Van Hool CX

ABC and Van Hool introduced the Van Hool TX coach - the next generation coach model - in November 2013. The revamp of the flagship T model reflects a committed strategic shift in Van Hool product development, designed to more closely align its equipment offering with customers’ priorities. Now offering a retooled chassis design, the TX features expanded baggage capacity and a host of luxury appointments. Offering advanced technology and European design, the Van Hool TX class delivers high-style to American operators. For high-end tour operators, the new TX 40’ and 45’ coach models integrate Van Hool’s most advanced European technology and design, now offering many new standard features including these highlights: taller overall height (12’ 2 1/4”) expands underfloor baggage capacity to 464.39 cu. ft.; baggage door seals mounted on luggage doors for less maintenance; Detroit Diesel DD13 (450 HP) EPA 2013 engine; Goodyear Marathon LHS II 315/80 R22.5 + HL tires; power driver’s toll-window, heated, with tinted tempered glass; new passenger courtesy shelves in restroom back wall; exterior lighting upgraded to include integrated light clusters and daytime running lights and static aiming lights integrated in front bumper; interior LED lightstrips cover full length of ceiling left and right; standard back-up camera with in-dash display; and, 56 Van Hool Bodyline reclining passenger seats offer straighter back cushions and headrests, plus 2 up-folding armrests (fixed on wall side) and 3-point seat belts FMVSS 210 compliant. Newly offered standard safety features include: daytime running lights; static aiming lights; Kidde fire suppression system; back-up camera; and 3-point seat belts FMVSS 210.

ABC and Van Hool introduced the Van Hool CX coach in November 2013. Added style and enhanced features redefine the hard working, versatile Van Hool CX. Along with the introduction of sleek new body styling, the new CX model has evolved to offer operators more standard features including key safety improvements, added serviceability, interior cabin comforts and more. For operators focused on fleet versatility, the improved CX brings charters, tours, line hauls and more to the next level. The new CS45 offers a significant style upgrade and includes a wide range of expanded passenger and driver-friendly features for tours, charters and commuter operators including: updated front and rear bumpers featuring integrated light clusters at headlight and taillight positions, and added daytime running lights; LED luggage compartment lighting; Detroit Diesel DD13 (EPA2013) engine; Goodyear Marathon LHS II 315/80 R22.5 + HL tires; Eberspacher hydronic L30 auxiliary heater; upgraded driver seat — ISRI 6800/348 (US, self-leveling/adjustable air suspension, plus adjustable arm and headrest, 3-point automatic seat belt); and 56 seats/Van Hool Bodyline reclining passenger seats w/straighter back cushion and headrest, spring-loaded footrests, 2 upfolding armrests (fixed at wall side) and 3-point seat belts FMVSS 210 compliant. Newly offered standard safety features include: daytime running lights; static aiming lights; Kidde fire suppression; back-up camera; and 3-point seat belts FMVSS 210.

Model................................................................................................Van Hool TX Seating Capacity....................40’ - 48 Passengers; 45’ - 56 Passengers Length.......................................................................................................40’; 45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height......................................................................................................12’ 2.25” Inside Height (min./max.) ...........................................................................77” Engine .......................Detroit Diesel DD13 (450HP) EPA 2013 – Standard; Cummins ISX 12.9 (425 HP) EPA 2013 – Optional Transmission .........................Allison B500 Six-Speed Automatic (Gen5) Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel Air Conditioning ................Integrated HVAC system / 134a Refrigerant Wheelchair Lift Option .............................................................Braun NL-502 Steering................................................................ZF Variable Ratio Steering Suspension............................Independent Front & Tag Axle Suspension

Model ...............................................................................................Van Hool CX Seating Capacity........................................................................56 Passenger Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height ............................................................................................................11’ 6” Inside Height (min./max.) ......................................................................75.75” Engine ......................Detroit Diesel DD13 (450HP) EPA 2013 – Standard; Cummins ISX 12.9 (425 HP) EPA 2013 Emission w/DEF – Optional Transmission ........................Allison B500 Six-Speed Automatic (Gen 5) Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel Air Conditioning ................Integrated HVAC system / 134a Refrigerant Wheelchair Lift Option........................Braun NL-501 or Ricon (BayLift®) Steering................................................................ZF Variable Ratio Steering Suspension............................Independent Front & Tag Axle Suspension

