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CONTENTS
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com
IN THIS ISSUE IndyGo: Serving Indianapolis’ Public Transportation Needs ...................................8
Lam Lam Tours & Transportation Specializes In Trolleys To Serve Guam Market.........................................................................18 How’s Business? Motorcoach Companies Overcome Challenges Including Shutdown, Optimistic About Future....................................22 Maintenance & Repair Facilities.........................41 Busline’s Buyers Guide To Replacement Parts Suppliers..............................45 Busline’s Buyers Guide To
RAPID RESPONSE ..................................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS .................................Page 36
Busline Vehicle Showcase
TROLLEYS & STREET CARS
ON THE COVER: IndyGo President & CEO Michael Terry is pictured inside one of the transit system's buses. IndyGo provides public transportation services throughout Indianapolis/Marion County, IN. See page 8.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 2013 November 23-27 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Fall Conference & Trans-Expo Calgary, Alberta Info: 416-365-9800 JANUARY 2014 January 11-15 American Bus Association Marketplace Nashville, TN Info: 800-283-2877 January 13-15 International Motor Coach Group (IMG) Maintenance & Safety Meeting Nashville, TN Info: 888-447-3466
FEBRUARY 2014 February 16-20 United Motorcoach (UMA) Expo At Travel Exchange Los Angeles, CA Info: 800-424-8262 JUNE 2014 June 8-13 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Annual Expo St. Paul, MN Info: 800-891-0590 MAY 2014 May 4-7 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Kansas City, MO Info: 202-496-4800
JULY 2014 July 19-23 National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting & Convention Charleston, SC Info: 518-220-9905 SEPTEMBER 2014 September 15-17 BusCon 2014 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 OCTOBER 2014 October 12-15 APTA Expo 2014 & Annual Meeting Houston, TX Info: 202-496-4800
Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2013 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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November/December 2013
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 Reception: Sandy Pierce Advertising Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959 Email: kevloraz@cox.net Or Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: drankin@consolidated.net
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Hometown Trolley ................34
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Company
Ameritrans
www.ameritransbus.com
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Protective Insurance Company
Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison
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Relational Bus Systems
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Budget Truck & Autobody Â
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Cable Car Classics De Leo Textiles
Espar Climate Systems Freightliner
Hometown Trolley
www.bitzerus.com
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www.freightlinerchassis.com
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Prevost Car
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Midwest Bus Corporation Nissan Commercial Vehicles
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BUSLINE
November/December 2013
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IndyGo Serving Indianapolis’ Public Transportation Needs By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Editor
The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) is having a positive impact on the lives of area citizens. The transit system president/CEO Michael Terry says, “It’s all about helping riders break down the barriers of the unknown.”
“I feel all forms of transportation need to support one another. There shouldn’t be a big competition between bus charters, intercity bus travel and highway dollars. It’s important that we all support each other for a good local system.” — IndyGo President & CEO Michael Terry
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he future appears bright for IndyGo’s continued development item for most families, second only to housing. People are looking for due to central Indiana’s transit planning initiative known as more choices. This includes businesses, colleges and universities, “Indy Connect.” During the past few years, transit officials, city health care providers, etc. “For example, the Indianapolis area is home to several high tech leaders, business people and interested citizens in central Indiana have embarked on a visionary transit planning collaboration. Central players and pharmaceutical companies. One of their selling points, when tryare IndyGo, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization ing to recruit employees, is showcasing an area’s quality transporta(MPO) and the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority tion options.” Terry added that it can’t all just be about (CIRTA). Indy Connect is not only a plan for the improved intercity bus travel when it future, but has elevated the discussion of comes to helping a region grow. mass transit to the forefront of “Over a number of years, the business community “I feel all forms of transportatoday’s public discussion and has really started to understand the value of this fully integrated tion need to support one policy consideration. another. There shouldn’t be a Although the road is long transportation plan. They see the need for a strong balance between big competition between bus to Indy Connect’s complebetter local streets, highways and various modes of transportation. charters, intercity bus travel tion in central Indiana, And they are recognizing, as business owners, that and highway dollars,” he said. IndyGo officials continue to “It’s important that we all support strive for improved public transemployees have to get to work.” each other for a good local system. portation services in the Indianapolis People who come to a city want to be able to get metropolitan service region. Recent efforts are around. The connectivity of services from other communities in our being noticed. “I feel the demand for public transportation in our area has grown state to our area is also vital. “There should be a strong blend and coordination between all transconsiderably. There is a demand for more transit options,” IndyGo President & CEO Michael Terry said in a recent interview. “This portation modes and a quality highway system.” includes the growth of local bus service and possible implementation of Traveling Through Time With IndyGo bus rapid corridors and circulators. “We are seeing more business leaders, elected officials and commuublic transportation in Indianapolis, the third largest state capital nity and university representatives all speaking out for better transportain the United States with over 830,000 citizens, has taken many tion options.” forms over the decades. According to the last demographic analysis, Terry said, approximateCurrently, IndyGo provides public bus transit services to the resily 70 percent of IndyGo riders were transit dependent. There is a demographic shift slowly taking place, however, as more people with other dents and visitors of Marion County, IN, of which Indianapolis is the transportation options are looking for better and more cost efficient county seat. Marion County is consolidated with Indianapolis through an arrangement known as “Unigov,” a form of consolidated city/county government. Today, IndyGo operates 31 local fixed routes throughout Marion County in a “hub and spokes” transit design. This system directly connects the majority of bus routes to downtown Indianapolis. IndyGo has nearly 4,000 bus stops and over 230 shelters within its system, along with a fleet of approximately 155 buses with 133 such vehicles in operation at peak pullout. IndyGo delivers nearly 34,000 passenger trips each weekday on its fixed-route system, totaling nearly 10 million trips in 2012. Meanwhile, its paratransit fleet consists of approximately 80 vehicles, and delivers nearly 950 passenger trips each weekday and over 250,000 per year. The headquarters of IndyGo is located in an 8.5-acre facility in the near west side of Indianapolis. Administrative offices, maintenance garage, fuel and wash bays, radio room and service center, state-of-theart training center and even a medical clinic that services IndyGo’s more than 500 employees are all located within the facility. IndyGo’s headquarters incorporates an historic building that was once the home of the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company. Construction of the first streetcar system in Indianapolis began in 1864, employing horse-drawn cars. The first electric streetcar service Pictured above is IndyGo dispatcher Max Emberton. began in 1890 in the city, and by 1898 there were 340 electric streetcars and more than 100 miles of track. The last electric streetcar in Lead photo on page 8, IndyGo President & CEO Michael Terry stands Indianapolis was taken out of service in 1953. behind seats that were once part of the former minor league Bush Stadium In 1904, the Indianapolis Traction Terminal was built, making it the in Indianapolis. Seats from the stadium are now used in area bus stops. largest interurban station in the world. Interurbans were electric rail cars Also shown on page 8 is IndyGo’s headquarters, that ran between cities and served as extensions of existing streetcar which includes the historic Duesenberg building. systems. At its peak, the station served nearly 500 trains a day and 7 ways to travel in the area. It’s a major goal of both IndyGo, and the million passengers annually. A trackless trolley, which was a 40-passenger electric rig running on long-range Indy Connect initiative, to provide such options. “Even among choice riders, I think people like the option of not hav- rubber tires and drawing power from overhead wires, debuted in ing a have a second or third family car in an effort to reduce transporta- Indianapolis in 1932. Then in 1957, it was replaced by the bus. From 1955 to 1974, the privately operated Indianapolis Transit tion costs,” Terry said. “Transportation is the second highest budgeted Page 10 BUSLINE November/December 2013
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System ran the city’s public bus service. Subsidized public transportation in Indianapolis began in 1973 when stockholders of the private company voted to go out of business. The city of Indianapolis, through the newly established Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, officially purchased the Indianapolis Transit System in January 1975. The city dubbed the bus system “Metro,” which was renamed “IndyGo” in 1996. “There has been a long history of public transportation in Indianapolis. In fact, the city’s interurban was one of the best tran-
A medical clinic inside IndyGo’s headquarters services the transit system’s 500-plus workforce.
sit systems of its time. There has also been a rich history of automobile manufacturing in the Indianapolis area, along with those companies that continue to produce parts for both automobiles and buses,” Terry said. “During the 1970s, public transportation in the city truly went ‘public’ as many people recognized the need for this type of service to be part of the city’s infrastructure, just like streets, sidewalks, police, fire and utilities. “I think the private sector looked at the situation and said, ‘We can’t make money. This needs to be something that the government considers.’” Public transportation enjoyed a period of growth during the 1980s in Indianapolis. In fact, the system’s fleet at that time was nearly twice in size of the current IndyGo fleet. “It was a very robust system of local and express bus service, all within Indianapolis. The city went through the transition of becoming a ‘unigov,’ where the county and the city became one. That had initial implications for the expansion of public transportation services,” Terry said. Over time, however, the focus on public transportation in the Indianapolis area began to wane as urban decay and other issues took away from some of transit’s focus. The urban area itself also began to spread throughout much of Marion County. Times were changing, and public transportation was having a hard time keeping up as the 1990s came around. “This is not to criticize. Elected officials are in the position to make tough decisions given the time period in which they are in office. Mayors, administrations and councils make decisions to put certain resources in areas other than public transportation,” Terry said. “The local transit system still enjoyed a large number of routes at this time, but ‘frequency’ and ‘hours of service’ were reduced.” In 2004, 20 percent of IndyGo’s service was cut as officials took a hard look at productivity and ridership levels. Terry said many Page 12 BUSLINE November/December 2013
routes were also reassessed as changes in rider demographics, employment opportunities and other factors were closely examined. “Population density is an important function of the success of transit. From a funding standpoint in 2004, we had to cut some routes and focus on our core service. There were areas where industry changed and many communities evolved from manufacturing to a more retail or high-tech redevelopment,” Terry said. Today, IndyGo services primarily all of Marion County. “We do have the ability to go outside the county, and there are other areas where we would like to reach in the future,” Terry said. “Such communities as Carmel, IN, located in Hamilton County, north of Indianapolis, are growing very rapidly. It’s a challenge because we (IndyGo) don’t provide service to some of these locations. It is, however, part of our long range transportation plan. The same is true for Hendricks County to the west of Indianapolis. It’s here that large distribution warehouses have been developed. There is a need to help transport employees to and from this area.” The transportation plan for the future that Terry spoke about during the recent APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference involves Indy Connect, a long range regional plan that involves a 10-year transit component. “It’s important to keep supporting our urban core as well as reach those areas outside of Marion County where many job opportunities also exist,” Terry said. “People need access to these jobs and often find it hard to do so on their own, especially when gas prices increase. When gas goes over $4 a gallon, there are people who can’t afford to drive to work. They need a better way to commute.” In order for Indy Connect to succeed in central Indiana, Terry reemphasized that public transportation should not be viewed as a competitor to other forms of travel, but rather an important piece of a complex puzzle. “The fact is, whether we are talking about local streets, sidewalks, bike ways, the state highway and Interstate systems, rail or public transit – all of these forms of travel work and need a certain level of investment. They shouldn’t be competing. After all, buses use highways and need a strong highway system in place,” he said. “I also feel it’s important to grow local bus service as an underlying backbone network that supports future modes of public transportation such as bus rapid transit and high speed rail. IndyGo is part of this network.” Community Support Continues To Grow
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he success of the Indy Connect program is contingent on, in no small part, the acceptance by the community that a quality transportation plan for the future is vital. Fortunately, a strong support base in growing. “Over a number of years the business community has really started to understand the value of this fully integrated transportation plan. They see the need for a strong balance between better local streets, highways and various modes of transportation. And they are recognizing, as business owners, that employees have to get to work,” Terry said. “No one expects everybody to use public transit, but many people now recognize that transit is a good option for many individuals. Transit also plays a role in relieving stress when it comes to transportation planning, congestion and future highway development.” He added that in downtown Indianapolis, many jobs greatly benefit from a strong public transportation network. “People are asking, ‘Do we want to fill our downtowns with more parking garages? Is this the best use of property?’” Terry said. “The business community has stepped up and started recognizing, ‘This is an economic issue that is about access to jobs, health care, etc. Having a strong public transportation system in place is vital.’” Along with the local business community, strong relationships are
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To help, the Indianapolis Chamber of address the whole regional issue.” currently in place between IndyGo and repTerry noted that the Indianapolis area has resentatives of various Indianapolis institu- Commerce has joined forces with the Central tions of higher learning. Officials from Indiana Corporate Partnership, which is an enjoyed a strong history of planning and developIndyGo and these institutions have worked organization of local business leaders in the ing big projects that have been completed on time together to provide such services as bus pass region. They are committing resources and staff and under budget. This includes a major expansion of the Indianapolis International Airport, and programs designed for students. These instithe construction of the RCA Dome and tutions include Indiana UniversityLucas Oil Stadium. Purdue University Indi an “Many area mayors have been staunch leaders of our transit “These projects were all well apolis (IUPUI), Ivy Tech planned and came with the corCommunity College and initiative. They know it’s all about attracting and keeping youth rect type of funding,” Terry said. other smaller higher eduin the area while also striving for smart growth.” “Indy Connect has also become a cation establishments. well thought out implementation strategy.” “IUPUI, for example, has a very To help in its progress, in 2012 the IndyGo large student commuter campus in downtown Indianapolis. This includes one of the largest for advocacy and legislative initiatives pertain- Board adopted a budget which included a $6 million increase that is viewed as an investment medical schools in the country and a sports ing to Indy Connect. “In addition, many area mayors have been toward the Indy Connect plan. venue. Its chancellor has stressed the need to With this increase, IndyGo officials have get away from parking garages and find a bal- staunch leaders of our transit initiative. They ance in transportation options,” Terry said. know it’s all about attracting and keeping youth improved service frequency on certain major “Ivy Tech Community College, meanwhile, in the area while also striving for smart growth,” routes. In response, these routes have experienced double-digit percentage increases in riderfocuses on two-year educational programs. Terry said. He added that the private sector community ship. Campus access is critical as many students are “We have also added service on the weekend older and also work. Therefore, transportation involved with Indy Connect have come up with mobility and controlling costs are important fac- some solid funding strategies, and are helping for a major route, and have added a new route on state legislators evaluate various transportation the north side that provides crosstown connectivtors.” ity to seven other routes. This is helping people Terry said many community leaders in and needs in the area. “From a planning side, (Indy Connect) is reduce their overall transit times,” Terry said. around Indianapolis have seen the return on Making routes more efficient is vital at investment that a strong public transportation ongoing. There are continual revisions. There system brings in the form of jobs, education, have been two (Indiana state) legislative sessions IndyGo. “It’s important to examine the overall produchealth care and overall access. This is important where bills (concerning Indy Connect) have been if the complete Indy Connect plan is to come to introduced,” Terry said. “Each year, (the bills) get tivity of various routes. Many times there are fruition. a little further along. The ultimate goal is to adjustments that have to be made,” Terry said.
