May/Jun 2020 Busline Magazine

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In light of the unprecedented state of our industry, MCI will not be sharing our traditional advertisement at this time.

It is our greatest hope that you, your family and your customers remain healthy and that our industry gets rolling again.

MCI encourages you to please visit MCIcoach.com for updated communications #LetsGoMotorCoach

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CONTENTS

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MAY/JUNE 2020 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

Top Priority Of Montana’s Mountain Line Is

Keeping Riders, Employees Safe And Healthy During COVID-19 Crisis ...................8

Panelists Discuss

The Future Of Bus/Motorcoach Technology ......................21 Transportation Industries

Seek Solutions Amid COVID-19 Pandemic .......................30 Busline Buyers Guide To

Busline Vehicle Showcase

Software Systems

Video Surveillance, Safety, Entertainment & Tracking Technology

Alternative Fuels/ Hybrid Vehicles

34

36

Busline Buyers Guide To

INDUSTRY NEWS ...........................47 RAPID RESPONSE ....................Page 6

ON THE COVER: Mountain Line public transit agency has been serving Missoula, MT, since 1976. Left to right are Mountain Line Project Management Specialist Vince Caristo, Customer Service Representative Elizabeth Wehling and General Manager Corey Aldridge. See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 2020 October 11-14 APTA Annual Meeting & Expo Anaheim, CA Info: 202-496-4800

NOVEMBER 2020 November 7-10 National Association For Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Annual Conference & Trade Show Grand Rapids, MI Info: 518-452-3611 November 15-17 America’s Bus & Coach Expo (formerly known as BusCon) Philadelphia, PA Info: 800-576-8788

November 15-18 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Annual Conference & Transit Show Québec City, QC Info: 416-365-9800

November 15-19 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo Louisville, KY Info: 800-891-0590

JANUARY 2021 January 28-30 Busworld North America Baltimore, MD Info: busworldnorthamerica.org

January 29 - February 2 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace 2021 Baltimore, MD Info: 800-283-2877 MARCH 2021 March 3-7 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach Expo Orlando, FL Info: 800-424-8262

JULY 2021 July 17-21 National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting & Convention Milwaukee, WI Info: 703-684-3200

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 2020 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net

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May/June 2020

38-47

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES

Rankin Publishing Co., Inc.

Linda Rankin, Publisher 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Email: rankinmag@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 @ 813-502-6672 Email: kevloraz@gmail.com Or Linda Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: rankinmag@consolidated.net

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Company

Website

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ABA/Busworld North America ABC Companies Altro America’s Bus & Coach Expo APTA EXPO ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Better Life Technology Bird Bus Sales Bitimec Wash-Bots Bitzer BRC Group BYD CBM NA CHTC Bus Group Clean Seal Complete Coach Works Diamond Manufacturing Dixie Electric Ltd. Hometown Trolley

busworldnorthamerica.com abc-companies.com altro.com americasBusCoachExpo.com aptaexpo.com ARBOCsv.com BLTLLC.com 888-275-7425 x122 wash-bots.com bitzerus.com brcgroup.ca byd.com cbmcompany.com/en/ chtcbusgroup.com cleanseal.com completecoach.com diamondmfg.com delstar-hd.com hometowntrolley.com

37 56 12 23 19 26 14 13 31 27 32 7 50 17 24 54 53 52 11

Company

Website

Irizar USA J & J Chemical Kelderman Air Suspension Systems LiquidSpring LLC Micro Bird Commercial Midwest Bus Corporation Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Motorcoach Tire Sales QMF Steel Rel-Tek Reyco Granning Safety Step Safety Vision Service Insurance Sutrak Temsa Thermo King Transign Vanner Power

irizarusa.com jjchem.com kelderman.com liquidspring.com mbcbus.com midwestbus.com mcicoach.com motorcoachtiresales.com qmfsteel.com rel-tek.com reycogranning.com safetystep.net safetyvision.com serviceins.com sutrakusa.com temsa.com www.thermoking.com transignllc.com vanner.com

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“Anytime the governor issues an order or anything happens, we go back to our mission of how can we safely serve as long and as much as possible.”

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By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor Mountain Line officials demonstrating social distancing on a bus are, left to right, Project Management Specialist Vince Caristo, Customer Service Representative Elizabeth Wehling, General Manager Corey Aldridge and Communications and Outreach Marketing Specialist Shanti Johnson.

erving 70-square-miles in the city of Missoula, MT, which has a population of about 73,000 people, the Mountain Line public transportation agency is a community bus service operated under the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD).

“Founded in 1976, Mountain Line was the first public transportation system in Montana,” said Communications and Outreach Marketing Specialist Shanti Johnson, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine. “We provide fixed-route, paratransit and senior van service, all with zero fare.”

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As is the case for public transit agencies nationwide, Mountain Line has had to take some drastic measures to help keep its ridership and employees as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Anytime the governor issues an order or anything happens, we go back to our mission of how can we safely serve as long and as much as possible,” Johnson said.

Mountain Line’s leadership developed a coronavirus contingency plan that covered changes that might have to be made — from the most minimal to what if a large majority of employees are unable to come to work.

BUSLINE

May/June 2020

Editor’s note: As of April 21, the state of Montana had reported 433 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and 10 deaths, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In Missoula County, the home of Mountain Line public transportation agency, there were 38 cases reported and one death. Also, at that time, there were 824,069 cases reported nationwide, with 45,142 deaths, and rising.

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“We have had contingency plans for bad weather and things like that, but never for a pandemic,” Johnson said. “A couple of weeks ago, we scaled back our service hours and reduced frequencies. We pushed back nearly all of our routes to hourly, which allowed us to take a significant number of buses off the road. The reduced frequencies also help protect our drivers, as well as putting fewer people out and about.”

After reducing frequencies, Mountain Line assessed how many riders were on each route and the number of people on the buses since the agency compacted the time people could catch the bus, Johnson said.

“We found our Route Two was recording the largest ridership. Meanwhile, ridership on Route One had dropped, because that is one area we serve along with UDASH (the University of Montana transit agency) and other lines,” Johnson said. “As a result, we suspended Route One and increased the frequency of Route Two. That resulted in fewer riders per Founded in 1976, Mountain Line was the first public transportation system in Montana. bus and greater opportunities for physical distancing. Before Pictured is Communications and Outreach Marketing Specialist Shanti Johnson. we increased frequencies of Route Two, we were getting of space inside for passengers right now.” feedback on how difficult it was for riders to space themselves.”

Johnson said Mountain Line is going to benefit from the CoroDriver and passenger safety measures inside the bus include navirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that proseats directly behind operators have been blocked off to allow for vides $25 billion in emergency funding for public transportation at least a six-foot space between drivers and riders. agencies, $1 billion for Amtrak, and important employer initiatives, “We are asking our riders and operators to wear masks. When such as deferring payroll taxes and creating a $350 billion small riders come onboard, all we can do is ask them to put as much disbusiness loan program. tance between themselves and other passengers as possible,” JohnMountain Line’s employees have bought into the agency’s efson said. “As for the other routes, we heard from operators that forts to combat coronavirus. their ridership has plummeted. The reality is, our buses have a lot

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M

“We are so grateful to our employees,” Johnson said. “We had ZERO FARE TRANSIT SYSTEM pretty candid conversations with our team when the coronavirus first came to the United States. We told them, ‘Making sure you issoula is the county seat of Missoula County, located in are safe is our top priority.’ the western part of the state along the Clark Fork River.

“Overwhelmingly our operators chose to show up, and it It is also the second largest city in Montana behind has been really humbling that they want to be here. We Billings. The name Mountain Line alludes to the fact that Missoula greatly encouraged employees to stay home if they felt like they County lies at the convergence of five mountain ranges. needed to, and some took us up on that offer. However, overOne of the underlying themes at Mountain Line is the transit whelmingly employees continued to come to work.” service is beneficial to all the city’s residents, whether they are regJohnson said morale has remained upbeat, as employees are ular riders or not. maintaining a positive attitude and keeping their Mountain Line spends a lot of time and effort comsense of humor. municating to the general public that more people rid“They are really good about keeping an optiing the system results in less traffic congestion and mistic outlook. I think it is amazing as they are out decreased need for parking facilities. There are also there every day in a community that is really community health benefits as fewer private vehicles afraid,” Johnson said. “We all are afraid to some on the road means less air pollution. extent. They are trying to make the best of the sitJohnson said Mountain Line General Manager uation, while maintaining a positive attitude and Corey Aldridge has set three major goals for the not losing their sense of humor. One employee system: even drew a funny dog nose on her mask. They ■ To build a robust transit system that allows every know people depend on public transportation. citizen to live in a home with one car or car-free, and “We are also incredibly grateful for our behind still quickly travel to all parts of Missoula; the scenes staff. They have put in many long ■ To be a transit system that benefits everyone in hours developing contingency plans and updating Missoula. Part of that effort is continuing to invest in Corey Aldridge, General Manager schedules. They are dedicated to communicate zero emission and other technologies to help clean the with citizens that we are here for them, and we air and lower the transit system’s carbon footprint; and, are doing everything we can to keep them safe. I’m really proud ■ An immediate goal to provide frequent service seven days and of our team.” seven nights a week to meet the needs of everyone.

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In the effort to get more people on the bus, Mountain Line launched a Zero-Fare Program in January 2015.

“We saw ridership greatly increase after we initiated our ZeroFare Program,” Johnson said. “That included a 36 percent jump in ridership within seven months of the program’s start, and an increase in choice riders using our buses over the past five-plus years. Now, we are looking at what else can be done to encourage riders to bring even more people on board.”

Aldridge added that ridership has ultimately increased by almost 70 percent since the start of the Zero-Fare Program, which began as a three-year demonstration project in collaboration with key community and local government partners. Those partnerships offset the loss of income that would have been received from fares.

“We were able to get the Zero-Fare initiative supplemented by community partners, and it has been an overwhelming success.

We set it up so that every three years we would potentially renew it with our community partners,” Johnson said. “We are entering the sixth year, and have plans to continue by strengthening community relationships. Efforts are also underway to bring additional Zero-Fare partners on-board. The partnerships have been a big success here in Missoula, as they highlight that public transportation benefits us all. We have received a lot more community buyin. There are people who do not ride our system all of the time,

but who are still invested in public transit.”

According to Mountain Line, its fixed-route service is 100 percent accessible for mobility devices. All of Mountain Line’s fixedroute buses are lift or ramp equipped, eliminating the need to climb stairs to board the bus. Operators are trained to assist in securing mobility devices (wheelchairs and scooters), and are required to make stop announcements, helping to make using the fixed-route bus service possible for many people with disabilities.

People with disabilities who are able to use the fixed-route bus service are encouraged to do so whenever possible.

Mountain Line also operates an origin to destination ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act)-certified paratransit service. The service is limited to individuals meeting the strict legal and medical requirements of the ADA. In addition, Mountain Line offers a Senior Van service for eligible passengers within a three-quarter-mile radius of existing fixedroutes. It’s a complementary curb-to-curb service that provides transportation for seniors who do not qualify for ADA paratransit.

