Sep/Oct 2018 Busline Magazine

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The long and short of reliability.

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CONTENTS

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

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200 Vehicles & 300 Employees Serve Canadian Provinces

Coach Atlantic Group.....................................8 Transports 5 Million Annually

Greater Lafayette CityBus ............................26 — Busline Buyers Guide —

Engines & Transmissions ................................................40

September 23-26, 2018

APTA Annual Meeting In Nashville ........................................42 BusCon Heads To Indianapolis October 1-3...........................50 — Busline Vehicle Showcase —

Transit Buses.......................................................................53 Motor Coach Industries 53 • BYD 54 • Prevost 55 • Nova Bus 56 • Alexander Dennis 56 RAPID RESPONSE .........................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS........................Page 44

ON THE COVER: Coach Atlantic Group CEO Adam Doiron is shown with one of the company’s Micro Bird Commercial D-Series buses. The transportation provider services Atlantic Canada and beyond. See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2018 September 23-26 APTA Annual Meeting Nashville, TN Info: 202-496-4800

September 30 - October 3 National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation Breckenridge, CO Info: www.ribtc.org OCTOBER 2018 October 1-3 BusCon 2018 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788

JANUARY 2019 January 6-10 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach Expo Fort Lauderdale, FL Info: 800-424-8262

January 25-29 American Bus Association (ABA) Annual Meeting & Marketplace 2019 Louisville, KY Info: 800-283-2877 MARCH 2019 March 17-19 APTA Legislative Conference Washington, DC Info: 202-496-4800

March 19-21 Bus2Bus Trade Show & Congress Berlin, Germany Info: www.bus2bus.berlin

MAY 2019 May 19-22 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Louisville, KY Info: 202-496-4800

May 23-29 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo Palm Springs, CA Info: 800-891-0590

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 2018 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net

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BUSLINE

September/October 2018

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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Company

Website

ABC Companies Almott Altro Amaya-Astron American Cooling Technology, Inc. AngelTrax ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison Bitimec Wash-Bots Bitzer BusCon BYD CBM NA CHTC Bus Group Clean Seal Complete Coach Works Davey Coach Sales, Inc. Diamond Manufacturing Dixie Electric Ltd. DriveWare Software EnerDel Euramtec Freedman Seating Freightliner

www.abc-companies.com www.almottusa.com www.altro.com www.amaya-astron.com.mx www.actusa.us.com www.angeltrax.com www.ARBOCsv.com www.atlanticdda.com www.wash-bots.com www.bitzerus.com BusConExpo.com www.byd.com www.cbmna.com www.chtcbusgroup.com www.cleanseal.com www.completecoach.com www.daveycoach.com www.diamondmfg.com www.dixie-electric.com www.driveware.com www.EnerDel.com www.euramtec.com www.freedmanseating.com www.freightlinerchassis.com

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21 6 36 16 29 11 25 41 35 20 51 7 47 17 12 19 60 46 48 14 34 38 13 3

Company

Website

Hometown Trolley Irizar USA Kelderman Air Suspension Systems Lancer Insurance Marathon Brake Systems Micro Bird Commercial Midwest Bus Corporation Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Motorcoach Tire Sales Onspot Automatic Tire Chains Petro Stopping Centers Prevost Car ProAir, LLC Safety Step Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery Service Insurance Sutrak TIB Transign TransitWorks UMA Motorcoach Expo Vanner Power WEH Technologies Inc.

www.hometowntrolley.com www.irizarusa.com www.kelderman.com www.lancerinsurance.com www.MarathonBrake.com www.mbcbus.com www.midwestbus.com www.mcicoach.com www.motorcoachtiresales.com www.onspot.com www.ta-petro.com www.prevostcar.com www.proairllc.com www.safetystep.net www.sardobus.com www.serviceins.com www.sutrakusa.com www.tibinsurance.com www.transignllc.com www.Transit-Works.com www.motorcoachexpo.com www.vanner.com www.weh.us

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23 59 32 22 33 30 27 2 10 45 57 5 24 46 9 45 44 37 15 28 49 18 39

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Coach Atlantic Group President Mike Cassidy, left, and CEO Adam Doiron

Coach Atlantic Group: 200 Vehicles & 300 Employees Serve Canadian Provinces & More Page 8

By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor

BUSLINE

September/October 2018

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nique beauty and contrasting landscapes are often present where land and sea meet. A prime example is Atlantic Canada, an area of worldwide appeal, consisting of the Canadian Maritimes, which are the three provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, as well as the easternmost Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Coach Atlantic Group representatives pose near one of the many cruise ships that bring tourists to the area.

It’s a place of endless beaches, lighthouses, fishing harbors, sea ports, ocean vistas, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, islands, covered bridges, sunsets, fall foliage, four seasons, quaint towns, modern cities, friendly residents, whale watching and lobster eating. It’s also the home of bus and motorcoach operator Coach Atlantic Group, a company dedicated to taking people to, and from, one of the most distinct places on Earth.

With over 200 vehicles — including a recent addition of six minibuses from Micro Bird Commercial — and 300 employees,

Coach Atlantic Group, headquartered in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, provides both inbound and outbound bus/motorcoach charter transportation.

This includes foreign tourists who come from as far away as Japan, Germany and the United States to see Atlantic Canada, as well as local Canadians wanting to visit other parts of their country, and different areas of the United States. There are also line run and transit customers serviced by the company on a daily basis.

“We were formed in 2008 by my business partner, Coach Atlantic Group President Mike Cassidy, and I,” CEO Adam Doiron said. “Mike was the owner/operator of a small company called Trius Tours. I was general manager of Prince Edward Tours. We purchased Prince Edward Tours from the previous owners, which was the beginning of our business enterprise.

“A lot has taken place over the past 10 years. We have either started, purchased or merged with many companies in the region. That is how we have grown, mostly by investing in our fleet and purchasing smaller businesses. Many of these companies have a history that goes well beyond the 10 years that Coach Atlantic Group has been in operation.”

Today, Coach Atlantic Group consists of four basic brands. They are: n Coach Atlantic, which is a provider of bus/motorcoach charter transportation and school bus service; n Maritime Bus, the organization’s scheduled line run and airport service; n Prince Edward Tours, which delivers Gray Line tours on

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Prince Edward Island, focusing heavily on the growing cruise ship market, as well as convention and destination management services; and, n T3 Transit, the municipal bus transit service of Charlottetown, the capital and largest city of Prince Edward Island. T3 Transit also provides bus service in the Prince Edward Island communities of Stratford, Cornwall and Summerside.

Officials at Coach Atlantic Group have built a diverse fleet of equipment over the years to cater to the company’s varied customer base.

“This includes almost everything except limousines. We offer transportation services through the use of our passenger vans, SUVs, minibuses, transit buses, school buses, full-size motorcoaches and double-decker buses,” Doiron said. “This is a sizable fleet for our area. Coach Atlantic Group is the largest passenger transportation provider in Atlantic Canada.

“One of our business niches is accommodating a large volume of passengers during big events. Another niche is accommodating international customers. We have done both for many years. This often

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involves working with different cruise lines that service Atlantic Canada.”

A GEOGRAPHY LESSON

Adam Doiron is shown with his wife, Marsha Doiron, who is manager, marketing & product development, for Coach Atlantic Group.

September/October 2018

he four Canadian provinces that make up Atlantic Canada consistently draw visitors throughout North America and the world. The provinces also provide many opportunities and a wonderful home for local residents.

Geographical highlights of each province includes: n Nova Scotia — Has a population of 923,000-plus residents, and a land area of 21,345 square miles. Its capital and largest city is Halifax. Although a smaller portion of Nova Scotia borders New Brunswick via the Isthmus of Chignecto, the province’s mainland is the Nova Scotia peninsula, which is mostly surrounded by the Atlantic; n New Brunswick — Has a population of 747,000-plus residents, and a land area of 28,150 square miles. The province’s capital is Fredericton, and its largest city is Moncton. New Brunswick shares a border with Maine, Quebec and a small portion of Nova Scotia;

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n Newfoundland and rounded by the Gulf of Labrador — This provSt. Lawrence to its north ince consists of two disand the Northumberland tinct areas, with a total Strait to its south, which population of 519,000-plus separates the island from residents, and a total land New Brunswick and Nova area of 156,453 square Scotia. miles. The province’s capCoach Atlantic Group’s ital and largest city, located corporate office is located in Newfoundland, is St. in Charlottetown, with its John’s. main operations office Newfoundland is the and largest garage in world’s 16th-largest isMoncton. It also has land. It’s mainly sursatellite garages in Saint rounded by the Atlantic John, New Brunswick; Ocean, with the Gulf of Halifax; and seasonal faSt. Lawrence separating cilities in Newfoundland.

Coach Atlantic’s Micro Bird D-Series buses are the northwestern and “Just like any transespecially helpful for transporting smaller multiday groups. northern portions of the portation provider, we island from Quebec and Labrador. need maintenance facilities,” Doiron said. “Each has trained meLabrador is located to the north of Newfoundland, and shares a chanics who are able to maintain and fix vehicles as quickly as western and southern border with Quebec, with the Atlantic Ocean possible, getting them back on the road.” to its east. Labrador is the largest and northernmost geographical SERVICING INBOUND & OUTBOUND CUSTOMERS region in Atlantic Canada; and, n Prince Edward Island — Has a population of 142,000plus residents, and a land area of 2,185 square miles. Its capeople throughout North America, and around the globe, rely ital and largest city is Charlottetown. Like its name suggests, on Coach Atlantic Group to show them the wonders of Atlantic this smallest of the 10 Canadian provinces is an island, surCanada. There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do.

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Just some of the popular destinations for Coach Atlantic Group’s Canada, such as the entire region being a good draw for tourism, inbound customers are: there are also many differences, according to Doiron. n Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Mahone Bay and Cape Breton Island “New Brunswick is different from Nova Scotia, which is differ(which includes the Cabot ent from Prince Edward IsTrail), all located in Nova land, Newfoundland and Scotia; Labrador,” he said. “We n Hopewell Rocks and provide transportation for the Bay of Fundy (featura lot of multinational tour ing the world’s highest operators that fly custides), in New Brunswick; tomers in from all over the n The eight-mile Conworld. They usually land at federation Bridge (which Halifax Stanfield Internalinks New Brunswick tional Airport, in Nova Scotia. These people take with Prince Edward Ispart in tours that usually land); and, n Prince Edward Islast from five to 12 days.

Tours often include differland’s Green Gables farment itineraries. house, grounds and mu“Customers also fly to seum (which are based on Newfoundland. We have the Canadian novel Anne 10 buses stationed there of Green Gables), as for the summer, to help us well as the island’s red Coach Atlantic Group’s Dave Cornish and Lisa MacInnis serve the meet this growing demand. cliffs and numerous fishvarious needs of Maritime Bus and T3 Transit customers.

The vehicles travel across ing villages.

Other popular destinations and activities include Newfound- Newfoundland and into Labrador. This is another very popular land’s Gros Morne National Park; and the watching of whales, At- summer destination.”

The peak inbound season for Coach Atlantic Group is May lantic puffins (a species of bird), and icebergs often found along through October, with September usually being the company’s the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Although there are similarities found throughout Atlantic busiest month.

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“We will take charter customers who live in our region to any“We peak in September, due to our fall foliage and other popular trips. The cruise ship business has really grown over the years in where they want to visit in North America. This includes such Atlantic Canada, helping us stay quite busy in the summer,” Doiron popular U.S. destinations as Boston, New York City and Florida. said. “Many cruise We also travel quite ships travel to seaa bit to Nashville, “We will have invested approximately $12 million in new vehicles this ports in Saint John, TN,” Doiron said. year... Our goal is to always have the newest fleet in the region.”

Halifax, and Char“We occasionally go lottetown, as well across Canada to as Sydney, Nova Scotia. Some of these ports have four to five visit Vancouver, BC, and our vehicles can be spotted once or twice ships a day arrive during the summer. It’s nothing to have 10 ships a year in California.” in our region at one time. As they arrive, their passengers need There is also plenty of work for the company that caters to local transportation to outlying areas, and buses/motorcoaches are the people, seeking transportation options throughout Atlantic Canada. obvious choice.”

