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CONTENTS
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IN THIS ISSUE Growing From The Ground Up
Royal Excursion ......................................8
Busline Exclusive APTA EXPO Coverage Infrastructure Focus Of APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO ..........22 Insights Shared During APTA Media Luncheon ......................33 APTA EXPO 2014 Booth Photo Gallery......................................50
Busline Vehicle Showcase
TROLLEY BUSES
RAPID RESPONSE ..................................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS .................................Page 35 ON THE COVER: Royal Excursion, of Mishawaka, IN, was founded by Shannon Kaser in 1998, the same year he graduated from Indiana University. See page 8.
44 – 48
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 2015 January 10-13 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace St. Louis, MO Info: 202-842-1645
MAY 2015 May 3-6 APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference Fort Worth, TX Info: 202-496-4800
January 16-18 International Motorcoach Group (IMG) Maintenance & Safety Forum New Orleans, LA Info: 888-447-3466
May 30 - June 3 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Annual Conference Winnipeg, MB Info: 416-365-9800
January 18-22 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo At Travel Exchange New Orleans, LA Info: 800-424-8262
May 31 - June 5 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo 2015 Tampa, FL Info: 800-891-0590
JULY 2015 July 18-22 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Annual Meeting & Convention Minneapolis, MN Info: 703-684-3200 SEPTEMBER 2015 September 28-30 BusCon 2015 Indianapolis, IN Info: 800-576-8788 OCTOBER 2015 October 4-7 APTA Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA 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 2014 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 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com
BUSLINE
November/December 2014
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: Misty Douglas 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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4IME�TO�GREEN�YOUR�PARATRANSIT�OR�SHUTTLE�BUS�mEET � Say hello to the Kinetics Hybrid. Simple, clean, affordable and proven. )T S�READY�TO�GO�ON�NEW�VEHICLES�OR�AS�A�RETROlT�IN�ABOUT�A�DAY �REQUIRES�NO�NEW�INFRASTRUCTURE�OR�EXPENSIVE�FACILITY� changes, and doesn’t use batteries so you’ll never need to replace one. 4HE� NEXT� GENERATION� +INETICS� (YBRID� HAS� BEEN� FULLY� TESTED� BY� &4! !LTOONA � #!,34!24 � #UMMINS � AND� BY� OUR� CUSTOMERS � 4HEY VE� TRAVELED� MORE� SIX� MILLION� ROAD MILES� IN� ALL� CLIMATES� AND� JUST� ABOUT� EVERY� CORNER� OF� .ORTH� !MERICA�WITH�IMPRESSIVE�RESULTS�n�UP�TO� �MORE�-0' � �TIMES�MORE�BRAKE�LIFE �AND�EMISSIONS�CUT�BY� 7HEN�YOUR�mEET�IS�READY�TO�GO�GREEN �THE�+INETICS�(YBRID�IS�READY�TO�GET�YOU�THERE ��
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Hometown Trolley ................44
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NovEMbEr/DEcEMbEr 2014 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com
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Cable Car Classics...............48
Pages 50 — 57
Company
Website
Page #
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles www.arbocsv.com ARI-HETRA www.ari-hetra.com Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison www.atlanticdda.com Bauer Compressors www.bauercng.com Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation www.bauerscertifiedpreowned.com Better Life Technology, LLC www.blt-transit.com Bitzer www.bitzerus.com Bridgestone www.bridgestonefirestonemileagesales.com Cable Car Classics www.cablecarclassics.com Camira Fabrics www.camirafabrics.com Chestnut Ridge Foam www.chestnutridgefoam.com Complete Coach Works www.completecoach.com Crosspoint Kinetics crosspointkinetixs.com De Leo Textiles www.deleoco.com Dixie Electric Ltd. www.dixie-electric.com Ensiecom www.enseicom.com Felton Brushes www.feltonbrushes.com Freightliner www.freightlinerchassis.com Handi-Hut, Inc. www.handi-hut.com Hometown Trolley www.hometowntrolley.com
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Company
Marathon Brake Systems Midwest Bus Corporation Mile-X Monochem Prevost Car Protective Insurance Company Relational Bus Systems Safety Step Service Insurance Specialty Vehicles Stertil-Koni Sutrak TEMSA Thermo King Turtle Top UMA Motorcoach Expo Vanner Power Vehicle Inspection Systems Voith Turbo Inc. Willingham Inc.
Website
www.MarathonBrake.com www.midwestbus.com www.mile-x.com www.worldwidemonochem.com www.prevostcar.com www.protectiveinsurance.com www.rbs2000.com www.safetystep.net www.serviceins.com www.specialtyvehicles.com www.stertil-koni.com www.sutrakusa.com www.temsa.com www.thermoking.com www.turtletop.com www.motorcoachexpo.com www.vanner.com www.VISCheck.net www.usa.voithturbo.com www.willinghaminc.com
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November/December 2014
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Growing
From The Ground Up
Royal Excursion “Success starts with desire and focus and surrounding yourself with good people.” — Shannon Kaser, president
By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor
O
ffering a myriad of public transportation options, including tours, charters, shuttles and fixed-route bus transit, Royal Excursion has been serving the needs of northwest Indiana and beyond since being founded in 1998. Located in Mishawaka, IN, which is a part of the South Bend metro area, Royal Excursion was founded by Shannon Kaser, president of the company, the same year he graduated from Indiana University. Page 8
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“I graduated from IU in 1998 and I always had a desire to operate my own business,” Kaser said during a recent interview with Busline Magazine at the company’s facility in Mishawaka. “I am not sure why I chose the transportation industry, as I had nothing to do with it previously, but that was the idea I had at the time. “At 23 years of age and fresh out of college, I put a little ad in the newspaper and started knocking on doors. I needed a vehicle, so I bought a 12-passenger van, which I drove and cleaned myself.” A year later, while still operating as a “one-
November/December 2014
man show” out of his residence, Kaser began to diversify, purchasing a small, 15-passenger party bus. “I did corporate work, bachelor parties, weddings, etc., and filled in with some casino runs on the weekends. My business plan, my vision, was to own and operate five mini-buses. At that time, having five minibuses seemed almost overwhelming and a lot to handle as I looked to the future. I never expected to get into the motorcoach business or limo business. When I first started, I wanted to be different. I didn’t want the company to be just a cab or limo
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Jill Ferraro, Charter Sales Mgr.
Linda Link, Sales Associate
Justin Lewis, Parts Manager
Phil Grady, Athletic Sales Mgr.
“I never expected to have 130 employees and 60-plus vehicles. I’ve learned many things about loving your people, respecting them and treating them fairly. If you do these things, employees are going to go to bat for you and give you everything they can.” Margo Underly, Office Assistant
Connie Peace, Accounting
service, but something in-between.” In 2000, Kaser’s vision of his company, as one that was somewhere between a cab or limo service and a full-blown coach charter and touring operation, began to change when he purchased his first motorcoach. “I was a little naive in the beginning, but you learn as you go,” Kaser said. “I had a public passenger chauffeur’s (license), so I went to get my CDL (commercial driver’s license) just so I could drive the motorcoach home from Chicago. We started building from there. “In 2002, I moved the business out of my home and rented a small shop next door to our current location. That is when I started hiring people for the office. I had a wash bay and hired a mechanic, as we worked on getting the infrastructure set up a little more. Every year we kept growing, adding vehicles and building relationships.” In reflecting on how his company evolved and the many issues and challenges he faced along the way, Kaser said, “A lot of people can say this, but I don’t know if I could do it again. “The good thing was I was young with nothing to lose. I was living week-to-week. I didn’t have a job I that I was going to regret leaving. I didn’t have a family that I was putting in jeopardy — it was just me and a van payment.” One thing Kaser said he would not change was his education from Indiana University with a degree in business. “Some people said, ‘You are starting your own business, therefore Page 10
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Jennifer Gregory, VP Safety/Fixed Rts.
Don Winslow, Shop Foreman
you didn’t need to go to college,’” Kaser said. “Getting a degree was my own personal goal and is something nobody can take away from me. I don’t know what the future might bring. People might not go through life saying everyday, ‘I learned that in school,’ but you learn more than you think. You learn how to treat people, how to present yourself, how to manage things in relationships — there are many things that come into play. “I never expected to have 130 employees and 60-plus vehicles. I’ve learned many things along the way about loving your people, respecting them and treating them fairly. If you do these things, employees are going to go to bat for you and give you everything they can.” Having started out as a one-man show, one of Kaser’s challenges was learning to delegate authority and tasks, rather than doing everything himself. “I think many entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle through this transition,” Kaser said. “I was used to doing everything. The company was, and still is, my heart and passion and I knew people were not going to do things exactly like I did. “Back in the early days when I had to start delegating some of the work, it was very hard. I wanted people to do it my way. I’m not saying other people’s way of doing things wasn’t good or better, but it was a challenge I went through, and I think others do, as well. Once a business owner gets over that hurdle, better things are to come. Our company needs all our people. This is how we have
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grown and built the business. “Success starts with desire and focus and surrounding yourself with good people. We have a great staff who make everything happen. Obviously, it is not just me. We have many great customers. Building relationships and keeping them is key, especially in this business. Indeed, the majority of our activity every year is repeat business.” In 2005, Royal Excursion moved into its current 15,000-square-foot facility, which includes about 12 acres of land. Currently, the company’s fleet consists of 60-plus vehicles, which include trolleys for nearby Elkhart, IN, and ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) paratransit vans. “In Elkhart, we operate 12 trolleys and 7 ADA vans. We are planning on getting regular transit buses for the city in the next six months,” Kaser said. In addition to operating public transit and paratransit routes for
Elkhart, services offered by the company include winery tours, wedding packages, VIP transportation, team travel, travel to sporting events, school field trips, school band trips, parking lot/shuttle service, group tours, corporate outings, charter services, casino trips, bachelor/bachelorette parties, amusement park trips, airport transport, and more. Last year, Royal Excursion was named as one of several businesses to receive the 2013 Indiana Companies to Watch award. The Companies to Watch awards program is an initiative developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. The program is also sponsored, in part, by Katz Sapper & Miller, Kenyan, Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College. Diversity Can Be A Challenge In addition to the public transit trolleys in Elkhart and 12-passenger ADA buses, Royal Excursion’s fleet consists of 56-, 46-, 38- and 30-passenger deluxe motorcoaches, 29-passenger luxury minicoaches, 29-passenger deluxe minicoaches, and 22- and 12-passenger luxury party buses. Also available are shuttle bus, luxury limousine and private/chauffered car services. “We recently received two new 2015 superstretch limos, one black and one white,” Kaser said. “The limo side of the company is not our core business, but we have had a stretch limo since 2002. We use the limos as more of a marketing tool.” Many of Royal Excursion’s motorcoaches offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, satellite TV, DVD players, outlets for laptops, plus leather wingback seating, airline-style tray tables, footrests and a beverage gallery. “We are starting to install the hardwood floor look in many motorcoaches, which gives them a ‘classier’ appearance,” Kaser said. Royal Excursion began outfitting coaches with Wi-Fi in 2008, when it was a relatively new amenity in motorcoaches. “I’m not saying we were the first ones, but it was still a newer feature in motorcoaches to have Wi-Fi and power outlets,” Kaser said. “It was a selective thing for which we charged a premium. Now, people expect to have these amenities, so all our coaches have power outlets and Wi-Fi.” The company’s fleet is outfitted with security cameras that show the driver in the cab and the outside of the coach. “The cameras help if there is an incident or accident, and also for safety,” Kaser said. “We do everything we can do for best practices. “We also have GPS. We know where the vehicles are located and where they have been. We can track when they started, when they were shut off and how long they have been idling. We also know when a coach has gone over the speed limit. “We can put different variables into the system. For example, we can document who went greater than 5 or 10 miles per hour over the
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“All of our drivers, upon hire, are required to take the two courses focused on going green. Some of the drivers are just amazed at what going green can mean, not realizing how much it affects people.” speed limit, during a particular period of time. All of our coaches are set at 68 mph max, 66 mph on our line hauls and 55 mph on our transit vehicles.” To keep the company’s fleet sparkling, Royal Excursion has implemented an incentive program to ensure coaches are cleaned inside and out. “Everybody loves clean vehicles,” Kaser said. “People don’t usually call you back and say, ‘I really appreciate that bus being clean.’ They just expect it. You are going to hear when it is not.”
