0316 Busline Magazine

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Busline Motorcoach Feature

Transtyle Scottsdale, AZ UMA Expo Strong Attendance Celebrates Good Times

Busline Transit Feature:

MTA

Flint, Michigan

Ed Benning, MTA General Manager/CEO

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CONTENTS

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IN THIS ISSUE MTA’s Your Ride Plus Fills Essential Services For Flint, MI, Riders..............8 Scottsdale, AZ’s Transtyle...............................................18 UMA Expo: Industry Flying High In Atlanta ...........................28 Busline’s Buyers Guide To

Insurance & Financing..........................34

Busline’s Buyers Guide To

HVAC Systems......................................44

UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016

Booth Photo Gallery............................64

Busline Vehicle Showcase:

PARATRANSIT/SHUTTLE BUSES & VANS 50 – 57

RAPID RESPONSE ..................................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS .................................Page 43 ON THE COVER: Transtyle President & CEO Fred Sadeghi stands next to his fleet of Setra motorcoaches at the company's Scottsdale, AZ, facility.

See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 2016 May 14-18 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Conference Halifax, Nova Scotia Info: 416-365-9800 May 15-18 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Charlotte, NC Info: 202-496-4800 May 22-27 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo 2016 Portland, OR Info: 800-891-0590 JUNE 2016 June 20-23 Pennsylvania Bus Assoc. Annual Meeting Gettysburg, PA Info: 717-236-9042

JULY 2016 July 16-20 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Annual Meeting & Convention Greensboro, NC Info: 703-684-3200 AUGUST 2016 August 2-4 International Motorcoach Group (IMG) Strategic Alliance Meeting Norfolk, VA Info: 888-447-3466 August 8-9 Midwest Bus & Motorcoach Association Annual Convention, Trade Show & Roadeo Carol Stream, IL Info: 608-354-7110

August 18-21 National Association Of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO) Annual Conference Atlantic City, NJ Info: 571-312-7117 SEPTEMBER 2016 September 11-14 APTA Annual Meeting Los Angeles, CA Info: 202-496-4800 September 19-21 BusCon 2016 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 FEBRUARY 2017 February 26-March 2 UMA Motorcoach Expo St. Louis, MO Info: 800-424-8262

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 2016 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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MARCH/APRIL 2016 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

BUSLINE

March/April 2016

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, Kris Bott Reception: Mary Jo Dunn 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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MARCH/APRIL 2016 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

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

BUSLINE

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MTA’s Your Ride Plus Fills Essential Services For Flint, MI, Riders

General Manager/CEO Ed Benning and MTA Board members attend a recent bus unveiling. Left to right standing are Benning, Glenn Wilson, Richard Abrams, Quincy Murphy, and board Chairman Paul Newman. In front is Mike Zelley.

By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor

“MTA takes steps to help every employee to be successful. What is more important to me, however, is that their work is meaningful and they know they are making a difference.”

— Ed Benning, MTA General Manager/CEO

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any who follow the national news are well aware of the crisis in Flint, MI, concerning the lead contamination of the city’s water supply. Doing its part, and more, in helping the community deal with the emergency is the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) of Flint. Giving aid during the water crisis, however, is not the only way the progressive and innovative public transit system is helping to make the city a more livable community.

“We are very involved in the distribution of water from our transportation center, providing warming buses and buses to transport volunteers to the city’s neighborhoods,” said MTA General Manager/CEO Ed Benning, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine. “I couldn’t be prouder of our employees. Their sensitivity and their willingness to help is just beyond anything I have ever witnessed, and I have been here going on 36 years.

“As an organization, we have received numerous awards for service and innovation. It is only possible because we have a great team. It is our employees’ success and what they provide that brings MTA that kind of recognition. We never do things just for attention, but we have been praised, and it is all because of our employees.”

MTA employs about 500 people, all of whom Benning considers able ambassadors for the system and public transportation.

“Each employee brings value to the organization, from the janitor to key staff members, and that is the way everyone is treated,” Benning said. “As an organization, MTA takes steps to help every employee to be successful. What is more important to me; however, is that their work is meaningful and they know they are making a difference.

“People hold MTA in very high esteem. The reason they do is they understand we do everything humanly possible to provide the highest level of service to the community. We are often considered to be the model for the state.”

Flint is the largest city and county seat of Genesee County, located along the Flint River 66 miles northwest of Detroit. As of 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city’s population to be 99,000 people. MTA’s service covers all 640 square miles of the county. In addition, the system also offers a number of services outside the county.

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“Our primary service is our fixed-routes,” Benning said. “MTA operates 14 fixed-routes that run every half-hour on weekdays (Monday through Saturday) and on the hour on Sundays. We also have 75 peak routes that run morning and afternoon only. We log in about 9 million miles annually. We have one of the broadest service footprints in the state for a system of our size.”

Adding to the traditional fixed-route service, MTA operates 21 regional routes, reaching out to eight counties with commuter service. These routes are helping to get the regions’ workers, and those living in Flint, to and from their places of employment, which, Benning said, is a major need.

“It is great for those living in our community, because they can access jobs as far away as 70 miles to the south, 40 miles to the north, 50 miles to the west and 40 miles to the east,” Benning said. “It is a pretty large area. We started this in 1997. MTA was the recipient of a demonstration grant from the state, and started developing service with interlocal agreements. The commuter service has done nothing but grow, and the need

today is as great as ever.”

The commuter service’s latest expansion involves two counties to the west of Genesee County. In one case, MTA is able to transport workers to a well-known retail distribution center in Eaton County, northwest of Flint.

“The distribution center is interested in hiring 150 individuals who have some type of disability,” Benning said. “To the southwest in Livingston County, we have been asked to provide additional service for employers who need employees. We are meeting that need with our public/private partnerships, whereby businesses are willing to pay the fares for their people.

“To the north, the same thing is taking place in the Saginaw area, where there is a tremendous need for workers. We have, as an organization, commissioned studies on 120 miles of the Interstate 75 corridor. In addition, we are conducting a study on another 100-mile stretch of road, running from the east side of the state to the west. The two studies are to determine how best to provide commuter services along those corridors.

“We have about 4,000 workers daily who ride our commuter services. The need, as we have determined, is closer to 10,000 riders a day.”

MTA is also completing a study of its fixedroute system, looking at how best to address the immediate needs of the community. It is the first such study to be undertaken in 30 years, Benning said.

Specialty Services Enhance MTA’s Ability To Meet Needs

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March/April 2016

Scan the code to watch the video.

TA’s ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act)-certified paratransit service is called “Your Ride.” The transit system operates 125 vehicles in its extensive countywide coverage. In the same innovative vein that motivated MTA to add out-of-county commuter services, the transit system has taken its paratransit concept to new levels. As with the commuter system, the enhanced specialty services are also designed to meet critical needs.

“We have a number of specialty services that have come into the picture,” Benning said. “These include giving people rides to a grocery store and meeting non-emergency medical transportation needs. MTA has also expanded service on weekends, so people can go to church early in the morning. What we are finding is there is a need for many new and emerging specialty type services.”

Economic issues, the aging of the population, the younger generation’s changing views on public transportation — these and other pertinent issues have helped bring into focus opportunities for MTA to think outside the box.

For example, Flint and the surrounding area, like many Midwest communities in recent years, have had some rough times economically. As some major employers have left the area, Flint’s population is half of what it was several years ago.

One result has been there are areas of the city that are what is known as “food deserts.” These areas come about when grocery stores in neighborhoods move or go out of business and are not replaced.

“Our community is dealing with food deserts.

To help people get to a grocery store, we started a service called ‘Rides to Groceries,’” Benning said.

Furthermore, another trend is people are living longer and are tending to stay in their homes as

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they age. As Benning pointed out, in the past, it was more common for senior citizens to eventually be placed in a nursing home or similar type of facility.

“Today, senior citizens are living in their homes longer than in the past; therefore, to have a more livable community, a high level of public transportation options is critical,” Benning said. “Daily, for the next 17 years, 10,000 people will reach the age of 65 in the United States. The aging baby boomers are further driving the need for public transportation.”

MTA theme buses MTA is committed to helping seniors and others with medical and disability issues to have access to transportation to get to and from healthcare facilities. As a result, MTA has enhanced its paratransit service to what it calls “Your Ride Plus.”

“It is for non-emergency medical transportation,” Benning said.

Your Ride Plus provides an attendant who rides with the driver, Benning explained. The attendant’s job is to aid passengers in getting from their doors to the vehicles.

“The attendant will come to your door, help you get out the door, help you get into your wheelchair, put on your boots, lock your door — whatever is necessary to help,” Benning said. “We have been building this effort the past couple of years. We partner with The Valley Area Agency on Aging and Medicaid in this effort. People who are frail and need help when they travel to appointments love this service.”

To further help elderly patients most in need of non-emergency medical

services, MTA is providing transportation for a new program started by a local hospital called PACE (Program of AllInclusive Care for the Elderly).

“PACE is a complete service aimed at 225 senior citizens who have been determined to be the most frail in our community,” Benning said.

The PACE program has identified frail seniors who will normally go to the hospital emergency room 16 to 20 times a year for treatment, Benning explained. The new service is designed to significantly reduce trips made to the emergency room by these selected individuals by offering daily care.

“For the patients, the program has typically reduced emergency room visits to once or twice a year, because people are able to go daily to get their medicine, for checkups, etc.,” Benning said. “The hospital has a staff of 75 people to oversee the 225 most frail clients.

We transport these elderly patients to and from their homes with the Your Ride Plus non-emergency medical service. We are the only transit in 32 states to support this type of program.

“What we are seeing is the need for public transit specialty services growing, whether it is offering non-medical emergency trips, rides to the grocery or connecting people to jobs,” Benning said. “The need to get people to work is ‘off the charts.’ We have to really be creative to make sure people have access to jobs.”

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March/April 2016

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And then there are the millennials, who tend to get their drivers licenses at a later age, if at all, and who are looking for viable public transportation options. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are seeing some very fertile areas of expansion in preparing services that address the millennials on one end, and seniors on the other,â&#x20AC;? Benning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result, MTA has a number of expansion efforts on the way. I tell our staff all the time, the idea of running up and down streets with the bus is fine, but that is not all we are about today â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it is service plus, plus and plus.â&#x20AC;?

MTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commitment To Exceed Customer Expectations

approach in the past, and is in the process of bringing it back. According to www.asq.org, the core definition of TQM describes a management approach to long-term success through customer satisfaction. In a TQM effort, all members of an organization participate in improving processes, products, services and the culture in which they work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have an effort underway to re-certify and educate all our employees on the TQM process, and fully employ a new roll-out in 2017,â&#x20AC;?

Benning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People feel we are an organization that really cares. We have buy-in at all levels, and I really feel good about the positive feedback we receive.â&#x20AC;?

One aspect of customer service taken very seriously by MTA is the effort to help people learn how to ride the bus.

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he transit systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantra, when it comes to customer service, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;we want to exceed customer Dort Highway Facility expectations,â&#x20AC;? Benning said. MTA has several indicators as to how well it is meeting this goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We address every complaint and comment we receive,â&#x20AC;? Benning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Key directors, managers, union representatives, other appropriate personnel and I meet once a week. We review every comment and complaint that comes in, and we take appropriate action to make sure we hold the bar extremely high.

Through this process, we are receivâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to exceed customer expectations.â&#x20AC;? ing fewer than two complaints per 100,000 passengers. It is phenomenal. Customer service is extremely important, as well as safety. We also conduct â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are rolling out an extensive travel training program to our partners customer surveys of passengers who have utilized our paratransit service in the community, which is generating much interest,â&#x20AC;? Benning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our and the new Your Ride Plus.â&#x20AC;?

MTA officials use customer surveys as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;report cardâ&#x20AC;? on how well outreach program calls for us to address 150 to 200 agencies, schools customer service goals are being met, as well as determining areas of and businesses each year. Outreach sessions are conducted by staff members, including myself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out on a regular basis meeting with improvement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also use mystery passengers on all our services,â&#x20AC;? Benning said. such organizations as the Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, etc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We employ inspectors and have quality assurance personnel involved We are putting a face on the organization. We involve the entire staff in this effort.â&#x20AC;? with the road inspection effort on a daily basis.â&#x20AC;?

In the effort to tell MTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story and to reach out to existing and potenBenning said MTA has employed the total quality management (TQM)

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Left to right are Your Ride Driver Corday Hawkins aiding a passenger; Driver Chris Jones; and Operations/Fixed-Route Dispatchers Dawn Martin and Evangela Lawler.

tial riders with the many specialty services it provides, marketing the system is done in several ways. One marketing tool has been the result of a collaboration between MTA and the student government of the University of Michigan — Flint.

“We worked with the student government to create an app that makes our schedules available on smartphones and other devices,” Benning said.

“This has been an extremely successful marketing tool. We also have an education program currently underway. For the next seven months, we have a campaign to make people more aware of the family of services that are available.”

Another successful marketing tool has been MTA’s “theme” buses. The system was one of the first to use a pink wrapped bus to honor and draw attention to those affected by cancer, which attracted national attention, Benning said. The pink-themed buses have been on the road for five years.

“We have also added a bus that has a wrap dedicated to veterans. This bus has also been well received,” Benning said. “The most recent theme bus in the fleet is the Ride to Groceries bus.”

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Social media is another area MTA is utilizing as a marketing platform.

“We have a Facebook page and we are on Twitter,” Benning said. “We are reaching out to market the organization at a much higher level.

Marketing is an area where we are always striving to do more. Sometimes I wonder if we are getting our message out to everyone, but I think we have a number of marketing initiatives that will be helpful.”

Using Technology To Proactively Move Into The Future

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TA took a serious financial hit in the mid-to-late 2000s when diesel prices went through the roof. The transit system was using 1.3 million gallons of diesel fuel a year, Benning said. When the price per gallon shot up by $1, a $1.5 million shortfall was created.

To help make sure a future massive fuel price hike will not cripple the system, MTA has undertaken a vigorous effort to add alternative fueled vehicles to its fleet.

“We built an alternative fuel facility with a hydrogen generation compo-

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Left to right are Anthony Kowalski taking inventory; Your Ride Coordinators Vanessa Renfro and Tamika Blassingame; and Customer Service Representatives at the downtown transfer center Traci Davis and Cassie White.

nent. Electrolysis is used to combine water and electricity to generate enough hydrogen to operate up to three vehicles a day,” Benning said.

“Furthermore, MTA constructed a compressed natural gas (CNG) station to fuel up to 25 vehicles a day.”

At first, MTA leased a hydrogen-fueled vehicle made by a company located outside the United States. At that time, there were no hydrogen buses totally made in America. The desire was to eventually purchase a hydrogen-fueled bus made totally in the United States.

“We were able to eventually purchase the leased vehicle, and now MTA has a second, brand new all-American-made hydrogen bus,” Benning said.

“In addition, we are expecting to take delivery of a third one in June; it is a test vehicle that we have been asked to operate for one year.”

MTA recently added eight CNG commuter coaches to the fleet, with plans to purchase an additional 12 when funding is in place, Benning said.

For the paratransit services, counting what is currently in the fleet and what is on order, 140 propane-powered vehicles will ultimately be in use.

T“For the system’s peak routes, we have 16 mid-sized buses and we have

13 more on order, all of which are propane fueled,” Benning said. “We also recently brought in two pickup trucks (service vehicles) that are propane powered.”

MTA’s fleet has 16 diesel-electric hybrid vehicles in service as well, and the delivery of three new clean diesel transit buses is on the way.

“The purchase of CNG transit buses is still a ways out, but if we get new funds, we will be going after CNG vehicles to replace old diesels.”

In addition to the technologies associated with alternative fueled vehicles, MTA uses a variety of state-of-the-art software solutions to maintain a high level of operational efficiency.

“We use scheduling software. Our transportation managing system includes all the bells and whistles, including mobile data terminals,” Benning said. “We use passenger accounting, payroll and vehicle locater systems, and we have installed a program for our maintenance operation.

“MTA has received a number of technology upgrades under the U.S. DOT Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program. We also use the Internet and social media on a daily basis.

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Flushing Service Center

“In the future, it is our intention to continue to use technology to make us more efficient and more effective. We are looking for ways to do seamless fare collection, interfacing with different organizations, to become cashless to a certain degree. We are installing new farebox technology on our vehicles, to allow us to get away from all the old paper passes and such.

Mt. Morris Service Center

We are working our way through that transition at this time.”

In the critical effort to ensure passenger safety, MTA also takes advantage of technology, as each transit bus has five security cameras on board.

Also, on the safety front, MTA employs a full-time police officer at its downtown transfer center. Furthermore, the manager of the center is a former police sergeant.