“For example, we transport many area college students and Coach Atlantic Group has enjoyed much success over the years sports teams. This business picks up in September and runs catering to Asian tourists wanting to see The Maritimes and be- through the school year,” Doiron said. “A lot of our local servyond, especially those from Japan. ice is centered around public “We see a lot of customers from transportation that is provided “We refer to customer service by the term Japan, and have Japanese-speakon Prince Edward Island, ing staff members who can transthrough our T3 Transit com‘customer experience.’ We want our late for us. This helps with our pany; and our scheduled line customer experience to be second to none.” customer service efforts. We can run service, through our Marcommunicate with customers in itime Bus company.” three languages — English, French and Japanese,” Doiron said.

The latter service involves line runs in New Brunswick, Nova “We are also seeing more passengers from China, and look to Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and covers, on average, 10,000 grow that market segment.” kilometers (6,213 miles) per day.

Inbound transportation, however, is just one part of Coach At“Our line run service currently has 40 stops and is growing. lantic Group’s service offerings. There are also outbound and local Some of our more popular line runs take passengers to and from travel options.

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Charlottetown. We also have a line run that connects with another company’s transportation services at the Quebec border,” Doiron said. “We work with various transportation providers to help people reach their final destinations throughout Canada and beyond.

“A lot of our line run passengers, especially in the winter, are college students. We have some stops within, or very close to, various college campuses.”

Of course, winter travel across Atlantic Canada can present its share of challenges. This is especially true for line run work, which is a daily, year-round service.

“We live and work in a part of the world that experiences all four seasons to the maximum. That often includes snow storms and icy road conditions,” Doiron said. “Overall, we are not as busy in the winter, but we still travel and take people to many different places. Our line run service operates 364 days a year.

Therefore, the weather can be very challenging.”

Officials at Coach Atlantic Group rely on their experienced and professionally-trained drivers, along with modern equipment, to keep passengers safe.

“We also watch the weather very closely, and will not put our vehicles on the road if it’s not safe,” he said.

The other main challenge Doiron listed for Coach Atlantic Group is the seasonal nature of the company’s overall work demands.

“Our charter workload is very heavy during the summer months, making it sometimes hard to find enough drivers and equipment,” he said. “It then drops off from December to March.

The peak and valley nature of charter demand remains a challenge every year.”

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D

THE TRUE VALUE OF RELIABLE EQUIPMENT

ue to the large number of miles and diverse landscapes traveled by Coach Atlantic Group’s vehicles every day of the year, and in all kinds of weather, the company places a high emphasis on using quality equipment. This includes vehicles produced by Micro Bird Commercial.

“We have purchased six 21- to 24-passenger minibuses from Micro Bird Commercial in the past 12 months. We use these vehicles for all types of work, including charters and line runs. They are helpful when transporting smaller multiday groups that are visiting our region,” Doiron said. “We also use our Micro Bird Commercial vehicles for scheduled airport service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and downtown Halifax. They are used anywhere we can fit them in, to transport a wide variety of passengers.

“We enjoy a very good working relationship with Micro Bird Commercial, and have been familiar with the company for many years.”

Coach Atlantic Group’s Micro Bird Commercial buses are part of its ongoing strategy to purchase new equipment, while also seeking fresh ideas and opportunities. For example, the transportation provider will add new routes in September to its line run service in Nova Scotia.

“We will have invested approximately $12 million in new vehicles this year, involving both Micro Birds and full-size motorcoaches. This continues a trend, over the past three years, of investing heavily in our fleet,” Doiron said. “Our goal is to always have the newest fleet in the region.”

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Among the important amenities found on the newer vehicles used “This involves our sales people, drivers, mechanics, detailers

by Coach Atlantic Group, is technology that helps make each ve- and even dispatchers. If there is any type of delay, such as with hicle “smarter,” while allowing passengers to become more con- a specific flight or weather — or if a customer simply wants to nected to the outside world while traveling. This includes the change his/her itinerary — our dispatchers have to display very availability of Wi-Fi. good customer service skills to “A lot of the technology that is “Our branding is unique to us, and we are striving help make sure the necessary designed for passenger comfort changes are made accordingly.” for a more consistent look throughout the fleet.” now comes standard with today’s One way to judge Coach Attransportation vehicles, such as lantic Group’s success over the DVD players and plug-ins needed for smartphones,” Doiron said. past 10 years is by looking at the company’s high percentage “We also track our equipment using GPS, which allows us to monitor of repeat customers and referrals. New customer inquiries are any driver issues with speeding, excessive braking and idling. Mean- also vital. while, today’s advanced engine technology is reducing emissions, “We usually find new clientele through word-of-mouth and adhelping our vehicles become friendlier toward the environment.” vertising. Coach Atlantic Group also works with different indusProviding equipment with advanced technology is just one part try trade associations, chambers of commerce and marketplaces, of the customer service offering that transportation companies, such including Rendez-vous Canada (RVC). It’s a premier Canadian as Coach Atlantic Group, must provide for today’s passengers. international tourism marketplace that is attended by many interFriendly and knowledgeable service is also essential. national travel buyers,” Doiron said. “Of course, our own equip“Our company’s success, in part, is due to our overall focus on pro- ment serves as rolling billboards, helping us become well known viding quality customer service. It often starts at our call center, where through The Maritimes and all of Atlantic Canada.” representatives handle inquiries, and follows through to our sales repIn recent years, company officials have worked to have its resentatives and drivers. Even our mechanics and cleaners play im- newer vehicles feature the same graphics and overall “look.” portant roles in making customers happy. A broken or dirty vehicle “Our branding is unique to us, and we are striving for a more can ruin any transportation provider’s customer service efforts. There consistent look throughout the fleet,” Doiron said. “We still have are mechanics at each of our facilities, along with detailers. Each ve- older equipment with different colors, etc., but we have now hicle is detailed, inside and out, before it’s placed back in service,” placed a greater focus on using identical branding and color Doiron said. “We refer to customer service by the term ‘customer ex- scheme for our newer vehicles. This helps people recognize our perience.’ We want our customer experience to be second to none. company as a diverse transportation provider.”

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J

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE GOOD PEOPLE

ust as Coach Atlantic Group offers a wide variety of equipment to help satisfy its different customer-base needs, it also employs approximately 300 people who are responsible for an array of tasks. This includes drivers and trainers, mechanics, dispatchers, detailers, customer service representatives, salespeople and senior management, as well as finance, marketing, IT and compliance staff members.

“As a transportation company, it’s our responsibility to see that passengers are properly taken care of, no matter the situation. We do our very best, each day, to make sure that occurs.”

“Coach Atlantic Group has been very successful over the years in retaining a large number of its employees, including drivers.

We have about 200 drivers. They either work full time or are seasonal,” Doiron said. “Many of our part-time drivers take the winter off, while helping us out during the busy summer season. A lot of seasonal drivers have had other driving careers, and are now semiretired.”

He added that driving a vehicle full of passengers is not for everyone. It requires someone who is capable of operating a large piece of equipment in all types of weather and road conditions, understands the need for safety and likes to be around people.

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September/October 2018

“We screen, test and train everyone before he/she can drive one of our vehicles. Obviously, each driver must be safe. After establishing that, it’s all about customer service,” Doiron said. “It helps if a driver has an outgoing personality, and is fun to be with during trips.

“With our transit and line runs, people are using our services to get from point A to point B. However, with our charter work, most, if not all, of our passengers are on vacation. They are either going to places like New York City and Boston to see new things, or are coming to our region to find out what Atlantic Canada has to offer.

Therefore, as a transportation provider, we must be good ambassadors, showing customers the beauty and wonderful attractions that they have paid good money to visit.”

Both new and current drivers of Coach Atlantic Group take part in behind-the-wheel and classroom training. This includes defensive driving techniques and understanding how to properly back large vehicles. Many of the company’s drivers have also participated in driving roadeos, helping them further improve their skills.

“We are always conducting some form of training as well as evaluations,” Doiron said. “It’s important to remember that with each new model of bus and motorcoach that is purchased by our company, our drivers have to learn the nuances of these vehicles. There are always differences with new equipment, such as dashboard and entertainment system changes. It’s important that drivers stay upto-date before taking these new vehicles on the road.

“Many vehicle manufacturers provide very good online training programs to help us meet such needs. We find this very helpful.”

As is the case with plenty of other North American bus and mo-

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torcoach providers, the search continues at Coach Atlantic Group to hire additional qualified drivers and mechanics. “It’s always a struggle to find enough bus mechanics. It’s not at a critical stage right now for us, but we could always use one or two more mechanics. Good, heavy-duty bus mechanics are hard to find,� he said. “It’s the same type of situation with drivers, although we do find it’s a bit easier to hire new drivers than mechanics.�

Despite certain challenges that are always present while running a successful transportation service, Doiron remains optimistic about his company’s future in Atlantic Canada and beyond. “I feel one of the keys to our success has been the willingness to reinvest in equipment, while also hiring and retaining great employees and acquiring other companies. This has all helped our business expand beyond Prince Edward Island,� he said. “All of our extra funds have been reinvested in the company. Our business model has worked well for both our customers, and employees.

We have been able to grow every year, and I see that continuing in the years to come. “It helps that we are located in a part of the world (Atlantic Canada) that many people want to visit. It’s truly a unique place, and we are very fortunate to live and work here.�

Doiron is also bullish on the future of overall bus/motorcoach transportation throughout North America. “I feel there will always be a need for buses and motorcoaches,� he said. “They provide a very efficient, and cost-effective, way to move people. “In Atlantic Canada, train service is limited, and the cost of car

ownership continues to increase. I have a very positive outlook on the future of overall bus/motorcoach transportation.�

No stranger to the transportation business himself, Doiron said the industry continues to provide good careers for many people.

“It’s important to remember that with each new model of bus and motorcoach that is purchased by our company, our drivers have to learn the nuances of these vehicles.�

“I started driving a taxi at 18, in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, which is a popular tourist destination. That was 24 years ago, and I’m still in the transportation business,� he said. “I feel it’s a very good industry to be in, although it can be stressful. We are a 24/7 operation, and at times, have equipment on the road all over North America. Equipment is mechanical by nature, which means breakdowns will occur. “As a transportation company, it’s our responsibility to see that passengers are properly taken care of, no matter the situation. We do our very best, each day, to make sure that occurs.�

Doiron added the mission of Coach Atlantic Group, “Connecting people and places, and providing memories along the way,� remains as important today as when the company began.

Contact: Coach Atlantic Group, 7 Mt. Edward Rd., Charlottetown, PE C1A 5R7. Phone: 888-599-4287.

Website: www.coachatlanticgroup.com.

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General Manager Martin Sennett (left), and Manager of Development Bryce Gibson

Greater Lafayette CityBus Transports 5 Million Annually

S

By Rick Mullen Busline Magazine Associate Editor

erving the public transportation needs of Lafayette and West Lafayette, IN, Greater Lafayette CityBus transports an average of nearly 5 million passengers a year on 26 fixed-routes. CityBus is the operating name for the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation.

“We are a university town, with Purdue University in our backyard. We serve two cities, Lafayette and West Lafayette, as well as the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette,” said CityBus General Manager Martin Sennett, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine at CityBus’ main facility in Lafayette. “We also serve a small fringe of the county.”

Lafayette, located 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 105 miles southeast of Chicago, IL, is the county seat of Tippecanoe County. The Wabash River runs between Lafayette and West Lafayette.

In Indiana, the first thing that comes to mind when Lafayette or West Lafayette is mentioned is Purdue University. Purdue, a member of the Big Ten Conference, enrolls the second largest university student body in Indiana (second to Indiana University), as well as the fourth largest international student population of any university in the United States. Its sports rivalry with Indiana University is the stuff of legend in the Hoosier state.

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Last year, the West Lafayette campus had a total enrollment of 41,573 graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom depended on CityBus to meet their transportation needs.

“We have a pretty extensive service for the university that starts early and ends late,” Sennett said. “We have the seasonal service that all university towns have — when the students leave for the summer we cut back a little on service.”

CityBus and Purdue University have an “unlimited access” agreement that gives Purdue students, faculty, and staff unlimited, fare-free access to the public transit system. The value of the agreement is negotiated each year. CityBus has a similar relationship with Ivy Tech Community College, located in Lafayette.

