NBT The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada Volume XLIV,No.12 by Bus Tours Magazine

National Bus Trader The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada Volume XLIV, No. 12

November, 2021

Serving the bus industry since 1977. Visit us at www.busmag.com.

• Should My Company Mandate and Promote Driver Vaccines? • Joint Northeast Regional Meeting • Trenton Show for New Jersey Friends • We Need a Permanent Fix

Together for a safer and more sustainable future Irizar USA 100 Cassia Way Henderson NV, 89014 702 431 0707 www.irizarusa.com

#ByYourSide

National Bus Trader The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada STAFF Editor & Publisher Larry Plachno

Business Manager Nancy Ann Plachno Typesetting/Page Layout Sherry Mekeel

Production/Design/Web Jake Ron Plaras

CONTRIBUTORS Safety and Liability Ned Einstein Dave Millhouser

N ATIONAL B US T RADER (ISSN 0194-939X) is published monthly by National Bus Trader, Inc., 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064-9015. Subscriptions, $30 (in US funds) annually, Canada & International $35 (in US funds). Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid in Polo, Illinois 61064 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to National Bus Trader, 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064-9015. Change of Address: Please send old mailing label (or old address and computer number) as well as new address. Advertising: Classified ad rate is $30 for first 25 words, 25¢ for each additional word. Rate includes Internet access. Name, address, and phone number are not included in word count. Display advertising rates sent on request. Advertising deadline is the fifteenth day of the 2nd preceding month unless otherwise indicated. Affiliations and Memberships: American Bus Association, The Bus History Association, Family Motor Coach Association, International Bus Collectors, North American Trackless Trolley Association, Motor Bus Society, Omnibus Society of America, Tourist Railway Association, United Motorcoach Association. N ATIONAL B US T RADER is THE Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. The name National Bus Trader, the logo incorporating the outline of the United States, and the pricing guide to used buses are trade marks of National Bus Trader, Inc.

Volume XLIV

National Bus Trader 9698 W. Judson Road Polo, Illinois 61064-9015 Phone: (815) 946-2341 Web site: www.busmag.com

Number 12

November, 2021

Features Joint Northeast Regional Meeting in Southbridge, Massachusetts (by Dave Millhouser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Held on September 9 at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, this event drew 62 attendees including 14 vendors from the Northeast. This first regional motorcoach association meeting since the pandemic was sponsored by six organizations.

Should My Transportation Company Mandate and Promote Driver Vaccines? (by Matthew W. Daus Esq.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Matthew Daus takes the time to cover all of the bases on the question of whether a transportation company should mandate and promote driver and staff vaccinations.

Trenton Show for New Jersey Friends (by Dave Millhouser) . . . . . . . . . . . .30 The Friends of the New Jersey Transit Heritage Center held their Antique Bus Festival on September 18 at Starr Tours in Trenton, New Jersey. More than 400 guests attended while 19 visiting buses showed up for the event.

We Need a Permanent Fix (by Dave Millhouser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Bus industry veteran suggests that once the pandemic is over, we need to look for permanent solutions to some of the problems facing the bus industry. Among the key items are marketing and maintaining contact with communities and politicians.

Cover Photo The Irizar i6 coach is an Americanized version of a tried and true European design. Offered in both Streamline and Super Cargo versions, it provides additional luggage capacity if you need it. The Irizar i6 is our Bus of the Month starting on page 35. IRIZAR.

Departments

Equipment News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bus Equipment People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bus of the Month – Irizar i6 Streamline/ Super Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Safety and Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Advertiser’s Index appears on page 45

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 3

Equipment News World Premier for the New Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Be it in terms of design, comfort, technology, safety features, individuality or economics, the new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider represents a milestone moment for motorcoaches in North America. It was specifically tailored for the region with the unique international know-how of Mercedes-Benz – the inventory of the bus. The new Tourrider is truly the Mercedes-Benz of motorcoaches. The new Tourrider is precisely tailored to North America. It is a three-axle, highdeck coach with a length of 45 feet/13.72 meters (including energy-absorbing bumper: forty-five feet, eight inches/13.92 meters and offered in two model variants – Tourrider Business and Tourrider Premium. The Tourrider Business is the coach for sophisticated expectations, the “Business Class” among motorcoaches, while the Tourrider Premium is the luxury motorcoach that fulfills all the expectations of the “First Class.” Even from a distance, the Tourrider is instantly recognizable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz brand with its chromeframed grill with centrally-placed star and the typical horizontal arrangement with headlamps on one level. Although the hous-

ings are identical, the motorcoach has different “eyes.” While the Tourrider Business uses individual dome headlamps, the Tourrider Premium, makes use of exclusively developed LED integral headlamps. The rear of the Tourrider Premium features a trapezoidal rear window with integrated Mercedes star typical of the brand. The Tourrider Business sports a V-shaped black cover panel with louvers that pay homage to the shape of early American muscle cars. The new Tourrider also combines form and function: from the front to the rear, the vehicle has been aerodynamically optimized to reduce fuel consumption. In the interior, passengers benefit from generous space, especially aboard the Tourrider Premium with its passenger compartment raised by 2.36 inches compared with the Tourrider Business. Additionally, everyone is welcome in the Tourrider and that is why it can be optioned with two wheelchair spaces. The corresponding automatic lift is easy to operate and is stowed in a spacesaving way above the drive axle. The Tourrider Premium offers the option of installing the fascinating Top Sky Panorama glass roof to turn the passenger compartment into a true dream. During evening or nighttime journeys, optional ambient LED lighting strips below the luggage racks and under the win-

Daimler recently released its new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider coach tailored for the North american market. Built in Turkey, it will carry the Mercedes-Benz brand name with three-pointed star and effectively replace the Setra models that have seen sold in North America since 1984. It will be offered in two model variants – the tourrider Business and the Tourrider Premium.

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dow sills further enhance the ambiance and rider experience. The seats used in the Tourrider are produced in-house: Not a surprise as this is Europe’s largest coach seat manufacturer. As standard equipment, the Tourrider Business is equipped with the comfortable Mercedes-Benz Travel Star Eco seats. Meanwhile, the Tourrider Premium enjoys first-class seating in the form of Travel Star Xtra seats with Luxline upholstery – the most luxurious motorcoach seating available from Mercedes-Benz. Motorcoach companies can individually enhance the Tourrider’s extraordinary character with an extremely diverse range of fabrics and colors, decors, topstitching, piping or the variants of the fine, yet easy-care, composition leather fiber material. Buyers can also choose the design for the decorative elements on-board. Finally, passengers enjoy options such as a twin USB socket installed centrally underneath each of the double seats and/or 100-volt sockets for charging their electronic devices. Tourrider engineers also placed great emphasis on optimizing passenger compartment heating and air conditioning. Pleasant cooling – even during periods of high ambient temperature – is ensured by the powerful integrated air conditioning system from Eberspaecher/Sütrak with an output of 35 kW. Plus, the driver’s workplace also benefits from a separate 9 kW air conditioning system. With their job bearing great responsibility, drivers always play a leading role for Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers. The Tourrider Business impresses with its dynamic-functional Cockpit Basic Plus, while the Tourrider Premium dazzles with the luxurious and functional Cockpit Comfort Plus. Both are of exemplary ergonomic design and offer numerous practical and innovative functions. However, the two cockpits do differ in design and structure as well as in their equipment. A host of functions support drivers in their tasks. On the left the driver will find the knob of the standard electronic parking brake. It combines simple handling with high safety. Other practical helpers: The luggage compartment doors can be locked separately on the left and right by means of a switch. In line with this, the dashboard display shows the open status of the doors. Pioneering assistance systems for accident mitigation are among the strongest points of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider. All-