“We spend well over a half million dollars a year on security,” Benning said.

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BUSLINE

March/April 2016

s was mentioned before, Flint and Genesee County residents have had some serious challenges come their way recently, including economic woes and, of course, the current water situation. Despite the challenges, the nature of the people in the area has proven to be one of resilience in the face of crisis, Benning said.

“We are trying to do our part by providing as much service as possible,” Benning said.

“Although MTA has its limitations, we are fortunate that this community has shown tremendous support for our millages, of which we currently have four. It was through these millages that we were able to offset the loss of state funding and continue to provide a high level of service.”

In addition to what the community as a whole is facing, MTA has also had its own challenges to overcome. One of which is finding bus operators.

“We have had our share of challenges finding operators, because everyone is looking for drivers,” Benning said. “We have increased our pay for substitutes coming into the organization. We feel this has helped. We have also come up with a new strategy on how to seek drivers, and to educate individuals on the career path driving can provide.

“Just because someone comes into MTA as a driver, doesn’t mean there are not other opportunities in the organization. I think we are making great progress. It is a difficult time because every school district here is looking for drivers.”

Finding qualified mechanics has also been difficult.

“Hiring mechanics is tough nowadays, but we have been successful,” Benning said. “We have an apprentice program for mechanics, electronic technicians and body and paint specialists. We are planning to expand that program to feed our needs for the future.”

While MTA has made important strides in adding alternative fueled vehicles to its fleet to reduce its carbon footprint, and to be able to mitigate any future shortages or price hikes in petroleum-based fuels, replacing aging buses remains an issue.

0316Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 2/29/16 4:19 PM Page 17

“We recently retired some of our 34-year-old buses; however, we still have a number of 26-year-old buses in operation,” Benning said. “We are hopeful, with the new FAST Act legislation, we will have the opportunity to retire the 26-year-old coaches. We have been extremely successful in rehabbing buses after 12 years, but when they are more than 30 years old, the cost of maintaining them becomes a real challenge for the organization.”

Specialized Services — The Future

B

enning is a firm believer that offering specialized services is the best road to take to meet the changing needs of senior citizens, millennials, and those in-between, who view public transit as a critical cog in promoting “liveable” cities.

“It is really all about providing great service at an affordable cost, while exceeding passengers’ expectations,” Benning said. “We are preparing our strategic plan for the next 10 years. It is clear to me that specialized service requirements will continue to grow. The need for transportation related to jobs is going to be an extremely high priority. We want to make sure we are a livable community, and, we also want to prepare for economical growth.

“As they bring new water lines across from the far east side of the state to Genesee County, Flint is going to open more economic development.

One of the goals we have is to prepare so we can provide the necessary service as the city grows.

“We are an essential service and it is important to us to be prepared, not only today, but also to make sure we have a plan in place that allows us to reach out for the next 10 years.

“It is my vision that we will see a major transportation hub between the two freeways used to move commuters to jobs located more than 120 miles north and south and 100 miles east and west.”

In speaking of the public transportation industry as a whole, Benning

said there remains a portion of the population who do not fully understand the potential positive impact transit makes on communities.

On the other hand, there are people, especially the millennials, who are taking to public transportation as an option to the expense and traffic hassles associated with owning automobiles. Senior citizens are also appreciating the benefits of specialize transit options to allow them to remain in their homes, while dealing with health issues.

“I think it is important in our area, the state and the country that we recognize these emerging needs,” Benning said.

Recently, Benning was a presenter at the Transit Research Board conference in Washington, D.C., where he spoke about MTA’s Your Ride Plus program and the need to transport senior citizens for non-emergency medical care. While there, he talked with Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Therese McMillan.

“She said 3.4 million people will not get to their medical appointments this year as a result of the lack of transportation,” Benning said. “That number is going to significantly increase as we go along, and we have to address this issue.”

While there are challenges to overcome, Benning is optimistic about the future of public transportation in America.

“I think the future of transit is extremely bright,” he said. “The more we can provide seamless opportunities to move people between systems and areas, the better off we will be as a country.

“I am a very fortunate person. I have the opportunity, on a daily basis, to work with one of the greatest teams of transportation professionals anywhere. I’m so proud of the effort and sensitivity they put into their jobs.

Each and every employee understands he or she adds value. I always say it is all about people. I love what I do.”

Contact: Mass Transportation Authority, 1401 S. Dort Highway, Flint, MI 48503.

Phone: 810-767-0100. Website: www.mtaflint.org.

March/April 2016

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Scottsdale, AZ’s

TRANSTYLE Where The Customer

Is Always Right

By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor

Fred Sadeghi, founder, president and CEO

Learning the transportation industry from the driver’s seat up, Fred Sadeghi uses just two words to describe the secret to his company’s success — customer service. And he is not afraid to use the standard cliché about customer service to make his point.

“The customer is always right. That is what I tell anybody who will listen. Customer service and innovation are key parts to today’s transportation marketplace. We work hard to keep abreast on customer needs as well as new technologies that continually improve the customer experience,” Sadeghi said. “This focus has been an important part of my business philosophy since the first day of our company, and will continue to be so as long as I am in this business.

“Everyone in our office is a sales person, and we grow through customer referrals. These are people who are very happy with our services.”

Page 18

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March/April 2016

0316Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 2/29/16 4:19 PM Page 19

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Sadeghi is founder, president and CEO of Transtyle, a Scottsdale, AZ, company he started in 1992 that provides a variety of services including tour, charter, shuttle and corporate transportation. Transtyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stable of vehicles include SUVs, sedans, limousines, vans, minibuses and 25 Setra motorcoaches, with 10 more Setras ordered and expected to be in service in the near future.

The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles can be found not only crisscrossing the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan region, but throughout the U.S. Southwest and beyond. Clients include corporate executives and everyday tourists â&#x20AC;&#x201D; many of the latter group arriving from international origins looking to visit famous Southwestern sites such as the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transtyle offers everything from sedan to 56-passenger motorcoach services. This includes in-town hourly rates all the way to outof-state trips to such popular destinations as Las Vegas and San Francisco,â&#x20AC;? Sadeghi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always have focused on being a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one-stop-shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation needs. A person doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to call one company for a van, another for a limo, a third for a minibus and yet another for a motorcoach. All of these services are available at Transtyle. This presents differâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fred ent options for our customers. They appreciate this type of offering.â&#x20AC;?

Sadeghi is quick to point out that each transportation segment at Transtyle is essential for the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every customer, and each type of business, that comes to us is impor-

tant,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focus on one type of transportation service over another.â&#x20AC;?

One reason for this diversity of service is the variety of transportation opportunities available to Transtyle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not only in Arizona, but the entire Southwestern portion of the United States. For the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motorcoach side of operations, many clients are international customers wanting to see famous U.S. sites that they have heard about all of their lives. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a perfect setup for Transtyle, a motorcoach provider offering modern, spacious and luxurious vehicles featuring plenty of large windows for viewing the unique and beautiful Southwestern landscape. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not everyone can afford a helicopter ride to view famous sites, such as the Grand Canyon, and they certainly wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see much behind an airplane window. That is why traveling by motorcoach is so special in the Southwest,â&#x20AC;?

Sadeghi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only do we take people to such incredible places as the Grand Canyon and Death Valley â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where they can get out and enjoy nature â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but our customers also see incredible scenery along the way from the comfort of their motorcoach seat.â&#x20AC;?

Sadeghi International customers of Transtyle come from such destinations as France, Germany, Italy and China. Many times, Sadeghi said, travelers from specific countries have unique preferences for the Southwestern sites they most want to visit.

The customer is always right... This focus has been an important part of my business philosophy since the first day of our company, and will continue to be so as long as I am in this business.â&#x20AC;?

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He noted that Arizona itself offers many places to see and things to do, although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a more seasonal type of work for motorcoach travel compared to destinations located in such Western states as California, Utah and Colorado. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that the Phoenix area, as well as many other Arizona locations, get very hot in the summer. Therefore, there is more demand from customers to visit our state during the winter,â&#x20AC;? Sadeghi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It provides a nice balance since we are busy taking customers to other locations in the Southwest during the summer.â&#x20AC;?

Gaining Experience From A Taxi Seat

S

eeking greater freedom and opportunity, Fred Sadeghi left his native Iran in the late 1980s and settled in Arizona. It was here that he continued his Transtyle President & CEO Fred Sadeghi has grown his company's fleet of Setra motorcoaches over the years. education at Arizona State University as â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have noticed over the years that a lot of people from France like to see well as finding a part-time job. His search for the latter landed him in a Death Valley, which is a great destination. There is also demand from many taxi driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat in 1990. It was a unique experience for a person not foreign travelers to visit Utah and Colorado,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These, and other quite sure of his new surroundings, according to Sadeghi. states in the Southwest, are full of wonderful national parks that are very â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was not much training involved in being a taxi driver. Basically, well known throughout the world. International customers want to visit I received a car and started driving. The experience forced me to learn the them, and we work hard to provide a great service that meets these needs.â&#x20AC;? job very quickly,â&#x20AC;? Sadeghi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I then started driving for a limousine Transtyle picks up many of these travelers from various major airports company. It was VIP black car-type of work.â&#x20AC;? in the Southwest, such as those located in Phoenix and Los Angeles, to Not long after becoming a chauffeur, Sadeghi began exploring the start the touring experience. possibility of starting his own transportation business. He found the â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of our customers who fly into LAX (Los Angeles International work not only interesting, but profitable and rewarding. Sadeghi took a Airport) want to visit the San Francisco area, including the Sonoma wine large part of his savings to purchase his first car and named the fledgling country region,â&#x20AC;? Sadeghi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each tour destination offers a different business Transtyle. type of experience.â&#x20AC;?

Success quickly followed to the point that within approximately nine

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Shown, clockwise from top left, are Transtyle employees Eshoo Aziz, head mechanic; Ralph Rosales and Oliver Javier, mechanic assistants.

months, Sadeghi had purchased seven cars and was employing drivers.

“I began servicing corporate transportation clients. All my vehicles were black town cars, and my drivers started wearing a black suit, white

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shirt and a name tag,” Sadeghi said. “I made sure all of my drivers were very clean and professional looking, and that our vehicles stayed in good condition. Through very hard work it all started to pay off, helping Transtyle grow.”

Sadeghi’s big break came when he was able to convince a general manager of a large, five-star hotel in the Phoenix area to use Transtyle for curbside and destination services. The general manager was impressed with the clean apparence of Transtyle’s drivers and equipment.

“This led to future growth. Within seven or eight months, I received calls from over 35 hotels in the area to provide similar service. I began to see great potential for this type of transportation offering,” Sadeghi said.

“We grew fast, and my drivers started working as a team. I kept teaching them about the value of taking care of every single customer.”

Today, Sadeghi said his company has established itself as a preferred ground transportation provider for many respected hospitality establishments in the Phoenix area. The company provides similar services to prominent individuals and corporations in the same location.

“We understand that clients expect to be catered to in a manner conforming to their lifestyles. Each and every service provided by Transtyle reflects these needs,” Sadeghi said.

As the company’s town car service grew, so did its need for vans and larger equipment.

“I began to question why we were farming out this type of work and began purchasing limousines, vans and minibuses,” Sadeghi said.

By 1997, Transtyle’s fleet consisted of 5 minibuses, 5 vans, 5 limousines and over 250 sedans and SUVs. It wasn’t long before requests for full-size motorcoaches started coming in from different customer groups.

“Prior to purchasing our first motorcoaches, we relied on other companies to provide this service for our customers. Unfortunately, I felt this service was not always up to our standards. I sometimes had to make sure these companies were on time, etc.,” Sadeghi said. “I begin to see the

0316Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 2/29/16 4:19 PM Page 23

driver’s performance and the quality of potential of purchasing motorcoaches, the vehicle.” which led to further growth.”

This move has proven beneficial for More Than Just A Ride Transtyle in more ways than one, as the business climate has changed somewhat regarding sedan transportation. Sadeghi ffering high-end equipment has said Uber-like services have taken a bite been a large part of Transtyle’s out of this type of work. customer service-focused busi“We are still strong in the sedan side ness strategy since the company’s early of our business, due to our work with days. Today, this includes 25 Setra area hotels, but our focus as a company motorcoaches, featuring a full slate of has turned further toward motorcoach amenities. transportation,” he said. “This has “I was recently talking with a cusJeremy Nelson, head dispatcher at Transtyle, helps helped us generate additional revenue.” tomer who completed a trip on one of our the company's drivers in day-to-day operations.

Transtyle provides both charter and motorcoaches. He said, ‘This (coach) is tour transportation when it comes to motorcoach travel. This had led to a like being on an airplane without wings, only better. The seats recline working relationship with many tour agents. They have learned to trust more, and there is greater leg room,’” Sadeghi said. “Our motorcoaches Transtyle’s commitment to high-end equipment and service. also feature such technology as Wi-FI and satellite TV. They stand apart “In the summer, we started focusing on tour transportation to other in comfort.” states to grow our overall business. Summer is normally the off-season in He added that Transtyle customers have also been impressed with the Arizona,” Sadeghi said. “This type of work also allows our name to be ride of these motorcoaches, along with reliability. seen by more people on the road. It’s great free advertising. These tours “I like that Setra motorcoaches are extensively tested before they are can last 7, 10, 15 days. We take tour groups anywhere they want to go in available to operators. Our drivers also find them easy to handle. These the United States. are vehicles designed for European roads, which require a tight turning “Tour agents set up the tours and give us the itineraries. We make sure radius,” Sadeghi said. “They also include virtual technician capabilites. to provide a fair rate and solid customer service. Many companies setting This provides us with an email when an issue on a vehicle is detected. The up these tours provide surveys to their customers, trying to determine how email can appear before the light goes on in the dashboard. This helps us well their experiences were while on these tours. It’s our job, as the trans- better know what needs to be fixed when the vehicle arrives at our shop. portation provider, to make sure all customers are treated with respect, “The look of our motorcoaches is another appeal that customers have and that the driver is properly doing his/her job. There is so much mentioned,” he added. “This goes hand-in-hand with the high-end involved when trying to make a customer comfortable. This includes the impression we are striving to provide when reaching new customers. I

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have used loaner motorcoaches, and our customers see the difference between vehicle styles. Having a nice-looking and modern motorcoach helps convey a certain message of quality. It’s free advertising.

“As a transportation provider, I am selling a specific product, not just a service. I’m selling everything in one package. Having quality vehicles that look nice certainly helps.”

Sadeghi has also been impressed with his company’s ongoing relationship with Motor Coach Industries (MCI), which is the North American distributor of Setra motorcoaches.

“

I have found that when you assign a driver to a specific vehicle, that driver will watch everything very closely. He/she knows what is going on with that vehicle, and if there is anything that is not quite right.”

“They (at MCI) have provided us with a lot of 24/7 support. This includes training our staff about the Setra motorcoach,” he said. “I have found that their focus is more than just selling us a motorcoach. They have worked to make our company better. There is an MCI representative who comes to our facility on a regular basis. He sees if there is anything we need. I appreciate this type of service.

“MCI has played an important role in my company’s overall success — from sales to parts to the weekly MCI webinar.”

Keeping the company’s fleet of vehicles, including motorcoaches, clean and presentable is also an important part of the equation when providing high-end customer service. This, however, is often harder said than done.

Transtyle employs a team of cleaners and mechanics, working around the clock, to make sure all vehicles returning from the road are properly cleaned and in good repair. Each vehicle is also checked for damages, including scratches.

A major challenge to vehicle upkeep often occurs while it’s on the road for several days or weeks. It’s during these times that Transtyle drivers take over as the vehicle’s main caregiver.

“Each of our motorcoach drivers is assigned a specific vehicle. He/she only drives that vehicle unless there is some type of special exception.

Therefore, these drivers take distinct care of their coaches,” Sadeghi said.

“The driver is required to keep his/her coach clean — both inside and out.

This includes getting the vehicle washed when possible, and cleaning its windows.

“I have found that when you assign a driver to a specific vehicle, that driver will watch everything very closely. He/she knows what is going on with that vehicle, and if there is anything that is not quite right.”

It’s Sadeghi’s goal to have each vehicle presented well during the entire trip.

“When it comes to transporting customers, especially those visiting from another country, first and last impressions are very important,” he said.

All motorcoaches operated by Transtyle include GPS tracking devices.

This technology not only helps company officials know exactly where Transtyle vehicles are located at all times, but they can also monitor how well a driver is operating each coach.

