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CONTENTS
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MAy/JuNE 2012 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com
IN THIS ISSUE Sonoma Sterling Limousines Serving California Wine Country ..........8
Public Transit Executives Continue To Attract Riders With Innovation & Improved Service ..........................20 Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Software Systems............................40
Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Chassis & Suspensions ...................42
Busline Vehicle Showcase:
ALTERNATIVE FUELS/ HYBRID VEHICLES
34
RAPID RESPONSE.....................................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS ...................................Page 45 ON THE COVER: Pictured are Sonoma Sterling Limousines owners Moira and Dan Bessette with the company’s new 2012 Federal Coach Spirit 27. (Photo by George Wiltshire) See page 8.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2012 August 7-9 International Motor Coach Group (IMG) Strategic Alliance Meeting Minneapolis, MN Info: 888-447-3466
August 27-28 Midwest Bus & Motorcoach Association Annual Meeting and Driving Competition Grand Rapids, MI Info: 608-354-7110
August 14-16 State Public Transportation Partnership Conference Chicago, IL Info: 202-496-4800
SEPTEMBER 2012 September 11-12 BusCon 2011 Chicago, IL Info: 800-576-8788
August 15-19 National Association Of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO) Annual Conference Norfolk, VA Info: 571-312-7117
September 30 - October 3 APTA Annual Meeting Seattle, WA Info: 202-496-4800
NOVEMBER 2012 November 10-14 Canadian Urban Transit Assoc. (CUTA) Fall Conference & Trans-Expo Quebec City, QC Info: 416-365-9800 JANUARY 2013 January 5-9 American Bus Association Marketplace Charlotte, NC Info: 800-283-2877 January 19-23 United Motorcoach Association / National Tour Association Co-located Conventions Orlando, FL 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 2012 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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May/June 2012
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 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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Proterra 35
GILLIG 35
RBS, Inc. 36 • Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC 37 Distinctive Systems 38 • Motorcoach Manager 39
Buyers Guide To Software Systems 40
Company
Website
Alexander Dennis Inc. ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison Bauer Compressors Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation Bitzer Budget Truck & Autobody BusCon Expo Chestnut Ridge Foam Clean Energy Creative Bus Sales Distinctive Systems EMP Federal Coach Freightliner Imeco, Inc. MAHA Lifts MCI (Motor Coach Industries) Midwest Bus Corporation Mile-X
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www.alexander-dennis.com www.arbocsv.com www.atlanticdda.com www.bauercng.com www.coachsales.com www.bitzerus.com www.budgettruckandauto.com www.busconexpo.com www.chestnutridgefoam.com www.cleanenergyfuels.com www.creativebussales.com www.distinctivesystems.com www.emp-corp.com www.federalcoachbus.com www.freightlinerchassis.com www.groupeimeco.com www.maha-usa.com www.mcicoach.com www.midwestbus.com www.mile-x.com
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Company
Website
Motorcoach Manager Nissan Commercial Vehicles Paradigm Technology Consulting Penntex Industries Prevost Car Protective Insurance Company Relational Bus Systems Safety Step SEFAC Service Insurance Starcraft Bus Stertil-Koni Sutrak TEMSA Trans/Air Mfg. Transit Sales International Turtle Top Volvo Willingham Inc.
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www.motorcoachmanager.com 39 www.nissancommercialvehicles.com 9 www.ptcllc.com 37 www.penntexusa.com 14 www.prevostcar.com 7 www.protective insurance.com 17 www.rbs2000.com 36 www.safetystep.net 47 www.sefac.com 44 www.serviceins.com 45 www.starcraftbus.com 26, 27 www.stertil-koni.com 43 www.sutrakusa.com 23 www.temsa.com 13 www.transairmfg.com 45 www.transitsales.com 12 www.turtletop.com 2 www.prevostcar.com 52 www.willinghaminc.com 29
Read or Download Complete Issues Of Busline Magazine Online At: www.buslinemag.com Page 6
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May/June 2012
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T h e u l t i m a t e c l a s s.
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Sonoma Sterling Limousines Serving California Wine Country
Owners Dan & Moira Bessette
Santa Rosa, CA
Driver David Gray
By Rick Mullen Busline Magazine Associate Editor
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ocated in one of the most soughtafter and beautiful tourist destinations on the planet, Sonoma Sterling Limousines, of Santa Rosa, CA, has been delighting customers with tours of California Wine Country since 2006. Santa Rosa is located in Sonoma County, about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, which, along with the counties of Napa, Mendocina and part of Lake, are generally thought of as California Wine Country. Today, there are more than 1,200 wineries in Northern California, making some of the finest wines in the world. Tourists visiting the area for wine tours, weddings and corporate events comprise the majority of Sonoma Sterling’s business. “The news came out several years ago that wine is good for your health and there has been more and more media attention toward the wine industry in recent times,” said Sonoma Sterling Limousines President/owner Dan Bessette during a Page 8
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recent interview with Busline Magazine. “This area is incredibly beautiful and it is a desired location for tourism. Even during the downturn of 2008/2009, we still had the advantage of people who said, ‘We were going to go to Hawaii, but we don’t want to spend that much money — let’s go to Wine Country.” A Part-time Job And An Idea Results In A Full-Fledged Business
W
hile working full time as a law enforcement officer in Sonoma County in the early 2000s, an acquaintance of Bessette asked him if he would be interested in doing some parttime work as a chauffeur. “As I began to chauffeur, I found I really enjoyed the people, the interaction with folks and being around Wine Country,” Bessette remembered. “I was working weddings and wine tours, among other events. I liked the fact that everybody was having a good time, and I was able to help.”
May/June 2012
After about a year and a half, Bessette began thinking chauffeur work might be something he would enjoy doing when he retired. He nurtured those thoughts in the back of his mind and, as he approached retirement, he began making some inquiries about getting into the transportation business. “In 2006, we were on a family vacation in Disneyland and I knew that one of the manufacturers of limousines was just a short distance away,” Bessette said. “I visited the company, looked at their cars and was pretty excited seeing the new stretches and other vehicles.” During the visit, Bessette mentioned he was thinking about getting into the limo business. He was told the failure rate of new businesses in the field was 50 percent; therefore, in order to purchase a limo, he would need credit references and other required paperwork. “When they found out I was employed and made a decent income, that was great, but as soon as I said I am going to be operating in the Napa/Sonoma area, they said, ‘Sign right here, you can have the car. You
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that could have been a death knell for the fledgling company. “When the recession struck, even here in our area where tourism is always good, people were taking some real substantial hits,” Bessette said. “Fortunately, I hadn’t gotten in over my head. I was watching the trends and I noticed that as money began to be tight, people “When the recession struck, even here in our area where tourism were leaning more toward cheaper tranis always good, people were taking some real substantial hits. sportation.” Fortunately, I hadn’t gotten in over my head. I was watching the In observing the trends during the trends and I noticed that as money began to be tight, people recession, Bessette were leaning more toward cheaper transportation.” — Dan Bessette noticed that other companies were knew — a month later — I owned a new always very interested in Wine Country transporting people to wineries and hotels and the wineries. I enjoyed the subject a in the area in vans, rather than in limoulimousine. “I was still working full time, but I was great deal and wanted to learn more. sines — a cheaper option for customers. As “After a couple of years of running my a result, Bessette purchased the company’s doing some runs on my days off and found that I enjoyed it as much as I did earlier. I company and doing the majority of the second vehicle — a van. got some good advice and I decided to driving, I was able to hire another driver to “After purchasing the van, I found out incorporate the company, and we set it up help me.” my observations were correct,” Bessette In 2008, just two short years after said. “Our limousine held 8 customers, and as a home-based business.” At first, while still working full-time in Bessette embarked on his new business we were receiving calls from people who law enforcement (he retired in 2007), venture, the worst economic downturn had 9 to 12 people in their groups. The van Bessette picked up whatever work he since the Great Depression of the 1930s could accommodate these groups for less could, working with other companies. One devastated the U.S. economy — an event cost than a limousine. are in Wine Country, and you aren’t going to have a problem.’” The limo manufacturer helped Bessette submit the required paperwork, etc., to get started. “They said, ‘We will help you with all that,’” Bessette said. “The whole thing kind of snowballed on me. The next thing I
plus was his new limo, which was attractive to many companies, as there weren’t very many new limos available. “I kind of just stumbled along for a couple of years trying to put the business together and learn the industry,” he said. “Another company offered to let me to store my vehicle with its vehicle. I was
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MCI reliability starts at the core.
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“Also, during the same time period, there were a number of distressed limousine companies trying to sell their cars. We were very fortunate to be able to pick up another limousine at a very attractive price. The acquisition of these additional vehicles actually made the company grow, because we had more vehicles to offer.” As Sonoma Sterling Limousines continued to grow and purchase vehicles, Bessette was busy driving, answering the phone and cleaning and servicing vehicles. His wife, Sonoma Sterling Limousines Secretary of the Corporation and part owner Moira Bessette, who was working full-time as a freelance journalist and editor, helped out as much as she could. During the recession, her income as a journalist began to decline. “I brought her on to work in the office as my reservation and marketing person and so forth,” Bessette said. “Then we started to notice it was good business being able to put more attention into people’s itineraries and communicating with customers by sending emails back and forth, etc.” The Bessettes realized right away that the company really needed to make the
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position Moira Bessette was filling a fulltime job. In the end, the “negative” of her eroding income in journalism became a crucial “positive” for Sonoma Sterling, improving the company in several areas, including improving customer service in a big way. “The nice thing was that, as my print journalism work began declining, there was more of a need for my time and effort at Sonoma Sterling Limousines,” Moira Bessette said. “At one point, I was working about 25 hours per week at both jobs. This gradual shift happened over the course of about four years. I still continue to do occasional work as a freelance editor and writer. My last assignment for The New York Times was earlier this year.” As the company grew and more vehicles were added, Sonoma Sterling Limousines moved into a facility large enough to accommodate an office and ample space to store vehicles. “Today, we are up to 10 vehicles. We have the facility to store them, provide maintenance and stock all of our supplies,” Dan Bessette said. “We also have facilities here for drivers. It has all kind of gradual-
May/June 2012
ly come together. We are very fortunate to have experienced consistent growth from 2006 until today.” Taking Pride In An Attractive Fleet
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ost people have heard the saying, “The devil is in the details.” Whether it stems from his college job as a detail man in a car lot, or his career as a law enforcement officer, where paying attention to details in dress, conduct and investigations is critical, Bessette is a detail kind of guy when it comes to running his business. He is detailed-minded in the appearance of the company’s drivers — he’s been known to remind drivers that the shine on their shoes needs a little attention — and the appearance of Sonoma Sterling’s vehicles. “Even though I have somebody cleaning the majority of my vehicles, when I want to relax and get my mind off of things, I’ll go out and wash and wax a vehicle,” Bessette said. “Initially, with black vehicles, I would wash them with city water. Then, I would have to completely dry them or
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blow dry them, because the city water left spots. Now I use deionized water, solving the water spots problem. “We had somebody in here recently doing some maintenance on our vehicles and he said, ‘I’ve done work on a lot of vehicles around the county and yours are by far the nicest and best maintained.’ “Early on, when I was working part time with other companies, I was always surprised at the way people maintained their vehicles. I think there is kind of a mindset out there with some folks that if the car or motorcoach is rolling, it is going to make money and they want to keep it rolling. “I’ve heard drivers tell about going down the highway and the brakes on the vehicle they were operating failed. I’ve heard stories about water leaking through the ceilings of vehicles. I’ve been told I spend too much money on maintenance, but my nightmare is somebody calling and saying one of our vehicles broke down on the road.” Sonoma Sterling drivers are trained to alert the company if something isn’t right on a vehicle they are operating. “A driver might come back and say, ‘I
noticed the car is pulling a little to the right.’ In these cases, we look right into it and get it fixed,” Bessette said. “It is expensive, but with the number of miles these vehicles travel a year, you have to stay on top of maintenance.” Great Location And The ‘Boom-Boom’
I
n addition to serving Wine Country, Sonoma Sterling vehicles can be seen throughout the entire Bay Area transporting people to the region’s many and varied sights and attractions, many of which are known worldwide. “We are very fortunate to be located in Wine Country, and servicing the region accounts for a majority of our business,” Bessette said. “People come here from all over the world. However, we also serve the entire Bay Area. We pick up people as far south as San Jose, about two hours away. We travel to the East Bay and we will pick up people in Sacramento (the state capital), which is a couple of hours east. “We are also fortunate to have several professional sport teams in the Bay Area, including the Golden State Warriors and
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Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association, the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders of the National Football League and the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s of Major League Baseball. “There is also a lot of entertainment available in the Bay Area. We take a lot of folks down to San Francisco for shows, concerts, nights out on the town, etc.” In addition to looking great, Sonoma Sterling vehicles also offer convenient and enjoyable amenities to enhance customers’ tour experience and safety. While Sonoma Sterling primarily operates various types of limousines, vans, cars and SUVs, the company has recently added two Federal Coach motorcoaches to its fleet of vehicles. “We purchased a Federal Coach party bus a couple of years ago, which is a very popular vehicle with our customers,” Bessette said. “We use it on trips to San Francisco and for wine tours. People like the convenience of being able to walk and stand in a vehicle — to have enough room to move around. The Federal Coach party bus has a nice stereo system and is very
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comfortable, etc. We get a lot of bookings for this motorcoach.” This year, Sonoma Sterling also purchased a new Federal Coach Spirit 27 black coach after seeing one on display at the International LCT Show in Las Vegas, NV. The LCT tradeshow focuses on limousine, charter and tour operators, according to www.lctshow.com. “Our older Federal is very dependable and it fits our needs very well,” Bessette said. “I have been pleased with it from day 1. Therefore, when I went to the LCT show and saw the new coach, I knew I wanted to purchase another Federal Coach. I talked with some salesmen who were very helpful and informative. I liked the people who were selling the bus, and I liked the bus. “People like the fact that the Federal Spirit coach is equipped with seat belts. More and more people are asking us, ‘Does your bus have seat belts?’ Each seat in the motorcoach has a seat belt and people feel secure riding in the bus. “They also like the Spirit’s stereo system, in which customers can plug in their iPods. Many people like to listen to their own music while on a wine tour. Everybody carries their own music nowa-
days; therefore, the iPod connection is a big deal. The coach is also equipped with TVs and a public address system.” Bessette explained the PA system is not only convenient to communicate with passengers, but it is also a safety feature. The PA allows the operator to communicate with passengers without diverting his attention from the road. “We have equipped the older Federal bus with a nice stereo and sub-woofers — I call it the ‘boom-boom,’” Bessette said. “The kids like the ‘boom-boom.’ “People also like the full beverage bars in some of our vehicles that offer cocktail glasses and champagne flutes and plenty of storage room. Sometimes passengers ask us to fill the beverage containers full of ice and so they can bring on board their favorite beverages.” The Federal coaches also have available storage areas that passengers take advantage of in storing wine they purchase during the wine tours. “People, especially in larger groups, will buy cases of wine and we store them and keep them somewhat cool,” Bessette said. “Just one afternoon in the trunk of a vehicle in 90-degree heat can ruin several hun-
dred dollars worth of wine. The wine will get warm and force the cork out of the bottle. People really appreciate that we can keep their wine at a temperature that will not cause any problems.” Sonoma Sterling purchased the new Federal Coach from Creative Bus Sales of Chino, CA. “(Dan Bessette’s) vision of growth for his company through these tough economic times has been made possible through the local relationships he has with his clients, and his willingness to work to meet their needs,” said Jon Fink of Creative Bus Sales. “I look forward to a longstanding partnership with Sonoma Sterling as it continues to grow.” Federal Coach is a division of Forest River, Inc., and a Berkshire Hathaway Company. Federal Coach manufactures a full line of shuttle and limousine buses ranging in capacity from 12 to 45 passengers. Forest River, Inc., acquired Federal Coach’s bus division located in Fort Smith, AR, on Dec. 31, 2009. Forest River began building the Federal Coach product in January 2010 in its 100,000 square-foot state-of-the-art production and paint facilities in Goshen, IN.
