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CONTENTS
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––––––––––– IN THIS ISSUE ––––––––––– Serving Medford, MA, Area: Rich In History & Attractions
Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation ...8 Terre Haute Transit Serving 400,000 Passengers Annually ..........20 Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Software Systems .................................33
Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Brakes & Tires .....................................36
CTAA Expo May 23-27 In Portland, OR.....................................50 Busline Vehicle Showcase:
ALTERNATIVE FUEL & HYBRID VEHICLES 46 - 49
RAPID RESPONSE ..................................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS .................................Page 39 ON THE COVER: The management team at Joseph's Limousine & Transportation, located in Medford, MA, includes, left to right: Sales Manager Joseph Albano IV, President & CEO Joseph Albano III, and Operations Supervisor Justin Albano. They are pictured in front of one of the company's Temsa motorcoaches. See page 8.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 2016 May 14-18 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Conference Halifax, Nova Scotia Info: 416-365-9800 May 15-18 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Charlotte, NC Info: 202-496-4800 May 22-27 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo 2016 Portland, OR Info: 800-891-0590 JUNE 2016 June 20-23 Pennsylvania Bus Assoc. Annual Meeting Gettysburg, PA Info: 717-236-9042
JULY 2016 July 16-20 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Annual Meeting & Convention Greensboro, NC Info: 703-684-3200 AUGUST 2016 August 2-4 International Motorcoach Group (IMG) Strategic Alliance Meeting Norfolk, VA Info: 888-447-3466 August 8-9 Midwest Bus & Motorcoach Association Annual Convention, Trade Show & Roadeo Carol Stream, IL Info: 608-354-7110
August 18-21 National Association Of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO) Annual Conference Atlantic City, NJ Info: 571-312-7117 SEPTEMBER 2016 September 11-14 APTA Annual Meeting Los Angeles, CA Info: 202-496-4800 September 19-21 BusCon 2016 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 FEBRUARY 2017 February 26-March 2 UMA Motorcoach Expo St. Louis, MO Info: 800-424-8262
Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2016 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net
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BUSLINE
May/June 2016
EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES
Rankin Publishing Co., Inc. Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Email: drankin@consolidated.net Website: www.rankinpublishing.com (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 Fax: (217) 268-4815 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Design: David Opdyke, Kris Bott Reception: Mary Jo Dunn Advertising Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959 Email: kevloraz@cox.net Or Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: drankin@consolidated.net
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ABC Companies Advantage Funding Altro Transflor Amaya-Astron American Cooling Technology, Inc. Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation Bitzer Complete Coach Works Continental Corporation CTAA Expo 2016 De Leo Transportation Fabrics Diamond Manufacturing Distinctive Systems Dixie Electric Ltd. Freightliner Hometown Trolley INA Bus Sales Marathon Brake Systems Micro Bird Commercial Midwest Bus Corporation
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www.abc-companies.com www.advantagefund.com www.altrotransflor.com www.amaya-astron.com.mx www.actusa.us.com www.atlanticdda.com www.bauerscertifiedpreowned.com www.bitzerus.com www.completecoach.com www.continental-corporation.com www.ctaa.org/expo www.deleotf.com www.diamondmfg.com www.distinctive-systems.com www.dixie-electric.com www.freightlinerchassis.com www.hometowntrolley.com www.inabussales.com www.MarathonBrake.com www.mbcbus.com www.midwestbus.com
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Mile-X MJM Innovations Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Motorcoach Manager Motorcoach Tire Sales.com Prevost Car Profusion Industries Protective Insurance Company Relational Bus Systems RUD Chain, Inc. Sacro-Ease Safety Step Service Insurance SLEC Sutrak TEMSA TransitWorks Turtle Top Vanner Power Willingham Inc.
MAy/JuNE 2016 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com
Website
www.mile-x.com www.mjminnovations.com www.mcicoach.com www.motorcoachmanager.com www.motorcoachtiresales.com www.prevostcar.com www.ProFusionIndustries.com www.protectiveinsurance.com www.rbs2000.com www.rotogrip.us www.mccartys.com www.safetystep.net www.serviceins.com www.slec.com www.sutrakusa.com www.temsa.com www.Transit-Works.com www.turtletop.com www.vanner.com www.willinghaminc.com
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Read or Download Complete Issues Of Busline Magazine Online At: www.buslinemag.com Page 6
BUSLINE
May/June 2016
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ABC Companies Featured Equipment
PRICED TO MOVE! Temsa Motorcoaches Incoming trades, priced to sell! Year
• 2015 • 2015 • 2015 • 2014 • 2014 • 2014 • 2013 • 2013 • 2012 • 2012 • 2012 • 2012 • 2012 • 2012 • 2012
Model
VIN#
Odometer
TS 35 w/lift ..... #00307 ........47K TS 35 ............... #00283 ........55K TS 35 ............... #00284 ........11K TS 35 w/lift ..... #00201 ......103K TS 35 ............... #00226 ........48K TS 35 ............... #00222 ......100K TS 35 ............... #00116 ......174K TS 35 ............... #00136 ......130K TS 35 ............... #00021 ........ 75K TS 35 ............... #00018 ........ 75K TS 35 ............... #00046 ......204K TS 35 ............... #00047 ......187K TS 35 ............... #00028 ......190K TS 35 ............... #00029 ......175K TS 35 ............... #00007 ......190K
View ABC’s complete pre-owned inventory at www.abc-companies.com and www.busbuys.com All pre-owned vehicles sold “As-is.” Actual coach may vary from photo. Conditions may vary by location. No warranties expressed or implied. Financing and special lease rates available to qualified customers.
Contact your ABC Account Manager for pricing and inventory updates or email trosett@abc-companies.com WESTERN REGION Los Angeles, CA 800.322.2877 MIDWEST REGION Minneapolis, MN 800.222.2875 SOUTHWEST REGION Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX 800.222.2877 NORTHEAST REGION Philadelphia, PA 800.222.2873 SOUTHEAST REGION Orlando, FL 800.222.2871
www.abc-companies.com 3/23/16
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Joseph Albano III President & CEO
Justin Albano Operations Supervisor
Joseph Albano IV Sales Manager
Jessica Albano Customer Service
In Medford, MA
Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation Serving Area Rich In History & Attractions i By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor
W
hen it comes to history and tourism, few places in North America can match New England. From the rugged coast of Maine and colorful Vermont autumn foliage, to Plymouth Rock and famous Revolutionary War sites, to vibrant cities such as Boston, MA, there is plenty to see and do in this six-state region — not to mention nearby New York City, Philadelphia and other famous places in the Northeast. It’s this fascination with the area’s beauty and historical significance that helps attract thousands of tourists every year to New England. This includes many people who visit via bus/motorcoach, utilizing the services provided by Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation, located in Medford, MA, just north of Boston.
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THE smart choice
…For a Lasting Partnership.
Providing your clients with the right motorcoach is smart business. CH Bus Sales has the premier choices to help you succeed. Our products are impeccable, and our personalized service is unequaled. When you buy a Temsa, you become our partner in success and a part of our family. <J GJQNJ[J NS WJQFYNTSXMNUX YMFY QFXY FSI XJW[NHJ YMFY HTRJX NS ąWXY
For more information, contact CH Bus Sales at: 877-723-4045 or visit www.chbussales.com
CH Bus Sales is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the U.S.
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Joseph’s is a family-owned and operated full transportation provider. It has been in business for over 40 years, and is headed by the Albano family. The late Joseph Albano Sr., started the company in the 1970s strictly as a limousine provider. It has since expanded over the years, and now offers many types of transportation work. “We are a full-service company when it comes to bus and motorcoach transportation. This involves two divisions — contract and charter,” Joseph’s Managing Director Steve Bauld said. “Our contract division includes shuttle bus transportation for area colleges and universities, which are many in the Boston region. When working with these institutions, we want to service their entire transportation package, such as commencement programs, sporting events, etc.
“Joseph’s also provides contract service transportation for Stop & Shop shuttle trips for such groups as senior citizens, taking people to grocery stores, etc. And, we have been involved with the development of Boston’s Seaport District, which includes The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Joseph’s provides this area with contract shuttle services, and connects the area’s commuter rail system with the Seaport District.” The company also has a trolley used to transport visitors of Revolutionary War sites found in nearby Lexington and Concord, MA. “We provide a wide range of contract services. A lot of our vehicles used in this area of the business are remanufactured transit buses. These are low-floor vehicles that are wheelchairequipped. They have worked very well for us,” Bauld said. “Like any major city, parking is very limited in Boston. It’s easier for a lot of people to travel by bus.” Joseph’s second division for bus/ motorcoach travel involves its charter business. It’s an area that company officials have worked very hard, during the past four years, to increase while also updating the fleet. “There are various groups of charter customers who we cater to every year. This includes many international travelers, such as those from Asia and Europe. They come to see the sites in and around Boston. Of course, there are also a lot of customers from around the United States and Canada who we cater to as well — all wanting to travel to New England to visit historical places or see our mountains, beaches or perhaps go snow skiing at one of the many resorts in the area. It’s all possible here through motorcoach travel. Everything is centrally located. New England attracts a º diverse customer base,” Bauld said. “The Boston market itself is extremely vibrant. The ProViu® ASL360 Camera System helps improve driving The historic significance of Boston brings and safety and lets you monitor your surroundings. ProViu’s people from all over North America and four cameras stitch together a single 360-degree view around the world.” your bus, reducing blind spots and revealing any pedestrians, The company’s charter work, however, is not limited to travelers wanting to see cyclists and other obstacles hidden from your mirrors. Paul Revere’s house or Cape Cod. Many The ProViu®ASL360 greatly facilitates vehicle operation in charter customers require transportation to dense city traffic and in loading areas. The system enhances Boston and surrounding areas for specific safety, even when the vehicle is standing still. It can be configured events. to be permanently active, so that while parked, the driver can “We work with a diverse charter cuskeep an eye on the vehicle and the surroundings just by tomer base. For example, we have providglancing at the monitor. ed transportation during the past few years for UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champ ionship) participants when they come to For additional information, contact: Boston,” Bauld said. “Joseph’s also prosalessupport-us@continental-corporation.com vided charter transportation service for the or call: 800-564-5066 recent World Figure Skating Champ www.continental-corporation.com Scan the code to ionships in Boston. We have done our fair watch the video. ProViu – A Trademark of the Continental Corporation share of charter work as well for the film industry, providing transportation for
Now – get a 360 view around your bus.
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Washington, D.C. crews involved with “The good thing various movie shoots about servicing the in the area. This inNortheast is that we cludes the upcoming don’t have to live-andPatriots Day movie die with overnight about the Boston Martravel. We can keep athon bombing.” most of our buses and Joseph’s is also motorcoaches local,” involved with a lot of Bauld said. “For inconvention work. It stance, we don’t prohelps that Boston is vide overnight school home to many large financial services comtrips, such as those panies. There are a lot where the motorcoach of meetings and conleaves at 11 p.m. and ventions that take is basically used as a place in the city. hotel room. We feel Joseph's fleet includes Temsa motorcoaches that feature leather seating and wood-grain floors. “The Greater Bosthis type of trip is too ton Convention & dangerous.” Visitors Bureau has done a good job in attracting very large conJoseph’s facility is located in Medford, a city of 56,000-plus ventions to the area. We try to diversify our business, allowing residents in the Boston metropolitan area. The facility is just us to offset the seasonality of the charter industry. We are four to five miles from Boston Logan International Airport as always looking to smooth out the peaks and valleys when it well as downtown Boston. “We are very well situated for the Boston market, and are comes to charter demand,” Bauld said. Although New England is the major service market for located near Interstate 93. This provides easy access to all of Joseph’s charter business, the company will travel to other loca- New England,” Bauld said. “The downside to our current faciltions in the Northeast. This includes New York City and upstate ity is that it’s old and tired. Therefore, we are in the process of New York, Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania, and having a state-of-the-art facility to be built at this same location
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in Medford. We are currently looking for property to temporar- the business over the years. Today, Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation is headed by ily use while our current facility is being demolished and the Joseph Albano III, who serves as president and CEO. Three new facility built.” There is much anticipation at Joseph’s for what the new facil- of his children are also involved with the company: Joseph IV, Justin and Jessica Albano. ity will bring to the company. “For one thing, everything will be together. Right now, we work out of an “When a company focuses on service, there is a real need old garage and some nearby office trailthat takes place to truly interact with the clientele. ers. The new facility will include everyIt’s much more than just taking orders. thing we need at one location. Our new It’s important to find out not only the building’s footprint will actually be smaller than all of the combined spaces good things a company does, but the we currently work from, but it will be a negative things as well. It’s all about much better, state-of-the-art facility,” Bauld said. “It will include in-garage building solid relationships...” bus washing capabilities as well as — Joseph’s Managing Director Steve Bauld three or four more dedicated bays for service work. A couple of these bays According to Bauld, Joseph Albano III was instrumental in will feature drive-through capabilities, which transforming the company from simply a limousine provider to we don’t have now.” one that also services the bus and motorcoach transportation marketplace. This transformation began in the early 1990s. A Family Operation “The Albano family has shown great resiliency through the various economic ups and downs that have taken place in the orman Rockwell once said, “Here in New England, the transportation industry. This includes the period after 9/11 as character is strong and unshakable.” The famous well as the financial meltdown of 2008 — both of which were painter and illustrator of American life could well be devastating for many transportation providers,” Bauld said. describing members of the Albano family, along with various “This is a born and bred family-run business, located in the longtime employees. These are people who have helped grow same city that the Albano family has lived in for years.”
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He added that siblings Joseph IV, who is known as “Joey” at the company, Justin and Jessica have all been instrumental in helping modernize the business since coming onboard. “They have given the company a lift and provided some fresh ideas, helping Joseph’s grow in various new markets,” Bauld said. “The younger generation has been able to help build a diverse customer base through new ideas, while still providing quality service.” For example, Bauld explained that Joey Albano has been instrumental in helping shape the company’s recent color scheme involving the exterior and interior of Joseph’s motorcoaches. “He has worked very hard and led the charge to change the color of our larger equipment. We used to feature white motorcoaches. Now, our full-size coaches are dark red, while our smaller Temsa coaches are black with red interior,” Bauld said. “We bought two white Temsas in 2012, then we bought a black Temsa in 2013 which included red leather interior seating and wood-grain floors. We have decided that all of our 35foot, 40-passenger Temsas will now feature black for the exterior and red inside; while our full-size coaches will have a red paint scheme. Even the full-size coaches that we kept from the ‘white days’ have been painted red to incorporate our new look.” In a world of white motorcoaches seen by many traveling up and down city streets, country highways and interstates, Bauld said it’s nice to feature a look that helps differentiate Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation. “A new, full-size motorcoach today costs a lot of money.