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Community Collaborations Program. Luellen said IndyGo seeks to arrange mutually beneficial promotional trade agreements where each party brings comparable value to the table. IndyGo promotional activities on behalf of the partner organization are expected to be met with equal-value activities or opportunities. IndyGo and partner promotional activities are determined based on dollar-forA Super Bowl Experience dollar values. By leveraging IndyGo’s multi-channel media public transportation “Many years ago, public transportation played a big role in communications, partners provider must not getting children in Indianapolis to and from school. Today, one viable can reach hundreds of only transport pasthousands of Indianapolis option is utilizing public transportation again. This can include sengers safely and effiresidents and visitors. ciently on an everyday basis, after-school transportation as well.” “We (IndyGo) arrange for a partbut also tackle those special events at ner’s promotion to include access to (that partcome along from time to time. Such an event ner’s) venue or event via transit. Through infor IndyGo was Super Bowl XLVI, played at how to work the fare system.” In response, Terry added, many IndyGo kind trades, we provide promotional support Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis buses were completely full. as well that can include bus passes. We can on Feb. 5, 2012. Although the Super Bowl experience has also provide free advertising space on our Terry said IndyGo ridership increased nearly 40 percent during the time leading up to the passed, IndyGo continues to grow in ridership. buses for an event,” Luellen said. “As part of Super Bowl. This was even more impressive Helping with this trend is improved marketing the exchange, IndyGo can receive tickets for when considering that a large part of down- efforts that includes the IndyGo Community events that are given to employees. It’s really town Indianapolis was closed off for security Collaborations Program. As a public agency a true collaboration. IndyGo has received a lot with limited resources, IndyGo does not pro- of mileage from the program, which has reasons. In an effort to improve service during the vide cash sponsorships. However, according to included recognition from the mayor of Super Bowl time period, IndyGo provided free IndyGo Manager of Marketing Bryan Indianapolis. Some of our partners in this proLuellen, the transit system does provide multi- gram include The Children’s Museum of fares for its entire system for four days. “We knew our regular passengers were channel in-kind media sponsorships under the Indianapolis, the Indiana Black Expo, the Indy
This overall effort has helped the transit system increase it ridership thus far in 2013 by nearly 3 percent. “We have seen the highest ridership during the past couple of months,” Terry said in October. “IndyGo will probably go over the 10 million passenger trip mark this year.”
going to be inconvenienced due to an increase in downtown congestion. We also knew that there were going to be a lot of new riders on our system who might not understand how to use a public transit bus. We basically said to everyone, ‘Just get on,’” Terry said. “We didn’t want a large number of first-time riders getting on our buses and then not knowing
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Jazz Fest and the Indiana State Fair.” Terry added that community collaborations remain an important function at the transit system. “IndyGo also purchases advertising, but when you can partner with another organization, this helps bring new recognition and appreciation of what public transit is doing in the community,” Terry said. “It helps IndyGo reach a broader audience.” The search for new riders can also include services that were once greatly reduced but are now being looked at again. This includes the transportation of public and private school children, according to Terry.
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“I think this is a huge opportunity. Many years ago, public transportation played a big role in getting children in Indianapolis to and from school,” he said. “Today, as more school systems are looking to save money and become more efficient, one viable option is utilizing public transportation again. This can include after-school transportation as well.” He added that IndyGo is already transporting children who attend local magnet and private schools. “Public transportation runs all of the time. We provide opportunities and help people view transit differently. We can provide added value,” Terry said.
November/December 2013
IndyGo is currently working with various officials and groups within Marion County to further explore this transportation option. Customer Service Aided By Improved Technology
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nother big factor helping IndyGo grow is the transit system’s focus on customer service. Terry said properly training employees goes a long way in making sure the riding public is both safe and satisfied. “It starts with finding the right people who are customer focused and have the right skills for a particular job,” Terry said. “As part of our training process, it’s also important to keep current employees up-to-date on various issues.” When it comes to bus operators, Terry added that IndyGo officials work hard to find and implement the right technology in an effort to make this challenging position easier. “I often tell our new drivers, ‘I cannot do your job. You are driving a multi-ton vehicle in traffic that is full of people who you are responsible for on an everyday basis. And, you are doing this with a smile,’” Terry said. “We provide in-service training every year with all of our bus operators. For example, we will be adding 17 articulated buses that are 60 feet in length to our fleet. We have to train and refresh all of our operators when it comes to driving these vehicles. The same is true when a new bus component is introduced to our system, such as a different kind of tie-down for wheelchairs. Each of our buses is accessible for riders with disabilities. Therefore, making sure all bus operators know how to use lifts and tiedowns is very important.” He added that technology can play a key role in making a bus operator’s job better and safer. “We asked ourselves at IndyGo, ‘How can we remove operators from potential confrontation with riders?’ It was easy to recognize that the fare payment process can lead to such confrontations,” Terry said. “We shouldn’t be putting our operators in that position. Therefore, IndyGo’s fare structure is being looked at to see how today’s technology can help.” When it comes to fare collection, Terry feels a cashless system where fare media is purchased from a vending machine or online is the best way to avoid many negative issues with passengers. Such technology is currently being explored by IndyGo officials. The use of electronic cards, such as a school or business ID card, are also beneficial. Other technology being explored by IndyGo for the benefit of future customer travel includes improved automatic vehicle locator (AVL) tools. “From a customer standpoint, we want riders to know exactly how to get from one place
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“There are all kinds of alternatives when it to another and when the next bus is arriving at public travel on our regular routes. This a stop,” Terry said. “This is the kind of infor- includes audio systems on all buses for those comes to powering a bus such as hydrogen mation that the next generation of ridership is with a vision impairment, along with visual fuel cell, compressed natural gas and propane. demanding. It’s all about reducing the mystery signs for those who have a hearing impairment. IndyGo is currently evaluating these alterna“Again, it’s all about helping riders break tive fuels. Through a grant, for example, we of using public transportation.” will be able to convert more than 20 of our traLuellen added that IndyGo officials are down the barriers of the unknown.” ditional diesel buses to fully electric vehicles,” working to provide real time specific informaTerry said. “We are anticipating tion in multiple formats. This can include information available these buses will be able to “From a customer standpoint, we want riders to know travel approximately 130 on smartphone apps, text exactly how to get from one place to another and when the next bus is miles between a charge. messaging, the Internet and arriving at a stop. This is the kind of information that the next generation of They will service some on-street signage. key routes. I feel this could “We are working to offer a ridership is demanding. It’s all about reducing the mystery of diverse number of options for be a game changer if the technolusing public transportation.” ogy proves out.” people so they will better understand Plans are in place as well for a new downwhere their buses are located,” Luellen said. Keeping riders safe from crime is also a town transit center that could feature a solar “Providing alerts about re-routes is also imporcollection element. This would not only help tant.” major IndyGo objective. Luellen is involved as well in travel training “We have a close relationship in place with power the facility, Terry said, but some of this programs designed for current and potential rid- local law enforcement. Streets can be unsafe at energy could be used to help charge buses. He added that IndyGo’s standard diesel ership groups. This includes businesses that times, but riding a bus should always be safe. want to offer transit options for employees and We have a least eight cameras on every bus to buses are also becoming more fuel efficient. organizations that cater to disabled populations. help with our security,” Terry said. “These This includes recalibrating transmission sys“IndyGo provides a paratransit system cameras not only protect riders but bus oper- tems in an effort to improve fuel mileage. throughout our service region in Marion ators as well.” Contact: Indianapolis Public Transportation Advancements in technology are also being County. It’s good, however, to help as many of Corporation, 1501 W. Washington St., these riders as possible use our main service,” considered when it comes to the type of buses Indianapolis, IN 46222. Terry said. “This is where training comes into in service at IndyGo. For example, the transit Phone: 317-635-2100. play. We also provide various tools throughout system currently has 17 hybrid-electric buses Website: www.IndyGo.net. our system to help members of the disabled in its fleet.
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Lam Lam Tours & Transportation Specializes In Trolleys To Serve Guam Market
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Specialty Vehicles’ Leah Munoz, Nancy Munoz and Rachel Drenk.
“We have found that people of all ages love the nostalgia of riding in a trolley. It’s a fun way to get to a destination, and a good way for customers to stimulate ridership.” — Specialty Vehicles CEO/Founder Nancy Munoz
The interior of Lam Lam Tours & Transportation’s Classic American Trolley from Specialty Vehicles
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ourism plays a key role in the economic success of Guam, an organized, unincorporated U.S. territory located in the western Pacific Ocean. It’s an island known for its beaches, friendly residents, hotels, Las Vegas-style shows and shopping venues. It’s also home of Lam Lam Tours & Transportation, which has found success using Classic American Trolleys from SVI Inc., dba Specialty Vehicles, of Henderson, NV. Recently, Lam Lam officials accepted delivery of 11 new Classic American Trolleys, with another 5 on order. “We have maintained a very close business relationship with Specialty Vehicles for approximately 16 years. A significant investment has been made by Lam Lam Tours & Transportation to establish a fleet of vehicles very unique to our island scene, and SVI has played a key role in making this happen,” Lam Lam Tours & Transportation Assistant General Manager Frank Guerrero said. “We have procured 34 trolleys from SVI thus far, and we are looking forward to receiving 5 additional vehicles in 2014. “Lam Lam Tours & Transportation’s Classic American Trolleys have become an iconic image while serving Guam’s tourism industry.” Classic American Trolleys from Specialty Vehicles feature all of the modern amenities and safety of a bus, with the nostalgia and appearance of a classic trolley. Available in gasoline, diesel, LPG and CNG, these trolleys are manufactured by Supreme Corporation, in Goshen, IN, and have a passenger capacity from 22 to 39. Altoona tested and meeting all U.S. and Canadian DOT codes, the Classic American Trolley is designed to operate in various environments and features climate control systems. Additional options such as handicap accessibility, removeable sidewalls and a conductor’s platform are also available. “One of our new products is the Classic American Wedding Trolley, which provides more than just transportation. It’s an experience that riders will remember and treasure,” Specialty Vehicles CEO and Founder Nancy Munoz said. “Those companies that purchase the wedding trolley include limo operators and contractors that cater to the wedding market. There is a huge market for this type of trolley. They feature deluxe limo-like interiors, all upgraded for weddings.” The Classic American Trolleys purchased by Lam Lam Tours & Transportation are used for various events and assignments, Guerrero said. “Most of the new trolleys are incorporated into the Red Guahan (native name for Guam) trolley shuttle service that operates between two major shopping centers. They are used to pick up and drop off customers in Tumon (the center of Guam’s tourism industry),” Guerrero said. “Some of the older trolleys also serve in our shuttle system, while others are used as ‘backups,’ for wedding services and for general charter work in the community. Trolleys
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are highly sought after for school trips and special community events.” He added that new Classic American Trolleys purchased by Lam Lam Tours & Transportation feature a very comfortable ride thanks to a superior air suspension system. They also include a design that allows riders the choice of either sitting in a section that is airconditioned, or in a section that is opened-sided where passengers can enjoy the warm breeze coming through the cabin. “The engines in our new trolleys are also equipped with emission control features that reduce pollution from the exhaust by an estimated 98 percent,” Guerrero said. “Also, the added filter chambers within the exhaust system reduce engine noise. These features make our new trolleys very environmentally friendly.” The new trolleys also come with Wi-Fi accessibility. This enables customers with smartphones to engage in Internet activities. In the near future, passengers will be able to track the trolleys along their routes through the use of GPS. In addition, the fleet will be equipped with automatic bus stop announcement capabilities. Specialty Vehicles has been the exclusive distributor for Supreme Corporation’s Classic American Trolley since 1998. Since then, these trolleys have been sold throughout the United States, Guam, Asia and South America. “We just delivered 30 new Classic American Trolleys to the city of Miami and Miami-Dade Transit to be used in downtown Miami. A new trolley service was initiated there about a year ago and it’s been very successful. Ridership is going through the roof,” Munoz said. “Many cities nearby are also using trolleys due to South Florida’s tourism. Trolleys cater well to this clientele.” She added that trolleys provided by Specialty Vehicles are built on a bus chassis. “We have found that people of all ages love the nostalgia of riding in a trolley. It’s a fun way to get to a destination, and a good way for customers to stimulate ridership.” A Wide Variety Of People Movers At SVI
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pecialty Vehicles has enjoyed success over the years, in large part, by offering a wide variety of vehicles, while building lasting relationships with a diversified group of manufacturers. This includes Supreme