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Customer Service — Reliability Is The Name Of The Game
O
ne of the things that attracted Bessette to the motorcoach and limo business was that most people he served were happy and in a festive mood. After all, these folks were anticipating enjoying a tour of Wine Country, or attending a wedding, or traveling to a night on the town. While one of the challenges for a company like Sonoma Sterling is to leave customers with a smile on their face when the trip is completed, it is also important to make sure they are well taken care of before they ever board a vehicle. “The biggest aspect of customer service is that people want reliability,” Bessette said. “Many people tell us they have repeatedly called companies that promise to get back to them, but don’t. Customers say to us, ‘We just can’t have that. We want to deal with a company that is on the ball.’ Sometimes people can’t believe it when they call us and a real person answers the phone. They will often say, ‘Is this an answering service?’ We
say, ‘No, this is Sonoma Sterling Limousines,’ a revelation that surprises them.” Bessette explained that when customers outline what they want for a tour
they are in the area. This high level of communication is really important. We’ve had a lot of folks say, ‘I did book with one company, but I sent them emails and called them a couple of times and
“Many people tell us they have repeatedly called companies that promise to get back to them, but don’t. Customers say to us, ‘We just can’t have that. We want to deal with a company that is on the ball.’” or a wedding, events that most often have a large set of logistics to handle, Sonoma Sterling is quick to follow up. “Within a few minutes, the customer will receive an email confirmation for their review, to make sure all of the details of what the customer required are in order,” Bessette said. “They like that level of communication and attentiveness to detail. We want people to be confident that they can call us, give us the details of what they want, and then forget about it. “Our drivers always show up early. We have drivers contact customers as soon as
never heard anything back from them. This kind of service scares me, and I want to deal with somebody else.’” To provide the best in personalized service, Sonoma Sterling employs 11 part-time drivers, and 3 people in the office who answer phones, handle emails, and stay on top of the logistics end of the business. “We have an independent person who comes in and washes the vehicles,” Bessette said. “I do a certain amount of maintenance and I also use local mechanics to help me. I also still jump behind the
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wheel and drive.” As one might imagine, the company’s drivers must be efficient at many customer service tasks other than just driving a vehicle. “The service aspect of being a driver is tremendous,” Bessette said. “They must keep track of the client’s itinerary. They must make sure the folks who are riding in their motorcoach or limousine are getting everything they want, and they must be able to anticipate what the client might want next.” To illustrate the level of Sonoma Sterling’s commitment to service and customer satisfaction, Bessette told the story of a recent wine tour trip for which he was the driver. “The wine tour was planned to arrive in the Napa Valley at 11 a.m. to visit a winery that was having a big event where there was a big crowd,” Bessette said. “The problem was, the group was also scheduled to travel to another winery to attend a wine tasting that was set up for them at noon.” The tour group was concerned that when they left the event at the first winery to attend the tasting, it would be a
Sonoma Sterling Limousines takes great pride in its attractive, well-maintained fleet of vehicles.
questions. “It is helpful to be knowledgeable about the wine regions and why they produce certain wines,” Bessette said. “For example, the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County produces predominately chardonnay and pinot noir wines. The region is near the ocean and, no matter
Growing The Company Without Losing The Personal Touch
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onoma Sterling Limousines has grown significantly during the past several years from a one-car, oneman operation. In managing growth, Bessette has been careful to maintain “Our drivers always show up early. We have drivers the personal touch with customers that he feels separates the company contact customers as soon as they are in the area. from the competition. This high level of communication is really important.” “We are getting pretty close to the size that we want to be,” Bessette hassle to return and get back into the how warm it gets during the day, at night said. “We are dedicated to that personal the cool air comes in off the ocean and service and developing relationships. We event. “Before we began the tour, I called the cools everything down. This is exactly seek to develop as many relationships as possible with our clients so they feel second winery and asked if it was possi- what the grapes grown there need. “In addition to having excellent driv- comfortable calling us. Relationships are ble to move up the tasting from noon to 11 a.m. The winery folks agreed to ing skills, we are looking for drivers who very important to us, and we don’t want reschedule the tasting and I told them, ‘I are confident, but not arrogant, and pos- to grow so big that we lose that aspect. “I started the company with a desire to will have the group on your doorstep at sess ‘people’ skills. We want our clients 11 o’clock. “The desire to serve and to communicate seem to “The client who booked the tour for the group turned to me and said, ‘I think we be kind of a lost skill in modern times. Everything are going to have to cancel our appointis done electronically and impersonally. We find ment for the tasting. The logistics are just not going to work out.’ I said, ‘I called the that a lot of people are very attracted to the winery and moved your appointment up personal end of our business.” an hour. You can attend the wine tasting, and then I will take you to the winery having the big event. You can spend the to immediately get the impression that provide extraordinary service. I think the rest of the day there.’ As a driver, you their driver is friendly, but not overly reason for our success is I try very hard to really have to stay on top of meeting and intrusive. We want warm, friendly, instill the same philosophy of service in down-to-earth folks who can related to all my drivers and the people who answer anticipating customers’ needs.” When considering hiring a driver, the general public and give them a nice the phones. “The desire to serve and to communiBessette seeks people who are knowl- ride. We want people who have the willedgeable of the wine industry as people ingness to serve people — they are not cate seem to be kind of a lost skill in modern times. Everything is done electaking wine tours typically ask many easy to find.” Page 18
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tronically and impersonally. We find that a lot of people are very attracted to the personal end of our business.” It is not unusual for people to request a certain driver they have had a good experience with on a past trip. Clients feel they a have personal relationship with a driver who they trust will take care of them. “We put a lot of emphasis and focus on developing these driver/client relationships,” Bessette said. “In addition, we maintain our vehicles at the highest level so people who are paying for our services will feel they are getting top value. “People ask me, ‘How did you ever go from law enforcement to this business?’ I joke and tell them, ‘I’ve been driving people around my whole life. Now, the people I’m transporting are having so much more fun than the people who used to ride with me. I had some pretty disgruntled folks in my vehicle many times when I was in law enforcement, but now everybody seems to be pretty happy at the end of the day.’”
Contact: Sonoma Sterling Limousines, Inc., P.O. Box 12206, Santa Rosa, CA 95406. Phone: 707-542-5444; Fax 707-542-5448. Email: rides@sonomasterlinglimo.com. Website: www.sonomasterlinglimo.com.
Stertil ALM Honored As Business Of The Year Stertil-Koni USA, Inc. has announced that its U.S. manufacturing facility, located in Streator, IL, has received the coveted “Manufacturing/Industrial Business of the Year” award from the Streator Area Chamber of Commerce. The honor, which was recently presented at the Chamber’s 100th Year Annual Meeting in Streator, IL, is designed to recognize and applaud outstanding business organizations within the greater Streator area. According to the Chamber, this award is an opportunity to review the best business practices of successful entrepreneurs and to set a benchmark Pictured are Doug Grunnet (left) and for others. Criteria for the Allan Pavlick at Stertil ALM. award, which was presented to Doug Grunnet, former President of Streator ALM, is based on outstanding growth or growth potential, outstanding management, excellence in customer service, community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit.
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By Harrell Kerkhoff & Rick Mullen Busline Magazine
While the sluggish American economy is showing some signs of improving, officials of four public transportation entities recently interviewed by Busline Magazine share how their respective agencies are continually in proactive mode to enhance and improve services to attract riders. The public transit executives spoke of being optimistic and excited about the future of public transportation as they seek new and innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers, despite, in many cases, funding headaches.
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ecognized two times in recent years (2000 and 2005) as the best public transit system of its size by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Laketran serves the Lake County, OH, area, offering fixed-route, paratransit and commuter express services. Laketran’s home base is Painesville Township, just east of Cleveland on Lake Erie. “We are located half-way between downtown Cleveland and Erie, PA,” said Laketran General Manager Ray Jurkowski. “Our most popular service is our complementary paratransit service, which is commonly known as Dial-a-Ride, followed by local in-county fixed-route service. We also offer commuter express service into downtown Cleveland from six park and ride lots located in the suburban area.” Laketran provided 742,583 rides in 2011 and ridership thus far this year is up 8.6 percent compared to 2011. Laketran operates 112 buses, 22 motorcoaches, and 74 paratransit vans. It operates six local in-county fixed routes and five commuter express routes to Cleveland. The transit system provides 18 daily departures into Cleveland for commuters Monday through Friday. “As high gas prices have increased the trend of ‘staycations,’ Laketran is expanding its commuter express service times to encourage day trips into the Cleveland metropolitan area to visit local attractions and Ohio’s first casino, which was scheduled to open May 14,” Jurkowski said. “We are encouraged by nine Page 20
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consecutive months of ridership growth. This is very positive. I think it’s a reflection that the economy is getting better and people are going back to work. “Our major market segments are seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, college students and Cleveland commuters. Laketran has partnerships with local community colleges to provide free rides to college students. It also partners with many municipalities, human service providers, and senior centers to provide Dial-a-Ride transportation as a billable service. “In 2011, Laketran also provided over 17,000 trips through a Medicaid Transportation program for free transportation to medical appointments.” A true reflection of the economy, as well as one major demographic shift — the aging of America’s Baby Boomers — has helped improve the popularity of Laketran’s Dial-a-Ride service. Indeed, Lake County, with an overall population of 230,000, is home to one of Ohio’s largest senior populations. Laketran officials are proud of what they say is the transit company’s reputation, both locally and nationally, of providing solid service to citizens with disabilities above and beyond what is required by
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the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). According to the company, when Laketran merged with Special Transportation Services (STS) in 1986, it did not establish limitations on which citizens would have access to the service. This was a visionary decision long before the ADA was enacted into law. Today, Laketran still maintains its proud tradition of providing complementary paratransit service “above and beyond” the minimum requirements of the ADA. Seniors and people with disabilities can take Laketran’s Dial-a-Ride service anywhere in Lake County and travel is not restricted to within 3/4 mile of a local fixed route. This distance is the federally mandated standard of measurement for transit systems across the United States to use to determine paratransit eligibility. In addition, Laketran provides Dial-a-Ride
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customers with door-to-door versus curb-to-curb “We currently have a tax levy that provides about service at a reduced fare below the allowable 70 percent of our revenue. This tax levy will end standard of twice the regular fixed-route fare. in July 2014. In preparation for when the tax levy Seniors can also begin using Dial-a-Ride at age ends, we are taking a look at all the services we 60, not having to wait until they are 65. Dial-a- provide to see if we can fine-tune and streamline Ride is also available to the general public at a them to make Laketran as efficient as we possibly can. We will be asking the community what its premium fare. As an extra and unique added service, expectations of Laketran are over the next 10 Laketran has a community outreach specialist on years. We will work with the community to develop a transportation plan to staff. The transit system’s Travel meet its expectations.” Training initiative provides oneJurkowski said the operational on-one and group travel training analysis would include looking to people with disabilities, seninto transitioning Laketran from iors, students in transition and offering its traditional three core new residents. The primary goal services — Dial-a-Ride, fixedof the Travel Training program is route and commuter express — to to educate people on fixed-route becoming more of what he calls transportation. “a manager of mobility.” “We have found many peo“What I mean by ‘a manager ple are reluctant to try public of mobility’ is looking outside transportation because they just these three products and servhave a natural fear of the ices to how we can help people unknown,” Jurkowski said. Laketran General Manager with van pools or car pools, for “In order to accommodate Ray Jurkowski example,” Jurkowski said. “We that, our community outreach specialist is available to visit people in their want to look at our system from an out-of-the-box homes to provide instruction on how to use perspective to see whether or not things like route deviation or flex routing work. In addition, we Laketran.” Although not limited to the elderly and people want to explore other unique concepts so that we with physical or mental challenges, along with can try to stay creative and innovative in order to caretakers, the Travel Training is especially help- meet the various transportation demands that people have. ful to people who fall into these categories. “This is a big step for us, to move from just “Our outreach specialist works with both the customer and the caretaker to plan how to use the providing traditional forms of transportation into transit system, including Dial-a-Ride, when need- looking at how to be a mobility manager that ed,” Jurkowski said. “The outreach specialist will offers and facilitates access to other kinds of servoffer to take the caretaker, as well as the cus- ices that we haven’t typically provided.” Technology also has a significant role to play tomer, on a free trip to familiarize them with how in planning for the future. Currently, Laketran’s to use the service.” By opening the door for many people, particu- Dial-a-Ride system is equipped with GPS and larly the elderly and disabled, to ride the bus on AVL technology. “We are now doing the same thing with our their own, the Travel Training program also frees fixed-route and commuter express,” Jurkowski up time for caretakers. “It has worked out well for us because as peo- said. “This includes technological enhancements ple become more aware, educated and comfort- such as real-time arrival information and allowable using Laketran, they oftentimes get to the ing customers to go online and book their own place where they don’t need the caretaker to Dial-a-Ride trips. “While funding is tight on the operating side, come along with them,” Jurkowski said. “The end result is more independence and mobility for we are looking for advancements in all this new technology, trying to make it more convenient for many customers. “Caretakers come from the entire economic customers to use public transportation.” One of the main thrusts of Laketran’s transspectrum, from blue collar to white collar workers. Many times they don’t have the ability to take portation plan will be to always meet the needs of off work to take someone to medical appoint- riders. “In this transportation plan, about 40 percent of ments. Through the Travel Training program, we are able to give caretakers a sense that there is an the study is really geared toward trying to underalternative. We provide a high level of personal- stand the community’s expectations of Laketran,” Jurkowski said. “There will be surveys, focus ized customer service along these lines.” Not resting on its laurels, Laketran is constant- groups and interviews conducted in order to try to ly seeking how to better meet the public trans- leave no stone unturned as to what the transportaportation needs of its customers and the area it tion needs are in our service area.” As Laketran plans for the future, financial serves. “We have secured a federal grant to conduct a challenges are an ever-present part of the overall comprehensive operational analysis and to devel- picture. “When you look at what makes public op a 10-year transportation plan,” Jurkowski said. Page 22
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transportation successful, it is really a partnership between three levels of government — federal, state and local,” Jurkowski said. “From 2000, all the way through 2011, the state has cut 85 percent on its investment in public transportation. We’ve also been waiting through nine continuing resolutions for the federal government to pass another multi-year transportation law. “Therefore, with two of our major partners, the state and federal governments, there’s a lot of uncertainty about what is going to be the transportation policy associated with our funding levels. “On the local level here, the good news is we have been experiencing about 23 months of consecutive growth in the sales tax (a source of local funding for the system, in addition to fares). However, we are still 3 percent below where we were in 2007.” One of the goals of creating the 10-year plan is to move from a mode of crisis management to one of planning for the future. “In the crisis management stage, we were able to put together a financial recovery plan, which cut operating expenses across the board and developed some outside revenues. This kept our head above water,” Jurkowski said. “Now our emphasis is on looking into the future and formulating a transportation plan.” In looking down the road, Jurkowski sees some trends that are going to make public transportation even more significant and attractive to the public. “As we look to the future, we are seeing an aging population. An aging population is going to become more dependent on public transportation as many people will not be able or will want to drive anymore,” Jurkowski said. “There is also the issue of the price of gasoline. In 2011 Americans spent approximately 8.4 percent of their household income on gasoline, compared to about 6.7 percent the year before. “I don’t think we are going to be looking at significantly lower gasoline prices in the future. As the price of gas continues to consume a significant amount of people’s household income, the public is going to be looking for choices.” Other factors that will continue to make public transportation a significant issue in the future include the competition for caregivers’ time and the issue of mobility and independence for the elderly, especially those with disabilities. “There is also competition among communities. Many communities are making themselves more livable and pedestrian friendly,” Jurkowski said. “Progressive communities are looking into tying in their land use planning to what they see as demographic trends. “I think things are moving away from minimansions on 10-acre lots. With household sizes coming down in the future and an aging population, there is a potential for rebirth of urban areas. Some communities are putting in place smart growth principles that encourage future residential, commercial, industrial and institu-
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tional development along major roadways. These are factors that bode well for public transportation. “When I started in the industry in 1973, it really looked rosy. It was like three partners going to happy hour — me (at the local level), the feds, and the state — all saying to one another, ‘We have this great opportunity to build public transit in the United States.’ So, we all agreed to help one another in our funding. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, the federal government provided 50 percent of our operating expenses. Somehow it is time to get these partners (the state and federal governments) back together again and say, ‘Wait a minute guys, your contribution to the partnership is not being sustained.’ “It is time to get those partners involved again. I think the way you do that is to work with the community in a grass roots-on-up effort. It is important to tell the story that people are expecting public transit to play a bigger role, and be much more attractive as an alternative to the automobile.” It goes without saying that Laketran’s past and future success is a direct result of the professionalism and commitment of its employees. “Our employees are the front-line people who are the face of the organization in dealing with the customers. This is where your reputation actually gets made,” Jurkowski said. “We tell our
employees, ‘It really comes down to one basic rule. Follow this rule and you don’t have to worry about labor contracts, policies, procedures and operations manuals — treat people like you like to be treated. If you follow this one rule, you are going to be golden, no matter what you do. “If you treat the customer like you want someone to treat a member of your family, then you are providing the kind of customer service that we expect for you to provide.’” Contact: Laketran, 555 Lakeshore Blvd., Painesville Township, OH 44077. Phone: 888-LAKETRAN. Website: www.laketran.com.