However, to the public, what truly differentiates a brand new motorcoach from a 2008 model? It’s therefore important to help grab people’s attention,” Bauld said. “We wanted to rejuvenate our brand, and Joey has done a good job leading this effort.” Joseph’s currently has 46 pieces of equipment to transport customers. In the past few years, company officials have worked hard to purchase transit buses for contract shuttle applications. These low-floor vehicles meet ADA requirements, and come in 30-, 35- and 40-foot lengths. “We also have cutaway mini-buses in our fleet that are mostly utilized for contract work. Some of these vehicles can transport 28 passengers, while others are 16-passenger vehicles that include 2 wheelchair positions. And, we have our trolley, which is ADA-equipped and under contract with the city of Lexington,” Bauld said. “For our charter side of the business, we feature full-size coaches as well as four Temsa mid-size vehicles, with two more Temsas ordered for later this year. Our Temsas have been great vehicles, and our customers love them. They feature great ride quality. “Temsa has helped us achieve success within the charter side of our company, when it comes to smaller group transportation. These Temsa coaches are fully equipped. They also look good and customers are willing to pay for their quality. We have updated our motorcoach fleet over the past several years, and have heavily invested in Temsas since 2012.” Bauld added that the veteran management involved with CH Bus Sales, LLC, (the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States and Canada) has been very
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important to Joseph’s success in the mid-size coach segment. “We have known members of this management team for a very long time,” he said. “The people working behind the Temsa product have given us a lot of confidence. We were the first company to put Temsas in service in the Boston marketplace.”
Modern Amenities For Modern Times
Joseph’s buses and coaches also feature a protective film that is applied on the front of the vehicles for added protection against rock chips and dings. Bauld said the film helps keep vehicles fresher looking. The company also uses a rim polisher so that its wheels are bright throughout the year. He added that providing clean equipment — both inside and out — is a major part of being a transportation provider.
Building Stronger Relationships
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eeping up with technology has also allowed Joseph’s to With Customers, Employees stay on pace to meet current customer demands. For example, after graduating from college, Justin Albano n today’s age of ever-changing technological advances and has been instrumental in researching and helping Joseph’s the demand for instant gratification from consumers, proinstall an advanced GPS Wi-Fi monitoring system, now being viding a high level of customer service still often requires used in the company’s fleet. one-on-one human contact. At Joseph’s Limousine & “In the world we are living in today, everybody wants to be Transportation, company officials are well aware of the need for connected. Therefore, Wi-Fi outlets are very important to our solid relationships to be developed between the company and its customers. However, soon after Justin joined the company, he consumers. started researching different types of moniBauld credits Joey Albano for helping toring systems. Today, the system we have Joseph’s maintain its long-standing service “The old saying, chosen, includes cameras that have been commitment to customers. installed on our vehicles to help provide added “Joey has led the charge recently when it ‘It’s either my way safety and driver monitoring,” Bauld said. comes to working with customers. He is “This system accurately portrays what hap- or the highway’ doesn’t very attuned to their needs, talking with pens while our vehicles are in operation, and them on a regular basis and getting their apply anymore for helps us make sure our drivers are delivering opinions. Our dispatchers also follow up transportation the type of customer service that we demand. with phone calls after trips, asking how The cameras put everybody on notice.” everything worked out and what these cuscompanies when This system is also in place on the comtomers thought of their drivers,” Bauld said. pany’s transit-style buses, which comes in “I also spend a lot of my time talking with trying to find and handy for security purposes as these vehicustomers, asking them what we can do betkeep good drivers.” cles are often operated late at night and ter. We want their feedback right away. early in the morning. “When a company focuses on service, “This technology helps us better focus on customer service. there is a real need that takes place to truly interact with the With cameras, if there is a problem, we can show the cus- clientele. It’s much more than just taking orders. It’s important tomer what actually happened. Many of the people who book to find out, not only the good things a company does, but the charter trips aren’t actually on the trip itself when the charter negative things as well. It’s all about building solid relationis taking place,” Bauld said. “With today’s onboard technolo- ships, so customers won’t be persuaded to go with somebody gy, we are better able to mediate disputes successfully and else just because they were offered $5 less for a trip.” quickly. This is all part of our focus on delivering a better Joseph’s has approximately 75 employees, of which 55 are customer experience.” drivers. Bauld said a major challenge facing many companies Bauld, who ran his own transportation business before join- involved in transportation today is that of finding enough qualing his childhood friend Joseph Albano III several years ago at ified drivers. Joseph’s, said he has seen many changes when it comes to tech“I feel it’s a nationwide problem, whether you are talking nology, customer demands and marketing. about bus/motorcoach operators or trucking companies,” he “With marketing, today’s focus has shifted to one that said. “It’s hard to grow and take on new work if you can’t do it requires a good website where companies are able to provide a properly due to a lack of good drivers. The driver shortage sit‘show and tell’ about their services,” he said. “I have also seen uation at the moment is very difficult. In my eyes, it’s the a great shift toward Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to watch any- biggest challenge for our industry.” thing they want from their own personal devices. To help combat this problem, officials as Joseph’s work hard “Technology is changing so rapidly that I can’t even begin to to make sure the company remains very driver friendly. This imagine what is next.” includes staying focused on current industry pay rates, making The more things change, however, the more they often stay sure Joseph’s pay scale is in line with the national average. the same. According to Bauld, providing a clean and attractive “Every driver is different. You have to properly react to their vehicle never goes out of style. individual personalities in order to meet their needs,” Bauld “Because it’s the spring season, we are currently in the said. “The old saying, ‘It’s either my way or the highway’ doesprocess of sending our vehicles to an outside reconditioning n’t apply anymore for transportation companies when trying to firm. We do this four times a year. This service includes the find and keep good drivers.” application of a high-gloss wax,” he said. When looking for future driving candidates, Bauld added that
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first impressions are still very important. “How does the person act during his/her first interview? How does that person get an application? Is he/she dressed properly? Does he/she show up 15 minutes early for an interview? Is that person organized? These are the qualities I look for at the beginning, and these are traits you can’t necessarily train,” he said. “I also look for the right personality. I have found that many truck drivers want to drive a bus/motorcoach. However, these are two different careers. A truck driver’s main function is to safely get from one location to the next as fast as possible. A bus/coach driver’s job, meanwhile, can involve taking people on a vacation, etc. You are not necessarily just trying to eat up miles. Therefore, a pleasant and outgoing personality is very beneficial. “The demeanor drivers show toward their customers is important. We make sure our drivers have a good attitude, present themselves properly and receive proper training.” Even among bus drivers, there are those who do better with contract shuttle type work, while others are more successful on charter trips. “We have been be able to transition some drivers over the past few years, making them good charter drivers after starting on our contract side,” Bauld said. “It’s paid off for a couple of our drivers. We have also found that certain drivers do better with certain types of customers.” When it comes to training bus/motorcoach drivers, officials at Joseph’s are very attuned to the importance of leading by
example. This includes having recruits “learn the ropes” by riding, and eventually driving, with the company’s experienced drivers. “It’s also important that our dispatchers get to know our drivers very well,” Bauld said. “It’s all part of making sure our trips are as safe and successful as possible.” He added that every role within a bus/motorcoach operation is important and must be performed well to guarantee the success of the entire company. “We are all part of a chain, and everybody in the chain must perform to the best of his/her capabilities. This includes mechanics, cleaners, drivers, dispatchers and the front office,” Bauld explained. “I feel everybody at Joseph’s understands this, and that our success revolves around customer service and having the best transportation product possible. “When working in transportation, it’s important to ask oneself, ‘Would my mother, father, brother, sister, etc., be comfortable on this vehicle? Would they experience a safe and enjoyable trip?’” Bauld said. “This is a business that must be customer-service focused at all times.”
A Local Company
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ith its new facility planned in the Boston area, officials at Joseph’s are very happy to remain focused on the New England market while providing a variety of bus/motorcoach transportation services.
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Bauld also feels good about the future direction of the overall “We want to continue to service our local markets and remain diverse. At Joseph’s, we are very aware of what our company U.S. bus/motorcoach industry, despite challenges that always has to offer,” Bauld said. “We have developed our pricing sys- seem to be present. “Buses and motorcoaches play an important role in the overtem much like a hotel. We price according to the seasons, all transportation system. according to demand, Airplanes do one thing, and we have our own “The transportation industry has been very we do another. There is contracted groups that good for me and my family. It can also be a no way a large convenfill X-amount of space tion can take place in a each year. hard business that requires long hours. city without bus/motor“It’s also always impHowever, the quality of the people you meet coach transportation,” ortant to look for new Bauld said. “Also, colopportunities as a transalong the way, and the things you get to see leges and universities portation provider.” and do, are all very rewarding.” continue to have sports Another big factor for teams that need our servthe company moving forward is the development of the younger generation of ices, and people are always wanting to visit such places as Albanos. They are taking additional leadership roles at Boston, Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C., via Joseph’s, and who sometimes possess different points of view a bus/motorcoach. “The transportation industry has been very good for me and from the older generation. “The interesting thing is, Joe (Joseph Albano III) and I went my family. It can also be a hard business that requires long to high school together, so we are the same age. Joey, Justin and hours. However, the quality of the people you meet along the Jessica are his children who are now with our company. It’s fun way, and the things you get to see and do, are all very rewardwatching younger people in the work setting as they provide ing. There is something new all the time.” new ideas and energy. This has been infectious,” Bauld said. Contact: Joseph’s Limousine & Transportation, “The future of this company is in their hands. Joseph’s direction 44 James St., Medford, MA 02155. Phone: 781-396-2500. will go where they want to take it in the years ahead. They are Website: www.josephslimousine.com. all very smart.”
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APTF Scholarship Named In Honor Of APTA Chair Valarie J. McCall The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) Board been a leader within the city of Cleveland. This APTF scholarship of Directors has established the Valarie J. McCall Scholarship in will recognize her contributions to APTA and to the entire transit honor of the 2015-2016 American Public Transportation Association industry for years to come.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The scholarshop will be (APTA) Chair Valarie J. McCall, awarded for the first time in who is also a board member of the 2016 to a deserving applicant Greater Cleveland Regional Tranwho is pursuing studies in urban sit Authority. transportation planning or public At the APTA Legislative administration with a focus on Conference in Washington, D.C. transportation,â&#x20AC;? said a press on March 13, the APTF Board of release. Directors thanked McCall, who The scholarship, which totals served two two-year terms as a $59,000, was made possible by member of the APTF board, for 105 individual contributors. her support of the foundation and The mission of APTF is to her commitment to the future retain and increase the number of leaders of the public transportaindividuals choosing a career in tion industry. public transportation by providâ&#x20AC;&#x153;APTF is honored to create ing scholarships and engagement this named scholarship for Valarie McCall,â&#x20AC;? said APTF Donors and APTA leaders gathered to celebrate the creation of the Valarie opportunities to deserving students and transit professionals. Chair Jennifer Mitchell, director J. McCall Scholarship. They include, first row from left, Terry Solis, the Since its founding in 1988, APTF of the Virginia Department of Solis Group; APTF Chair Jennifer Mitchell; APTA Chair McCall; and Huelon Harrison, Legacy Resource Group. Shown in the second row, has awarded more than 250 Rail and Public Transportation. from left, are Hugh Mose, Hugh A. Mose Consulting; BMBG Chair Patrick scholarships totaling more than â&#x20AC;&#x153;As chair of the APTA Board of Scully; APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy; APTF Secretary$800,000. Directors, she has focused on Treasurer Kim Green; and Raquel Olivier, Olivier Incorporated. Not picbuilding collaboration in the Visit www.apta.com tured are Michael Townes, HNTB, and Tom Waldron, HDR. transit industry, and she has long for more information.
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By Rick Mullen Busline Magazine Associate Editor
Terre Haute Transit Serving 400,000 Passengers Annually
“My position has always been that public transit is a quality of life issue.” — Terre Haute Transit Transportation Director Brad Miller
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ince 2004, Terre Haute Transit Transportation Director Brad Miller and his staff have steadily grown, improved and upgraded their area’s transit system, which serves the travel needs of the citizens of Terre Haute, IN. “When we took over in 2004, Terre Haute Transit was a system that ran 12 hours a day, 5 days a week — no weekends,” Miller said in a recent interview with Busline Magazine at the transit’s maintenance facility. “Since then, we have installed electronic fare boxes and each bus is outfitted with GPS and security cameras. The system has grown to where we now run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 6 days a week (Monday through Saturday), and we are hoping to build on that as time goes by.” Another upgrade Miller and his staff have accomplished is adding fixed-route service to two of the city’s college campuses. Indeed, Terre Haute is known for its many educational institutions. Indiana State University (ISU), which has an enrollment of about 12,000 students, is located downtown. The campus is also the location of Terre Haute Transit’s main administrative offices and transfer center. The facility also houses the transit system’s dispatch center. May/June 2016
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Ivy Tech Community College, with an enrollment of nearly 6,000 students, is also located in the city. Early in Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure as transportation director for the cityowned transit service, two fixed routes, one each for ISU and Ivy Tech, were added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Campus routes did not exist when I took over. We added those, and not only did we add them, both schools contribute to the cost of the routes so that they break even,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. Part of the deal with the two schools included allowing students, faculty and staff to, not only ride the campus routes for free, but also the entire system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We approached the schools and asked if they would participate so we could provide the service,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add another service at that time, because of the costs involved. They understood, pitched in, and both routes have been very successful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anybody with an ISU or Ivy Tech ID can ride the system for free. We receive ID photos from the schools, so we know whether or not they are current. It is a very popular service. However, it took a long time to put it in place. We met with a lot of resistance. It took about 2 1/2 years, but we finally got it implemented. All the naysayers who thought it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fly were proven wrong.â&#x20AC;? In addition to ISU and Ivy Tech, Miller pointed out that Terre Haute residents are also proud of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, which is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier engineering institutions. Rose-Hulman, located just east of the city, has an enrollment of about 2,200 students on its 200-acre campus. Located just west of the city is also Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest Terre Haute Transitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main administrative offices and transfer center Catholic liberal arts college for women. In 2015, the college began are located on the campus of Indiana State University. accepting applications from men as commuter students. The Terre Haute Transit service area is within the city limits of Terre Haute, which is the county seat of Vigo County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have conducted investigations and studies in hopes that, at some time in the future, we will become a regional authority,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. If this occurs, perhaps public transportation service could be added to such area locations as Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
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and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The city of just over 60,000 residents is located on the eastern bank of the Wabash River in western Indiana, near the state’s border with Illinois, and about 75 miles west of Indianapolis. The city’s name is derived from the French phrase, “terre haute,” which means “highland.” It is thought French explorers in the early 18th century used the phrase to describe the future site of the city along the banks of the Wabash River.
“If you don’t serve customers well, they won’t come back. If you please somebody, he or she might tell 10 people, but if you make that rider angry, he or she will tell 100 people.”