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Corporation as well as Chance Rides, of Wichita, KS. SVI also has two facilities in southern Nevada for sales, distribution and assembly. These relationships allow SVI to offer an expanded product line of people moving equipment that includes trolleys, trams, electric vehicles and buses. Customers include those who represent tour companies, transit systems, municipalities, amusement parks, colleges, hotels and airports. “We provide all kinds of trams, such as those found transporting visitors to and from an amusement park’s parking lot. This can include a power car pulling articulated trailers or a single vehicle tram,” Munoz said. “There are several The Eco Shuttle is U.S. manufacturers that electric-powered. exclusively build trams for Specialty Vehicles. Among our customers that use trams are Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, and the Singapore Zoo. We sell trams all over the world to amusement parks, cities, zoos and national parks. “Specialty Vehicles just came out with a new Metro Tram that we think is going to be very popular among transit agencies and cities. It can be an all-open air tram or an all-enclosed model with air conditioned trailers. It kind of looks like a bullet train, but with rubber tires. The first ones are going to Balboa Park in San Diego to help with parking congestion. They will also help transport large groups for various events and lower the carbon footprint throughout the park. The hope is the new Balboa Park trams will reduce the need for people to park within its grounds.” Specialty Vehicles also sells electric trams that are made in China and assembled at the SVI Henderson facility. “These trams are all electric battery powered. They also come with solar roofs, are ADA accessible and can transport 8 to 23 passengers,” Munoz said. “This is a very popular product line, again for cities, park districts, golf courses, colleges, event centers, churches, etc.” She added that officials at Specialty Vehicles are constantly reviewing customer feedback information and looking into product upgrades. “Product diversification and listening to our customers have helped us grow as a company,” Munoz said. “The information that customers provide about the different vehicles we offer has led to many improvements.” Munoz founded Specialty Vehicles in 1982 after the death of her father, Pete Miller, who was instrumental
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in building some of the first monorails in the United States. Munoz is joined at the company by daughters Leah Munoz, who serves as president; and Rachel Drenk, who is company treasurer. They were named 2012 Nevada Small Business Persons of the Year by the Nevada office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Specialty Vehicles is certified as a DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) company. “The market segment that we work in is very diverse. For example, we have had customers purchase trolleys that serve as food trucks, medical facilities and those used at retirement centers,” Nancy Munoz said. “All of our products are great for attracting ridership.” She estimated that Specialty Vehicles sells, on average, 150 trolleys and another 150 trams and other vehicles per year. “As a company, we have stayed away from putting all of our eggs in one basket. Instead, Specialty Vehicles provides a wide variety of products for a diverse customer base,” Nancy Munoz said. Lam Lam Officials See Bright Trolley Future
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Lam Lam Tours & Transportation is one of three Japan Travel Bureau’s (JTB) subsidiary companies operating in Guam. The other two subsidiary companies are Pacific Micronesia Tour (PMT) and R & C Tours, both of which are travel agencies responsible for accommodations, coordinating transportation and providing guided tours for visiting JTB customers to Guam. Lam Lam Tours & Transportation plays a major role in supporting PMT/JTB by providing ground transportation. Lam Lam Tours & Transportation has undergone some significant changes in fleet size and services over the years to meet an increasing number of visitors to the island. “In the face of growing competition, Lam Lam Tours & Transportation continues to forge into the Shown is the exterior of a Classic American Trolley future by enhancing its purchased by Lam Lam Tours & Transportation. services in the community, and by maintaining a leading edge,” Guerrero said. “Our image is long-lasting. We continue to maintain a fleet that is of the highest standards. Vehicle preventative maintenance and repair are the core factors to keeping our fleet on the road and on schedule. Vehicle purchasing plans to replace old units in the fleet are conducted on an annual basis. This includes the recent purchase of Classic American Trolleys.” Recognizing the need to upgrade the company’s trolley fleet, Jun Hiyoshi, current president of Lam Lam Tours & Transportation, visited Specialty Vehicles to help coordinate the purchase of his company’s new trolleys. “The relationship between Lam Lam Tours & Transportation and Specialty Vehicles has been very professional and amicable,” Guerrero said. “Nancy Munoz has taken the opportunity to visit our company on two occasions. First, to attend a ceremony commemorating the official start of our trolley shuttle operation, and then to recognize Lam Lam Tours & Assistant Lam Lam Tours & Transportation after it purchased the 100th General Manager Transportation President trolley sold by Specialty Vehicles.” Frank Guerrero Jun Hiyoshi
uam is known as “Where Amer ica’s Day Begins” due to its proximity to the international date line. It’s a popular tourist destination, especially for people in Japan, China and South Korea. It also has a population of nearly 160,000 residents on an island approximately 30 miles long and up to 12 miles wide. Providing a valuable service on the island is Lam Lam Tours & Transportation, which operates from a five-acre property with a fleet of 94 vehicles and 185 employees. “‘Lam Lam’ is a native Chamorro word. It has two different meanings, both of which seem appropriate for our company’s identity,” Guerrero said. “Lam Lam is the highest mountain on Guam. I feel that Lam Lam Tours & Transportation is among the tallest mountains in this business. Lam Lam is also another word for ‘shine/shining.’ I believe our company shines a bit brighter than the average company in the industry. “We have a very close and friendly relationship with all transportation companies and travel agents working in the Guam tourism industry.”
Contact: Specialty Vehicles, 440 Mark Leany Drive, Henderson, NV 89011. Phone: (800) SVI-TRAM. Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com. –––– Contact: Lam Lam Tours & Transportation, 117 Guerrero St., Harmon Industrial Park, Tamuning, Guam 96913. Phone: 671-648-8336. Website: www.jtb-pmt.com. Page 21
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By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor
Busline Magazine recently spoke with executives from three motorcoach companies, two of which are located in the Upper Midwest and one on the East Coast, who shared the unique aspects of doing business in their respective regions.
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“Most of our business is private charters,” said Blue Lakes Charter & Tours Safety & Compliance Director Jason Cupp. “We also have mid-sized buses to take groups to area cities for a night on the town. In addition, we offer about a dozen foliage tours each year, although the season is pretty much over for this year. “The biggest part of our business is a tie between charters for colleges and the military, followed by casino runs. The casino work is nice because it is a little steadier and less seasonal. If people want to go to a casino, they go regardless of the weather. “We have four locations. Our main site is in Clio, and we also have facilities in Pontiac and Traverse in Michigan and Pictured is Blue Lakes Charter & Tours Safety Toledo, OH.” & Compliance Director Jason Cupp.
lue Lakes Charter & Tours, of Clio, MI, located just north of Flint, is a fullservice charter and tour company transporting passengers to the many tourist destinations in Michigan, as well as throughout the United States. The company also offers casino line runs and serves the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association.
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One of the company’s most popular destinations is the Cedar Point amusement park, located near Sandusky, OH, on Lake Erie, known for its many roller coasters. The Cedar Point Express tour, which runs in the spring and summer, includes transportation to and from Cedar Point in one of the company’s luxury coaches, and a ticket for Cedar Point amusement park or Soak City Water Park, both at the same location. “We take more people to Cedar Point than any carrier in Michigan,” Cupp said. “Michigan has some great destinations for tourists. There are many historical sites and great places to play golf. We also take passengers on many ski trips,
“All in all, (during the
shutdown) we ended up losing about $60,000 in total business.” — Blue Lakes Charter & Tours Safety & Compliance Director Jason Cupp
as well as other sporting events.” Another popular destination for Blue Lakes customers is the town of Frankenmuth, just north of Clio, known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” The city is home of many German and Bavarian festivals as well as restaurants specializing in German cuisine. “Frankenmuth is well known for its worldfamous restaurants,” Cupp said.
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During the recent government shutdown, Blue Lakes had many cancellations from customers, such as school groups, who had chartered trips to national monuments, according to Cupp. Cupp also reported that Blue Lakes has a contract with the Department of Defense to transport military personnel. That business also came to a halt during the shutdown. “All in all, we ended up losing about $60,000 in total business,” Cupp said. Blue Lakes’ fleet includes 25-, 27-, 32-, 46-, and 56-passenger coaches as well as a limo coach. “We are currently operating 61 coaches,” Cupp said. “On our coaches we offer Wi-Fi, interior 110 outlets for plugging in phones, etc., air conditioning and reclining seats. We have restrooms on all of our coaches.” Other amenities on Blue Lakes’ coaches include CD players, DVD monitors, public address systems, spacious luggage compartments and overhead storage racks. Beginning with 2012 model motorcoaches, three-point seat belts are mandatory. “We have some 2012s and we will also be getting some 2014 motorcoaches at the end of
kind of thing could eliminate business in the future, especially in this era of social media.” Blue Lakes employs fulltime cleaners. The company also takes sanitary measures seriously, especially as the heart of flu season approaches. The seats of motorcoaches are cleaned during the day, each day, using hospitalgrade cleaning products, Cupp said. “If there is an easily avoided problem, we take measures up front to keep business going.
It is a very competitive market and we have plenty of competitors in the area that are wanting the business as well.” Blue Lakes’ drivers are trained to make sure passengers arrive at their destinations safely, and experience an enjoyable trip. “All of our drivers are trained in customer service and are mechanically trained, as well,” Cupp said. “We have a recurring driver training program in addition to new-hire driver training. “Customers must see Blue Lakes’ drivers reflecting a positive light. Anybody can drive a bus, especially since driving late-model coaches is like driving an oversized luxury car. “We seek drivers who can work well under
“One thing that is in the forefront of my mind is social media. Everybody has a camera phone and everybody is a journalist. If a coach shows up with some gum on a seat, it could very easily be seen by 100 people within five minutes.” the year,” Cupp said. “If a customer requests a motorcoach with seat belts, we have enough to meet such a request.” It is probably be a safe bet to say reputable motorcoach companies would agree that next to safety, maintaining a clean and attractive fleet is the most important aspect of doing business. Cupp alluded to a factor in the importance of clean and attractive vehicles unique to modern times. “One thing that is in the forefront of my mind is social media,” he said. “Everybody has a camera phone and everybody is a journalist. If a coach shows up with some gum on a seat, it could very easily be seen by 100 people within five minutes. “Something as simple as not cleaning the gum off the floor or missing a wrapper, that November/December 2013
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the company 10 years or more. When the company needs drivers, it typically has a large pool of people with school bus experience from which to tap — except during the month of May. “In the interviewing process, I like to “During the month of May, I’m pretty sure a large ask prospective drivers to tell me one number of bus companies situation where they were stuck and in the country are just slamdidn’t know what to do, and how he or ming busy seven days a week,” Cupp said. “People she resolved that situation. Getting who are school bus drivers, who make up most of our people to think outside of the box is a applications, are still drivbig part of this industry, especially in ing for schools Monday dealing with passengers.” through Friday during May. This is the only time we prospective drivers to tell me one situation struggle finding drivers.” Also, to help ensure the safety and well being where they were stuck and didn’t know what to do, and how he or she resolved that situation. of passengers, Blue Lakes’ maintenance facility Getting people to think outside of the box is a is staffed with 10 highly trained, certified mainbig part of this industry, especially in dealing tenance technicians. According to Cupp, all Blue Lakes’ charter with passengers.” All of the company’s drivers are required to coaches are subjected to yearly inspections by have had previous experience driving a motor- the Michigan Department of Transportation. The company also invites the Michigan State coach or a bus. “Pulling cargo or hauling a bunch of farm Police to conduct an inspection, as well. Looking ahead, Cupp said the company’s animals is a little different than transporting people,” Cupp said. “A driver must be respect- future is “promising.” “This year, has been one of our better years ful and cool under pressure.” Blue Lakes employs a veteran staff of driv- as far as consistent business. Last year and all ers, with about 50 percent who have been with the way back to 2008, fuel prices were up and pressure; somebody who is focused and can deal with less than ideal situations with customers. “In the interviewing process, I like to ask
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people were not spending,” he said. “We have seen a 10 percent hike in business. “We are also selling the fact that motorcoaches are the ‘green’ way to travel. Putting 50 to 60 people in one vehicle and moving them with one engine is the smart way to go. With the 2012 motorcoaches, the low emission rates are absolutely phenomenal.” Contact: Blue Lakes Charters & Tours, 12154 N. Saginaw Road, Clio, MI 48420. Phone: 800-282-4BUS (4287). Email: info@bluelakes.com. Website: www.bluelakes.com.
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orthfield Lines, Inc., of Northfield, MIN, located about 45 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul, is a full-service motorcoach charter company, serving the state of Minnesota, as well as all of the United States and Canada. Northfield Lines’ sister company, Benjamin Bus, operates a fleet of school buses, serving the community’s children. Northfield Lines offers charters for airport transfers; athletic teams and organizations; businesses; convention and hotel shuttles; church, civic and club groups; employee shuttles; private outings; and weddings and receptions. “Most of our customers are Fortune 500 companies, located in both Minneapolis and St. Paul,” said Northfield Lines President/CEO John Benjamin. “Most of this business
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involves convention-type work and shuttles from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to the Minneapolis Convention Center, hotels, etc. “We also have a couple of large clients who require shuttles to transport employees among their respective campuses. We have vehicles designated just for these trips, which operate five days a week, 52 weeks a year.” The company employs 150 people, Benjamin said. Northfield Lines’ fleet includes 43 vehicles, 22 of which are large motorcoaches. The remainder includes mini-coaches and vans. Amenities on the company’s motorcoaches include DVD players, deluxe seating, restrooms and individual climate and lighting controls. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles and card tables are available upon request. “Wi-Fi is also available on all of our vehicles,” Benjamin said. “In addition, we recently purchased a global positioning system for our entire fleet. We also have electrical outlets installed in most vehicles.