Equipment News around visibility when maneuvering and in tight places is provided by a 360-degree camera system. Also aiding visibility, both the low beam and main beam benefit from the extraordinary light yield of the two LED headlamp systems. With the standard docking lights, the Tourrider also supports its drivers when reversing in the dark. The outstanding new safety features of the Tourrider also include the optional radarbased Sideguard Assist cornering assistant with pedestrian detection. If a moving object – such as a pedestrian or a cyclist – or a stationary obstacle is located in the monitoring zone on the side of the door, the system issues a warning to the driver. It thereby assists the driver in particular when turning off in busy areas and also effectively protects both fellow motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The Tourrider is also the first motorcoach available with the unique Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system – or ABA 5 for short – featuring pedestrian detection. Within the system limits, this assistance system (standard in both Tourrider Business and Premium) is the first emergency braking system for buses which is able to initiate an automated emergency stop in reaction not only to stationary and moving obstacles, but also for pedestrians. An add-on component of ABA 5 is the radar-based autonomous intelligent cruise control (standard in Tourrider Premium). It relieves the strain on the driver on long-distance stretches and interstate highways. If the assistance system detects a slower vehicle ahead, it automatically slows the coach down until a speeddependent distance pre-selected by the driver is reached, which the system then maintains constantly. Attention Assist (ATAS) – available as an option – warns the driver both visually and audibly if it detects the typical signs of fatigue or inattentiveness, and prompts the driver to take a break. Another assistance system of the Tourrider is the standard Lane Assistant, which detects when the vehicle inadvertently leaves the marked lane with the help of a camera system behind the windshield. When the vehicle crosses the lane marker without signaling, the driver is alerted by means of a noticeable vibration on the corresponding side of their seat. At the heart of the drive system used exclusively in coaches for North America is the inline six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 471, which has proven itself many thousands of times over. With its 12.8-liter displacement, the engine delivers 450 hp (336 kW) and attains a maximum torque level of 115 lb.-ft. (2300 Nm). It impresses with a technology package consisting of common-rail direct injection with the unique

MCI’s battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™ coach recently visited the Teck mining company in British Columbia. The coach was tested along Teck’s regular route in order to compare the performance of electric and clean diesel coaches. Results of the test showed that the electric coach was cleaner, quieter and offered a fuel savings over the diesel coach.

flexible high-pressure injection system XPulse, charge air cooling as well as exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. The engine therefore excels with its fuel efficiency, powerful acceleration, refinement and reliability. Power transmission is handled by the Allison WTB 50R torque converter automatic transmission. Wherever a Mercedes-Benz drives, service is always on-hand. The service offerings for the Tourrider are available through Daimler Coaches North America, thus enabling coach companies to enjoy an efficient, modern and comprehensive network of service stations which deliver the highest levels of quality as well as a rapid and reliable supply of spare parts. The MercedesBenz Tourrider not only keeps your coaches on the road, but also keeps your business on track. MCI Electric Coach Continues Demonstrations in British Columbia MCI’s battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™ coach just visited Teck, one of Canada’s leading mining companies and a current operator of MCI J4500 coaches. The Teck team tested MCI’s longdistance, battery-electric coach during a demonstration through its regular route to compare the performance of electric and

clean-diesel vehicles. In addition to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, preliminary results of the J4500 CHARGE™ demo showed fuel savings of $1.07 per mile during an average trip. Want a firsthand experience of the clean, quiet electric coach? Contact the MCI team today. IMG Operators are Recipients of the 2021 Operator of the Year Award Coming together for the first time since early 2019, the member companies of IMG met in Greenville, South Carolina, for an outstanding meeting of networking and discussions. With a theme of “Working in Partnership,” it was an opportunity to meet with industry partners and look ahead to 2022 and beyond. At the final evening event, the IMG Operator of the Year award, a recognition of excellence, commitment to IMG’s and the industry’s ongoing goals plus community engagement, was shared by the 54 IMG companies. Turbo Images has been proud to partner with the International Motor Coach Group in sponsoring the Operator of the Year award. “This prestigious award began 15 years ago and in 2021 we recognized all IMG operators with the award under the banner of Coming

The International Motorcoach Group recently met in Greenville, South Carolina, their first meeting since 2019. IMG’s Operator of the Year award was shared by the 54 IMG companies. National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 5

Equipment News Together is the Beginning; Keeping Together is Progress; Working Together is Success,” stated Patrick Scully Turbo Images’ executive vice president who attended the conference. Turbo commemorated the award with a magnificent bus graphic, showcasing all 54 IMG shareholders which was showcased at the conference. Accepting on behalf of the member companies, IMG Chairman John Adams, Southern Coaches, expressed gratitude to Turbo Images for their long and continued support, to Prevost who graciously supplied a motorcoach for the impressive wrap and noted how the IMG family came together throughout these difficult times and provided extraordinary support to each other. NFI To Deliver 25 Hydrogen Buses to California Agencies NFI recently announced an order for 20 zero-emission, fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ transit buses from Foothill Transit, a California-based transit agency operating one of the largest fleets of electric buses in America and providing more than 14 million annual trips. This was followed by another order for five additional fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ buses from Golden Empire Transit (GET bus), a mass transportation provider in Bakersfield, California, transporting more than six millions passengers per year. The agencies join a growing list of North American leaders adopting hydrogen

Daisy Charters and Shuttles recently added its first two new MCI J4500 clean-diesel coaches to its fleet. These coaches deliver unmatched quality and exceptional passenger experience including adaptive cruise braking and enhanced collision mitigation suppression systems. Based in San Antonio, Daisy Charters and Shuttles serves Texas and the surrounding states.

technology as a viable, complementary zero-emission, mobility option. New Flyer’s long-range, zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ buses, developed by leveraging 20 years of experience producing hydrogen fuel cell buses, are a game changer for North American operators by offering extended range, requiring only six to 20 minutes to refuel, and saving 85 to 135 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Daisy Charters Welcomes New MCI Coaches Based in San Antonio, Daisy Charters & Shuttles just added its first two MCI J4500 clean-diesel luxury coaches to its fleet. With safety remaining a top priority for Daisy Char-

NFI recently announced orders for 25 fuel cell electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ transit buses going to California. Included were 20 buses for Foothill Transit serving southern California’s San Gabriel and Pomona valleys. Five more fuel cell electric buses are going to Golden Empire Transit (GET bus) in Bakersfield, California.