Currently, construction is nearing completion of three new 13to 15-story high-rise apartments for students near the campus, which has CityBus officials rethinking how it services that area.

“The new high-rises are located about two or three blocks from the edge of campus,” Sennett said. “This means students who used to live outside the area will now be living within walking distance of the campus. As a result, we are looking at ways to keep that rider market share.

“Right now, we operate a big one-way loop around the West Lafayette community, because there are not a lot of streets. In that area, there is a large nature center, the Celery Bog (a 105acre natural wetland area) and golf courses. There are not a lot of east/west or north/south routes. We are looking at ways to get rid of the one-way loop, while shortening the rides to keep everybody served. I think shortening the rides will help us stay competitive.

“I think a lot of students will not like paying the $1,200 to $1,400 a month rent in the high-rises that are closer to campus, and will opt to pay $400 to $500 a month rent in areas away from the campus.”

Sennett said $120 million has been spent in the past two years

in a public/private partnership for construction in West Lafayette through the heart of the Purdue campus. This initiative has caused CityBus some headaches.

According to www.fhwa.dot.gov, the redevelopment project extends along State Street, from the Wabash River through downtown West Lafayette and Purdue University’s campus to its intersection at U.S. 231. The project shifts through-traffic off the State Street corridor — a former state highway now under local control — and converts it into a two-way street with wider sidewalks, bicycle facilities, transit stops, street lighting, landscaping, public spaces and public art.

“Last summer they decided to close all four lanes of State Street, which is our bread and butter corridor, where we pick up and drop off the most people.” Sennett said. “We had to detour our buses around the closure. It went from November to when football season ended and then, after graduation, they closed more roads, which hurt us tremendously.”

State Street is now open as a two-lane street, reducing traffic capacity.

“They added additional traffic signals and reduced capacity.

The increase of congestion in the corridor has caused us some issues trying to keep the buses on time,” Sennett said. “When the three high-rises are complete, plus the other developments that are underway, there will be a lot more pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians don’t necessarily pay attention to crossing signals and traffic lights. They are going to cross wherever they want, which is going to make it even more difficult to drive along State Street.

We are looking at ways to change routes so we can stay on time, while getting rid of the one-way loop and servicing new areas.”

The Purdue campus service gives thousands of students each year the opportunity to ride the bus. For many students, it may be their first exposure to public transportation. CityBus strives to

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nities with populations of 100,000 to 200,000 people, I think nine out of 10 of them will end up driving.”

Speaking of Uber, Sennett said the service has hurt CityBus ridership somewhat.

“We have reduced some service because there are students who prefer Uber, and I’m OK with that. I don’t want to put buses out there and run them empty,” Sennett said.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY

As the aforementioned State Street project promotes more pedestrian traffic, CityBus is planning to deploy technology designed to keep buses from coming into contact with pedestrians.

CityBus announced in April of this year it had reGreater Lafayette CityBus’ management team includes, left to right, Controller ceived a Federal Transit Administration competitive Amy Burnett, General Manager Martin Sennett, Manager of Operations John Connell, grant award of $485,760 for safety related projects.

Manager of Development Bryce Gibson and Manager of Maintenance George Turner.

CityBus will use the funding to install pedestrian demake the experience one that might motivate people to view pub- tection systems on its fleet of nearly 70 fixed-route vehicles. lic transit as a viable transportation option when they leave The total amount of the project, including local funds, comes school. Sennett thinks where students choose to live and work to $607,200.” after graduation will be a major factor in their decisions to use CityBus Manager of Development Bryce Gibson said, “We public transit. are keeping an eye on the increasing density of the urban develop“If they choose to live in the downtown areas of current millen- ment taking place near campus. Our drivers are always vigilant nial hotspots such as Denver, CO, Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, or concerning potential vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. We want to make Boston, MA, I think they will use a combination of public transit sure they have all the tools they need to avoid a tragic situation.” and Uber-type services,” Sennett said. “If they locate to commuSennett added: “Safety is a key tenet at CityBus. It is baked

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into every aspect of everything we do here. With the reconfiguration of State Street and the addition of even more bicycle and pedestrian facilities, we knew it would be necessary for CityBus to take additional precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all. We are pleased that our local elected leaders and the Federal Transit Administration agree.”

CityBus plans to begin upgrading its vehicles with the new technology this fall.

The pedestrian detection technology will alert bus operators when a pedestrian enters a blind spot near the vehicle.

“There is nothing worse than a bus, pedestrian accident,” Sennett said. “We tested the detection system last summer. We want to equip all of our buses with this technology as an added measure of safety.”

Other technologies CityBus uses include Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Automated Vehicle Location (AVL).

“We have had a CAD/AVL program since the early 2000s, and we are very happy with that technology,” Sennett said.

CityBus’ transfer center — CityBus Center — was built and furnished with sustainability in mind. In April of this year, the transit system partnered with students from Purdue University to bring new life to the rain gardens at the CityBus Center transfer station and to improve the health of the Wabash River.

A couple of years ago, CityBus implemented IVR (interactive voice response) technology, which is used in conjuction with its paratransit service.

“With IVR, a phone call goes out to a paratransit rider when the bus is in the vicinity, so he/she knows to get ready,” Sennett said. “In addition, a call will be made the day before to remind the person about his/her trip, which allows for the option to cancel. If a person has cancelled a doctor’s appointment, he/she may have forgotten to cancel us, too. It gives paratransit customers that opportunity, which has helped our efficiency.”

The most recent technology launched by CityBus in July is its GPS-based bus location app called MyCityBus, which provides real-time information, news and route-specific alerts.

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Pictured in CityBus’ state-of-the art dispatch center are dispatcher/ bus operator Mary Borrelli and bus operator Alex Magallanes.

“We can personalize the MyCityBus app,” Sennett said. “For example, take a customer who regularly rides route one and transfers to route two. If there is a delay — a broken water main, a bad accident, the road is closed, etc. — we can alert the customer that his/her bus will be detouring and this is the route of the detour, plus, the customer can see where his/her bus is located at any moment. We really like the ability to personalize the app.”

Gibson said when the new app was announced, “The enhanced capabilities of MyCityBus will equip riders with all the tools they need to use our services with ease.”

According to CityBus, the app is available to download for

Pictured in the CityBus maintenance facility are Manager of Maintenance George Turner (left) and Assistant Manager of Maintenance Chad Leamon.

free from Google Play or the Apple App Store. When the app is downloaded on a rider’s phone, geolocation determines the closest bus stops to his/her location. With one screen-tap, riders can view estimated departure times for the buses and routes servicing these stops.

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the routes and bus stops they use with an updated alerts management system. From their customer account, riders can subscribe to receive text, email or push-notifications containing bus departure information, including one-time or recurring notifications for specific routes, days and times. Customers can also sign up for service alerts for the routes they use frequently.

Those without data plans can get real-time information by texting a designated phone number. After inputting their stop number, the system will automatically return estimated departure times for the next buses.

Earlier this year, CityBus also announced the completion of an upgrade to its dispatch center, which included new computers, screens, cameras, custom-created software and ergonomically designed furniture.

“Our dispatch center is the hub of operations management, and is a critical component in assuring our riders travel easily, safely and on time,” said CityBus Manager of Operations John Connell. “Stepping into the dispatch center, with 10 computer screens displaying every aspect of operations, is akin to what you might see in a science fiction movie. Watching our dispatchers handle multiple tasks, track all the operations and coordinate requests from drivers is a lesson in efficient use of technology to benefit our riders.”

New and additional cameras were also part of the upgrade. Two wall-mounted, oversize screens carry a combined two dozen live photos of exterior and interior facilities at the headquarters and downtown transfer station. Each bus also has an array of video cameras onboard.

“We want to leverage the technologies that work well for us, lowering the bar for entry of passengers to use our services,” Gibson said. “We strive to make it as easy and as understandable as possible to ride the bus, because we find people are a little apprehensive about using public transit for the first time.

“We want to leverage the technologies that work well for us, lowering the bar for entry of passengers to use our services.We strive to make it as easy and as understandable as possible to ride the bus.”

— CityBus Manager of Development Bryce Gibson

If we can make it easy and approachable, that is what we want to accomplish.”

There is another new technology on the horizon that will change the public transportation landscape — autonomous vehicles.

While most transportation officials agree that this technology is definitely coming, how it will be used by transit agencies is what remains uncertain.

“I think it depends on the application,” Sennett said. “For an agency in a resort town that wants to move people, I think autonomous vehicles would be an appropriate technology. For example, in Las Vegas, autonomous vehicles might be used to take people from the airport to their hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

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“I think for regular fixed-route transit service, there will still cluding the Lafayette/West Lafayette area. be a need to have somebody on a bus for safety reasons. Hav“The labor shortage is so severe in this county, that industries ing a transit representative on an autonomous vehicle will help are looking to hire people who don’t drive, or who are able to the public feel more safe, oversee fare collection and handle drive, but don’t have the means to buy a car,” Sennett said. “In emergencies as they arise. the next few months, we are Also, the person on an aulooking at launching what we “In the next few months, we are looking at tonomous bus would be able call an ‘industrial express’ to give directions. This would launching what we call an ‘industrial express’ service. be especially true for CityBus, “Years ago, when I first got service... Buses will run during the start of as we transport thousands of into this business, taking peothe workday and during shift changes.” new students every year, plus ple to a factory was a rarity. It people who move here. On the just didn’t happen. Most peo— CityBus General Manager Martin Sennett whole, however, I don’t see ple drove their pickup trucks.” using autonomous buses on fixed-routes as much of a factor.

On an industrial express route, buses will run during the start “Perhaps they would be more appropriate in a demand/re- of the workday and during shift changes. sponse program, where a bus picks up one or two people at a “The industrial express route will run about five hours of servparticular location.” ice a day, six days a week, rather than the usual 12 to 24 hour One thing CityBus is currently looking at is using autonomous service as on our fixed-routes,” Sennett said. vehicles to move buses into fueling position, and then park themEmployers will receive bus passes on consignment from Cityselves, Sennett said.

Bus to provide at no cost to workers as a perk. The company will “That way,” he said, “as the number of vehicles goes up, we pay for the passes when they are distributed, and CityBus will rewill not have to increase the number of employees. I think that plenish the supply as needed. has a lot of promise.”

“The benefits are two-fold. Employees are assured of transportation to and from work, which promotes good morale and ‘RIDE TO WORK’ PROGRAM loyalty, and employers can demonstrate that they value their workforce, while assuring they’re adequately staffed,” Sennett One of the results of the current U.S. economy’s low unem- said. “A pilot program launched with the local Kirby Risk Service ployment rate is labor shortages in many parts of the country, in- Center proved the program can be successful. It is a program we

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are excited about. We think we will get a couple of hundred additional riders on the industrial route.”

AN AGGRESSIVE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

According to CityBus officials, the public transit system is committed to making environmentally responsible choices, while minimizing the use of natural resources. Thus, CityBus continually looks to adopt new sustainability practices.

Currently, CityBus’ aggressive sustainability program includes: n Operating CNG (compressed natural gas) fueled buses: “Four years ago, we switched to compressed natural gas, and that has been absolutely huge,” Sennett said. “We are paying about 75 cents a diesel gallon equivalent, and with the tax credit, it is more like 25 cents.”

According to www.statista.com, in July 2018, one gallon of diesel costs $3.23.

“The faster we get switched over to CNG, the better,” Sennett said. “We will eventually operate a 100-percent CNG fleet, but I don’t think it will be within the next five years. However, we will be pretty close to 100 percent by the time I retire.”

Currently, CityBus has 28 CNG buses in its fleet. An on-site CNG fueling station also contributes to the system’s efficiencies. CityBus also operates diesel-electric hybrid buses. n Tapping wind power to reduce electricity use: In 2009, CityBus secured funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Transit Investments in Greenhouse Gas Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program to purchase and install three

wind turbines. Since becoming operational in 2011, the turbines have generated wind power to supply the administrative office and maintenance facilities, reducing electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Further electricity reductions have been achieved through use of LED lighting, dusk-activated lobby lighting, restroom hand dryers, and motion-sensitive lighting in offices and restrooms.

“We received the TIGGER grant during President Obama’s first term,” Sennett said. “We were able to erect three 100-kilowatt turbines that generate between 22 to 25 percent of the electricity that powers our buildings. Indiana burns coal for electricity. If we can burn less coal, that is a good thing. A lot of people love the wind turbines. A lot of people don’t.”