“A few of our coaches have glass ceilings. Some clients love this amenity as they like to be able to look up and see the buildings in large cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City. The glass ceilings are also popular for tours of mountainous areas.” The company is also planning to supply unique apps to some of its customers. “We are going to supply clients who require shuttles to transport employees with apps to allow tracking of the shuttle vehicles,” Benjamin said. Beginning with 2012 models, motorcoach are required to be outfitted with three-point seat belts. “I am totally in favor of threepoint seat belts in motorcoaches,” Benjamin said. “Motorcoaches can benefit by having seat belts. I would never order a new motorcoach without them. “We also operate 80 school buses, which are designed differently than motorcoaches. “There are some school systems now requiring that there be three-point seat belts in the motorcoaches they order. While we don’t have them in all our coaches, we have them in enough to provide that service.” While some motorcoach companies lost significant revenue during the recent government
“We are going to supply clients that require shuttles to transport employees with an app to allow tracking of the shuttle vehicles.” — Northfield Lines President/CEO John Benjamin shutdown, such was not the case for Northfield Lines. “The government shutdown did not have much of an impact on our business,” Benjamin reported. “We transport some personnel for the military, but it is not a large part of our business. Therefore, the government shutdown had a small impact on our company.” While it might go without saying that maintaining a clean and attractive fleet of vehicles is important, the failure of a motorcoach company to keep this issue at the forefront of its business can be devastating. “Curb appeal is critically important,” Benjamin said. “That first impression when the bus pulls up to the curb in front of a customer just speaks volumes of how a company operates its business. There are a lot of pieces in the puz-
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November/December 2013
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zle of success in this business, but curb appeal, in addition to safety, are top priorities.� A large part of making sure passengers expe-
Northfield Lines President/CEO John Benjamin
rience safe and enjoyable trips falls upon a company’s drivers. “It is a people business. Anybody can go out
the individual,� Benjamin said. “Not everybody comes through our door with the same qualifications. There may be people who have never driven a large vehicle, and there may be people who have had some experience driving large vehicles. “For example, an applicant may have experience operating large farm equipment. This person is likely to be “Another thing that keeps me up a used to being aware of what is them, as well as in front of little bit at night is the uncertainty behind him or her. of world affairs.We have been in “We have two people in our company who handle our driver business long enough to know training program: Craig Osborne what goes on in the world affects and Steve Trcka. “For our school bus operation, our business very much.� we also have a third-party tester. This person has been state certialso to be courteous. Drivers must be able to fied to take people through a state-required help customers with any questions they may course that we have set up.� Even though Northfield Lines experiences have. Our drivers are required to be friendly, well groomed and conduct themselves in a pro- very little driver turnover, from time to time the fessional manner, which is extremely impor- company’s growth has required it to seek new drivers. tant. “We had 6 motorcoaches back when we “I grew up in a family with 11 children, and I feel like I was immersed in being with people bought the company in 1989, and today we and having to deal with people issues. It is have 43 vehicles,� Benjamin said. “For our extremely important that we strive to help oth- school bus company, we started with 30 buses ers who are involved in this business, as well as and today we have 80. We have many drivers and there is crossover between the two compacustomers.� When it comes to training drivers, Northfield nies. School bus drivers must also have a commercial drivers license, and we have some peoLines takes a more personalized approach. “We have a process that new employees must ple who aspire to driving both motorcoaches go through, but we try to tailor the training to and school buses.� and buy a vehicle, but when it comes down to it, customer service must be paramount,� Benjamin said. “When a customer makes or receives the first phone call to or from Northfield Lines, the voice on the other end must be friendly and helpful. Our drivers are trained, not only to operate a vehicle safely, but
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Plus more on our website: www.midwestbus.com Call: 800-627-6627 Midwest Bus Corporation, 1940 W. Stewart Street, Owosso, MI 48867 Page 26
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When speaking of the challenges of doing business in today’s world, Benjamin is concerned about the uncertainties surrounding the Affordable Care Act. “Another thing that keeps me up a little bit at night is the uncertainty of world affairs,” he said. “We have been in business long enough to know what goes on in the world affects our business very much. For example, 9/11 (the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.) and the 2008 stock market crash both adversely impacted our business. Thankfully, within a year or a year and a half following both of these events, the business we lost came back. Those were some rough times. “Nonetheless, I feel good about the future. Partly because of the price of fuel, people have looked for alternative ways to travel, whether by public transportation and/or large vehicles such as motorcoaches, buses and trains. “I was in Europe recently, where it seems everybody travels by train, bus and a little by air. Here in the United States, this hasn’t been the case in years past, but I think people are becoming more open to alternatives to their cars because of the cost. I really see bus transportation very much part of the future.” Benjamin also alluded to the environmental benefits of travelling by motorcoach and/or bus.
“The days of the black, smoky vehicle are a thing of the past.” Contact: Northfield Lines, Inc./ Benjamin Bus, Inc., 32611 Northfield Blvd., Northfield, MN 55057. Phone: 888-670-8068 (toll free). Email: info@northfieldite.com. Website: wow.northfieldite.com.
W
Baltimore puts it in an area where many destinations coveted by travellers worldwide are within a short drive. “We are headquartered in a good location,” Barbara Bayer said. “We are near Washington, D.C., Annapolis (MD) and Philadelphia (PA). It is just a day trip to New York City. Woodlawn Motor Coach is located just off the main beltway, which gives the company’s motorcoaches easy access to customers.” Woodlawn Motor Coach carries passengers to the many historical sites throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as trips to
oodlawn Motor Coach, Inc., of Baltimore, MD, was founded in 1929 by Frank Bayer as a school bus company servicing local schools. In 1984, the company exp anded into the motorcoach charter “We had many cancellations during the segment, and now shutdown. Thankfully, some of the groups transports passengers to locations that had reserved charters are now coming throughout the Uni- back and rescheduling their trips.” ted States and — Woodlawn Motor Coach General Manager Barbara Bayer Canada. “We are a charter motorcoach and school bus company. We other tourist locations such as Charleston, SC, offer only charter trips for pre-formed groups,” Savannah, GA, and Disney World in said Woodlawn Motor Coach General Orlando, FL. The company’s customers Manager Barbara Bayer. include students; high school, collegiate and Barbara Bayer’s husband, Hohman Bayer, is professional sport teams; and professional the company’s president and is Frank Bayer’s tour planners. great-nephew. Because Woodlawn Motor Coach charters Woodlawn Motor Coach’s location in many trips daily to nearby Washington, D.C.,
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and other historical sites operated by the federal government, the recent shutdown had a negative impact on business. “We had many cancellations during the shutdown,” Bayer said. “Thankfully, some of the groups that had reserved charters are now
are equipped with wheelchair lifts,” Bayer said. “We also have a wheelchair lift on one of our mini-coaches. We have been quite busy with these vehicles.” The company’s coaches are equipped with such amenities as DVD players, music tape players, air conditioning, reclining seats and restrooms. According to Bayer, Wi-Fi service on the vehicles is planned for the near future. Woodlawn Motor Coach also has one coach equipped with three-point seat belts.
who look and act professionally,” Bayer said. “After that comes the cleanliness of the bus. People don’t want to pay to ride on a dirty coach with dirty restrooms and dirty windows. “We have an excellent cleaning crew and each time a coach arrives at our facility, it is cleaned completely inside and out before it is allowed back on the road.” Woodlawn Motor Coach insists that its drivers be attuned to the various aspects of
“We conduct safety meetings weekly. Everybody is required to attend at least one meeting per month on safety and to discuss any problems that may arise.”
Woodlawn Motor Coach General Manager Barbara Bayer
coming back and rescheduling their trips.” The company’s fleet consists of 13 motorcoaches and 3 mini-coaches, Bayer said. “We have two 55-passenger coaches that
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However, Bayer said, the company’s drivers have reported that passengers are reluctant to buckle-up. “Customers know the seat belts are there, but they don’t really use them the way they do in their cars,” Bayer said. Like any reputable company, Woodlawn Motor Coach puts a high priority, second only to safety, in maintaining a clean and attractive fleet. “The No. 1 priority is having safe drivers
November/December 2013
their profession, as well as the ins and outs of making sure riders have a safe and enjoyable trip. “Our drivers must be people oriented. They must have ‘common sense’ in dealing with people,” Bayer said. “They must also be knowledgeable of their profession and of the areas where they travel. They must conduct themselves in a professional manner and be on time all the time.” The company’s drivers undergo background
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checks and are subject to random drug testing, Bayer said. “Our drivers have physicals each year, rather than every two years,” she said. “In addition, they all have GPSs to help them with directions. We also put up maps in the office to make sure drivers are given the correct addresses and directions if they need help when they are traveling to a new area or in a location that we visit infrequently. “We conduct safety meetings weekly. We divide “Our drivers also recruit other our personnel alphabetically and everybody is drivers. If they are here and required to attend at least one meeting per month on they are happy, they tell their safety and to discuss any problems that may arise. “We have been blessed to have some good drivers. friends. This helps in our efforts Many of them have been with the company for quite to find new qualified drivers.” awhile. Our drivers also recruit other drivers. If they “The motorcoach industry are here and they are happy, they tell their friends. is trying to get the fly-by-night companies off the road and out of This helps in our efforts to find new qualified drivers.” With a total of more than 200 employees, counting the school bus business, which helps those of us who are trying to follow the rules side of the business, Bayer is keeping a close eye on developments and be safe. “It does seem like more people are opting to travel by motorcoach, concerning the Affordable Care Act. “At this time, health insurance is our biggest challenge — not even when taking short trips. A group of friends who want to go to the knowing exactly the timeline and what will be required,” she said. “It same place are taking a motorcoach rather than traveling separately in is a situation that has been changing so much and we haven’t gotten 20 cars. “These groups might order a bus to take them to a football or basea clear picture from anybody as of yet.” Challenges notwithstanding, Bayer is very optimistic about the future ball game here in Baltimore or in Washington, D.C., or see a play or a movie. Many people realize it is a lot less expensive and so much of Woodlawn Motor Coach and the industry as a whole. “I feel good about the future of our company,” she said. “We have fun when they travel in a group with their friends.” been around for a long time. We have a good reputation, a large Contact: Woodlawn Motor Coach, Inc., amount of repeat clientele and many new people calling. 6523 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, MD 21228. “We stay on top of all the rules and regulations and abide by them. Phone: 410-744-3300. Email: bbayer@woodlawnmc.com. I think as long we keep doing that and everybody in the industry pulls Website: woodlawnmc.com. together, the future is bright.
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Hydronic LII 122,000 BTU
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Hydronic D5 17,000 BTU
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ADVERTORIAL
BITZER introduces ROADSTAR air conditioning compressors For more than 75 years BITZER has been a global leader in the manufacture of air conditioning and refrigeration compressors. In North America product supply and technical support for transit compressors including the new ROADSTAR, are provided through its manufacturing plant in Flowery Branch, GA. The transit environment is one of the most challenging for air-conditioning applications. The possibility for system upsets and potentially harmful conditions for compressor survival can become extreme. The compressor is the heart of any air conditioning sytem and to keep it pumping through tough conditions BITZER has developed the ROADSTAR compressor. BITZER provides the lightest transit style compressor in the market and the widest speed range available. With the development of the new ROADSTAR they can offer an even more reliable product while maintaining these essential benefits. BITZER has supplied the new ROADSTAR compressor to air conditioning systems on buses in the US, India, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil, Asia and Germany totalling more than 96 million kilometers of service without a single warranty claim submitted. The focus of the ROADSTAR compressor optimization was to improve reliability over “heart attack” conditions such as flooded starts and liquid slugging. This was addressed through strengthened drive gear and an innovative surface treatment. The integrated oil collection chamber also simplifies maintenance. It is used to collect the used oil which is required for lubrication, sealing and cooling the shaft seal. In order to accommodate the varied and diverse range of applications in the bus market, the BITZER ROADSTAR compressor is available in four and six-cylinder assemblies with identical shared drive components. The result is 8 different displacements ranging from 400 to 970 cubic centimeters. The new ROASDSTAR provides BITZER with a compressor that assures superior reliability under extreme operating conditions. BITZER is committed to providing product improvement and component reliability to keep the heart of your air condition system running.
4080 Enterprise Way Flowery Branch, GA 30542 USA 770-503-9226 FAX: 770-503-9440 E-Mail: sales@bitzerus.com Website: www.bitzerus.com Company Officer: Matt Lish Products: Provides bus/coach air conditioning compressors. Its product range covers all compressor technologies from reciprocating to scroll and screw compressors. Bitzer bus a/c compressors are designed specifically to excel within the harsh environment of today’s engine compartments. Bitzer’s bus a/c compressors offer capacity to cool coaches, school buses, and transit buses including larger articulated and double-decker buses. Page 30
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Cable Car Classics
Cable Car Classics
Low Floor Classic
Apollo Classic
Cable Car Classics restyles modern Gillig low floor transit-duty buses with the highly desired, top quality features of classic cable car charm. We deliver the fun rider experience and nostalgic image preferred by tourists, shoppers, and travelers; resulting in increased ridership and revenue desired by community leaders and agency boards. Our best-in-class methods and materials ensure excellent performance and durability, offering rider appeal without sacrificing quality, reliability, or maintainability. Maintenance-free exterior trim looks great year after year. This model is available with conventional diesel, CNG, and GM/ Allison’s state-of-the-art hybrid parallel drive diesel/electric system to optimize performance and efficiency. This brings trolleys to a new level by seamlessly integrating modern hybrid technology. A cupola roof access hatch and access ports for important cable and A/C connections provide serviceability. For more information, visit lowfloortrolley.com.