“If I am a driver and I know somebody is watching me, I will likely be more careful about my speed and the other ways I operate the vehicle,” Sadeghi said. “GPS is good for keeping track of not only location and speed, but it helps us monitor such issues as idling time, parking location, hours of operation, mileage and when an oil change is due. These are all very important issues for a motorcoach company. It’s good to be able to carefully watch your sources of income.

“There is so much that comes with GPS these days. At the end of the month and/or year, we evaluate drivers to look at their gas mileage rates,

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March/April 2016

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etc. If there is a problem, we can troubleshoot with that driver so he/she can do a better job regarding a specific part of his/her performance. GPS is critical in today’s transportation business.”

Transtyle also uses a state-of-the-art dispatch system that tracks reservations, and a mobile app that provides clients with important information about their scheduled trips.

Finding & Keeping Great Drivers

T

ranstyle’s success and growth over the past 24 years can be attributed, in large part, to its drivers. It’s a position that is the lifeblood of any thriving transportation provider. Sadeghi attributes the company’s early development to finding and keeping quality drivers.

“I have found good drivers are always available. It’s just a matter of attracting them to your company. Like everybody, drivers are looking for a better way of life,” he said. “While on the road for long periods of time, drivers are constantly seeing vehicles of other companies, such as trucking and motorcoach equipment, with large logos on their sides. Drivers notice this, and often have opportunities to talk with fellow drivers from these companies. They ask about pay, benefits, how they are treated by a specific company, etc.

“It’s therefore important to have your vehicles look nice, clean and feature your phone number — all in an effort to not only attract customers, but good drivers as well. We find a lot of good people through recommendations from our drivers.”

Once hired, Sadeghi said proper pay/benefits, training and a genuine interest exhibited by company officials are all important to keeping quality drivers.

“We try to foster a family atmosphere at our company, and recognize personal achievement as well as achievement from a team perspective.

Drivers are often under a lot of pressure. It’s important that the company

they work for tries to relieve that pressure. It’s important to listen to their concerns and provide support,” he said. “If a driver on the road calls us at 2 a.m. for something, he/she will have somebody at Transtyle available to talk to and help.

“It’s essential to truly understand what your drivers go through on a daily basis. Transportation company owners must constantly ask themselves, ‘Do we have a good enough business to attract the best drivers?’”

When looking at driver candidates, Transtyle officials focus on experience, attitude and customer service.

“We want drivers who are willing to do more than just the bare minimum. We want them to engage with customers and make the ride more enjoyable,” he said. “Training, knowledge and communication are all very important aspects when it comes to driving. We also pay our drivers as they are being trained. I have found that this provides extra incentive when they are going through the training process.”

There are three main phases in the Transtyle driver training program.

This involves safety and vehicle maintenance, customer service and satisfaction, and continuing education that keeps established drivers informed about trends and changing policies.

“Things change on a daily bases, such as with DOT rules. It’s therefore good to keep existing drivers up-to-speed,” Sadeghi said. “It’s important to remember that many veteran drivers can forget basic driving rules of the road. For example, there may be a 30-year veteran driver who does not remember the proper driving distance between a bus and an ambulance. He/she may also forget that going just 1 m.p.h. over the speed limit in a school zone can result in a $400 ticket. This is why continuing education is so important.”

Sadeghi added that veteran drivers who start working for a new company also must be retrained if they have never driven a specific brand of equipment.

“For example, we have hired drivers who have never driven a Setra

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motorcoach. They must be educated on the nuances of a Setra. Every type of motorcoach is a little different,” he explained.

Sadeghi shared an example of how one of his drivers, while on the road, “saved the day” after being well trained and versed on how to handle a specific situation. During a trip to Death Valley, the Transtyle driver found that the vehicle he was operating would not go into gear after being parked at a tourist destination. The outside temperature at this stop was 122 degrees, and there were 56 passengers on the trip.

“The driver immediately called our office. We began thinking at once the best way to safely get those 56 people to a secure location. We dispatched another driver to the Death Valley site in anticipation of picking up these passengers. In the meantime, the driver called a specific 800 number for technical support and began talking to an expert about this situation. The expert told the driver to check a certain sensor, which turned out to be faulty. The driver was able to take care of the problem with the help of the expert on the phone, and the vehicle was operational again.

The passengers were able to continue their trip. The recently dispatched vehicle was not needed,” Sadeghi said. “This shows how a knowledgeable and well-trained driver can take care of a situation and properly look after passengers.

“It also shows that if you take care of your drivers, they will take care of your customers.”

Part of Transtyle’s driver training focuses on today’s crackdown against excessive idling. For example, in California, a transportation provider can be fined $1,000 for excessive idling.

“There is no need to leave a vehicle running for a long period while waiting on people to board. It also saves fuel to shut that vehicle down.

Fortunately, our Setras cool down fast for passengers once they are started, even in hot Arizona conditions,” Sadeghi said.

Transtyle provides monetary incentives for its drivers to help reduce idling times while on a trip.

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Living The American Dream

I

t’s been a long road to success for Fred Sadeghi since his early days as a taxi driver in unknown territory. His story is a great example of the American dream.

“I have been a proud citizen of this country for 25 years. I feel like an American,” Sadeghi said. “I worked seven days a week for a long time.

I now take Sundays off. However, I still feel the most comfortable while at work. I keep a strong passion for this company. It’s like raising a child.”

It’s important for Sadeghi to make the rounds each day at his company’s facility in Scottsdale. He likes to visit with employees and see what areas of his business need the most attention.

“My day in the office begins with paperwork. I will then walk around each department to show I’m available to help and listen,” he said.

“Hard work, persistence and surrounding myself with some of the best employees in the business has led to our growth over the years.”

Transtyle’s facility is in northern Scottsdale, a city of approximately 230,000 residents located on the east side of the metropolitan Phoenix area. Scottsdale is well known for its hospitality industry and tourism.

The city’s slogan is, “The West’s Most Western Town.”

“Scottsdale is a great place for our operations base. It allows us to tap into some of the premier travel locations in Arizona,” Sadeghi said. “I have found running a business in Arizona also has its advantages. The cost of labor and taxes is lower compared to many states.

It seems a lot of our employees are also very family-oriented. There are a lot of benefits to working and living in Arizona. It’s not just about the great weather.”

The Transtyle location in Scottsdale includes a newly designed garage facility. It features state-of-the-art equipment for repairing the company’s wide range of vehicles — from sedans to luxury motorcoaches.

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“We are located on a 2.5-acre lot. It’s not real big, but it’s laid out stand and obey all company rules,” he explained. “It’s important that well for parking vehicles,” he added. “We are minutes away from a everything is clear to the person in charge of a group. This helps protect major freeway, allowing quick access to any point in the Phoenix our equipment from damage.”

Technology has also allowed Transtyle customers and employees to metro market.

“Transtyle services a large geographic marketplace. Our main opera- keep up with the latest developments at the company. This includes three different Transtyle apps, one each tion encompasses the entire Southwest and designed for drivers, customers and mobile all of California, but we have traveled from dispatch.

Washington, D.C. to Washington state — Part of our success is also “With this app, customers can book a and many points in-between.” making sure that there are no trip, see what their vehicle will look like According to Sadeghi, all his success as and get confirmation that everything is a transportation provider comes back to unpleasant surprises for our ready to go,” Sadeghi said. “We will conproviding solid customer service. It’s also customers. It’s important tinue to use new technology to make it easimportant to know exactly how much to ier for customers to do business with us. charge for a particular service or trip — a that everything is clear “Destination management companies key business ingredient that he said not that we work with also love this type of every operator follows. up front for our customers.” technology. They can use our app to quick“It’s hard to figure out how some companies make money due to their low rates. They may not be paying their ly book a trip and receive confirmation.”

Sadeghi is very optimistic about the future of not only his business, drivers very well,” Sadeghi said. “I would rather keep rates a little higher and concentrate on customer service. At the end of the year I always bus similar transportation providers throughout North America.

“I see no end to the transportation marketplace. More people seem to look at volume and what we are making from each customer group. We be shopping for better value, and that’s what we are focusing on, too, as make decisions on specific rates to charge based on volume.

“Part of our success is also making sure that there are no unpleasant a transportation provider,” he said. “When it comes to international travsurprises for our customers. Before a trip, we can send them a photo elers and snow birds, more people in these markets are wanting a qualshowing their specific vehicle, along with a photo of their driver and our ity experience. This is good news for Transtyle.

“You have to make sure your customers are happy. They are, after all, contact information. It’s important that everything is clear up front for our customers.” the ones paying for the services being provided.”

Being well-versed on the type of customers expected for a particular trip is also vital, according to Sadeghi.

Contact: Transtyle, 7525 E. Williams Dr., Suite A, “Everything has to be calculated. It’s good to know what type of Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Phone: 480-948-6131. group is going to use your services. Your customers should also underWebsite: www.transtyle.com.

“

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UMA President & CEO Victor Parra

UMA lobbyist Becky Weber

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

T

here was a warm feeling during the United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA) Motorcoach Expo 2016 in Atlanta, GA, and it wasn’t just the unseasonably mild weather. Fresh off a legislative victory with the passage of the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act” (FAST Act), the motorcoach industry celebrated with a reported high attendee and exhibitor turnout for the four-day event (Jan. 31-Feb.3). It was held at the Georgia World Congress Center and included a tradeshow, educational seminars and networking opportunities.

“There has been a strong buzz in Atlanta from the industry,” UMA President & CEO Victor Parra said during a mid-Expo press conference. “I feel things are improving. I have talked to a lot of (motorcoach) operators, and some people are saying, ‘Last year (2015) was the best year we have ever had.’

“This success is not geographical in nature. It’s success that seems to be taking place throughout different regions of the country. I also see manufacturers making more equipment in our industry. These are encouraging signs.”

Parra added that walk-in traffic for the 2016 Expo was also strong.

Larry Hundt, of Great Canadian Trailways, in Kitchener, ON, a UMA board member who also serves as the UMA Meetings Committee chairman, stated during the press conference that he was also pleased with the Expo turnout in Atlanta.

“I feel this show (in Atlanta) has been very successful in many ways. We Page 28

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UMA VP of Industry Relations/COO Ken Presley

U.S. Civil Rights Leader Andrew Young

thought that after the 2015 Expo in New Orleans, we would be challenged in attendance for Atlanta. However, attendance has been strong, and our exhibitor booths were sold out,” Hundt said. “A number of vendors at this year’s Expo told me they have been very thrilled with the amount of exposure they have received. I think this Expo created a lot of excitement, and I’m thrilled with the way everything came together.”

Hundt also commented on the 2017 UMA Motorcoach Expo, which is scheduled for Feb. 26-March 2 in St. Louis, MO. “Representatives of St. Louis really threw out the welcome mat, gave us a lot of attention and worked hard at providing us with a lot of services, such as transportation and sightseeing, to enhance next year’s convention,” Hundt said. “This will be followed by the 2018 UMA Motorcoach Expo in San Antonio, TX.” FAST Act Passage Celebrated At Expo resh off the passage of FAST Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 4, there was a lot to celebrate and talk about during the UMA Active Member Meeting/Legislative & Regulatory Update. The event followed the UMA Expo Opening Session in Atlanta.

UMA lobbyist Becky Weber, of the Prime Policy Group, provided a synopsis of what FAST Act passage means to the U.S. motorcoach industry.

“I’m happy to say that our industry received plenty of good news coming from Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill. It was a wonderful year (2015) for legislative successes, and it was hard won. I want to recognize

F

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UMA membership, leadership and staff for greatly helping with this success. UMA has really prioritized its advocacy functions over a period of years,” Weber said.

She also praised large participation from UMA members during the recent UMA Capitol Hill Days program. This annual event allows motorcoach operators to meet and discuss various industry-related issues with their members of Congress.

“UMA members have quadrupled their (Capitol Hill Days) attendance over the past five years. This has made a difference, and is one of the reasons why we have seen some recent victories,” Weber said.

She urged UMA members to attend the 2016 Capitol Hill Days program, scheduled for April 12-13 in Washington, D.C. “There is the common belief that (the U.S.) Congress is dysfunctional and things can’t get done. This is not the case,” Weber said. “Congress got a lot of major things completed in 2015, and two matters have a direct

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impact on the motorcoach industry. First was the passage of FAST Act, while the other was approval, at the end of December, for the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act).”

Weber outlined what she referred to as major victories for the U.S. motorcoach industry with the passage of FAST Act — a five-year bill providing $305 billion in total funding. This is the first approved long-term surface transportation bill in a decade, and runs from 2016 through 2020.

FAST Act increases highway funding by 13 percent and transit funding by 10 percent, over its life.

Weber noted that FAST Act reauthorizes commercial motor vehicle safety programs at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); vehicle safety programs at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); competition protection provisions at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); and federal fuel tax exemptions for motorcoaches and school buses at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“All these federal agencies impact your business, and all of them will be impacted by this bill. This is why FAST Act is so important,” Weber said.

According to Weber, major victories for the motorcoach industry under FAST Act include: n Halts efforts to raise minimum financial responsibility limits — The bill requires FMCSA to conduct a comprehensive study of passenger carrier insurance limits prior to initiating a rulemaking to change the limits. The study requires consultation with members of the private motorcoach industry, insurers and representatives of bus drivers. It also requires FMCSA to abandon its existing pending Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to increase insurance limits.

“The (insurance issue) was huge for our industry. We (UMA) have been working with Congress over the past two years to fight increases with minimum financial responsibility limits. It was a huge fight,” Weber said; n Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) reform — Weber said FAST Act requires FMCSA to go back to the drawing board on CSA reform and address several deficiencies; n Preservation of charter and school bus protections — “This makes sure federally-funded public transit agencies can’t compete illegally with private carriers,” Weber said; n Preservation of partial federal fuel tax exemption for motorcoaches — Under FAST Act, motorcoaches will continue to be exempt from 17 cents of the federal diesel fuel tax of 24.4 cents per gallon. Motorcoach operators will still pay a 7.4 cents per gallon tax; n Significant regulatory reform of FMCSA — Weber said FAST Act directs FMCSA “to slow things down” in its ruling making approach. All proposals that would lead to a major rule must now start with an ANPRM or negotiated rulemaking. The ANPRM must identify need, public comment on best available science or tech information, available data and costs of regulatory alternatives and available alternatives to regulation; n Prohibition of en-route inspections at weigh stations; n Equal motorcoach access with transit buses regarding toll and HOV facilities; n Speeding up the registration process; and, n No new safety mandates.

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After Weber’s presentation, UMA Vice President of Industry Weber also discussed PATH Act, which she said is a $680 billion multiyear tax package that lays the groundwork for comprehensive tax reform Relations & COO Ken Presley discussed upcoming legislative and regwith a new president. PATH Act provides a “bonus depreciation” exten- ulatory challenges for motorcoach operators.

He noted that operators around the nation are working to comply with sion, which the motorcoach industry enjoyed the past several years but the new E-Log mandate. This requires all drivers who currently use paper was set to expire. logs to use electronic logging devices as “UMA, as part of a larger multi-indusdefined by the rule by Dec. 18, 2017. try coalition, fought tirelessly to see this Drivers currently using automatic ontax incentive continue as the passenger board recorders may continue to use them carrier industry recovers from a slow until Dec. 16, 2019, at which time they economy,” Parra said, during an earlier must be fully transitioned to the interview with Busline Magazine.

Electronic Logging Device Final Rule.

“Therefore, we were pleased to see that Companies and drivers are encouraged Congress included ‘bonus depreciation’ in to begin the process of changing soon as its recent appropriations and tax-extender the transition from paper logs usually package, and that President Obama signed takes several months. the provision into law.

“The provision extends bonus depreciaPresley also addressed a FMCSA rule tion for property acquired and placed in that could influence the interchange of service during 2015 through 2019. The vehicles between passenger motor carriers. bonus depreciation percentage is 50 per“It’s a controversial rule that we are not Educational seminars are an important feature of the Expo. cent for property placed in service during very happy about,” Presley said.

