Jul/Aug 2019 Busline Magazine

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The long and short of reliability.

Introducing the 2019 J4500 and J3500 At MCI, we know that groups come in all different sizes. That’s why we now offer a 35-foot version of our best-selling J-Series coach. Impressive inside and out, both the J3500 and 45-foot J4500 offer best-in-class interior features, a smooth-riding suspension and leading ADAS (Advance Driver Assistance Systems) only from MCI. Add in great parts commonality, superior build quality, and an unsurpassed service and support network, these are the coaches that make MCI the top choice for driving your business.

Discover the lengths we go to be Reliability Driven™ for you.

Visit mcicoach.com/J-Series

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WHO’S DRIVING THE BUS? YOU ARE.

When you choose Freightliner Custom Chassis, you get the power to customize your transportation to meet your needs.

And with its reputation for durability, reliability, automotive styling and maneuverability, the S2C chassis is the premier choice for public transportation, resort and hotel shuttles, day-tour operations, armored and utility applications, and any business with special transport needs.

Built in Gaffney, South Carolina by American workers, FCCC chassis are backed by the engineering and manufacturing excellence of the Daimler Group. This gives you access to the industry’s largest factory-certified service network, ensuring maximum uptime and hassle-free maintenance.

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Learn how our customizable chassis can meet your needs at fcccbus.com.

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Specifications are subject to change without notice. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004.

Copyright ©2016 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

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CONTENTS

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Time And Time Again,Consistency Is Key

Professional Charter Services ......................8 Antelope Valley Transit Authority

Empowering Mobility & Eco-Friendliness With A Goal Of 85 Electric Buses ...............23 Busline Vehicle Showcase:

Small & Mid-Size Buses

36 RAPID RESPONSE .........................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS........................Page 61

JULY 2019 July 21-24 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Annual Meeting Austin, TX. Info: 703-684-3200 AUGUST 2019 August 4-7 Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) International Conference New York, NY Info: 202-792-5801

August 6-9 The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) 2019 Strategic Alliance Meeting Halifax, Nova Scotia Info: 888-447-3466

SEPTEMBER 2019 September 23-25 BusCon 2019 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 OCTOBER 2019 October 13-16 APTA Annual Meeting New York, NY Info: 202-496-4800

October 21-23 UITP & Busworld — The International Bus Conference Brussels, Belgium Info: www.busconference.com

JANUARY 2020 January 10-14 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace 2020 Omaha, NE Info: 202-842-1645 January 19-23 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach Expo Nashville, TN Info: 800-424-8262

MAY 2020 May 17-20 APTA Mobility Conference San Antonio, TX Info: 202-496-4800

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 2019 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

BUSLINE

July/August 2019

Micro Bird Commercial ...........62 REV Group ...............................64 ABC Companies .......................66 Motor Coach Industries...........66 BYD .........................................67 CHTC .......................................67 ARBOC Specialty Vehicles .......68

ON THE COVER: Professional Charter Services is a transportation provider based in San Francisco, CA. Its fleet of vehicles includes several Irizar motorcoaches. Pictured in the inset photo is Omar Orozco, who is president, owner and founder of the business. See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Page 4

JULY/AUGUST 2019 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES

Rankin Publishing Co., Inc.

Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Email: drankin@consolidated.net Website: www.rankinpublishing.com (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 Fax: (217) 268-4815 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Design: David Opdyke, Kris Bott Reception: Mary Jo Dunn

Advertising Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 813-502-6672 Email: kevloraz@gmail.com Or Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: drankin@consolidated.net

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SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY AND OUR PASSION.

The Volvo 9700 makes safety a priority with advanced driver assistance systems, high-efficiency brakes, seat belts, and a cabin structure engineered to protect all on board. The ultra-reliable Volvo engine delivers maximum fuel efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And every feature is perfectly packaged in a well-equipped coach designed to provide a world-class travel experience. www.prevostcar.com

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Company

ABC Companies Altro Amaya Astron Seating ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison Bitimec Wash-Bots Bitzer BUS Advisors BusCon BYD CBM NA CHTC Bus Group Clean Seal Complete Coach Works Continental Corporation Create A Card Diamond Manufacturing Dixie Electric Ltd. Driverge Freedman Seating Company Freightliner Hometown Trolley Hudson River Corporation

Website

www.abc-companies.com www.altro.com www.amaya-astron.com.mx www.ARBOCsv.com www.atlanticdda.com www.wash-bots.com www.bitzerus.com www.BUSadvisors.org BusConExpo.com www.byd.com www.cbmcompany.com/en/ www.chtcbusgroup.com www.cleanseal.com www.completecoach.com www.continental-corporation.com www.CreateACardinc.com www.diamondmfg.com www.delstar-hd.com www.driverge.com www.freedmanseating.com www.fcccbus.com www.hometowntrolley.com www.lavdump.com

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13 20 33 25 31 10 27 35 74 7 37 15 32 47 12 34 47 40 18 11 3 9 42

Company

Irizar USA J&J Bus Sanitation Products Lancer Insurance Marathon Brake Systems Micro Bird Commercial Midwest Bus Corporation Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Motorcoach Manager Motorcoach Tire Sales Onspot Automatic Tire Chains Petro Stopping Centers Prevost Car ProAir, LLC Relational Bus Systems REV Coach, LLC Safety Step Safety Vision Service Insurance Sutrak Temsa TRP® Parts UMA Expo Vanner Power

Website

www.irizarusa.com www.jjchem.com www.lancerinsurance.com www.MarathonBrake.com www.mbcbus.com www.midwestbus.com www.mcicoach.com www.motorcoachmanager.com www.motorcoachtiresales.com www.onspot.com www.ta-petro.com www.prevostcar.com www.proairllc.com www.rbs2000.com www.revcoach.com www.safetystep.net www.safetyvision.com www.serviceins.com www.sutrakusa.com www.temsa.com www.TRPQuality.com www.motorcoachexpo.com www.vanner.com

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75 45 43 41 38 30 2 22 24 45 73 5 14 28 76 49 16 49 29 19 21 17 6, 26

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F

Officials at Professional Charter Services include, left to right, Manuel Rico, fleet manager; Regina Degmont, office manager; and Omar Orozco, owner and president.

ew cities in North America, if not the world, draw attention quite like San Francisco, CA. The entire region “by the bay” is known for its natural beauty, familiar sites, higher education and the home to many familiar high-tech companies. It’s also a region that greatly benefits from the expertise and experience of transportation companies that can safely and expertly navigate passengers in an place full of hills, bridges, freeways and heavy traffic — not to mention an occasional cable car.

One such company is Professional Charter Services, a charter and tour bus/motorcoach provider headquartered in downtown San Francisco, not far from many of the city’s well-known attractions.

“Our main facility is close to the heart of San Francisco. Everything seems to be near. That includes the new arena for (the NBA’s) Golden State Warriors, located

Page 8

BUSLINE

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

Time And Time Again

CONSISTENCY

July/August 2019

IS KEY

“The consistency of our service, since the company’s beginning, has been our niche.”

— Omar Orozco, President, Owner and Founder

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less than one mile away,” Professional Charter Services President, Owner and Founder Omar Orozco said. “Another neighbor of ours is Oracle Park, home to (Major League Baseball’s) San Francisco Giants. We are about 2.5 miles from the Moscone Center, a major convention center on the West Coast. And, we are not that far away from the new Salesforce Tower, which was completed in 2018 and is now one of the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi River.”

Professional Charter Services is also approximately 10 miles from San Francisco International Airport.

“We greatly benefit from our close proximity to the airport, and have the proper permits to transport people to and from that location,” Orozco said. “You have to comply with the rules of the airport, which is good.”

Of course, another major travel destination for many customers of Professional Charter Services is Silicon Valley, located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It serves as a global center for high technology, innovation and social media.

“A large percentage of the transportation services that we provide Silicon Valley are considered corporate trips. It involves people visiting such companies as Google, Yahoo and Facebook,” Orozco said. “We also provide transportation to area colleges and universities, as well as public and private high schools.”

Recently, Professional Charter Services expanded its service

reach by offering more multi-day tours.

“We had focused on that type of work a decade ago. It involved 5- to 10-day tours to such places as Los Angeles and Las Vegas,” Orozco said. “We had since scaled back on that offering until recently, when a West Coast transportation provider closed, leaving that market more open for other companies to enter.

“However, most of our work is concentrated in the Bay Area. I would estimate that 80 percent of our trips are considered local, within 100 miles of San Francisco, with the other 20 percent involving such places as Las Vegas, Arizona, Oregon and throughout California. The latter includes trips to Disneyland and Hollywood, in the Los Angeles area.”

Altogether, Professional Charter Services provides the following transportation: group charters, corporate routes, team building events, over-the-road tours, tour operations, youth and adult athletics events, collegiate events, NCAA sports events, wine country tours, conventions and meetings, ski trips to the Lake Tahoe area, school field trips (School Pupil Activity Bus certified), hotel transportation, airport transfers and shuttles, weddings, corporate events, anniversaries and reunions, day excursions, proms and graduation nights, casino trips, movie productions, church outings and to professional sporting events such as those played by the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Oakland A’s.

“The main focus of Professional Charter Services is to serve the public with their various transportation needs — and to do so with safety and customer service in mind.”

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“I learned early on that in order to survive, I had to provide consistent service.

That was essential.”

L

WHERE THERE’S A WILL ...

ong before there was a Professional Charter Services, Omar Orozco was a bus driver, and very happy to be in that field. His success eventually led to the forming of his company in 2008.

“Obviously, we work with a wide variety of clients. Our main “I’ve always liked to work, and started driving buses/motorobjective is to satisfy the many requests and needs of customers,” coaches about 20 years ago, while also being involved in conOrozco said. “There is definitely a difference between providing struction. During my time driving in the Bay Area, many of the transportation for passengers heading to Silicon Valley versus passengers I became familiar with kept telling me that I should weddings or church outings. I would say the main focus of Pro- start my own company. They kept putting those ideas in my fessional Charter Services is to serve the public with their various head,” Orozco said, with a laugh. “After much thought, I decided transportation needs — and to do so with safety and customer to give it a try. I already knew how to be a driver, but what I service in mind.” didn’t know was how to start and run a business. That’s definitely been a learning experience.”

Unfortunately for Orozco, he decided to begin his new transportation venture in April 2008, during The Great Recession.

“That was a difficult time. Many companies were going out of business, and here I am starting a company,” he said.

“It’s never easy to start and run a business, but those days were particularly difficult.

I learned early on that in order to survive, I had to provide consistent service. That was essential.”

Orozco started with one cutaway bus, and it took some time to find consistent work. He found it difficult to not only find clients, but to get paid on a timely basis once work was completed.

“Large clients were farming out work to me, but it would sometimes take six months to get paid. Finally, I was able to secure more consistent work with a private school, but of course every school has its vacation breaks, which meant my services were not required during those breaks. At the same time, like any comThe ProViu® ASL360 Camera System lets pany, my bills still needed to get paid,” you monitor your surroundings in a totally he said. “It was difficult at the start, but new way. ProViu’s four cameras stitch little by little business became more together a single 360-degree view around consistent.” the bus, reducing blind spots and revealing As with any young company, the term pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles “trial and error” definitely applied to Prohidden from a driver’s mirrors. Blind spots are fessional Charter Services in those early reduced and potential hazards exposed. years. For example, Orozco opened a satellite office in Fresno, CA, in 2011, When loading, unloading or maneuvering with the hope of establishing a line run bethrough traffic, ProViu ASL360 keeps drivers tween Fresno and San Francisco. After six fully aware of everyone and everything that’s months, it became clear to Orozco that the happening around them. service was not going as planned.

“It just didn’t work out, which happens Give your operation the improved vision of in business. I decided to concentrate more ProViu ASL360 Camera Systems. on providing transportation in the San Scan to see video.

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BUSLINE

July/August 2019

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A

THE VALUE OF NICE EQUIPMENT

lot goes into the success of a bus/motorcoach operation.

Great employees, customer service, proper branding and quality referrals are all essential. So is using reliable and quality equipment. Simply put, no one wants to travel by bus or motorcoach if that equipment is old, dirty and not properly taken care of on a consistent basis.

The fleet at Professional Charter Services consists of various types of sedans, SUVs, buses and motorcoaches, including 15 Irizar i6 coaches.

“We have been very satisfied with our Irizars. They are used for all types of work. For example, I currently have two of them in Las Vegas as part of a seven-day trip,” Orozco said. “Many of my clients have commented on those vehicles. Representatives from both Stanford University and the University of CaliforniaBerkley have expressed their pleasure in using them as we transport their sports teams. We can easily turn a 56-passenger Irizar motorcoach into a 48 seater to better accommodate sports teams full of football or basketball players. Those type of passengers need more leg room, and are very appreciative when we can meet such needs.

“I have also received many emails and other feedback from people commenting on those vehicles. The Irizars look good and perform well. That includes a comfortable ride.

They are very passenger-friendly.”

Irizar motorcoaches have been part of the Professional Charter

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BUSLINE

July/August 2019

Members of the driving staff at Professional Charter Services include, left to right, Willie Dennis Jr., Lamont Dill, Bismark Fonseca, William Derylle Evans, Jose Cervantes and Mike Field.

Services fleet for several years, the result of a relationship that has developed over time after a special need was met.

“An Irizar representative stopped by my facility one day to show me the company’s new motorcoach. I was given the opportunity to ‘demo’ the coach for one week. During that week I was called to pick up a group in San Francisco after one of the group’s vehicles had broken down. The client was so impressed with the Irizar that

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I was using to help him out, that he offered me more business if I had two such vehicles,” Orozco said. “I told that to the Irizar representative, and he immediately flew to Las Vegas and brought back a second Irizar the next day, so I could satisfy that customer.

“Since then, the relationship between Irizar and my company has been very good. They have supported Professional Charter Services with great service and products, and continually meet our needs.”

in properly maintaining our vehicles, providing a safe service and making our customers happy.”

It helps that Orozco has 20-plus years of bus/motorcoach driving experience, and still drives for the company on occasion.

“That has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of any needs that a particular vehicle might have. If I see an issue, we take immediate action,” he said. “That is all part of maintaining a reliable and safe fleet for our clients.”

Other features that Orozco feels are important are leather seats, for the comfort of passengers, and the use of vehicle tracking technology.

“We can provide a password to clients so they can keep track of where their group’s vehicle(s) is located, due to our company’s GPS capabilities,” he said. “That way, they know when a particular vehicle is about to arrive at a destination. Again, it all goes back to serving each client based on needs and desires.”

Besides safety, perhaps the most critical aspect when providing a vehicle for the transportation of people is cleanliness. In other words, nobody wants to travel in a dirty bus, motorcoach, sedan or SUV. Each vehicle must be cleaned for each trip — inside and out.

“The client has the money, and each passenger expects a clean and reliable vehicle. That is something that we also demand of ourselves,” Orozco said. “Before a vehicle leaves our yard, it’s cleaned and inspected. That includes making sure everything is in working order, such as the air conditioning.

“Things break. It happens. Therefore, it’s important to have a system in place to catch something before the vehicle receives

“Our drivers are trained to stay away from confrontations. If there is something a driver can’t handle, he/she is instructed to contact our office for help. We instruct our drivers every day.”

No matter the vehicle type, there are certain amenities that Orozco finds customers demand the most. Often leading the way is anything that has to do with advanced technology. That shouldn’t be a supprise, since Professional Charter Services is located in techsavvy San Francisco and nearby Silicon Valley.

“We operate a transportation company in the heart of a place known for producing incredible technology. Therefore, our passengers want such amenities as Wi-Fi and power outlets at each seat.

If we don’t provide those things, we will most likely lose opportunities,” he said. “In this age most of our passengers, especially those who are younger, expect to be ‘connected’ when they travel.

We must meet those needs, which includes providing good and reliable internet service on the vehicle.

“We also have surveillance cameras on our vehicles, helping us better protect passengers and drivers. Overall, we take great pride

“Three years of internal agency reports shows bus operators were victims of assaults an average of 11 times per month.”

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passengers. Again, consistency has been the key to success at Professional Charter Services. We make sure both our vehicles, and drivers, are always presentable.”

Although Orozco uses different marketing techniques to get the word out about his company, he said the best marketing comes from “word of mouth.”

“People talk. Customers will tell other people when they are happy or not happy with our service. Most of our customers are repeat clients. They make use of our services two, three or four times a year, and they are happy to come back,” he said. “I feel our strong focus on consistency is a main reason they return, knowing that they are going to benefit from a great driver and great vehicle to travel in, one that is safe, modern, reliable and clean. That is the key for us, as a company, moving forward.”

The maintenance facility for Professional Charter Services is located approximately one mile for the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

“We can park, clean and fuel our equipment at our main location, while maintenance work is conducted at our other facility,” Orozco explained.

A

EMPLOYEE DEDICATION

s a transportation provider, there are a variety of advantages and disadvantages to being headquartered in a major city. The advantages are obvious — big cities provide plenty of places to visit, things to see and do. There are trade-offs, however, often coming in the form of higher fuel prices and rent, added regulations and heavy traffic congestion.

“We have managed to meet all of those challenges over the years, due in large part to the hard work and dedication of our employees.

Customer service is the key to everything — from the employee who takes the reservation over the telephone to the driver of a vehicle full of passengers,” Orozco said. “Not all clients are local.

There are many who are not familiar with the San Francisco region.

They do not understand how long it can take for a large vehicle to travel from one location to another.

“For example, it can take much longer than many clients expect to drive between San Francisco and Palo Alto, CA, home of Stanford University, a distance of 34 miles. Traffic can be quite heavy in that region. It’s important to make sure clients understand the amount of time it takes to travel somewhere within our metropolitan area. That is all part of customer service. We might advise that a group take one of our smaller vehicles for certain trips, if the size of the group and high traffic congestion warrants such a move.

“Many people use their smartphones today to search locations, and then feel a place is easy to find, not understanding that traveling in a bus or motorcoach, with a group of people, is different from using a single car. We provide tips on how to travel with large groups of people, including alternative routes to avoid traffic, if possible. Our sales people are good at communicating with our clients, helping us make a better assessment based on clients’ true needs.”

Orozco has high praise for his employees in charge of company sales. He noted that Professional Charter Services works with many international customers from such locations as China, Brazil and Europe. Those are clients looking to visit the Bay Area or elsewhere within North America. Working with such clients requires

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special skills when it comes to language differences, travel itineraries, lodging, etc.

Professional Charter Services also has six people employed in management positions and 45 to 50 drivers — the latter involving both part-time and full-time positions. It also employs mechanics and vehicle cleaners.

“Many of our employees wear different ‘hats.’ For example, if a vehicle arrives from a trip and needs to go out again as soon as possible, there may be different employees cleaning that vehicle, such as people from accounting or elsewhere in our organization. If no current cleaners are available, everybody here is willing to pitch in,” Orozco said.

“Such dedication to the company is needed in order to get that vehicle back on the road and in service. My employees are very willing and capable of jumping in and doing whatever needs to get done.”

No job is as important as that of a driver, however, when it comes to customer service. It’s common knowledge in the bus/motorcoach industry that a driver can “make” or “break” a trip.

“Many of our drivers have been with our company for a long time. They are very professional, both in looks and action,” Orozco said. “Each of our drivers is in uniform with a name badge. They are very presentable and operate a very clean vehicle. That is the part of customer service we concentrate on the most.”

Being a driver himself, Orozco is very familiar with the challenges of the position, especially while driving in city traffic.

“The attitude of the driver is everything. Each driver must have a good attitude. They are sometimes driving a 56-passenger motorcoach, with 56 different opinions and needs behind them. It only takes one passenger to make a driver’s life hard. Having a proper attitude is essential, and one of the main attributes that I look for when hiring a driver,” he said. “Our drivers are trained to stay away from confrontations. If there is something a driver can’t handle, he/she is instructed to contact our office for help. We instruct our drivers every day. If we know of a client who is more demanding, we will use a driver who is more capable of handling those demands.

“Everybody has tough days, but we want drivers who naturally possess positive attitudes. Most of our drivers are people who have many years of experience in the transportation industry. They understand the need of properly taking care of passengers.”

Employee turnover has not been a problem when it comes to drivers at Professional Charter Services, according to Orozco. He attributes several factors to this level of longevity.

“We believe in working with all our employees in all ways possible. It’s also important to be transparent and provide a good wage,” he said. “We pay our drivers every Friday, and we don’t split shifts. As a driver, I know what it’s like to not get enough hours. If I wouldn’t want that for myself, then I sure don’t want to do the same thing to my drivers.

“It’s important that my employees feel they can always talk to me about any issues they are having.

I also try to be very open minded with their suggestions.”

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“It’s important that my employees feel they can always talk to me about any issues they are having. I also try to be very open minded with their suggestions. Often, those suggestions can help our company grow. I don’t like to drag my feet. If something needs to be fixed or changed, we will do so immediately.”

Having spent two decades behind the wheel of a large vehicle himself, Orozco knows the challenges a driver faces each workday.

“In a motorcoach, for example, you are driving a powerful vehicle with a large group of people sitting right behind you, sharing the road with all kinds of other drivers, some not paying attention to what they are doing,” he said. “Many people on the road do not have a clue as to what it takes to drive a big vehicle in traffic. Driving in that type of environment requires a lot of concentration, keeping your eyes moving.”

Along with heavy freeway traffic, driving a large vehicle downtown can also be tough.

“You don’t always have a lot of room in that environment, and there are often pedestrians and bicyclists around,” Orozco said. “You just can’t drive a motorcoach everywhere. There are many rules to follow in San Francisco when it comes to bus/motorcoach travel. That can be very challenging, but at the end of the day, I do believe you have to respect such rules, otherwise

traffic flow would become even worse.”

He noted that San Francisco is undergoing a construction boom.

That is great for future business, but does mean more road construction in the area, adding to the difficulty for personal cars and buses/motorcoaches alike to navigate city streets.

“The good news is, the more we use buses and motorcoaches, the less there is of overall traffic congestion,” Orozco said. “That is true whether you are talking about road construction or normal driving environments.”

Despite the many challenges facing drivers, it all still comes back to attitude for Orozco.

“It’s important to come out with a smile, even if there are problems. Being a driver myself, I am very happy to share my experiences with drivers, helping them succeed under different circumstances,” he said. “Every situation is distinct, but most likely the level of communication that takes place between management and employees is what ends up making the difference between success and failure.”

Among the training programs in place at Professional Charter Services is that which helps drivers achieve California School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) certification.

“That training also touches on customer service, pride in driving a company bus/motorcoach and respect for the public and community,” Orozco said.

“Every situation is distinct, but most likely the level of communication that takes place between management and employees is what ends up making the difference between success and failure.”

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I

KEEPING YOUR FOCUS

nstead of working to “reinvent the wheel,” it’s the goal of each employee at Professional Charter Services to focus on what the company does best, according to Orozco. That involves properly servicing and showing respect for each client.

“I would say that the consistency of our service, since the company’s beginning, has been our niche,” he said. “We have always been a single-owner company and have seen many ups and downs, but have been able to establish a quality professional transportation organization for the benefit of our employees, their families and our clients. The goal is to be around for many years to come.”

Orozco also sees a positive future for the overall North American bus/motorcoach industry, feeling that as more people retire, the need for such transportation will only intensify.

“It’s a great industry to be involved with, providing a good living for many transportation-minded professionals. Personally, it’s provided myself with wonderful opportunities and allowed me to make friends located far from my home, in such places as Alabama and Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I’ve also had the pleasure of driving a motorcoach full of people across many scenic areas — such as in Monument Valley, Arizona, Utah and Idaho — with a beautiful sky and landscape in front of us.

“There will always be difficulties with whatever profession a person chooses, but transportation can be a wonderful career choice. The opportunities are many.”

Contact: Professional Charter Services, 696 Amador St., San Francisco, CA 94124.

Phone: 833-450-3898.