ters & Shuttles, the J4500 coaches deliver unmatched quality and exceptional passenger experience, including adaptive cruise braking and enhanced collision mitigation suppression systems. As an operator serving the whole state of Texas and surrounding states, Daisy Charters & Shuttles can now rely on MCI’s 24/7 live on-the-road support, convenient service and best-in-class warranty. ZF Becomes a Full Supplier for Autonomous Shuttle Systems ZF is expanding its range of products for autonomous and electric shuttle systems. With immediate effect, the group is not only offering the shuttle vehicles themselves, but also all the supplementary services required for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of autonomous passenger transport systems. ZF is directing its offer to cities and urban mobility operators to accelerate the expansion of this important mobility option. ZF shuttles can already solve many acute traffic problems today, as they get people from A to B faster and reduce the number of passenger cars as well as traffic-related emissions in metropolises. In addition, the shuttles facilitate the connection of rural areas to urban centers. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), urban traffic is responsible for around 40 percent of climate-damaging emissions caused by global passenger transport. However, both the number of city dwellers and their mobility needs will increase significantly in the coming decades. In addition to the accelerated electrification of urban traffic, intelligent mobility concepts are necessary so that cities can both help meet their climate targets and offer their inhabitants an attractive place to live.

6 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

One solution is autonomous passenger transport systems. In the run-up to the ITS

Equipment News World Congress (October 11-15 in Hamburg), ZF showed how this solution is

becoming much more accessible and attractive for municipalities. In addition to

ZF is expanding its range of products for autonomous and electric shuttle systems. Shown here is Frank Klingenhöfer, a member of the Board of Management of DB Regio Bus, and Torsten Gollewski, head of Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF. DB Regio Bus and ZF are working to strengthen public transport with electric, autonomous and flexible shuttle buses.

the purely battery electrically-powered, autonomously driving shuttle vehicles that the group has had in its portfolio since the acquisition of the company 2getthere in 2019, ZF now also offers all the services required for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of an autonomous shuttle system. Currently, municipalities and urban mobility operators need a lot of knowledge and resources to set up autonomous passenger transport systems. Here, ZF supports with its project knowledge and its network. “Our solution is available immediately and can make an immediate contribution to reducing local traffic-related emissions,” explains Torsten Gollewski, head of Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF. ZF offerings are very comprehensive. The technology group supplies the shuttle systems, helps create the route layout, accompanies the installation and commissioning of the shuttle systems and supports service – and if necessary, repair. ZF also advises on fleet management software or connectivity solutions that ensure the connection to the traffic infrastructure – such as traffic lights and speed displays – as well as communication with passengers via apps.

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 7

Equipment News “The current generation of shuttles is designed for operation in structurally separated lanes. For many cities, this application already means a relief of the crowded traffic situation,” says Gollewski. “Routes can be designed in such a way that they optimally complement the existing public transport system.” Metropolises or medium-sized cities can also significantly improve their connection to nearby rural areas. Abandoned rail lines can be converted into autonomous shuttle routes – at significantly lower costs than would be incurred by building and activating electric rail vehicles. Autonomous shuttle systems in segregated lanes are also particularly attractive for passengers, as there are no delays due to traffic jams – in contrast to driving with robo taxis, which move through congested roads with regular road users. Thanks to the high frequency and punctuality of autonomous shuttles, many passengers reach their destination quickly and comfortably. This reduces vehicle density in inner cities and offers a highly satisfying alternative to current transport modes. With the next generation of autonomous shuttles, ZF can cover further applications – such as autonomous shuttle operation in specially designated lanes and as a regular participant in general city traffic. With DB Regio, ZF has gained a partner that complements the concerns and plans of municipal transport companies or regional transport associations with autonomous

NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC) recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. Opened in October of 2017, the VIC provides education and critically needed workforce development through interactive experiences and collaboration. The center has welcomed more than 4,000 industry professionals since it opened.

shuttles. “With ZF, DB Regio Bus has a strong technology partner at its side to strengthen public transport with electric, autonomous and flexible shuttle buses. We are pursuing a common goal: to relieve the roads in metropolises, cities and communities and to make local public transport emission-free,” says Frank Klingenhöfer, member of the board of DB Regio Bus. Further partnerships, for example for leasing and financing the vehicle fleets, will be announced shortly. With this new offering, ZF is further enhancing its leading global position in mobility technology. For example, thanks to its aftermarket organization, which is active with more than 10,000 service workshops in 115 countries, ZF can also provide main-

Louis Sanders, vice president and general manager of Louisiana Motorcoach, recently made a commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Baton Rouge. This serves as a memoriam for the family’s late son, Bobby Celeste, who fell ill from the debilitating disease. Coaches in the Louisiana Motorcoach fleet will be fitted with a QR code linking directly to a landing page for additional ongoing donations.

tenance and service for autonomous shuttles virtually anywhere in the world. ZF also draws on the parent company’s network of development partners. For example, the company also works closely with Oxbotica. ZF holds a five percent stake in the British high-tech startup. Oxbotica supplies the software for autonomous driving functions, which can be integrated into the ZF ProAI supercomputer and also runs in the autonomous shuttle systems. MCI’s Vehicle Innovation Center Marks Four Years NFI recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of its Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), the first and only North American innovation lab dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology. Opened in October 2017, the VIC provides education and critically needed workforce through interactive experiences and collaboration. To date, the VIC has welcomed more than 4,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training including online learning launched during the COVID-19 pandemic spanning NFI’s extensive line-up of EVs, connected technology and more. Do not miss the VIC’s ongoing no-cost training events throughout the year. Louisiana Motor Coach Steers Towards a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis On September 16, Louisiana Motor Coach Vice President and General Manager Louis Sanders created a surprise for his family with the help of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Baton Rouge Chapter in a memoriam for the family’s late son, Bobby Celeste, who fell ill from the debilitating disease.

8 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

At the event, Louis spoke to Bobby’s memory, the struggles of parents of those with CF and the need to expedite finding a cure – solidifying his commitment with a pact to donate $1,000 on the 16th of each month

CONNECT TO WHAT’S

Join industry leaders driving the future of public transportation This November, place yourself at the intersection of mobility, technology, and innovation at APTA’s TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Orlando, FL. Public transportation professionals will gather to discuss latest trends and ideas, plus showcase the newest technology, products, and services that will drive the industry forward in new and exciting ways. EXPO November 8-10, 2021 TRANSform Conference November 7-10, 2021 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL, USA