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erving the transportation needs of the Salem-Keizer, OR, area, as well as Marion and Polk counties, is SalemKeizer Transit. The public transit system’s home base is in the city of Salem, the state capital. Keizer is a suburb of Salem. The transit system is also known as Cherriots. Cherriots provides fixed-route bus service within Salem and Keizer with connections to Wilsonville and Grand Ronde. “Cherriots is the name of our fixed-route service that we operate in the urban growth
boundary,” said Salem-Keizer Transit Director of Transportation Development Stephen Dickey. “(Urban growth boundary) is the term that is utilized to designate the urbanized areas for metropolitan planning and land use development and is an Oregon requirement. Our main service boundaries are within this area.” At one time, Salem was known as the Cherry City. When the fixed-route transit system began in the mid-1960s, it was run by the city of Salem. “There were many cherry orchards in and around Salem at one time,” Dickey explained. “Now, much of what used to be cherry orchards are housing developments. When the city of Salem operated the transit system, there was a contest to name the bus system. The winning name combined the theme of a cherry and the concept of a Roman chariot. Thus, the name ‘Cherriots’ was chosen. “We operate in both urban and rural areas, but the largest portion is in the urbanized area. Our service region, inside the urban growth boundary, has about 206,000 people. If you pick up the additional areas, we are closer to 300,000 in our service area. We also have connecting service that goes north with connections directly to Tri-Met (Tri-County Metropolitan
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Transportation District) in Portland, OR. We are diesel side. There are also infrastructure only about an hour south of Portland. There’s a aspects to consider. For example, by using two pretty significant commuter exchange between types of fuel, if we lose the ability to provide the two areas. Overall, we operate 24 routes, one type, we will still have the ability to operate using the other type of fuel.” most of which are in town.” When it comes to marketing, Salem-Keizer Salem-Keizer Transit’s para-transit system is called “CherryLift” and is an origin-to-des- utilizes several resources, including traditional tination transportation service for people advertising options. whose disability prevents them from using the “We are also using social media quite extenCherriots buses occasionally or not at all. In sively, such as Faceaddition, Cherriots’ Rideshare helps people book and Twitter,” find easy and cost-effective ways to get Dickey said. “In addiaround town by working with individuals and tion, we are also utiemployers. lizing our website, “We oversee the Rideshare programs that tie trying to focus on our individuals to car and van pools and programs print material. We that encourage walking, bicycling, tele-com- have our brochures muting, etc.,” Dickey said. “We don’t actually and our reports, etc., operate these services, but we have staff mem- online. We are curbers who work to facilitate connecting busi- rently in the process nesses, agencies and employees to these of selecting a contracoptions. tor to do a complete “We also oversee a Medicaid brokerage pro- remake of our webgram. We have contracts with 30-plus site. When the remake is completed, we will providers that do non-emergency transport as have an interactive, functional and up-to-date well, and we operate the call center for this in site. conjunction with our other services.” “We also take advantage of being part of Salem-Keizer Transit promotes an in-house as many local community events, business culture among employees that emphasizes expos, etc. Salem-Keizer Transit is active in “people” skills, both in the customer service various community organizations and activdepartment and among operators. ities such as chambers of commerce, Rotary “When hiring operators, we really look at clubs and economical development groups. people skills,” Dickey said. “With rare Being active in these groups helps spread the exceptions, we can teach pretty much any- message that Salem-Keizer Transit is a part body how to drive a bus; however, it is peo- of the communities it serves and is a viable ple skills that we are looking for, because part of what makes a community healthy. operators are the face of our organization.” We look for opportunities to spread the Salem-Keizer Transit strives to instill an atti- word about Salem-Keizer Transit.” tude of pride, reinforcing that A dilemma that many transit each employee represents the organizations around the councompany, on or off duty, in their try face is as the down econodaily lives. Salem-Keizer my, high gas prices, traffic conemploys about 186 people, of gestion, environmental sustainwhich 98 are operators. ability, an aging population and About one-half of Salemother issues have brought the Keizer’s fleet uses CNG (combenefits of public transit to pressed natural gas), while the light, lack of funding is making other half is fueled by clean it difficult to expand and/or burn diesel. The transit system improve services. operates 53 buses during peak Indeed, the down economy is service times. a two-edged sword. As house“We have been using CNG hold expenses, such as for since the late 1990s,” Dickey Salem-Keizer Transit Director gasoline, rise and family said. “Our board is in the of Transportation Development incomes are under stress, more Stephen Dickey process of considering a forpeople tend to look at transmal fuel path. It looks like portation options, such as ridthey are going to be leaning toward a split ing the bus. However, the down economy has fuel path policy so that we don’t have to be left many people unemployed and unable to dependent on one type of fuel or the other. If ride that bus at all. In addition, the down econthat is their decision, then we will maintain try- omy has negatively impacted funding for transing to balance the fleet with half using CNG portation from cash-strapped local, state and and the other half using clean burn diesel. federal government sources. “The strategy of using both types of fuel is to “Right now our biggest challenge is operagive us an option when there is volatility in fuel tional funding. Unfortunately, during the past pricing, either on the natural gas side or on the couple of years, we have taken a step backPage 24
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wards,” Dickey said. “Currently, we are only operating Monday through Friday. We had to eliminate Saturday service, and also some of our hours during the week, due to the challenge of maintaining service within our budget. Currently, our primary focus is to make the best use of the resources that we have available. “We are looking at refining routes and for opportunities to make better connections, but
the opportunity for expansion in the immediate future is very limited. “Unfortunately, Salem-Keizer Transit has experienced a decline in ridership, which we attribute, in large part, to the decline in the economy. When you look at the people who lost their jobs, many likely were dependent on public transit. We have a pretty diverse mix of people in our service area and we are working on encouraging the choice rider to use our services. “We had a program for a couple of years that was subsidized through funding from the state Department of Energy to provide transit trips for students in middle and high school at no charge to the student. When we had that program up and running, we had a huge increase in ridership. Student rides accounted for about 25 percent of our ridership. When the funding dropped off, we saw a huge drop initially on ridership. “We have made some adjustments in our fare structure in order to entice some of the riders to come back. There are families that have multiple children and it can be tough to pay the full youth fare fee that we had before. By reducing these fares, we are hoping to drive a number of them back to riding on a regular basis.” In contrast, ridership on routes that serve commuters have experience significant increases. “For example, routes that serve commuters to and from Portland, including to (Spirit Mountain Casino, which employs nearly 3,000 people) at Grand Ronde, continue to grow. Where we see ridership growth is among people who are trying to save money.” Looking down the road, Dickey said it is important not to become discouraged by the down economy, and to realize there remains the real possibility of great things happening in the realm of public transportation in the nation. “Locally, our goal is to help public transportation to be something that is desirable,”
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Dickey said. “We have a mantra here that we want transit to be something where people will say, ‘Why wouldn’t you take the bus?’ rather than, ‘Why would you take the bus?’ I think nationally, we are going to see this, too. “There are going to be challenges for growth to happen because of the economy, but I also think the economy is also going to have an impact on people’s decisions in seeking more affordable transportation options. The burden then comes to the public transportation industry to help people understand that it costs an awful lot of money to add lanes to the freeway. This amount of money can buy a great deal of transit service, reducing congestion and helping people have a more enjoyable ride to and from work. “It is critical to keep our chins up and continue to plan for growth. Public transit agencies that are proactive in planning and investing for growth are the ones that are going to grow when opportunities arise as the economy improves.” Contact: Salem-Keizer Transit, 925 Commercial St. SE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302-4173. Phone: 503-588-2424; Fax: 503-566-3933. Email: SKT@cherriots.org. Website: www.cherriots.org.
ong before Nashville, TN, became the Nashville/Davidson County (which operates as Mecca for country music, the city a unified government entity) and the Regional blazed some trails in public transporta- Transportation board signed a contract that tion, beginning in the 1860s. Today the trans- allows the MTA team to manage all of the portation needs of “Music City” and Davidson RTA’s activities,” said MTA/RTA CEO Paul Ballard. “At that County, the state capital, time, MTA took over are served by the the commuter rail Nashville Metropolservice, as well as itan Transit Autregional bus services coming hority (MTA) and from the surrounding counties into the Regional Trans portation Authority (RTA) of Middle Nashville. “MTA operates 202 revenue vehicles. RTA Tennessee. contracts its regional bus servicNashville’s tradition of pubes to Gray Line and we also have lic transportation began in 1860 a contract operator that runs the when the McGavock and Mt. trains.” Vernon Horse Railroad ComThe combined operation budpany and the South Nashville get for both MTA and RTA is Street Railroad Company were $60 million — $53 million for chartered and used steam and MTA and $7 million for RTA. mules to power rail cars. On Ballard points with pride that April 30, 1889, the McGavock MTA and RTA are approaching a and Mt. Vernon Horse Railroad ridership milestone this summer. Company operated the first “This will be the first year in electric streetcar in Nashville, several decades that we will pass and the city became one of the 10 million in our annual passenfirst in the nation to have such MTA/RTA CEO ger count when the fiscal year “modern” transportation. Paul Ballard comes to close on June 30,” “In December 2008, the MTA board, responsible for Ballard said. “This is adding MTA and RTA
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together. MTA will be at 9.5 million and RTA will be at 500,000. We will break the 10 million mark sometime during that last week in June. We are very proud of this accomplishment.” Ballard outlined some reasons MTA/RTA ridership figures are up, despite the sluggish economy. “No. 1, we have significantly improved our product here in Nashville in middle Tennessee,” Ballard said. “We have replaced almost all the buses in the fleet with new ones. We have also upgraded our hiring and training programs for our bus operators. “Another principle reason is what we call our
Easy Ride program, where employers pay for their employees to ride buses. I think Easy Ride has been our single most successful program to increase ridership. “We have significant local players involved in the Easy Ride program. We started with Vanderbilt University, which is the largest local employer. All faculty, staff and graduate students can take their Vanderbilt-issued ID cards, swipe them in the fare box, and we send the university one invoice at the end of the month. We have rolled out the program to other major area schools, Belmont University, followed by Lipscomb University. Then the state of Tennessee got on board and now state employees can take advantage of this service. We have more than 30 partners that pay for their employees to ride the bus, including private sector companies, and the program continues to grow. We have a sales representative whose job is just to promote and set up the Easy Ride program. “Years ago, Nashville was a typical south-
ern city where many people bought cars and moved away from public transit. As a result of our Easy Ride program, we now have a wonderful mix of all kinds of folks with different backgrounds riding our bus services. We are not a bus system solely for people who don’t have an alternative. We still value and respect that clientele, but we have significantly moved beyond that, so on an average bus, you will find folks from all walks of life and all economic backgrounds. It is a really wonderful diverse environment on our buses, and it is a very friendly environment. Even our mayor rides the bus.” Ballard also contributes the stellar ridership numbers to the opening of a new downtown transfer station in October 2008. “The downtown central transfer is a 24bay facility that is heated and air-conditioned. There is a Dunkin’ Donuts on site, as well as restrooms and ticket windows,” Ballard said. “We have been working very hard on passenger amenities, and I think this has paid dividends. “Another factor in increased ridership is the great local support we have enjoyed. We have been receiving double-digit increases of our operating subsidy every year for several years, and we have been expanding our services and adding routes every year.” As expanding routes is an ongoing goal of
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MTA/RTA, Ballard reported, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine, that two new routes were scheduled to be added. The routes originate from the transit system’s new office and heavy equipment maintenance facility located about 10 miles north of downtown Nashville. “One is an express route and one is a local route,” Ballard said. “We are also going to expand our second heaviest bus route, which is the Murfreesboro Road route, going to a BRT (bus rapid transit)-lite type service with buses every 15 minutes. We are going to establish about 15 or 16 upgraded bus stops and make service move much, much faster. “We did the same thing on our heaviest bus route, which is the Gallatin Road corridor. We increased ridership on that corridor that went from 80,000 trips a month to 115,000, just by improving the speed and the passenger amenities at the stops. “These projects are in progress, but the real big thing we have going on is the completion of an alternative analysis for our Broadway West End corridor, which is really the business center of Nashville. We have an eight-mile corridor and we are applying for a Small Start grant from the Federal Transit Administration to open a full-service BRT dedicated lane right down the middle of Broadway and West End avenues. This route goes through some of the highest priced real estate in Nashville that includes Vanderbilt University, a number of business headquarters, campuses, hospitals, residential areas and hotels. “The BRT dedicated lane will also serve a new $700 million convention center scheduled to open next summer. We are really excited about this project and, assuming we are successful with our federal application, we plan to have the BRT dedicated lane in service in the summer of 2015.” Regarding its fleet, MTA/RTA’s current policy is that all new vehicles purchased are hybrids. The transit system runs both diesel and diesel hybrids on its fixed-routes. The paratransit service uses gasoline hybrid vehicles. “There are multiple reasons why we use hybrid vehicles,” Ballard said. “We began our hybrid vehicle program because of environmental concerns and we wanted to use less fuel. However, using hybrid vehicles is also good financially. The initial capital cost is considerably higher than straight diesel or gasoline, but our operating costs are less because our miles per gallon are significantly higher for hybrid than for straight diesel or gasoline. We are seeing as much as 35 percent improved productivity on miles per gallon for our hybrids.” Another important factor in MTA/RTA’s success is its commitment to customer service, which, according to company officials, begins with the drivers. “The bus operator is the key. The driver is the
face of MTA/RTA to the public,” Ballard said. “It is so critical that we get the right person to operate the bus.” In the not-too-distance past, MTA/RTA sought drivers whose main qualification was that they held a commercial driver’s license. “We threw that approach out the window completely. What we have done now for several years is conduct an interview process with several members of our operations and customer care staffs,” Ballard said. “We hire people who like people. I know it is not rocket science, but we have our best results with people who come out of the customer service industry. For example, we have a couple of
former chefs. These are people with personality-plus. “We can train 9 people out of 10 to operate a bus — we have a very good training program — but we now only hire people who like people and who want to work with people. I talk to every bus driver training class and I say to them up front, ‘If there is anybody here who doesn’t like working with people, I advise you to leave right now, because you will have a miserable time here.’” Ballard said that in the 10 years he has been with MTA/RTA, the transit system’s buses and facilities have become well known for fostering one of the friendliest environments in Nashville.