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Royal Excursion’s cleaning crew receives a weekly monetary incentive for coaches that are cleaned properly. The company has its own wash system and wash bay. “Let’s say the cleaning crew cleans 50 buses in a week. We don’t want 49 out of 50 cleaned great. We want 50 out of 50 cleaned great,” Kaser said. “They get an extra monetary incentive for every coach for the week, but they either get it for all of them, or they don’t get anything. Either they get the incentive times 50, or they get zero. We don’t want 45. We don’t want 48. We want all 50. “We clean every night. When we have a $500,000 coach show up for somebody’s wedding, we want it to stand tall. There is no reason to have modern, expensive equipment if it looks dirty.” Among the company’s more popular vehicles are its luxury “Rockstar” motorcoaches that seat 46 passengers. “Our special Rockstar coaches are black and unmarked. We have four of them,” Kaser said. “They have extra leg room, power outlets, WiFi, airline-style tray tables, leather wing-back seats, a beverage galley in the back, satellite TV and extra large monitors. The exterior of the coaches is black and unmarked with chrome mirrors. “People like them for different reasons. Some like them because of the legroom, some for the comfort and some for the satellite TV and large monitors. Some like them just because they don’t have a name on the outside. Many customers perceive them almost as if it were their own private coach.” Before the Rockstar coaches received their current moniker, the company called them “black luxury coaches.” “Early on, the University of Notre Dame hockey team liked the black luxury coach so much they began calling it the Rockstar coach,” Kaser said. “I thought Rockstar sounded a lot better than black luxury coach, so we went with that name. “We also have a great amount of line haul business from here and out of Chicago. We have another small hub in Hammond, IN, in northwest Indiana. We have the transit work, the shuttle light haul work and the charter work. “We have accountability. We know who’s on first and who’s on second in each of those segments, keeping the operation running smooth.” Kaser said the company’s diversity, on one hand, is great, but it is its diversity that presents many challenges. Operating in several market segments, such as transit, tours, charters, etc., as well as a mixed fleet, means a variety of training must take place. “We are diverse. It is more challenging for us, but we are able to keep on top of all our
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services with managers, dispatchers, team leaders and drivers in each division,” Kaser said. “Some employees are cross-trained so they are able to fill different roles. “We have all these different types of vehicles and amenities. Not everybody across the board is trained in every aspect of the company. We do have some that are trained on everything, while some are trained in two segments of the business and some are trained on one end. Some of that training involves the new technologies used in the industry, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. There is training to be done in other areas such as emissions, idle time, etc. As great as all this technology is, it can also sometimes be our worst enemy, because if it is there, it will need to be fixed at some point and we need to know how. “Our challenges also include continuing to keep up with the times. Customers like modern equipment that is clean and has all the amenities. We must continually keep everybody up to speed with training in customer service, safety, etc.” Part of keeping up with the times is the company’s effort to train in environmentally friendly practices, which many in the public transit world feel are intrinsic to the industry, as bus travel means fewer vehicles on the road. This can translate into less traffic congestion and
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A Motto For Success
fewer noxious emissions. “One of the things we do internally is offer an environmental training program through the University of Vermont,” Kaser said. “All of our drivers, upon hire, are required to take the two courses focused on going green. Some of the drivers are just amazed at what going green can mean, not realizing how much it affects people.” Drivers learn good environmental practices and techniques that have an impact on the maintenance of modern-day motorcoaches. “The new engines don’t like to idle,” Kaser said. “One of things I learned has to do with return on investment concerning idle time. I
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always preached to motorcoach operators, if you stop less than a half west of Mishawaka, and the surrounding area, including northwest hour, don’t worry about shutting it off. However, through the course, I Indiana and southwest Michigan. However, the company charters trips learned that idling for 30 seconds is the time it takes to realize return throughout the United States and Canada. “We take people to Las Vegas. We probably travel to Florida more of investment, which could mean even turning off the engine while at than 100 times a year, a stoplight. We don’t go that draWashington, D.C., about 150 to matic, but if we are going to stop for 5 or 10 minutes, we shut down “For us, it is having that knowledge, having 200 times a year and New York City at least 100 times yearly,” the engine. that information, building that relationship, Kaser said. “We also travel to “Sometimes a little common quite often with hockey sense is required. Obviously, we being responsive, getting back to people in Canada teams.” don’t compromise the service to Transporting athletic teams is a the customer. If customers are in a prompt manner, staying with them and large portion of the company’s the middle of watching a movie, making sure we have all the details correct. business, including teams from we don’t shut the coach down. Notre Dame in nearby South However, there is a cost factor. Taking care of all the details is a big deal.” Bend. Fall tours and tours of How much could we save if, for wineries in Michigan are also example, we cut idling for one hour a day for 60 vehicles? Cut that in half and say 30 coaches a day for popular. According to Kaser, May and October are the busiest months one hour for an entire year. Extensive idle time is a lot of money that just of the year. “May is different because it is the only month of the year that weekgoes into the air.” While environmental factors are not a huge selling point today, days fill up before weekends, because of school field trips,” Kaser Kaser sees it becoming more of a marketing tool for the younger gen- said. “In October, transporting athletic teams keeps us very busy. “Spring is what I call ‘uncomfortably’ busy, but it is a good problem eration. “Younger people are becoming more bus savvy and that generation to have. Summer stays steady — ‘comfortably’ busy. Right before is where future customers will come from,” Kaser said. “The more we school starts is kind of the calm before the storm. September speeds up can engage them in grade school, in college and as young adults, the and then October gets pretty crazy. November stays busy and then starting with the second half of December, after the shopping blitz is more they are going to be lifelong customers.” Royal Excursion’s primary service area is within a 100-mile radius over, it slows down for a couple of months. “I wouldn’t say 100 percent, but we take care of a majority of Notre of Mishawaka, which includes what people in the area call “Chicagoland.” This area involves Chicago, which is about 95 miles Dame’s athletic and school travel, plus we transport many of the
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Make Them Want It Since starting basically from scratch with one vehicle, with its home office in a private residence, until today with a large selection of coaches, buses, limos, etc., as well as a wide variety of options and services, making the company known remains an important cog in Royal Excursion’s continuing success. “I have always believed in marketing — keeping our name out there,” Kaser said. Royal Excursion’s cleaning crew receives a weekly monetary incentive for coaches that are cleaned properly. The company has its own wash system and wash bay. “From early on I knew we had great employees, great incoming teams that come to play. The university (Notre Dame) has products, etc. However, we could have waited to see if people wanted been good to us.” what we offered and hoped they would call us, or we could create the Royal Excursion’s location places the company in the middle of desire, the need and the want. some prime charter territory nationwide. “We plan ideas. We package trips to make it easy for customers. For “We are five minutes from one the country’s major highways, example, we have packages to attend Chicago Cubs games. Customers Interstate 80,” Kaser said. “We are 90 miles from Chicago and we are can buy tickets to the game and the bus ride in one shot for a group out10 hours (600 miles) from Washington, D.C. It is 700 miles to New ing. We package winery trips, Cedar Point (amusement park) trips, or York City and 1,100 miles to Orlando, FL. Our facility is centrally just give people some ideas about things to do for birthdays, anniverlocated where people can go east, west, north and south. Canada is only saries, for their corporation, neighborhood, friends and family, what a few hours away. Primarily, our main destination is Chicago. have you. We get people excited, and once they take a trip with us, it Everybody loves Chicago. often becomes an annual event. “Charters are the company’s largest segment, accounting for proba“We have also done radio and TV commercials, billboards and bly 60 to 70 percent of our business.”
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invested in our website (www.royalexcursion.com). We get a lot of traffic on our website, averaging about 20 online quotes a day. We are involved in charity work that keeps our name out there and helps us give back to the community. In addition, we participate in social media, including Facebook, Twitter, etc.” Royal Excursion’s office staff plays an important role in marketing the company by responding to customers in a knowledgeable and courteous manner. Staff members are able to help people with options to help make for memorable experiences for passengers. “Sometimes people call and they don’t know what they want, so we have all these different options,” Kaser said. “Customers may say, ‘I don’t know, we were thinking about doing this or that, but we are not sure how many people will be involved.’ We can then give the caller some options, such as different price points, options concerning the size of the group, etc. “For us, it is having that knowledge, having that information, building that relationship, being responsive, getting back to people in a prompt manner, staying with them and making sure we have all the details correct. Taking care of all the details is a big deal.”
Finding drivers to best meet the needs of a company like Royal Excursion is not always an easy task. In the company’s area, there is competition for drivers with schools, according to Kaser. In addition, drivers retire, move to other locations or quit, which adds to the challenge to maintaining a top-notch staff of operators. To help in this effort, the company started its Driver Academy. “Our Driver Academy is a biannual program that was developed in an effort to enhance the overall quality of the future and junior employees,” Kaser said. “Applicants are screened through a written questionnaire and a face-to-face interview. The admission process is two-fold. Part of the enrollment consists of new hires who are ‘junior’ to the overall CDL program. “These enrollees may have limited experience in bus driving or may have come to us from a different sector of the transportation industry such as trucking. These students already have the driving skills and
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Drivers Keep The Wheels Turning According to Kaser, most of the time when people contact Royal Excursion initially the conversation centers on whatever type of vehicle the customer is seeking to meet his or her needs. Once the trip is completed, oftentimes the conversation changes. “When people call us at the beginning wanting to order a bus or a limo, whatever it is, it is all about the vehicle, but most of the time the exit interview or the follow-up is about the driver,” Kaser said. The company has invested many thousands of dollars in its modern fleet of vehicles and has experienced significant growth, in part, because of its fleet and the amenities offered. However, Kaser feels investing even more in drivers is extremely important. “I think putting more emphasis and more investment in drivers makes sense, because they are our true sales people,” he said. “How they handle the coach, how they handle people, the little extra things they do or don’t do, will only reflect what our business is about and where we are going.”