One of Sennett’s friends, who teaches at the university, conducts tours of the area for incoming faculty members. To show that Lafayette and West Lafayette are progressive communities, the tour includes driving by CityBus’ wind turbines.

“The wind turbines help show we are a progressive community,” Sennett said. “When people think of Indiana, they think of soybeans and corn, and maybe the Indianapolis 500. Other than that, people don’t know the good things about the state.” n Recycling and implementing sustainable office practices: CityBus has long followed reduce/reuse/recycle practices in its facilities and offices. The system makes purchases with this in mind. Office workers print only when necessary to reduce paper and toner use, and collect recyclables, among other saving measures, according to CityBus.

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n Installing rain gardens: Landscaping on CityBus properties includes installation of rain gardens, which filter water before it enters the storm water system.

In April of this year, the transit system partnered with students from Purdue University to bring new life to the rain gardens at the CityBus Center transfer station and to improve the health of the Wabash River.

According to CityBus, Pollution of the Wabash River is a major concern in Lafayette, and storm water runoff plays a significant role, the news release said. When rain washes across hard surfaces such as roofs and roads, it picks up pollutants and carries them to the sewer and river. Installing green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, helps to filter out pollutants before rainwater reaches the river. CityBus sought help from students in the Environmental and Ecological Urban Water Projects course, at Purdue University, to refurbish its rain gardens and bring them back to life so they would function more effectively.

The final project included five different types of native plants, repair of existing drainage systems, and the installation of river rocks to guide water flow throughout the area. With these improvements in place, the rain gardens manage the storm water runoff and filter pollutants out of the water as the runoff absorbs naturally back into the ground. Students estimate that the rain gardens collect around 243,700 gallons of water annually. n Using low-maintenance building materials: Both inside and outside, CityBus facilities are built and furnished with sustainability in mind. Some applications include Terrazzo floor-

ing, ceramic tiles on restroom walls and low-maintenance brick exteriors, according to CityBus. OPERATORS, MECHANICS HARD TO FIND

In the current economy of low unemployment, finding qualified bus operators and mechanics is a challenge industry-wide.

For now, however, CityBus is holding its own.

“Tomorrow is a different day, but right now we are doing pretty well,” Sennett said. “We recently started a new bus operator training class. We offered 13 jobs and 10 people showed up.

Two people have washed out, saying driving is not for them, which is fine. We would rather find out early on than to train them completely, only to have them tell us the day before school starts that they are quitting. We are not doing too badly on drivers, but we probably could hire another five or six, which would put us in great shape.”

Because of Purdue’s multi-cultural student body and faculty, CityBus operators must be able to distinguish the cultural differences of the agency’s ridership.

“Two years ago we spent a lot of time talking about cultural differences, because we have a large international student population and faculty,” Sennett said. “People come here from all over the world, not just as students, but also as teachers, professors and researchers.”

CityBus employes 130 people, including bus operators, mechanics, utility personnel and administrative staff. Sennett said the agency highly values its quality staff.

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tenance, development and administration.

SURVEY SAYS …

“Without a good employee base, it is very hard to do any A survey was recently conducted, asking 2,000 people what type of business,” Sennett said. “We have an excellent crew in the maintenance department and our drivers are top- they think of CityBus’ services and the impact of public transportation on the community. notch.”

“We were really happy to see the results of the survey were When it comes to staff turnover, Sennett said CityBus has had overwhelmingly positive in favor of public transit in the a lot of stability over the years.

“About a year and a half ago, we did have some turnover, with greater Lafayette area,” Gibson said. “Ninety-seven percent of a couple of people leaving and a bunch of retirements,” he said. respondents said CityBus was a positive asset to the community. Furthermore, the vast “We have kind of remajority of our riders are loaded. A lot of us have “We were able to erect three 100-kilowatt happy with the service decades of service, and turbines that generate between 22 to 25 percent very we provide, both in terms of some employees are a lithours of service and service tle bit newer, like Bryce of the electricity that powers our buildings.” availability throughout the (Gibson). We don’t have — CityBus General Manager Martin Sennett community.” a very large staff.

When it comes to getting “When I started here in 1984, we had 22 buses, about 35 drivers and a handful of me- the word out, CityBus relies heavily on social media platforms.

“Social media is very effective in reaching university stuchanics. Since then, we have gone from about 50 employees to 130. In addition, we went from 22 buses to 73, while only adding dents,” Gibson said. “We like to show people the way the orone assistant for the maintenance manager. Most of his job is ganization works from the inside. People are interested and fascinated by behind-the-scenes stories, telling what is happenparts related.

“We have a good balance of older and younger employees. I ing here at CityBus.” “We are very focused on the riding experience, making sure it think you have to have some old school people to teach younger employees what the basics are in the service — what works and is as user friendly as it can be. Our customer service philosophy what doesn’t work. Technology is changing so fast, it is good to is helping people get to where they need to go. We know that have millennials on staff, as well, who can explain and imple- sometimes people are scared to use the bus the first time and need a little assistance. We want people to feel safe and comfortable,” ment things.”

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said CityBus Outreach Coordinator Hallie Robinson.

To help people learn the ins and outs of riding the bus, CityBus has a robust outreach program, Gibson said.

to various locations. It also gives us the opportunity to attract riders who are receiving the food.”

Travel training is also available to people who are ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act)certified to ride CityBus’ paratransit service. The idea is, as Gibson explained, to educate people on the fixed-route service so they can opt to ride the bus if they are able, as the paratransit service is expensive to operate. ADA-eligible patrons can ride the bus for free if they can get to a fixed-route.

“Our paratransit system is probably one of the smaller ones,” Sennett said. “We carry about 80 to 90 people daily. I know other transit systems have a lot more vehicles on the road for their ADA programs than we do.

We use CNG-powered cutaway buses for the curb-to-curb service.”

CityBus’ 28 CNG buses are serviced by its on-site fueling station.

He added: “We are very well connected with social service agencies in the region, middle and high school age students and the university. In addition, we have partnerships with several nursing homes.”

“We also have a partnership with the food bank,” Sennett said. “They put food on one of our small buses and distribute it

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CHALLENGES AND THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT

When asked about some of the challenges facing public transit, officials from most agencies nationwide will place funding high on the list. CityBus is no exception.

“The state increased our funding a couple of years ago by two

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percentage points,” Sennett said. “I recently called my contact using public transit to break down the stereotypes. Many people at INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) and said, use public transportation by choice, because it is the right option ‘Give me a ball park number for the next cycle.’ He said, ‘Take for them.” what you received last year and subtract a percentage point.’”

Indeed, CityBus’ “Let’s Go!” magazine, published twice a year The reason given for the funding cutback has to do with some- — the spring 2018 issue can be viewed on the agency’s website, thing that most people would not associate with public trans- www.gocitybus.com, — features transit customers and their exportation — tariffs. periences riding the bus.

Sennett explained: “There is a large agricultural base in Indiana, and if that sector gets hurts, spending may be down. People Contact: Greater Lafayette CityBus, are not going to make as much, and will have to cut back. They 1250 Canal Road, P.O. Box 588, may not buy that new pickup truck this year, or take the family Lafayette, IN 47902-0588. on a vacation, which is making state officials very nervous.

Phone: 765-420-2941.

“Locally, we have the big Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant.

Website: www.gocitybus.com.

As all the engines are imported from Japan, if these tariffs stay in place, they will add $3,000 to the cost of a vehicle. This would ® be a very, very difficult development for our local economy.”

According to CityBus, its expenses are covered with earnings from cash fares, pass and token sales, contracts, and advertising, in addition to federal, state, and local tax revenues. Federal funds pay for 80 percent of most capital expenses such as buses, facilities and repair parts. State funds (from sales and use taxes) help cover operating expenses, as do local property tax revenues.

Another problem CityBus is working to solve is finding more parking out of the weather for its vehicles, which, in the Midwest, can be harsh.

“We are parking more vehicles outside.

Today, it is not a problem, but from November through April it could be a problem,” Sennett said. “Where do we find more space for bus storage? That is one of the issues we are facing.”

In discussing how to change the image that many people have of public transportation that it is only for poor people who can’t afford to drive, or that buses are dirty or it is unsafe to ride, Sennett said, “I think the only way to change that perception is to have good equipment with professional drivers. We can also take advantage of WEH offers a wide range of NGV1 compatible products times when people might have to ride, befor safe and easy CNG vehicle refueling: cause their car is broken down or a major snowfall causes them to leave their car in » Check Valves » Fueling Nozzles the garage, to show our buses are clean and » Filters » Receptacles safe. That is when we can change people’s perception. » Hoses » Breakaways “Perception is reality. It is not an easy problem to solve. I don’t think anyone has WEH Technologies Inc. | Katy, TX | Call us: 832-331-0021 a magic solution, but I think if you keep your vehicles looking nice, and have drivers with professional attitudes, that perception can be minimized to a certain extent.”

Gibson added: “I think it is important to www.weh.us tell stories about people who are actually

» WEH CNG FUELING SOLUTIONS Top quality for maximum RELIABILITY

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B u s l i n e B u y e r s ' G u i d e To

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. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhome, defense and energy. Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, and employs approximately 2,700 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. 18

Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison See Ad On Page 41 180 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 ATR Transmission Remanufacturing, Inc. 1019 Noel Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 USA 847-566-4488 Website: www.atreman.com Products: A supplier of fleet transmissions. It specializes in Allison and light-duty transmission remanufacturing. 18

CBM NA 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 Page 40

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September/October 2018

Complete Coach Works See Ad On Page 19 1863 Service Ct. Riverside, CA 92507 USA 951-684-9585 Email: marketing@completecoach.com Website: completecoach.com Products: Complete Coach Works (CCW), a family-owned and operated organization headquartered in Riverside, CA, provides services to the North American transportation industry. During its more than 30 years in business, CCW has become known as a full-service provider of transit repair solutions.

Its line of services includes rebuilds, repowering, retrofits, CNG conversions and re-tanking, body work, painting, collision repair, and fire repair.

CCW also takes previously used, diesel-powered transit buses and remanufactures them into like-new vehicles, containing all-electric drivetrain systems. Its affiliate companies, Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL) and Transit Sales International (TSI), provide sales and leasing options. SBL offers short to long-term leases of high quality transit buses. TSI supplies high quality, used transit buses to customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 18 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. Cummins serves customers through its network of 500 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and approximately 7,500 dealer locations, in more than 190 countries and territories. 18

Detroit Diesel Corporation 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™.

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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

MAN Engines & Components Inc. 591 SW 13th Terrace 33069 Pompano Beach, FL USA 954-946-9092 Email: mec.info@man.eu Website: www.man-mec.com Products: Since 1997, MAN Engines & Components is the primary importer and service representative of MAN engines, components and parts, with responsibility for North, Central and South America. Chassis components, transfer cases and bus and heavy-duty truck axles are part of the product portfolio. 18

Stewart & Stevenson Power Products-Atlantic Division See Ad Below 180 Route 17 South Lodi, NJ 07644 USA 201-489-5800 Email: r.weberjr@ssss.com Website: www.atlanticdda.com Company Officers: Peter Cataford, President; Richard Weir, Vice President Operations; Robert Mangs, Vice President Parts; Kenneth Gurian, Controller Products: Detroit Diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission distributor; Mercedes-Benz diesel engines; Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation products; Mobile Climate Control products; Thomas Built Buses parts and service dealer; complete diagnostic and repair services; Allisonhybrid electric propulsion and related components; filters; batteries; diesel emission and retrofit solutions. 18

Voith Turbo Inc. 25 Winship Rd., York, PA 17406 USA 717-767-3200 Website: www.voith.com Products: Voith Turbo, a Group Division of Voith, is a producer of transit bus transmissions worldwide. Voith’s DIWA.6 bus transmission has helped revolutionize the transit bus market by lowering fuel consumption and emissions, while ensuring optimal performance and a smoother ride. Based on the proven DIWA power-split principle, the DIWA transmission allows stepless starting and braking across a range of speeds where other transmissions require two to three gear shifts. This results in 50 percent fewer gear shifts, greater riding comfort and significantly reduced driveline wear. Voith’s stopstart technology combines Automatic Neutral Shift (ANS) with intelligent start-up management, preventing the engine from working against the stillactive brake during start-up. This reduces unnecessary fuel consumption, and delivers more sustainable operation through reduced CO2, NOx, particulate and noise emissions. Voith complements its DIWA.5 and DIWA.6 transmissions with its advanced diagnostic software, ALADIN 6. This software makes repairs and maintenance easier by providing access to event memory and runtime data. The data can be shared easily with a Voith service provider if additional troubleshooting is required. ALADIN 6 diagnostic software is available for free to DIWA owners, without any subscription or licensing fees. 18 ZF Industries, Inc. 777 Hickory Hill Dr.,Vernon Hills, IL 60061 USA 847-478-6840 Website: www.zf.com Products: ZF is a global supplier involved with driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. 18

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♪ ♫ Music

T

To Our Ears ♩♬

APTA Annual Meeting In Nashville

he 2018 American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 23-26, 2018, at the Music City Center, in downtown Nashville, TN. APTA’s Annual Meeting is designed for public transportation professionals to engage in workshops, join tours and network with colleagues. Keynote speakers and educational sessions explore important topics, including transformative technology, community building, innovative funding and finance, safety, workforce development, worldwide mega projects, and more.