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Temsa

ABC Companies

Temsa TS 30 Van Hool TD925 The highline Van Hool TD925 double deck coach makes a bold statement in any marketplace. With passenger seating up to 81, this coach is a industry frontrunner in reduced carbon emissions and fuel consumption — providing an additional 43 percent more passenger capacity and up to 486 passenger miles per gallon. Featuring an upper deck sky view rooftop, centrally located restroom, ample storage, front and rear stairs, dual-deck entertainment system and more, the TD925 offers one of the most innovative coach designs offered to the U.S. traveling public since the Scenicruiser®. The generously proportioned steps and wide doorways provide easy access and easy loading and unloading from both the front and the rear staircases. The lowered aisle and increased interior height enable every passenger to walk upright through the coach. Three point seat belts are standard on all seats. Individual lighting and ventilation, together with state-of-the-art, integrated heating and air conditioning systems with upper and lower controls at each level, provide a comfortable environment for all the passengers.

The world class Temsa TS 30 coach is manufactured in Turkey and was introduced to the U.S. market by CH Bus Sales in 2012. The TS 30 is a fully integral designed mid-size coach that provides the same level of comfort and amenities as a full size coach. The TS 30 has independent front suspension and automatic transmission, contributing to a smooth, comfortable drive. With an American driveline (Cummins/Allison), the TS 30 provides excellent power and optimum serviceability. These are combined with European quality and craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience. It is tested to ensure the highest standards. Despite its compact dimensions, the TS 30 has a tough, integral stainless steel chassis for extra durability and safety. The luxury interior integrates a high quality heating and air conditioning system, abundant luggage space, a restroom and reclining seats. The TS 30 is appropriate for smaller groups and is more economical to purchase and operate than a larger coach, according to the company. It is fuel efficient and kind to the environment as well as an operator’s finances.

ABC Companies; 1506 30th Street, NW; Faribault, MN 55021 USA; 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246 E-mail: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com

CH Bus Sales/TEMSA 1645 Lyndale Avenue N. Ste., 102 Faribault, MN 55021 Phone: 507-331-7911; Fax: 507-331-1338 Website: www.chbussales.com

Model.........................................................................................Van Hool TD925 Seating Capacity...............59 Upper & 22 Lower Deck (81 Passengers); Restroom Deletion – Add 2 seats (83 Passengers) – Optional Length................................................................................................44’ 4-9/32” Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height ....................................................................................................13’ 1-1/16” Engine..........................................................Cumins ISX 11.9L 2010 Emission Transmission..............................................................Allison B500R (Gen IV) Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel Air Conditioning...........................Eberspacher Integrated HVAC system Wheelchair Lift Option ........................Foldable Wheelchair (ADA) Ramp with two tie-down positions in lower deck Steering................................................................ZF Variable Ratio Steering Suspension............................Independent Front & Tag Axle Suspension

Model...............................................................................................Temsa TS 30 Seating Capacity.........................................30 passengers with restroom Length .........................................................................................................30.64’ Width...........................................................................................................94.64” Height.......................................................10.89’ (including air conditioner) Engine.........................................................Cummins ISB 6.7 250 HP-EPA 13 Type of Fuel ...............................................................................................Diesel Chassis ......................................Frameless monocoque in stainless steel Air Conditioning ...........................Full auto HVAC system/roof type unit (27 KW cooling, 39 KW heating) Wheelchair Lift Option..................................................................................No Steering .............................................................................................................ZF Suspension..............Independent front suspension w/shock absorber January/February 2014

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Temsa

Temsa TS 35

Temsa TS 45

The world class Temsa TS 35 coach is manufactured in Turkey and was introduced to the U. S. market by CH Bus Sales in 2009. The TS 35 is a fully integral designed mid-size coach that provides the same level of comfort and amenities as a full size coach. This mid-size coach offers a luxurious and spacious interior for passengers and driver. With an American driveline (Cummins/Allison), the TS 35 provides excellent power and optimum serviceability. These are combined with European quality and craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience. The TS 35 is constructed from stainless steel for extra durability and safety. It is stringently tested to ensure the highest standards. The TS 35 is appropriate for smaller groups, more economical to purchase and operate than a larger coach, but with the same high-end features, according to the company.

The world class Temsa TS 45 is manufactured in Turkey and is being introduced to the U.S. market in 2014. The TS 45 is a fully integral full size coach constructed from stainless steel offering strength and stability. This coach is tested to ensure the highest quality performance. With an American driveline (Cummins/Allison), the TS 45 provides raw power and optimum serviceability. These are combined with European quality and craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience. This 57 passenger coach ensures the safety of passengers by offering the highest safety features on every coach. Standard features include an engine fire suppression system, lane departure warning system, tire pressure monitoring system, ABS, ATC, ESC, RSC, brake pad wear monitoring and warning system, and 3-point safety belts.