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“At the end of the day, we want somebody who is a good person,� Kaser said. “A driver must have a good ‘bedside’ manner — someone who knows how to talk to the passengers. Many times people will call us and request a particular driver, which is good. My philosophy is, I don’t care if a driver has 10 years seniority or 10 days, if that driver is requested for one reason or another, that request comes before seniority. That means the customers love him or her and it is working. We want these kinds of drivers on our team. We keep track of the people “When people call us at the beginning wanting to order a bus who get the most requests.� Another plus for the company is or a limo, it is all about the vehicle, but most of the time most managers are also qualified the exit interview or the follow-up is about the driver.� drivers, including Kaser. “Drivers can get in ‘pickles,’ our trainers complete assessments on all individuals. The trainers pro- therefore immediate responsiveness is important,� Kaser said. “Things vide ongoing feedback to management regarding the applicants. In happen and drivers may need something right away. It may be a flat tire addition to the overall training, appearance, personality, punctuality or some other issue, which would require somebody at the home office to respond quickly.� and professional demeanor are closely monitored. To further facilitate training and efficiency among the operator staff, “Once the Academy has ended, management meets with the trainers to determine which Academy ‘graduates’ will be presented with an this year Royal Excursion began forming teams of drivers. application. Each team elects a captain, typically a senior and respected driver who “It is at this point that the actual hiring process begins. At our last is knowledgeable and helpful. There are several teams of groups of 8 to Driver Academy, we began with more than 50 inquiries. At the end of 10 drivers. About every month they meet and go through best practices. the course, we offered applications to 7 individuals, and chose to hire “Each team and individual is measured on his or her performance in 5. Not everyone makes the cut and that’s OK. We want to ensure we four areas — safety, service, compliance and idling. These metrics give are hiring the best candidates and putting them in the best seat in the us a chance to recognize and reward as well as coach/train and make company.� sure each driver is in the right seat. Best practices are shared within the In addition to being able to drive the vehicle in a safe manner, be teams. knowledgeable about the vehicle, the amenities and the safety features, “We can also compare teams. They are not necessarily competing an operator must be someone who is good with people. with each other, as the whole company is a team moving in one direcproper endorsements, but not the customer service skills that the passenger carrying industry requires. “The second type of enrollee would be the person who exceeds in the customer service skill set, but needs assistance and training behind the wheel to prepare to apply and pass a commercial drivers license skills exam. “All Academy attendees are monitored throughout the process, and
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tion, but we can still compare ourselves and say why are we up here and down there. We can help each other. We can determine if we have a couple of people who are missing the boat on something. “With the team approach, it is not just me or some other manager talking, rather it is keeping up on the best practices within that team of drivers. The drivers know more than any of us anyway, because they are out there in the heat of things. This program is new and has been well received.” Looking Ahead
“We always have to be aware of our surroundings, our competition, the new things that are going on and pricing. At the end of the day, we try to stay focused on what we do best, because I think if anything were to hurt us, it would be us hurting ourselves. If we stay strong and true and keep our vision moving in the right direction, we are going to be fine.” Looking down the road at the industry as a whole, Kaser sees a lot of potential for public transportation and private operators nationwide. He spoke about the trend of the so-called Millennial generation and the older Baby Boomers seeking to live in cities and areas where public transportation is readily accessible. In addition, there is evidence that the Millennials are waiting longer to obtain drivers licenses and opting for public transportation instead. “Modern motorcoaches, buses, minibuses, etc., are much more comfortable and safer than in the past,” Kaser said. “There are also members of the younger generation who are becoming more engaged, and hopefully they will be long-term customers. “We are a place for fun. The majority of our work is taking people to have fun. We are transporting a team. We are going to a Chicago Cubs game. We are going to the theater or on a tour or on a pub crawl — we are doing all these things, and we get to be a part of all the excitement.”
“We plan ideas... We get people excited.”
According the Kaser, Royal Excursion has grown significantly during the past several years, and while growth continues to be desirable, the company is putting an emphasis on becoming more efficient. “We are looking for growth, and I don’t want to say we are not. We have had a lot of growth the past several years, so we are also looking at being more efficient,” Kaser said. “For me personally, I want to strive to be a better leader. Hopefully in 20 years I will still be saying that. I’m not saying I’m not a good manager, but I can always be better. Starting with myself, motivating and having positive energy that can be contagious among the staff will continue to make Royal Excursion a great place to work. “I am not going to say, as far as numbers go, that we want to have 100 vehicles or any of that — I don’t put any limits on anything. However, I consider success to be if we can be known as a great company to work for and a great company to use. All of our growth has been organic. I can see us extending out when it feels right, but we don’t want to compromise or jeopardize the great thing we have going now.
Contact: Royal Excursion, 12807 McKinley Highway, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Phone: 574-257-8540. Email: sales@royalexcursion.com. Website: www.royalexcursion.com.
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“I see my year as APTA chairman as a call to action. It’s a year where we can all work together and shape the messages that define Calling for a “National Day of us. I have seen plenty of nation Transportation Infrastructure Advobuilding around the world during cacy” to take place next spring, my past service in the military. It’s incoming American Public Tran time for America to do some sportation Association (APTA) nation building here at home.” Chairman Phillip A. Washington According to APTA, “The U.S. has outlined his plan to bring public transportation industry greater public awareness on U.S. directly employs approximately infrastructure inefficiencies, and the 400,000 individuals, and for each influence a strong infrastructure $1 billion invested in public transsystem can have on public transportation, 50,700 jobs are supportportation. ed and created. Public transportaWashington, who is also general tion also enables millions of manager of the Regional Trans Americans to reach work affordportation District (RTD), of Outgoing APTA Chairman Peter Varga, left, welcomes incoming chairman ably, with work-related commutes Denver, CO, outlined his plan durPhillip Washington during the Opening General Session. making up nearly 60 percent of ing the Opening General Session of the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & cate. This is a challenging time for public trans- transit trips.” It was also noted by APTA officials during International Public Transportation EXPO. portation, but it’s also an unprecedented time The event took place October 13-15 at the with great opportunities,” Washington said. the Annual Meeting & EXPO that the value of George R. Brown Convention Center in “The recent growth of transit-oriented commu- the industry has never been more evident. In nities and development has improved lives and 2013, 10.7 billion trips were taken via U.S. pubHouston, TX. “Thank you for entrusting me with this great created jobs. This is remaking public trans- lic transportation — the highest ridership mark in 57 years. honor of being your chief transportation advo- portation as a leader in personal mobility. By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor
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To support future growth, Washington stressed the importance of improved funding for the nation’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure needs. He also urged passage of a federal surface transportation authorization bill. MAP-21, the current bill, was passed by Congress in 2012, and later extended to May 2015. “It’s time to make our case that says, ‘We want community development. We want job creation. We want innovative problem solving,’” Washington said. “We will preach to anyone who will listen for a long-term transportation infrastructure funding bill. We have made the argument that there is a $80 billion infrastructure deficit. That argument has not yet resonated to our leaders. Individual advocacy at that level has not resulted in the collective action that we need.” Personally, Washington said, he is not accustomed to what he called, “This type of leadership paralysis, especially when 70 percent of Americans say they are willing to spend more for infrastructure investment.” He added that as more people are moving toward urban living, the need for infrastructure improvements increase. “Our (current) infrastructure cannot handle this increase of people moving back to our core urban areas,” Washington said. When it comes to infrastructure investment in the United States, Washington referred to a
“three-legged financing stool.” The first two legs of the stool are private sector investing and local investing. He said both of these legs are currently sturdy. “There is private capital out there to invest in our infrastructure. And, the last time I looked, 70 percent of local referendums were successful. People are saying, ‘We are willing to invest,’” Washington said. “The third leg of this financing stool, however, is wobbly. It’s centered on a long-term federal transportation infrastructure financing bill. Because that leg is weak, the private sector looks at (public transportation investment) with uncertainty and with risk. It’s then very difficult to plan at the local level for multi-year projects.” He added that past champions of a strong national infrastructure, such as former U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower, “Are probably rolling around in their graves because we have not taken care of the infrastructure they left us. “Infrastructure investment takes years, and it spans multiple administrations, multiple terms of office. I believe this country has been on a 30-year infrastructure vacation. We need to end this vacation and get back to work.” According to Washington, the longer the country waits, the more expensive it becomes to fix various needs. To help spread the word about today’s infrastructure issues, Washington
called for a National Day of Transportation Infrastructure Advocacy to take place in April 2015. “It will be a day when every public transportation agency, large and small, urban and rural, and their friends from around the country, including those in the business sector, can come together to stress the importance of investing in infrastructure,” he said. “It will be one day, one goal, one message directed at our elected officials. “We can all remember when transportation infrastructure funding was not a partisan issue. We know it leads to job creation, liveable communities and tremendous economic benefits. We (at APTA) are going to announce a blueprint in the next several months about this day. It will be a blueprint that discusses talking points and addresses various logistic issues. It’s essential that we take collective action. That is why APTA is so important, helping us speak with one voice, collectively.” Washington spoke of his own experience with large public transportation projects and how they can change an urban landscape for the better. He has been a part of the FasTracks regional transit initiative at the RTD in Denver that, over the past 10 years, has included new light and commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and enhanced bus/rail connections. “We said (at the start of the project) that 10,000 jobs would be created by FasTracks at
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A Mariachi band and dancers helped open the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO.
the height of construction. We are at 10,300 jobs right now. We said $2.2 billion would be injected into the local economy. We are currently at $3.3 billion. We said transit-oriented communities would pop up all over the region because they would be spurred by transit. I can’t pick up a newspaper now without seeing a groundbreaking ceremony taking place,” Washington said. “This success can be recreated anywhere in the country if there are leaders who have the intestinal fortitude to make the investment in our infrastructure. And, if they do that, economic benefits will follow.