Website: www.professionalcharterservices.com.

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Transdev North America Remanufactures 20 Buses With Midwest Bus

Transdev, a private provider of multiple modes of transportation in North America, has upgraded part of a shuttle bus fleet in Florida with the help of public transit bus remanufacturer Midwest Bus Corporation.

“Transdev needed support in remanufacturing 20, 40-foot, lowfloor Gillig buses to provide shuttle services outside Orlando.

Transdev selected Midwest in late 2018 to modify the buses with improvements to belts, hoses, suspension, AC, seat inserts, paint and more. Work was completed, and the last bus was delivered to Transdev in early April,” said Midwest Bus. “Cities, counties, airports, companies and universities contract with Transdev to operate their transportation that people actively choose to ride. The company has a high commitment to safety.”

Transdev operates globally in 20 countries on five continents.

Midwest and Transdev have worked together before on projects for New York and Montreal.

For more information on Midwest Bus Corporation, visit www.midwestbus.com.

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Lancaster, CA

Antelope Valley Transit Authority Empowering Mobility & Eco-Friendliness With A Goal Of 85 Electric Buses “We are very environmentally conscious.

One of things we have been doing is working with a couple of different suppliers, getting recommendations on how we can go completely off grid and reduce our carbon footprint to basically zero.”

— Macy Nashati, Execitive Director/CEO

A

Executive Director & CEO Macy Neshati

Community Outreach Specialist Kelly Miller

Marketing Specialist James Royal

By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor

Senior Director of Operations and Planning Martin Tompkins

ntelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), of Lancaster, CA, is poised to operate the most all-electric fleet of any transit agency in the United States. During an interview with Busline Magazine in mid-June, AVTA Executive Director/CEO Macy Neshati said, “We should be operating 41 all-electric buses soon. Currently, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) has the most electric buses in the nation with 36.”

The transit authority’s ultimate goal is to have an all-electric fleet of 85 buses, purchased from BYD North America. Currently, AVTA has taken delivery of 39 electric buses. The remainder of its fleet of 91 buses run on clean diesel.

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“When it is all said and done, and the final electric buses are delivered, our fleet will be stabilized at 85,” Neshati said. “Our riders love the all-electric buses. They are quiet — passengers can actually have a conversation without yelling at each other.

There are no exhaust fumes and ‘shift jerk,’ as it is a smooth, steady acceleration. Most riders understand and appreciate the clean air benefits of an electric bus. We do a lot of outreach and community education on that topic. We are hopeful they will attract more riders as people experience these buses.

“At a recent board meeting, a person said, ‘I had a chance to talk to Macy (Neshati), and after I talked to him, I thought I would give the bus a try. I got on a couple of the electric buses and found them to be clean. They smelled good and they were quiet. It was a joyful experience. Now, I have become a regular bus rider.’ I am hoping he helps spread the word to his friends. I think word-of-mouth marketing is the most successful way to get people on the bus.”

AVTA’s electric fleet has surpassed 1 million miles of service.

The transit authority offers the following statistics: n One million electric miles avoided the use of 252,000 gallons of diesel fuel. At today’s prices, that amount of diesel fuel would cost more than $982,000; n One million electric miles reduced AVTA’s carbon footprint by 1.3 million pounds of CO2 annually; n Differences in maintenance costs per mile are estimated to drop from $1.50 per mile to .55 cents per mile; and, n Early results indicate AVTA’s “full build out” savings will exceed $5.1 million per year in fuel and maintenance savings, which, on the current trajectory, would equate to more than $61

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Two of AVTA’s all-electric BYD buses are being charged. The transit authority’s ultimate goal is to have an all-electric fleet of 85 buses.

million savings over the life of the fleet. AVTA will be able to pay for its next fleet replacement entirely from the savings.

“We are thrilled with the BYD buses,” Neshati said. “We have a professional relationship with BYD. The company is really good about service and follow-up.”

Neshati came to AVTA on June 1, 2018, after serving as vice president of heavy industries for BYD, which employs more than 700 people at its manufacturing facility in Lancaster, where it produces electric buses and other vehicles.

The addition of the BYD all-electric buses to its fleet has helped AVTA maintain a 93 percent availability rate, which is the percentage of buses the system rolls out every morning, Neshati said.

“The national average is somewhere around 80 percent availability on all bus types,” he said. “When I tell people our percent-

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age, they always raise their eyebrows, as they are not sure how we are accomplishing such high availability numbers. When I show them the bare facts, it is obvious we are succeeding at a very high level with the electric buses.”

In addition to the electric buses, AVTA has launched another initiative to reduce its carbon footprint.

“We are very environmentally conscious,” Neshati said. “One of things we have been doing is working with a couple of different suppliers, getting recommendations on how we can go completely off grid and reduce our carbon footprint to basically zero. We are hoping to have an agreement signed sometime this summer.

“Currently, we run our facility on solar, but we don’t have enough solar to charge our electric buses. With extra solar panels and battery storage, we could charge our buses. The goal is to find a property to create a solar farm along with battery backup storage. This would allow us to charge buses all through the night when the sun isn’t shining, and be 100 percent off grid.”

O

TECHNOLOGY ON AND OFF VEHICLES

ne technological advancement AVTA is looking at is the next generation of smartphone-enabled fare collection systems, Neshati said.

“With smartphone-enabled fare collection systems, customers will not have to go to a store or to our facility to load their cards,” Neshati said. “They will also be able transfer their TAP cards to a smartphone and use the smartphone to pay the bus fare upon their boarding.”

A TAP card is a reusable fare payment card that can be reloaded again and again with bus passes or stored value to provide passengers with seamless travel throughout Los Angeles County, according the AVTA. The transit authority also offers Track-It, a state-of-the-art intelligent transportation system that provides customers with realtime bus location information. The $2.4 million system monitors AVTA’s entire fleet of local and commuter buses via a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking system.

“We try to promote our free Wi-Fi on buses and our Track-It software program,” Neshati said. “We encourage passengers to download and use it, so when they are standing at a bus stop they can, at a glance, see how far away their bus is, how many minutes until it arrives and how many people are on the bus.”

AVTA has also installed digital signs at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park park-and-ride, and at the Palmdale Transportation Center, that display updated bus departure information. Soon, Track-It signs will be posted at bus stops, to help passengers with smart and regular cell phones to easily obtain bus location information, according to the transit authority.

“Another big advancement in the industry is automated vehicle technology,” Neshati said. “We will eventually have to look in that direction. However, there are some unanswered questions in my mind as far as how to help patrons with disabilities get on and off the bus. There will still be a need to have people on each bus to accommodate passengers.

“I am very keen on working with our labor union to make sure they are on board with automated technology, and that we are not

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just trying to eliminate jobs. In my mind, technology has to improve quality of life and the state of society, and not just cut jobs. If that is all it is doing, then I’m not a big fan.”

Neshati pointed out that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has displayed a high level of interest in automated technology.

From www.transit.dot.gov: “To support the development and deployment of automated bus transit services, FTA has developed a five-year Strategic Transit Automation Research Plan that outlines FTA’s research agenda on automation technologies.

“We are watching these developments with a great deal of interest, and with obvious concerns about, again, what to do with operators — how to make sure automated systems do not cause high unemployment across the industry.”

A

SOME ROUTE EXPANSIONS IMPLEMENTED

VTA services the twin cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, located in northern Los Angeles County, about 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles, in the Antelope Valley region of the state’s high desert. The combined population of the two cities is more than 340,000 people.

AVTA also services outlying areas in northern Los Angeles County, as well as offering commuter routes to downtown Los Angeles.

“We operate 14 fixed-routes and six commuter routes,” Neshati said. “Three of the commuter routes take passengers to downtown

AVTA’s main facility is located in Lancaster, CA, in northern Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles, Century City/West L.A. and San Fernando Valley.

The other three commuter routes service Edwards Air Force Base (about 22 miles northeast of Lancaster), another that takes passengers to the Mojave Air & Space Port, located near Edwards, and the Transporter, which serves as a reverse commute to Santa Clarita and back to the Antelope Valley.”

AVTA averages 4.1 million miles a year. Ridership, however, is down, but is showing signs of increasing on some routes, Neshati said.

“Our ridership has been on a decline, like just about every other transit service in the nation, but we are trying to stabilize it at about 2.5 million,” Neshati said. “A lot of our citizens commute down to the Los Angeles Basin. We have 30 buses that augment the train service here. We take people to downtown L.A., to UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), and to Hollywood.

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There is a large workforce that relies on us and Metrolink to get them to work centers in L.A.” Metrolink is southern California’s regional passenger rail system, serving more than 55 stations throughout the region.

“Our singular focus is to stop the decline in ridership and get the numbers back to a positive trend,” Neshati said. “In May, we did see some increases on a couple of routes. Some of the other routes appear to have bottomed out.”

Neshati pointed to a study by UCLA about 18 months ago researching the cause of declining public transit ridership nationwide. The researchers cited the No. 1 reason for the decline was the affordability of cars to low-income families who previously could not afford them, Neshati said.

“They pointed to the fact that increasingly auto manufacturers have come out with short-term leases and zero percent financing.

Furthermore, they have extended their lower-end model offerings to the people in the lower income bracket who previously never had the opportunity to own a car,” Neshati said. “This gives lowincome people the choice to take their own car, rather than ride the bus.

“We are trying to compete with this trend by telling people if you don’t want to pay for gas, or pay for insurance, we will get you where you need to go safely, on time and cost effectively.

“In addition, the study cited unreliable schedules and unreliable bus service as other reasons for the decline in ridership. We have taken that information to heart, and are focusing on how we can do a better job.”

What might come as a surprise to some, the study discounted any negative impact on ridership from the Lyfts and Ubers of the

world, Neshati said.

Currently, AVTA is in the process of creating a regional transit plan, which hasn’t been done in about 25 years.

“We are beginning to implement sections of the plan,” Neshati said.

One part of the plan involves AVTA’s Local Route 1, its busiest route. New adjusted departing times, that began at the first of June, have buses running every 15 minutes, rather than the previous 30-minute frequency. This service improvement is one of several early action items the agency will implement as part of its broad-scale Regional Transit Plan project, according to AVTA. The new weekday commuter route service transporting local aerospace employers to the Mojave Air & Space Port, implemented in early June, is also part of the transit plan.

“Preliminary results of changing to every 15-minute departure times on Route 1, which is our backbone route, have indicated a small bump upwards in ridership,” Neshati said. “Any kind of increase in ridership is a good thing.”

The commuter routes to Los Angeles, Edwards Air Force Base and Mojave Air & Space Port tend to attract “choice riders,” giving them the option to leave their cars at home and commute to work on the bus, Neshati said.

“Local service is always a mixed bag of choice riders and people who are transit dependent,” he said.

It is Neshati’s philosophy that the main reason public transit exists is to offer people mobility to those who would otherwise not have a way to get around.

“That is the market we are very passionate about serving properly,” he said. “I would like to think, if we do that job well, we

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will attract more choice riders. I’m really focused on the fact that AVTA’s mission and core guidance is we are here to empower mobility for customers, by providing the means to get to where they need to go, safely, cost effectively and on time.

That is really the core of everything we do here.”

Another new service is what AVTA calls the “JetHawks Express,” which began in May. The Lancaster JetHawks minor league baseball team is the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

“We have added express service to the stadium (called The Hangar) from our various transfer centers for Friday and Saturday home games to try to encourage people to leave their cars at home and take the bus to save money on parking, etc.,” Neshati said.

“The JetHawks have an excellent stadium. We have a really nice partnership with them, where we are trying to drive attendance to the games, and they are trying to help us drive ridership on our buses. It is a very mutually beneficial relationship. We are very focused on ridership and being an integral part of our community.”

AVTA operates two park and rides. One is in Lancaster at the Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park.

“We also have a park and ride at the Palmdale Transportation Center, where passengers can connect with Metrolink,” Neshati said. “We are able to provide bus rides for people getting on and off the train. While the train takes people to Union Station in downtown L.A., our buses can offer five or six different stops in the city. We have a body of riders who find the bus service to be more convenient than taking a train to Union Station, and then having to transfer to a bus to get where they are going.

“We are developing a third transit center/park and ride, at the Lancaster Boeing Plaza, which also provides an alignment with Metrolink. We hope to have that operational before the end of the year.”

In addition to its fixed-route and commuter service, AVTA offers two ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act)-certified paratransit options — Access Services and Dial-A-Ride.

“Access Services focuses on the unincorporated areas of the Los Angeles County Basin, and has a presence in our facility,” Neshati said. “Dial-A-Ride is a contracted service that provides paratransit to the incorporated communities of Palmdale and Lancaster. They both do an outstanding job. We look for 95 percent on-time performance from them, and hold them accountable to a pretty high standard. We are very excited that paratransit ridership is up this year.”

A

BECOMING PART OF THE FABRIC OF THE COMMUNITY

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nother of AVTA’s major goals is to become part of the common fabric of the communities it serves, Neshati said.

“When people think about getting around, we want to be at the top of that thought process, not at the bottom,” he said. “In this effort, we are working closely with our senior citizen centers. While seniors ride for free, we are conducting a lot of travel training to help them understand how to best get around and how to use our technology. We are teaching them how to use the Track-It system so they can see the best way to get to where they want to go.”

AVTA is also committed to serving veterans. Indeed, Neshati frequently attends

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meetings of local veteran groups.

Neshati said AVTA’s philosophy “I try to go to at least one meetis the customer is “king.� ing a month,� Neshati said. “We “We live to service customers. want them to know we are here to If we don’t have customers, we listen to what their needs are and don’t have jobs,� he said. how we can better serve that comOne of the initiatives Neshati munity. They served this country launched when he joined AVTA and, in many cases, sacrificed was to refine the agency’s custheir lives. My philosophy is nothtomer complaint process. One of ing is too good or too much for our the first things he did was take the veterans. We listen a lot and we try complaint process out of the hands to respond. of contractors. “One of our first initiatives, “I brought it in-house so our about eight or nine months ago, staff can handle complaints,� was to initiate service to the VetNeshati said. “Their directive is Quality Control Specialists Robert Taylor (left) and Terrance Cloud erans Administration (VA) hospi- are in AVTA’s dispatch area monitoring and tending to bus operators. to respond to every complaint tal in downtown L.A. Now, within 24 hours, provide a posiveterans have a free and convenient way to get to the hospital tive resolution, and to make sure the customer is compensated and back home. The veterans are very, very appreciative of that in some manner. Compensation may be to give a customer a oneservice.� day pass, or a 31-day pass, depending on how egregious their Active military and veterans can ride free with proper identi- complaint was. We also work with our contractors to try to solve fication (AVTA Military Card, AVTA Veteran’s Card or military the root causes of complaints so they don’t reoccur. “I don’t expect complaints, but when we get one, I want to adI.D. card) on AVTA local buses during regular service hours, and dress it very quickly, be very apologetic, compensate the cuspay reduced fares on all AVTA commuter routes. “Serving our communities is the No. 1 thing. In addition to sen- tomer and ask him/her to stay with us.�

Customers have responded positively to the way AVTA hanior citizen centers and the VA, we have increased our dialogue with high schools, elementary schools and a major employer to dles complaints, Neshati said.

He added, “I have received a lot of voice mails that are very see how we can do a better job serving their needs.�

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positive that we are putting into a file so we can, at some point, use them as a marketing tool. It shows that when we have had problems, we have addressed them aggressively and proactively.

It is very encouraging. I think we are making a good impression on the community.”

AVTA is stepping up its marketing efforts, which it does mostly by direct contact.

“We have outreach people who go to employment centers, senior centers and the VA. We talk to hospitals, Edwards Air Force Base and the Mojave Air & Space Port,” Neshati said. “We are always out in the community. For example, we partner with the YMCA to provide a summer youth program. We supply them with free passes so disadvantaged youth will have a way to get to a YMCA center and spend their time productively while they are out of school.

“We talk to school districts one-on-one. We also talk to Antelope Valley College, which has campuses in both Lancaster and Palmdale. As a result of those conversations, we created a unique route that connects to Palmdale and Lancaster. It involves an express bus to take students across town in 30 minutes. This allows a student who is taking 8 to 11 a.m. classes in Lancaster to jump on the 11:30 a.m. bus and be in Palmdale by noon to be able to make a 12:30 p.m. class that the Lancaster campus does not offer.”

Other marketing initiatives include a video at JetHawks games featuring the team’s mascot, showing how easy it is to take a bus.

“It is a real cute video. It has had a very good response from JetHawks fans,” Neshati said. “We also run spots on the local Spanish-speaking radio station, so we can make sure we are talking to that very important segment of our community.”

A

FINDING QUALITY DRIVERS A CHALLENGE NATIONWIDE

VTA employs 44 full-time people, while its contractor, Transdev, has about 160 employees. Transdev provides the transit authority’s bus operators and maintenance technicians.

Finding qualified bus operators is a challenge that is not confined to AVTA’s service region.

“The blessing that we have had during the past dozen years or so is the economy has been at virtually full-time employment,” Neshati said. “When I talk to my colleagues around the country, everyone is struggling to attract and keep good people. It is the nature of the beast as we are at a very, very low unemployment level. People who want jobs, by and large, have jobs.

“It is a tough time right now, but in a good way. I wouldn’t want us in any other condition. I would hate to think of the country in recession with a 12 percent unemployment rate, even though we would get plenty of applicants. That would be a terrible way to be, so, we will take the blessing of a very good, robust economy with a high employment level. We just have to work harder to find and keep good people.”

As is typical of transit agencies, another challenge for AVTA is securing funding.

“Funding is an ongoing challenge. You have to look for grant opportunities. You have to have a good team of grant writers who can properly express themselves, and make a compelling argument the we deserve a portion of whatever funds might be available,” Neshati said. “I think, by and large, we are very fortunate.

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We have a great board. We are a JPA (joint powers authority) in both Lancaster and Palmdale, and Los Angeles County seems to appreciate what we do and the service we provide.”

N

PUBLIC TRANSIT A GRATIFYING CAREER CHOICE

eshati had more than 30 years’ experience on the corporate side of the transportation industry before becoming the head of a transit agency. He has nothing but good things to say about the career he chose.

“It is extremely gratifying. I’m a guy who was in corporate life for 30-plus years, and enjoyed that, as well. Anyone who likes challenges and would like to serve and accomplish something for his/her community and fellow man, will love transit,” Neshati said. “It is just an extremely gratifying thing to start a new service and have even one senior citizen come up to you and say, ‘Thank you for doing that, it has changed my life. Now I have options and mobility I didn’t have yesterday.’ It is hard not to get choked up over such a testimony.

“If a person likes public service, it is the most amazing field. I would encourage anyone who would like to serve to get into public transit. I can’t tell you how many managers and CEOs I know who started out as bus operators or maintenance technicians.”

As one might expect, Neshati sees a bright future for public transportation in the communities AVTA serves, and nationwide, as a whole.

“I feel like we have done a lot of positive things that have been seen by the community,” he said. “Our ridership decline seems

to have bottomed out, and there has been some upward progress.

Every community that I go to, I hear, ‘Thank you, sir.’

“There are senior citizens, college and high school students, and other groups of people in all communities who rely on transit to give them mobility. I don’t think transit is going anywhere but up.

“The wake-up call we all needed was to refocus on customers, route systems and what kind of job we were doing to get people to where they need to go, and fix what was wrong. I think nationwide that is happening in a real positive way.”

Neshati thinks new technologies, such as all-electric buses, have the potential to help increase ridership.

“As the rider experience becomes more pleasant, people are going to change how they view transit in a positive way,” Neshati said. “BRT (bus rapid transit) lines using signalized priority systems to get passengers to downtown areas and major corridors faster and more effectively are an example of initiatives that are going to help revitalize transit.”

Contact: Antelope Valley Transit Authority, 42210 6th St. W., Lancaster, CA, 93534 Phone: 661-945-9445. Website: www.avta.com.

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The company (formerly) known as TransitWorks is now legally known as Driverge Vehicle Innovations. Driverge is an industry leader in turning full-size vans and minivans into efficient, reliable commercial wheelchair transportation, accessible taxis, people transporters, shuttles, work crew vans, and more.

The company’s new brand reflects expanding capabilities and provides a broader platform for growth, driving product innovation and manufacturing quality for its customers and partners.

“Our transition to Driverge reflects the ongoing growth and development of our business, our team and most importantly, our customers,” said Mark Minatel, president, of Driverge. “As we grow with our customers, the name Driverge provides opportunities in new market channels to innovate and utilize our evergrowing strengths as a partner.

“Who we were as TransitWorks is still at the core of our business model,” said Minatel. “Driverge allows us to continue to

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lead in our current markets while also launching into new markets we have worked with our customers to develop. This is our next step, driving our team to continued innovation, meeting the needs of our ever-changing customers, and merging our objectives with theirs.”

The new Driverge identity and tagline project an expanding future for a business ideally positioned to meet customers’ changing needs and varied circumstances—to make ideas that move business, move innovation and, ultimately, move all of us.

About Driverge Driverge Vehicle Innovations is an industry leader in turning full-size vans and minivans into efficient, reliable commercial wheelchair transportation, accessible taxis, people transporters, shuttles, work crew vans, and more. With ever-expanding production in Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina, Driverge delivers vehicle innovation throughout North America for healthcare, corporate fleets, fleet management, government, hospitality, wheelchair transport, taxi, and other markets.

Driverge Vehicle Innovations, formerly TransitWorks, LLC, is a registered trademark of Driverge Vehicle Innovations, LLC. Parent company, WMK LLC, was founded in Akron, OH, in 1997 and is a 13-time Inc. 5000 Honoree. To learn more about Driverge Vehicle Innovations, visit www.driverge.com or call 855-337-9543.

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Amaya-Astron: The Safest Seats Available For Passengers And Coaches

ADVERTORIAL

Amaya-Astron Seating has been producing three-point seat-belted seats for over 10 years on all models of seats available to North American coach manufacturers. Over the past four years, three models have been developed to fulfill customer needs and expectations. These models are the GT, A-220, and the newest SIGMA model.

“The engineers at Amaya work closely with operators and motorcoach manufacturers to provide the safest seats available for their coaches and passengers. Transportation industry safety has become the foremost topic of conversation. Amaya’s focus has been on designing seats like the GT, A-220, and most recently, the SIGMA, which not only meet the motorcoach industry safety standards/requirements, but are the most comfortable seats available to the market today. Amaya-Astron Seating continually strives to design and build stylish, yet comfortable, seats for those passengers sitting on them,” according to the company.

Amaya-Astron Seating has its own engineering and research and development departments that provide the company with the knowledge and expertise to create specific concepts, leading to the next generation of seats, such as the new SIGMA model.

“The SIGMA model is the sum of all our customers’ needs, along with 65 years of experience as North America’s leading seat manufacturer,” according to the company. “The SIGMA provides extra legroom, with a thinner seat-back design, while maintaining the ergonomic support for greater comfortability. As a high-back option, the SIGMA optimizes head support while providing improved visibility between seats. This makes the model an excellent option for both the private and public transportation sectors.

“The goal is to continually develop seats which use the highest quality materials, and latest and most innovative technological advances avail-

able today. Also important is working closely with manufacturing to monitor quality during production, while ensuring seats meet Amaya-Astron’s in-house standards.

“Amaya-Astron seats have also been designed with passenger comfort in mind. This comes with a commitment to not only improve on our existing models, but also to introduce new models meeting the ever-changing demands of today’s motorcoach passengers.”

According to the company, “Amaya-Astron seats focus on ergonomic design, allowing for more hip to knee room and thus more legroom overall. The introduction of the newest SIGMA model increases the legroom because of its thinner seat back design, while maintaining the hip to knee comfort in the seat cushion. There are many options available. The most common of these are automatic footrests, grab handles, airline style and flip-up tray tables, cup holders, mesh magazine pockets, and 110V outlets. Amaya-Astron also offers luxury seating options, such as its 2+1 seats.