The majority of APTA Annual Meeting events will take place at Music City Center, and will be attended by transit personnel, policymakers, board members, government agencies, manufacturers, suppliers and consultants.

APTA REGISTRATION HOURS Admission to all scheduled APTA Annual Meeting activities requires a name badge. Attendees must register and pick up their individual badges upon arrival. The registration desk, located at Music City Center, will be open during the following days/times: Saturday, Sept. 22 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 23 — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 24 — 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 25 — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 26 — 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

OPENING/CLOSING GENERAL SESSIONS The Opening General Session is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday, September 24. Attendees will receive updates on the state of public transportation from many industry representatives.

The keynote address at this year’s Opening General Session will be presented by Daymond John. He is founder/CEO of FUBU, presidential ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, a panelist on ABC’s Shark Tank, and CEO of The Shark Group.

The Closing General Session is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26. This session’s theme is, “Discovering Transit’s Value Messages In Big Data.” Attendees will learn about the expanding role data has in showcasing transit’s value, and strengthening its case for funding.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES There are a variety of educational sessions scheduled for the 2018 APTA Annual Meeting. Seminar topics include: Envisioning the Workforce in the Mobility Landscape, Innovative Funding, Making the Transition to Electric Buses, The Procurement Super Session, Transit’s Response To Homelessness, Ballot Measures and Responding to Critics, Advancing Transit Asset Management, and Safety Management Systems: Information, Approaches and Best Practices.

There are also two U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) concurrent workshops scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Wednes-

Show Hours 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday Apollo Video Technology

APTA Booth #423

Apollo Video Technology’s RoadRunner 4K™ on-board video surveillance system provides exceptional clarity for transit and rail applications, delivering a clearer view of activities on and around buses and commuter trains.

Coupled with a new high definition 360-degree camera, the system empowers transit operators to achieve maximum, panoramic video coverage, virtually eliminating blind spots and coverage gaps.

Join us in Booth 423 to learn more about how Apollo Video’s advancements in video quality improve the accuracy of video analytics, and support our breakthrough mSET video management software. Apollo Video is unique in the industry with software interoperability and compatibility across multiple generations of hardware.

For more information, visit www.apollovideo.com Page 42

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September/October 2018

Camira

APTA Booth #101

We design and manufacture over 8.8 million yards of fabric a year for global clients in around 80 countries worldwide, for passenger transport on bus, coach and rail and for a wide range of commercial interiors.

Our fabrics are Made by Camira, so we know exactly what goes into them and how they’re made from beginning to end. Our fabrics can be designed and made to order on a custom-made basis – to specific colorways and patterns – or we have a huge selection of stocked fabrics across different compositions, price points and technical performance levels. We design and weave plush wool velours in cut pile, cut and loop pile, and flat-woven fabrics, as well as supplying vinyls and leathers. Made for style, comfort and safety.

Address: 2476 Waldorf Court NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544, United States Email: camira-usa@camirafabrics.com Website: www.camirafabrics.com

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September 23-26, 2018 Music City Center day, September 26. They are: FTA Capital Projects; and, FTA Safety Management Systems Training for Transit Executives.

OTHER KEY EVENTS Attendees at this year’s APTA Annual Meeting will have many other events to attend. They include the Products & Services Exhibitor Showcase, scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 23 (which also includes The Welcome to Nashville Reception), and from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, September 24.

Also scheduled are: n American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) Fundraiser and Scholarship Reception, from 8 to 11 p.m. on Sunday, September 23; n FTA Update General Session, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. on Monday, September 24; n APTA AdWheel Awards Ceremony, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 24, to honor the best in public transportation marketing and communications; n APTA Awards Ceremony & Luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m on Tuesday, September 25; n APTF Scholarship Awards: Celebrating 30 Years, from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25;

Music City Center

Leadership APTA: Progressive Leaders, Extraordinary Thinkers, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25; n Leadership APTA Reception, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25; and, n Wednesday Wake Up Breakfast, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26. n

Visit www.apta.com for more information.

Show Hours 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday BAE Systems

APTA Booth #220

Zero emissions where and when you need it. With BAE Systems’ Series-ER system, transit operators can lower emissions, fuel use, and maintenance without the challenges and planning that comes with charging infrastructure. Series-ER has an onboard generator providing electric travel without the need to stop and energize or invest in plug-in chargers. And when you’re ready to go fully electric, so is Series-ER. It’s electric-ready, operating as a hybrid today and full battery-electric tomorrow.

Carol Gorenflo • Carol.gorenflo@baesystems.com 607.770.2083 • www.hybridrive.com

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BYD And Generate Capital Form U.S. Partnership For Electric Bus Leasing Program

Generate Capital, Inc., a financier, owner, and operator of distributed infrastructure, has formed a joint venture to launch an electric bus leasing program in the United States with BYD Motors, Inc., a manufacturer of electric vehicles. “Two hundred million dollars will be allocated to the lease program, which will help public and private sector clients accelerate adoption of battery-powered electric buses by reducing upfront costs. In doing so, the program will also help provide cleaner, quieter, safer, and more fiscally responsible transportation choices,� ac-

cording to a press release. “The lease program already has several clients, including universities, top corporations and smaller municipalities.�

BYD President Stella Li said, “BYD’s mission is to fundamentally change the world by reducing our dependency on carbon-based fuels through the development and advancement of battery and electric vehicle technology. This partnership will be critical in that effort by creating new financing alternatives to a broader range of clients.�

The Aftermarket Parts Company, LLC, operating as NFI Parts, a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., has launched its new website: www.nfi.parts. NFI Group began combining the parts operations of the New Flyer and MCI businesses in December 2016, and introduced the NFI Parts brand in October 2017. “We are pleased to have continued to offer industry-leading service to our customers as we integrate our business,� said NFI Parts President Brian Dewsnup. “The new website gives a holistic view of the products and services we provide at NFI Parts, and a look at what’s to come.�

For more information, visit www.nfi.com

emission technology. The fusion of U.S. Hybrid’s fuel cell technology and BYD’s electric bus platform will shape the future.�

For more information, visit www.BYD.com.

Stephanie Laubenstein has been promoted to the role of director, sales/business development, in New Flyer’s Sales/Marketing department, reporting to Jennifer McNeill, vice president, sales and marketing. Laubenstein will lead the Business Segment Director and Technical Sales teams, and develop technical and commercial solutions.

BYD Teams With U.S. Hybrid Corp To Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Battery-Electric Bus

BYD has teamed with U.S. Hybrid Corporation to develop a hydrogen fuel cell battery-electric bus. The bus will be the first of its kind. It will serve Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye Airport. “We are ecstatic to partner with U.S. Hybrid,� said Macy Neshati, senior vice president of BYD Heavy Industries. “Together, we can bring innovative ideas to the state of Hawaii and deliver clean, renewable transportation solutions.�

U.S. Hybrid Founder Dr. Abas Goodarzi said, “With the state pursuing clean power, we have an ideal backdrop to showcase efficient zero

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BITZER Enlarges Its Selection Software

From DriveWare:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The latest update of the BITZER software allows customers to calculate the performance data for more components within its product range. With this update, BITZER offers a reliable tool for users to select the appropriate components for their systems,â&#x20AC;? said the company.

With the update to version 6.8, the software now includes the newly introduced ORBIT+ and ORBIT FIT scroll compressors for the refrigerants R410A, R454B and R32, as well as the CSVW variable speed compact screw compressor series with permanentmagnet motor. Users can now carry out the motor selection for BITZER OS.95 screw compressors. For reciprocating compressors, BITZER has added the An important new feature VARIPACK frequency inverter selection for its ECOof the BITZER software LINE+ series as well as for the two-stage semi-heris the implementation metic reciprocating compressors. of the new ORBIT+ and Now, users can customise the dimensions of ORBIT FIT (above) BITZER liquid receivers and condensers. The necscroll compressors. essary documents can be downloaded in the software â&#x20AC;&#x153;Images: BITZERâ&#x20AC;? via the Dimensions button. In addition, BITZER has added new refrigerants for the receiver calculation. Also, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest horizontal oil separator, OAHC100051A for ammonia applications, is available with the update.

The extended software can be accessed via the BITZER website, www.bitzer.de/websoftware and it is available for download, www.bitzer.de/shared_media/files/BitzerWinSetup_6-8-0-1996.exe.

Dispatchers Increase Productivity

Most transportation business owners agree that dispatch is the engine that runs their daily operation. When everyone cooperates and everything falls into place, a business runs like the finelytuned engine of a brand-new sports car.

According to a DriveWare press release, dispatchers are now using new technology to perform at a higher level and increase productivity. They are saving time every day with tools from DriveWare. Automated email running in the background reminds customers of upcoming trips. They know in advance of their driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and cell phone number. Drivers are also alerted of their daily jobs. Dispatchers can send trip offers that simplify driver assignments, and are able to communicate with customers and drivers more effectively, saving time and money â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all without making a single phone call.

These tools help eliminate unnecessary calls from customers, and reduce the number of interactions with drivers. Drivers have clear instructions, buses show up on time and customers are happy.

Company owners can help dispatchers win with the tools that will make their jobs easier, while reducing stress for everyone in the organization. With automated scheduled email, easy driver trip offers and two-way texting, DriveWare will make a difference in day-to-day operations. These tools are just part of a complete software system from DriveWare. An entire organization will benefit from the DriveWare software system to increase productivity and save money, according to the company press release.

Contact Anthony Osuna at 949-309-5150 or dw@driveware.com for more information.

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ABC Companies Hosts Open House In Appreciation Of Local Customers, Community And First Responders

ABC Companies’ Winter Garden, FL, location recently celebrated being part of the local community for over 40 years. The event included activities centered around sharing ABC’s appreciation for local customers, the community and local first responders. Numerous suppliers also participated.

“This event really is about showing our gratitude to our long-standing customers and the local community who have been with us from the start. It is hard to believe we have been here for over 40 years, but when you look around and see how we have grown this facility to accommodate our customers, it is clear this is just the beginning of many more great years to come,” said Roman Cornell, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of ABC Companies. “As we take great pride in contributing to the communities that support their operations throughout the U.S. and Canada, supporting the local Oakland Police Department’s ongoing child seat and helmet drive was also part of the celebration.”

“We received many donations” said Sergeant Angela Campbell, who participated. “Among the many activities was a dunk tank, giving cus-

tomers the opportunity to soak a few of their favorite ABC employees.”

“That is just the kind of organization ABC is,” said Bill Torres from DC Trails. “They are more than business partners, they are friends.

Who else would let you dunk them as a thank you for your business.”

The event included lunch, and the opportunity to spend time with members of the ABC staff and the suppliers in attendance. John Gillis, vice president of parts said, “The relationships and trust we earn with our customers have to be supported by our suppliers. Having many of them in attendance demonstrates our focus on always

keeping the customer first. They had the opportunity to interact first hand, continuing to understand what our customers need to be successful, and how ABC delivers for them.”