“The problem is, I don’t know if we could have started (FasTracks) in Denver today due to the current uncertainty over a long-term transportation funding bill.” Despite challenges with federal transportation and infrastructure funding, Washington said he remains optimistic about the future. “I believe we are at the edge of what I call a ‘transportation renaissance.’ I believe we are going to see a substantial and adequate long-term transportation funding bill within the next 12 months,” he said. “I don’t believe infrastructure apathy can last forever. I feel
our leaders know that the current transportation infrastructure will fail on a massive scale if they don’t act.” Washington also spoke of efforts by APTA’s Strategic Planning Committee, of which he is chairman, to identify five future “megatrends” expected to influence public transportation within the next five years. A drafted plan by the committee, he added, will sharpen APTA’s focus in helping members take the right action at the right time. The five megatrends are: n Increased expectations for improved safety and security measures; n Continual funding issues; n Shifting workforce demographics; n Changing customer demographics and lifestyles; and, n Accelerated technological innovation. Regarding shifting workforce demographics, Washington called for a standardized accredited transportation career pathway program to be implemented to help lead more people toward a career in public transportation. This includes both “white” and “blue collar” careers. Washington added that as funding and the need for more public transportation services grow in
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my opinion, we cannot be isolationists when it comes to transportation best practices,” he said. Powering Possibilities he official start of the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO began with the sounds of a countdown and rocket launch in reference to Houston’s relationship with nearby Johnson Space Center. APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy welcomed an estimated 2,200 attendees to the Opening General Session, and noted the theme of this year’s event was “Powering Possibilities.” Over 15,000 people from 67-plus countries attended this year’s Annual Meeting and triennial EXPO, the latter of which attracted an APTA-record 800-plus exhibitors, according to Melaniphy. There were also more than 80 educational sessions offered, including those that took place at 7 different learning zones spread throughout an exhibit center. These sessions focused on such topics as procurement, technology, maintenance, workforce development and sustainable communities. “APTA is fairly unique in that we represent both end-users, operators, government entities and suppliers. If it has to do with the public transportation industry, it’s represented by APTA. You will find all of this on our EXPO show floor,” Melaniphy said. “Our industry should feel right at home in Houston. This city’s
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the future, so does the demand for additional qualified workers. It’s important to develop strategies to address these five megatrends, he said, as well as have performance measures in place to help monitor how the industry is doing. More information on efforts to address these issues will be placed on APTA’s website (www.apta.com). Washington also called for a renewed focus of working with public transportation professionals from around the world. “We must learn and share ‘best practices.’ In
character represents so much of our future. “The fact that America’s ‘Gateway to Space’ is nearby is only part of the story. Houston is our nation’s demographic future. It’s America’s most racially and ethnically diverse major city, and represents what America will look like in the next 40 years.” He added that the Houston area is also No. 1 in the country for new job growth. “It’s business friendly and savvy, and like any vibrant, diverse and thriving urban area, the people of Houston have chosen to invest in public transportation. Today, the Metro (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, TX) and Metro Rail systems are continuing to expand — linking more people to jobs, medical care and universities. “As our EXPO theme says, it’s all about ‘Powering Possibilities,’ and it’s all right here in Houston. The voters of Houston have chosen to make a decade-long investment in their city’s public transportation system. Today, this city is showcasing a transit truism: ‘If you build it, people will ride it, and they will demand more.’” Melaniphy noted that it’s been 33 years since APTA held its first EXPO. During this threedecade span technology has greatly increased, helping provide greater access to public transportation. “Ideas that seemed cutting edge in 1981 are
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Michael Melaniphy
common in today’s industry. This includes constant tracking GPS, remote engine and fuel monitoring, and the use of smart cards instead of cash. The list of technological improvements gets longer every year,� Melaniphy said, adding that examples of today’s technology were on display at this year’s EXPO. “There are products and services on the EXPO floor that were nothing more than ideas just a few short years ago. Technology has made public transportation an important part of today’s evolving, inter-connected transportation network,� he said. “Our challenge for the future is the remain integrated and competitive in the world of autonomous vehicles, mobility options and increasing demand for customized services. “The roles and responsibilities of people working in public transportation have evolved as well. Today’s operators, mechanics, sched-
ulers, etc., must posses the most advanced skills for our 21st century systems. Knowledge-based jobs that didn’t exist at the first EXPO are now a prerequisite for success. This means investment in our current and future employees is just as critical as having the most up-to-date devices. This is how the world’s best organizations remain competitive and successful. They anticipate what is next, just not in emerging technologies, but in human potential.� Therefore, Melaniphy added, APTA is increasing its emphasis on new workforce development training programs. It has also strengthened the Leadership APTA program, which is designed to develop and support experienced managers and leaders aspiring to hold senior and executive leadership positions in APTA, their organizations and the public transportation industry. During his Opening General Session address, Melaniphy introduced on stage six Houston Metro employees who, he said, represent the future of “Powering Possibilities.� These employees included a bus operator, engineer, bus mechanic, Metro police sargent, rail operator and a transit planner. He added that the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) offered a record number of scholarships last year to help lead the younger generation to public transportationrelated careers. According to Melaniphy, adopting new technologies and investing in a strong workforce requires resources. Because of this, “Job No. 1 at APTA is securing comprehensive,
consistent, multi-year, predictable funding that our industry needs.� He called for the U.S. Congress to approve a long-term surface transportation authorization bill. “Predictable, adequate funding is the only way that we (in the public transportation industry) can attain multi-year projects, modernize our aging systems and meet the growing demand for public transit,� Melaniphy said. “Our most pressing legislative priority is passage of a long-term surface transportation bill. I’m optimistic. We (at APTA) remain active on Capitol Hill, meeting with policymakers and staff every week, and working with our coalition partners to gain more federal support.� Melaniphy urged those in attendance during the Opening General Session to make their voices heard and help build a national concensus in support of public transportation funding. He said this can be done, in part, by welcoming members of Congress and other leaders to public transportation properties. “Give them tours. Help them appreciate, touch and understand our industry,� he said. “APTA’s message of, ‘Where public transportation goes, communities grow,’ is resonating in urban, suburban and rural areas. “Our story is being embraced by the public. Why? Because it’s tangible, believable, appealing and revelant. ‘Where public transportation goes, communities grow’ is becoming not just a tagline, it’s becoming conventional wisdom. In the past year we (within APTA) have built a national grassroots army of more than 80,000
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advocates. These are voices for public transit. These advocates are now engaged and taking action.” He urged people interested in growing public transportation to visit www.voicesforpublictransit.com, and become a voice for the industry. Other speakers during the Opening General Session were: n Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County CEO and APTA Board of Director Thomas C. Lambert, who said people use Metro services in Houston 370,000 times a day. “At Metro, we just finished our fiscal year
Ed Emmett
with another jump in ridership. This included 81 million boardings on our fixed-route system,” Lambert said. “Overall ridership reached 110 million for the entire system, involving local and commuter buses, light rail, HOV lanes, van pooling and our Metro Lift service. “At Metro, we are adding new CNG buses, new rail cars and new technology to improve the customer experience.”; n Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker, who described Houston as having one of the “hottest” economies and fastest growing metropolitan regions in the United States, and where local investment in public transportation is tak-
ing place at a rate that is unprecedented for the area. “Public transportation requires the support of public officials at all levels. If you are going to do missionary work, you need to go where the unbelievers are located. And, for a long time, Houston was where the (public transportation) unbelievers lived. We are a place (Houston) that, in a way, worships the car. But even with all this, Houston has now fully focused on public transportation,” Parker said; n Honorable Ed Emmett, county judge, Harris County, who is also director of the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, and chairman of the Houston/Galveston Area Council of Transportation Policy. “Houston has approximately 2.2 million residents, while about 1.7 million people live in the unincorporated areas of Harris County. By the year 2018, if the current trends continue, unincorporated Harris County will have a larger population than Houston,” Emmett said. “I think our entire region is perfectly positioned to be a laboratory for how public transportation should work. We cannot keep building concrete rings (of highways) farther and farther around
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Gilbert A. Garcia
the city and county. We have to address our public transportation needs. “It’s just not a matter of getting people to the downtown core, which is very important for our whole region. We have to also find a way for public transportation to successfully serve all of those millions of people who live in what we used to call suburbs. Today, these places have their own employment centers. We have to redefine how we approach public transportation.”; n Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Chairman of the Board Gilbert A. Garcia, who said it’s important to stand up for transit and face critics head on.
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year-long tenure at the APTA chairman’s post. “This opportunity has come during an exciting time for public transportation. Ridership has been growing, reaching record highs. We have also successfully engaged the public in so many ways regarding support for transit,” Varga said. “This was a great year, and the year ahead promises more of the same. I’m looking forward to working with Phil Washington as incoming APTA chair, and all of APTA membership, to convince Congress to pass Peter Varga Anthony Foxx a robust multi-year funding bill. I’m confident that together, with “Transit is a necessity. It’s a public good, just like public education, just like national defense. Phil’s leadership, we will make progress.” It’s not supposed to make money. It’s supposed Secretary Foxx Addresses APTA Attendees to move people. It’s also a job creator and an tating that his childhood taught him valuenhancer for education,” Garcia said. “There able lessons about the significance of are people who say, ‘We can avoid all of this public transportation, U.S. Secretary of traffic by building more highways.’ Well, I’ve Transportation Anthony Foxx stressed, durlearned that by the time a highway is finished, ing his apparence at the 2014 APTA Annual it’s already obsolete. Rather than work hard to create more capacity for cars, let’s work hard to Meeting & EXPO, the importance of Congress passing a six-year surface transportation authorget more cars off the road.”; and, ization bill. n 2013-2014 APTA Chair and the “I recall growing up in Charlotte, NC. I lived Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid), Grand Rapids, MI, Chief Executive Officer most of my life with my grandparents. My Peter Varga, who said he greatly enjoyed his grandmother, who had been a French teacher,
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never got a driver’s license. So, on Saturday mornings she would wake me up and we would go down to the center city, but the only way we could get there was by bus,� Foxx said. “And, as we would take the bus, she would show me various things: How to pay, how to make a transfer, how to read a map. It didn’t occur to me until many years later, when I was pursuing my first job, how much I had learned from my grandmother about this way of getting around that didn’t require me to have a driver’s license or even to be old enough to drive. “Behind everything you do in public transportation, there are millions of stories of people trying to live the American dream in a very real sense.� Foxx discussed several real-life examples of people able to change their lives due to ready access to public transportation. “Over the past 10 years, we have not had a 6year reauthorization bill, which has meant incredible challenges at the local level. I can tell you, having been a mayor (Charlotte) during this time, how tough it is not knowing how to plan; not knowing how much you’re going to have next year; and trying to figure out service levels,� Foxx said. “We have a responsibility, collectively, to remind this country that, when the wheels of transportation grind to a halt, so does America, so does its economy, so do its businesses, so do its people.
“As we pursue our effort to get a reauthorization bill passed that will provide funding certainty and policy certainty for transportation in this country, APTA remains a critical organization, and each of you are critical voices because you know what’s happening in your backyard. The more the folks in Washington, D.C. hear from you and from your constituencies about these issues and challenges, the more ripe the opportunity will be to get something done.� Foxx discussed public transportation’s recent success in the United States, stating that 10.7 billion trips were taken in 2013. However, there are major challenges ahead, he added. This includes billions of dollars in backlogged transit repairs. “It’s more than the federal government spends on all forms of transportation every year,� Foxx said. “Just imagine waking up in the year 2050 when we have 100 million more people, many of them needing or wanting to move by transit — and we haven’t even addressed the backlog of maintenance. Just imagine what kind of congestion we’re setting ourselves up for in this future. Imagine what types of quality-of-life challenges are ahead of us. This, however, is an entirely avoidable problem. “This spring, U.S. DOT put forward the most ambitious funding proposal for transit this country has ever seen. It’s called the Grow America Act. It would increase funding for all surface
transportation modes – including transit funding by 70 percent. But instead of taking it down the hall and passing it right away, Congress patched our surface transportation system for another 10 months, setting up another potential funding crisis for next May – which is the beginning of the construction season. Given the great needs we have as a country, when it comes to infrastructure, given the growth that we see coming down the pike, given the backlog of maintenance needs ‌ Why are we not doing more? If the American people are swiping their metro cards and passing through turnstiles in record numbers, why aren’t we investing more to meet their needs?â€? Foxx noted that Congress has passed 28 short-term measures over the last 6 years. “Now, we can complain about Congress. Maybe in some sense we should. But then again, we’ve always complained about Congress in this country. And complaining, as we’ve seen, doesn’t change much,â€? he said. “If we’re being honest with ourselves, the reality we face is that all of us, who are engaged in this discussion as stakeholders, bear a responsibility for making it abundantly clear to our policymakers how important this moment is, what the real costs of continuing to patch our way into the future will be, and what the real benefit of long-term, sustainable investment in transportation will be. Shame on us if we fail to make that case effectively.â€?