Mountain Line’s paratransit system has seen its ridership trend upward even more than the fixed-route service.

“We have seen an exponential increase in our paratransit ridership,” Johnson said. “In 2017, we had just over 30,000 rides. In 2019, we had more than 40,000 riders, which is a 35 percent increase in three years, and we don’t expect it to slow down.”

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Another service of note that Mountain Line offers is its Bike and Another initiative currently underway is Mountain Line’s Bus Bus initiative.

Stop Master Plan.

“By making our system bike “We kicked that off before the friendly, we’re not just adding conpandemic hit. The timelines are venience, we are also promoting albeing altered, but we are still pushternative methods of transportation, ing forward,” Johnson said. “The traffic reduction, ease of parking overall goal of the Bus Stop Master and better air quality,” according to Plan is to consolidate our many bus Mountain Line. stops, in an effort to improve schedQuick-mount bike racks are inule reliability and also maximize stalled on the front of every bus in bus travel speeds. the fleet, making it more conven“Currently, we have many bus ient to combine busing and biking stops that are just signs on posts. for longer commutes and town We want to have better infrastructrips. Full-size buses carry up to ture in place for riders. Part of that three bikes, while smaller ones consolidation is also going to help Mountain Line introduced six electric buses in its fleet last fall as a pilot project. The buses were received so carry two. us save money when we need to well by the community that two more have been ordered.

In an ongoing effort to promote update stops. clean air and reduce its carbon foot“We have been in discussions for print, Mountain Line has added electric buses to its fleet. quite awhile as to what we want our stops to look like, such as hav“We introduced six electric buses into our fleet last fall as a ing more shelters, what kind of benches to put in place, etc. We fipilot project,” Johnson said. “The buses were received so well nalized all of that recently.” by the community, that we have two more on the way. We intend Mountain Line offers an app with real-time bus tracking, which to continue to invest in alternative fuel vehicles, whether electric has also enhanced the experience for riders waiting at a bus stop. or something else that hasn’t hit the market yet. We want to be “We’ve had a lot of people download the app. The bus tracking open to that because our city and county have put forth zero car- feature lets people, while at their stop, see in real-time, where the bon emission goals, and we intend to support and help meet buses are. The app has been hugely successful,” Johnson said. those goals moving forward.”

“Also, before the pandemic, we talked about trying to advance to

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the next stage of our strategic plan. Part of that is to expand service to seven days and seven nights. Currently, we run Monday through Saturday. We have some routes that go into the evening hours, but the majority do not.

“In order to meet that goal, we need funding. Because we are a Zero-Fare service, there is a balance between asking community partners for money and going to voters for funding. Along with expanding service, we are going to need to expand our fleet, which means we will need to also expand our current facility.

“It’s a lot more challenging to seek funding for brick and mortar than expanded service. Voters might be too tapped out, due to the financial impact of the pandemic, to ask for additional funding right now. We just don’t know.”

Mountain Line officials have also pondered how the coronavirus crisis will affect ridership in the future.

“The pandemic has brought up a lot of questions for us, just like it has for every person on the planet,” Johnson said. “Will ridership recover when the pandemic is over? We can see it going two ways. People might be really afraid, with social distancing as the new normal, which will result in a great drop in ridership. We also might see, as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic, a surge in ridership, as public transit is an affordable and sustainable mode of transportation.”

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KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY

ountain Line customer service and marketing efforts are heavily involved in keeping in touch with the community in various ways, especially during this time of great uncertainty.

“Lately, we have been relying heavily on social media,” Johnson said. “Overall, the social media connection with riders allows for better crosstalk communication in some ways. It doesn’t replace in-person interactions, but it is allowing us to be front-of-mind with people who don’t take the bus often or at all. It lets people know we are still out there serving the community.

“One of the biggest benefits we have is a really closely connected community in Missoula, one that is really supportive of public transit. They truly identify with the fact that public transit benefits us all. The Zero-Fare Program has been hugely successful in the community, as we offer the opportunity for anybody to ride the bus for free.

mobile food trucks provide lunch options. We provide special service on our historical trolley, picking up people from their workplaces and bringing them to the event for lunch. So, we really just try to be present.”

In-house, a huge part of Customer Service Representative Elizabeth Wehling’s philosophy over the years has been to reach out to community members and make sure every rider’s trip is as personal as possible.

Elizabeth Wehling, Customer Service Representative Johnson added, “We love that.

Elizabeth has been talking to people for years. She makes it a point to remember the special needs of many riders, and displays an amazing personal touch.

“We talk a lot in the office about the fact that we serve all people.

There can be challenges in dealing with riders on public transit systems. However, we always come back to the fact that we are here to serve our community. Our customer service philosophy is, we treat all people, regardless of their situation, with respect.”

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AUTONOMOUS BUSES

uch has been said and written about what role autonomous buses might play in the future, as far as public transportation in concerned. One cliche that has been heard is, “It is not a matter of if, but when.” Some people think the transition to autonomous buses will be sooner rather than Vince Caristo, Project later, but Mountain Line Project Management Specialist Management Specialist Vince Caristo thinks later is more probable.

“Autonomous buses are coming, but not in the near term,” Caristo said. “Because of the fixed-route aspect, public transportation might be an ideal candidate for the adoption of autonomous vehicles.

In the big picture, one of the primary benefits of autonomous vehicles is improved safety outcomes. However, that may not “What has been hugely successful is we have as much of an impact on transit systems, as bus travel is just show up a lot, as people, to already one of the safest modes of transportation.”

For public transportation, the appeal of autonomous veevents in our community.” hicles may be less for the safety aspect and more for reducing production and operating costs, he said.

“We also have the community partners who are sponsoring the “I have heard a lot of people say things like, ‘Imagine what program. As a result, we take advantage of many networking op- agencies can do when they don’t have to pay drivers,’ which portunities by attending events that involve those partners. What is being overly optimistic,” Caristo said. “Autonomous vehihas been hugely successful is we just show up a lot, as people, cle companies may have to charge more, because they have to events in our community. We also have a couple of mascots to develop the technology. Therefore, rather than paying drivthat people enjoy. We have a large mascot and a little mascot, ers, agencies might be paying large annual fees for auwhich really helps us to connect with the community. tonomous vehicle software, versus software used for daily “We show up at parades and other community events. We prooperations and dispatching.” vide special routes for our farmers markets in the summer and to Caristo added, “Even if the driving function can be automated, the county fair. We have an event called ‘Out to Lunch,’ which is we think transit operators provide a public service and human benconducted every Wednesday in the summer in Caras Park, where efit beyond just driving, and that needs to be part of the consideration.

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We regularly get comments from our riders about how much they Would Johnson recommend that people seek a career in public love and appreciate operators for being a positive part of their daily transportation? lives, and that can’t be replaced by an autonomous vehicle.”

“I think a career in public transportation is one of the most reAlso looking to the future as far as framing a more positive image of warding ways to serve your community. That is something I didn’t public transportation narealize in high school. I tionwide, Aldridge said, come from a community “The most important that didn’t have opportuni“The most important thing we need to do thing we need to do right ties for public transit. It right now is ‘blow our own horn.’ now is ‘blow our own was very rural and isohorn.’ Providing good and lated. It had one bus, and, Providing good and consistent messaging consistent messaging is if you caught it, that was is key to helping people understand the key to helping people ungreat, but it might not be derstand the value and back around for half a day. value and importance of public transit.” importance of public “Living in Missoula, I transit. In the past, on the have been so impressed by national level, I don’t feel how grateful the commuthe industry has always put forth a unified and consistent message. nity is for Mountain Line. I think more and more people are However, a united front to get the message out that public transit benlooking for a career where they can see a direct connection to efits us all is taking shape. Hopefully, that positive messaging is going their community. I don’t think public transit can be overto take hold and become more commonplace.” looked. It is one of the most amazing ways to have meaningful Aldridge also said it is beneficial to have more public officials inand personal interactions with the community. I would defivested in public transportation with funding, as well as spoken support. nitely recommend a career in public transit.”

“What we can do as individual transit agencies is to reach out and form personal connections and networks,” Aldridge said. “I think Contact: Mountain Line (MUTD), people have been doing that really well in certain areas.”

1221 Shakespeare St., Missoula, MT 59802.

Johnson added, “It is going to be a really interesting year for all of Phone: 406-543-8386. us to navigate. The more we, as transit systems, can work together Email: sjohnson@mountainline.com. on messaging, the better it is going to be for all of us.”

Website: www.mountainline.com.

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Shown, left to right, are Brian Nelson, of ABC Companies; Abel Zacharie, of Prevost; and Brent Maitland, of Motor Coach Industries (MCI).

Panelists Discuss The

F UTURE

Of Bus/Motorcoach Technology

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

Technology continues to push the bus/motorcoach industry to new heights for the benefit of both operators and passengers.

Current and future advancements include increased safety features, greater electrified systems and autonomous driving options.

Addressing technology and automation for today and tomorrow, during the 2020 United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA) Motorcoach Expo in Nashville, TN, were three representatives of bus/motorcoach manufacturers. They participated in a question and answer educational panel session titled: “The Bridge To Autonomous Vehicles/Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).”

The three panelists were: Brent Maitland, vice president of pre-owned coach, corporate marketing and product planning at Motor Coach Industries (MCI); Brian Nelson, engineering

manager at ABC Companies; and Abel Zacharie, product management director at Prevost. The moderator was David Moody, general manager at Holiday Companies and UMA vice chairman.

Moody noted that SAE International, previously known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, has detailed different levels of vehicle automation. One of the goals of the session, he said, was to discuss how those levels relate to the current, and future, North American bus/motorcoach industry.

The SAE International levels and their descriptions are: ■ Level 0 (No Automation) — Full-time performance by the human driver of all aspects of the dynamic driving task, even when enhanced by warning or intervention systems.

Features are limited to providing warnings and momentary assistance. Examples of such features include automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and lane departure warning.

■ Level 1 (Driver Assistance) — A driving mode-specific execution by a driver assistance system of either steering or May/June 2020

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acceleration/deceleration, using information about the driving environment, and with the expectation that the human driver will perform all remaining aspects of the dynamic driving task.

Features provide steering or brake/acceleration support to the driver. Examples are lane centering or adaptive cruise control.

■ Level 2 (Partial Automation) — A driving mode-specific execution by one or more driver assistance systems of steering and acceleration/deceleration, using information about the driving environment, and with the expectation that the human driver will perform all remaining aspects of the dynamic driving task.

Features provide steering and brake/acceleration support to the driver, in the form of lane centering and adaptive cruise control.

■ Level 3 (Conditional Automation) — A driving mode-specific performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task, with the expectation that the human driver will respond appropriately to a request to intervene.

Features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met.

■ Level 4 (High Automation) — A driving mode-specific performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task, even if a human driver does not respond appropriately to a request to intervene.

Features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met. Pedals and steering wheel may or may not be installed.

■ Level 5 (Full Automation) — A full-time performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic

driving task, under all roadway and environmental conditions, that can be managed by a human driver.