Equipment News from that day forward. He added that vehicles in their nationwide fleet will be fitted with a QR code linking directly to a landing page for additional ongoing donations. On hand to accept the donation was Erin Achberger, executive director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as CFF community members Dr. Brandon Hider and his daughter Bree, who also is a fighter. Von Mack, Louisiana Motor Coach’s marketing agency of record, facilitated event planning, production and social media assets. “In our world today, we don’t always slow down long enough to take in ‘life’ as such as gift as it is,” said Sanders. “We will continue donating until CF stands for Cure Found.” For more information on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and details on how you can join in finding a cure, visit www.cff.org/GetInvolved/. Carolina Limousine Gets Two MCI J4500 Coaches Carolina Limousine and Coach, a family-run business providing award-winning transportation service in Coastal Carolina, recently welcomed two more luxury MCI J4500 coaches to expand its large group travel service. Expanding its fleet with the Livery Edition™ J-Series coaches featuring a sleek design and high-end amenities, Carolina Limousine and Coach is ready to provide white glove service for any special occasion. Four Million ConAct Release Cylinders from ZF Since volume production started in 2005, four million units have rolled off the line, turning ZF’s ConAct pneumatic release cylinder into a globally successful product for commercial vehicles. ConAct enables the clutches in automated commercial vehicle transmissions to be controlled more precisely, adding to more economical vehicle

10 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

Four million units of ZF’s ConAct pneumatic release cylinder have rolled off the line since volume production started in 2005. The ConAct enables the clutches in automated commercial vehicle transmissions to be controlled more precisely while also reducing system weight. Arranged around the input shaft, ConAct replaces the previous hydraulic clutch actuation components allowing for faster and more precise gear changes.

operation. The product also reduces the system weight. “ConAct has revolutionized the automation of commercial vehicles. Today, more than 90 percent of heavy commercial vehicles in Europe are on the road with automatic transmission systems,” says Kleber Barros Vinhas, head of the CV powertrain modules product line at ZF. “This trend is now spreading from Europe around the world: Particularly when it comes to reducing operating costs and improving economical driving or precise maneuvering for commercial vehicles, ConAct continues to represent an industry benchmark.” ConAct stands for concentric clutch actuator. The pneumatic release cylinder replaces the mechanical and hydraulic components as well as the clutch booster previously used in commercial vehicle transmission. It is actuated by the vehicle elecCarolina Limousine and Coach recently took delivery of two more luxury MCI J4500 coaches. These coaches were the Livery Edition™ of the JSeries that feature a sleek design and highend amenities. Providing transportation service in Coastal Carolina, Carolina Limousine and Coach has a large group travel service.

tronics system. A solenoid valve controls the clutch actuation through the ConAct release cylinder with such a high degree of precision that the shift quality and shift time of automated transmissions systems are optimized. As ConAct makes the multicomponent hydraulics usually used in other systems obsolete, it also reduces the system’s weight and the risk of failure of automated transmission systems. Since the start of volume production in 2005, the quantities produced have risen continuously every year. At the end of 2012, 500,000 units had come off the assembly line, reaching the one-million mark in 2015. With ConAct being used by renowned commercial vehicle manufacturers as well as in the new ZF TraXon transmission system, volumes have continued to increase at a steady pace. Irizar Introduces the First Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Long Distance Coach Irizar has manufactured the first liquid natural gas (LNG) i4 model coach with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers for intercity or short-distance routes. This option is an addition to the wide range of technologies and sustainable fuels that Irizar is currently offering. The first vehicle equipped with this technology is the class II i4 model Irizar. It is a versatile coach that is perfect for cities, commuter lines, school or company transport and occasional use. It has two cylindrical cryogenic (-162˚C) type tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area,

Equipment News which is completely watertight and isolated from the passenger area. They have a gas capacity of 704 liters and they weight 830 kg when completely full. They comply with regulation R66.02, and the components and the installation meet all the safety protocols according to regulation 110. Because it is an alternative environmentally-friendly, economical fuel and a mature technology with wide availability, natural gas is an extremely important aspect of the energy transition. In addition to a range of up to 1000 km, the environmental benefits provided by this technology reduce CO2 emissions by 25 percent, NOx emissions by 85 percent and particle pollution by 96 percent, minimizing air quality reference emissions that affect health to nearly zero. Beyond providing greater thermal performance than diesel, noise levels are also reduced by 50 percent. Insofar as operating costs (TCO), it is estimated that they may be up to 30 percent lower depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle. The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. In September, the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 91 Euro6E 340-horsepower chassis. In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium- and longdistance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 meters. It has two options for biofuel tank packages, a single tank or two separate tanks

for different ranges and luggage compartment capacities. In comparison with CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG or liquid natural gas takes up less space (600 times less). It has an energy density of 1.4 greater, and the complete system weights less. With this new development Irizar has kept expanding its wide range of technological solutions that can adapt to any need, including zero emissions electric buses, diesel coaches, biofuel, natural gas, HVO, hybrid, biofuel and B100.It has a large catalog of choices that spans all market segments, like urban buses, suburban and medium- and long-distance coaches for both regular and occasional and premium routes. All of that has the strategic goal to keep promoting the use of mass transit and to build all the sustainability projects that society and the challenges of climate change demand. The L version of the Irizar i4, with a smooth floor and low aisle for better accessibility, is 12.2 meters long, it has a double central door with built-in PRM manufactured by Masats and it has been built on a Scania 320 EB 4x2 E6D LNG biofuel chassis with a 91 and 20 hp engine. It has seating for 49, one PRM and room for 13 standing passengers. In this case, it will do commuter routes with frequent stops. It also includes destination signage, a CCTV video surveillance system and a digital gas control panel that lets the driver verify incidents in the gas system and comply with all safety protocols. CVSA Releases 2021 Operation Safe Driver Week Results Law enforcement officers in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. stopped 46,058 passenger vehicle and commercial motor vehi-

cle (CMV) drivers engaging in dangerous driving behaviors during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safer Driver Week safety initiative. Officers pulled more than 28,148 commercial motor vehicles and 17,910 passenger vehicles July 11-17 and issued 10,486 warnings and 16,863 citations. Throughout the week, law enforcement personnel pulled over and issued warnings or citations to drivers they observed engaging in dangerous unsafe behaviors, such as speeding or distracted driving. Speeding, which was the focus on this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, was the top driver-behavior violation for both types of drivers. Officers issued 11,039 citations and 5,478 warnings for speeding/basic speed law/driving too fast for conditions. That is 9,349 citations and 2,929 warnings for speed-related offenses to passenger vehicle drivers and 1,690 speed-related citations and 2,549 warnings to commercial motor vehicle drivers. The goal of Operation Safe Driver Week is to dissuade dangerous driving behaviors through interactions between drivers engaging in risky driving behaviors and law enforcement officers, and through a heightened law enforcement presence on our roadways. First’s ADL Electric Buses Will Operate as Official Shuttle for COP26 Delegates Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD UK jointly announced that their electric vehicle partnership’s customer First Bus will operate the delegate shuttle service at the upcoming COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow with a fleet of 22 BYD ADL Enviro200EV zero-emission buses.

Irizar now offers the first liquid natural gas (LNG) long-distance coach. The class II i4 coach has two cylindrical cryogenic tanks placed on both sides of the baggage area. Range for the coach is 1,000 kilometers or about 620 miles.

12 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

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Equipment News ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility.

gates attending the event between the city center and the Blue and Green zones on the event campus based at the SSE Hydro and Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center site.

Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS), can operate a range of up to 160 miles on a full charge with zero emissions and will provide delegates with a state-of-the-art fleet to take them to and from the event.