CH Bus Sales/TEMSA 1645 Lyndale Avenue N. Ste., 102 Faribault, MN 55021 Phone: 507-331-7911; Fax: 507-331-1338 Website: www.chbussales.com

Model...............................................................................................Temsa TS 35 Seating Capacity.........................................40 passengers with restroom Length ...............................................................................................................35’ Width............................................................................................................100.4” Height ..............................................................................................................11.5’ Engine .........................................................Cummins ISL 8.9 345 HP-EPA 13 Type of Fuel ...............................................................................................Diesel Chassis ......................................Frameless monocoque in stainless steel Air Conditioning..................................Full automatic convector system/ Roof type air conditioning unit 32 KW/Carrier 05G Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering ....................................................................................Power Steering Suspension .................................................Independent front suspension w/adjustable shock absorber

Model...............................................................................................Temsa TS 45 Seating Capacity .........................................57 passengers with restroom Length ...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height ..............................................................................................................11.6’ Engine................................................................Cummins ISX 425 HP-EPA 13 Type of Fuel ...............................................................................................Diesel Chassis ......................................Frameless monocoque in stainless steel Air Conditioning .....................Full automatic HVAC system / 6 cylinder Bitzer A/C compressor with brushless evaporator and condenser Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering..............................................................................ZF Servocom 8098 Suspension .......Independent front suspension w/2 shock absorbers; Rear suspension w/4 shock absorbers; Tag suspension w/2 shock absorbers

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Glaval Bus

Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuring… Glaval Legacy The Legacy is built on the heavy-duty Freightliner S2C chassis and powered by the proven Cummins 6.7L ISB diesel engine and Allison transmission. Built with rear air-ride suspension, the Legacy is sure to impress with stylish beauty, outstanding ride quality and rugged durability. Whether looking for first-class transportation or even public shuttle service, the Legacy is just the answer. The Legacy can seat up to 45 passengers and is available with a wide variety of ADAcompliant paratransit options. Also available with rear luggage, overhead and under floor storage, the Legacy has the versatility to fit all transportation needs.

Glaval Bus 914 CR #1 North Elkhart, IN 46514 800-445-2825 Website: www.glavalbus.com

Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out

(815) 562-5840

Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches, Homemade Soup, Fresh Salads & Sides, Blue Bunny Ice Cream!

(815) 561-9595

Designated Bus Parking and Pull-Thru Fueling Island

Bus Drivers & Tour Guides Eat free! Model...........................................................................................Glaval Legacy Seating Capacity...................................................................................45 Max Length...............................................................................32’, 35’, 37’ and 40’ Width..............................................................................................96” and 102” Height ............................................................................................................129” Engine ............................................................................Cummins 6.7L Diesel Transmission ..............................Allison 2200 PTS w/Park Pawl 5-Speed Chassis....................................................................................Freightliner S2C Air Conditioning .............................Carrier/Mcc, ACC, Trans Air and ACT Wheelchair Option................................................Accommodates up to 14 Steering.....................................................................................Tilt/Telescopic Suspension .......................................................Front Spring, Rear Air Ride

Mini-Mall — 2 Stores with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping!

ATM, Major Credit Cards accepted. I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99 Rochelle, IL

OPEN 24 HOURS

Please call ahead! January/February 2014

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Amaya-Astron Seating See Ad On Page 18 Pirules 16E, Complejo Industrial Cuamatla Cuautitlán Izcalli, 54730 MEXICO +52(55)5881-2007 E-Mail: donovan@amaya-astron.com.mx Website: www.amaya-astron.com.mx Company Officers: Donovan Albarran, Export Sales Director; Rosario Arellano, Sales and Customer Service Products: Passenger seats for buses and coaches, with

three-point seat belts. Seat models Torino G Plus and A-2TEN offer quality in three-point seat belt technology, plus well known ergonomic design and additional knee room provided in all Amaya-Astron seats. 14 American Seating 401 American Seating Center Grand Rapids, MI 49504 USA 616-732-6600 E-Mail: info@amseco.com Website: www.americanseating.com

Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc. See Ad On Page 56 375 North Street, Secaucus, NJ 07094 USA 201-457-9100 FAX: 201-457-9103 E-Mail: bergenauto@aol.com Website: www.bergenseat.com Products: Seat replacement and complete interior refurbishing, including seat covers, ceilings, sidewalls, lav area, under racks, dash, entrance door. Parts distributor for American, National and Amaya seat parts with large inventory in stock. Bergen offers a complete cleaning service, seat cover shampooing, seat frame cleaning, cleaning of sidewalls and A/C ducts, and shampooing of any carpeted surface. Bergen road crew is available to install on location. 14

Think 302 Protects Protects Think FMVSS FMVSS 302 Passengers and Equipment? Equipment? Passengers and

F.R. Cushioning (meets FMVSS 302)

CR SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning

Both seats above were subjected to BS 5852 Source 2 Ignition.

SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning… • Complies with advanced F.T.A. fire safety criteria. • Minimize risk and liability related to vehicle fire safety. • O.E.M. and maintenance seat retrofit applications. Call for specifications. Easily added to seating requirements within vehicle bid packages. Page 54

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Company Officers: Tom Bush, President and COO; Deb McDermott, Vice President Marketing and Business Development; Dave McLaughlin, Vice President of Sales Products: American Seating delivers products and services that get millions of riders to their destinations every day. It manufactures passenger seating for city service bus, rail, motorcoach and mobility-aid securement, and continues to provide solutions for value and durability. Its products are on the road and rail each day in every major North American city. 14

Telephone: 800-234-2734 Fax: 724-537-9003 e-mail: crfoamsales@verizon.net

January/February 2014

Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc. See Ad On Left 443 Warehouse Drive, P.O. Box 781 Latrobe, PA 15650 USA 724-537-9000 FAX: 724-537-9003 E-Mail: info@chestnutridgefoam.com Website: www.chestnutridgefoam.com Company Officers: Carl Ogburn, President; George Romanish, VP, OPS; Mike Shannon; Sales Manager Products: SAFGUARD XL fire-resistant seat cushioning to comply with F.T.A. fire safety criteria. SAFGUARD XL eliminates the profuse burning and known fire hazards associated with FMVSS 302 cushioning if exposed to open flame ignition sources. Provides the fire performance needed in today’s environment. The use of F.T.A. fire performance criteria helps avoid the potential for individual and transit authority liability. This fire-resistant cushioning is available to all seating manufacturers for O.E.M. vehi-

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cles and to maintenance facilities as replacement cushions. SAFGUARD XL represents major advancements in seat cushioning durability and comfort. A DVD is available showing comparative fire performance tests of completed bus seats. This DVD can help as an educational tool to depict how fire may impact bus vehicle interiors when seats are exposed to a minor flaming ignition source. Contact Chestnut Ridge Foam for a free copy of this fire testing. The use of fire-resistant cushioning is a necessity for any vehicle catering to passengers having impaired mobility. CR SAFGUARD XL can be added to new vehicle seating specifications. 14

of various contents. All fabrics offered by De Leo – Transportation are produced in Turkey. All logistics and distribution of De Leo – Transportation fabrics are done through the De Leo warehouse in South Carolina. Customer Service and billing are managed out of the corporate office in New Jersey, while design and development of the fabrics is conducted in its design office in North Carolina. De Leo - Transportation is now offering a stocked program for five color books featuring 12 patterns as well as plain options. With over 100 years of combined experience, the Edward B. De Leo Company, Inc. and Epengle Tekstil, De Leo – Transportation stands ready to assist transit customers with custom designs, velvets that meet industry specifications, and good values. 13

De Leo Textiles See Ad On Page 56 53 Dwight Place, Fairfield, NJ 07004 USA Fabric Services 800-443-6909 103 Hinsdale Farms Road, Bristol, IN 46507 USA E-Mail: transportation@deleoco.com 574-848-5100 FAX: 574-848-1776 Website: www.deleoco.com Website: www.fabserv.com Products: De Leo – Transportation, division of Products: Fabric Services is a provider of many fabrics, Edward B. De Leo Co., provides bus, motorcoach, and leather, coated fabrics and flat-woven textiles for shuttle light rail fabrics to public and private transportation bus and motorcoach seating as well as interior trim appliindustries across North America. The company works cations. Other value-added services include custom cutdirectly with public transportation agencies and seat ting and lamination. 13 manufacturers. De Leo has exclusively partnered with Epengle Tekstil. Epengle, a provider of velvets to the Freedman Seating Company transportation industry in Europe and the Pacific Rim, 4545 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60651 USA has specified fabrics as originals for Mercedes, EVO, 773-524-2440 FAX: 773-252-7450 Van Hool, Temsa, and Isuzu buses. De Leo and E-Mail: sales@freedmanseat.com Epengle have joined forces to present original equip- Website: www.freedmanseating.com ment textiles, alternative patterns, and custom designs Products: Freedman Seating is a seat producer for all Busline advert Jan 2014_Layout 1 17/12/2013 15:07 Page 1