2015, 2016, and 2017; and then phases The rule defines subcontract, contract, down to 40 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019. This provision was charter and farm-out work as services that require a lease. especially helpful for operators as they prepared their year-end filings, as “For decades, (members of the motorcoach industry) subcontracted and well as (bus/motorcoach) manufacturers interested in boosting sales before farmed-out equipment. This rule says these (practices) now require a the end of the 2015 calendar year.” lease,” Presley said. “The exception is when an operator assigns his/her The tax extenders agreement includes a permanent extension of parity contract in whole, or if there is a 48-hour emergency, which must conclude for transit commuters, raising it from $130 to $255 in 2016. Also included in a lease within 48 hours.” in this agreement is an extension of the Alternative Fuels Tax Credit and The enforcement date of this rule is Jan. 1, 2017. However, Presley said the Alternative Fuels Property (Infrastructure) Credit for two years, there could be an amendment to this matter in the near future at the request retroactive to 2015 and through 2016. of different groups, including UMA.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the past, when you subcontracted or farmed out a trip to another company, that other company had its own operating authority and was responsible for its own compliance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with both the driver and vehicle. Now, if you subcontract or farm out work, this requires a lease and you are actually taking responsibility for the compliance of that vehicle and driver (from the other company). We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think this is good business,â&#x20AC;? Presley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are also taking responsibility for the insurance (of the other carrier). This is a major game changer and could change the way many operators serve their communities, or in

many cases, not serve their communities. We hope FMCSA reconsiders the big picture.â&#x20AC;?

Presley also discussed the proposed FMCSA Safety Fitness Determination Rule. Comments for this proposed rule will be received up to March 31, 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;FMCSA proposes new methods to determine if a motor carrier is unfit.

The agency would eliminate the current safety ratings of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;satisfactory,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;conditionalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unsatisfactory.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basically, the only safety rating that would be listed is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unfit.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Otherwise, the carrier would simply be authorized to operate. Carriers would be assessed monthly,â&#x20AC;? Presley said.

He added that carriers could be declared â&#x20AC;&#x153;unfitâ&#x20AC;? by failing two or more BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) through inspections, investigated results or a combination of both.

Also speaking during the UMA Active Member Meeting/Legislative & Regulatory Update was UMA Legislative and Regulatory Committee Chair Dale Krapf, of Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coaches Inc., in West Chester, PA. He urged UMA members to support members of Congress who help advance the motorcoach and UMA agenda. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At UMA, we believe regulations should be few in number, based in science, simple to understand, easy to comply with and rationally enforced,â&#x20AC;? Krapf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plaintiff lawyers, safety advocates and organized labor routinely seek the support of Congress to impose more regulations and enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all without considering our passengers, our employees, and cerContinued On Page 70

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Delivering What Matters

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First Time At UMA: Irizar Showcases Luxury Coach Irizar, a manufacturer of electric buses and motorcoaches, recently It offers a spacious and ergonomic driving position, with integrated attended the United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA) Motorcoach Expo dashboard screens for driver’s functions. This includes: 2016 in Atlanta, GA, for the first time.

• Front and rear LED lighting technology with daylight headlamps and Irizar said that it comes to the USA with a strategy to work closely with curve-following lamps; and, • Exclusive gull type rear-view mirrors that operators, providing them with products and servicexceed compliance with all standards (including es tailored to their needs, and to position itself as a school services) with only two panes. premium brand in the coach market with the support Additionally, the Irizar i6 includes the followof its exclusive local distributor, INA Bus Sales. ing reliability improvements: “The brand introduced the Irizar i6 model into • Composite pultrusion technology in side panthe market because of its proven technology and els. Clean and straight exterior lines; reliability. There are already over 3,000 units of • Robust door opening systems; this model in operation in Europe, where it is a • Ruggedized and proven luggage door openmarket leader because of its safety, design and ing mechanism; comfort as well as its profitability for operators,” • Easy open tag and drive axle fenders; according to the company.

• Spacious and robust aluminum luggage The two versions of the i6 model were on disracks; play during UMA; both are 45-foot long integral • LED technology lights for the exterior and coaches with a Cummins 13l engine and Allison interior (ceiling and aisle) of the coach; automatic transmission. The i6 models are avail• Light luggage compartment covers equipped able in a height of either 12.23 or 12.89 ft. These with door check systems and fitted with SMC vehicles have been developed specifically to meet materials; the needs of North American operators, and com• Stainless steel aisle floor register covers to access the engine area; and, ply with all DOT requirements. They are manufactured entirely in the • Optimal climate control equipment.

European Union.

The Irizar i6’s interior design offers a pleasant environment and a feel“The Irizar i6 is a versatile high-end coach, designed for commuter and touring services. It offers aerodynamics, attention to detail and comfort. It ing of spaciousness which contributes to the well-being of the driver and passengers. is the embodiment of quality, sturdiness and reliability.”

The coach’s interior aims for maximum comfort: Irizar has more than 125 years of experience in building coaches which, • Seats exclusively designed for Irizar. They stand out because of their for the last 20 years, have operated on the five continents. Irizar coaches are designed under the most stringent quality parameters, with high grade Continued On Page 63 finishes.

Before Irizar coaches are offered on the market or undergo any significant changes, the company subjects them to reliability tests, equivalent to over 1 million miles.These improvements are evaluated in both the manufacturing process, and by independent institutes and engineering firms.

Fuel is a major cost for the operator, so Irizar has made efforts to reduce consumption.

The software of the 6-speed transmission automatically selects the ideal gear. The aerodynamic design of the vehicle creates a low air friction coefficient due to a narrower front with less air intake.

These features, along with the design of the spare Columbia Equipment Co. Inc. has been specializing in Passenger Shelters for wheel cowling, alloy wheels and a lighter overall 55 years! When it comes to prefabricated bus and train station shelters, we weight achieved by using high-tensile steels, all wrote the book! Columbia shelters are in use from coast to coast and all around contribute to the efficiency. the world. May we build a shelter for you too? Please contact: Irizar has worked on reducing repair and maintenance costs with extended service intervals. The company has also made strides in reducing the cost 72 Albany Avenue Freeport NY 11520 of serviceable parts and coachwork.

Phone: 718-658-5900 / Fax: 718-526-4110 The service network offers an Irizar authorized workshop within range of every operator. It’s also 800-742-1297 / www.columbiaequipment.com the company’s goal to ensure that Irizar i6 retains shelterpr@columbiaequipment.com a high residual value.

The structure of the Irizar i6 has been designed with consideration of the vehicle’s resistance to frontal collision and roll-overs, compliant with the R66.01 safety regulation.

The structural strength and torsional rigidity have been improved, as well as the load and weight distribution, providing greater driving stability.

Shelter Shelter Shelter

Columbia Equipment Company, Inc.

March/April 2016

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Lancer Insurance Understanding And Partnering With Bus And Motorcoach Companies For Over 30 Years

ADVERTORIAL

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AN INSURANCE COMPANY WITH A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO YOUR INDUSTRY, THE BEST CLAIMS HANDLING, AND LEADING SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE RESOURCES AVAILABLE CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS, NOW MORE THAN EVER.

For over 30 years, we, at Lancer, have explained to the readers of Busline Magazine why it’s so important for bus and motorcoach companies to partner with an insurer that truly understands the intricacies of their industry.

This certainly held true in 2015 as much as it did in 1985, when we insured our first bus insurance policy, and will only grow in significance as the severity of claims continues to escalate. Driver shortages, medical inflation, new science, an emboldened plaintiffs’ bar, rising vehicle values, public (mis)perception, increased regulatory & compliance burdens and a host of other factors continue to exert influence on risk. More recent trends like increasing miles driven, low fuel costs, distracted driving, increased marijuana usage, also come into play driving up costs. Managing these factors will continue to challenge bus and motorcoach operators…and their insurers… for the foreseeable future.

We encourage industry stakeholders to be proactive in addressing both the ever present and emerging risks. Utilize the many new forms of technology available to manage almost every single aspect of your business. Take advantage of every opportunity to offer your opinions to regulators and legislators— both through trade associations and on your own behalf. From the vantage point of an insurer completely dedicated to the transportation industry, we know every effort counts.

The headwinds facing the transportation industry are getting stronger ever day. An insurance company with a long-term commitment to your industry, the best claims handling reputation, and the best safety and compliance resources available can be the difference in your business, now more than ever.

Contact: Lancer Insurance 370 W. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9004 Long Beach, NY 11561 www.lancerinsurance.com

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Service Insurance Agency: Knowledge And Dedication

W

ords of wisdom are sometimes hard to come by, especially during tough times. Those who provide passenger transportation, however, are seeking advice on insurance and other industry-related matters at a rapid pace.

With 64 years of experience providing transportation insurance, Service Insurance Agency representatives have the knowledge and dedication to help motorcoach operators survive and thrive in today’s business climate.

With a dedicated team of customer service representatives (CSRs) and producers, Service Insurance Agency provides the value-added benefits that are critical today.

The agency, with its headquarters in Richmond, VA, can provide a variety of insurance products for the transportation industry such as Auto Liability, Physical Damage, General Liability, Worker’s Compensation, Garage and GarageKeeper’s Legal Liability. The agency also provides additional help in such areas as driver selection, drug and alcohol testing, DOT compliance and safety seminars.

“We are one of the largest insurance agencies in the Southeast, providing transportation insurance solutions to our 400 motorcoach clients,” said Service Insurance Agency President Tim O’Bryan. “We have a dedicated staff of insurance professionals who are committed to the motorcoach industry. With over 150-plus years of collective transportation insurance experience, we are able to provide our clients, as well as our potential clients, with valuable insight.”

The team at Service Insurance Agency includes President Tim O’Bryan, and Customer Service Representatives Ann Phillips and Teresa Brannan, located in Richmond, VA. “From an agency standpoint, we help our clients with various situations that come up in the operation of their business, whether it’s insurance related or not. Our clients know they can call us with questions that most nontransportation agents may not be aware of,” Mr. O’Bryan said.

He added that a non-transportation agent or agency may not understand the unique challenges facing the motorcoach operator today.

“There are insurance companies that provide the insurance coverages required by our clients, but we, as an agency, provide the customer service that our clients need in order to operate in the current business environment. Whether we issue certificates of insurance to groups who wish to travel with our clients, help our clients with driver selection and retention, provide lienholders with proof that their interests are protected, or just act as a sounding board for general business questions, we strive to be a complete business partner with our clients.”

According to Mr. O’Bryan, “The number of insurance carriers that specialize in our industry is relatively small.

Therefore, it’s even more important than ever to deal with an agency that has a long standing relationship with all of these carriers.

“One thing about the insurance industry is that it never stays the same. Pricing models change, natural disasters in this country and abroad affect the availability of the high limits that our clients must carry, and the ever changing legal climate has a direct impact on this industry. Plus, when you consider the state and federal mandates imposed on our clients, now is the time to strengthen your relationship with your state officials and those in Washington, D.C. “As an agency that specializes in the motorcoach industry, we welcome the opportunity to work with our clients in all of these areas. Service Insurance Agency lives and breathes this industry. We serve on various state association boards to provide insight and help each member, whether or not the company is a client, stay informed. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with our clients, and the various state motorcoach associations, to guarantee the stability and future of this industry that supports us,” states Mr. O’Bryan.

“These are difficult times. It’s important that we all work together. Communication is an essential part of the equation, so please do not hesitate to call us and discuss your situation. Service Insurance Agency has been in this business since 1952, and we have guided our clients through a variety of business climates over the years. I am available to my clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We need to be available because our clients work those same hours,” states Mr. O’Bryan.

Contact: Service Insurance Agency Tim O’Bryan, President 6850 Catawba Lane, Richmond, VA 23226 1-800-444-0205 ext. 303 FAX 804-288-7925 • CELL 804-914-6993 tobryan@serviceins.com

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ADVERTORIAL

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National Interstate – Insurance That Evolves Around You o survive in today’s ever changing passenger transportation exclusively for passenger transportation customers. To better conindustry you must always be on top of your game with the centrate on customer relationships, we recently reorganized into best equipment, the latest technology and customer service claims divisions by specific product.

“Our new structure allows for greater efficiency, quality and conthat is second to none. Your customers demand this, so you should sistency,” said Steve Winborn, National Interstate’s Vice President of expect no less from your insurance carrier.

At National Interstate, “complacency” is not a part our vocabu- Corporate Claims. “This creates an environment for building a deeplary or our culture. Our mission is to continually evolve the products er understanding of our customers’ challenges and business needs.

“Along with our colleagues in product management and risk and services we provide, making sure our customers are fully promanagement, the claims team is comtected and receive exceptional service. Here are some of our recent iniWe have the right people, the innovative mitted to working with customers to proactively minimize their risk,” tiatives, all designed to provide the products, and the customized services to Winborn continued. “We’re focused best customer experience possible. give you peace of mind, allowing you to on keeping the lines of communication open so if a claim occurs, our focus on running your business.

Exciting New clients can count on it being hanValue-Added Products National Interstate’s product portfolio encompasses everything dled by a representative who is a product line expert. Our team from first-dollar, gross receipts/mileage, liability and deductible works with every customer to provide world-class claims service options, to alternative risk transfer programs, or captives. — and not just when a claim occurs. The best claim, after all, is one Understanding that every customer is unique, we can tailor a program that never happens.” to fit your organization, as well as keep up with industry changes.

Enhanced Risk Management Services “Last year, we began offering liability limits in excess of $5 Over the past year, we have also continued to build-out and revimillion over other select carriers, in addition to offering them over our own primary policies,” said Matt Grimm, Vice President of talize our risk management products and services.

“Our department’s mission is simple — we are here to serve as a Passenger Transportation, at National Interstate. “I’m excited to announce that this year we will be launching two new value-added resource for the safety, health and well-being of all our customers,” products — cyber liability and our Armor™ program, featuring said Paul Stock, Director of Risk Management at National extension endorsements that are in high demand for passenger Interstate. “One way we have increased our services is by nearly doubling the size of our department. Historically, our field team transportation operators.

“We have created a customized product to address cyber lia- mainly serviced captive customers; however, in 2015 we revised bility exposures, such as theft of personal information you have this strategy by adding staff to support our traditional clients as well. collected from others, potential penalties for failing to maintain This allows us to work directly with more of our customers, and prothe most recently-regulated safeguards, and computer malware vide insight into how safety positively impacts their bottom line.

“We have also added training resources — everything from and website content concerns,” continued Grimm. “Our cyber liability and data breach response policy will give you the tools need- guide sheets on how to set up a CDL finishing program, to estabed to protect yourself from having a breach, as well as crisis man- lishing a safety recognition program, to building a continuous agement guidelines to help you handle an emergency. With premi- training program,” Stock added. “And we recently updated our ums starting as low as $150 a year, and limits available up to $1 mil- risk management website to make it easier to use, and expandlion, this should be an automatic, ‘sign me up’ for your 2016 risk ed our online training materials. For example, the newly-added ‘Build Your Own Safety Meeting’ tool gives customers access to a management strategy.

“As a passenger operator, you may be required to enter into con- library of resources that can be tailored to fit an upcoming safety tracts where you are forced to grant additional insured status to a meeting. Or, you can choose among the numerous ‘Pre-Packaged third party, waive subrogation and become the primary source of Safety Meetings,’ which are turn-key solutions for a variety of trainrecovery,” Grimm added. “And with every new contract comes new ing topics. This is the perfect solution if you don’t have the time to requirements. Our Armor™ extension endorsements give you peace create new training materials.”

These are just some of the ways that we are evolving our products of mind in your business dealings by providing blanket coverage for those instances where you are required to name a third party as an and services to support the successful growth of our clients. If you additional insured, and includes a provision that the insurance want more than a transactional relationship from your insurance National Interstate provides will be primary. These are just two of company, form a partnership with National Interstate.

We have the right people, the innovative products, and the cusover 25 new or extended coverages that we will be offering to bring tomized services to give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus you a true one-stop-shopping experience.”

In addition to these new products, we also have some exciting on running your business. Give us a call, or have your broker connew customer-focused enhancements in our claims and risk man- tact us, to start building an insurance experience around you and your company. agement departments.

T

Dedicated Claims Unit For Passenger Transportation When you contact National Interstate’s claims department, you will now be speaking with a representative who handles claims

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For more information on our products and services, contact Tod Carney, marketing manager, at 800-929-1500 x5690 or tod.carney@natl.com.

ADVERTORIAL

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To

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COVERAGE THAT’S JUST

GOOD ENOUGH SOMETIMES ISN’T

GOOD ENOUGH. Whether it’s keeping up with changes in the marketplace or dealing with increased exposures such as cyber-attacks, as a business owner today you need to be prepared to fully protect your company. To help you with that, National Interstate has developed innovative new valued-added products to give you both peace of mind and a one-stopshopping experience. Ê Excess Liability Coverage of $5 million x $5 million and beyond (available with or without a National Interstate policy) Ê Cyber Liability*, including a data breach response policy, with limits up to $1 million and premiums as low as $150 annually Ê Armor™ Extension Endorsements* featuring over 25 coverages, such as blanket coverage for times when you need to name a third party as an additional insured Add to that our long-standing track record in transportation insurance, our rating of “A” (Excellent) IX with positive outlook by A.M. Best Company, and the fact Forbes named us as one of American’s Most Trustworthy Companies and “good enough” doesn’t even come close to describing us. *Coming soon

To learn more, contact Tod Carney at 800-929-1500, x5690, or visit natl.com/relationships

Protective Insurance Company Strives To Improve Fleet Operations

P

rotective Insurance Company embodies the ideology that although insurance is something you must have, the experience should not be painful. We understand that our role is to be financially stable to assist in the event of a loss, but our goal is to partner with our customers to provide them additional tools they need to improve risk management and awareness within their organizations.