Terre Haute Transit operates eight fixed-routes, including three nighttime fixed-routes, as well as two paratransit routes. Overall, the system’s vehicles travel 425,000 miles per year, with an annual ridership of slightly more than 400,000 passengers, Miller said. The transit system’s mission statement reads: The mission of Terre Haute Transit is to provide transportation of the highest quality for those persons living within our jurisdiction. We will provide a safe and reliable transportation service that will focus on the needs of the customer. Terre Haute transit strives to enhance the quality of life for all people within the community. “My position has always been that public transit is a quality of
life issue,” Miller said. “If a city the size of Terre Haute hopes to attract businesses and keep people here, public transportation must be part of the tapestry of the entire landscape. A good, quality transit system is a key component in the quality of life a community has to offer. “I conduct quarterly Citizen’s Advisory Committee meetings at the local library, where people can ask questions and comment. The one thing I hear more than anything else is people are so appreciative of Terre Haute Transit, because without it, they would have to call a friend or someone else to arrange a ride.”
Everyone Can Ride The Bus
M
uch of Terre Haute Transit’s ridership is comprised of people who are dependent on public transportation. However, there are patrons who make the choice to ride the bus to and from work, to doctor appointments, to the grocery store and to shop in the city’s bustling retail centers. “We conduct a survey at the end of each year, and the demographic has been pretty much the same year after year,” Miller said. “In Terre Haute, public transit is not in the forefront of many people’s minds, because we are not a commuter community. In addition, many students on our campuses have their own cars. “The challenge is convincing people it is OK to ride the bus. It is not just for poor people — everybody can ride the bus. Furthermore, riders who make the choice to use public transportation can save money and fuel.”
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While many of the city’s higher education students tend to operate their own vehicles versus using Terre Haute Transit, there is one group of students who tend to prefer riding the bus. “We find that foreign students are comfortable riding the bus because it is more likely they used public transportation in their home countries,” Miller said. With a nod to another mode of transportation that is growing in popularity among students and others, and is compatible with public transportation, Terre Haute Transit now has bike racks on all its buses. “Bike racks are something we have instituted the past couple of years, and they are becoming more and more popular,” Miller said. “In the beginning, we did not have bike racks. As time went on, we decided to try them. We started out installing them on a
couple of buses. We found the demand was there, and now every bus is equipped with a two-carrier bike rack.”
Free Fare Days Help Expand The Ridership Demographic
I
n order to encourage a wider ridership demographic, the transit system is aggressive on three fronts — marketing, customer service and education. In its marketing effort, Terre Haute Transit advertises with the local television and radio media, as well as print advertising. One strategy that is popular among the ridership is offering sales with 20 percent off on bus passes — with a twist. “If a patron buys a bus pass today, it is not activated until he or she uses it the first time,” Miller said. “This means a rider can take advantage of sale prices, buy four or five bus passes, put them in a drawer and use them any time.” Another marketing ploy has significantly helped to boost ridership. Each month, Terre Haute Transit offers two days, during which people can ride the bus free of charge. “There is a ‘free-fare Friday’ and a ‘freefare Monday,’” Miller said. “Free-fare Friday is sponsored by a local bank, which pays for the day and everyone rides free. We try to sell free-fare Mondays to radio stations in exchange for advertising. The free-fare days are on the first Friday and third Monday of each month. “The free days certainly are a boost to ridership. You would not believe the number of people who ride free. Those two days are very successful.” When Miller came to Terre Haute Transit, Your one stop shop for coach, rail, and ship interiors. the annual ridership was just over 100,000. Today, that figure is up to 400,000 riders. Upholstery, New & Used passenger & Drivers “Increasing ridership took a lot of hard seats, flooring, floor structural, foam, gas work,” Miller said. “There are people out struts and upholstery cleaning machines. there who still don’t know the city has a bus line. However, I think once people see students and other choice riders on the bus, Dealers for Isringhausin and National Seats, they will realize public transportation isn’t we have a full stock of seats and parts for so bad. The more our ridership goes up, the both brands. We also have parts for Amerimore funding we get from the state. I think can, Amaya, Vanhool and Wakefield seats. ridership has turned a corner and is looking up.” Miller said his philosophy when it comes If we don't have it, we can get it. to customer service is a simple one — “Our public transit system is like a retail business Over 40 years of service to the in that we survive on giving good customer motorcoach industry, all seat covers service. “If you don’t serve customers well, they guaranteed for 4 years or 400,000 miles. won’t come back. If you please somebody, he or she might tell 10 people, but if you Any questions about your seats or other needs, please make that rider angry, he or she will tell 100 call 425-432-9867 or visit us at www.willinghaminc.com. people. “We express to our employees, in no uncertain terms, the paramount objective at Terre Haute Transit is customer service.”
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Most of the time, driving a bus is a rewarding occupation, as operators are usually people who enjoy helping others and serving their communities. Indeed, hiring drivers who possess pleasant personalities and who are adept at “people” skills is a high priority at Terre Haute Transit. Nonetheless, there are times when unpleasant incidents involving passengers arise. It is in handling these types of scenarios that an operator’s customer service skills and training come into play. “It is difficult to be nice all the time,” Miller said. “When an incident takes place, the bus driver has to be able to shake it off, get through it, and move on.” Terre Haute Transit conducts customer service training for employees every 12 to 18 months, Miller said. The transit system often invites outside experts from various sources to come in and help with the training, including the National Transportation Institute, which also provides online materials. “At times, we will call another system to find out what trainers it has used. That contact will direct us to a contractor who will send somebody. Sometimes that service is free and at other times there is a small fee involved,” Miller said. “We not only bring experts in for customer service, but also for paratransit training.” In its customer service training, Terre Haute Transit stresses
the principle of not allowing a negative situation to escalate. “We believe any situation can be handled without escalation,” Miller said. “For example, someone gets on the bus and doesn’t have the fare money. The driver could kick him or her off the bus. But, if that action is going to create an incident, the best course of action would be to let the person ride. The patron can pay the next time he or she gets on the bus. Handling the situation that way makes it a lot easier on everyone, rather than allowing the incident to escalate to where the bus is delayed, and everybody is uncomfortable.” Furthermore, each neg-
ative incident is re viewed for training purposes to examine what the driver did right or wrong in handling the situation. Training also includes how to properly handle a hijacking or a suspicious package, among other possibilities. “There is a written plan in place that handles any type of emergency,” Miller said. “In addition, our main facility and transfer station are located on ISU’s campus. Should an emergency or incident arise where we feel we should involve law enforcement, campus and city police are just a few blocks away. Fortunately, problems that require a police presence are rare.” Terre Haute Transit is a division of the city government, and on the city’s website, patrons can offer feedback.
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“There is a survey page on the city’s website for comments,” Miller said. “The city also has a 311 number that people can call. If a patron has a complaint, he or she can dial 311 and someone at City Hall will forward it to me, or one of our supervisors, and we will handle the situation.” On the education front, Terre Haute Transit offers services to acquaint citizens with how to navigate the system. “If a person doesn’t know how to ride the bus, we offer a service whereby we will have a representative accompany a new rider on his or her first trip,” Miller said. “We also will deliver educational flyers and other materials to senior citizen centers, as well as apartment buildings catering to seniors.” In addition to teaching seniors how to ride the bus, information is also disseminated to let them know the system also offers an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified, curb-to-curb paratransit service. Miller explained that Terre Haute’s paratransit service is for
people who apply and who are determined to be physically unable to go to a bus stop and catch a fixedroute bus. For those who have a disability which requires them to use a wheelchair, but are still able to negotiate the fixedroute service, wheelchair lifts are now available on Debbie Hensley, all buses. Office Manager Miller also emphasized the paratransit service is strictly for disabled riders who meet the system’s ADA criteria, as opposed to a call and response type program that is open to the general public. “When I first came here we had a slogan on the back of the buses that said, ‘Need a ride?’ followed by a phone number to call. I had those messages removed from the buses,” Miller said. “I thought we were giving the wrong impression, i.e, ‘Need a ride? Call us and the bus will come and get you.’”
Dedicated Employees Key To Advancing System
T
erre Haute Transit’s steady advancements in offering the citizens of Terre Haute a vibrant, progressive, clean and safe public transportation option would not be possible without a staff of skilled and dedicated employees. “We have 21 full-time and 8 part-time drivers,” Miller said. “In
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addition, Terre Haute Transit employs 5 full-time administrative though he or she may have all the other qualifications.” When it comes to the skills necessary to operate a transit bus, staff members, 2 custodians, 2 full-time mechanics, 2 part-time mechanics and 2 service people. Also, there are 2 part-time dis- Miller prefers driver candidates with some experience. Many times people who are seeking positions at Terre Haute Transit patchers who work nights and Saturdays. have experience driving school buses. “One of the part-time dispatchers works “I would much rather a candidate come Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, with bus driving experience, but that doeswhile the other works Thursday, Friday and n’t always happen,” Miller said. “It is best Saturday nights. The Monday, Tuesday and if the person applying has a CDL (commerWednesday person also works on Saturdays cial drivers license). However, we will train from 5:30 to 11 a.m., while the other dispeople who don’t have a CDL. patcher works on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to “If I find somebody whose personality is 11 p.m. With this schedule, both get about just fantastic, but has no experience, I will the same number of hours. It works out train him or her. I would rather bring somereally well.” one in and train that person, knowing he or The full-time administrative people also she would be great with riders, than have act as dispatchers during the day, in addisomeone with an unsuitable personality who tion to their other duties. The transit system’s personnel who are the happens to have a CDL and experience, but most visible to most riders are bus drivers. wouldn’t be as good with passengers. These employees must possess the personal“The perfect scenario would be a school ity, patience and all-around “people skills” bus driver who has a CDL, has the proper necessary to live up to Terre Haute Transit’s certifications, has great people skills and is high standards for customer service. familiar with the system.” “In hiring a bus driver, we look for someWhen it comes to breaking in a new drivPictured, from left, are mechanics one with the personality and the wherewither, a stint on a night route helps take off Joe Green and Rick Schell. al to handle the retail environment, serving some of the pressure of learning a new job, people who are not always in a good mood,” Miller said. “I especially for those who do not have a great deal of experience. would much rather have someone like that to train than some“Normally, new operators start on a part-time basis on a night one who is not going to work out in this environment, even route, then, as full-time positions open up, they have first shot
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at those jobs,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night routes are not as demanding, and there is less hustle and bustle. This gives new drivers a good atmosphere in which to learn and gain experience, so when they come over to a full-time position, they are in great shape.â&#x20AC;? Modern Advances Lead To Greater Service
A
long with using new technology on buses, such as the latest in GPS and security cameras, under Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch other advances have been implemented at Terre Haute Transit to enhance customer service. Indeed, Miller, who has experience designing Web pages, is very pro-technology. When he came to the transit system in 2004, aside from a computer, there were no other technologies in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now have, in addition to cameras and GPS, a presence on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, and in the past year, we have developed phone and computer apps,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. For example, one of the apps can show updates to the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s route map. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proving very beneficial for Terre Haute Transitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ridership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Routes often change. When all you have is a printed map, it is difficult to quickly make the necessary changes on the map and then have it published for the public,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our new electronic map update app greatly speeds up the process, showing the public recent changes with our routes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, we now have electronic fare boxes that take swiped cards. We just had regular drop fare boxes when I came to the system. In addition, I would like to get to the point where a
customer could go online and use a credit card to purchase a ticket.â&#x20AC;? One technological upgrade in particular has many benefits, helping to get to the bottom of complaints and disputes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we were to get a complaint about a bus traveling 50 mph down a city street, for example, the GPS technology will tell us exactly where the bus was, and what speed it was traveling. That takes away a lot of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;he said, she said,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; because we can pull up a video and see exactly what took place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making technological upgrades has been a struggle, especially with the funding cuts that we have experienced; however, I believe becoming more electronically-based will make it easier and more efficient for everybody.â&#x20AC;? While most of the technologies Terre Haute Transit has implemented in recent years have been successful, an early foray into the world of hybrid-electric buses didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go so well. The transit system purchased two alternative fuel buses from a now defunct company, Miller said. The maintenance costs of keeping the hybrid buses on the road were prohibitive, and the buses were taken out of service. A company was located that converted the buses to regular gasoline buses, and they were placed back in service. Miller said, despite this experience, officials at Terre Haute Transit will, sometime in the future, try hybrids again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did have plans to purchase another hybrid bus not too long ago, but when the state placed a cap on property taxes, the city lost about $10 million in revenue, and the money for the hybrid bus purchase disappeared,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Down the road, however, we do hope to make such a purchase.â&#x20AC;?
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With the budget crunch, Terre Haute Transit was looking at the possibility of having to lay people off. In such a scenario, Miller felt it was also inappropriate to purchase a new hybrid bus. Indeed, recent funding cuts, including the loss of revenue due to the state’s property tax cap, have made life difficult for Terre Haute Transit. “Budgetary considerations are always a challenge. Public transit is heavily subsidized. It is obvious we can’t make it on our own,” Miller said. “I ran the figures one time and, in order for us to break even, or make a little money, we would have to charge $15 a ride. “State and federal money is there, although it fluctuates somewhat depending on who is in office. The big challenge is to find local funds, because, when all is said and done and the budget is figured, there is always going to be a gap. In Terre Haute Transit’s case, anywhere from $700,000 to $900,000 is what we have to cover.” Challenges notwithstanding, Miller has set some goals for Terre Haute Transit, and is optimistic the future bodes well for both public transit in Terre Haute, and the country as a whole. “One thing I would like to do, once we get the funding issues straightened out, is to look into a study we have done about becoming a regional transit authority,” Miller said. “Currently, our MPO (Vigo County Metropolitan Planning Organization) has buses that travel through the county.” According to www.westcentralin.com/transport.htm, since 1974 the West Central Indiana Economic Development Dis -
trict (WCIEDD) has served as the designated MPO for the Terre Haute – Vigo County Metropolitan Planning Area. The WCIEDD Aging & Disabled Services Division provides affordable transportation services to older adults and people with medical disabilities in Vigo, Parke and Vermillion counties in Indiana, and rural public transportation services to eligible individuals in Vigo County. It is Miller’s vision that Terre Haute Transit and the MPO interact to enhance efficiency in both agencies’ operations. For example, the MPO could also use Terre Haute Transit’s transfer center as a hub, allowing both agencies to work together to more efficiently move people from place to place. “I am optimistic about the future of public transit. Our current mayor understands that in order for Terre Haute to be a community looking forward, this transit system has to be in place,” Miller said. “However, down the road, we do have to counter the naysayers who may say, ‘We don’t need public transit because all it does is lose money.’ Everyone, including politicians, need to understand how this system impacts people’s lives. “Overall, I think as long as our system is well maintained, clean and our employees are courteous while offering good customer service, then public transportation will continue to thrive in Terre Haute.” Contact: Terre Haute Transit, 750 Cherry St., Terre Haute, IN 47807. Phone: 812-235-0109. Email: transit@terrehaute.in.gov. Website: www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/transit-department.