“Offering a variety of different seat models and types is just one of the many ways Amaya-Astron works to keep ahead of the market. Amaya-Astron seats come with a three-year warranty from the factory.”

For inquiries in the United States and Canada, contact George Farrell at gfarr007@aol.com, Bob Greene at bgreene45@cox.net or Jeff Goldwasser at interiors@jeffgoldwasser.com. These representatives serve the North American motorcoach industry, providing aftermarket sales, service and support. Donovan Albarran can be contacted at the company’s Mexico City headquarters at +52 (55) 5881-2007 or by e-mail: donovan@amaya-astron.com.mx.

Also visit www.amaya-astron.com.mx for more information.

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Create-A-Card, Inc., Is Now Offering Complete Marketing Services To The Bus/Motor Coach Market

Create-a-Card, Inc., is a full color marketing company specializing in print, digital and promotional items and has been the Transportation Marketing Solution since 1986.

This company has been providing a wide variety of trending designs and printed materials, including custom designed logos, business cards, direct mail post cards, rack cards, brochures, price sheets, schedules, full color catalogs, ads and much more to the luxury ground transportation industry for over 33 years. By attending numerous industry trade shows and conventions in this industry, and looking forward to attending UMA in January, CAC is looking to provide its services as a one-stop shop for all of your BUS/Motor Coach marketing needs. Instead of shopping with several different vendors, the staff at CAC will guide you in a direction that best suits your individual company needs. They will take the stress out of the marketing for you.

“Working with CAC and its marketing department has allowed my company, AJL International to further expand its brand into the BUS/Motor Coach industry. From the use of their printed materials and on-point promo items, such as motor coach stress relievers, AJL has expanded its motor coach division to over 10 vehicles, with the help of their knowledge and guidance. I personally have worked with the team of Arthur and Drew Messina and find that they understand the needs of my company and have helped me to grow my business,” says Matthew Johnson, president of AJL International.

There are so many options to choose from when setting up for events.

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ADVERTORIAL

With their skilled and creative design team, CAC can create a complete trade show display and handle all the supporting materials, signage, banners, flags, etc. to help bring attention to your product/service when on display. Since the company has been emerged in this industry for so long, they understand what is needed to promote your business.

Create-A-Card, Inc. also provides a full line of over 70,000 different promotional branded products with your company logo and information, with quick turn-around times and a variety of price points. This allows your company to expand your brand with every person you meet.

CAC does have experience with the large motor coach companies such as long time client, Reston Limousine.

“Working with Arthur Messina for over 25 years has been one of the best business decisions I have made,” said Kristina Bouweiri, CEO of Reston Limousine.

Hampton Luxury Liner of NY, has also benefitted from Create-ACard’s expertise.

“Arthur, Drew and their team have designed and produced many different products for us, such as printed EDDM mailings, programs of scheduled routes, product information sheets and promo items for our clients to take away. They are so easy to work with and know exactly what I need.” says Mark Vigliante, president of Hampton Luxury Liner.

Create-A-Card, Inc., looks forward to working with more businesses in the BUS/Motor Coach industry, and is your source for all of your marketing needs. Visit www.CreateACardinc.com for more information.

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BUS Advisors Offers Full Service Safety & Compliance Management

Bus Advisors is a full-service safety and compliance management system offering a variety of virtual services.

The company’s virtual compliance department provides digital applications, driver qualification file management, vehicle maintenance file management, employee background checks, including motor vehicle reports, and previous employer verification, as well as running company PSP (pre-employment screenings) for new hires.

Bus Advisors will provide a hands-on approach for its clients with every employee, from the date of hire to the date of separation.

Along with its virtual safety and compliance system, Bus Advisors also provides federal and non-federal drug and alcohol screening management, including management of its clients’ required random selections. Bus Advisors offers its own consortium for companies under 25 drivers, as well as individual pools for larger companies. Its consortium consists of only Bus Advisors’ clients/passenger-carrying companies, thus reducing the worry about consortiums not meeting their required percentages (25 percent drug, 10 percent alcohol). Bus Advisors exceeds both federally-mandated requirements by 3 percent.

Bus Advisors handles all upkeep of MCS-150 forms, as well as DOT registration and operating authorities. Bus Advisors has the capability to work with its client to create company safety policies and standard operating procedures, as well as aiding in the development of a training program that is approved by the insurance company.

Once Bus Advisors has completed the initial set-up with clients, its staff of in-house safety analysts will monitor electronic logging devices and camera systems. Bus Advisors has created a true virtual safety and compliance department, based in Charlotte, NC. The company reviews driver qualification files on a daily basis, providing the client with any issues that need to be corrected or updated. Each client has a dedicated safety

ADVERTORIAL

consultant, who communicates with a representative on-site for all recommendations regarding all safety and compliance matters.

For larger motor carriers that require a safety manager on-site, Bus Advisors provides a vetted employee that works solely with the carrier. This helps reduce employment costs while maintaining a full compliance department. The carrier benefits from all Bus Advisors’ resources to complement on-site personnel.

A key service that Bus Advisors provides is audit preparation.

This entails a two day (minimum) on-site visit, in which Bus Advisors’ regulatory consultants will review in-depth all files required for a federal inspection. Bus Advisors also provides inspection assistance and will be present at the time of the inspection. The company aims to create mediation between the inspector and the motor carrier. With its compliance experts on staff, Bus Advisors also provides seminars and training sessions, including reasonable suspicion, audit preparation and driver training.

Tom Holden, with 17 years of ground transportation experience, provides customers of Bus Advisors with business growth strategies. Not only does Tom provide business consulting, he also has helped operators with an IRS audit pertaining to fuel tax rebates, resulting in a favorable outcome. Tom is well known to industry leaders and regulatory officials.

He takes forward action to protect his clients by using the relationships that he has worked so hard to develop.

Visit www.BUSadvisors.org for more information.

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____5STAR SPECIALTY PROGRAM____

5Star 158 N. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, FL 32935 USA 321-421-6777 Website: www.5starsp.com Products: For over 30 years, 5Star Specialty Programs has been a leading provider for Public Auto Transportation. The company’s Public Auto Underwriters bring a level of knowledge, expertise and professionalism garnered from years of experience in the public livery industry. 5Star is a client-driven organization that considers the needs of its clients to be paramount to maintaining its position in the marketplace. Its carrier partners are industry leaders that provide a comprehensive product in addition to superior claim service.

5Star has a longstanding market presence. Its program specializes in airport transportation; charter; sightseeing; transit and contract school buses; entertainer coaches and limousines, operating in most states. 5Star has dedicated itself to achieving the best possible result for its brokers and their insureds by relating to, and satisfying, their client needs while providing a high level of customer service excellence. Its associates strive through service, teamwork and integrity to achieve these results.

5Star’s loss control department has over 35 years of transportation experience. This experience allows the department to analyze the strengths and

t tion

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weaknesses within an insured’s organization, and provide resources to assist in readily identifying potential hazards. Insurance is 5Star’s only business.

Its experienced associates and underwriters are committed to supporting the company’s business partners, and are continuously looking for ways to enhance and improve 5Star’s operations. 5Star’s goal is to be its customers’ public auto insurance market provider. 18 ABC COMPANIES

SEE AD ON PAGE 13 17469 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 USA 800-222-2871, 407-656-7977 Email: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com Company Officers: Dane Cornell, CEO; Roman Cornell, President/Chief Commercial Officer; Chuck Carns, Chief Financial Officer; Tom DeMatteo, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary; Jay Oakman, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations; Jon Savitz, Senior Vice President Service Operations; Brenda Borwege, Senior Vice President for Midwest/Southwest Sales; Mike Laffan, Senior Vice President East Coast Sales; Bryan O’Connell, Senior Vice President Western Sales; and, Thom Peebles, Vice President of Marketing

July/August 2019

Products: ABC Companies is a provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs, including new and pre-owned fullsize highway coach equipment along with transit specialty vehicles. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after-sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from 10 strategically placed locations throughout the U. S. and Canada. Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group – one of the largest financial service providers in the industry.

For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2871 or visit the company website at www.abc-companies.com. 19 AbiliTrax 26 Center St. Randolph, NY 14701 USA 716-484-7014 Email: jen@abilitrax.com Website: www.abilitrax.com Products: AbiliTrax universal, flexible flooring systems, stationary and quick disconnect seating solutions (CAM Lock, CAM2, and StepNLock). Also available are state-of-the-art ShiftNStep dual access lift system and more. All products are FMVSS compliant and patents are pending. 18 Access Commercial Capital Corp.

3000 Marcus Ave. Lake Success, NY 11743 USA

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516-444-3622 Website: www.accesscapital.biz Products: Finance and leasing for transportation vehicles, equipment and working capital. 17 Advantage Funding 1111 Marcus Ave., Suite M27 Lake Success, NY 11042 USA 516-280-1375 Website: www.advantagefund.com Products: Specializing in ground transportation finance. The company offers financing and leasing programs tailored to fit customers’ needs on new and used buses, and can finance purchases from dealers as well as from other operators. 11 AESYS, Inc. 27 Bland St. Emerson, NJ 07630 USA 201-871-3223 Email: sales@aesysinc.com Website: www.aesys.com/us Products: Signs for North American motorcoach operators. The company is also a supplier of various types of on-board and stationary sign systems for the transit market. 14

Allison Transmission One Allison Way Indianapolis, IN 46222-3271 USA 317-242-5000 Website: www.allisontransmission.com Products: Allison Transmission is a manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles as well as electric hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses. 18 Almott 765-621-5519 Website: www.almottusa.com Products: Alternators and electric motors that are designed for transit buses. 18 __ ALTRO SEE AD ON PAGE 20 12648 Clark St., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 USA 800-382-0333

__

Email: transport@altrofloors.com Website: www.altro.com

Products: Altro is a leading manufacturer of slipresistant floors and has been in the forefront of innovation for 100 years. Being the inventors of safety floors, Altro’s transport floors have been satisfying the diverse needs of the transportation industry for decades in both bus and rail applications. Put passenger safety first with Altro’s unique combination of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide and quartz aggregate.

All products are lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and have been developed specifically to meet the demands of moving vehicles.

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AIMS Power 9736 S. Virginia St., Suite A Reno, NV 89511 USA 775-359-6703 Email: sales@aimscorp.net Website: www.aimscorp.net Products: AIMS Power has been offering power solutions for the bus and coach industry for over 15 years. Its products are used by OEM’s, up fitters and operators. The company has a large line of inverters and inverter chargers for the industry. In addition to inverters, the company offers a complete line of DC-DC 24v to 12v step down converters, in sizes 5 amps up to 100 amps. 16

Alexander Dennis Inc. 31566 Railroad Canyon Rd. #342 Canyon Lake, CA 92587-9446 USA 951-244-9429 Email: info@alexander-dennis.com Website: www.alexander-dennis.com Products:A bus and coach builders with a history and heritage of design, engineering and manufacturing that spans more than a century.

Low-floor and easy to access, all Alexander Dennis vehicles are constructed on a steel chassis with a lightweight aluminum body, making them fuel efficient with industry-leading reliability, low cost of ownership and aftermarket support.

They meet all North American legislation including FMVSS, ADA and Buy America regulations, are Altoona-tested and are produced in one of Alexander Dennis’ North American manufacturing hubs. 18

Alliance Bus Group / CAIO 1926 Hyannis Ct. College Park, GA 30337 USA 866-287-4768 Email: sales@alliancebusgroup.com Website: www.alliancebusgroup.com Products: Manufacturer of intercity and midsize buses. 14

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Busline 2019 Suppliers Directory: Continued From Page 37

Altro floors are engineered for the latest international smoke, fire and toxicity regulations. Investing in an Altro product is an investment in a complete system – a full range of accessories, including adhesives, color coordinated weld rods and sealants, nosings, trims and moldings are available. Customers can also take advantage of Altro’s kit-cutting service to save time on installation and get their vehicles back into service quickly. Family owned and run since 1919, Altro is committed to providing customers with innovative products to serve their needs. 17 _ AMAYA-ASTRON SEATING

SEE AD ON PAGE 33 Pirules 16E, Complejo Industrial Cuamatla Cuautitlan Izcalli, Estado de Mexico 54730 MEXICO +52(55)5881-2007 Website: www.amaya-astron.com.mx

_

Products: The Amaya-Astron Seating models: A220 and GT provide the latest in ergonomic technology and passenger safety, fulfilling the FMVSS and CMVSS standards for 3-point seatbelt seats and provide more legroom because of their thinner seat back design, while maintaining comfort in the seat.

Amaya-Astron Seating continues developing seats, which use the highest quality materials and the most innovative technological advances available today. These seats also have a large list of options to meet and exceed customers’ expectations and requirements. The most common of these are automatic footrests, grab handles, airline style and flip-up tray tables, cup holders, mesh magazine pockets and USB/110V outlets. Amaya-Astron also offers luxury-seating options as the 2+1 seats.

For sales and service inquiries in the United States and Canada, contact George Farrell, email: gfarr007@aol.com; or Bob Greene, email: bgreene45@cox.net. 18

American Cooling Technology, Inc. (ACT) 715 Willow Springs Ln. York, PA 17406 USA 877-228-4247 Website: www.actusa.us.com Products: American Cooling Technology (ACT) designs, tests and manufactures a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for all sizes and makes of buses, including both conventional and hybrid drive buses. Products include split type air conditioning systems as well as complete roof mount air conditioning systems for all buses. ACT also offers specification preparation assistance,

product testing, replacement air conditioning parts for most air conditioning brands, and on-site product training classes. 17

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 1300 I St., NW, Suite 1200 East Washington, DC 20005 USA 202-496-4800 Website: www.apta.com Products: APTA members are public organizations that are engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services, and high-speed rail. Members also include large and small companies that plan, design, construct, finance, supply, and operate bus and rail services worldwide. Government agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, state departments of transportation, academic institutions, and trade publications are also part of its membership. 16 _

__AMERICAN SEATING

___

801 Broadway Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 USA 616-732-6600 ext. 6416 Email: doug.oswald@amseco.com, info@amseco.com Website: www.americanseating.com Products: Since 1886, American Seating has set the standard for product design, durability and comfort. Its first transportation seat was introduced in 1931, and today the company remains committed to exceeding the expectations of customers as the leading provider of bus seats in North America. Its achievements serve as a platform for new and innovative products that are the benchmark of the industry. American Seating is a leader in all kinds of transportation seating, including city service, light rail, motorcoach and securement markets. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A., American Seating employs a U.S.-based, UAW (United Auto Workers) union workforce. 19 Ametek, Inc. 1100 Cassatt Rd. Berwyn, PA 19312 USA 610-647-2121 Email: info.corp@ametek.com Website: www.ametek.com Products: Global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electro-mechanical devices for the bus industry. 18

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Anderson Insurance TIB-Transportation Insurance Brokers 799 Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. 6, Suite 220 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 USA 630-348-3380 Website: www.tibinsurance.com Products: Insurance brokerage services for the bus industry. 16

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AngelTrax 119 S. Woodburn Dr. Dothan, AL 36305 USA 800-673-1788 Email: sales@angeltrax.com Website: www.angeltrax.com Company Officers: Richie Howard, President and CEO; Scott Lisenby, Vice President; Katherine Tolar, Vice President of Operations Products: AngelTrax is a leading designer, manufacturer and provider of high-definition in-vehicle mobile surveillance. AngelTrax drive 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 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 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

Spirit of Freedom, Spirit of Mobility, Spirit of Liberty, and Spirit of Equess, ARBOC offers a solution for any transportation need. 19

_____ARBOC SPECIALTY VEHICLES_____

SEE AD ON PAGE 31 180 Route 17 South Lodi, NJ 07644 USA 201-489-5800 Website: www.atlanticdda.com Products: Engaged in the sale and servicing of diesel and alternative fuel engines, transmissions and related components, parts and accessories, for equipment serving various on- and off-highway markets. 18

Apollo Video Technology 24000-35th Ave., SE Bothell, WA 98021 USA 888-288-8721 Website: www.apollovideotechnology.com Products: A manufacturer of mobile video surveillance and fleet management solutions for motorcoaches, transit buses and school buses. 18

SEE AD ON PAGE 25 51165 Greenfield Pkwy.

Middlebury, IN 46540 USA 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com Products: ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, a New Flyer of America company, is North America’s low-floor, body-on-chassis (cutaway) bus leader serving transit, paratransit, and shuttle applications. With more than 3,500 buses produced, ARBOC leads the low-floor cutaway bus market, providing unsurpassed passenger accessibility and comfort. With the full ADA-compliant product line consisting of the Spirit of Independence,

_ATLANTIC DETROIT DIESEL-ALLISON_

Awash (Ecowash) Systems Corp.

19 Community Ave, Unit 2 Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2X9 CANADA 800-265-7405 Website: www.awashsystems.com Products: Awash Systems Corp. manufactures the Tower Wash system for buses, motorcoaches and all sizes of fleet vehicles. The company has services and parts for all of its machines since 1991. 16 Ays Dispatch, Inc. P.O. Box 18121 Chicago, IL 60618-0121 USA

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773-279-0000 Email: info@aysdispatch.com Website: www.aysdispatch.com Products: Dispatch and reservation center service provider. 19 B.C.E. srl Via Valdellatorre 194, 10091 ALPIGNANO (TO) ITALY + 39 011.9664314 - 9664676 Email: sales@bcesrl.it Website: www.bcesrl.it Products: B.C.E. srl is an Italian company with 40 years of experience in the production of electric and pneumatic door opening devices for buses. 19

BAE Systems 1098 Clark St. Endicott, NY 13760 USA 607-770-2083 Website: www.hybridrive.com Products: Electric bus, zero-emission and near zero-emission transportation solutions, including hybrid-electric options. Also available are electric accessories for diesel and CNG powertrains, as well as parallel-hybrid options for motorcoaches. 18 Bauer’s Certified Pre-Owned Pier 50 San Francisco, CA 94158 USA 415-595-8164 Website: www.bauerscertifiedpre-owned.com

Dump CLEAN...

CHARTER

Dump

WASHROOM WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT Installs directly into your existing sewer system!

L

Washroom waste is removed quickly, easily and safely

HUDSON RIVER CORPORATION Call toll free: 1-866-LAV-DUMP | Fax: 1-201-420-3322

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July/August 2019

Bee Valve Inc. 1150 Taylor St. Elyria, OH 44035 USA 440-366-0220 Toll-Free: 800-634-3078 Website: www.beevalve.com Products: Fluid handling and sewage system components valves, couplings and fittings. 19 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC 901 Cleveland St. Elyria, OH 44035 USA 440-329-9000 Toll-Free: 1-800-AIR-BRAKE Products: North American leader in integrated commercial vehicle active safety, air management, and braking system technologies. 18

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC 901 Cleveland St. Elyria, OH 44035 USA 440-329-9709 Toll-Free: 866-610-9709 Products: Develops and produces the full lineup of Bendix actuation solutions plus foundation drum and air disc brakes. 18

Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc. 375 North St. Secaucus, NJ 07094 USA 201-457-9100 Email: bergenauto@aol.com Website: www.bergenseat.com Products: Seat replacement and complete interior refurbishing, including seat covers, ceilings, sidewalls, lav area, under racks, dash, and entrance door. Bergen offers a complete cleaning service, seat cover shampooing, seat frame cleaning, cleaning of sidewalls and A/C ducts, and shampooing of any carpeted surface. Bergen road crew is available to install on location. 14

LEGAL!

avatory dump hopper is assembled and ready to install in your existing sewer system. Its cover plate is easily rolled back with the remover tool. Each of your service lanes can easily be equipped with this time-saving unit, which has been the industry standard for over thirty years. All major credit cards accepted.

Call 1-866-LAV-DUMP or email lavdump@yahoo.com for additional information.

Products: Motorcoaches, limousines and other luxury vehicles. 16

Better Life Technology 9736 Legler St. Lenexa, KS 66219 USA 913-890-4619 Website: www.bltllc.com Products: G-Floor universal flooring is Better Life Technology’s signature line of high quality 100 percent polyvinyl flooring, purposefully designed for easy installation and maintenance and for long lasting beauty and protection. This transit flooring won’t scratch, crack, peel, tear, and prevents moisture damage, denting, puncturing, and ripping. 18 ____BITIMEC INTERNATIONAL, INC.____

SEE AD ON PAGE 10 15 Putnam Ave., #290 Greenwich, CT 06830 USA 203-637-1900 Website: www.wash-bots.com Products: Bus washing for the 21st century. State-

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of-the-art single-brush machines feature: all-stainless-steel frames; brush-only inclination; electric, battery or diesel power; double controls, to work in two directions; totally self-contained; low maintenance; and soap, wash and rinse a full-size coach in approximately 6-8 minutes. 18 ____________BITZER US, INC.____________

SEE AD ON PAGE 27 4080 Enterprise Way Flowery Branch, GA 30024 USA 770-718-2900 Email: sbauknecht@bitzerus.com Website: www.bitzerus.com

Products: BITZER produces bus/coach air conditioning compressors. BITZER’s product range covers all compressor technologies, from reciprocating to scroll and screw compressors. BITZER bus air conditioning compressors are designed specifically to excel within the harsh environment of today’s engine compartments. BITZER’s bus air conditioning compressors offer capacity to cool coaches, school buses, transit buses, including larger articulated and double-decker buses. 18

Bode North America, Inc. 660 John Dodd Rd. Spartanburg, SC 29303 USA 864-578-9683 Website: www.bodenorthamerica.com Products: Made in the USA, Bode designs and delivers entry systems for trains and buses. Energy efficient electric CADS door for transit buses is easy to install, low maintenance, and low power consumption. 15 __________BRC GROUP, THE__________

6061 - 90 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2C 4Z6 CANADA 403-243-7400 Email: info@brcgroup.ca Website: www.brcgroup.ca Products: Collision repair, refurbishment, fire restoration and mechanical services. Located in Calgary, AB, and Las Vegas, NV. 19 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC 535 Marriott Dr., 8th Floor Nashville, TN 37214 USA 330-697-4497

Website: www.bridgestonefirestonemileagesales.com Products: Provides lease, sales and service of light truck, commercial and specially-designed mileage tires, retreads, wheels and tire service equipment.

15 BUDGET TRUCK AND AUTO BODY, INC.

2027 W. Avalon Rd. Janesville, WI 53546 USA 608-756-0861 Email: mark@budgettruckandauto.com, marcie@budgettruckandauto.com Website: www.budgettruckandauto.com Products: Budget Truck and Auto is an established one-stop shop, guaranteed to satisfy fleet repair needs. With over 40 years of experience, Budget Truck and Auto is a premiere full-service collision center in the Midwest. Recommended by leading insurance companies for quality work and customer service, Budget Truck and Auto offers collision, fabrication, frame straightening, vinyl graphics, and custom paint. Technicians are trained and certified by the industry’s leading manufacturers, including Prevost, Motor Coach Industries, Van Hool, Gillig, New Flyer, Temsa, and many more. Budget Truck and Auto partners with many leading associations including HD Repair Forum,

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IMG, UMA, and Trailways. In this industry, urgency is everything and Budget Truck and Auto goes above and beyond to service client’s needs.

Services include: custom paint, fabrication, fiberglass, lifts, vinyl graphics, collision repair, frame straightening, certified welding, boats, buses, motorcoaches, and free loaner cars. 19 ____________BUS ADVISORS____________

SEE AD ON PAGE 35 14508 Smith St. Charlotte, NC 28273 USA 980-999-8484 Email: tom@BUSadvisors.org, keith@BUSadvisors.org Website: www.BUSadvisors.org Products: Bus Advisors can help customers with their DOT compliance needs — from driver files to on-site compliance review audit representation. The company provides consulting on federal & state DOT regulations, quarterly DOT audits with post-audit corrective action plans, compliance safety policies development, federal DOT drug and alcohol testing, background checks, previous employer safety performance history, electronic DQ files, and electronic vehicle files.