We have a full-service Loss Prevention & Safety Services Team that focuses on meeting the individual needs of our customers. Along with personalized attention, we also provide broad-based training solutions.

The combination of these two resources gives our customers added value they did not always expect from their insurance carrier.

One example of this is our Safety Solutions video series. After noticing a lack of public transportation training resources, we began producing videos designed specifically for school bus and motorcoach drivers.

Topics include distracted driving and turns and tail swings. The videos are designed to watch while on a break or for motor carriers to play during safety meetings. You can view them in the Loss Prevention & Safety section of our website at www.protectiveinsurance.com.

Creating a safety culture is very important within any transportation company, but it is also key to know that you are with an insurance carrier that specializes in handling public transportation claims. Protective has a centralized claims team that focuses on working with, and understanding the needs of, public transportation companies. We focus on settling claims as expeditiously and properly as possible to control costs.

Our annual Claims + Safety Seminar is a great event that brings together our customers and industry partners and continues to grow in attendance every year. At our most recent seminar, held in November 2015, attendees heard from experts on a variety of topics geared toward improving their fleet operations.

Below is a brief recap of the sessions. You can download presentations at www.protectiveinsurance.com/PTCS. n Navigating Claims of Negligent Hiring, Training and Retention When Punitive Damages Are Alleged Chris Cotter, Roetzel Court decisions have begun to dismantle protections for employers against negligent hiring, training and retention claims, even if the employer admits to the fault of its employee in causing an accident.

Cotter addressed this evolving case law, and how employers can navigate through discovery requests and motion practice relating to these types of claims. n Responsible Dispatch: The Importance of Dispatch on Collision Avoidance and Driver Retention John Pinckney, CJ International Training, Inc. How do you make sure your drivers feel valued by your company?

Pinckney explored different ways to involve dispatchers in safety awareness, including how their jobs impact collision avoidance and driver retention. Some of the biggest challenges within the dispatching role were Continued On Page 63

SAFET Y THAT REVOLVES AROUND YOU PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The members of Protective Insurance Company's Loss Prevention & Safety Services Team are specialists in the transportation industry and use a collaborative approach to partner with our insureds to address their specific safety and risk management needs.

Our team understands that no two companies are the same and solutions must be tailored to fit each one's unique needs.

Visit www.protectiveinsurance.com/publictransportation to learn about our specialized online training offerings for public transportation.

FOR COVERAGE THAT REVOLVES AROUND YOU, CONTACT STACY RENZ: (800) 644-5501 x2570 pr o t e ct iveinsur ance.com

EXCELLENCE IN: Page 40

FLEET TRUCKING | PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION |

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March/April 2016

WORKERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; COMPENSATION | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

ADVERTORIAL

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ADVERTORIAL

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Advantage Funding: Five Questions Your Lender Should Ask. Looking to finance a new vehicle? Look for a knowledgeable lender.

Let’s face it: Your company needs a new bus. If you’re like most business owners in the coach bus, tour and transit industry, you’d like to finance your new unit in a way that best manages your capital and

By Jaffet Juan preserves your cash flow. But few banks lend to small businesses these days, and when they do, they’re unlikely to know much about your industry, its seasonality, or its needs around cash management.

To identify a lender that understands your business and will work with you to structure financing that meets your needs, contact several finance companies and check off the number of questions they ask that are listed below. The more of these questions a lender asks you, the better he or she is likely to comprehend your business and work with you to obtain the type of financing you need, when and how you need it, and at a structure that makes sense for your specific needs.

• HOW MUCH BUS CAN YOU AFFORD? If you’re unsure, your lender should work with you to arrive at a number that allows you to make reasonable monthly payments, leaving enough cash flow to comfortably manage your business.

• ARE YOU THINKING NEW OR PREVIOUSLY OWNED? Does your clientele demand a new coach with all the trimmings, or are your customers college students or business people who simply need to move regularly from Point A to Point B? Your requirements for a new vehicle will vary greatly, depending on your clientele and usage. You may not need a $550,000 coach right off the assembly line, decked out with a state-of-the-art entertainment system and a fancy restroom. Instead, you may need a clean, previously owned unit with enough life left to provide immediate and reliable service.

• WHAT TYPE OF FINANCING STRUCTURE WILL WORK BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Standard financing structure for a

new coach is 84 months of payments with a 20% residual. Residual is the portion of principle balance that you place on the back end of the lease or loan. Residual is designed to “soften” or lower your monthly payment, leaving you with more cash flow for the daily costs of your business.

Outside standard lease or loan structure for a new unit, the situation can vary considerably.

Financing for a used vehicle may take into account engine and transmission type, age of the vehicle, mileage, type of use, maintenance records, and general service documents. A lender who knows your business and wants you to succeed will work with you to eliminate as many variables as possible, and then devise a lease or loan structure that works well with your company’s business model. Structures can vary from 84 months with no residual to 36 months with a sensible residual. But ultimately, lease or loan structure depends on the expense Continued On Page 61

Your Expert Source for Coach Financing and Leasing Advantage Funding is the largest Independent Commercial Transportation Lender in the U.S. We OH]L [OL ÅL_PIPSP[` [V WYV]PKL ZVS\[PVUZ ^OLU IHURZ HUK V[OLYZ JHU»[ Use us to your Advantage!

Same Day Turn-Around Skip Payment Options Flexible Finance & Lease Terms to 84 Months Trac Leases

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Black Car | Limousine | Limo Bus | Mini/Shuttle Bus | Charter Coach | Funeral March/April 2016

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TIB Transportation Insurance Brokers: Committed To The Transportation Industry, And Only This Industry

T

IB Transportation Insurance Brokers is the largest agency in the country dedicated solely to the transportation industry. Headquartered in Glendale, CA, with offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando, Baltimore, and New York, TIB serves more than 5,000 bus and limousine clients nationally. It’s committed to the transportation industry, and only that industry. All of its clients have commercial auto exposures with the vast majority being certificated carriers.

At TIB, tough transportation insurance problems are handled every day. The company is staffed to provide clients with the finest service of any broker in the industry. TIB’s goal is to work together as a team to take care of clients. It offers high quality services, trouble-free relationships and rapid response to a customer’s needs through the strength of TIB’s national network.

TIB’s specialization and commitment to the transportation industry ensures that by focusing only on this marketplace, it can devote the energy and resources necessary to be at the leading edge of the transportation insurance field. All clients have their own personal account executive. In addition, they are provided with an assistant account executive to handle their standard requests such as certificates, endorsements, filings, etc., and an accounting representative who knows their exact premium status. Clients always have total access to TIB’s corporate management team, who can provide assistance for a client’s risk management needs.

The transportation industry has traditionally experienced problems securing programs which provide adequate coverage and competitive pricing. As brokers, TIB works for the clients, explaining the various plans and programs and helping them determine the insurance policies which best suit their needs. TIB is not captive to a single insurance company; therefore, it can offer options and alternatives, rather than providing a client with one — and only one — insurance program.

TIB is keenly aware of changes in the marketplace because the company is there, immersed in it everyday. Obviously, change is a part of the environment, and indeed, a dynamic force affecting all of us. TIB’s goal is to always be on the cutting edge — to discern the good from the potentially damaging; to keep the concerns and goals of its clients foremost in its actions and reactions to the times.

All of TIB’s accounts are important to the company, no matter what their size, starting with the largest customers right down to individual owner/operators. The success of each and every one of these customers is an integral part of TIB’s success — this fact is always on the minds of TIB professionals as they serve the company’s client base.

“KEEPING YOU IN MOTION IS OUR COMMITMENT — HAVING YOU AS ONE OF OUR CLIENTS IS OUR PLEASURE”

Keeping You in Motion

Transportation Insurance Brokers

800-248-2877

818-246-2800

www.tibinsurance.com LOS ANGELES • NEW YORK • BALTIMORE • MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL • ORLANDO CA LIC. #0705008

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ADVERTORIAL

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American Cooling Technology Expands In-Wall Evaporator Product Line American Cooling Technology (ACT) has released its In-Wall Evaporator products, the EV-96, and the EV-1 evaporators. The EV-96 evaporator is available in a capacity of up to 96,000 BTU/hr, the IMACA, with the EV-1 evaporator follows at a capacity of 60,000 BTU/hr. IMACA. The EV-96 is designed to fit into the rear wall of a vehicle. It is available with an ABS cover using fixed or adjustable louvers, or a slim metal face plate. The EV-96 is available with 12-volt, or 24volt motors.

The EV-1 in-wall evaporator is designed to fit into the front, or rear wall of a vehicle. The unit features a metal face plate available in white or grey.

ACT said the EV-1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drop-in, one-piece construction simplifies installation time and provides maximum head clearance and a clean OEM appearance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-wall evaporators are the result of research, engineering analysis, testing and final component selection from ACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experi-

enced staff,â&#x20AC;? said the company.

Contact ACT at 717-767-2775, or visit www.actusa.us.com.

ACT designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of bus air conditioning systems

Camira Names David Marchitello New Agent For Transport Fabric Sales Camira has named David Marchitello to lead the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for expansion throughout the North American transportation sector.

Marchitello, who is based in western Pennsylvania, has specialized in sales for nearly 30 years. For the past nine years, he served as sales manager for American Seatingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transportation Products group.

He joined Camira at the beginning of 2016. Marchitello will concentrate on adding upholstery business in the public and commercial transportation markets.

The EV-96

The EV-1

for the transportation industry. ACT HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid drive vehicles. The company offers its customers specification support, product testing, service parts and on-site product training services.

Visit www.camirafabrics.com for more information.

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LISTINGS American Cooling Technology, Inc. See Ad On Page 45 715 Willow Springs Lane York, PA 17406 USA 717-767-2775 FAX: 717-767-3658

E-Mail: acsolutions@actusa.us.com Website: www.actusa.us.com Company Officers: Dave Oberdorff, President and CEO; Ken Dodson, Controller; James Schreiber, Vice President Products: American Cooling Technology, Inc. (A.C.T.) designs and

RELIABILITY ITY EFFICIENCY Discover electricity

Air Conditioning Electric

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hermetic electric scroll compressor/s Ę&#x201C; a.c. motors Ę&#x201C; self-contained refrigerant loops Ę&#x201C; generator or hybrid bus power

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manufactures a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for all sizes and makes of buses, including both conventional and alternate fuel buses. Products include split type air conditioning systems as well as complete roof mount air condition systems for all buses. In addition, ACT offers specification preparation assistance, product testing, replacement air conditioning parts for most brands, and product training.

16 BITZER U.S., Inc. See Ad On Page 48 4080 Enterprise Way Flowery Branch, GA 30542 USA 770-718-2500 FAX: 770-503-9440 E-mail: sbauknecht@bitzerus.com Website: www.bitzerus.com Company Officers: Natalie VanDyke Products: BITZER is a leader in bus/coach air conditioning compressors. BITZER’s product range covers all compressor technologies from reciprocating to scroll and screw compressors. BITZER bus air conditioning compressors are designed specifically to excel within the harsh environment of today’s engine compartments. BITZER’s bus air conditioning com-

pressors offer high capacity to cool coaches, school buses, transit buses, including larger articulated and double-decker buses. 16 Espar Climate Systems/Eberspaecher See Ad On Page 47 29101 Haggerty Road Novi, MI 48377 USA 800-387-4800 Website: www.espar.com Products: Espar Climate Control Systems include air condition and heating systems tailored to customer needs. Both fuel-operated and PTC-electric heaters are available in a wide selection of BTU ratings. 15 Mobile Climate Control 3189 Farmtrail Road York, PA 17406 USA 800-673-2431 FAX: 717-764-0401 Website: www.mcc-hvac.com Products: Mobile Climate Control designs, manufactures, installs and services a complete system solution for buses: by providing maximum heating, ventilating, air condition-

Bus HVAC Solutions SYSTEMS

PARTS

SERVICE

TRAINING

ACT CR-2 Roof Mounted Condenser Lightweight, Rugged, Low Profile Attractive Durable TPO Cover Available in 12- and 24-volt Models Easy to Install and Service

ACT EV-2 In Wall Evaporator Enhanced Airflow Easy Installation and Filter Access Lightweight Aluminum Chassis Strong ABS Cover

ACT RTS-75 Rooftop A/C

Lightweight Rugged Aluminum Frame Low Profile 6” Total Height Attractive UV Resistant TPO Cover Unequalled Heat Rejection

American Cooling Technology offers air conditioning and heating products for any size or type of bus.

www.actusa.us.com | Toll Free: 877.228.4247 March/April 2016

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ing and windshield defrosting/defogging for both conventional and hybrid vehicles. 12 ProAir, LLC See Ad On Page 46 2900 County Road 6 W Elkhart, IN 46514 USA 800-338-8544 FAX: 574-264-2194 E-mail: info@proairllc.com Website: www.proairllc.com Company Officers: Dennis Mitchell, President; Jeff Armstead, Vice President of Sales Products: Manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and defrost systems for all types of buses and shuttle vehicles. The company specializes in climate control systems for driver and passenger areas, and also stocks a complete line of related parts. ProAir also has a warehouse and installation center located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, to support the Western USA. 16 Proheat 3831 No. 6 Rd. Richmond, BC V6V 1P6 CANADA 604-270-6899

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FAX: 604-270-7172 E-Mail: sales@proheat.com Website: www.proheat.com Products: Proheat is a manufacturer of heavy-duty, dieselfired coolant heaters that preheat engines and adds supplemental heat to HVAC systems. 16 Rifled Air Conditioning, Inc. 2810 Earlham Place High Point, NC 27263 USA 336-434-1000 FAX: 336-861-4646 Website: www.rifledair.com Products: Manufacturer and installer of climate control systems specifically designed to meet the demands of the medium duty bus market. Specializing in school bus and shuttle bus markets. 12 SMI 1975 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy.

Murfreesboro, TN 37127 USA 615-867-8515 Website: www.smiglobal.net Products: Pretoria interior lighting/ducting, LED strip lights, Transpec roof hatches and energy absorbing bumpers. 14

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Spheros/ACC Climate Control 22150 Challenger Drive Elkhart, IN 46514 USA 574-264-2190 Fax: 574-266-6744 E-mail: megan.fuson@spheros.us Website: www.spheros.us Company Officers: Casey Cummings, CEO; Heiko Baufeld, CSO; Tony Coble, CFO Products: Spheros/ACC develops and manufactures air conditioners, water pumps, roof hatches and heating systems. The company is also involved in the bus air conditioning installation market with three company-owned facilities. “Providing Best Climate” has always been the company’s core expertise along with stringent requirements for quality, reliability, service and support. 16 Sutrak Corporation See Ad On Page 44 6897 East 49th Avenue Commerce City, CO 80022 USA 303-287-2700 FAX: 303-286-1005 Website: www.sutrakusa.com Products: ISO 9001 certified. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems for light rail vehicles and people movers and buses including school buses. 10

Keep In Touch With

Too receive r c ve our bi-monthly bi-month y e-Newsletter, e-Newsletter just send your email address add ess to: drankin@consolidated.net d ankin@consolidated Also, visit us online at: www.buslinemag.com w w.buslinemag om

ACT & Eberspaecher

ACT, ProAir & Eberspaecher

March/April 2016

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From Bitzer:

New Refrigerants Approved For 2-Stage Reciprocating Compressors Thermo King Corporation See Ad On Page 32 314 West 90th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55420 USA 952-887-2200 Website: www.thermoking.com Products: Thermo King offers a complete line of HVAC solutions for transit, coach, shuttle and school bus. 13 Trans/Air Manufacturing 480 East Locust St. Dallastown, PA 17313 USA 717-246-2627 FAX: 717-244-7088 E-mail: jsterner@transairmfg.com Website: www.transairmfg.com Products: Trans/Air Manufacturing is an ISO 9001 registered firm, manufacturing a full line of climate control systems for the school, commercial, and electric/hybrid vehicle markets. Units, parts, service, training, warranty, and new or aftermarket installations are available through factory-owned operations or a network of distributors throughout North America. 16

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BITZER announced it has optimized its 2-stage reciprocating compressors. All models can now be run with R448A and R449A refrigerants and thermostatic expansion valves.