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ADVERTORIAL
RBS, Inc.: Designing, Implementing & Supporting Premium Software
RBS, Inc., is a major provider of Tour and Charter Management Software specifically designed for the motorcoach industry. For more than 20 years, RBS has been designing, implementing and supporting its premier products: GoChart and GoTour. The company serves more than 500 North American customers. GoTour, the company’s cloud based Tour Management Software, manages reservations, itineraries, payables, receivables, and produces management reports and customer documents for group and retail tours. Hosted in the cloud using AWS (Amazon Web Services), GoTour can be accessed using a broadband internet connection. The RBS professional staff actively monitors AWS services health, including continuous data backups, software updates, and network traffic analysis. RBS is now distributing GoTour v4, which includes “Type-to-Find” searches, PDF Reports and, GoPay, RBS’s highly secure online credit card authorization system. GoChart Charter Management System features customer and contract management, scheduling, dispatching, accounts receivable 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. GoChart’s Web Manager provides reliable credit card authorization, online quote generation and notification, driver access to schedules and document storage and retrieval. Web Manager modules include: Credit Card Processing — Integrated into the RBS GoChart application; 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; 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 ensures 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. GoText automatically provides scheduled text messages to drivers reminding them of upcoming assignments. Call RBS at 800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation copy of GoChart, or, to schedule a demo of GoTour and start your 30 day trial. Page 30
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ADVERTORIAL
Distinctive Systems: Software Enhancements, Innovative Functionality Distinctive Systems is an independent software vendor specializing in the development of products for Motor Coach and Bus Companies. Established for over 30 years, it has supplied hundreds of systems to operators throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Distinctive Systems is known, not only for the quality and completeness of its software offerings, but also for being an industry leader with continual new enhancements and functionality releases. Clients of Distinctive Systems routinely receive updated functionality to the products that they own. It is not uncommon to hear a client say, “I can’t believe how far your products have come in the past five years I have owned them, and I cannot imagine where they might be even two years from now.” This commitment to continually improving the offerings, and constantly keeping up with latest technological enhancements, sets Distinctive Systems apart from all others offering software solutions to the Motor Coach industry. Numerous exciting additions have been made to software in 2015/2016. A few examples of new functionality added include the Payroll Overtime Module and corresponding new Payroll Reports, Client Activity Grids, and the ability to edit IFTA mileages post payroll production. Additionally, the company has added GPS integrations with Fleetmatics REVEAL, XRS Corporation, Zonar Systems, and Fleet Complete. Distinctive Systems has gained a well-deserved reputation for providing world-class support to its clients over the years. Its support
infrastructure has been enhanced with the addition of yet another member of the Support Services group. In January 2016, industry veteran Eric Elliott joined Distinctive Systems, and has immediately had a great impact on all of the Distinctive Systems clients. The range of software is comprehensive and includes systems for managing charters, regular contract work, community transport operations, gross payroll, vehicle maintenance, workshop management, and both back office and online reservations for extended tours, sightseeing trips and shuttle services. All of the applications are Windows-based, and have been developed using Microsoft Visual Studio. The success that has been achieved over the years comes about as a direct result of a unique experience in both the IT and passenger transport industries. Recent years have been particularly exciting at Distinctive Systems. Aside from new functionality being added to the applications, a Subscription Option has been offered to clients for all three of the Distinctive Systems’ applications. This has led to record numbers of new client adds to Distinctive Systems’ user base. The Annual User Group Meeting, coupled with an ongoing webinar series and expanded support services, has ensured successful implementations, ongoing growth of the usage of the applications with existing clients, and continued interaction with the publisher and actual developers of the products. Furthermore, over 130 cusContinued On Page 35
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Motorcoach Manager 2: At The Threshold
ADVERTORIAL
• Updates will be provided for all companies as the application evolves; Following three years of hard software development work, • Extensive Preference settings will allow for variations available to all; Motorcoach Manager 2 is ready for testing by selected existing clients, • Powerful new reporting system gives users the ability to easily cusand will soon enter the marketplace. The company believes that it is crittomize reports to their needs and export them to a variety of popular forical to take the time to “get it right.” mats, including Excel, PDF, HTML and Text; Motorcoach Manager 1 has served the MM1 and MM2 provide a powerful and, motorcoach industry for 20 years, and has • Built using state-of-the-art technology developed a vast collection of features and blend of innovative features designed that will adapt to future operating system hundreds of reports by building variations for to make record-keeping easier and changes and interface with third-party appliits diverse clients. It encompasses in-depth more accurate. They track all the cations knowledge, acquired over time, of the needs MM1 and MM2 provide a powerful blend of operators. MM1 provided the model for changing information so operators of innovative features designed to make MM2, which has been completely re-built on can be ready to meet the needs record-keeping easier and more accurate. a new platform, and designed to incorporate of customers, employees and They track all the changing information so all that has worked well in MM1. operators can be ready to meet the needs of Highlights of Motorcoach Manager 2 government entities. customers, employees and government entiinclude: • Deeply integrated mapping components display itinerary maps on the ties. The software’s flexible reporting system is built on data entered onetime, and organized to provide in-depth management tools. order data entry screen; The software is appropriate for all sizes of charter, tour, scheduled serv• Routes are created as the order is initially entered; • Mileages and times are calculated automatically, using Microsoft ice or maintenance operations, including companies with multiple divisions for separate office sites or departments. Multiple offices can share Mapping Services to generate accurate quotes on the fly; • Permissions model offers users precise control over which employees the application from multiple locations. The following four modules can be purchased separately or in combiare allowed to access specific aspects of the application; • Useful workspaces feature allows users to customize the layout of the nation: application for specific tasks (sales, dispatching, payroll, etc.) and save • Motorcoach Charter Manager provides a systematic process for Continued On Page 35 the workspace;
Charter Orders Dispatching Mileage and Fuel Financial Reporting
CHARTER MANAGER
TOUR MANAGER
Tour Planning Retail Tours Sightseeing Tours Receptive Services
SHUTTLE MANAGER
Airport Shuttles Casino Shuttles
Working Together.
Work Orders Parts Inventory Labor Services Maintenance History
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Modular Fleet and Tour Management Software • • • •
Tracks all aspects of your operation Simplifies creating charters or tours Multiple dispatch management tools Extensive financial reporting
• • • •
Tracks fuel, mileage, payroll, drivers, vehicles, etc. Prints or emails quotes, contracts, invoices, etc. Single or multi-user licensing. Modules may be purchased individually or combined.
Call or email today to schedule a FREE online live demonstration.
800.780.6880 or info@motorcoachmanager.com Page 32
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American Trans-Data, Corp. 3611 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 155 Santa Ana, CA 92704 USA Phone: 714-751-3000 Fax: 714-751-3432 Web Site: www.americantransdata.com Products: American Trans-Data has been providing software solutions to the bus and tour industries since 1980. It provides turnkey solutions for charter bus companies to manage the reservation and billing process. ATD also provides airport and casino shuttle systems with desktop and mobile platforms. The company’s shuttle system offers on-bus ticket confirmation and redemption. 15 busHive Software 313 Ushers Road Ballston Lake, NY 12019 USA Phone: 518-877-2500 E-Mail: sales@bushive.com Web Site: www.bushive.com Company Officers: Michael Hinckley, President; Brian Mann, Director of Sales; Jessica Harblin, Director of Support Products: busHive specializes in charter management, personnel compliance and vehicle preventive maintenance software. 16 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 DDS eFleet Services Inc. 11920 Forge Place Richmond, BC V7A 4V9 CANADA Phone: 604-241-1441 Fax: 604-241-1440 E-Mail: sales@efleetservices.com Web Site: www.efleetservices.com Products: Complete solution of fleet management capabilities into a single hosted system that is delivered as a subscription service, including: GPS fleet tracking, GPS navigation, hour of service, two-way text messaging, computer-aided wireless dispatch, point-of-sale payment processing and integrated ticketing capabilities. Features are provided with minimal start-up costs, and the system is designed to be scalable to fit business needs. eFleet is personalized to the vehicle and organization it serves. Dispatchers and managers coordinate fleet activities through a web-based system that is managed, supported and hosted by eFleet. Routine tasks can be automated. Examples include: driver logs, IFTA reporting, ETA vehicle reporting, engine diagnostics, paperless ticketing, comprehensive record keeping of trip navigation, and charge and customer details. 13 Distinctive Systems Inc. See Ad On Page 31 131 1/2 S. Washington St. Binghamton, NY 13903 USA Phone: 646-448-9981 E-Mail: nasales@distinctive-systems.com Web Site: www.distinctive-systems.com/us Company Officers: Don Greenglass, Bob Hopwood Products: Distinctive Systems is a leading supplier of software to the coach industry. Established for over 30 years, over 1,250 operators rely on one or more of the company’s latest Microsoft SQL-based systems for the efficient management of their companies.
The main systems at Distinctive Systems include its Coach Manager Charter and Contract Booking System, the Tour Booking System and the Vehicle Maintenance System. Distinctive Systems has garnered an excellent reputation over the years for updating its applications with additional functionality, on an ongoing basis. 16 Enghouse Transportation 80 Tiverton Court, Suite 800 Markham, ON L3R 0G4 CANADA Phone: 905-946-3200 E-mail: solutions@enghouse.com Web Site: www.enghousetransportation.com Products: With over 30 years experience, Enghouse Transportaion offers a comprehensive and robust suite of software solutions that serve the public and private transportation markets. Software solutions include: Sched21 - Fixed Route Scheduling; BusLine - Fixed Route IVR; HandyLine - Paratransit IVR; TeleDriver Workforce Management; CrewLine - Operator IVR; FareLine - Fare IVR; CoachWorks Motorcoach Management; and TourManager Tour Management. 16 GIRO Inc. 75 Port-Royal Street East, Suite 500 Montreal, QC H3L 3T1 CANADA Phone: 514-383-0404 Fax: 514-383-4971 E-Mail: info@giro.ca Web Site: www.giro.ca Company Officers: Paul Hamelin, President; Marc Dupont, Vice President of Marketing and Sales; Pierre Trudeau, Vice President of Business Development Products: Software solutions for planning, scheduling and managing efficient public transit and paratransit operations. GIRO promotes the concept of client co-innovation, devoting 30 percent of resources to R&D and soliciting input from clients to take products in new directions. 350 employees offer expertise, commitment, collaboration and long-term vision.
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GIRO’s HASTUS suite provides bus, subway, streetcar, and passenger rail scheduling and operations, thanks to over 35 years of experience in public transit installations around the world. It ncludes: planning and analysis modules that provide network- and timetable-modeling functions, allowing multimodal service synchronization; scheduling modules that generate cost-efficient vehicle and crew schedules; operations modules to manage daily service changes as well as vehicle and operator assignments; and customer-information modules to provide detailed trip-planning and stop-level information to passengers. For providers of paratransit, non-emergency medical transit, or similar services, Allows fully automated scheduling and continuous resource optimization, while respecting service policies. Used by agencies that, either directly or through contractors, provide up to 12,000 trips per day. 16 Motorcoach Manager, Inc. See Ad On Page 32 3517 Marconi Ave., Suite 207 Sacramento, CA 95821 USA Phone: 916-972-1800 Fax: 916-972-1875 E-Mail: info@motorcoachmanager.com Web Site: www.motorcoachmanager.com Company Officers: Shirley Campbell, President Products: Motorcoach Manager 1 has served the motorcoach industry for 20 years and has a vast collection of features and reports by building variations for its diverse clients. It encompasses deep knowledge of the needs of operators aquired over time. MM1 provided the model for MM2, the company’s 2015 version, which has been completely re-built on a new platform and designed to incorporate all that has worked well in MM1. Data will be transferred from existing client files. Highlights of MM2 include: deeply integrated mapping components; routes created with ease as the order is initially entered; mileages and times calculated automatically using Microsoft Mapping Services to generate accurate quotes on the fly; permissions model offers users precise control over which employees are allowed to access specific aspects of the application; useful workspaces feature allows users to customize the layout of the application for specific tasks; built using state-ofthe-art technology that will adapt to future operating system changes and interface with third party applications; updates will be provided for all companies as the application evolves; and, powerful new reporting system gives users the ability to customize reports to their needs and export them to a variety of popular formats including Excel, PDF, HTML and Text. MM1 and MM2 provide a blend of innovative features designed to make record-keeping easier and more accurate. They track all the changing information, so operators can be ready to meet the needs of customers, employees, and government entities. The software’s flexible reporting system is built on data entered one-time and organized to Page 34
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provide in-depth management tools. The software is appropriate for all sizes of charter, tour, scheduled service, or maintenance operations, including companies with multiple divisions for separate office sites or departments. Multiple offices can share the application from multiple locations. 16 Norse Systems, Inc. 245 Sage Hollow Road Guilford, CT 06437 USA Toll Free: 800-769-8468 E-Mail: norse@norsesys.com Web Site: www.norsesys.com Products: Provides integrated products for managing bus transportation. Norse has been providing solutions to the bus industry for 30-plus years. The software product set is combined with private “cloud” based vitual servers and professional support to provide a complete solution for bus operators. The solutions are designed to run on existing computer infrastructure. Applications include: Charter/field trip sales and operations, dispatching, driver qualification, human resources, employee time and pay, transit line runs, day trip/commuter/airport shuttle and tour systems, accident management, equipment maintenance, warranty tracking and recovery, fuel control, fuel tax reporting, trip bidding, school bus routing with automated map interfaces, multi-site inventory control, purchasing, home to school operations, accounts receivable, general ledger, accounts payable, and more. Applications are provided with the “Screen Driver” user security, system administration, custom reporting, and application development and management tools. 14 Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC 22 S. Main Street Allentown, NJ 08501 USA Toll Free: 866-782-4636 Phone: 609-890-4150 Fax: 609-890-4154 E-Mail: sales@ptcllc.com Web Site: www.ptcllc.com Products: Paradigm Technology Consulting, LLC (PTC) is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner focusing on human resources and labor management for the transportation industry. It is 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. Bringing solutions offered by Microsoft, Enghouse, Collective Data and eFleet as well as PTC’s own Transportation Suite. The Paradigm Transportation Suite (PTS) is a suite of payroll and labor management applications designed for operators with more complex payroll and workforce management needs including those involving union contracts. Paradigm also sells, implements and supports financial systems such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, customer relationship management systems such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, vehicle mainte-
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nance systems from Collective Data, and Computer-Aided Wireless Dispatch and Fleet Management solutions from eFleet. 13 RBS - Relational Bus Systems, Inc. See Ad On Page 30 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, Vice President Products: RBS, Inc. designs, implements and supports Tour and Charter Management systems with more than 500 customers in North America. Products include: 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 cloud-based system is hosted and backed up in the cloud using AWS (Amazon Web Services). RBS is now distributing GoTourV4, which includes “Type-to-Find” searches and pdf reports; also available is GoPay, RBS’s highly secure online credit card authorization feature; 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; 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; and, Web Manager modules include simple, reliable, real time credit card authorization for GoChart and GoTour; online quote generation and notification; and web access to drivers’ orders for GoChart. Demos for GoTour and GoChart are available by appointment. 16 RouteMatch Software, Inc. 1201 W. Peachtree St., NW, Suite 3300 Atlanta, GA 30309 USA Phone: 404-876-5160 E-Mail: sales@routematch.com Web Site: www.routematch.com Products: Software systems for schedule and route optimization, reporting and compliance. 14 Schedule Masters, Inc. 200-5A Conestoga Drive Brampton, ON L6Z 4N5 CANADA Phone: 905-495-5402 Fax: 905-495-5404 Web Site: www.themasterscheduler.com Products: “The Master Scheduler” is a fixedroute scheduling software tool that includes: scheduling, blocking, run-cutting, rostering, daily operations/dispatch, Web-based trip