Bus Advisors can monitor a customer’s ELD and safety camera systems, reporting back to clients daily with any concerns. Also provided are safety & financial audits, cost savings, growth strategies, negotiations, product knowledge, DOT compliance, and improving your bottom line. Ready for results?

Call us today at 980-999-8484! 19 _____________BYD MOTORS_____________

SEE AD ON PAGE 7 1800 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 USA 800-BYD-AUTO (293-2886) Email: info.na@byd.com Website: www.byd.com Products: BYD Company Ltd., is a leading hightech multinational company based in Shenzhen, China. Since its establishment in 1995, BYD has developed expertise in rechargeable batteries, becoming an advocate of sustainable development. It has expanded its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. After 24 years in development, BYD has created a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, cutting-edge electrified transportation and a state-of-the-art monorail. 19

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C.E. Niehoff & Co. 2021 Lee St. Evanston, IL 60202 USA 847-866-6030 Email: sales@ceniehoff.com Website: www.ceniehoff.com Products: Heavy-duty brushless alternators. 18 _______CAMIRA GROUP, INC.______

2476 Waldorf Ct. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 USA 616-288-0655 Email: contact@camirafabrics.com Website: www.camirafabrics.com Twitter: @camira Products: Global textile manufacturer Camira never underestimates the power of the journey. Understanding those minutes spent travelling from one place to the next can be the most peaceful, exciting, or anticipatory of a person’s day – and, through its fabrics, the company works to make sure they are as comfortable and safe as they can possibly be. Using decades of design and manufacturing experience, Camira makes forward-thinking textiles for motorcoach and rail interiors, ensuring style always has substance.

With an extensive option of stocked fabrics, the ability to supply ancillary fabrics, and weaving on dobby, jacquard and plush looms, Camira is a total textile interior solutions provider – offering its traditional plush wool moquettes, lighter weight pile fabrics with added design and texture, contemporary flat weave fabrics for seating, vinyls, leathers and a wide range of ancillary interior trim fabrics for other surfaces within motorcoaches. Producing 10 million yards of fabric a year, and supplying to more than 80 countries across the world, the company is a leader in the textile industry – and provide the background to thousands of people’s journeys every day.

Transportation fabric collections include Aura, Aura Twist, Fusion, Vigor, Vision, Vita, Wired and Rhino. Added fabric protection comes from Defender, Camira’s triple action, long-lasting fabric treatment which has in invisible protective shield making fabrics anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antistain. Camira has an in-house design team that can develop something more bespoke, adding personality and flair to any vehicle interior. Whether a stocked range or custom-made, Camira’s transport fabrics are designed to coordinate with a wide range of other materials and trims to provide flexible options for combination seats using more than one material type.

Camira is represented by Wagner & Associates (Phone: 919-552-4466) and Transportation Products Sales and Service (Phone: 724-640-8826). 19 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) 55 York St., No. 1401 Toronto, ON M5J 1R7 CANADA 416-365-9800 Website: www.cutaactu.ca Products: CUTA is a member-based association that supports public transit as the core of integrated mobility across Canada. 16

July/August 2019

Carlyle Compressor 6304 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 13221 USA 315-432-3096 Email: carlyle.compressor@carrier.utc.com Website: www.carlylecompressor.com Products: Carlyle 05G and 05K open-drive compressors are designed for air conditioning and refrigeration applications. The compressor is approved to operate with R-134a and R-4-4A refrigerants. 15 _______________CBM NA_________________

SEE AD ON PAGE 37 8477 Chemin Dalton Ville Mont Royal, QC H4T 1V5 CANADA 877-332-3163 Email: info.canada@cbmcompany.com, info.usa@cbmcompany.com Website: www.cbmcompany.com Products: Spare parts for motorcoaches, buses and trams, including engines. 18 Champion Bus Inc. 331 Graham Rd. Imlay City, MI 48444 USA 800-776-4943 Email: sales@championbus.com Website: www.championbus.com Products: Champion Bus, Inc., a subsidiary of REV Group, manufactures small- and mediumsized commercial buses for public transit, paratransit, parking, airport, hotel/resort, assisted living, group tour, church and university markets. 16 Chassijet USA 19431 Business Center Dr., #17 Northridge, CA 91324 USA 818-349-3926 Email: michelle@chassijetusa.com Website: www.chassijetusa.com Products: Automatic undercarriage chassis washer.

19

Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc. 443 Warehouse Dr. Latrobe, PA 15650 USA 800-234-2734 x261 Email: cogburn@crfoam.com Website: www.crfoam.com, www.chestnutridgefoam.com Company Officers: Carl Ogburn, President Products: CR SAFGUARD, CR SAFGUARD XL, and TRAX fire-resistant seat cushioning per F.T.A. fire safety criteria. 19 _______ CHTC BUS GROUP _____ SEE AD ON PAGE 15 15780 El Prado Rd. Chino, CA 91708 USA 800-216-6788

__

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Email: sales@chtcusa.com Website: www.chtcbusgroup.com

Products: Founded in 1998, CHTC Corp. has multiple worldwide operations, with the CHTC Bus Group being a major subsidiary. The company employs more than 50,000 people, and operates 22 subsidiaries in 20 countries.

The CHTC Bus Group has developed an integrated approach to bus design, research and development, and manufacturing of luxury motorcoaches.

Manufacturing is done out of a state-of-the-art 2 million-square-foot factory in Nanchung, in southeastern China. Great pride is taken with the company in designing and selling safe and reliable buses around the world. 18 ______ CLEAN SEAL, INC. ____ __ SEE AD ON PAGE 32 20900 West Ireland Rd., P.O. Box 2919 South Bend, IN 46680-2919 USA 800-366-3682, 574-299-1888 Website: www.CleanSeal.com Products: Since 1978, Clean Seal, Inc. has pro-

vided superior service to diverse industries. Its sales personnel and in-house staff have many years of experience to help guide customers from the start of their projects to the application of the product selected. Strict adherence to quality assurance procedures and ISO 9001:2015 certification assures that customers will receive products that meet their requirements.

Website: www.cmi-enterprises.com Products: Bus/coach upholstery, fabric. 14

Collins Bus 415 W. 6th St. South Hutchinson, KS 67505 USA 620-662-9000 Website: www.collinsbuscorp.com Products: Collins Bus Corporation, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. (REV), manufactures Type A school bus and multi-function school activity bus (MFSAB) models in South Hutch inson, KS. 16 __

Clean Seal’s extensive product line includes stock extruded rubber seals, custom extruded rubber seals, grip seals, trim seals, trim moldings, automotive hoses, EHPA hose protection parts, extruded plastic parts, EMI shielding, and custom manufactured metal springs. In addition, it has a variety of secondary operations to make the application of any part easier. Such examples of this are: die cutting, cutting and notching, cut to length and splicing (hot and cold). Contact Clean Seal’s customer service department for more information. 18

CMI Enterprises 13145 NW 45th Ave. Miami, FL 33054 USA 574-226-2977

COMPLETE COACH WORKS

__

SEE AD ON PAGE 47 1863 Service Ct. Riverside, CA 92507 USA 800-300-3751 Email: sales@completecoach.com Website: www.completecoach.com Products: Retrofits, rehabilitations, repowers, CNG conversions and re-tanking, electric bus conversions, body work, painting, major collision and fire repairs, brakes and suspension, interior repairs, lift ADA systems and HVAC systems. 19

Powerful non-staining, self-mixing packet to deodorize your bus lavatory

PROPAXX XL PACKETS

Coconilla

IN 2 AMAZING FRAGRANCES

Mountain Breeze

1-800-345-3303 • 706-743-1900 • jjchem.com • info@jjchem.com July/August 2019

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___ CONTINENTAL CORPORATION ___

SEE AD ON PAGE 12 6755 Snowdrift Rd. Allentown, PA 18106 USA 610-289-0488 Email: salessupport-us@vdo.com Website: www.trucks.vdo-instruments.com Products: The Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket business unit of Continental is a global supplier of systems and components to automobile, truck and bus manufacturers. Continental develops and produces products that make transportation safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient. 16 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) 1341 G St., NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20005 USA 800-891-0590 Website: www.ctaa.org Products: National, nonprofit membership association advocating for mobility for all Americans. 16

Cooper Tire 701 Lima Ave. Findlay, OH 45840 USA Phone: 419-423-1321 Email: cooperinfo@coopertire.com Website: www.coopertrucktires.com Products: The WORK Series™ line, which has been developed specifically for buses––as well as regional-haul, pick-up and delivery applications––offers a wide tread footprint to maximize traction. The tire balances fuel efficiency and tread life with scrub-resistant properties, and offers a full-width, four-steel belt package to provide the casing integrity needed to handle multiple retreads. 18 _______ CREATE-A-CARD, INC. _______

SEE AD ON PAGE 34 155 E. Main St., Suite 270 Smithtown, NY 11787 USA 631-584-2273, 800-753-6867 Email: info@createacardinc.com Website: www.createacardinc.com Facebook: createacardinc Twitter: @createacard

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LinkedIn: Create-A-Card, Inc. Company Officers: Drew Messina, Arthur Messina Products: The leader in transportation marketing solutions since 1986. Create-A-Card, Inc. provides trending designs and printed materials, including logos, business cards, direct mail post cards, rack cards, brochures, trade show materials, signage, ads and much more. Create-A-Card, Inc. also provides a full line of promotional branded products with your company logo and information. Offering over 70,000 different products for all events, trade shows, groups, and to fit every budget. 19

Creative Bus Sales 14740 Ramona Ave. Chino, CA 91710 USA 800-326-2877 Email: sales@creativebussales.com Website: www.creativebussales.com Products: Transit, para-transit, executive coach, wheelchair vans and buses, shuttle and tour buses, trolleys and limo buses. 17

Cummins Inc. Box 3005 Columbus, IN 47202-3005 USA 800-286-6467 Website: www.cumminsengines.com Products: Cummins designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel and alternative-fueled engines from 2.8 to 95 liters, diesel and alternative-fueled electrical generator sets from 2.5 to 3,500 kW, as well as related components and technology. 18

Curved Glass Distributors 72 Chapel St. Derby, CT 06418 USA 800-243-6546 Website: www.curvedglassdist.com Products: Coach, transit and school bus windshields, auto and light rail glass. Products include tempered, annealed and special order glass. 18 CzechMate Lumber Corp.

P.O. Box 3352 Mooresville, NC 28117 USA 704-660-9194 Email: jmodrak444@yahoo.com Products: Laminated flooring (plymetal, fire-retardant), interior plywood-core panel with Micarta/ Formica/WilsonArt laminate faces. 19

Daimler Trucks North America 4555 N. Channel Ave. Portland, OR 97217 USA 800-385-4357 Website: www.daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com Products: Manufactures, sells and services commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company. 17 Davey Coach Sales 7182 Reynolds Dr. Sedalia, CO 80135 USA 800-873-1856 Email: info@daveycoach.com Website: www.daveycoach.com Products: For over 20 years, Davey Coach has

July/August 2019

worked to provide new and used buses for sale and service for customers and bus industries across the USA, whether a customer operates a single retirement shuttle or an entire bus fleet. Davey Coach offers national buses for sale, with a strong presence in Midwest U.S. bus sales.

Located in the south Metro Denver area, Davey Coach is one of the largest fully-integrated shuttle bus dealerships in the region. It offers a huge inventory of new and used buses for sale and lease.

Davey Coach’s selection of shuttle buses for sale is stocked with hundreds of options to suit any industry, such as church buses, airport shuttles, limousine buses, childcare and assisted living transportation, and much more.

Davey Coach offers a wide array of products and services to support bus or van transportation needs, including basic bus graphics, bus wraps, vehicle wraps, bus parts for sale, bus service, bus DOT inspections, bus rental, and custom bus accessories.

If customers need a bus ski rack, a bus bike rack, bus electronics, a bus tow hitch, bus refurbishing, bus conversions, or just about anything to customize a bus, Davey Coach has it covered. 18

De Leo Transportation Fabrics 53 Dwight Pl. Fairfield, NJ 07004 USA 973-439-6801 Email: deleotf@deleotf.com Website: www.deleotf.com Products: Offers velvets for bus, motorcoach and light rail fabrics to public and private transportation industries. Partnered with Epengle, a European transportation fabric manufacturer, the combined companies have over 100 years of experience. De Leo offers polyester, acrylic and wool blends. 15

Detroit Diesel Corp.

13400 W. Outer Dr. Detroit, MI 48239 USA Website: www.demanddetroit.com Products: Detroit is an industry-leading original equipment manufacturer of state-of-the-art engines, axles and transmissions specifically designed for integrated performance and efficiency. In addition to advanced safety systems and telematics, the Detroit™ product portfolio offers increased power with the robust 505 HP DD13®, the 350 HP DD8™, and the 230 HP DD5™.

For maximum uptime and productivity, Detroit™ Connect Virtual TechnicianSM remote diagnostic service comes standard on all Detroit engines. When you demand it all, Demand Detroit. 18 Diamond Coach 2300 West 4th St. Oswego, KS 67356 USA 800-442-4645 Website: www.diamondcoach.com Products: Diamond Coach bus models vary in design and size, accommodating 14 to 32 passengers, with lift and wheelchair options. 17 ____DIAMOND MANUFACTURING INC.___ SEE AD ON PAGE 47 2330 Burlington St. N. Kansas City, MO 64116 USA 800-343-1009 Email: todcull@aol.com

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Website: www.diamondmfg.com Company Officers: Todd and Pam Cull

Products: Diamond Manufacturing offers a line of fare collection equipment to the transit industry. It supplies traditional, manual fare boxes, donation boxes and a fare box with a remote fare dump option.

Diamond’s traditional fare boxes are the round units (Models H, E-5, D), which are designed to accept coins, tokens and tickets; and, rectangular units (Models RV, SV, XV, NV), which are designed to accept dollar bills, coins, tokens, tickets, passes and similar fare media. Donation boxes come in three sizes to fit most applications. These units can be mounted in a variety of ways: on the modesty panel or stanchion pole in either a vertical or horizontal position. Models F-1 and F-24 remote dump fare boxes can be mounted away from the driver with a push button dump feature. These models can be paired with smart card readers. 19

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 30plus 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. 19 __________DIXIE ELECTRIC LTD.________

SEE AD ON PAGE 40 517 Basaltic Rd. Concord, ON L4K 4W8 CANADA 905-879-0533 Website: www.dixie-electric.com Products: Dixie Electric provides DelStar product line of brushless heavy-duty alternators designed for motorcoach bus, shuttle bus and transit bus.

The DelStar series is an integral charging system of a brushless design. The compact, heavy-duty

construction provides increased service life expected to match the longer maintenance intervals of today’s engines, while providing a high performance. 15 DRIVERGE VEHICLE INNOVATIONS, LLC FORMERLY TRANSITWORKS

SEE AD ON PAGE 18 4199 Kinross Lakes Pkwy.

Richfield, OH 44286 USA 855-337-9543 Website: www.Driverge.com Products: Driverge (formerly Transitworks) specializes in turning full-size and minivans into commercial wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The name change comes as the company conveys its expanding capabilities. Driverge has production sites in Ohio, Kansas and South Carolina, and supplies the corporate fleet, fleet management, government, hospitality, wheelchair transport and taxi markets. Driverge allows the company to continue to lead in current markets, while also launching into new markets where the company has worked with customers directly to develop and continue new innovation, meeting the needs of customers and merging objectives with customers. 19

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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DriveWare 23016 Lake Forest Blvd., #A300 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 USA 949-309-5150 Email: dw@driveware.com Website: www.driveware.com Products: DriveWare software is designed for motorcoach management, fleet maintenance, school bus routing and more. Since 1993, DriveWare has helped companies run their transportation operations more efficiently. A complete cloud-based system can be accessed from wherever there is an internet connection. 19

DuraBrake Co. 2311 Calle Del Mundo Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone: 408-748-0400 Email: info@durabrake.com Website: www.durabrake.com Products: DuraBrake™ is a manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty brake drums, rotors and hubs for the aftermarket and OEM. The company has over 2,000 part numbers for transit buses, motorcoaches and other vehicles. 18

E. Schoepf GmbH & Co KG Rathausstrasse 18-24 Stammbach 95236 GERMANY +49 9256/800 Email: info@e-schoepf.de Website: www.e-schoepf.de Company Officers: Ralph Humpert; Karl Robert Wagner Products: The medium-sized family business E. SCHOEPF GmbH & Co., KG has been in existence more than 160 years. Today, it produces high-quality technical fabrics. As a system supplier, it produces certified seat covers, side panels as well as ceiling panels and curtains for worldwide, well-known brands of the automotive industry, for urban traffic operation (buses and trains) and for seat manufacturers. 19

Eberhard Manufacturing Company 21944 Drake Rd. Strongsville, OH 44149 USA 800-334-6706 Website: www.eberhard.com Products: Eberhard Manufacturing Company, a division of The Eastern Company, has been serving various industries within the transportation and industrial markets for over 140 years. Eberhard ships products from its factories in Strongsville, OH; Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada; Lerma, Mexico; and Shanghai, China.

Today, Eberhard manufactures of industrial, vehicular, and specialty hardware and access systems, with a quality system based on its ISO9001 certification.

Offering a complete line of products such as: electric and manual door controls, compression latches, key cylinders, quarter turns, access handles, hinges, custom rods, yokes, door holdbacks, steps, gas springs, latching systems, folding t-handles and paddle latches—all available in a variety of finishes for applications such as entrance and rear doors, baggage, battery, and compartment doors.

Produces thousands of different products, also has a full engineering staff available to assist in the design of custom products or systems for customer-

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specific applications.

Also specializes in various levels of fabrication and assembly utilizing materials such as steel, composites, malleable, ductile and die casting. 18

Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems 6099A Vipond Dr. Mississauga, ON L5T 2B2 CANADA 800-387-4800 Email: info-na@eberspaecher.com Website: www.eberspaecher-na.com Products: Fuel operated heaters and Sutrak air conditioning systems. Eberspaecher provides customers a “best in class product support” package, including in-field service representatives, on-site and webbased training, call center for technical support and a number of service dealers in North America. 15

ElDorado 1655 Wall St. Salina, KS 67401 USA 800-850-1287 Website: www.enconline.com Products: ElDorado, a subsidiary of REV Group, manufactures light- and medium-duty commercial buses for public transit, paratransit, airport, parking, hotel/resort, group tour, assisted living, church and university transportation markets. 16

Engineered Machined Products, Inc. 2701 North 30th St. Escanaba, MI 49829 USA 906-789-7497 Email: danielle.carlson@emp-corp.com Website: www.emp-corp.com Company Officers: Paul Harvey, Vice President Business Development; Todd Kangas, Director of Sales/Marketing; and Kevin Puszczewicz, Director of Sales/Customer Service Products: Mini-hybrid engine cooling system; thermal management systems; brushless DC electric fan; brushless DC electric oil pumps; brushless DC electric water pumps; 450 amp and 535 amp power alternators. 19 Enerdel 8740 Hague Rd., Bldg. 7 Indianapolis, IN 46256 USA 317-703-1800 Email: info@enerdel.com Website: www.enerdel.com Products: Since being founded in 2004, EnerDel’s engineers have worked to perfect the prismatic cell design and modular stacking architecture, offering customers a wide range of services to support the complete life of their battery products. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, with manufacturing in Korea and Indianapolis. First in the U.S. to mount a commercial-scale production of large-format, lithium-ion battery packs.

EnerDel’s Vigor+ battery packs are designed to meet challenging power and energy requirements of modern hybrid and electric transportation applications. Vigor+ packs offer versatility across diverse industries including automotive, heavy-duty bus and truck, industrial equipment, trolley buses, trams, and agricultural machines offering long life, outstanding warranty and a product that meets Buy America requirements. Able to deliver lithium-ion battery solutions to foster customer success. 18

July/August 2019

Enghouse Transportation 80 Tiverton Ct., Suite 800 Markham, ON L3R 0G4 CANADA 905-946-3200 Email: solutions@enghouse.com Website: www.enghousetransportation.com Products: With over 30 years experience, offers a suite of software solutions that serve public and private transportation markets. This includes: Sched21-Fixed Route Scheduling, BusLine-Fixed Route IVR, HandyLine-Paratransit IVR, TeleDriver-Workforce Management, CrewLineOperator IVR, FareLine-Fare IVR, CoachWorksMotorcoach Management, and TourManager-Tour Management. 16

Enseicom, Inc. 225 Norman Montreal, QC H8R 1A3 CANADA 514-486-2626 Email: info@enseicom.com Website: www.enseicom.com Products: Founded in 1982, Enseicom manufactures street furniture, billboards, advertising structures and signage in North America. Staffed with a full in-house graphic and technical design team overseen by civil and structural engineers, Enseicom constantly designs and develops products with superior quality, durability and serviceability, all the while maintaining state-of-the-art designs.

It manufactures a wide array of products which include: bus shelters, rapid transit shelters, parking booths, benches, newspaper boxes, waste containers, bike racks, billboards, street level advertising columns, interior signage, and outdoor signage. With over 100,000 square feet of combined manufacturing and storage facilities, Enseicom is equipped to handle projects of any size across North America and the Caribbean. 18

Euramtec Corporation 29650 Grand River Ave. Farmington Hills, MI 48336 USA 248-473-8660 Email: contact@euramtec.com Website: www.euramtec.com Products: For over 30 years, Euramtec has provided European-styled accessories for transit buses and coaches. At the cutting edge of technology, it’s prepared to meet all interior accessory needs. Accessories include air diffusers, interior lighting, seating accessories, stop request systems and more. 16

Fogmaker North America 150 Gordon Dr. Exton, PA 19341 USA 866-312-6820 Website: www.usscgroup.com/fogmaker-fire-suppression/ Products: Provides superior protection to conventional fire suppression systems. It is environmentally friendly and utilizes water mist technology (no Hazmat). It is safe and non-toxic. The system provides a longer duration discharge than dry powder systems and requires no electrical power for protection. The system is designed to rapidly reduce the heat from a fire in seconds. Network of dealers and distributors in the U.S. and Canada. 18

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Forest River Bus Website: www.forestriverinc.com Products: A wide variety of bus options for the transportation marketplace. 18 _______FREEDMAN SEATING________

truck, specialty and commercial vehicle seating, Consistent growth and expansion has earned Freedman Seating recognition as a leading manufacturer of transportation seating solutions. Manufacturing seats for buses, Freedman Seating supplies the major OEMs, over 250 bus distributors, the federal government, and many states and municipalities.

The family of Freedman Seating bus seats includes products for small and mid-sized coaches, para-transit vans and buses, public transit buses, and private bus operators. 19

Products: Tarabus by Gerflor is a world leading non-slip transit flooring, dedicated to bus and coach applications. At Busworld 2017, Gerflor launched its new Tarabus Design, a line of digitally-printed flooring. This world first in personalized transport flooring gives customers the possibility to design their own flooring. With this new technology, Gerflor will provide totally bespoke designs, adding value to its customers brand, while making the vehicles more attractive.

FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM _______CHASSIS CORPORATION________

SEE AD ON PAGE 11 4545 W. Augusta Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60651 USA 773-524-2440 Email: info@freedmanseating.com Website: www.freedmanseating.com Company Officers: Dan Smith-Cohen, President; Craig Freedman, CEO; John Mienik, National Sales Manager Products: For over 125 years, Freedman Seating has been engineering and manufacturing seats and seating-related products for many different applications.