The selection of First Bus as official transport provider follows a tender process run by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) on behalf of the UK and Scottish governments. The shuttle service will provide a fast and frequent link for all dele-

The service will be fully operated by First Glasgow’s brand new fleet of 22 fully-electric BYD ADL Enviro200EV single-deck buses built in Scotland by the BYD ADL partnership. The new buses, which were part funded through Transport Scotland’s Scottish Ultra

Paul Davies, ADL president and managing director, said: “With the appointment of First Bus to operate the official shuttle service with its new BYD ADL electric buses, delegates to COP26 will experience firsthand the smooth drive and quiet running of our British-built zero-emissions buses. Demonstrating First Bus’s commitment to the communities it serves, these 22 buses have been built here in Scotland at our factory in Falkirk, as will the next 126 vehicles, ensuring that the Scottish Government’s SULEBS funding is reinvested locally.”

First Bus will provide the delegate shuttle service at the COP26 UN Climate change Conference with a fleet of 22 BYD ADL Enviro200EV zero-emission buses. They will serve delegates at the SSE Hydro and Scottish Exhibition & Conference Center in Glasgow. The single-deck buses are built in Scotland and have a range of up to 160 miles.

Twenty-five New Generation VDL Citeas for the Port City of Kotka, Finland The Finnish bus company Oy Pohjolan Liikenne Ab and VDL Bus & Coach sign on a further boost to green public transport in Finland, with 25 new generation VDL Citeas, based on electric drive trains and with state-of-the-art features, to join the fleet in the port city of Kotka. They will also serve as regional transport to the neighboring town of Hamina.

VDL is providing 25 new generation Citea buses to a bus company in the port city of Kotka, Finland. Equipped with state-of-the-art features, these buses will have electric drive trains and follow an earlier order in 2019. In addition to local service, these buses will also provide regional transport to the neighboring town of Hamina.

This is the first large series of new generation Citeas that VDL Bus & Coach has sold abroad, in addition to one new generation VDL Citea also ordered by Lahti, Finland. This order will follow that of Dutch public transport company Hermes, which will deploy 32 new generation LF-122 type VDL Citeas in the first quarter of next year in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Production of Kotka’s new buses will begin in late 2022 and will be delivered in 2023. With the addition of these 25 Citeas, Oy Pohjolan Liikenne Ab expands its VDL fleet to almost 200 vehicles. Sami Ojamo, managing director of VDL Bus & Coach Finland, said: “The transition to electric and sustainable public transport in Finland continues at an exponential pace. Our longstanding valued customer is a great example of this trend. Early in 2019, they ordered their first five electric Citeas from VDL Bus & Coach. Now, they have purchased from our latest generation of city buses. The addition to their fleet substantiates their position as a frontrunner in e-mobility in Finland. We look forward to seeing the new generation of Citeas in Kotka and operating in the Nordic market.”

14 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

The port city of Kotka is located in southern Finland, about 130 kilometers from the capital Helsinki. The 25 new generation Citeas will be used in city traffic and on regional services

Equipment News to Hamina, which lies 20 kilometers to the east. At present, this line mainly operates using LLE Diesel Citeas, but this route will soon be covered by emission-free, LE-122 type VDL Citeas of the new generation. With its 490kWh battery pack and 39+4+1 seats, the 12.2-meter low-entry is well suited to both city and regional transport. Heikki Alanko, managing director of Oy Pohjolan Liikenne Ab, said: “We strive to be the leading operator in the transition to zero emission public transport in Finland. These new state-of-the-art, long-range VDL buses will make it possible for us to operate more efficiently than ever before. We are delighted with the new generation VDL Citeas; their core innovative characteristics will allow us to enhance passengers’ travel experience and provide the best possible working environment to our drivers.” The new generation VDL Citea is VDL Bus & Coach’s answer to tomorrow’s public transport challenges. Where “Aiming for Zero” has been the ambition in recent years, zero emission is now the norm for a liveable city. This requires new technologies and a different way of thinking, which VDL’s new Citea bus concept provides. Floor-level batteries, a one-part composite side wall, smart energy management, a sophisticated climate system and an ergonomic driving environment. These five important innovations are intrinsic to VDL Bus & Coach’s new generation Citea product range, which comprises four length variants and five types. The range of new Citeas boasts a further, significant improvement: all vehicles have a range of 500 to 600 kilometers during their period of use. The new generation of Citeas is entirely based on an electric drive train. A great

deal of data was consulted during development; information from more than 100 million electric kilometers was used to gain factual insights. In addition, VDL Bus & Coach has been conducting market research since 2015 to gain a better understanding of the future of mobility. Various important European stakeholders have been interviewed. Irizar e-Mobility Participated in the SUM Bilbao International Congress Once again, Irizar e-mobility sponsored the second edition of the SUM Bilbao International Congress and they presented their experience and technological advancements in sustainable intelligent urban mobility. The goal of the congress, which is organized by the city of Bilbao and Petronor, is to analyze the challenges and opportunities of urban transport and present success cases from cities around the world. Irizar e-mobility was in Bilbao, which hosted the leading SUM International congress for the second time. The congress is aimed at leaders, institutions and companies. Its goal is focused on debating strategic approaches, exchanging experience and solutions and collaborating on building the transport of the future with an eye on sustainability, which are themes completely aligned with the Irizar Group’s strategy. The meeting was expected to bring together more than 90 experts from five continents who tackled the most significant topics related with urban transport. They analyzed the challenges and opportunities for cities to consolidate more sustainable transport and present success cases from cities around the world.

Irizar e-mobility participated in two talks where they shared their experience with implementing electro-mobility solutions, among the most important of which are turnkey BRT projects in different European cities and getting their autonomous driving project underway. The organization also has the ie tram zero emissions electric bus from Irizar, which was outside the Palacio Euskalduna during the opening sessions where its technological and environmental advance could be seen. Residents of Bilbao also got the chance to see the 12-meter long Irizar ie tram bus, which was on display across from the Arriaga theater. The vehicle is designed with Irizar Group technology. It is accessible, connected and equipped with several active security features, visibility features and is prepared for ITxPT protocols that enable interoperability of IT features for public transport. The Bilbao 2021 declaration was signed during the congress and Irizar e-mobility was one of the signing entities and in that way they showed their commitment to building more sustainable models of urban transport. Sustainable transport is a fundamental factor of the energy transition and achieving SDGs and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Because of that, Irizar e-mobility continues designing and manufacturing turnkey electro-mobility solutions for sustainable, efficient, intelligent, accessible, safe and connected public transport. Their goal is to reduce polluting emissions, noise pollution and CO 2 to create clean cities and improve the quality of life for residents. q

Irizar once again sponsored the second edition of the SUM Bilbao International Congress. On display was the zero emissions bus from Irizar. Residents of Bilbao were also given a chance to view the 12-meter (39 foot) Irizar ie tram bus.

16 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

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Latest news is that Americans want to travel again and there is a leisure boom occuring. Are you reaping those rewards? The American Bus Association can help you get back to business. Through our respected educational offerings, numerous marketing opportunities and the renown ABA’s Marketplace, we are focused on you and your business.