“With low global warming potential (GWP) values of 1386 and 1397, both refrigerants are ecofriendly alternatives to R404A, whose GWP valPhoto: ue is 3922. The EU F-gas BITZER US regulation prohibits the use of R404A beyond the year 2020 in stationary areas.

“Alternatives with very low global warming potential are the only long-term refrigerants on the European refrigeration and air conditioning market,” said Gianni Parlanti, chief sales and marketing officer at BITZER. “Transitional refrigerants such as R448A and R449A are needed on the path towards blanket use of low GWP refrigerants and for special applications. Tests have shown that the technically improved compressors can be run perfectly with the two refrigerants – both with and without a liquid subcooler. The application areas are nearly identical to those of R407F. In addition, BITZER has fitted every model in its semi-hermetic 2-stage compressor series with thermostatic expansion valves.”

Visit www.bitzerus.com for more information.

ADVERTORIAL

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McCarty's SACRO-EASE® Car Back Support Makes Driving And Travel Easier On The Spine, Lumbar, And Lower Back The McCarty’s SACRO-EASE® Posture Seat insert is recommended by medical professionals nationwide. It was designed by the company’s founder — who once suffered severe low back pain while driving — and a team of top orthopedic surgeons.

Nearly 60 percent of city bus drivers have reported experiencing lower back pain. Drivers have been observed to spend a significant amount of time driving and assuming a torso straight/unsupported postural position.

Each SACRO-EASE® seat insert is constructed with heavy duty rubber supports — spanning internal carbon steel frames composing the seat bottom — and seat back.

These two components are then connected with solid rivets and hinges for durability under the weight and movement of the heaviest driver.

The unit is covered with attractive, durable, easy-to-clean, blended fabric, in one of several attractive colors (black, charcoal gray, medium gray, dark brown, light brown, blue and burgundy). All SACRO-EASE® products are posture-correction at its best.

Benefits to the SACRO-EASE® Posture Seat insert include: • Very reasonable prices, along with being the best in effectiveness and product quality; • Guaranteed customer satisfaction; • Full five-year factory warranty against manufacturing defects or early product failure; • Industrial field references from both past and current customers; • Local customer support, available in most major cities throughout the United States. Dealers can be found in all 50 states; and, • Efficient and friendly customer service. McCarty’s believes in 100 percent friendly and efficient service for all customers.

McCarty’s is a longtime source for premier posture correction products that support spinal health. This includes products for correct orthopedic support and ergonomic seating in the home and at office workstations.

For driving, McCarty’s products allow conventional car and truck seats to supply correct, comfortable back support and back pain relief. The company’s stationary and portable ergonomic seating products can also provide other lower back pain relief, such as tailbone (coccyx) pain and sciatica.

Since proper (and improper) posture has a direct influence on the health and functionality of nearly all of the body’s systems, McCarty’s invites customers to enter the world of comfort through proper back support and ergonomics. Products from McCarty’s have been made in the USA for over 75 years.

Visit www.mccartys.com or call 1-800-635-3557 for more information.

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Turtle Top

Turtle Top

Odyssey XLT The Odyssey XLT shuttle bus and motorcoach series provides up to 51 passengers with an outstanding travel experience. Built on the Freightliner FM2 chassis, Turtle Top gives added focus toward road stability, passenger comfort, vehicle dependability, quality, and safety.

Customized travel amenities and increased passenger and storage capacity are available for churches, colleges, city and county transportation authorities, assisted living services, cross-country touring companies, excursion companies and many more transportation opportunities.

Turtle Top 67819 State Road 15 New Paris, IN 46553 800-296-2105 Email: timmb@turtletop.com Website: www.turtletop.com

ODYSSEY XLT FEATURES • Aerodynamic automotive styling • Clear view windows • Up to 51 passenger capacity – CDL required • Wide interior with double row luxury seating • Flexible floor plans including wheelchair capacity • Meets and exceeds FMVSS regulations • Qualifies for “Buy America” • Steel roll cage with full perimeter steel floor • Body and air conditioning warranty

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Odyssey XL The Odyssey XL shuttle bus and motorcoach series extends Turtle Top’s most popular shuttle to provide up to 37 passengers with a great ride. These are available on the Ford F550, F650, F750 and Freightliner chassis and provide road stability, passenger comfort, dependability, quality, and safety.

Selecting the Odyssey XL increases passenger capacity for churches, colleges, city and county transportation authorities, assisted living services, cross-country touring companies, excursion companies and many more transportation opportunities.

Turtle Top 67819 State Road 15 New Paris, IN 46553 800-296-2105 Email: timmb@turtletop.com Website: www.turtletop.com

ODYSSEY XL FEATURES • Aerodynamic automotive styling • Clear view windows • Up to 41 passenger capacity - CDL required • Wide interior with double row luxury seating • Flexible floor plans including wheelchair capability • Meets and exceeds FMVSS regulations • Qualifies for Buy America and is Altoona tested • Steel roll cage with full perimeter steel floor •Body and air conditioning warranty

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Turtle Top

Turtle Top

Van Terra

Terra Transit

The Van Terra shuttle bus showcases both strength and versatility. All types of passengers, including senior living agencies, find it easy to enter and exit with ample headroom and aisle passage. It is a great alternative to the standard 15-passenger van.

The Van Terra maneuvers like a van but has the stability of a dual rear wheel bus. Extended rear wheel stance with a full roll cage, quality construction, and sleek styling make this an affordable and practical choice for safe dependable transportation.

The Terra Transit shuttle bus is an economical complement to Turtle Top's mid-size fleet. This abridged version of the Odyssey also offers seating for up to 25 passengers, and maintains the same safety standards that is known at Turtle Top. Riders find it easy to enter and exit with ample headroom and aisle passage.

With a variety of floor plans, users can meet their needs for storage, seating preferences, and wheelchair accessibility. A full roll cage, quality construction, and 2-year warranty make this an affordable and practical choice for safe, dependable transportation.

Turtle Top 67819 State Road 15 New Paris, IN 46553 800-296-2105 Email: timmb@turtletop.com Website: www.turtletop.com

VAN TERRA FEATURES • 15-18 passenger alternative* • Low, wide enclosed entrance • Wide aisle with interior headroom • Wide wheelbase stance for road stability • Flexible floor plans, including wheelchair capability • Meets and exceeds FMVSS regulations •Altoona tested • Steel roll cage with school bus roll-over crush test • CDL license not required in most states** • The most storage in its class *Some floorplans include wheelchair/luggage areas that reduce the number of seats. 18 seats is the maximum possible occupancy in this class. **15 and under do not require CDL in most states. 16 passenger and above do require CDL.

Turtle Top 67819 State Road 15 New Paris, IN 46553 800-296-2105 Email: timmb@turtletop.com Website: www.turtletop.com

TERRA TRANSIT FEATURES • Up to 25 passenger capacity – CDL required • Low, wide enclosed entrance • Flexible floor plans including wheelchair capability • Meets and exceeds FMVSS regulations • Qualifies for “Buy America” and is Altoona tested • Steel roll cage with full perimeter steel floor • Body and air conditioning warranty

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Micro Bird Commercial

Micro Bird Commercial

CT-Series

CTS-Series

Offered in gas or diesel, recent tests demonstrate an impressive day-today fuel economy of up to 38 percent compared to other shuttle bus chassis.

The transit chassis also offers an encased capless fuel filter and an improved engine compartment layout, in both 3.2 diesel and 3.7 gas litre engines, that are proven worldwide.

In addition to many of the Micro Bird body benefits such as the reinforced structure and the superior insulation, the CT-Series wide center aisle creates more room for passengers enhancing the comfort. The design offers optimised driver ergonomics, and the overall look of this new vehicle is comtemporary and stylish.

Micro Bird Commercial designs and manufactures a complete line of commercial buses built with superior durability. The CTS-Series delivers exceptional safety and stability, making this bus an excellent choice for special needs applications.

This bus is ready to be equipped with a variety of options to suit the needs of any passenger, disabled or not. The CTS-Series (CT-Series) offers a new design, with more visibility and a more comfortable driver’s area, with easy access to controls.

Micro Bird Commercial 3000 Girardin Street Drummondville, Quebec J2E 0A1 855-628-MBUS (6287) Fax: (819)475-9633 Email: commercial@microbird.com www.mbcbus.com Sales Contact Person: James Mansell

Model .....................................................................................................CT-Series Seating Capacity ...........................................................Up to 17 passengers Length ............................................................................................................273” Width.................................................................................................................86” Height .............................................................................................................106” Engine .......................................................................3.7L V6 or 3.2L I5 Diesel Transmission......................................................6 speed AOD w/Selectshift Chassis ..................................................................................Ford Transit T350 Air Conditioning .......................................................................Up to 55K BTU Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension......................................................................................Leaf Spring Wheelbase......................................................................................................156”

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Micro Bird Commercial 3000 Girardin Street Drummondville, Quebec J2E 0A1 855-628-MBUS (6287) Fax: (819)475-9633 Email: commercial@microbird.com www.mbcbus.com Sales Contact Person: James Mansell

Model ..................................................................................................CTS-Series Seating Capacity............................................................Up to 11 passengers Length ............................................................................................................273” Width.................................................................................................................86” Height .............................................................................................................106” Engine .......................................................................3.7L V6 or 3.2L I5 Diesel Transmission......................................................6 speed AOD w/Selectshift Chassis ..................................................................................Ford Transit T350 Air Conditioning .......................................................................Up to 55K BTU Wheelchair lift.....................................................................................Standard Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension......................................................................................Leaf Spring Wheelbase......................................................................................................156”

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Micro Bird Commercial

Micro Bird Commercial

D-Series

DS-Series

The D-Series is a dual-rear wheel bus, made of six longitudinal structural beams, combined with one-piece galvanized steel roof bows that enhance safety and rollover protection. This mid-size bus can be built to accommodate various types of configurations, seating up to 28 passengers (Ford chassis).

Micro Bird buses are purpose built for tours, assisted living, public transit, shuttle markets and many more. Several options such as luxury seats, extra wide rearview window, flat screen TV, and panoramic windows, are offered to enhance a rider’s experience. A propane system is also available.

The DS-Series, a dual rear wheel special needs vehicle, delivers superior safety and a smoother ride because of the energy absorbing blocks that absorb the road vibration. Micro Bird’s recessed wheelchair tracks, Slide N’Click or floor pocket anchorages, offer safe and secure transportation for special needs passengers.

The double-leaf wheelchair doors offer protection on both sides of the lift, thus adding to passenger safety, while offering superior weather seal and door strength.

Micro Bird Commercial 3000 Girardin Street Drummondville, Quebec J2E 0A1 855-628-MBUS (6287) Fax: (819)475-9633 Email: commercial@microbird.com www.mbcbus.com Sales Contact Person: James Mansell

Model.......................................................................................................D-Series Seating Capacity ..........................................................Up to 28 passengers Length..................................................................................From 257” to 346” Width.................................................................................................................96” Height..................................................................................................111” or 113” Engine .............................................................Ford 6.8L gas or GM 6.0L gas Transmission ................................................................................6-Speed AOD Chassis ............................................Ford E350 & E450 or GM 3500 & 4500 Air Conditioning .......................................................................Up to 82K BTU Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension ...................................................Leaf Spring - Mor/Ryde or Air Wheelbase ............................................................................From 138” to 216”

Micro Bird Commercial 3000 Girardin Street Drummondville, Quebec J2E 0A1 855-628-MBUS (6287) Fax: (819)475-9633 Email: commercial@microbird.com www.mbcbus.com Sales Contact Person: James Mansell

Model.....................................................................................................DS-Series Seating Capacity ..........................................................Up to 22 passengers Length...................................................................................From 283” to 315” Width.................................................................................................................96” Height ..............................................................................................................118” Engine .............................................................Ford 6.8L gas or GM 6.0L gas Transmission ................................................................................6-Speed AOD Chassis ............................................Ford E350 & E450 or GM 3500 & 4500 Air Conditioning .......................................................................Up to 82K BTU Wheelchair Lift....................................................................................Standard Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension ...................................................Leaf Spring - Mor/Ryde or Air Wheelbase ............................................................................From 158” to 177”

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REV Group

REV Group

Goshen Coach

Champion Bus The Champion LF Transport® with FLEXBUS® technology represents the next generation of vehicles designed to meet and exceed the transportation needs of today's passengers, providing the very best in vehicle accessibility. The patent and patent-pending chassis and suspension technologies eliminate interior steps and the need for lifts. All of these components produce equal access and a positive transit experience for all riders.

According to Champion Bus, it is the first manufacturer to offer the Equalizer Ramp™, which automatically senses the height of the ramp deployment surface and adjusts to equate all sections of the ramp to provide passengers with the easiest possible single-grade slope accessibility. The innovative OverRise feature lifts the entire vehicle up to 2.5 inches higher than the OEM ride height at the push of a button. At low speeds, this feature will allow the vehicle to navigate complicated surfaces that would not be possible with a vehicle at standard ride height. The LF Transport® is also available on the F-550 chassis, and optional Squat Suspension system.

Goshen Coach offers the Impulse as a comfortable and spacious choice, with a fuel-efficient weight rating. The Impulse is designed with style, a spacious interior, flat exterior walls and a stylized front cap. The Impulse can accommodate up to 28 passengers, or 25 with dedicated rear luggage, all while maintaining an economic advantage.

With a clean fit and finish, the Impulse is Altoona tested, crash tested and can be customized to customer specifications. This model is great for municipal bids, non-medical emergency, hospitals, churches, airports and more.

The Impulse has been styled inside and out, with a streamlined design and superior aerodynamics. If you’re ready for an impressive vehicle, the Impulse is for you.

Goshen Coach 25161 Leer Dr. Elkhart, IN 46514 574-970-6300 Fax: 574-266-5866 Website: www.goshencoach.com

Champion Bus 331 Graham Rd. Imlay City, MI 48444 800-776-4943/810-724-6474 Fax: 810-724-1844 Email: sales@championbus.com Website: www.championbus.com

Model........................................LF Transport™ with FlexBus™ technology Seating Capacity ..........................................................Up to 23 passengers Length.........................................................................................................24’-27’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height................................................................................................................111” Engine ....................................................................................................6.8L V-10 Transmission.....................................................................6-speed automatic Chassis ...............................................................................................Ford E-450 Air Conditioning..........................................................Customer preference Wheelchair Lift....................................................................Equalizer Ramp™ Steering..........................................................................................................OEM Suspension ........................................................................Electronic Air Ride Wheelbase.................................................................................189”, 195” 208”

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Model........................................................................................................Impulse Seating Capacity ..........................................................Up to 28 passengers Length.......................................................................................257” - 333” OAL Width..................................................................................................91” Interior Height ...............................................................................................79” Interior Engine............................................................................................Gas or Diesel Transmission ...........................................................4 or 5 speed/Automatic Chassis.........................................................................................Ford or Chevy Air Conditioning ................................................................................OEM Dash Wheelchair Lift ..........................................................Available as an option Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension.........................Heavy-duty suspension available as option Wheelbase.........................................................................................138” - 208”

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REV Group

REV Group

Krystal

Federal Coach

Combining a pedigree of over 30 years of industry leading quality and value with the standard bearer of luxury, Krystal Bus is manufactured by Champion Bus. Produced in a state-of-the-art facility, the complete product line has that unmistakable style and appeal the industry has come to know and love.

The F650 Shuttle Bus model provides a long list of standard features as well as a wide selection of optional equipment to assure passengers comfort and safety. With seating capacities from 28 to 43 passengers, the F650 Shuttle Bus makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Champion enhancements to the Krystal product include the proven EP3 electrical system, corrosion resistant steel cage treatment, composite subfloor, and the strong foundations of Champion Bus and REV Bus Group. With Krystal, luxury isn’t just an expectation, it’s a tradition.

Krystal 331 Graham Rd. Imlay City, MI 48444 800-776-4943/810-724-6474 Fax: 810-724-1844 Email: sales@championbus.com Website: www.krystalbus.com

Model ................................................................................................Krystal K40 Seating Capacity..................................................................................28 to 43 Length.................................................................................................36.5’ & 40’ Width ................................................................................................................101” Height..............................................................................................................126” Engine.......................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7L Diesel Transmission.......................................................................Allison 2500 Auto Chassis.................................................................................................Ford F650 Air Conditioning ............................................................ACC Climate Control Wheelchair Lift ........................................................................Ricon or Braun Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension....................................................................................OEM Air Ride Wheelbase .........................................................................................260”, 296”

The Spirit model by Federal Coach is excellent for transporting corporate executives and larger groups who demand high-end transport at an affordable cost. By being a leader in luxury coach innovative conversions, Federal Coach can transform a bus into a corporate-style executive coach or luxury limousine.