Its product lines include bus, rail, marine, delivery

SEE AD ON PAGE 3 552 Hyatt St. Gaffney, SC 29341 USA 864-487-1700 Website: www.freightlinerchassis.com Products: By working directly with OEM partners, FCCC crafts purpose-engineered commercial buses with performance and reliability in mind. 16 _______________GERFLOR_______________ 595 Supreme Dr. Bensenville, IL 60106 USA 877-437-3567 Website: www.gerflortransport.com

The Tarabus Design range offers an infinite number of possibilities for designers looking for a new approach to the interior design of buses, or searching for ways to enhance the passenger experience. The new product is available with all the well-known services developed to improve the manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; working environment. Services include the self-adhesive solution, where the flooring is delivered with an acrylic adhesive and protective layer on the back of the flooring, as well as, pre-cut and pre-welded kits. 18

Gillig LLC 451 Discovery Dr. Livermore, CA 94551 USA

TRANSPORTATION

INSURANCE SINCE 1952

SERVICE INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC #ATAWBA ,ANE s 2ICHMOND 6!

s #HARTER s 4RANSIT s 3CHOOL s ,IMO s !UTO ,IABILITY s 0HYSICAL $AMAGE s 7ORKERS #OMPENSATION s %ASY 0AYMENT 0LANS ,OCAL 4OLL &REE &!8 % -AIL TOBRYAN SERVICEINS COM Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan %XT

Visit our web site: serviceins.com July/August 2019

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510-264-5000 Website: www.gillig.com Products: A wide variety of buses, including Gillig’s new 40-foot battery electric bus model. 18

Glaval Bus, Div. of Forest River, Inc. 2367 Century Dr. Goshen, IN 46528 USA 800-445-2825 Website: www.glavalbus.com Products: Offering safety, quality and after-market service. Glaval has been a longtime participant in providing paratransit and senior friendly vehicles.

Options include ADA-compliant equipment and floor plans that seat up to 45 passengers. 10 Goshen Coach 25161 Leer Dr. Elkhart, IN 46514 USA 574-970-6300 Website: www.goshencoach.com Products: Goshen Coach is a manufacturer of small to mid-sized shuttle buses. 16 _____________GRI PUMPS_____________

180 Hines Ave. Bellville, OH 44813 USA 419-886-3001 Email: grisales@gripumps.com Website: www.gripumps.com Facebook: gripumps Twitter: @GRI_Pumps LinkedIn: GRI Pumps Company Officers: Jody Hastings, General Manager; Doug Wertz, Director of Sales & Marketing Products: GRI offers flexible and robust fluid pumps to critical OEM transportation applications with its line of Brushless DC Magnetic Drive Circulation Pumps - the Integrity Series. By manufacturing the Integrity Series’ variable speed motors, as well as many of the components in-house, GRI has the flexibility to precisely configure a pump to meet an OEM’s specific flow and pressure requirements. Customized motors, combined with the many port configurations and OEM options, provide a tailor-made fluid pump solution to transportation OEMs. GRI’s pumps have been time-tested in many transportation applications, including the circulation of glycol-water in hydronic heating and cooling, truck, recreational vehicles (RV), public transit, industrial equipment, marine, fuel cell, and flow battery applications. Visit www.gripumps.com/ pumps/brushless-dc-circulation-pumps. 19 Hanover Displays Inc. 1601 Tonne Rd. Elk Grove, IL 60007 USA 773-334-9934 Email: tmark@hanoverdisplays.com Website: www.hanoverdisplays.com

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Products: Destination signs, voice announcement, infotainment systems. 19

Hart Plastics 2907 Park Six Ct. Elkhart, IN 46540 USA 574-264-7060 Email: contactus@hartplastics.net Website: www.hartplastics.com Products: Thermoformed components, dashes, visors, A-pillars, B-pillars, seat backs, door, floor and window trims, and switch housings. 18 _________HENDRICKSON BUS__________

800 S. Frontage Rd. Woodridge, IL 60517 USA 630-910-2800 Email: businfo@hendrickson-intl.com Website: www.hendrickson-intl.com Products: Hendrickson is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium bus chassis components to global bus markets. Its legacy embodies over 100 years as the leading innovator and manufacturer of suspension systems and components for the global transportation industry. Utilizing world-class design, testing and validation capabilities, Hendrickson provides robust solutions that feature the ride quality, vehicle handling and stability required for bus applications around the world. Products include: air suspensions, steer axles, steel leaf springs, bumpers, brakes and wheel-ends. 19 ____HOMETOWN MANUFACTURING____

SEE AD ON PAGE 9 P.O. Box 185 Crandon, WI 54520 USA 715-301-0149 Email: hi@hometown-mfg.com Website: www.hometown-mfg.com Company Officers: Kristina Pence-Dunow, CEO/ President; Joey Dunow, Chief Engineer; Dustin Pence, COO; and Jessica Pence, Marketing Products: A family-owned and operated, DBE-certified manufacturing business. Hometown vehicles have been delivered to satisfied customers for the past three decades. They are “American-Made” and custom-built by skilled craftsmen, to the specifications of customers. The company can produce a trolley or bus to accommodate all levels of transportation, ranging from small private touring companies to major city transportation needs. Options include front-engine, rear-engine, heavy-duty, straight-rail, low-floor, full electric and CNG. Vehicles are produced on gas, diesel and alternative-

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fuel chassis, ranging from 16 to 42 passenger models, with every transit option and component available. Hometown is committed to continually improving the quality of its products to exceed customer expectations, and provide top customer service for the life of each vehicle produced. 19 _________HUDSON RIVER CORP._________

SEE AD ON PAGE 42 551 Observer Hwy., #15N Hoboken, NJ 07030 USA 201-420-3311 Email: lavdump@yahoo.com Website: www.lavdump.com Products: Lavatory dump hopper for contractor installation at customer garage to facilitate emptying the bus restroom holding tank. See detail drawings at company website. 17 Idrive 249 N. Turnpike Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93111 USA 805-308-6094 Email: sales@idriveglobal.com Website: www.idriveglobal.com Products: Idrive is a leading provider of video event recorders, GPS tracking and artificial intelligence-based services. Idrive’s X2 fleet camera is a professional video event recorder designed to coach drivers and reduce accidents by over 50 percent.

The X2 offers a variety of low-cost services to help gain better visibility into a fleet: live look-in, live tracking, distracted and drowsy driving detection, facial recognition and cellular download. 19 INA Bus Sales 4490 Business Center Way Las Vegas, NV 89118 USA 702-431-0707 Website: www.inabussales.com Products: INA Bus Sales is the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Irizar i6 56 passenger, 45-foot motorcoach, along with all parts and services dedicated to pride of ownership. 18 Indbus NA LLC 4802 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 USA 800-330-1175 Email: indbusna@gmail.com Website: www.indbusna.com Products: The Indbus Inovo offers an integrated body-on-chassis coach with an integrally welded stainless steel structure, a composite exterior, and full underbody luggage. It is built on a Freightliner S2 chassis, with a passenger capacity of up to 45 (42 with a lavatory), and it features European design. 16 Infanti Bus & Coach Upholstery 1153 W. Elizabeth Ave. Linden, NJ 07036 USA 877-874-8593 Email: mycoach@infantibusandcoachupholstery.com Website: www.infantibusandcoachupholstery.com Products: Bus and motorcoach upholstery products and services. 17

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Intapol Uniforms 100 Amity St. Jersey City, NJ 07304 USA 201-248-4007 Email: larry@intapol.com Website: www.intapol.com Products: Bus driver uniforms in stock or custom designed and made. 19

InterMotive Vehicle Controls 12840 Earhart Ave. Auburn, CA 95602 USA 530-823-1048 Email: tlong@lgs-group.net Website: www.intermotive.net Products: Idle mitigation, safety and performance solutions for buses including: (1) FLEXSPEAK: Send messages loud and clear with this automated voice annunciator system for configurable driver, passenger and external announcements; (2) PRETRIP MODULE: Make bus inspections a quicker, one-person job with an automatic rotating cycle of all exterior lights; (3) IDLELOCK: Door-to-door service has never been so secure. Now a driver can exit the vehicle with the key while the bus idles with the transmission locked in park. 19 _______________IRIZAR_______________

SEE AD ON PAGE 75 100 Cassia Way Henderson, NV 89014 USA 702-431-2090 Zumarraga bidea, 8 20216 Ormaiztegi, Gipuzkoa SPAIN (+34) 943 80 91 00 Email: info@irizarusa.com, irizar@irizar.com Website: www.irizar.com/usa, www.irizar.com Products: Motorcoach manufacturer. 18

ISR Corporation 1502 Joh Ave., Suite #170 Baltimore, MD 21227 USA 410-536-9989 x302 Email: ron@isrfleettrack.com, sales@isrfleettrack.com Website: www.isrfleettrack.com Products: ISRFleetTrack® Transit Fleet Management System: real-time route and location tracking, hard braking and local speeding alerts, with options for ELD, passenger counting and more. 18 __J&J BUS SANITATION PRODUCTS__

SEE AD ON PAGE 45 P.O. Box 614

Crawford, GA 30630 USA 800-345-3303 Email: info@jjchem.com Website: www.jjchem.com Products: Sanitation equipment and supplies. 17

John A. Dash & Associates 121 N. Eagle Rd. Havertown, PA 19083 USA 610-446-4700 Email: gregorysdash@gmail.com Products: Collective bargaining negotiation and arbitration services to the transit industry since 1968.

19 Kelderman Air Ride Suspensions 2686 Hwy. 92 E. Oskaloosa, IA 52577 USA 660-641-5432 Email: rich@kelderman.com Website: www.kelderman.com Products: Air ride suspensions for bus, limo, and RV applications. 19

Kiel NA, LLC 2009 Middlebury St. Elkhart, IN 46516 USA 574-293-3600 Email: office@kielna.com Website: www.kielna.com Products: Part of the international Kiel Group, a manufacturer of transit passenger seats for commercial vehicles and public transportation, including seating solutions for buses and motorcoaches.

Operates globally with production plants in the USA, Germany (world headquarters), Poland, France, the Netherlands, and Turkey. 17 Kirk’s Automotive, Inc. 9330 Roselawn Detroit, MI 48204 USA 800-321-5989, 313-933-7030 Website: www.KirksAuto.com Products: Complete line of remanufactured air conditioning motors and circulation pumps. Products include alternators, starters, pumps, hydraulics, air conditioning motors and steering gears. 13 Kismet Rubber Products Corp.

215 Industrial Blvd.

Blue Ridge, GA 30513 USA 706-426-0400 Email: sales@kismetrubberproducts.com Website: www.kismetrubberproducts.com Products: Extruder of rubber, silicone, TPE and flexible vinyl. 17 LANCER INSURANCE COMPANY

SEE AD ON PAGE 43 370 West Park Ave., P.O. Box 9004 Long Beach, NY 11561 USA

516-431-4441 Email: soshea@lancerinsurance.com Website: www.lancerinsurance.com Company Officers: David P. Delaney, Jr., CEO; Matthew T. Jenkins, President; Timothy D. Delaney, Executive Senior Vice President; and Timothy H. Delaney, Senior Vice President Products: Since 1985, Lancer Insurance Company has been a leading provider of commercial automobile, physical damage and general liability coverages to bus and motorcoach companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. All Lancer policyholders, regardless of fleet size, receive a wide array of traditional and electronic products and services to supplement their driver training, loss prevention and accident mitigation efforts. 19 Lantal Textiles, Inc. 1300 Langenthal Dr. Rural Hall, NC 27045 USA 336-969-9551 Website: www.lantaltextiles.com Products: Lantal designs, produces and distributes seat upholstery fabrics to motorcoach, transit and para-transit companies. Made in North Carolina, all of its products meet the Buy America directive.

Lantal offers custom seat upholstery. 16 ______LAZZERINI CORPORATION______

1011 Herman St. Elkhart, IN 46516 USA 574-206-4769 Email: info@lazzerini.us Website: www.lazzerini.us Products: Lazzerini Corporation is a US-based subsidiary of Italian seating company, Lazzerini S.r.l. Founded in 1967, Lazzerini S.r.l. designs and manufactures innovative and lightweight passenger seats for global mass transit markets with localized operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Canada.

In 2015, Lazzerini Corporation was established in Elkhart, IN, and is already manufacturing and supplying Buy America compliant seats.

Lazzerini is known and respected for its ability and know how in the intelligent use of the latest technology materials, to create standard flexible seating platforms, combined with fully modular construction. This allows for easy customization, installation, maintenance, and efficient vehicle packaging that optimizes passenger “living space” and vehicle seating capacity. 19 LiquidSpring LLC 4899 East 400 South Lafayette, IN 47905 USA 765-474-7816 Email: sales@liquidspring.com Website: www.liquidspring.com Products: Provides a suspension for the transit industry. CLASS® (Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System) – a rear suspension for Ford, RAM, GM, International, and Freightliner chas-

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sis – is designed to improve ride and handling for transit vehicles, while providing increased operator and passenger comfort and safety. 18 __LUMINATOR TECHNOLOGY GROUP__

900 Klein Rd. Plano, TX 75074 USA 972-424-6511 Website: www.ltgglobal.com LinkedIn: luminator Products: Luminator Technology Group (Luminator) is a leading manufacturer of passenger communication systems, video surveillance, and lighting solutions for global mass transportation applications. The company, founded in 1928, leverages its extensive engineering resources to develop solutions that increase intelligence, safety and efficiency for bus, rail and aerospace operations worldwide. By employing a forward-thinking approach to design and functionality, Luminator’s comprehensive hardware and easy-to-use software advances public and rider safety, while maximizing an agency’s investment.

Luminator’s mass transit systems include destination signs, next stop signs, mobile video surveillance, and infotainment. It also provides software systems to help customers manage their data and CCTV systems for enhanced security for rail and buses. Luminator Technology Group provides world-class products to the transit industry to guide and inform passengers throughout their journey, while maximizing a transit agency’s investment.

The company’s products are installed on buses, trains and other commuter vessels around the world. Its extensive industry experience and technology innovation expertise enables the company to offer the most robust, high quality solutions for the transit industry. Luminator offers a comprehensive range of highly integrated products for passenger security, information and communication from door to door. 19 _____MARATHON BRAKE SYSTEMS_____

SEE AD ON PAGE 41 125 Old Mill Rd. Cartersville, GA 30120 800-223-5201 Website: www.marathonbrake.com Products: Marathon’s OE-approved KVT brake linings and DiscStar Transit Premium air disc pads are proven performers for transit and coach lines across the country. KVT and DiscStar are quiet, long life materials that are friendly to drums and rotors.

KVT Transit Brake Linings - OE Transit Approved KVT is specifically formulated to handle the high heat of multiple stopping of a city bus and the heavy-duty demands of a motorcoach. KVT is an organic, non-asbestos brake lining that combines

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dependable stopping power and quiet operation with a long lining life. KVT is rated for 28,660 lb. axle loads.

DiscStar Transit Premium Air Disc Pads Marathon now offers a high performance air disc pad, DiscStar Transit Premium (DSTP). Designed specifically for air disc brakes, Marathon's DiscStar disc pads were created to handle the extreme conditions of transit bus and coach applications. Formulated using Marathon's service ceramic expertise, DiscStar disc pads provide dependable stopping power, a long pad and rotor life, and noise reduction. 17

March Networks The Pinnacle Bldg., 500-3455 Peachtree Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30326 USA 800-563-5564 Email: sales@marchnetworks.com Website: www.marchnetworks.com Products: Transit hybrid video recorders; mobile IP video cameras; video management software with wireless video downloading and CAD/AVL integration. 17 MGM Brakes 6200 Harris Technology Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28269 USA 704-547-7411 Email: mail@mgmbrakes.com Website: www.mgmbrakes.com Products: For over 50 years, MGM Brakes has been providing air brake actuators to the commercial vehicle market, with the addition of MGM’s advanced Electronic Brake Monitoring Systems (e.STROKE) for drum and air disc brake applications. 14 ______MICRO BIRD COMMERCIAL ____

SEE AD ON PAGE 38 3000 Girardin St. Drummondville, QC J2E 0A1 CANADA 855-628-6287 Email: commercial@microbird.com Website: www.mbcbus.com Products: Micro Bird Commercial designs and manufactures a complete line of buses for up to 28 passengers. All Micro Bird Commercial buses, which offer durability and comfort, are also available with special needs options. A North American dealer network allows the company to offer parts and service support. 19 Midway Specialty Vehicles, LLC 2940 Dexter Dr. Elkhart, IN 46514 USA 574-264-2530 Website: www.mymidway.com Products: Designed the Pinnacle Bus to accommodate all passengers. The Pinnacle Bus is designed to transport riders economically and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Offers passengers comfort, security, and panoramic views at a reasonable cost. Engineered to accommodate up to 17 passengers and able to comfortably transport

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physical-challenged riders, the bus has extra wide entry doors and a steel case construction. Structurally sound (Altoona tested) with a Mercedes diesel engine and an average 20 mpg. Offers seating and luggage rack options. Other models and OEM chassis are available. 19

____MIDWEST BUS CORPORATION_____ SEE AD ON PAGE 30 1940 W. Stewart St. Owosso, MI 48867 USA 989-723-5241 Website: www.midwestbus.com

Products: Remanufacturer of transit buses, sale of aftermarket parts, sales and leasing of transit buses, and sale of Byk-Rak bike racks.

Field service and repower projects are also available. 16

Mile-X Equipment, Inc. 801 N. 2nd St. Coldwater, OH 45828 USA 800-837-3818, 419-678-3818 Email: sales@mile-x.com Website: www.mile-x.com Products: Doing business since 1979. Distributor for automotive, bus, and truck tools and equipment. Offers lifts, vises, floor jacks, tire changers, jack stands, auto dollies, grinders, shop presses, metal and woodworking tools, engine stands, wheel balancers, filter crushers, air compressors and diagnostic tools. 14 _________MJM INNOVATIONS_________

6300 Blair Hill Ave., Suite 301 Baltimore, MD 21209 USA 866-664-1277 Email: info@mjminnovations.com Website: www.mjminnovations.com Products: MJM Innovations improves transportation programs using web-based software, mobile apps, card solutions, trip management and management services. 19 Mobile Climate Control 17103 State Rd. 4 East Goshen, IN 46528 USA 905-482-2750 Email: jwan.sagman@mcc-hvac.com Website: www.mcc-hvac.com Company Officer: Jwan Sagman Products: Specializes in custom engineered HVAC systems. Its climate control systems can be found worldwide in all types of commercial vehicles, from buses and off road machines to utility and defense vehicles. Supplies custom designed solutions, from single system components

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to complete climate systems. An engineering staff with many years of experience, creates and supplies optimal solutions for the best climate comfort. 19

MobilityTRANS 42000 Koppernick, Ste. A-3, Canton, MI 48187 USA 800-496-4280 Email: info@mobilitytrans.com Website: www.mobilitytrans.com Products: Commercial passenger and paratransit vehicle convertor. The company builds and supplies paratransit, hotel/airport shuttle, executive transport and prisoner transport vans and small buses. 17 Mohawk Lifts P.O. Box 110, 65 Vrooman Ave. Amsterdam, NY 12010 USA 800-833-2006 Email: info@mohawklifts.com Website: www.mohawklifts.com Products: Mohawk Lifts offers environmentally safe, above ground lifts ranging from 7,000 to 240,000 pound capacities, including two post, four post, mobile column and parallelogram lifts as well as many lift accessories. 18

Monochem (Worldwide Monochem) 512-267-5190 Website: www.monochem.net Products: Chemicals for cleaning bus interiors, odor control, toilets; upholstery cleaning; and sanitation equipment and supplies. 14 _____MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES_____

SEE AD ON PAGE 2 200 E. Oakton St. Des Plaines, IL 60018 USA 866-MCI-COACH Email: marketing@mcicoach.com Website: www.mcicoach.com Company Officers: Ian Smart, President; Patrick Scully, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service; Pablo Batista, Vice President, Procurement; Patricia Ziska, Vice President of New Coach Sales; Tom Wagner, Vice President, Public Sector; Mike Apple, Vice President of Pre-Owned Business and Service Operations; and John Paul (JP) Pelletier, Vice President, Engineering and Quality.

Products: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (NFI), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers. MCI is a leading North American public and private market motor coach producer. MCI designs and builds the high-quality, fuel-efficient, low-cost-of-ownership MCI J-Series, which includes the best-selling 45-foot J4500 and the all-

new 35-foot J3500 models, along with the MCI D-Series coaches. The workhorse D-Series now includes the breakthrough MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach, featuring a patented low-entry vestibule with seating for unprecedented passenger accessibility, especially for those using mobility devices, and offers lower dwell times to match lower floor transit buses.

The all-electric J4500e CHARGE coach is planned for production in 2020, and MCI will also apply its battery-electric platform to the D45 CRTe LE CHARGE Commuter Coach, followed by the electric MCI J3500, giving operators the most comprehensive choices in purpose-built, allelectric coaches.

With more than 30,000 MCI coaches on the road, MCI also provides 24/7 roadside assistance; a 51-member service team that includes a technical call center and 22 Technical Solutions Managers (TSMs) in the field throughout North America; parts availability through NFI Parts; and maintenance and repair at MCI Service Centers located in key markets, such as its new flagship San Francisco Bay Area location in Hayward, CA. The MCI Academy, meanwhile, holding the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accreditation, offers online courses through its Learning Management System (LMS), as well as technical training and system qualification certificate and diploma programs tailored to the specific needs of the motorcoach industry. 19 ___MOTOR COACH TIRE SALES, LLC___

SEE AD ON PAGE 24 1133 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 USA 678-463-4110 Website: www.motorcoachtiresales.com Products: Sales of Toyo and Yokohama tires to the motorcoach industry. 17 ___MOTORCOACH MANAGER, INC.___

SEE AD ON PAGE 22 3517 Marconi Ave., Suite 207 Sacramento, CA 95821 USA 916-972-1800 Email: info@motorcoachmanager.com Website: www.motorcoachmanager.com Company Officers: Shirley Campbell, President; Erik Taylor, Kevin John, Scott Hale, and 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 and tour 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 25 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 our 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. 19 Motorcoach Safety Training Co. 5611 Hudson Dr., Suite 100 A Hudson, OH 44236 USA 855-963-3900 Website: www.mcstco.com Products: Motorcoach driver training programs.

18 NAFI 1155 Cleveland Ave. Wyomissing, PA 19610 USA 610-781-7033 Email: nafipa@aol.com Products: Representatives for Altro safety floor coverings in the northeast portion of the U.S. 19

National Bus Sales, Inc. 8649 S. Regency Dr. Tulsa, OK 74131 USA 800-475-1439 Website: www.nationalbus.com Products: Sales, leasing, rental, financing, service and parts. The company provides new, used, and refurbished school and shuttle buses, as well as motorcoaches. 13

National Interstate Insurance Company 3250 Interstate Dr. Richfield, OH 44286 USA 800-929-1500 Email: public.transportation@natl.com Website: www.natl.com Products: A provider of insurance and risk transfer solutions to the passenger transportation industry, can tailor a program built around a customer’s business. Offers coverages to fit specific needs including: traditional first-dollar coverage, small and large deductible programs, self-insured retentions, workers’ compensation, physical damage, cyber liability, and alternative risk transfer or captive programs, for those seeking an innovative solution to risk management. 18 New Flyer Industries Inc. Headquarters/Winnipeg Facility 711 Kernaghan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2C 3T4 CANADA 204-224-1251 Website: www.newflyer.com Products: North American transit bus and motorcoach manufacturer and parts distributor. 17

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Norse Systems, Inc. 245 Sage Hollow Rd. Guilford, CT 06437 USA 800-769-8468 Email: norse@norsesys.com Website: www.norsesys.com Products: Provides a complete set of integrated products for managing bus transportation. Its 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 from Norse are designed to run on the existing computer infrastructure. Low monthly fees, with no long-term contract.