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According to Foxx, it’s important to help people understand the connection between Washington, D.C. acting and everyday life. “We have to make the argument that funding transit actually transcends some of the politics that have existed for a while. There are some corners of this country where transit is seen as something of an urban issue. But I know there’s rural transit in America, and many of you know it, too,” Foxx said. “There is a substantial amount of transit service that reaches across rural, urban, and suburban communities – all over America. It’s not red or blue. It’s American. And when Americans have access to transit, they use transit.” Foxx added that the Grow America Act will put $80 million into workforce development programs for transit over 4 years. “That’s a big deal. And by the way, we’re not just waiting for the Grow America Act to achieve passage in Congress. This is an issue we’re already working on at DOT. In fact, today I can announce: DOT will be granting $9 million in workforce development grants,” Foxx said. “This is money that’ll go toward helping folks who haven’t often benefited from transit projects being built in their own backyards. We’re talking about minority communities, veterans and people with low incomes. It is exciting, and I know my team at FTA (Federal Transit Administration) can’t wait to work with you to
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bring these opportunities to America.” Foxx praised APTA for having thousands of transit advocates in its database. “But as important as APTA is, we need the voice of more than just one organization to help us move the country forward,” he added. “One of the things that I found interesting, as Secretary of Transportation, is that when we go to meet with groups about various reauthorization issues, the highway community is very skilled at arguing for highways, the transit community is very adept at arguing for transit, the rail community is good at doing its thing. “But now is a time in this country to see these constellations of stakeholders come together to argue for transportation. Because the reality is, if you are the end-user of these systems, you need them all to work. We have great highways, but if we have low quality transit, our country is going to be stuck in traffic. If we have great transit but poor highways, some of our transit systems won’t work. I would add rail into the mix. I guess the question is, ‘Can we get all these stakeholders together and rally around a common group of solutions to help Congress get over the hump and move this country forward?’ We need to do that.” Foxx asked those who support public transportation to advocate not only for getting the highway trust fund stabilized, but to help a growing country meet its needs.
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“I am asking you to meet with your partner agencies, such as the state DOTs and chambers of commerce, to work together on a surface transportation approach that this Congress can pass,” he said. “I am also urging you to take our Grow America Act as part of your advocacy, as part of your working together, because it reflects the most forward-leaning vision for transportation that I think our country has seen in quite some time. But it is only as good as our abilities to work together and push forward. “The last thing I want to tell you is Congress – Republicans and Democrats – actually want to get this right. I believe that. But in order for this to take place, there must be urgency. So for us, collectively, I think our biggest job is to figure out how to raise the level of urgency and visibility regarding these issues.” He added that America has spent a lot of time, energy, capital and attention trying to push forward an inherited transportation system. The time for action is now. “We have to get this right, so that the next generation can walk into a country that is strong and robust and ready for the future,” Foxx said. “We have to go at this hard over several months, all the way through. I believe if we work together, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, we’re going to see Congress do something that maybe no one expects them to do. I know it can be done, but only if we’re united and working together.”
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Insights Shared During APTA Media Luncheon Media representatives from trade publications, including Busline Magazine, newspapers and a radio station joined three key national public transportation officials for a special luncheon during the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO. Taking questions at the event were APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy, incoming American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Chairman Phillip A. Washington and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Vice Chairman Allen D. Watson. Melaniphy opened the media luncheon by stating that public transportation remains as vital as ever as more people continue to look for liveable urban areas to reside. “We are seeing communities coming back together. As we look at our infrastructure needs in cities, towns, counties and states, it’s important to find a more efficient and effective way to support this infrastructure. We have to look at ways beyond double-decking our roadways,” he said. Melaniphy added it’s also important to reserve green spaces in cities and throughout states. Public transportation can play a key role in making this happen in the future. The following are a sample of questions that were asked during the luncheon:
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Question: What has changed to make you feel a long-term federal surface transportation bill will be approved soon?
Washington: “What’s changed is the worsening of our country’s infrastructure. The reality of seeing something like Hurricane Sandy basically stopping the economy in the Northeast, and people understanding what other natural disasters can do to our infrastructure, should be settling in for many. It’s hard to ignore if you are a federal official, and it’s hard to maintain infrastructure apathy. “I think we all need to do a better job of conveying the connection between infrastructure and the economy.”
Question: Public transportation traditionally has had a negative perception among some people, especially if there is no strong heritage. What are the most important changes that have occurred, say in the past 10 years, to remove negative perceptions?
616 288 0655
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portation systems. Technology has made this easier. For example, there are now many people with apps on their phones that tell them when the next bus and/or train is coming. We have made public transportation more accessible and there are great mobility options. People are not only embracing public transportation in this country, they are depending on public transportation.”
Question: How has the role of buses changed in today’s public transportation systems?
Speakers during the APTA media luncheon in Houston were, left to right, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Vice Chairman Allen D. Watson, APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy and APTA Chairman Phillip A. Washington.
Melaniphy: “There may have been a case 15-plus years ago (for major negative public transportation perceptions), but that is not the case now. First, we had to get our act together. We had to get good products on the streets and provide clean and safe (transportation) for every trip. This has been done. “Operators across the nation today run safe and reliable public trans-
Watson: “We (The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County) are going to (soon open)10 more miles of light rail lines and more is coming, but for us, buses are the mainstay of our system. We are just about ready to implement our ‘Reimagining’ program that will include all new bus routes and stops. A lot is being changed so we can service more riders. This involves better and more frequent service. In many cases, it includes seven days a week service versus five. Special stops will be made for areas that have been difficult to service in the past. The bus remains very important to us. “We have gotten away from the ‘one bus fits all’ concept. There are now three different types of buses operating in our system. That is what it takes today. You have to have the right bus sizes, use the right alternative fuels, and operate on routes that are designed for 2014, not 1954. Buses must also be clean and expertly driven.”
Melaniphy: “All a person has to do is visit the APTA EXPO show floor — featuring clean diesel, CNG and electric buses — to realize there are vehicles of all different sizes and shapes now available. These aren’t your grandfather’s buses anymore.”
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Freightliner Has New Applications For S2C LPG Concept Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. show- acceleration and more power for steep hills cased a propane-autogas concept version of its and inclines; n 8.0 LPG engine with factory-installed S2C chassis at BusCon 2014. FCCC presented the LPG version of its S2C CleanFuel USA liquid propane system; chassis for the work truck market earlier in 2014. At BusCon, FCCC demonstrated the chassis’ capabilities for additional applications, including the shuttle and commercial bus markets. Freightliner says the S2C LPG concept offers features and benefits including a quieter-running engine; reduced maintenance cost and downtime; reduced fuel costs for buses in continuous-running applications; and cold-weather starting and faster warm-up times. n 30-percent larger windshield combined It is powered by the “PIthon,” an 8.0 LPG engine from Powertrain Integration, with a with sloped hood provides improved line of factory-installed CleanFuel USA liquid sight of 8 feet compared; n GVWR of up to 26,000 pounds; propane system. The 60-gallon, between-then 55-degree wheel cut for better turning rails LPG tanks can provide a range of up to radius; and, 300 miles, according to the company. n Chassis comes with 3-year/50,000-mile Freightliner says other benefits of the S2C warranty with towing and roadside assistance LPG are: n 339 HP @ 4,100 rpm — peak HP at and 24/7 factory direct customer support. Visit www.freightlinerchassis.com lower rpm equals better fuel economy; n 495 ft-lb torque @ 3,100 1rpm — quicker TransitAd_BuslineMag_Layout 8/28/14 10:21 AM Page 1 for more information.
Bailey Coach Celebrates 50,000th Charter Booking
York, PA-based Bailey Coach recentlycommemorated its 50,000th charter booking (since 1998.) The Upper Dauphin Shrine Club planned a trip to the Sands Casino, October 19, in Bethlehem, PA. Bailey Coach donated the use of one of its coaches for the trip, which was valued at $1,309. The Shrine Club then donated this amount to the Shriner Crippled Children’s Transportation Fund. John W. Bailey, president of Bailey Coach, is a Shriner, as was his father. Pictured left to right are John W. Bailey, Tom Morgan, Chief Rabban Zembo Temple; and Ross Spicher, president, Upper Dauphin Shrine Club.
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ADVERTORIAL
Alternative Fuel Buses Drive Demand For New Technologies In Vehicle Lift Systems By Paul D. Feldman Director of Marketing, Stertil-Koni Paul.Feldman@Stertil-Koni.com 410-643-9001 As transit agencies across North America rapidly embrace alternative fuel systems that support “green” initiatives and simultaneously deliver a more community-friendly, clean-air result for the regions in which they operate, a major transformation is also underway in the heavy duty vehicle lift systems that are called on every day to service new — and legacy — bus fleets. The stakes are high and operating costs for transits, municipalities and bus fleets everywhere could move even higher. Here is what’s at play: The new greener engines typically run up to 50 percent hotter than conventional engines; and, while that in itself is not a problem, when you combine those searing temperatures with the typical road grime that accumulates on the undercarriages of these “green” commercial vehicles, engine life can be unnecessarily and dramatically cut short. The size of the challenge is massive. According to recent estimates from APTA, more than 40 percent of the U.S. bus fleet is powered by alternate fuels — and that was as of 2013. What’s more, the pace of change is accelerating, particularly when one considers that less than a decade earlier, that number totaled 13 percent. Today, natural gas vehicles, hybrids and biodiesel fuel buses are beginning to dominate the landscape in the transit industry space, and the pace is accelerating. In response, vehicle maintenance shops throughout North America are increasingly turning to heavy duty vehicle lifting systems that are specifically engineered to be water resistant — thereby permitting technicians to pressure wash commercial vehicle undercarriages in a safe, efficient
and operator-friendly manner. The simple fact is that heat is the enemy when it comes to preserving an engine, and grime in and around the bus engine compounds the problem. It increases the heat and accelerates engine degradation. Because the new alternative fuel engines run hotter than conventional models, it is increasingly important to be able to properly clean the undercarriages of buses to achieve a maximum lifespan for your fleet. That’s precisely why Stertil-Koni, the industry leader in heavy duty vehicle lifts, has engineered several water-resistant systems. For example, the very popular SKYLIFT series, a true vertical rise, clear floor concept platform lift with no crossbeams or columns, is available in a Wash Bay version. It is engineered for outside heavy duty vehicle servicing or use in a steam-cleaning bay. The SKYLIFT Wash Bay features hot-dip galvanized platforms, three-layer mono-pox coated lift supports and a watertight, lockable stainless steel control box to provide superior protection for the electronic controls. In that way, technicians at many bus systems, such as The Leigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANta), located in Allentown, PA, are able to easily and safely access the undercarriages of their hybrid buses using this approach. In addition, Stertil-Koni has engineered its mobile column lifts to be NEMA 4 compliant, meaning that the enclosures are water-resistant and can even withstand low-pressure water from direct hose spray. The bottom line is this: bus fleets nationwide are going green, and this means that maintenance shops must be fully prepared to protect their investments in their new, alternative-fuel engines. After all, a lot is riding on selecting the best vehicles and the most effective way to service them. And, that is where innovations in fleet maintenance — particularly in water-resistant heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems — can play a major role. Visit www.Stertil-Koni.com.
Espar Receives 2 Industry Awards Espar is a recipient of the Daimler 2013 Masters of Quality Award, and the GM 2014 Supplier Quality Excellence Award. Representatives from Daimler visited Espar’s facility in June to present the award, which is the highest recognition that DTNA gives its suppliers. The top 3 percent are recognized after an evaluation of more than 1,000 suppliers. “This award acknowledges our dedication to continually improve the performance of our heater products and the devotion of our team to service our heavy-duty truck customer,” Espar Quality Manager Ashu Aggarwal said. The GM Supplier Quality Excellence Award was presented to Espar President Volker Hohensee and Aggarwal during an awards ceremony at the Detroit Cobo Center Sept. 24, 2014. This is the second consecutive year Espar has received this honor. The award is in recognition of Espar’s quality excellence, on-time delivery, added value and customer service. Visit www.espar.com. Page 36
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The Alexander Dennis Double Deck: Lower Height, Same Interior Dimensions
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Alexander Dennis now offers a double deck that is lower in height, but still has the interior dimensions of previous models and can carry 86 seated passengers. The company says that at 13’6” (4.1m) in height, the Enviro500 will operate anywhere in the United States and Canada without requiring overheight permits. CEO Colin Robertson said, “The new Enviro500 removes any height issues, but retains all the features of our previous double decks, enabling operators to maximize ridership and revenue, while still providing a stunning street presence and the unique passenger experience that can only be achieved on a double deck.
