Hometown Manufacturing 44 • BYD 45 • Motor Coach Industries

BYD

30’ Battery-Electric Bus (K7M)

Designed for transit applications, the K7M provides a wide variety of transit systems with high quality and extreme reliability options. The vehicle is popular as a shuttle for universities, airports and corporate campuses.

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

Model...............................................................................................................K7M Seating Capacity..............................................................................Up to 22+1 Overall Length..........................................................................................30.7 ft Overall Width............................................................................................95.7 in Overall Height............................................................................................128 in Wheelbase...............................................................................................195.2 in Turning Radius.........................................................................................30.2 ft

• 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 158 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 1.5-2.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® J3500

Discover the big appeal of the best small coach yet. MCI’s 35foot coach comes with all of the styling and comfort hallmarks of the best-selling J4500, with seating for up to 44 passengers, an optional rear window, a powerful Cummins engine with the J4500 electric cooling package, and a turning radius of under 33 feet to help maneuver the tight spots.

Utilizing more of the same J4500 components, the MCI J3500 features the same windows and windshields, and a modern driver cockpit, along with the patented spiral entryway and interior trim packages and seating options. The two-axle model also has the J4500 front and drive axle (no tag), and best-in-class payload capacity with the largest underfloor baggage space featuring two baggage bays and common doors.

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

Model...........................................................................................................J3500 Passenger Capacity..........................With lav 40- standard; 44- optional Overall Length.........................................................................................35’ 10” Overall Height.........................................................................................140.75” GVWR..................................................................................................42,000 lbs. Interior Ceiling Height...........................................................................78.25” Wheelbase.................................................................................................228.8” Turning radius..........................................................................................32’ 10” Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................................164 gal. Engine...............................................................................Cummins L9, 350hp, 1350 lb-ft torque w/engine brake Transmission:.............................Gen V Allison B500, 6-speed automatic with prognostics capability Brakes....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

Trudy Canine, wife of James and mother of Mike and Ben. Over the years, she has successfully operated her own human resources company, and has also played a key role in Lorenz Bus Service’s success.

“We all bring to the company different areas of expertise and experience. My father has a financial and accounting background. Ben is a lawyer, and our mother has been very successful working in human resources. My background is in sales and marketing,” Mike Canine said. “We usually figure out together the right answers to different situations, relying on our various perspectives.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY Still based on the north side of the Twin Cities, Lorenz Bus Service is headquartered in a Minneapolis facility located on a 12.5-acre lot, 90 percent of which is paved for plenty of parking. The location is surrounded by security fencing and includes three above-ground fuel tanks —one each for diesel, gas and propane.

“We can simultaneously dispense fuel for seven buses,” Ben Canine said. “Light poles in the parking lot include security cameras, charging outlets and Wi-Fi.”

The majority of Lorenz Bus Service’s motorcoach fleet consists of Van Hool CX45 vehicles. Officials at Lorenz have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with ABC Companies, the exclusive U.S. and Canadian distributor of Van Hool motorcoaches.

“Our company was one of the first operators in the Twin Cities market to purchase Van Hools from ABC Companies. We have had a long and strong relationship over the years with ABC since that initial purchase,” Mike Canine said. “ABC has become a valuable partner, helping us (Lorenz Bus Service) grow our fleet over the past 10 years.

“The close proximity of ABC Companies’ Faribault, MN, location (approximately 50 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul) has also allowed us to stock fewer parts at our own facility. Over the years, officials at ABC have helped us troubleshoot mechanical issues, and have provided demo buses when needed.”

Today, Van Hool vehicles operated by Lorenz Bus Service are used in a variety of ways — from over-the-road charter trips to transporting Minnesota State Fair attendees. Overall, Lorenz Bus Service provides a diverse fleet that can accommodate a variety of needs.

“That includes black mini-buses, with leather seating, that are decked out with a variety of amenities, similar to what would be expected from a limousine provider,” Ben Canine said. “Our goal is to be a one-stop operation, meeting the many different transportation demands from customers.”