www.camirafabrics.com

www.holdsworthfabrics.com

types of buses. It designs, tests and builds seats for every type of bus, coach, van and school bus. Freedman offers integrated 3-point seat belts for buses and coaches. The company offers the “GO” seat, a thinner, customizable, modular seat; and Sanitized® anti-microbial Grab Rails. Freedman Seating is also a partner with USSC/4One as a supplier of seats to the heavy-duty bus and BRT market. Within Freedman is the FSTL testing facility. FSTL is an A2LA accredited lab, capable of invehicle testing and safety evalutaions. 12 Holdsworth Fabrics (Camira Group) See Ad Below 2840 Fortune Circle East , Indianapolis, IN 46241 USA 317-484-0305 FAX: 317-484-0706 E-Mail: hna-info@holdsworthfabrics.com Website: www.holdsworthfabrics.com Company Officers: Steve Bullas, Chairman and CEO; Andrew Schofield, Group Sales and Marketing Director; Nick Brown, Finance Director; Terry Colbert, Director of Sales Products: Holdsworth Fabrics has been part of the Camira Group since 2007 and during 2014 will be changing its name to parent company Camira, reflecting its wider ranging product capabilities and total fabric solutions for passenger transport interiors. Holdsworth’s manufacturing expertise covers not just the traditional plush wool moquettes, but also lighter weight pile fabrics with added design and texture, contemporary flat weave fabrics for seating, and a wide

317 484 0305

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #335 January/February 2014

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range of ancillary inteior trim fabrics for other surfaces within motorcoaches. The Elements collection is a modern twist on traditional wool moquette, comprising 125 different design and color permutations available to order with a 4 week leadtime for a 55 yard minimum order quantity. Added fabric protection comes from Defender, Holdsworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s triple action long-lasting fabric treatment, an invisible protective shield making fabrics anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-stain. Holdsworth, as it journeys on as Camira, will continue to be represented by Wagner & Associates (phone 919-552-4466) and BusTex Corp (phone: 303-404-0890. 14 LaFrance Industries 3536 Raymar Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 USA 513-871-5954 Website: www.mvmills.com/lafranceindustries Products: LaFrance fabrics are styled with patterns. It offers eco friendly fabrics produced with recycled yarn. The yarn is produced utilizing post-consumer waste and post-manufacturing waste. The Eco fabrics are abrasive resistant and colorfast. All LaFrance fabrics are made in the USA and are readily available. 10 Lantal Textiles, Inc. P.O. Box 965, Rural Hall, NC 27045 USA 905-823-9427 Website: www.lantal.com Products: Lantal Textiles is a Swiss company specializing in the weaving of high-quality, welldesigned velvet pile fabrics for the bus industry. Though Lantal has been in business in Europe for

over 68 years, the company first introduced these velvet pile fabrics to North America in 1997. Lantal is a supplier of upholstery and companion fabrics to bus and seating manufacturers. 11 National Seating Co./CVG 200 National Dr., Vonore, IN 37885 USA 800-222-7328 FAX: 423-884-4859 E-Mail: ray.miller@cvgrp.com Website: www.cvgrp.com Products: Motorcoach driver and passenger seats. New 4210 passenger seats feature all the comfort and durability long associated with National Seating with the added safety of 3-point seat belts. All National Seating products are produced in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vonore, TN, facility. 13 Recaro North America 4120 Luella Lane Auburn Hills, MI 48326 USA 248-364-3818 FAX: 248-364-3806 E-Mail: brian.sabo@recaro-automotive.com Website: www.recaro-automotive.com Company Officers: Elmar Deegener, Markus Kussmaul Products: Manufacturer of ergonomic seats for the North American transit market. 14 Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery See Ad On Page 29 503 S. Main Avenue Minneola, FL 34715 USA