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. 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

Nova Bus 260 Banker Rd. Plattsburgh, NY 12901 USA 518-566-6682 Email: novabus.sales@volvo.com Website: www.novabus.com Products: Designs public transit buses that meet different needs. Its value-added offer includes an extensive list of standard features engineered to provide the best in terms of safety, accessibility and life cycle cost. Nova Bus’ entire line of vehicles is based on a single proven platform that requires minimal maintenance and far exceeds APTA’s White Book crashworthiness requirements. 15 __ONSPOT AUTOMATIC TIRE CHAINS__

SEE AD ON PAGE 45 1075 Rodgers Park Dr. North Vernon, IN 47265 USA 800-766-7768 Email: onspot@onspot.com Website: www.onspot.com Company Officers: Eric Jones, Global Sales Director Products: Onspot Automatic Tire Chains are permanently mounted to the vehicles’ rear suspension and allows the operator to engage and disengage the chains at the flip of the dashboard switch,

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without stopping to enhance traction and reduce braking distance on snow and ice in forward or reverse. The system is available as a factory installed option from over 200 OEM vehicle builders, or for retrofit of existing vehicles from over 1,400 dealers throughout North America.

The product can be adapted to vehicles from 1/2 ton to Class 8 tractor trailers. 19 __ON YOUR MARK TRANSPORTATION__

P.O. Box 292851 Nashville, TN 37229-2851 USA 615-669-0107 Email: info@onyourmarktransportation.com Website: www.onyourmarktransportation.com Products: A consulting service to the ground transportation industry, bringing resources to all areas of ground transportation, including limousine, school bus, transit and motorcoach. Services include, but are not limited to: event transportation planning and logistics; marketing, including websites, social media, trade show representation and sales training; surveys, including employee, ridership or customer surveys; human resources, including recruiting, hiring, training and company specific policy handbooks and procedures; grant writing; 5311(f) programs; DOT and DOD safety system audits; research; and school bus planning and implementation. 19 OurBus 79 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016 USA 844-800-6828 Email: pr@ourbus.com Website: www.ourbus.com Products: A charter bus service in New York, NY. Mission is to offer an affordable option that gives people time back to enjoy life outside the commute. A technology platform that provides a better public transportation alternative for commuters traveling to and from suburban areas and cities. 18

P.A. Post Agency, LLC One International Blvd., Suite 405 Mahwah, NJ 07495 USA 201-252-3010 Website: www.papost.com Products: Transportation insurance. 16

PennTex Industries, Inc. 202 Plaza Dr. Manchester, PA 17345 USA 717-266-8762 Email: sales@penntexusa.com Website: www.penntexusa.com Products: Manufacturers of high efficiency alternators and mobile electronic devices. 19 ______PETRO STOPPING CENTERS____ SEE AD ON PAGE 73 I-39 & Hwy. 38, Exit #99 900 Petro Dr.

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Rochelle, IL 61068 USA 815-562-3716 Email: petro59@rochelle.net Website: www.ta-petro.com

Products: Full service travel plaza offering regular diesel, biodiesel, regular gas, E85 and E15. RV services include dump station, water, propane, pullthrough parking and separate fueling island.

Amenities include two restaurants, two stores, clinic, game arcade, showers, coin laundry, ATM, fax and copy service, UPS, FedEx and U.S. mail dropboxes.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Buses welcome, please call ahead if eating (815-562-5840). 19

Pleiger Plastics Co. 498 Crile Rd. Washington, PA 15301 USA 800-753-4437 Email: ron@pleiger.com Website: www.pleiger.com Products: Molder of bumpers for shock mount suspension applications. Offer bumpers in solid and foam polyurethane. 19 ______________PREVOST_______________

SEE AD ON PAGE 5 35 Gagnon Blvd.

Sainte-Claire, Quebec G0R 2V0 CANADA 418-883-3391 Email: prevostcar@volvo.com Website: www.prevostcar.com Company Officers: Francois Tremblay, Vice President/General Manager; Guy French, Vice President/General Manager Services; and Jack Forbes, Vice President, North American Sales Products: North American manufacturer of passenger coaches as well as conversion coaches for high-end motorhomes and specialty conversions.

The Prevost H-Series provides tall, high-deck coaches with panoramic views and under-floor storage capacity of 460 cubic feet. The Prevost X-Series offers lowest overall height for the premium coach market, while maintaining a floor-toceiling height of 80 inches and a wheelbase of 334.5 inches. The Volvo 9700 offers quality, performance, economy, comfort and safety. The powertrain takes advantage of the coordination between the Volvo D13 engine and I-Shift transmission. This integration results in better performance and engine management, fuel savings and easier service scheduling. 19 Prevost Parts Email: prevostparts@volvo.com Website: www.prevostcar.com Online Parts Ordering:

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www.prevostcar.com/content/online-parts-ordering Prevost U.S. Parts Customer Service 2250 Point Blvd., Suite 410 Elgin, Illinois 60123. USA Eastern Region: 877-279-1224 Central Region: 877-279-1245 Western Region: 877-279-1219 Prevost Canada Parts Customer Service 2955-A Avenue Watt Quebec City, Quebec G1X 3W1. CANADA 800-463-8876 Products: Prevost offers 24/7 emergency parts ordering and shipping, and 24/7 online parts ordering with a special discount. Prevost parts warehouses use RF barcode technology for quick shipment of parts, and offers same-day shipping of stock parts anywhere in the United States and Canada for orders received before 2 p.m. (shipping location local time). Prevost’s computerized parts catalog provides immediate access to all coach assemblies, sub-assemblies and components. Prevost Parts provides replacement parts for all makes and models of coaches and transit buses, and is the exclusive distributor of Prevost, Volvo Bus and Nova Bus certified parts and components. The Prevost Parts and Service Network consists of 16 Prevost Parts and Service Centers, strategically located throughout the United States and Canada, 55-plus mobile service vans, and more than 150 Prevost-trained and certified service providers. The service network is the industry’s exclusive provider of certified service for Prevost vehicles, Volvo engines and Volvo I-Shift transmissions. 19 ______________PROAIR, LLC____________

SEE AD ON PAGE 14 715 Willow Springs Lane York, PA 17406 USA 717-767-2775 Email: acsolutions@actusa.us.com Website: www.actusa.us.com Company Officers: David Oberdorff, CMO & Vice President of Sales & Marketing; Gary Treharne, National Sales Director, Bus; James Schreiber, Director of Engineering Products: American Cooling Technology, Inc (ACT), a ProAir company, designs and manufactures a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for all sizes and makes of buses including both conventional and alternative drive buses. ACT’s products include split-type air conditioning systems as well as complete roof mount air conditioning systems for all buses. In addition, ACT offers specification preparation assistance, product testing, replacement air conditioning parts for most brands, product training and on-site customer support. 19 ProFusion Industries 822 Kumho Dr. Fairlawn, OH 44333 USA 330-668-7694 Website: www.profusionindustries.com

Products: U.S. manufacturer of heavy-duty flooring and entry step components. Supplier to original equipment manufacturers. Offers full line of rubber-type marbled rib and smooth flooring products, and slip resistant European-type flooring products for shuttle and transit products.

Flooring is available as a prewelded assembly for a complete bus floor, in all rib, all smooth, or with a rib center aisle. Standard width rolls are also available for pieced installation. Also offers entry treads, nosings, and standee lines, including replacement parts for all shuttle and transit brands.

Proprietary processes provide for short lead times.

17

Protective Insurance Company 111 Congressional Blvd., Suite 500 Carmel, IN 46032 USA 800-644-5501 Website: www.protectiveinsurance.com Products: A+ rated by A.M. Best, specializes in providing insurance for the transportation industry. Licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all Canadian provinces to provide comprehensive insurance programs (including, but not limited to, auto liability and workers’ compensation options) for motorcoach operations and limousine services. 16 Proterra 1815 Rollins Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010 USA 864-438-0000 Website: www.proterra.com Products: Catalyst® battery-electric transit buses. 18

Q’Straint 4031 NE 12th Ter. Oakland Park, FL 33334 USA 800-987-9987 Email: marketing@qstraint.com Website: www.qstraint.com Products: QUANTUM automatic wheelchair securement and Q’POD integrated 3-point wheelchair securement. 19 RBS - RELATIONAL BUS SYSTEMS, INC.

SEE AD ON PAGE 28 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 browser-based 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 definable security, requiring unique login and password, is available; Offsite Backup and Recovery provides daily offsite data backup and features limited online access to a customer’s data in the event of a disaster; and, Web Manager modules include simple, reliable, real time credit card authorization for GoChart and GoTour; online quote generation and notification; and web access to drivers’ orders for GoChart.

Demos for GoTour and GoChart are available by appointment. 19 REI 6534 L St. Omaha, NE 68117. USA 800-228-9275 Email: info@radioeng.com Website: www.radioeng.com Products: Entertainment and monitoring systems for motorcoaches and transit buses. 18

Resorts Casino Hotel 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 USA 800-772-9000 Website: www.resortsac.com Products: Casino, hotel and restaurants, including the Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex. 17 REV COACH LLC

SEE AD ON PAGE 76 4900 E. Loop 820 South Fort Worth, TX 76119 USA 833-473-8732 Website: www.revcoach.com Products: Setra — Luxury coaches backed by Daimler AG and REV Group. Setra motorcoaches live up to passenger and operator expectations. Setra also offers the level of support necessary to keep a lineup of coaches in service, including parts distribution, on-staff experts ready to answer questions, and the dedication of continuous innovation using the best the market has to offer. Daimler AG and REV Group offer decades of experience building quality coaches focused on luxury, operational uptime, and safety, as well as a support network that works hard for an operator’s bottom line.

Daimler AG has more than 125 years of passion and engineering prowess. Daimler has been a pioneer in the automotive industry. In fact, only Daimler can call Mercedes-Benz its flagship brand, which means the term “high standards”

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doesn’t quite cover the level of detail that goes into each product riding under the Daimler-Mercedes-Benz name.

REV Group is the leader of 30 specialty vehicle brands, including widely-recognized manufacturers Horton, American Coach, Fleetwood RV, Collins, and AEV. REV Group is known for its dedication to quality, innovation and service.

Committed to protecting and connecting passengers all over the world, REV Group brands also benefit from the best in aftermarket support.

Thanks to these two automotive powerhouses, North American operators will find success with Setra. 19 __________REYCO GRANNING__________

1205 Industrial Park Dr. Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 USA 800-753-0050, 417-466-2178 Email: cmeirick@reycogranning.com Website: www.reycogranning.com Products: Designs and manufactures air, steel spring and auxiliary suspensions used by bus, truck and specialty vehicle OEMs. A suspension manufacturer with close to 90 years of proven product quality, durability and reliability. The company is located in the heart of the Midwest, with some of America’s best and hardest working employees who continue to help Reyco Granning build on its rich history of manufacturing excellence. 19

RLI Transportation 9025 N. Lindbergh Dr. Peoria, IL 61615 USA 800-331-4929 Website: www.rlicorp.com Products: Insurance for the bus and motorcoach industries. 17

Rotary Lift 2700 Lanier Dr. Madison, IN 47250 USA 800-640-5438 Email: userlink@rotarylift.com Website: www.rotarylift.com Company Officer: David Fischmer, Marketing Director Products: Rotary Lift offers the industry’s broadest line of heavy-duty vehicle lifts. The line-up includes mobile column, modular inground, scissor, parallelogram, two-post and four-post lifts. 19

RouteMatch Software 1201 W. Peachtree St., NW, Ste. 3300 Atlanta, GA 30309 USA 404-876-5160 Email: sales@routematch.com Website: www.routematch.com Products: Software systems for schedule and route optimization, reporting and compliance. 14

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______RRL INSURANCE AGENCY_____

4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 115 Melbourne, FL 32934 USA 800-407-4077 Email: lovep@rrl-ins.com Website: www.rrl-ins.com Products: RRL Insurance specializes in commercial insurance and Risk Management Services located in Florida and Ohio. Its professional team has built a solid reputation with years of in-depth knowledge in the transportation industry, and are constantly enhancing contacts with insurance companies and insureds. In 2014, RRL became partners with Acrisure. RRL has 300-plus agency partners located in most states, with $10 billion plus in sales. RRL works with well-regarded companies that are very competitive in the marketplace. RRL is responsive to clients’ needs and offer a comprehensive insurance program which makes it a partner in reducing accidents and premiums. The RRL goal is to provide clients with cost effective insurance and risk management solutions, combining competitive rates with superior service and to exceed expectations.

All RRL clients have a personal account representative to handle their standard requests, such as certificates, vehicle changes, filings, etc.

Clients have total access to RRL’s management team, who can provide assistance for risk management needs 24/7. RRL is here for its clients on the go, with access to clients’ insurance and requested documents instantly online or from a smartphone or tablet. With solid insurance industry relationships, dealing with market representatives who understand the issues at hand, keeps RRL ahead of the curve. RRL works to place its customers’ operations with a strong market that will be a partner with each customer, at a cost-effective rate. There is a reason why RRL customers do not leave once they are with the company. With top-notch service and knowledge, the rest just falls into place. Give RRL a call. It is available to become a loyal partner in securing all insurance needs. 19 RUD-Chain, Inc. 840 N. 20th Ave. Hiawatha, IA 52233 USA 800-553-7993 Email: sales@rudchain.com Website: www.rotogrip.us Products: Manufacturer of traction devices and a solution based company committed to providing traction solutions for the safe operation of motor vehicles under slick, icy and snowy road conditions. ROTOGRIP® CS, RUD’s Automatic Tire Chain System for low profile vehicles, permanently mounts to the vehicle suspension assuring that any operator is well equipped for all road conditions. 17

July/August 2019

___________SAFETY STEP LLC__________

SEE AD ON PAGE 49 5304 Valleypark Dr. Roanoke, VA 24019 USA 540-362-9636 Email: jlewis@safetystep.net Website: www.safetystep.net Company Officers: Paul Huffman, President; Anna Guardipee, Vice President Products: Safety Step’s line of lightweight, all aluminum steps are designed to handle constant usage by passengers. All Safety Steps feature anti-tip and anti-slip designs. Rubber leg tips help secure passengers on all surfaces and during any weather conditions. With various platform sizes, heights and powder coat finishes, Safety Step has the step to improve every passenger travel experience. 19 __________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/mass-transit Company Officer: Lucius McCelvey, Transit Sales Manager Products: Manage daily operations with ease. Save time and money by efficiently locating video with user-friendly wireless downloading, video redaction, and HD zooming capabilities. With newly available technology users can access and share video with local authorities when needed, and live look-in at any time to monitor onboard activity.

Safety Vision’s suite of mobile video solutions offer high quality equipment and lasting performance at the best value for any transit environment. 19

Samsara 444 De Haro St. San Francisco, CA 94107 USA 415-985-2400 Email: info@samsara.com Website: www.samsara.com Products: Samsara’s cloud-connected cameras provide complete 360º video visibility. Such coverage allows bus/motorcoach companies to better investigate and resolve incidents, enhance passenger and driver safety, and protect a fleet against false claims. 19

Sanicoach 938 E. Swan Creek Rd., #241 Fort Washington, MD 20744 USA 301-257-6714 Email: sanicoachdc@gmail.com Products: 24-hour mobile bus dumping services in the Washington, D.C. area. 18

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SanUVAire, LLC 6435 W. Quaker St. Orchard Park, NY 14127 USA 888-611-6660 Email: sales@sanuvaire.com Website: www.sanuvaire.com Products: Offers indoor air quality products designed and developed for the transit industry. Uses “New Ultraviolet Germicidal Technology” with a patent license for public transportation vehicles.

Premier product is the Breathe-Safe System™, which implements UVGI air purification technology into vehicle HVAC units providing protection from daily exposure to health problems in transit ridership while reducing vehicle related maintenance and fuel costs. The Breathe-Safe UV Germicidal system sterilizes the microorganisms so they are no longer able to reproduce.

Other products include S-MT™ 1.0 Mobile Tower used for surface sterilization of vehicle interiors and transit facilities and the SWAND™ for easy, quick hand-held disinfection of surface spills and spoils. SanUVaire carries a full line of smart, indoor air quality monitoring devices and UV sensors and meters for measuring the effectiveness of UV systems. Its line of safety solutions includes the Flashing S.T.O.P. Alert™ sign to increase awareness and reduce accidents, as well as Curb-Alarm™ to reduce tire and wheel damage along with associated financial ramifications. 18 _SARDO BUS & COACH UPHOLSTERY_

503 S. Main Ave. Minneola, FL 34715 USA 512 W. Rosecrans Ave. Gardena, CA 90248 USA 800-654-3824 Email: sandy@sardobus.com Website: www.sardobus.com Company Officers: Lou Sardo, President; Sandy Follis, President of Sales; Kathy Cruse, National Sales Manager; Angela Woodward, Transit Account Coordinator Products: Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery’s quality craftsmanship and unique customer service has made it an industry leader in motorcoach and transit refurbishment. Sardo’s original Professional Mobile Road crew is a trendsetter, providing experience onsite installation service at a customer’s facility. This minimizes downtime and provides personal attention to every detail. Sardo guarantees its workmanship for as long as a customer owns its coach. Sardo offers a wide variety of innovative styles, color combinations and patterns utilizing the finest quality materials for interior refurbishment. It also manufactures custom fit seat covers for mail-out service, with seat cover liners for easy installation.

For flooring needs, Sardo can install a brand new complete floor, or just replace the entrance area steps for the ultimate first impression. Sardo provides seating options for transit authorities all over the United States and Canada. With Lou

Sardo’s patented quick release insert design, transit authorities are finding superior replacement options at a fraction of the cost. Lou Sardo has developed a number of innovative products for the transit, rail and bus industries, each proving time and money saving benefits. Sardo takes pride in delivering the best quality refurbishment while also offering a great selection of seating options at an affordable price. Visit the company’s website, like its Facebook page, and join Sardo on LinkedIn to learn more about the company’s products and services. 19 Saucon Technologies 2455 Baglyos Circle Bethlehem, PA 18020 USA 484-241-2514 Website: www.saucontds.com Products: GPS tracking, reporting options and dispatch tools for various types of transportation providers. 16 Scalabros S.r.l.

Via Caduti di Sabbiuno 83/C -Loc. Bazzano Valsamoggia, BO 40053 ITALY +39 051 832587 Email: info@scalabros.it Website: www.scalabros.it Products: Bus components including manual and motorized sunshades, escape roof hatches and floorservice hatches. 17 __SERVICE INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC__

SEE AD ON PAGE 49 6850 Catawba Ln. Richmond, VA 23226 USA 800-444-0205 Website: www.serviceins.com Products: Service Insurance Agency, Inc., has been providing insurance and related products to the passenger transportation industry since 1952.

Its professional staff is trained to provide the highest quality customer service and offers solutions for the unique insurance needs of its passenger transportation customers. An independent company, Service Insurance writes insurance for motorcoaches, limousines, vanpools, city transit buses, airport shuttles and school buses. 07 SHRIVER TRANSPORTATION ______INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC______

1 Oakbrook Terrace, #209 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 USA 630-833-0480 Website: www.shriverinsurance.com Products: Shriver Transportation Insurance Agency has specialized in public transportation since 1963. Company representatives listen to what their customers want in order to tailor a policy to meet each of these customer needs.

Shriver works with customers from coast to coast on any size account. 18

SLEC, Inc. 23 Fontana Ln., Suite 109 Baltimore, MD 21237 USA 443-730-1023 Email: allisterc@slec.com Website: www.slec.com Company Officers: Allister Collings; Lisa Collings Products: The 18Type mobile column lift, manufactured in Baltimore by SLEC, Inc., is rated at 18,000 lbs. (each column), and is ideal for transit buses and motorcoaches. A SLEC® lift is one man portable, and consequently can be used in multiple work bays and outside. SLEC® lifts feature an electromechanical, self-locking design, based on an Acme threaded screw and a bronze load nut for the ultimate in safety as it is inherently self-locking. The lifts stop immediately when power is removed and cannot move again unless power is re-applied. An easy-to-use interactive touch-screen pad enables the operator to select the operational mode (all lifts, pairs or single) and communicates to the operator the height of each column, error codes and much more.

The recently launched “ultimate pack” marries the benefit of getting the cable off the floor while keeping the robust reliability of a cable-connected lift. The connecting cable extends between each column on a retractable roller system and loops around the top of each column. SLEC® lifts are independently tested and certified to the standards of the Automotive Lift Institute ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2011. All of this is backed by nationwide after-sales and service support. 19

SmartTray International, LLC 15100 N. 78th Way, Floor 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA Email: railandbus@thesmarttray.com Website: www.thesmarttray.com Products: Tray table solutions including patented personal electronic device management features for buses and motorcoaches. 18 Specialty Vehicles (SVI, Inc.) 440 Mark Leany Dr. Henderson, NV 89011 USA 800-SVI-TRAM Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com Products: New and used trolleys, trams, electric shuttles, and other types of people movers. 19

Starcraft Bus 2367 Century Dr., Goshen, IN 46528 USA 800-348-7440 Website: www.starcraftbus.com Products: Starcraft Bus is a North American shuttle bus manufacturer. Services markets including hotels, churches, retirement centers, tour operators, and all aspects of public and private transportation. 15 Stertil-Koni 200 Log Canoe Circle Stevensville, MD 21666 USA 800-336-6637, 410-643-9001

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Email: lifts@stertil-koni.com Website: www.stertil-koni.com/bus-lifts, www.stertil-koni.com/truck-lifts Products: Stertil-Koni provides heavy-duty vehicle lifts – bus lifts and truck lifts – featuring top performance, durability and safety. 19 STEWART & STEVENSON POWER ___PRODUCTS-ATLANTIC DIVISION___

systems for new vehicles as well as for refurbishment and LED upgrading projects. It offers lighting solutions that are integrated with the other decor of the vehicle and provides sufficient and pleasant lighting. 17 ______TEMSA NORTH AMERICA______

TLS Total Automotive Lifting Solutions Inc. 2300 Speers Rd. Oakville, Ontario L6L 2X8 CANADA 877-799-5438 Email: gdiangelo@tlslifts.com, sales@tlslifts.com Website: www.tlslifts.com Company Officer: Harold Yeo Products: TLS Inc., is a member of the Automotive Lift Institute, and participates in the certification of its products, with models ranging in capacities from 2,000 to 100,000 lbs. 19 _____TRANS/AIR MANUFACTURING____

SEE AD ON PAGE 31 180 Route 17 South Lodi, NJ 07644 USA 201-489-5800 Website: www.atlanticdda.com Products: Detroit Diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission distributor; Mercedes-Benz diesel engines; Freightliner Custom Chassis; Mobile Climate Control; Thomas Built Buses, Parts and service dealer; complete diagnostic and repair services; Allison-hybrid electric propulsion and related components; filters; batteries; diesel emission and retrofit solutions. 18 ________SUTRAK CORPORATION_______

SEE AD ON PAGE 29 6897 E. 49th Ave. Commerce City, CO 80022 USA 303-287-2700 Website: www.sutrakusa.com Products: ISO 9001 certified. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems for light rail vehicles and people movers and buses including school buses. 19

Sys2K 528 Northlake Blvd., Ste. 1000 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 USA 407-358-2000 Email: marketing@sys2k.com Website: www.sys2k.com Products: Infinity Business Management Software is a Windows-based business solution. Selected by an international General Motors team for implementation at GM’s Chinese parts and service outlets. Daimler Corporation uses Sys2K for its North American Setra tour bus plant. 15

Teknoware 120 Wampus Ln. Milford, CT 06460 USA 203-878-8567 Website:www.teknoware.com/en/vehicle-lighting Products: Lighting design for public transport vehicles. Teknoware provides lights and lighting

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SEE AD ON PAGE 19 949 Appling Harlem Rd. Harlem, GA 30814 USA 706-449-8016, 833-628-3672 Website: www.temsa.com/us/en Products: Temsa is one of the world’s leading motorcoach and bus manufacturers. Founded in 1968, and operating from a 510,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in Adana, Turkey since 1987, Temsa produces over 10,000 motorcoaches, buses and light trucks per year. 19

Thermo King Corporation 314 W. 90th St. Minneapolis, MN 55420 USA 952-887-2200 Website: www.thermoking.com Products: Thermo King, a HVAC supplier to the North American transit market, has been providing HVAC solutions for buses since 1956. Thermo King offers a complete line of products including new “Green Technologies” that help protect the environment while adding value to customers. 17 TIAA Bank 501 Riverside Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32202 USA 203-984-5710 Website: www.tiaabank.com/commercial Products: Transportation financing services. 19

TIB - TRANSPORTATION ________INSURANCE BROKERS________

425 W. Broadway, Suite 300 Glendale, CA 91204 USA 800-248-2877 Email: jmcanany@tibinsurance.com Website: www.tibinsurance.com Company Officer: Jeff McAnany, Vice President of Sales Products: A brokerage firm dedicated to the transportation industry, offering auto and general liability, physical damage, workers’ compensation and bonds. Specializing in, and committed to the transportation industry. Offices from Los Angeles to New York. Focusing only on the transportation marketplace. 18

July/August 2019

480 E. Locust St. Dallastown, PA 17313 USA 717-246-2627 Website: www.transairmfg.com Products: Trans/Air Manufacturing is an ISO 9001-registered firm, manufacturing a full line of climate control systems for the school, commercial, and electric/hybrid vehicle markets. Units, parts, service, training, warranty, and new or aftermarket installations are available through factory-owned operations or a network of distributors throughout North America. 19 ________TRANSIGN LLC_________

281 Collier Rd. Auburn Hills, MI 48326 USA 248-623-6400, 855-535-7446 Email: sales@transignllc.com Website: www.transignllc.com Products: Transign® is a market leader in passenger information systems and vital transit solutions. For the past six decades, Transign® has provided the transit industry with durable, innovative and high-quality passenger information systems that has changed how the transit industry delivers advanced services to riders.