We restyle Glaval Apollo buses for customers who demand rider appeal without sacrificing quality or durability. The Apollo Classic is perfect for sightseeing tours, shuttles for weddings and other special events, and general charter service. This beautiful trolley offers classic design and value on an economical platform. It provides excellent performance, with compact width well-suited for historic and tourist districts. Riders enjoy great motorcoach level views, an open-air experience with removable windows, and flat-floor with no wheelwells. Apollo Classic has a full range of sizes, floorplans, and options. For more information, visit apollotrolley.com.
Cable Car Classics, Inc. 3239 Rio Lindo Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448 800-348-1873 www.cablecarclassics.com • sales@cablecarclassics.com
“Trolley Show . . . with Transit Go” “Modern Function Meets Irresistible Charm”
Model..........Low Floor Classic (optional CNG & Hybrid-Electric models) Seating..........................28 to 40 passengers, solid oak (optional pads) Length.................................................................................................29'/35'/40' Width ...............................................................................................................102" Height.................132" w/Trolley-style cupola roof, 135” hybrid-electric Wheelbase .............................................................................162.5"/230"/279" Overhang (front/rear) ....................84.5"+Trolley-style cowcatcher/117" Inside Height (min/max).....................................................................76"/95" Turning Radius ..................................................................................29'/36'/41' Tire Size ............................................................275/70R22.5 to 305/85R22.5 Engine ...................................................................................................Cummins Transmission ........................................................................Allison, Voith, ZF, (optional GM/Allison Hybrid Parallel Drive) Brakes ..................................................................................Air, "S"Cam w/ABS Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................75 to 120 Gallon Chassis..............................GILLIG, low floor, stainless steel, rear engine Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...............................39,600 lbs. max Body .....................................................................................................Aluminum Air Conditioning ......................................................Thermo King, Carrier, + Baggage Capacity..............................................................Options Available Wheelchair Ramp ....................................................................Yes, 31" x 47.5" Steering.............................................................................................Power TRW Suspension ...................................................................Full Air, Multi Bellows
Model............................................................................................Apollo Classic Seating ..........................23 to 40 passengers, solid oak (optional pads) Length ...................................................................................................26’ to 37’ Width.................................................................................................................96" Height...........................................139" to 141” w/Trolley-style cupola roof Wheelbase.......................................................................................158" to 276” Overhang (front/rear)...................................50"+cowcatcher/105 to 129" Inside Height (min/max) .............................................................................78" Turning Radius.................................................................................24.5’ to 35’ Tire Size .............................................................245/70R19.5 to 265/70R22.5 Engine............................................................Cummins ISB 6.7L 200-280 hp Transmission..Allison (optional VTM Hybrid-Electric driveline upgrade) Brakes...................................Hydraulic Disc w/ABS, or Air Q+ Cam w/ABS Fuel Tank Capacity.................................................................60 to 90 Gallon Chassis......................................................Freightliner MB-65, front engine Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).....................25,000 to 32,000 lbs. Body .................................................................................................Steel or FRP Air Conditioning........................................Carrier, Trans/Air, Thermo King Baggage Capacity.........Many options available, including underfloor Wheelchair Lift...................................................................Yes, Front or Rear Steering.............................................................................................Power TRW Suspension ..................................................Leaf Spring, Optional Rear Air November/December 2013
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Specialty Vehicles
Specialty Vehicles
FE - Gasoline
FE - Diesel
The Front Engine Gasoline Classic American Trolley is manufactured in 26’-35’ lengths with passenger capabilities of 20-39. They are built on a Ford F53 chassis with Ford 6.8L engine for maximum power and comfort. A welded tubular steel body and riveted galvaneal exterior panels contain solid hardwood interior and polished brass fixtures. Air conditioning, heating and handicap accessibility are among many of the available options. Classic American Trolleys are designed to operate in various environments. Depending on the climate, road conditions and the customer’s final operating requirements, these trolleys are performance designed and built to perfection. Altoona tested for 7 years and 200,000 miles – these powerful vehicles encompass all the features needed to handle various transportation needs.
The Front Engine Gasoline Classic American Trolley is manufactured in 26’-35’ lengths with passenger capabilities of 20-39. They are built on a Freightliner MB65 chassis with Cummins ISB diesel engine for maximum power and comfort. A welded tubular steel body and riveted galvaneal exterior panels contain solid hardwood interior and polished brass fixtures. Air conditioning, heating and handicap accessibility are among many of the available options. Classic American Trolleys are designed to operate in various environments. Depending on the climate, road conditions and the customer’s final operating requirements, these trolleys are performance designed and built to perfection. Altoona tested for 10 years and 350,000 miles – these powerful vehicles encompass all the features needed to handle various transportation needs.
Specialty Vehicles 440 Mark Leany Drive, Henderson, NV 89011 Phone: 702-567-5256 • Fax: 702-567-3020 Email: josh.drenk@specialtyvehicles.com Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com
Model..............................................................................................FE - Gasoline Length......................................................................................................26’ - 35’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height..............................................................................................................133” Inside Height (min./max.)..................................................................76” - 91” Overhang (front/rear) ................................................................49”/100-122” Engine............................................................................................6.8L V10 Ford Transmission...................................................................................5 Spd. Auto Chassis...........................................................................................Ford F53 Rail Air Conditioning............................................................................70-125K BTU Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension......................................................................................Leaf Spring Page 32
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Specialty Vehicles 440 Mark Leany Drive, Henderson, NV 89011 Phone: 702-567-5256 • Fax: 702-567-3020 Email: josh.drenk@specialtyvehicles.com Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com
Model...................................................................................................FE - Diesel Length......................................................................................................26’ - 35’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height..............................................................................................................133” Inside Height (min./max.)..................................................................76” - 91” Overhang (front/rear) ................................................................49”/100-122” Engine ..........................................................................................6.7L Cummins Transmission...................................................................................6 Spd. Auto Chassis .........................................................................Freightliner MB65 Rail Air Conditioning............................................................................70-145K BTU Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension .........................................................Leaf Spring - Opt. Rear Air
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Specialty Vehicles
Specialty Vehicles
RE - Diesel FE - Gas Wedding The Rear Engine Classic American Trolley was engineered with transit agencies in mind from the ground up. They are equipped with Cummins ISB diesel engines and heavy-duty Allison transmissions. With GVWR’s from 26,000 to 32,000, seating configurations are available for a passenger capacity of 33-41 passengers with additional standees. Many options are available including destination signs, fare boxes, air conditioning, heating and cushioned seats. Removable window sections, handicap accessibility, entertainment systems are also available. Altoona tested for 10 years and 350,000 miles — these powerful vehicles encompass all the features needed to handle various transportation needs. Specialty Vehicles 440 Mark Leany Drive, Henderson, NV 89011 Phone: 702-567-5256 • Fax: 702-567-3020 Email: josh.drenk@specialtyvehicles.com Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com
Model ..................................................................................................RE - Diesel Length......................................................................................................33’ - 37’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height..............................................................................................................133” Inside Height (min./max.)..................................................................76” - 91” Overhang (front/rear)........................................................................101”/132” Engine ..........................................................................................6.7L Cummins Transmission...................................................................................6 Spd. Auto Chassis................................................................Freightliner XB27-XB75 Rail Air Conditioning............................................................................70-145K BTU Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension.............................................................................................Air Ride
The Classic American Wedding Trolley will add a brilliant piece of nostalgia to an event while guests will feel the glamour of the elegant affair. The trolley is built on a Ford F53 chassis with Ford gasoline engine in lengths from 26’ to 35’, and seating from 20 to 39 passengers with a rear conductors platform. The Classic American Wedding Trolley is more than just transportation, it is an experience that riders will remember and treasure. Built from the ground up with a choice of options, each trolley is customized to suit various needs with items such as dark mahogany wood, entertainment package and spiral brass stanchions. Specialty Vehicles 440 Mark Leany Drive, Henderson, NV 89011 Phone: 702-567-5256 • Fax: 702-567-3020 Email: josh.drenk@specialtyvehicles.com Website: www.specialtyvehicles.com
Model......................................................................................FE - Gas Wedding Length......................................................................................................26’ - 35’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height..............................................................................................................133” Inside Height (min./max.)..................................................................76” - 91” Overhang (front/rear) ................................................................49”/100-122” Engine............................................................................................6.8L V10 Ford Transmission...................................................................................5 Spd. Auto Chassis...........................................................................................Ford F53 Rail Air Conditioning............................................................................70-125K BTU Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Steering ......................................................................................................Power Suspension......................................................................................Leaf Spring November/December 2013
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Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc.
Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc.
Mainstreet Villager The Hometown Trolley Villager model is a front engine trolley capable of many applications from a small private tour operator to a full scale transit agency. The Villager model is available in gasoline, bio-diesel, CNG and Propane. The Villager can be equipped with minimal components to make a more economical choice for the small operator or loaded with many transit features such as destination signs, spiral brass railings, bike racks, GPS systems and more.
Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: kristina@hometowntrolley.com Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com
Model........................................................................................................Villager Length .......................................................................................................22’, 40’ Width...............................................................................................93”, 96”, 99” Height ............................................................................................................10’6” Wheelbase ....................................................................158, 178, 190, 208, 228 Overhang (front/rear).................................................Front 28” / Rear 118” Inside Height (min./max.) ................................................................Aisle 88” Tire Size....................................................................................19.5x6.75 & 22.5 Engine .....................................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7 Transmission ........................................................................................Allison 2 Fuel Tank Capacity..................................................................................75 gal. Chassis............................................................Ford, Workhorse, Freightliner Baggage Capacity ..............................................................................Available Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Suspension ...................................................................................Spring or Air Page 34
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The Hometown Trolley Mainstreet model is a heavy-duty rear engine trolley combining all the transit components for the high volume urban areas, such as full air suspension, air brakes, Allison B300 transmission, Cummins ISB, LED destination signs, Voice Annunciation systems, instep ADA lift equipment and more. The Mainstreet trolley will provide the quality and reliability of any high demand transit needs while at the same time lending the nostalgic feel of the turn of the century cable car. Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: kristina@hometowntrolley.com Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com
Model ..................................................................................................Mainstreet Length.......................................................................................................25’, 40’ Width.................................................................................................................99” Height..............................................................................................................11’2” Wheelbase ............................................................................160, 190, 208, 228 Overhang (front/rear)......................................................................42” / 120” Inside Height (min./max.) ................................................................Aisle 88” Tire Size..........................................................................................................22.5 Engine............................................................................................Cummins ISB Transmission.................................................................................Allison B300 Chassis .............................................................................................Freightliner Baggage Capacity ..............................................................................Available Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes Suspension.......................................................................................................Air
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Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc. Pictured left to right are Wayne South, Ed Gajecki and Jim Walton,representing the city of Calgary; Wes Woods of Crestline Coach; Don Roberts, Robb Ledbetter, Del Herr, Ben Cupp and Chris Ward, representing ARBOC.
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Produces 1,500th Bus
Carriage The Hometown Trolley Carriage model is a front engine, lowfloor trolley providing ease of entry and exit with no steps. The Carriage low-floor design allows the ADA ratio of 5:1 and minimal step in height when pulled to curb locations. The Carriage is available in gasoline, diesel, CNG and full electric. The Carriage is also available with LED destination signs, DVD player and monitor, HVAC with climate control, brass or brushed stainless handrailing, luggage rack, exterior wood package, forward facing or perimeter seating, 110 volt invertor for Christmas lighting on the interior and exterior, and many more transit components. The Carriage is less than 22-feet in length, making it the perfect size for historical downtown areas, hotels, theme parks and many other shuttle type transportation needs. Capture the nostalgia of a Hometown Trolley in your hometown with the new low-floor Carriage, built to preserve integrity and craftsmanship true to its era of the “turn of the century.â€? Double K, Inc. (Hometown Trolley) 701 N. Railroad Ave., Crandon, WI 54520 715-478-5090 • Fax: 715-478-5095 Email: kristina@hometowntrolley.com Web site: www.hometowntrolley.com Model ......................................................................................................Carriage Type ........................................................................................Low Floor Trolley Passenger Capacity...................................................................................16-20 Length......................................................................................................20’ - 24’ Width....................................................................................................................8’ ADA ...............................................................................................1 or 2 Position Engine ...............................................Gasoline, Diesel, CNG or Full Electric Chassis.............................................................................................Chevy 4500 Handrailing .........................................................................Brass or Stainless Comfort Control.................................................................................Full HVAC Mileage .................................................................................................MPG 12-15
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, a custom builder of paratransit vehicles, announced that the company had recently produced its 1,500th bus at the Middlebury, IN, facility. “This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of all ARBOC employees,� ARBOC President and CEO Don Roberts said. “Since our inception in 2008, we have focused on producing and delivering quality products that can meet the needs of commuters with disabilities. This milestone is a credit to all ARBOC employees.� As the 1,500th bus rolled out of the plant, ARBOC’s dealer, Wes Woods of Crestline, as well as representatives from the City of Calgary, Jim Walton, Ed Gajecki and Wayne South, were on-site to accept the keys of their Spirit of Freedom Bus, a low-floor, ADA compliant bus. Founded in 2008, ARBOC Specialty Vehicles is a developer and manufacturer of low-floor technology up to 30’. With its three key product offerings, the Spirit of Mobility, Spirit of Freedom and Spirit of Liberty, ARBOC offers lowfloor paratransit products that serve a variety of industries and applications as well as meeting and exceeding 2014-2018 federal fuel economy standards, according to the company. Visit www.ARBOCsv.com for more information.