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“Our buses and facilities are safe places. If a child or an individual becomes fearful because of a situation that might arise, he or she can come to our bus driver. Our driver will know how to make an appropriate phone call and get help for that person. Our drivers have personality and they care about their customers. When I talk to a training class, I tell them there are three things they need to do to be successful here. If they do these three things, they will stay here until they choose to retire. “No. 1, everything you do must be done safely. If you can’t do it safely, don’t do it. “No. 2, take care of your customer. This is right up there in importance with safety. “No. 3, come to work when you are supposed to.
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“Our drivers are absolutely the key to customer service and that is where we have focused our time and effort, in addition to improving facilities, new buses, a central transfer station, good schedules and expanding service.” MTA/RTA has a total of 530 employees, about 325 of which are operators. In addition to an emphasis on customer service, marketing efforts in recent years have also been ramped up. MTA/RTA Director of Communications Patricia Harris-Morehead reported one of the first projects she was involved in when she came to MTA/RTA was making the system’s printed materials offered to the public more user-friendly. “We put all our publications online and we also improved the Nashville MTA website,”
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Harris-Morehead said. “When we became managers of RTA services, we also revamped all their marketing materials and the website.” MTA/RTA uses “enews blasts” as well to provide customers with information about MTA/RTA Director of special detours or Communications special events that Patricia Harris-Morehead are going on in the city. Social media sites, such as Twitter, are also used to disseminate information. “We also send out releases to the local media concerning new services, informational meetings or public hearings,” Harris-Morehead said. “We plan a number of campaigns throughout the year around special events. For example, recently we worked with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s staff, on a free ride day for customers. “Our free ride day was on a Friday, and it was called ‘Fareless Friday.’ On that day, ridership was up 62 percent compared to the regular Friday weekday ridership.” Another example in involving the community took place while the transit system was building Music City Central, MTA/RTA’s downtown transit center. “We worked with our marketing firm and decided to conduct a jingle contest, since this is Music City,” Harris-Morehead said. “We put out information soliciting 30-second jingles that we could turn into public service announcements or commercials. We reached out to local musicians, professional musicians and universities and involved some celebrity judges who helped us judge the entries.” The jingle contest created quite a buzz and about 125 entries were received, which were scaled down to the top 30. “We selected a winner and the winning jingle was played on several radio stations as well as on our website. Plus, on Grand Opening Day, we had free entertainment with the musician performing the jingle. We try to come up with clever ways to generate attention about our services,” Harris-Morehead said. As MTA/RTA continues aggressively working to improve and expand services, Ballard is optimistic about the future. “We are members of APTA, and we see the numbers it is putting out indicating that nationwide public transit is seeing dramatic increases in ridership, Ballard said. “Here in Nashville, MTA/RTA is not only meeting those same numbers, but exceeding them. There was an article in the New York Times recently that cited U.S. cities having significant increases in ridership.
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The article mentioned Dallas, Miami, San Francisco and Nashville. We got mentioned with the big boys. “The timing was really something. The mayor and I were meeting with Peter Rogoff, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation, the morning the Times article appeared. As we walked in to meet with him, he said to Mayor Dean, ‘I was just reading about your bus ridership in this morning’s New York Times.’ I thought, ‘Talk about timing — what an awesome introduction.’” Contact: Metropolitan Transit Authority, 430 Myatt Drive., Nashville, TN 37115. Phone: 615-862-5969. Website: www.nashvillemta.org.
T
he Denton County Trans portation Authority (DCTA), located in Denton, TX, just north of Dallas, was established in 2001 to accelerate transportation solutions critical to reducing traffic congestion and enhancing air quality. DCTA’s mission also involves contributing to orderly growth and development, and to improve the quality of life for current and future residents of Denton
authority,” Leggett said. “We County, according to DCTA receive over 80 percent of the Vice President of Commavailable sales tax from three unications and Planning Dee member cities — Denton, Leggett. Lewisville and Highland “DCTA provides numerous Village. transit services within Denton “We operate just over 20 County, a northern collar county fixed-routes. Ten are through a of Dallas County, and directly contract with local universities supports 150 jobs,” Leggett to operate campus shuttle syssaid. “Transit services include tems that are open to the generfixed-route, demand response, al public, but are really focused vanpools, campus shuttles (to on the university community. the University of North Texas, DCTA Vice President of We have more than 50,000 uniTexas Woman’s University and Communications and versity students in our service North Central Texas College) Planning Dee Leggett area. As a result, about 75 perand a regional commuter rail cent of our ridership is someservice.” According to Leggett, Denton County is one how affiliated with local universities.” In 2005, DCTA initiated a service plan. of the fastest growing areas in the United States with a current population of According to Leggett, the transit system’s 662,000. DCTA’s service area is aggressive approach in implementing the plan, focused along the Interstate coupled with taking over transit operations 35E corridor in Denton from the cities of Denton and Lewisville, has County, which has a popula- garnered an increase of 85 percent in ridership. “DCTA’s ridership gains were recognized tion of approximately 370,000. Denton County is in 2008 by the Federal Transit Adpart of the North Central Texas ministration with the ‘Success in Enhancing Ridership Award,’” Leggett said. “As a Metropolitan Planning area. “DCTA was authorized by more than result of recent bus service improvements 70 percent of the county to form the and the launch of the A-train, a commuter
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rail system, DCTA achieved record ridership, surpassing 2.5 million passenger trips in 2011, and is currently experiencing 15 percent growth on most fixed-routes. “We launched the A-train commuter rail service last summer that ties in with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and, not only did we see people starting to ride commuter rail for the first time, but DCTA’s local bus system also grew. Some of our routes grew about 25 percent as soon as we started running the Atrain. This has really allowed us to start telling the story of the importance of, not only investing in commuter rail, but also making sure that you invest in those first and last stop connections. “One of things we talk with our board about is there are a lot of opportunities for DCTA to continue to expand commuter rail in North Texas, specifically in Denton County. We have to continue to make sure we are looking at the full picture in terms of completing the trip. It has to include those feeder bus routes, those local city routes, because that is what currently makes the backbone of our system successful. We carried 2.4 million passengers last year on our bus service. Combine that with our rail passengers, we transported well over 2.5 million riders. Since DCTA took over the local city services in 2005, ridership has increased 85 percent. This is largely because we invested and made smart decisions with our local bus system.” DCTA operates 70 buses, including paratransit vehicles, and 8 rail vehicles. The city of Denton accounts for about 75 percent of the transit system’s ridership. The two larger universities DCTA serves are in Denton. “The capacity needs in Denton are greater, therefore, we use 35-foot buses,” Leggett said. “For para-transit service, we use wheelchair accessible mini-vans and 25-foot cutaways. In the city of Lewisville, which is a newer fixedroute system, we use 25-foot cutaways.” DCTA uses bio-diesel to fuel its fleet via a partnership with the city of Denton. “We are in the process of building a bus Page 32
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operations and maintenance facility. We considered whether or not it makes sense to convert to some other type of alternative fuel,” Leggett said. “Our calculations indicated that it might make sense for us to convert if we had a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, because of the cost of the infrastructure that would be required. “While, right now, it doesn’t make financial sense for DCTA to convert to alternative fuels, it is an issue that we will continue to monitor.” In December 2011, DCTA adopted a 25year long-range transportation plan with both short-term and long-term recommendations. “The short-term recommendations talk about future service expansion in our existing member cities,” Leggett said. “We have a couple of high growth employment centers that we are looking to serve both in Denton and in Lewisville. We are also studying on implementing some high capacity transit corridors between the Downtown Denton Transit Center and the universities — maybe some type of bus rapid transit or similar type operation. “Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States and much of that is occurring in what used to be considered rural areas. These areas are quickly becoming more urbanized. As a result, we need to start working with these growing cities to assess what their transit needs are, and look to providing some additional transit services. “Right now, our service is largely focused on the I-35E corridor. There are some opportunities to provide transit service east of the I35E corridor. There are also some opportunities west of that corridor where the communities are experiencing tremendous growth.” DCTA’s primary approach to customer service is to consider its “front-line staff” the “face” of the transit agency, and to empower employees to resolve customer issues when possible to avoid the escalation of problems. “Every year our employees receive at least a 90 percent satisfaction rating in customer surveys,” Leggett said. “The high ratings are largely because front-line employees are empowered to interact and engage with the customer in a positive way to seek the resolution of issues. “We also work regionally with DART and The T (Fort Worth Transportation Authority), because so much or our systems are interconnected. The bottom line is the customer doesn’t care whether he or she is riding DCTA or
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DART. The customer just wants to get to work or get to school; therefore, we collaborate with our regional partners to make sure the customer’s needs are being met.” To further enhance customer service, DCTA recently launched a program called GoRequest, which allows customers to provide comments, concerns and commendations online or with mobile phones. “Internally, GoRequest is used to enter and track customer calls or interactions with DCTA staff,” Leggett said. “Our customer service protocol requires that issues be resolved within seven days. The communications department is committed to frequent communication and interaction with customers through social media. Posts on Facebook or emails are answered within 48 hours.” On the bus side of its operation, DCTA has about 90 operational employees. The DCTA administrative offices are manned by 17 employees, and 30 people are employed in the rail division. “The 90 operational people are our bus operators, who are our bus front line. They are our best marketing tool, because they interact with the customer on a daily basis,” Leggett said. “Hiring good employees and empowering them to make good decisions to serve the customer, in addition to safety, are paramount to our mission. Carrying people in a safe and efficient manner is at the core of DCTA. “I frequently speak to our bus operations staff and tell them, ‘You really make my job easy because you are out their marketing our agency just by the positive way in which you deliver our service.” While there are many positives associated with Denton County’s significant growth spurt, there are also challenges to overcome. One of the major challenges in a rapidly growing area for any transit agency is keeping up financially to meet the needs of an expanding customer base. “Sometimes it seems like everybody is moving to North Texas right now,” Leggett said. “Our customers want more transit services. They want more bus routes. While the needs are growing, the resources with which we use to meet those needs, whether it is fleet or funding, are not readily available. “We are in the process of replacing about 20 buses that have met or exceeded their useful life. Fortunately, we have partnered with the University of North Texas to replace some of the buses that are used in service on their system. We are in a transition period of trying to purchase new buses and getting rid of older buses. As a result, we are having fleet reliability issues — vehicles are breaking down and that means we have a lot of service calls to deal with, which causes delays and customer concerns.
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Starcraft Bus Named Ford’s Top Volume Pool Account For 6th Consecutive Year For 2011, and for the sixth consecutive year, Ford has announced that Starcraft Bus is the top volume pool account for shuttle buses. Starcraft Bus has purchased and sold more Ford E350/E450 bus chassis than any other bus manufacturer in the United States. Starcraft says the reason for the ongoing success is continued diversification of its product line and a higher demand for shuttle bases based on the economic recovery taking place throughout the United States. David Wright, president of Starcraft Bus, says, “We are proud to receive this award from Ford for the sixth year in a row and believe this is a reflection of the high quality product that we deliver utilizing the Ford chassis. We continue to raise the bar in quality, safety and customer satisfaction and are proud to partner with Ford and their tough, time-tested, E-Series chassis. Our customers have come to expect the high quality and reliability that a Ford chassis delivers.” Starcraft Bus’ commercial product line includes the following: • Starquest — the perfect solution for those in the market for a highlymaneuverable, low-profile shuttle bus; • Starlite — a great option for those in the market for a smaller shuttle bus or an alternative to a raisedroof van; • Allstar — value-packed performance and durability in a performance-tested shuttle bus; • Ultrastar — distinctive styling and luxurious features for a variety of uses; • XLT — designed to provide maximum space and comfort at an affordable price; • Xpress — simple and spacious alternative to a 15-passenger van at a nearly unbeatable price; and, • Allstar XL — Starcraft’s newest mid-size shuttle bus built on International’s UC chassis. For more information about Starcraft Bus, contact Craig Koble at 1-800-348-7440 or e-mail ckoble@forestriverinc.com. Visit www.starcraftbus.com.
“At the end of the day, it all goes back to funding. We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated sales tax from three member cities, but so much of the needs of Denton County are going beyond these three cities. We are trying to identify additional funding partners, including at the state and federal levels, to maintain the momentum for growing our system.” Looking ahead, Leggett sees the potential of public transit resonating more and more with the general public as a viable alternative to the automobile. “Highways are getting very expensive to build. I think the more we can invest in our transit system, the more the public will view public transportation as a truly sustainable alternative,” Leggett said. “People are demanding transit solutions. They want to live in more land-use responsible housing or in more densely developed areas to minimize housing and transportation costs. “People are becoming sophisticated in terms of transportation’s impact on their bottom line as a household, which is going to become yet another selling point for transit use. Transit has a tremendous amount of potential and everyday we see more requests for service. DCTA is excited to be a part of the solution.” Contact: Denton County Transportation Authority, 604 E. Hickory St., Denton TX 76205. Phone: 940-243-0077. Website: www.dcta.net. Email: dleggett@dcta.net.
National Interstate’s Affiliate, Safety, Claims And Litigation Services, LLC, Provides School Bus Driver Training Course National Interstate Insurance Company announced that its affiliate, Safety, Claims and Litigation Services, LLC (SCLS) will be providing the Driver Training Course, created by The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC), to insured school bus contractors as part of their loss control services package. SBSC has more than 20 years of experience in training school bus drivers to keep school children safe. “School bus accidents can be tragic, and we continually look for proactive ways to help our clients prevent such tragedies,” said Jim Parks, vice president of National Interstate. “We have analyzed the Driver Training Course, and are confident that its use will make children safer while reducing the cost of risk to our customers.” “We are delighted that SCLS and National Interstate are taking this step to bring this course to all their insured contractors,” said Jeff Cassell, president of SBSC. “Six of the eight largest student transportation contractors and more than 2,200 school districts are currently using SBSC training programs. SCLS and National Interstate are providing assistance well beyond traditional loss control as they help to change the unsafe behaviors performed by drivers and reduce the cost of risk.” “Insurance premiums are derived from expected losses,” added Jim Parks. “By helping our clients reduce their loss costs and enhance their risk management programs, we are providing our customers the best tools to help control their insurance costs. At the same time, we make transportation safer for the children, which is a win/win for everyone. We intend to provide the course to all school bus clients insured by National Interstate.” Visit www.natl.com or www.schoolbussafetyco.com.