800-654-3824 FAX: 352-242-9290 E-Mail: sandy@sardobus.com Website: www.sardobus.com Company Officers: Lou Sardo, President; Sandy Follis, President of Sales; Kathy Cruse, National Sales Manager Products: Sardo Bus & Coach Upholsteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craftsmanship and customer service have made it an industry leader in motorcoach and transit refurbishment. Sardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Professional Mobile Road Crew provides experienced, on-site installation service at customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facilities. This minimizes down time, and gives customers personal attention to every detail. Sardo also manufactures custom fit seat covers for mail out service with instructions and seat cover liners for installation. With seat covers, sidewalls, flooring and more, Sardo helps with all interior objectives. Sardo offers warranties and guarantees its workmanship for as long as a customer owns its coach. 14 Willingham Inc. 20008 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley, WA 98038 USA 425-432-9867 FAX: 425-432-3668 E-Mail: jason@willinghaminc.com Website: www.willinghaminc.com Company Officers: Jason Willingham, President; Gene Willingham, CEO; Vivian Willingham, Secretary/Treasurer Products: Seatcovers, complete interiors, floors, step tread kits, parcel rack door and bay door pistons, foam rubber replacement kits, net pockets, cup holders, grab handles and accessories. Seat parts for all models. 12

If Your Seats Are Not Becoming To You, They Should Be Coming To

BERGEN AUTO UPHOLSTERY

Â&#x2021; Quality Workmanship

Â&#x2021; Large Selection of Fabric

Â&#x2021; On Time Delivery

Â&#x2021; A Guaranteed Fit Â&#x2021; Unsurpassed Customer Service 0UZ[HSSH[PVUZÂ°HrLÂ°H[Â°V\YÂ°MHJPSP[`Â°PUÂ°TeterborV Â°51Â°VYÂ° BerNLU ZÂ°9VHKÂ°*rL^Â°^PSSÂ°PUZ[HSSÂ°H[Â°`V\YÂ°SVJH[PVU Call, fax or e-mail us today for a quick quote, and see for yourself why Bergen Auto Upholstery is your seating headquarters.

Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc. 375 North Street, Suite U, Teterboro, NJ 07608 Toll Free: 800-732-8750 Phone: (201) 457-9100 Fax: (201)457-9103 e-mail: bergenauto@aol.com website: www.bergenseat.com

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #623 Page 56

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January/February 2014

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #428

0114Busline.4ISSUU_Layout 1 2/10/14 11:52 AM Page 57

PEOPLE Bitzer

Rob de Bruyn

Gianni Parlanti

Volker Stamer

At the start of 2014, Rob de Bruyn took over for Gianni Parlanti as managing director of the subsidiaries: Bitzer Refrigeration Asia, Bitzer Compressors Indonesia and Bitzer Malaysia. From there, Bitzer looks after customers in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. de Bruyn will also continue to be responsible for India and Bangladesh as managing director. He has been working for the company for more than 20 years and, as managing director of Bitzer Compressors Indonesia, previously and more recently managing director of Bitzer India, has experience in the Asian markets. Following his activities in Asia, Parlanti will be director of business development at the headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany. He has been working for Bitzer in Asia for eight years. Volker Stamer has been named the new director of stationary products at Bitzer Kuhlmaschinenbau GmbH in Sindelfingen, Germany. He combines this role with his previous duties as division manager customer support - stationary products. Stamer is an engineering graduate of Ulm University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule fur Technik) where he studied production technology and specialized in thermodynamics, automation technology and business administration. Visit www.bitzerus.com for more information.

S.O.R.T.A. Welcomes New Member To Board Of Trustees Wael W. Safi, Pharm.D., corporate functions and open innovation manager for the San Francisco Bay Area and university relations for Procter & Gamble, was recently named to the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority’s board of trustees. The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is governed by a 13-member volunteer citizens’ board of trustees. Seven trustees are appointed by the City of Cincinnati and six are appointed by Hamilton County. Hamilton County appoints three of its own trustees and one each representing Butler, Wael W. Safi Clermont and Warren counties. Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year. Visit www.go-metro.com.

change. I believe this is the right time for me to find new challenges and the right time for new leadership to take the association into its next phase of growth.” During Simon’s tenure with NTA, she led the association in its first co-located annual convention with the United Motorcoach Association at Travel Exchange, guided the association in developing a strategic business focus on growth travel markets including China inbound travel and faith-based travel, led the initiative to expand NTA’s international presence, and helped with the organization's move from a management firm to a self-managed association. Simon completed her contract and remained with NTA through the end of the calendar year. The NTA Board of Directors is conducting a national executive search. Catherine Prather, NTA senior vice president, is serving the association as its interim president. Visit www.NTAonline.com for more information.