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“It’s available with optional interior layouts of 80 to 86 seats offering a combination of high capacity and comfort. While the vehicle is lower in height than its forerunners, it has more internal space, improving passenger comfort.” Alexander Dennis is a supplier of lightweight, fuel efficient buses and coaches. It employs 2,000 people with manufacturing alliances and strategic partnerships in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and New Zealand, and with ABC Companies and New Flyer Industries in the United States and Canada, respectively. Visit www.alexander-dennis.com for more information.
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News From Trans/Air Trans/Air Offers TM43 Heavy Duty Transit Compressor Trans/Air Manufacturing, a Dallastown, PAbased manufacturer of transportation climate control systems, has announced immediate availability of a TM43 Transit Compressor. The TM43 is a heavy-duty transit compressor for buses and coaches. “It provides the high reliability and capacity only available from a transit compressor design for heavy-duty split system and rooftop applica-
tions,” said company representatives. With a capacity of 80K (SAE)/128K (IMACA) Btu/hr, features include 10 cylinder swash plate for smooth operation, heavy-duty transit clutch in multiple configurations, flexible port and mounting design for easy installation, high and low pressure switches for protection, oil sump for reliability, and compact/light-weight design enabling mounting directly to the engine. Mount & drive kits are
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engineered for Ford F650/F750, Freightliner M2, and selected conventional school bus chassis. Trans/Air manufactures a full line of climate control systems. Units, parts, service, warranty, and new or aftermarket installations are available through factory owned operations or a network of distributors throughout North America. Trans/Air Announces Availability Of Streamline SL900 Rooftop Climate Control System Trans/Air Manufacturing also announced immediate availability of the Streamline SL900 Rooftop Climate Control System.
The Streamline SL900 is a light-weight, lowprofile roof-mounted unit designed for heavyduty application on motorcoaches and transit buses. The SL900, when paired with a single 775cc transit compressor, yields a capacity of 150K (SAE) / 240K (IMACA) Btu/hr. Systems are offered with fully functional electronic controls in ducted air distribution. A heat coil is included and rated at 160K Btu/hr. The SL900 is available with brushless condenser fans and evaporator blowers and 100 percent fresh air supply. The SL900 is configured for use in tie-in configuration with dash air. All covers are an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic design, said the company. Benefits of the SL900 include a 10 percent smaller size and 20 percent weight reduction from previous models. Visit www.transairmfg.com.
2014 Record Year For MTS San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has announced that 95,010,550 trips were taken by passengers on MTS buses and trolleys in fiscal year 2014, breaking the previous record of 91,641,508 million set in fiscal year 2009. It was an 11.5 percent increase from the 85,193,601 rides taken during fiscal year 2013. MTA said a number of factors led to the ridership record including new low-floor trolley cars, reconfigured routes and passenger counting technology upgrades. An improved economy, additional service and gas prices of more than $4 per gallon also contributed to the ridership gains. MTS also implemented automated passenger counters (APC) on all trains to tally passengers more accurately.
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During 2014 APTA Expo
Handi-Hutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Universal Solar Light Kit
Prevost Displays First Coach Off Its Plattsburgh, NY, Line
â&#x20AC;&#x153;With Handi-Hutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universal solar light kit, all bus stop and passenger shelters can now be retrofitted in minutes with eight screws. The kit costs $595,â&#x20AC;? according to the company. For days with limited sunshine, the system stores up to 36 hours of back-up power. As night approaches, the photo electric cell turns the light on and shuts it off at daybreak. Additional benefits of the solar light kit are identifying a bus stop at night and passenger security. Recent installations have taken place at LANTA, Allentown, PA; Topeka Metro, Kansas; and Route 17, Paramus, NJ. Handi-Hutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associate company, Velodome Bicycle Shelters, has been using the solar light kit for additional security on many of its bicycle shelter models (www.velodomeshelters.com). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelters can be made to withstand hurricane wind loads of 150 m.p.h. and 40 p.s.f. of snow,â&#x20AC;? said company representatives. The aluminum and glass shelters are manufactured in the United States with lifetime materials in pre-fabricated sections. All Handi-Hut models can be customized to be site specific. Visit www.handi-hut.com.
Prevostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first coach from its new Plattsburgh, NY, plant, the X3-45 Commuter coach, was on display at the 2014 APTA Expo from October 12 to 15. The Plattsburgh line is now operational and has begun to fill existing orders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the opening of our Plattsburgh location, we are enhancing customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; options within the commuter market,â&#x20AC;? said Prevost President Gaetan Bolduc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are reaching out to our customers and saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The choice is yours.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; They now have the choice in commuter vehicles being built in the United States. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For 90 years, Prevost has been a cornerstone of the motorcoach industry and we are committed to our customers. Now, with the implementation of our new line in New York, we can expand our market support into new and exciting markets.â&#x20AC;? During the APTA Expo, Prevost held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the first New York production Commuter Coach. Prevost President Gaetan Bolduc, as well as management from Volvo Bus Corporation, HĂĽkan Agnevall and Tore BäckstrĂśm, were also present. The coach has been 12-Year Structural Integrity Tested and certified by Exova and Altoona testShown, left to right, during the 2014 APTA Expo, ed for Product are HĂĽkan Agnevall, Gaetan Bolduc and Value and Life Tore BäckstrĂśm as they commemorate the cycle Efficiency. first bus off Prevostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plattsburgh, NY, line. SINCE 1952 It was developed with a focus on passenger safety, accessibility, low operation costs and ease of maintenance. According to the company, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a unique vertical installation of the #ATAWBA ,ANE s 2ICHMOND 6! SCR and DPF systems, the X3-45 Commuter Coach produces less heat in the engine compartment and reduces exhaust peak temperature at the rear of s #HARTER s 4RANSIT s 3CHOOL s ,IMO the coach, which provides easier accessibility for safer maintenance. Every Prevost X3-45 includes three-point seat belts.â&#x20AC;? s !UTO ,IABILITY s 0HYSICAL $AMAGE Prevost supports every coach it manufactures with a 24/7 emergency s 7ORKERS #OMPENSATION parts ordering and shipping program, online ordering and a computerized parts catalog for immediate access to all coach assemblies, subassemblies s %ASY 0AYMENT 0LANS and components. Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2014, Prevost has its main manufac,OCAL turing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, and a commuter coach assembly line in Plattsburgh. The X3-45 Commuter Coach will be built in the newly 4OLL &REE constructed Prevost assembly line in Plattsburgh. The facility accommo&!8 dates an assembly line capable of producing 5 vehicles per week. The first % -AIL TOBRYAN SERVICEINS COM Prevost vehicles are slated to roll off the Plattsburgh line in late 2014. With an extensive network in the United States and Canada, Prevost Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan Parts and Service includes 11 service centers, more than 150 Prevost%XT trained and certified service providers, and a comprehensive parts network serving all makes and models. Prevost is part of the Volvo Group, a manufacturer of trucks, buses and construction equipment as well as marine and industrial engines. Visit www.prevostcar.com for more information.
TRANSPORTATION
INSURANCE SERVICE INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC
Visit our web site: serviceins.com
November/December 2014
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During APTA Expo 2014:
MCI Exhibits 3 Versions Of Its Commuter Coach Model During APTA Expo 2014, MCI showcased three versions of its Commuter Coach model. MCI’s booth included Houston Metro’s newest clean-diesel; a 40-foot CNG model; and a coach equipped with the next-generation Bendix braking and ZF axle and suspension system. The New Commuter Express MCI manufactures a commuter coach which is Buy America-compliant, Altoonatested and is available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG options. Designed for the highway, the MCI Commuter Coach offers a high-floor design and semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above traffic. It has forward-facing seating and safety features such as electronic stability control. Company officials said, “The MCI Commuter Coach offers a highly competitive per-seat price and workhorse reliability. It’s a hit with passengers because of comfortable seats, reading lights, airflow controls, and optional 110-volt outlets, Wi-Fi connectivity and three-point passenger seatbelts.” MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Patrick Scully said, “Each year, commuters grow more sophisticated about the safety, comfort and environmental standards they’ll need to give up their passenger cars. We think our lineup of MCI Commuter Coaches will convert drivers to coach as never before.”
Metro’s New Workhorse At the MCI booth, attendees could inspect one of Houston Metro’s clean-diesel coaches, part of a recent 95-coach order for MCI. Currently, Metro runs 300 MCI coaches, including 122 diesel-electric hybrid models. “MCI is honored to showcase Metro’s new Commuter Coach, especially with the EXPO held in its hometown,” MCI Vice President of Public Sector Tom Wagner said. “Attendees saw how Metro is helping ensure its ridership enjoys the maximum level of safety and comfort.” Accelerating Clean-Air CNG New Jersey Transit recently ordered 147 CNG Commuter Coaches, which meet EPA and CARB standards as the transit agency increases its focus on alternative fuel standards. MCI’s CNG coaches have been in the NJ Transit fleet when 77 buses were delivered in 1999 and 2000—logging on average more than 700,000 miles. MCI Service Parts At APTA MCI Service Parts representatives showcased components for most transit bus makes and models, as well as those for MCI coaches. MCI’s parts organization includes an entire team focused on responding quickly to procurements for transit parts. MCI has been making major investments in its inventory of both OEM and Coach Guard parts, with a special transit team to handle complex bids, facilitate ordering and offer technical support, said company representatives. More Familiarization And Fun MCI activities included an all-American party at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Guests could experience batting practice on the field, played arcade games, met Astro players and mingled with MCI and APTA members and friends. Visit www.mcicoach.com for more information.
Think 302 Protects Protects Think FMVSS FMVSS 302 Passengers and Equipment? Equipment? Passengers and
F.R. Cushioning (meets FMVSS 302)
Complete Coach Works Receives Awards For Clean Air Technology
CR SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning
Both seats above were subjected to BS 5852 Source 2 Ignition.
SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning… • Complies with advanced F.T.A. fire safety criteria. • Minimize risk and liability related to vehicle fire safety. • O.E.M. and maintenance seat retrofit applications. Call for specifications. Easily added to seating requirements within vehicle bid packages. Page 40
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Telephone: 800-234-2734 Fax: 724-537-9003 e-mail: crfoamsales@verizon.net
November/December 2014
Complete Coach Works was recognized for its efforts in green technology at the 26th Annual Clean Air Awards held October 3. South Coast Air Quality Management District presented the company with the Advancement of Air Pollution Technology award during a reception at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, in Los Angeles, CA. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, a government agency, assists in the regulating of pollution while allowing businesses to succeed and evolve accordingly, according to a release. Complete Coach Works has also received attention from professionals in environmental studies for creating public transit options that are also green for city air. Complete Coach Works was also presented with the Best Green Initiative award during the 2014 BusCon. Complete Coach Works offers remanufactured transportation vehicles, repowers, emission upgrades and wheelchair lift retrofits. Located on a 10-acre facility in Riverside, CA, Complete Coach Works has over 20 years of experience in the transit industry. Contact Celeste Casas at 951-684-9585 for more information.