Options like flat-screen LCD TVs, high-end seating, special LED lighting packages and black-out windows, and fixed and removable wood tables and bars make this unit special for any application.

Federal Coach 331 Graham Rd. Imlay City, MI 48444 800-776-4943 Fax: 810-724-1844 Email: sales@championbus.com Website: www.federalcoachbus.com

Model ...........................................................................................................Spirit Seating Capacity .................................................................................Up to 28 Length........................................................................................................23’, 27’ Width.................................................................................................................96” Height .............................................................................................................110” Engine.....................................................................................5.4L V8, 6.8L V10 Transmission......5.4L - 5-speed automatic; 6.8L - 6-speed automatic Chassis.........................................................................Ford E-350; Ford E-450 Air Conditioning ................................................................Up to 127,000 BTU Steering..........................................................................................Power (OEM) Suspension............................................................................OEM or MORryde Wheelbase...........................................................138”, 158”, 176”, 202”, 208”

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REV Group

REV Group

ElDorado

ENC With over 30 years of experience, ElDorado can build the ideal vehicle to suit any needs, and manufactures commercial cutaway buses ranging from 20 to 32 feet in length, each delivering safety, comfort and dependability.

When purchasing any ElDorado model from an authorized dealer, customers also get three decades of organizational experience and expertise.

ElDorado has a nationwide dealer network because there’s no replacement for having local support when carrying the important “cargo” in the world; passengers.

The Aerotech is Altoona tested for 7 years/200,000 miles, and is the only vehicle in its class to be crash tested in an automotive testing facility. The ElDorado Aerotech’s steel reinforced fiberglass composite body is highly resistant to impact, rust, and corrosion, and fiberglass body panels provide passengers with a quiet interior.

The Aerotech is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2008-certified commercial vehicle manufacturing facility to offer best overall value.

ElDorado 1655 Wall St. Salina, KS 67401 800-850-1287 Fax: 785-823-9471 Email: sales@eldorado-bus.com Website: www.eldorado-bus.com

Model .....................................................................................................Aerotech Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 25 Length.............................................................................................20’, 22’ & 24’ Width.................................................................................................................96” Height...............................................................................................................115” Engine ........................Ford 6.8L V8 Gas/CNG or Chevy 6.0L V8 Gas/LPG Transmission......................................................................5 or 6-Speed Auto Chassis...................................Ford E350 & E450 Or Chevy G3500 & 4500 Air Conditioning ............................................................ACT Climate Control Wheelchair Lift ........................................................................Braun or Ricon Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension........OEM, Heavy-Duty suspension available as an Option Wheelbase..........................................................................................138” - 182”

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The E-Z Rider II is the gold standard in mid-size, heavy-duty low-floor bus design. A stylized swept windshield increases driver visibility, decreases glare during night operation and reduces wind noise. ADAcompliant wheelchair ramps at front, center or both doors provide complete paratransit access for up to four wheelchair passengers. An optional center door ramp can accommodate large electric scooters with ease.

With a wide range of options to choose from, the E-Z Rider II can be custom built to meet specific needs and separate a fleet from the ordinary. A 35-foot length model seats up to 41 passengers, equal to the capacity of competing 40-foot length models. The EZ-Rider II is FTA Altoona tested and built on a sturdy single-piece, high-strength steel monocoque body structure to ensure safe and reliable long-term service in the harshest environments. With hundreds of available seating configurations and dozens of optional interior/exterior features to choose from, any design request can be accommodated to provide an aesthetically pleasing and quality bus built for customer specific needs.

ENC 9670 Galena St. Riverside, CA 92509 909-591-9557 Fax: 909-591-5285 Email: info@eldorado-ca.com Website: www.eldorado-ca.com

Model...................................................................................................EZ Rider II Seating Capacity ..................................................................................Up to 41 Length....................................................................................30’7”, 31’3”, 35’7” Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................Diesel 126”; CNG 136” Engine ...................................................................................................Cummins Transmission.........................Allison - B300R, Allison - B400R, Voith, ZF Chassis.................................................................................ElDorado National Air Conditioning........................................................Roof or rear mounted, plus dash mounted driver’s HVAC Wheelchair Ramp .......................................................Lift-U, Ricon or Braun Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension .................................................Air Suspension Front and Rear Wheelbase................................................................................160”, 168”, 220”

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REV Group

REV Group

ElDorado Mobility

Collins Bus

The Amerivan PT Dodge conversion is fully ADA-compliant, providing single and multiunit owners with a durable, cost efficient alternative to larger vans. The Amerivan PT Dodge designs have passed all applicable FMVSS/CMVSS crash testing requirements, are Altoona tested and Federal Transit Administration approved for all Buy America applications. Spacious, durable and comfortable, the Amerivan PT Dodge delivers unmatched safety, maximum flexibility, ease of operation and is the best value for the money.

Made specifically for the transit market, the Amerivan PT Dodge is equipped with 60 inches of interior height at mid and front cabin. The sturdy ADA 31-inch manual foldout ramp has an easy-to-use swing-out gate feature, standard for quick and clear access for all passengers. An optional swing-in or fixed ramp makes the Amerivan PT the ideal choice for the transit market. The Amerivan PT Dodge represents the best in a premium quality lowered-floor minivan for light transit use. The Amerivan PT Dodge conversion has been Altoona tested for 4 years/100,000 miles for proven dependability. The Amerivan PT’s stainless steel floor and door extensions offer maximum protection from rust and corrosion.

Every ElDorado Mobility component of the Amerivan PT has undergone rigid testing for safety and performance, and meets or exceeds all applicable U.S. and Canadian standards. All the renowned construction features of the consumer version, including the standard all-stainless steel floor, is delivered in an economical, durable commercial version.

Collins Bus Corporation, a subsidiary of REV Group (ASV), manufactures the Type A school bus, multi-function school activity bus (MFSAB), multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and child care bus models.

The company introduced the industry’s first small school bus model in 1967, which paved the way for the development of the Type A federal school bus classification and established the company as a leader in innovative design. Collins Bus also pioneered the first school bus wheelchair lift in the mid-1970’s, and introduced the first propane-powered Type A school bus in 2010. And with more than 50 dealer locations in the United States and Canada, Collins Bus has one of the industry’s largest distribution networks.

Collins Bus Corporation 415 W. 6th St. South Hutchinson, KS 67505 620-662-9000 Fax: 620-662-3838 Twitter: @collinsbus Website: www.collinsbuscorp.com

ElDorado Mobility 1655 Wall St., Salina, KS 67401 866-392-6300 Fax: 785-827-3017 Email: mobilitysupport@eldoradomobility.com Website: www.eldoradomobility.com Model ..............................................2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Amerivan Seating Capacity ...............................................................................................6 Length.........................................................................................................202.8" Width..............................................................................................................78.7" Height..........................................................................................................73.75” Engine.......................................................3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine Transmission...............................6-Speed Automatic 62TE Transmission Fuel Options ...................................................................................................Gas Chassis..........................................................................Dodge Grand Caravan Air Conditioning .................................................................................Standard Wheelchair Option....................................................................................Ramp Steering................................................................Electronic Power Steering Suspension .........................................................................................Solid Axle Wheelbase ...................................................................................................121.2"

Model..........................................................................................................Transit Seating Capacity .................................................................................Up to 34 Length.................................................................................................20’ to 24.1’ Exterior Height ...............................................................................102” to 115” GVWR ..........................................................................9,000 lbs. to 14,500 lbs.

Key Features..............................Altoona testing simulating 7 years/ 200,000 miles, exclusive external storage compartment, innovative structural design, and industry’s largest view-out window.

Chassis Options...GM or Ford chassis - gas, diesel, propane and CNG

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TEMSA Introduces The Enhanced TS 35E At UMA Expo 2016 Temsa Global, along with its U.S. distributor CH Bus Sales, attended the United Motorcoach Expo (UMA) in Atlanta, GA, where it introduced the new TS 35E mid-sized coach. The event included a First Order Presentation to Royal Excursion, of South Bend, IN.

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Shown, left to right, are Tim Vaught (CH Bus Sales), Osman Dundar (Temsa Global), Mehmet Pekarun (Temsa Global), Duane Geiger (CH Bus Sales), Shannon Kaser (Royal Excursion), Robert Foley (CH Bus Sales), Randy Angell (CH Bus Sales), Deniz Cetin (Temsa Global), Dincer Celik (Temsa Global), and Ibrahim Eserce (Temsa Global).

CH Bus Sales President and CEO Robert Foley discussed its TS 35 model. The company will be delivering its 500th TS 35 this spring.

Foley said the vehicle structure and main components remain intact on the new TS 35E version, but it offers improved service accessibility, improved driver ergonomics, and enhanced curb appeal.

Temsa and CH Bus Sales offer three different size coaches ranging from 30 to 56 seats (TS 30, TS 35 and TS 45).

Temsa Chairman of the Board Mehmet Pekarun also attended the Expo. Pekarun said that Temsa is one of the companies of Sabanci Group, and since its first bus production in 1987, the company’s annual production capacity at the Adana factory in Turkey totals 2,000 buses, 2,000 minibuses and 7,500 light trucks with exports to 64 different countries.

Tim Vaught, vice president of sales, service, and product development, and Ibrahim Eserce, research and development/after-sales services director at Temsa, described the specific product development and features of the new Temsa TS 35E model.

Vaught acknowledged the Product Committee that had an important role in understanding the wants and needs of operators and incorporating them in the new design.

The Product Committee includes CH Bus and Temsa representatives and Temsa operators.

Ibrahim Eserce of Temsa described the new enhancements on the TS 35E coach, “The upgraded features include an updated and modern look to the front face and rear door, new styling in the entryway with added LED tread lighting on the steps, new overhead reading lights, and enclosed parcel racks.

“Driver ergonomics is improved with an enlarged driver area (increased by 4-inches), updated ergonomic buttons, and an updated dashboard cover.

Improving the serviceability of the coach was a large factor in the vehicle enhancement and is accomplished with a 3-piece front bumper, 3-piece rear engine door, stacked alternators, and 315 size tires.”

To close the press conference, Duane Geiger, executive vice president of CH Bus Sales, recognized Shannon Kaser, owner and president of Royal Excursion as taking the first order for the TS 35E coach.

Royal Excursion offers a variety of transportation services including wedding parties, sports events travel, school field trips, and corporate events. The company was named among the 2013 Indiana Companies to Watch and has been operating as a locally owned and operated transportation company since 1998.

Royal Excursion now has five Temsa vehicles within its fleet, three TS 35 mid-size coaches, including the E model and two TS 45 full-size coaches. Visit www.chbussales.com for more information.

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CCW Delivers ZEPS Electric Buses To City Of McAllen, TX, Transit Complete Coach Works (CCW) has delivered two Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) buses, that include a wireless charging system to TXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City of McAllenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transit Department, known as Metro McAllen.

Mario Delgado, transit director of Metro McAllen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a refurbished bus with a chassis we currently operate in our fleet makes it practical in terms of interchangeability of parts, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great benefit to us. The ZEPS bus is all around better for the environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The two ZEPS buses will reduce the cost of maintenance and fuel, and are also five feet longer than the current buses in the McAllen fleet, permitting a larger capacity limit.â&#x20AC;?

McAllen had a rollout ceremony in January at its terminal.

CCW is a U.S. bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company and provider of transportation solutions with over 28 years.

The City of McAllenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transit Department was created in 2001 to manage and maintain Central Station, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international transit terminal facility. Metro McAllen currently operates seven intercity bus routes and a paratransit bus service for eligible patrons. The bus system hubs out of the downtown terminal where passengers can connect to international, national, regional and intercity destinations.

For more information, contact Celeste Casas at 800-287-7253 or e-mail ccasas@completecoach.com.

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New Van Hool CX35 Featured At UMA Expo 2016 ABC Companies displayed its new Van Hool CX35 coach during the recent UMA Expo. Late in 2015, a CX35 demo coach toured the U.S. and was showcased at ABC open houses nationwide, at trade shows, and at select customer locations.

Van Hool plans on increasing production based on the initial demand for this new vehicle.

“This product is built to meet market demand while giving operators greater choice and versatility for fleet operations with a smaller, upscale coach solution,” said Jay Oakman, vice president of ABC’s Commercial Group. “We believe the CX35 offers features that create high-value and a full-size coach experience in a mid-size, more fuel efficient model.”

“The coach’s 102-inch exterior width and fullsize coach height offer a roomy and spacious cabin design, and features front-to-rear flat floor

design with no step-up throughout. An integrated A/C system translates to more luggage space below, plus a curved passenger entry is both aesthetically pleasing and offers the same uniform step height as the CX45 for passenger boarding.

The CX35 also features a mid-ship wheelchair lift for ADA passengers, and an extensive package of safety features comes standard,” according to a press release.

The Van Hool CX35 is supported by ABC CustomerCare and comes with an OEM warranty support package. Live, 24/7 support is available for technical troubleshooting and coach down roadside service coordination. ABC also offers parts support, vehicle care, repairs and scheduled maintenance through its nationwide network of service and parts locations.

Call 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com for more information.

Roman Cornell To Lead ABC/Muncie-Baker Parts Group Roman Cornell will lead the ABC’s Parts Group, which encompasses the ABC OEM and aftermarket brands as well as its transit parts group, Muncie-Baker.

In addition to his responsibilities as executive vice president, ABC Companies, Cornell will oversee the Parts division’s sales and oper-

ational performance.

“We understand the importance of keeping fleets up and running and producing revenue. Our parts team is dedicated, knowledgeable and solely focused on helping fleet owners minimize coach downRoman Cornell time,” Cornell said.

“The ABC Parts supply chain offers a large inventory of parts, components and accessories for transit, motorcoach and heavy equipment requirements. Its distribution network covers the U.S. and Canada, is staffed by parts professionals, and offers live tech support, toll-free and online ordering, free ground shipping on orders over $100, as well as 24hour turnaround on in-stock orders,” according to the company.

“We have the capability to streamline the entire parts management process for customers,” Cornell said. “From ordering and support through product delivery our goal is to deliver a first-class customer experience.”

Under Cornell’s management, strategic plans during 2016 will focus on continued growth and broader diversification across all part business segments.

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Turbo Images Announces Winner Of Bus Wrap Turbo Images has announced that Bill Meehan, vice president of operations at Polynesian Adventure Tours, LLC/Gray Line Hawaii (www.polyadhawaiitours.com) won the $5,000 bus wrap prize during the recent UMA Expo 2016 in Atlanta, GA. “UMA Expo 2016 was a huge success for Turbo Images. Attendance and traffic was significantly up from last year, enabling us to make contact with several potential new clients and new industry contacts,” according to a company press release.

“As well, the Expo is a great way to boost our relationships with active customers.

“This Expo was also Turbo Images’ first participation in an UMA industry seminar.

Having the opportunity to share our expertise with the industry was quite a rewarding experience, and we plan on continuing to support UMA Expo through other seminars initiatives in the years ahead.”

Visit www.turbo-images.com for more information.

Advantage: Continued From Page 41 each customer is willing to absorb and the arrangement that works best with his or her operation.

• WHO IS YOUR SELLER? Tour and transit business owners with experience perform their due diligence and buy from a reputable dealer. And in truth, there aren’t a great many dealers out there. If you plan to buy from a third party, however, your lender may want to send out an independent inspector to examine the vehicle. The inspector will be looking at many of the same elements you are: condition, mileage, prior usage, engine, transmission,

Pictured left to right, are Turbo Images Executive Vice President-Coach Division Esther Morissette, Polynesian Adventure Tours Vice President of Operations Bill Meehan and Turbo Images President & CEO Pier Veilleux.

wheels, and so on. Don’t be annoyed if your lender decides to send out an inspector; feel good about it instead. Your lender simply wants to protect himself or herself and protect you as well. No one wants to owe money on an asset that doesn’t perform. Almost every tour- or transit-company owner out there can tell horror stories about a unit full to capacity and experiencing downtime, while customers grow hot, hungry and angry as minutes turn to hours of delay.

• IN WHAT OTHER WAYS MAY I BE OF SERVICE? A lender who is genuinely interested in you and your business looks not only to provide a good financial product, but also good

service and a good relationship. He or she may provide online options for making payments and monitoring your account. And chances are good that the lender will stay in touch, sending regular news about your industry, about financial and economic trends, and about the finance company. Expect a lot from your lender, and ask for what you need. If you don’t get it, look elsewhere. There are many lenders out there who want and will value your business.