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planning, customer complaint tracking, performance tracking, reporting and mapping. 07 Sys2K Dealership Software 528 Northlake Blvd., Ste 1000 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 USA Phone: 407-358-2000 Fax: 407-358-2020 E-Mail: sales@sys2k.com Web Site: www.sys2k.com Products: Sys2K’s Infinity software is designed for the bus and motorcoach industry for both dealers and manufacturers. Infinity business management software incorporates the latest technologies to reduce costs and maximize sales revenue. Features include: fully-integrated Windows-based software, a CRM with endless possibilities to manage and grow the customer base, comprehensive reporting and management dashboards to monitor the success of each department, mobile apps that take the power of the DMS on-the-go, and cloud hosting to alleviate the cost and hassle of maintaining a server. Infinity smoothly interfaces with other Microsoft applications, while providing a quality, cost-effective solution. Dealers can realize significant savings by implementing
real-time integration across all departments: Parts, Service, Finance, CRM, Accounting, Payroll and Rental. Infinity software helps increase efficiency, reduce duplicate data entry and data entry errors, and manage operations. 15 Trapeze Group 5800 Explorer Drive Mississaugua ON L4W 5K9 CANADA Phone: 905-629-8727 E-Mail: info@trapezegroup.com Web Site: www.trapezegroup.com Products: Trapeze offers: Transit Operations and Workforce Management, designed to simplify scheduling, frequent sign-ups, complex pay rules and solve other logistical headaches; Transit Enterprise Asset Management, which tracks equipment and infrastructure over time, extends their lives and keeps them safe; Automated Fare Collection designed for optimal cash management, provides agencies with fare media and provides higher utility to existing investments; Traveler Information delivers schedule and real-time information to transit and paratransit passengers, whenever and wherever it is necessary. Transit scheduling and plan-
Distinctive Systems: Continued From Page 31 tomers took part in the 2016 User Group Meeting, which highlights the engagement Distinctive Systems has developed with its clients on furthering product knowledge and advanced level training. As features and enhancements are constantly being added to the entire product suite, recent deliverables to Distinctive Systems’ clients are driver work tickets being sent to smart phones with notification tracking, ability to barcode parts and manage via a free Android App, the most comprehensive Gross Payroll Module in the industry, tour websites enhanced for mobile devices and Search Engine Optimization, integration with multiple financial systems and a comprehensive Tire Management Module. Most recently, Distinctive Systems was excited to launch a new free product to the entire Motor Coach industry called Coach Hire
Motorcoach Manager: Continued From Page 32 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 to create templates for future trips. In addition to managing all kinds of charters, line runs and shuttles can be created in batches and managed with several views of the scheduled trips. School bus companies use the charter module effectively for sports and field trips as well as for 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 DVIR records, and remembers what work needs to be done on each piece of
ning and paratransit scheduling and dispatch solutions provide flexibility for an agency, while Business Intelligence tools provide views of an agency’s data. 15 ViaTour Software 200 South Main Street, Suite A Templeton, CA 93465 USA Phone: 805-762-4652 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, Also answers the requirements of coach tour operators. This all-in-one system supports users through proposal, costing, marketing, reservation processing and communications, to tour operations and, business analysis. ViaTour bundles these 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
Exchange (CHX). This is a free passenger recovery and job exchange service for coach and minibus operators. The service is designed to help operators find immediate assistance in the event of a breakdown, or any other situation where passengers need to be picked up and transported as soon as possible. It is also designed to make it easy for operators to find another operator to cover a planned job they need to contract out. CHX can also help operators earn valuable additional income from their available vehicles and empty legs. This list is just a few of the many enhancements that have been added to the systems over the past years. This tradition of innovative functionality enhancements will continue in the future. Be sure to watch Distinctive Systems closely. For further details, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration, call 646-448-9981, send an email to nasales@distinctive-systems.com and/or visit www.distinctive-systems.com/us. equipment. The parts inventory can handle separate inventories for 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 as well as name and luggage tags, etc. It tracks payments to the hotels and attractions. Once a tour package has been developed, it can be used again on a new date or for a different group; and, • 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. The shuttle manager requires the charter module to manage the dispatching. For additional information, call Motorcoach Manager at 800-780-6880 or visit www.motorcoachmanager.com or www.motorcoachmanager.net. May/June 2016
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AxleTech International 1400 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI 48083 USA Phone: 248-658-7200 Website: www.axletech.com Products: Various brake-related products including drum brakes - cam; drum brakes - wedge; hydraulic dry disc brakes; hydraulic wet disc brakes and park brakes. 14
Products: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name. Markets include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. 14 Bremskerl North America, Inc. 1291 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103 USA Phone: 800-939-4047 Fax: 630-540-2791 E-Mail: sales@bremskerl.com Website: www.bremskerl.com Products: German manufacturer of premium air disc brake pads for
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC 901 Cleveland St., Elyria, OH 44035 USA Phone: 800-AIR-BRAKE, 440-329-9000 E-Mail: info@bendix.com Website: www.bendix.com
TOYO M144 TIRES NOW BEING USED BY OVER 125 FLEETS! AFFINITY PARTNER IMG Partner of the Year!
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For more information contact: www.motorcoachtiresales.com or Call: 678-463-4110 Page 36
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coach bus applications. All products are 100 percent non-asbestos, RoHS and REACH compliant and Leafmark Level “B” compliant for California and Washington copper content laws. Air disc brake pads are available for every bus make and model in North America. 16 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC 535 Marriott Dr., 8th Floor, Nashville, TN 37214 USA Phone: 330-697-4497 Fax: 330-572-5039 Website: www.bridgestonefirestonemileagesales.com Products: Provides lease, sales and service of light truck, commercial and specially-designed mileage tires, retreads, wheels and tire service equipment. 15 Continental Commercial Vehicle Tires - The Americas 1830 MacMillan Park Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 USA Phone: 704-583-3900 Website: www.continentaltire.com Products: Tires for various markets including the bus and motorcoach industries. 14 Federal-Mogul Corporation 26555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48033 USA Phone: 248-354-7700 Website: www.federalmogul.com Products: Various brake-related products including fluids, hydraulics, lining, pads and shoes, rotors and drums. 14 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 200 Innovation Way Akron, OH 44316-0001 USA T Phone: 330-796-2121
Website: www.goodyear.com Products: Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products from 51 facilities in 22 countries around the world. It has two Innovation Centers, located in Akron, OH, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. 14 Haldex Brake Products Corp. 10930 N. Pomona Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153 USA Phone: 816-891-2470 Website: www.haldex.com Products: Haldex develops and manufactures brake systems for heavy trucks, trailers and buses. The product offering covers all primary components and subsystems included in complete air brake systems. The operations are conducted through two business units: Air Control and Foundation Brake. 14 Marathon Brake Systems See Ad Below 125 Old Mill Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120 USA Phone: 800-223-5201 E-Mail: jim.baldwin@marathonbrake.com Website: www.marathonbrake.com Company Officers: Bob Hicks, President Products: Marathon’s OE-approved KVT brake linings and DiscStar air disc pads are designed for transit and coach lines. KVT Transit Brake Linings are specifically formulated to handle the high heat of multiple stoppings of a city bus and the heavy-duty demands of a motorcoach. KVT is an organic, non-asbestos brake lining that combines dependable stopping power and quiet operation with a long lining life. KVT is rated for 28,660 pound axle loads. DiscStar Transit Premium
High Performance Transit
Brake Linings & Air Disc Pads
From North America’s #1 Name in Transit Friction Marathon’s industry leading and OE approved KVT brake linings and DiscStar air disc pads are proven performers for transit and coach lines across the country. KVT and DiscStar are quiet, long life materials that are friendly to drums and rotors. To get the most from your bus brakes, count on Marathon!
www.MarathonBrake.com May/June 2016
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Air Disc Pads are designed specifically for air disc brakes. They were created to handle the extreme conditions of transit bus and coach applications. Formulated using Marathonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s severe service ceramic expertise, DiscStar disc pads provide dependable stopping power, a long pad and rotor life, and significant noise reduction. 16 Meritor, Inc. 2135 W. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48084-7121 USA Phone: 248-435-1519 Website: www.meritor.com Products: Meritor is a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. Meritor supplies more than two million brake assemblies per year for trucks, trailers, buses and coaches. In North America, the Meritor WABCO joint venture supplies active safety systems such as pneumatic and hydraulic anti-lock braking systems. 14 MGM Brakes 8530 Cliff Cameron Dr., Charlotte, NC 28269 USA Phone: 704-547-7411 E-Mail: mail@mgmbrakes.com Website: www.mgmbrakes.com Products: For over 50 years, MGM Brakes has been providing air brake actuators to the commercial vehicle market, with the addition of MGMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advanced Electonic Brake Monitoring Systems (e.STROKE) for drum and air disc brake applications. MGM Brakes is an American-owned company with products â&#x20AC;&#x153;Made in the U.S.A.â&#x20AC;? and a global reach. Two ISO-certified manufacturing facilities and technical research centers are located in the United States. The company develops new solutions to the transportation industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, from service chambers to double-diaphragm and piston-diaphragm spring brakes for use with Wedge, S-Cam or Air Disc Foundation Systems, to the Electronic Brake Monitoring System. MGM products are available through a global sales and distribution network. 14
Michelin North America, Inc. P.O. Box 19001, Greenville, SC 29602-9001 USA Phone: 864-458-6968 Website: www.michelintruck.com Products: Tires for various markets including the bus and motorcoach industries. 14 Motor Coach Tire Sales, LLC See Ad On Page 36 1133 4th St., Columbus, GA 31901 USA Phone: 678-463-4110 Website: www.motorcoachtiresales.com Products: Motor Coach Tire Sales, LLC, was created to provide tires for the motorcoach and tour bus industries. The company partners with Toyo Tires. 14 Telma Retarder, Inc. 1245 Humbracht Cir. Ste. B, Bartlett, IL 60103 USA Phone: 800-797-7714 E-mail: customerservice@telma.com Website: www.telmausa.com Products: Telma provides frictionless braking systems based on the physical principle of electromagnetic induction. Telmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise in the field of induction braking systems has been built from 60 years in the market. 14 Webb Wheel Products, Inc. 2310 Industrial Dr. SW, Cullman, AL 35055 USA Phone: 800-633-3256 Website: www.webbwheel.com Products: For nearly six decades, Webb Wheel Products has been making wheel-end equipment. This includes brake drums, hubs, rotors and spoke wheels. 14.
PRICED TO SELL ² Attractive Lease Rates (35) 1995²2000 œ DQG œ Low Floor New Flyer Series 50 Allison B-400R
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Plus more on our website: www.midwestbus.com Call: 800-627-6627 Midwest Bus Corporation, 1940 W. Stewart Street, Owosso, MI 48867 Page 38
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ADVERTORIAL
Amaya-Astron’s New Seats Offer More Hip-To-Knee Comfort
A
maya-Astron Seating Company entered the North American motorcoach seat market in 1990. The company has its own engineering and design area, and is technologically supported by a leading European seat fabricator. Amaya-Astron, a family-owned company that has been in the bus and motorcoach seating business for more than 60 years, includes 7 companies and over 500 employees. It has a strategic alliance with Freedman Seating, which has given Amaya-Astron an opportunity to increase its participation in different segments of the transport market, with specific models for each one while meeting “Buy America” requirements. SAFETY Much of that focus has been on seatbelts, which are being required for new motorcoaches as a mandate will officially go into effect November 2016, for coaches sold in North America. “Amaya-Astron Seating was the first seat manufacturer to introduce seatbelts on our seats for motorcoaches in the North American market six years ago,” said Donovan Albarran, export sales director for the company, which is based near Mexico City. Motorcoach manufacturers supplying the U.S. market routinely began making seatbelts available on their new coaches in 2009. They became standard on most — but not all — new models in 2010. By 2011, most new coaches being sold in the U.S. were ordered and equipped with seatbelts. With the arrival of the three-point seatbelt mandate — officially taking effect in November 2016 due to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) ruling — all new motorcoaches must include three-point seatbelts on all seats. Amaya-Astron Seating once again leads the way in meeting or exceeding these standards. The standards, as set forth by the FMVSS and CMVSS, were met while working with the MGA Research Corporation Laboratory and its testing facility, one of the
most respected in North America. Amaya-Astron Seating has been producing three-point seat-belted seats for over six years. These are for all of the company’s models available to North American motorcoach manufacturers. These models include the A2TEN, Torino G Plus, and the newest model available to the market — the GT. The engineers at Amaya work closely with NHTSA, as well as motorcoach manufacturers, to provide the safest seats available for coaches and passengers. In today’s transportation industry, safety has become the foremost topic of conversation, and Amaya-Astron Seating continually strives to design the safest seats possible — with style and comfort for passengers also in mind. When it comes to riding on a motorcoach, two of the most important considerations are safety and comfort. Seating products contribute to both. Amaya-Astron Seating has been focusing on both the comfort, and safety, of seat designs since the early to mid-2000s. ENGINEERING Amaya-Astron seats are recognized in the industry for their ergonomic design and hip-to-knee room. This provides more legroom between rows, and more comfort to passengers. It periodically subjects its seat models to static fatigue tests as required by code. This proves the uniformity and resistance of the structure and anchoring points of the seat belts. Albarran said because regulations are constantly changing in the motorcoach industry, Amaya-Astron stays current by always working closely with regulatory agencies. “Amaya-Astron Seating has been, and will continue to work with all entities, including coach manufacturers, to make coaches safer while also providing stylish and comfortable seats for passengers,” he said. Continued On Page 53
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ABC Companies Continues Assembly Partnership With Alexander Dennis “ABC Companies continues its partnership with Alexander Dennis as the exclusive assembler of the Enviro500 double deck bus for the U.S. and Canadian markets,” said ABC Companies. “Alexander Dennis, a supplier of double deck buses, launched its Enviro500 two years ago. Designed for the public transit market, over 50 units have been delivered to transit agencies within the United States and Canada. This includes Metrolinx and GO Transit in the Greater Toronto area, Strathcona County Transit in Edmonton, Alberta, Community Transit in Washington State, and Sound Transit serving Seattle, WA. “The Enviro500 offers increased ridership, reliability and accessibility as well as ease of maneuverability. The double-deck design accommodates approximately 100 passengers to reduce traffic congestion and per person operating costs in mass transit markets. The bus is also ADA compliant featuring low-step and flat-floor design to enable full access for wheelchairs.” This year, Alexander Dennis will introduce a modified version of the E500 featuring a “super” low-floor design. The new design stands at 12-feet 10-inches, offering a full 8-inch reduction in overall height. Lee Loper, senior vice president of ABC Companies said, “These vehicles are providing high-capacity solutions to North American transit operations and the Super Lo will expand markets that might otherwise be height constrained.” Greater Toronto transit authority Metrolinx has recently committed to a five-year contract for the modified bus with orders for up to 500 units over that period. Loper said, “U.S. assembly is based in ABC’s 130,000-square-foot Nappanee, IN, facility, where ABC conducts full assembly and painting of the Enviro500 models. “ABC began ramping up assembly in Q3, 2014. Projections are expected to reach approximately 85-100 buses per year over the next two years,” according to Loper. Contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com for more information.