Think 302 Protects Protects Think FMVSS FMVSS 302 Passengers and Equipment? Equipment? Passengers and
F.R. Cushioning (meets FMVSS 302)
CR SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning
Both seats above were subjected to BS 5852 Source 2 Ignition.
SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning… • Complies with advanced F.T.A. fire safety criteria. • Minimize risk and liability related to vehicle fire safety. • O.E.M. and maintenance seat retrofit applications. Call for specifications. Easily added to seating requirements within vehicle bid packages. May/June 2012
Telephone: 800-234-2734 Fax: 724-537-9003 e-mail: crfoamsales@verizon.net
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Motor Coach Industries
ABC Companies
Van Hool A300L FC - Fuel Cell
MCI® Commuter Coach Hybrid / CNG MCI helps transform fleets into a model of green reliability. The Buy America-compliant and Altoona-tested MCI Commuter Coach is available in CNG, Electric Hybrid and clean-diesel configurations. Engineered to provide a comfortable, safe ride combined with ease of maintenance and low total cost of operation over many years, the MCI Commuter Coach is available in 45-foot and 40-foot versions. Electronic Stability Control (n/a on the hybrid model) is standard, along with tire monitoring and a fire suppression system. Options include three-point passenger seatbelts, a wheelchair lift with up to two wheelchair positions, digital wireless WiFi, and 110volt outlets. To learn more, email: commuter@mcicoach.com or visit www.mcicoach.com. Motor Coach Industries; 1700 E. Golf Road, Suite 300, Schaumburg, IL 60173; Ph: 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 Email: commuter@mcicoach.com; Web site: www.mcicoach.com
The Van Hool Company was honored with the BusWorld Kortrijk 2009 Grand Environment Award, citing the company’s A330 Fuel Cell model. The hybrid-diesel electric bus offers a uniquely environmentally-friendly alternative for public transport providers. In the United States, the Van Hool A330 Fuel Cell has been well-received by the American public where partners ABC, Van Hool, and AC Transit pioneered a “green” transit initiative in 2005. Along with AC Transit, Connecticut Transit also has this model in current service. This next generation of Van Hool’s fuel cell bus — the Van Hool A300L FC — retains its place as one of the most technically advanced transit buses available today, according to ABC Companies. This clean, quiet, energy efficient 40-foot transit emits only water vapor from the tailpipe. The new model buses are lighter than the earlier generation fuel cell bus. Advanced lithium-ion battery systems and a more durable fuel cell power plant are key features of the new buses. Virtually noiseless, yet powerful enough to climb grades in excess of 18 percent and reach speeds of 50 mph, the A300L FC is powered by a zero-emission hydrogen-fueled, hybrid-electric engine, utilizing a 120 kW fuel cell system, onboard battery power, and regenerative braking. Its clean operation can have an immediate positive impact on street-level emissions.
ABC Companies; 1506 30th Street, NW; Faribault, MN 55021 USA; Ph: 507-334-1871; Fax: 507-334-0246 Email: bborwege@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com
Model .................................................MCI® Commuter Coach Hybrid/CNG Passenger Capacity................................................................................57, 49 Length.......................................................................................................45’40” Height ............................................................................................................11’5” Interior Height.........................................................................................78.25” Engine Options ..................................................Cummins ISL, ISX or ISL G Transmission Options .................................Allison B500, Allison B500R, Allison EP 50 Hybrid Drive Fuel Tank Capacity...............................164 gal. – CNG 114.6 Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE) Fuel Options.........................................................Clean-diesel, hybrid, CNG GVWR .........................................................................50,000 lbs., 46,000 lbs. Page 34
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Model .....................................................................Van Hool A300L Fuel Cell Seating Capacity.................................28 Seated + 4 Fold-down + Driver Length..............................................................................................................40’ Width ..............................................................................................................102” Height ............................................................................................................11’5” Engine..............................Hybrid Electric/UTC Power Pure Motion™ 120 Type of Fuel......................................................................Gaseous Hydrogen Chassis...........ZF Rear Axle W/Offset Differential & Double Reduction Air Conditioning ....................................Sutrak Heating/Air Conditioning Wheelchair Lift Option................Fold Out Wheelchair Ramp at Door 2 Steering ..............................................................ZF Variable Ratio Steering Suspension...................................................Air Suspension w/Air Springs & Telescopic Shock Absorbers
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GILLIG
Proterra
Proterra EcoRide™ BE35 GILLIG Low Floor CNG/Low Floor Hybrid Proterra’s EcoRide™ is a full-size (35 foot, 64 passenger) fastcharge battery electric bus capable of fully charging in under 10 minutes. Leveraging advanced lithium-titanate battery technology, it is up to 600 percent more efficient than a typical Diesel or CNG bus, according to the company, resulting in operating-cost savings. The EcoRide™ achieves 21-plus miles MPGe, resulting in $750K in fuel savings versus diesel over a 16 year life cycle; and 44 percent less carbon annually versus CNG. Its composite body is crash and element resistant and is approximately 20 to 40 percent lighter than conventional steel or aluminum buses. With the ability to run 300-plus miles per day and 300-plus miles per charge, the EcoRide™ can replace existing buses on a one-to-one basis with no loss in performance or service limitations. It empowers transit agencies by creating a predictable operating environment utilizing electricity – offering more pricestability than fossil fuels. Proterra sets the bar for U.S. made content in transit vehicles, according to the company. With over 80 percent of its components made in America, 33 states source materials for Proterra’s Eco Ride™ bus. With it, transit agencies can deliver clean, quiet running, rider and neighborhood friendly vehicles that also meet government regulations and local mandates.
GILLIG’s past alternate fuel experience has led to the latest addition of its line of green alternatives — a CNG fueling option. GILLIG’s CNG bus design includes a walkway that runs the length of the roof tank mounting cradle, where the tank enclosures can be safely opened to inspect and maintain the CNG tanks, valving and piping. The GILLIG tank enclosure design provides maintenance personnel with a safe, secure place from which to work on the CNG fueling system. And best yet, Altoona test reports document GILLIG’s 6-plus MPG equivalent average on the Altoona test cycle. GILLIG has also been building diesel hybrid buses for more than a decade, and its years of experience have resulted in the best and most complete hybrid product line, according to the company. Altoona test results show that the GILLIG Hybrid is quiet, reliable and fuel efficient. Customers attest to its smooth acceleration and the ease of assimilating these hybrids into their fleets. With rising fuel prices and increased environmental awareness, GILLIG Hybrids can be a great addition to a fleet. GILLIG LLC; 25800 Clawiter Rd.; Hayward, CA 94545 USA Ph: 510-785-1500; Fax: 510-785-6819 Email: sales@gillig.com; Website: www.gillig.com
Proterra Inc.; 1 Whitlee Ct.; Greenville, SC 29607 USA Ph: 864-438-0000; Fax: 864-281-1894 Email: sales@proterra.com; Website: www.proterra.com Model .......................................................................Proterra EcoRide™ BE35 Seating Capacity............................................64 (35 seated, 29 standing) Length..............................................................................................................35’ Width ..............................................................................................................102” Height ............................................................................................................11’2” Engine............................................................................Battery Electric Only Type of Fuel ..................................................N/A - Zero Emissions Battery Chassis................................................................N/A - Composite Structure Air Conditioning ......................................................Thermo King (electric) Wheelchair Lift Option..........................................................Ricon or Lift-U Steering.........................................................................................................TRW Suspension .....................................................................................................Air
Model .....................................................Low Floor CNG / Low Floor Hybrid Seating Capacity...............................................................................26, 32, 40 Length.......................................................................................30’, 35’ and 40’ Width...............................................................................................................102” Height .............................................................................................................136” Engine ...........................................................Cummins ISL-G / Cummins ISB Type of Fuel...................................................................................CNG / Diesel Chassis .......................................................................................................GILLIG Air Conditioning..........................................................................Thermo King Wheelchair Lift Option............................................................................Lift-U Steering..........................................................................................................TRW Suspension ...........................................................GILLIG Front, Neway Rear May/June 2012
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ADVERTORIAL
RBS, Inc. (Relational Bus Systems)
R
BS, Inc., is a major provider of Tour and Charter Management Systems specifically designed for the motorcoach industry. For 19 years, RBS has been designing, implementing and supporting its premier products: GoChart and GoTour. The company serves over 500 North American customers. GoChart Charter Management System features customer and contract management, scheduling, dispatching, accounts receivable
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and numerous accounting/operations reports. Modules allow companies to customize the RBS system to fit their needs. The security module is now more powerful with stricter controls, and requires each employee to access RBS using a unique login and password. Userdefined permissions allow access to specific areas of the program depending on job types such as administrator, salesperson, dispatcher and driver. GoTour is a browser-based tour management
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system. It manages reservations, itineraries, payables, receivables, and produces management reports and customer documents for group and retail tours. GoTour is accessible from any computer that has an Internet connection. GoTour is hosted at a secure RBS’ managed data facility. RBS’ professional staff manages server hardware, software and network, including all updates and daily backups. Web Manager provides reliable credit card authorization, online quote generation and notification, driver access to schedules and document storage and retrieval. This includes: • Credit Card Processing — Integrated into the RBS GoChart and GoTour applications; • Quote Request — Customers request quotes online by providing basic information which is used to open a quote in GoChart. Email is forwarded to the customer and sales staff notifying receipt of online quote; • Special Requests For GoChart Data Access Via The Web — Provides web access to drivers’ schedules allowing drivers to access schedules from home, office or anywhere with an Internet connection; and, • Document Storage And Retrieval — GoChart offers secure storage and retrieval of paper and electronic documents. Letters, contracts, maps, itineraries, emails, memos, notes and receipts/checks can be scanned using a desktop scanner and quickly assigned to charters and/or customers. Users can access stored documents by clicking buttons on customer and charter screens. Stored documents can be accessed anywhere there is an Internet connection. GoTran provides transit data capturing, reporting and customer invoicing. Users can easily create and duplicate transit routes, runs and stops for dispatching. The system can capture manually entered or bus-generated actual ridership and cash fare data. Captured data can be reported in summary or detail form by route, run or stop; includes flexible customer invoicing. Offsite Backup and Recovery software and services are designed with disaster recovery in mind. A backup client on your server connects remotely and backs up your critical RBS data daily. Only you and RBS have access to this data. Notification emails are sent each time the data is backed up. RBS insures that backup data is properly available for restoration and maintains terminal services/remote desktop environment to which your data can be moved. You will have access for two users, for one month, while you re-establish your network infrastructure. Call RBS at 800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation copy of GoChart. Visit www.gotouronline.com to request a user name and password to access our GoTour demo site.
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ADVERTORIAL
Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC (PTC)
O
ver the past several years, Enghouse Transportation has become known principally as a provider of software to public transit operators. While Enghouse is proud of the work its done in public transit, its commitment to the motorcoach industry remains steadfast and is illustrated by the significant investment Enghouse has made in its products serving that industry. Enghouse Transportation has already made a $4.5 million investment in CoachWorks, and according to the company is now offering the most up-to-date and feature-rich solution available for the motorcoach industry. And further improvements are planned — such as a link with Prophesy, so that customers will benefit from the use of a true commercial routing capability. While CoachWorks is a top-of-the-line application, Enghouse also recognizes that it won’t find a broad user base without being competitively priced. Toward that end, Enghouse recently reevaluated its pricing model for CoachWorks and have devised new pricing, which puts CoachWorks on an even footing with all of its major competitors,
according to the company. Given the modern architecture and the breadth and depth of functionality offered by the product, Enghouse is confident it’s offering extraordinary value to customers. For those who may be reluctant to make the capital investment associated with implementing a new solution, Enghouse is also planning to offer both a leased software option as well as a hosted solution that will be made available on a subscription basis. Details on both of these options will be made available in the coming months. The Tour Manager product, which has been in use for a number of years, is the next focus for the Enghouse development team. The current product was developed using a proprietary tool and utilizes a proprietary database. So, the first step in updating the product will be to migrate to a .Net platform and to a Microsoft SQL Server database. From there, Enghouse will proceed with additional enhancements including improvements to the client facing web portal. To better serve the particular needs of the motorcoach industry, Enghouse is partnering with Paradigm Technology Consulting,
LLC (PTC). Where Enghouse is a leading publisher of software for the transportation industry first and foremost, PTC has historically been a professional services organization and system integrator. As such, PTC brings best of breed solutions to its customers. PTC has long had a focus on the transportation industry in general, and on the motorcoach industry in particular. PTC began working with customers in trucking and intermodal some 20 years ago, became involved in the bus industry nearly 10 years ago, and has since focused sharply on the needs of bus operators. PTC has performed dozens of successful implementations of both operational and financial software for bus operators throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to selling, implementing and supporting operational systems like CoachWorks, Paradigm also sells and implements financial systems such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, customer relationship management systems such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, vehicle maintenance systems from Collective Data, and ComputerContinued On Page 44
DRIVING YOUR BUSINESSTM eFleet
MDT/GPS/WiFi/eTicketing/Driver Logs Paratransit, Shuttle, Limousine Operations
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Payroll-Labor Management HR-Driver Management Mileage Reporting Fuel Management Executive Dashboards
CoachWorks
Transportation Management Solution Charter, Line Run, School Bus Operations
Tour Manager
Travel/Tour Management Solution
collectiveFleet Maintenance System
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Customer Relationship Management
Microsoft Dynamics GP Financial/Accounting System
WWW.PTCLLC.COM | SALES@PTCLLC.COM | 866-PTC-INFO W Ù ®¦Ã d «Äʽʦù ÊÄÝç½ã®Ä¦͕ >> ϱϬ D®½½ÝãÊÄ Z ͕ 箽 ®Ä¦ ϰϬϬ͕ ^ç®ã ϭϱϬ Ýã t®Ä ÝÊÙ͕ E: ϬϴϱϮϬ
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ADVERTORIAL
Distinctive Systems
D
istinctive Systems is a leading supplier of software to the motorcoach industry. Established for nearly 30 years, Distinctive Systems has supplied hundreds of systems to operators throughout the world. Its main systems are Coach Manager Charter and Contract Booking System, Tour Booking System, and Vehicle Maintenance System. All three of these applications are available in Express and Full versions, and in different capacities, to suit the requirements of a wide variety of operators. For additional flexibility, the software can either be purchased outright or rented via an annual contract. Full details and a price calculator are available on the pricing page on the company website for each product. Coach Manager is a start-to-finish solution for the management of charter and contract work specially designed for coach, minibus and limousine operators. The software offers secure handling of bookings, easy and efficient allocation of vehicles and drivers, client confirmations, driver work tickets, invoicing and built-in accounts receivable with extensive financial reporting facilities. In May 2012, Distinctive Systems announced the release of a major new version of Coach
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Manager incorporating the most significant enhancements to be added to the system since launch. Topping the enhancement list is the introduction of the new optional Gross Payroll module. The module provides operators with the most powerful specialized payroll solution ever to be made available to the North American motorcoach industry, according to Distinctive Systems. Unlike other solutions, the entire payroll process has been incorporated directly into the core Coach Manager product — from original booking details, right through to final payroll production and export. As a result, payroll administration is entirely seamless, with the level of operator input required to finalize pay makeup being kept to an absolute minimum. Once complete, payroll production is accomplished in just a few seconds for even the largest of companies. The Tour Booking System (TBS) is a complete management solution for individual passenger reservations on extended tours, day trips, casino transportation and sightseeing trips. In addition to being a powerful back office system, TBS incorporates a fully automatic data driven website for handling online reservations from travel agents and direct clients, with real-time
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payment processing and automatic emailing of invoices. The Vehicle Maintenance System (VMS) is a workshop management system specially designed for coach, bus and truck operators. The software provides defect reporting, inspection planning, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities, job card printing and history recording. VMS streamlines the whole process and will help ensure records always meet the required standard. At Distinctive Systems, company officials understand that proper training and support will help customers get the most out of their software. Initial training and setup is offered in various formats, tailored to meet the individual needs of clients. Distinctive Systems has dedicated itself to offering world class support for its products, and the results of this dedication have been very well received. In fact, if potential customers were to speak with the company’s current clients, these clients would tell them just how great an experience it has been to work with Distinctive Systems. A vibrant North American User Group has been established with Annual User Group Meetings conducted and attended by the majority of the User Community. Continued On Page 44
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ADVERTORIAL
Motorcoach Manager Motorcoach Manager Provides Order In A Complex Industry
S
uccessful operators in the charter and tour industry must develop systems for handling all the logistical components of the service they provide. They must be ready to respond quickly to the changing needs of customers, employees and government entities. Motorcoach Manager provides an orderly way for tracking all the changing information so operators can be ready for any situation. Motorcoach Manager is easy-to-use software which provides a powerful blend of innovative features designed to reduce costs by making record-keeping easier and more accurate. Training and support ensure success. The software’s flexible reporting system is built on data entered one-time on a color-coded form and organized to provide in-depth management tools. As the industry changes, Motorcoach Manager refines its features and functionality in collaboration with its clients. This year the focus is on refining the fully integrated modular products to optimal form. The four modules can be tailored to the needs of each motorcoach company. The charter, tour, maintenance, and shuttle modules can
be combined to match each operation. Details can be personalized. Motorcoach Charter Manager provides a systematic process for handling all the details of a trip order — from the initial customer call through the final reconciliation of the finances, IFTA mileage and fuel reporting, and driver payroll calculations. It includes visual tools to increase income through effective utilization of the fleet. It provides control of scheduling and dispatching, whether an order calls for one coach or for several coaches and drivers running at different dates and times. When a trip is repeated, the data can be entered once and then duplicated. Line runs and shuttles not requiring reservations can be handled with this feature in the charter module. School bus companies use the charter module effectively for sports and field trips as well as routes. Motorcoach Maintenance Manager complements the charter module by keeping a history of equipment maintenance. Parts are tracked from the purchase to the use on a vehicle and a parts inventory is maintained. The software can be used to invoice maintenance work done for outside companies. It tracks scheduled preventive maintenance and remembers what work needs to be done on each piece
of equipment. The parts inventory can handle multiple garages. Motorcoach Tour Manager, also available as Tour Optimizer for companies that don’t own motorcoaches, simplifies the creation of group or retail tours by developing and costing itineraries, taking reservations, selling tickets to groups or individuals, creating rooming lists, name and luggage tags, etc. It tracks payments to hotels and attractions. Once a tour package has been developed, it can be used again on a new date. Companies running regular shuttles with reservations can use Motorcoach Shuttle Manager. Daily shuttles can be pre-entered in batches and passengers can be quickly booked onto the correct shuttle. Round-trip tickets are issued and various reports on the number of riders, cash receipts, etc., are produced. Online reservations are an option. The software is appropriate for all sizes of charter, tour, scheduled service or maintenance operations, including companies with divisions. Multiple offices can be handled using state-of-the-art networking. For additional information, call Motorcoach Manager at 800-780-6880 or visit www.motorcoachmanager.com.