“It’s very important to all of our customers that we feature a nice interior. Along with leather seating, other important amenities are Wi-Fi, outlets, tables and rear windows,” Mike Canine added. “Passengers appreciate being able to plug their electronic devices to nearby tables, seats and/or overhead monitors. With some of our vehicles, we have even taken out seats and added tables. That is especially important for sports teams during longer trips. In particular, it allows collegiate athletes a better place to study before, or after, a game.”

Many passengers are also impressed by contour parcel racks found inside the company’s Van Hool motorcoaches. The feature, Mike Canine said, allows room for larger monitors. Taking advantage of technological advancements for the office is also essential at Lorenz Bus Service. That includes the integration of the company’s accounting and maintenance systems, improving efficiencies and reducing paper usage. “We put that system together as the pandemic progressed, which was key since so many of our people were working from home,” Ben Canine said. “The process takes advantage of cloud computing, allowing us, for example, to send a payment to a vendor’s bank account, with a click of a button.” Officials at Lorenz Bus Service have also finetuned software that allows the company to better check on the availability of drivers. “There are a lot of moving pieces in this business,” Ben Canine added. “We continue to do

everything we can, with the aid of technology, to help our company run as smoothly as possible.”

Updates in marketing and branding have also proven to be beneficial. “As a company, we have built a lot of relationships over the years within the Twin Cities market, involving various destinations and other sources of business. That is part of our approach to marketing,” Mike Canine said. On the branding side, Lorenz Bus Service caught the attention of many area residents after introducing a new look involving many of its vehicles.

“When we started pivoting away from the transit business, it was decided to change our main bus color — from white to blue,” Mike Canine explained. “It made a big difference in our branding. At one point, we had two blue buses and the rest of the fleet was still white. One day, as I was visiting with community members, I told a person that I worked for Lorenz Bus Service. That person responded, ‘Oh, you are with the company that has the blue buses.’ Since we only had two blue vehicles on the road at that time, I knew our new color scheme was working. We remain very cognizant, and continue to evaluate, all of our branding efforts.”

“When it comes to service, our company’s philosophy is, ‘Ask customers what things are most important to them, and then pay attention to their responses.’ When it came to transporting Michigan’s football team, we learned that Jim Harbaugh likes Diet Coke,” Mike Canine said. “Even though it was not requested by the team, we made sure that our lead driver had a cooler containing two bottles of Diet Coke. The bottles were wiped down and put into a clear plastic bag, with a sticker that verified they has been sanitized. “Every time (Harbaugh) boarded the bus, our driver handed him the bag with Diet Coke. The team’s director of operations was thrilled, as we paid attention to the smallest of details. By the end of day, everyone on TACKLING CHALLENGES, FINDING OPPORTUNITIES Despite enormous challenges, officials at Lorenz Bus Service are looking forward to what the future Among the amenities found on certain Lorenz Bus Service vehicles are tables, especially important to collegiate athletes when studying before, or after, a game. that vehicle wastalking about the Diet Coke. “When it comes to customer service, in many cases what we do goes far beyond just providing a safe vehicle for transportation. That is part of it, but we are can bring for a diverse transportation provider. also facilitators — trying to make each trip a seamless and pos-

“As a company, our main focus going forward is to consis- itive experience for each client.” tently improve. That can be achieved with the help of advanced

technology, greater efficiency and improved fleet strategy,” Mike Contact: Lorenz Bus Service, 8600 Xylite St., NE, Canine said. “For example, we are always accessing the right time Minneapolis, MN 55449. Phone: 763-784-7196. to buy and/or sell vehicles, our cost structure and where we fit within Website: www.lorenzbus.com. the current marketplace.

“Service diversification also remains critical. If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the importance of a diverse transportation operation.”

Of course, success is not possible without good employees — a fact not lost on Mike and Ben Canine. For a bus/motorcoach operator, that includes finding — and retaining — quality drivers.