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De Leo Transportation Fabrics Has 2016 Book Program
Federal Coach Updates Logo
De Leo Transportation Fabrics has announced its 2016 Book Program. “This program offers customers a new opportunity for stock programs, which have recently expanded out of the company’s 125,000-square-foot distribution center in South Carolina. This is in addition to DeLeo’s recently introduced Flat Woven program and its wool and poly-blend velvets that come in a variety of patterns and colors. De Leo is also collaborating with Epengle to cater to OEM customer’s custom needs as the demand grows within the industry,” according to a press release. De Leo Transportation Fabrics, a division of the Edward B. De Leo Company, Inc., was established in 1962. Working with producer/partner Epengle Tekstil, DLT offers velvets for bus, motorcoach and light rail fabrics to the public and private transportation industries. The company was featured as a Silver Sponsor during UMA 2016, and is continuing to grow according to Vice President of Business Development Ismail Arslan. The company’s CEO, Craig De Leo, was quoted saying, “We are enjoying an increase in OEM business and opportunities to expand our offerings.” For 50-plus years, De Leo and Epengle have provided a variety of pile compositions including 85/15, 30/70 wool blend, 100 percent polyester, 100 percent acrylic and 100 percent polyester flat woven to meet the standards of the transportation industry. “All qualities meet the International FR requirements as well as FMVUSS-302. The company also offers specialty and custom design work. Anti-bacterial, stain repellant and water proofing finishes are available.” Warehousing is in South Carolina for quick shipping and easy logistics. The company’s fabrics will be featured at the 2016 BusCon Expo in Indianapolis, IN, September 19-21. Visit www.deleoTF.com.
REV Group’s (REV) executive shuttle bus manufacturing brand, Federal Coach, has an updated logo. The new logo is following suite with many other REV Bus brands such as ElDorado, ENC, and Goshen, who have updated logos this quarter as well. The new logo features the eagle that has been with the Federal Coach brand since its beginning. “You may also notice that the word ‘Coach’ is not part of the logo anymore. This is an effort to simplify the brand name and product,” a REV Group press release stated. “The colors fit right in with many of the other REV brands. The red represents the boldness of the product as an identifying brand in the luxury bus market. The steel grey represents strength of the REV Group corporate backing as well as the sturdiness of the Federal products itself. With the new leadership of Bus Division President John Walsh and Champion Bus General Manager and Vice President Joe Bradshaw, we look for continuous improvements and efficiencies on the Federal products as well as Champion Bus and Krystal, the other brands built at the Imlay City, MI, facility.” The company says that a new website is also coming soon. Federal Coach, a luxury brand produced at Champion Bus, a subsidiary of REV Group, manufactures small and medium sized upscale buses for executive transport, hotel/resort, private tour operators, and university markets. Visit www.federalcoachbus.com for more information.
From REV Group:
See us at the 2016 CTAA Expo May/June 2016
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Industry Awards For National Interstate Insurance Customers And Officer National Interstate Insurance Company has recognized eight of its passenger transportation customers, as well as one of its officers, who recently received industry awards at the 2016 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo. National Interstate customers who received awards were: Storer Coachways, of Modesto, CA (UMA Vision Award/Large Operator); Kincaid Coach Lines, of Edwardsville, KS (Motorcoach Industry Achievement Award), and Vandalia Bus Lines Inc., of Caseyville, IL (Motorcoach Operator of the Year). Michelle Wiltgen, assistant vice president and national marketing manager at National Interstate, received the Safety Leader of the Year Award. The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) also awarded Anderson Coach & Travel, of Greenville, PA, with the IMG Safety Award. Also,
Arrow Stage Lines, of Norfolk, NE, received the Innovative Motorcoach Operator of the Year Award, while Coach Tours LTD, of Brookfield, CT; Thrasher Brothers Trailways, of Birmingham, AL; and Go Riteway Transportation Group, of Germantown, WI, received Innovative Motor Coach Operator Awards. “From everyone at National Interstate, I would like to congratulate our customers on receiving these awards. It is an honor to partner with outstanding operators who demonstrate the highest level of safety, embrace new ideas, and are committed to exemplary customer service in all facets of their businesses. We feel very privileged to be associated with companies that, not only exhibit exceptional performance, but are dedicated to moving the industry forward,” said Matt Grimm, vice president, passenger transportation at National Interstate. “We are also thrilled that Michelle Wiltgen was named Safety Leader of the Year by the UMA. Michelle, an icon at industry events, recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with National Interstate. We couldn’t ask for a better ambassador to be the face of National Interstate, and are so proud she received this well-deserved recognition.” National Interstate and its insurance subsidiaries, which include Vanliner Insurance Company and Triumphe Casualty Company, are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1989, National Interstate is headquartered in Richfield, OH, with operations in Kapolei, HI, and Fenton, MO. Visit www.natl.com for more information.
MTS Board Approves $108 Million In Capital Improvements San Diego, CA’s, Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors recently approved $108 million for the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). “The MTS CIP is an important road map for planning and funding assets for San Diego’s transit system. And having more than $100 million to allocate in CIP funds is very healthy for an agency our size. This includes new trolleys and buses, transit facility upgrades, hundreds of bus benches and bus shelters, technology improvements and more,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski.” The MTS CIP projects receiving the most funding in FY 2017 are: Eight new low-floor trolleys - $31 million; 45 compressed natural gas buses - $23 million; new transit facility (location TBD) - $7.1 million; new courthouse trolley station on C Street - $5.7 million; and, 46 near-zero emission paratransit buses - $4.7 million. MTS also uses CIP funding as the basis for federal, state and local grant applications. The CIP process began in October 2015 with an internal call for projects from MTS departments. A committee reviewed the projects in the context of their impact on operations, and determined the most critical projects to fund this year. Page 42
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ADVERTORIAL
BITZER Approves HFO Refrigerants For Screw Compressors
Capital Area Transit Has Real Time Bus Locator Website
Following a qualification program, BITZER has announced approval of the R1234yf and R1234ze(E) HFO refrigerants for its CSH and CSW screw compressors. The two alternatives to R134a have a global warming potential (GWP) of under 10, while the GWP of R134a is around 1,400. With a GWP of about 600 each, the HFO/HFC Capital Area Transit (CAT), of blends R513A and R450A are also approved for the Harrisburg, PA, has launched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find My CSH and CSW series. Unlike the pure HFO refrigCat Bus,â&#x20AC;? a GPS-based mobile website erants, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nonflammable. (www.findmycatbus.com) to enable transit The requirements stipulated by the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F-gas riders to easily locate CAT routes, stops, Photos: BITZER US Regulation no. 517/2014 also represent a chalbus locations and estimated arrival times, The CSH and CSW compact screw lenge for manufacturers of refrigeration comaccording to CAT General Manager Bill compressors are HFO-ready (CSH shown) pressors. In order to meet the phase-down objecJones. tives, alternative refrigerants such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) will have to be used in the future. The volumetric refrigerating capacity and pressure levels of R1234yf are comparable with those of R134a, while the capacity figures and pressure levels of R1234ze(E) are around 20 to 25 percent lower. CAT has been installing technology The company press release stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;BITZER upgrades throughout the transit system subjected the R1234yf and R1234ze(E) refrigerants BITZER subjected the R1234yf and and onboard every bus over the last year. in this group to intensive testing, and the compresR1234ze(E) refrigerants to intensive testCapital Area Transit was incorporated sors performed well with both in all of the tests and ing, and the compressors performed well in 1973 when Cumberland County and laboratory experiments. The tested compressors with both in all of the tests and laboratory Dauphin County Commissioners and the achieved nearly identical isentropic efficiency valexperiments (CSW shown) City of Harrisburg organized CAT to proues with R1234yf and R1234ze(E) as with R134a. vide mass transit fixed-route and paratranDue to differences in the thermodynamic properties, the COP measurement results are in some sit shared-ride services. Today it transcases slightly lower. ports about 2.5 million riders a year in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both of the HFOs are suitable for air conditioning and medium temperature applications in 1,000-square-mile capital region. particular, as well as for heat pumps. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often a degree of uncertainty regarding flammability. In safety data sheets, R1234ze(E) is listed as nonflammable, though this only applies to transport and storage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When used as a refrigerant, a higher reference temperature of 60°C (140°F) is applied in flammability tests. At this temperature, R1234ze(E) is flammable and therefore assigned to the A2L safety group, just like R1234yf. For this reason, a risk assessment in accordance with the ATEX Directive is required for systems with both refrigerants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with potential SINCE 1952 consequences in the system design. BITZER compressors for HFO refrigerant fulfill the relevant requirements, making additional evaluation unnecessary,â&#x20AC;? said the company. The release continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;HFO/HFC blends such as R513A and R450A, #ATAWBA ,ANE s 2ICHMOND 6! on the other hand, are nonflammable and therefore classified in the A1 safety group. Using them requires nothing more than a conventional risk assessment in accordance with the Machinery Directive. However, the substitutes R513A and R450A have a GWP of around 600. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After evaluating all of the results, BITZER has announced approval of the HFO refrigerants R1234yf and R1234ze(E) and the HFO/HFC blends for CSH and CSW compact screw compressors. These products can be operated with the standard ester oil charge (Y-model) with HFO refrigerants in the documented applications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The universal CSH and CSW compact screw compressors can also ,OCAL be used with the economizer circuit to further increase refrigerating 4OLL &REE capacity and efficiency. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fitted with dual capacity control and can be adjusted infinitely or according to scale. The level of energy effi&!8 ciency is a benchmark in this compressor technology in both full-load % -AIL TOBRYAN SERVICEINS COM and part-load operation.â&#x20AC;? A company spokesperson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;CSH compressors demonstrate Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan strength particularly in air cooled liquid chillers for comfort air condition%XT ing and in heat pumps. The CSW series is suitable for use in liquid chillers operated at low condensing temperatures. The compressors are used in systems with water cooled condensers, process cooling and systems with air cooled condensers operating under moderate climatic conditions.â&#x20AC;? Visit www.bitzerus.com for more information.
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MCI Delivers J4500s To Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coaches Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coaches serves all types of MCI has delivered two, 2016 MCI groups, from students to seniors, with J4500 coaches to Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a fleet of 14 coaches. West Chester, PA, headquarters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Krapf Bus Companies started in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the process of a fleet 1942 with two school buses and has revitalization,â&#x20AC;? said Gary Krapf, presbecome a large diversified ground ident and third-generation of the famtransportation operator in the United ily-run company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal is to offer States,â&#x20AC;? said MCI. a fleet of newer models. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what our Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,500 school buses transmarket demands.â&#x20AC;? port over 95,000 students each day MCI said that Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, which has a during the school year. Meanwhile, long purchasing history with MCI, Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transit maintains several conplans to update its entire fleet exclutracts with Southeastern Pennsylvania sively with MCI models. MCI Technical Solutions Manager George Brown, fourth from left, Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Optional features on Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new joins members of Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff as they celebrate the arrival of two and a high-profile agreement with the MCI J4500 coaches include plush new MCI J4500 coaches, and honor Donna Shoemaker (holding Independence Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center to seating with footrests and leather plaque), who has been named Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coach Driver of the Year. operate the Philly Phlash, a hop onheadrests, interior simulated woodgrain finishes, wood flooring, 110v seatback power outlets with USB and-off service with 22 stops at key Philadelphia destinations. Through the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, ports in every row, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system with HD Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also operates the Navy Yard Shuttle with five state-of-the-art LCD monitors. Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drivers will have backup cameras and GPS, as well as elec- vehicles looping across the 1,200-acre business campus and connecting tronic stability control and tire-pressure monitoring systems. One of to Center City. And since 1984, Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has provided paratransit service Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest MCI J4500s is equipped with a wheelchair lift and both for Chester County known as Rover Community Transportation. Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also has a relationship with MCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parent, New Flyer coaches have engines featuring clean-diesel technology. Krapfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated the new arrivals with employees and others during Industries, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the company has a New Flyer Excelsior and seven New Flyer MiDiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in its fleet. Learn more at www.krapfbus.com. a mini-celebration at its West Chester headquarters. This year, Dale Krapf, chairman of the Krapf Bus Companies, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an initiation and kickoff of our fleet revitalization program,â&#x20AC;? said Krapf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy with the J4500. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an upscale coach thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s named chairman of UMA. His son, Gary, is IMG teasurer. Visit www.mcicoach.com and www.newflyer.com for more information. right for our high-end charters.â&#x20AC;?
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Volvo Sells Electric Bus System To Namur, Belgium Volvo has received an order from the city of Namur, Belgium, for 11 electric hybrid buses and 2 electric bus chargers. The chargers will be supplied by ABB. This is the largest order to date for the company’s electric bus system. “Volvo takes full responsibility for vehicle servicing and battery maintenance as well as maintenance of the standard-based charging stations for a fixed monthly cost. “Electric bus systems are a cost-efficient solution for cities to reduce the problems of poor air quality and noise. Together with ABB, Volvo has a complete and competitive offer for cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public transport system,” Volvo Buses President Håkan Agnevall said. “Every year, the TEC Group transports more than 250 million passengers. Our social responsibility lies in developing transport solutions that are sustainable. This is done by improving the energy performance of our vehicle fleet. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid meets our ambition.” TEC Group CEO Vincent Peremans said. Volvo’s 7900 Electric Hybrid operates on renewable electricity for approximately seven kilometers. The batteries are fast-charged in
just a few minutes at the end stops, and also by the energy generated whenever the vehicle brakes. The buses also have a small diesel engine, which increases reach and flexibility, according to the company. Volvo said benefits of the 7900 Electric Hybrid include: n Can be powered by electricity for up to 70 percent of operating time; n Are quiet and exhaust-free when running on electricity; n Are 60 percent lower in energy consumption compared to a corresponding diesel bus;
n Provide 75–90 percent lower emissions of carbon dioxide (1) compared with a conventional diesel bus, depending on the fuel used; n Are equipped with an electric motor, batteries and a small diesel engine; and n Batteries are recharged at the end terminals in a few minutes. Benefits to the ABB bus chargers include: n Easy to integrate into existing bus lines (inverted pantograph enables use of a low-cost and low-weight interface on roof of the bus); n Modular design provides charging power of 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW; n ABB’s connectivity features enable maximum availability, high uptime and fast service response; and, n Based on IEC 61851-23, the international standard for fast charging of electric vehicles, the electrical design is in accordance with regulations, and the system’s architecture and working principle are supported by a wider automotive community. Visit www.volvobuses.com for more information. (1) Estimated value on a city bus route of 10 kilometres, compared to a diesel bus Euro 6.