Transign® products have been widely adopted in North America, helping to boost public transportation services across the continent. It offers transit agencies an affordable solution to increase ridership, improve service and communication, and run more efficiently to optimize revenue. The products help greatly in modernizing the way people travel and access information while they reach their destinations conveniently. Transign® assists transit operators in offering their passengers with the best-in-class services.

Transign® continues its industry-leading innovation with the company’s newest smart bus solution, the LED Destinator EnCompass™.

This hands-free fleet management solution combines GPS-based message progression with Transign’s existing high-quality LED Destina-

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tor™ signs, route boxes, backup cameras, complete stop request systems, interior LED displays, automated voice announcements, automatic passenger counting, smart phone mobile apps, real time bus tracking, and location-based advertising opportunities. Transign® is a U.S. manufacturer of roller curtain signs and meets ongoing demands, which provides superior graphic solutions to enhance branding.

Transign® has been a leading provider of LED destination signs, run number boxes, roller curtain signs and passenger information systems since 1959. Transign® currently serves hundreds of agencies and private shuttle operators alike, in both the United States and Canada and prides itself on being one of the most highly recommended and endorsed transit sign providers in the industry today. 18 Transit & Paratransit Company (TAPTCO) 5601 Hudson Dr. Hudson, OH 44236 USA 630-235-4457 Website: www.taptco.com Products: Training programs for transit and paratransit bus drivers. 14 Transit Bus Technical Advisors 1577 Havenwood Dr. Oceanside, CA 92056 USA 607-240-8067 Email: johnlula1@att.net Products: Assistance to transit authorities and manufacturers regarding diesel, CNG, hybridelectric, fuel cell and EV buses. 18

Transit Sales International 1863 Service Ct. Riverside, CA 92507 USA 800-287-7253 Email: buyer@transitsales.com Website: www.transitsales.com Products: Quality preowned transit buses, bus sales and leasing, short to long-term leases, variety of different models, alternative fuel selections. 19

TransitFlor 1833 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305 USA 800-321-2340 Email: info@transitflor.com Website: www.transitflor.com Products: TransitFlor® premium-grade rubber flooring, stair treads and entrance plates are designed for such vehicles as school, metro and touring buses. 18

Translite Enterprises - Bus Glass Distributors 107 Trumbull St., K Bldg.

Elizabeth, NJ 07206 USA 800-934-3450 Email: info@transliteent.com Website: www.translitebusglass.com Products: Windshields and side glass for coach, school bus and transit. 17 Transportation Information Systems 5435 Cahuenga Blvd., Ste. D. North Hollywood, CA 91601 USA 818-563-2839

Email: info@tisfleet.com Website: www.ifleeteld.tisfleet.com Products: iFleetELD software and hardware items that allow for full compliance with federal electronic device (ELD) requirements, as well as provide additional benefits to drivers and fleet managers. 18

TriMark Corp.

500 Bailey Ave. New Hampton, IA 50659 USA 800-447-0343 Website: www.trimarkcorp.com Products: Designer and manufacturer of handles, latches, complete door access systems and related components. 18 TRP BUS PARTS

SEE AD ON PAGE 21 750 Houser Way North Renton, WA 98057 USA 206-504-8322 Email: dale.puhrmann@paccar.com Website: www.trpparts.com Products: TRP parts for buses are distributed exclusively by PACCAR Parts, a division of PACCAR, Inc., and are available globally through authorized retailers that include TRP stores as well as DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt dealerships.

Supported by a worldwide network of parts and service professionals.

TRP offers dependable aftermarket products that are designed and tested to meet customers’ expectations for quality and value. Regardless of bus age, make or application, TRP is the allmakes leader for quality bus parts that are “Trusted, Reliable and Proven.” For more information, visit TRPParts.com. 19 Turbo Images 1225 107 E. Rue Saint Georges, QC G5Y 8C3 CANADA 888-219-8872 Email: info@turbo-images.com Website: www.turbo-images.com Products: Fleet design and graphics. The company provides creative design services, leading edge digital printing, bus wraps, onsite installation across North America, installation at the factory prior to delivery, removal services, and an after-sales online parts reordering system. 18 ___________TURTLE TOP INC.__________

67819 State Road 15 New Paris, IN 46553 USA 800-296-2105

Email: matts@turtletop.com Website: www.turtletop.com Company Officers: Rob Cripe, President/CEO; Phil Tom, Vice President Products: Since 1962, Turtle Top has been providing high quality, customer driven vehicle solutions from 8 to 50 passengers. Over 50 years of history and experience anchor the company’s core values of integrity, faith, quality and service. Owning a Turtle Top means choosing a legacy, born from creativity and sustained by an unmatched pursuit for perfection that spans five generations. 19 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) 113 S. West St., 4th floor Alexandria, VA 22314 USA 800-424-8262 Email: info@uma.org Website: www.uma.org Products: UMA is an association of motorcoach owners and industry suppliers, with over 1,000 members located in North America. 16

United States Warranty Corporation (USWC) 6150 Parkland Blvd., Suite 200 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 USA 800-233-9878 Website: www.uswceagle.com Products: Extended warranties for new and used vehicles from mini-vans to buses. 18

USSC Group (United States Seating) 150 Gordon Dr. Exton, PA 19341 USA 866-312-6820 Website: www.usscgroup.com Products: (USSC) designs and engineers worldclass seating and ADA securement systems for transportation markets throughout North America.

Continues to develop durable and ergonomicallydesigned seating for public transportation. Comfortable seating options for passengers and operators of buses, subways, and light-rail systems. Focuses on four things in the design of any seating solution. They are: comfort, durability, cost-effectiveness, and maintainability. The company’s aim is to provide customers with the best seating products at the lowest life-cycle cost.

The goal is to design products that minimize fatigue and pain associated with the whole body vibration. Each seat is designed for customizability and support. Leads the way in ADA securement solutions that are designed to maximize independence and minimize securement times. Ergonomically designed, slim profile seating provides maximum aisle width for maneuverability within ADA zones. 18 ____________VAN HOOL N.V.____________

SEE AD ON PAGE 13 Bernard Van Hoolstraat 58 2500 Koningshooikt (Lier) BELGIUM 00-32-3-420-21-94 Email: sales.bc.usa@vanhool.be

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Website: www.vanhool.be Products: Van Hool is an independent Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches and utility vehicles. 19 _____________VANNER, INC.____________

SEE AD ON PAGES 6 & 26 4282 Reynolds Dr. Hilliard, OH 43026 USA 800-ACP-OWER (800-227-6937) Website: www.vanner.com Products: Hybrid Beltless Alternators™ (HBA) are high efficiency DC to DC converters for Allison H40/50EP Hybrids. Eliminates alternators and associated components. Enough capacity to power variable speed electric radiator fans while running cool and efficiently. Also, VANN-BUS Electrical Systems transmit accurate information about the 12/24v vehicle batteries with analysis and monitoring 24/7 with state of health, over and under voltage, battery imbalance and temperature, J1939 communication with MUX and telemetry systems. Enables state-of-charge management lengthening battery life. Also can work in a closed-loop manner with the Hybrid Beltless Alternator™.

Vanner also offers battery equalizers for MBBM battery monitoring. StartSentry Ultracapacitors also provide short bursts of energy and eliminate jumpstarting, reduce operational cost and downtime, reduce damaging drain on 12/24v vehicle batteries, and will start a vehicle with a dead battery. Vanner inverters and AC Power systems can power 110v AC outlets at passengers’ seats in buses and coaches. Battery chargers provide high performance 3-stage battery charging for 24v DC battery banks for buses and coaches. 11 VAPOR BUS INTERNATIONAL ________- A WABTEC COMPANY________

1010 Johnson Dr. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 USA 847-777-6400 Email: vaporbusinfo@wabtec.com Website: www.vapordoors.com Products: Door equipment supplier to the North American bus industry, offering products for transit and commuter buses, intercity and motorcoaches, shuttle and commercial vehicles. Offers complete automatic door systems as well as individual components such as actuator devices, door controls, door panels, seals, and door accessories. Rugged, high performance actuators available in electric or pneumatic configurations.

Door control options range from simple electromechanical devices to high-capability, microprocessor-based systems. 15 Vehicle Inspection Systems, Inc. (VIS) 6317 McCoy Rd., Suite 110 Orlando, FL 32822 USA 407-206-3615

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Email: info@vischeck.net Website: www.vischeck.net Products: The manufacturer and distributor of the VIS-Polish, VIS-Shine, and Squirrel wheel safety device. VIS has been serving the heavy-duty vehicle, truck, and bus industry since 1994. 16

Voith Turbo 25 Winship Rd. York, PA 17406 USA 717-767-3200 Website: www.voith.com Products: Voith’s DIWA.6 automatic transmission is lowering fuel consumption, while bringing optimum performance through state-of-the-art technology. 17 Voltabox Of Texas, Inc. 1500 Volta Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78641 USA 512-814-3700 Website: www.voltabox.com Products: Designs, develops and manufactures high-performance lithium-ion battery systems.

18

Volvo Group North America 7900 National Service Rd. Greensboro, NC 27409 USA 336-393-2000 Website: www.volvogroup.com Products: A global manufacturer of buses, trucks, construction equipment and drive systems. 16 ____WEH TECHNOLOGIES INC.___

24903 Laguna Edge Dr. Katy, TX 77494 USA 832-331-0021 Website: www.weh.us Products: WEH offers an extensive range of CNG refueling products. For dispensers, this includes nozzles, breakaways, hoses and filters. For vehicles, this includes receptacles and check valves. 16

Welch Industries 650 Red Oak Rd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 USA 770-474-1150 Email: lamar@welchindustries.com Website: www.welchindustries.com Products: Air conditioning compressors, condenser coils, hoses, valves, switches, etc. 19

July/August 2019

Wheeler Bros., Inc. 384 Drum Ave. Somerset, PA 15501 USA 800-842-7285 Email: info@wheelerfleet.com Website: www.wheelerfleet.com Products: Brake components, body/lighting, filters, starters, alternators, mirrors, belts/tensioners, wiper components, exhaust, batteries, fluids/ chemicals. 17 Willingham Inc. 20008 244th Ave. S.E. Maple Valley, WA 98038 USA 425-432-9867 Website: www.willinghaminc.com Products: Seatcovers, complete interiors, floors, step tread kits, parcel rack door and bay door pistons, foam rubber replacement kits, net pockets, cup holders, grab handles and accessories. Seat parts for all models. 12 XALT Energy LLC 2700 S. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640 USA 989-486-8501 Email: powerup@xaltenergy.com Website: www.xaltenergy.com Company Officers: Jeff Michalski, President and CEO; Isabell Katschmer, CFO Products: Innovater in energy storage technologies, offering solutions from long life cycle cells to complete DNV GL type approved packs, battery management systems and racking. XALT has released a new telematics system in 2019, the XALT Battery Viewer (XBV). Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) became a majority interest in XALT Energy in 2019. 19

Zenith Motors 204 Vine St. Wilder, KY 41076 USA 800-630-9833 Email: sales@zenith-motors.com Website: www.zenith-motors.com Products: Electric-powered van manufacturer. 18

ZF Openmatics 777 Hickory Hill Dr. Vernon Hills, IL 60061 USA 847-478-6840 Website: www.zf.com Products: Telematics, vehicle diagnostics, infotainment and entertainment systems, as well as axle and transmission systems for the bus and motorcoach industries. 18

DON’T BE LEFT OUT!!

Fill Out Your 2020 Busline Suppliers Directory Form Online At www.buslinemag.com

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Four Season Travel Takes Delivery Of 6 2019 Prevost H3-45 Coaches

Irwindale, CA- based Four Season Travel launched in southern California in 2012 with three coaches to serve customers in the western U.S. from San Diego, CA, to Seattle, WA. Since 2012, the company has steadily expanded, providing coach services to national and international tour operators and travel groups, VIP minibus charters as well as offering bus and coach maintenance.

Four Season Travel specializes in unique destination tours, international travel and highly-personalized all-service coach tour packages.

Luxury comfort is standard for Four Season Travel’s charter service. The criterion for luxury continues with the recent delivery of six 2019 H3-45s, bringing its coach count to 32 in a mixed fleet that includes 17 Prevost H3-45s and three Volvo 9700 coaches.

The new H3-45 coaches were added to Four Season Travel’s fleet to better serve its growing worldwide clientele. The new coaches are equipped for high-level comfort - offering custom Amaya seating with fold-down foot rests, tray tables, electron-

ically-controlled window blinds and USB charging ports. Additionally, the customized microphone and Wi-Fi system help ensure a positive tour experience.

While passengers soak up the panoramic view through flushmounted frameless windows from the highest deck of the Prevost models, their luggage is stored in the H-Series’ 470 cubic feet under-floor cargo area.

“Our Prevost coaches reflect quality in every respect,” said Four Season Travel Director Marshall Yu. “Our entire staff appreciates the workmanship and care that goes into each new model which makes their jobs more enjoyable. Our drivers appreciate the H3-45 for the effortless handling and the smooth ride for customers, while the maintenance team benefits tremendously from Prevost technical support and warranty processes.”

Prevost is a manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and a world leader in the production of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com.

In Partnership With BYD

Indianapolis Announces Wireless Inductive Charging Deployment Of Electric Vehicles

Momentum Dynamics Corporation, which offers highpower wireless charging for electric vehicles, announced that (in partnership with BYD and IndyGo) it will install three 300-kilowatt inductive charging points in Indianapolis. IndyGo will be positioned to recharge its electric transit fleet of 31 buses at a rate higher than any other wireless charging deployment, according to a press release.

Momentum Dynamics’ technology will help power IndyGo’s 60-foot electric buses on the Red Line rapid transit route through on-route charging. Each time the bus reaches an inductive charger, located at endpoints of the route, the battery automatically receives a charging boost enabling the vehicle to continue along the route. This fully automated charging strategy reduces overall operation and maintenance costs while avoiding local emissions.

Momentum Dynamics CEO and Founder Andrew Daga said, “We are incredibly excited to partner with BYD and IndyGo to install 300-kilowatt wireless inductive charging stations, which will extend driving range for the BYD buses. We are moving toward an electric transportation future, and Indianapolis is leading the pack both nationally and globally.

As public transit agencies transition fleets to electric vehicles, they see substantial economic and environmental benefits with on-route wireless charging technology.”

“BYD applauds IndyGo for bringing zero emission technology to its community, reducing air pollution and providing smoother, quieter trips for riders,” said Bobby Hill, vice president of BYD Coach & Bus. “BYD is working hand-in-hand with IndyGo to ensure the continued success of its service.”

The official sponsor of Mother Nature™, BYD has 220,000

employees across the globe, including nearly 1,000 in North America.

BYD Exhibits 12-Metre eBus At Public Transit Summit In Stockholm

BYD showcased its 12-metre eBus at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit recently in Stockholm. The company’s pure electric, 100 percent emissions-free eBus has an all-new aluminum body and a choice of two- and three-door variants, both offering a total maximum capacity of 80 passengers.

“The 12-metre eBus is the company’s most popular eBus product. Manufactured in Hungary, the best-seller is also establishing itself as the electric bus of choice among an increasing number of local authority public transport providers across Europe,” according to BYD. BYD reached a milestone in May after delivering its 50,000th eBus – its 12-metre model – part of a delivery of 15 eBuses for public transport operator TUBASA in Badajoz, Spain. With the delivery, BYD now has over 700 eBuses on order or in service across Europe. BYD commands over 20 percent of the European electric bus market, according to the company.

For more information, visit www.byd.com.

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S Smal Sma m & Mid-Size M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses MICRO BIRD COMMERCIAL

MICRO BIRD COMMERCIAL

CT-Series

CTS-Series

Offered in gas or diesel, recent tests demonstrate an impressive day-to-day fuel economy of up to 38 percent compared to other shuttle bus chassis. The transit chassis also offers an encased capless fuel filter and an improved engine compartment layout, in both 3.2 diesel and 3.7 gas litre engines, that are proven worldwide.

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

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

This bus is ready to be equipped with a variety of options to suit the needs of any passenger, disabled or not. The CTS-Series (CT-Series) offers more visibility and a more comfortable driver’s area, with easy access to controls. The double-leaf wheelchair doors offer protection on both sides of the lift, thus adding to passenger safety, while offering superior weather seal and door strength.

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

Model.....................................................................................................CT-Series Seating Capacity............................................................Up to 17 passengers Length ............................................................................................................273” Width ................................................................................................................86” Height .............................................................................................................106” Engine........................................................................3.7L V6 or 3.2L I5 Diesel Transmission ......................................................6 speed AOD w/Selectshift Chassis ..................................................................................Ford Transit T350 Air Conditioning........................................................................Up to 55K BTU Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension......................................................................................Leaf Spring Wheelbase......................................................................................................156” Page 62

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

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

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S Smal Sma m &M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz Mid-Size B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses MICRO BIRD COMMERCIAL

MICRO BIRD COMMERCIAL

D-Series

DS-Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Model ....................................................................................................DS-Series Seating Capacity...........................................................Up to 22 passengers Length...................................................................................From 283” to 315” Width.................................................................................................................96” Height ..............................................................................................................118” Engine ..............................................................Ford 6.8L gas or GM 6.0L gas Transmission ................................................................................6-Speed AOD Chassis.............................................Ford E350 & E450 or GM 3500 & 4500 Air Conditioning........................................................................Up to 82K BTU Wheelchair Lift....................................................................................Standard Steering.........................................................................................Tilt-Standard Suspension....................................................Leaf Spring - Mor/Ryde or Air Wheelbase.............................................................................From 158” to 177” July/August 2019

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S Smal Sma m & Mid-Size M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses REV GROUP

REV GROUP

Champion Bus

ElDorado

The Champion LF Transport offers equal access, comfort, and dignity for all passengers in a vehicle everyone can appreciate. Passengers and operators alike will be pleased with the spacious interior cabin, smooth vehicle ride, and panoramic views seen through the large windows. A uniformly-sloped Equalizer Ramp™ and a variety of kneeling options are the essence of accessability.

Other features include: • Three different suspension options to choose from —non-kneeling OEM spring, Squat™ Hydraulic Kneeling, and FlexBus™ Electronic Kneeling; • Industry’s only bus manufacturer that is Ford QVM certified to build low-floor models on the E and F Series cutaway chassis; available in gas, diesel or 91G OEM hardened-engine package for alternative fuels while retaining the OEM engine warranties; • First-ever transit front cap with large panoramic forward observation windows for enhanced aestheics and passenger views, while still adhering to FMVSS 220 rollover testing standards; and, • Maintaining the integrity of the driveline, the LF Transport upholds Ford’s rigorous QVM standards, allowing the OEM warranties to be honored at local Ford service centers. Technology drives accessability.

With over 30 years of experience, ElDorado can build the ideal cutaway bus to suit any needs while delivering safety, comfort and dependability. When purchasing any ElDorado model from an authorized dealer, customers also get three decades of organizational experience and expertise.

A member of the ElDorado “Aero” product line, the Aerotech has a reputation for dependability and long lasting service. The Aerotech’s rustproof composite fiberglass body produces a clean, modern look that holds up through time and the toughest of environments.

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

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

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

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

Model ...........................................................................................LF Transport™ Seating Capacity...........................................................Up to 27 passengers Length ........................................................................................................24’-29’ Width .......................................................................................................96”-102” Height......................................................................................................110”-117” Engine .............................................. 6.8L Gas, 6.7L Diesel, 91G CNG (Ford), 6.6L Gas, 6.6L Diesel (GM) Transmission............................................................5 or 6-speed automatic Chassis......................................................Ford E-450, Ford F-550, GM 4500 Air Conditioning..........................................................Customer preference Wheelchair Lift ....................................................................Equalizer Ramp™ Steering..........................................................................................................OEM Suspension ........................................................................Electronic Air Ride Wheelbase...........................................................186”, 189”, 195”, 208”, 240”

Model .....................................................................................................Aerotech Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 29 Length .................................................................................................Up to 301” Width.................................................................................................................96” Height ..............................................................................................................115” Engine ................................ Ford 6.8L or 6.2L V8 Gas, Chevy 6.0L V8 Gas Transmission.....................................................................6-speed automatic Chassis.............................................................................E450 or Chevy 4500 Air Conditioning ............................................................ACT Climate Control Wheelchair Lift.........................................................................Braun or Ricon Steering......................................................................................................Power Suspension...............OEM, Heavy-duty suspension available as option Wheelbase ............................................................................................138”-182”

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S Smal Sma m &M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz Mid-Size B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses REV GROUP

REV GROUP

ENC

World Trans

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

With a wide range of options to choose from, the E-Z Rider II can be custom built to meet specific needs and separate a fleet from the ordinary. A 35-foot length model seats up to 41 passengers, equal to the capacity of competing 40foot length models.

The E-Z Rider II is FTA Altoona tested, and built on a sturdy single-piece, highstrength steel monocoque body structure to ensure safe and reliable long-term service in the harshest environments. With hundreds of available seating configurations and dozens of optional interior/exterior features to choose from, any design request can be accommodated to provide an aesthetically pleasing and quality bus built for customer specific needs.

Precisely engineered to be lighter, stronger and safer; the World Trans E and G series will meet all customer needs and exceed expectations. The unique modular construction will create a quieter, durable, and more fuel efficient bus with less waste and in a fraction of the time — put together in a smart looking package.

The World Trans E and G series buses feature an exclusive modular construction that provides unparalleled flexibility, safety and style, spacious interior with maximum window visibility that enhance the passenger experience, and high-strength galvanized steel flooring, roof and walls to provide superior durability and rust prevention. The vehicle has increased seating capacity and improved fuel efficiency, which are enabled by an incredibly strong and lightweight structure. Fiberglass front and rear caps produce a clean, sleek and modern look, and the vehicle exceeds FMVSS220, FMVSS214, and 7 year/200,000 mile Altoona durability requirements, allowing for driving intelligence.