American Cooling Technology

Dave Oberdorff

and marketing activities. American Cooling Technology (ACT) designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of bus air conditioning systems for the transportation industry, including systems for school buses, commercial, shuttle, transit and para transit buses. ACT HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid drive vehicles. In addition to its Bus AC product line, ACT offers customers specification support, product testing, service parts and on-site product training services. Visit www.actusa.us.com for more information.

Cincinnati Metro

Frank M. Spataro

Lisa Simon Steps Down As NTA President

Lisa Simon

NTA has announced that Lisa Simon, CTP, has left her position as the association’s president. Simon had been with NTA for 28 years, seven in the position of president. She said, “I have been with NTA for most of my professional career, and during that time, we have seen an incredible amount of growth and

James Schreiber and J. R. Lucas, founders of American Cooling Technology (ACT), have announced the promotion of Dave Oberdorff to president and chief executive officer. Oberdorff has been the general manager of ACT since starting with the company in 2011. Schreiber will continue to lead the Engineering and Technical Group at ACT as vice president focusing on new product development as well as the ongoing engineering support of current products, while Lucas, as vice president, will continue to head ACT’s sales

Daron Brown

Metro has appointed Frank M. Spataro as executive director of human resources/EEO officer. He reports to Terry Garcia Crews, CEO and general manager. A human resources professional with more than 35 years of experience, Spataro most recently served as human resources director for the Village of Oak Park, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Metro employee Daron Brown has been named assistant director of the Fleet & Facilities department. He will assist the Fleet & Facilities director with the daily operation of Metro’s maintenance department and continue to oversee the fleet maintenance program, which includes quality assurance, maintenance training and fleet support functions. Brown has worked for Metro in various capacities for more than 24 years. Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year.

January/February 2014

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BOWMANSDALE 2112 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd. Off Rt. 15 • Mechanicsburg, PA 717-697-5383 CAMP HILL 4230 Trindle Road • 717-737-3896 CARLISLE 60 Noble Blvd. in Super Walmart 717-960-9400 608 E. High St. • 717-249-7721 1176 Harrisburg Pike • 717-243-7774 905 Walnut Bottom Rd. • 717-249-0694 CEDAR CLIFF Exit 19 off I-83 • Camp Hill, PA 717-737-6404 CHAMBERSBURG 1075 Lincoln Way East • 717-263-4601 NORTH CHAMBERSBURG 2891 Philadelphia Avenue (US 11 N.) 717-263-2970 CLEONA 493 W. Penn Avenue • 717-272-5677 COLUMBIA 1788 Columbia Ave., off Rt. 30 717-684-7048 DILLSBURG 898 North US Rt. 15 • 717-432-9500 EAST MANCHESTER 4245 North George St. • 717-266-3170 ELIZABETHTOWN 1284 S. Market St. • 717-367-6471 ENOLA Enola Rd., Exit Rt. 11 15 S. off Rt. 81 • 717-732-4228 EPHRATA 140 N. Reading Rd.• 717-733-1660 GETTYSBURG 517 S. Steinwehr Ave., Bus. Rt. 15 717-334-5920 1090 York Rd.• 717-337-1030 GREENCASTLE Rt. 16 and I-81 • 717-597-2589 HALIFAX 3761 Peter's Moutain Rd.• 717-896-2535 HANOVER 991 Carlisle St., Rt. 94 • 717-632-7531 350 Eisenhower Dr.• 717-632-0005 1448 Baltimore St. • 717-630-0337