“Historically, we have fared very well in finding and keeping good drivers. For us, I think the key is positive word-of-mouth about our company, and remaining consistent when it comes to driver recruit- ment,” Mike Canine said. “We offer competitive wages, benefits and advocate for our drivers in different ways. For example, all paperwork sent to customers reminds them about the importance of driver gratuity. As a company, we are doing everything we can to advocate and create a safe and good place to work.”

Along with participating in specific training programs provided by Lorenz Bus Service, including classroom work, drivers for the company are also sent to the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center, which offers a course on defensive driving and basic driving maneuvers.

“Overall, it’s important that we provide a combination of soft skilled and technical training, helping prepare our drivers for whatever they may face on the road,” Mike Canine said.

Part of being a good driver, or any employee, also involves understanding, and excelling at, customer service.

“Customer service is in the eye of the beholder. Again, it depends on what your customers want,” Mike Canine said. “It’s therefore important to identify their needs. When is comes to customer service, due diligence is critical.” To make that point, Mike Canine described what it took for Jim Harbaugh, head football coach at the University of Michigan, to take notice of an added value provided by Lorenz Bus Service, during a team trip.

Among METRO’s other services is its real-time app, called MyStop. Riders can use the app to see, in real time, where their bus is located, if it is running on time, or not, and how soon it will arrive.

“METRO is also part of a group called NEORide, which offers its EZfare Program,” Distler said. “Using the EZfare app, customers can buy tickets for different transit systems in the area. We are hoping to morph that service to where a customer can buy one EZfare pass to be used across systems participating in NEORide.”

NEORide is a consortium of seven Ohio transit agencies. The free EZfare app is a cashless mobile ticketing and fare payment solution. Once downloaded, transit riders can use the app to pay fares or purchase tickets for any of the seven participating transit systems.

“So, if a person wants to travel to Akron from Canton, OH, and then from Akron to Cleveland, we are hoping that, in the future, he/she will be able to use the same pass on the transit systems involved to make that trip,” Distler said.

To further help people learn about, and take advantage of, the many METRO programs and services, the transit system has traditionally offered a thorough travel-training program. The pandemic has caused METRO to transition some of its travel training from in-person events to online training.

“We have a great travel training program. We used to go to senior citizen facilities and schools and take people on a bus to teach them how easy it is to ride,” Distler said. “A lot of people don’t take the bus because they have never done it and they are fearful.

“One of things we did during the pandemic was transition some of our travel training to online. We have also been video taping some of our routes, showing where the bus goes.”

Customers can visit akronmetro.org, and click on the “new riders and visitors” button to access a trip planner, system map and how-to videos.

“We are trying to make it as easy as possible to ride the system and allay people’s fears,” Distler said.

Distler emphasizes METRO is more interested in serving its transit-loyal riders’ needs, than telling people to give up their cars and ride the bus. Nonetheless, public transit is inherently environmentally friendly when it comes to cutting down harmful greenhouse emissions by keeping a certain amount of combustible engine vehicles off the road.

In that vein, METRO is moving toward operating a complete alternative fueled fixed-route fleet by 2024, Distler said.

“A little more than 50 percent of our vehicles run on compressed natural gas (CNG),” Distler said. “We also have a few that are hybrid-electric diesel. We are also looking at how we can move to alternative-fueled vehicles for our demand/response operation.”

METRO is also exploring adding all-electric, fixed-route buses to its fleet down the road.

“We recently added an electric vehicle to our administrative bus fleet,” Distler said. “In addition, we have recently awarded an RFP (request for proposal) to add two electric buses to our fleet. For now, we are not jumping in with both feet to go all electric, but we are excited to get some electric buses to see how they perform on our routes. A future goal is to have a zero emissions fleet.” As of May 3, the state of Ohio had recorded 1.08 million cases of COVID, resulting in 19,284 deaths, according to a New York Times data base. During the pandemic, Summit County has recorded 46,703 cases, causing the death of 932 people.

“The pandemic has definitely taken a toll,” Distler said.