Dane Cornell, president and CEO, described the day as, “This event is about building relationships with our customers, while thanking them for the trust they put in our organization to make them successful. We appreciate everyone who took the time to join us for this celebration.”

ABC Companies provides product and service offerings that cover operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment and specialty vehicles. ABC supports customers with an after-sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment.

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

Kallie Arevalo Named Marketing Manager For CCW

Kallie Arevalo has joined Complete Coach Works (CCW) as marketing manager. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Redlands, and brings years of experience to CCW in the marketing field.

Arevalo, a mother of two young children, said, “I’m a results-driven person, so it has been my dream to be part of an organization that truly shares that philosophy. It is my complete honor to have the opportunity to work with this amazing group of like-minded individuals.”

For more information, visit www.completecoach.com.

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Page 46

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Prevost Partners With Icomera To Provide Wi-Fi And Internet Connectivity

“In this day and age, Wi-Fi usage on coaches can become absolutely crazy,” said Robert Hitt, director of Prevost aftermarket training, during the recent Ride and Drive 2018 event in Hagerstown, MD. “Wi-Fi and internet costs will only go up as coach passengers get more comfortable streaming on their own devices.”

Addressing this customer concern, Prevost has partnered with Icomera U.S. Inc., Rockville, MD, which works in onboard internet connectivity and electronic entertainment systems.

According to Prevost, “Through this partnership, Prevost makes Icomera’s solid-state integrated mobile router available for high-performance onboard wireless services, and a wide range of content options, through an array of cellular providers. Developed specifically for a mobile environment, this system allows passengers to connect to Wi-Fi on their individual devices, and access movies and internet content.

“This feature is particularly important for operators covering different regions within the U.S. and Canada. The benefit here is having several cellular providers packaged into this one system, using separate cards for each location, which keeps roaming costs at a minimum.”

The Icomera unit is available, factory-installed, on new Prevost coaches. Through an exclusive agreement, Prevost also is Icomera’s Certified Partner for aftermarket, and will install the Icomera unit at any of its 14 service centers throughout North America. The entire process takes about four hours.

“Icomera solutions operate on open architecture principles that allow flexible and upgradeable services to meet the requirements of the customers using the product, and keep within any set budget for internet access,” said Icomera Sales Director Gabriel Lopez-Bernal. “The Icomera unit works off the Wi-Fi inside the coach, without reaching out to the network and running up the cost of service.

“The standard package for Prevost coaches offers about 15 movies and 15 hours of television,” said Lopez-Bernal. “However, we are working with Prevost to add more content to include classic films, and still keep it the same price.”

Pro and Premium packages are also available that include greater content.

“The Icomera system can block bandwidthintensive websites and restrict all inappropriate content. A CRM (Customer Relationship Mgt.) tool allows operators to collect passenger information and email addresses from passengers who opt in for direct-marketing.”

The unit is fully browser-based; no thirdparty application is needed to download or update. The system is backward-compatible, with several generations of browsers for Android, Windows and Apple. Icomera can provide a list of compatible devices it has tested.

Prevost provides intercity touring coaches and is a producer of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion.

It is part of the Volvo Group.

Visit www.prevostcar.com.

Safety Step Launches New Logo

Since Safety Step’s inception in 1995, it has designed and produced an array of reliable step stools, from industrial to individual use, for customers across the United States and Canada. The company can customize any stool to meet personal or business needs.

According to a press release, “Recently, the legacy of Safety Step Corporation has been refashioned, with an elephant standing atop a Safety Step stool, displaying its most prominent strength and durability features. The new logo is a modern take on Safety Step’s brand identity and mission.”

According to the company, “Through branding research, Safety Step has determined that progressing its current brand identity, rather than entirely changing its name, is the ideal decision. The reputation and goodwill built over 23 years is a valuable asset, and the company wants the new logo to reflect what it is known for, and how people identify with Safety Step.

“We feel that it’s important for the Safety Step brand to remain the leader in dynamic marketplaces, and to embody our core values,” said Safety Step’s spokesperson. “Just as our company has evolved since 1995, our brand has to keep up to reflect the quality of our innovative products, and the value our safety step stools bring to our customers over the years.”

The old logo featured the company name in a stylized all-caps font. The new logo retains the name of the company in its signature green color with “Safety” in bold to highlight one of its most prominent features. The text design is a makeover with a non-capped font to convey a sense of reliability.

“When we were trying to come up with the new logo, we wanted something that matches and communicates Safety Step’s values to our customers clearly. So, we’ve implemented an image of an elephant to convey what Safety Step stands for.”

As the old logo gets phased out, the new logo will be used on all corporate communication materials, including all new publications, stationery, signages and the official website.

“The new Safety Step brand logo is designed to reflect our new vision, and dedication to everyone who uses a safety step. We’re incredibly proud of our new logo, and we really want the elephant to represent how strong these step stools are,” said the spokesperson.

For more information, visit www.safetystep.net or call 540-362-9636.

September/October 2018

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Dallas-Based MV Transportation Orders 19, MCI 2018 J4500 Coaches

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of the NFI Group Inc., has received an order for 19, 2018 J4500 coaches from Dallasbased MV Transportation, which specializes in passenger transportation services.

“MV operates shuttle services for corporations all over the world. With a need to expand

its fleet to support recent growth, MV selected MCI’s best-selling clean diesel J4500, based on its luxurious passenger experience and workhorse reliability,” according to MCI. “We’re finding that door-to-door employee commuter transportation is becoming a more popular employer benefit, as major companies continue to expand regionally,” said Jeff Womack, MV chief marketing officer. “The J4500 is a natural choice for its comfortable, smooth ride

HD Brushless Alternators

designed for

Transit and Motor Coach Buses

AVAILABLE MODELS: 24Volts from 200 to 600 Amps Negative or Insulated

Series 180-T1 Series 180

The DelStar Series alternators are an integral charging system of an innovative air cooled brushless design. The compact, heavy duty construction, provides the increased service life expected to match the longer maintenance intervals of today’s engines, while providing a performance level without parallel.

and passenger amenities that are perfect for longer distance routes.”

Each of the new 2018 model coaches features 56 seats, with best-in-class legroom, Wi-Fi and charging outlets available to every passenger.

“The MCI J4500 coach is already popular for employee shuttle programs running throughout California’s Silicon Valley, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. MCI has approximately 800 coaches operating in northern California.”

Patrick Scully, MCI executive vice president of sales and marketing, said, “We’re extremely proud to support MV Transportation. For many growing companies, this is a win-win – they can attract the best people, get them to work on schedule and cut down on the use of cars, all with the help of MCI, a green transportation leader. A fully occupied motorcoach is more energy-efficient per passenger mile than any other

CCW Gets Contract For ZEPS Conversion Of Montebello Bus Lines’ New Flyer Buses

Complete Coach Works (CCW), a U.S.-based bus remanufacturing company, has been awarded a contract by Montebello Bus Lines (MBL), located in Los Angeles County, CA, for the electrification and rehabilitation of three New Flyer buses.

“The economy’s shift toward sustainability has influenced MBL’s decision to remove its gas hybrid system and convert to Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) buses,” according to a press release.

“We are looking forward to our first all-electric buses. We believe this is going to be a positive first step toward the next generation of our vehicles moving forward,” said Director of Transportation Tom Barrio.

When completed, MBL’s remanufactured buses will include new CCW ZEPS electric drive systems, composite floorings and light-weight seating, electric air compressors and power-steering pumps, electric HVAC systems, all LED interior and exterior lighting, paint/graphics, suspension, steering components and brakes.

“CCW is excited to work with MBL toward its goal of improving the quality of public transportation for residents of the communities. CCW ZEPS buses will provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels and help America Series 400 in its continued leadership in clean energy. We believe our all-electric ZEPS drive system supports responsible development. We are confident that this rehab project will improve service for Montebello’s neighborhoods and surrounding cities,” said Kevin O’Brien, general sales manager at CCW. For more information, visit www.completecoach.com.

Setting the Standard

CANADA & EXPORT SALES

Dixie Electric Ltd. 517 Basaltic Road Concord, ON Canada L4K 4W8

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Tel: 905-879-0533 Fax: 905-879-0532 Toll Free: 800-461-5799 E-mail: sales@dixie-electric.com www.delstar-hd.com

BUSLINE

mode of motor transportation, and can displace as many as 56 passenger cars from crowded highways, easing congestion.”

According to a press releasee, “MV Transportation is the largest privately-owned passenger transportation contracting services firm in the United States. It provides paratransit, fixed route, campus and corporate shuttles, and student transportation services, partnering with over 200 city and county government transit agencies, school districts, universities, and corporations.

Founded in 1975, MV serves 110 million passengers each year across 30 states and Canada.”

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) offers the J4500, the new J3500 model, and the D-Series, including the ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE. MCI also supports nearly 30,000 MCI coaches on the road with OE parts, maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance and an ASEaccredited MCI Academy technician training center.

For more information, visit mcicoach.com.

September/October 2018

Antelope Valley Transit Authority Receives $13 Million For Electric Bus Fleet

CA’s Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) has been awarded $13 million in state transportation funding. The grant, known officially as the Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), includes an additional $250,000 in funds to, “enhance connection opportunities” between AVTA, Metrolink, Amtrak, and LA Metro services.

“Receiving this grant means AVTA has been allocated the remaining funding necessary to support the agency’s goal of being the first in the nation to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission battery-electric fleet. The grant is the third such grant to be awarded to AVTA over the past several years by the state of California For information, visit www.AVTA.com.

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Y O U R

I N V I TAT I O N

T O

E X P E R I E N C E

www.motorcoachexpo.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

2018 BUSLINE Page 49 INNOVATE September/October ∙ EDUCATE ∙ CELEBRATE

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BusCon Heads To Indianapolis October 1-3

T

Exhibition Hall Open Tuesday, Noon - 5 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

echnology, networking and education will be highlighted during the annual BusCon tradeshow, scheduled for October 1-3, at the Indiana Convention Center, located in downtown Indianapolis, IN. Transportation markets served at BusCon include: tour and charter, public and community transit, college and university, limousine, retirement community, parking and garage, hotel and resort, casino, religious, assisted living, paratransit, leasing, car rental and corporate.

BusCon’s exhibition hall will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3. Attendees will see new models of buses, motorcoaches, vans and other equipment, along with a wide variety of industry-related supplies and services.

There will also be guest speakers, workshops, seminars, panels and roundtable discussions at this year’s event. Visitors will learn about the latest in alternative fuels and other green technologies; telematics; safety; accessible transportation; regulatory issues; training and more.

BusCon Schedule (Current as of August 13, 2018 / Seminar descriptions courtesy of BusCon)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

Noon - 5 p.m.

Registration Open — Hoosier Foyer Noon - 4 p.m.

Session: Overview of Transit Procurement for Senior Leadership — Room 135 This revised half-day seminar for nonprocurement senior leadership and board members, offers a better understanding of the rationale, functions and general process of third-party contracting for FTA grantees.

It provides an overview of major elements of an acceptable procurement program.

Some of the themes of the seminar are: competence and training, teaming and partnering internally and externally, supporting

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advance planning of procurements, and adhering to pre-established procedures. Topics include: principles of procurement, the procurement process, roles and responsibilities.

Presenter: Paul Larrousse, of the National Transit Institute. RSVP is required and is first come, first serve. Capacity is 50 attendees.

3 - 4 p.m.

Session: Lithium-ion Batteries 101 Room 134 Lithium-ion has become the chemistry of choice for virtually all modern electric applications, ranging from consumer electronics, such as smartphones, to electric transportation and large stationary grid-based energy storage systems. Designed as an introductory session that is open to all in the bus industry, Part 1 will begin with an overview of electrochemistry, and a discussion on Liion characteristics and life expectancy.

Presenter: Dr. Mary Patterson, of EnerDel, Inc. 3 - 4 p.m.

Session: How to Expand Your Business Through Diversification — Room 132 This session will discuss the important things every operator should know before making the big leap to diversify a company’s services.

Presenters: Jodi Merritt, of H&L Charter Co, Inc.; Sal Milazzo, of Signature Transportation Group; and Michelle Wiltgen, of National Interstate.

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Session: Lithium-ion Batteries 201 Room 134 In session two, a discussion will focus on cell components and designs that make for effective, safe battery solutions. Topics include design components, cell safety and cell testing.