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Motor Coach Industries
New Flyer
MCI® Commuter Coach Hybrid/CNG Xcelsior®
Whether a public transit or government agency’s mandate is to meet clean-air standards, lower fuel costs or improve express service for its ridership, the MCI Commuter Coach is proving to be one of the safest, most comfortable, and flexible commuting options available today. With clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG options, all Buy America-compliant and Altoona-tested, MCI has something for nearly everyone. The Commuter Coach, available in 40- and 45-foot versions, has the best MDBF (mean distance between failure) rate in its class. The highfloor coaches also offer nimble performance and admirable safety at highway speeds, with a smooth, quiet ride. Options include a wheelchairlift, three-point passenger seatbelts, cameras, 110-volt outlets, USB plugs, Wi-Fi and bike racks. The model is based on the MCI-D Series, 2015’s bestselling coach, and offers ease of maintenance along with low total cost of operation. Data shows the model to be 10 times more reliable than the closest competitor, according to MCI.
Since its introduction in 2008, New Flyer has built or have on order more than 8,000 Xcelsior® buses - in 35’, 40’ and 60’ lengths and with a variety of propulsion systems. New Flyer’s objectives are to deliver life-cycle savings and improve the experience for passengers, drivers and mechanics. Xcelsior® has innovative features and customer-focused enhancements including LED headlights with a six-year warranty, best-in-class 1:7 ramp ratio, best-in-class 14” step (10” kneeled), tinted skylights with roof hatches, industry’s only standard automotive-style electronic instrument panel, corrosion-free fiberglass exterior panels for easy access to components, and seating for up to 40 passengers. Xcelsior® weighs 10 percent less than comparable buses, which in turn delivers improved fuel economy. Additional lifecycle savings can be realized with disc brakes, headlights, and longer battery and tire life. Combining these enhancements with New Flyer’s product reliability and comprehensive aftermarket parts and services, Xcelsior® can give customers the best bus value and service for life.
Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com
New Flyer Industries; 711 Kernaghan Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2C 3T4; 204-224-1251; Website: www.newflyer.com
Model ...........................................................MCI® D4000/D4500 Commuter Coach Fuel Options...................................................................Clean-diesel, CNG or hybrid Length................................................................................................................45’ or 40’ Wheelbase....................................................................................318” (45’), 279” (40’) Exterior Height ..........................................................................................................137” Interior Height... ....................................................................................................78.25” Passenger Capacity 45’ ..........................................................................57 w/o lavatory, 55 w/lavatory 40’..........................................................................49 w/o lavatory, 47 w/lavatory Engine Options Clean Diesel .............................................................................Cummins ISL or ISX CNG......................................................................................Cummins ISL-G or ISX-G Hybrid.....................................................................................................Cummins ISL Transmission Options Clean Diesel .......................................................................Allison B500 or B500R CNG .......................................................................................Allison B500 or B500R Hybrid...........................................................................Allison EP 50 Hybrid Drive Fuel Tank Capacity Clean Diesel or Hybrid..........................................................................164 gallons CNG.............................................................114.6 Diesel Equivalent Gallons (DEG) Electrical System ......................................................................................I/O Controls Cooling System .............................................Belt Driven or Electric Cooling Fans GVWR....................................................................50,000 lbs. (45’), 46,000 lbs. (40’)
Model ..............................................................................Xcelsior® XDE40 Length ...................................................41’ over bumpers/40’2” over body Width....................................................................................................102” Roof Height ..........................126” over A/C; 130” over hybrid cooling fans Interior Height.........................79” over front and rear axle; 95” mid-coach Wheelbase......................................................................................283.75” Transmission..................................Allison; Voith and ZF options available Hybrid..............................................Allison hybrid drive; BAE HybriDrive® Engine Options .................Cummins ISL 280/Option-Cummins ISB 280 and ISL 330 (Hybrid) Seats .............................................................................................Up to 40 Curb weight diesel/hybrid/CNG/electric...........................Approx 28,500 lb Floor .................Composite at rear interior step, ACQ Plywood remainder (dB Ply used on upper deck). Tarabus, Altro, RCA Electrical system..................................................................Parker Vansco Cooling System...........................................................Electric cooling fans Fuel Tank ............Polyethylene fuel tanks 100 U.S. gallon recommended; 125 U.S. gallon available; stainless steel tanks available HVAC ...............Thermo King RLF1 Series System (A/C and heat or heat only) for Diesel and Hybrid; MCC available as option Axles.........................................................MAN VOK 07 front disc brakes; MAN HY-1350 rear disc brakes, single reduction axle
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Nova Bus
ABC Companies
LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
The Van Hool A300L FC retains its place as one of the most technically advanced transit buses available today. This clean, quiet, energy efficient low-floor 40-foot transit bus emits only water vapor from the tailpipe. 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 fuel cell system, onboard battery power, and regenerative braking. Its clean operation can have an immediate positive impact on street-level emissions.
Van Hool A300L FC - Fuel Cell Based on the proven performance of the LFS platform, the LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) upgrades its already advanced fuel-efficient engineering by adding a powerful, ultra-low emissions hybrid drive to cut fuel and maintenance costs. Given optimal operating conditions, the LFS HEV offers up to 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered buses. Other benefits include a significant reduction in noise levels, particularly at the rear of the vehicle and outside. Nova Bus offers two different types of hybrid systems: parallel and series. In both parallel and series vehicles, braking energy normally lost as heat is recuperated through a generator and stored in the rooftop batteries. That’s why hybrid technologies are best suited for frequent stopand-go conditions. Also available, the high-capacity LFS Artic HEV is an attractive alternative for growing cities focused on sustainable development. Starts and stops are smooth and the ride is stable, even in snowy conditions; the end result is a more enjoyable passenger experience. Developing vehicles to help cities meet their sustainability objectives is part of Nova Bus’ vision to be the leader in green efficiency and Electro Mobility.
ABC Companies 1506 30th Street, NW Faribault, MN 55021 USA Ph: 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246 Email: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com
Nova Bus: 260 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-566-6682 • Fax: 518-957-2002 Email: novabus.sales@volvo.com Website: www.novabus.com Model .......................................................................................................LFS HEV Seating Capacity...................................................................................up to 41 Length...............................................................................................................40’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................132” Engine .....................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7 280 HP, Cummins ISL 8.9 330 HP Traction Drive.................................................Allison H 40 EP, BAE HDS200 Chassis .......................................................................Stainless Steel Integral Fuel ...............................................................................Diesel-electric Hybrid Air Conditioning................................................Thermo King Athenia, MCC Wheelchair Lift Option..............................................................Lift-U, Fedico Steering .............................................................................................TRW TAS85 Suspenion..........................................................................................................ZF
Model .....................................................Van Hool A300L Fuel Cell Overall Length ............................................................................40’ Overall Height.........................................................................11’ 5” Overall Width............................................................................102” Seating Capacity............28 Seated + 4 Fold-Down Seats + Driver Total Passengers.........................................................................57 Chassis ................................................Electrically welded partially steel and partially stainless steel structure Brakes ......................................................Four Wheel Disc Brakes Wheelchair Lift Option .........Fold-Out Wheelchair Ramp at Door 2 May/June 2016
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Champion Bus
Champion Bus
LF Transport® ®
The LF Transport with FLEXBUS® Technology represents the next generation of innovative vehicles that are designed to exceed the expectations of today’s passengers and operators. By utilizing the latest advancements in transit vehicle manufacturing, the Champion LF Transport ® provides that very best in vehicle accessibility, without compromising reliability and safety. The combination of accessibility design features, such as the EqualizerRamp®-single slope entry, the 102-inch wide true flat floor passenger area and a level vehicle provided by the kneeling suspension system, offer a universally accessible vehicle for all riders.
Defender F-550 The Champion Defender F-550 is the epitome of mid-size vehicles that will exceed customer, owner, and operator expectations. The Defender is built on the F-450/550, with a minimum GVWR starting at 15,000 pounds to allow for increased passenger capacities up to 33 passengers. There are lift equipped ADA options for buses, along with multiple fuel options, such as gasoline, diesel or Ford OEM Engine Gaseous Prep Package Alternative Fuels. By utilizing the latest advancements in transit vehicle manufacturing, the Defender provides the very best in vehicle accessibility, along with reliability and safety of the steel tube cage construction.
Champion Bus, Inc. 331 Graham Rd., Imlay City, MI 48444 Ph: 810-724-1753 Fax: 810-724-6478 Website: www.championbus.com Email: sales@championbus.com
Champion Bus, Inc. 331 Graham Rd., Imlay City, MI 48444 Ph: 810-724-1753 Fax: 810-724-6478 Website: www.championbus.com Email: sales@championbus.com
Model ......................................................................................................FlexBus® Seating Capacity ....................................................Up to 20 Passengers or 6 Wheelchair locations Length.........................................................................................................23’-27’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height................................................................................................................111” Engine........................................................................Ford - 6.8L GAS-EFI-V10; GM - 6.0L VORTEC GAS-SFI-V8; 6.6L DURAMAX DSL-V8 Transmission.................................................................................................OEM Air Conditioning......................................................Many Options Available Steering..........................................................................................................OEM Type of Fuel ...........................................................Gas, Diesel, CNG and LPG
Model ..........................................................................................Defender F550 Seating Capacity.................................................................21-33 passengers Length......................................................................................................25’ - 32’ Width.................................................................................................................94” Height .........................................................................................................118.75” Engine.......................................................................6.7L Diesel and 6.8L Gas Transmission.................................................................................................OEM Air Conditioning......................................................Many Options Available Steering................................................................................................Ford OEM Type of Fuel.................................................................................CNG, Propane
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Complete Coach Works
Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuringâ&#x20AC;Ś ZEPS Bus Complete Coach Works (CCW) takes a previously used transit bus powered by a diesel engine and remanufactures it into likenew condition with an all-electric powered drivetrain system. The process of remanufacturing improves the service life of the bus and avoids material waste. The ZEPS bus relies on the reusereduce-recycle philosophy, and is the ultimate in sustainability. Built on proven American bus chassis, the ZEPS bus has a seamlessly integrated motor control system for an optimized transit application, and a charging system that actively balances batteries to maximize range and cycle life with a parallel energy storage system that optimizes efficiency and reduces downtime. The ZEPS bus is the ultimate in eliminating environmental impact in the transit industry. Using an advanced lithium ion battery system and liquid cooled drive system, the ZEPS bus provides tremendous fuel and maintenance cost savings; it also provides excellent driving range, satisfying a majority of transit routes on a single charge. Providing clean and noise-free transportation to everyone at affordable prices is now possible. The ZEPS bus has a light and dense battery pack. Also, the process of remanufacturing improves the service life of the bus and avoids material waste. Because CCW takes a previously used transit bus and remanufactures it into like-new condition, with an all-electric powered drivetrain system, all models, lengths and customer specifications can be met, making the ZEPS remanufactured bus an ideal choice for an all-electric vehicle. Complete Coach Works 1863 Service Court Riverside, CA 92507 800-300-3751 Website: www.completecoach.com
Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out
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Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches, Stromboli, Fresh Salads & Pizza, Hand-Dipped Ice Cream!