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Prevost Updates Mobile Apps, Volvo Group Introduces Apps Prevost says it has enhanced two of its mobile apps. The Prevost Locator App has added some new functionality. The “service level” for each of the 160 plus providers is now displayed, letting users know what coach services are offered by each service provider. Additionally, each service provider pin on the map is color-coordinated and icon-coordinated by category, so users can more easily identify providers on the map by type, according to spokespeople. The Prevost Tools App has been updated with some new resources. It puts access to many Prevost service tools all in one application. The company says these new buttons have been added to the app: • “My Bulletins” gives users access to a list of service bulletins according to their specific vehicles; • “Contacts” gives users a list of service team contacts and an auto dial function for those reading the document on a phone; • “Marketing Tools” gives users a link to the Prevost Marketing Tools site, which provides print ads, photos and presentations to help oper-
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ators with their marketing; and, • “Conversion Portal” gives Prevost authorized converters a link to conversion coach resources. Prevost Tools App users can also link to wiring diagrams, pneumatic diagrams, technical manuals, driver’s guides and service bulletins for any Prevost or Volvo motorcoach. The app also provides links to Prevost online warranty services, Prevost Liaison telematics system, and online parts ordering. Volvo Group Introduces Volvo Transporters And Volvo Sustainability Apps The Volvo Group has introduced a new online game called Transporters. Users of Transporters get behind the wheel of one of the Volvo Group’s vehicles and carry out a number of assignments. By picking up objects and avoiding obstacles in a variety of environments, the user takes part in a virtual journey through the everyday operating world of the Volvo Group. Transporters can be played by visiting www.volvogroup.com/transporters. Visit www.prevostcar.com.
November/December 2013
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Prevost Employee, Christine Garant, Dies Prevost has announced the death of a valued member of its customer support team. Christine Garant, age 54, served Prevost customers for 26 years. Garant started with Prevost in 1987, serving as senior secretary, administrative assistant sales and marketing, and then as coordinator of invoicing and delivery in Sainte-Claire, QC. Operators who have questions about invoicing matters should contact Jerry Doughty, director of financial services, at 336-393-4836 or jerry.doughty@volvo.com. Prevost is a manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and produces conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. Prevost is part of the Volvo Group, manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines. Its main manufacturing facilities are in SainteClaire, QC, Canada and it also has 10 Parts and Service Centers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.prevostcar.com for more information.
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Temsa Names Rick Arnes Field Technician, Midwest
For more information about CH Bus Sales, Inc., and Temsa, visit www.chbussales.com and www.temsa.com.
CH Bus Sales has announced the appointment of Rick Armes as Field TechnicianMidwest. Temsa says Armes will provide professional technical customer service through
SunLine Transit Agency Board Of Directors Appoints Lauren Skiver General Manager
onsite visits, training, and communication, primarily to the Midwestern United States. He will also act as a liaison between the customers, Temsa factory representatives and CH Bus Account Executives. Armes has been a licensed diesel mechanic for 18 years as well as being ASE certified for 11 years. Formerly, Armes was employed by Ford and Imperial Royal Tours. CH Bus Sales, Inc., is a privately owned corporation and is the exclusive distributor of Temsa coaches in the United States. Temsa is a fully owned subsidiary of Sabanci Holding, a financial and industrial group in Turkey.
The board of directors of SunLine Transit Agency has appointed Lauren Skiver as its general manager. Skiver is a 16-year veteran of the transit industry. She currently serves as the chief executive officer of the State of Delaware Transit Corporation (DART), headquartered in Wilmington, DE. Before joining DART in 2012, Skiver was deputy chief operating officer of core services for the State of Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). There, she was responsible for operation and budgets for Maryland’s fixedroute bus system, mobility paratransit service, light rail, Metro subway and the MARC commuter rail systems operating in Maryland. From 1997 to 2006, Skiver worked for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. Skiver served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1995 as a switch operator/imagery analyst. There she had a Top Secret-Special
Ameritrans
™
Background Investigation Security Clearance, was a member of Battle Damage Assessment teams during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was a finalist for soldier of the year in 1993. She is originally from San Diego. SunLine Transit Agency is a joint powers authority formed in 1977 to operate the Coachella Valley's (California) public transportation system. Tony Johnson Named Interim President Of Fort Worth Transportation Authority The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), of Fort Worth, TX, has announced that Anthony (“Tony”) Johnson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of The T, will serve as interim president and executive director during The T Board’s search to replace Dick Ruddell, who retired October 4. Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in public transportation. He began his career with The T in 1991 as director of operations for all aspects of bus operations. Prior to his interim responsibilities as president, Johnson served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
330
SERIES
Ameritrans new R330 Series is the only mid-size coach that offers legendary RAM-tough power. Built on the RAM 5500 SLT chassis, the new R330 seats up to 31 passengers in a spacious 102” interior cabin and is available in a wide range of seating configurations – including ADA access. Touring-coach style amenities, uncompromising quality, construction and design are built into the new R330. Visit ameritransbus.com
THE ONLY IN ITS CLASS Available only from Ameritrans November/December 2013
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MAHA USA Introduces Wireless Mobile Column Lifts With Precision Ball-Screw Lifting Technology MAHA USA has introduced its new and redesigned MCL family of ballscrew-powered mobile column lifts. The company says its new lifts expand the variety of tire profiles and vehicles that can now be served by wireless mobile lifts. Spokespeople say the MCL 12 and MCL 15 lifts are completely new products, while the MCL 16 and MCL 18 have been significantly redesigned. The architecture of MAHA’s new mobile column lifts are engineered to accelerate the velocity of maintenance activities by providing a flexible vehicle lifting system that creates a more open, productive and accessible work space, according to the company. “Our new MCL wireless mobile column lift series boosts productivity through superiority ergonomics and by expanding application flexibility,” says Juergen Werner, vice president of sales and marketing. “Not only can you lift a wider variety of vehicles with our new lifts, but once the vehicles are elevated, they enable service techs to operate virtually unencumbered.” All base frames for the MCL wireless ball-
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screw lifts have been redesigned, and each base frame now features a lower profile and longer leg structure that increases the columns’ stability. The main support column of each lift is formed from a solid, one-piece, hot-rolled Ibeam, giving it rigidity and stability, while reducing load and stress on interior structural welds. MAHA says its addition of the MCL 12 gives users a lighter capacity mobile lift option. Lifting 12,000 pounds per column, the MCL 12 is a cost effective solution for
November/December 2013
lighter duty maintenance facilities that need a larger capacity lift to service medium-duty trucks and vans. The new MCL 15 holds 15,000 pounds per column and has a 20-inch fork length and an extended base. The longer fork allows the devices to lift dual tire assemblies while engaging the surface of both tires. MAHA says the MCL 16 is now equipped with 16-inch-long standard forks capable of engaging super-single tires better. Updates to the MCL 16 include an increased carriage width, giving users the ability to accommodate wider tire diameters. An extra-wide body carriage, with a width of 36.61 inches, is also available for the MCL 16 and fits in the same size base frame as the unit’s standard carriage. This wider carriage design allows the MCL 16 to accommodate flotation tires and other oversized tire diameters commonly found on military vehicles. The MCL accessory line has also undergone upgrades including a 36,000-pound capacity crossbeam. This larger capacity unit works in unison with the MCL 18 for frame engaging applications under trucks and buses for wheels-free access, according to MAHA. For more information visit: http://www.mahausa.com/WirelessMobileColumnLift.htm.
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From ABC
Muncie Transit Supply Company Celebrates 60th Anniversary Muncie Transit Supply first opened its doors 60 years ago as Muncie Reclamation and Supply Co. specializing in restoring old worn bus parts back to OEM specs. Now with six decades, expansions, consolidations and a merger, the aftermarket transit parts manufacturer and distributor serves both transit and coach industries throughout the United States. ABC says with 86,000 square feet of warehouse space, the Muncie location offers the inventory of major product lines and brands available for most transit vehicles in service today. Spokespeople say milestones in the company’s history include: • 1953 – Muncie Reclamation and Supply Co. opens for business; • 1964 – A major expansion doubles size of operations with a new state-of-the-art plant and facility – serving marquise customers Chicago
Years Proudly Serving Public & Private Transit M-Bcelebrate.com • Knowledge leaders • Major brands • Extensive parts selection for all makes & models • RFQ/bid specialists US • LIVE support
800.428.8610
Canada
800.256.0520
Transit Authority and Greyhound; • 1978 – Muncie is acquired by Chromalloy American Corporation; • 1986 – Moves operations to a new 86,000square-foot facility and focuses on expanding new bus parts offering; • 1989 – Ownership of Muncie is purchased from Chromalloy by St. Louis business owners
Freightliner Custom Chassis Showcases 300hp S2C Chassis At BusCon Freightliner Custom Chass is (FCCC) says its new S2C chassis, showcased at this year’s BusCon, will offer 300hp, the first S2C model to reach that horsepower mark. Spokespeople say combined with the S2C’s design emphasizing easy engine access, high driver visibility and operational efficiency, it is a good choice for public transportation, resort/hotel shuttles, day-tour operators and businesses with highly specialized transport needs. According to Frieghtliner, more standard features include: • 20-percent larger windshield, offering increased driver visibility of up to 50 percent; • 60- or 100-gallon fuel tanks, which reduce fuel stops; • 55-degree wheel cut for improved maneuverability; • Low-effort, easy-tilt hood for easy engine access; • Pin-slide disc brakes for reduced maintenance; • Optional full air disc brakes with 22.5-inch wheels; • Ergonomically designed dash for optimized driver experience; and, • Between-the-rail fuel tank for more opportunity for skirt-located features. In addition, the S2C can be equipped with optional Americans with Disabilities Act wiring, which offers body builders interface connections, and the chassis’ exhaust clearance can be configured to allow for an in-step wheelchair lift. FCCC manufactures chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, school bus and shuttle bus markets. It is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. Visit www.freightlinerchassis.com.
Robert Heaney and Marc Braeckel (Marc Braeckel share of ownership to be purchased by Muncie employee Hank Helmbrecht in 1991); • 1992 – Muncie Reclamation acquires Baker Transit Parts in Sombra, ON, and enters the Canadian transit parts marketplace; • 1995 – Muncie Reclamation changes name to Muncie Transit Supply providing full-service aftermarket parts distribution for the transit and coach industries. The reclamation business is sold allowing the company to concentrate on the sale of new bus parts; and, • 2007 – ABC Companies acquires MuncieBaker brands – expanding the parts sales territory to encompass U.S. and Canadian markets. Muncie’s Indiana-based facility is rehabbed to add modern bus inspection depot on property. Muncie also has a product development staff that supports sales and customer service operations. Additionally, a central customer call center and automated parts ordering “simplify customer access and streamline” orders, according to the company. Visit abc-companies.com.
Proterra Announces Largest-Ever U.S. Order Of Electric Buses Proterra Inc., a provider of zero-emission battery electric transit solutions, has completed the companies’ largest ever U.S. sale of Altoona-tested heavy-duty electric buses to Foothill Transit, a joint powers authority of 22 member cities in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys of Southern California. In 2011, Foothill Transit became the first transit agency in the United States to use on-route charge electric buses by purchasing and operating Proterra buses. The agency has now purchased an additional 12 buses from Proterra to completely electrify its 291 route, which travels between LaVerne and Pomona. Proterra says zero-emission electric buses are of particular interest in California, where there are many environmental non-attainment zones and California Air Resource Board (CARB) regulations in play. The Foothill Transit sale is the latest new order for Proterra, with the company’s last three sales to transit systems coming from repeat customers. Recently, StarMetro of Tallahassee purchased an additional three EV buses from Proterra, increasing its EV fleet size to five, and the Worcester Regional Transit Authority in Massachusetts doubled its initial three-bus order to six. Because of growing demand, Proterra says it has doubled its production workforce, installed a second production line, added a second shift and grown its sales staff. Foothill Transit is entering its 25th year of serving the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys in Los Angeles County. Its 314-bus fleet covers over 300 square miles each year, carrying 14 million passengers. For more information, visit www.foothilltransit.org. Proterra designs and manufactures clean technology and clean energy, providing zero emission vehicles. Proterra says The EcoRide™ is the world’s first battery electric bus with fast charge enabled infinite range. The Proterra product is made in America and based in Greenville, SC. Visit www.proterra.com for more information. November/December 2013
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MCI Moves Headquarters, Service Center To New Des Plaines, IL, Site MCI spokespeople say the company created a new Chicago-area destination for coach shopping and service, moving its Schaumburg corporate headquarters and Des Plaines Sales and Service Center to a single, new facility in Des Plaines, IL. The move brings MCI’s corporate offices and Des Plaines Sales and Service operations under the same roof. The company says its new 80,000square-foot facility, at 200 E. Oakton Street, includes indoor space to showcase MCI and Setra models and ample parking for new and preowned coaches. About 60,000 of the interior square footage houses the air-conditioned MCI Sales and Service Center. The hours of service are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The telephone number remains 1-800-4287626. Patrick McGuire, director of MCI Service Centers said, “We can accommodate up to 36 coaches for maintenance and repair, and we have the absolute latest equipment and diagnos-
tics. We’ve added a number of state-of-art features, including portable tablets for technicians, all loaded with schematics, parts catalogs and diagnostics. There’s also space and comfort enough for our technicians to do all work indoors. The new location is closer to the Interstate and to O’Hare airport,” said Foxy Travel Adds New MCI J4500 To Fleet Foxy Travel of Linwood, MA, has purchased a new 2014 MCI J4500 which is known as “Mike and Diane,” in the company tradition of naming new coaches for family and friends. Foxy Travel President Keith Menard, son of founder Donald Menard, said that the late Mike and Diane Ritchie, owners of Ritchie Bus, weren’t related to his family by blood, but they acted like they were, despite being competitors. “There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us,” said Menard. “They made much of our early success possible. We really felt this new coach in all of its latest, greatest glory would be a fitting tribute.” Menard runs the company with family that
McGuire. “We’ve configured the service center space for coaches to drive in one door and out the other. The goal is convenience and fast, expert service.” The new service center includes two fullservice pits for oil changes and related services; a state-of-the-art paint booth; two indoor bus wash stations; a drivers’ area with lounge chairs, television, Wi-Fi and refreshments; and a customer parts pick-up window. Learn more at www.mcicoach.com. includes his wife, mother and an uncle. Donald Menard, who is technically retired at age 76 but still routinely puts in 60-hour weeks, started Foxy Travel in 1981. The company purchased its first coach, an MCI, in 1988. The fleet has been almost exclusively MCI-made ever since. Today, the fleet numbers eight coaches, including a recently purchased “re-energized” J4500 and three other J4500s, two D-Series coaches and an older 46-passenger MCI 102D3 which Menard says is still a “great bus.” The fleet performs a mix of charter and tour work. The company also arranges cruises and international travel. Visit www.foxytravel.com and www.mcicoach.com for more information.
