Buses at the 2024 ABA Marketplace in Nashville (by Larry Plachno) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
While primarily a tourism show, the ABA Marketplace had several buses on display and numerous bus people in attendance Here is what we saw and heard on the show floor
Congestion Pricing Exemption Wars (by Matthew W Daus, Esq.) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matthew Daus brings us up-to-date regarding the ongoing battle to have buses exempted from the New York City Congestion Pricing program that increasingly appears to be an obvious way to fund the MTA
Clarisse Embarks on Year-Long Journey Honoring 100 Years of Prevost (by Prevost Staff) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Interest by the Prevost family led to a project to recreate that first Prevost bus from 100 years ago. The results are impressive in spite of the problems and work involved
Working With Transit Agencies (by Dave Millhouser) . . . . . . . . . .34
The suggestion is that bus operators looking for new things to do following the pandemic might look at various opportunities to work with nearby transit agencies in several different ways
F o r P r e v o s t , 2 0 2 4 m a r k s t h e 1 0 0 t h anniversary of the company’s founding and t h e fi r s t w o o d e n - b o d y c o a c h c re a t e d b y E u g e n e P re v o s t F ro m i t s b e g i n n i n g u n t i l n o w, i n n o v a t i o n h a s b e e n a d r i v i n g f o rc e behind Prevost’s success
“Eugene established a culture of continuous improvement, pride in craftsmanship and an unequivocal focus on quality, performance and safety,” said Prevost President Francois Tremblay “The tenets he set down in 1924 are the ones we continue to follow in the 21st centur y ”
Eugene was an intrepid entrepreneur in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, who specialized in making church pews and school fur niture At age 21 in the midst of a global downturn, he developed a system of hydraulic turbines and batteries to generate his own electricity to keep his business running While his company benefited from electricity, Eugene also made sure his small village progressed Five years before electricity was officially scheduled to arrive in his hamlet, he worked with Sainte-Claire leaders to deliver power to 23 homes
E u g e n e ’s e n t r é e i n t o m o t o r i z e d v e h icles took advantage of his carpentr y skills H e re c e i v e d a m i s s i o n t o b u i l d a w o o d e n c o a c h b o d y t o m o u n t o n a n R E O t r u c k c h a s s i s T h a t f i r s t o rd e r l e d t o m a n y o t he r s T h e c o m p a n y g re w a n d i n 1 9 3 7 P rev o s t b u i l t a b u s m a n u f a c t u r i n g f a c i l i t y i n
S a i n t e - C l a i re E v e r t h e i n n o v a t o r, E u g e n e introduced the first all-metal body over an a l l - m e t a l s k e l e t o n e i g h t y e a r s l a t e r I n 1 9 5 7 , i n d u s t r i a l i s t P a u l N o r m a n a c q u i re d t h e c o m p a n y a n d l e d i t t h ro u g h a d e c a d e o f n e w p ro d u c t i n t ro d u c t i o n s a n d s i g n i f ic a n t g ro w t h F l a s h f o r w a rd a c e n t u r y, a n d t h e re s t i s h i s t o r y
Prevost continues to follow Eugene’s trad i t i o n o f b re a k i n g n e w g ro u n d T h a n k s t o advanced engineering, Prevost has created best-in-class vehicles and is the unequaled leader in the seated coach and enter tainer markets
L a s t y e a r, P r e v o s t u n v e i l e d i t s n e x tg e n e r a t i o n H 3 - 4 5 t h a t d e l i v e r s i m p ro v e d f u e l e ff i c i e n c y, a n e n h a n c e d d r i v e r e x p er i e n c e a n d u l t i m a t e c o m f o r t f o r p a s s e ng e r s S i n c e i t s d e b u t , t h e H 3 - 4 5 h a s q u i c k l y b e c o m e a f a v o r i t e o f c u s t o m e r s a n d d r i v e r s
For Prevost, the future is electrification and beyond The company’s research and development teams plan to introduce a new, 100 percent electric coach with a range of 400 km by 2026 In addition, Prevost, which is part of the Volvo Group, aims to be climate neutral by 2040
“ We h a v e a g g re s s i v e d e c a r b o n i z a t i o n goals and are working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in our entire manufacturing process, as well as in our end products,” said Tremblay
Throughout 2024, Prevost is planning a series of special events to celebrate its 100 years
One of the most exciting elements is the recreation of Prevost’s 1924 wooden coach T h r e e g e n e r a t i o n s o f E u g e n e ’s f a m i l y –children, grandchildren, grand in-laws and great grandchildren – dedicated thousands of hours to research, model, build and outfit the replica
The family located a period REO chassis in Tampa Bay, Florida, and brought it back t o S a i n t e - C l a i re F ro m t h e re , p a i n s t a k i n g care was taken to craft an historically accur a t e c o a c h – t h e o a k w h e e l s w e r e h a n dmade, window, door and step mechanisms were agonized over, the wooden interior was hand var nished and bench cushions were hand sewn
Last but not least a name was chosen I n h o n o r o f E u g e n e ’s w i f e w h o s u p p o r t e d him in all his endeavors – even going so far as to sew vehicle cushions – the 1924 coach was christened “Clarisse ” From January to M a y, C l a r i s s e w i l l t r a v e l t o s e v e n P re v o s t S e r v i c e C e n t e r s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a n d Canada
The 100th anniversar y will culminate in S e p t e m b e r w i t h t w o w e e k s o f c e l e b r at i o n s F o r i t s l u x u r y m o t o rc o a c h o w n e r s , Prevost is hosting a seven-day homecomi n g r a l l y i n Q u e b e c C i t y F o l l o w i n g t h a t , t h e a c t i v i t i e s s h i f t t o S a i n t e - C l a i re w h e re Prevost’s manufacturing facility is located T h e c o m p a n y ’s e m p l o y e e s a n d t h e i r f a mi l i e s , c u s t o m e r s a n d s u p p l i e r s w i l l e n j o y a n e x t r a v a g a n z a t h a t i n c l u d e s f a c t o r y t o u r s , a n a p p e a r a n c e b y C l a r i s s e p l u s f o o d a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t
“For Prevost, 2024 will go down in history, but more significantly, it’s a launching point as we continue our quest to deliver the ultim a t e e x p e r i e n c e f o r t h e n e x t 1 0 0 y e a r s , ” said Tremblay
An optional three-door design on 40-foot buses is one of New Flyer’s latest technical advancements and a game changer for bus rapid transit (BRT) Available on all Xcelsior® 40- and 60-foot buses, the three-door bus d e s i g n e n s u re s f a s t e r, m o re fl e x i b l e B RT platfor m boarding, significantly improving the passenger experience and providing a more convenient commute:
What’s the Benefit?
• A center median can transfor m into a p l a t f o r m f o r t r a v e l i n b o t h d i re c t i o n s – o n stations, two directions
• Yo u r c i t y ’s c u r b l a n e s a r e n o w f r e e , clearing the path for a smooth, uninterrupted flow of traffic
• The left-side door bus design makes using one-way streets and dedicated rightsof-way a breeze
• Your commute is easier and safer with new BRT station designs aimed at quicker boarding an de-boarding
CCW Begins on 219 Bus San Francisco Contract
C o m p l e t e C o a c h W o r k s ( C C W ) , t h e n a t i o n ’s l e a d i n g t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s o l u t i o n s p r o v i d e r, o n F e b r u a r y 6 a n n o u n c e d t h e beginning of deliveries for a five-year contract awarded by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to perfor m Mid-Life Overhaul services for a total o f 2 1 9 c o a c h e s T h i s i s t h e l a r g e s t s i n g l e contract that CCW has been awarded in its histor y
SFMTA (or Muni) is a vital organization responsible for ensuring the seamless and efficient movement of people throughout the city of San Francisco The agency oversees the largest transit system in the Bay Area Muni has a rich histor y as one of America’s oldest public transit agencies and has grown to become the eighth largest public transit system in the nation Muni‘s buses, trains a n d c a b l e c a r s a r e i n t e g r a l t o S a n F r a n -
cisco’s identity, transporting both locals and visitors to their destinations
To maintain Muni’s fleet in optimal cond i t i o n , C C W ’s M i d - L i f e O v e r h a u l s e r v i c e s will replace or refurbish various systems on its vehicles With hundreds of thousands of riders relying on Muni ever y day, ensuring t h e re l i a b i l i t y o f e a c h v e h i c l e i s c r i t i c a l t o M u n i ’s o p e r a t i o n M u n i ’s fl e e t i s d i v e r s e , including hybrid electric coaches, electric trolley coaches, historic streetcars and light
Complete Coach Works has started on a Mid-Life Overhaul on a total of 219 buses for San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. In addition to repowering the buses with Cummins ISL engines and hybrid propulsion systems, the buses will receive other improvements including doors, electrical cabling, suspensoin cooling and electrical equipment SFMTA is the eighth largest public transportation system in the nation and serves the Bay Area
r a i l v e h i c l e s , i t s w o r l d - f a m o u s c a b l e c a r s and Muni’s battery-electric pilot bus program launched in 2022 CCW’s expertise will play a v i t a l r o l e i n e n s u r i n g t h a t M u n i ’s fl e e t remains in optimal condition
CCW will per for m the work for this cont r a c t p r i m a r i l y a t i t s R i v e r s i d e , C a l i f o r n i a headquarters with final deliveries managed at its Alameda facility in the Bay Area
The overhaul work on both 40- and 60f o o t h y b r i d e l e c t r i c c o a c h e s w i l l i n c l u d e re p o w e r i n g t h e b u s e s w i t h e i t h e r n e w o r remanufactured Cummins ISL engines and the hybrid propulsion system
Additionally, various systems including d o o r s , e l e c t r i c a l c a b l i n g a n d e l e c t r o n i c equipment, suspension, lines and piping, propulsion, cooling, electrical and the articulation joint are all par t of the work scope for the project
“We are honored to have been chosen b y S F M TA t o p e r f o r m t h i s m a j o r o v e r h a u l p ro j e c t , ” s a i d B r a d C a r s o n , C C W ’s c h i e f operating officer “CCW has a long histor y o f p e r f o r m i n g s i m i l a r s c o p e s o f w o r k f o r other transit agencies including a previous Midlife Overhaul contract with Muni for 80 buses in 2013 We look forward to working closely with Muni on this new contract ”
Prevost Technical Institute
P re v o s t Te c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e ( P T I ) o ff e r s an extensive training program that can be c u s t o m i z e d t o m e e t t h e i n d i v i d u a l n e e d s o f a n y c u s t o m e r A t h r e e - p r o n g e d a p p r o a c h o f P r e v o s t - h o s t e d e v e n t s , i n s t r u c t i o n a t c u s t o m e r l o c a t i o n s a n d o n l i n e l e a r n i n g e n s u re t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f P re v o s t e x p e r t i s e t o a l l
The Prevost Technical Institute offers an extensive traning program that serves as many as 650 technicians each year Conducted by Prevost’s factory-trained experts, the sessions cover a wide range of topics Customized sessions are also available at customer sites
ABC Companies recently announced a collaboration with TCI mobility As a result, ABC will be able to offer the Ram ProMaster Van customized by TCI Mobility for various transportation needs and offering a maximum capacity of 15 passengers. In addition to a wide range of design options the TCI Mobility Ram ProMaster is available in two lengths as well as a high roof configuration
Each year, as many as 650 technicians complete one of the hands-on training sess i o n s h e l d a t P re v o s t f a c i l i t i e s t h ro u g h o u t North America These sessions, conducted by factory-trained experts, range from highlevel overviews to in-depth system teardown and component replacement Customized sessions held at customer sites, taught by the same professional trainers, are also available
To register for regional training events, l o g i n t o P T I o n l i n e a t https://volvogroup scod com/selfreg/register aspx?c=selfregistereduserprevost
Regional training seminars cover various s u b j e c t s a n d a re h e l d a t P re v o s t S e r v i c e Centers unless otherwise noted
Training subjects for each event can be viewed in the detailed course infor mation available on the PTI™ online por tal
W i t h c l a s s s i z e s l i m i t e d , p r o s p e c t i v e a t t e n d e e s a r e u r g e d t o s i g n u p w e l l i n a d v a n c e R e g i s t r a t i o n c l o s e s o n e w e e k before the event
Once you have registered for a training event, you will receive a confir mation letter with detailed information from Prevost Technical Institute™
B e s u re t o c h e c k b a c k t h ro u g h o u t t h e year as new events will be added
ABC Companies, a leader in innovative t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s o l u t i o n s , i s e x c i t e d t o a n n o u n c e a n e w c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h T C I Mobility – a transpor tation upfitter of commercial vehicles This par tnership is set to revolutionize transportation options with the introduction of the Ram ProMaster van, customized by TCI Mobility, designed to cater to diverse transportation needs with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers
T C I M o b i l i t y, a n a u t h o r i z e d s e c o n d s t a g e u p f i t t e r f o r R A M c o m m e rc i a l v e h ic l e s , h a s a r e p u t a t i o n f o r e x c e l l e n c e i n vehicle modification and is also a factor ya u t h o r i z e d w a r r a n t y s e r v i c e f a c i l i t y T h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h A B C C o m p a n i e s a i m s to har ness TCI Mobility’s exper tise in vehic l e c u s t o m i z a t i o n t o p r o v i d e t o p - o f - t h e l i n e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s o l u t i o n s
T h e T C I M o b i l i t y R a m P r o M a s t e r v a n c o m e s i n t w o l e n g t h s a n d f e a t u re s a h i g h ro o f c o n fi g u r a t i o n , o ff e r i n g fl e x i b i l i t y a n d a w i d e r a n g e o f d e s i g n o p t i o n s I t s s t a ndard front wheel drive ensures smooth navigation across various weather conditions a n d t e
a s p a c i o u s i n t e r i o r, m a k i n g i t i d e a l f o r a v a r i e t y o f a p p l i c a t i o n s
E v e r y T C I M o b i l i t y R a m P ro M a s t e r v a n i s fi t t e d w i t h a s t e e l s u b fl o o r, f a b r i c a t e d i n P e n n s y l v a n i a , a n d i n d u s t r y - l e a d i n g d i amond plate rubber flooring This thoughtful c r a f t s m a n s h i p e x t e n d s t o t h e i n t e r i o r, w h e r e a e s t h e t i c s m e e t s d u r a b i l i t y a n d f u n c t i o n a l i t y T h e e x t e n s i v e u s e o f L E D l i g h t i n g , b o t h i n s i d e a n d o u t s i d e t h e v a n , e n h a n c e s t h e a m b i a n c e , a d d i n g t o t h e p a s s e n g e r e x p e r i e n c e
“The partnership between ABC Compan i e s a n d T C I M o b i l i t y i s a s i g n i fi c a n t s t e p towards enhancing our transportation offerings,” said George Altevogt, vice president of Specialty Vehicles and Technologies of ABC companies “The Ram ProMaster by TCI Mobility is more than just a vehicle; it’s a promise of reliability, comfort and versatility for our clients We are proud to collaborate with TCI Mobility and excited to see how this par tnership transfor ms the transpor tation landscape ”
ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportaton industry with diverse produ c t a n d s e r v i c e o ff e r i n g s t h a t c o v e r a f u l l s p e c t r u m o f o p e r a t i o n a l n e e d s i n c l u d i n g new and pre-owned full-size highway coach
equipment along with transit specialty vehicles including battery-electric vehicles ABC suppor ts customers with a comprehensive after-sales service network for service and re p a i r s , c o l l i s i o n s e r v i c e s a n d e x t e n s i v e OEM and quality after market par ts needs f o r t r a n s i t , m o t o r c o a c h a n d h e a v y - d u t y equipment from strategically-placed locations throughout the U S and Canada Additionally, private and municipal financing and l e a s i n g o p t i o n s a re a v a i l a b l e t h ro u g h t h e company’s financial services group – one o f t h e l a r g e s t fi n a n c i a l s e r v i c e p ro v i d e r s w i t h i n t h e i n d u s t r y F o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , contact ABC Companies at (800) 222-2871
o r v i s i t t h e c o m p a n y W e b s i t e a t w w w abc-companies com
D a i m l e r C o a c h e s N o r t h A m e r i c a p resented the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider at two U S trade fairs The company showcased a Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium at the A m e r i c a n B u s A s s o c i a t i o n ( A B A ) , w h i c h took place from January 13-16, in Nashville Tennessee It is the first vehicle of this motorcoach series that Cline Tours has added to its fleet Based out of Ridgeland, Mississippi, Cline Tours has more than 250 coaches in service over eight locations and across four states in the U S
D a i m l e r C o a c h e s N o r t h A m e r i c a a l s o e x h i b i t e d a M e r c e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r i n t h e p re m i u m v e r s i o n a t t h e U n i t e d M o t o rc o a c h A s s o c i a t i o n ( U M A ) T h e v e h i c l e i s par t of the Thrasher Brothers fleet, a longstanding Daimler customer out of Bir mingh a m , A l a b a m a , w h i c h w a s s h o w c a s e d a t t h e U M A i n R a l e i g h , N o r t h C a ro l i n a , f ro m F e b r u a r y 4 - 7
W i t h t h e M e r c e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r, Daimler Coaches Nor th America chose to c o n d u c t a d d i t i o n a l v o l u n t a r y t e s t i n g t o demonstrate adherence to the rollover prot e c t i o n r e g u l a t i o n s s e t f o r t h i n t h e f o r t hcoming Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand a rd s F M V S S 2 2 7 , w h i c h g o e s i n t o e ff e c t t h e s e c o n d q u a r t e r o f 2 0 2 4 A v o l u n t a r y t e s t o f t h e b o d y s t re n g t h w a s c o n d u c t e d w i t h t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f t h e G e r m a n t e s t i n g o r g a n i z a t i o n D e k r a I n t h i s w a y, D a i m l e r Coaches North America is assuming a pioneering role in the Nor th American touring c o a c h i n d u s t r y
The new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider is precisely tailored to North American demands It is available as a three-axle high-decker in the two model variants, Business and Premium, with a length of 45 foot (13 72 meters)
T h e M e r c e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r B u s i n e s s m o d e l i s b u i l t t o m e e t h i g h e r s t a n d a r d s
among motorcoaches The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium model is the luxury motorcoach that fulfills all the expectations of firstclass travel
In addition to the high level of comfor t, the focus is also on the safety of the vehicles thanks to innovative assistance systems A 360-degree camera system provides perfect all-around visibility when maneuvering and in tight spaces
T h e m o t o r c o a c h e s a l s o h a v e A c t i v e Brake Assist 5 (ABA5) on board as standard The world’s first emergency braking assistant for motorcoaches performs automated m a x i m u m f u l l - s t o p b r a k i n g f o r s t a t i o n a r y and moving obstacles as well as for people A radar-assisted adaptive cruise control system maintains a safe distance even at cruise control speed
T h e n e w s a f e t y f e a t u r e s o f t h e M e rc e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r a l s o i n c l u d e t h e optional Sideguard Assist with pedestrian detection This system war ns the driver if, for example, pedestrians or cyclists are in the monitoring zone on the right-hand side o f t h e t o u r i n g c o a c h
The Mercedes-Benz OM 471 in-line sixc y l i n d e r e n g i n e f r o m t h e g l o b a l D a i m l e r Tr u c k e n g i n e f a m i l y p r o v i d e s d y n a m i c d r i v e f o rc e T h e e n g i n e h a s a n o u t p u t o f
3 3 6 k W ( 4 5 0 h p ) w i t h a d i s p l a c e m e n t o f
1 2 8 1 a n d a c h i e v e s a m a x i m u m t o rq u e o f 2 , 1 0 2 N m
The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider impresses with a power ful technology package consisting of Common Rail direct injection with fl e x i b l e X - P u l s e h i g h - p r e s s u r e i n j e c t i o n , charge air cooling, exhaust gas recirculation and SCR technology Power transmission is provided by the Allison WTB 500R torque c o n v e r t e r a u t o m a t i c t r a n s m i s s i o n , w h i c h has been proving its worth in North America for many years
D r T h o m a s R o h d e , C E O o f D a i m l e r Coaches Nor th America, is delighted with t h e h i g h l e v e l o f r e s p e c t g i v e n t o t h e M e r c e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r m o d e l s s i n c e t h e i r p re s e n t a t i o n t w o y e a r s a g o : “ M a j o r key customers across Nor th America have o p t e d t o p u r c h a s e t h e M e r c e d e s - B e n z To u r r i d e r, a n d t h e fi r s t re p e a t o rd e r s h a v e b e e n s u b m i t t e d W e a r e v e r y o p t i m i s t i c t h a t t h e r a m p - u p w i l l c o n t i n u e t o d e v e l o p p o s i t i v e l y i n 2 0 2 4 ”
Plan Infrastructure Projects with NFI’s Char ge Catalog
NFI can assist your shift towards sustainable transit by supporting your mobility proj e c t s f r o m s t a r t t o fi n i s h D o w n l o a d t h e u p d a t e d c h a r g e r c a t a l o g , a v a l u a b l e
NFI helps in your move to electric buses Their C h a r g e r C a t a l o g i s a v a l u a b l e r e s o u r c e i n your infrastructure planning needs The catalog is systematically organized on basic parameters and offers technical specifications
re s o u rc e f o r y o u r i n f r a s t r u c t u re p l a n n i n g needs
The easy-to-read catalog is systematically organized on parameters such as type, performance, physical dimensions, weight, manufacturer and numerous technical specifications Contact NFI Infrastructure Solut i o n s ™ a t I S @ n fi g r o u p c o m t o fi n d m o r e infrastructure options to fit your needs
NFI Infrastructure Solutions is a service d e d i c a t e d t o p ro v i d i n g s a f e , re l i a b l e p roj e c t m a n a g e m e n t f o r s m a r t , s u s t a i n a b l e m o b i l i t y p ro j e c t s w i t h 4 2 0 + E V c h a r g e r s i n s t a l l e d t o d a t e
ABC and Van Hool Sign Distribution Agreement
D u r i n g a r e c e n t m e e t i n g i n K o n i n gshooikt, Belgium, Filip Van Hool and Roman
Daimler Coaches North America has announced that they have exhibited coaches at both the ABA Marketplace as well as the UMA Motorcoach Expo. It is noteworthy that Daimler has been testing their coaches to show compliance with the new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Available in two model variants, Business and Premium, the coaches offer several features including a 360-degree camera, Active Brake Assist and the new Sideguard Assist
A B C C o m p a n i e s a n d Va n H o o l h a v e extended their distribut i o n a g r e e m e n t f o r coaches in North America Started in 1987, it is e a s i l y t h e l o n g e s trunning coach distribution agreement in North America Both ABC and Va n H o o l a r e t h i r dg e n e r a t i o n , f a m i l yowned companies
C o r n e l l fi n a l i z e d d e t a i l s o f c o n t i n u i n g t h e existing long-ter m distribution agreement f o r Va n H o o l m o t o r c o a c h e s i n t h e N o r t h American market through ABC Companies Roman Cor nell stated, “It is amazing to see the synergies between the Cor nell and Van Hool families Both Filip and I are the third generation of family-operated organizations that have embraced the approach of serving t h e c u s t o m e r fi r s t t o c re a t e s u c c e s s t h a t lasts It is a great honor for both of us to carry on the traditions started by our grandparents a n d f u r t h e r s o l i d i fi e d b y o u r p a re n t s a n d their siblings My recent transition into the CEO role at ABC companies was under the close mentorship of my uncle, Dane Cornell, w h o t o o k t h e re i n s o f o u r o r g a n i z a t i o n a s C E O a n d h e l p e d s o l i d i f y t h e f o u n d a t i o n established by Clancy and Ron Cornell The f o u n d a t i o n p u t i n p l a c e b y D a n e a n d h i s leadership through continually evolving markets serves as the jump-off point for our next phase of growth This growth is only possible with strong long-term partners like Van Hool
“Their quality products, desire to understand and meet customers’ evolving needs and dedication to the North American market have resulted in ABC delivering almost 12,000 new motorcoach units into the U S a n d C a n a d i a n m a r k e t s s i n c e 1 9 8 7 T h e s h a re d f o c u s o f t h e C o r n e l l a n d Va n H o o l families has been the driving factor through s o m e t r u l y c h a l l e n g i n g t i m e s Va n H o o l ’s d e c i s i o n t o t a k e e x t r a o rd i n a r y m e a s u re s to keep their plants running throughout the pandemic is a testament to their dedication t o t h e N o r t h A m e r i c a n m a r k e t a n d c u st o m e r b a s e B o l d d e c i s i o n s l i k e t h e s e a l l o w e d A B C t o m e e t t h e n e e d s o f c u stomers who added to their fleets even during the pandemic This unique relationship a l l o w s Va n H o o l t o f o c u s o n t h e i r c o r e
strength of engineering and building worldc l a s s m o t o rc o a c h e s , w h i l e t h e A B C t e a m s e l l s , m a r k e t s , s e r v i c e s a n d s u p p o r t s t h e Nor th American customer base, acting as a n a d v o c a t e f o r t h e i r
Under this contract, CCW will leverage its expertise to refurbish the buses, ensuring they meet contemporary standards for perf o r m a n c e a n d p a s s e n g e r c o m f o r t T h e buses will undergo a comprehensive transfor mation, featuring remanufactured Cummins ISM ReCon engines and Allison transmissions to enhance reliability and efficiency
product por tfolio, making electric versions of the Van Hool CX45 and TDX double-deck, while vetting and bringing on several cutaway and passenger van suppliers Building distribution partnerships with quality brands like Tur tle Top Frontrunner, Sunset, Coach & Equipment and more allows us
not only
options With our current product por tfolio, we can provide solutions for eight to 81 passengers traveling across the country or town, and do so with ICE/combustion or zero emissions We are proud of our expansion and g ro w t h
markets and industries while bringing generations of dedication to our customers for years to come ”
CCW to Refurbish Two 40-Foot Gillig Buses for Eagle County Transit
Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transpor tation solutions, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract for the refurbishment of two 2008 40-foot Gillig buses by Eagle County Transit (ECO)
E a g l e C o u n t y Tr a n s i t , c o m m i t t e d t o enhancing its transit services, has chosen CCW as its trusted partner for the revitalization of these key assets The project aligns w i t h E C O ’s v i s i o n t o p ro v i d e p a s s e n g e r s w i t h a n i m p ro v e d a n d s u s t a i n a b l e t r a n s i t experience
Notable enhancements include the install a t i o n o f n e w d r i v e r s e a t s , re u p h o l s t e re d passenger seating and upgraded flooring to elevate the overall comfort and aesthetics of the buses The integration of modern LED lighting both inside and outside the buses f u r t h e r c o n t r i b u t e s t o a s a f e r a n d m o r e energy-efficient transit environment
“We are honored to have been selected b y E a g l e C o u n t y Tr a n s i t f o r t h i s re f u r b i s hm e n t p r o j e c t , ” s a i d S h a w n R e m t u l l a , re g i o n a l s a l e s m a n a g e r f o r t h e S o u t h w e s t R e g i o n a t C o m p l e t e C o a c h Wo r k s “ T h i s c o n t r a c t u n d e r s c o re s o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o d e l i v e r i n g h i g h - q u a l i t y s o l u t i o n s t h a t p r ioritize passenger safety, comfor t and enviro n m e n t a l s u s t a i n a b i l i t y ”
This collaboration reflects CCW’s dedic a t i o n t o a d v a n c i n g t r a n s i t s o l u t i o n s t h a t address the evolving needs of communities
The revitalized buses are expected to cont r i b u t e n o t o n l y t o t h e e f fi c i e n c y o f E a g l e County Transit’s operations, but also to the o v e r a l l s a t i s f a c t i o n o f p a s s e n g e r s re l y i n g on their services
Lt. Gover nor Peggy Flanagan
Visits New Flyer
N F I h o s t e d L t G o v e r n o r P e g g y F l a n ag a n a n d M i n n e s o t a D e p a r t m e n t o f Employment and Economic Development re p re s e n t a t i v e s a t i t s N e w F l y e r S t C l o u d
m a n u f a c t u r i n g f a c i l i t y T h i s v i s i t u n d e rs c o re s M i n n e s o t a ’s c o m m i t m e n t t o s u pp o r t t h e D r i v e f o r F i v e W o r k f o r c e F u n d , w h i c h a i m s t o p r e p a r e M i n n e s o t a n s t o enter the state’s most critical occupations w i t h f a m i l y - s u s t a i n i n g w a g e s
During the tour, Lt Gover nor Flanagan e x p e r i e n c e d f i r s t h a n d t h e d a y - t o - d a y
o p e r a t i o n s o f m a n u f a c t u r i n g p ro f e s s i o na l s , a c a re e r f i e l d f a c i n g a l a b o r s h o r t a g e i n M i n n e s o t a T h i s h a n d s - o n u n d e r s t a n di n g i s a s t r a t e g i c m o v e i n t h e s t a t e ’s e ff o r t t o f i l l h i g h - g r o w t h , h i g h - d e m a n d j o b s , i n c l u d i n g m a n u f a c t u r i n g , p u b l i c s a f e t y, t e c h n o l o g y, c a r i n g p r o f e s s i o n s a n d e d u c a t i o n
Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan recently visited the NFI facility in St. Cloud. Flanagan was able to see manufacturing professionals, a career field facing a labor shortage in Minnesota Here, she had an opportunity to sit behind the wheel of a New Flyer bus
Gillig has announced the ratification of new collective bargaining agreements by its local unions They voted with an impressive 94 percent endorsement of the new five-year contract Gillig has been working with these unions since 1976 and 1968
Gillig, a leading manufacturer of heavyduty transit buses in the U S , on Januar y 12 announced that Teamsters Local 853 and District Council 16 Auto, Marine and Specialty Painters Union Local 1176 voted this week strongly in favor of ratifying new collective bargaining agreements with the company The unions, with whom the company has had strong working relationships since 1976 and 1968, respectively, voted with a resounding 94 percent endorsement for the n e w fi v e - y e a r c o n t r a c t T h i s s i g n i fi c a n t majority vote demonstrates the strength of the unions’ confidence in Gillig and the comp a n y ’s d e d i c a t i o n t o i t s w o r k f o rc e a n d t o American manufacturing
“ W e a r e t h r i l l e d b y t h e o v e r w h e l m i n g s u p p o r t f o r o u r n e w c o l l e c t i v e b a r g a i n i n g a g r e e m e n t s , ” r e m a r k e d D e r e k M a u n u s , G i l l i g ’s c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o ff i c e r “ T h i s v o t e reflects not only Gillig’s strong par tnership with our dedicated workforce but also reinforces our unwavering commitment to the m e n a n d w o m e n w h o h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d t o m a k i n g t h e c o m p a n y t h e s u c c e s s i t i s t o d a y ”
B y n e g o t i a t i n g a f a i r a n d b a l a n c e d a g re e m e n t w i t h i t s u n i o n p a r t n e r s , G i l l i g h a s re i n f o rc e d i t s c o n t i n u e d s u c c e s s a n d s t a b i l i t y T h e a g re e m e n t s w i l l s u p p o r t t h e c o m p a n y ’s p r o d u c t i o n a n d w a r e h o u s e w o r k e r s a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s b y c o n t i n u i n g to provide competitive compensation well above the market rate as well as excellent benefits while fur ther for tifying Gillig’s position as a leader in the American transit bus m a n u f a c t u r i n g m a r k e t
Gillig is a leading manufacturer of heavyduty transit buses in the United States and has been family-owned since 1890 In steadfast commitment to their mission of building buses that connect communities, eliminating c o n g e s t i o n a n d c o n t r i b u t i n g t o a g re e n e r environment, Gillig offers a diverse range of c l e a n e n e r g y t r a n s i t s o l u t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g z e ro - e m i s s i o n b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c , a n d l o wemissions hybrid and CNG, as well as clean diesel solutions Known for safety, reliability and unparalleled customer service, Gillig is committed to providing high-quality transit solutions that meet the unique needs of communities nationwide
NFI recently kicked off its five-city Canadian EV tour, providing an excellent opportunity for transit authorities to test-drive New Flyer’s eight-string, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 60-foot bus
The tour operates across the provinces o f Q u e b e c a n d O n t a r i o a n d h a s a l r e a d y m a d e i t s fi r s t s t o p i n M o n t r e a l , Q u e b e c ,
to schedule your free quote!
demonstrating the outstanding capabilities o f t h e b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c b u s i n t r a v e r s i n g s n o w y u r b a n l a n d s c a p e s T h e X c e l s i o r C H A R G E N G p r o v e d i t s e n d u r a n c e a n d effortless maneuverability in challenging climates, even in snowstor ms
Get ready to witness NFI’s cutting-edge, zero-emission ar ticulated bus gracing the streets in the following cities: Gatineau, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Quebec City, Quebec
With an innovative, lightweight traction d r i v e s y s t e m a n d h i g h - e n e r g y b a t t e r i e s onboard, New Flyer’s long-range, efficient, smar t city-capable Xcelsior CHARGE NG bus is a significant advancement in the pursuit of more sustainable transpor tation
Forest River Acquires Collins Bus
Forst River Bus LLC, a subsidiary of Forest River Inc and the nation’s leading shuttle bus and van manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of Collins Bus, one of America’s oldest and most successful school bus builders
Collins Bus, with a rich histor y spanning more than 50 years, was founded in 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri, and later moved t o H u t c h i n s o n , K a n s a s R e n o w n e d f o r i t s commitment to safety, strength and reliability, Collins Bus holds a distinguished status as the pioneer in the development of the Type A school bus This groundbreaking innovat i o n m a r k e d t h e b e g i n n i n g o f a s e r i e s o f advancements that have played a pivotal r o l e i n s h a p i n g t h e r e p u t a t i o n o f C o l l i n s
NFI recently started its first-ever Canadian EV tour Making the rounds for test drives is New Flyer ’s new eight-string, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ bus. The tour operates across the provinces of Quebec and Ontario and will provide an opportunity for transit agencies to test drive the new model
buses as the most versatile and trusted in the nation
“The addition of Collins Bus to the Forest River Bus family highlights another milestone in our overall growth and leadership,” stated P e t e L i e g l , p r e s i d e n t a n d C E O o f F o r e s t River Inc “The performance of our bus and van division is a shining star for Forest River,
Forest River recently announced the acquisition of Collins Bus, a successful school bus builder Collins Bus was originally founded in Kansas City in 1967 and later moved to Hutchinson, Kansas Forest River is the nation’s leading shuttle bus and van manufacturer
and this acquisition raises an already high bar ”
Forest River Bus President David Wright, expressed his enthusiasm about this acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Collins Bus into the Forest River family This purchase combines the strengths and heri t a g e o f t w o i n d u s t r y l e a d e r s C o l l i n s B u s has a remarkable history, unwavering commitment to quality and a team of dedicated employees We value their legacy and look forward to building on their success ”
Wright added, “Our focus is not only on t h e p ro d u c t s b u t a l s o o n t h e p e o p l e T h e skilled and passionate employees at Collins Bus are a vital asset, and we are excited to collaborate with them to continue delivering t o p - n o t c h s c h o o l b u s e s t h a t p r i o r i t i z e t h e safety and wellbeing of students ”
The acquisition by Forest River signifies a j o i n t c o m m i t m e n t t o m a i n t a i n i n g t h e h i g h e s t s t a n d a rd s i n m a n u f a c t u r i n g , c u stomer service and product innovation Fore s t R i v e r i s c o m m i t t e d t o p re s e r v i n g t h e legacy of Collins Bus, while leveraging its o w n i n n o v a t i v e a p p r o a c h e s t o e n h a n c e p ro d u c t o ff e r i n g s
F o re s t R i v e r I n c p ro d u c e s t h e l a r g e s t portfolio of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, buses, pontoon boats and commercial vehicles in the world Forest River Bus is the c o u n t r y ’s l e a d i n g m a n u f a c t u re r o f b u s e s and vans for both the private and public sectors, dedicated to providing innovative transportation solutions for a wide range of indus-
tries With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, the comp a n y h a s e s t a b l i s h e d i t s e l f a s t h e m o s t trusted name in the transpor tation industr y Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company
Solaris Order from BVG Berlin for 50 Electric Buses
B e r l i n e r Ve r k e h r s b e t r i e b e ( B V G ) , t h e Berlin public transport company, has placed an order for 50 state-of-the-art Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses The buses will be delivered in the years 2024 and 2025 The order can be extended within the frame contract
T h e fl e e t o f t h e B e r l i n - b a s e d t r a n s p o r t operator BVG will be enriched with 50 mode r n a n d e m i s s i o n - f r e e S o l a r i s U r b i n o 1 8 e l e c t r i c b u s e s i n t h e n e x t t w o y e a r s T h e contract was awarded as par t of a framew o r k a g re e m e n t , w h i c h c a n b e e x t e n d e d within next years
Berlin’s public transport is already served by more than 120 batter y-powered Solaris U r b i n o b u s e s i n t h e t w o m o s t p o p u l a r lengths: 12 and 18 meters (39 and 59 feet)
“ I a m e x t re m e l y h a p p y a n d p ro u d t h a t we were able to secure the order for such a h i g h l y p r e s t i g i o u s c o n t r a c t S o l a r i s h a s a l re a d y p ro v i d e d a s i g n i fi c a n t a m o u n t o f battery buses to the BVG, which are in daily s e r v i c e o n t h e s t re e t s o f B e r l i n , t h u s c o ntributing to a more sustainable environment within the city We are ver y grateful for this clear signal of trust in our products We will put all our effor t into providing moder n, reliable and environmental-friendly buses for t h e p a s s e n g e r s i n B e r l i n , ” s a i d C h r i s t i a n Goll, managing director of Solaris Deutschland GmbH
T h e U r b i n o 1 8 e l e c t r i c b u s e s w i l l b e e q u i p p e d w i t h a 2 4 0 k W a s y n c h r o n o u s m o t o r, p o w e re d b y e n e r g y f ro m t h e n e w g e n e r a t i o n S o l a r i s h i g h e n e r g y b a t t e r i e s These batteries are characterized by high e n e r g y d e n s i t y, re s u l t i n g i n a h i g h o p e r ational range while maintaining low weight T h e i r re c h a r g i n g w i l l b e p o s s i b l e b o t h v i a a classic plus-in socket and a pantograph
The buses will be equipped with eSConnect, the manufacturer’s proprietary system, allowing to increase operational efficiency and streamline vehicle servicing
The prestigious contract with BVG is a good opportunity to summarize the previous orders for Solaris battery buses, which have been carried out by the manufacturer for a decade Nearly 2,300 Urbino electric buses are already operating on the streets of European cities Orders for more than 700 further e - b u s e s a r e i n p r o c e s s w i t h d e l i v e r i e s scheduled for the years 2024-2025
Plaxton Panther Coaches on a New London Heathrow Airpor t Ser vice
A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s h a s s u p p l i e d f o u r n e w P l a x t o n P a n t h e r c o a c h e s t o R e a d i n g B u s e s E q
accessible, side-mounted lifts, these fully
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Mark Taylor said: “The Plaxton Panther i s a g re a t v e h i c l e f o r s e r v i c e s l i k e t h e s e , o f f e r i n g a fl e x i b l e p l a t f o r m t o c o m b i n e
capacity and accessibility with comfort and reliability ”
Volvo First Order for Volvo 7900 Bodies Built by MCV Luxembourg operator Demy Schandeler S à r l ( D e m y C a r s ) h a s o rd e re d 1 5 Vo l v o 7900 electric buses to operate in intercity traffic It is the first order for Volvo electric buses with Volvo 7900 electric bodies built b y M C V T h e o r d e r s h o w s c o n fi d e n c e i n Vo l v o B u s e s ’ n e w p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h b o d ybuilder MCV, with the buses set to be delivered in spring 2025
Reading Bus recently purchased four new Plaxton Panther buses from Alexander Dennis They will be used on a new service to London’s Heathrow Airport All are equipped with side-mounted lifts to make them fully accessible
T h e n e w o r d e r c l o s e l y f o l l o w s t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t i n S e p t e m b e r o f Vo l v o B u s e s ’ a g re e m e n t w i t h M C V t o b o d y t h e Vo l v o 7 9 0 0 E l e c t r i c a n d Vo l v o 7 9 0 0 E l e ct r i c A r t i c u l a t e d b u s e s u n d e r l i c e n s e T h e agreement marked an impor tant step forward in Volvo Buses’ new business model i n E u ro p e
“We are of course ver y pleased that we can already take the first order of our Volvo 7 9 0 0 E l e c t r i c , b u i l t i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h MCV It shows the confidence that our cust o m e r h a s i n o u r b r a n d a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d t h a t w e w i l l c o n t i n u e t o b e a s t r o n g p l a y e r i n t h e E u ro p e a n m a r k e t , o ff e r i n g a w i d e r a n g e o f b u s e s i n t h e p re m i u m s e gm e n t f o r p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t , ” s a y s D a n P e tt e r s s o n , s e n i o r v i c e p r e s i d e n t , V o l v o B u s e s
C o n t r a c t e d b y R G T R , b u s o p e r a t o r D e m y S c h a n d e l e r S à r l i s Vo l v o B u s e s ’ m o s t re c e n t p a r t n e r i n L u x e m b o u r g a n d has been operating 10 Volvo 7900 Electric b u s e s s i n c e t h e b e g i n n i n g o f 2 0 2 3 T h i s s u c c e s s f u l c o l l a b o r a t i o n h a s h e l p e d t o s e c u re t h e l a t e s t o rd e r f o r 1 5 Vo l v o 7 9 0 0 E l e c t r i c
“This order is a great achievement The trust in our par tnership with Demy Schand e l e r S à r l h a s b e e n b u i l t o v e r t h e y e a r, based on excellent uptime and the reactivity o f t h e a f t e r m a r k e t o r g a n i z a t i o n , w i t h t h e strong support of our local dealer,” says Laur e n t B r a v e t t i , d i r e c t o r Vo l v o B u s L u x e mbourg, Benelux
Volvo Buses recently received its first order for 7900 model buses w i t h
“Included in our total fleet of around 400 urban buses, coaches and electric buses a s w e l l a s 1 6 0 m i n i - b u s e s , Vo l v o h a s become one of our pillars in the transition to electromobility Having successfully driven 800,000 kilometers in 11 months with the 10 Vo l v o 7 9 0 0 E l e c t r i c b u s e s h a v e s t re n g t hened confidence in the product,” says Laurent Schandeler, CEO of Demy Schandeler S àr l
Volvo Buses will continue to be the point o f c o n t a c t f o r c u s t o m e r s re g a rd i n g s p a re par ts and services for buses built in par tnership with MCV
Ebusco, a pioneer and frontrunner in the d e v e l o p m e n t o f e l e c t r i c b u s e s , c h a r g i n g
VR Sverige has placed an order for 14 Ebusco 3 0 buses They will be operated on Helsingborg on Sweden’s west coast and its closest point to Denmark The battery-electric articulated buses are 18 meters in length (about 59 feet) and will serve on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines
systems and energy storage has signed a contract with VR Sverige This order consists of 14 Ebusco 3 0 18-meter buses which will b e d e p l o y e d i n H e l s i n g b o r g b e g i n n i n g 2025
The 14 Ebusco 3 0 18-meter buses will b e e q u i p p e d w i t h a b a t t e r y p a c k o f m o re than 500 kWh, ensuring a sufficient range for the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lines where t h e s e b u s e s w i l l o p e r a t e B RT i s a t r a n s i t s y s t e m r e n o w n e d f o r i t s f r e q u e n t , s w i f t a n d d e p e n d a b l e t r a v e l t i m e s w h i l e p r ov i d i n g a c o m f o r t a b l e a n d h i g h - q u a l i t y transpor tation experience Through these ro u t e s , V R S v e r i g e , t o g e t h e r w i t h E b u s c o f a c i l i t a t e s c o n v e n i e n t , i n c l u s i v e a n d e n v iro n m e n t a l l y - s u s t a i n a b l e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n i n H e l s i n g b o r g
T h e g r o u n d b r e a k i n g E b u s c o 3 0 w i l l be right at home in the city of Helsingborg w h i c h i s k n o w n f o r i t s i n n o v a t i o n - d r i v e n s p i r i t S o m u c h s o t h a t H e l s i n g b o r g w o n s e c o n d p r i z e i n t h e E u ro p e a n C a p i t a l o f I n n o v a t i o n A w a r d s 2 0 2 0 T h i s a n n u a l a w a rd , a l s o k n o w n a s “ i C a p i t a l , ” i s g i v e n to the European city that can best demons t r a t e t h a t i t u s e s i n n o v a t i o n t o i m p r o v e the lives of its residents – something Helsi n g b o r g c o n t i n u e s t o e x c e l a t , re a ff i r m e d b y t h i s n e w o rd e r
V R S v e r i g e n o t o n l y f o c u s e s o n z e r o e m i s s i o n b u s e s , b u t a l s o o n t h e o v e r a l l i m p a c t o f a n e l e c t r i c o p e r a t i o n C o n s e q u e n t l y, V R S v e r i g e e x c l u s i v e l y re l i e s o n g re e n re n e w a b l e e n e r g y t o m i ni m i z e t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a l i m p a c t T h e E b u s c o 3 0 s e a m l e s s l y a l i g n s w i t h t h i s p h i l o s o p h y D u e t o i t s l i g h t w e i g h t d e s i g n , t h e E b u s c o 3 0 h a s re c e n t l y s h o w c a s e d its revolutionar y low energy consumption, r e s u l t i n g i n a s u b s t a n t i a l r e d u c t i o n o f t h e o v e r a l l r e s o u r c e s r e q u i r e d t o r u n a n o p e r a t i o n
Anders Frykman, director of the Bus Divis i o n a t V R S w e d e n , c o m m e n t s : “ W e a r e
proud and happy to announce that Ebusco will be the new supplier of electric buses to Helsingborg They are, just like VR Sweden, i n n o v a t i o n - d r i v e n , a n d w e a re c o n v i n c e d that the Ebusco 3 0 is a bus model that will increase both the comfort on board and the perceived quality In addition, it will be even easier for the people of Helsingborg to travel sustainably ”
Peter Bijvelds, co-CEO of Ebusco, comments: “We are extremely proud and honored to welcome VR Sverige as a new customer In recent trials, the Ebusco 3 0 has d e m o n s t r a t e d i t s p o s i t i o n a s t h e m a r k e t ’s most efficient electric bus As we introduce these 18-meter buses, we anticipate a further amplification of their positive impact on sustainability We are delighted to par tner with VR Sverige in taking a significant stride toward enhancing comfort and sustainability in public transportation, with the shared goal of improving the environment for both commuters and residents ”
Alexander Dennis Adds
Three Ser vice Vans
A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , a s u b s i d i a r y o f N F I Group Inc , one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, on Januar y 30 announced that it has introduced three electric vans to its fleet of AD24 vehicles as the first of its field service engineers have completed training for the next generation of zero-emission buses
Alexander Dennis employs 48 AD24 field service engineers across the UK, more than a n y o t h e r m a n u f a c t u r e r o f b u s e s a n d c o a c h e s T h e fi r s t o f t h e m h a s n o w c o mpleted all required training on the next generation of Alexander Dennis electric buses, r e a d y t o s u p p o r t c u s t o m e r s a s t h e n e w buses enter fleets in the coming months A comprehensive training plan is in place for the remainder of the team
Three new electric vans have replaced d i e s e l - p o w e r e d v e h i c l e s a n d a r e f u l l y equipped with all the tools and equipment needed for field service engineers to attend t o b u s e s a n d c o a c h e s a t c u s t o m e r s ’ premises as well as at the roadside
A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s G ro u p A f t e r m a r k e t Director Tony Davis said: “As we continue to lead the transition to zero-emission mobility, electrification for Alexander Dennis extends beyond buses themselves to the ancillar y vehicles that support their operation These three electric vans allow us to evaluate their o p e r a t i o n a l p e r f o r m a n c e a h e a d o f f u t u re investment in our AD24 service fleet
“Fully kitted out with the latest technology and tools, they are a fantastic working environment for our field service engineers as we upskill the team to support our customers in the operation and maintenance of our nextgeneration electric buses with the expertise they are accustomed to from AD24 ” q
Alexander Dennis recently added three new electric van to increase its field service capability. The first of the new field service engineers has already completed required training on the next generation of Alexander Dennis electric buses These vans replace diesel-powered vehicles and are fully equipped with the tools and equipment that the field service engineers need
Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI, was recognized with the Ignatian Challenge Award awarded by his alma mater St Paul’s H i g h S c h o o l a t t h e 2 8 t h A n n u a l I g n a t i a n C h a l l e n g e A w a r d Tr i b u t e D i n n e r i n W i nnipeg, Manitoba The event raises funds for the school’s bursar y f u n d t o e n s u r e e d u c a t i o n a c c e ssibility for students who might not othe r w i s e b e a b l e t o attend the school
“ T h e I g n a t i a n C h a l l e n g e Aw a rd recognizes individuals who embrace t h e i d e a l s o f S t Ignatius of Loyola and, through their l e a d e r s h i p a n d commitment to service, are examples for our students to become men for others,” states Kevin Booth ’78, president of St Paul’s High School “We are thrilled to honor Paul Soubry’s leadership and commitment to our community ”
A c t i v e l y e n g a g i n g a n d s u p p o r t i n g t h e c o m m u n i t i e s i s c r i t i c a l t o N F I ’s B e t t e r Wo r l d p i l l a r, a l o n g w i t h d e l i v e r i n g b e t t e r p ro d u c t s a n d c re a t i n g b e t t e r w o r k p l a c e s as par t of NFI’s overarching Sustainability P l e d g e T h a n k y o u t o N F I ’s p a r t n e r s w h o were instrumental in the campaign to supp o r t t h e c o m m u n i t y
T h i s a w a rd f u r t h e r e x p a n d s a n u m b e r o f S o u b r y ’ s r e c o g n i t i o n s i n c l u d i n g t h e m o s t re c e n t L i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e n t Aw a rd f r o m t h e Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n D i v e r s i t y C o u ncil/Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a w a rd e d t o S o u b r y i n A p r i l o f 2 0 2 3 T h e NFI team congratulates him on this recogn i t i o n a s h e c o n t i n u e s b e i n g a p ro m i n e n t leader driving the new mobility era toward a m o re s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u re
Van Hool
Va n H o o l h a s a p p o i n t e d Marc Zwaaneveld as co-chief executive officer He will w o r k a l o n g s i d e e x i s t i n g C E O F i l i p Va n H o o l
Zwaaneveld will focus largely on “accele r a t i n g a n d i n t e n s i f y i n g ” Va n H o o l ’s b u s iness’s recover y following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Filip Van Hool will devote his time to managing day-to-day
business activities
The company indicated that Zwaaneveld is expected to remain until the r e c o v e r y p l a n i s s u f fi c i e n t l y secured
T h e p a n d e m i c h a d a s i g n i fi c a n t impact on demand f o r p r o d u c t s i n markets served by Va n H o o l , w i t h t h e coach sector hit particularly hard Supply chain disruption and inflationar y pressures are also cited as having affected the company While sales have been increasing, t h e c o m p a n y w o u l d l i k e t o s p e e d u p t h e recover y process
It was mentioned Zwaaneveld has had p a s t e x p e r i e n c e i n i m p ro v i n g c o m p a n i e s t h a t n e e d e d a l i t t l e h e l p H e w o r k e d w i t h D A F Tr u c k s b e f o re b e c o m i n g i n v o l v e d i n the business advisory area, investments and i n t e r i m m a n a g e m e n t H e h a s a l s o b e e n i n v o l v e d w i t h o t h e r i n d u s t r i e s i n c l u d i n g w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t a n d f o o d I t w a s a l s o mentioned that Zwaaneveld is active in nonprofit social benefit work
ABC Companies
ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transpor t equipment and industr y leader in e l e c t r i c m o b i l i t y s o l u t i o n s i n t h e U S a n d C a n a d a , h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e a p p o i n t m e n t o f R y h a n C o r n e l l t o the board of direct o r s o f t h e Tr a i lways Char ter Bus Network
As a third-generation member of the founding family o f A B C C o m p anies, Cornell’s journ e y i n t h e b u s i n d u s t r y h a s b e e n e x t e n s i v e a n d i n s p i r i n g S h e g re w u p w i t h i n t h e f a m i l y ’s m o t o rc o a c h b u s i n e s s , g a i n i n g h a n d s - o n experience ranging from operational tasks at the Faribault, Minnesota facility to vehicle detail work and parts management in Winter G a r d e n , F l o r i d a , d u r i n g h e r h i g h s c h o o l
y e a r s T h i s e a r l y i m m e r s i o n l a i d a s t ro n g foundation for her future roles in the industr y
Upon graduating from college, Cornell v e n t u r e d b e y o n d t h e f a m i l y e n t e r p r i s e , e m b a r k i n g o n a c a r e e r i n t h e m o r t g a g e i n d u s t r y H e r p a s s i o n f o r t h e b u s i n d u s t r y drew her back to ABC Companies in 2009 a s a s a l e s a s s o c i a t e H e r re t u r n m a r k e d t h e b e g i n n i n g o f a r e m a r k a b l e p a t h o f g ro w t h a n d l e a d e r s h i p , o v e r s e e i n g s a l e s t e r r i t o r i e s a c ro s s Vi r g i n i a , We s t Vi r g i n i a , t h e C a ro l i n a s , Te n n e s s e e a n d K e n t u c k y Her tenure as an account manager is highl i g h t e d b y a d e p t c l i e n t m a n a g e m e n t a n d s i g n i f i c a n t c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o b o t h s m a l l o p e r a t o r s a n d s o m e o f t h e l a r g e s t c l i e n t s i n t h e c o u n t r y
B e y o n d h e r w o r k a t A B C C o m p a n i e s , Cornell has actively participated on various industr y-related boards, including the Virg i n i a , N o r t h C a ro l i n a , S o u t h C a ro l i n a a n d Tennessee motorcoach associations She currently serves as a board member for Virginia and South Carolina motorcoach associations, further cementing her commitment to the industr y’s advancement
C o r n e l l ’s d e d i c a t i o n e x t e n d s b e y o n d h e r p r o f e s s i o n a l a c h i e v e m e n t s A s a d e v o t e d m o t h e r o f t w o a n d a n a c t i v e p a rticipant in community service, notably with t h e C a n n o n b a l l K i d s ’ C a n c e r F o u n d a t i o n , s h e e m b o d i e s a b a l a n c e o f c a re e r e x c e ll e n c e a n d p e r s o n a l c o m m i t m e n t t o s o c i a l c a u s e s
A s a b o a rd m e m b e r, Cornell i s p o i s e d t o a p p l y h e r e x t e n s i v e e x p e r i e n c e a n d knowledge to help guide Trailways Char ter Bus Network toward a future that balances b u s i n e s s s u c c e s s w i t h c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t a n d e n v i ro n m e n t a l s t e w a rds h i p H e r c o m p re h e n s i v e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e i n d u s t r y, c o m b i n e d w i t h h e r l e a de r s h i p s k i l l s a n d c o m m i t m e n t t o s o c i a l c a u s e s , p o s i t i o n s h e r a s a n i n v a l u a b l e a s s e t t o t h e b o a rd , s e t t o m a k e a s i g n i f ic a n t i m p a c t o n t h e d i re c t i o n a n d s u c c e s s o f Tr a i l w a y s
“ I a m e x c i t e d f o r
Ryhan Cornell t o j o i n the board of directors of Trailways Char ter Bus Network Her in-depth industr y knowledge, leadership acumen and dedication to social causes position her as an invalua b l e a s s e t f o r b o t h A B C C o m p a n i e s a n d Trailways Her appointment is a testament to her remarkable contributions to the bus industry and her potential to positively influ-
ence its future,” said Roman Cor nell, chief executive officer of ABC Companies
A B C C o m p a n i e s a n n o u n c e d t h a t i t w i l l a p p o i n t B r e n d a W o r d e l m a n t o s e n i o r v i c e p re s id e n t o f n a t i o n a l a c c o u n t s I n t h e n e w ro l e , s h e w i l l o v e r s e e a c t i v i t i e s f o r k e y c u s t o m e r r e l a t i o n s h i p s t h r o u g h o u t t h e United States and C a n a d a T h e m o v e c o m e s a s p a r t o f t h e c o mp a n y ’s s t r a t e g i c p l a n s t o e x p a n d s u p p o r t o f i t s N a t i o n a l A c c o u n t s p o r t f o l i o Wo r d e l m a n h a s m o r e t h a n 2 5 y e a r s o f e x e c u t i v e e x p e r i e n c e , i n c l u d i n g a n a b u n d a n c e o f i n d u s t r y re l a t i o n s h i p s , a d e e p u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f m a r k e t i n g a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , s a l e s a n d o p e r a t i o n s w i t h a p a r t i c u l a r f o c u s o n k e y a c c o u n t s t h r o u g h o u t N o r t h A m e r i c a i n c l u d i n g C a n a d a
S h e h a s b e e n a c t i v e o n k e y i n d u s t r y a s s o c i a t i o n b o a r d s i n c l u d i n g t h e A B A Board of Gover nors and the National Limo A s s o c i a t i o n B o a rd o f D i re c t o r s Wo r d e lman w i l l re p o r t d i re c t l y t o R o m a n C o r n e l l , A B C ’s c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e r “ B r e n d a brings a wealth of industr y knowledge and a strong combination of leadership, product development and incomparable indust r y a n d c u s t o m e r- s p e c i f i c i n s i g h t t o t h e new role Her firsthand experience leading t h r o u g h c h a l l e n g e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s within our industr y continues to accelerate A B C ’s g ro w t h a n d l e a d e r s h i p s t r a t e g i e s , ” s a i d C o r n e l l
Vickie Cole
It is with deep sadness that we announce Vi c k i e C o l e , c o - o w n e r o f A m e r i c a n S t a g e Tours, Concord, Califor nia, and president of the Califor nia Motorcoach Association, passed away unexpectedly while attending t h e A B A M a r k e t p l a c e i n N a s h v i l l e A respected industr y leader, full of entrepreneurial get-go, Vickie had been par t of the leadership team at American Stage Tours (AST) since 1991
In addition to creating sell-out premium tours and trips for Bay Area seniors, Vickie often served as the driver, a skill she credi t e d w i t h h e l p i n g h e r b u s i n e s s o f f e r t h e t y p e o f t o u r s w h e re t r a v e l e r s c o u l d re l a x a n d e n j o y t h e l e i s u r e t r a v e l e x p e r i e n c e W i t h a l o y a l s t a ff t o c o u n t o n , Vi c k i e w a s a b l e t o d o n a t e h e r t i m e a n d t a l e n t s t o t h e Califor nia Bus Association (CBA) She was
n a m e d p r e s i d e n t o f C B A i n 2 0 1 9 A s a CBS board member for many years, Vickie c o n t r i b u t e d t o m e m b e r s h i p c o m m u n i c at i o n t h r o u g h o u t C O V I D , a n d f o u g h t f o r national relief for members statewide She h e l p e d i m p l e m e n t a m e m b e r s h i p d r i v e w e l c o m i n g o p e r a t o r s f r o m n e i g h b o r i n g s t a t e s i n t o t h e C B A
Vickie started her motorcoach career as operational manager for Tri-Star Char ters, Concord Califor nia, in the early 1980s
“ I t ’s a g r e a t l o s s , ” s a i d C h a r l e s W i l l i a m s “ V i c k i e ’s c o n t r i b u t i o n s e s t a bl i s h e d A S T a s t h e t o u r a n d c h a r t e r c o mp a n y t o t u r n t o f o r c h a r t e r s , s e n i o r t r i p s a n d t r a v e l t h r o u g h o u t t h e W e s t e r n U S and Canada Our successful histor y is due t o h e r i n t e l l i g e n c e , e x p e r i e n c e a n d p a ss i o n t o p l e a s e o u r c u s t o m e r s ”
As vice president of CBA, Michael Giddens of Pacific Coachways will take over as president of CBA q
Th e 2 0 2 4 A m e r i c a n B u s A s s o c i a t i o n
Marketplace took place in Nashville, Te n n e s s e e f ro m J a n u a r y 1 2 - 1 6 , 2 0 2 4 with activities centered around Music City Center. Most of our readers are aware that this event is geared primarily to bus tours although there are buses on the show floor and some bus activity While the first Busw o r l d U S A w a s h e l d i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h e M a r k e t p l a c e i n 2 0 2 3 i n D e t r o i t , i t i s s c h e d u l e d i n a l t e r n a t e y e a r s a n d h e n c e w a s n o t i n c l u d e d t h i s y e a r
What might be considered the most notew o r t h
Marketplace opened when Nashville was h i t w i
lyzed the community Local residents were seen taking photos of the snow while many g o
that since snow is relatively rare in Nashville, the city has only five snow plows The convention center struggled with a staff shortage, particularly in regard to luncheons, but
e v e r y o n e s e e m e d t o s u r v i v e o n e w a y o r another
T h e s n o w d i d d i s ru p t f l i g h t s c h e d u l e s into and out of Nashville. Numerous flights were cancelled, making it difficult for some people to get into or out of the area This situation started to ease up later in the week a l t h o u g h s n o w r e m a i n e d o n m o s t o f t h e streets In many cases, show attendees from the north could deal with the snow better than the locals
Heard on the Floor
S e v e r a l o f o u r l o n g - t i m e re a d e r s h a v e b e e n p re s s u r i n g u s t o i n c l u d e m e n t i o n o f w h a t t h e b u s p e o p l e a n d e x h i b i t o r s w e re talking about on the floor Here are some of the topics that came up at this event.
An obvious topic among the bus people was the recent Proterra bankruptcy and sale It looks like the original company was sepa r a t e d i n t o t h re e p a r t s a n d e a c h w a s s o l d individually The bankruptcy court recently approved the sale of the bus manufacturing segment to Phoenix Motors. There apparently was not a lot of interest in the bus manufacturing end of Proterra People suggested that the total number of buses built by Proterra was not that high and they were not well-regarded by many. Some questioned w h a t P h o e n i x w o u l d d o w i t h b a c k o rd e r s and supporting existing Proterra buses If anyone will benefit from Proterra’s depart u re f ro m t h e m a r k e t , i t w i l l p ro b a b l y b e
Gillig and New Flyer
There was more interest in the batteries a n d c o n t r o l s y s t e m s b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e needed by other bus manufacturers However, those we spoke with seemed to feel that things were under control for now.
Several bus people mentioned that there w a s r e d u c e d i n t e r e s t i n b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c b u s e s i n r e c e n t m o n t h s H o w e v e r, t h e r e a p p a r e n t l y i s n o s i n g l e r e a s o n f o r t h i s . T h e r e i s i n c r e a s i n g c o n c e r n o v e r s a f e l y w i t h l i t h i u m i o n b a t t e r i e s D a y s p r i o r t o t h e s h o w, a L o n d o n b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c d o ub l e - d e c k b u s c a u g h t f i re w h i l e o n a ro u t e t h r o u g h Wi m b l e d o n i n t h e r u s h h o u r W h i l e t h e b u s w a s c o m p l e t e l y d e s t ro y e d , the passengers escaped without injury, but i t w a s re p o r t e d t h a t t h e v e h i c l e t y p e w a s w i t h d r a w n I t i s a l s o n o t e w o r t h y t h a t t h e N e w Yo r k F i r e D e p a r t m e n t n o w r a t e s l i t h i u m i o n b a t t e r i e s a s t h e p r i m a r y c a u s e o f f i re s , e ff e c t i v e l y re p l a c i n g c i g a re t t e s
In addition, we have seen increased interest in hydrogen fuel cell buses recently There a r e q u e s t i o n s o n h o w t h e h y d r o g e n i s obtained, but more and more bus manufacturers are suggesting that hydrogen not only o ff e r s g re a t e r r a n g e t h a n b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c power but is as quick to refuel as diesel This i s p a r t i c u l a r l y n o t e w o r t h y i n r e g a r d t o motorcoach operations where range can be a significant factor
We a l s o h e a r d s e v e r a l p e o p l e t a l k i n g about the advantages of clean diesel engines To d a y ’ s n e w c l e a n d i e s e l e n g i n e s a r e remarkably clean, particularly when compared with 20 years back. Not too long ago, a transit operator in the Northeast replaced a hybrid fleet with a new clean diesel fleet because the new clean diesel engines were significantly cleaner than the older hybrids t h e y r e p l a c e d H e n c e , w h e n y o u l o o k a t numbers on paper, the battery-electric buses are actually quite expensive for what little advantage they offer
A n o t h e r t o p i c h e a rd o n t h e s h o w f l o o r was the increasing sale of new private sector motorcoaches While the final numbers were not in yet, many of us were aware that new p r i v a t e s e c t o r m o t o r c o a c h s a l e s f o r 2 0 2 3 could reach 1,000 for the first time since the p a n d e m i c W h i l e f a r f ro m b e i n g a re c o rd , this does indicate that the bus industry and new coach sales are improving
While exhibitors have always grumbled about the cost of moving show materials and of erecting booths or renting furniture, we are hearing more of this Prices are going up just when sales are down because of the pandemic Costs to rent show furniture for just a few days is higher than what it costs to buy it new. Those with large booths are dealing with huge costs to erect and tear down for the show We found one small exhibitor who h a s b e e n b u y i n g n e w f u r n i t u re a t a l o c a l store and driving it to the show In spite of the fact that they simply abandon it on the show floor when they leave, they still come out ahead
Here is a list of the eight buses that were on display at the Marketplace
MCI (Motor Coach Industries)
On display in the MCI stand was a clean diesel J4500 model painted gray with green and blue trim It was noted that many recent developments at MCI have centered around production and staff From the manufacturi n g s t a n d p o i n t t h e r e h a v e b e e n s e v e r a l i m p ro v e m e n t s a t t h e i r p r i m a r y f a c i l i t y i n Winnipeg In addition, the MCI facility in Pembina, North Dakota remains open and continues to finish “D” model coaches that are trucked down from Winnipeg Original plans following the acquisition by NFI were to close down Pembina and send this finishi n g w o r k t o N e w F l y e r f a c i l i t i e s i n M i nnesota. However, keeping this facility open and busy has been warmly received by the community where MCI is far and away the largest employer.
The MCI people mentioned that the supp l y c h a i n s i t u a t i o n i s m u c h b e t t e r P a r t s a v a i l a b i l i t y h a s i m p ro v e d w i t h a l t e r n a t e sources. In addition to more service and support staff, MCI now fields more salespeople Possible future expansion includes bringing M C I s e r v i c e t o t h e e x i s t i n g N F I f a c i l i t y i n Renton, Washington Anna Ávalo is now the
new pre-owned coach manager and will be concentrating in that area.
On the manufacturing side, there have b e e n s e v e r a l i m p ro v e m e n t s i n h o s e s a n d similar components that may not be immediately obvious The most recent new model w a s t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f t h e “ D ” m o d e l
I S T V – I n m a t e S e c u r i t y Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n
Vehicle. This is the latest in the ongoing plan
to move the “D” model coaches to the newer design that is similar to the J” model series.
Prevost
The people from Prevost had an H3-45 model on display It was painted gray with a big “100” on the side to indicate that the company celebrates their 100th anniversary this year Perhaps the most important news item is a major order from New York MTA for commuter coaches that is reportedly the
Expectedly, the people from MCI showed their popular J4500 model. News at MCI included increases in production and sales staff as well as in the introduction of the new “D” Model ISTV – Inmate Security Transportation Vehicle There were several improvements on the buses including hoses and similar components.
largest order the company has ever received We a re a w a i t i n g f i n a l w o rd t h a t h a s t o b e approved by the MTA, but we understand that it involves state money and hence is outside of Buy America provisions.
Prevost has done well with sales Their 2 0 2 4 o rd e r b o o k i s f i l l e d . P l a n s a re t o h i re another 150 people at the plant in Ste Claire, Q u e b e c a n d i n c r e a s e p r o d u c t i o n t o f o u r c o a c h e s a d a y. M e a n w h i l e , N o v a b u s h a s decided to withdraw from the United States m a r k e t A f t e r t h e l a s t o f t h e B u y A m e r i c a buses are completed at the facility in Plattsburgh, New York, it will be shut down
There have been several changes on the conversion end of the business We were told t h a t t h e S p e l l i n g s r e c e n t l y s o l d BusforSale com to Encore, which had previously picked up Nighttrain Dreamliner bought Diamond Coach in 2022 and more recently bought Hemphill Bros The Prevost Prouds, the organization of Prevost convers i o n o w n e r s , h a v e f o u n d f a u l t w i t h t h e “Prouds” designation and are planning to c h a n g e t h e i r n a m e t o t h e P r e v o s t M o t o r Coach Club
Temsa
O n e o f t h e m o re i n t e re s t i n g a s p e c t s o f Te m s a o p e r a t i o n s i s t h a t w e h e r e i n t h e United States only get to see a small segment of Temsa’s international operations Temsa is now owned 50 percent by Sabanci Holdings of Turkey and 50 percent by Škoda, a C z e ch comp a n y Te msa p rodu ct s a re n ow operating in 56 different countries while the company builds about 10,000 units annually including buses, midibuses and light-duty trucks
e r a t i v e b r a k i n
u c e b r a k e w e a r a n d increase vehicle
3 0 -
f
Obvious on the side of the Prevost H3-45 was the “100” number to indicate that in 2024 Prevost passes the century mark. Not only is the Prevost order book full for 2024, but they also received their largest order yet from the New York MTA Plans are to increase staff at the plant in Ste Claire, Quebec.
20 • National Bus Trader / March, 2024
T
e s t
e
n g m
d
n e c o m p
r
n
N o t e w o r t h y r e c e n t d e v e l o p m e n t s include an expanded customer service crew. I n a d d i t i o n , t e c h n i c a l s u p p o r t h a s b e e n i n c re a s e d w i t h s e v e n f i e l d s u p p o r t re p resentatives. Their Temsa Electronic Parts Store (TEPS) is making buying parts easier One of the more interesting items mentioned is that Temsa is well along towards offering a gasoline-powered version of its 30-foot TS30 model. It will have a larger luggage capacity and will be of interest to limousine and private owners who may not want to move up to diesel.
Daimler
Daimler Coaches North America exhibi t e d t h e i r To u r r i d e r m o d e l I t w a s p a i n t e d
white with blue trim and lettered for Cline Tours It was also equipped with a wheelc h a i r l i f t o n t h e s i d e a n d a 1 2 - c o l o r l i g h t s y s t e m i n t h e i n t e r i o r D a i m l e r o ff e r s t h e To u r r i d e r i n t w o v e r s i o n s , t h e B u s i n e s s option and the higher end Premium Both a r e o n l y a v a i l a b l e w i t h D e t r o i t e n g i n e p o w e r.
N o t e w o r t h y w a s t h e c r a s h v i d e o t h a t p l a y e d a l o n g s i d e t h e c o a c h . T h e D a i m l e r staff were proud that they had completed a f u l l c r a s h t e s t o n t h e i r c o a c h a n d h a d t h e video to show the results It did very well with the front bumper test, utilizing a front collision guard system for head-on collisions t h a t w a s o r i g i n a t e d i n t h e e a r l i e r S e t r a model
The Daimler staff mentioned that they asked customers what they wanted and then listened to them They also mentioned that t h e y h a d i n - h o u se f i n a n ci n g su p p o r t t h a t helped customers find financing.
ABC Companies showed off a Van Hool T X 4 5 m o d e l p a i n t e d b l a c k a n d e q u i p p e d with clean diesel power It offered numerous upgrades and innovations over the previous model Improvements included a new contoured entryway with stainless handles and sidewall A new front reduced parcel racks arrangement behind the driver provides a more spacious area. The cockpit area itself had been reconfigured to give the driver a welcome five more inches of depth In addit i o n , t h e d r i v e r n o w g e t s a h u g e n e w c u p h o l d e r a n d a n e w c o m p a r t m e n t f o r a c e l l phone, sunglasses and other personal items.
Even the dashboard has been curved and redesigned.
Interior improvements on this new coach included diamond stitch leather seats with imitation leather used on the ceiling Contoured parcel racks at the front were set back T h e re a re n e w p a s s e n g e r a m e n i t y p a n e l s and interior LED lights that change colors
A l a rg e , n e w l a v a t o r y h a s a w i n d o w a n d
f a ce s si de w a y s It w a s a l so n ot e d t h a t t h e engine compartment radiator now has electric fans
A B C i s i n c r e a s i n g l y i n v o l v e d w i t h e l e c t r i c c o a c h e s p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t h e B a y A r e a T h e d o u b l e - d e c k c o a c h e s h a v e a r a n g e o f 2 5 0 m i l e s w h i l e t h e s i n g l e - d e c k coaches have a 260-mile range It was mentioned that California is moving to requiri n g a p e rc e n t a g e o f e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s T h e A B C s t a ff h a s b e e n a c t i v e i n h e l p i n g c u st o m e r s u n d e r s t a n d w h e n e l e c t r i c i s a n option A good plan has been to start small a n d l e t A B C g u i d e t h e m t h r o u g h t h e re l a t e d i n f r a s t ru c t u re
In other areas, ABC’s smaller bus business has been growing Turtle Top models are popular while larger cutaways have substantial potential in transit applications. ABC has also been moving ahead in the areas of parts and service ABC Parts offers parts for all makes and models. Service is expanding with ABC offering training at their ABC Univ e r s i t y, b o t h a t A B C l o c a t i o n s a n d a t c u stomer locations It was also mentioned that ABC and Van Hool had renewed their ongoing distributor contract for the sale of Van H o o l c o a c h e s , b u t Va n H o o l m a y w a n t t o b u i l d a n d s e l l t r a n s i t b u s e s i n t h e U n i t e d States.
John Halls Alaska
One company other than a bus dealer to display a coach was John Hall’s Alaska They showed off their newest MCI J4500 complete w i t h s p e c i a l e x t e r i o r p a i n t a n d t h e i r n e w s t y l e g a l l e y A l l o f t h e i r c o a c h e s h a v e reduced seating and include a galley to provide extra service for their passengers
National Bus Trader / March, 2024 • 21
Daimler showed a Tourrider model that had already been sold to and painted for Cline Tours A video in the booth area showed a crash test including the front collision guard that was developed some years ago Daimler offers the Tourrider model in two versions – their Business option and the higher end Premium The ABC display area featured a Van Hool TS45 with numerous improvements including a contoured entryway, an improved parcel rack design, a more spacious cockpit for the driver as well as a huge cup holder and a new compartment for sunglasses and cell phones. ABC is increasingly involved in electric coaches, particularly in the Bay Area Van Hool and ABC recently extended their longstanding coach distributor agreement.
The company is somewhat unique in the tour business in that they specialize in tours of Alaska While bus tours operate in all 50 s t a t e s , A l a s k a p re s e n t s t h e m o s t d i ff i c u l t challenges for tour planners. In addition to its remote location, Alaska is a country of many hidden features that may not be on the conventional highways Over the years, J o h n H a l l ’ s A l a s k a h a s h a d s t a f f o n t h e ground in Alaska to find unique places and a t t r a c t i o n s t h a t a r e u s u a l l y u n k n o w n t o remote tour planners As a result, they offer A l a s k a t o u r s t h a t a re u n i q u e a n d i n c l u d e n u m e ro u s o ff - t h e - b e a t e n - p a t h s t o p s t h a t introduce the real Alaska to visitors
Davey Coach
Davey Coach has been a regular exhibitor a t m a n y o f t h e s e s h o w s T h e y a re a w e l lknown small bus dealer based in Colorado, California and Indiana. On display was a
w h i t e Tu r t l e To p c u t a w a y b u s b u i l t o n a Freightliner S2L chassis. It had a rear door w i t h a l u g g a g e c o m p a r t m e n t a n d o ff e re d seating for 20 passengers Davey Coach sells small buses including the Turtle Top brand. They also offer electric buses up to 15 passengers in size and also have hydrogen fuel cell buses for sale
National Bus Sales, founded in 1989 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is not related to NATIONAL BUS TRADER that was founded in 1977 in Illinois They offer a wide range of buses On display was their Ultra Coachliner DXL, a large cutaway bus offering several big coach features Built on a Freightliner M chassis, it had a white exterior and seated 54 passengers with a lavatory Other features included large underfloor luggage, air ride suspension replacing the regular Freightliner suspen-
sion, an Allison transmission and a Cummins 9C engine – the same as used on the J3500 It was noted that the Ultra Coachliner passes federal rollover requirements
All of the exhibitors we spoke with mentioned that this year ’s show was better than last year in Detroit This, in spite of the fact that the luncheons had to deal with reduced staff and many airline flights were cancelled because of the snow I would add a personal note that the Tuesday luncheon presented by Virginia was impressive from the standpoint of both the food and the entertainment
Fortunately, the American Bus Association has graciously provided information for seve r a l f u t u re e v e n t s M a r k e t p l a c e w i l l b e i n Philadelphia on February 1-4, 2025. Presumably the bi-annual Busworld USA equipment event will be included 2026 will find Marketplace in Reno, Nevada on January 10-13 In 2027, Marketplace moves to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on February 6-9. If Busworld continues its bi-annual schedule, it will be included in this event January 22-25 of 2028 will see Marketplace scheduled in Charlotte, North Carolina q
or more than a century, buses have been the beating heart of transportation in and around New York City From the articulated New York City transit buses to the double-deckers weaving through Manhattan streets to the intercity buses bringing travelers from across the country, these workhorses have ferried generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike
In the early days, horse-drawn omnibuses transported New Yorkers along cobblestone streets As the city sprawled and technology advanced, gasoline-powered buses took over, their rubber tires gliding over paved avenues The iconic red double-deckers, introduced in 1905, quickly became a beloved symbol of the city 1 Beyond the city limits, a vast network of intercity buses connected New York to the rest of the nation, while smaller regional lines crisscrossed the surrounding states, transporting residents between rural towns and the big city.
Today, the bus industry in and around New York City is comprised of many service types and operators transporting millions of commuters, tourists and students each day These include school buses, publicly- and privately-operated commuter buses, intercity buses, tour and sightseeing buses, airport shuttles and specialty operation buses The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates almost 6,000 buses2, making it the largest municipal bus fleet in the United States As of the third quarter of 2023, MTA buses showed weekday ridership of approximately 2,150,000 passengers 3 The Port Authority Bus Terminal, the largest bus terminal in the country serving commuters and intercity travelers, serves an estimated 260,000 passengers on a busy weekday.4 More than 10,000 school buses operate in New York City5, serving 1 5 million students,6 more than 1 million of whom attend New York City’s public schools 7
Buses, along with vans, have also found a place in limousine company fleets These vehicles offer a number of advantages over traditional limousines, such as being more spacious and accommodating larger groups They can also be equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi
With the proposed New York City Congestion Pricing under discussion, the various bus groups in the New York City area as well as some of the
a t b u s e s b e exempted. They argue that buses not only reduce congestion by replacing numerous cars but also reduce pollution Shown here are a Prevost and an MCI bringing groups to Radio City Music Hall on 6th Avenue in Manhattan. J C REBIS JR
and entertainment systems, making them ideal for business meetings or airport transfers Additionally, charter buses and vans can be more cost-effective than limousines, making them a more attractive option for budget-conscious clients. The shift to buses and vans is just one example of how the transportation industry is adapting to the changing needs of its customers.
Buses are a key piece of New York City’s transportation system
Not only do they transport people inside and outside the city, but they also mitigate congestion by taking millions of cars off the road One bus can carry the equivalent of 40 to 60 single-occupancy vehicles but with fewer emissions and taking up less of the roadway.8 The city and the surrounding region rely on buses to get people where they need to go. With the number of vehicles entering the city at an all-time high of about 335 million tolled bridge and tunnel crossings, congestion mitigation is more important than ever 9 However, the MTA’s congestion pricing program – as currently proposed – may impact the costs and operations of many of those buses, whether under bus or limo operators While private buses can and should be part of the solution, as an efficient form of shared mobility to com-
plement public transit, the proposed congestion pricing does not include this policy acknowledgement.
C o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g w a s fi r s t s e r i o u s l y e x a m i n e d b y M a y o r M i c h a e l B l o o m b e rg Bloomberg and a specially appointed state commission pushed to create an $8 fee for inbound car trips into the Manhattan core between 6 a m and 6 p m on weekdays It was projected to produce $491 million annually for transit improvements, cut driving time spent in standstill traffic by 30 percent and slash emissions
Crucially, the plan also included a transit build-out Expanded local and express bus and subway service was called for, in order to prove transit as a viable alternative for an even greater share of commuters and show t h e c o n g e s t i o n f e e s w e re n o t m e a n t t o b e p u n i t i v e Wi t h t h e M TA , t h e c i t y s e c u re d $ 3 5 4 m i l l i o n i n f e d e r a l f u n d s f o r t h e s e improvements, contingent on the passage of the plan The plan was blocked in the state legislature and the improvements did not come to fruition 10
Fast forward to the summer of 2017 New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for the MTA due to ongoing reliability and crowding issues on mass t r a n s i t 11 T h e s u b w a y w a s p a r t i c u l a r l y affected by outdated infrastructure causing overcrowding and delays By 2017, only 65 p e rc e n t o f w e e k d a y t r a i n s p e r f o r m e d o n time – the lowest rate since the 1970s MTA buses were affected to a lesser extent This crisis was called “The Summer of Hell.”
The main causes that attrib uted to this crisis were a lack of funds, signal slowdowns and degrading infrastructure Politicians at the mayoral and gubernatorial level were found to have removed $1 5 billion of MTA f u n d i n g t h r o u g h g r a d u a l c u t b a c k s a n d maintenance deferments. Historically, MTA funds were also used as a “piggy bank” for the state, with the issuance of bonds benefi t i n g t h e s t a t e a t t h e M TA’ s e x p e n s e . B y 2017, a sixth of the MTA's budget was allocated to paying off debt, a threefold proportional increase from 1997 The MTA also was p r o n e t o o v e r s p e n d i n g a n d f o c u s i n g o n s u p e r fi c i a l i m p ro v e m e n t s o v e r k e y i n f r astructure issues 12 Later that summer, Governor Cuomo drafted a proposal for congestion pricing in New York City to raise funds for city transit and reduce congestion 13
The Central Business District Tolling Program, also known as congestion pricing, was officially conceived in 2019, more than 150 miles away from NYC in the New York State capital of Albany, through the legislature’s e n a ct me n t of t h e MTA R e f or m a n d Tr a f fi c Mobility Act This legislation directed the Tri-
borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) to establish a tolling program to curb congestion in the Manhattan Central Business District (CBD) The CBD is defined as Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street, excluding the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway and any surface roadway portion of the Hugh L Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street 14 By law, the program must generate at least $1 billion a year to finance $15 billion for MTA transit and commuter rail capital projects 15
The Act established the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB), which was tasked with issuing a recommended tolling struct u re f o r t h e P ro g r a m 16 O n N o v e m b e r 3 0 , 2023, the TMRB produced its report, outlining its recommended tolling structure.17 The “Base Auto” rate for passenger vehicles and passeng er-t y pe vehicles wit h commercial license plates is $15, capped at once per day. All other types of vehicles will pay each time they enter the CBD unless they qualify for one of the very few exemptions. The rate for buses ranges from $0 to $36 depending on the nature of the bus’s operations and time of day All rates would be 75 percent lower during overnight hours (9 p m to 5 a m on w e e k d a y s , a n d 9 p . m . t o 9 a . m . o n w e e kends) These rates are for E-ZPass users, and will be higher for those not using E-ZPass
On December 6, 2023, the TBTA Board, which is coterminous with the (MTA) Board, voted to proceed with the steps necessary to submit for public comment a proposed toll schedule in compliance with the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) As part of SAPA, TBTA will hold a public comment period and a series of public hearings before adopting a final toll schedule A 30-
day testing phase and a 60-day public information campaign will precede the start of toll collection By law, for the first 60 days, only the established tolls – no additional fees, c h a rg e s o r fi n e s – w i l l b e c o l l e c t e d . W h e n toll collection begins, vehicles that enter the Central Business District will be tolled 18
T h e T M R B ’ s re c o m m e n d a t i o n s g ro u p buses into three different categories. Intercity a n d c h a r t e r b u s e s c o m p r i s e o n e g r o u p , which is charged a $24 base fee Tour buses are another group, charged a $36 base fee L a s t l y, t r a n s i t a n d c o m m u t e r b u s e s –whether publicly owned or privately owned and under government contract providing commuter services – would be exempt along with commuter vans licensed by the NYC Ta x i a n d L i m o u s i n e C o m m i s s i o n T h e TMRB did not recommend a general exemption for school buses because they are often deployed for purposes beyond transporting s t u d e n t s t o s c h o o l . H o w e v e r, t h e T M R B urged the MTA to explore providing a specific school bus exemption when transporting students to and from school.
T h e T M R B ’ s fi n a l re p o r t e x p l a i n s t h a t “[c]ommuter buses merit an exemption from the CBD toll because they serve a public purp o s e a n d r e d u c e c o n g e s t i o n b y o f f e r i n g affordable, predictable and safe transit service for millions of people They are a core component of the region’s public transportation system ”19 For congestion pricing, commuter buses include private for-profit operators contracting with local, county or state governments to provide public transit service To National Bus Trader / March, 2024 • 25
The New York City MTA will be the recipient of the Congestion Pricing tolls In addition to operating local bus service, the MTA also operates most of the subway and commuter services coming into Manhattan There are people on both sides of providing the MTA with these additional funds ARTISTIC OPERATIONSqualify as a commuter bus, the operator must be under contract with a government agency to provide fixed-route bus service. Otherwise, it will be considered an intercity bus and subject to a base toll rate of $24 for each entry to the CBD, and $6 overnight
Unlike commuter buses, the TMRB reasoned, intercity and charter buses deployed for private for-hire transport do not serve commuters daily, “although they do provide an efficient, quasi-transit option, especially for people of more moderate means ” As for t o u r a n d s i g h t s e e i n g b u s e s , t h e T M R B believes they “do [not] serve a quasi-public transit role and should be charged $36 for the disproportionate congestion they cause in the CBD ”20
For limousine companies operating buses and vans, those buses will be charged the charter bus rate While they may be transporting large numbers of people who would not find public transit suitable for their transportation needs, the TMRB viewed them as serving only a “quasi-public” transit role
Exempting publicly-owned and governm e n t - c o n t r a c t e d b u s e s h e l p s m a i n t a i n affordability and accessibility for millions of daily commuters, ensuring that these vital p u b l i c s e r v i c e s re m a i n fi n a n c i a l l y v i a b l e . There is a strong argument that buses serving all of the riding public – not just those who use public transit – should be exempt. T h e c h a rg e o n p r i v a t e b u s s e r v i c e s c o u l d lead to an increase in operational costs and translate to higher ticket prices for passengers who rely regularly on essential intercity a n d c h a r t e r b u s s e r v i c e s . A t fi r s t g l a n c e , sightseeing buses may not appear to have a public transit role Upon closer inspection,
it is clear that some do Thousands of tourists u s e “ h o p o n , h o p o f f ” s i g h t s e e i n g b u s e s e v e r y d a y t o t r a v e l b e t w e e n i c o n i c a n d famous sites around the city
As of this writing, the MTA has taken the view that buses either fall into public or priv a t e f u n c t i o n s A s n o t e d b e l o w, t h i s i s a unique approach given the bus exemptions in place in the congestion pricing plans in London and Stockholm Private and public busing operations serve much of the same
purposes, often in different places or for different kinds of riders. It should not matter whether someone pays a private or public c o m p a n y f o r t h e i r t r a n s p o r t a t i o n W h a t should matter is how effective a vehicle is a t d e l i v e r i n g l a rg e n u m b e r s o f p e o p l e t o their destinations Riders of private transportation companies already pay more than those riding public transit – often to or from places that public transit does not serve. The approach to buses should be neutral – and equitable – across the board
While this issue now impacts only New York City and its metro area, other cities are considering implementing congestion pricing as well If a precedent is set for charging commuter and other buses across the country, it would hurt an essential and affordable service f o r m a n y A m e r i c a n s b y r a i s i n g o p e r a t i n g c o s t s a n d t i c k e t p r i c e s e v e r y w h e re . B u s e s should be exempt across the board, as they offer essential services to commuters and ride r s w h i l e re d u c i n g t h e n u m b e r o f p r i v a t e vehicles on the road, reducing congestion
Over the past few decades, the black car and limousine industry has undergone substantial transformation, spurred by technol o g i c a l a d v a n c e m e n t s , s h i f t s i n c o n s u m e r preferences and evolving business models. Many operators have diversified the type of s e r v i c e s a n d v e h i c l e s o ff e re d t o m e e t t h e demands of corporate clients, wedding parties and others Traditionally associated with luxurious stretch limos and luxury sedans, t h e l i m o u s i n e i n d u s t r y h a s p i v o t e d t o include a wide range of vehicles catering to
various preferences and occasions, including daily employee shuttles, airport transfers and chartered groups. in addition to executive sedans and sUVs, customers now have access to luxury vans, party buses, shuttles and motorcoaches
The amount that these different vehicles w i l l p a y t o e n t e r t h e c b D w i l l d e p e n d o n whether it is a TLc-licensed for-hire vehicle ( F H V ) , a p a s s e n g e r- t y p e v e h i c l e o r a b u s . congestion pricing will see black cars and l i m o u s i n e s l i c e n s e d b y t h e T L c c h a r g e d $1 25 per trip to, from, and within the cbD, s i m i l a r t o t h e c o n g e s t i o n s u rc h a rg e T h e same rate applies to yellow and green taxis, as well High volume, or app-based, FHVs will be charged a higher per-ride charge of $2.50. This per-trip charge was devised after the MTA’s original proposal to charge taxis and FHVs only once per day was panned as logistically difficult to pass on to riders and potentially a financial burden on drivers
based on the information currently availa b l e , l i m o u s i n e s , b l a c k c a r s a n d F H V s licensed outside of New York city will be subject to the base Auto rate, which applies to sedans, minivans, sUVs, pick-up trucks and small vans registered as passenger vehicles or have commercial license plates The TMrb report does not specify vehicle seating capacity, but it includes a graphic to illustrate the types of vehicles that fall into the base Auto category.
it is important to note that there is a 75 percent discount for overnight entry – 9 p m to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends if an employee shuttle service u s e s s m a l l v a n s a n d m a k e s i t s fi r s t e n t r y before 5 a m , then it will pay only $3 75 for the entire day However, larger vehicles that d o n o t q u a l i f y a s p a s s e n g e r- t y p e v e h i c l e s should expect to be categorized as an intercity/charter bus and charged for each entry, $24 during the day and $6 overnight.
The Return of the Bus Jedi!
T h e b u s i n d u s t r y i s p u s h i n g b a c k against congestion pricing and the disparity in the proposed tolling structure among t h e d i f f e r e n t t y p e s o f o p e r a t i o n s i n a n o p e n l e t t e r t o t h e T M r b ( h t t p : / / t i n y u r l c o m / 4 h m 2 w j m y ) , G l e n n every, president of bUs4NYc, and Patrick c o n d re n , v i c e p re s i d e n t a n d s e c re t a r y o f b U s 4 N Y c , a d v o c a t e d f o r a n e x e m p t i o n f o r a l l b u s e s f r o m c o n g e s t i o n pricing bUs4NYc is an NYc-based advoc a c y g r o u p c o m p r i s e d o f b u s c o m p a n y o w n e r s t h a t p r o m o t e s t h e i n d u s t r y a s a v i a b l e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s o l u t i o n a n d l o c a l e c o n o m i c d r i v e r i n N e w Yo r k c i t y i n t h e l e t t e r, bu s4 N Y c p oi n t s ou t t h a t ma n y p r iv a t e l y - o p e r a t e d s e r v i c e s k e e p p e o p l e o u t o f t h e i r p r i v a t e v e h i c l e s . T h e r e a r e a l s o v i t a l c o m m u t e r b u s s e r v i c e s t h a t d o n o t h a v e a g o v e r n m e n t c o n t r a c t b u t g e n e r a t e millions of dollars for New York state and
the MTA charter and tour buses arrive in N e w Yo r k c i t y d a i l y t o b r i n g c r o w d s t o broadway and local businesses, while airport connections provide vital transportat i o n t o t h e m i l l i o n s o f t r a v e l e r s w h o c o m e t h ro u g h t h e a re a ’ s a i r p o r t s
bUs4NYc argues that all buses – regardless of whether they are transporting people under a government contract – are essential t o r e d u c i n g c o n g e s t i o n i n t h e c b D a n d should be exempt from the toll bUs4NYc correctly notes that the congestion pricing p ro g r a m s i n o t h e r m a j o r c i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g London and stockholm, have an exemption for buses. in London, vehicles with nine or more seats, including buses, are exempt from the city's congestion charge 21 in stockholm, b u s e s w e i g h i n g m o r e t h a n 1 4 t o n s a r e e x e m p t f r o m t h e c i t y ’ s c o n g e s t i o n t a x 2 2 Unlike the MTA’s proposed tolling structure, t h e s e e x e m p t i o n s a re n o t l i m i t e d t o c o mmuter buses providing service under a government contract. clearly there is life in the congestion pricing universe, and the MTA as well as congestion pricing advocates often refer to how London and stockholm’s experiments have been successful and that these systems are the justification for NYc’s policies – yet the MTA’s failure to sensibly justify t h i s r i p p l e i n t h e f o rc e b y n o t e x e m p t i n g buses is troubling to many in the bus industry As the Mandalorians say – “This is the way!” – to follow the London and stockholm models and give buses an exemption.
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m a c r o s s t h e b u s industry have spoken out about the congest i o n c h a r g e o n b u s e s . i n a d d i t i o n t o b u s 4 n Y C , g r o u p s i n c l u d i n g t h e u n i t e d m o t o r c o a c h a s s o c i a t i o n ( u m a ) (https://uma org/), the american bus association (aba) (https://www buses org/), the Greater new Jersey motorcoach assoc i a t i o n ( G n J m a ) ( h t t p s : / / w w w g n j m a c o m / ) , t h e b u s a s s o c i a t i o n o f n e w Yo r k (banY) (https://www.banybus.org/) and l e a d i n g c o m p a n i e s i n c l u d i n g C o a c h u s a and Panorama tours, have called for parity b e t w e e n p u b l i c b u s e s a n d p r i v a t e l y r u n commuter and tour services
C o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g h a s s e e n t h e b u s industry unified in an unprecedented way, calling for the mta to consider full exempt i o n s f o r a l l b u s e s e n t e r i n g t h e C b d P e r iodically, the industry has operated on seve r a l j o i n t e f f o r t s , b u t m o s t i s s u e s b e f o r e t h e b u s i n d u s t r y t e n d t o c o n c e r n s p e c i f i c re g i o n a l o r l o ca l o rg a n i z a t i o n s. F o r e x a mp l e , t h e C o ro n a v i ru s a i d , R e l i e f a n d e c on o m i c s e c u r i t y ( C a R e s ) a c t o f 2 0 2 0 , w h i c h a l l o c a t e d f u n d i n g m o s t l y t o t r a d itional public transportation providers, did not directly allocate funding to private bus operators Private bus operators and organizations together called for parity in fund a l l o c a t i o n , a s t h e b u s i n d u s t r y s e r v e s t h e s a m e r i d i n g p u b l i c a s p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t at i o n s y s t e m s l a t e r, t h e C o r o n a v i r u s Response and Relief supplemental approp r i a t i o n s a c t ( C R R s a a ) , a l l o w e d p r i v a t e p r o v i d e r s o f p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n t o b e sub-recipients of funding provided under the acts, meaning they could receive fundi n g t h r o u g h p u b l i c t r a n s i t a g e n c i e s t h a t re c e i v e d C a R e s a c t o r C R R s a a m o n e y a d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e C o ro n a v i r u s e c o n o m i c Relief for transportation services (CeRts) program provided grants to eligible transp o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e p r o v i d e r s , i n c l u d i n g s o m e p r i v a t e b u s c o m p a n i e s t h a t w e r e i m p a c t e d b y t h e p a n d e m i c 2 3 C o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g i n n e w Yo r k C i t y a f f e c t s n o t o n l y a l a r g e g e o g r a p h i c c o nstituency of bus operators in the new York re g i o n b u t a l s o e v e r y l o c a l b u s o rg a n i z at i o n a c ro s s t h e c o u n t r y C i t i e s a ro u n d t h e u . s . a r e c o n s i d e r i n g s t e p s t o i m p l e m e n t t h e i r c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g p r o g r a m s , c o nc e r n i n g b u s o p e r a t o r s a n d o rg a n i z a t i o n s e v e r y w h e r e C o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g h a s t u r n e d i n t o a n a t i o n a l i s s u e o n m a n y f ro n t s , n a m e l y c o n g e s t i o n , p o l l u t i o n a n d f i n a n c i n g p u b l i c t r a n s i t , b u t a l s o c o n c e r ni n g q u e s t i o n s a b o u t e x e m p t i o n s a n d p o t e n t i a l t o l l i n g s t ru c t u re s .
The Phantom Menace t h e t m R b s a i d i t s p ro p o s e d t o l l s t ru ct u r e k e e p s c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g “ s i m p l e , e a s y t o u n d e r s t a n d a n d e a s y t o a d m i n i ster ” the bus industry is arguing that a diff e re n t p r i c e f o r a b u s b a s e d o n w h e t h e r i t i s c a r r y i n g p a s s e n g e r s u n d e r a g o v e r n -
m e n t c o n t r a c t , p r i v a t e t i c k e t o r p r i v a t e c h a r t e r i s h a rd l y s i m p l e a n d s e e m s d i ff icult to administer For these operators, the t m R b ’ s r e a s o n i n g f o r t h e d i f f e r e n t t o l l rates is hazy at best. even though intercity and charter buses provide a “quasi-transit option, especially for people of more mode r a t e m e a n s , ” t h e t m R b r e c o m m e n d s t h e s e v i t a l s e r v i c e s p a y a n u n c a p p e d $ 2 4 t o l l . s o w h a t i s g o i n g o n ?
tr a n s p o r t wo r k e r s u n i o n l e a d e r J o h n s a m u e l s e n r e s i g n e d f r o m t h e t m R b i n p ro t e s t t h e s a m e d a y a s t h e re c o m m e n d ation report was released in his resignation l e t t e r, s a m u e l s e n c h a rg e d t h e m ta w i t h f a i l i n g “ t o m e e t t h e m o m e n t ” b y n o t c o up l i n g c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g w i t h “ m a s s i v e i n c r e a s e s a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s i n p u b l i c t r a n s i t , ” i n c l u d i n g e x p a n d e d e x p re s s b u s s e r v i c e . 2 4 s t o c k h o l m a n d l o n d o n e x e m p t e d a l l b u s e s f ro m t h e i r p l a n s a n d i m p l e m e n t e d m e a s u re s t o e n c o u r a g e d r ivers to switch to mass transit by increasing b u s f re q u e n c y a n d a v a i l a b i l i t y n e w Yo r k is doing neither in the lead up to the implem e n t a t i o n o f c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g t h e b u s i n d u s t r y l e a d e r s p o i n t o u t t h a t t r a ff i c w i l l not be reduced without viable alternatives to driving, and that those who already use intercity and charter buses to travel to and from nYC will now being paying the mta t o d o s o t h e s e b u s o p e r a t o r s h a v e expressed their cynicism of a plan that crea t e s d i s t i n c t i o n s ( w i t h
hout a difference they ask: Could it be that transit funding is so bad that the mta has t o m i
as with any proposed toll ratemaking, t h i s p u b l i c c o m m e n t p e r i o d i s b e i n g c o nducted under the state administrative Proc e d u r e a c t ( s a Pa ) , w h i c h r e q u i r e s t h e issuance of public notices and the holding of public hearings to elicit public comments on the proposed toll rates. the mta is now accepting written and audio comments on the proposed tolling scheme and will hold four hybrid virtual/in-person public heari n g s i n F e b ru a r y a n d m a rc h t o h e a r t e s t imony from the public the hearings will be held in person at 2 broadway, new York, nY 1 0 0 0 4 i n t h e wi l l i a m J R o n a n 2 0 t h F l o o r b o a r d R o o m , a n d w i l l b e l i v e - s t r e a m e d o n t h e m ta Yo u tu b e c h a n n e l (youtube com/@mta-live) and on the project web site (mta.info/CbdtP). the hearings a r e s c h e d u l e d f o r F e b r u a r y 2 9 a t 6 p m , march 1 at 10 a m , march 4 at 10 a m , and march 4 at 6 p.m.
those who wish to comment in-person at the hearings or remotely via Zoom or telep h o n e m u s t r e g i s t e r i n a d v a n c e o n l i n e ( n e w. m t a . i n f o / a g e n c y / b r i d g e s - a n d - t u nn e l s / c b d - t o l l i n g - h e a r i n g ) , b y c a l l i n g t h e Public hearing hotline at (646) 252-6777, or in person at the hearing. Registration will open one week before the start time of each hearing and will close 30 minutes after the hearing begins everyone who registers will have two minutes to speak
t h o s e w h o w i s h t o s u b m i t c o m m e n t s o u t s i d e o f t h e h e a r i n g s m a y d o s o o n l i n e submission, email, mail, and fax, or voicemail message through march 11, 2024
• O n l i n e : h t t p s : / / c o n t a c t m t a i n f o / s/forms/cbDTP
• email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org
• Mail: cbD Tolling Program, 2 broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004
• Phone: 646-252-7440
• Fax: send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to cbDTP Team.
s u b m i t y o u r c o m m e n t s o r r e g i s t e r t o s p e a k a t t h e h e a r i n g s t o h a v e y o u r v o i c e s h e a r d F o l l o w i n g t h e p u b l i c c o m m e n t p e r i o d , M TA b r i d g e s a n d Tu n n e l s w i l l r e v i e w t h e p u b l i c c o m m e n t s T h e n , t h e M TA b o a r d w i l l c o n s i d e r a d o p t i n g a r a t e m a k i n g re g u l a t i o n t h a t i n c l u d e s a n y u p d a t e s t h a t m a y f o l l o w t h e p u b l i c c o mm e n t p e r i o d
congestion pricing is due to begin implementation this spring and is likely to stay on track While cOViD disrupted the cong e s t i o n p r i c i n g t i m e l i n e i n t h e p a s t , t h e TMrb’s hearings and subsequent report this past fall showed steady progress toward the p ro g r a m ’ s s p r i n g 2 0 2 4 s t a r t N o w, w i t h a public comment period and hearing dates set and tolling infrastructure already being installed, the MTA certainly plans to begin implementation on time
D u r i n g t h e M TA b o a r d ’ s D e c e m b e r 2023 meeting, it was made clear that addit i o n a l e x e m p t i o n s w o u l d b e d i f fi c u l t t o implement Another exemption or increase i n c r e d i t w o u l d m e a n t o l l s i n c r e a s e f o r o t h e r d r i v e r s . i n a d d i t i o n t o i n c r e a s i n g c h a r g e s , c h a n g e s t o t h e e x i s t i n g t o l l i n g
s t ru c t u re m a y a l s o n e c e s s i t a t e a d d i t i o n a l s t u d y a n d d e l a y i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o v e r a l l W h i l e a d d i t i o n a l e x e m p t i o n s a re u n l i k e l y in this case, the bus industry is expected to continue to make its voice heard – not just re g a rd i n g N Y c ’ s c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g p rog r a m , b u t f o r o t h e r p o t e n t i a l p ro g r a m s i n t h e U . s . b u s o p e r a t o r s a c ro s s t h e c o u n t r y a re c o n c e r n e d a b o u t w h a t t h i s p re c e d e n t w i l l m e a n f o r t h e i r o p e r a t i o n s i n c re a s i n g o p e r a t i n g a n d t i c k e t c o s t s a c ro s s t h e U . s . could severely impact what has become an a ff o rd a b l e a n d a c c e s s i b l e m o d e o f t r a n sp o r t a t i o n f o r s o m a n y A m e r i c a n s
While the TMrb’s rationale for excluding commuter buses acknowledges their public service role, the broader implications for the bus industry nationwide remain a point of c o n t e n t i o n b u s o p e r a t o r s m u s t a c t i v e l y engage in shaping the discourse around cong e s t i o n p r i c i n g a s a n a t i o n a l i s s u e T h e industry’s collective voice is crucial to navigating these complex changes, ensuring that t h e b u s ’ s a ff o rd a b i l i t y a n d a c c e s s i b i l i t y i s not unduly compromised
D e s p i t e t h e c h a l l e n g e s , t h e i m p e n d i n g l a u n c h o f c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g p re s e n t s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o re s h a p e t h e l a n d s c a p e o f u r b a n t r a n s p o r t a t i o n f o r t h e b e t t e r Wi t h careful planning and collaboration, we can craft a system that not only reduces traffic a n d p o l l u t i o n b u t a l s o s t re n g t h e n s p u b l i c t r a n s i t , m a k i n g i t a m o r e a t t r a c t i v e a n d viable option for everyone We need a New Transportation republic, which considers equity and fairness for the people who use t h e e n t i r e m u l t i - m o d a l m o b i l i t y e c o s y stem – including private bus businesses and w o r k e r s
Epilogue: A New Bus Industry Republic
The Motor Coach Industry’s Leadership Stands Together - United for an MTA Congestion Pricing Exemption!
G l e n n e v e r y, p r e s i d e n t o f bUs4NYc, said, “buses, whether public or private, are an essential component of our re g i o n a l t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s y s t e m T h e y g e t p e o p l e o u t o f t h e i r c a r s a n d i n t o t h e m o s t environmentally clean and efficient mode of surface transportation available riders s h o u l d n o t h a v e t o p a y m o re j u s t b e c a u s e they are riding on a privately-owned bus We applaud the efforts of the MTA in recognizing the vital role that buses play and urge that for the good of the traveling public, for the inhabitants of the cbD, and for the enviro n m e n t , a l l p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e b u s e s b e exempted from tolling under the cbDTP ”
Patrick condren, vice president and secre t a r y o f b U s 4 N Y c , s a i d , " A s t h e c b D T P w i l l s o o n h o l d a 6 0 - d a y p u b l i c h e a r i n g p h a s e , b U s 4 N Y c l o o k s f o r w a r d t o M TA review of the proposed tolls to exempt all b u s e s , f o r t h e b e n e fi t o f t h e r i d i n g p u b l i c . Private commuter buses with and without government contracts do provide efficient mass transportation services and are clearly meaningful for exemption " condren is also excited to hear at the press conference, chair L i e b e r a n n o u n c e d m o re d e v e l o p m e n t s i n bus lanes and utilization which supports the transport of the riding public on both public and private buses
in a recent op-ed for AM New York Metro a d v o c a t i n g f o r e x e m p t i o n s f o r a l l b u s e s , condren wrote, "buses are the solution, not t h e p ro b l e m , w h e t h e r p u b l i c o r p r i v a t e l y owned "
scott Michael, ceO of the United Motorcoach Association, said, “Motorcoach comp a n i e s o ff e r i n g n o n - t a x p a y e r s u b s i d i z e d c o m m u t e r a n d c h a r t e r s e r v i c e s p l a y a n important role in mitigating congestion and reducing emissions in New York This is in addition to the vital role the industry plays in New York’s important tourism economy. UMA is actively advocating for a full exempt i o n f ro m t h e c o n g e s t i o n t o l l f o r b u s a n d motorcoach carriers.”
Peter Pantuso, president and ceO of the American bus Association, said "New York city and New York state have long appreciated the value that buses (motorcoaches) bring to the city, not only taking 50 people out of cars, but the economic impact buses have when they bring visitors to work, eat, dine, see shows and experience all the city has to offer. it is unconscionable that motorcoaches are not receiving the same treatment a s t r a n s i t b u s e s a n d g o v e r n m e n t - f u n d e d c o m m u t e r b u s e s w h e n t h e y p r o v i d e t h e same role of reducing congestion even the MTA chair and ceO janno Lieber noted that 'One bus can take 50 cars off the road.' in his statement, he did not distinguish betweenNational Bus Trader / March, 2024 •
differing types of buses, because there is no distinction All buses, public, private, commuter, charter, transit, all do the same job: take cars off the road and mitigate congestion, and should be exempt from the tolling plan, regardless of who funds them The fede r a l g o v e r n m e n t h a s l o n g re c o g n i z e d t o l l p a r i t y b e t w e e n p r i v a t e l y - o p e r a t e d b u s e s and public transit for the important role we play in local, intercity and national transportation. It is baffling how the MTA Board is unable to see the same thing ”
P a t r i c i a C o w l e y, e x e c u t i v e d i re c t o r o f the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Assoc i a t i o n , s a i d , " T h e G r e a t e r N e w J e r s e y M o t o r c o a c h A s s o c i a t i o n i s a n o n - p r o f i t organization with the mission of advocati n g f o r t h e p r i v a t e c o n t r a c t o r s i n a n d around New Jersey Our association works i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h n a t i o n a l a n d o t h e r state industry associations, local, state and f e d e r a l a g e n c i e s , l e g i s l a t o r s , s u p p l i e r s o f p r o d u c t s a n d s e r v i c e s t o t h e o p e r a t o r s , attractions, destinations,and other entities t o p ro m o t e t h e b e t t e r m e n t a n d w e l f a re o f o u r i n d u s t r y, m e m b e r s a n d a s s o c i a t i o n objectives We are governed by a Board of D i r e c t o r s , w h o a r e p r i m a r i l y o w n e r s o f m o t o r c o a c h c o m p a n i e s , a n d a f e w n o nv o t i n g d i r e c t o r s f r o m o u r s u p p l i e r a n d destination members. We have been beati n g a c o n s i s t e n t d r u m g o i n g b a c k a f e w y e a r s o n c o n g e s t i o n t o l l i n g O u r s t a n c e h a s b e e n a n d c o n t i n u e s t o b e e x e M P T I O N f o r a l l b u s e s A l l p r i v a t e c h a r t e r b u s e s , s c h o o l b u s e s , m o t o rc o a c h e s , c o m m u t e r s and alike We are the solution to reducing c o n g e s t i o n ; w e a r e n o t t h e problem. Motorcoaches provide the greene s t a n d m o s t e c o n o m i c a l m o d e o f m a s s t r a n s p o r t a t i o n We l o w e r c a r b o n e m i ss i o n s a n d r i d c i t y s t re e t s o f c a r s . We a l s o
provide enormous economic value to NYC i n t o u r i s m "
Michelle Petelicki, president and CeO of Panorama Tours, said, "The TMRB stated in Key Priority #5 of their report, 'Keep it simp l e ' H o w e v e r, w h e n d e a l i n g w i t h b u s e s , their recommendations are inherently complex Motorcoaches are categorized as comm u t e r b u s e s , c h a r t e r b u s e s o r t o u r b u s e s depending on who they are transporting at that time each bracket has a different pricing schedule Determining the fare is contingent on identifying the type of ridership How will that be enforced? Globally, every other congestion program recognizes that all buses alleviate congestion Why complicate it? It is crucial for the MTA to recognize this oversight and address it."
R o b e r t B r i s m a n , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e B u s A s s o c i a t i o n o f N e w Yo r k S t a t e , s a i d " T h e
B u s A s s o c i a t i o n o f N e w Yo r k S t a t e
( B A N Y ) m e m b e r s h i p s t ro n g l y u rg e s t h a t a l l p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e b u s o p e r a t o r s b e e x e m p t f r o m c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g t o l l s Buses are a critical component in lowering carbon emissions and reducing congestion t h r o u g h o u t t h e r e g i o n , e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e Central Business District That is why were shocked to see for the first time, under the T M R B ’ s re c o m m e n d a t i o n , p r i v a t e b u s e s entering Manhattan would be tolled at the same rate as tractor-trailers Currently, all 1 3 b r i d g e s a n d t u n n e l s c o n t ro l l e d b y t h e MTA and PANYNJ provide significant disc o u n t s f o r p r i v a t e b u s e s e n t e r i n g t h e c i t y U n t i l n o w, t h e M TA a n d PA N Y N J h a v e p ro v i d e d d i s c o u n t s o n t h e i r t o l l i n g f a c i l it i e s b
the con-
1 https://www topviewnyc com/packages/brief-history-of-new-york-city-transportation
2 https://data ny gov/Transportation/MTA-2025-2044-20-Year-Needs-Assessment-Bus-Fleet-I/pssf-s7fa/data preview
3 https://metrics mta info/?ridership/daybydayridershipnumbers
4 https://www panynj gov/bus-terminals/en/port-authority/pabt-history- html
5 https://www nyc gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/fleet/school-bus-sftp-final pdf
6 https://www schools nyc gov/about-us/reports/doe-data-at-a-glance
7 https://www privateschoolreview com/new-york
8 https://www amli com/blog/why-buses-are-more-sustainable-than-cars
9 https://gothamist com/news/carmageddon-car-traffic-into-nyc-hits-new-high-mta-says
10 https://www bloomberg com/news/articles/2017-08-16/new-york-city-has-a-new-congestion-pricing-plan
11 https://www nytimes com/2017/06/29/nyregion/cuomo-declares-a-state-of-emergency-for-the-subway html
12 https://www nytimes com/2017/11/18/nyregion/new-york-subway-system-failure-delays html
13 https://ny curbed com/2017/8/14/16142868/cuomo-congestion-pricing-plan-nyc
14 https://new mta info/project/CBDTP
15 https://new mta info/document/127761
16 https://new mta info/project/CBDTP
17 https://new mta info/document/127761
18 https://new mta info/project/CBDTP
19 https://new mta info/document/127761
20 https://new mta info/document/127761
21 https://tfl gov uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
22 https://www roadtraffic-technology com/projects/stockholm-congestion/
23 https://data bts gov/stories/s/COVID-19-Stimulus-Funding-for-Transportation-in-th/2cyr-4k8j/
24 https://www documentcloud org/documents/24178816-november-30-2023 tmrb-resignation
In the village of Sainte-Claire, Quebec, whispers of the past meet innovations of the future as the Prévost family unites to honor their legacy and a century of history. Spanning three generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, they embarked on a heartfelt journey to recreate the very first motorcoach built by Eugène Prévost
E u g è n e P r é v o s t , a c a b i n e t m a k e r f ro m Sainte-Claire, Quebec, specialized in making church pews and school furniture. His foray into motorized vehicles capitalized on his carpentry skills In 1924, he received a comm i s s i o n t o b u i l d a w o o d e n c o a c h b o d y t o mount on an REO truck chassis This initial order led to many others, and the company grew In 1937, Prevost b u i l t a b u s m a n u f a ct u r i n g f a c i l i t y i n Sainte-Claire Always the innovator, Eugène introduced the first allmetal body over an allm e t a l s k e l e t o n e i g h t years later.
Today, Prevost fami l y m e m b e r s a re v e r y proud to see their family name on the front of e a c h v e h i c l e P r e v o s t p r o d u c e s F o r y e a r s , André Turmel, one of E u g è n e ’ s g r a n d s o n s , dreamed of recreating t h e v e r y f i r s t P re v o s t e v e r m a d e A s P r ev o s t ’ s 1 0 0 t h a n n i v e rs a r y a p p ro a c h e d , t h e f a m i l y c a m e t o g e t h e r to turn this dream into reality
T h e d re a m b l o s s o m e d i n t o a c o l l e c t i v e endeavor a testament to Eugène’s values of unity and collaboration “We supported each other, just like Eugène. That’s how he viewed life, in my opinion,” said André “It w a s n ’ t j u s t o n e p e r s o n w o r k i n g o n i t We were a team, constantly talking and helping each other ”
The quest was a labor of love, beginning with the search for the same truck chassis E u g è n e u s e d . T h e j o u r n e y l e d t h e m t o Tampa Bay, Florida, where they unearthed a period REO chassis With diligent hands and generous hearts, they planned its journey back to Quebec
Photos courtesy of Prevost
However, the return trip to Canada was not without adventure It turned out to be a r a c e a g a i n s t t h e c l o c k Tr a n s p o r t i n g t h e i r precious cargo, they had to drive 24 hours straight from Florida to New York so they could make it to U S Customs to get their papers stamped and cross the border before the office closed for the weekend
Once they were back in Canada, the next phase began
The reconstruction was a puzzle of historic proportions, guided by a single photograph and the collective memory of those who had seen the original coach They modeled the replica in three dimensions, ensuring every detail echoed the past The 3D model was the foundation of the schematic, helping to rebuild the replica
Recreating that first Prevost bus as not an easy task because parts and materials were not easily available and information on the bus was limited The crew involved in the project were very lucky in finding a suitable period REO chassis in Tampa Bay, Florida that could serve as the platform for recreating this historical bus. The oak wheels were made by hand as were many other parts on the bus
From there, painstaki n g c a re w a s t a k e n t o craft a historically accur a t e c o a c h – t h e o a k w h e e l s w e r e h a n dm a d e , w i n d o w, d o o r and step mechanisms were agonized over, the w o o d e n i n t e r i o r w a s h a n d v a r n i s h e d a n d b e n c h c u s h i o n s w e r e hand sewn
Window operations were deciphered from t h e w r i t i n g s o f R e n é Prévost, Eugène’s son, w h o c h ro n i c l e d t h e c o a c h ’ s m e c h a n i s m s . Engineering challenges
abounded, particularly in synchronizing the operation of the doors and the step a task that tested their ingenuity. The interior layout was also a mystery since the only existing photograph showed just the exterior.
However, thanks to meticulous research, the family knew the coach had a capacity of approximately 10 passengers. Did the seats face forward or sideways? No one could say for sure. Undeterred, the family pressed on
and, after several tests, they determined the benches were positioned sideways to maximize space.
Spouses and great grandchildren were also called in to help André’s wife, Francine, a p p l i e d v a r n i s h t o t h e i n t e r i o r a n d g re a t grandson Nicolas, who works in the paint department at Prevost, used his skills to give the coach its shiny exterior
Last but not least, a name was chosen In honor of Eugène’s wife, who supported him in all his endeavors even going so far as t o sew vehicle cushions t he 1924 coach was christened “Clarisse.”
With her dark green exterior, snappy black trim and gleaming wooden interior, Clarisse is more than a beauty; she is a canvas of memories, a bridge across generations and a celebration of a quality that remains the family’s unwavering commitment a commitment Eugène Prévost himself would regard with pride In this centennial homage, the Prévost family members look not only back but also forward, reaffirming their dedication to innov a t i o n , q u a l i t y a n d c u s t o m e r v a l u e T h e l e g a c y i s e n c a p s u l a t e d n o t m e r e l y i n t h e wooden curves of Clarisse but in the very DNA of the Prevost brand, promising a future as steadfast and remarkable as the past.
Clarisse will be the special guest at seven Prevost Service Centers where the company is holding 100th anniversary events to reco g n i z e i t s e m p l o y e e s a n d c u s t o m e r s a n d host local dignitaries and city officials She w i l l a l s o p a r t i c i p a t e i n P re v o s t ' s 1 0 0 - Ye a r Anniversary Rally during the week of September 8, 2024, in Quebec City, and in June, s h e w i l l a t t e n d t h e 2 0 0 - Ye a r A n n i v e r s a r y C e l e b r a t i o n o f S a i n t e - C l a i r e , t h e v i l l a g e where Prevost was founded
Follow along with Clarisse’s journey as she travels to Goodlettsville, Tennessee; Winter Garden, Florida; Fort Worth, Texas; Mira Loma, California; Calgary, Alberta; Mississauga, Ontario; South Plainfield, New Jersey; and Sainte-Claire, Quebec. q
“Wi l d B i l l ” w a s a c t u a l l y o n e o f our better drivers, until he got b o re d . T h e b o s s m a d e a m i stake in giving him a whole day off on the far side of the country, and Bill decided to make the worst of it.
C ru i s i n g c i t y s t re e t s i n h i s a n c i e n t 4 1 0 4 , h e f o u n d a l i t t l e o l d l a d y a t a b u s s t o p . H e p i c k e d h e r u p , t o l d h e r t h a t s i n c e s h e had been such a good customer of the Trans i t A u t h o r i t y f o r s o m a n y y e a r s , h e w a s g o i n g t o t a k e h e r a l l t h e w a y t o h e r f r o n t d o o r f o r f re e . T h i n g s w o u l d h a v e w o r k e d o u t f i n e i f s h e h a d n o t w r i t t e n a “ t h a n k you” note, whereupon the transit folks took o ff e n s e t h a t B i l l ’ s s e r v i c e w a s b e t t e r t h a n t h e i r s
P r i v a t e s e c t o r s e r v i c e i s u s u a l l y b e t t e r, because our customers have choices
A wizened bus executive recently told me, “The surface transportation bill included a section mandating increased private partici p a t i o n i n p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , k i c k i n g doors wide open; however, the real concern now is getting operators to walk through the d o o r ” H i s p o i n t i s t h a t , a s a n i n d u s t r y, w e are often dependant on business finding us, a n d i t m a y b e t i m e t o s t a r t l o o k i n g a b i t harder
The same guy (I only know one wizened executive) said, “In 2011, transit riders took 1 0 . 2 b i l l i o n t r i p s o n t a x p a y e r s u b s i d i z e d transportation The last numbers we have for
the motorcoach industry is 723 million passenger trips.”
S i n c e t h e d o o r i s o p e n , w e o u g h t t o g o after some of that business, because we can do it better and cheaper
Transit authorities carry people, but they are also involved in social engineering For p o l i t i c a l re a s o n s t h e y p a y b e t t e r t h a n t h e i r p r i v a t e c o u n t e r p a r t s T h a t w o u l d n o t m a tt e r e x c e p t f o r t h e f a c t t h a t t h e y s o m e t i m e s c h o o s e t o c o m p e t e , a n d t r y t o d i s g u i s e those numbers and other overhead In these troubled times we can help them, and make m o n e y b y t a k i n g s o m e w o r k o f f t h e i r h a n d s
I can think of two ways to get started You can think of more One is to query trade assoc i a t i o n s l i k e U M A a n d A B A . T h e y k n o w what is happening
The other is to build a relationship with local transit providers If you are willing to d o s o m e o f t h e i r ro u t e s , f o r l e s s m o n e y, i t h e l p s t h e m i n s e v e r a l w a y s A n y c a s h y o u s a v e t h e m i s a v a i l a b l e t o d o o t h e r t h i n g s (hopefully the ones they do best).
In addition, at a time when they need to r a t i o n a l i z e e m p l o y e e c o m p e n s a t i o n , y o u r p re s e n c e p ro v i d e s s o m e b a rg a i n i n g c h i p s I f w e d o n o t a c t n o w, w h e n t h e e c o n o m y re v i v e s , t h e c h a n c e m a y b e g o n e f o re v e r
Wizened executive says, “Things we are already good at work in any transportation enterprise – hiring, training and dispatching drivers, acquiring and maintaining appropriate equipment, and implementing sound safety programs. If you do these things well, you can basically operate any transportation enterprise ”
You are probably wondering who this guy is – and I am not gonna tell you, because you would not need me anymore.
I n t h e e a r l y 1 9 8 0 s t h e o l d w o o d c o mmuter rail bridge over Massachusetts’ Danv e r s R i v e r b u r n e d , s t r a n d i n g t r a i n s i n Salem, with no way finish the final 20 miles t o R o c k p o r t . T h e o n l y w a y t o g e t p e o p l e t h e re s t o f t h e w a y h o m e w a s t o b u s t h e m f ro m S a l e m t o t h e N o r t h S h o re c o m m u n it i e s w h e r e t h e y l i v e d . T h e b u s c o m p a n y pressed into service belonged to some close f r i e n d s , a n d b e c a u s e t h e n e e d w a s u n e xp e c t e d t h e y w e re d e s p e r a t e f o r d r i v e r s –s o d e s p e r a t e t h a t t h e y u s e d – m e
S i n c e “ Wi l d B i l l ” w a s a p a l , a n d I a m a slow learner, I, too, took some folks directly to their doors, or dropped them somewhere m o re c o n v e n i e n t t h a n t h e a s s i g n e d s t o p Wi t h i n h o u r s t h e b u s c o m p a n y w a s informed that such behavior could not continue We were trumping the MBTA’s normal level of service
T h e b u s c o m p a n y m a d e g o o d m o n e y providing superior service for more than a y e a r, u n t i l t h e o l d w o o d r a i l b r i d g e w a s re p l a c e d b y a m o d e r n c o n c re t e s t ru c t u re Ye a r s l a t e r, w h e n t h e b u s c o m p a n y h a d f a l l e n o n h a rd t i me s, a n d w a s a n x i o u s f o r new business, one of the owners came to me and asked, “Do you know how to make concrete burn?”
I still do not know how to make concrete burn, but I am convinced that there are other w a y s t o f i n d g o o d p a y i n g w o r k s e r v i n g transportation authorities q
As time goes on, we are seeing more and more private companies getting involved with transit operations In some cases, private companies are subcontracted to manage and operate all or part of a system. Some transit agencies will seek private companies to run their coach operations.
E v e n w h i l e ro u g h l y 1 8 f e e t o f I c e l a n d melt every year, there are plenty of Americans who do not believe in climate change. As in Iceland, everyone does in the South Sea islands, where the coastline is receding dramatically
T h i s b e l i e f i s n o t a s u n i v e r s a l i n h u g e c o u n t r i e s l i k e t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s w h e r e weather patterns were vastly different long b e f o r e a n y n o t i o n o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e emerged, and long before some of the forces that led to it, like large-scale fossil fuel consumption, even existed (In the 19th Century, the sixth-largest industry was whaling.) This is not true of every contributing factor Flatulence from cattle – and possibly other animals – creates considerable volumes of carbon dioxide. However, before automobiles began to perpetuate, and particularly before the discovery of synthetic oil (in 1877) and its widespread increase in usage in the early 20th Century, and with a much smaller population (with far fewer automobiles, far less cattle and exponentially less deforestation), the carbon dioxide levels created were relatively harmless as they were absorbed by the surrounding plant life
Further, many people do not understand the difference between climate and weather. For such people, the fact that climate change m a k e s c e r t a i n p l a c e s c o l d e r t e n d s t o c o nvince them that the notion is a hoax, despite the many scientists who believe otherwise.
N o w : W h a t d o e s s u c h a p h e n o m e n a mean for the motorcoach industry? Actually, it means quite a few things. Perhaps small and not frequent things, but things that add up to the need for more of them
U n l e s s y o u r h o m e i s a l a r g e c a s t l e , a m o t o rcoach is a better place to be.
We have all seen footage of cars floating down the river in massive floods. We have never seen a motorcoach do this Other than s o m e u n d e r s i d e c o m p o n e n t s , i t s fl o o r i s
three feet above ground. A 45-footer weighs ro u g h l y 5 0 , 0 0 0 p o u n d s I t w o u l d h a v e t o practically cruise along a beachfront during a Tsunami to be tipped over In the vortex of a Class 4 hurricane, running into your home is b etter than standing outside However, unless your home is a large castle, a motorcoach is a better place to be – not to mention t h a t , t r a f fi c n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , i t c a n m o v e y o u a w a y f ro m t h e s t o r m a l t o g e t h e r i n a matter of hours
Of course, even in perfectly-fine springtime weather, these features keep vehicles from getting snagged on protruding objects in the roadway Despite its total height, the enormous mass of a motorcoach, often filled with luggage below the floor that lowers its center-of-gravity, minimizes rollovers even o n s h o r t a r c s t a k e n a t t o o h i g h a s p e e d ( a l t h o u g h t h e r e i s a l w a y s s o m e s p e e d a t which a vehicle of any type and size can roll over on a sharp arc or turn)
When driven improperly, or taken by surprise (e g , by “black ice”), the surface area o f s i x o v e r s i z e d s n o w t i re s ( w h i c h c a n b e quickly fitted almost instantly with chains on some models) are a good match for even l a rg e p a t c h e s o f i c e – p a r t i c u l a r l y a s m o s t coach drivers know to travel slowly under such conditions. Otherwise, even on snowy and icy roads, the surface area of the large tires’ portions touching the roadway spread out at opposite corners of the vehicle help improve its stability – although most motorcoach drivers operate very slowly on such roadways or, often, do not drive on them at all
T h e s a f e s t w a y o u t o f town in a weather-related c a t a s t ro p h i e i s a m o t o rcoach.
With stupid mistakes, any mode of transportation can be dangerous Most NATIONAL BUS TRADER readers remember the Hurricane Rita disaster (I was an expert witness in the lawsuit that followed). That incident was an encyclopedia of problems (the broker) and bungling (the driver and the service
v e h i c l e ) . O t h e r w i s e , t h e s a f e s t w a y o u t o f town in a weather-related catastrophic is a m o t o r c o a c h Tr a i n s c a n s k i d o n s l i p p e r y tracks – for example when the tracks are covered with wet leaves. Small vehicles can be carried along the floodwaters Obviously air travel is idiotic
The body of experience for electric vehicles in rainstorms and floods is not yet large e n o u g h t o d r a w c o n c l u s i o n s – a l t h o u g h common sense suggests that two things that go together poorly are electric currents and water A motorcoach’s superiority is even true in intense fires, as the “envelope” for volatility of diesel fuel is exponentially less t h a n t h a t o f g a s o l i n e , a n d u n l e s s s t u c k i n bumper-to-bumper traffic, a motorcoach can race through patches of fire more safely than can a gasoline-powered automobile
In terms of aiding evacuation, as I have w r i t t e n b e f o re i n N AT I O N A L B U S T R A D E R (see https://transalt com/article/the-priceof-digital-madness/), trains are of little value o t h e r t h a n b y c o i n c i d e n c e b e c a u s e t h e i r usage is constrained by tracks In contrast, a motorcoach can usually go wherever it is needed. Even a day before a huge storm is p r e d i c t e d , 1 0 , 0 0 0 m o t o r c o a c h e s c a n b e staged within 500 miles of the target zone –and moved closer as the target is more precisely defined. This means that tens of thous a n d s o f i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h n o a c c e s s t o a n automobile can be evacuated from a highflood area The fact that they can store dry clothing in the luggage bays, sleep on plush reclining seats and have access to a restroom are important footnotes
Delays and Shenanigans
I have written before about the scale of corrup t ion in commercial airlines around the world In 2021, roughly half the world’s flights were cancelled – largely to eliminate a n y t h i n g b u t a fl i g h t w i t h e v e r y l a s t s e a t fi l l e d ( s e e h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t c o m / article/expanding-the-mode-split-dividingline-part-1-exponential-airline-industry-corruption/) This consolidation occurred to a great degree even in the heart of the COVID19 epidemic – although it may be more well k n o w n t h a t 2 0 2 0 w a s t h e h e a r t o f AMTRAK’s bonanza year, when it removed all but four trains from running in the Northeast corridor, jamming those who could even g e t a r e s e r v a t i o n ( a n d n o t d u r i n g t h e i r p re f e r a b l e t i m e s ) e l b o w t o e l b o w i n t o t h e f e w t r a i n s t r a v e l i n g – m a s k s , f a c e g u a rd s ,
g l o v e s n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , a l t h o u g h o n e d re s s e d a s a n a s t ro n a u t c o u l d l i k e l y r i d e without much fear if he or she had a large o x y g e n c o n t a i n e r o f u n c o n t a m i n a t e d a i r a l o n g s i d e h i m o r h e r o n b o a r d ( s e e h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t c o m / a r t i c l e / c o v i d - 1 9shenanigans-and-liability-part-2-makingmoney-by-compromising-health/ )
E v e n f o r t h o s e fl i g h t s t h a t w e n t o u t , a study I recall noted that barely 10 percent of flights went out on time in one recent postCOVID year. In contrast, motorcoaches do not stack up on runways They depart full, half full or barely full on schedule – rather than consolidate passengers onto different r u n s t o d i ff e re n t l a y o v e r d e s t i n a t i o n s ( o r strand them altogether) when every last seat i s n o t t a k e n T h e y g e n e r a l l y d e p a r t a n d arrive on schedule – often with 30-minute rest stops at selected restaurants along the route every few hours
Heating and Cooling
L i k e t r a n s i t b u s e s , t h e p a s s e n g e r c o mpartments of motorcoaches remain toasty a s t h e y a re h e a t e d l a rg e l y b y re c i rc u l a t e d engine coolant, whose boiling point is significantly higher than water, and which circulates throughout the heating ducts alongside the wall side passengers’ feet When it is hot outside, all motorcoaches have oversized air conditioning units so that the passenger compartments remain cool even in the hottest parts of the country, in the hottest w e a t h e r Th e o n e e x c e p t i o n i s t h a t e n g i n e c o m p a r t m e n t s c a n o v e rh e a t , a n d c o a c h e s must stop for short periods of time to cool t h e m d o w n , p a r t i c u l a r l y i f t h e y h a d b e e n running uphill for a while Otherwise, they have roof hatches and ventilation systems to supplement the A/C units and bring in fresh air – something airplanes cannot do
N o v e h i c l e s o t h e r t h a n m o t o rc o a c h e s a n d p a ss e n g e r t r a i n s h a v e t h e
c o a c h e s a n d p a s s e n g e r t r a i n s h a v e t h e s a m e a r r a y o f l u x u r i e s
Unlike Europe, saturated by public transp o r t a t i o n o f a l l s o r t s , i n c l u d i n g m o t o rcoaches (many of which are used to transport students to school [Europeans typically use a suburban-type bus for school transportation]), no modes other than taxis – decimated by transportation network compan i e s ( T N C s ) l i k e U b e r a n d Ly f t ( s e e https://transalt com/article/bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part-1-introduct i o n / ; h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t c o m / a r t i c l e / b a dregulations-and-worse-responses-part-2-the -rise-fall-and-transformation-of-supershuttle/; https://transalt.com/article/bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part-3-invas i o
r o i s m / ; https://transalt com/article/bad-regulat i o n s - a n d - w o r s e - re s p o n s e s - p a r t - 5 - e x e c utive-branch-responses/; https:// transalt com/article/bad-regulations-and-worseresponses-part-6-industry-and-associationresponses/ and https://transalt com/article/bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-p a r t - 7 - c o n c l u s i o n s / ) – a re a s u n d e ru s e d i n t h e U S a s m o t o rc o a c h e s T h e re a re o n l y about 33,000 in the entire country, and this figure has changed little in decades despite a considerable growth in our population.
Many pages of N ATIONAL BUS TRADER have been filled with idea after idea for new a n d n e e d e d u s e s o f m o t o r c o a c h e s ( s e e https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 1 - i n t r o d u c t i o n / ;
https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 2 - t h e - f o r e c l o s u r e - b u s - 2 / ; https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 3 - t h e - c l a s s r o o m - e x t e n s i o nb u s / ; h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t c o m / a r t i c l e / m a king-more-money-part-4-the-lecture-bus-2/; https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 5 - t h e - b i n g o - b u s / ; https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 6 - t h e - p r a y e r - b u s - 2 / ;
https://transalt.com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 7 - t h e - v a l e t - e r r a n d - b u s / ;
https://transalt com/article/making-morem o n e y - p a r t - 8 - t h e - e v a c u a t i o n - b u s - 2 / ;
https://transalt.com/article/making-moremoney-part-9-the-conference-motortel-2/, and https://transalt com/article/makingmore-money-part-9-the-conference-motort e l - 2 / . O n e s l i p p e r y ( a n d , h o p e f u l l y, u p w a r d ) s l o p e w i l l o c c u r a s o u r c l i m a t e c h a n g e s , a n d t h e v e r s a t i l i t y o f t h e m o t o rc o a c h – i n c l u d i n g t h e a l m o s t e n d l e s s c h a n g e s t h a t c a n b e m a d e t o i t ( s e e
https://transalt com/article/survival-andp r o s p e r i t y - p a r t - 2 - t h e - m a g i c - c o a c h / ) become more apparent, and the efficiency and effectiveness of this mode become more recognized – as it becomes more needed
The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of National Bus Trader, Inc or its staff and management q
Ned Einstein is the president of Transportation Alternatives (www.transalt.com [1]), a p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i t n e s s fi r m Einstein (einstein@transit com) specializes in catastrophic motorcoach accidents.
Worse and Worse and Better and Better
W h e n o n e t h i n k s a b o u t t h e s l u g g i s h p a c e a t w h i c h w e a r e a d d r e s s i n g f o r c e s t h a t a re b u r n i n g a n d m e l t i n g t h e p l a n e t , w h i l e , o d d l y, c o o l i n g i t i n c e r t a i n o d d p l a c e s a s a c o n s e q u e n c e o f t h e s a m e e c ological factors, riding in a motorcoach will easily be as cozy and immune to these fact o r s a s w i l l b e s o m e o n e s i t t i n g n e x t t o h i s o r h e r f i re p l a c e o r a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g u n i t i n t h e m o s t w e l l - b u i l t h o m e . I n f a i r n e s s , t h i s i s l i k e l y t ru e i n m o s t v e h i c l e s T h e d i ff e re n c e i s t h a t n o v e h i c l e s o t h e r t h a n m o t o r-
“ T h e C u r i o u s C o a c h o w n e r ” i s a q u e s t i o n a n d a n s w e r c o l u m n t h a t p ro v i d e s s i m p l e a n s w e r s t o s i m p l e q u e s t i o n s t h a t a re t o o shor t to warrant a full ar ticle or inclusion in one of our regular columns We will accept re a s o n a b l y s i m p l e t e c h n i c a l o r h i s t o r i c a l questions on coaches, buses or even conver ted coach shells by letter, fax, e-mail or phone If our staff is unable to answer them, w e w i l l c a l l u p o n o u r p a n e l o f e x p e r t s Names and addresses should be submitted w i t h y o u r q u e s t i o n s , b u t w e w i l l w i t h h o l d n a m e s f r o m p u b l i c a t i o n o n r e q u e s t W e reserve the right to modify questions to make them more useful to our readers
Q W h y a r e b u s c o m p a n i e s g e t t i n g involved with litigation over the illegal immigration issue?
–– Northeast Bus Operator
A Much of this starts with the fact that Texas has been inundated with illegal aliens As a r e s u l t , Te x a s G o v e r n o r G r e g A b b o t t h a s b e e n c o n t r a c t i n g w i t h b u s c o m p a n i e s t o t r a n s p o r t t h e s e m i g r a n t s e l s e w h e re , a n d p a r t i c u l a r l y t o s h a re t h e m w i t h s a n c t u a r y
cities
On December 29, 2023, Gover nor Abbott said that he has bussed migrants to sanctuar y cities including more than 33,600 to New York City, more than 28,000 to Chicago, 12,500 to the District of Columbia, approximately 13,800 to Denver, 3,400 to Philadelphia and 1,300 to Los Angeles
In early Januar y, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that his administration was taking legal action against 17 bus comp a n i e s t h a t h a v e t r a n s p o r t e d m i g r a n t s t o New York City
The lawsuit claims that the bus companies h a v e v i o l a t e d a N e w Yo r k S t a t e l a w t h a t r e q u i r e s t h e b u s c o m p a n i e s t o p a y t h e c o s t o f c a r i n g f o r t h e m i g r a n t s M a y o r
A d a m s s a i d t h a t t h e s u i t a s k s t o re c o u p a p p ro x i m a t e l y $ 7 0 0 m i l l i o n a l re a d y s p e n t to care for migrants sent to New York City
A n i n t e r e s t i n g s i d e i s s u e i s t h a t M a y o r Adams indicated that he believed that there were migrants who were committing crimes in New York City He also stated that some migrants have participated in the city’s robber y patter n
Meanwhile, a Texas bus company, Wynne Transpor tation, has filed a suit against the City of Chicago claiming the creation of its o w n i m m i g r a t i o n p o l i c y v i o l a t e s t h e U S C o n s t i t u t i o n ’s s u p r e m a c y c l a u s e w h i c h grants the federal government superseding regulation on this issue
The City of Chicago indicated that more than 34,620 asylum seekers have arrived in the c i t y b y b u s e s a n d p l a n e s s e n t b y Te x a s Hence in late 2023, the city began demanding harsher penalties for buses bringing in migrants that do not comply with the city’s safety protocols,
T h e c i t y r e q u i r e s t h a t b u s e s b r i n g i n g i n migrants must drop them off in the designated landing zone and they most also fill o u t p a p e r w o r k f o r n e w a r r i v a l s P e n a l t i e s include fines, towing or impounding of the buses
Wynne Transpor tation said that their subcontractors face more than 90 suits filed by the City of Chicago with fines possibly rangi n g b e t w e e n $ 2 , 0 0 0 a n d $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 T h e C h i c a g o - b a s e d a t t o r n e y r e p r e s e n t i n g Wynne and a professor of law at the University of Illinois have indicated that since the lawsuit fails to name migrants, it is largely a political move
Some of the bus companies have already started to find ways around these problems
B u s e s t r a n s p o r t i n g m i g r a n t s t o N e w Yo r k City have star ted to drop them off at a train s t a t i o n i n N e w J e r s e y, a b o u t a 1 5 - m i n u t e ride from New York Texas Governor Abbott has also star ted to send migrants via plane to avoid the bus regulations
I n m i d - D e c e m b e r, Te x a s G o v e r n o r G re g A b b o t t s i g n e d a n i m m i g r a t i o n b i l l w h i c h m a k e s u n a u t h o r i z e d b o rd e r c ro s s i n g s a state crime, giving Texas law enforcement officers the authority to arrest people susp e c t e d o f i l l e g a l l y c ro s s i n g t h e M e x i c a n b o rd e r
On Januar y 3, the federal Justice Depar tment filed suit against the State of Texas to challenge this law They claim that the Constitution gives the federal gover nment the authority to regulate immigration and manage our inter national borders
Q. Is it true that thieves stole catalytic converters from buses in Texas?
–– Midwest Reader
A In mid-December, only days before the star t of the Winter Break, thieves removed a n d s t o l e c a t a l y t i c c o n v e r t e r s f r o m 2 4 buses of the Socorro Independent School D i s t r i c t T h e b u s e s h a d t o b e t a k e n o u t o f s e r v i c e b u t w e re e x p e c t e d t o b e b a c k o n t h e ro a d w h e n c l a s s e s re s u m e d i n J a n ua r y
One source suggested that the district would h a v e t o p a y $ 5 , 0 0 0 t o $ 8 , 0 0 0 p e r b u s f o r repairs Bus operators might want to consider putting additional effor t into security in the future
Q. Bus Photos Online recently reprinted the National Bus Trader article on “The Origin of Eagle Coaches.”
–– Gary Hatt Bus Conversions Magazine
A T h i s a r t i c l e a p p e a re d i n t h e A p r i l 2 0 2 1 issue of National Bus Trader but is also available as a PDF in our online Digital Archive at busmag com We are flattered that several of our ar ticles are picked up or linked into by other publications
Q. What is the story behind the FTA letter that was sent out in early February?
–– Transit Operator
A This follows a meeting at the White House on February 7 covering concerns on transit bus manufacturing and sales Those attending included the Federal Transit Administrat i o n , m a n u f a c t u re r s o f t r a n s i t b u s e s , b u s industry associations, transit bus operators and suppliers
There are concer ns about declines in trans i t b u s m a n u f a c t u r e r s a n d s a l e s I t w a s n o t e d t h a t h e a v y d u t y t r a n s i t b u s m a n uf a c t u r e r s h a v e d e c l i n e d f r o m f i v e t o t w o recently Novabus has declined to pursue t h e U S t r a n s i t b u s m a r k e t w h i l e P ro t e r r a d e c l a re d b a n k r u p t c y
The FTA’s letter outlines several things that c a n b e u s e d b y t r a n s i t a g e n c i e s S e v e r a l different options were mentioned
The letter also encourages recipients of federal funding to use other procurement strategies including state contracts and per form a n c e - b a s e d s p e c i fi c a t i o n s t o r e d u c e procurement costs
A n s w e r s n o t c re d i t e d t o o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l s are provided by Larr y Plachno q
Here are a couple of photos taken at the ABA Marketplace in Nashville that did not make it into the article
Left: Not every vehicle on display on the show floor at the ABA Marketplace i s a b u s . T h e U . S . S p a c e a n d R o c k e t Center showed this extraterrestial vehicle from one of their displays. One has to ask whether today’s bus tours wil be replaced by tomorrow’s rocket tours to the Moon and Mars.
B e l o w : T h e s n o w f a l l i n N a s h v i l l e caused some concern for local residents b e c a u s e t h e y d o n o t o f t e n s e e t h a t w h i t e s t u f f f a l l f r o m t h e s k y. F o r t unately, ABA Marketplace delegates had a major advantage because Nashville’s Sixth Avenue South passes right under the Convention Center and was used b y t h e s h u t t l e b u s e s H e r e , a P r e v o s t H3-45, operated by Wise Coaches, takes advantage of the overhead shelter on Sixth Avenue to pick up ABA Marketplace delegates.
NATIONAL BUS TRADER continues to receive requests on the availability of back issues so that readers can either locate desired information or obtain missing issues
While they last, the following back issues are available Issues beginning with June, 1979 thru c u r r e n t a r e $ 3 – U S , $ 4 5 0 – C a n a d a a n d $ 5 –International (US) each postpaid
Several issues are already “out of print,” hence we suggest that you indicate second choices We r e s e r v e t h e r i g h t t o r e f u n d m o n e y i f i s s u e s requested are no longer available
q Vol II, No 7 June, 1979
q Vol II, No 10 September, 1979
q Vol III, No 4 March, 1980
q Vol III, No 5 April, 1980
q Vol III, No 6 May, 1980
q Vol. III, No. 9 August, 1980
q Vol III, No 10 September, 1980
q Vol. III, No. 12 November, 1980
q Vol IV, No 5 April, 1981
q Vol. IV, No. 6 May, 1981
q Vol IV, No 7 June, 1981
q Vol. IV, No. 9 August, 1981
q Vol IV, No 10 September, 1981
q Vol. IV, No. 11 October, 1981
q Vol V, No 2 January, 1982
q Vol. V, No. 3 February, 1982
q Vol V, No 6 May, 1982
q Vol V, No 11 October, 1982
q Vol V, No 12 November, 1982
q Vol VI, No 2 January, 1983
q Vol VI, No 5 April, 1983
q Vol VI, No 7 June, 1983
q Vol. VI, No. 9 August, 1983
q Vol VI, No 10 September, 1983
q Vol. VI, No. 11 October, 1983
q Vol VI, No 12 November, 1983
q Vol. VII, No. 5 April, 1984
q Vol VII, No 9 August, 1984
q Vol. VII, No. 10 September, 1984
q Vol VII, No 11 October, 1984
q Vol. VII, No. 12 November, 1984
q Vol VIII, No 2 January, 1985
q Vol. VIII, No. 4 March, 1985
q Vol VIII, No 6 May, 1985
q Vol VIII, No 7 June, 1985
q Vol VIII, No 8 July, 1985
q Vol VIII, No 10 September, 1985
q Vol IX, No 5 April, 1986
q Vol IX, No 6 May, 1986
q Vol. IX, No. 8 July, 1986
q Vol IX, No 9 August, 1986
q Vol. IX, No. 10 September, 1986
q Vol IX, No 12 November, 1986
q Vol. X, No. 2 January, 1987
q Vol X, No 4 March, 1987
q Vol. X, No. 5 April, 1987
q Vol X, No 6 May, 1987
q Vol. X, No. 9 August, 1987
q Vol XI, No 2 January, 1988
q Vol XI, No 3 February, 1988
q Vol XI, No 4 March, 1988
q Vol XI, No 5 April, 1988
q Vol XI, No 6 May, 1988
q Vol XI, No 11 October, 1988
q Vol. XI, No. 12 November, 1988
q Vol XII, No 2 January, 1989
q Vol. XII, No. 3 February, 1989
q Vol XII, No 4 March, 1989
q Vol. XII, No. 5 April, 1989
q Vol XII, No 6 May, 1989
q Vol. XII, No. 7 June, 1989
q Vol XII, No 10 September, 1989
q Vol. XII, No. 11 October, 1989
q Vol XIII, No 2 January, 1990
q Vol. XIII, No. 4 March, 1990
q Vol XIII, No 6 May, 1990
q Vol XIII, No 7 June, 1990
q Vol XIII, No 8 July, 1990
q Vol XIV, No 2 January, 1991
q Vol XIV, No 4 March, 1991
q Vol XIV, No 7 June, 1991
q Vol. XIV, No. 10 September, 1991
q Vol XIV, No 11 October, 1991
q Vol. XIV, No. 12 November, 1991
q Vol XV, No 2 January, 1992
q Vol XV, No 3 February, 1992
q Vol XV, No 4 March, 1992
q Vol XV, No 6 May, 1992
q Vol. XV, No. 7 June, 1992
q Vol XV, No 8 July, 1992
q Vol. XV, No. 9 August, 1992
q Vol XV, No 10 September, 1992
q Vol. XVI, No. 7 June, 1993
q Vol XVI, No 11 October, 1993
q Vol. XVI, No. 12 November, 1993
q Vol XVII, No 2 January, 1994
q Vol. XVII, No. 3 February, 1994
q Vol XVII, No 4 March, 1994
q Vol. XVII, No. 6 May, 1994
q Vol XVII, No 7 June, 1994
q Vol XVII, No 10 September, 1994
q Vol XVII, No 11 October, 1994
q Vol XVII, No 12 November, 1994
q Vol XVIII, No 2 January, 1995
q Vol XVIII, No 3 February, 1995
q Vol. XVIII, No. 4 March, 1995
q Vol XVIII, No 6 May, 1995
q Vol. XVIII, No. 8 July, 1995
q Vol XIX, No 2 January, 1996
q Vol. XIX, No. 3 February, 1996
q Vol XIX, No 4 March, 1996
q Vol. XIX, No. 8 July, 1996
q Vol XIX, No 11 October, 1996
q Vol. XIX, No. 12 November, 1996
q Vol XX, No 6 May, 1997
q Vol. XX, No. 6 May, 1997
q Vol XX, No 7 June, 1997
q Vol XX, No 8 July, 1997
q Vol XX, No 9 August, 1997
q Vol XX, No 10 September, 1997
q Vol XX, No 12 November, 1997
q Vol XXI, No 2 January, 1998
q Vol. XXI, No. 3 February, 1998
q Vol XXI, No 5 April, 1998
q Vol. XXI, No. 7 June, 1998
q Vol XXI, No 8 July, 1998
q Vol. XXI, No. 9 August, 1998
q Vol XXI, No 10 September, 1998
q Vol. XXII, No. 8 July, 1999
q Vol XXII, No 9 August, 1999
q Vol. XXII, No. 10 September, 1999
q Vol XXII, No 11 October, 1999
q Vol XXII, No 12 November, 1999
q Vol XXIII, No 2 January, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 3 February, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 4 March, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 5 April, 2000
q Vol. XXIII, No.6 May, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 8 July, 2000
q Vol. XXIII, No.9 August, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 10 September, 2000
q Vol. XXIII, No.11 October, 2000
q Vol XXIII, No 12 November, 2000
q Vol. XXIV, No.3 February, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 4 March, 2001
q Vol. XXIV, No.5 April, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 6 May, 2001
q Vol. XXIV, No.7 June, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 9 August, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 10 September, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 11 October, 2001
q Vol XXIV, No 12 November, 2001
q Vol XXV, No 2 January, 2002
q Vol. XXV, No. 3 February, 2002
q Vol. XXV, No. 4 March, 2002
q Vol. XXV, No. 5 April, 2002
q Vol XXV, No 6 May, 2002
q Vol XXV, No 8 July, 2002
q Vol XXV, No 9 August, 2002
q Vol XXV, No 11 October, 2002
q Vol. XXVI, No. 4 March, 2003
q Vol. XXVI, No. 6 May, 2003
q Vol XXVI, No 7 June, 2003
q Vol XXVI, No 8 July, 2003
q Vol XXVI, No 9 August, 2003
q Vol XXVI, No 10 September, 2003
q Vol. XXVI, No. 11 October, 2003
q Vol. XXVI, No. 12 November, 2003
q Vol XXVII, No 2 January, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 3 February, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 4 March, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 5 April, 2004
q Vol. XXVII, No. 8 July, 2004
q Vol. XXVII, No. 9 August, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 10 September, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 11 October, 2004
q Vol XXVII, No 12 November, 2004
q Vol XXVIII, No 2 January, 2005
q Vol. XXVIII, No. 3 February, 2005
q Vol. XXVIII, No. 4 March, 2005
q Vol XXVIII, No 5 April, 2005
q Vol XXVIII, No 6 May, 2005
q Vol XXVIII, No 7 June, 2005
q Vol. XXVIII, No. 9 August, 2005
q Vol. XXVIII, No.10 September, 2005
q Vol XXVIII, No 11 October, 2005
q Vol XXVIII, No 12 November, 2005
q Vol XXVIV, No 2 January, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 3 February, 2006
q Vol. XXVIV, No. 4 March, 2006
q Vol. XXVIV, No. 5 April, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 6 May, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 7 June, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 8 July, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 9 August, 2006
q Vol XXVIV, No 10 September, 2006
q Vol. XXVIV, No. 11 October, 2006
q Vol. XXVIV, No. 12 November, 2006
q Vol XXX, No 1 December, 2006
q Vol XXX, No 2 January, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 3 February, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 4 March, 2007
q Vol. XXX, No. 5 April, 2007
q Vol. XXX, No. 6 May, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 7 June, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 8 July, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 9 August, 2007
q Vol XXX, No 10 September, 2007
q Vol. XXX No. 11 October, 2007
q Vol. XXX, No. 12 November, 2007
q Vol XXXI, No 1 December, 2007
q Vol XXXI, No 2 January, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 3 February, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 4 March, 2008
q Vol. XXXI, No. 5 April, 2008
q Vol. XXXI, No. 6 May, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 7 June, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 8 July, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 9 August, 2008
q Vol XXXI, No 10 September, 2008
q Vol. XXXI, No. 11 October, 2008
q Vol. XXXI, No. 12 November, 2008
q Vol XXXII, No 1 December, 2008
q Vol XXXII, No 2 January, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 3 February, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 4 March, 2009
q Vol. XXXII, No. 5 April, 2009
q Vol. XXXII, No. 6 May, 2009
q Vol. XXXII, No. 7 June, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 8 July, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 9 August, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 10 September, 2009
q Vol XXXII, No 11 October, 2009
q Vol. XXXII, No. 12 November, 2009
q Vol. XXXIII, No. 1 December, 2009
q Vol XXXIII, No 2 January, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 3 February, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 4 March, 2010
q Vol. XXXIII, No. 5 April, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 6 May, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 7 June, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 8 July, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 9 August, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 10 September, 2010
q Vol XXXIII, No 11 October, 2010
q Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 November, 2010
q Vol XXXIV, No 1 December, 2010
q Vol. XXXIV, No. 2 January, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 3 February, 2011
q Vol. XXXIV, No. 4 March, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 5 April, 2011
q Vol. XXXIV, No. 6 May, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 7 June, 2011
q Vol. XXXIV, No. 8 July, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 9 August, 2011
q Vol. XXXIV, No. 10 September, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 11 October, 2011
q Vol XXXIV, No 12 November, 2011
q Vol XXXV, No 1 December, 2011
q Vol XXXV, No 2 January, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 3 February, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 4 March, 2012
q Vol. XXXV, No. 5 April, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 6 May, 2012
q Vol. XXXV, No. 7 June, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 8 July, 2012
q Vol. XXXV, No. 9 August, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 10 September, 2012
q Vol. XXXV, No. 11 October, 2012
q Vol XXXV, No 12 November, 2012
q Vol. XXXVI, No. 1 December, 2012
q Vol XXXVI, No 2 January, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 3 February, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 4 March, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 5 April, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 6 May, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 7 June, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 8 July, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 9 August, 2013
q Vol. XXXVI, No. 10 September, 2013
q Vol XXXVI, No 11 October, 2013
q Vol. XXXVI, No. 12 November, 2013
q Vol XXXVII, No 1 December, 2013
q Vol XXXVII, No 2 January, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 3 February, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 4 March, 2014
q Vol. XXXVII, No. 5 April, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 6 May, 2014
q Vol. XXXVII, No. 7 June, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 8 July, 2014
q Vol. XXXVII, No. 9 August, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 10 September, 2014
q Vol. XXXVII, No. 11 October, 2014
q Vol XXXVII, No 12 November, 2014
q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 1 December, 2014
q Vol XXXVIII, No 2 January, 2015
q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3 February, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 4 March, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 5 April, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 6 May, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 7 June, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 8 July, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 9 August, 2015
q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10 September, 2015
q Vol XXXVIII, No 11 October, 2015
q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 12 November, 2015
q Vol XXXIX, No 1 December, 2015
q Vol. XXXIX, No. 2 January, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 3 February, 2016
q Vol. XXXIX, No. 4 March, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 5 April, 2016
q Vol. XXXIX, No. 6 May, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 7 June, 2016
q Vol. XXXIX, No. 8 July, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 9 August, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 10 September, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 11 October, 2016
q Vol XXXIX, No 12 November, 2016
q Vol XL, No 1 December, 2016
q Vol XL, No 2 January, 2017
q Vol. XL, No. 3 February, 2017
q Vol XL, No 4 March, 2017
q Vol. XXXX, No. 5 April, 2017
q Vol XXXX, No 6 May, 2017
• UMA Motorcoach Expo in St Louis
• The Prize-Winning Aerocoach at the Museum of Bus Transportation
• Rochester City Lines Still Making, Preserving and Celebrating History
q Vol XXXX, No 7 June, 2017
• Industry History From UMA Shows – Installment I
• Extended Service Protection on Your Bus Fleet
• Bus History on a Wall
q Vol XXXX, No 8 July, 2017
• Vicinity – A Mid-Size Bus Success Story
• Prevost Conversion Shells for All Types of Coaches
• The Bus Accident in Red Lion, Delaware
q Vol. XXXX, No. 9 August, 2017
• “J” is for Jackpot with the 2018 J4500
• Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment II
• Book Review
q Vol. XXXX, No. 10 September, 2017
• Propane Continues to be Clean and Economical
• H&L Charter – The Best Comes in Small Packages
• Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment III
q Vol XXXX, No 11 October, 2017
• ABC & Van Hool Celebrate 30 Years
• Taking a Venture in Norfolk
•The Five “No’s” You Must Overcome to Sell Your Bus Business
q Vol XXXX, No 12 November, 2017
• MCI Reliability Rally 2017
• BusCon 2017 in Indianapolis
• Exit Planning Becoming More Complicated for Family-Owned Bus Businesses
q Vol. XXXXI, No. 1 December, 2017
• Complete Coach Works and the Carson Heritage
• The Busboys Vintage Bus Rally in Evansville, Indiana
• Virginia’s Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum Ravaged by Fire
• Re-Energizing the North American Diecast Model Bus Scene
q Vol XXXXI, No 2 January, 2018
• Prevost Again Moves Ahead in Support, Service and Parts
• New 2018 J4500 Highlights Busy Season for MCI
• Common Rail Technology and the GHG17 Volvo Engine
q Vol. XXXXI, No. 3 February, 2018
• Walking the Irizar Assembly Line in Ormaiztegi
• Busworld 2017 in Belgium
q Vol XXXXI, No 4 March, 2018
• UMA Motorcoach Expo 2018i
• Van Hool to Build Buses in Eastern Tennessee
• The New MCI D45 CRT LE
q Vol XXXXI, No 5 April, 2018
• Charging Ahead with Electric Buses
• Holiday Tours Puts Customers First
• How Chicago’s “Party Bus” Ordinance is Affecting Bus Tourism
q Vol XXXXI, No 6 May, 2018
• The CHTC HT45 amd HT35 Coaches
• The Pacific Bus Museum – From Hobby to Formal Museum
• Twenty Tips on Hiring Bus Drivers
• Van Hool Builds Bus Factoryin Morristown, Tennessee
q Vol. XXXXI, No. 7 June, 2018
• MCI Academy Wins Fans Across Industry
• Where are the Buses Built? #1
• The Campaign Bus for the President of the Philippines
• The Penn Highway Transit Company
q Vol XXXXI, No 8 July, 2018
• Farber Continues Custom Coach Traditions
• Prevost’s New Flat Floor Slide-Outs
• Liberty Coach Busch Bus
q Vol XXXXI, No 9 August, 2018
• ZF Components for Electric Buses
• Museum of Bus Transportation Spring Fling Open House Success
• “Friends” of the NJ Heritage Center Takes Eight Vintage Coaches to the 2018 MOBT Spring Fling
q Vol XXXXI, No 10 September, 2018
• Van Hool’s CX35 – Small in Size, Big in Quality
• Diecast Model Buses Impress in a Big Way
• Master ’s Transportation – Where to go to increase your fleet quickly or temporarily
q Vol. XXXXI, No. 11 October, 2018
• ZF Technology Day in Friedrichshafen
• MCI’s 2018 Reliability Rally
• How Will Autonomous Cars Impact the Bus Industry?
q Vol XXXXI, No 12 November, 2018
• Peter Pan Celebrates 85 Years on the Road
• Clean Up Your Fleet with a Bitimec Wash-Bot
q Vol XXXXII, No 1 December, 2018
• Prevost Unveils New Features and New Possibility on the Volvo 9700 at UMA Expo
• MCI’s New J3500 – Small in Size, Big in Features
• The e GO Mover – Filling a Gap in Transportation with ZF Technology
• Giving Buses a Second Life at Complete Coach Works
q Vol. XXXXII, No. 2 January, 2019
• BusCon 2018 in Indianapolis
• Panorama Tours Keeps Things in the Family
• How Will Demand or Congestion Toll Pricing Impact Bus Operations?
q Vol XXXXII, No 3 February, 2019
• Test Driving the New Electric MCI J4500e CHARGE
• Stagecoach Group Sells Coach USA and Coach Canada
• The Story of the Australian Scenicruiser
q Vol XXXXII, No 4 March, 2019
• UMA 2019 Motorcoach Expo in Fort Lauderdale
• Angel Tours Celebrates 20 Years
• The Saga of #5496, a 1937 Yellow Coach Model 733
q Vol XXXXII, No 5 April, 2019
• Buses at the 2019 ABA Marketplace in Louisville
• Are Pre-Owned Coach Sales Declining?
• The Six Levels of Autonomous Vehicles
q Vol XXXXII, No 6 May, 2019
• Temsa North America Inc – Temsa’s Increased Support for the American Market
• MCI Launches Motorcoach Technician Apprenticeship Program
• 2019 Spring Fling Announced
q Vol. XXXXII, No. 7 June, 2019
• Looking Beyond the Driver Shortage to Demography and the Global Economy
• Are the Reasons for Coach Seat Belts Changing?
• The Passengers Left Behind – Take the Accessible Information Test
q Vol. XXXXII, No. 8 July, 2019
• Prevost Motorhome Expo
• Featherlite Luxury Coaches
• Emerald Luxury Coaches Unveils First H3-45 Conversions
• Ten Things to Consider When Choosing a Luxury RV
q Vol XXXXII, No 9 August, 2019
• NFI Group Acquires Alexander Dennis
• Getting the Glow – Take a look inside the “New Look” of Liberty
• Book Review – Chicago Motor Coach
q Vol. XXXXII, No. 10 September, 2019
• The 2019 Spring Fling in Hershey
• Congestion Pricing May Affect Bus Operators
• In the Beginning – The Bus Industry Prior to Regulation in 1935
q Vol XXXXII, No 11 October, 2019
• Proterra Launches Proterra Powered™ Vehicle Electrification Solutions for Commercial Fleets
• Bendix Tech Tips: Avoiding the “Gotchas”
• The “Shorty” Flxibles of Pikes Peak
q Vol XXXXII, No 12 November, 2019
• 30 Years of Foxy Travel & FTI Coach
• Fleet Graphics is an Art at ABC Companies
• MCI debuts 2020 model line-up with a SNEAK PREVIEW of the battery-electric D45 CRTe LE CHARGE at Bay Area Reliability Symposium on October 1
q Vol XXXXIII, No 1 December, 2019
• Temsa’s Redesigned TS 30
• BusCon 2019 in Indianapolis
• Hammond Transportation
q Vol XXXXIII, No 2 January, 2020
• Anchor Transportation – 30 Years and Counting in a Growing Nashville
• David Thomas Tours and Their Short Temsa Coaches
• Museum of Bus Transportation to Merge with Antique Automobile Club of America Museum
q Vol XXXXIII, No 3 February, 2020
• Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part I
• Heroes’ Honeymoon
• Philadelphia to New York Every Half Hour
q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 4 March, 2020
• Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part II
• The Changing Bus Industry
q Vol XXXXIII, No 5 April, 2020
• ABA Marketplace 2020 in Omaha
• Procedure and Liability After a Collision with an Automated Vehicle
• Impaired Drivers
q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 6 May, 2020
• Bringing Back the Bus Industry
• Bus Industry Suggestions from Shriver Insurance
• What Can Bus Companies Do To Reduce Insurance Costs During COVID-19?
• UMA Motorcoach Expo 2020 in Nashville
• Bus Preservation After the Merger
q Vol XXXXIII, No 7 June, 2020
• Grants, Loans and Programs to Help Transportation Companies Survive COVID-19 Business Disruption
• Time to Think Tours
• Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness
q Vol XXXXIII, No 8 July, 2020
• What the IATR and Transportation Regulators are Doing to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic
• A Tribute to Kirwan Elmers and Custom Coach Corporation
• RiverLandings Motorcoach Resort, Where True Luxury Reaches New Heights
q Vol XXXXIII, No 9 August, 2020
• The Evolving MCI Product Line
• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Transportation Ecosystem
• Marijuana and Drivers
q Vol XXXXIII, No 10 September, 2020
• New Coach Review
• Seven Simple Steps to Show Your Customers You Are Open for Business
• Can Bus Operators Change to Survive?
q Vol XXXXIII, No 11 October, 2020
• Getting People Back on the Buses
• 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Web Site During COVID-19
• Didn’t See That Coming
• The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago
q Vol XXXXIII, No 12 November, 2020
• How Temsa Developed Their Programmable Electric Bus
• Can Bus Companies Get to and Survive in the “New Normal?”
• Talk’s Cheap – Let’s Play
q Vol. XXXXIV, No. 1 December, 2020
• Keolis Moves People
• Are Mergers the Answer?
• A Lesson from the Sea – Time to Choose a Strategy
• Now is Not the Time to Skip on Bus Maintenance
• The Small Business Reorganization Act – A New Option in Bankruptcy
Classified ad rate is $30 per issue for first 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Rate includes Internet access. Name, address, zip and phone number are not included in word count The total number of words in a classified ad can not exceed 70 Rates apply on each ad individually – the rate for multiple insertions is the total of each ad figured individually. Free classified ads are acceptable ONLY when submitted on or with your free classified ad certificate. Display advertising rates on request.
1 – BUSES WANTED
Seeking 102D3 converted by Custom Coach Prefer motor home interior with side aisle or semi-side aisle Please provide details by e-mail to safety@busmag com or phone Larry at (815) 946-2341
6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE
MCI MC5A ’67 (shell) 8V-71, 4-speed For sale to highest bidder Call (
1991 Hawkins motorcoach 3208T CAT, 35 ft with all awnings Alcoa wheels, landing/docking lights, heated m i r
,
generator, exhaust brake Always stored indoors Asking $15,000 Contact Dallas in MI at (269) 591-2564 I 1956 Flxible coach – old conversion Phone (802) 9482886 in VT for details I
6V-92T
10 – PARTS AND EQUIPMENT
u s M u s e u m ,
the Web site at www pacbus org
November 17-20, 2024. N TA Tr a v e l