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CTAA Expo May 23-27 In Portland, OR The Community Transportation Assoc iation of America (CTAA) EXPO 2016 is scheduled for May 22-27, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR. The event offers transportation professionals the opportunity to join colleagues from around the nation and across the full spectrum of transportation service providers in a setting dedicated to fresh ideas, innovative products and services, networking and learning. Below are some of this year’s activities and learning opportunities: SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Saturday, May 21 • National Community Transportation Roadeo registration, meetings and test. Sunday, May 22 • National Community Transportation Roadeo competition and awards banquet. Monday, May 23 • One-, two- and three-day Intensive Training Sessions; and, • EXPO Symposium on Tribal Transit, Environmental Justice and Planning and NEMT and Mobility Management. Tuesday, May 24 • One-, two- and three-day Intensive
Training Sessions; • EXPO Symposiums on Tribal Transit and NEMT and Mobility Management; • Full-day Portland Transit Tour; • EXPO Luncheon and Awards; and, • EXPO Opening Reception. Wednesday, May 25 • Awards Breakfast: Toast the best with toast; • Training and Leadership Workshops; • Keynote speaker; • Trade Fair Floor Luncheon; and • NEW: Field Workshops. Thursday, May 26 • Training and Leadership Workshops; • Trade Fair Floor Luncheon; and • EXPO’s Big Night Out. Friday, May 27 • Happy Trails Breakfast. TENTATIVE TRADE SHOW HOURS Monday, May 23 Vehicle move-in (noon-3 p.m.) Tuesday, May 24 Exhibitor Move-in (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) Opening Reception (5-7 p.m.) Wednesday, May 25
Trade Show Grand Opening with Box Lunch (noon-3 p.m.) Thursday, May 26 Trade Show Open with Box Lunch (noon-2 p.m.) Exhibitor Move-Out (2-9 p.m.) KEYNOTE SPEAKER Wednesday, May 25 at 10:45 a.m. Linda Bernardi, former chief innovation officer for IBM, will speak on how technology is going to alter the way mobility providers do business, during her keynote address titled “Innovate, Disrupt, Lead.” TRADE FAIR The Trade Fair will feature the latest in transit vehicles, technology, equipment, services from more than 100 exhibiting companies, dozens of vehicles, seven hours of dedicated trade show hours over three days, and a trade show floor with meals and receptions. SYMPOSIUMS Each year the Community Transportation Association sponsors a series of symposiums that provide a chance for attendees to explore
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diamondmfg.com 800-343-1009 816-421-8363 See us at the 2016 CTAA Expo
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INNOVATION IN ACTION Why Should You Attend EXPO 2016? s Intensive Training Sessions FEATURING IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE s -ORE THAN TWO DOZEN Professional Development Workshops ALIGNED ALONG SEVEN VITAL THEMES %FFECTIVE #OMMUNICATION 3TRATEGIES "UILDING ,EADERSHIP 3KILLS "ETTER 2OLE -ODELS )MPROVING 3ERVICE $ELIVERY )NNOVATIVE /PERATIONS 4RIBAL 4RANSIT 2IDESHARING AND 5NDERSTANDING 4RANSIT 4ECHNOLOGY s 4HREE DYNAMIC Symposiums )MPROVING (EALTHCARE /UTCOMES n 4HE -OBILITY -ANAGEMENT #ONNECTION 4RIBES -OVING &ORWARD n 4HE .ATIONAL 4RIBAL 4RANSIT #ONFERENCE 4HE 4RANSPORTATION 0IE n 0LANNING )NCLUSION %NGAGEMENT s 4HE TH National Community Transportation Roadeo s -ORE THAN EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS AT THE 2016 Trade Fair s &ULL DAY AND HOUR PROFESSIONALLY GUIDED Transit Tours OF 0ORTLAND s 4IMELY General Sessions ON KEY ISSUES IMPACTING COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION s %XCITING Social Events TO NETWORK AND UNWIND s AND MUCH MORE
Register Today at www.ctaa.org/expo May/June 2016
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topics of interest in the community transportation field. These one- or two-day symposia each feature presentations from industry leaders, panels of practitioners and the opportunity to network with people from around the country. This year, CTAA is sponsoring these three symposiuma: May 23 • The Transportation PIE: Planning, Inclusion and Engagement A special symposium for transportation planners and their partners in urban, suburban and rural communities. May 23, 24 • Improving Healthcare Outcomes: The Mobility Management Connection This symposium will spotlight mobility management innovations for enhanced communication with and between patients, drivers, dispatchers, and clinic staff; and customer-responsiveness in service design and vehicle usage to meet unique mobility needs. • Tribes Moving Forward — The 2016 National Tribal Transit Conference. CTAA will be hosting the National Tribal Transit Conference, in conjunction with CTAA’s EXPO. Native Americans face many unique mobility challenges in accessing jobs, health care, shopping, education and other essential services. There are programs and funding available to help tribes meet these challenges and build sustainable tribal transit services. This conference will help attendees learn how to effectively us these programs and funding. WORKSHOPS Workshops on Wednesday, May 25, and Thursday, May 26, will feature sessions taught by recognized experts and will be tailored to meet the specific needs of community and public transportation managers, officials and advocates. This year there will also be “moving” workshops, allowing attendees to leave the convention and step into the world of transit innovation for which Portland is so well known. The sessions themselves are still under construction, but will be offered in the following tracks: • Track: Effective Communication Strategies Sessions for anyone who interacts with entities outside the agency: executive directors, PR/media managers, and communications staff. This track will explore ways to reach targeted audiences with a clear message using all media forms. • Track: Building Leadership Skills & Better Business Models For transit managers and human services agency managers at all levels. Topics will Page 52
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cover personnel management — retaining employees, building a healthy corporate culture, and determining training needs; effective decision-making; time management and project management; and building an agency model and vision. • Track: Improving Service Delivery For transit managers, dispatchers, drivers, and those at human services agencies who support or rely on them, this track covers how to get the best service to the consumer/client. The workshops will cover providing humancentered service that successfully fulfills client needs while being cost-effective and innovative. • Track: Innovative Operations How to improve operations at an agency through newly-developed processes. Don’t work harder, don’t cut corners — work more innovatively. Learn about proven ways to get more funding, use volunteers, adapt operations to changing needs and ways to do more with less. • Track: Tribal Transit Tribes face unique circumstances in providing transportation: different funding sources, different governing bodies, and different client needs. Learn to understand those circumstances and how they can be addressed using both tools and techniques and new solutions tribes have developed for success. • Track: Ridesharing Discover how to connect all forms of ride sharing into a cohesive network that builds mobility options, reduces congestion and improves the environment. From vanpooling to bikesharing and everything in between, attendees will learn the ins and outs of ride sharing and learn how to incorporate it into their communities. • Track: Understanding Transit Technology For anyone interested in finding out what’s new in the booming field of transit technology and what’s coming. INTENSIVE TRAINING SESSIONS Note: Conference Intensives meet the training requirement for those seeking CCTM, CTPA and CSSO certification or recertification. All certification courses have a testing component. Three-Day Classes (May 23-25) • Vehicle Maintenance Management and Inspection (VMMI), and • Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) — Train the Trainer Workshop. Two-Day Classes (May 23, 24) • Certified Community Transit Supervisor (CCTS); • Professional Dispatching and Scheduling (PDS); • Certified Safety and Security Officer
May/June 2016
(CSSO); • Preparing for the CCTM and CTPA Examination; • Human Resource Management: How to Wake Up Your Organization and Form a More Perfect Work Environment; • Financial Management for Transit Agencies; and, • Procurement for Small and Medium Transit Systems. One-Day Classes (May 23) • Transit Marketing for Community and Public Transportation; and • Finding, Interviewing, Hiring, Training and Retaining the Best Employees. One-Day Classes (May 24) • The Portland Transit Tour: Innovation in Action Note: This session is limited to 30 participants. All tour travel and stops will be fully accessible, but participants should be prepared for a full, busy day of activities; • Network Design for Small Cities and Rural Areas: How to Understand and Explain Your Community’s Options; • Developing Policies and Procedures for Transit; and, • Are You a Mobility Agency? Why VanPools Work for Transit. ROADEO The National Community Transit Roadeo is the only national venue to honor and celebrate the value of rural and community transit operators. This event draws drivers from around the country to compete for top scores on course that tests skills on every level of the drivers’ abilities. SPECIAL EVENTS Pecha Kucha: An Informal Evening of Crowd-Sourced Presentations (May 25) For attendees who wish to share an idea, on Wednesday, May 25, the second-ever crowdsourced event at EXPO employs the Pecha Kucha format of a set number of slides with pre-set timing for each slide, with each presentation running no more than seven minutes. Have a fun, unique topic to share in the Pecha Kucha format? Humorists strongly invited to apply. Send Rich Sampson a note at sampson@ctaa.org with your idea. Big Night Out (May 26) Big Night Out at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the major events of every EXPO. One of the nation’s leading science museums, OMSI’s five halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. The Big Night Out will also include the best of Portland food, drink and entertainment. For more information, visit www.ctaa.org.
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ADVERTORIAL
Shriver Insurance: Budgeting For Insurance
Has your insurance agent ever asked, “What are you budgeting for insurance this coming year?” With proper coverage and use of deductibles, price and cash flow can be negotiated. Insurance/risk management is one of your four major costs, and technically, the most important. I have reminded many operators in my 45 years serving this industry, that you can be late on a bus payment, perhaps stall on a fuel payment or even payroll, but without insurance, you cannot move a bus. I like the acronym LIFE. Labor, Insurance, Fuel, and Equipment are the operator's four major costs, and the area they can influence the most, is insurance. The larger the operator, the more choices available to reduce this cost. Some have chosen to join captives, and are pleased if they eventually receive return of part of their cost. Sharing losses with others in the group is an exposure, and waiting years for a possible return can be improved to immediate cost reduction by simply accepting more risk up front through use of customized deductibles, which can have aggregates. Some very large captive members have recently chosen this alternate path, thereby reducing costs up front, and eliminating potential loss sharing with captive members. “Cash is King,” says The Donald. Speaking of cash flow, we have clients who pay as they earn. A 17 percent unearned escrow deposit can be handled by a letter of credit, which is carried on the books as an asset, not an expense. Premiums for liability, after calculation, are converted to a gross revenue (or mileage) rate on which the operator reports his premium during the middle of the following month of operation. Pay as you earn. When a bus doesn’t move, either through lack of booking or out of service breakdown, that bus ceases to earn liability premium until its next trip. Operators may save $10, $20, $30 or more per day. By policy anniversary, the operator has only paid 11 months of premium, and his LOC stands as the renewal deposit. Cost and exposure reduction, with cash flow improvement; all available if the operator qualifies. We love the people in this industry, and enjoy helping whenever we are given the opportunity. Let us help you with your next insurance budget. Respectfully, Charlie Shriver Shriver-Capacity Insurance Agency, LLC, One Oakbrook Terrace STE. 209, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Phone: 630-833-0480, E-mail charlie@shriverinsurance.com.
Amaya-Astron: Continued From Page 39 In designing these seats, Amaya-Astron has its own engineering and design departments. The goal is to continually develop seats which use the highest quality materials as well as the latest and most innovative technological advances available today. The company works closely with manufacturing to monitor quality during production and ensure the seats meet in-house standards. Amaya-Astron seats have also been designed with passenger comfort in mind. This comes with the commitment to not only improve on existing models, but also to introduce new models meeting the ever-changing demands of today’s motorcoach passengers. COMFORT EQUALS MORE LEGROOM Today’s motorcoach passengers not only want comfortable seats, but also more legroom. With this in mind, Amaya-Astron Seating has introduced its GT model that features a thinner backrest to provide extra knee room, and is currently developing its A-220 model that will be a thinner version of the company’s well-known A-2TEN. GT The next generation of the original Torino G Plus, the GT is the first model to feature a thinner seat back, allowing for significantly more legroom. It also maintains hip-to-knee comfort
in the seat cushion, and provides the same overall comfort of the entire seat for coach passengers. Amaya-Astron has also introduced a matching Handicap Seat model for the GT. This involves enhanced features that will give those passengers the same reliability and safety, along with easier-to-use foot pedals for the drivers,
when moving or securing them into place. A-220 The next generation of the very popular A2TEN series, the A-220 is currently scheduled for production release around the middle of this summer. The seat will have all of the features that the A-2TEN had, including the traditional adjustable headrest, but will also feature extra hip-to-knee comfort. This is due to a thinner backrest. The A-220 is another example of providing added comfort, safety and legroom for passengers.
OPTIONS There are many options available from Amaya-Astron Seating. The most common of these are automatic footrests, grab handles, airline style and flip-up tray tables, cup holders, mesh magazine pockets and 110V outlets. Amaya-Astron also offers luxury seating options, such as the 2+1 seats. This comes with the commitment to not only improve on existing models, but also introduce new models that meet the ever changing demands of today’s motorcoach passengers. SUPPORT Amaya-Astron seats come with a three-year warranty from the factory. To learn more, contact Donovan Albarran at the company’s Mexico City headquarters by phone at +52 (55) 5881-2007 or by e-mail: donovan@amaya-astron.com.mx. More information can also be found on the company’s website, which has an English language version available at www.amaya-astron.com.mx. For inquiries in the United States and Canada, contact George Farrell: gfarr007@gmail.com and Bob Greene: bgreene45@cox.net. They serve the North American motorcoach industry by providing aftermarket sales, service and support. Quality, Value, Safety, and Commitment — Amaya-Astron Seating appreciates your many years of support, and we look forward to serving your seating needs in the future.
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“Sun Travel specializes in providing churches, schools, businesses and the military with quality charter coaches to anyplace in the United States “It all just came together,” according to Michael LaBrie, president of and Canada” said LaBrie. Beaumont, TX-based Sun Travel Trailways. “In 1990, while on a business Sun Travel recently took delivery of two new trip, I spotted a 1968 Eagle for sale. I had no 40-passenger Temsa TS 35s. They feature money, but tons of fond memories of hanging WiFi, 110 volt outlets, USB ports, and luxury out at the Greyhound Bus Station that my entertainment systems and aluminum wheels. Mom managed while I was growing up. In a The TS 35s offer 245-feet of luggage space and sense, buses were my babysitter.” a stainless steel frame that meets UN/ECE R66 His brother helped him obtain a loan, and a rollover standards. neighbor, who used to drive coaches, picked it CH Bus Sales Vice President Tim Vaught up and transported it home for him. The neighsaid, “Mike LaBrie is a role model for all that’s bor drove, his mom arranged tours, and the best in the motorcoach industry. He’s deeply LaBrie’s church needed transportation. involved in his community in so many ways, Twent-six years later, Sun Travel’s motorand Sun Travel Trailways is a genuine exprescoach fleet has grown to 15 luxury coaches. sion of his commitment to service. He bought Sun Travel (www.suntravel.org) currently these coaches because he listened to his cusShown, left to right, are Tim Vaught, vice offers the Beaumont area limousine and airtomers... and he brings that attitude to every president of sales, service and product port van service, convention shuttles, as well aspect of his business and his life. All of us at as an RV sales division in addition to nation- development at CH Bus Sales and Michael LaBrie, CH and Temsa are proud to be part of Sun president of Sun Travel Trailways. wide motorcoach charters. Travel’s growth.” A lifelong resident of Beaumont, LaBrie pasCH Bus Sales, LLC (www.chbussales.com) is tors a local church as well as being involved in many community and indus- the exclusive distributor of TEMSA motorcoaches in the United States and try-related organizations, including the Better Business Bureau, United Canada, offering two fully integral mid-size motorcoaches the TS 35 and Motorcoach Association, Trailways Transportation System, The National the TS 30; as well as the full-size TS 45 coach. CH Bus Sales offers strong Limousine Association, and The South Central Motorcoach Association. He dependable customer care through full-service facilities in Orlando FL, also serves as a board member for many local Beaumont charitable organi- Fort Worth, TX, and Montville, NJ, in addition to 14 North American zations including the Salvation Army and Some Other Place. authorized service centers.
Sun Travel Trailways Takes Delivery Of Temsa
American Cooling Technology Expands In-Wall Evaporator Product Line American Cooling Technology (ACT) has released its newest In-Wall Evaporator products, the EV-96 and the EV-1 evaporators. The EV-96 evaporator is available in a capacity of up to EV-96 96,000 Btu/hr. IMACA, with the EV-1 evaporator following at a capacity of 60,000 Btu/hr. IMACA. “The EV-96 is designed to fit into the rear wall of the vehicle. This unit is available with a durable ABS cover using fixed or adjustable louvers, or a slim metal face plate. In addition to these features the EV-96 is available with 12-volt, or 24-volt motors. “The EV-1 in-wall evaporator is designed to fit into the front, or rear wall of a vehicle. The unit features a metal face plate available in white or grey. The EV-1’s drop-in one-piece conEV-1 struction simplifies installation time and provides maximum head clearance and clean OEM appearance,” said American Cooling. The company said it developed the EV-96 and the EV-1 units based on feedback from customers, and an increased need for in-wall units in a greater selection of vehicles. Call 717-767-2775 or visit www.actusa.us.com for more information.
CCW Completes ZEPS Bus Order To IndyGo Complete Coach Works (CCW) has delivered the last of the 21 rehabilitated Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS)-powered electric buses to the Indianapolis (IN) Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo). “The remanufactured ZEPS bus is rebuilt with lightweight flooring, low resistance tires, and energy-efficient heating and cooling, while ensuring a 130-mile range on a single battery charge,” said CCW. “Each 40-foot electric bus carries 36-seated passengers plus standees, and is equipped with air operated doors, brakes, suspension, hydraulic power-steering, stainless steel bike racks, LED lighting and lightweight seats. “The ZEPS powered buses create significant carbon savings by eliminating activities involved in manufacturing a new bus. IndyGo now has the largest remanufactured electric fleet in the country.” IndyGo Director of Maintenance Victoria Learn said, “With this project, our focus was a reduction of fossil fuels, and providing a cleaner, quieter ride for our passengers. The community loves that there is less pollution emitted in the atmosphere, and it is a much quieter ride.” Visit www.zepsdrive.com for more information about the ZEPS electric bus and other services. Page 54
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OUR REPUTATION FOR SERVICE IS FUELED BY EXPERIENCE. Every Prevost coach is backed by a highly skilled service team that’s committed to keeping you productive and profitable. From our 24-hour emergency assistance to our coast-to-coast network of certified providers, we’re here with uptime support that’s unmatched in the industry. www.prevostcar.com
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