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Bus Equipment People United Motorcoach Association (UMA) The United Motorcoach Association has announced that Scott Michael has been named president and CEO, following a nationwide recruitment process that began in June. Michael began his tenure at UMA on October 4. Current President and CEO Larry Killingsworth will stay on at UMA during the month of October to facilitate a smooth transition.

Michael is an experienced association executive who comes to UMA following extensive leadership experience in the transportation industry, where he was president and CEO of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).

UMA Vice Chair David Moody of Randleman, North Carolina-based Holiday Companies led the executive search along with other UMA members. “After months of work, perusing through resumes, Zoom interviews and in-person interviews,” he said, “I believe that UMA has found the individual with the right skill set and experience to move our organization and industry forward as we rebound, restore and learn what normal is again.” More than 26 years at AMSA, a trade association for the moving industry that has since merged into the American Trucking Association, Michael had numerous roles, including serving as the industry’s liaison with its largest customer, the U.S. military, helping improve the process for relocating military families with every change in duty station. He also ran the association’s membership department, recruiting and retaining 3,000 members. The culmination of his work at AMSA was five years as president and CEO, where he

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18 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

strengthened the association’s lobbying team to focus on consumer protection issues, served on an FMCSA Working Group to streamline paperwork, enhanced the criteria for the industry’s ProMover certification program, oversaw the termination of the group’s Scott Michael pension plan and moved the association’s headquarters to a new location.

Michael also was executive director of the Moving and Storage Institute, a philanthropic organization that raised funds for scholarships, training and industry research. He served on the board of directors of the American Highway users Alliance to promote infrastructure and highway safety and was the moving

industry’s representative to the National Defense Transportation Association. A graduate of Princeton University, Michael is a native of Oregon, but currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and three daughters. The United Motorcoach Association is the nation’s largest organization exclusively protecting and promoting the interests and welfare of privately-owned bus and motorcoach companies. Members include motorcoach owners and industry suppliers. q

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Joint Northeast Regional Meeting in Southbridge, Massachusetts

“W

Article and photos by Dave Millhouser

e’re Back – Time to Reunite” was (literally) at the top of the agenda as New England Bus Association, Connecticut Bus Association, Pennsylvania Bus Association, Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association, Bus Association of New York and Massachusetts Bus Association held a joint meeting. The event, held September 9 at the Southbridge, Massachusetts Hotel and Conference Center, drew 62 attendees (including 14 vendors) from all over the Northeast. It was the first major regional motorcoach association event since the pandemic. In addition to the six state organizations both American Bus Association and United Motorcoach Association were represented.

The one-day agenda was packed with seminars including a presentation by FMCSA on the changing regulatory landscape, the future of tourism, dealing with the driver shortage, legislative advocacy, ransomware and an insurance panel discussion.

Jean Cronin of the Connecticut Bus Association said, “Both vendors and operators were glad to be able to reengage with one another” – perhaps an understatement. Despite the full schedule, the atmosphere was almost that of a reunion.

New England Bus Association and Connecticut Bus Association created the agenda and Connecticut Bus Association handled administration.

The idea for a regional meeting originated several years ago at DATTCO’s Sales and Service Expo. In addition to being a major, diversified, school bus and coach operator, DATTCO is a leading regional distributor of school buses and commercial vehicles. As part of their marketing effort, they had an annual event that drew customers and operators from all over the Northeast.

DATTCO provided a venue for several state organizations to have a joint meeting during the Expo – a feature that grew in

20 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

The joint meeting that included the New England Bus Association, Connecticut Bus Association, Pennsylvania Bus Association, Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association, Bus Association of New York and the Massachusetts Bus Association originated with DATTCO. This year it was held at the Southbridge, Massachusetts Hotel and Conference Center in Southbridge, Massachusetts on September 9. This was the first gathering following the pandemic.

both popularity and importance. The Expo fell victim to its own success – outgrowing available venues. The associations decided to continue meeting together on an annual basis. Last year’s planned event fell victim to Covid, so getting together this year was both valuable and a real morale booster.

One industry observer noted, “Each of these associations has a slightly different

flavor, but they are all bus people committed to the industry. It is both informative and lots of fun having them all in the same room.”

Planning is under way for next year’s joint meeting. q

Jean Cronin of the Connecticut Bus Association said: “Both vendors and operators were glad to be able to reengage with one another.” There were a total of 62 attendees that included 14 vendors. Shown here is a panel discussion during the meeting.

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 21

Should My Transportation Company Mandate and Promote Driver Vaccines? by Matthew W. Daus, Esq.

In late July, President Joe Biden announced vaccination requirements for federal executive branch workers. Since then, several private companies have also mandated vaccinations for their staff. If you are thinking of doing the same, this article will guide you through the requirements and procedures. JACKEL BERRY.

n the U.S., COVID vaccines have been available to every individual age 16 and older since April, and vaccines have been available to those who are age 12 and older since May. In August 2021, the Pfizer vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to 22 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1 which just recently formally authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 65 years of age and older, and other vulnerable Americans.2 Now, with both pub-

lic confidence and vaccination rates on the rise, coupled with full FDA approval of a vaccine, vaccine mandates for employees are becoming more common. The new Delta variant’s transmissibility is motivation for even more employers to institute

vaccine mandates to protect their workforce, customers and others.

Every transportation company, regardless of size, should determine whether it is in the company’s best interest to mandate vaccines for their drivers. Some key questions to ask when making this decision are: • Are drivers employees or independent contractors? • What will be the impact on workforce morale and retention? • How do you conduct business if drivers are vaccinated, including whether to advertise that fact to customers? • What are the potential administrative, time and financial costs of implementing a vaccine policy? • How will you ensure compliance with federal and state laws?

This article offers a “roadmap” for transportation businesses with employee or independent contractor drivers to help navigate this rough terrain. Below are some considerations for mandatory vaccination programs versus voluntary compliance. Vaccine Mandates and the Government

On July 29, 2021, President Joe Biden announced vaccination requirements for all federal executive branch workers and employees of contractors that do business with the federal government.3 He also called on state and local governments and the private sector to ramp up efforts to encourage vaccination. Employers, schools, nursing homes, restaurants, hospitals and cities in all 50 states have announced vaccination requirements.4

At the state level, in July 2021, California was the first state to announce that it would require state employees to get the “jab” or submit to regular testing. New York State followed suit.5 To continue vaccination efforts, on September 9, 2021, the President released his “COVID-19 Action Plan, Path Out of the Pandemic” imposing stringent new vaccine rules on federal workers, federal contractors, large employers and health care staff. 6 Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan also calls on state officials to make vaccinations mandatory for teachers and school staff.7 Currently, nine states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have vaccination requirements for K-12 school staff, including California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington. In Chicago, “droves” of school bus drivers have quit over the mandates, which apply to them.8 However, despite hundreds of drivers threatening to not show up for work over similar requirements in Connecticut, few service disruptions were reported.9 New York also requires bus drivers submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination,10 and masks must be worn on buses regardless of vaccination status.11

Employers with 100 or more employees are expected under OSHA rules to require their staff be fully vaccinated or produce a negative test result. Bus operators may also fall under the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard that may not mandate vaccines but give employers a choice. Otherwise, in most circumstances, businesses will have the option to mandate vaccines and forgo testing. KATJA FUHLERT.