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Vanner Introduces 100 Percent Hybrid Electrification With Increased Accessory Power IIâ&#x201E;˘ Vanner Incorporated, of Hilliard, OH, introduced its Increased Accessory Power IIâ&#x201E;˘ (IAP IIâ&#x201E;˘) component system at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO in Houston, TX. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a customizable electric distribution platform that provides power distribution from the hybrid system to accessory components such as electric air conditioning systems, electric air compressors and electric power steering systems. Up to 30 kWs of continuous export power from the Allison H 40/50 EPâ&#x201E;˘ Hybrid is made available via IAP II, allowing up to 100 percent electrification for hybrid buses and coaches,â&#x20AC;? said the company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Full electrification of a hybrid bus is the single most advantageous option a transit authority can realize that will improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and lower maintenance costs,â&#x20AC;? said Steve Funk, president of Vanner Incorporated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The durable Allison H 40/50 EPâ&#x201E;˘ Hybrid already has a proven track record as a reliable sustainabili-
Echo Transportation Adds 4 New Van Hools College friends, Chris Jarrard and Tanner West, bought Wyomingbased Sublink Stage in 2010. A year later, they acquired Gotta Go Trailways and brought in Thom Fox, a third college friend, also a logistics and transportation major, to help run the growing business. Acquiring established carriers and starting from scratch in promising markets, Echo Transportation (www.echotransportation.com), now headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, has grown into a 150 vehicle fleet operating out of 7 facilities in Texas, Colorado and Wyoming. Jarrard feels that their formula for success is being, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A true one-stop shop emphasizing excellent customer service, and building strong relationships with our clients. We are growing in local communities while having a headquarters in Ft. Worth to capitalize on synergies. Echo is focusing on providing quality experience and quality service and we employ the latest in technology to operate both safely and efficiently.â&#x20AC;?
ty solution. IAP IIâ&#x201E;˘ improves on the hybrid's efficiency by distributing the hybrid power throughout the entire bus. Both Allison and Vanner recognize full electrification is key to making a better hybrid.â&#x20AC;? According to the company, a watercooled Vanner Exportable Power Inverterâ&#x201E;˘ (VEPIâ&#x201E;˘) is now included and produces 230 VAC 3-Phase for full bus electrification. A Vanner High Voltage Distribution ModuleÂŽ (HVDMÂŽ) acts as a smart electrical grid for the hybrid bus and 80-Series Equalizer with Model Based Battery MonitoringÂŽ (MBBMÂŽ) for dynamic charging. IAP IIâ&#x201E;˘ includes either a Single or Dual Hybrid Beltless AlternatorÂŽ for up to 600 amps-at-idle 24 VDC charging. All IAP IIâ&#x201E;˘ components are made in the USA. Vanner Incorporated is a privately held company producing commercial vehicle energy management systems since 1977. It develops energy solutions for transit and coach buses, ambulances, trucks, mobile office and military vehicles. Visit www.vanner.com or call 1-800-227-6937 for more information.
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Pictured, left to right, are Tanner West, Thom Fox and Chris Jarrard.
As part of the growth strategy, Echo has added four new Van Hool coaches to the fleet, with two TXs and two CXs. ABC Account Manager Zane Gray said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chris, Tanner, and Thom are real innovators... courageous in implementing their dream. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re striving not only to be the biggest but the industry best. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve built one of the most diverse transportation companies in the region, and more growth seems to be on the horizon.â&#x20AC;? Call 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com for more information.
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PERSONNEL National Truck Equipment Association, and is on the Generation Next Steering Committee. Dobrikova has a bachelor’s degree in Business Crosspoint Kinetics, maker of the Kinetics Management with a focus in Organizational Hybrid, has announced the appointment of Amy Leadership from Anderson University, and is a Miller Heiman Certified Sales Dobrikova as director of strategy and Professional. business development. “Crosspoint Kinetics, a subsidiary Dobrikova has years of sales and of Cummins Crosspoint, LLC, develmarketing experience. Her previous ops solutions to conserve, capture and experience with major corporations reuse energy. The Kinetics Hybrid, an and large fleets focused on internationelectric hybrid, uses long-life ultracaal business and green transportation pacitors rather than batteries, increases technologies. fuel economy and reduces harmful Prior to joining Crosspoint emissions,” according to the company Kinetics, she was vice president of Amy Dobrikova Crosspoint Kinetics is headquarsales and business development for Echo Automotive. Dobrikova also led the com- tered in Indianapolis, IN. Visit www.crosspoint mercial fleet customer relationships team at kinetics.com for more information. Bright Automotive where she sold pre-orders for the Bright IDEA, a lightweight, plug-in hybrid ABC Personnel Changes In SE Region electric commercial van. ABC has announced the promotion of Brian In her new position, she will increase exposure of the Kinetics Hybrid and expand the network of Pinckney to sales manager for ABC’s Southeast Region, and the return of Claude Payne to the partners, resellers and servicers of the system. She is an active member of the North American ABC sales team. Both Pinckney and Payne have extensive Fleet Association (NAFA), National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), Automotive Fleet experience in the sales and service of motorcoach & Leasing Association (AFLA), Electric Mobility equipment with a combined 40-plus years of Canada (EMC), Clean Cities Coalition, and CAL- sales and customer service to motorcoach operaSTART. She also was elected and serves on the tions throughout North America. As sales manager for ABC’s Southeast Region, board of the Green Truck Association of the Amy Dobrikova To Lead Crosspoint Kinetics’ Business Development
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:
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November/December 2014
Pinckney’s responsibilities include management of sales operations, inventory management and optimization of customer relationships within his territory. A 22-year industry veteran, Payne has rejoined ABC as senior account manager. He, along with Ryhan Cornell, account manager, provides team support that focuses on serving customers throughout the Southeast region where Payne was previously an account executive and sales manager.
Left to right are, Brian Pinckney and Claude Payne.
“Both Brian and Claude are among the most respected professionals in our industry and have been integral to fostering valuable relationships between ABC and operators over the decades,” said Roman Cornell, senior vice president, Eastern Region & Specialty Vehicles. Call 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com for more information.
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PERSONNEL
ACT Announces Personnel Updates
2 TEMSA TS 35s For Elite Coach
Rick Coffman has joined American Cooling Technology (ACT) as a regional sales engineer for the southwestern United States, based in the Denver, CO, area. Coffman has over 20 years of experience in mobile refrigeration and bus air conditioning, and a background in product application customer training and support. Bill Schroyer is the new southeast regional sales manager, based in Tallahassee, FL. He has spent a large portion of his career working in both public and private fleet management, and has held positions with Rick Coffman the Florida Department of Education including responsibility for the FL DOE technical bus procurement specification. ACT designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for the transportation industry, including systems for school buses as well as commercial, shuttle, transit and paratransit Bill Schroyer buses. ACT HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid drive vehicles. In addition, ACT offers its customers specification support, product testing, service parts and on-site product training services. Visit www.actusa.us.com for more information.
Elite Coach has been offering full-service charters and tours for over 20 years. Located just outside Lancaster, PA, in Ephrata, PA, Elite provides transportation charters, wedding and convention transports, destination trips, and private group tours. This family-owned company operates over one million miles per year. Elite also operates a full-service maintenance facility for coaches, entertainers, motor homes, and RVs. Elite Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fleet of 29 vehicles includes full-size coaches, midsize coaches, minibuses, and a trolley. The company has taken delivery of two TEMSA TS 35 mid-size coaches, each seating 38 passengers. The TEMSA TS 35 coach is a fully integral mid-sized coach constructed from stainless steel. Visit www.elitecoach.com for more information. CH Bus Sales, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of TEMSA motorcoaches in the United States. CH Bus Sales is a privately owned corporation with an industry experienced ownership and management team. TEMSA is a fully owned subsidiary of Sabanci Holding financial and industrial group in Turkey. Visit www.chbussales.com for more information.
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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
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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.
Hometown Trolley By Double K, Inc.
Carriage Streetcar Trolley
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.”
The Streetcar Trolley low-floor model combines the nostalgic features of the turn-of-the-century passenger cable car with the modern technology of today’s transit advancements. The Streetcar Trolley is a powerhouse heavy-duty trolley capable of running in any mass transit, high passenger capacity applications. The Streetcar is a full stainless steel low-floor monocoque chassis design, exceeding the required 1:6 ratio for ADA loading with the fold out ADA ramp. Optional equipment such as LED destination signs, DVD flat screen packages, mahogany finishes and many more choices are available to customize the Streetcar. Standard equipment such as a multiplex wiring system, brass or brushed stainless hand railings, as well as simulated wood trim set the Streetcar in a class all its own. Vintage tram interior, transit flooring, HVAC packages and ADA packages are available. Altoona-tested for 10 years/350,000 miles.
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
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
Model.......................................................................................Streetcar Trolley Passenger Capacity .................................................................................28-48 Length.....................................................................................................30’ - 40’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Overall Height .............................................................................................10’6” Wheel Base..............................................................................190”, 208”, 228” Door Opening......................................................................................48” x 78” GVW ............................................................................................27,500 - 32,000 Engine ..........................................Cummins Diesel, Series Hybrid Electric or Full Electric Transmission.................................................................................Allison B300
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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
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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
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Cable Car Classics
Low Floor 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, all-electric, 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.
Cable Car Classics
Apollo Classic 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
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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
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2014 APTA Annual Meeting & International Public Transportation EXPO Over 15,000 people, from 67-plus countries, attended this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & International Public Transportation EXPO. The event took place October 13-15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The triennial EXPO attracted an APTA-record 800-plus exhibitors, including those manufacturers and suppliers shown on the following pages. There were also more than 80 educational sessions offered.
Prevost Prevost is a manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches. As part of the Volvo Group, it has access to the financial strength, research capability and manufacturing expertise of the group. Prevost manages 11 parts and service centers in the United States and Canada.
Sutrak Corporation
Enseicom, Inc.
The company specializes in the design and manufacture of HVAC systems for passenger transport. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Rob Ferdows, Hugh Ferdows, Jutta Ferdows, Christina Ferdows Imamura and Scott Imamura.
Since 1982, Enseicom specializes in providing custom designed large- and small-scale transit shelters, bike shelters, walkways, street furniture and advertising kiosks found throughout North America and the Caribbean. Shown are company representatives Jennifer Neal, project manager; and Michel Soutiere, industrial designer & director, street furniture program.
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Bitzer US, Inc. Vehicle Inspection Systems, Inc. The company designs and manufactures service automation solutions for the transportation industry. Products focus on safety and operational efficiency through undercarriage diagnostics, performancebased brake testing and fleet image.
A leader in the research, development and manufacture of air conditioning compressors for mobile applications, Bitzer features a full range of open drive, hermetic screw and horizontal scroll compressors. These products are specifically designed for bus and coach applications.
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Marathon Brake Systems Marathon Brakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KVT drum brake lining and DiscStar air disc pads are proved performers for transit and motorcoach lines. KVT and DiscStar are quiet, long life materials that are friendly to drums and rotors. Pictured is Jim Baldwin, director of fleets for Marathon Brake Systems.