September/October 2018

Presenter: Dr. Mary Patterson, of EnerDel, Inc. 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Session: A Legislative and Regulatory Update for Operators Attendees will learn about the latest legislative and regulatory changes involving the U.S. bus and motorcoach industry.

Presenter: Ken Presley, of the United Motorcoach Association.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Registration Open — Hoosier Foyer 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Session: Transit Asset Management Implementation for Tier II Providers & Sponsors — Room 135 This course provides an overview of, and implementation guidance for, Tier II providers intending to comply with the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Final Rule (49 CFR 625). The course is directed at mid- and senior-level managers from TAM Plan sponsoring agencies (Group Plan Sponsors and Group Plan Opt-outs), who will be responsible for the implementation of the TAM Final Rule within their agencies.

Presenter: Scott Baker, of the National Transit Institute. RSVP is required and is first come, first serve. Capacity is 50 attendees.

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Session: Forging Partnerships to Improve Mobility and Boost Ridership Room 132 As the standard for mobility shifts, so is the way transportation providers are delivering services to their riders. By focusing on forging partnerships, many bus operations have found that they can provide more service with fewer vehicles, while also saving money along the way.

Presenters: Alva Carrasco, of Sacramento Regional Transit; and Ed Eucker, of Senior Transportation Connection.

BCS04-094 BCS04-09 BCS04-0 BCS04BCS04 BC BCS0 BCS

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BUSES& BUSES& BUSES! technology networking education

REGISTER NOW!

OCTOBER 1-3, 2018 INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER INDIANAPOLIS Exhibit Hall Open October 2-3, 2018

BusConExpo.com â&#x20AC;¢ (800) 576-8788 For exhibiting inquiries, contact James.Blue@bobit.com or call (310) 533-2449, or David.Avila@bobit.com or call (310) 533-2517.

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4 4/ 4/1 4/10 4/10/ 4/10/1 4/10/18 8 8: 8:4 8:45 A AM

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8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Session: Operator Perspectives: A Look at Electric Bus Usage from Tried and Tested Experience — Room 133 While a large majority of electric bus usage has occurred in public transit, bus operators of all kinds are embracing the technology as municipalities around the nation look to lessen their carbon footprints.

Attendees will hear how operators are using their electric buses, and if they are finding success in fuel savings and maintenance costs.

Presenters: Erik Bigelow, of Center for Transportation and the Environment; Nancy Brown, of Duluth Transit Authority; and Steven Wilson, of Indianapolis International Airport.

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Session: Transit Maintenance Forum: Considerations for Creating A LongTerm Electric Bus Charging Plan Room 134 This session will focus on best practices for upgrading infrastructure in preparation for a zero-emission fleet.

Presenters: Jewels Carter, of WSP; Len Engel, of solutionLAB; and Vicki Learn, of IndyGo. 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Session: The Role of Autonomous Vehicles in Transportation — Room 132 This session will take a look at autonomous vehicles, including what ideal applications for shuttles look like, how the technology will impact people with disabilities and what the future may look like if pilot projects prove successful.

Presenters: Scott Conroy, of First Transit; and James McLary, a mobility management advocate.

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Session: Alternative Propulsion Systems that Deliver Big Results — Room 133 This session focuses on solutions to make fleets more environmentally sound, including the use of propane and hybridelectric systems.

Presenter: Jill Drury, of Charlevoix County Transit.

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Session: Transit Maintenance Forum: How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Manufacturers Build More Reliable, Efficient Buses — Room 134 A look at how manufacturers are delivering more reliable, safe and efficient vehicles by using Big Data analytics and

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Artificial Intelligence. This focus is also preventing breakdowns and minimizing maintenance costs.

Presenters: Ricardo Margalho, of Stratio Automotive; and David Warren, of New Flyer.

11 a.m. - Noon Keynote Address — Room 130/131 Noon - 2 p.m.

Lunch in Exhibit Hall — Hall J Noon - 5 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open — Hall J 3 - 5 p.m.

Happy Hour in Exhibit Hall — Hall J 6 - 8 p.m.

BusCon Night on the Town at the Punch Bowl Social Includes food, drinks, bowling, darts, pingpong, Karaoke, 80s arcade and other games. Located in downtown Indianapolis.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Registration Open — Hoosier Foyer 8 - 8:45 a.m.

Breakfast and Awards Ceremony Room 130/131 9 - 10 a.m.

Session: Why Today’s Advanced Safety Systems Won’t Leave You Behind on the Road Ahead — Room 132 This session will focus on the evolution of current bus and motorcoach safety technologies, including collision mitigation, and discuss how these systems will continue to play a key role in the growth and advancement of automated and autonomous commercial vehicles.

Presenter: Fred Andersky, of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC. 9 - 10 a.m.

Session: The Complete Guide to Social Selling — Room 133 Attendees will learn which markets are on each social platform, what types of content they should be publishing, and when to pitch their products. This session is for beginner and intermediate social media managers.

Presenter: Aleja Seabron, of The LMC Group.

9 - 10 a.m.

Session: Transit Maintenance Forum: How New Technologies are Impacting Maintenance and Operations Room 134 This session will take a look at the benefits that can be derived from having allelectric accessories on diesel and CNG buses, as well as discussing new technol-

September/October 2018

ogy that can drastically improve the ride smoothness of paratransit vehicles.

Presenters: Carl Harr, of LiquidSpring LLC; and John Hronich, of BAE Systems.

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Session: Is Your Operation Pandemic Ready? — Room 132 Infections, such as from hepatitis A and influenza, have wreaked havoc and virtually paralyzed several bus facilities in the recent past, across the country, from providing routine service. Attendees will learn how to prevent transmission of such germs within a transportation operation.

Presenter: Frances Grinstead, of CURIS System.

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Session: What Service and Servant Leadership Mean to the New Generation — Room 133 This session provides an understanding of why servant leadership and acts of service are important and vital to running a successful business; how to engage employees in the process of servitude; and how the culture of servitude must be embodied by the entire organization for the process to be a success, which starts with its leaders.

Presenter: Kevin Egan, of EGAN Transportation Logistics Consultants.

10:15 - 10:45 a.m.

Session: Transit Maintenance Forum: Apprenticeship – The Time is Now! Room 134 This session will examine a national effort by the Transportation Learning Center and the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a registered apprenticeship program, for the development of future transit bus technicians.

Presenter: John Schiavone, of Transportation Learning Center.

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Session: Transit Maintenance Forum: Bus Fires - Stop Them Before They Start Room 134 This presentation will review a number of facts about bus fires, and give participants greater insight into the work of fire investigators.

Presenter: Halsey King, of Halsey King & Associates.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open — Hall J Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch in Exhibit Hall — Hall J

Visit www.busconexpo.com for more information.

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® D45 CRT LE A new era in passenger accessibility and workhorse performance is here. Built for Commuter Rapid Transit (CRT), the MCI D45 CRT LE delivers all the advantages of a proven high-floor design, combined with a breakthrough Low-Entry (LE) vestibule for unprecedented accessibility, especially for passengers using mobility devices.

The ADA- and Buy America-compliant model was developed with evaluations from the National Council on Independent Living and the American Association for People with Disabilities, among others. Features include an automatic curb-level ramp that accommodates a wider variety of mobility aids such as next-generation motorized wheelchairs. The forward door features an ergonomically-designed spiral entryway, enhanced lighting and supportive grab rails for comfort and visibility at entry.

The dual-entry technology cuts dwell times to match low-floor transit boarding times. Spacious, comfortable seating accommodates 54 passengers overall, adjusting to 52 when accommodating two passengers with mobility devices. Model variants underway include battery-electric propulsion in 2020, and a full high-floor coach model with or without a wheelchair lift.

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

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

Engine Options.........................Cummins ISX or all-electric high-torque Siemens electric drive system Transmission.................................................................................Allison B500 Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® J4500/J3500 MCI introduces important advances on the best-selling MCI J4500, and a great new arrival – a compact MCI J3500 to meet increasing demand for a smaller coach. Featuring all the styling and performance of the 45-foot MCI J4500, with a maximum seating capacity of 60, the MCI J3500 seats 40 to 44 passengers, and offers top baggage capacity among all 35-foot vehicles.

Both models have best-in-class legroom and comfort for the driver, with a new high-definition instrument panel that provides key system messaging including tire pressure status, engine DPF regeneration notices and more.

A new swing-out styled electric e-fan cooling package provides full roadside engine access and fuel-efficiency improvements. A backup camera system and optional ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), with collision mitigation, are upgrades to the latest-generation Bendix Fusion and bird’s-eye view 360° camera system.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com Model .............................................................................................J4500/J3500 Overall Length ...................................................................................45.58’/35’ Overall Height .........................................................................................140.75” Seating Capacity................................................................Up to 60/Up to 44 Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Wheelbase........................................................................................315”/228.8” Turning radius ............................................................................40’ 11”/32’ 10” Fuel Tank Capacity ................................................................183 gal./164 gal.

Front Suspension .............................................................Independent front GVWR .................................................................................54,000 / 42,000 lbs.

Engine ....................Cummins ISX 12L, 425hp engine with engine brake; optional Detroit Diesel DD 13 410 or 450hp also with engine brake, or the Cummins L9, 350hp, 1150 lb-ft torque with engine brake Transmission ..............................Gen V Allison B500, 6-speed automatic with prognostics capability Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes September/October 2018

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

BYD

BYD

K9

K11

BYD’s 40-foot bus is the company’s best-selling model, and works great in medium and large cities—or anywhere customers need to transport larger numbers of passengers, but don’t need the extended capacity of BYD’s 60-foot articulated bus.

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.

BYD’s 60-foot articulated transit bus is perfect for moving large numbers of passengers. With a capacity of up to 45 seated passengers plus 65 standing (110 total), it is ideal for urban transit systems and high-volume shuttles of all kinds—including airports, sport venues, performing arts centers, and parking.

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.

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

Model..................................................................................................................K9 Length............................................................................................................40.9’ Width.............................................................................................................101.6” Height ..........................................................................................................138.6” Engine..................................................................................Wheel-hub motors Electrical System ..........................................Zero-emissions high voltage Chassis..............................................................................................Three-steel HVAC........................High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion Wheelchair Lift .........................................................................................Ricon Steering...............................................................Douglas, tilt and telescope Suspension...................................................................Air (with mechanical) Seating Capacity ...............................................................................Up to 41+1 Wheelbase.....................................................................................................284” Page 54

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September/October 2018

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

Model .................................................................................................................K11 Length............................................................................................................60.7’ Width.............................................................................................................101.6” Height ..........................................................................................................138.6” Engine..................................................................................Wheel-hub motors Electrical System ..........................................Zero-emissions high voltage Chassis..............................................................................................Three-steel HVAC........................High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion Wheelchair Lift .........................................................................................Ricon Steering...............................................................Douglas, tilt and telescope Suspension ...............................................................................Air suspension Seating Capacity ..............................................................................Up to 45+1 Wheelbase......................................................................................238.5/275.6”

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

BYD

Prevost

Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach

Double Decker BYD’s all-new 45-foot double decker coach is turning heads around the world. Ideal as a sightseeing coach or a transit bus where high capacity is needed, but a longer articulated bus might not be practical. Upper and lower levels provide panoramic views of the landscape and tourist attractions.

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

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

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

Model...........................................................................................Double decker Length...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..........................................................................................................160.2” Engine..................................................................................Wheel-hub motors Electrical System ..........................................Zero-emissions high voltage Chassis..............................................................................................Three-steel HVAC........................High-tech BYD, optimized for electrical propulsion Wheelchair Lift .........................................................................................Ricon Steering...............................................................Douglas, tilt and telescope Suspension ......................Air suspension w/mechanical leveling valves Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 77+1 Wheelbase .........................................................................................283.3/53.1”

The iconic Prevost X3-45® sets a higher standard for a unique and upscale intercity commuter coach. The X3-45 Commuter™ provides a smooth, quiet ride for a relaxing commuting environment. Designed to provide quality, performance, and safety.