Automated features in Level 5 can drive the vehicle under all conditions.

“Level 0 means no automation, while Level 5 is full automation,” Moody said. “There are automobiles being produced today at Level 3.”

He added the U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted the SAE levels in its Federal Automated Vehicle Policy. The federal standard is called “Automated Vehicles 3.0” released in December 2018, and includes an 80-page document on ways the government is preparing for automated driving. (Visit www.transportation.gov/av/3, for further information).

“It provides a good indication of what the U.S. government sees as automated driving,” Moody said. “It includes a lot of current regulatory information and how (the government) is trying to come up with new regulations.”

Each of the panelists, near the start of the educational session, explained his specific role for the bus/motorcoach manufacturer that he represents.

Maitland: “I head marketing and product planning for MCI. Part of my role involves customer engagement, seeing how we can turn feedback from customers into meaningful coach features for the future.”

Nelson: “As engineering manager at ABC Companies, I help with new coach sales and market support. That includes cooperating with Van Hool in its effort to meet the changing

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needs of the North American marketplace by providing viable products.”

Zacharie: “My job is to understand industry issues and their effects on customers. It’s also important that our R&D properly addresses those issues. Prevost is part of the Volvo Group. That allows me to network with colleagues throughout the world who are involved in many industries, such as trucking, which has similar issues to the bus/motorcoach segment. Automation is definitely an area that we will continue to focus on, given that it addresses many driver issues.”

Question: Speaking for the company you represent, what level of automation do you feel its vehicles are currently at, and what technologies are supporting that level?

Nelson: “At ABC Companies/Van Hool, we are firmly at Level 1, which includes adaptive cruise control (a feature that automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles that are ahead). ABC Companies will soon be offering Van Hool products that contain a collision mitigation system. It will be able to detect a problem and avoid a collision, through braking, from stationary and moving objects in the path of the vehicle.

“With technology currently being developed, we are working to get to Level 2 in the near future.”

Zacharie: “Prevost is currently at Level 1 and just launched its driver assist electronics suite. We feel Level 2 is coming

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very soon for our industry.”

Maitland: “(MCI) is at Level 1. It includes the ability to apply braking to the vehicle in association with radar-based adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation. For MCI, that now incorporates a camera in addition to the radar, on the latest Bendix Wingman Fusion system, which allows braking for stationary vehicles.

“MCI also has Level 2 in its sights, as vehicle systems become more electrified. That includes systems featuring steering that would allow for more automated control, involving lane correction and the current lane departure warning.”

Question: What do the next two to five years look like related to automation?

Zacharie: “For Prevost, it will involve getting well into Level 2, including the integration of lane assist with power steering.

“Overall, vendor integration will be a challenge. Automation involves intense technology. It’s not something you just add to a vehicle and that is it. It’s important to understand the vehicle’s geometry, the weight, etc. Sensors must be included, and it’s important to categorize all that has been added.”

Maitland: “It’s important to look at advancements taking place with passenger vehicles, such as private automobiles and trucks, and learn how that technology can be applied to our industry. Almost always, we (buses and motorcoaches) are the

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last to get whatever technology is coming along. “(MCI) also spends time trying to find solutions as it pertains to operator risks, claims and cost drivers, where creating a low total cost solution is the goal.�

Nelson: “I think the next two to five years are going to be extremely exciting when it comes to automation and new technology. I also feel the pace of adaptation will depend on operators. They are going to help guide us (manufacturers) as far as what makes the most sense, related to their companies and drivers.�

Question: How far away is the bus/motorcoach industry from Level 4 and Level 5, meaning near or full automation of the vehicle?

Maitland: “There was aggressive marketing early on (within the passenger car industry) focusing on autonomous vehicles, such as full self-driving functionality. However, a more pragmatic view from regulators has started to take shape. Many things will have to come into play before (fully autonomous vehicles) make a broad impact. “For our industry, there are certain cases where autonomous vehicles make the most sense right now, such as campus shuttles, where the vehicles can run at low speeds.

Our sister company, New Flyer, is involved in developing systems for those applications.�

Zacharie: “The Volvo Group has tested autonomous technology in Singapore, at Nanyang Technological University. It involves a campus route and features sophisticated sensors. I also see that type of technology possible for other controlled environments, such as the mining industry for the transportation of workers. There are possibilities as well within Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, where specific lanes are used.�

Nelson: “I would caution against making bold predictions.

I’ll give myself a wide gap and say it will probably be 5 to 25 years before autonomous technology really takes off in our industry. “I think we are most likely going to see more automated systems within ride share capacities, where there is an urban setting and it’s relatively controlled. I also don’t think it’s that much of a leap for transit systems, as they often operate in the same controlled environment.�

Question: At what point does new technology become a standard feature versus an option?

Maitland: “One factor is regulations. Sometimes we have to add a system by law. We (MCI) have a history of putting beneficial technology in place in advance of a regulation. It’s important to evaluate new technology and bring to market features that work for operators, while still being mindful of not forcing it on those operators.

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“Typically, we will watch the take-rates of new technology, much like you check a box for certain options when buying a car. Once the take-rates become high enough, we may make it a standard feature. That could take place over a two- to fouryear period, depending on the technology.”

Zacharie: “If an option is sold often enough, it usually becomes standard. There are also options that eventually become required, such as seat belts.”

Nelson: “Some technology becomes required due to a regulation. After that, it’s important to look at statistics to see what is being asked for by customers.

“The challenge can be deciding on what new technology to pursue. That can be humbling. You can pursue certain (technologies) that go nowhere, while others really take off. It’s interesting. We have the philosophy of pushing specific technology with Van Hool, and then letting the operators decide.”

Question: What future technology could help bus/motorcoach operators become more productive?

Zacharie: “When looking at what is being done in other segments, the trucking industry has worked on a platooning system for several years. It allows trucks to follow one another in a convoy, with the vehicles in the rear being operated through remote control. Benefits include increased energy efficiency.

Could this technology be applied to buses in future years? Possibly, perhaps for line haul applications.

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“In the future, maybe 10 to 15 years from now, there is also the possibility of (buses/motorcoaches) being able to drive themselves while in the yard, such as moving to and from charging and washing stations. That would be very beneficial to companies with large fleets.”

Maitland: “Technology that helps drivers avoid accidents will continue to be in demand. That includes using 360-degree camera systems. Meanwhile, the use of such technology as adaptive cruise control on the highway can save operators money when it comes to fuel costs. I also feel collision mitigation systems will be more prevalent, and potentially required, in the future.

“As far as fully autonomous (buses/motorcoaches) are concerned, I think that technology is way down the road. There is a more pragmatic approach now as to how that type of technology will arrive.”

Nelson: “I think even at Level 5, it’s very difficult to measure productivity within an operation. It has to do with the operator properly capturing and delivering data, which is crucial for added productivity to be achieved.

“Added productivity will also come when the (bus or motorcoach) is smart enough to tell the operator something is wrong by sending an error code, allowing the operator to have parts ready, a work order created and a person in place to fix that vehicle.

“I also see the possibility of technology within a vehicle being able to take GPS coordinates and current road conditions

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to select from a set of parameters, allowing its drive train to become more efficient. It could be done with the use of proper data.

“I think all of those things are practical and within the industry’s grasp.”

Question: What is, or will be, available in the area of indepth diagnostic systems for buses/ motorcoaches?

Zacharie: “Prevost currently offers its remote diagnostics real-time monitoring system that communicates data between the vehicle and operator’s home base. It greatly helps with preventative maintenance. It’s a good way to maximize uptime and expedite repairs.”

Maitland: “(Diagnostics) is a subject that we (at MCI) are working hard on for the benefit of operators. Part of that is helping operators drive down the cost of vehicle ownership. Remote diagnostics can help. Predictive analytics will also be important in the future, allowing data to predict if something on a vehicle is about to fail. That will allow the operator to fix something before it becomes a problem.”

Nelson: “ABC Companies offers ABC Connect, which is a cloud-based, telematics solution for fleet operations. It involves diagnostics and predictive capabilities.

“The main goal of this technology is to make life easier and simpler for operators.”

Question: What does the future hold for electric buses and motorcoaches?

Maitland: “There are four mega trends, or specific areas, that are going to shape our industry going forward: autonomous, connected, electrified and shared. The move toward more electrified vehicles is taking place.

“California is currently the epicenter of that market. The state’s regulatory environment is pushing for a transition to zero emission bus purchases. There are also private operators (throughout the country) who have very serious environmental philosophies and are looking at zero emission vehicles.

“I think in five years, there will be a lot more electric vehicles on the road than autonomous.”

Zacharie: “We will continue to see early adopters and tech companies moving forward (as it relates to electric vehicles).

But for this technology to take off, it will need to make economic sense and that means longer distances (between charges), with an acceptable payload and weight; and with operating cost savings that will justify the extra acquisition cost.”

Nelson: “Fully electric vehicles are here, with the limiting factors being energy density and range. Any breakthrough within those areas will impact the market in a huge way.

“Many companies, and people, are really embracing the evolution of electric vehicles, and looking forward to the technology becoming more practical over the long term. It helps when routes are well planned for such technology.”

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By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the North American private bus/motorcoach and public transportation industries. Ridership and revenue from all modes of transportation have greatly decreased due, in part, to canceled events and social distancing practices.

The American Bus Association (ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) estimate private operators will lose nearly $8 billion in the next five months alone. There are worries that this number will only increase if the crisis worsens, or if the recovery is delayed.

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“The impact (from the pandemic) on (the bus/motorcoach) industry is huge; almost unimaginable,” UMA Board Chairperson Jeff Polzien, of Kincaid Coach Lines - Red Carpet Charters Division, Oklahoma City, OK, said in mid-April. “However, our industry is used to helping others during emergencies, and even in the face of a virtual shutdown, I am proud to see operators stepping up to aid their local communities.

“UMA members have waged a tech-enabled advocacy campaign, bringing together more than 6,000 individuals who have made over

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25,000 contacts on Capitol Hill. We’ve launched a similar campaign in Canada. That has all been instrumental in bringing voices together with a powerful message: our industry needs economic relief to survive.”

The pandemic has come at a particularly bad time for bus/motorcoach operators, as spring is often the busiest season for the industry.

Ridership declines are a direct result of government and public health officials directing Americans to reduce, or eliminate, nonessential travel. Further, the commuter market, which connects workers to urban employers, is also significantly down. That service continues to drop as more employees are working from home.

Help has come in the form of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748), also known as the CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in March to address the U.S. economic fallout from the pandemic. Federal aid available under the CARES Act, and administered through the U.S. Small Business Adminstration (SBA), include the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for employers of 500 people or fewer; and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

UMA lobbyist Becky Weber, managing director of the Prime Policy Group; and UMA Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO Ken Presley have been discussing the two programs during various UMA online town hall meetings.