ENC 9670 Galena St., Riverside, CA 92509 909-591-9557 Fax: 909-591-5285 Email: info@eldorado-ca.com www.eldorado-ca.com Model ..................................................................................................E-Z Rider II Seating Capacity...................................................................................Up to 41 Length....................................................................................30’7”, 31’3”, 35’7” Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................Diesel 126”, CNG 136” Engine .................................................................................................. Cummins Transmission .........................Allison - B300R, Allison - B400R, Voith, ZF Chassis.................................................................................ElDorado National Air Conditioning........................................................Roof or rear mounted, plus dash mounted driver’s HVAC Wheelchair Ramp .......................................................Lift-U, Ricon or Braun Steering......................................................................................................Power Suspension ...................................................Air suspension front and rear Wheelbase................................................................................160”, 168”, 220”

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

Model....................................................................World Trans E and G series Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 25 Length ................................................................................................Up to 320” Width........................................................................................................88”, 96” Height.....................................................................................................117”, 122” Engine................................................................. Ford 6.8L Gas, GM 6.0L Gas Transmission....................................Ford 5-speed auto, GM 4-speed auto Chassis...................................................................Ford E series, GM G series Steering......................................................................................................Power Suspension .............................................................OEM, upgrades available Wheelbase..........................................................................................Up to 190” July/August 2019

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S Smal Sma m & Mid-Size M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses ABC Companies

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® J3500

Van Hool CX35 The Van Hool CX35 was created to meet the diverse needs of customers, further demonstrating ABC Companies’ commitment to the North American market. The Van Hool CX35’s user-friendly design integrates many full-size coach features including: spacious inner cabin, optional 2nd door, expanded luggage capacity, seamless driver experience from the CX45, comprehensive safety package, and easy serviceability.

The Van Hool CX45 and the CX35 share a nearly identical design with many commonly used parts and components that can drive some highvalue benefits to operators. A dramatic reduction in spare parts investment is an obvious advantage, but for operators who already run the Van Hool CX45 in their fleet, the need for driver and mechanic training is greatly mitigated. With many exclusive features unique to the small coach segment, the Van Hool CX35 delivers some added benefits in addition to the durability, comfort and reliability operators expect from Van Hool.

ABC Companies 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 USA Ph: 800-222-2871 • Fax: 407-905-7021 Email: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com

Seating Capacity ..........................................................Up to 40 Passengers Overall Length ................................................................................................35’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height .............................................................................................11’ 6” Engine ........................................................................Cummins ISL 9 (350HP) Transmission..........................Allison B500 Six-Speed Automatic (Gen5) Chassis.................................................Stainless Steel Chassis, Windshield & Side Window Frames Air Conditioning ....................................................Integrated HVAC System Wheelchair Lift Option .......................Mid-Ship Position Wheelchair Lift w/2 Tie-Down Positions Page 66

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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’ 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.............................................................2017 EPA Cummins L9, 350hp, 1150 lb-ft torque w/engine brake Transmission: .............................Gen V Allison B500, 6-speed automatic with prognostics capability Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

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S Smal Sma m &M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz Mid-Size B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses BYD

CHTC

30’ Battery-Electric Bus (K7)

HT35

The 30-foot K7 is BYD’s top-selling model for universities and corporate campuses, shuttling students and workers in quiet comfort. It performs well in smaller cities, at airports, performing arts venues and parking structures.

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 transportation, university campuses, airports and corporate campuses— all at a lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation.

The stunning HT35, reimagined for 2019. With major upgrades, the 2019 model is CHTC’s best mid-sized coach yet. Powered by the mighty Cummins L9 350, and running the Allison B500R transmission, the 2019 HT35 is ready for anything the road can throw at it.

With seating for 40, a lavatory, and a fully upgraded AC system, passengers will ride in comfort.

Experience the ultimate in safety with the ZF 6-bag air suspension and independent front suspension, HT Bus Group’s patented all-steel U-shaped frame, front and rear sway bars, and Knorr-Bremse allwheel disc brakes. Elegant, powerful, and safe, the HT35 is the perfect coach for touring, line run, chauffeur or limo service alike.

Not only is the HT35 built with the best components, it is also supported by The HT Total Customer Package. CHTC’s service plans are designed to provide operators with fast, convenient, customized care. CHTC strives to minimize downtime. With its expert team and network of service partners, CHTC can provide operators across the nation superior, personalized service.

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

Model..................................................................................................................K7 Seating Capacity..........................................................................................22+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................30.7’ Overall Width...............................................................................................95.7” Overall Height............................................................................................132.3” Wheelbase ..................................................................................................195.2” Turning Radius.................................................................................................31’ • 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 137 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

CHTC Bus Group 15780 El Prado Rd., Chino, CA 91708 USA Phone: 800-216-6788 • Email: sales@chtcusa.com Website: www.chtcbusgroup.com Model .............................................................................................................HT35 Seating Capacity.............................................................................................40 Length ...............................................................................................................35’ Width ..............................................................................................................8’ 6” Height ............................................................................................................11’ 5” Fuel Tank...............................................with filler neck both sides 155 gal.

Engine .....................................................................................Cummins L9 350 Transmission ..............................................................................Allison B500R Chassis.................................................ZF Air Suspension with air bellows, WABCO ECAS control system Air Conditioning ........................................................................................Valeo July/August 2019

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S Smal Sma m & Mid-Size M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

Spirit Of Equess

Spirit Of Independence Ford

ARBOC’s Spirit of Equess, a low-floor transit bus built on an ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC, purpose-built chassis, can accommodate up to 33 seated passengers or 6 wheelchair passengers. This bus is fully accessible with a fully flat floor and no steps throughout the bus.

ARBOC’s advanced technology exceeds ADA guidelines with a 1:8 ramp slope and 39-inch door opening for passengers in need of extra assistance and wheelchair accessibility. This 10-year bus utilizes heavy-duty ZF axles, which allow plenty of GVW for extra standees.

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model ........................................................................................Spirit of Equess Seating Capacity.........................Up to 33 ambulatory or 6 wheelchairs Length................................................................................................27’, 29’, 34’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height .............................................................................................................102” Engine ....................................................Cummins ISB 6.7L Diesel/6.7G CNG Type of Fuel ......................................................................................Diesel/CNG Chassis...................................................................ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Air Conditioning....................................................ACT or Spheros by Valeo Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension ................................4-corner air suspension with 6 air bags Page 68

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Built on the fuel-efficient Ford transit chassis, the Spirit of Independence offers a low cost of ownership while maintaining the safety and dependability that is expected from ARBOC. The 96-inch wide body allows for easy maneuverability inside the vehicle. It also features dual rear wheels with rear wheel drive.

With a GVWR of 10,360 pounds, and an available passenger capacity of up to 14 ambulatory or 5 wheelchairs, the Ford Spirit of Independence is ideal for transit agencies that are looking for smaller low-floor buses.

Backed by the reliable Ford dealer network, the Ford Spirit of Independence touts convenience and ease of serviceability.

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model ..............................................................Spirit of Independence - Ford Seating Capacity.......................Up to 14 (gas) or 13 (diesel) ambulatory or 5 wheelchairs Length..........................................................................................................23’ 9” Width.................................................................................................................96” Height .............................................................................................................104” Engine................................................................................3.7L Gas/3.2L Diesel Type of Fuel..................................................................................Gas or Diesel Chassis.................................................................Ford Transit T350 Cutaway Air Conditioning..................................................................Spheros by Valeo Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension ...............OEM spring suspension or optional Sumo Spring

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S Smal Sma m &M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz Mid-Size B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

Spirit Of Independence RAM ProMaster

Spirit Of Mobility

The Spirit of Independence, on a RAM ProMaster cutaway chassis, boasts a short wheelbase and a tight turning radius that navigates well in narrow streets and parking lots.

Equipped with large passenger windows, offering considerable visibility, and seating up to 12 ambulatory passengers and three wheelchairs, the Independence is available with an 80-inch wide body or a 96-inch wide body. This bus is perfect for use as a hotel shuttle, airport parking shuttle, in non-emergency medical transport or for assisted living.

The RAM chassis features single rear wheels with front wheel drive. With a GVWR of 9,350 pounds, this bus requires 3 point seatbelts and features a smaller 21-foot body, which handles with ease. Occupants will appreciate the absence of steps or a ramp inside the vehicle and the superior headroom.

The ARBOC Spirit of Mobility is built on a conventional GM cutaway with all passengers entering through the same 39-inch wide door opening. The interior offers theatre seating for better viewing for all riders.

The Spirit of Mobility low-floor bus offers a full air-ride suspension with a beneficial kneeling feature, allowing for an entrance of less than 5-inches from the curb without deploying the ramp.

The Spirit of Mobility provides a single, non-discriminatory angled and accessible entranceway. Riders of all abilities no longer need to contend with steps in the most accessible cutaway bus in the industry. Every passenger, including wheelchair riders and those in power scooters, can experience what true equal access means.

Now available on a Ford E450 chassis.

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model ............................................Spirit of Independence RAM ProMaster Seating Capacity ..........................Up to 12 ambulatory or 3 wheelchairs Length...........................................................................................................21’ 8” Width .......................................................................................................80”, 96” Height .............................................................................................................103” Engine .....................................................................................................3.6L Gas Type of Fuel ....................................................................................................Gas Chassis ..........................................................RAM ProMaster 3500 Cutaway Air Conditioning..................................................................Spheros by Valeo Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension ...............OEM spring suspension or optional Sumo Spring

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model.......................................................................................Spirit of Mobility Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 22 Length................................................................................................23’, 26’, 28’ Width.................................................................................................................96” Height ..............................................................................................................110” Engine.....................................................................................................6.0L Gas Type of Fuel......................................................................................Gas or CNG Chassis...............................................................................GM4500, Ford E450 Air Conditioning..............................................Spheros by Valeo, Trans/Air, Thermo King or ACT Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension..............................................................4-corner air suspension July/August 2019

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S Smal Sma m & Mid-Size M Mi Mid MidMid-S Mid-Si Mid-Siz B Bu Bus Buse Small Buses ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

Spirit Of Freedom

Spirit Of Liberty

The Spirit of Freedom, built on the GM4500 cutaway chassis, utilizes General Motors’ standard suspension to create a lowfloor, ADA-compliant bus capable of a 1:5 ramp angle; all with an exceptionally low price point.

Utilizing the GM suspension, drives down maintenance costs over the life cycle, making it comparable to any standard floor cutaway.

The spacious 39-inch entranceway and low step height make this an ideal bus for airport and hotel shuttles, as well as transit agencies. Passengers of all mobility capabilities, including those using walkers, can experience what equal access for everyone truly means.

Now available on the Ford E450 chassis.

The fully-accessible, low-floor Spirit of Liberty is a mediumduty 29- to 34-foot rear engine shuttle bus. The Liberty features an open floorplan with no steps throughout the passenger area. Standard wheelchair zones are a spacious 54 x 30 inches.

Passengers enter on a 34-inch wide, 1:8 sloped ramp (rated at 1,000 pounds) to a 37-inch pass-through between front wheelhouses.

The Liberty incorporates lightweight technologies and proven ARBOC construction, resulting in best-in-class curb weight of 19,500 pounds. With a GVW of 25,990 pounds, the Liberty has the capacity to carry up to 37 seated passengers plus standees.

Power is supplied by a 6.7 liter Cummins ISB diesel engine, coupled to an Allison B220 six-speed transmission on a proprietary chassis supplied by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation.

CNG option now available.

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model .....................................................................................Spirit of Freedom Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 22 Length................................................................................................24’, 27’, 29’ Width.................................................................................................................96” Height ..............................................................................................................115” Engine.....................................................................................................6.0L Gas Type of Fuel ..........................................................................................Gas, CNG Chassis...............................................................................GM4500, Ford E450 Air Conditioning..............................................Spheros by Valeo, Trans/Air, Thermo King or ACT Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension ...............................................................OEM spring suspension or optional Liquid Spring or MOR/Ryde Page 70

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ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Model ........................................................................................Spirit of Liberty Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 37 Length.......................................................................................................30’, 34’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height .............................................................................................................120” Engine.......................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7L Diesel Type of Fuel................................................................................................Diesel Chassis.....................................................................................Freightliner XBA Air Conditioning .......................................Spheros by Valeo, Thermo King Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension..............................................................4-corner air suspension

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4 New MCI D45s For Travel Between Lake Louise And Banff

“Roam Public Transit, Banff, Alberta, has introduced four new innovative, accessible commuter coaches for travel between Lake Louise and Banff. The new buses began use on the Lake Louise Express route (Route 8X) May 17,” said MCI. “The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRTSC) is proud to introduce our most accessible buses yet. The new MCI Commuter Coaches will change what it means for residents and visitors to travel by transit between Lake Louise and Banff, especially for our passengers using a range of mobility devices,” said Chair of the BVRTSC Davina Bernard.

“As a commission, we strive to provide accessible transit because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to use Roam. And as such, we are confident these new buses will make a positive impact on all of our users.”

MCI said the new MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach model features an er-

gonomically designed spiral entryway, curb-level ramp, and second door that opens into a first-of-its-kind, low-entry vestibule offering comfort and access for all passengers as well as quality service.

“In the design phase of the D45 CRT LE, MCI engaged several volunteers from people with disabilities advocacy groups. They overwhelmingly endorsed the low entry vestibule concept, citing the increased freedom, boarding ease and the stress-free riding environment,” said Vice President of Sales for Canada West Region Chad Sad-

Complete Coach Works Refurbishes Bus For Lane Transit District

Complete Coach Works (CCW) has been awarded a $275,000 contract to provide a refurbished 40-foot Gillig transit bus for the Lane Transit District (Lane Transit) in Eugene/Springfield, OR. "Operating a refurbished bus reflects the district's commitment to sustainability and to responsibly steward the tax dollars it receives from the community," said Aurora Jackson, Lane Transit's general manager. "We look forward to a CCW refurbished 40-foot Gillig safely and comfortably transporting riders commuting aboard the LTD sponsored Diamond Express to and from Oakridge, as well as the rest of the metro area."

According to a press release, “By purchasing a remanufactured bus, Lane Transit will receive a fully renovated bus for about half the cost of a new bus.”

The bus will be equipped with an ISL Recon engine and a rebuilt Allison B400R transmission. CCW is adding an upgrade to the bus cooling system, with the installation of a new all-electric cooling package. Other CCW services include the replacing of suspension components, replacing of all wear items, installing new floors, rebuilding windows and updating all original lighting to a modern LED system.

For more information, visit www.completecoach.com.

owy. “It’s the kind of praise you like to hear when designing a next-generation coach, and we anticipate the same kind of approval from passengers riding with Roam.”

The new buses continue to help with BVRTSC’s mission of moving people throughout the Bow Valley and Banff National Park, which has continued support from the commission’s municipal partners such as town of Banff, town of Canmore, and Improvement District 9 as well as Parks Canada and other organizations such as Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

“We are thrilled there will be even easier access to transit for visitors and residents across Banff and Lake Louise. It’s a great way we can enjoy the national park while ensuring we’re helping to preserve it as we contribute to reduced single vehicles on the roadways,” said President/CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Leslie Bruce.

Visit www.mcicoach.com for more information.

RTC Offers On-Demand Rideshare Service In Las Vegas

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has offered a new affordable way to travel along the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas area – Trip to Strip. The on-demand rideshare service is a convenient option, especially for tourists traveling for conventions, birthday and bachelor(ette) parties who want to ride in a limousine-style interior.

The service area covers the Las Vegas Strip between McCarran International Airport and Sahara Avenue, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, with plans to expand to downtown Las Vegas and south to the M Resort in the near future.

“Trip to Strip is designed as an extension of our transit service on the Las Vegas Strip, but we do things Vegas-style,” said RTC CEO Tina Quigley. “We know travel preferences are changing, and our tourists are looking for new mobility options. Trip to Strip is an affordable and dynamic response to evolving consumer needs, offering a transportation service unlike anything else.”

Trip to Strip vehicles are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, USB ports for charging and ample space for luggage. Rides start at $6 and are determined by the distance and number of passengers in the booking party.

The RTC is the transit authority, transportation planning organization, regional traffic management agency and administrator of Southern Nevada Strong, the regional planning effort for the Las Vegas valley. For more information about the RTC, visit rtcsnv.com.

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ABC And Van Hool Deliver Cleaner Ridership Experience On New Van Hool TDX Prototype

Due to a new custom-built HEPA filtration system that will be installed on a specialorder Van Hool TDX high-capacity, doubledeck coach, Silicon Valley workers will be breathing clean filtered air on their bus commute. The new feature is the culmination of years of collaboration between ABC and Van Hool to create a custom solution that improves interior cabin air-quality on the 45foot double deck coach.

“Our advanced Van Hool TDX model meets and exceeds EPA 16, GHG 17 emission standards for commercial vehicles, so integrating new technology that can further enhance the passenger environment is exciting for our team,” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer at ABC Companies. “Involving customers in the process from inception, including the design phase, is critical to developing successful and innovative new offerings that meet their needs and strengthen our relationships.”

“While indoor air quality is important for the operation of any business, bringing HEPA filtration technology to a mobile environment is the next step for passenger comfort,” said Cornell. “On both sides of the Atlantic, ABC and Van Hool pooled expertise and resources to source and build a customized system that utilizes cutting-edge HEPA filtration technology. Together with the Van Hool engineering team, the ABC technical department worked closely to specify and fabricate a working prototype to be utilized within its NorCal-based customers’ employee-shuttle fleet operation.”

“Confined space and weight limitations were key challenges to product development, mandating a compact design that ultimately located the new HEPA system under-floor in a small portion of the baggage bay area, without compromising existing passenger cabin dimensions,” said Brian Nelson, engineering manager at ABC’s Winter Garden, FL, facility.

According to a press release, “The HEPA filtration unit is equipped with a HEPA filter, two pre-filters and two evaporator blowers that draw outside air through the filters, which is then transferred to the TDX lower deck A/C unit, where it is circulated throughout the interior of the coach. The new system is designed to offer a significant reduction in particle counts down to the smallest concentration with results being achieved within 20 minutes of operation. Conclusive testing revealed dramatically decreased dust in the interior cabin. Supporting data indicated a substantial drop in measurements in the following test ranges: • Particles up to 0.3 um dropped from 2,500 to 500 in 20 minutes; • Particles up to 0.5 um dropped from 1,000 to 180 in 20 minutes; and, • Particles up to 1 um dropped from 350 to 70 in 20 minutes.”

“The new HEPA filtration system is designed to provide numerous benefits in terms of both air quality and equipment performance,” said Nelson, “specifically in static or heavily congested road conditions

Greater Dayton RTA Wins Awards For Creativity

The Greater Dayton (OH) RTA was named a three-time winner in the 2019 Hermes Creative Awards competition, an international competition that recognizes outstanding communications and design work.

RTA’s Communications team received one platinum, one gold and one honorable mention award for its electronic media, print media, design, and social media work when marketing the launch of The Flyer service in 2018.

The RTA received the highest honor, the Platinum Award, for its print media with integrated marketing and product branding of The Flyer service. The Gold Award was based on the RTA’s Flyer print media, design and marketing materials. This included the actual design of the bus, created by RTA Graphic Designer Cara Wood. It included her design work for posters and postcards with The Flyer branding to promote the service.

The Honorable Mention was for social media videos and video ads to market The Flyer service, and special events. The inspiration for the campaign was illustrating how the transit option would connect people with the community and experiences around them.

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where traffic emissions from older vehicles are prevalent and can permeate the passenger cabin.”

In terms of maintenance and equipment performance, Tom Van Lokeren, engineering bus and coach HVAC specialist at Van Hool, said that HEPA filtration technology can contribute to optimal equipment performance, by helping to maintain a cleaner coil, so that other components like fans and filters can operate at nominal conditions as designed, and potentially extend the service life of HVAC components.

According to the company, “ABC also offers another solution for improving passenger cabin air-quality with a patented UV-C Disinfectant system for coaches. The FreshAire UV® System offers heavy-duty germicidal UV technology inside the coach HVAC system, which is proven to inhibit the growth of mold and destroy up to 99 percent of microbial contaminants within one hour. The chemical-free purification technology is the same that is widely used in hospitals, laboratories and the food industry to prevent the spread of airborne infectious bacteria. The Fresh-Aire UV® System is available from ABC and offers easy installation that can help operators simplify maintenance, reduce cleaning crew exposure to harsh chemicals and provide more efficient, optimized coach operation.”

For more information, visit www.abc-companies.com.

HART Installs Driver Safety Barrier On All Buses And HARTFlex Vans

The Hillsborough (FL) Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) with the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1593 is installing driver safety barriers on all HART buses and HARTFlex vans.

"HART has been working with the ATU to enhance the safety of the driver compartment and implement a solution that works for our employees,” said HART CEO Ben Limmer. "The safety and security of our employees remains a priority at HART as they serve our customers with the highest level of professionalism."

The ATU and HART have mutually agreed to a custom-fit protective barrier with extended tempered glass to cover the operator space.

HART has allocated $1 million towards the driver safety barrier project, with each installed barrier estimated to cost $5,000.

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TEMSA Enters New Growth Phase Under Management Of True Value Capital Partners

The share transfer of TEMSA, a global bus and coach manufacturer, has been finalized. According to a press release, “TEMSA, which quickly captured nearly a 10 percent share in the motorcoach industry’s U.S. market, will continue on its path while raising its export targets. With the share transfer agreement formally finalized between Sabancı Holding and Swiss-based True Value Capital Partners, TEMSA will move forward under the leadership of its new investor.”

Pictured, left to right, are TEMSA CEO Hasan Yıldırım and Evren Ünver, representing True Value Capital Partners.

Evren Ünver, representing True Value Capital Partners, visited the TEMSA plant in Turkey following the completion of the sales transactions. During his visit, Ünver addressed TEMSA employees saying that the next era will be the start of a new growth period for TEMSA, and that the brand’s target for the North American market will be prioritized.

Speaking during the introductory meeting at the plant, TEMSA CEO Hasan Yıldırım said, “We are grateful to all of our business partners and colleagues for making TEMSA what it is today. As of today, over 1,100 TEMSA branded vehicles are on North American roads, and we aim to take the current market share in the motorcoach industry of nearly 10 percent to higher levels with TEMSA North America. We are also developing our new vehicle TS 45 Electric, which will bring our experience in electric vehicles to North America, specifically for this market. Once this vehicle, which will be ready for serial production in 2020, hits the roads, we are confident that it will be highly appreciated and will reshape the market. Currently, TEMSA North America is established in three locations, Orlando, FL; Burlingame, CA; and, Pomona, NJ. TNA expects to open two more locations by the end of the year.

“Now it's time to create the TEMSA of tomorrow. Our new investor, True Value Capital Partners, will spearhead this journey. We can’t wait to walk hand-in-hand with our new investor on this exciting path.

TEMSA is a leading international automotive brand with over half a century of experience in manufacturing coaches, buses and midibuses, and we will move forward as an even bigger and stronger company. TEMSA is among a handful of automotive companies worldwide to offer multiple electric model options. As our company contributes to the transportation of the future with smart, autonomous and electric vehicles, we will continue to shape the future of the mobility industry as well.”

There are over 15,000 TEMSA vehicles on the roads of 66 countries.

One out of every three buses in Turkey is manufactured by TEMSA. With a vehicle park of 5,000 buses and coaches in France alone, TEMSA’s presence in Europe spans important markets including Germany, the UK, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Lithuania and the Benelux countries. TEMSA has confirmed its special focus on the American market by establishing a U.S.-based company. The TEMSA plant in Turkey has an annual production capacity of 11,500 vehicles including 4,000 buses, coaches, midibuses and 7,500 light trucks.

For more information, visit www.temsa.com.

Home of the Best Full-Service Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois Featuring…

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(815) 562-5840

Super Salad Bar by-the-pound!

Stromboli, Pizza, Pasta & more!

Hand-Dipped Ice Cream!

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Designated Bus Parking and Pull-Thru Fueling Island

Bus Drivers & Tour Guides Eat free!

Mini-Mall — 2 Stores with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping!

ATM, Major Credit Cards accepted.

I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99 Rochelle, IL

OPEN 24 HOURS

Please call ahead!

July/August 2019

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