Motorcoach Manager
Software Systems That Work Motorcoach CHARTER Manager Motorcoach TOUR Manager Motorcoach MAINTENANCE Manager Motorcoach SHUTTLE Manager
Flexible enterprise level management software provides a complete tracking solution with personal, committed customer service. • Tracks all aspects of your operation • Simplifies creating charters and tours with templates • Multiple dispatch management options • Extensive financial reporting
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800.780.6880 or info@motorcoachmanager.com Modules may be purchased individually or combined. Single or multi-user licensing. Prompt technical support.
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American Trans-Data Corp. 3100 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 140 Santa Ana, CA 92704 USA Phone: 714-751-3000 Web Site: www.americantransdata.com Products: Software and database integration. Eliminate manual data entry with the company’s automated software and website integration. Charter, tour reservation, POS, shuttle, online ticketing and quoting, credit card processing, and customized solutions are all available. Also offered are professional website design and programming. 10 Chevin Fleet Solutions 43 Orchard Hill Drive Sharon, MA 02067 USA Phone: 781-793-0788 Fax: 781-784-6894 Web Site: www.chevinfleet.com Products: Chevin Fleet Solutions, an industryprovider of enterprise fleet management information systems, provides fleet management software that enables transit, demand response and charter organizations to enhance equipment availability, safety and reliability. Included is the ability to manage preventive maintenance, maintenance management, inventory, fuel, driver, accident and risk management as well as comprehensive and infinitely flexible reporting. Chevin’s software becomes a central repository for all fleet related data, allowing organizations to manage complex fleet and operations data with a single enterprise-wide system. 11 Distinctive Systems Inc. See Ad On Page 38 928 Broadway, Suite 1000 New York, NY 10010 USA Phone: 646-448-9981 E-Mail:don.greenglass@distinctive-systems.com Web Site: www.distinctive-systems.com Company Officers: Don Greenglass, Bob Hopwood Products: Distinctive Systems is an independent software vendor specializing in the develPage 40
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opment of products for motorcoach and tour companies. Established for over 30 years, the company has supplied more than 2,000 systems to operators throughout the world. Its range of software is comprehensive and includes systems for managing motorcoach based charters, contract/line run work, extended tours, sightseeing trips, express services and vehicle maintenance. All systems are Windows based and have been developed using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft SQL Server database engine. Products are Coach Manager (CM), Vehicle Maintenance System (VMS) and Tour Booking System (TBS). The success Distinctive Systems has achieved over the years comes about as a direct result of its experience of both the IT and motorcoach/tour industries. The company’s knowledge of both fields has been combined to create a range of products that gets right to the very heart of what clients want and uses the very latest computing techniques and tools to do it. A dedicated support desk is manned by a team of highly trained specialists who provide immediate assistance on absolutely anything to do with the systems Distinctive Systems supplies. 12 Enghouse Transportation 2150 Islington Avenue, Suite 205 Toronto, ON M9P 3V4 CANADA Phone: 416-915-9593 Fax: 416-915-9594 E-Mail: solutions@enghouse.com Web Site: www.enghousetransportation.com Products: With over 25 years experience, Enghouse Transportation, formerly TranSched Systems, offers a comprehensive and robust suite of products that serve the transportation market. CoachWorks is its state-of-the-art motorcoach management software package designed to enhance all aspects of a charter business. CoachWorks encompasses tools for the charter industry, including sales, dispatch, and accounts receivable. By combining multiple functions into one universal program,
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CoachWorks can increase productivity and streamline the input and maintenance of estimates, trip orders and financial records. Enghouse applications can be deployed individually, combined with other Enghouse solutions, or integrated with third party transportation technology vendors. 12 Mentor Engineering Inc. #10 - 2175 29th St. NE Calgary, AB T1Y 7H8 CANADA Phone: 403-777-3760 Fax: 403-777-3769 E-Mail: sales@mentoreng.com Web Site: www.mentoreng.com Products: Mentor Streets® Transit is a fully integrated transit ITS solution that includes CAD/AVL, event management, schedule and route adherence, mobile computing, reporting, and more. Streets Transit can helpagencies streamline operations to increase on-time service, improve driver/dispatcher communication, simplify scheduling and provide better customer service. Mentor MyRide™ is a passenger information system that makes real-time bus location and status information available to riders any time, from anywhere. From real-time maps and bus departure information to trip planning and SMS, MyRide enhances customer service. With MyRide, passengers can access real-time bus departures and get instant map updates. Additionally, riders can text message the agency from any bus stop to receive the departure times of the next few buses leaving that stop. MyRide integrates with Google™ Maps for easy trip planning, and passengers can create rider accounts to receive automatic alerts for specific routes and stops, when they want them. 11 Motorcoach Manager, Inc. See Ad On Page 39 3517 Marconi Ave., Suite 207 Sacramento, CA 95821 USA Phone: 916-972-1800 Fax: 916-972-1875 E-Mail: info@motorcoachmanager.com
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Web Site: www.motorcoachmanager.com Company Officers: Shirley Campbell, President; Scott Hale, Vice President Products: Motorcoach Manager is innovative, flexible software which provides a complete, cost-effective system for managing charter orders, scheduling and dispatching, group, retail, and sightseeing tours, shuttles, scheduled line runs, school buses, and vehicle maintenance. The four modules, which may be purchased in any combination, are Charters, Tours, Maintenance, and Shuttles. The application is the result of years of collaboration between the Motorcoach Manager’s staff and hundreds of clients and prospects. Ideas for features are incorporated throughout to make managing charters and tours as easy as possible. The software can be tailored to each motorcoach operation. Add-on features such as online reservations, bar coding, optimized pricing, a built-in email system, utilization charts, availability charts, financial analysis tools, tight security, etc., are either included or available. Motorcoach Manager runs on standard computers with any current version of Microsoft Windows. Singleuser or multi-user (networked) versions are available. Responsive, timely customer service is the company’s priority. 12 Norse Systems, Inc. 245 Sage Hollow Road Guilford, CT 06437 Toll Free: 800-769-8468 Fax: 203-457-8033 E-Mail: norse@norsesys.com Web Site: www.norsesys.com Products: Providing integrated software to the bus industry for more than 26 years. Norse Systems offers “Virtual Server” deployments. No capital investment is required, just a fee per user. The most recent innovation from Norse is “Screen Driver,” a complete application development environment provided with the application software. In addition to one source for system infrastructure, application software and professional support, Norse offers a set of integrated software available to the industry. A single fee per user provides a managed hardware and software solution. Applications are offered for charter sales, line run, tour reservations, school bus routing, dispatch, driver qualification, accident management, IFTA taxes, fuel management, work flow control, maintenance, inventory, purchasing and multi-site logistics, driver and employee time and pay, integrated financial systems, individual seat reservations for tours and shuttles, and more. 11 Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC See Ad On Page 37 22 S. Main Street Allentown, NJ 08501 USA Phone: 609-890-4150 Fax: 609-890-4154
E-Mail: sales@ptcllc.com Web Site: www.ptcllc.com Company Officers: Bridgette HobartJaneczko, President; Robert Janeczko, VP Operations; Michael Gummel, Manager Transportation Products: The Paradigm Transportation Suite (PTS) is a work force management focused suite of applications for the transportation industry. It’s designed so that organizations can utilize what they need in order to replace or supplement existing applications including operations, fleet maintenance, financial, GPS/WiFi, customer relationship management, driver and labor management as well as human resources. PTS consists of the following: PTS - payroll labor management, HR driver management, mileage reporting, fuel management and executive dashboards; eFleet MDT, GPS, WiFi, eTicketing, driver logs for paratransit, shuttle and limousine operations; CoachWorks - transportation management solution for charter, line run and school bus operations; Tour Manager - travel tour management solution; Microsoft Dynamics CRM customer relationship management; and Microsoft Dynamics GP - financial accounting system. 12 RBS - Relational Bus Systems, Inc. See Ad On Page 36 10 Lancaster Street - Box 215 Cherry Valley, NY 13320 USA Toll Free: 800-448-7001 Fax: 607-264-8070 E-Mail: manager@rbs2000.com Web Site: www.rbs2000.com Company Officers: Bob Schecter, President; Walter Buist, VP Products: RBS, Inc. designs, implements and supports Tour and Charter Management systems with more than 400 customers in North America. Products include: GoChart Charter Management System features customer and contract management, schedule and dispatch, and accounts receivable. Modules allow system customization to fit a company’s needs and size. Powerful, user definable security requiring unique login and password is available. GoTour Management System, a browserbased system, manages tour reservations, itineraries, receivables and payables, produces customer documents and management reports for group and retail tours. The RBS cloudbased system is hosted at RBS’ secure data facility. GoTour is entering the beta testing phase for its third release, “GoTour v3,” including a “type-to-find” feature and help that includes videos. Offsite Backup and Recovery provides daily offsite data backup and features limited online access to a customer’s data in the event of a disaster. Web Manager modules include simple, reli-
able, real time credit card authorization for GoChart and GoTour; online quote generation and notification, integrated document storage and retrieval, and web access to drivers’ orders for GoChart. Free Demos available by appointment. Look for a new website and logo at www.rbs2000.com. 12 RouteMatch Software, Inc. Atlantic Center Plaza 1180 W. Peachtree St., Suite 1130 Atlanta, GA 30309 USA Phone: 888-840-8791 E-Mail: sales@routematch.com Web Site: www.routematch.com Products: RouteMatch is a provider of transit ITS software and solutions. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and its software is in use at more than 275 sites in 45 states across the United States. Targeting private and public sector passenger transportation providers, the company’s products address routing, scheduling, dispatching, billing, reporting, fixed-route CAD/AVL, paratransit and fixed-route integration, business intelligence, transportation coordination and more. 10 Schedule Masters, Inc. 300-1B Conestoga Drive Brampton, ON L6Z 4N5 CANADA Phone: 905-495-5402 Fax: 905-495-5404 Web Site: www.schedule-masters.org Products: “The Master Scheduler” is a fixedroute scheduling software tool that includes: scheduling, blocking, run-cutting, rostering, daily operations/dispatch, Web-based trip planning, customer complaint tracking, performance tracking, reporting and mapping. 07 ViaTour Software 200 South Main Street, Suite B Templeton, CA 93465 USA Phone: 505-466-6300 Fax: 866-587-9350 E-Mail: info@viatoursoftware.com Web Site: www.viatoursoftware.com Products: ViaTour Software is a reservation and tour management system that automates a company’s back-end workflow by integrating reservations, operations and accounting. Born as a niche market solution for travel planners in the educational travel market, ViaTour tour management software also answers the requirements of coach tour operators. This all-in-one system supports users throughout the entire tour lifecycle from proposal, costing, and marketing, through reservation processing and communications, to tour operations and, finally, business analysis. ViaTour bundles thesev feature sets into four application levels: Basic, Standard, Pro and Enterprise. It’s user-friendly and integrates with Microsoft Office. Enterprise, with data in SQL server, allows for Web integration, publishing and remote online access. 10
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Accuride Corp. 7140 Office Cir. Evansville, IN 47715 USA Phone: 812-962-5000 Fax: 812-962-5430 E-Mail: apfaffma@accuridecorp.com Web Site: www.accuridecorp.com Products: Accuride Corporation is a supplier of components to the commercial vehicle, municipal and school bus, and military industries. Products include commercial vehicle wheels, wheel-end components and assemblies, truck body and chassis parts, and other commercial vehicle components. 12 Barry Controls 82 South St. Hopkinton, MA 01748 USA Phone: 508-417-7000 E-Mail: paul.stupinski@barrycontrols.com Web Site: www.barrycontrols.com Products: For over 60 years, Barry Controls, a division of Hutchinson Worldwide, has served the public transportation industry with shock, noise, vibration, and acoustic control systems. The company’s products can be found in buses; light rail vehicles; metro transport systems; intercity, regional, and high speed trains; helping carry passengers in comfort and safety. Barry Controls makes primary and secondary suspensions, bushings, isolators, gangways, couplings, intercar bearings, and wall, ceiling and flooring materials. 12 Energy SuspensionSee Ad On Page 28 1131 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA Phone: 949-369-4831 Fax: 949-361-3940 E-Mail: kevintaeger@energysuspension.com Web Site: www.energysuspensionXD.com Products: Manufacturer of polyurethane replacement components. Radius arm bushings, motor and transmission mounts, bump stops radiator mounts and many other replacement parts are available. Supplier to Page 42
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municipalities, government and the aftermarket. Custom molding to specifications also available. 12 Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation See Ad On Page 3 552 Hyatt St. Gaffney, SC 29341 USA Phone: 864-487-1700 Fax: 864-487-6400 E-Mail: bryan.henke@daimler.com Web Site: www.freightlinerchassis.com Company Officers: Bob Harbin, President and CEO; Tony Sippel, Product Manager; Bryan Henke, Manager of Product Marketing Products: S2C Cutaway: Built on a proven shuttle bus chassis, the front-engine dieselpowered S2C Cutaway provides coach designers with options to craft the coach to fit their customers’ specific business needs, while also satisfying OEMs’ specific production needs for simplicity and ease of build. Coach manufacturers can add or remove certain cab amenities, including the rear wall, seating, passenger door and roof top door, allowing for a customized product. Manufacturers working with the FCC S2C Cutaway benefit from the all-inclusive chassis design because they only need to address the vehicle’s body, seating and wheelchair capabilities. MB-65: The heavy-duty front-engine MB-65 is designed with a lowered engine for a flatfloor cockpit that offers convenience and flexibility to bus body builders. It offers a smooth ride and superior handling, as well as 55degree wheel cut for maneuverability. XB series: FCCC’s comprehensive lineup of pusher and front-engine commercial bus market chassis offers several rail design configurations and meets a wide range of demands for carrying capacity, power and maneuverability. 12 Hadley Products Corporation 2503 Marina Dr. Elkhart, IN 46514