New York State is also requiring all health care workers at hospitals and nursing homes to receive at least the first dose of a vaccine against the coronavirus by September 27, 2021.12 On that day, Governor Kathy Hochul refused to yield to the deadline for health worker vaccinations, and Northwell Health announced that it fired approximately two dozen “unvaccinated leaders” who refused to get COVID-19 shots.13 To get the mandates tossed, many of the state’s major hospital and government employee unions have filed lawsuits citing the lack of religious exemptions to the requirement.14

In August, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that MTA and Port Authority employees working in New York facilities would be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Labor Day.15 In September, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that all San Francisco International Airport (SFO) workers are now required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, making it the first major U.S. airport to mandate COVID vaccinations for all workers. More broadly, starting in November, the U.S. will require COVID vaccinations for arriving international travelers.16 Unvaccinated American citizens will need to be tested within a day before returning to the U.S., as well as after they arrive home. As part of his COVID-19 Action Plan, Biden tasked the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with developing a rule that will require all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully

vaccinated, or require any worker who remains unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work.17 OSHA will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement this requirement, with weekly testing as a possible alternative. According to the White House, this new requirement will impact more than 80 million workers in private sector businesses. Draft regulations are expected within the coming weeks and should clarify when the mandate will take effect. The OSHA rule will not apply to independent contractors – only employees. Depending on their size, passenger ground transportation businesses may fall under the new OSHA ETS. Keep in mind that the ETS will not mandate vaccines – it will give employees the choice to provide proof of vaccination status or submit to testing – but businesses in most locations may choose to mandate vaccines for all employees and forgo testing. Employers Mandating Vaccines Legal Issues

Requiring employees to get immunizations and vaccines is not new. Those who work in health care, schools and other industries are regularly required to get various vaccines as a condition of employment. Whether a transportation business can require drivers to get the COVID-19 vaccine depends on whether the driver is an at-will employee or a contract worker.

For employers, the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations raises questions National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 23

about the applicability of various equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. According to guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal EEO laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, subject to providing a reasonable accommodation due to a disability (under the ADA), or a sincerely held religious objection (under Title VII).18 The EEOC’s guidance on addressing employees who cannot or will not be vaccinated due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief is unlikely to change when OSHA issues its ETS addressing mandatory vaccination policies for certain employers. EEOC guidance and laws do not apply to independent contractors.

For reasons related to the ADA’s restrictions on making disability-related inquiries of employees, employers who mandate vaccines are encouraged to have a third party administer them rather than doing it themselves.19 By having a third party that does not have a contract with the employer – such as a pharmacy or health care provider – administer the vaccine, the employer is insulated from the pre-vaccination medical screening questions that are likely to elicit information about a disability. To avoid further triggering the ADA’s restrictions on disability-related inquiries, employers should tell employees to provide a copy of their vaccination card.20 Employers should keep the proof of vaccination in confidential files (similar to employee

medical files), separate from personnel files, and with restricted access.

If an employee does not have proof of vaccination, asking for the reason the employee did not get the vaccine could elicit information about a disability, and would be subject to the pertinent ADA standard that “disability-related” inquiries be “jobrelated and consistent with business necessity.”21 Under current EEO guidance, to meet this standard, an employer would need to have a reasonable belief, based on objective evidence, that an unvaccinated employee will pose a direct threat to the health or safety of herself or himself, or others.22

Some employees may refuse to be vaccinated because of a medical condition, pregnancy or sincerely held religious belief.23 Under the current OSHA rules, employers who mandate vaccinations will be required to take additional measures under the ADA to engage in the interactive process with these employees – and be prepared to make reasonable accommodations for them. As a best practice, an employer introducing a COVID-19 vaccination policy and requiring documentation or other confirmation of vaccination, should notify all employees that the employer will consider requests for reasonable accommodation based on disability on an individualized basis.24

The EEOC advises that employers may rely on recommendations from the CDC when deciding whether an effective accommodation that would not pose an undue hardship is available.25 Employers – especially those with 100 or more employees – should also consult applicable OSHA

standards and guidance. 26 Up-to-date OSHA guidance for all rideshare, taxi and car services is available at www. osha.gov/coronavirus/guidance/industry.

In some circumstances, an employer may be able to exclude a worker from the workplace lawfully, even if the worker is unable to receive the vaccination because of a disability or sincerely held religious belief, and the inability to be vaccinated cannot be reasonably accommodated. This does not mean the employer may simply terminate the worker’s employment. Employers would need to determine if any other rights apply under the EEO laws or other federal, state and local authorities before taking such a step. The same would be true if an employee is unwilling to be vaccinated for reasons that are not protected by EEO laws. Paid Time off to Be Vaccinated

Federal, state and local laws may require employers to provide paid leaves of absence for employees to receive COVID-19 vaccines, either under traditional sick leave laws or under COVID-19 specific legislation. OSHA is developing a rule that will require employers with more than 100 employees to provide paid time off for the time it takes for workers to be vaccinated or to recover if they are “under the weather” post-vaccination.27 In March 2021, New York State enacted legislation granting all public and private employees paid time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine without having to use other types of leave.28 Under the law, which went into effect March 15, 2021, and remains effective through 2022, employers must give

You may have to accommodate staff who refuse to be vaccinated because of their religious beliefs. Under current OSHA rules you will be required to make reasonable accommodations for them. Shown here is a Setra S 417 in a delightful western setting. SETRA.

24 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

employees up to four hours of paid time off per injection – which would include second doses and possibly any subsequent booster shots if necessary. this leave cannot be charged against any other leave that the employee may have available, including sick leave. According to the nYs Department of Labor (DoL), the law does not prevent an employer from requiring notice before taking paid leave, and employers may require proof of vaccination.29 However, employers should consider any conﬁdentiality requirements applicable to such records prior to requesting proof of vaccination. Vaccines and Independent Contractors

many essential worker-drivers are independent contractors. President Biden’s CoViD-19 Action Plan does not address independent contractors, and osHA rules do not apply to these workers either.30 With respect to requiring vaccines, the terms of the contracts that create and govern the relationship between the worker and the company will dictate whether a vaccine mandate is permissible. A transportation business may require independent contractor (iC) drivers be vaccinated as a condition of the engagement if they include appropriate language in the driver contract. For current iC drivers, their existing contracts may need to be amended to allow such a mandate. Because these mandates are an aspect of control, this is an area of concern with respect to violating worker classiﬁcation laws. We have reviewed and amended these agreements for numerous transportation businesses and highly recommend a careful review of proposed or existing agreements with the assistance of legal counsel. Factors to Consider in Deciding Whether to Require Vaccines

some companies have already rolled out mandatory vaccination policies for their employees including Walmart, Disney, Google, Facebook and Uber (for employees only, not drivers).31 Delta Air Lines became the ﬁrst public company to impose a $200 monthly surcharge beginning november 1, 2021 on unvaccinated employees that are enrolled in Delta’s account-based healthcare plan. Based on some published reports, employer vaccine mandates seem to elicit cooperation. For example, after tyson Foods announced vaccine mandates, more than one-half of their respective unvaccinated employees were vaccinated.32 United Airlines said that 97 percent of the company’s employees are now fully vaccinated.33 However, six United Airlines employees recently ﬁled a lawsuit in a texas federal court to block the vaccine mandate.34 the complaint alleges that the company discriminated against employees who requested religious or medical accommodations.35 the lawsuit alleges that only some applicants for medical exemptions were asked to provide additional information, and that some applying