Buy America compliant, Exova certified for structural integrity and Altoona tested for superior product value and lifecycle efficiency, the X3-45 Commuter coach offers proven performance for the nation’s most demanding commuter routes. Developed with a focus on transit operation concerns such as passenger safety, accessibility, low operation costs and ease of maintenance, the vehicle offers the lowest overall height in the premium intercity coach market; while maintaining a best-in-class floor-to-ceiling height of 80 inches. A rider’s commute is remarkably smooth and comfortable thanks to the longest wheelbase in the industry, while accessibility is enhanced by the revolutionary Swap & Plug Wheelchair Lift system, front kneeling suspension, and bi-fold doors that open to a passenger-friendly stairway in the expansive entrance.

The Prevost X3-45 Commuter includes three-point seat belts on a 20G rated welded rail system for an exceptionally secure passenger environment. Additionally, the coach can be outfitted with a WiFi system, state-of-the-art sound and video, and electrical outlets at each seat to keep passengers plugged in and in touch while commuting.

Prevost: 7900 National Service Rd., Greensboro, NC 27409 Tel: 877-773-8678 Email: prevostcar@volvo.com Website: www.prevostcar.com

Model.......................................................................Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach Seating Capacity ..........................................................................................................57 Length ............................................................................................................................45’ Width ............................................................................................................................102” Height...........................................................................................................................134” Wheelbase...............................................................................................................334.5” Overhang (front/rear)...........................................................................72.30”; 86.60” Inside Height (min./max.) .......................................................Floor to ceiling - 80” Turning Radius..........................................................................................................45.6’ Tire Size .......................................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine ..............................EPA Compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 445 HP, 13L Transmission ..................................Allison World, 5th gen., 6-speed auto. trans.

Brakes..........................................................................................All-Wheel disc. w/ABS Fuel Tank Capacity .....................................................................................183 U.S. gal.

Air Conditioning .......................................................................................Bitzer 4FNCY Baggage Capacity...........................................................................................513 cu. ft.

Wheelchair Lift Option.............................................Interchangeable swap & plug Steering..............Steering wheel w/integrated controls, tilt & telescopic, and integral power steering, (variable assistance power steering available) Suspension ..........................Wide-stance tuned suspension w/liftable tag axle September/October 2018

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Nova Bus

LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Based on the proven performance of the LFS platform, the LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) upgrades its already advanced fuel-efficient engineering by adding a powerful, ultra-low emissions hybrid drive to cut fuel and maintenance costs.

Given optimal operating conditions, the LFS HEV offers up to 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered buses. Other benefits include a significant reduction in noise levels, particularly at the rear of the vehicle and outside.

Nova Bus offers two different types of hybrid systems: parallel and series. In both parallel and series vehicles, braking energy normally lost as heat is recuperated through a generator and stored in the rooftop batteries. That’s why hybrid technologies are best suited for frequent stop-and-go conditions.

Also available, the high-capacity LFS Artic HEV is an attractive alternative for growing cities focused on sustainable development. Starts and stops are smooth and the ride is stable, even in snowy conditions; the end result is a more enjoyable passenger experience.

Developing vehicles to help cities meet their sustainability objectives is part of Nova Bus’ vision to be the leader in green efficiency and Electro Mobility.

Nova Bus: 260 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-566-6682 • Fax: 518-957-2002 Email: novabus.sales@volvo.com Website: www.novabus.com Model .......................................................................................................LFS HEV Seating Capacity...................................................................................up to 41 Length...............................................................................................................40’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................132” Engine .....................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7 280 HP, Cummins ISL 8.9 330 HP Traction Drive .................................................Allison H 40 EP, BAE HDS200 Chassis .......................................................................Stainless Steel Integral Fuel ...............................................................................Diesel-electric Hybrid Air Conditioning ................................................Thermo King Athenia, MCC Wheelchair Lift Option..............................................................Lift-U, Fedico Steering .............................................................................................TRW TAS85 Suspenion..........................................................................................................ZF Page 56

BUSLINE

September/October 2018

Alexander Dennis Inc

Enviro500 Designed exclusively to meet the requirements of the North American market, and with various interior specifications, the Enviro500 is the world’s best-selling 3-axle double-deck bus. Offering the unique combination of high capacity and comfort for transit and interurban journeys, Enviro500 is the ideal solution for carrying large numbers of passengers, while occupying a smaller road space.

Low-floor and easy-to-access, the Enviro500 is constructed on a steel chassis with a lightweight aluminum body structure, making it more fuel efficient with industry-leading reliability, lowest cost-of-ownership and best-in-class aftermarket support. With stunning street presence, it occupies the same footprint as a conventional single-deck bus, is “Buy America” compliant and Altoona-tested and, due to its low height, can operate with ease across the USA and Canada.

Alexander Dennis Inc 31566 Railroad Canyon Road #342 Canyon Lake, CA 92587-9446 USA Tel: 951-244-9429 Fax: 951-755-0318 Website: www.alexander-dennis.com

Model...................................................................................................Enviro500 Seating Capacity......................................................................Up to 86 seats Length...........................................................................42 ft., 5 in. (12931 mm) Width................................................................................8 ft., 3 in. (2520 mm) Height ..............................................................................13 ft., 6 in. (4115 mm) Engine ...................................Cummins ISL9 EPA2017 six-cylinder 380 HP Type of Fuel................................................................................................Diesel Chassis ........................................................................................ADI Enviro500 Air Conditioning ..........................................................................Thermo King Wheelchair Lift Option.......................................................................Ricon 1:6 Steering .............................................................................................................ZF

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Almott Introduces High Output Alternators Without Air Ducts

Almott USA, the North American affiliate of Almott LTD, announces a series of high output alternators for the transit bus market “that do not require the use of outdated liquid cooling or expensive and cumbersome air ducting systems,” according to the company.

“The new Almott 25AT series of alternators provide the highest efficiency, highest power products on the market, without the need for oil cooling or an expensive and cumbersome air duct; thus reducing installation costs for the fleet by $200$300/bus. The 25AT series includes a 350, 450, and 550 amp product line, which provides the best efficiency, highest output and lowest cost/power in the market,” a company press release stated. “The modern transit bus requires more power to meet the increasing electrical load requirements of today’s market. This requirement is driven Existing alternator with air duct by the electrification of many hydraulic and mechanical components, particularly by high efficiency e-fan cooling systems to replace traditional radiators.

“Because the alternators in the market today are inefficient and have poor cooling design, they require an auxiliary ducting system to bring them clean, cool, outside air. The Almott design does not need this cumbersome and expensive air ducting systems, or the outdated liquid cooling systems. It survives the challenging environment through improved design, higher heat componentry and superior air flow to keep the alternator running cool.”

These highly efficient, cool running alternators have the added benefit of lower fuel consumption and longer life to keep fleet operating costs low.

Almott LTD is a leading design and manufacturing company dedicated to providing the next generation of high performance electric motors and generators.

For additional information, contact Kevin Quinn at 480-205-9338 or visit www.almottusa.

Florida Department Of Transportation Awards HART $2.7 Million Transit Service Development Grant

The Hillsborough Area Regional Authority (HART) has been awarded $2.7 million in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that will support extending TECO Line Streetcar service hours, increase frequency, and provide free rides to customers for the next three years.

The grant will be used to increase streetcar service from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes and provide extended service hours. The increased streetcar service will improve mobility and access by affording residents access to additional job opportunities, and provide enhanced connectivity in downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City.

“The enhanced streetcar service will accomplish multiple goals; however, the primary objective is to add another mobility and connectivity option for residents, employees, and visitors in downtown Tampa and the city at large,” according to a press release.

“The FDOT grant will help boost ridership and increase efficiency of the TECO Line Streetcar System, providing greater opportunity for the authority to provide a commuter service that meets the growing needs of Tampa's downtown community.”

Visit www.goHART.org.

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

Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials, Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out

(815) 562-5840

Super Salad Bar by-the-pound!

Stromboli, Pizza, Pasta & more!

Hand-Dipped Ice Cream!

(815) 561-9595

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!

September/October 2018

BUSLINE

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Irizar Creating Its Own Company - Irizar USA LLC

According to a press release, “Irizar is creating its own company, Irizar USA LLC, which will be headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. The company is already well positioned to carry forward the distribution and aftersales support of the Irizar i6 motorcoach by recruiting the well qualified team members who have been a part of the initial chapter of introducing the brand to the market.

“Irizar USA will move forward with the marketing, sales and support of the Irizar i6 motorcoach, an integral chassis designed 45-foot luxury motorcoach, but a new phase will now start with renewed enthusiasm.

Irizar is a coach manufacturer with 129 years of experience and over 3,300 employees. Irizar USA is a direct extension of Irizar. The establishment of Irizar USA is designed to ensure sustainable success in the U.S. market and to operate in a manner consistent with the guiding principles and core values of the Irizar brand: safety, reliability, aftersales service, cost of ownership, customization, passenger comfort and innovation.”

Irizar said, “At the Irizar Group, we are completely dedicated to the commitment to remain close to our clients, adapting to their needs and ensuring quality and service always. Leadership at Irizar, and the entire team

at Irizar USA, know that providing quality second to none, and VIP concierge level service at all times is key to a strong future in the market.

“Irizar will continue its strategy of working elbow to elbow with operators to provide them with top quality products and services tailored to their needs, and position the company in the market as a premium coach brand.

“The range of products in the current catalog includes the 45-foot (13.7 m) i6 motorcoach, which comes in two height versions, and the SuperCargo version, offering best-in-class storage capacity. The Irizar i6 motorcoach combines reliability, safety and profitability with service.”

For more information, contact www.irizar.com.

Alexander Dennis Inc To Supply Electric Double Deck Buses In North America

According to a press release, “Alexander Dennis’ first Enviro500EV electric double deck buses will be delivered to Foothill Transit in California in 2019.

“Foothill Transit first demonstrated the ADI Enviro500 double deck bus on its downtown Los Angeles routes in October 2016. Building on the 13-foot, 6-inch model, which Foothill Transit trialed, the Enviro500EV double deck will carry more than twice the number of passengers which are currently transported in the existing single deck vehicles, despite occupying the same road footprint,” according to a press release.

RFP #1905

Notice is hereby given that proposals will be received by the City of Culver City, California, for furnishing the following:

AUTOMATIC VEHICLE WASH SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

In strict accordance with the Specifications on file in the office of the CULVER CITY PURCHASING DIVISION, 4343 Duquesne Avenue, Culver City, California, 90232. Copies of specifications and proposal documents may be obtained from the City’s website at http://www.culvercity.org/city-hall/information/bidding-contractopportunities. Any and all changes in the RFP will be made by written addendum, which shall be issued by the City to all prospective bidders who have registered for the RFP via the City’s website.

One original, one electronic, and three copies of the proposal must be submitted in an envelope to the CITY CLERK at CITY HALL, 9770 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, California, 90232, not later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2018, at which time they will be opened at the City Clerk’s Desk on the First Floor of City Hall. Late submissions will not be accepted. Facsimile proposals will not be accepted. Any proposer may withdraw his proposal, without obligation, at any time prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of proposals. A withdrawal will not be effective unless made personally or by telephonic notification received prior to the closing date. Proposals may later be referred to the City Council for appropriate action. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals as the best interests of the City may dictate.

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“Deploying the Enviro500EV will be transformative for Los Angeles and for the United States,” said Doran Barnes, executive director of Foothill Transit. “No other transit agency in the country utilizes this technology on commuter express routes. And adding seats without increasing traffic congestion or local greenhouse gas emissions is the ultimate benefit for one of the nation’s most heavily traveled corridors.”

The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 three-axle double deck bus is founded on its flexible platform approach to meet market requirements and local specifications around the globe. Working in partnership with individual customers, these high capacity transit and commuter vehicles are designed with a range of options and specifications customized to meet local requirements and the customers’ operational objectives. Two height variants are offered in North America at 13-foot 6-inches (4.1m) and 12-foot 10inches (3.9m, Enviro500 SuperLo).

“We’re now seeing increasing global demand for electric buses which combine the same high passenger capacity and outstanding comfort, with zero emission technology,” said Robert Davey, president of Alexander Dennis. “As congestion and local air quality challenges remain top of every transit authorities’ agenda, we’re excited to raise the bar in Los Angeles County with transit pioneer, Foothill Transit, and heavy-duty electric vehicle technology innovator, Proterra.”

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Always close to you Irizar USA 100 Cassia Way, Henderson 89014, NV +1 702 431 0707

www.irizarusa.com

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