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Phone: 574-266-3700 Fax: 574-266-3747 E-Mail: bdubsky@hadley-products.com Web Site: www.hadley-products.com Products: Hadley is a component supplier to the heavy truck, trailer, transit, military and recreational vehicle market; and manufactures air horns, mirror systems, electronic leveling systems for air and hydraulic suspensions, mechanical height control valves and interior systems for the transit market. 12 IC Bus, A Navistar CompanySee Ad On Page 2701 Navistar Drive Lisle, IL 60532 USA Phone: 331-332-5000 Web Site: www.icbus.com Company Officers: John McKinney, IC Bus President Products: IC Bus, LLC, of Lisle, IL, is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE:NAV). An integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus offers passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus™ buses are sold, serviced and supported through a dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. 12 Kelderman Air Suspensions 2696 Hwy 92 Oskaloosa, IA 52577 USA Phone: 712-754-4383 Fax: 712-754-4384 E-Mail: lanny@kelderman.com Web Site: www.kelderman.com Company Officers: Jeff Kelderman, Vice President Products: Kelderman has been building front and rear air suspensions for 40 years. Suspensions are available for Ford F and E series; Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 series; GM 4500/5500 & 3500 HD; and IH TERRASTAR. Kelderman has been in the ambulance market for several years. 12
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Mohawk Mfg. and Supply Co. 7200 N. Oak Park Ave. Niles, IL 60714 USA Phone: 847-647-9350 Fax: 847-647-1592 E-Mail: sbrown@mohawkmfg.com Web Site: www.mohawkmfg.com Products: Mohawk Mfg. and Supply Co. is a North American bus parts supplier, furnishing more than 80,000 parts for the transit and motor coach industries. Mohawk stresses quality, service and value. Mohawk’s parts are subjected to stringent inspections and are backed by a one-year warranty against all defects. Mohawk’s customer service staff works with its customers to ensure that 98 percent of all orders are filled within 24 hours. 12 MOR/Ryde International, Inc. 1966 Moyer Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 USA Phone: 574-293-1581 Fax: 574-294-4936 E-Mail: joel.badskey@morryde.com Web Site: www.morryde.com Products: MOR/Ryde Suspension Systems utilize rubber shear springs that work with the existing leaf springs on the chassis. 12 Ridewell Suspensions P.O. Box 4586, Springfield, MO 65808 USA Phone: 417-833-4565 Fax: 417-833-4560 E-Mail: cstratton@ridewellcorp.com
Web Site: www.ridewellcorp.com Company Officers: John E. Raidel II, CEO; John E. Millsap, President; Rick Rickman, Vice President Sales Products: Ridewell engineers and manufactures premium air-ride suspensions for buses, motorcoaches and recreational vehicles. Typically designed with four air springs per axle, the 100 percent air-ride design provides excellent handling and ride quality. Ridewell designs front axle air-rides in conventional axle and independent front suspension designs. Rear air-rides are designed for single axle and tandem axle applications in fixed and self-steer configurations. The company has served the transportation industry since 1967, and holds more than 74 active patents for exclusive features that provide low maintenance and superior ride quality. 12 Spartan Motors 1541 Reynolds Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813 USA Phone: 517-543-6400 E-Mail: info@spartanmotors.com Web Site: www.spartanmotors.com Products: Spartan Motors, Inc., designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. 12
Trelleborg Industrial AVS, Inc. 200 Veterans Blvd., Ste 3 South Haven, MI 49090 USA Phone: 585-242-2016 Fax: 585-242-0925 E-Mail: neil.devries@trelleborg.com Web Site: www.trelleborg.com/industrialavs Products: Trelleborg Industrial Anti-Vibration Systems is a global designer and manufacturer of vibration isolators and mounting systems. Products include rubber/metal bonded primary springs (Chevrons, Metacones®), secondary springs (air springs, Hourglass® springs) and all rubber/metal bonded components, as well as powertrain mounts and suspension components for buses and coaches. 12 ZF Industries, Inc. 777 Hickory Hill Dr. Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3182 USA Phone: 847-478-6840 Fax: 847-478-6843 E-Mail: jack.skarren@zf.com Web Site: www.zf.com Products/Services: ZF develops and produces transmissions, steering systems, axles, and chassis components as well as complete systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and off-road machinery. ZF is also a transmission specialist for special and rail vehicles, marine craft, and helicopters. 12
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Paradigm Technology Consulting: Continued From Page 37 Aided Wireless Dispatch and Fleet Management solutions from eFleet. PTC is also a publisher in its own right, offering the Paradigm Transportation Suite (PTS). PTS is a robust suite of payroll and labor management applications designed for operators with more complex payroll and work force management needs, including those involving union contracts. It has long been PTC’s approach to assemble best-of-breed solutions for the motorcoach industry, and to offer an end-to-end turnkey solution that makes it possible for operators in the industry to leverage the best technology available. By bringing together the solutions offered by Microsoft, Enghouse, Collective Data and eFleet, as well as its own Transportation Suite, PTC has accomplished this goal. In the coming months, Enghouse and PTC will be jointly hosting user group meetings to introduce not only the updated CoachWorks product and PTC’s Transportation Suite, but to demonstrate their joint commitment to their new partnership and to the motorcoach industry as a whole. PTC is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Founded in 1999, PTC has been working suc-
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cessfully with companies of all sizes to define, develop and implement exceptional business processes and technology solutions. PTC employs a dedicated team of highly accomplished, experienced experts with strong backgrounds in business, finance and technology. PTC is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, call 1-866-782-4636 (866-PTC INFO), send an email to sales@ptcllc.com or visit www.ptcllc.com.
Distinctive Systems: Continued From Page 38 Recently, Distinctive Systems has initiated a Webinar Series that is targeted toward enhancing the knowledge of the end-user of the company’s products and explores targeted aspects of the software. This has been exceptionally well received, and many have expressed that this ongoing commitment to education will lead to their employees’ better usage of their mission critical business software systems. This program is a great example of the added value that Distinctive Systems offers to clients, long after the initial purchase of its software. For further information, contact Distinctive Systems’ sales department at nasales@distinctive-systems.com or call 646-448-9981.
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UMA, NTA Announce Schedule For 2013 Travel Exchange The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and the National Tour Association (NTA) have released the tentative schedule for their joint 2013 event in Orlando, FL, called Travel Exchange. The event is the combination of the UMA Motorcoach EXPO and the NTA Annual Convention. The schedule was recently confirmed at the NTA/UMA 2013 Task Force meeting and will give members a better idea of how UMA's and NTA's events will be integrated. UMA and NTA have set Travel Exchange dates and locations for the next three years. They are: January 20-24, 2013 in Orlando; February 16-20, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA; and, January 17-21, 2015 in New Orleans, LA. More information can be obtained by visiting www.uma.org.
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MCI Announces Signing Of Letter Of Intent To Acquire The Setra Business In The United States And Canada In a news release from MCI, it was announced that Motor Coach Industries International Inc. has signed a letter of intent with Daimler AG to acquire the Setra business in the United States and Canada and establish a strategic partnership with Daimler. The companies have agreed upon the material terms and conditions of the transaction and are working to finalize definitive agreements, which they expect to enter and consummate not later than May 31, 2012. Upon consummation of the transaction, Daimler Buses would receive a minority ownership stake in MCI, and MCI would become the exclusive North American (U.S. and Canada) distributor of the Setra S407 and S417 motor coaches. Rick Heller, MCI CEO, said, “The proposed transaction would allow MCI to expand its luxury motor coach offerings in the North America marketplace, while establishing a strategic partnership with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of buses and motor coaches. If consummated, we would intend to fully leverage the capabilities of MCI’s marketing and distribution networks on behalf of
the world-renowned Setra brand. We expect the partnership would also allow MCI access to Daimler’s world-class engineering and manufacturing capabilities. In addition to our planned consolidation of operations to realize efficiencies and other benefits, the strategic intent of the proposed transaction is to maintain the integrity of the MCI and Setra brands, parts and services.” “We look forward to welcoming the Setra brand to the MCI lineage of best selling models,” said Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of new coach private sector sales. “Our dedication at exceeding customer expectations with the strongest, most reliable service and support infrastructure in the industry will apply to Setra customers who would benefit from this new venture.” “MCI is excited by the prospects of partnering with Daimler and the long term stability we expect Daimler’s ownership position to provide,” Rick Heller added. “The potential partnership will only strengthen MCI’s pursuit of unsurpassed reliability, quality and support in the years to come.” For more than 25 years, Setra has been part
of the North American motorcoach industry providing upscale operators with German engineering and European styling. MCI, which turns 80 next year, builds the industry’s leading models in its Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Pembina, ND, manufacturing facilities. Its MCI J4500 model ranked as the industry’s best-selling coach in 2011, a position it has held for seven consecutive years. MCI also operates six sales and service centers in the United States and Canada, a major repair facility in Loudonville, OH, and a 360,000-square-foot parts distribution facility in Louisville, KY. Motor Coach Industries (MCI), owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP and headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, is a manufacturer of intercity coaches in the United States and Canada. MCI builds models for the tour, charter, linehaul, commuter, and transit segments. MCI also offers 24-hour technical support, industry-leading technician training and an extensive aftermarket parts and repair service network. In 2011, Daimler Buses sold 39,740 buses and coaches worldwide and achieved revenue of 4,418 million euros. 17,495 employees worldwide contributed to an EBIT of 162 million euros. Daimler Buses is a leader in the sales of buses and coaches over 8 tons GVW. Visit www.mcicoach.com
May/June 2012
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New Rotary Lift EFX90 Rotary Lift introduces the EFX90, the latest addition to its line of heavy-duty inground scissor lifts that, according to the company, use patented design features to lift technician productivity and lower vehicle downtime. The EFX90 modular inground lift incorporates three heavy-duty scissor sections to lift vehicles weighing up to 90,000 lbs., including articulated buses and vehicles with tandem Rotary Lift’s new EFX90 modular inground scissor lift. axles, such as fire trucks, dump trucks, semi trucks, and other vocauniversal style lifting saddle with flip-up tional and over-the-road vehicles. adapters. As a result, the EFX90 is compatible The EFX90 includes the company’s patented with industry lightweight adapters. It has an
infinite adjustment range, so technicians can position adapters where needed for proper lifting. The adapters swivel, making it possible to pick up vehicles by either the frame or the axle. Rotary Lift says its heavier pivot pins are 37 percent stronger and offer 12.5 percent more bearing surface area for extended service life. The pins are also protected by Rotary Lift’s SmartguardŽ corrosion protection. With technician safety in mind, the EFX90 features Rotary Lift’s patented heavy-duty locking system. The EFX90 has been third-party tested by ETL and is ALI certified to meet ANSI safety and performance standards. It is made in the U.S.A. For more information about the EFX90 or EFX60 modular inground scissor lifts, visit www.rotarylift.com, or call 800-640-5438.
Personnel News From ABC Companies Carolina, and West Virginia. New Marketing Manager Previously a veteran of ABC ABC Companies has announced Companies for 13 years, Pinckney the appointment of Sarah Ahlers as is back in his original territory in marketing manager. In this posithe Southeast region. tion, Ahlers will be responsible for Pinckney will be located at the ABC’s participation in industry ABC Companies’ facility in Winter events, its online and social media Garden, FL. presence, customer communicaPat Kelly Transitions To tions, and industry press relations. ABC Parts Sales Ahlers brings nearly 10 years of ABC Companies has also marketing experience working Sarah Ahlers announced the appointment of Pat across a variety of industries, including financial services, technology, and Kelly as parts territory sales manager for the Southeast Region. Kelly’s territory includes association management. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ahlers will be based in Faribault, MN. South Carolina, and Tennessee. Brian Pinckney Rejoins ABC Sales Force Kelly has been with ABC Companies for Brian Pinckney has returned to ABC’s Southeast Region as senior account executive more than five years, serving as the customer for Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South service manager for ABC Parts before assuming
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BUSLINE
May/June 2012
Brian Pinckney
Pat Kelly
the territory sales manager role for the Southeast Region. Kelly will be located at the ABC Companies’ facility in Winter Garden, FL. Contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com.
APTA Selects New Chief Financial Officer Mary Childress has joined the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as Chief Financial Officer. Childress has more than 25 years experience. Previously, Childress served as COO at the Association of State Mary Childress and Territorial Health Officials. She has held senior-level finance positions at the American Wind Energy Association, Optical Society of America, National Association for Home Care, and Partnership for Democracy. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Childress holds designations as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Association Executive (CAE). She succeeds L. Samuel Kerns.