One of the first anomalies that totally went against the grain of running a public transportation agency was asking people not to ride the bus.

“I have spent 30-plus years in this industry encouraging people to ride the bus, telling them the bus is cool and you can get anywhere on the bus,” Distler said. “Instead, we were saying, ‘If you don’t need to ride the bus, don’t.’”

Another aspect that was difficult at first was the lack of reliable information about the pandemic.

“The hardest part was nobody knew anything. Everybody was guessing,” Distler said. “Especially as a leader, people expect you to make a decision and stick with it. It is hard to do that when information is changing every hour — it didn’t just change every day, it changed every hour.

“For example, we were told wearing masks could be harmful. So, we told our union we were not going to make people wear masks. If people wanted to wear one, we said go ahead, but we were not going to make it a requirement.

“Then, two weeks later, with more information available, we told everyone to wear a mask. It made people wonder if I knew what I was doing, as it seemed to some I didn’t have a clue. The truth was, I didn’t have a clue, because everything was changing so quickly.”

As long as it could, METRO provided full service. But, the pandemic took a toll on employees, causing services to be cut back.

“Unfortunately, we had staff who contracted the virus, or had family members who contracted COVID,” Distler said. “Some people were affected because of school closures, or they needed to stay home and care for an elderly relative.

“Furthermore, some employees felt coming to work put their highrisk family members at risk. So, we had to start cutting back some service, because we didn’t have the manpower to fully operate.”

At the peak of the pandemic, METRO cut service by about 50 percent, while ridership also dropped about 50 percent.

“Ironically, we were not upset about cutting service or the drop in ridership, because we wanted to keep people as safe as possible,” Distler said.

One successful strategy Distler employed while leading METRO through the initial crisis was to step back and take a thoughtful approach when it came to implementing changes.

“We did not jump on a bandwagon and do something just because other agencies were doing it,” Distler said. “We took a more deliberate approach to make sure what we were putting in place was right for the system, employees and passengers.

“We took our time. For example, we didn’t put barriers in buses right away. I said, ‘Let’s make sure we get barriers that work.’ So, we put together a group involving union representatives, bus operators, maintenance people, and supervisors, and we worked with a company to design a barrier that worked well for our people and our situation.”

Currently, all of METRO’s fixed-route vehicles have barriers and the entire fleet is outfitted with hand sanitizer dispensers.

“We supplied bus operators with masks, shields and gloves,” Distler said. “We canceled fares to be able to board people as quickly as possible. We have a door system that doesn’t allow backdoor boarding, so we stopped collecting fares, because we didn’t want people to stop while entering the bus.

“I really appreciated working very closely with our county health department. The Summit County Health Department’s personnel were amazing. They helped us continue to safely provide service. They kept us informed as to when we could add some capacity to our buses. They educated us about the ventilation systems in our buses.

“The health department also worked with us on what we could do for our administrative group. Although some administrative people worked from home, we still had quite a few people coming to work every day, because we had a service to run.

“As the pandemic progressed, I think staff members coming to work helped people understand what we do is essential. I hope we gave people a sense of security by doing the right thing.”

Many tasks performed at METRO simply could not be done by people working from home, such as dispatching, maintaining and cleaning vehicles. Many office employees also opted to come to work to answer questions, man phones, provide customer service, etc.

“Our maintenance people showed up and they worked hard, especially vehicle service employees who cleaned buses and were tasked with making sure buses were safe for riders,” Distler said. “We had a provision in the contract with our local transport union, which allowed us to add four cleaners at our transit centers, who wiped down buses as they came in. That was a main reason we were able to keep bus capacity at 50 percent.

“We went from 10 to 12 passengers on a bus to about 20 to 25, depending on the size of the bus. Mandating masks and cleaning high-touch areas every hour gave passengers the security that we were doing the right things, while continuing to provide essential services.”

Maintaining social distancing on buses was also a concern. Signs were placed on bus seats instructing people, who were not part of a family living in the same household, to use every other seat.