“The PPP is tied to payroll costs. Allowable uses are: employee salaries, paid/medical leave, insurance premiums, mortgage/rent and utility payments. However, at least 75 percent of PPP proceeds must be used to cover payroll costs, with no more than 25 percent being used for non-payroll costs. UMA officials are asking for that split to be changed, to perhaps 50/50, to better reflect the needs of bus and

motorcoach operators,” according to Presley and Weber.

“There is no collateral required. Operators can also apply for, and receive, the SBA EIDL loan. However, money from the EIDL and PPP may not be spent on the same things.

“There is eligibility for PPP total loan forgiveness, if requirements are met. Lenders are required to provide payment deferment relief for one year.” “(The PPP) is focused on providing compensation for your employees by keeping their health insurance intact, and providing money for their pockets,” Presley said. “Another benefit is that your employees remain linked to your business.”

The original funding for PPP was $349 billion, with that money soon being depleted. According to various news reports, on April 21 the U.S. Congress and The White House agreed on a new $484 billion funding package that includes further aid for small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. That deal appropriates $310 billion more for PPP, $60 billion of which is set aside for small lenders and community financial institutions. Also included is an additional $60 billion for the EIDL loans and grants.

“The EIDL includes an advance of up to $10,000 available within three days of applying. The maximum loan available per applicant is $2 million, with a reported interest rate of no more than 4 percent.

Unlike the PPP, the EIDL loan is currently not forgivable (aside from the up to $10,000 advance.) It can be used to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating bills,” Presley and Weber said. “It may be used to provide paid sick leave to employees, maintaining payroll and funding other business obligations. That includes debts, rent and

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mortgage payments. Eligible recipients must have been in operation on Jan. 31, 2020. The EIDL is available to small businesses, private nonprofits, sole proprietors, independent contractors, tribal businesses, cooperatives and employee-owned businesses.”

UMA Interim President & CEO Larry Killingsworth noted during the April 16 town hall meeting that bus and motorcoach operators have experienced some success in receiving PPP and/or EIDL funds.

“Money is flowing (from the two SBA programs) and that is encouraging,” he said. “There are challenges, however, when it comes to working with fast moving programs and constant updated information.”

On a side note, Presley has reminded bus/motorcoach operators to keep their email addresses up-to-date with the Federal Transit Administration in regard to the FTA’s Charter Service Registration program.

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The Charter Registration Tool, through FTA, allows private charter providers to receive notices of upcoming transportation opportunities. Private operators must register on a bi-annual basis, otherwise they will no longer receive notices after their registration expires.

“I have noticed that there is currently charter work drifting through those public transportation notices. It’s work available to private operators,” Presley said. “If you are not (registered with FTA), you are not receiving those notices, and you may be missing out on opportunities.”

Bus/motorcoach operators can use the key words “FTA Charter Service Registration” during an internet search to find out how to register and receive the notices. Information is also available from UMA. THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING ACTIVE INITIATIVES

Many bus/motorcoach company owners are playing the waiting game as to when business will return to some type of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. There are many things a bus/motorcoach operator can do, however, to make good use of this “downtime.”

During a United Motorcoach Association (UMA) online town hall meeting on April 9, UMA board member Matt Dance, who is also director of safety & risk management at Champion Coach (www.championcoach.com), in Greenville, SC, spoke of steps his company has taken to not only keep employees busy, but to also keep the fleet and overall business in top shape.

“Around mid-March, (officials at Champion Coach) sat down and discussed things that could be done to benefit our company without spending a whole lot of money,” Dance said. “We looked at three basic areas: administrative work, operations and longterm goals.”

From an administrative standpoint, he added, it was decided that now is a good time to scan and upload all of the company’s driver qualification (DQ) files.

“We wanted to make electronic copies of those files, and to store them on a cloud-based service. It’s important that they are easily accessible, while also properly backed up in case of fire or other disasters,” Dance said.

“Our administrative staff took

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the time to scan and upload all those files, which was very time con- get your vehicles ready to go.” suming. It’s one of those things that we had never found time to do.

The current slowdown is also a perfect time to deep clean vehicles, With the slowdown, we found the time. especially the interiors.

“We (at Champion Bus) are looking at what the airlines and hotels “Even if a company doesn’t have access to a cloud-base service, it can are doing when it comes to cleaning. We are also still upload such files and put them on a hard drive for safe keeping.” doing a lot of research on what type of chemicals are best for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles,” Additional maintenance steps have also kept mechanics busy at Champion Coach during the Dance said. “The EPA has a great list available of apCOVID-19 outbreak. proved disinfectants that will kill such germs as in“We visited our OEM websites, looked at their fluenza A and B.” maintenance manuals and searched for things we Dance added that Champion Coach representatives don’t necessarily do every time a vehicle returns from have also found time to research which cleaning a trip,” Dance said. “For example, we tested batterchemicals are best to use in an effort to maintain the interior health and look of equipment. ies, lubricated joints and conducted in-depth in“If you are not careful, the interior of your newer spections of our vehicles. It doesn’t cost a lot of equipment may be clean, but will start to look old and money to perform those type of maintenance steps. faded. Certain chemicals can take their toll on vinyl We have also spent time on a tire tracking proand fabrics,” he said. “Make sure you are doing your gram, and have taken an extensive inventory of Matt Dance, UMA board member research as far as which chemicals to use. We have our shop. Nobody ever seems to have time to conreached out to our OEMs to learn more. duct a complete inventory. We now have the time.”

It’s also a good time for bus/motorcoach company representatives “Start having such conversations with people who are available to to make contact with OEM field service representatives, he added. you (as operators). Manufacturers and suppliers in our industry are “Give them a call, and ask any questions when it comes to your working and have people you can contact. Feel free to reach out.” equipment,” Dance said. “Now is a good time to have a conversation There is one more benefit to having more time to do things during with them about what you can do to keep your (buses/motorcoaches) the slowdown, Dance added. in good working shape.

“I can tell you one thing, our grounds (at Champion Coach) are “The last thing you want to have happen is to wait until business amazing right now. The grass is cut, the mulch is laid and everything starts to pick back up and not have the proper time in the shop to looks great.”

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American Trans-Data Corp.

3100 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 140 Santa Ana, CA 92704 USA Phone: 714-751-3000 Website: www.americantransdata.com Products: Providing software solutions to the bus and tour industries since 1980. 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 P.O. Box 155 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 USA Phone: 518-877-2507 Email: sales@bushive.com Website: www.bushive.com Products: busHive provides transportation management software. The company specializes in charter management, personnel compliance and vehicle maintenance systems. 18

DDS Wireless International 11920 Forge Pl. Richmond, BC V7A 4V9 CANADA Phone: 604-241-1441 Website: www.ddswireless.com Products: End-to-end, turnkey fleet management solutions for taxi, limousine, transit and other commercial fleets. Its packaged solutions provide a full range of fleet management software and hardware for real-time dispatching; vehicle location and tracking; routing and

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scheduling optimization; and mobile data communication, navigation and mobile payment processing. 17 Distinctive Systems, Inc. 19531 Lost Creek Dr. Estero, FL 33967 USA Phone: 646-448-9981 Email: nasales@distinctivesystems.com Website: www.distinctivesystems.com/us Company Officers: Don Greenglass, President; Bob Hopwood, Vice President of Support Services; Eric Elliott, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Products: Distinctive Systems is a leading supplier of software to the coach industry. Established for 30-plus years, over 1,500 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 a reputation over the years for updating its applications with additional functionality, on an ongoing basis. 20

Enghouse Transportation 80 Tiverton Ct., Suite 800 Markham, ON L3R 0G4 CANADA Phone: 905-489-0352 Email: solutions@enghouse.com Website: www.enghousetransportation.com Products: With over 35 years experience and as a provider of transit IVR systems, Enghouse Transportations offers a comprehensive and ro-

May/June 2020

bust suite of software solutions that serve the transportation market. That includes: Transit Operations – fixed route and demand response scheduling and dispatch, driver management, eticketing and automated fare collection; Communications – IVR/SMS/email for fixed route, demand response, operator and farecard information; Private Transportation – coach and tour operations management; Public Safety – emergency control and dispatch and non-emergency patient transport; and Fleet Management – logistics management, order tracking, telematics and container tracking and monitoring. 20 GIRO Inc. 75 Port-Royal St. East, Suite 500 Montreal, QC H3L 3T1 CANADA Phone: 514-383-0404 Email: info@giro.ca Website: www.giro.ca Company Officers: Jean Aubin, President and CEO; Huguette Benoit, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Business Development; and Robert Victor, Vice President HASTUS, North America and Australia Products: GIRO’s HASTUS software is a flexible, integrated solution to optimize public transit, used by authorities and operators around the world.

HASTUS is modular software for bus, subway, streetcar and passenger rail operations. The modules provide planning, scheduling, operations, customer information, and analysis functionalities, including specially designed functionalities to optimize service using electric-buses. Integration tools facilitate data exchange and interoperability between HASTUS and other applications, such as

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AVL, APC and ticketing systems. The HASTUS core scheduling and operations modules use optimization algorithms to create efficient, cost-saving vehicle and crew schedules and help transit providers make the best daily decisions for operations, while facilitating the employee bid process and managing changes to planned service. The HASTUS planning and analysis modules put transit agencies and authorities in control of their data, enabling them to design optimal urban transit networks for high-quality service and provide the mobility solutions that customers expect now and for the future. 20

Motorcoach Manager, Inc. 3517 Marconi Ave., Suite 207 Sacramento, CA 95821 USA Phone: 916-972-1800 Email: info@motorcoachmanager.com Website: www.motorcoachmanager.com Company Officers: Shirley Campbell, President; Erik Taylor, Scott Hale, Lillian Hale Products: Motorcoach Manager and Tour Optimizer—Motorcoach Manager is a flexible fleet management software system now available on the cloud. It provides a complete, cost-effective system for managing all the logistics of motorcoach charter operations. It tracks dispatches for charter orders, scheduled line runs and school bus routes from the initial request for service to the final accounting reports. There is a comprehensive driver and employee compliance tracking module included. The cloud-based version features embedded mapping with mileage and time data generated automatically. It is appropriate for any size of company providing passenger transportation.

The software is the result of years of collaboration between the Motorcoach Manager staff and hundreds of clients and prospects. A complete set of features such as built-in email, utilization and availability charts, financial analysis tools, security, equipment and driver management, driver training records, payroll and mileage tracking, etc. are included. Responsive, timely customer service is a priority.

Tour Optimizer is a separate product which manages and tracks group and retail tours for companies that do not own motorcoaches. It includes an itinerary building tool and a reservation system for selling by the seat. There is an extensive reporting system which saves tour management time. 20 Norse Systems, Inc. 245 Sage Hollow Rd. Guilford, CT 06437 USA Toll Free: 800-769-8468 Email: norse@norsesys.com Website: www.norsesys.com

Company Officer(s): Leif Eric Petterson Sr., CCP Products: Norse Systems, Inc. provides a complete set of integrated products for managing bus transportation. Norse has been providing solutions for the bus industry for over 35 years.

The comprehensive software product set is combined with private “cloud” based virtual servers and professional support to provide a complete solution for bus operators. The solutions are designed to run on existing computer infrastructure, so there is minimal or no capital cost. Low monthly fees, with no long term contract, keep costs and risks low.

Applications include: Charter/field trip sales and operations, dispatching, driver qualifications, human resources, employee time and pay, transit line runs, day trip/commuter/airport shuttle and tour systems, accident management, equipment maintenance, warrantee tracking and recovery, fuel control, fuel tax reporting, trip bidding, school bus routing with automated map interfaces, multisite inventory control, purchasing, home to school operations, accounts receivable, general ledger, accounts payable, and more.

The Norse applications are provided with the “Screen Driver,” The Enterprise IT environment for developers and users. The system includes user security, system administration, custom reporting, and application development and management tools. Demonstrations and sales presentations are available at no cost. 17

RBS - Relational Bus Systems, Inc. 10 Lancaster St. - Box 215 Cherry Valley, NY 13320 USA Phone: 607-264-9300 Toll Free: 800-448-7001 Email: manager@rbs2000.com Website: www.rbs2000.com 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, and 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 GoTourV4.10, which includes BOPI (Blocked Out Passenger Inventory); integrated, highly secure, online credit card authorization (GoPay) is available; 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 defin-

able 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. 19

Sys2K Dealership Software 528 Northlake Blvd., Ste. 1000 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 USA Phone: 407-358-2000 Email: sales@sys2k.com Website: www.sys2k.com Products: Designed for the bus and motorcoach industry for both dealers and manufacturers.

Latest technologies used 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.

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. 15 Trapeze Group 5800 Explorer Dr. Mississaugua, ON L4W 5K9 CANADA Phone: 905-629-8727 Email: info@trapezegroup.com Website: www.trapezegroup.com Products: 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; and Traveler Information delivers schedule and real-time information to transit and paratransit passengers. Transit scheduling and planning and paratransit scheduling and dispatch solutions provide flexibility for an agency, while business intelligence tools provide views of an agency’s data. 15

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AngelTrax 119 S. Woodburn Dr., Dothan, AL 36305 USA 800-673-1788 Email: sales@angeltrax.com Website: www.angeltrax.com Products: AngelTrax is a leading designer, manufacturer and provider of high-definition invehicle mobile surveillance. AngelTrax drives the market with state-of-the-art products, including Vulcan™ Series MDVRs, patented Hybrid Component™ MNVRs, IP cameras, high-definition cameras, live view, live tracking, driver behavior management and patented Virtual Synchronized Mapping™ technology.

Engineered to combine the advantages of HD and IP cameras into one recording system, Vulcan Series Mobile DVRs were developed over several years with a limitless budget to meet the need for extreme storage reliability, versatility for any vehicle type, and durability for the long haul. With patented Hybrid Component technology, AngelTrax HCNVRs are equipped with modules that are fully removable and replaceable in the field, enabling authorized personnel to perform system updates and maintenance in minutes, and increasing the efficiency of the entire fleet by reducing downtime and replacement outages.

Vulcan Series systems support a full range of interior and exterior HD and IP cameras, including the patent-pending Parallax™ camera, which provides 210 degrees of coverage with a horizontal resolution exceeding Cinema 4K and zoomed image clarity. 19 Page 36

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Apollo Video Technology 24000 35th Ave., SE, Bothell, WA 98021 USA 425-483-7100 Email: info@apollovideo.com Website: www.apollovideotechnology.com Products: Comprehensive solutions for on-board video surveillance. Designed and manufactured specifically for bus and rail applications, the RoadRunner™ system and back-end ViM Software™ enhance fleet efficiency, reduce maintenance and operating costs, increase accessibility of data, and mitigate risk and liability. 18

ASA Electronics 2602 Marina Dr. Elkhart, IN 46514 USA 877-845-8750 Website: www.ASAElectronics.com Products: The company has been designing and manufacturing mobile electronic products for the marine, RV, powersports, agricultural, construction, commercial vehicle and bus industries since 1977. 18 Clever Devices, Inc. 300 Crossways Park Dr. Woodbury, NY 11797 USA 516-433-6100 Email: contactus@cleverdevices.com Website: www.cleverdevices.com

May/June 2020

Products: Clever Devices is a provider of technology solutions for all modes of public transportation including fixedroute, bus rapid transit, paratransit and rail. The company’s solutions enhance mobility and help meet the public transportation challenges of communities around the world. 18

EyeRide 2520 SW 30th Ave. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 USA 888-668-6698 Email: info@eyerideonline.com Website: www.eyerideonline.com Products: The company provides such items as DVR camera surveillance systems; cameras for commercial trucks, buses and transit vehicles; GPS tracking systems for fleet vehicle management; mobile Wi-Fi hotspot routers for buses and motorcoaches; and electronic logbook and DVIR equipment. 18

Idrive, Inc. 249 N. Turnpike Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93111 USA 805-308-6094 Email: sales@idriveglobal.com Website: www.idriveglobal.com Products: Idrive provides artificially intelligent (AI) in-vehicle camera systems with live GPS tracking, live look-in, facial recognition, distracted and drowsy driving detection and more. The Idrive AI cam is

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a dual video dash camera that records both the driver and road to monitor behavior for accident reduction. The Idrive AI cam can detect distracted and drowsy driving in real time and alert the driver with in-cab alerts. All driving events are uploaded to Idrive’s secure client-based fleet monitoring software–iris. Within iris, safety managers can view events, score events, track drivers, request live videos, get accident alerts, run reports to coach drivers and more. 20

REI 6534 L St. Omaha, NE 68117 USA 402-339-2200 Email: info@radioeng.com Website: www.radioeng.com Products: REI is a customer-experience focused, all-in-one solutions provider of professional automotive-grade electronics for the transportation industry. 18

Rosco Vision Systems 90-21 144th Pl. Jamaica, NY 11435 USA 718-526-2601 Website: www.roscovision.com Products: Founded in 1907, Rosco provides such items as backup camera systems, mirrors, visors and other visual safety solutions to the worldwide commercial vehicle market. 18

Safety Vision See Ad On Page 16 6100 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77041 USA 800-851-3901 Email: masstransitsales@safetyvision.com Website: www.safetyvision.com/masstransit Company Officers: Lucius McCelvey, Director, U.S. and Canada Mass Transit Sales; Justin Lindbloom, Account

Executive; and Jeff Taylor, Account Executive Products: Safety Vision’s systems capture every angle in and around the bus, ensuring maximum visibility, protection against false claims, increased on-board safety, and more. The company’s suite of cameras and recorders can be custom tailored to any operation. Safety Vision’s solutions are tailored toward increasing efficiency and instilling comprehensive security. 20

Seon Unit 111 – 3B Burbidge St. Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B2 CANADA 604-941-0880 Email: sales@seon.com Website: www.seon.com Products: Seon is a manufacturer of video surveillance and fleet management solutions for school and transit buses. 18

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles BYD

BYD

23’ Battery-Electric Coach (C6)

35’ Battery-Electric Coach (C8)

BYD’s smallest coach transports up to 18 passengers, and is well suited for shuttle applications at hotels, parking facilities, smaller colleges and universities, and resorts.

The custom interior can be appointed for luxury transport of VIPs. Passengers will experience one of the most comfortable rides available — and will step off feeling good about their contribution to a healthier world.

BYD’s 35-foot battery-electric coach offers a range comparable to BYD’s larger coaches, but in a mid-sized form factor. The interior can be configured for luxury, economy, or anywhere in-between. With proven performance in all climates, the C8 keeps passengers comfortable on the journeys of their lives.

Ideal for transit commuter routes, private charter, intercity, luxury shuttle, touring and corporate applications.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model..................................................................................................................C6 Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 18+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................23.4’ Overall Width.................................................................................................81.1” Overall Height ............................................................................................110.8” Wheelbase....................................................................................................157.1” Turning Radius................................................................................................23’

Model..................................................................................................................C8 Seating Capacity ...............................................................................Up to 41+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................35.2’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height............................................................................................139.4” Wheelbase..................................................................................................240.2” Turning Radius................................................................................................39’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 125 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3-4 hours •12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries •Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 200 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 4-4.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles BYD

BYD

40’ Battery-Electric Coach (C9)

45’ Battery-Electric Coach (C10)

The BYD 40-foot battery-electric coach seats up to 49 passengers, and is perfect for medium-length itineraries. The interior can be configured for luxury, economy or anywhere in-between.

With proven performance in all climates, the C9 will keep passengers comfortable on the journeys of their lives, and they will step off feeling good about their contribution to a healthier world.

BYD’s 45-foot battery-electric coach seats up to 57 people, and is perfect for medium-length itineraries. The interior can be configured for luxury, economy or anywhere in-between.

With proven performance in all climates, the C10 will keep passengers comfortable on the journeys of their lives. Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s coaches are the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model..................................................................................................................C9 Seating Capacity..............................................................................Up to 49+1 Overall Length.............................................................................................40.5’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height............................................................................................139.4” Wheelbase........................................................................................250.4/53.2” Turning Radius................................................................................................44’

Model ................................................................................................................C10 Seating Capacity..........................................................................................57+1 Overall Length.............................................................................................45.8’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height............................................................................................139.4” Wheelbase.........................................................................................313.8/53.2” Turning Radius................................................................................................49’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 200 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 4.5-5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 230 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 2-2.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery May/June 2020

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles BYD

BYD

35’ Double Decker Coach (C8MS)

45’ Double Decker Coach (C10MS)

BYD’s 35-foot double decker offers great performance as a sightseeing coach, or a transit bus where high capacity is needed while a longer articulated bus might not be practical. Upper and lower levels provide panoramic views of the landscape and tourist attractions.

Ample storage, and an optional restroom, complete the package for passenger comfort.

BYD’s highest-capacity zero-emission coach is the 45-foot double decker C10MS. With sophisticated exterior styling and a spacious, modern interior, it is ideal for moving large groups of people. Upper and lower levels, with large windows, provide panoramic views of the landscape — ideal for scenic tours, shuttles to attractions and to corporate campuses.

Passengers will experience one of the most comfortable rides available — and will step off feeling good about their contribution to a healthier world.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model ............................................................................................................C8MS Seating Capacity ................................................Up to 51/47 with restroom Overall Length .............................................................................................35.8’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................13.4’ Wheelbase .................................................................................................234.3” Turning Radius................................................................................................39’

Model...........................................................................................................C10MS Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 77+1 Overall Length ................................................................................................45’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................13.4’ Wheelbase .........................................................................................283.3/53.1” Turning Radius................................................................................................47’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 170 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 4-4.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 230 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 2-2.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles BYD

BYD

30’ Battery-Electric Bus (K7M ER)

35’ Battery-Electric Bus (K9S)

Designed for transit applications, the K7M ER offers a range of up to 185 miles in a 102-inch wide body. Transit systems demand high quality and extreme reliability, and the American-built K7M ER delivers.

Also available in a 96-inch wide body version with a range up to 150 miles. This version is popular as a shuttle at universities, airports and corporate campuses.

BYD’s 35-foot bus maintains the range of the company’s larger buses but in a smaller form factor, resulting in an extremely efficient vehicle.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model.........................................................................................................K7M ER Seating Capacity..............................................................................Up to 20+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................29.9’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase ..................................................................................................175.8” Turning Radius.................................................................................................31’

Model ...............................................................................................................K9S Seating Capacity ..............................................................................Up to 32+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................35.8’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase..................................................................................................222.7” Turning Radius................................................................................................39’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 185 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3.5-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 145 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3.5-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available May/June 2020

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles BYD

BYD

40’ Battery-Electric Bus (K9)

60’ Battery-Electric Bus (K11)

BYD’s 40-foot bus is the company’s best-selling model, ideal for medium and large cities.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest, most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point.

BYD brings dependable, zero-emission service to public transit, university campuses, airports and corporate campuses — all at a lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG.

BYD’s 60-foot articulated transit bus is perfect for moving large numbers of passengers. With a capacity of up to 55 seated passengers plus 65 standing (120 total), it is ideal for urban transit systems and high-volume shuttles at airports, universities, sports venues, performing arts centers and parking facilities.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model..................................................................................................................K9 Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 37+1 Overall Length.............................................................................................40.2’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase...................................................................................................246.1” Turning Radius................................................................................................44’

Model .................................................................................................................K11 Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 55 Overall Length .............................................................................................60.7’ Overall Width..............................................................................................101.6” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase....................................................................................238.5”/275.6” Turning Radius ............................................................................................44.5’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 177 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 4.5-5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 220 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3-3.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles

Hometown Manufacturing

Hometown Manufacturing

Hometown Villager

Hometown Coach View The Hometown Coach View is more than just another transit bus.

The View boasts many customized features, including an impressive GVRW and wheelbase range.

The View is also green. Customers can choose from LPG and CNG packages for longer range capabilities and lower emissions; or they can select a full electric propulsion system that provides a range of 120 to 140 miles and a short recharging time of four to five hours, producing zero emissions.

Other key features include panoramic-view windows, seating up to 42 passengers and heavy-duty construction.

The View is designed to provide exceptional shuttle, tour and paratransit performance. Developed to optimize floorplan customization, the View is synonymous with user-friendliness and ease of application.

The Villager is Hometown Trolley’s original trolley design, which was introduced over 35 years ago. From private tour operators to fixed-routes in downtown areas, the Villager is sure to bring classic style to any location.

The Villager can be produced with elegant vintage features — such as spiral brass, mahogany and leather grab straps — or finished with mass transit features, to create a more durable trolley for the workload of intercity fixed-routes.

The Villager is now available in an exclusively patented, zero emissions, all-electric power train, with a range of 75-90 miles.

Also available in LPG and CNG alternative fuels.

Hometown Manufacturing 750 Industrial Parkway, Crandon, WI 54520 Phone: 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: Kristina@hometowntrolley.com Website: www.hometown-mfg.com

Hometown Manufacturing 750 Industrial Parkway, Crandon, WI 54520 Phone: 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: Kristina@hometowntrolley.com Website: www.hometown-mfg.com

Model..............................................................................................................View Length........................................................................................................32’/36’ Seating ..................................................30-34 passenger/36-42 passenger GVWR ..........................................................................................................24,000 Body Width......................................................................................................99” Body Height................................................................................................123.5” Int. Height....................................................................................................80.5” Wheelbase...........................................................................................228”/242” Engine .....................................................Diesel, gas, LPG, CNG, full electric Transmission............................Allison PTS 2200 / Ford auto 5-speed OD

Model........................................................................................Electric Villager Length........................................................................................................28’/40’ Seating..................................................................................24-40 passengers GVWR............................................................................................24,000/26,000 Body Width......................................................................................................99” Body Height................................................................................................123.5” Int. Height....................................................................................................80.5” Wheelbase ...........................................................................................158”/228” Engine..............................................................Motiv All-Electric Powertrain ADA Location................................................................................................Rear May/June 2020

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles ABC Companies

ABC Companies

Van Hool Fuel Cell

Van Hool CX45E — Battery Electric The new Van Hool CX45E will utilize the proven CX platform. A fully electric drivetrain designed to deliver exceptional operational, environmental and passenger benefits will power the CX45E. Deliveries to the North American Market scheduled for 2020.

The CX45E is designed to: • Eliminate hundreds of thousands of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year • Save customers tens of thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance costs • Provide a more comfortable and quieter coach experience for riders Notable CX45E equipment features and highlights include: • Outside dimensions same as current CX diesel models • Passenger seating same as current CX models • One (1) door version is standard, second door is optional • Center positioned ADA lift is optional

ABC Companies 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 USA Ph: 407-656-7977 • Fax: 407-905-7010 Email: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com

Model ......................................................Van Hool CX45E – Battery Electric Overall Length ................................................................................................45’ Overall Height .............................................................................................11’ 6” Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56 Brakes ............................................................................Six wheel disc brakes Page 44

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The Van Hool Fuel Cell 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 Fuel Cell 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.

ABC Companies 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 USA Ph: 407-656-7977 • Fax: 407-905-7010 Email: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com

Model ....................................................................................Van Hool 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

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® D45 CRT LE Already growing in both private and public transportation fleets, the MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach features a patented Low Entry (LE) vestibule designed for unprecedented accessibility, especially for passengers using mobility devices, and delivers dwell times comparable to low-floor transit boarding. Features include an automatic curb-level ramp that accommodates a wider variety of mobility aids, such as nextgeneration motorized wheelchairs and vestibule seating.

The forward door features an ergonomically-designed spiral entryway, enhanced lighting and supportive grab rails for comfort and visibility at entry. Spacious, comfortable seating accommodates 54 passengers overall, adjusting to 52 when accommodating two passengers with mobility devices. The next-generation D-Series model was developed with evaluations from the National Council on Independent Living, the American Association for People with Disabilities and the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities, among others.

MCI plans for the D45 CRT LE platform to include clean diesel, CNG and battery-electric configurations. Model variants underway include a full high-floor D45 CRT model with, or without, a wheelchair lift.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com Model .................................................................................................D45 CRT LE Overall Length ................................................................................................45’ Overall Height...............................................................................................138” Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 54 Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Wheelbase......................................................................................................315” Turning Radius..........................................................................................40’ 11” Fuel Tank Capacity ................................................................................164 gal.

Fuel Options ..................................................Clean-diesel, Battery-electric GVWR ..................................................................................................54,000 lbs.

Engine Options.......Cummins X12 w/engine brake, 410hp, 1,450 lb-ft torque; Cummins ISX12N w/engine brake, 400hp-CNG, 1,450 lb-ft torque w/ fuel system by Agility, or all-electric high-torque Siemens electric drive system.

Transmission.................................................................................Allison B500 Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® Battery-Electric J4500e and D45 CRTe LE CHARGE MCI moves into zero emissions, electric propulsion with two batteryelectric models. The MCI J4500e CHARGE (bringing all-electric capability to the industry’s best-seller in the tour, charter and employee shuttle markets) will deliver later in 2020. Meanwhile, the MCI D45 CRTe LE CHARGE — which features a revolutionary patented LE (Low Entry) vestibule, with a seating area and ramp that significantly improves dwell times, boarding and rider experience — will be available in 2021.

MCI matches the time-tested reliability of its two popular models with battery-electric propulsion and charging methods, adopted from New Flyer’s battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ for high dependability — with both MCI models delivering impressive power, and a smooth quiet ride, in pilot tests. MCI’s platform includes electric-driven components, from electric heat and AC systems to power steering; a high-torque Siemens electric drive system; Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Lithium Ion batteries, with high power plug-in battery charging to 100 percent in under four hours; and regenerative braking for energy efficiency and solid stopping power.

MCI’s all-electric move is also supported by New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions,™ a full suite of services that help deliver charging specifications to meet each customer’s needs.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com Model........................................Battery-Electric J4500e and D45 CRTe LE Overall Length...........................................................................J 45.58’/ D 45’ Seating Capacity................................J 56 passengers/ D 54 passengers Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Wheelbase......................................................................................................315” Front Suspension .............................................................Independent front GVWR ...................................................................J 54,000 lbs./ D 54,000 lbs.

Propulsion System.................................................................Siemens motor Batteries...................65 Ah NMCI Lithium Ion Ultra-High Energy cell by XALT, estimated J 544 kWh max power/ D 388.5 kWh Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes May/June 2020

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Alternative Fuels/Hybrid Vehicles Complete Coach Works

ZEPS Bus The Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) drive system technology, developed exclusively by Complete Coach Works (CCW), provides customers with a clean and viable alternative to fossil fuel.

Working with its sister company Transit Sales International, CCW developed its own system by taking an existing low floor transit bus and rebuilding it as a battery electric bus. The resulting ZEPS bus is an economical option for bus operators looking to start an electric fleet.

The ZEPS powered all electric bus has been tested for more than four million severe duty miles. CCW has successfully retrofitted and deployed in service more than 50 ZEPS buses across the nation. These deployments have been proven to perform successfully in all types of weather conditions.

The ZEPS system has been utilized for buses, trolleys, and other heavy-duty vehicles. CCW’s commitment to sustainability has enabled it to assist numerous transit agencies in the pursuit of preserving the planet for future generations. CCW looks forward to helping more agencies go all-electric to save money, save fuel, and save the world!

Complete Coach Works, 1863 Service Court Riverside, CA 92507 Phone: 800-300-3751 CompleteCoach.com ZepsDrive.com

• 40kW onboard charger • 180KW electric PMS motor • 2065 pounds of torque • All LED Interior/Exterior Lighting • Less than five hours charge time • More than 150-mile range on a single charge • 403kWh, 504kWh, 605kWh lithium ion NMC battery pack • 30ft, 35ft, 40ft, and 60ft, Low Floor Bus Page 46

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Proterra

Proterra Catalyst® Battery-Electric Bus Proterra is rapidly reinventing the transit industry with Catalyst® battery-electric vehicles. Communities across North America have already put these high-performance buses to the test through more than eight million miles of service. Designed from the start as an exclusively electric vehicle, the Catalyst vehicle delivers exceptional route flexibility and proven operational performance, with the greatest range of any zero-emission, battery-electric bus in its class.

Made with an advanced carbon-fiber-reinforced body and the market’s highest-efficiency batteries and electric drivetrains, the Catalyst bus is designed to safely and quietly endure nearly two decades of onroad service, with minimal maintenance required.

Proterra offers a modular, technology-centric approach to vehicle configuration. Customers can choose from two vehicle sizes and can select their energy level, as well as charging solutions to meet the needs of their specific routes.

Proterra Inc. 1815 Rollins Road Burlingame, CA 94010 Phone: 864-438-0000 Email: sales@proterra.com Website: www.proterra.com Model .................................................................................40’ Catalyst E2 Max Seating Capacity.............................................................................................40 Length.............................................................................................................510” Height..............................................................................................................128” Width ...............................................................................................................102” Engine......................................................Dual independent 190 kW motors Type of fuel ...............................................Battery-Electric, up to 660 kWh Chassis ..............................................Monocoque Carbon-fiber-reinforced composite material HVAC .................................................................Overhead integrated system Wheelchair Lift Option.................................Front ADA power wheelchair ramp (4:1, 6:1 slope) Steering......................................................................................................Power Suspension ........................................Multi-Link Air Ride rear suspension

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New Flyer of America Xcelsior CHARGE™ New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. It also offers infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and reliable charging and mobility solutions. New Flyer has designed and manufactured over 48,000 heavy-duty transit buses, including more than 8,600 powered by electric motors and battery propulsion, and 1,900 that are zero-emission. New Flyer is the only North American Bus OEM offering all three types of zero-emission; battery-electric, fuel cell-electric, and trolley-electric.

The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ is built with extended range battery technology made in America, electric motors with efficient regenerative energy recovery, the highest torque available for steep grade cities, and charging infrastructure compliant with industry standards.

Passengers on the Xcelsior CHARGE™ will experience the quietest transit bus ride available, unmatched accessibility with SmartRider™ technology, and best-in-class passenger carrying capacity. All is accomplished by optimized battery placements to comply with maximum gross axle and gross vehicle legal weight limits.

The Xcelsior CHARGE™ 40-foot configuration allows for up to 466 kWh battery capacity, obtaining realistic ranges of over 225 miles on a single charge, based on Federal Transit Administration test protocol. Xcelsior CHARGE™ is available in 35-, 40- and 60-foot articulated bus rapid transit models.

New Flyer of America, 6200 Glenn Carlson Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

Website: www.newflyer.com

Model ............................................Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric bus Seats .......................................................................................................Up to 40 Length....................................................41’ over bumpers/40’2” over body Width ...............................................................................................................102” Roof height ...............................................................11’1” over charging rails Interior height..................79” over front and rear axle; 95” mid-coach Wheelbase................................................................................................283.75” Motor...............................................Siemens ELFA2 Electric Drive System, standard or optional high gradeability Curb weight hybrid ................................30,500 lb. (approximate weight; varies with ESS configuration) Floor................Marine-grade plywood floor, optional composite floor, composite rear interior step, Tarabus, Altro, RCA floor covering Electrical system......................................................................Parker Vansco Cooling system .............................................................Electric cooling fans HVAC .....................................................................................Thermo King RLFE Axles..............................................................MAN VOK 07 front disc brakes; MAN HY-1350 rear disc brakes, single reduction axle Rapid charge.......................................................160 kWh, 213 kWh, 267 kWh Long range charge...........................................311 kWh, 388 kWh, 466 kWh

Jack Allen Appointed Chairman/CEO Of Proterra; Ryan Popple Named Co-Founder/Executive Director

The board of directors of Proterra has appointed current chairman, Jack Allen, as chairman and CEO. Ryan Popple, Proterra’s CEO since 2014, was named co-founder and executive director. Proterra began planning for this transition in January, and the board voted in March on Allen’s appointment.

“Before joining Proterra as chairman in 2017, Allen spent more than 30 years at Navistar International, a global truck and bus company, where he most recently served as COO. As CEO, he will guide Proterra’s continuing growth, including scaling operations, and supply chain/manufacturing capability to meet growing demand for zeroemission vehicles. He will also continue delivering EV technology to Jack Allen the market,” according to a Proterra press release.

“Under Popple’s leadership, Proterra has grown from a few customers to more than 120 customers in North America. During his tenure, he introduced battery technology, a new catalyst vehicle platform, and heavy-duty charging systems. In 2017, Proterra broke the world record for the longest distance ever traveled by an elecRyan Popple tric vehicle on a single charge, traveling 1,101 miles. Today, Proterra has sold more than 900 electric transit buses and Proterra’s EV technology has been proven on the road with more than 11 million service miles to date.

“Popple also led the introduction of Proterra’s EV platform into adjacent vehicle markets, including electric school buses, coach buses and delivery truck chassis with partners.

“Popple will now focus on Proterra’s technology. He reports directly to Allen.”

Both men have been working with the entire leadership team to respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the health and safety of Proterra’s employees while meeting the growing demand for electrified transit vehicles.

“We are closely watching state, federal and local guidelines to ensure the safety of our employees and taking all steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19, including canceling non-essential travel and requiring employees to work remotely when possible and to follow social distancing requirements when performing essential functions in our facilities. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees,” Allen said.

For more information, visit www.proterra.com.

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New Approval For Hydrogen Sensors For Bus Garages And Fuel Dispensers

Rel-Tek has been recently granted a NEC-Class I, Div 1, Group B, C and D (B covers hydrogen) approval for its GasBoss-H2 intrinsically safe (IS) hydrogen gas sensors. This is significant, in that competitor’s hydrogen sensors have been approved to a troublesome explosion-proof (XP) rating, which are far more costly to install and maintain.

The GasBoss-H2 has a long life span, enabled by the semiconductor DC-DC converter embedded in each unit to provide isolation from line power fluctuations that would otherwise cut detector life.

The GasBoss-H2 can be installed using normal wiring (NEC Class I, Div 2), thus avoiding the costly sealed, pressure tested conduit required for XP sensors. Also, Rel-Tek’s IS GasBoss sensors can be serviced while under power, and without having to remove the altfueled vehicles from the area… a big cost savings.

The grand savings, though, is the complete absence of routine maintenance, there being no need to manually calibrate the IS sensors for years on end. Rel-Tek has pioneered in automatic sensor calibration, and this exclusive feature is installed with every new gas system using GasBoss sensors. Indeed, the on-going payback to the end user from avoiding costly labor and portable calibration supplies, will likely exceed the cost of the entire system in 5-7 years.

Rel-Tek has well-known clients nationwide, some with a few sensors and some with hundreds. A New Jersey site has 252 of our sensors in a 5-acre alt-fuel bus garage. The Millennia-DX data acquisition system acquires and processes GasBoss sensors at the rate of 120 sensors per second, error free. Touch-screen HMI graphics and data logging are standard.

Interestingly, hydrogen gas does not react in optical sensors, so use of NDIR gas sensing technology for fuel-cell operations is not operative.

Rel-Tek pioneered in gas detection systems for alt-fuel operations, working with the Fire Marshalls, Association, Texas Railroad Commission and NFPA in the ‘80s and ‘90s to help establish the safety rules for alt-fuel gas detection. Rel-Tek gas detection systems cover CNG, LNG, LPG and now H2 fuels, in accordance with NFPA-2, -30A, -52, -57, -58 and -497.

Visit www.rel-tek.com for product details and references.

Hydrogen is the new fuel for fuel-cell powered buses and trucks. As you know, H2 is far more explosive than usual CNG/LNG/LPG fuels.

The gas detection systems you are now using in your garages and fueling areas may need to be upgraded to this new Group B approval rating when you switch to H2 fueled fleets.

Also, if you are now using optical sensor technology, be advised that NDIR sensors will not respond to H2 gas.

The good news: Rel-Tek has been granted a Class I, Div 1-2, Group B approval for its GasBoss/H2 combustible gas sensor.

This new sensor is Intrinsically Safe, which means it is easier to install and maintain than XP alternatives.

This H2 sensor also covers all alternative fuel gases, CNG/LNG/ LPG/H2.

GasBoss/H2 sensor is 5x5x5” (127x127x127mm), has pilot LED and a 4-20ma test jack.

Also, MagiKal, our unique, fully automatic calibration utility – that we have pioneered in and which is now a high-demand feature nationwide – works with this H2 sensor as well. MagiKal pays back the otherwise costly manual calibration labor and cal-gas supplies over the years ahead, often exceeding the initial system cost in 5-7 years. Our computer controls and documents the calibration timing and execution for each sensor.

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Call or email for additional information and references.

Rel-Tek Corporation 4185 Old William Penn Highway Monroeville, PA, 15146 USA Phone: 1-800-783-9228 Email: engineering@rel-tek.com Web: www.rel-tek.com

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Long Beach Transit Electric Transit Fleet Orders 14 BYD Buses

BYD customer, Long Beach Transit, will purchase an additional 14 K9M 40-foot, battery-electric transit buses for its fleet.

Long Beach Transit’s board of directors voted to increase the number of BYD buses in its fleet from 10 to 24.

LBT purchased its first BYD buses in 2015.

“We have a great deal of admiration for Long Beach Transit’s decision to bring innovative BYD zero-emission bus technology to its community,” said BYD North America President Stella Li. “California is the largest economy on planet Earth that has committed itself to 100 percent clean energy, and Long Beach Transit is helping to lead the way.”

The battery-electric, zero-emission K9M has 37 seats, a range of 155 miles, and can be rapidly charged in 4.5 to 5 hours.

The buses will be built at BYD’s Coach & Bus factory in Lancaster, CA. BYD’s zero-emission buses not only meet, but exceed, Federal Transit Administration “Buy America” requirements, incorporating more than 70 percent U.S. content.

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation added to its initial purchase by ordering 130 K7Ms. Another repeat customer is Anaheim Resort Transportation, which added to its 2015 purchase by ordering 40 more buses from BYD. With this purchase, BYD has now sold more than 470 electric buses to customers in southern California, including airports, universities, private operators, and transit agencies.

Visit www.BYD.com.

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From MCI Academy: New Operator Certificate Training Program

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has a new driver training program to help answer the shortage of qualified drivers. Part of the ASE-accredited MCI Academy, the Motorcoach Operator Certificate Program is a graduated sequence of online training courses on safety, federal regulations and coach systems, geared to meet the needs of both new and experienced drivers, and enable career advancement.

“In an independent recruitment survey,

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external training was cited as an incentive for staying with a company. It is also an incentive for job seekers to apply for position,” said MCI. MCI Academy’s program is online, free of charge and spans all skill levels. The program is designed around four levels of training. Levels 3-1 include eight hours of training per level with coursework taught via video and PowerPoint narratives. The fourth level is a master level certificate for the most experienced coach operator.

May/June 2020

The Level 3 certificate helps prepare entry-level drivers to meet new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) application. Mid-career drivers benefit by Level 2 and 1 coursework designed to improve road safety and coach system knowledge. There is also Master Level coursework for drivers who complete the three levels of certification.

“We’ve built a solid training program for drivers from a registry of industry approved sources,” said Scott Crawford, MCI training manager. “The beauty of the program is that drivers can complete training while waiting for groups, or during off hours from any location via laptop or mobile device.”

Participants in the MCI Academy Motorcoach Operator program complete certificate training in this order: Level 3 drivers receive basic instruction covering FMCSA theory training, safe driving habits, passenger safety, hours of service rules, and several of insurance company, Lancer, presentations.

Level 2 improves driver skills, covering turns, highway and city driving hazards along with EDL use and roadside enforcement.

Level 1 teaches drivers how braking and safety systems work such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Collision Avoidance and Fire Suppression and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, and covers weather-related and fuel economy driving behaviors.

Master Level coursework covers driver knowledge on major coach systems from engines to HVAC, trouble-shooting skills, and communication with service shop personnel.

“The program also helps tour, charter, employer shuttle programs and limousine operators recruit and develop driver talent from outside the motor coach industry for wellpaying jobs with a future,” said Crawford, noting LMS training account records are never deleted, and are available to employers throughout a driver’s career.

Visit MCIcoach.com or email Scott.Crawford@mcicoach.com.

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A Salute To Frontline Workers:

Victor Valley Transit Promotes Special Bus Donning Protective COVID-19 Face Covering

“Throughout the High Desert (CA), many of our frontline workers are traveling to jobs each day to keep the community running. From medical personnel, first responders, grocery store workers, transit operators and more, these people are exposing themselves daily to coronavirus, and Victor Valley Transit has created a special bus to honor these individuals,” said Victor Valley officials.

A bus donned with a protective COVID19 face covering was on display recently at the Victorville Hub. This bus was created as a salute to all of the frontline workers throughout the High Desert. This bus will move throughout the community over the coming days and weeks.

Kevin Kane, VVTA executive director said, “Putting this giant COVID-19 mask on the front of one of our buses is meant to garner attention from the community and our riders as to how important it is to protect

ourselves and others from contamination during this pandemic. It is also a salute to VVTA team members on the front lines.

“In addition, Victor Valley Transit continues to promote social distancing on all area buses, by closing off certain seats. This will allow our essential riders an extra measure of safety while getting to their jobs, shopping, medical appointments and caring for love ones. VVTA has been proactive in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak by instituting measures not only for the safety of its passengers, but opera-

Using Autonomous Vehicles To Deliver Food During COVID-19

Beep, an Orlando, FL-based autonomous shuttle service provider, is using its autonomous shuttles to deliver pizzas to the Orlando VA Medical Center located in Lake Nona, FL, where the company is headquartered.

Beep partnered with the Lake Nona community and Park Pizza & Brewing Company to donate and deliver lunch, with the autonomous shuttle, to health care workers at the Orlando VA Medical Center. Typically, the shuttles operate daily on a daily fixed route throughout Lake Nona.

With operation temporarily paused due to COVID-19, the company is finding new ways to support the community.

“It’s an honor to provide for those who are on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Joe Moye, CEO of Beep.

“Mobilizing our team and partnerships in any way we can to support our communities is necessary in this time of need.”

To limit contact with the delivery, each pizza box was sealed, put onto a cart, loaded into the shuttle by Park Pizza & Brewing restaurant employees, and then secured by the onboard shuttle attendant. Upon arrival (once taken off the shuttle) personnel at the medical center were then able to roll the cart into the hospital.

“Utilizing the autonomous shuttle ensures safe delivery of the food without having to rely on other services and allows workers to remain on campus.”

Beep and Tavistock are also exploring other opportunities to utilize the autonomous shuttles during COVID-19.

In March, Beep and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority launched a fully autonomous shuttle, with no attendant onboard, to transport COVID19 tests at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville from a drive-thru testing site to the lab building on the property.

tors as well. Some of these measures include rear boarding, fare suspension, sanitizing teams for buses and stops, plus various outreach efforts in the community.”

VVTA was established through a Joint Powers Authority in 1991. The JPA includes the three cities of Adelanto, Hesperia and Victorville, the Town of Apple Valley, and the certain unincorporated portions of the County of San Bernardino. VVTA operates local fixed-route, deviated, and ADA complementary paratransit bus services in the Victor Valley area.

Bailey Coach (Spring Grove, PA) Senior Driver Tammi Moore drove to New York City April 27 to deliver cheese from Caputo Brothers Creamery in Spring Grove.

Moore has been driving for Bailey Coach for 20 years. Bailey Coach was contacted to do the last minute delivery of Caputo Brothers’ products to New York City for the “Good Morning America” show.

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ABC Companies Focuses On Preparing Operators For Post-COVID 19 Operations

ABC Introduces CLEANS Sanitization, Disinfection And Contact Limitation Products

“As thousands of operators were forced off the roads in midMarch, ABC Companies turned its focus to shaping solutions that navigate the ‘how’ of operating in this new reality. Putting effective safeguards and protocols in place, designed to ensure the comfort and security of drivers and passengers, will be paramount in the post-COVID environment. With the introduction of its new CLEANS (Contact Limitation & Eradication of Airborne Noxious Systems) program, ABC offers fleet owners a variety of products and services designed to thoroughly disinfect coaches and optimize cabin air quality, while providing driver and passenger shielding and personal hygiene stations onboard fleet vehicles.”

Thom Peebles, ABC vice president of marketing, said, “As the economy restarts, demonstrating how operators can protect drivers and passengers will be a top priority in restoring traveler confidence.The new CLEANS suite of products and services gives fleet owners the tools to think ahead and begin planning to move as quickly as possible when health professionals give us the green light to get rolling.”

According to ABC, the new CLEANS program demonstrates the company’s focus on customer needs and ABC’s flexibility in bringing new solutions to market quickly. ABC CLEANS offers options that can work with a range of coach brands and models currently in service, as well as new Van Hool equipment.

“The immediacy of addressing customer needs and issues cannot be understated,” said Roman Cornell, president/COO, ABC Com-

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panies. “Our focus is on creating viable solutions that can be easily adapted, installed and removed, but most importantly ready to go now. Ultimately, we want to get passengers onto our customers’ coaches as quickly as possible, and creating an environment they feel comfortable traveling in is key,” said Cornell.

Most CLEANS products can be retrofitted on existing equipment (most major brands) or specified on new Van Hool motorcoach orders and include the following product and service categories: Interior sanitization/disinfection • Electrostatic fogging with solutions also used in commercial airlines providing up to a 99.994 percent reduction in virus control including the human coronavirus; • Fogging service conducted by ABC on-site, or at a customer location; and, • Disinfectant electrostatic fogger units will also be available later through ABC. HVAC purification systems • MERV 13-rated cabin filters capable of capturing particles between 1 and 5 micrometers and smaller; • UV light HVAC disinfection system which eliminates 90 percent of microbial contaminants after 10 minutes of exposure, and 99 percent after 1 hour; and, •Factory-installed HEPA filtration system which can capture 99.9 percent of particles (bacteria, fungi and larger viruses or virus clumps).

Passenger and driver contact partitions and personal hygiene stations • Driver partitions ranging from full enclosures to temporary clear protective barriers; • Passenger protection shields including permanently mounted clear partitions and removable temporary shields; and, • Hand sanitizer stations which can be mounted at multiple locations.

ABC said the branded CLEANS program will continue to grow as new products are added to the portfolio based on emerging technologies and customer needs. With decals, seals and videos designed to remind drivers and passengers of their carriers’ commitment to customer well-being, motorcoach operators can focus on getting passengers back on board.

“We are eager to help get our industry rolling again, and believe that our CLEANS initiatives can provide a much-needed level of confidence for passengers, drivers and owners that can get us all moving in the right direction again,” said Dane Cornell, CEO, ABC Companies.

ABC CLEANS products are arriving at ABC Companies’ locations now, many of which can be found in the Parts Source online parts store.

For more information, details and pricing, contact an ABC account manager, or visit www.abc-companies.com.

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Hometown Manufacturing Completes Trolley Order For Dubai

Hometown Manufacturing said it never expected to take a call from Dubai three years ago. Now, three unique trolleys are complete and making the voyage across the Atlantic to Dubai.

The Al Serkal family of Dubai had an idea to use trolleys as a unique mode of transportation by connecting cultural centers that would promote the enrichment of the local heritage and immerse visitors in an authentic cultural experience.

After searching the globe for trolley builders, looking in Zurich, Singapore, Vancouver, and Mexico, they ultimately decided that Hometown Trolley, in Crandon, WI, was the best fit for the job. Heritage Express Representative Jasem Zaiton said that being a small, family business, and the quality of the product are what won over the decision.

Two representatives from the United Emirates came to Crandon to begin the design process for Dubai's trolleys.

Unique design features of the trolleys include intricate

medallion decals, Arabian script, hand-painted seat ends and exterior mahogany (wood) in custom motif shapes. Over the course of three years, and working through language barriers and the vast distance, the trolleys are complete.

The trolleys first headed to Jacksonville, FL, and from there, across the Atlantic. Once the trolleys arrive in Dubai, they will be outfitted with Arabian lanterns, cushions and textiles to be used in multi-sensory tours throughout Dubai's many cultural centers.

Hometown Trolley President/CEO Kristina PenceDunow said, "There is already communication on another order of seven trolleys for a total fleet of 10. Hometown Manufacturing is excited about the future of exporting trolleys with this international exposure."

For more information, visit www.hometowntrolley.com.

THE DIAMOND FAMILY

Serving The Industry Since 1947 Made in the U.S.A.

diamondmfg.com 800-343-1009 816-421-8363

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Door County Trolley Takes Delivery Of New American Heritage Trolley

Specialty Vehicles announces it has delivered a new American Heritage Trolley to Door County Trolley in Egg Harbor, WI. This is the third new American Heritage to join the fleet of trolleys at the tour company, with another unit on order.

“Trolleys offer a very unique and fun look compared to other passenger vehicles and fit well with the Door County feel,” said AJ Frank, the owner of Door County Trolley.

The “Jack VIII” trolley, named before it was even delivered, was manufactured by Brown Industries in Lawrence, KS, and is equipped to seat 35 passengers. The 32-foot trolley has a Ford front engine, brass stanchions, red vinyl seat cushions for passenger comfort and a solid red exterior.

“We receive compliments about how nice our trolleys look from people who see them on the road throughout Door County,” said Frank. “They stand out and you wouldn’t believe how many people wave.”

For more information, visit www.specialtyvehicles.com.

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Stertil-Koni Provides 3 Sets Of Wireless Mobile Column Lifts To FDNY

“In a city the size of New York, the scale of people and vehicles is enormous. FDNY employs more than 11,000 uniformed firefighters, 4,300 uniformed EMTs, paramedics, and nearly 1,900 civilian employees. While typical days are exceedingly busy, the requirements during the coronavirus outbreak have been herculean,” said Stertil-Koni.

“That’s why heavy duty bus lift provider, StertilKoni, is so honored to support FDNY by providing, on short notice, three sets of its wireless Mobile Column Lifts – to help speed the repair and servicing of these essential vehicles.”

Stertil-Koni’s products include portable lifts such as Mobile Column Lifts, 2-post, 4-post, inground piston lifts, platform lifts, and its axle-engaging, inground, scissor lift configuration, ECOLIFT. The company’s inground telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT is now available with an optional Continuous Recess system, recommended for low clearance vehicles.

For more information, visit stertil-koni.com.

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Connecting you to a brighter future Irizar USA 100 Cassia Way, Henderson NV, 89014 702 431 0707 www.irizarusa.com

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AT EVERY STEP OF OWNERSHIP

WE MAKE IT HAPPEN From day one delivery to over-the-road and every stop in between, supporting your ownership experience never ends at ABC. It starts with industry-leading equipment solutions that meet your demands, complemented by comprehensive warranty, technical and service expertise and expansive parts support that tracks with your business needs at every point in the journey.

Let team ABC show you how we step up to make it happen for North American motorcoach operations every day.