HARRISBURG 2929 Paxton St. • 717-561-8050 4605 Jonestown Rd. 717-652-7035 7845 Linglestown Rd. 717-545-8580 Rt. 83 and Union Deposit Rd. 717-564-9320 4403 N. Front St. • 717-238-1048 Harrisburg East Mall/Rt. 83 & Paxton St. 717-561-0703 Eisenhower Blvd. I-283, Exit 1 717 -939-6972 5590 Allentown Blvd., Rt. 22 Exit 26 off I-81 • 717-652-9123 Kline Plaza, 101 S. 25th St. 717-232-0008 Uptown Shopping Center 720 Division St. • 717-236-6226 Harrisburg Airport • 717-948-3900 6535 Grayson Rd. in Wal-Mart 717 -561-0445 HERSHEY Rts. 39 and 322 • 611 E. Main St., Hummelstown • 717-566-6041 JONESTOWN Rt 72 & I-81 • 610-562-8462 LANCASTER 1880 Hempstead Rd. • 717-509-6988 Willow Valley Square • 717-464-5119 1829 Oregon Pike • 717-569-7898 1434 Manheim Pike • 717-394-3417 Rt. 30 and Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA • 717-393-9523 68 East Town Mall, Rt. 30E Lancaster, PA • 717-394-8957 1755 Columbia Ave. Millersville Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-397-5112 575 N. Franklin St., next to McCuskey High School • 717-394-7938 2034 Lincoln Hwy East in Wal-Mart 717-390-1099 King & Water Streets • 717-299-6699 Manor Shopping Center 1296 Millersville Pk. • 717-293-5706

LEMOYNE Rts. 11 and 15 North across from Radisson Hotel • 717-761-7992 LEBANON 1202 W. Maple St. • 717-273-8691 757 E. Cumberland St. • 717-273-9023 1725 Quentin Rd., Lebanon, PA 717-306-6565 LEWISTOWN US 522 & US 22 • 717-248-5255 121 Electric Avenue • 717-248-4447 LITITZ 990 Lititz Pike, Rt. 501 N. 717-627-4666 LITTLESTOWN 430 North Queen St. • 717-359-8946 LYKENS VALLEY 4660 Rt. 209 • 717-362-8416 MANHEIM 711 Lancaster Rd., Rt. 72 717-664-4944 MECHANICSBURG Wesley Dr. Exit, Rt. 15 717-761-7525 KMart Plaza, 5600 Carlisle Pike 717-766-9675 6250 Carlisle Pike in Wal-Mart 717-591-9864 MERCERSBURG 11924 Buchanan Trial West 717-328-0111 MIDDLETOWN 2270 W. Harrisburg Pike • 717-944-9535 MIFFLINTOWN Rt. 322 and Rt. 35, Mifflintown Exit 717-436-9779 MYERSTOWN 295 West Lincoln Avenue (Rt. 422) 717-866-2278 NEW CUMBERLAND 101 Limekiln Rd. • 717-774-1027 NEW HOLLAND 828 W. Main St. • 717-354-9300 NEW OXFORD 6040 York Rd., Rts. 30 and 94 717-624-4266

NEWPORT Rt. 322 and Rt. 34, Newport Exit 717-567-9344 PALMYRA 901 E. Main St. • 717-838-6815 PINE GROVE l-81 , Exit 31 • 717-345-6400 RED LION 897 West Broadway • 717-246-1802 655 Lombard St., Cape Horn Plaza 717-246-7801 SCOTLAND 3347 Black Gap Rd. • 717-263-7507 SHIPPENSBURG 333 East King St. • 717-532-7945 SHREWSBURY Exit 1 off I-83 • 717-235-4663 SILVER SPRING Rt. 114 and Shadow Oak Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA • 717-697-3460 SPRINGETTSBURY Hallam Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-757-9655 WAYNESBORO 302 East Main St. • 717-762-9201 YOCUMTOWN Exit 14A off I-83 • 717-938-5705 YORK 2125 York Crossing Dr & Rt 74 717-767-1381 Exit 4, I-83, 133 Leader Heights Road 717-747-9191 York Galleria Mall • 717-757-3026 60 Arsenal Rd. • 717-699-4600 Exit 6W off I-83 • 717-845-9360 3141 Carlisle Road, Dover 717-767-2594 144-158 S. George St. • 717-846-1021 Rts. 30 & 74 in Wal-Mart 717-764-8923 380 Memory Lane • 717-757-2912 Tell us you saw this ad in Busline Magazine, and 1 driver and 1 tour guide will receive a

FREE MEAL! Please call ahead to the phone number listed by the McDonald’s of your choice.

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CARRYING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD FOR 90 YEARS AND COUNTING.

In 1924, Eugene Prevost, a carpenter by trade, built the first wooden motorcoach body. Today, the Prevost name is synonymous with dependability, performance, and craftsmanship. Though much has changed in regard to the materials, designs, and manufacturing processes used to create Prevost motorcoaches, our long-standing commitment to building and servicing quality vehicles remains the same. We are looking forward to many more decades of leading the industry with innovation and providing safe, comfortable, and memorable journeys for all of your passengers.

For more information: USA 336-393-3929 Canada 418-883-3391 www.prevostcar.com

See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #442