The All-New Prevost H3-45 (by Larry Plachno) . .
The introduction of Prevost’s improved H3-45 model has been one of the more exciting events in the bus industry recently Providing improvements and an updated exterior design on their flagship model not only gives operators something to look forward to but also shows confidence on an industry bouncing back from the pandemic.
Busworld North America 2023 (by Larry Plachno) . .
This first Busworld North America took place in Detroit from February 4-6, 2023 in conjunction with the American Bus Association’s Marketplace. Here is some background on the event as well as a review of the buses that were on display on the show floor.
The Civil War and Life Without Regulations (by Dave Millhouser) . . . .
Our columnist ponders the good and evil behind regulations and speculates on what life would be like without regulations He even brings up the question of what would happen if regulators and operators could switch places for a year. The concept of walking a mile in someone’s moccasins might open some eyes
M o t o r C o a c h I n d u s t r i e s ( M C I ) , a s u bs i d i a r y o f N F I G ro u p I n c ( N F I ) a n d N o r t h A m e r i c a ’s m o t o rc o a c h l e a d e r b a c k e d b y re l i a b l e i n - f i e l d t e c h n i c a l e x p e r t i s e , 2 4 / 7 r o a d s i d e a s s i s t a n c e a n d p a r t s s u p p o r t , r e c e n t l y p r e s e n t e d i t s l e a d i n g J 4 5 0 0 c o a c h T h e M C I t e a m – t r u s t e d e x p e r t s i n c o a c h m a n u f a c t u r i n g – w e re a t t h e A m e ri c a n B u s A s s o c i a t i o n ( A B A ) M a r k e t p l a c e , which was co-located in Detroit, Michigan, with Busworld, a leading global bus equipm e n t e x h i b i t i o n a r r i v i n g i n N o r t h A m e r i c a f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e
Celebrating a proud 90-year heritage of building the industr y’s best-selling motorcoaches, MCI addressed the continuation of its legendar y reputation by highlighting its coach innovation and service center netw o r k e x p a n s i o n , d e s i g n e d t o d e l i v e r a n u n s u r p a s s e d s e r v i c e e x p e r i e n c e , d u r i n g the ABA Marketplace and Busworld Nor th America events
F ro m F e b r u a r y 4 - 7 , M C I d i s p l a y e d i t s l u x u r i o u s a n d a m e n i t y - r i c h M C I J 4 5 0 0 clean-diesel coach at the Busworld Nor th A m e r i c a , s i d e b y s i d e w i t h N F I P a r t s ™ , N o r t h A m e r i c a ’s m o s t c o m p r e h e n s i v e o r g a n i z a t i o n p r o v i d i n g p a r t s , t e c h n i c a l p u b l i c a t i o n s , t r a i n i n g a n d s u p p o r t f o r b u s e s a n d m o t o rc o a c h e s
After delivering its 10,000th J4500 coach p o w e re d b y c l e a n - d i e s e l t e c h n o l o g y a n d its first battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™ in 2022, MCI now presents its newest cleand i e s e l J 4 5 0 0 , t h e i n d u s t r y ’s b e s t - s e l l i n g motorcoach Equipped with top-tier amenit i e s f o r p a s s e n g e r s a n d t h e l a t e s t s a f e g u a rd s f o r c o a c h o p e r a t o r s a n d t h e environment, the J4500 coach features:
“A 90-year legacy of delivering innovat i o n s a n d b u i l d i n g w o r k h o r s e c o a c h e s backed up with reliable parts and extensive service support, together make MCI a leading motorcoach manufacturer in North America,” said Paul Soubr y, president and chief executive officer, NFI “MCI is a proud member of NFI’s global brand family, and we are delighted to display MCI’s industr y-leading vehicle at Busworld Nor th America ”
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W e a r e e x c i t e d t o s t a r t M C I ’s n e x t decade of service to the motorcoach industry,” said Brent Maitland, vice president, Private Sector Sales and Marketing, MCI “Our future continues to include the J4500 coach as the pinnacle of what operators value in a motorcoach designed for North American roads, along with high-quality manufacturing and the best suppor t team in the business These attributes, developed over the past 90 years, are leading us forward Thank you
to all ABA members, whose loyalty and trust allowed MCI to reach its anniversar y miles t o n e a n d m a n y l a n d m a r k a c h i e v e m e n t s throughout the MCI histor y ”
A t t h e 2 0 2 3 B u s w o r l d d e b u t i n N o r t h America, MCI’s Maitland was featured as a panelist in the “Overview of the North Ameri c a B u s a n d M o t o rc o a c h M a r k e t ” a n d t h e “ Z e ro - E m i s s i o n O p t i o n s f o r L o n g - R a n g e Applications” educational sessions Maitland also spoke at ABA’s sessions of Driving Force, a program designed to provide indust r y o p e r a t o r s w i t h t o o l s a n d t i p s t o re c r u i t and retain their drivers
As a proud sponsor, MCI presented several industr y awards at ABA Marketplace, including the Motorcoach Driver of the Year Aw a rd a t t h e B I S C ’s ( B u s I n d u s t r y S a f e t y Council) session, the Leadership & Environmental Sustainability award, which recognizes an operator for its outstanding green stewardship, and two Women in Buses awards M C I i s a f o u n d i n g m e m b e r a n d l o n g - t i m e sponsor of ABA’s Women in Buses program, which recognizes and advances the role of women in the motorcoach industry through networking, education and mentoring
M o s t re c e n t l y, M C I a n n o u n c e d t h a t i t s Souther n Califor nia service center location is moving into a new, more convenient locat i o n i n L o s A n g e l e s , w h i c h w i l l o p e n i n March In addition, a service center facility in Seattle, Washington, is expected to open later in 2023
I n a d d i t i o n , N F I P a r t s h a s r e c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d t h e e x p a n s i o n o f i t s p a r t s w a r e h o u s e s p a c e i n F r e s n o , C a l i f o r n i a , d o u b l i n g t h e s q u a r e f o o t a g e t o p r o v i d e better availability and reduce deliver y lead t i m e f o r We s t C o a s t c u s t o m e r s T h e N F I P a r t s F re s n o w a re h o u s e i s n o w s t o c k e d with a majority of high-demand MCI coach m a i n t e n a n c e p a r t s a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e a d d i n g i n v e n t o r y o v e r t i m e t o m e e t c u st o m e r d e m a n d F u r t h e r m o r e , N F I P a r t s n o w o ff e r s a C r i t i c a l P a r t s L i s t i d e n t i f y i n g k e y p a r t s d e e m e d e s s e n t i a l t o c o a c h u p t i m e a n d f o r c u s t o m e r s t o c o n s i d e r s t o c k i n g i n t h e i r o w n s h o p
Relationship-driven suppor t functions, including MCI’s in-field Technical Solutions Managers, technical call center, 24/7 roadside assistance and award-winning technic i a n t r a i n i n g t h ro u g h M C I A c a d e m y a l s o h e l p k e e p t h e m o r e t h a n 2 0 , 0 0 0 M C I c o a c h e s c u r re n t l y i n s e r v i c e a n d r u n n i n g ever y day
M C I A c a d e m y, t h e o n l y m o t o r c o a c h industry training institution to earn the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accreditation, provides no-cost training programs for all levels of technicians through hundreds of online courses In 2022, MCI Academy re-opened in-person classes at its National Training Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and announced its ASE five-year recertification The 2023 class schedule is available online To lear n more, visit mciacademy com
MCI’s parent company, NFI, is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehic l e s o p e r a t i n g ( o r o n o rd e r ) i n m o re t h a n 1 2 0 c i t i e s i n s i x c o u n t r i e s N F I o ff e r s t h e wides range of zero-emission batter y and fuel cell-electric buses and coaches, and its vehicles have completed more than 85 million EV service miles
Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean and sustainable mobility solutions through a four-pillar approach that includes buses and coaches, t e c h n o l o g y, i n f r a s t r u c t u re a n d w o r k f o rc e development NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), the first and only i n n o v a t i o n l a b o f i t s k i n d d e d i c a t e d t o advancing bus and coach technology and p ro v i d i n g w o r k f o rc e d e v e l o p m e n t S i n c e o p e n i n g i n l a t e 2 0 1 7 , t h e V I C h a s h o s t e d more than 350 interactive events, welcoming 7,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training
MCI is North America’s public and private market motorcoach leader Products include the luxur y J Series (an industr y best-seller
for more than a decade), the workhorse D S e r i e s , a n d t h e b r a n d n e w z e ro - e m i s s i o n luxury and commuter coaches: the batterye l e c t r i c J 4 5 0 0 C H A R G E ™ , D 4 5 C R T CHARGE™ and D45 CRT LE CHARGE™
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world With zeroemission buses and coaches, infrastructure a n d t e c h n o l o g y, N F I m e e t s t o d a y ’s u r b a n demands for scalable smar t mobility solutions Together NFI is enabling more livable c i t i e s t h ro u g h c o n n e c t e d , c l e a n a n d s u stainable transpor tation
With 7,500 team members in nine countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the b r a n d s N e w F l y e r ® ( h e a v y - d u t y t r a n s i t buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander D e n n i s L i m i t e d ( s i n g l e - a n d d o u b l e - d e c k buses), Plaxton (motorcoaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), a n d N F I P a r t s ™ N F I c u r re n t l y o ff e r s t h e widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, batter y and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid and clean diesel In total NFI s u p p o r t s i t s i n s t a l l e d b a s e o f m o r e t h a n 1 0 5 , 0 0 0 b u s e s a n d c o a c h e s a ro u n d t h e world
The redesigned Prevost H3-45 was in the spotlight once again as it made its presence k n o w n a t t h e A B A M a r k e t p l a c e a n d B u sworld in Detroit Show attendees were eager
to get a firsthand look at the stunning vehicle in the Prevost booth
A hallmark of the H3-45 is its sleek aerodynamic shape that makes it up to 12 percent more fuel efficient
“The H3-45 is an absolute home run in my mind They’ve taken what was already great and made it even better The aerodynamics are amazing and the increased fuel e f fi c i e n c y i s a h u g e b e n e fi t E v e r y t h i n g s e e m s t o b e e x t re m e l y w e l l t h o u g h t o u t , ” said Terry Fischer, vice chairman of the ABA Board of Directors and president of Transpor tation Char ter Services
O t h e r a d v a n c e s i n c l u d e a n u p d a t e d driver cockpit with intuitive automotive controls that deliver a more comfortable driving e x p e r i e n c e P l u s , t h e s t re a m l i n e d p ro fi l e makes the coach nearly 50 percent quieter in the driver area
“When the driver is working, the driver seat is his office and he spends a lot of time t h e r e P r e v o s t c l e a r l y m a d e t h e H 3 - 4 5 a much more luxurious, well-appointed office I know our drivers are going to be excited about this new vehicle because they already feel like rock stars when they’re behind the wheel of an H3-45,” said Steven Brown, vice president of Brown Coach
Many operators had already heard the b u z z a b o u t t h e H 3 - 4 5 a n d p l a c e d t h e i r orders before attending Busworld
“ W e ’ v e o w n e d s e v e r a l H 3 - 4 5 s s i n c e 1997 We heard the new H3-45 was coming and placed an order in advance because w e ’ r e c o n fi d e n t w h e n P r e v o s t m a k e s c h a n g e s t h e y ’ re g o i n g t o b e p o s i t i v e We t o o k d e l i v e r y o f t h e v e r y fi r s t o n e a n d o u r mechanics instantly found lots of things they l i k e d a b o u t i t We a l s o f o u n d a l o t o f c u stomer amenities that we thought were nicer a n d b e t t e r, ” s a i d J e ff A re n s d o r f , o w n e r o f Village Travel
For operators, the Prevost customer and vehicle support is legendary Prevost boasts the largest service network in the industr y w i t h s t r a t e g i c a l l y - p l a c e d , O E M - o w n e d service centers and more than 160 service providers throughout Nor th America dedic a t e d t o t h e H 3 - 4 5 a n d t h e e n t i r e l i n e o f coaches
In addition to the H3-45 introduction at Busworld, Adirondack Trailways, who has been a long-ter m customer, joined Prevost in its booth to announce a new route from Toronto to Detroit, beginning in March
The next stops on the H3-45 tour are the Chauffeur Driven Show in Las Vegas, March 5-8 and the OTE in Toronto, April 18
National Bus Trader / April, 2023 •
For more infor mation on the all-new H345 coach and to watch a debut video, visit prevostcar com
ABC Companies at Busworld ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passeng e r t r a n s p o r t e q u i p m e n t a n d i n d u s t r y l e a d e r i n 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 and Canada, brought a luxur y motorc o a c h e x p e r i e n c e t o B u s w o r l d N o r t h A m e r i c a 2 0 2 3 T h e e x c l u s i v e d i s t r i b u t o r o f Va n H o o l m o t o rc o a c h e s s h o w c a s e d i t s f l a g s h i p V a n H o o l C X 3 5 m o d e l o n t h e s h o w f l o o r T h e f u l l y l o a d e d E x p o m o d e l integrated an expansive array of available features and upgrades that reflect the late s t t re n d s i n g r a p h i c a p p l i c a t i o n s , h i g he n d i n t e r i o r f i n i s h e s a n d e n h a n c e d d r i v e r f u n c t i o n a l i t y “ P a s s e n g e r s e x p e c t a n d d e m a n d a l u x u r y t r a n s p o r t a t i o n e x p e r ie n c e t o d a y, ” s a i d R o m a n C o r n e l l , p re s id e n t a n d C C O , A B C C o m p a n i e s “ T h e s e e n h a n c e d m o d e l s d e m o n s t r a t e a f u l l yi m m e r s i v e p a s s e n g e r e x p e r i e n c e w i t h f e a t u r e s t h a t c a n b e s p e c i f i e d o n n e w e q u i p m e n t , o r i n s o m e c a s e s , re t ro - f i t t e d t o l a t e m o d e l c o a c h e s t o a c h i e v e a m a j o r i m p a c t o n r i d e r s a n d c r e a t e a t r u l y p r em i u m e x p e r i e n c e ”
Visitors to ABC viewed the “blacked out” t h e m e g r a p h i c s f e a t u re d o n t h e Va n H o o l CX35 This fully loaded demo is designed for major impact from outside in Featuring a black matte tone-on-tone wrap – designed, printed and installed by ABC Graphics – the vehicle offers an impactful way to achieve a fresh new look that showcases an opera-
tor’s brand “For a modest investment in new or existing equipment, custom coach graphics are a great way to refresh an operator’s brand and image, allowing them to stand out in their market while traveling on the road ever y day,” said Thom Peebles, vice presid e n t - M a r k e t i n g A B C C o m p a n i e s “ O u r e x p e r t g r a p h i c s t e a m o f d e s i g n e r s a n d installers can customize graphics and create designs to meet any operator’s specific market strategy ”
Visitors also inspected the custom upfit z e r o e m i s s i o n s 2 0 2 2 S u n s e t Va n F o r d E - Tr a n s i t H R E L m o d e l d u r i n g t h e 2 0 2 3 show ABC utilizes industr y leading manufactures like Ford and innovative upfitters such as Sunset Vans to bring cutting edge EV options to customers The economical, z e r o e m i s s i o n s 2 0 2 2 S u n s e t Va n F o r d E-Tranist High Roof Extended Length model a d d s t o a n e x p a n s i v e p o r t f o l i o o f o p t i o n s ABC offers for right sizing vehicles to cust o m e r re q u e s t s a n d n e e d s A B C p ro u d l y offers electric and internal combustion powered options from several quality manufacturers ranging from basic shuttle vans built o n t h e R a m P r o M a s t e r a n d F o r d Tr a n s i t chassis up to Tur tle Top Executive editions
b a s e d o n t h e F re i g h t l i n e r a n d F o rd F - 6 0 0 chassis for a truly premium transpor tation experience
ABC Sales, PartsSource and Service representatives and management were on hand for questions, requests and more information
a b o u t t h i s a n d a l l A B C p r e m i u m g r o u n d transpor tation products
Inter national Roadcheck is May 16-18
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced May 16-18 as this y e a r ’s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R o a d c h e c k I n t e r n at i o n a l R o a d c h e c k i s a h i g h - v i s i b i l i t y, h i g hv o l u m e , 7 2 - h o u r i n s p e c t i o n a n d e n f o rc em e n t e v e n t w h e r e C V S A - c e r t i fi e d inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U S w i l l c o n d u c t i n s p e c t i o n s o f c o m m e r c i a l m o t o r v e h i c l e s a n d d r i v e r s a t w e i g h / i n s p e c t i o n s t a t i o n s , d e s i g n a t e d i n s p e c t i o n a re a s a n d a l o n g ro a d w a y s
This year, inspectors will focus on antil o c k b r a k i n g s y s t e m s ( A B S ) a n d c a r g o securement to highlight the impor tance of t h o s e a s p e c t s o f v e h i c l e s a f e t y A l t h o u g h ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking In addition, improper cargo securement p o s e s a s e r i o u s r i s k t o d r i v e r s a n d o t h e r motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s m a n e u v e r a b i l i t y, o r w o r s e , c a u s i n g u n s ecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions
During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety
Inter national Roadcheck also provides an oppor tunity to educate the motor carrier industry and general public about the import a n c e o f s a f e c o m m e r c i a l m o t o r v e h i c l e o p e r a t i o n s a n d t h e N o r t h A m e r i c a n S t a ndard Inspection Program
D u r i n g a ro u t i n e N o r t h A m e r i c a S t a nd a rd L e v e l I I n s p e c t i o n , i n s p e c t o r s f o c u s o n t w o a re a s – d r i v e r a n d v e h i c l e s a f e t y c o m p l i a n c e
• Vehicle Safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering m e c h a n i s m s , s u s p e n s i o n s , t i re s , w h e e l s , rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations Inspections of motorc o a c h e s , p a s s e n g e r v a n s a n d o t h e r passenger-carr ying vehicles also include e m e r g e n c y e x i s t , s e a t i n g a n d e l e c t r i c a l cables and systems in the engine and batter y compar tments
• Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-ofservice documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage and for alcohol and/or drug impair ment
Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months
If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the
North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected Inspectors may also restrict the driver from operating if the driver is found to have driver out-of-service
violations, such as not possessing a valid or necessar y operating license or exhibiting signs of impairment
CVSA’s law enforcement member jurisdictions in cities, states, districts, provinces and territories in Canada, Mexico and the U S participate in International Roadcheck w i t h s u p p o r t f ro m t r u c k i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s , transportation safety organizations and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor C a r r i e r S a f e t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , Tr a n s p o r t Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transpor tation
Gray Line Tennessee Celebrates
50 Years in Business
Gray Line Transpor tation proudly celeb r a t e s i t s 5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y a s N a s h v i l l e ’s leader in transportation services Renowned as the local exper ts in Music City, over the years Gray Line Tennessee has played an integral role in the growth of Nashville
In 1973, brothers Chris and Dennis Levering founded Nashville’s original Countr y & Wester n Tours to offer customized sights e e i n g s e r v i c e s t o re s i d e n t s a n d t o u r i s t s alike In 1988, the company became a Gray Line licensee and was renamed Gray Line Tennessee proudly continues this tradition o f e x c e l l e n c e t h ro u g h i t s t i re l e s s c o m m i t -
ment to exceptional customer service and high-quality standards
T h e l e g a c y o f G r a y L i n e Te n n e s s e e l i v e s o n t h ro u g h K r i s t i n L e v e r i n g , s e n i o r v i c e p r e s i d e n t a n d d a u g h t e r o f f o u n d e r C h r i s L e v e r i n g W i t h m o re t h a n 2 0 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e a n d g ro w t h a l o n g s i d e t h e success of Gray Line Tennessee, Levering s t r i v e s t o u p h o l d t h i s l e g a c y a n d c u l t i v a t e the spirit of excellence that was once mode l e d b y h e r f a t h e r
“ F i f t y y e a r s i s c e r t a i n l y v e r y s p e c i a l t o m y h e a r t , s a i d S e n i o r V i c e P r e s i d e n t K r i s t i n L e v e r i n g “ M y f a t h e r, C h r i s , g a v e m e o n e s p e c i f i c t a s k b e f o r e h e p a s s e d a w a y : ‘ Ta k e t h i s c o m p a n y t o w h e r e w e wanted it to be’ and this has been my challenge, my hear tache, my joy and my commitment from that ver y moment,” said Leve r i n g “ T h e l e g a c y o f G r a y L i n e c o n t i n u e s t h ro u g h n o t o n l y m y f a t h e r C h r i s w h o h a s i n s t i l l e d t h i s p a s s i o n b u t a l s o t h ro u g h a l l o f t h e G r a y L i n e Te n n e s s e e e m p l o y e e s who have helped build and sustain excell e n c e f o r f i v e d e c a d e s ”
The company has celebrated many milestones over the last 50 years ranging from p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h e v e r y p ro f e s s i o n a l a n d college spor ts team in Nashville to notable names such as The Grand Old Opr y, CMA F e s t a n d m a n y m o re o f M u s i c C i t y ’s m o s t iconic and historic sites
“Over the last several years, Gray Line Tennessee has rediscovered its roots and rekindled the pride that was such an integral p a r t o f o u r c o m p a n y ’s o r i g i n a l s u c c e s s , ” said President and CEO Chuck Abbott “Just like Chris and his brother Dennis were pioneers in their day, we are always looking for innovative ways to provide a great customer experience and help our employees share i n t h e p r i d e o f b e i n g t h e v e r y b e s t , ” h e added
Gray Line Tennessee has proven to grow alongside the city, offering new transpor tation needs such as The Fan Hop, Neighborhood Hop and Black Car Services
Special deals and celebrations are in the works for Gray Line Tennessee and will be a n n o u n c e d a s t h e y e a r p ro g re s s e s G r a y Line Tennessee’s custom and anniversar y l o g o w i l l b e u s e d d u r i n g t h e y e a r t o c o mmemorate its 50th Anniversar y
Gray Line Tennessee is Nashville’s numb e r o n e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d s i g h t s e e i n g expert Its sightseeing tours are consistently voted number one in Music City To access special deals, book a tour or explore career oppor tunities at Gray Line Tennessee, visit GrayLineTN com
S o u t h e r n N e v a d a ’ s Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) r e c e n t l y o r d e r e d a n a d d i t i o n a l 2 4 a r t i c ulated buses from NFI The 60-foot long New Flyer Xcelsior® buses w i l l b e p o w e r e d b y c o m p r e s s e d n a t u r a l gas (CNG) New Flyer h a s d e l i v e r e d m o r e than 820 buses to RTC over the past 30 years, n e a r l y h a l f o f w h i c h were powered by CNG
Souther n Nevada RTC Orders
24 Buses from NFI
N F I G r o u p I n c ( N F I ) , a l e a d i n g i n d ependent bus and coach manufacturer and a l e a d e r i n e l e c t r i c m a s s m o b i l i t y s o l ut i o n s , o n F e b r u a r y 7 a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e R e g i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n o f S o u t h e r n N e v a d a ( R T C ) h a s e x e r c i s e d o p t i o n s f o r 2 4 X c e l s i o r® c o m p re s s e d n a tural gas (CNG) 60-foot, heavy-duty transit b u s e s ( 4 8 e q u i v a l e n t u n i t s o r E U s ) , c o nv e r t e d f r o m i t s s u b s i d i a r y N e w F l y e r o f A m e r i c a I n c ( N e w F l y e r ’s ) b a c k l o g i n t h e f o u r t h q u a r t e r o f 2 0 2 2
RTC is a regional entity overseeing public t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , t r a f fi c m a n a g e m e n t a n d roadway design and construction funding for souther n Nevada RTC’s public transit system delivers more than 64 million annual passenger rides in the greater Las Vegas Va l l e y T h e o p t i o n s a re p a r t o f a fi v e - y e a r c o n t r a c t w i t h RT C a n n o u n c e d i n 2 0 2 1 f o r up to 130 Xcelsior CNG 60-foot buses, supp o r t e d b y F e d e r a l Tr a n s i t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (FTA) funds
“ N e w F l y e r i s a l e a d e r i n l o w - a n d n oe m i s s i o n m o b i l i t y, w i t h m o re t h a n 1 3 , 0 0 0 C N G b u s e s o n t h e r o a d s a c r o s s N o r t h America For over 30 years, RTC has par tn e re d w i t h N e w F l y e r t o d e l i v e r m o re t h a n 820 buses, nearly half of which were CNG p r o p u l s i o n , ” s a i d C h r i s S t o d d a r t , p r e s ident, North American Bus and Coach, NFI “ E a c h l o w - e m i s s i o n , q u i e t X c e l s i o r C N G b u s e m i t s 9 0 p e rc e n t l e s s n i t ro g e n o x i d e c o m p a r e d t o t r a d i t i o n a l d i e s e l e n g i n e s Together with RTC, we are creating a more livable, connected and healthy Las Vegas Va l l e y c o m m u n i t y ”
New Flyer’s Xcelsior CNG buses elimin a t e t h e n e e d f o r p a r t i c u l a t e fi l t e r s a n d regeneration cycles, ultimately lending more breathable air to the community New Flyer CNG buses conform to the EPA and NHTSA comprehensive Heavy-Duty National Program that reduces greenhouse gas emis-
sions and fuel consumption for heavy-duty h i g h w a y v e h i c l e s To l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t newflyer com/cng
To d a y, N F I s u p p o r t s g r o w i n g N o r t h A m e r i c a n c i t i e s w i t h s c a l a b l e , c l e a n a n d s u s t a i n a b l e m o b i l i t y s o l u t i o n s t h ro u g h a f o u r- p i l l a r a p p ro a c h t h a t i n c l u d e s b u s e s a n d c o a c h e s , t e c h n o l o g y, i n f r a s t r u c t u re a n d w o r k f o r c e d e v e l o p m e n t N F I a l s o o p e r a t e s t h e Ve h i c l e I n n o v a t i o n C e n t e r
( V I C ) , t h e f i r s t a n d o n l y i n n o v a t i o n l a b o f i t s k i n d d e d i c a t e d t o a d v a n c i n g b u s a n d c o a c h t e c h n o l o g y a n d p r o v i d i n g w o r kf o rc e d e v e l o p m e n t S i n c e o p e n i n g i n l a t e
2 0 1 7 , t h e V I C h a s h o s t e d m o re t h a n 3 5 0 i n t e r a c t i v e e v e n t s , w e l c o m i n g 7 , 0 0 0 i n d u s t r y p r o f e s s i o n a l s f o r E V a n d i n f r as t r u c t u re t r a i n i n g
Marathon Coach Finishes First Luxur y RV on the New H3-45
Prevost
M a r a t h o n C o a c h , t h e w o r l d ’s l a r g e s t b u s c o n v e r t e r, i s p r o u d t o b e t h e f i r s t m o t o rc o a c h c o m p a n y t o p re s e n t a l u x u r y RV o n t h e n e w l y re d e s i g n e d P re v o s t H 34 5 b u s s h e l l M a r a t h o n ’s b e a u t i f u l a n d innovative double-slide coach #1375 was a m a i n f e a t u r e o f t h e r e n o w n e d P r e v o s t M o t o r h o m e E x p o i n W e s t P a l m B e a c h , F l o r i d a , F e b r u a r y 8 a n d 9 T h i s s h e l l re pr e s e n t s t h e n e w e s t c h a p t e r i n P r e v o s t ’s l o n g h i s t o r y o f c re a t i n g t h e p re m i e r p l a tfor m for bus conversions, and paired with Marathon Coach’s never-ending quest for e x c e l l e n c e , t h i s c o a c h r e a c h e s n e w h e i g h t s i n t h e w o r l d o f l u x u r y RV s
T h e p i n n a c l e o f P re v o s t c o n v e r s i o n s , M a r a t h o n C o a c h # 1 3 7 5 i n t e g r a t e s t h e most desired features from top-of-the-line p e r s o n a l a u t o m o b i l e s i n t o a n a b s o l u t e l y s t u n n i n g m o t o rc o a c h A n e w l y d e s i g n e d d a s h w i t h b r a n d n e w c o n t r o l s a n d c o mp o n e n t s b r i n g s d r i v e r c o m f o r t t o t h e f o refront, making the jour ney just as wonder ful as the destination From the icy blue exter i o r t o t h e s h i m m e r i n g t i l e i n t h e s h o w e r,
t h i s c o a c h s i n g s t o t h e s e n s e s f r o m t h e m o m e n t y o u s e t e y e s o n i t T h e re s t o f t h e i n t e r i o r s i n g s j u s t a s s w e e t l y, w i t h a l i g h t a n d a i r y c o l o r p a l a t e i n a c o n t e m p o r a r y a n d m o d e r n d e s i g n U s i n g a n i n n o v a t i v e f l o o r p l a n w i t h a p e r f e c t b l e n d o f f o r m t o f u n c t i o n , c o a c h # 1 3 7 5 i s t h e c u l m i n a t i o n of all of Marathon’s achievements from the l a s t 4 0 y e a r s
Thomas Built Buses (TBB) and Proterra Inc announced on Februar y 23 that TBB’s Proterra Powered Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses have driven more than one million miles for school districts across North America With more than 300 electric school buses on the road, today’s announcement re p re s e n t s a m a j o r o p e r a t i o n a l m i l e s t o n e
just as historic federal funding, like the EPA’s Clean School Bus program, becomes availa b l e t o d r i v e a d o p t i o n o f z e r o - e m i s s i o n school buses in the United States
“Reaching one million miles with our C2 Jouley is a testament to our commitment to sustainable transportation and the continued success of our best-in-class electric product a n d p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h P ro t e r r a , ” s a i d N i c k R i n i , d i re c t o r o f t h e F re i g h t l i n e r S p e c i a l t y Vehicles eMobility Group “Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient future for our kids, communities and the transpor tation industr y ”
TBB and Proterra offer school bus opera t o r s a c o m p re h e n s i v e , t u r n - k e y e l e c t r i c vehicle program that include EV planning a n d f u n d i n g c o n s u l t a t i o n , e l e c t r i c s c h o o l b u s e s , c h a r g i n g s y s t e m s a n d c h a r g i n g infrastructure design and installation The Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley couples 226 kWh of o n b o a rd e n e r g y f ro m P ro t e r r a P o w e re d ’s industry-leading battery technology to offer up to 135 miles of drive range to meet the needs of school bus fleets
“Surpassing one million miles driven by Proterra Powered electric school buses is a major achievement on the road to an alle l e c t r i c , e m i s s i o n s - f re e f u t u re W i t h z e ro tailpipe emissions, Proterra Powered school b u s e s a re c o n t r i b u t i n g t o c l e a n e r a i r a n d healthier communities Along with our par tners at Thomas Built Buses, we’re proud to s u p p o r t t h e s c h o o l s a n d c o m m u n i t i e s across america who are at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission transpor tation,” said Chris Bailey, president of Proterra Powered & Energy
MTA Pushes NYC Congestion
Pricing Back to Second Quar ter of 2024
The latest congestion pricing delay has b e e n k n o w n t o t h e M TA s i n c e t h e e n d o f January, if judged against the authority’s last u p d a t e d s c h e d u l e f o r t h e e n v i ro n m e n t a l a s s e s s m e n t p r o c e s s W h e n t h e M TA announced last July that the draft environmental assessment was finally being made public, the agency predicted that the federal thumbs-up would happen in Januar y 2023 instead of December 2022
“To date, only $9 7 billion of the $55 bill i o n p l a n ( o r 1 7 p e r c e n t ) h a s b e e n r e c e i v e d b y M TA , l a r g e l y f r o m f e d e r a l f u n d s ( $ 6 b i l l i o n ) , ” s a i d R e i n v e n t A l b a n y S e n i o r R e s e a r c h e r R a c h e l F a u s s a t a re c e n t b o a rd m e e t i n g “ C a p i t a l s p e n d i n g is also behind historic levels, and it is troub l i n g t h a t t h e M TA’s m o s t a m b i t i o u s p l a n y e t i s l a g g i n g – a s o f 3 7 m o n t h s i n t o t h e 2 0 1 5 - 1 9 a n d 2 0 1 0 - 1 4 p l a n s , b o t h w e r e f u n d e d a t h i g h e r l e v e l s ”
However Lieber spun the delay, the fact r e m a i n s t h a t t h e M TA’s c u r r e n t fi v e - y e a r m o d e r n i z a t i o n a n d re p a i r e ff o r t i s b e h i n d t h e p a c e o f p re v i o u s c a p i t a l c o n s t r u c t i o n plans in terms of both funding commitments and expenditures
“Time is money, and ever y day the MTA fails to get congestion pricing revenue, the M TA l o s e s f u n d s t h a t c o u l d g o t o m o d e r n subway signals, new train cars, new buses a n d s t a t i o n a c c e s s i b i l i t y, ” t h e w a t c h d o g g r o u p w r o t e a t t h e t i m e “ A d d i t i o n a l l y, d e l a y e d m o n e y t h a t e v e n t u a l l y c o m e s i n w i l l h a v e l e s s v a l u e d u e t o i t s h a v i n g t o cover inflated costs for labor, materials and e q u i p m e n t ”
I t i s n o t t h e fi r s t t i m e t h e M TA h a s s u ggested that it can wait for congestion pricing revenue In 2021, MTA Chief Financial Officer Bob Foran made the same point – which advocates from Reinvent Albany refuted by pointing out that money today is worth more than money tomorrow
M o r e r e c e n t l y, t h e M TA s t i l l h o p e d t o begin the tolling in 2023, a timeline that is no longer possible
T h e M TA i s s t i l l w a i t i n g f o r t h e F e d e r a l Highway Administration to give a final sign off on congestion pricing’s environmental a s s e s s m e n t , w h i c h i t s e l f h a s b e e n p re v io u s l y d e l a y e d A f t e r c o n g e s t i o n p r i c i n g passed the state legislature in 2019, the MTA hoped it could begin by January 2021 That optimistic timeline was pushed back during
Blade Air Mobility and Beta Technologies recently completed an historic test flight of Beta’s ALIA-250 electric aircraft that could provide air taxi flights Unlike a helicopter, the eVTOL can lift off vertically and then convert to conventional aircraft configuration Blade currently provides helicopter rides to JFK Airport and in other urban markets around the world
the Trump administration, which refused to take up the issue
“At some point we do need that congestion pricing money We have some more time b u t i t ’s n o t e n d l e s s S o I a m c o n t i n u i n g t o push forward,” he continued
“We need that money,” said Lieber, “but from a cash flow basis, we don’t need the
Congestion pricing in New York City has again been put off, this time to the second quarter of 2023 Reasons included waiting for the Federal Highway Administration to give a final sign off While the MTA is looking forward to the money from congestion pricing, there are concerns that it could reduce travel and business
money tomorrow And so far, we have been a b l e t o f u n d a n d a d v a n c e a l l t h e p ro j e c t s that were scheduled to be advanced in our capital program ”
MTA CEO and Chair man Janno Lieber insisted and not for the first time, that the late s t d e l a y i s n o t a c a u s e f o r m a j o r a l a r m , despite the authority’s well-documented fiscal troubles
The agency wrote in its Februar y Financial Plan this month that the delay from the e x p e c t e d f i r s t q u a r t e r o f n e x t y e a r u n t i l t h e s e c o n d q u a r t e r “ w i l l r e d u c e a n t i c ipated (congestion pricing) revenue – from $1 billion to $750 million in 2024 The opera t i n g b u d g e t i s n o t i m p a c t e d b y t h i s a d j u s t m e n t ”
The MTA quietly pushed back its implementation of congestion pricing by another f e w m o n t h s , a m o v e t h a t t h e a g e n c y s a i d w o u l d c o s t i t q u a r t e r o f a b i l l i o n d o l l a r s i n expected revenue in 2024
What is quarter of a billion dollars among friends?
NYC’s First Electric Air Taxi Flight
NYC commuters looking to dodge traffic and reach their destination in style may soon have another option: taking to the sky in an e l e c t r i c a i r t a x i T h a t i s t h e h o p e o f a i rt r a n s p o r t fi r m B l a d e A i r M o b i l i t y I n c a n d Beta Technologies, an electric aerospace company, after the successful completion of an historic test flight of Beta’s ALIA-250 EVA electric ver tical take-off and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft at the Westchester County
The flight marks a milestone for the duo They are among the flood of companies racing to develop flying taxis that can ascend like a helicopter and fly like a plane It may a l s o p r o v e a b o o n f o r N e w Yo r k e r s w i t h means looking for alter natives as the surge in noisy air traffic spurs residential ire “Witho u t q u e s t i o n , t h i s w i l l b e t h e m a i n s t a y f o r B l a d e a n d t h e m a i n s t a y f o r t h e i n d u s t r y ” Rob Wiesenthal, chief executive officer of Blade, said in an interview
B l a d e a l re a d y o p e r a t e s a r i d e - s h a r i n g business selling premium-priced seats on helicopters and charter planes to resort destinations The company also offers helicopter rides to JFK Airpor t from Manhattan as well as arranges organ transplant transpor t
The completion of the test flight comes a f t e r a s u r g e i n N e w Yo r k C i t y h e l i c o p t e r complaints during the pandemic “The public will be more accepting because the noise f o o t p r i n t i s s o m u c h m o r e p a l a t a b l e , ” Wiesenthal said The sound from the craft, dubbed the ALIA-250, is much quieter than t h e a v e r a g e fl i g h t T h e A L I A - 2 5 0 , w h i c h s e a t s s i x , i s p o w e r e d b y a n a l l - e l e c t r i c propulsion system and a noise profile that the companies say is 1/10th the sound decibel level of conventional helicopters
F o r t h e d r e a m t o b e c o m e a r e a l i t y though, Blade and BETA will need to secure regulatory approvals as well as establish an infrastructure to charge and load the craft
Beta targets Federal Aviation Administration approval in 2024 while Blade plans to have the eVTOL aircraft accepting passengers by 2026 Blade’s existing helicopter service support gives it a leg up on the competition Initially, the companies plan to use rolling trucks to charge the vehicles
“Blade is flying passengers in key urban markets all over the world, and this flight is another step toward delivering our electric aircraft to suppor t those operations,” said Kyle Clark, Beta’s founder and CEO
to the Allentown Transpor tation Center
Trans-Bridge Lines, the Lehigh Valley’s p r e m i e r m o t o r c o a c h c o m p a n y, h a s announced that March 6, it moved its Allentown stop from the now-closed, Allentown Bus Terminal to the Allentown Transportation Center (ATC), located at 603 Linden Street Drop-off and pick-ups will operate from Platfor m C at the location
Trans-Bridge Lines has worked with the City of Allentown and LANTA to utilize the transpor tation center
“The ATC acts as a vital transpor tation hub for the residents of Allentown and the surrounding area With Fullington Trailways, Mar tz Bus, Greyhound and LANTA already operating from the location, we felt it was a natural fit for us as well,” stated Trans-Bridge Lines President Tom JeBran “We chose to m a k e t h i s m o v e a s a m e a n s f o r a l l t r a n sportation providers to be in one central loca-
tion We are excited about this change and thank the City of Allentown and LANTA for t h e i r a s s i s t a n c e i n m a k i n g t h i s re l o c a t i o n possible We appreciate their cooperation in working with our operations team ”
In addition to the new location, passengers may purchase tickets at the Transportat i o n C e n t e r v i a t h e L A N TA t i c k e t w i n d o w located across from Platform B near Dunkin’ The ticket window is open Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 5 p m and is staffed b y L A N TA e m p l o y e e s w h o w i l l s e l l Tr a n sB r i d g e L i n e s t i c k e t s o n t h e c o m p a n y ’s behalf
“This location will offer our passengers an easily accessible location,” said Director o f O p e r a t i o n s M a r k E r t e l “ T h e h u b o ff e r s protection from inclement weather, 24-hour o n - s i t e s e c u r i t y a n d a p a r k i n g g a r a g e attached to the ter minal ”
Passengers are encouraged to use Linden Street for quick pick-ups and drop-offs The parking garage may also be used for up to 15 minutes free of charge for that purpose Passengers should be aware that they a r e n o t p e r m i t t e d t o p i c k u p o r d r o p o f f directly at Platfor m C The platfor m area is intended for motorcoach use only
MCI to Deliver 30 Luxur y J4500 Coaches to Sam’s Limousine
M o t o r C o a c h I n d u s t r i e s ( M C I ) , a s u bsidiar y of NFI Group Inc (NFI), and Nor th A m e r i c a ’s m o t o rc o a c h l e a d e r b a c k e d b y re l i a b l e i n - fi e l d t e c h n i c a l e x p e r t i s e , 2 4 / 7 roadside assistance and par ts suppor t, on M a rc h 1 4 a n n o u n c e d i t h a s c o m m e n c e d deliver y of 30 new MCI J4500 coaches to S a m ’s L i m o u s i n e a n d Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n I n c ( S a m ’s L i m o u s i n e ) , p r o v i d i n g e x t e n s i v e transpor tation services nationwide
Through this order, Sam’s Limousine will expand its motorcoach fleet to a total of 100 vehicles, including 70 coaches, limousines, black town cars, as well as shuttle and mini buses, allowing Sam’s Limousine to meet i n c r e a s e d d e m a n d f o r c h a r t e r s e r v i c e s throughout Texas
T h e M C I J 4 5 0 0 c o a c h i s t h e i n d u s t r y ’s best-selling model, renowned for its reliab i l i t y, m o d e r n c u r b a p p e a l a n d l u x u r i o u s , spacious interior with best-in-class legroom
The new coach interiors are tailored to Sam’s Limousine specifications and include signature leather-trimmed seating, tray tables and cup holders and programmable multicolor interior lighting for superior passenger comfor t
The luxury coaches also will be equipped with MCI’s latest Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control, along with National Bus Trader / April, 2023 • 11
360 degree exterior cameras to help drivers prevent road incidents and a Cummins cleandiesel engine that reduces greenhouse gas emissions In addition, 15 of the new coaches will feature wheelchair lifts to ensure accessibility and a comfortable riding experience for passengers with mobility devices
“There is a hunger for group travel,” said Omar Ghandour, founder and CEO, Sam’s Limousine “Schools and spor ts teams are back traveling, and workers are retur ning to offices and job sites ”
Ghandour recalls that, when the COVID1 9 p a n d e m i c b ro u g h t t r a n s p o r t a t i o n t o a standstill, Sam’s Limousine team members kept in touch with customers, rescheduling bookings and accommodating businesses t h a t w e r e n e e d e d t o t r a n s p o r t e s s e n t i a l workers
“ W e k e p t c o m m u n i c a t i n g w i t h o u r clients,” said Ghandour “We stand behind them We have invested in new coaches on their behalf, delivering on a commitment to provide the absolute best ”
“MCI appreciates the relationship we have with Sam’s Limousine In the past 10 years, MCI has delivered 74 MCI J4500 coaches, including this contract,” said Brent Maitland, Private Sales and Marketing vice president, MCI “We believe that the foundation of any successful customer relationship is built on trust, exceptional service and suppor t; our team, including our local service center in Dallas, has done a tremendous job ”
“ O u r c o m m i t m e n t t o o u r c u s t o m e r s i s unwavering, and we strive every day to earn and maintain their trust,” Maitland continued “At MCI, we understand that it takes more than just providing a product; parts, service, support and training are the keys to building a lasting relationship ”
Sam’s Limousine was founded in 1980 as a luxury limousine service in the Sugar Land and Houston areas In 2004, Omar Ghandour acquired Sam’s Limousine; in 2010, it established a division dedicated to charters Today, the company has a modern office and service center building on several acres at 9102 West Park Drive in Houston, which houses many of its vehicles Sam’s Limousine plans to open a Dallas branch in June
“The size and scope of our vehicle variety differentiate us as an A-to-Z operator,” Ghand o u r s a i d “ W e c a n h a n d l e a l l t y p e s o f ground transportation needs ” Those factors led Sam’s Limousine to its position as one of the largest charter operators in Texas and one of the top 50 in the nation
With nearly 200 employees, including drivers who are trained quarterly in safety practices, Ghandour attributes the company’s growth to his team, quality equipment and a personal passion for the industry “Since I was a boy, I admired bus drivers and wanted to own this type of business,” he said “I care about vehicles, appreciate our customers and have a good team in place I like everything there is about transportation ”
T h e P a c i fi c B u s M u s e u m h a s re c e n t l y acquired a bus from the Greyhound Lines
Historic Bus Collection The new owners of Greyhound Lines recently decided to liquidate the former company’s Historic Bus Collection that included a 1914 Hupmobile, a 1937 Yellow Coach model 743, a 1947 GM
4 1 5 1 , a 1 9 4 8 B r i l l I C - 4 1 , a 1 9 5 4 G M PD4501 Scenicruiser, a 1968 MCI MC-7 and a 1985 MCI MC-9 The liquidation of the collection presented a rare oppor tunity for the bus museum to acquire an exceptional bus to add to the collection
The museum’s newly acquired bus is the collections’ 1947 General Motors model PD 4151 Silverside It is fully restored and operable Restored by Greyhound in the early 1980s, this particular bus has an interesting history It was delivered new to Pacific Greyh o u n d L i n e s i n S a n F r a n c i s c o , C a l i f o r n i a and was operated throughout Pacific’s territory Then later, it served on Western Greyhound Lines’ regional routes and finally on suburban routes in the San Francisco Bay area until the end of 1971
The Pacific Bus Museum is pleased to have this bus with its historical connection to the San Francisco Bay area now in its collection Currently the museum plans to display the Silverside at various events during 2023 and will make it available for displays in the future
The SEPTA Board in February approved a c o n t r a c t f o r t h e p u rc h a s e o f 1 0 f u e l c e l l electric buses (FCEBs), made in the United S t a t e s b y N e w F l y e r o f A m e r i c a T h e p u rchase will allow SEPTA to evaluate this technology as the Authority develops plans for a zero-emission bus fleet
FCEBs are powered by electricity derived from hydrogen fuel cells, resulting in zerotailpipe emissions and improved air quality for riders, neighbors and communities Hydrogen buses offer similar range and performance as diesel-hybrid buses with quieter operation, lower maintenance costs and less than half the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
“Over the last two decades, SEPTA has l e d t h e t r a n s i t i n d u s t r y i n t r a n s i t i o n i n g t o hybrid buses, and that has resulted in a fleet that is cleaner and more efficient to operate,” s a i d S E P TA B o a rd C h a i r m a n P a s q u a l e T Deon Sr “With this pilot program for fuel cell
e l e c t r i c b u s e s , w e w i l l s i m i l a r l y b e o n t h e cutting edge of zero-emission technology ”
At a cost of $17,051,216 78, the contract includes delivery of 10, 40-foot, low-floor fuel cell electric buses, fueling infrastructure, training aids and tools and equipment The cost is partially subsidized with a $1 5 million Low to No Emission Vehicle Deployment program (LoNo) grant from Federal Transit Administration The new vehicles are expected to be implemented by summer 2024
“As part of our strategic plan, SEPTA Forward, we are embracing new technologies t h a t w i l l h e l p u s re d u c e e m i s s i o n s f o r t h e c o m m u n i t i e s t h a t w e s e r v e , ” s a i d S E P TA G e n e r a l M a n a g e r a n d C E O L e s l i e S Richards “We are excited to move forward w i t h t h i s p u r c h a s e a n d t h e e v a l u a t i o n o f FCEBs as we advance our Zero Emission Bus Fleet initiative ”
S E P TA i s e x p l o r i n g t h e n e w F C E B s f o r o p e r a t i o n a c ro s s t h e e n t i re b u s n e t w o r k These 10 vehicles will operate out of the Midvale District, which is SEPTA’s largest bus d e p o t T h e s e w i l l b e a d d e d t o o n e o f t h e c l e a n e s t b u s fl e e t s i n t h e n a t i o n , a s m o re than 90 percent of SEPTA’s current buses are electric-diesel hybrids
Busworld Europe, What’s New?
The 26th edition of Busworld Europe will b e o r g a n i z e d f ro m O c t o b e r 7 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 i n B r u s s e l s , B e l g i u m A f t e r f o u r y e a r s o f absence, Busworld Europe is finally back, with some novelties to announce
B u s w o r l d i s v e r y e x c i t e d t o a n n o u n c e some brand new names in the vehicle manufacturer exhibitor list from different regions around the world: Er misbus from Greece, G e l u s h i f r o m E g y p t , H a b a s f r o m Tu r k e y, I k a r u s f r o m H u n g a r y, J B M f r o m I n d i a , Rampini from Italy, Quantron from Germany, Skoda from Czech Republic, Steyr Automot i v e f ro m A u s t r i a , TA M f ro m S l o v e n i a a n d VagBus Bus from Romania
On the supplier side, there are even more new names The full exhibitor list, which cont a i n s m o r e t h a n 4 0 0 e x h i b i t o r s a t t h i s
T h e S E P TA ( S o u t heastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authori t y ) b o a r d r e c e n t l y approved the purchase of 10 40-foot, low-floor fuel cell electric buses from New Flyer These new buses will be powered by electricity from h y d r o g e n f u e l c e l l s t o e l i m i n a t e t a i l p i p e emissoins
moment, can be consulted on the Busworld E u ro p e We b s i t e B u s w o r l d w e l c o m e s i t s old and new exhibitors with open ar ms
For the first time, the European ZEB Conference will coincide with Busworld Europe, a f t e r a s e r i e s o f p re v i o u s e d i t i o n s t a k i n g p l a c e i n P a r i s ( 2 0 2 1 ) , O n l i n e ( 2 0 2 0 ) , i n Cologne (2018) and in London (2016) The fifth edition of the European ZEB Conference i s e x p e c t i n g 4 5 0 a t t e n d e e s f ro m t h e z e ro emission bus and coach sector
New in this edition will not only be the collaboration between Busworld Foundation and ZEB , but also the special attention for zero emission long distance coaches
Since digitalization plays an increasingly s i g n i fi c a n t ro l e i n a n d a ro u n d b u s e s a n d coaches, it made sense to create a new type of Busworld Awards, focusing on digital solutions Next to the existing Vehicle Awards that will continue like before, a separate jury w i l l j u d g e t h e p a r t i c i p a t i o n s o f t h e d i g i t a l exhibitors More detailed information will be shared soon
Due to popular demand, Busworld Europe starts on a Saturday instead of a Friday and will continue until Thursday For the members of the press, this means that the first press day is on Friday, October 6 and the second press day on Saturday, October 7, 2023
In its first full year as a listed company, Daimler Truck Holding AG (Daimler Truck) has successfully delivered on strategic ambitions – leading sustainable transportation and improving the overall profitability The Group achieved its financial targets for 2022 and is positive for 2023 despite supply chain constraints and inflationary cost pressure Daimler Trucks benefitted from a robust demand in its k e y c o m m e r c i a l v e h i c l e m a r k e t s a n d increased its unit sales, revenue, EBIT (Earnings before Interests and Taxes), industrial free cash flow and earnings per share
W i t h 5 2 0 , 3 0 0 u n i t s , 1 4 p e r c e n t m o r e trucks and buses have been sold worldwide i n 2 0 2 2 c o m p a r e d t o p r i o r- y e a r l e v e l (455,400 units) – underlining Daimler Truck’s strong market position While demand continued to be strong across core markets with order intake and order backlog remaining a t h i g h l e v e l s , b o t t l e n e c k s i n t h e s u p p l y chains continued to impact production Supported by the significant growth in unit sales, strong net pricing, favorable exchange rates and a positive development of the services business, the Group’s revenue increased to € 5 0 9 b i l l i o n i n 2 0 2 2 ( + 2 8 p e rc e n t c o mpared to previous year: €39 8 billion)
2022 also showed a favorable development for ear nings and retur n on sales The National Bus Trader / April, 2023 •
adjusted EBIT rose by 55 percent to €3,959 million (2021: €2,552 million), the adjusted ROS of the Industrial Business was at 7 7 percent in 2022 (2021: 6 1 percent) Daimler Truck’s free cash flow of the Industrial Business increased by 12 percent to €1,746 million in the reporting year (2021: €1,556 million) Ear nings per share (EPS) amounted to €3 24, up 14 percent compared to 2021 All in all, Daimler Truck delivered on the targ e t s f o r 2 0 2 2 f o r p ro fi t a b i l i t y a n d m a r g i n improvement despite headwinds due to supply chain bottlenecks
N e w p r o d u c t s w e r e a l s o l a u n c h e d t o service large profit pools: The next genera t i o n o f t h e S e t r a To p C l a s s a n d C o m f o r tClass, the new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, a touring coach specially developed for the Nor th American market, and Daimler Truck Nor th America’s all-new Wester n Star 57X l o n g - h a u l t r u c k D a i m l e r Tr u c k a l s o announced restructuring programs for both its Mercedes-Benz segment in Brazil and the Daimler Buses segment, underlying the i m p o r t a n c e f o r s e l f - h e l p m e a s u r e s t o achieve profitability improvements by 2025
Daimler Truck also announced innovative p a r t n e r s h i p s i n c l u d i n g w i t h h i g h - t e c h m a c h i n e r y m a n u f a c t u re r M a n z a s w e l l a s infrastructure joint ventures in the two core re g i o n s o f N o r t h A m e r i c a a n d E u ro p e f o r b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c a n d h y d r o g e n - p o w e r e d c o m m e rc i a l v e h i c l e s F i n a n c i a l S e r v i c e s c o n t i n u e d i t s r a m p - u p : T h e s e g m e n t launched business operations in eight further countries and was active in 15 markets a t y e a r e n d D a i m l e r Tr u c k s u c c e s s f u l l y issued several bonds at the capital market, supporting the growth of Financial Services
Mar tin Daum, chair man of the board of management of Daimler Truck, comments: “2022 was a very special year for us, a challenging year in many ways – yet above all a successful first year for Daimler Truck as an i n d e p e n d e n t l i s t e d c o m p a n y O u r s t ro n g results show that we managed our environment ver y well, be it the impact of RussiaU k r a i n e w a r, o n g o i n g s u p p l y c h a i n c o ns t r a i n t s o r h i g h i n fl a t i o n W e h a v e m a d e strong progress towards unlocking our profit p o t e n t i a l , a n d w e h a v e a l s o m a d e f u r t h e r impor tant steps regarding our ambition to lead sustainable transportation and to tackle climate change ”
For the 2022 financial year, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of Daimler Truck Holding AG will propose to t h e A n n u a l G e n e r a l M e e t i n g o n J u n e 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 a d i v i d e n d p a y m e n t o f € 1 3 0 p e r share
Despite ongoing difficult economic cond i t i o n s i n 2 0 2 3 , h i g h e n e r g y p r i c e s a n d t e n s i o n i n s o m e s u p p l y c h a i n s , D a i m l e r Tr u c k e x p e c t s a r o b u s t d e v e l o p m e n t i n i m p o r t a n t c o m m e rc i a l v e h i c l e s a l e s m a rk e t s R e fl e c t i n g t h e t w o m a j o r r e g i o n s N o r t h A m e r i c a a n d E u r o p e , t h e G r o u p ’s guidance estimates both heavy-duty truck m a r k e t s i n N o r t h A m e r i c a a n d E u ro p e t o a m o u n t b e t w e e n 2 8 0 , 0 0 0 a n d 3 2 0 , 0 0 0 units Daimler Truck anticipates unit sales i n 2 0 2 3 i n a r a n g e b e t w e e n 5 1 0 , 0 0 0 a n d 5 3 0 , 0 0 0 u n i t s
The Group expects a significant increase of its revenue, ranging between €53 billion a n d € 5 5 b i l l i o n i n t h e I n d u s t r i a l B u s i n e s s and between €55 billion and €57 billion on
Group level Daimler Truck is further expecti n g a s i g n i fi c a n t i n c re a s e o f i t s a d j u s t e d E B I T T h e a d j u s t e d R O S o f t h e I n d u s t r i a l Business is anticipated to range between 7 5 percent and nine percent Daimler Truck expects the free cash flow of the Industrial Business to be higher in 2023 compared to the previous year
J o c h e n G o e t z , C F O o f D a i m l e r Tr u c k : “ W i t h a n a d j u s t e d E B I T o f € 4 0 b i l l i o n w e took a major step forward in a challenging market environment with supply constraints and inflation, achieving a record level of EBIT for the Group We were also able to continue our strong cash conversion We want to pay our first dividend and establish an attractive capital allocation policy We are on a journey to benchmark profitability, but there is still a w a y t o g o , e s p e c i a l l y o n c o s t s g i v e n t h e inflationar y pressures Our outlook shows that we will continue our self-help measures to improve our financials ”
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, is preparing its aftermarket for an increase in operator refurbishment requests AD24, the Alexander Dennis aftermarket service, is anticipating an increase in vehicle refurbishments through its workshops as it continues to see operators lengthen the life of their fleets
The unprecedented, extended period of inactivity for bus operators’ vehicles due to the pandemic is now allowing some companies the opportunity to extend the length of time they plan on keeping a vehicle With this trend continuing, AD24 has revealed it has already seen a “significant” increase in refurbishment work through its sites in Harlow, Essex and Anston, Yorkshire It is finding that a combination of increased vehicle lifespan, a delay in government funding for new vehic l e s a n d a w a i t t o s e e w h a t h a p p e n s w i t h alter native fueled vehicles is all driving the need to further maintain existing fleets
Ian Wallace, customer service director a t A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , s a i d : “ L o n d o n i s a n anomaly in that tenders and high passenger numbers mean five to seven years is still the a v e r a g e t i m e i n s e r v i c e b e f o r e a r e f u r b However, in other areas of the countr y we are seeing the age of a vehicle extending t o 1 0 y e a r s , a n d i n s o m e c a s e s e v e n 1 5 years There are multiple benefits to doing t h i s , w i t h t h e m o s t o b v i o u s b e i n g c o s teffectiveness With aging fleets, however, comes a need for increased refurbishments both for quality control for customer experience and regulation ”
Alexander Dennis is now eyeing fur ther growth in this area of its aftermarket services as increased need for refurbishment capa-
b i l i t i e s c o n t i n u e s , a l o n g s i d e i t s a c c i d e n t re p a i r a n d c o n v e r s i o n s W h i l s t re f u r b i s hments are completely tailored to each vehi-
cle, the most common works carried out are p a n e l w o r k s , p a i n t w o r k , l o c a l i z e d fl o o r re p a i r s , s e a t re p a i r s , i n t e r i o r l i g h t i n g a n d changes to cab area for driver protection
Wallace said: “Ultimately in a refurbishment, it’s a facelift for a vehicle to give it a second life Or in some cases even, a third life We can rid it of inevitable historic damage and a large part of the refurb process is cleaning After all the aesthetic and any regulatory c h a n g e s re q u i re d a re c a r r i e d o u t , i t o f t e n undergoes extensive cleaning to take it back to being a new bus for as far as a passenger is concerned when they step on ”
Improved vehicles will enhance passenger experience which will suppor t a muchneeded increase in passenger numbers in towns and cities across the UK
Wallace added: “Thanks to our specialized team of technicians, who are the most highly skilled in the industry, AD24 can refurb i s h , r e p a i r a n d c o n v e r t a n y m a k e a n d model of bus or coach We’re not limited to only Alexander Dennis vehicles ”
AD24 encompasses all of the Alexander D e n n i s a f t e r m a r k e t o f f e r t o c u s t o m e r s , including spare par ts, mobile technicians, service centers and exper t training q
An unexpected development of the pandemic has been a move to refurbish buses for a longer life after they were idle or underused during the epidemic Alexander Dennis has a program in place to extend vehicle life for aging fleets In addition to being cost-effective, this can update the buses to improve rider experience
The American Bus Association, the leadi n g i n d u s t r y a s s o c i a t i o n re p re s e n t i n g t h e bus, motorcoach, tour and packaged travel industry, announced that its longtime leader, Peter J Pantuso , w i l l re t i re i n S e p t e m b e r 2024
P a n t u s o j o i n e d A B A i n 1 9 9 6 a n d h a s s e r v e d a s p re s i d e n t a n d C E O s i n c e t h a t time During his tenure, ABA’s membership nearly tripled in size and its annual convention, ABA’s Marketplace, grew to be the leading domestic packaged travel event in the industr y
G e n e B e r a r d i , A B A’s c h a i r m a n o f t h e b o a rd , s a i d , “ I t ’s h a rd t o i m a g i n e a n y o n e e l s e l e a d i n g A B A T h e p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , expansion, creativity and steadfast dedication that Pete brings to ABA and to the entire industr y is second to none He guided the association through tough times, including the September 11 terrorist attacks, a recession and the COVID pandemic, providing outstanding direction and guidance to the entire industr y and to individual members ”
T h e r e h a v e b e e n n u m e r o u s n o t a b l e accomplishments under Pantuso’s leadership He created the B u s I n d u s t r y Safety Council and t h e B u s M a i n t enance and Repair C o u n c i l t o h i g hlight and promote the highest ethical s t a n d a r d s i n t h e b u s i n d u s t r y a n d to increase industry safety As a way t o p r o v i d e c l o s e r r e l a t i o n s a n d c o o p e r a t i o n a m o n g t h e d i v e r s e
A B A m e m b e r s h i p segments, he was instrumental in for ming the African American Motorcoach Council, Women in Buses Council, Hispanic Motorc o a c h C o u n c i l , E n t e r t a i n e r M o t o r c o a c h Council and the School Bus Council Pant u s o h a s a l s o b e e n a t i r e l e s s a d v o c a t e before all branches of the gover nment for the enactment of just and appropriate laws and regulations for the industr y, especially in these unprecedented times
Pantuso created and serves as president of the ABA Foundation, an $8 million organiz a t i o n t h a t a d v a n c e s i n d u s t r y - r e l a t e d research and provides scholarships to pro-
mote academic excellence and diversity in the motorcoach, packaged travel and tour industry In addition, he serves as president of the National Bus Traffic Association, the ticket revenue clearinghouse for the schedu l e d b u s i n d u s t r y, w i t h a c t i v i t i e s t h a t approached $200 million per year at its peak
Pantuso said, “I am honored and grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve ABA and its members It has been the members’ suppor t, and their trust and belief in me and our staff that has allowed the Assoc i a t i o n t o g r o w a n d b e c o m e t h e l e a d i n g organization it is today
“I am tremendously pleased with the way w e h a v e re a c h e d o u t t o t h e i n d u s t r y a n d developed programs and services during my tenure to enhance our members’ respective business operational, sales and marketing needs regardless of which segment of the motorcoach, tour or packaged travel industr y they were par t of,” said Pantuso “ T h i s c o u l d n o t h a v e b e e n a c c o m p l i s h e d without the dedicated industr y leaders and t h e t a l e n t e d t e a m o f p ro f e s s i o n a l s o n t h e ABA staff ”
Because this is a long-term transition and not an immediate departure, Pantuso stated i n h i s l e t t e r t o t h e A B A l e a d e r s h i p t h a t h e will continue to put 110 percent effor t into leading the Association as he always has, and that there remains more to accomplish over the next 19 months ABA’s leadership w i l l t a k e t i m e t o s e l e c t i t s n e x t l e a d e r t o ensure that individual can carr y on and to e n h a n c e t h e A B A o f t o d a y O v e r t h e n e x t y e a r, a b o a r d - l e v e l c o m m i t t e e w i l l b e a p p o i n t e d t o i n t e r v i e w a n d h i re a s e a rc h firm, which will assist the Association in finding a new president and CEO
François Tremblay
O n M a r c h 2 P r e v o s t a n n o u n c e d t h e appointment of François Tremblay as president of Volvo Group Canada and leader of C a n a d a ’s C o u n t r y M a n a g e m e n t Te a m (CMT) In addition to retaining his position a s p re s i d e n t o f P re v o s t a n d Vo l v o B u s e s North America, Tremblay will replace Ralph Acs as a member of the Volvo Group Nor th America Countr y Management team
“It is truly a privilege to lead the Canadian o r g a n i z a t i o n f o r Vo l v o G r o u p , o n e o f t h e world’s leading manufacturing groups I look forward to working with the outstanding management team at Volvo Group Canada and serving on the Volvo Group Nor th America Country Management team to continue sup-
por ting market oppor tunities and growth,” said Tremblay.
Tremblay joined the Volvo Group in January 2016 as vice president/general manager for Prevost and Volvo motorcoaches for the North American mar-
k e t F ro m 2 0 2 0 t o
2 0 2 2 , h e l e d t h e company through the pandemic and
m a i n t a i n e d a
s t e a d y p a c e o f growth and product innovation despite the period of global uncertainty He was promoted to president of Prevost and Volvo Buses North
A m e r i c a i n 2 0 2 1
Tr e m b l a y h o l d s a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a designation in accounting q
The highlight of the recent UMA Expo i n O r l a n d o w a s t h e i n t ro d u c t i o n o f
Prevost’s All-New H3-45 model. With things bouncing back from the pandemic, it is impressive that Prevost has shown their support of the industry by investing in major i m p r o v e m e n t s i n t h e i r f l a g s h i p m o d e l
Although already respected as a higher quality tour and charter coach, Prevost has provided a huge number of improvements, with more than a dozen for the driver alone, as well as an exterior redesign We can cover some of the history and background on the H3-45 and then get into the impressive list of improvements
It started in 1979 with a program founded by Transit Canada with the provinces of both
to a coach of conventional dimensions. Prev o s t c o m p l i e d a n d i n t ro d u c e d t h e i r n e w H 3 - 4 0 m o d e l i n J a n u a r y o f 1 9 9 0 I t h a d t h re e a x l e s a n d a l e n g t h o f 4 0 f e e t b u t c o ntinued the new “H” series design and techn o l o g y W h e n t h e n e w 4 5 - f o o t l e n g t h w a s a u t h o r i z e d , P re v o s t i n t ro d u c e d t h e s i s t e r model H3-45 in January of 1994 with three a x l e s a n d a l e n g t h o f 4 5 f e e t , a g a i n c o n t i nuing the “H” series design and technology These were well received by bus operators and soon became popular for higher quali t y c h a r t e r a n d t o u r w o r k I t c a n b e s a i d t h a t t h e n e w “ H ” s e r i e s p ro p e l l e d P re v o s t i n t o a s o l i d s e c o n d p o s i t i o n i n i n t e r c i t y c o a c h s a l e s n u m b e r s
It would also be appropriate to mention that a great deal of Prevost’s popularity is due to their extensive customer support. Prevost has the largest service network in the motorcoach industry that includes a number of OEM-owned and operated service centers in key locations across North America This m a k e s i t e a s y f o r P re v o s t o p e r a t o r s t o g e t parts, support and service whenever they need it
We would be remiss if we failed to ment i o n t h a t t h e H 3 - 4 5 h a s a l s o b e e n a h i t i n t h e c o n v e r s i o n s h e l l m a r k e t P re v o s t w a s already the leader in this market with their LeMirage model conversion shell, but their H3-45 conversion shell soon took over after its introduction Today, it is the best selling c o a c h c o n v e r s i o n s h e l l o n t h e m a r k e t a n d i s u s e d b y t h e l e a d i n g c o a c h c o n v e r s i o n c o m p a n i e s
Quebec and Ontario. Extensive tests looked at improving safety and reliability on Canadian roads that often are faced with snow, ice and cold temperatures The resulting data and new technology was passed on to Prevost Car where it was used to create the new H 5 - 6 0 m o d e l t h a t w a s i n t ro d u c e d i n 1 9 8 5 with deliveries starting in 1987 With a length of 60 feet, the H5-60 became the first product i o n a r t i c u l a t e d c o a c h b u i l t i n t h e U n i t e d States and Canada. To the best of our knowle d g e , P re v o s t i s t h e o n l y m a n u f a c t u re r t o p u t a n a r t i c u l a t e d c o a c h i n t o re g u l a r p roduction in the United States and Canada.
E x p e c t e d l y, b u s o p e r a t o r s w e r e i m p re s s e d w i t h t h e n e w c o a c h a n d a s k e d that the design and technology be applied
This current round of improvements is f a r f ro m b e i n g t h e f i r s t . P re v o s t re g u l a r l y upgraded the H3-45 to keep up with technology and industry developments In fact, i n m a n y a r e a s P r e v o s t w a s a h e a d o f t h e c u r v e T h e re a re a s u b s t a n t i a l n u m b e r o f improvements and new technology added o v e r t h e y e a r s . A f e w t h a t i m p re s s e d m e c o m e t o m i n d P re v o s t ’ s Ti re M o n i t o r i n g System went a long way in keeping track of tires and reducing tire problems The Bendix E l e c t ro n i c S t a b i l i t y P ro g r a m w a s a m a j o r step forward in detecting driving problems d e v e l o p i n g a n d t a k i n g a c t i o n t o r e s o l v e t h e m T h i s t h e n l e d t o t h e i m p r e s s i v e
Aware™ Adaptive
by Ben-
i m e B a t t e r y M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m t h a t improved fuel economy Among the more re c e n t i n n o v a t i o n s w a s P re v o s t ’ s E l e c t r i c Fan Drive that was introduced in 2017 and reduced engine load to improve economy.
The All-New Prevost H3-45 offers a substantial number of engineering, ergonomic and aesthetic improvements for drivers, pas-
sengers and operators Here are some of the more notable improvements on the list
Perhaps the most striking feature on the new H3-45 is its new exterior redesign. The new aerodynamic shape makes the H3-45 up to 12 percent more fuel efficient With this n e w s l e e k e r p ro f i l e , t h e c o a c h p ro v i d e s a smoother ride while also significantly reduc-
ing noise This also helps in making driving the coach easier and more comfortable In a d d i t i o n t o a l l o f t h i s , t h e a e r o d y n a m i c design creates less soil dispersion This helps in giving the driver better mirror visibility and an overall cleaner exterior
W h e n y o u e n t e r t h e c o a c h , y o u w i l l i m m e d i a t e l y f i n d a n o t h e r o b v i o u s i m p ro v e m e n t T h e f ro n t e n t r y w a y i s b o t h w i d e r a n d b r i g h t e r. S t a i r w i d t h h a s b e e n i n c r e a s e d b y s e v e n p e r c e n t w h i l e s h a r p corners have been smoothed out Safety is s u b s t a n t i a l l y i m p ro v e d w i t h a n u p d a t e d h a n d r a i l t h a t p ro v i d e s a s e c u re g r i p p o i n t a s w e l l a s 3 0 0 p e rc e n t m o re l i g h t i n g t h a t m a k e s t h e s t e p w e l l b r i g h t e r T h i s m a k e s i t m o r e a c c e s s i b l e f o r s e n i o r s a n d t h o s e w i t h l i m i t e d m o b i l i t y w h i l e i m p r o v i n g s a f e t y i n t h i s c r i t i c a l a r e a I n a d d i t i o n , t h e s e f e a t u re s w i l l h e l p i m p ro v e t h e p a c e o f e m b a r k i n g a n d d i s e m b a r k i n g
Once you get into the cockpit area you will find more than a dozen improvements and advances for the driver Noteworthy is t h e n e w i n t u i t i v e d a s h w i t h e l e g a n t a u t omotive styling It features a full-color digital and analog instrument cluster plus a pushb u t t o n s t a r t T h e n e w H VA C s y s t e m i s 2 0 percent more powerful, defrosts 37 percent faster than SAE requirements and is eight decibels quieter It was also noted that thanks to its aerodynamic shape, the H3-45 is now nearly 50 percent quieter in the driver ’s area.
P a s s e n g e r s w i l l a l s o l i k e t h e i m p ro v e d i n t e r i o r o n t h e H 3 - 4 5 t h a t i s b r i g h t e r a n d
D r i v e r s w i l l n o t i c e m o r e t h a n a d o z e n i m p r o v e m e n t s . T h e n e w i n t u i t i v e d a s h f e a t u r e s a u t o m o t i v e s t y l i n g w i t h a f u l lcolor digital and analog instrument cluster. Drivers will find their cockpit area 50 percent quieter because of the n e w a e r o d y n a m i c shape of the coach
The front entryway on the new H3-45 is both wider and brighter Not only have sharp corners been smoothed out, but stair width has been increased by seven percent. This, plus an improved handrail, substantially improves safety for passengers boarding or exiting the coach.
attractive both day and night A new wind o w l a y o u t o f f e r s b e t t e r s i g h t l i n e s a n d v i e w s . A t n i g h t , p a s s e n g e r s w i l l h a v e t h e a d v a n t a g e o f 5 0 p e rc e n t m o re l i g h t i n g t o make things brighter and more enjoyable. Noteworthy is the introduction of interior ambient customization with an RGB lighti n g s y s t e m . O n e i t e m n o t c h a n g e d i s t h a t Prevost will continue to provide their proprietary Cloud One seating line Originally i n t ro d u c e d i n 2 0 2 1 , t h e C l o u d O n e s e r i e s
design focuses on comfort and ergonomics while giving passengers an upgraded ride c o m b i n e d w i t h u n c o m p ro m i s i n g s a f e t y.
Bus operators will also find that the new H3-45 is easier to maintain All LED lighting is used on the new interior lighting system, providing a longer life and reducing the time spent working in this area The new lighting system also has a cleaning mode that better illuminates the passenger cabin for better
Passengers will appreciate the brighter interior with a window layout offering better sightlines. At night, they will have the advantage of 50 percent more lighting to make their ride more enjoyable and an RGB lighting system for interior customization. Prevost will continue to provide their proprietary Cloud One seating.
v i s i b i l i t y d u r i n g i n t e r i o r c l e a n i n g a n d upkeep
A n o t h e r i n t e r e s t i n g f e a t u r e t o e a s e m a i n t e n a n c e i s a n e w f ro n t p a n e l . I t p rov i d e s c o n v e n i e n t a c c e s s t o t h e w i p e r a n d d e f r o s t s y s t e m s a s w e l l a s t h e d r i v e r a i r conditioning units. The front junction box t h a t p r o v i d e s a c c e s s t o t h e m u l t i p l e x c o m p o n e n t s h a s a l s o b e e n i m p r o v e d I n addition to now being 70 percent larger, it now has an interior door for better protect i o n To h e l p r e d u c e i n v e n t o r y, t h e n e w H 3 - 4 5 n o w f e a t u r e s t h r e e s t a n d a r d i z e d passenger windows and blind sizes to help w i t h s t a n d a rd i z a t i o n .
I n m o s t o t h e r a r e a s , t h e n e w H 3 - 4 5 re t a i n s t h e s a m e p ro v e n c o m p o n e n t s a n d s y s t e m s t h a t h a v e m a d e i t p o p u l a r w i t h coach operators Included is the Volvo D13 engine, LED headlights and larger underf l o o r l u g g a g e c o m p a r t m e n t s T h e s e n e w h e a d l i g h t s o p e r a t e l o w a n d h i g h b e a m s simultaneously and are 40 percent brighter t h a n X e n o n f o r a n u n p a r a l l e l e d d e g re e o f visibility and clarity. They also offer 60,000 h o u r s o f r u n t i m e ; 2 0 p e r c e n t m o r e t h a n X e n o n F o r t h o s e i n t e r e s t e d , i t m i g h t b e n o t e d t h a t t h e s e s a m e i m p ro v e m e n t s a re a l s o n o w a v a i l a b l e o n t h e P re v o s t H 3 - 4 5 c o n v e r s i o n s h e l l a n d w e re i n t ro d u c e d a t t h e RV S u p e r S h o w i n J a n u a r y i n Ta m p a T h e H 3 - 4 5 c o n t i n u e s t o b e t h e m o s t p o pu l a r c o n v e r s i o n s h e l l o n t h e m a r k e t .
What may be the most striking feature on the All-New H3-45 is its new exterior redesign A new aerodynamic shape makes the coach 12 percent more fuel efficient This also improves the ride while significantly reducing noise. Technicians will be delighted with the new front panel that provides convenient access to the wiper and defrost system as well as driver air conditioning units plus the improved front junction box that provides access to the multiplex components.
Following the UMA show in Orlando, a demo model of the new H3-45 was scheduled on a long tour that started with the RV Super Show in Tampa, the IMG Maintenance & Safety Forum in Detroit, ABA’s Marketp l a c e a n d B u s w o r l d i n D e t r o i t , t h e Motorhome Expo on West Palm Beach, the C h a u ff e u r D r i v e n s h o w i n L a s Ve g a s a n d OTE in Toronto
Additional information on the All-New Prevost H3-45 is available from your Prevost representative q
Absolutely the finest dump valve ever.
• Air powered version since 1985.
• All parts easily replaceable
at least in part to the efforts of manager Luc Glorieux, the show soon became the primary show for the Western European bus market
a n d w e n t o n t o c a p t u r e a t t e n d e e s a n d e x h i b i t o r s f ro m e l s e w h e re i n E u ro p e a n d
A s i a G l o r i e u x w a s h i g h l y r e g a r d e d i n
E u r o p e ’ s b u s i n d u s t r y a n d b e c a m e a r e s p e c t e d f r i e n d o f o u r s . T h e s h o w w a s s c h e d u l e d o n o d d y e a r s i n O c t o b e r, e ff e ctively opposite the IAA show
A s t i m e w e n t o n , B u s w o r l d b e g a n t o develop venues in other markets Some were successful, particularly where no previous show existed I need to plead ignorance on t h e s e o t h e r s h o w s b e c a u s e I h a v e n o t attended most of them I have attended Busw o r l d i n Tu r k e y w h i c h s e e m s t o b e g o i n g w e l l i n t h a t m a r k e t a n d I b e l i e v e t h a t t h e show in the India market is also going well
Eventually, Busworld Europe ran out of s p a c e i n K o r t r i j k , B e l g i u m I n 2 0 1 7 , 7 0 e x h i b i t o r s w e r e t u r n e d a w a y f o r l a c k o f s p a c e i n s p i t e o f t h e f a c t t h a t e x h i b i t h a l l s eight and nine were temporary just for this event. In 2019, the show moved to Brussels w h e re m o re e x h i b i t s p a c e w a s a v a i l a b l e A t t e n d a n c e w a s i m p r e s s i v e w i t h 5 11 exhibitors from 37 countries and 39,798 visitors from 143 countries The article covering t h a t e v e n t w a s s o l a r g e t h a t i t w a s s p l i t between the February and March 2020 issues o f N AT I O N A L B U S T R A D E R T h e re w a s n o show in 2021 because of the pandemic.
The first Busworld North America took p l a c e i n D e t ro i t f ro m F e b r u a r y 4 - 6 , 2023 Since we have had several quest i o n s f ro m re a d e r s , w e w i l l t r y t o p ro v i d e the background and interesting story leading up to this
By the 1980s, the bus manufacturers in E u ro p e w e re b e c o m i n g l e s s re g i o n a l a n d moving more into international sales. Several smaller manufacturers in The Netherl a n d s a n d B e l g i u m w e re c o m b i n e d i n t h e VDL Group, Van Hool was increasing their exports and Neoplan was moving towards m u l t i p l e p r o d u c t i o n l o c a t i o n s a n d w a s doing more exporting Bus trade shows in Europe were somewhat limited in the early years.
I re m e m b e r s e e i n g b u s e s o n d i s p l a y a t the Frankfort Auto Show in Germany. It was nice, but the buses were lost among the automobiles. Another show that developed was the IAA show in Hannover, Germany Now typically scheduled in October in even-numbered years, this show is huge and includes several buildings and outdoor property over many acres However, it has typically been mostly dedicated to trucks so the buses have been somewhat of an afterthought, although they might have a hall full of historical buses.
Seeing a need for a dedicated bus show, an organization of Flemish bus operators in Belgium began the Busworld show in 1971 Until recently, it was located in Kortrijk in Belgium, about an hour west of Brussels and about 90 minutes north of Lille, France Due
T h e m o v e m e n t t o b r i n g B u s w o r l d t o North America was announced in January o f 2 0 2 0 w i t h a t h re e - y e a r a g re e m e n t w i t h t h e A m e r i c a n B u s A s s o c i a t i o n . T h e p l a n w a s t o “ p i g g y b a c k ” B u s w o r l d N o r t h America on the existing ABA Marketplace for bus tours. The first combined show was s c h e d u l e d f o r J a n u a r y 2 8 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 a t t h e Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, M a r y l a n d A s h a p p e n e d t o o t h e r t r a d e s h o w s i n t h a t e r a , t h e e v e n t r a n i n t o p ro blems because of the pandemic. In addition to health concerns, the Baltimore Convent i o n C e n t e r w a s b e i n g u s e d a s a m e d i c a l facility through June so the physical trade s h o w w a s c a n c e l l e d a l t h o u g h t h e re w a s a v i r t u a l M a r k e t p l a c e
With the pandemic behind us, the comb i n e d s h o w s w e re s c h e d u l e d i n D e t ro i t i n e a r l y F e b ru a r y, 2 0 2 3 T h e l o c a t i o n w a s a t t h e f o r m e r C o b o H a l l , n o w H u n t i n g t o n P l a c e , j u s t a c r o s s t h e D e t r o i t R i v e r f r o m Windsor, Ontario The American Bus Mark e t p l a c e a n d B u s w o r l d N o r t h A m e r i c a w e re i n a d j a c e n t b u t i n i t i a l l y n o t c o n n e c ti n g h a l l s S i n c e t h e re w a s a g re a t d e a l o f traffic at Marketplace and very little at Busworld, the Busworld exhibitors started aski n g t h a t t h e w a l l b e t w e e n t h e t w o e v e n t s b e o p e n e d . E v e n t u a l l y, a n o p e n i n g b i g enough for a bus was created near the front o f t h e h a l l s t h a t p e r m i t t e d m o v e m e n t b e t w e e n t h e t w o h a l l s w i t h o u t h a v i n g t o g o o u t i n t o t h e l o b b y
It is questionable whether this helped the B u s w o r l d e x h i b i t o r s t o a n y s i g n i f i c a n t extent The convention and visitor bureaus as well as the attractions from Marketplace are not bus buyers while the tour planners a r e u s u a l l y m o r e l i k e l y t o c h a r t e r b u s e s rather than buy them Busworld might have b e e n b e t t e r o f f w o r k i n g w i t h t h e U n i t e d Motorcoach Association, where the bus buyers came earlier in the year. Years ago, UMA had paired up with the National Tour Assoc i a t i o n w i t h j o i n t s h o w s , b u t a g a i n t h e groups were not that compatible. The NTA group pulled out in order to schedule their event prior to the end of the year when summer tour catalogs are often locked up
Another concern was the lack of food on t h e B u s w o r l d s h o w f l o o r A t B u s w o r l d i n E u ro p e , f o o d i s a v a i l a b l e a t l o c a t i o n s a n d restaurants around the show floor. In addition, some of the major exhibitors provide light food, soft drinks and even some really g o o d E u ro p e a n b e e r U M A t y p i c a l l y p rovides a simple sit-down lunch on the show floor which seems to work well at its Motor-
coach Expo shows What ended up happening was that the limited food available in the lobby was soon gone and I saw exhibitors ordering pizzas to be brought in
It was probably expected that Busworld had a marked European flavor A number of the exhibitors were first-timers and some seemed to be European companies looking to see what bus business was like on this side o f t h e A t l a n t i c T h e B u s w o r l d p e o p l e brought over several editors and publishers from Europe to see their new creation here. Arrangements were made for them to meet with some of the major exhibitors in press conferences The ones who spoke with me mentioned that since this event did not even occupy a full hall, it was vastly different than the huge event in Belgium
We counted 15 vehicles on the show floor. Included were seven coaches, one electric transit bus, four vans plus one each of a cutaway, a small school bus and a historical bus H e re i s s o m e o f t h e i n f o r m a t i o n w e w e re able to obtain on the major exhibitors.
Prevost deserves credit for helping pull the bus industry out of the pandemic with t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f t h e i r A l l - N e w H 3 - 4 5 m o d e l . T h e y w e r e o n e o f o n l y t h r e e e x h i b i t o r s t h a t h a d t w o b u s e s o n d i s p l a y One was the expected All-New H3-45 model which was painted an attractive gray The other was a recent H3-45 model that was lettered for Trailways, painted red and white and owned by Adirondack Transit Lines A sign adjacent to the coach announced that New York Trailways would be starting service from Detroit to Windsor, Chatham, London and Toronto in April of 2023
P re v o s t h a d i n t ro d u c e d t h e i r A l l - N e w H3-45 a month earlier at the United Motorcoach Association show in Orlando It has p u t s o m e l i f e b a c k i n t o t h e i n d u s t r y a n d shows their confidence that the industry is c o m i n g b a c k t o p r e - p a n d e m i c d a y s T h e model offers a list of improvements ranging f r o m a n e x t e r n a l r e s t y l i n g t o a l i s t o f advances for passengers, drivers and technicians. We will have an article on the All-
Prevost is also fighting the supply chain like everyone else. They have had to reduce t h e p ro d u c t i o n l i n e b e c a u s e o f t h e l a c k o f components As of the show dates, product i o n h a d b e e n s o l d o u t t h ro u g h 2 0 2 3 a n d delivery dates for new orders were now into 2024 This was expected to improve as supply chains return to normal.
As you might expect, MCI had their popular J4500 clean diesel model on display It was equipped with Cummins power and an Allison transmission and has been the most popular coach model for years MCI is opening two more service centers, one in southern California and another in Seattle In addit i o n , M C I i s c e l e b r a t i n g 9 0 y e a r s o f c o a c h production this year Pat Ziska was on hand t o g re e t a t t e n d e e s S h e h a s b e e n w i t h t h e c o m p a n y f o r 4 7 y e a r s a n d h e r re t i re m e n t w a s p u t o ff s o s h e c o u l d a t t e n d t h e U M A show and this event
A n i n t e re s t i n g d e v e l o p m e n t i s t h a t i n k e e p i n g w i t h t h e t re n d t o z e ro e m i s s i o n s , MCI battery-electric coaches are now operating in regular service The Idaho National L a b o r a t o r y n o w h a s a n e l e c t r i c M C I i n e m p l o y e e s h u t t l e s e r v i c e E l e c t r i c M C I coaches are also operating in Silicon Valley, transporting staff to and from a major Internet company There has been increased interest in infrastructure for electric buses, and MCI recently founded a new infrastructure solutions business unit
In speaking to the European press people, MCI’s Brent Maitland mentioned that MCI was also having supply chain issues. While sales are up well, production has been limited because of the lack of some components Delivery dates on current coach orders are several months down the road Many operators are running smaller fleets and having difficulty finding drivers
It was noted that New Flyer has about 19 percent zero emission production, but this is expected to climb to 50 percent by 2025 What has helped is that battery prices are going down while significant government money is being invested in battery-electric b u s e s Wi t h A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , t h e y a r e moving from using BYD for electric buses to their own chassis. The in-house system uses Impact batteries and a Siemens drive motor on the electric buses
TEMSA
T h e T E M S A s t a f f d i s p l a y e d a w h i t e TS45 coach on t h e sh ow floor wit h sp ecial s h o w l e t t e r i n g O n e o f t h e b i g g e s t i t e m s mentioned at TEMSA was their increasing m a r k e t s h a re A l t h o u g h t h e i r f i r s t m o d e l offered in America was their 35-foot TS35, sales on the short 30-foot TS30 and 45-foot TS45 have increased faster and now make
u p m o s t o f s a l e s A m a j o r f a c t o r i n a d d i n g n e w c u s t o m e r s h a s b e e n t h e i r m o b i l e s e rv i c e t e c h s t h a t c o m e t o t h e c u s t o m e r. A f o u r t h m o d e l w i l l b e a d d e d t o t h e i r p ro duct line soon – the TS45E full battery-elect r i c c o a c h e s . P r o t o t y p e s h a v e b e e n d i sp l a y e d a t p re v i o u s s h o w s , b u t t h e e l e c t r i c c o a c h w i l l n o w b e a v a i l a b l e f o r s a l e
It was mentioned that TEMSA appears to be having fewer supply chain problems. Although coaches are imported from Turkey, TEMSA is selling in 60 different countries
S o m e n e w o r d e r s c o u l d b e d e l i v e r e d b y April TEMSA is working on infrastructure for electric buses. Since electric buses have as much as 70 percent local concent, it makes it easier to comply with Buy America prov i s i o n s . T h e re i s a n i n t e re s t i n t h e t r a n s i t m a r k e t , p a r t i c u l a r l y M e x i c o a n d S o u t h America
D u r i n g t h e s h o w, a t t e n d e e s r e c e i v e d word that a major earthquake had hit Turkey and Syria Based on what information we received, it appeared that the center of the
earthquake was located east of TEMSA’s factory in Adana, Turkey News reports suggested that 44,000 people lost their lives in Turkey, and there were additional fatalities in Syria Several TEMSA staff members were involved in the disaster Our sympathies and p r a y e r s g o o u t t o t h e T E M S A p e o p l e a n d their families
ABC had two vehicles on display One was their 35-foot Van Hool CX35 coach while the other was a Sunset Ford Transit van The CX35 was a fully-loaded demo designed for major impact inside and out It featured a black matte tone-on-tone exterior wrap that was designed, printed and installed by ABC G r a p h i c s T h o m P e e b l e s f ro m A B C m e n -
tioned that special graphics allows companies to stand out in their market for a modest investment
The 2022 Sunset Van Ford E-Transit HR EL model combines the popular Ford van with upfitter Sunset Vans to provide a high roof extended length electric vehicle It also had a special exterior graphics treatment. T h e Va n H o o l c o a c h e s w e re u p g r a d e d i n 2 0 2 0 a n d c o n t i n u e t o b e t h e b e s t s e l l i n g imports. The Ford Transit represents ABC’s e x p a n s i o n i n t o a w i d e r a n g e o f d i ff e re n t s i z e d v e h i c l e s a n d p o w e r o p t i o n s I t w a s reported that there has been a major increase in parts business recently with much of it other than coaches.
Va n H o o l c o a c h o rd e r s re c e i v e d a t t h e s h o w c o u l d b e d e l i v e re d i n S e p t e m b e r I t was mentioned that electric vehicles now represent 20 percent of sales. There are electric Van Hool coaches including the CX45E a n d T D X 2 5 E d o u b l e - d e c k o p e r a t i n g i n employee shuttle service in Silicon Valley and elsewhere ABC is also selling infrastructure and chargers for electric buses.
A n n o u n c e e d a t t h e s h o w w a s t h e appointment of Andrew (Drew) Sicillano as the new senior vice president of sales ABC has added this new position to better serve customers ABC President Roman Cornell indicated that this new position allows ABC t o p r o v i d e m o r e c h o i c e s t o e x i s t i n g c u stomers and move into new markets as the company expands its product offerings and customers are faced with an everchanging economy Sicillano has 15 years of business management and development experience He previously had experience in fleet management services and worked in the electric vehicle market.
Daimler
Located near the entrance, Daimler had the largest display on the show floor with two Tourrider coaches shown One was the Business model Tourrider painted an attractive gray and lettered for Academy Bus The o t h e r w a s t h e P re m i u m m o d e l To u r r i d e r painted a bright yellow and lettered for Yank e e Tr a i l s I t l o o k e d l i k e D a i m l e r h a d brought some staff from Europe to help with talking to the customers
The Daimler people mentioned that production on the Tourrider started in April of 2022 and the first ones were delivered this past December They do have some units in stock for immediate delivery, but any custom orders will require a waiting time of six to eight months Service and parts are available at 14 U S and three Canadian service centers that do everything but body work. Most are provided by Detroit Diesel and Freightliner
National Bus Trader / April, 2023
The only cutaway on display was the Ultra Coachliner DXL. Although a body-on-chassis cutaway, it offers several big coach features including a length of up to 45 feet, capacity for up to 56 passengers, plus stainless steel, a larger underfloor storage area and even an optional restroom
The company is now building aftermarket support and offers in-house financing
Ultra Coachliner DXL
T h e o n l y c u t a w a y o n d i s p l a y w a s t h e
Ultra Coachliner DXL presented by National Bus Sales This is a large cutaway available in lengths of 40 or 45 feet with seats for up to 56 passengers. It is built on a Freightliner
A d v a n c e d C h a s s i s a n d i s p o w e r e d b y a F re i g h t l i n e r 9 l i t e r d i e s e l w i t h a n A l l i s o n transmission. It is designed to provide some big coach features while offering a more economical price
Noteworthy features include air ride suspension, use of stainless steel for durability and longevity, up to 556 cubic feet of underfloor storage, an engine exhaust brake, 110v o l t o u t l e t s a n d U S B p l u g s f o r a l l s e a t s , backup camera and a premium audio-video system Options include a lavatory, Wi-Fi, a wheelchair lift, 15-inch monitors, LED headlights and even a refreshment center
BYD had the only transit bus on display. It was their model K7MER twodoor, battery-electric model with a length of 29 9 feet and a width of 102 inches. It was noted that BYD now offers a wide range of battery-electric school buses including a 40-foot Type D model with a flat front
O n d i s p l a y i n t h e B Y D b o o t h w a s t h e only transit bus at the show It was their twod o o r K 7 M E R m o d e l w i t h b a t t e r y - e l e c t r i c power It had a length of 29 9 feet and the usual 102-inch width This model could seat up to 20 passengers and offered two wheelchair positions The BYD staff said that this was a popular model at universities and corporate campuses for shuttling students and staff It also does well in smaller cities, at airports and parking facilities.
It is interesting that BYD is now offering several types of battery-electric school buses These range in size from the smaller Type A buses to the big Type D. BYD now offers a battery-electric flat front Type D school bus with lengths from 36 to 40 feet and a range of up to 155 miles.
Pegasus A new exhibitor, the Pegasus Bus Company, is based in Dunkirk, Ohio They had
The only school bus on display came from the Pegasus Bus Company of D u n k i r k , O h i o . T h e y o ff e r s e v e r a l d i ff e r e n t s i z e s a n d t y p e s o f s c h o o l b u s e s u p t o a 7 1 - p a s s e n g e r c a p a c i t y a n d a l s o p r o v i d e a w i d e r a n g e o f power options including battery-electric, gasoline and hydrogen fuel cell
the only school bus on display. They offer the Pegasus Orion School and Shuttle Bus line that ranges from smaller shuttle buses to the larger 71-passenger school buses. On d i s p l a y w a s t h e i r P e g a s u s O r i o n s m a l l school bus While the bus on the show floor was powered by gasoline, they also offer battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell power
Mobility Transportation
M o b i l i t y Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n h a d t w o F o rd Tr a n s i t v a n s o n d i s p l a y. B o t h h a d b i f o l d d o o r s a n d o n e h a d a l i f t o n t h e c u r b s i d e This family-owned business first delivered vans in the 1980s and has grown with a subs t a n t i a l d e a l e r n e t w o r k f r o m F l o r i d a t o North Dakota. They offer a choice of chassis and as well as all types of interiors
Master ’s Transportation
B a s e d i n B e l t o n , M i s s o u r i , M a s t e r ’ s Transportation had a Ford Transit on display with a higher roof that was painted white, red and black Their operation is nationwide
Mobility Transportation had two Ford Transit vans on display Both had bifold entry doors while the one on the right had a wheelchair lift on the curb side This family-owned business with a substantial dealer network offers a wide range of chassis as well as numerous options on interiors
BYD
and they offer a wide range of vehicles from v a n s t o s h u t t l e b u s e s t o f u l l - s i z e s c h o o l buses. They have a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles and offer sales, leasing and rental
Chatham Coach / Flxible
How could there be a bus show without a n h i s t o r i c a l b u s ? C h a t h a m C o a c h f r o m Ontario, long time readers of NATIONAL BUS T R A D E R , d i s p l a y e d a d e l i g h t f u l h i s t o r i c a l coach for all to see. It was a 1930 Buick Flx-
i b l e b e a u t i f u l l y p a i n t e d i n t w o s h a d e s o f green The bus was nicely restored and even had dummies inside that looked like passengers Expectedly, it drew a great deal of attention and many visitors.
The bus was shown by Brent DeNure of the Chatham Coach family. Many will know DeNure from his Vintage Motor Coach Magazine that celebrates older buses and related vehicles.
Wait ‘Til Next Year In 2024, the ABA Marketplace is schedu l e d t o b e i n N a s h v i l l e f ro m J a n u a r y 1 31 6 , 2 0 2 4 B u t B u s w o r l d N o r t h A m e r i c a i s s c h e d u l e d e v e r y t w o y e a r s s o i t w i l l n o t be in Nashville Both the ABA Marketplace a n d B u s w o r l d N o r t h A m e r i c a a re s c h e duled to be in Philadelphia from January 31 t h ro u g h F e b ru a r y 4 , 2 0 2 5 q
W h a t b u s s h o w would be complete without an historic a l b u s ? T h e p e ople from Chatham C o a c h i n O n t a r i o b r o u g h t t h i s 1 9 3 0 Buick Flxible to the show. A nice touch w a s a c o u p l e o f d u m m i e s i n s i d e o n t h e s e a t s t h a t l o o k e d l i k e passengers
In 1862 the Civil War was going poorly for the North (and no – this is not a personal memory)
T h a t s u m m e r, G e n e r a l M c C l e l l a n p e n n e d a l o n g l e t t e r t o A b r a h a m L i n c o l n essentially telling him he was doing everyt h i n g w r o n g . W h e n L i n c o l n w a s a s k e d w h a t h i s re s p o n s e w a s , h e s a i d , " N o t h i n g
B u t i t m a d e m e t h i n k o f t h e I r i s h m a n w h o s e h o r s e k i c k e d u p a n d c a u g h t i t s f o o t i n t h e s t i r r u p ‘ A r r a h ! ' s a i d h e ' I f y o u a r e g o i n g t o g e t o n , I w i l l g e t o f f ’ ”
It is remarkable how smart folks are when they do not see the whole picture, or have little personal stake in the outcome, of something they are criticizing
Our business is currently treading water ( s o m e s a y d ro w n i n g ) i n s e a o f re g u l a t i o n s promulgated and enforced by folks who have little insight or stake in the coach business
As a result, we spend a ton of our time figuring out how they think we should operate
A T V p ro g r a m re c e n t l y p o r t r a y e d “ L i f e After People” – what would earth look like if
we disappeared? Hmmm – what about a bus industry without regulators? It would likely be a mixed blessing; certainly a measure of regulation is necessary There is a line between the government protecting us from serious dangers that are not easily visible to even a sophisticated public and regulators getting involved in minutiae that either does not matt e r m u c h , o r c a n b e a d d re s s e d b y m a r k e t forces
The advent of social media and instant communications has moved that line Maybe i t i s t i m e f o r m a r k e t f o rc e s , i n t h e f o r m o f informed consumers, to pick winners and l o s e r s a m o n g o p e r a t o r s . O v e r re g u l a t i n g b l u n t s t h a t f o r c e a n d s k e w s t h e m a r k e t t o w a r d s m a j o r c a r r i e r s w h o h a v e m o r e resources to deal with silliness.
The trouble with regulating is that the public comes to trust it, and mentally gives up personal responsibility If a bus-line meets government standards, what could go wrong? When something does go wrong, we just add another rule to “fix” it On paper all drivers are “qualified” and yet some are consistently requested by customers (and others shunned) That is a responsible marketplace speaking
Somewhere along the line (pun intended) the pubic has bought into the perception that the private sector is “greedy,” but government entities like transit authorities are “well intended.” If you look at safety statistics a different picture often emerges Although it is aimed specifically at commuter rail, this s t o r y g i v e s p a u s e ( w w w f o x 5 n y c o m / news/211425545-story )
The difference between “well intended” public sector carriers and us is that they are
“ t o o b i g ( o r i m p o r t a n t ) t o f a i l , ” a n d t h e y have no real competition Their customers have no choice When they do screw up, it i s o u r f a u l t f o r n o t g i v i n g t h e m e n o u g h m o n e y. W h e n t h e y r e a l l y m e s s u p , i t i s d a m n e d n e a r i m p o s s i b l e t o h o l d t h e m accountable We, on the other hand, are scrutinized by regulators enforcing a mixed bag o f r u l e s B e c a u s e m a n y c o m e f r o m a l a w enforcement background, they have neither t h e i n s i g h t n o r m o t i v a t i o n t o t e a c h r e a l safety, only to play gotcha
We are subject to a price sensitive marketplace that keeps us honest and efficient
Regulations and funding are vastly different between public and private carriers. The public carriers generally do not need to worry about competition because most of them are monopolies and customers have no choice. Being subsidized by the government also helps. NOVABUS.
Social media catches, and often amplifies, our missteps, allowing alert consumers to choose operators that meet their needs In a heartbeat a major accident can destroy a life’s worth of investment and hard work.
The question is, in real life, who is more motivated to get things right? Again, the point is not that there should be no rules, just less, and targeted at improving safety, not fining violations Each current regulation should be required to stand up to scrutiny – prove that compliance actually enhances safety in an efficient way A cost-benefits analysis
Would it not be fun to switch places for a year? Public sector carriers would be forced to adhere to all the “stuff” we endure, while we enjoy a market that is forced to ride on o u r b u s e s T h e y w o u l d a c t u a l l y h a v e t o maintain equipment in an economical way, and we could throw money at coaches Our customers’ complaints would be buried in l a y e r s o f b u re a u c r a c y u n t i l t h e y a re e u l ogized in a form letter If we were not making e n o u g h m o n e y, w e w o u l d d e m a n d m o re Mess up – blame our customers.
There is an old Native American saying about “Walking a mile in our moccasins If public agencies were held to the same economic and safety standards as private operators, how long do you think it would take them to force change? Even better, since regulators and transit authorities are both playing for the same team, maybe they would u s e s o m e a c t u a l o p e r a t i n g e x p e r i e n c e t o c h o o s e w h i c h r u l e s a c t u a l l y m a d e s e n s e Instead, it seems that the governmental folks have seized on another, more modern vers i o n o f t h e s a y i n g , “ I f y o u h a v e a d i s p u t e w i t h s o m e o n e , w a l k a m i l e i n t h e i r s h o e s T h a t w a y y o u a re a m i l e a w a y – a n d y o u have their shoes ” q
Ned Einstein
As a writer and expert witness, I do not have the daily toil of keeping my fleet busy, m u c h l e s s k e e p i n g m y b u s i n e s s a n d i t s employees alive This is particularly challenging in an era where motorcoach business in many sub-sectors has shrunk (particularly since COVID began) I have more opportunity to keep track of trends in public transp o r t a t i o n , i n g e n e r a l , t h e n m o s t p e o p l e involved in operations. One of the most dist u r b i n g t re n d s t o m e m b e r s o f t h e m o t o rcoach industry (of which I feel I am one) is t h e i n c r e a s i n g i n c u r s i o n o f s m a l l e r a n d smaller vehicles into multiple sectors of the public transportation field
by larger ones, new TNCs are proliferating in other sectors ZUM now provides school b u s s e r v i c e i n L o s A n g e l e s a n d S a n F r a ncisco Many foolish transit agencies (to be kind) are selling transit passes through their passengers’ Uber apps Many attribute the nationwide 10 percent decline in transit ridership during the two years prior to COVID largely to TNCs – although I believe much of this decline is a general disgust with the quality of service (particularly the compromised reliability of vehicles regularly running behind schedule because their schedu l e s a r e t o o t i g h t ) a n d t r a n s i t a g e n c i e s ’ failures, in most places, to actually design a coherent system (see https://transalt com/ article/making-public-transportation-workpart-4-system-design-and-networks/ ) Not a mere footnote, deploying smaller, mostly body-on-chassis minibus conversions, TNCs h a v e m a d e p e r i o d i c e n t r e a t i e s i n t o t h e motorcoach business
There are reasons this has happened. Part i c u l a r l y i n t h e p a s t s e v e r a l y e a r s , I w ro t e a b o u t m a n y o f t h e m f o r N AT I O N A L B U S
TRADER Noteworthy among them are:
• The intrusion of Transportation Network Companies, like Uber and Lyft, into t h e p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n h i e r a r c h y o f modes. This intrusion was largely the result of a spectrum of failures to shut them down a n d k e e p t h e m o u t ( s e e h t t p s : / / transalt com/article/bad-regulations-andw o r s e - r e s p o n s e s - p a r t - 1 - i n t r o d u c t i o n / ; https://transalt com/article/bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part-3-invasionof-the-tncs/; https://transalt com/article/ bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part4-judicial-heroism/; https://transalt com/ a r t i c l e / b a d - r e g u l a t i o n s - a n d - w o r s er e s p o n s e s - p a r t - 5 - e x e c u t i v e - b r a n c hr e s p o n s e s / ; 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 d - r e g u l a t i o n s - a n d - w o r s eresponses-part-6-industry-and-associationresponses/; https://transalt com/ article/ bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part7-conclusions/)
F o r t h o s e w h o t h i n k t h i s i s o n l y a t a x ii n d u s t r y p r o b l e m , o n e s h o u l d n o t e t h a t despite some TNCs (like Juno and Sidecar) being squished out of business or acquired
• There have been bursts of excitement over PodCars – essentially 10- to 15-passeng e r v e h i c l e s d e s i g n e d t o re p l a c e f u l l - s i z e transit buses As I noted in several installments of NATIONAL BUS TRADER, the decline i n t r a n s i t r i d e r s h i p i s a l s o l a rg e l y d u e t o missing pieces – like feeder service and parkand-ride lots – that were never developed, o r w h i c h g r a d u a l l y d i s a p p e a re d f ro m t h e landscape, and which are needed to make transit use practical in today’s geographic d i s t r i b u t i o n o f p o p u l a t i o n ( s e e https://transalt com/article/making-public-t ransport at ion-work -p art -2-p ark -andr i d e - l o t s / a n d h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t c o m / a r t icle/making-public-transportation-work-par t-3-feeder-service/) In theory, more PodCars (especially with some flexibility) would not need such things Last year, there was actually an annual conference for PodCar advoc a t e s T h e b e a u t y o f a n a t i o n w i d e fl e e t o f moderately small vehicles – at least to The L a z y – i s t h a t l i t t l e p l a n n i n g w o u l d b e needed, especially if vehicles of this size displace those of multiple modes (buses, taxis, l i m o u s i n e s , p a r a t r a n s i t , s c h o o l b u s e s a n d e v e n m o t o r c o a c h e s [ d e p l o y e d i n c o mmuter/express mode]) Designing an intelligible hierarchy of modes that fit together to reduce the passenger miles of travel per vehicle requires thought and effort A nation f u l l o f P o d c a r s w o u l d n o t n e e d m u c h thought or effort: management would disa p p e a r ( a s i n T N C s e r v i c e s l i k e U b e r a n d Lyft), and eventually robots would replace drivers
• Because of their near-complete dependency on robots for route design, scheduling a n d st o p se l e ct i o n , a n d t h e e l i mi n a t i o n o f l i v e e a r t h l i n g s a n s w e r i n g t e l e p h o n e s a n d conducting actual dialogs with passengers, t h e e f fi c i e n c y o f p a r a t r a n s i t s e r v i c e h a s declined significantly compared to the better s y s t e m s o f t h e p re - c o m p u t e r a g e ( Tu l s a , Oklahoma’s system, in the late 1970s, prov i d e d 1 0 8 t r i p s p e r h o u r – s e e https://transalt com/content/principlesparatransit-system-design/ – while many or most of Today’s paratransit systems transp o r t f e w e r t h a n t w o p a s s e n g e r t r i p s p e r vehicle service hour ) This failure has also translated into smaller vehicles – often MV1s or minivan conversions that can transport only one wheelchair at a time By comparison, the smallest vehicle in my former comp a n y ’ s 7 0 - v e h i c l e p a r a t r a n s i t fl e e t w a s a D o d g e R A M - 3 5 0 – a c c o m m o d a t i n g 11 ambulatory passengers, four wheelchairs, or some combination in between – with its p e r i m e t e r fl i p - u p s e a t s T h e s e w e r e o u r smallest vehicles. During some portion of their runs, 90 percent of our vehicles were filled to capacity
• Largely because of the corruption and incompetence of brokers (particularly two giant oligopolies that operate in all or part of 45 states and the District of Columbia), n o n - e m e r g e n c y m e d i c a l t r a n s p o r t a t i o n (NEMT) service and other non-emergency transportation systems (transporting Medicaid recipients, veterans and developmentally-disabled adults) have evolved practically into limousine services
• Even in the transit industry, a nationw i d e fl e e t o f a l m o s t - c o m p l e t e l y 4 0 - f o o t buses has been diluted by some 35-foot and 30-foot models – as well as large, body-onchassis minibus conversions built mostly in International or Freightliner chassis. To be fair, these vehicles make sense in some serv i c e a r e a s , p a r t i c u l a r l y b e c a u s e o f t h e i r
T h e r e h a s b e e n l e s s t h a n a h a n d f u l o f e x c e p t i o n s t o t h i s t r e n d o v e r t h e p a s t 4 1⁄2 decades The most notable were:
• The explosion of 45-foot motorcoaches into the industry now exceeds the number of 40-foot coaches These vehicles’ features were rarely developed (one exception is the MCI D45 CRT LE) Otherwise, both TNCs and – more disturbingly – commercial air-
lines have begun to deploy motorcoaches –t h e l a t t e r w i t h f o l d - d o w n s e a t s ( t h a t t u r n i n t o b e d s ) a s s u b s t i t u t e s f o r s h o r t - d i s t a n t flights. The motorcoach industry has failed to fill this void despite encouragement and m a r k e t i n g i d e a s f r o m N AT I O N A L B U S TRADER (see https://transalt com/article/ survival-and-prosperity-part-1-magic-corridors/ and https://transalt com/article/ survival-and-prosperity-part-2-the-magicc o a c h / ) , e v e n a s t h e c o m m e r c i a l a i r l i n e industry was plastered with nasty, bad press ( s e e h t t p s : / / w w w n y t i m e s c o m / 2023/01/13/opinion/faa-air-travel-regulation-outage html)
• I n 1 9 8 3 , S u p e r S h u t t l e ( s e e https://transalt com/article/bad-regulations-and-worse-responses-part-2-the-risefall-and-transformation-of-supershuttle/) e m e rg e d a s a c o m p l e t e l y n e w m o d e t h a t re q u i re d n o s u b s i d i e s S u p e r S h u t t l e w a s designed to outperform taxis – operating in narrow corridors to and from major airports such that (a) every trip lay roughly on the w a y t o a n o t h e r t r i p , ( b ) f a r e s w o u l d b e roughly half the cost of a taxi trip, and (c) SuperShuttle would earn roughly one and a half times a taxi’s revenue if a vehicle transp o r t e d t h re e p a s s e n g e r s ( t o o r f ro m t h re e d i f f e r e n t d e s t i n a t i o n s ) T h i s m o d e l w a s quickly destroyed by the California Public Utilities Commission – which allowed competitors to enter the field without restricting the operations to the corridors in which this mode was designed to perform. It still exists throughout the country in regulatory environments that ignore the original SuperShuttle’s geographic parameters – another example where the notion of actually designing a transportation system was abandoned
Opinions differ, but I have reviewed many excellent arguments that, despite their downsides, argue that we need to electrify virtually everything A fascinating argument against this, in the vehicle world, is that with gasoline or diesel fuel, the vehicle becomes lighter and lighter as the trip continues since the fuel supply shrinks The same is not true for an electric vehicle saddled with a battery, much less an u l t r a - h e a v y b a t t e r y t h a t c o m p r i s e s a f a r greater percentage of the vehicle’s weight than does even a full fuel tank Battery power is not free for a considerable number of reasons Apart from air quality considerations, the replacement of a 3,000-pound ICE sedan
by a 4,000-pound sedan with a 1000-pound battery is a far-more-complex trade-off than many may at first think Just the same, the air q u a l i t y i s s u e s o u t w e i g h t h e s e d o w n s i d e s b e c a u s e t h e s e v e h i c l e s m e re l y re q u i re t h e power to roll them
As the last example illustrates, the debate a b o u t e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s h a s b e e n d i re c t e d largely at the pros and cons of each energy source for ground vehicles When the vehicle must defy gravity – much less continue to bear the full weight of its fuel source for the entire trip – the cons grossly outweigh the pros
The clearly-most-dumbest innovation to recently emerge that illustrates this downside has been the air taxi – effectively a batterypowered small aircraft operating as a quasihelicopter in a taxicab duty cycle No sensible p e r s o n c a n d e n y t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f h e l ic o p t e r s – p a r t i c u l a r l y f o r m i l i t a r y, p o l i c e , ambulance, evacuation and rescue purposes C e r t a i n p e o p l e w h o s e t i m e i s l i m i t e d a n d invaluable – like presidents, governors and some other elected officials, and other select members of society – need and deserve to t r a v e l b y t h i s m e a n s O t h e r s w h o d o n o t deserve such treatment but who can simply a ff o rd t o p a y f o r i t d o s o , e n e rg y w a s t e b e damned Apart from military, police, ambulance, evacuation and rescue scenarios, others’ use of helicopters is a poster child for our failure to control traffic – a failure largely the fault of our public transportation institutions and the policy-makers who govern them
Matthew Daus, as noted in the February 15, 2023 edition of a post titled Daily Transportat i o n N e w s , “ N Y C c o m m u t e r s l o o k i n g t o dodge traffic and reach their destination in style may soon have another option: Taking to the sky in an electric air taxi ” These aircraft are not quite helicopters Instead, they are electric versions of “vertical take-off and landing” (VTOL) craft – a technology that has been around for decades in the military world It only becomes “helicopterish” in the civilian world in its use for those short fl i g h t s n o r m a l l y p ro v i d e d b y h e l i c o p t e r s . Otherwise, technically it is a form of airplane – with wings, propellers and landing gear
The essential characteristic of this aircraft is that – in the words of Matthew Daus – “It c a n a s c e n d l i k e a h e l i c o p t e r a n d fl y l i k e a p l a n e ” I s e e m t o r e m e m b e r S u p e r m a n described similarly (“It’s a bird. [no] It’s a plane [no] Its Superman”) Superman was only a cartoon character, then a child’s TV show, and later the fictional centerpiece of countless stupid films.
Daus also noted that for those New Yorke r s w h o re s e n t “ t h e n o i s y a i r t r a f fi c ” p rod u c e d b y f u e l - p o w e r e d h e l i c o p t e r s , t h e “noise footprint” for eVTOLs will be “more palatable ” Frankly, this is irrelevant because eVTOLs must generally take off from and land at small airports, whereas a helicopter c a n l i f t o f f a n d l a n d o n a m e d i u m - s i z e rooftop of a (usually) tall apartment or office b u i l d i n g T h o s e l i v i n g o r w o r k i n g o n t h e upper floors of such a building are unders t a n d a b l y n o t t h r i l l e d b y t h i s s i d e - e ff e c t F r a n k l y, u p p e r fl o o r s o f t a l l b u i l d i n g s a re c o v e t e d l a rg e l y b e c a u s e t h e y l i e f u r t h e s t f r o m t h e n o i s e o n t h e g r o u n d . F r a n k l y, I t h i n k t h i s i s a n i l l u s i o n a r y b e n e fi t t o humanoids – although a noise level 1/10th t h a t o f a f u e l - e q u i p p e d a i r c r a f t ( a s o n e eVTOL manufacturer ’s executive claims it produces), would certainly be less noisy –and less smelly – to birds
As unfortunate as this new aberration is, t h i s f a i l u re i s g ro s s l y e x a g g e r a t e d b y t h e notion of a battery-powered aircraft providi n g h e l i c o p t e r s e r v i c e i n t a x i m o d e M o s t individuals concerned with global melting and burning (aka “climate change”) concur, to different degrees, that we must electrify everything I differ only because I believe w e m u s t e l e c t r i f y a l m o s t e v e r y t h i n g N o t e v e r y t h i n g . C e r t a i n l y n o t e x a m p l e s o f sparsely-used modes whose degradation of air quality from their fossil fuel consumption is an asterisk – and where their conversion to battery-powered vehicles is an obscene, if not preposterous, waste of cost and energy – especially when cost and energy per passenger mile are factored into the equation
According to an excellent source of inform
T h e c o r p o r a t e s l o g a n i s m o n e w o u l d e x p e c t f ro m t h i s v e h i c l e ’ s m a n u f a c t u re r s (Blade Air Mobility, Inc and Beta Technologies are cited in Daus’ post) is not surprising:
“ B l a d e i s fl y i n g p a s s e n g e r s i n k e y u r b a n markets all over the world, and this flight is another step toward delivering our electric aircraft to support those operations,” said Kyle Clark, Beta’s founder and CEO. Regrettably this money-making boon to the rich and famous ignores one obvious problem, and another more subtle problem, that this installment addresses:
1 The energy per passenger required to fly this unneeded six-passenger-seat abomination is obscene. Working as a subcontractor for AMTRAK in the 1970s, I strongly recall the debate among the conductors and trainNational Bus Trader / April, 2023 • 31
Commerical airlines have b e g u n t o d e p l o y m o t o rcoaches
We must electrify almost e v e r y t h i n g N o t e v e r ything
men I spoke with about the railroad’s “electrification,” and the numerous advantages of retaining diesel-powered rail cars Of course, this discourse rarely if ever factored in Global Melting and Burning, as its scale was barely visible back then A major argument for electrification was the fact that this was a ground vehicle. Once a burst of energy of any type w a s e x p e n d e d t o a c c e l e r a t e i t t o a n o r m a l travel speed (little or no energy was expended on braking), the energy expended in cruising was moderate. Given the mass of a typical 10-car passenger train (or even the extraordinary mass of a 1 7-mile-long freight train with hundreds of cars – like the one of each year ’s thousand that derailed this past Febr u a r y 1 7 – t h e e x t r a w e i g h t o f b a t t e r i e s would have been trivial – although the power is supplied to rail cars either via overhead wires (more typical of streetcars) or, far more commonly for heavy rail, through the “third rail” in the tracks In this latter case, the train itself has to bear little additional weight (and that smidgeon is attributable to transformers and related technology of moderate weight that is negligible compared to the weight of the train itself)
T h i s s a m e p r i n c i p l e c l e a r l y w o u l d n o t apply to a vehicle that must defy gravity –m o r e d u r i n g l i f t - o f f , b u t a c o n s i d e r a b l e a m o u n t t o a l s o k e e p i t a i r b o r n e . I s c o mm o n l y - a c c e p t e d t h a t t h e e l e c t r i fi c a t i o n o f commercial aircraft would make no sense for “jumbo jets ” Instead, one comparison I recall noted that an electric-powered small plane flying coast to coast would consume only about $20 worth or energy, while the f u e l f o r a C e s s n a m a k i n g t h e s a m e t r i p would cost $600. The notion of “scaling” is clearly a factor in fuel type This same notion does not apply to an eVTOL used as a quasihelicopter in a taxicab duty cycle By comparison, with a coast-to-coast flight, the burst o f e n e rg y u se d i n t a k e o ff w o u l d b e a mo rtized over the other 2999 miles of cruising –with the energy burden relieved considerably by an invention known as wings. Wings alone are not enough to continuously propel a n a i rc r a f t l i k e a f u l l y - l o a d e d B o e i n g 7 4 7 , weighing 455½ tons
I became aware of wings at an early age, a s m y f a t h e r w a s a g l i d e r p i l o t i n W W I I –operating an aircraft with no power whatsoever. It had to be towed into the air by a fuelpowered aircraft Once airborne, it sailed endlessly without any fuel expenditure of any
type, because of a combination of pilot skill and wings (with control provided by the intelligent use of horizontal and vertical stabilizers and ailerons) To be fair, the eVTOL aircraft a l s o h a s w i n g s . I t c a n n o t g l i d e w i t h o u t e x p e n d i n g c o n s i d e r a b l e e n e r g y l a r g e l y b e c a u s e t h e w e i g h t o f i t s p o w e r s o u rc e i s enormous By comparison, a glider – or even a modern “ultra-light” aircraft – weighs only a few hundred pounds (Many WWII gliders were deliberately constructed to be flimsy T h e y f e l l a p a r t u p o n l a n d i n g s o t h a t t h e enemy could not use them.)
A battery-powered small aircraft, transporting only a handful of individuals, operating like a helicopter in a taxicab duty cycle, is an obscene waste of energy and money K e e p i n m i n d t h a t t h e b a t t e r i e s m u s t b e charged – just as a fuel tank must be filled D e s p i t e t h e t e c h n o l o g y u s e d t o c re a t e o r magnify it, energy is not infinite One expert o n e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s re c e n t l y t o l d m e t h a t G o v e r n o r N e w s o m ’ s c l o s u re o f a n u c l e a r plant would kill the soon-to-be electric vehic l e p ro g r a m i n C a l i f o r n i a N o n u m b e r o f wind turbines and solar panels could provide enough electrons for the fleet that Californians will be required to operate starting in 2030
I n e s s e n c e , t h e a i r t a x i , a s a m o d e , i s a wasteful boon to the rich and famous. This n e w h y b r i d m o d e – a c o m b i n a t i o n t a x i , helicopter and small aircraft – should be an exception to the notion of electrifying everything. The saying, “To every rule, there is an exception” could not be better applied than t o t h i s p r e p o s t e r o u s a i r v e h i c l e / e n e r g y drain
of bridges and tunnels. As everyone in the motorcoach industry knows, a single motorcoach can replace roughly 40 cars (with an estimated capacity of 1 2 to 1 3 passengers per vehicle). The fourth grade children of our elected officials can do this arithmetic – even in a “word problem ” All their parents need do is apply it to their policy-making
Words to the Unwise
This last example of inexcusable (if not corrupt) policy-making cannot be supported b y a s o c i e t y t h a t c a n p e r f o r m b a s i c a r i t hmetic, and which has any sensible and/or m o r a l i n t e re s t i n a l l e v i a t i n g t r a f fi c , m u c h less its side effects like air-pollution, roadw a y m a i n t e n a n c e a n d l a r g e s e c t i o n s o f inner-city land devoted to parking lots – and even noise
Compared to electrified aircraft, even a motorcoach made of steel (compared to one m a d e o f a l u m i n u m o r c o m p o s i t e – b e t t e r s u i t e d f o r e l e c t r i fi c a t i o n s i n c e t h e l i g h t e r body would help offset the weight of the batteries) makes exponentially more sense to adapt to battery usage than does any form o f a i r c r a f t – m u c h l e s s o n e t h a t c a r r i e s a handful of people a few miles.
Even while our institutions continue to fail us, the motorcoach industry is merely an extreme victim. I am not advocating disruptive vigilantism to make this point I am not advocating some citywide blockage of every major intersection with parked motorcoaches used as blockades. We certainly do not wish to impede the progress of ambulances, fire trucks and police cars But a respectfully-sized d e m o n s t r a t i o n t h a t u s e d a f e w h u n d r e d motorcoaches to snarl traffic flow, for a single rush-hour morning – again, leaving alternatives for emergency vehicles disclosed in advance – might draw some attention to the ridiculous and, frankly, inexcusable policies that have impeded the sustainable operation of many motorcoach operations
2 Flying under the radar is the theme of this installment. The increased substitution of smaller, less-efficient, more-costly and less energy-efficient vehicles for larger ones As n o t e d , t h i s s u b s t i t u t i o n i s a d i re c t c o n s equence of our failure to control traffic. The eVTOL is merely another example of it Many N AT I O N A L B U S T R A D E R a r t i c l e s h a v e explored and identified the causes of this failure (i.e., poor or no system design, the minimal use of feeder service and the scarcity of p a r k - a n d - r i d e l o t s – a n d m o d e - s p l i t s t o smaller vehicles) These failures were compounded by inexcusable, if not asinine, failu r e s o f p u b l i c p o l i c y – s u c h a s c h a r g i n g motorcoaches tolls, particularly for the use
Regarding policy-making, about 35 years ago an old friend of mine, James Ogasaki, then the deputy director of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, asked me (in frustration), “How can we get more taxis to become wheelchair accessible?” My answer was simple: “You make them ” His agency d e s i g n e d a n d e n f o r c e d t a x i r e g u l a t i o n s , along with many other things. I did not get a single word in rebuttal Intelligent policies
n u m e r o u s a d v a ntages of retaining dieselpowered rail cars
policies may be
may be costly, but they are also effortless. Failing to create and enforce intelligent and responsible policies always hurts someone Sometimes it hurts everyone
O t h e r w i s e , n o t h i n g I re c a l l i n t h e e v olution of public transportation better illust r a t e s p o o r p o l i c y - m a k i n g t h a n t h e a l l o w a n c e o f e l e c t r i c a i r t a x i t r a v e l . I f o n e w i s h e s t o d e a l i n t e l l i g e n t l y w i t h t r a ff i c –a n d d e a l w i t h i t f a i r l y t o t h e v a s t m a j o r i t y o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n w h o c a n n o t a f f o r d a i r taxis – the answer is to mode split travelers t o l a r g e r v e h i c l e s – n o t s m a l l e r o n e s A s we continue to move in the opposite direct i o n , w e h a v e s e e n t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s D e c l i n i n g t r a n s i t r i d e r s h i p a n d t h e d e c im a t i o n o f o u r n a t i o n ’ s t a x i i n d u s t r y a r e o n l y t h e m o s t n o t i c e a b l e
If the taxpayers would support it – which I doubt they would in many places – farefree transit (like the upcoming Washington, D C transit system will deploy this July 1) would do much to reverse this trend toward smaller and smaller vehicles I doubt voters i n m a n y p l a c e s w o u l d s u p p o r t i t E v e n i f they did, we must address the problem from the other end. Hopelessly unjustifiable forms of smaller vehicles should not be tolerated by an intelligent society
I a m n o t o p p o s e d t o n e w t e c h n o l o g i e s l i k e e V T O L a i r c r a f t d e p l o y e d , t h o u g h tf u l l y, f o r s e l e c t e d m i l i t a r y, p o l i c e , e v a c uation, emergency and perhaps a few other l i m i t e d p u r p o s e s ( i f t h e y a r e a s o r m o r e effective in this format – for example, evacu a t i n g p e o p l e f r o m a f o r e s t f i r e w h e r e g a s o l i n e o r d i e s e l f u e l m i g h t e x p l o d e , o r where ICE-powered vehicles are more vuln e r a b l e o n t h e b a t t l e f i e l d ) E v e n f o r t h e s e uses – which do not pander to the rich and f a m o u s a t t h e e x p e n s e o f s q u a n d e r i n g f i n i t e a n d c o s t l y e n e rg y – I s e e n o i n t e l l igent rationale that supports, much less just i f i e s , t h e i r d e p l o y m e n t
For optimum guidance, the transportation industry likely needs more than a single policy There should be no doubt about its mantra and our goal: Support those modes, or that combination of modes, that translate into the fewest passenger miles per vehicle Literally and figuratively, implementing this mantra will take us very, very far. Meeting t h i s g o a l w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y r e q u i r e t h e d e p l o y m e n t o f a c o n s i d e r a b l e n u m b e r o f motorcoaches – far more than we now have I n c o n t r a s t , r i d i c u l o u s v e h i c l e s , l a rg e a n d s m a l l , t h a t c o u n t e r t h i s g o a l s h o u l d b e restricted to limited usage
Fewest passenger miles
p e r v e h i c l e A g r e a t mantra
F e w e s t p a s s e n g e r m i l e s p e r v e h i c l e A great mantra A great T-shirt
I f o n e w i s h e s t o m a k e A m e r i c a g r e a t again and wishes to cool down the planet, this mantra provides important guidance Wi t h a t i n y n u m b e r o f e x c e p t i o n s , i t c a n make an important contribution.
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
A t t h e r e c e n t A B A M a r k e t p l a c e i n Detroit there were only two vehicles on the show floor There were more at previous shows, but they decided to go next door to the Busworld show this year.
A t r i g h t : T h e H e n r y F o r d M u s e u m , a n e a r b y a t t r a c t i o n p o p u l a r w i t h b u s t o u r s , d i s p l a y e d t h i s h i s t o r i c a l F o r d automobile. The staff were kind enough to allow attendees to take photos next to the car as well as inside it.
Below: John Hall’s Alaska showed one of their J4500 coaches at Marketplace. T h e c o m p a n y s p e c i a l i z e s i n A l a s k a n tours that include some unique and very interesting stops not normally included with other tours
Number 292 of a Series
“ 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 Wi t h t h e A l l - N e w P r e v o s t H 3 - 4 5 s o much in the news, I was told that the Prevost “H” series had an interesting origin. Are you aware of this?
–– Prevost OwnerA Yes, there is an interesting stor y behind the origin of the “H” series Prevost coaches I t s t a r t s w i t h a p ro g r a m f u n d e d b y Tr a n s i t Canada to determine whether high capacity b u s s e r v i c e w a s p r a c t i c a l o n s o m e o f t h e more heavily-travelled Canadian routes In, p a r t i c u l a r t h e h i g h w a y s c o n n e c t i n g M o ntreal, Toronto and Ottawa
T h e s e w e r e a m o n g t h e m o s t h e a v i l ytravelled routes in Canada Via Rail Canada, the Canadian equivalent of Amtrak, did operate rail service on these routes, but it was n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y f re q u e n t O n e s c h e d u l e I found showed trains between Toronto and Montreal approximately ever y three hours with about four trains daily between Ottawa and the other cities Hence, this may have been a way of looking at the possibility of increasing the frequency of service
For testing purposes, a Neoplan articulated coach from Europe was impor ted in 1980 Voyager Enterprises Limited operated the c o a c h o n t h e i r r o u t e s b e t w e e n To r o n t o , Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City It was tested both with sandbags to represent the weight of passengers and with actual passengers
The coach was fitted with different types of testing equipment to see how it did It should b e n o t e d t h a t t h e s e h i g h w a y s h a v e t h e i r s h a re o f s n o w a n d i c e , s o a m a j o r g o a l o f the testing process was to find ways to make the coach as safe as possible, This program
developed a great deal of technical information on ar ticulated operation in all kinds of weather Prevost Car was selected to build a bus developed from this infor mation
The initial Prevost prototype was designed l o o k i n g m o r e l i k e t h e L e M i r a g e a n d 9 6 inches wide However when the 102-inch w i d t h w a s a l l o w e d i n 1 9 8 4 , t h e p ro t o t y p e c h a n g e d a c c o rd i n g l y A d d i t i o n a l t e c h n ological advances in disk brakes, air conditioning and the electric system were added and the new “H” series design emerged
Prevost introduced their new 60-foot H5-60 a r t i c u l a t e d m o d e l i n 1 9 8 5 F o l l o w i n g requests from bus operators, a 40-foot H34 0 m o d e l w a s i n t ro d u c e d i n 1 9 9 0 W h e n longer coaches were allowed, Prevost introduced the 45-foot H3-45 model in 1994 that became very popular in high class tour and char ter service
The original H5-60 model remained in production for several years Production effectively ended when the industr y switched to the larger Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine
The H5-60 had used an underfloor 8V-92 in an engine compar tment that was too small for the Series 60 engine
Q. How can I archive the digital National B u s Tr a d e r ? C a n I r e a d N a t i o n a l B u s Trader without an Internet connection? How can I print pages from National Bus Trader?
A Yes to all of these When you open the digital edition online, you will see a downward pointing arrow in the upper left corner If you click on this and wait a while (depending on the speed of your Inter net connection), a PDF file of that issue will download to your computer
Once you have it on your computer, you can archive it along with other back issues so that you can reference them whenever you wish In fact, we have done essentially this s a m e t h i n g a t o u r o f fi c e f o r y e a r s I t i s s o m u c h e a s i e r t h a n t r y i n g t o s e a r c h f o r a printed copy
You do need an Internet connection to download a PDF file of each issue However, once y o u h a v e t h a t P D F fi l e o n y o u r c o m p u t e r, you can read it without the need for an Internet connection You can bring your laptop along on a bus, train or airplane and read
while you travel You can also read in bed at night, while eating lunch or vir tually any place else
We have had several requests about printing pages from the magazine to read or share Simply download the PDF file of the issue a s i n d i c a t e d a b o v e O n c e y o u h a v e i t o n your computer, you can easily print pages using your home or office computer printer
It is also possible to put that PDF file on a thumb drive and take it to Kinkos, Staples or another nearby office supply store that offers printing They can then print the entire issue if that is what you want
I n o u r o f fi c e , w e d o o u r fi n a l p r o o fi n g b y printing the individual pages in an issue and then spiral bind the pages We find this to be ver y handy and easy to work with
Incidentally, if anyone is interested, we would gladly work with someone who would like to print and sell copies of the issues
Q A r e t h e r e a n y p l a n s o n h e l p i n g increase fixed route transit ridership?
A As many readers are aware, fixed route t r a n s i t r i d e r s h i p b e g a n a s e r i o u s d e c l i n e about two years before the pandemic hit It got worse after the pandemic started Originally, the movement was primarily to a ones e a t r i d e u s i n g p r i v a t e a u t o s a n d m o r e recently using Uber and Lyft
Some cities are eliminating fares in order to tempt more people to ride So far this apparently has not helped a great deal The Dist r i c t o f C o l u m b i a a n d o t h e r p l a c e s h a v e t a l k e d a b o u t p r o v i d i n g a u t o s f o r p e o p l e whose trips do not match transit routes
There are also cities that are encouraging van pools and are buying the vans This provides more of a one-seat ride while getting more cars off the road
Recently, it has been noted that auto makers are producing fewer cars at higher prices S o m e s a y t h i s i s a re s u l t o f s u p p l y c h a i n problems The net result is that buying a car is an increasing problem for middle class families and may drive more people back to fixed-route transit
A n s w e r s n o t c r e 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 Larry Plachno q
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
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q Vol XI, No 2 January, 1988
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q Vol XII, No 2 January, 1989
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q Vol XIII, No 2 January, 1990
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q Vol. XIII, No. 7 June, 1990
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q Vol. XIII, No. 10 September, 1990
q Vol XIV, No 2 January, 1991
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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
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q Vol XVII, No 6 May, 1994
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q Vol XVII, No 10 September, 1994
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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. 7 June, 1995
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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
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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 (928) 358-6415 or (505) 713-9242 in aZ I
1991 Hawkins motorcoach 3208t Cat, 35 ft with all awnings alcoa wheels, landing/docking lights, heated m i r r o r s , d u c t e d h e a t , l e v e l e r s , t w o a i r c o n d i t i o n e r s , propane 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
10 – PARTS AND EQUIPMENT
6V-92t detroit diesel engine Fresh overhaul in storage spent $4,700 Make offer Phone (815) 262-0587 in il
Coming events of interest to readers of NATIONAL BUS TrADer Submissions for the department should be directed to the editor. Unless otherwise indicated, events are not open to the general public J
u s Transportation/AACA Museum Spring Fling 2023 For more information view www aacamuseum/org/event/msuemof-bus-transportation-spring-fling./
23-26, 2023
more information view motorcoachexpo com
RV Expo. Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona Visit FMCA com or phone (513) 474-3622 for more information
The next. The future. It’s here, now. The All-New H3-45.
ALL ROADS HAVE LED TO THIS