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Prevost Signs Agreement With Greyhound For 60 X3-45 Motorcoaches The relationship between Greyhound and Prevost which began in 2007, continues with the signing of a new order for 60 Prevost X3-45 motorcoaches. The coaches have been designed to meet the demanding needs of Greyhound and its customers. Gaetan Bolduc, Prevost CEO, comments, “Greyhound and Prevost share a commitment to providing safe, efficient transportation to passengers across North America. The combined efforts of these two industry leading organizations will be a significant benefit to the transportation industry for the foreseeable future.” The 60 X3-45 coaches are equipped with features which advance Prevost’s commitment to safety. Prevost AWARE is an innovative safety feature which includes Adaptive Cruise Braking, Following Distance Alert and Stationary Object Alert, providing timely information to the driver and encouraging good driving habits. Other Prevost safety features include the Prevost Electronic Stability Program, the Beru Tire Pressure Monitoring System and the Automatic Fire Suppression System. The coaches also boast dual 1800 watt inverters powering 110 volt outlets and Wi-Fi Internet
access throughout the coach cabin for each passenger. Other highlights include an Aesys electronic destination sign and Prevost’s exclusive Swap
& Plug wheelchair lift. In addition, the coaches will provide a clean, fuel-efficient drive train, showcasing the Volvo D13 EPA 2010 engine which surpasses EPA emissions standards. “The motorcoach order is an affirmation of Greyhound’s confidence in Prevost’s ability to deliver a high quality and reliable coach to our fleet,” said Dave Leach, president and CEO, Greyhound Lines, Inc. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Prevost in a shared
vision to pursue further reductions in the total cost of ownership of the coach.” Delivery of the X3-45 coaches is scheduled to begin in June 2012 and be completed in October 2012. Founded in 1914, Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,800 destinations across North America. It has become an American icon, providing safe, enjoyable and affordable travel to nearly 25 million passengers each year. The Greyhound running dog is one of the most-recognized brands in the world. Prevost is a leading manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and a world leader in the production of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. As part of the Volvo Group, it has access to the financial strength, research capability, and manufacturing expertise of the group. The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines. Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada and has eight Parts and Service Centers located in the United States and Canada. Visit www.prevostcar.com.
SAFE, STURDY & DURABLE Safety Step will meet all your transportation needs…
s Safety Steps full line of transportation steps are designed specifically for the transportation industry s Anti-tip design makes it impossible to tip over with normal use s Transportation models provide a 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” boost s The 10" and 12" steps have brackets for extra durability s Rugged all-aluminum welded construction s All models are lab tested to hold over 1,000 pounds, but weigh a mere 7 pounds s Non-slip angled rubber leg tips and gripper strips keep your passengers and your Safety Step securely in place s Durable powder coat finish available black, silver or safety yellow
To view all our transportation steps or to order online, visit our website:
www.safetystep.net or call (888) 448-4237 May/June 2012
BUSLINE
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MCI Delivers New J4500s Texas’ OK Tours Takes Delivery Of 3 New MCI® J4500 Coaches
Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuring…
Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out
(815) 562-5840
OK Tours, San Antonio, TX, founded in 1993 by husband-and-wife team Manuel and Ana Sarmiento, has taken delivery of three 2012 MCI J4500 coaches. OK Tours spokespeople say the company owes its success to the Sarmiento’s commitment to building a family business with a reputation for professional, friendly service. “My husband had experience in motorcoach operations since he was a teenager,” said Ana Sarmiento. “I had other OK Tours’ team from left: Marcus Griffin, operplans, but he needed my ation manager; Ana Sarmiento, president; help in the office.” Manuel Sarmiento, vice president; and Marcos In those early years, as Sarmiento, public relations and marketing. a mother with a threeyear-old, Ana kept her son Marcos near her desk. Now 22, son Marcos Sarmiento is also involved with the business in sales, helping to further a customer base that ranges from group tours to popular destinations in Orlando, FL, and Canada; scheduled service to casinos; and charters for local colleges. Ana’s oldest son Marcus Griffin is the company's operation manager. OK Tours has grown to a staff of 30 employees, including drivers, and operates out of its own building on two acres that includes offices and a service shop. To learn more, visit www.oktours.com. Wade Tours Purchases New MCI J4500
Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches, Homemade Soup, Fresh Salads & Sides, Blue Bunny Ice Cream!
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Bus Drivers & Tour Guides Eat free! Mini-Mall — 2 Stores with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping!
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Please call ahead! Page 48
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In business for more than 80 years, Wade Tours of Schenectady, NY, has taken delivery of a new MCI J4500. The new MCI J4500 joins an all-MCI coach fleet, most of them recent J4500s, including one bought last year. In all, the company has 27 vehicles. “We like to keep a fleet that’s on average five years old or less, but we’ve been buying J4500s since the beginning,” says Greg DeLorenzo, representing the company’s fifth generation of family leadership. “We’ve been very satisfied with the MCI product as well as with the MCI organization. The support MCI gives is fantastic.” DeLorenzo, who says the company has been experiencing positive growth with more in the forecast, attributes Wade Tours’ success to its great customer service and pricing. The company is also known for being aggressive in wooing a more youthful demographic, offering shorter tours and events geared to younger adults as well as offering equipment and amenities that appeal to school groups. The company also offers charters and has a full-service travel agency that allows for international trips as well as a wide array of local, regional and cross-country options. Wade Tours began with a 1926 Studebaker making a 120-mile round-trip run from Schenectady to Middleburg. The company prospered, providing transportation to historic events including the World’s Fair in New York City and the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Today, Wade Tours continues to serve the Capital District. For more information on Wade Tours and its history, visit www.wadetours.com.
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0512Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 5/30/12 8:15 AM Page 50
Temsa New Coach Purchases Fast Deer Bus Charter Purchases New Temsa TS35 Coach
Mohawk Lift Features Model TP-18 2 Post Lift
Fast Deer Bus Charter, Inc., recently purchased a new Temsa TS35 coach from CH Bus Sales. Fast Deer Bus Charter was started in 1979 and maintains a state-of-the-art facility a few miles south of Los Angeles in Montebello, CA. tem. The reason I purchased a Temsa is because of this support. I was looking for a mid-size coach with plenty of luggage space and Tim Vaught sold me on this coach.”
Currently, it has a mixed fleet of 22 buses with seating capacity ranging from 25 to 58 passengers. Included in the fleet are six mini buses used for local trips, and the balance, including the new Temsa TS35, are over the road. Eddie Wong is president of Fast Deer Bus Charter. He said, “We love this new 35 foot Temsa. Our European groups are shrinking in size and this recent addition is a perfect solution. With the monocoque body and a powerful 345 HP Cummins engine, combined with Allison transmission and the three point seat belts as standard equipment, Temsa is a good choice.” TUI Bus Services Announces Purchase Of New Temsa TS35 Coach TUI Bus Services, Inc., recently purchased a new 2012 Temsa TS35 coach from CH Bus Sales. TUI Bus Services has been in business for 20 years and operates a modern fleet of motorcoaches in Dallas, TX. The company transports passengers within the Dallas/Fort Worth area and state to state. Mel Jackson of TUI Bus Services says, “I feel Temsa offers a great after sales support sys-
Pictured from left are Mel Jackson of TUI, and Laurie Lynne and Jack Farrell of CH Bus Sales’ service department.
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Vandalia Bus Lines Announces Purchase Of New Temsa TS35 Coach Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc., recently added a third new Temsa TS35 coach to its fleet. Vandalia Bus Lines has been a privately owned business for 75 years and owns and operates a large fleet of motor coaches in the St. Louis, MO, area. Dale Streif is president of Vandalia Bus Lines. CH Bus Sales is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States. CH Bus Sales is a privately owned corporation with an industry experienced ownership and management team. Temsa is a fully owned subsidiary of Sabanci Holding, located in Turkey. Visit www.chbussales.com or www.temsaglobal.com for more information.
Mohawk’s TP-18 is a clear floor above ground lift capable of raising medium-duty vehicles up to 18,000 lbs. This is a 2 post medium to heavy-duty lift that handles a wide variety of vehicles. The TP-18 can be used for anything from light-duty passenger cars to 1 ton utility, work and service trucks. All Mohawk Lifts are designed and manufactured in the USA. Mohawk’s TP-18 lift comes with a 25-year structural and 10-year mechanical warranty. For more information visit www.mohawklifts.com, call 1-800-833-2006, fax 518-8421289, or write to P.O. Box 110, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Specialty Vehicles Receives Award Specialty Vehicles Founder and CEO Nancy Munoz says that SVI, Inc. has been awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2012 Nevada State Small Business Person of the Year Award. As award winners, the SVI Executive Management Team celebrated along with other award recipients in Washington, D.C. during National Small Business Week at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in May. Since relocating to Nevada from Southern California in 2003, Specialty Vehicles has grown from expanding its overall repair and warranty services for customers to building its vehicle portfolio to include more product lines such as Star Shuttle and Metro Tram™. TMC Financing, a Certified Dev elopment Company for small businesses in California and Nevada was responsible for nominating Specialty Vehicles for the Person of the Year Award. It worked closely with Specialty Vehicles to help the company receive an SBA 504 loan to purchase a new 6,800 square foot buildPictured from left are Leah Munoz, ing on a 1.15 square acre parcel to add to Nancy Munoz, and Rachel Drenk. current operations. For 30 years, Specialty Vehicles spokespeople say the company has been helping clients meet their people moving needs across the United States and abroad including the Classic American Trolley, trams, electric vehicles, buses and now the much anticipated Metro Tram™.
May/June 2012
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BOWMANSDALE
HANOVER
2112 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd. Off Rt. 15 s Mechanicsburg, PA 717-697-5383
991 Carlisle St., Rt. 94 s 717-632-7531 350 Eisenhower Dr. s 717-632-0005 1448 Baltimore St. s 717-630-0337
CAMP HILL
HARRISBURG
4230 Trindle Road s 717-737-3896
CARLISLE 60 Noble Blvd. in Super Walmart 717-960-9400 608 E. High St. s 717-249-7721 1176 Harrisburg Pike s 717-243-7774 905 Walnut Bottom Rd. s 717-249-0694
CEDAR CLIFF Exit 19 off I-83 s Camp Hill, PA 717-737-6404
CHAMBERSBURG 1075 Lincoln Way East s 717-263-4601
NORTH CHAMBERSBURG 2891 Philadelphia Avenue (US 11 N.) 717-263-2970
CLEONA 493 W. Penn Avenue s 717-272-5677
COLUMBIA 1788 Columbia Ave., off Rt. 30 717-684-7048
DILLSBURG 898 North US Rt. 15 s 717-432-9500
King & Water Streets s 717-299-6699 Manor Shopping Center 1296 Millersville Pk. s 717-293-5706
NEWPORT Rt. 322 and Rt. 34, Newport Exit 717-567-9344
LEMOYNE
PALMYRA
Rts. 11 and 15 North across from Radisson Hotel s 717-761-7992
901 E. Main St. s 717-838-6815
2929 Paxton St. s 717-561-8050 LEBANON 4605 Jonestown Rd. s 717-652-7035 1202 W. Maple St. s 717-273-8691 7845 Linglestown Rd.s 717-545-8580 757 E. Cumberland St. s 717-273-9023 Rt. 83 and Union Deposit Rd. 1725 Quentin Rd., Lebanon, PA 717-564-9320 717-306-6565 4403 N. Front St. s 717-238-1048 LITITZ Harrisburg East Mall/Rt. 83 and Paxton St. 990 Lititz Pike, Rt. 501 N. 717-561-0703 717-627-4666 Eisenhower Blvd. I-283, Exit 1 LITTLESTOWN 717-939-6972 430 North Queen St.s 717-359-8946 5590 Allentown Blvd., Rt. 22 LYKENS VALLEY Exit 26 off I-81 s 717-652-9123 4660 Rt. 209s 717-362-8416 Kline Plaza, 101 S. 25th St. MANHEIM 717-232-0008 711 Lancaster Rd., Rt. 72s 717-664-4944 Uptown Shopping Center MECHANICSBURG 720 Division St. s 717-236-6226 Wesley Dr. Exit, Rt. 15 Harrisburg Airport s 717-948-3900 717-761-7525 6535 Grayson Rd. in Wal-Mart KMart Plaza, 5600 Carlisle Pike 717-561-0445 717-766-9675 HERSHEY 6250 Carlisle Pike in Wal-Mart Rts. 39 and 322 s 611 E. Main St., 717-591-9864 Hummelstown s 717-566-6041
PINE GROVE I-81, Exit 31 s 717-345-6400
RED LION 897 West Broadway s 717-246-1802 655 Lombard St., Cape Horn Plaza 717-246-7801
SCOTLAND 3347 Black Gap Rd. s 717-263-7507
SHIPPENSBURG 333 East King St. s 717-532-7945
SHREWSBURY Exit 1 off I-83 s 717-235-4663
SILVER SPRING Rt. 114 and Shadow Oak Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA s 717-697-3460
SPRINGETTSBURY Hallam Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-757-9655
WAYNESBORO 302 East Main St. s 717-762-9201
YOCUMTOWN Exit 14A off I-83 s 717-938-5705
EAST MANCHESTER
JONESTOWN
MERCERSBURG
YORK
4245 North George St. s 717-266-3170
Rt 72 & I-81 s 610-562-8462
11924 Buchanan Trial West 717-328-0111
2125 York Crossing Dr & Rt 74 717-767-1381 Exit 4, I-83, 133 Leader Heights Road 717-747-9191 York Galleria Mall s 717-757-3026 60 Arsenal Rd. s 717-699-4600 Exit 6W off I-83 s 717-845-9360 3141 Carlisle Road, Dover 717-767-2594 144-158 S. George St. s 717-846-1021 Rts. 30 & 74 in Wal-Mart s 717-764-8923 380 Memory Lane s 717-757-2912
ELIZABETHTOWN
LANCASTER
1284 S. Market St. s 717-367-6471
1880 Hempstead Rd. s 717-509-6988 Willow Valley Square s 717-464-5119 1829 Oregon Pike s 717-569-7898 1434 Manheim Pike s 717-394-3417 Rt. 30 and Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA s 717-393-9523 68 East Town Mall, Rt. 30E Lancaster, PA s 717-394-8957 1755 Columbia Ave. Millersville Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-397-5112 575 N. Franklin St., next to McCuskey High School s 717-394-7938 2034 Lincoln Hwy East in Wal-Mart 717-390-1099
ENOLA Enola Rd., Exit Rt. 11 15 S. off Rt. 81 s 717-732-4228
EPHRATA 140 N. Reading Rd. s 717-733-1660
GETTYSBURG 517 S. Steinwehr Ave., Bus. Rt. 15 717-334-5920 1090 York Rd. s 717-337-1030
GREENCASTLE Rt. 16 and I-81 s 717-597-2589
HALIFAX 3761 Peter’s Moutain Rd. s 717-896-2535
MIDDLETOWN 2270 W. Harrisburg Pike s 717-944-9535
MIFFLINTOWN Rt. 322 and Rt. 35, Mifflintown Exit 717-436-9779
MYERSTOWN 295 West Lincoln Avenue (Rt. 422) 717-866-2278
NEW CUMBERLAND 101 Limekiln Rd. s 717-774-1027
NEW HOLLAND 828 W. Main St. s 717-354-9300
NEW OXFORD 6040 York Rd., Rts. 30 and 94 717-624-4266
Tell us you saw this ad in Busline Magazine, and 1 driver and 1 tour guide will receive a
FREE MEAL! Please call ahead to the phone number listed by the McDonald’s of your choice.
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The exceptional efficiency of an integrated powertrain The Volvo 9700 consistently delivers a profitable combination of performance, efficiency and passengerpleasing comfort. With its dependable Volvo D13 SCR engine, you get a proven platform that saves fuel and minimizes maintenance. The integrated I-Shift transmission takes fuel economy to the next level by keeping engine speed in the sweet spot. Advanced safety features add bumper-to-bumper protection. And wherever you go, you’re backed by our extensive network of Prevost professional service providers. The Volvo 9700 is known around the globe for its high productivity and low operating cost. Here in North America, it’s the best way to accelerate your bottom line. Learn more at www.prevostcar.com.
35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire QC, G0R 2V0, Canada | USA 1-877-773-8678 | Canada 418-883-3391
2:28 PM