“Before we installed barriers, we also blocked off the seats in the front of the bus to protect operators, and moved the ‘standee’ line back so people were at least six feet from drivers,” Distler said.“People were very appreciative that they didn’t have to pay fares, because many people didn’t have jobs. At this time, we are still running at 50 percent capacity (20 to 25 people). We have continued to communicate with the health department and everyone who works here has pretty much had the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“Furthermore, we are going to continue to mask. Probably in June, we are going to open our buses to full capacity.”

Meanwhile, while operating at 50 percent capacity, more service was added to take up the slack.

“We have what we call ‘chasers,’” Distler said. “There are ‘chaser’ buses at different locations, as well as at our transit center. When an operator reports his/her bus is reaching 50 percent capacity, we send another bus to pick up overflow passengers. Our supervisors and bus drivers do a great job communicating.”

Validator technology has also helped passengers avoid touching tickets or money, as a passenger can swipe a validator card, rather than putting money in a fare box. There are now validators in all of the system’s buses, Distler said. Praise has been heaped on first responders and front-line medical personnel. Meanwhile, the fact that public transit workers, especially drivers, are also putting themselves at risk is often overlooked.

“I tell employees all the time they are my ‘heroes’ and ‘sheroes,’” Distler said. “During the pandemic, many employees have come to work every day, and not just bus operators. I know some of them were afraid at first. There was trepidation about coming into a building and being safe.

“I know it is not running into a burning building, or running toward danger, but, in a way, they do run toward danger. Indeed, operators drive toward danger. We have chosen public transit. It is our profession, and much like police, fire and other first responder personnel, our entire team is essential.

“I used to be a bus operator and I still remember what it feels like. They show up and do their jobs. You can’t do anything but give them a round of applause. They are ‘heroes’ and ‘sheroes.’ They are people we should look up to. They are great, and they service the public willfully.”

Distler is also appreciative of the support she has received from her staff.

“It’s nice when you know you have the support of the people you are trying to lead,” Distler said. “They know I understand they are essential. They are patient and have really worked together to figure out how to get through the pandemic.

“We have an amazing team. Our people believe in what they do. For a very long time, we were kind of stagnant in some of the things we were doing. Now, we are trying to involve the team as a whole in our vision for the future.

“Management has had many meetings with who we refer to as our ‘internal’ folks. We listened to what our bus operators

said, what our maintenance team said, and have taken to heart what they told leadership they needed. Our group is the best at looking at what works, and being open to the different things we can accomplish.”

When it comes to finding good bus drivers, METRO has fared better than some other transit systems across the nation.

“We do not have a hard time finding good operators. We are very blessed in that way,” Distler said. “I know it is a challenge for a lot of my peers across the nation. We do a great job of explaining exactly what the job entails, what drivers’ responsibilities are and that it is a service we provide to the community.”

To help in deciding if an operator applicant would be a good fit, METRO gives prospects a bus pass and sends them out to ride the system for a couple of weeks, Distler said. They are then called back to see if they are still interested in becoming drivers.

“Some people respond, ‘I didn’t realize what a driver does. That is not for me.’ Still others say, ‘This is the coolest job in the world. I want to be a bus operator,’” Distler said. “We pay our operators very well and they have great benefits.”

In order to be a driver for METRO, prior experience driving a bus is not as important as having the right personality to service the riding public.

“I believe most people can be taught how to drive a bus. Some people can’t be taught how to be nice, kind and have a servant’s heart, all characteristics of a good driver,” Distler

said. “Our philosophy is, we can teach a person how to drive a bus, but let’s make sure to hire somebody who is happy, friendly and has great customer service skills.”

For METRO, finding good, qualified mechanics is more difficult than finding operators. To help in finding, training and retaining mechanics, the bus system launched its Journeyman Mechanic Apprenticeship Program.

The 24-month training program prepares an apprentice to become a journeyman mechanic and perform all phases of bus repair.

“The apprenticeship program gives us well-trained and readyto-go mechanics,” Distler said. “When somebody retires or decides to go somewhere else, we have a technician who can step right in. The program has made getting good qualified mechanics a lot easier.”