Jaffet Juan is a Regional Sales Representative at Advantage Funding in Lake Success, N.Y. Advantage Funding is one of the largest transportation finance firms in the U.S.

Your Ideal Traveling Companion Since 1967 the name Lazzerini has been synonymous with creativity and innovation in the design and production of high quality light weight seating for transit bus and motorcoach.

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MCI Showcases Two New J4500 Coaches At UMA Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., showcased two new 2016 J4500 coaches with a tighter-turning independent front suspension system during the recent 2016 UMA Expo.

“The vehicles feature smooth-stopping braking with an optional radar-based collision avoidance system. These coaches also demonstrate a new optional severe-duty package designed for harsh road environments,” according to MCI. “Throughout the expo, MCI representatives were available to share data on the J4500’s total cost of operation, fuel economy and 10-year residual-value advantage.”

MCI also presented a two-door Setra S 417 Top Class with club corner lounge, trimmed seats, glass roof, galley, and rear window. Daimler and Setra representatives from Europe were available to discuss the Setra S 417 advances.

MCI is the exclusive distributor of Setra S417 and S407 in the United States and Canada.

MCI Service Parts also provided details on new parts programs and a technician training expansion during the Expo, as well as demonstrating MCI’s Companion App. MCI said, “The app features fast, mobile access to an interactive map of MCI service center locations, one-touch calling for technical and emergency roadside assistance, parts promotions, product information and much more.”

New Flyer employs approximately 5,000 with fabrication, manufacturing, distribution and service centers in Canada and the United States.

ANDERSON Insurance Consultants, Inc.

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We are here for you. Contact us today for a quick evaluation of your transportation needs.

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New Flyer offers transit bus product lines Xcelsior® and MiDi® models, incorporating a range of drive systems available, including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, electric-trolley and now battery-electric. New Flyer supports over 42,000 heavyduty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI and Orion) currently in service.

New Flyer also operates an aftermarket parts organization providing support for all types of transit buses and motor coaches. All buses and coaches are supported by a warranty, service and support network.

Visit www.mcicoach.com and www.newflyer.com for more information.

MCI To Build Additional 332 Commuter Coaches For NJ Transit Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., announced that the Board of Directors of New Jersey’s public transportation authority has authorized an option to purchase an additional 332 MCI 45-foot Commuter Coaches at an estimated value of $166 million.

In July 2015, MCI and NJ Transit signed a public transit contract for 772 new commuter coaches to operate on New Jersey’s roads and highways. This additional board authorization now increases the total number of approved options contract to 1,104 over the next six years, with a total value of approximately $561 million. MCI is in the process of delivering three pilot buses to NJ Transit, and following an in-service evaluation and funding approval, a purchase order is expected for the first year production, according to MCI.

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Irizar: Continued From Page 33 design, ergonomics, durability, accessibility and weight optimization; â&#x20AC;˘ Dual zone climate system that adapts to the needs of the driver and passengers; â&#x20AC;˘ Insulation packaging in the engine compartment that ensures a quiet passenger experience; â&#x20AC;˘ Interior lighting with LED technology, tactile switches in diffusers for reading and to request the stewardess, stops, and seat numbers; â&#x20AC;˘ Flat screen monitors; and, â&#x20AC;˘ Optimal HVAC performance.

Protective: Continued From Page 40 also discussed, including managing fuel efficiency and maximizing profit, as well as passenger wait times. n When Alcohol is Involved: A Look at Additional Passenger Liability Marc Kallish, Roetzel Alcohol is playing a bigger role than ever in the public transportation industry; bachelor and bachelorette parties often include alcohol in their limousine usage, and sometimes underage drinkers sneak onto party busses.

This seminar focused on the different types of liabilities that arise when alcohol is added into the mix of public transportation, including

The Irizar i6 offers adaptability, allowing clients to configure the coach and other equipment options according to their specifications and needs.

Options include a wide range of finishes and various seat upholsteries, as well as on-board entertainment, including a Wi-Fi system, iPod connection, monitors integrated into the seats, individual audio, navigation and surveillance systems, and a number of catering options.

Further upgrades include access for persons with disabilities, fire extinguishing equipment, air purifiers and more.

INA Bus Sales INA Bus Sales, Las Vegas, NV, is Irizar's exclusive distributor for the sale and aftersale of Irizar products in the United States.

Comprised of over 2,600 employees, the Irizar Group has five coach and bus production plants (Spain, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa). In addition to these companies, the group has its own R&D Center, which has the long term goal of carrying out applied research and the technological development of its own products and systems.

Visit www.irizar.com for more information.

coverage types to criminal claims. n Body Language Recognition: Thinking Outside the Bus Jesus Villahermosa, Crisis Reality Training How can you predict if someone is going to become aggressive or violent after they board your bus? In this session, Jesus Villahermosa discussed why reading body language is so important to recognizing and stopping violence before it occurs. Drivers should always trust their gut instincts when it comes to risk mitigation. n How to Assess Subject Credibility Joseph Buckley, Reid & Associates Do you know how to tell if someone is telling the truth or withholding important information?

Buckley explains how you can decipher this based upon verbal and nonverbal behavior displayed. Clips of police interrogations were shared, and attendees practiced their newfound skills by assessing which interviewees were telling the truth. n Is Safety Training Your Weakest Link?

Fred Doelker, Dean Transportation This interactive presentation demonstrates how one large bus company with multiple terminals created a training program that provides ongoing driver and management training. His top two tips concerning safety are: (No. 1) Slow down and focus on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important right now; and, (No. 2) you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret doing the right thing.

THE DIAMOND FAMILY

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

Prevost

Relational Bus Systems (RBS, Inc.)

As a manufacturer, Prevost features a product lineup that includes motorcoaches, conversion shells, parts and repair services.

Relational Bus Systems (RBS, Inc.) provides computer software systems, consulting and training for the bus and motorcoach marketplace. Shown, left to right, are Bob Schecter, president; and Jonathan Mead, software engineer.

Protective Insurance Company

BITZER

Types of insurance that are provided by Protective Insurance Company include physical damage, bus and limo, and workers compensation. Shown, left to right, are Nicholas Broughton, regional sales manager; Stacy Renz, vice president of sales; and Scott St. Clair, regional sales manager.

Amaya Astron Seating

A manufacturer of a wide variety of seating products for the bus and motorcoach industry is Amaya Astron Seating.

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BITZER supplies the bus and motorcoach industry with air conditioning parts and systems. Shown, left to right, are Alexandre St-Charles, regional sales manager for Quebec and the Atlantic provinces; and Natalie Van Dyke, transport sales manager for North America.

Profusion Industries

A provider of flooring materials for the bus/motorcoach marketplace is ProFusion Industries. Shown, left to right, are Jack Woodyard, vice president; and Keith Bell, director of business development.

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

Lancer Insurance Company

Among the various offerings from Lancer Insurance Company are bus and limo, general and physical damage insurance.

Vanner Inc.

Among the products provided by Vanner Inc., are inverters and converters.

Shown, left to right, are Steven Funk, president; Doug Adams, Western Regional manager/North American bus market manager; and Bruce Beegle, vice president/truck and military sales.

Alliance Bus Group/CAIO

A manufacturer of intercity and mid-size vehicles for the bus and motorcoach industry is Alliance Bus Group/CAIO.

Motor Coach Industries (MCI)

Motorcoach manufacturer, Motor Coach Industries (MCI), also produces conversion shells and sells used buses. MCI is the exclusive distributor as well of Setra motorcoaches and parts in the United States and Canada.

Willingham Inc.

Willingham Inc., supplies such products as driver seats, seat cover replacements, seating parts and accessories, upholstery and embroidery. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Jason and Gene Willingham.

OnSpot Automatic Tire Chains

A manufacturer of safety equipment, including tire chains, for the bus and motorcoach industry is Onspot Automatic Tire Chains. Shown, left to right, are regional managers Danny Graham and Daniel Corriveau.

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

Fortress Systems International

Among the products provided by Fortress Systems International are fleet information systems, safety equipment, security devices, transit management systems, vehicle monitoring systems and video surveillance equipment. Shown, left to right, are Daniel Willis, account executive; and Frank Bowden, vice president of sales.

Shriver Insurance Agency

Shriver Insurance Agency provides different types of insurance including bus and limo, physical damage and workers compensation. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Charlie Shriver and Michael McDaniels.

Turtle Top

Turtle Top is a manufacturer of mid-size, paratransit and electric/hybrid buses as well as limousine coaches. The company also sells specialty vehicles.

Shown, left to right, are Rocco Andurlakis, of Davey Coach Sales Inc.; Gerry Lawton, of Turtle Top; and Bill Curry, of Davey Coach Sales Inc.

De Leo/Epengle Tekstil

A provider of fabric for the bus and motorcoach industry is De Leo/Epengle Tekstil. Shown, left to right, are Ismail Arslan, vice president of business development for De Leo; and Ahmet Urkut, export sales specialist for Epengle.

RUD Chain, Inc.

Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery

Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery provides seat cover replacement, upholstery, flooring material and fabric, and its mobile road crew for on-site installation work.

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Supplying automatic snow chains specially designed for commercial vehicles and buses is RUD Chain.

Shown, left to right, are Steve Blood, account manager for Rotogrip Product Development; and Bryce Brekke, TPC product support.

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation

Among the various products and services provided by Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation are entertainment coach interiors, transit management systems, and sales of conversion shells, midsize and transit buses and motorcoaches.

Advantage Funding

Advantage Funding provides various financial services, including leasing, for the bus and motorcoach industry. Shown, left to right, are Peter Heber, regional manager; Jaffet Juan, regional manager; and Alvaro Damiani, president.

Bitimec Wash-Bots, Inc.

Supplying vehicle washing and water treatment systems to the bus and motorcoach marketplace is Bitimec Wash-Bots, Inc. Shown, left to right, are Bruno Albanesi, president; and Christian Murillo, office manager.

Temsa Global/CH Bus Sales

Bus and motorcoach manufacturer Temsa Global produces vehicles for the North American and European transportation industries. CH Bus Sales, Inc., is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States and Canada.

AngelTrax

Among the various products provided for the bus and motorcoach industry by AngelTrax are vehicle monitoring systems and video surveillance equipment.

Turbo Images

Turbo Images specializes in graphics, decals and design work for the bus and motorcoach industry. Shown, left to right, are Sylvie Paré, senior account executive; Catherine Lapointe, national account executive; Esther Morissette, executive vice president-coach division; and Pier Veilleux, president & CEO.

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

TRP Bus Parts

ABC Companies

An exclusive U.S. distributor of new Van Hool products, ABC Companies also specializes in collision repair, financial services, parts and used bus sales.

TRP provides aftermarket parts for all makes of commercial equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including trucks, trailers, buses, engines and winches. Shown, left to right, are Lee Yarbrough, special markets sales manager; and Dale Puhrmann, national sales manager-bus segment.

Camira Group, Inc.

Supplying a wide variety of fabrics and upholstery options for the bus and motorcoach industry is Camira Group Inc., formerly known as Holdsworth Fabrics.

This includes many color and design choices.

Lazzerini Corporation

Serving as a seat manufacturer and supplier of parts/accessories to the bus and motorcoach industry is Lazzerini Corporation. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Franco Paganuzzi and Rocco Carbone.

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Complete Coach Works/Transit Sales International

Complete Coach Works offers collision repair, interior rehab, fleet alternative fuel conversion and vehicle remanufacturing. Transit Sales International sells various types of buses. Shown is Elliott Carson, sales executive.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO)

Supplying new and retreaded tires for the bus and motorcoach industry is Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO).

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UMA Motorcoach Expo 2016 Booth Photo Gallery

Safety Step

Manufacturing safety step stools for the bus/motorcoach industry is Safety Step. Shown are company representatives Anna Guardipee and Paul Huffman.

La France Industries

A supplier of seating fabric for motorcoaches and transit buses is La France Industries. Shown is Jeff Goldwasser, sales executive.

Kirkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Automotive, Inc.

Providing air conditioning parts and systems, alternators, generators, starters and steering parts and systems is Kirkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Automotive Inc. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Bob Kirkman, Christie Maher and Mark Weiby.

Motor Coach Tire Sales, LLC

Motorcoach Tire Sales offers new and used tires to the bus/motorcoach industry. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Dan Snavely and Bill Kaiser.

SEFAC, Inc.

Providing lift and safety equipment and parts for the bus and motorcoach industry is SEFAC, Inc. All SEFAC lifts feature a patented electromechanical, selflocking design, based on an Acme threaded screw and a bronze load nut.

EverBank Commercial Finance, Inc.

Providing a variety of financial services to the bus and motorcoach industry is EverBank Commercial Finance, Inc.

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Distinctive Systems, Inc.

Among the products provided by Distinctive Systems Inc., are computer-related consulting, training and software. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Paul McJannett, Eric Elliott, Don Greenglass and Bob Hopwood.

UMA: Continued From Page 32 tainly you and I as business members.

“Thankfully, there are congressional leaders who recognize the value of the bus and motorcoach industry to our communities and our nation’s economy. They know this industry has an outstanding safety record and its members have the respect of running successful businesses, making payroll, purchasing equipment — all without receiving government handouts.”

He added that there remains a concern over fewer companies entering the motorcoach industry.

“There has been a major drop-off in new entrants over the past several years,” Krapf said.

“This is not good as a growing market is a market of opportunity for each and every one of us.”

Parra agreed, stating in the UMA press conference that new operators bring vitality and creativity to the market.

“They look at things and may approach the market differently,” Parra said. “An industry that does not grow is an industry that dies. That is why we fought so hard with FAST Act, to make it easier for new entrants to get into this market.

“It concerns me when I see a lot of consolidation taking place in our industry and few new entrants.”

Andrew Young Speaks At Opening Session major contributor to U.S. politics and civil rights provided the keynote address at the UMA Expo Opening Session. During his life, Andrew Young has been a pastor, helped draft the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965, and was a strong supporter, aide and personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Young

A

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American Cooling Technologies (ACT)

American Cooling Technology (ACT) supplies the bus and motorcoach industry with a variety of heating and air conditioning parts and systems. Shown, left to right, are Dave Oberdorff, president & CEO; Adolfo Salinas, director of engineering R & D; and Gary Treharne, regional sales manager.

also served in the U.S. Congress, was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, and was mayor of Atlanta for two terms.

During much of his address, Young discussed the growth that Atlanta has experienced during the past half century, and credited the bus/motorcoach industry with playing an important role in this growth.

“You (bus and motorcoach operators) have helped make this city what it is today. I don’t think you can grow up in America without having some exciting experiences on a motorcoach,” Young said. “I was blessed, along with my wife, right after college, to be selected to go to Europe to help build refugee camps for people who were coming from the communist zone into West Germany and Austria. This was during the 1950s. As part of a group of students from 14 different nations, we were able to travel around Europe on a motorcoach. When I look back on my life, so much of it happened on a motorcoach.”

Young discussed in length the transformation of Atlanta from just another southern city to a major international destination, one that even hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. He added that the city has lived up to the saying, “All Roads Lead To Atlanta,” because its leaders, citizens and businesses have worked together for the greater good.

Young explained that city leaders and citizens alike in Atlanta recognized long ago the importance of black and white people moving forward together. As a result, during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Atlanta became known as the city “too busy to hate.”

Eventually — through this effort of working together — a major airport was constructed for the area, and Major League Baseball’s

March/April 2016

Milwaukee Braves moved to the city, bringing Atlanta a big league feel. Growth in all directions soon followed. “(Atlanta leaders and residents) understood that if we could get people to come here for a visit, and treat them right, they would come back. They might come back with their board of directors or their staff or their family,” Young said. “By the third or fourth visit, these people might say to themselves, ‘This would be a good place to live. This would be a good place to do business.’ “(Atlanta’s) convention and visitors bureau became a magnet attracting businesses to this city. It was also the airport, the highways and your motorcoach industry that helped. The Georgia World Congress Center attracted a new level of conventions. Today, our city has 49 million visitors per year.”

Young praised the motorcoach industry for helping the city transport people to and from different events during the 1996 Summer Olympics.

“There was nothing more difficult than getting some people to believe that we could host the Olympics. They said, ‘The traffic will choke you,’” Young said. “We ended up hosting the largest Olympics in the history of the Olympics.

We had over 200 countries and over 2 million paid visitors. We also had many volunteers to help. And because of these volunteers, we raised $2.5 billion privately for the Olympics and spent $2.4 billion. We had $100 million left over.

“Much of this was also due to the efficiency of moving people back and forth between the hotels and the stadiums thanks to your (bus/motorcoach) industry. When you take people back and forth from community to community you, as an industry, are creating jobs, creating a vision and creating opportunities.”

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