Improve the appearance of ordinary buses – any style, any length! Phone: 517-750-1177 Toll Free: 1-877-443-2838 Fax: 517-750-1807 P.O. Box 405, Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283 www.trolleyillusions.com stanleymitts@sbcglobal.net
Inquiries Welcome!
© 1998 Stan Mitts
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ABC Companies 1506 30th Street, N.W. Faribault, MN 55021 USA 800-222-2875, 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246 E-Mail: abcinfo@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com Company Officers: Clancy Cornell, Chairman of the Board Emeritus; Dane Cornell, CEO & Chairman; Tim Wayland, President & Chief Commercial Officer; Tom DeMatteo, Senior Vice President and General Counsel/Secretary; Brenda Borwege, Senior Vice President – Strategic Accounts/ Marketing; Dan Axelson, Chief Financial Officer; Roman Cornell, Senior Vice President – Eastern Region; Clint Guth, Senior Vice President – Western Region; and, Ashley Cornell, Vice President ABC Locations – Maintenance And Repair Facilities: California ABC Companies Wes Lefler, Operations Manager 1485 Dale Way Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 444-5888 Florida ABC Companies Ed Harmon, Director of Operations 17469 West Colonial Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 656-7977 New Jersey ABC Companies Bob Hornung, Operations Manager 1494 Federal Street Camden, NJ 08105 (856) 966-1500
New Jersey ABC Companies Hudson Service Mike DeMayo, Operations Manager 415 Tonnele Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 795-3113 Indiana ABC Companies Lee Loper, Senior Vice President Nappanee Refurbishment Center 504 South Oakland Avenue Nappanee, IN 46550 (574) 773-4277 Minnesota ABC Companies Greg Dotseth, Operations Manager 1506 30th Street, N.W. Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 334-1871 Texas ABC Companies Mark Santoyo, Operations Manager 1702 South Great Southwest Parkway Grand Prairie, TX 75051 (972) 206-1110 Services: ABC Companies’ strategic vehiclecare network spans North America and offers solutions to preserve equipment value and keep fleets running at peak performance. Dedicated customer service professionals, OEM spec experts, fleet maintenance specialists, factory-trained technicians and ASE-certified mechanics deliver reliable, efficient, and professional vehicle care services from key metro areas throughout North America. With over 280,000 square feet of service and collision facilities nationwide, ABC offers
full service technical, mechanical, retrofitting, collision and refurbishment services including paint and body work, wheelchair retrofits, electrical upgrades, and engine and transmission rebuild and replacement. ABC Parts, along with affiliates Muncie Transit Supply and Baker Transit Parts, provide customers with an expansive selection of high-quality OEM, aftermarket and private label components for most popular coach, transit and heavy-equipment models. With stocked parts inventory at eight strategically placed locations, including key distribution centers in Southern California, Indiana, and Florida, ABC’s trained parts professionals can quickly and efficiently locate or source parts every day. Online ordering is available 24/7 with everyday 2 percent savings on complete parts inventory. 13 BRC Coach & Transit (formerly Big Rig Collision) Locations in: Calgary, AB, and Las Vegas, NV 403-243-7400, 702-632-2847 Fax: 403-243-7407 Website: www.brccoachandtransit.com Services: BRC Coach & Transit is a premier collision repair and refurbishment facility for motorcoaches and transit buses in North America. BRC is a one-stop shop for collision repair, frame straightening, mechanical services, custom graphics, refinishing and fire restoration on all makes of motorcoaches. The company offers pick-up and delivery anywhere in North America and guarantees ontime quality repairs with a “no hassle” lifetime warranty. BRC has over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities with three 60-foot commercial paint booths and a 175 ton, 70foot frame straightening machine. 12
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Budget Truck and Auto, Inc. 2027 W. Avalon Road Janesville, WI 53546 USA 603-756-0361 Fax: 603-756-0136 Website: www.budgettruckandauto.com Services: Budget Truck and Auto is a family owned and operated business. Its 40,000square-foot facility consists of three paint booths that measure over 65-feet long, and one of the largest frame machines in the country. It is committed to producing the highest quality collision repairs along with the most impeccable customer service available in the collision repair industry. The company’s goal is to exceed expectations in every way. It strives to accomplish this through a professional, well-trained, motivated team of employees and over 40 years of experience. Don’t forget to check the company out on the Web and Facebook. Product offerings include: free estimates, collision repair, custom painting, custom graphics, bus wraps, frame straightening, Ricon lift dealer installer, certified welding, and free loaner cars. 13 CoachCrafters, Inc. 27530 Co. Rd. 561 Tavares, FL 32778 USA 352-742-8111 Fax: 352-742-7311
E-Mail: inquiries@coachcrafters.com Website: www.coachcrafters.com Services: Repair and restoration of public and private buses and coaches for over two decades. DBE Certified. 12 Complete Coach Works 1863 Service Court Riverside, CA 92507 USA 951-684-8595 Fax: 951-684-2088 E-Mail: sales@completecoach.com Website: www.completecoach.com Services: For over 25 years, Complete Coach Works has served the industry as a One Stop Transportation Solution Provider. The company has provided peace of mind to thousands of customers by being their one stop shop. Whether rail or bus, shuttle or trolley, Complete Coach Works provides collision repair, complete rehab and remanufacturing, drive train repowers, alternative fuel and hybrid conversions and wheelchair lift retrofits. When it comes to green technology, CCW’s expertise spans multiple transportation modes. From buses to utility and dump trucks, from waste disposal to off-road equipment, CCW has successfully converted vehicles to run on CNG, LNG, LPG, and hybrid propulsion systems. 11
Jim’s Truck and Trailer/Coachwerks 1269 Breezy Lane Winona, MN 55987 USA 800-264-1294 Fax: 507-452-2701 Website: www.jimstruckandtrailercoachwerks.com Services: Since 1971, Jim’s Truck & Trailer Coachwerks has set the standard for excellence in the repair and refurbishing of charter coaches, buses, city transits, and all kinds of trucks. Its ASE certified technicians specialize in total refurbishing, frame repairs, alignments, suspension work, paint and graphics, brakes, A/C repair, fire restoration, wheelchair lift repairs and installations, electrical, sand blasting, collision repairs, warranty repairs, D.O.T. inspections, and more. With 61,000 square feet of shop space situated on 6 secured acres, the company has the facilities, skills, and experience to handle most any repair needed. Jim’s Truck & Trailer Coachwerks is an authorized warranty repair center for scores of major component manufacturers, works with all major insurance companies and has nationwide towing available. 12 Motor Coach Industries Builds the MCI J4500, D-Series, Commuter Coach models; and distributor of EvoBus GmbH for Setra Buses and Setra Parts in the
SAFE, STURDY & DURABLE Safety Step will meet all your transportation needs…
s Safety Steps full line of transportation steps are designed specifically for the transportation industry s Anti-tip design makes it impossible to tip over with normal use s Transportation models provide a 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” boost s The 10" and 12" steps have brackets for extra durability s Rugged all-aluminum welded construction s All models are lab tested to hold over 1,000 pounds, but weigh a mere 7 pounds s Non-slip angled rubber leg tips and gripper strips keep your passengers and your Safety Step securely in place s Durable powder coat finish available black, silver or safety yellow
To view all our transportation steps or to order online, visit our website:
www.safetystep.net or call (888) 448-4237 Page 42
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United States and Canada. 200 E. Oakton St. Des Plaines, IL 60018 USA 800-428-7626, 847-285-2000 Fax: 847-285-2013 E-Mail: marketing@mcicoach.com MCI Website: www.mcicoach.com Setra Website: www.setra-coaches.com MCI Sales And Service Centers Patrick McGuire, director of Operations MCI Service Centers, Patrick.McGuire@mcicoach.com Illinois Mark Heldt, Service Manager ServicecenterIL@mcicoach.com 200 E. Oakton St. Des Plaines, IL 60016 USA (866) MCICOACH (624-2622) Fax: 847-299-6773 Florida Miguel Laro, Service Manager ServicecenterFL@mcicoach.com 1155 Elboc Way Winter Garden, FL 34787 800-390-0287 Fax: 407-246-1417 New Jersey Randy Imbrogno, Service Manager ServicecenterNJ@mcicoach.com 14 Harmon Drive Blackwood, NJ 08012 USA 800-262-1287 Fax: 856-232-7830 Texas Robert Kirby, Service Manager ServicecenterTX@mcicoach.com 9787 Clifford Drive Dallas, TX 75220 USA 800-248-4942 Fax: 214-366-5901
ServicecenterOH@mcicoach.com 520 North Spring Street Loudonville, OH 44842 877-754-4404 Fax: 419-490-2115
Toll Free Fax: 1-800-939-0133 Parts Fax: 418-658-1723 Director Of Operations: Philippe Flebus E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
Services: Reliability Driven, MCI is a leading manufacturer of intercity coaches in North America, building the MCI J4500 and D-Series coach. MCI also distributes the Setra S 417 and Setra S 407 coaches and Setra parts in the United States and Canada. Conveniently located, MCI Service Centers offer preventative maintenance to troubleshooting, retrofits, repair and collision work to strict OEM standards, using OEM parts and OEM-trained technicians who have access to all original MCI and Setra coach model specifications. Under ReliaDrive, MCI Service Centers promise same-day diagnostics, an accurate estimate and a fixed-right-the-first-time guarantee on MCI and Setra coaches. MCI also offers an extensive aftermarket parts inventory and emergency roadside assistance managed in-house by MCI professionals by calling 800-241-2947. MCI offers training for customers’ mechanics and drivers at its National Training Center in Louisville, KY, and webinar sessions on a variety of topics important to operators. All past webinars are archived at www.mcicoach.com/webinar. 13
Prevost U.S. Parts Customer Service 2200 Point Blvd. Suite 100 Elgin, IL 60123 Toll Free: 1 800 799-9938 Administration Toll Free: 1 800 621-5519 Coach Parts Toll Free: 1 877 999-8808 Transit Parts Phone: (847) 844-7680 Toll Free Fax: 1 877 999-8809 Fax: (847) 844-6955 Branch Manager: Joe Ward E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
Prevost Prevost Canadian Parts Customer Service 2955-A Watt Street Quebec, QC G1X 3W1 Canada Toll Free: 800-463-8876 418-654-0174 Admin., 418-653-0948 Parts
Prevost Parts & Service Centers California 3384 De Forest Circle Mira Loma, CA 91752 Toll Free: 1 800 421-9958 Phone: (951) 360-2550 Fax: (951) 360-2560 Administration Fax: (951) 360-2565 Parts Branch Manager: Tim Willmuth E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com Tennessee 800 South Cartwright Street Goodlettsville, TN 37072 Toll Free: 1 877 299-8881 Phone: (615) 299-8881 Fax: (615) 299-8816 Administration Branch Manager: Rose Baker E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
www.budgettruckandauto.com
California Thomas Hoskins, Service Manager ServicecenterCA@mcicoach.com 10850 Portal Drive Los Alamitos, CA 90720 USA 800-777-4101 Fax: 714-484-4811
Painting Ricon Lifts Fabrication Vinyl Graphics Collision Repair Certified Welding Frame Straightening
Canada Marc-Andre Quellet, Service Manager ServicecenterQC@mcicoach.com 1400 Barre Street Montreal, QC H3C 1N4 Canada 800-663-3328 Fax: 514-938-5142 Ohio MCI Major Repair Center Ron Miller, Service Manager
: $YDORQ 5G ‡ -DQHVYLOOH :, 3+21( ‡ )$; 72// )5(( November/December 2013
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Florida 6931 Business Park Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32256 Toll Free: 1 800 874-7740 Phone: (904) 886-4555 Fax: (904) 886-0092 Administration Fax: (904) 886-0093 Parts Branch Manager: Cindy Harmon E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com New Jersey 201 South Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080 Toll Free: 1 800 223-0830 Phone: (908) 222-7211 Fax: (908) 222-7304 Branch Manager: Craig Heaton E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com Texas - Dallas 15200 Frye Road Fort Worth, TX 76155-2702 Toll Free: 1 866 773-8678 Phone: (817) 685-0250 Fax: (817) 685-0460 Branch Manager: Carl Boulet E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
Alberta 292 MacDonald Crescent Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 4B6 Canada Phone: 1-780-792-9526 Fax: 1-780-743-0983 Service Manager: Christopher Murgatroyd
Texas - Houston 10155 Windfern Road Houston, TX 77064 Phone: 713-849-8562 Fax: 713-849-8562 Branch Manager: Carl Boulet Service Manager: Theodore Bruning E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
Ontario 8301 Keele Street Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z6 Canada Phone: 1-905-738-0881 Fax: 1-905-738-0891 Service Manager: Stephen Farrugia
British Columbia 11911 No. 5 Road Richmond, BC V7A 4E9 Canada Phone: 1-604-940-3306 Fax: 1-604-940-3384 Branch Manager: Dale Paziuk E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
Services: Prevost is a leading North American manufacturer of premium seated coaches and conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. Prevost offers OEM replacement parts for both coach and transit buses, and is the exclusive distributor of Prevost and Nova Bus certified parts and components. The 10 Prevost Parts and Service Centers are strategically located throughout Canada and the United States to offer fast, reliable service for every make and model of coaches, motorhomes and buses. Prevost offers a complete range of maintenance services and mechanical repairs, including a unique removable wheelchair lift retrofit for Prevost coaches. Online ordering is available at www.prevostcar.com. 13
Quebec 850 Chemin Olivier Saint-Nicholas, QC G7A 2N1 Canada Toll Free: 1-866 -870-2046 Phone: (418) 831-2046 Fax: (418) 831-7432 Service Center Manager: Guillaume Charron E-Mail: prevostcar@volvo.com Web: www.prevostcar.com
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CONTACT MEG LEWIS AT 609.340.7715 FOR BOOKINGS OR FURTHER INFORMATION.