In discussing public transit as a career, Distler said, “The cool

thing about transit is it is not just a bus operator, or a mechanic or customer service person, there are all kinds of other

career paths involved. Real estate development is part of public transit, as are accounting and planning. Different levels of human resources and employee engagement positions are also available. So, whatever a person’s interest is, there is probably a spot for him/her in transit.”

Contact: METRO RTA, 416 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44301. Phone: 330-762-0341. Website: akronmetro.org.

MCI Unveils Its First Battery-Electric Zero-Emission Luxury Coach In NA Market: The J4500 CHArGE™

“The J4500 CHARGE™ — a zero-emission version of the industry’s J series tour and charter luxury coaches — leverages EV technology from New Flyer and delivers over 200 miles of range, while also delivering enhanced safety features,” according to a press release.

“NFI has pushed EV and automated innovation forward, and today we achieve another milestone in our technology road map through the launch of MCI’s first battery-electric luxury coach,” said Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI. “With the unveiling, MCI further expands NFI’s portfolio of zero-emission vehicles and continues our ability to lead the ZEvolution.”

MCI’s J4500 CHARGE™ incorporates advanced technology to power its high performance, including optimized battery placement for weight distribution and handling; enhanced regeneration for energy recovery and greater efficiency; exceptional torque and gradeability for smoother, more powerful operation; and next generation, ethically sourced, high-energy batteries that deliver over 200 miles of range. To learn more, visit mcicoach.com/electric.

According to the press release, the new J4500 CHARGE™ is perfectly suited for use by tour and charter, employee shuttle, and executive coach operators looking to lower their emissions and total operating costs while maintaining the luxury and passenger experience that has defined MCI for decades.

“Our J4500 CHARGE was made for high performance through unmatched design, with each detail developed to provide an exceptional passenger experience while supporting zero-emission travel with clean, safe, reliable mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, president of NFI North America Bus and Coach. “With fully customizable interiors, the industry’s best warranty coverage, and expert infrastructure support offered through NFI’s Infrastructure Solutions team, the J4500 CHARGE is leading the next generation of travel.”

According to the release, “The J4500 CHARGE™ features brighter, more spacious interiors with industry-leading leg room. Parts support is provided by NFI subsidiary NFI Parts, North America’s largest parts supplier, with training offered by the industry’s only ASE-accredited training center, MCI Academy. Further training and workforce development support is provided through NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), North America’s first and only innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus technology. The VIC now offers detailed virtual sessions to allow operators and drivers to increase their EV and AV training.”

“We successfully completed prototype testing of our J4500 CHARGE in 2018, and since then have continued rigorous field testing of MCI’s battery-electric performance to prove operation through virtually any condition,” said Brent Maitland, MCI’s vice president of Private Sector Sales and Marketing. “And, not only do our EVs include the industry’s best warranty, at 30 months, they are supported by NFI’s bus and coach service and support network –with 24/7 roadside assistance to support operators any time of day.”

New Flyer and MCI will deliver J4500 CHARGE™ electric coach training through a no-cost virtual session hosted July 7, 2021, through the VIC. To register, visit newflyer.com/VIC.

To learn more, visit newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.

ABC Companies

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

Reyco Granning

With over 90 years of experience, Reyco Granning develops, manufactures and markets suspension solutions for the heavy-vehicle industry. Shown, left to right, are Andy Freeman, southeast regional sales manager; and Scott Ames, director of sales & business development.

Shriver Transportation Insurance Agency, LLC

Shriver Transportation Insurance Agency, LLC, provides different types of insurance including bus and limo, physical damage and workers’ compensation. Shown, left to right, are Chris Lang, account executive; and Michael McDaniels, vice president. BYD

BYD provides a variety of motorcoach and transit bus vehicle options. The company also supplies parts as well as customer service, financing and warranty support. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Karl Wheeler, Jason Yan and John Hatch.