With advances such as clean-diesel and hybrid options, along with many modern amenities, Motor Coach Industries continues to focus on the tour, charter, scheduled service, transit and conversion markets. MCI also distributes Setra coaches and parts; and offers technical support, technician training, extensive aftermarket parts and repair services. November/December 2014
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ABC Companies ABC Companies provides motorcoach and transit equipment sales and service. This includes live tech support via the ABC CustomerCare call center; live and interactive parts sales and sourcing; complete vehicle maintenance, refurbishment and mechanical services; and private and municipal equipment leasing and financing through ABC Financial Services.
Better Life Technologies, LLC Better Life Technologies, LLC offers an eco-friendly, stylish, lighweight and durable solid vinyl floor covering for all transit and transportation vehicles. Exclusive custom designs are available. Pictured are Bill Rothe, left, and Manuel Sandoval.
Stertil-Koni Stertil-Koni manufactures many types of heavyduty vehicle lifts. Headquartered in Maryland, the company has production facilities in the United States and Europe. Products include mobile column; two-post, four-post and in-ground piston; platform; and half-scissor lifts.
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Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc. Chestnut Ridge Foam manufactures fire-resistant seat cushions that comply with FRA and FTA fire safety criteria. The advanced CR SAFGUARD XL reflects cushioning technology which maximizes durability, comfort and fire safety. Shown, left to right, are Anthony Tomasello, sales manager surface transportation; and Carl Ogburn, president.
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Camira Serving the transport industry worldwide, Holdsworth Fabrics Ltd. designs and manufactures wool rich â&#x20AC;&#x153;moquetteâ&#x20AC;? upholstery fabrics for the bus, coach and railway interior market. The company offers a wide range of flatwoven, leather and nonwoven products for seating, wallside and curtaining applications. Pictured, from left, are Dan Wagner, Pauline Booth and Terry Colbert.
Vanner, Inc. Vanner has provided commercial vehicle power management systems for more than 30 years. The company solves operational, fuel efficiency and emission challenges for the bus and other industries.
Muncie-Baker
Complete Coach Works
Muncie-Baker, an ABC Company, offers transit bus replacement parts with high quality components, an expansive inventory and knowledgeable bus parts specialists. Pictured, from left, are Tab Beazley, Georgy Watson, Joe Gibson, Aaron Beazley, Matthew Everist, Shannon Henry, Mark Wourms, Ali Dreim. Ashton Woodhouse and Hugh McElvaney.
Complete Coach Works offers such services as collision repair, interior rehab, fleet alternative fuel conversion and complete vehicle remanufacturing.
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Thermo King Corp.
Turtle Top The company custom builds safe and comfortable transportation. Turtle Top’s wide range of floor plans can satisfy many types of customers — from overthe-road operators to assisted-living facilities.
Thermo King designs and engineers heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems/components for bus, shuttle and rail. Thermo King’s large service network serves the bus A/C market. Pictured, from left, are Steve Johnson, Steve Morris, Chuck Rodman, Neil Tamppari, Gina Williamson, Jody Carr, Bill Gall, Dennis Hubbard, and Fran Smith.
Voith Turbo GmbH. KG De Leo Textiles De Leo Textiles is a supplier of fabric and upholstery for the transportation market. The company has three divisions and supplies multiple industries. Shown, left to right, are Ismail Arslan, De Leo Textiles vice president of business development; and Ahmet Urkut, Epengle Velvet export sales specialist. Page 54
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Voith Turbo offers systems and solutions for city and regional traffic that are optimally adapted to user applications, for example, DIWA automatic transmissions for buses or final drives and Scharfenberg couplers for rail vehicles.
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Euramtec Corporation / TriMark Corporation Sharing a booth were Euramtec Corporation and TriMark Corporation. Euramtec provides products for buses such as switches and modules. Among the items offered by TriMark are door access hardware such as handles, latches, striker bolts and linkages. Shown, left to right, are Kevin Roths, director of global sales & business development, and Michael Schott, sales representative, both of TriMark; and Tanguy LeGuyader, president of Euramtec.
Bridgestone/Firestone Mileage Sales Bridgestone/Firestone is a manufacturer of tires especially designed for city-suburban and charter bus use. Bridgestone customizes lease or purchase programs to meet specific tire and service requirements. Pictured, from left, are Warren Dickinson, Joe Leipart, Karl Webb, and Michael Felice.
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC
Bauer Compressors, Inc. Bauerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s product line ranges from small CNG compressors to large public CNG stations. The company is ISO 9001 certified. Shown is Paula Hebert, business development manager, CNG.
The ISO-certified company provides low-floor bus models Spirit of Freedom, Spirit of Mobility, and Spirit of Liberty. All ARBOC buses offer a single, nondiscriminatory patented angled and accessible entranceway.
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Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery
Alexander Dennis, Inc. Alexander Dennis is a manufacturer of high capacity, double deck buses that operate throughout the world, including North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery has a professional Mobile Road Crew to provide experienced on-site installation service at their customers' facilities. Sardo also manufactures transit insert replacement pans of various models for their mail out service with instructions for easy installation. Sardo also guarantees their workmanship for as long as the coach is owned by their customer. Pictured are Lou and Jeanie Sardo.
Aesys, Inc. Founded in 1977, Aesys provides communication systems and display technologies. Aesys has developed a new range of Buy America bid-ready products including destination signs and voice announcement systems. Shown, left to right, are company representatives Darin Mulcahy, sales manager for public transit; and Steve DeSilva, operations manager. Page 56
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Handi-Hut, Inc. Since 1971, Handi-Hut has been a designer and manufacturer of bus stop waiting shelters, entry canopies and smoking shelters. Many standard designs are available, and the company can also provide customized solutions. Handi-Hutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solar lighting options include the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new solar light kit.
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Dixie Electric Ltd. Canadian manufacturer, Dixie Electric, produces rotating electrical products. Established in 1968, Dixie Electric makes alternators, starter motors and related components for several markets, including the transit bus and motorcoach industries. Shown is Phil Simpson, territory manager.
Felton Brushes Felton Brushes Limited manufactures a multitude of brushes, including wire wheels, cup brushes, end brushes, scratch brushes, tube brushes, strip brushes and brooms to custom specifications. Pictured is Tony Ponikvar.
Two New MCI J4500s For Arrow Coach Arrow Stage Lines has taken delivery of two new MCI J4500s, including the 7,000th model to come off the e/j line at the MCI’s Winnipeg facility. “We’ve been identified as one of the top innovators in the industry,” said Brandon Osborn, Arrow’s vice president of marketing. “Our priorities have always been to provide our passengers with the latest technologies in safety and performance. It’s great to be first to offer our riders and our drivers the advances offered by MCI.”
HART Has New Board Member Mickey Jacob, FAIA, executive vice president of strategy and business development at BDG Architects, has joined The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) of Tampa, FL, board of directors. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners appointed Jacob. His career in architecture began more than 25 years ago. He has served as executive vice president of strategy and business development at BDG Architects since 2013, where he
Founded in 1928, Arrow continues working for customers including corporations, schools, travel agencies, sports teams, conventions and churches. Based in Omaha, the company runs
its coaches from 10 other locations around the country including Kansas City, MO; Denver; Las Vegas; Phoenix and surrounding states. Every 6,000 miles, Arrow’s charter coaches go through inspections from brake, suspension and drivetrain systems, to heating and air-conditioning. The work is done in Arrow’s own shops. Arrow also was given Transportation Safety Exchange (TSX) approval for best-in-class safety practices. TSX is an independent rating organization that inspects, monitors and reports on the safety performance of motor carriers. Visit www.mcicoach.com and www.arrowstagelines.com for more information.
is responsible for the development of the firm's The HART Board is responsible for setting direction and client relations. policy and making decisions for the authority on matters ranging Previously, Jacob and his partfrom system operations, service ners formed Urban Studio Archplanning, fare structure, finance, itects, an architecture and interior customer service, and is made up architecture firm focusing on susof 13 volunteers who are tainable design practices. Jacob appointed to represent Hills was named to the AIA College of borough County (seven seats), Fellows in 2009. He was elected City of Tampa (three seats), the 2013 president of the American State of Florida (two seats) and Institute of Architects. City of Temple Terrace (one A native of Windsor, Ontario, Mickey Jacob seat). Officers of the HART Jacob has a bachelor’s of science in architecture and a bachelor of architecture from Board (chair, vice chair and secretary) are The University of Detroit School of Architecture. elected every year. November/December 2014 BUSLINE Page 57
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Better Life Technology Offers American Made Solid Vinyl Flooring For Transit
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
Better Life Technology LLC, a manufacturer of solid vinyl flooring for a variety of industries and high-traffic applications, has announced the introduction of its new solid vinyl product line called G-FLOOR TRANSIT for bus, rail and maritime flooring. Brett Sneed, president and founder, said, “G-Floor Transit is solid vinyl, making it more durable for a longer wear life, lighter for greater fuel efficiency, more malleable for easier installation and completely recyclable. “This exclusive flooring is an American-made product. The wearlayer provides an optimal layer of protection. G-floor is made and stocked in the USA, is 100 percent waterproof, and offers a standard .075-inch wear-layer in up to 10 foot widths. “G-Floor Transit can be special ordered in a layer up to .120 inches.” The company says G-Floor Transit is also able to handle an extreme amount of traffic without cracking or showing signs of strain. It’s offered in three styles: “Simply Solid” comes in two colors — black and grey — and three patterns. It is intended as an effective, durable solution with an affordable price point; “Premium Image” offers many different designs, including wood grain and ceramic patterns. Premium Image is protected by a 100 percent clear polyvinyl wear-layer without scratching, peeling, cracking or deterioration of the design; “Designer Custom” is a 100 percent customized and personalized transit flooring option. Color, graphics and verbiage are all customized. Choose to add a company’s branding, safety instructions or an advertisement. As with Premium Imaged, both wood grain and ceramic surface textures are available. The embedded design is protected by a 100 percent clear polyvinyl wear-layer, for wearability without scratching, pealing, cracking or deterioration of the design. Founded in 1998, Better Life Technology’s first application was for garage flooring. The original solid color product soon became a popular flooring choice for garages as well as other consumer applications such as dog runs, trailers, workshops and more, according to the company. Over time, new color options, textures and dimensions were added. According to a news release, “After several years of growth, Better Life Technology developed a graphic floor product that could handle heavy wear and high traffic. The company was successful with this development, opening up new markets such as retail and trade show displays, marine and boat flooring, and classrooms.” This imaged product continues to grow as users find new applications for a great looking and durable floor that is easy to install and cost competitive. The latest market to discover these benefits is mass transit — including buses, rail and maritime. Better Life Technology’s 300,000-plus square-foot operations center is located in Emporia, KS. This facility contains manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, as well as a fulfillment center for online sales, catalog sales and retail distribution. A separate facility, housing the corporate office and showroom, is in Lenexa, KS.
•
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 58
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• •
Visit www.bltllc.com or call 913-894-0403 for more information.
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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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ONE TEAM WITH ONE JOB: TO HELP YOU KEEP DOING YOURS.
A motorcoach is only as good as the people who stand behind it. Every Prevost is supported by a professional service team with over 500 years of bus and motorcoach service experience, knowledge, and integrity. Our field service experts are dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to keep you on the road. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, every Prevost motorcoach is backed by the Prevost Action Service System (PASS) 24-hour emergency assistance line, our eleven Prevost service centers across North America, and more than 150 Prevost-certified service providers who are experts in the Volvo Powertrain. While unforeseen downtime is inevitable, Prevost will have you up and running in no time at all.
www.prevostcar.com