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/ResortsCasino
/ResortsCasino
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ABC Companies 1506 30th Street, N.W. Faribault, MN 55021 USA 800-222-2871 FAX: 507-334-0246 E-Mail: gyanuzzi@abc-companies.com Website: www.abc-companies.com Company Officers: Shaun Huxford, Vice President of Parts Operations; Hugh McElvaney, Director of Parts Sales; Gerard Yanuzzi, Director of Marketing; Joe Gibson, General Manager of Muncie Transit Supply; Mark Wourms, General Manager of Baker Transit Parts Products: ABC Companies brings together an expansive inventory of parts, components and accessories for every motorcoach and transit equipment requirement. Covering the United States and Canada, ABC Parts, Muncie Transit Supply and Baker Transit Parts offer competitively-priced parts for today’s equipment models. Plus, value-priced ABC Select Parts for motorcoaches as well as ABC pre-owned motorcoach and transit parts offer more choice throughout North America. Trained parts professionals can help customers locate or source virtually any part. 13 MCI Service Parts 7001 Universal Coach Drive Louisville, KY 40258 USA Service Hours: Monday - Friday / 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 800-323-1290 FAX: 800-525-4569 Email: partsusa@mcicoach.com Products: World-class fill rates, extensive OEM inventory, value-priced Coach Guard parts, value-added kits and expert customer service: MCI Service Parts has what customers need to make MCI, Setra and othermaker coaches more reliable, with competi-
tive prices and speedy delivery. With distribution facilities in Louisvile, KY, and East Brunswick, NJ, and stock at numerous Service Centers, MCI carries a vast catalog of new OEM parts for MCI and Setra as well as for virtually all make coaches and transit buses, along with money-saving remanufactured parts. Plus, monthly parts specials save customers even more. The “Coach Critical” guarantee promises same-day shipping to coach-down customers, covering 1,500 operationally critical parts for MCI coaches. This includes axles, windshields, body components, HVAC elements and more. If MCI can’t deliver on its guarantee, it will credit half the part price, up to $150. And for all customers, most parts can be shipped next-day at ordered by noon EST, via phone or online at the MCI Online Parts Store. Visit www.mcicoach.com/parts for current parts specials and more, call 800-323-1290 in the United States, or 800-665-0155 in Canada. 13 Prevost Prevost U.S. Parts Customer Service Center Illinois 2200 Point Blvd., Suite 100 Elgin, IL 60123 USA 1-847-844-7680 Toll free phone: 1-800-799-9938 Admin. Toll free phone: 1-800-621-5519 Coach Toll free phone: 1-877-999-8808 Transit Toll free fax: 1-877-999-8809 Fax: 1-847-844-6955 Prevost Canadian Parts Customer Service Center Quebec City
2955-A, Avenue Watt Quebec, Quebec G1X 3W1 CANADA Toll free phone: 1-800-463-8876 Phone: 1-418-654-0174 Phone: 1-418-653-0948 Toll free fax: 1-800-939-0133 Fax: 1-418-658-1723 Website: https://www.prevostcar.com/content/prevost-parts Company Officer: Jack Forbes Vice President - Part Sales Fax: 1-321-984-2222 Cell: 1-847-910-1832 E-Mail: jack.r.forbes@volvo.com Products: The Prevost Online Parts Ordering process is advanced and customer-focused. As a cornerstone of the Prevost Parts and Service Network, Prevost has the capabilities, the reach, and depth of technical knowledge to make parts identification, placement of orders, and order shipping and tracking convenient and easy. Prevost offers same-day shipping of stock parts anywhere in the United States and Canada for orders received before 2 p.m. Prevost also offers 24/7 emergency parts ordering and shipping and 24/7 online parts ordering with a special discount. Prevost Parts exclusive computerized parts catalog provides immediate access to all coach assemblies, subassemblies, and components. The catalog can “explode” any aspect/component of the coach. The system includes all coaches dating back to the 1980 model year – down to the “nuts and bolts.” Prevost Parts and Service Centers use RF barcode technology for quick shipment of parts and, with the exception of normal wear items, all parts supplied and installed in a Prevost Parts and Service Center carry a one-year warranty. 13
November/December 2013
BUSLINE
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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
Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches, Homemade Soup, Fresh Salads & Sides, Blue Bunny 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! Page 46
BUSLINE
November/December 2013
Downtown Cincinnati Bus Shelters Get Makeover By ArtWorks Apprentices ArtWorks, a Cincinnati non-profit organization that employs and trains local youth to create art and community impact, partnered with Metro and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County last summer to transform 24 shelters into colorful public art featuring popular books. In addition to Willy Wonka, Harry Potter, Dorothy and Toto, “Alice in Wonderland,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Scarlet Letter,” and “The Odyssey” are just a few of the literary characters and works suggested by the community that inspired the bus shelter art. ArtWorks lead artist Ryan Little and teaching artist Brandon Parker led the six youth apprentices between the ages of 14 and 21 in designing the graphic prints for the Cincinnati Metro Art Shelter Project. Founded in 1996, ArtWorks is an award-winning non-profit organization that empowers and inspires the creative community to transform everyday environments through employment, apprenticeships, education, community partnerships, and civic engagement. Metro is a tax-supported public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year in Greater Cincinnati. Learn more at www.go-metro.com.
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BOWMANSDALE 2112 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd. Off Rt. 15 • Mechanicsburg, PA 717-697-5383 CAMP HILL 4230 Trindle Road • 717-737-3896 CARLISLE 60 Noble Blvd. in Super Walmart 717-960-9400 608 E. High St. • 717-249-7721 1176 Harrisburg Pike • 717-243-7774 905 Walnut Bottom Rd. • 717-249-0694 CEDAR CLIFF Exit 19 off I-83 • Camp Hill, PA 717-737-6404 CHAMBERSBURG 1075 Lincoln Way East • 717-263-4601 NORTH CHAMBERSBURG 2891 Philadelphia Avenue (US 11 N.) 717-263-2970 CLEONA 493 W. Penn Avenue • 717-272-5677 COLUMBIA 1788 Columbia Ave., off Rt. 30 717-684-7048 DILLSBURG 898 North US Rt. 15 • 717-432-9500 EAST MANCHESTER 4245 North George St. • 717-266-3170 ELIZABETHTOWN 1284 S. Market St. • 717-367-6471 ENOLA Enola Rd., Exit Rt. 11 15 S. off Rt. 81 • 717-732-4228 EPHRATA 140 N. Reading Rd.• 717-733-1660 GETTYSBURG 517 S. Steinwehr Ave., Bus. Rt. 15 717-334-5920 1090 York Rd.• 717-337-1030 GREENCASTLE Rt. 16 and I-81 • 717-597-2589 HALIFAX 3761 Peter's Moutain Rd.• 717-896-2535 HANOVER 991 Carlisle St., Rt. 94 • 717-632-7531 350 Eisenhower Dr.• 717-632-0005 1448 Baltimore St. • 717-630-0337
HARRISBURG 2929 Paxton St. • 717-561-8050 4605 Jonestown Rd. 717-652-7035 7845 Linglestown Rd. 717-545-8580 Rt. 83 and Union Deposit Rd. 717-564-9320 4403 N. Front St. • 717-238-1048 Harrisburg East Mall/Rt. 83 & Paxton St. 717-561-0703 Eisenhower Blvd. I-283, Exit 1 717 -939-6972 5590 Allentown Blvd., Rt. 22 Exit 26 off I-81 • 717-652-9123 Kline Plaza, 101 S. 25th St. 717-232-0008 Uptown Shopping Center 720 Division St. • 717-236-6226 Harrisburg Airport • 717-948-3900 6535 Grayson Rd. in Wal-Mart 717 -561-0445 HERSHEY Rts. 39 and 322 • 611 E. Main St., Hummelstown • 717-566-6041 JONESTOWN Rt 72 & I-81 • 610-562-8462 LANCASTER 1880 Hempstead Rd. • 717-509-6988 Willow Valley Square • 717-464-5119 1829 Oregon Pike • 717-569-7898 1434 Manheim Pike • 717-394-3417 Rt. 30 and Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA • 717-393-9523 68 East Town Mall, Rt. 30E Lancaster, PA • 717-394-8957 1755 Columbia Ave. Millersville Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-397-5112 575 N. Franklin St., next to McCuskey High School • 717-394-7938 2034 Lincoln Hwy East in Wal-Mart 717-390-1099 King & Water Streets • 717-299-6699 Manor Shopping Center 1296 Millersville Pk. • 717-293-5706
LEMOYNE Rts. 11 and 15 North across from Radisson Hotel • 717-761-7992 LEBANON 1202 W. Maple St. • 717-273-8691 757 E. Cumberland St. • 717-273-9023 1725 Quentin Rd., Lebanon, PA 717-306-6565 LEWISTOWN US 522 & US 22 • 717-248-5255 121 Electric Avenue • 717-248-4447 LITITZ 990 Lititz Pike, Rt. 501 N. 717-627-4666 LITTLESTOWN 430 North Queen St. • 717-359-8946 LYKENS VALLEY 4660 Rt. 209 • 717-362-8416 MANHEIM 711 Lancaster Rd., Rt. 72 717-664-4944 MECHANICSBURG Wesley Dr. Exit, Rt. 15 717-761-7525 KMart Plaza, 5600 Carlisle Pike 717-766-9675 6250 Carlisle Pike in Wal-Mart 717-591-9864 MERCERSBURG 11924 Buchanan Trial West 717-328-0111 MIDDLETOWN 2270 W. Harrisburg Pike • 717-944-9535 MIFFLINTOWN Rt. 322 and Rt. 35, Mifflintown Exit 717-436-9779 MYERSTOWN 295 West Lincoln Avenue (Rt. 422) 717-866-2278 NEW CUMBERLAND 101 Limekiln Rd. • 717-774-1027 NEW HOLLAND 828 W. Main St. • 717-354-9300 NEW OXFORD 6040 York Rd., Rts. 30 and 94 717-624-4266
NEWPORT Rt. 322 and Rt. 34, Newport Exit 717-567-9344 PALMYRA 901 E. Main St. • 717-838-6815 PINE GROVE l-81 , Exit 31 • 717-345-6400 RED LION 897 West Broadway • 717-246-1802 655 Lombard St., Cape Horn Plaza 717-246-7801 SCOTLAND 3347 Black Gap Rd. • 717-263-7507 SHIPPENSBURG 333 East King St. • 717-532-7945 SHREWSBURY Exit 1 off I-83 • 717-235-4663 SILVER SPRING Rt. 114 and Shadow Oak Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA • 717-697-3460 SPRINGETTSBURY Hallam Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462 717-757-9655 WAYNESBORO 302 East Main St. • 717-762-9201 YOCUMTOWN Exit 14A off I-83 • 717-938-5705 YORK 2125 York Crossing Dr & Rt 74 717-767-1381 Exit 4, I-83, 133 Leader Heights Road 717-747-9191 York Galleria Mall • 717-757-3026 60 Arsenal Rd. • 717-699-4600 Exit 6W off I-83 • 717-845-9360 3141 Carlisle Road, Dover 717-767-2594 144-158 S. George St. • 717-846-1021 Rts. 30 & 74 in Wal-Mart 717-764-8923 380 Memory Lane • 717-757-2912 Tell us you saw this ad in Busline Magazine, and 1 driver and 1 tour guide will receive a
FREE MEAL! Please call ahead to the phone number listed by the McDonald’s of your choice.
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Even for the safest operators, accidents are part of the motorcoach business. But recovering from a collision shouldn’t require extensive downtime. Simply count on Prevost Service for bumper-to-bumper repairs for your Prevost, Volvo and Nova coaches. All work is performed by skilled technicians and welders who are committed to the high standards used in factory production. Following ISO-certified protocols, our experts access the latest technical and engineering data for your specific coach. Immediate access to OEM parts means accident work proceeds without delay, and replacement coaches help you meet your passenger obligations. Prevost collision repair. The only way to get your coach back to assembly-line perfection. And the fastest way to get back on the road.
Prevost Service Locator Mobile App. Available for iPhone and Android. Please contact your Prevost Regional Service Manager for more information. USA 1-877-773-8678
PRE017-11_ServiceAd-121511_BusLine.indd 1
CANADA 418-883-3391
www.prevostcar.com
T h e u l t i m a t e c l a s s.
12/21/11 11:23 AM