BITZER

BITZER supplies the bus and motorcoach industry with air conditioning parts and systems. The company’s products are designed to maintain the optimum temperature on buses, trains and in buildings. Shown is Natalie Van Dyke, transport sales manager for North America.

Altro USA, Inc.

Altro supplies transport flooring for the global marketplace, creating and supplying products for operators, original equipment manufacturers, designers and refurbishers. Shown, left to right, are Dan Lee, transport manager; and Doug Studer, transport sales executive.

Motor Coach Industries (MCI)

Motorcoach manufacturer, Motor Coach Industries (MCI), also produces conversion shells and sells parts and pre-owned equipment, along with providing a network of service facilities.

RRL Insurance / Transportation Insurance Brokers (TIB)

RRL Insurance and Transportation Insurance Brokers (TIB) both provide a variety of insurance products and services to bus and motorcoach operators. Shown, left to right, are RRL representatives Philip Love II, vice president, and Lori Weaver, sales executive; along with TIB representative Greg Black, sales.

Complete Coach Works (CCW)

Complete Coach Works (CCW) provides collision repair, interior rehab, fleet alternative fuel conversion and vehicle remanufacturing for the bus and motorcoach industry. Shown is Tracy Owen, regional sales manager. TEMSA

Bus and motorcoach manufacturer TEMSA produces vehicles for the North American and global transportation markets. TEMSA North America serves as U.S. operations for TEMSA, based in Turkey. Shown, left to right, are Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, TEMSA CEO; and Fatih Kozan, TEMSA North America country director.

Anderson Coach & Travel

Anderson Coach & Travel offers ActivePure air filtration devices. The ActivePure system has been proven to reduce and eliminate viruses, bacteria and allergens in the air and on every surface. It can be placed anywhere in a vehicle where there is a 110-volt outlet. Shown, left to right, are Anderson Coach & Travel’s Doug Anderson, president, and Ryan Nicklin, director of operations; and representative Michael Jackson.

Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery

Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery provides seat cover replacement, upholstery and refurbishing work, flooring materials and fabrics for the bus and motorcoach marketplace. On-site installations are provided by the company’s mobile road crews. Shown, left to right, are Kathy Cruse, national sales manager; Francesca Cannata, account executive; and Sandy Follis, president of sales.

Prevost

As a manufacturer, Prevost offers a product and service lineup that includes motorcoaches, conversion shells, parts and repair resources, as well as customer and warranty support.

Daimler Coaches North America

Daimler Coaches North America, LLC, is the North American distributor of Daimler’s exclusive coach brand, Setra. Shown, left to right, are Robert “Bob” Miller, vice president of sales; Darril King, regional sales manager; Guenter Stumm, vice president, aftermarket; Zane Gray, director of marketing; Thomas Rohde, president/CEO; Richard Pacheco, field service representative; and, Don Jensen, regional sales manager.

Worldwide Monochem

For more than 55 years, Worldwide Monochem has been a manufacturer of deodorizers and cleaning products for the bus/motorcoach, RV, aviation and marine industries. Shown is company representative Tammy Moyer. Irizar USA LLC

Irizar motorcoach representative in the United States, Irizar USA LLC, provides parts, financing and warranty support. Shown, left to right, are Miguel Oliva, VP sales & service, Irizar USA; Pat Laffan, senior account executive, Irizar USA; Kevin Keith, senior account executive, Irizar USA; Axier Etxezarreta, president, Irizar USA; Artan Karamuka, field service engineer, at Masats USA; and, Jason Rounsaville, VP sales & marketing, Irizar USA.

RLI Transportation

RLI Transportation is a full-service provider of insurance products and services covering public auto, truck and commercial auto customers. Pictured are Brandi Mazur, manager, underwriting public transportation; and Mike Haswell, vice president, business development & retention.

Icomera

Icomera connects trains, trams, motorcoaches and buses worldwide as a leader in mobile internet connectivity for public transport. Shown is Adriana Hemzacek, director of marketing, North America.

Rolling ahead with reliable coaches, service, and support.

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