There are factors you need to consider when deciding whether to require vaccines. Some companies have done well and have been quite successful. Others have run into problems and even litigation from those who objected to vaccinations. torsten simon.

for religious accommodations had to submit a letter from their pastor.36

Just because the eeoC has stated that employers not subject to the new presidential order may require the vaccines, does not necessarily mean employers should do so. in addition to ADA compliance, there are some considerations for employers before deciding whether to require employees to be vaccinated. instead, employers could encourage employees to get the vaccine voluntarily on their own – and would not need to attend to the logistics of administering a vaccine policy, the burden of managing accommodation requests, the impact on morale, and the potential for litigation. Also, transportation companies looking to shield their drivers and passengers from resurgent CoViD-19 cases during a labor shortage may risk losing drivers to health policies instead. some employees may legally challenge an employer’s vaccination policy, or they may just quit.

these are only some of the concerns that transportation operators should take into consideration when deciding whether to mandate or encourage drivers and other employees to get vaccinated. Another option is to remain neutral and let employees decide for themselves. remaining neutral would not appear to create any issues for transportation businesses. Natural Immunity and Medical Exemptions

in a recently published editorial, Professor marty makary of the Johns Hopkins University school of medicine and Bloomberg school of Public Health, cited more than 15

studies that have demonstrated the power of immunity acquired by previously having the virus. 37 For example, a 700,000person study from israel in early september 2021 found that those who had experienced prior infections were 27 times less likely to get a second symptomatic CoViD-19 infection than those who were vaccinated.38 According to a study issued in may 2021 from researchers at Washington University school of medicine in st. Louis, months after recovering from mild cases of CoViD-19, people still have immune cells in their body pumping out antibodies against the virus that causes CoViD-19.39

However, there is recent research demonstrating that there needs to be caution in expecting natural immunity to be a guarantee against a future infection. For example, a recent laboratory study from the UK assessed the risk for reinfection from the Delta variant in those who had recovered from CoViD-19. in the study, scientists at oxford looked at the ability of antibodies in blood samples to neutralize the virus. the researchers found the risk for reinfection with the Delta variant differs depending on the strain of the initial infection. they found that individuals showed very different immune responses from each other following CoViD-19, with some people from both the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups showing no evidence of immune memory six months after infection – or even sooner.40 After people recover from infection with a virus, the immune system retains a memory of it. immune cells and proteins that circulate in the body can recognize and kill the pathogen if it is encountered again, protecting against disease and reducing illness National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 25

severity. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found lasting immunity after recovery from COVID-19. According to NIH, the immune systems of more than 95 percent of people who recovered from COVID-19 had durable memories of the virus up to eight months after infection.41

Depending on where they are located and the type of business, some companies may be able to allow for exemptions from vaccination mandates for those with proven antibodies. Major health systems in Michigan and eastern Pennsylvania are granting an exemption to employees who demonstrate natural immunity with antibody testing.42

Natural immunity is also emerging as potential legal challenge to COVID-19 vaccination mandates.43 At Michigan State University, an employee challenging the school’s vaccine mandate cited natural immunity as part of an attempt to obtain a temporary restraining order against the school. The federal judge in the case denied the request, ruling the employee “has not demonstrated a strong likelihood of success on the merits of her claim.”44 Government entities have a right to take reasonable precautions against the spread of communicable diseases like COVID-19, but that power has limits that are based in the 1905 Supreme Court decision Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 197 U.S. 11, that upheld a state smallpox vaccine mandate. It is possible that legal and scientiﬁc evolution may challenge that precedent. In addition to the challenges involving persons with natural immunity, medical exemptions may be granted to an individual whose physician documents a diagnosis of one of the conditions the CDC considers a contraindication for the COVID-19 vaccina-

tion.45 Contraindications include a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine, an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or a known (diagnosed) allergy to any component of the vaccine.46 What to Do if Clients Ask Your Drivers to Be Vaccinated

Transportation companies may need to ﬁeld questions about vaccination status or requests for vaccinated drivers from clients. Understandably, those in the business of transporting passengers are eager for business to return after experiencing such drastic reductions in business resulting from the pandemic-related closures. To the extent that people have stopped using car services and buses because they are concerned about catching the virus from their driver, it is tempting to advertise the fact that your drivers are vaccinated. However, companies should resist that temptation and carefully consider the legal ramiﬁcations of making such representations to customers directly or in advertisements to the public.

The vaccination status of a workforce, even if aggregated, would inappropriately disclose individuals’ private information. An employee’s vaccination status is medical information that an employer must keep conﬁdential by law. The EEOC has taken the position that any information concerning an employee's medical condition is protected under the ADA or FMLA.47 The EEOC guidance is clear that “[t]he ADA requires employers to keep any employee medical information obtained in the course of the vaccination program conﬁdential.”48 This would include whether a worker has received a vaccine. Organizations and busi-

nesses can be ﬁned up to $75,000 for a ﬁrst ADA violation and up to $150,000 for any subsequent violation.49 In addition, the CDC does not know how long the vaccine provides immunization or whether it will prevent those who have been vaccinated from spreading the virus to others.50 Advertising that your drivers are “immune” or “COVIDfree” could be considered misleading and give customers a false sense of security. Covid-19 Transportation Safety Precautions in Addition to Vaccinations

In addition to ﬁelding questions about the driver vaccination status, transportation companies may also need to ﬁeld questions concerning any additional steps to enhance vehicle cleanliness, especially as concerns over the Delta variant and its effects persist.

Even if a driver is vaccinated, masks, vehicle cleaning and disinfection, and other mitigation measures will still need to be followed. Those who receive the vaccine will still be required to follow the CDC’s guidance, and any federal, state or local laws related to curbing the spread of the virus in public places (wear masks, avoid close contact with others and address poorly ventilated spaces, etc.). In addition, the executive orders that President Biden signed the day after he took ofﬁce requiring face coverings be worn on all forms of public transportation – including taxis, rideshares, paratransit services and buses – remain in effect and apply regardless of vaccination status.51 Passengers two years of age and older and drivers must wear a mask on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems including early care and education/child care programs.52

What should you do if passengers or customers ask whether your drivers are vaccinated? This is actually a critical question since ADA or FMLA regulations prohibit the release of medical information on your employees. Hence, even general statements that all or a major part of your staff have been vaccinated could inappropriately disclose individuals’ private information. MCI.

26 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

Do not forget that the vaccinations are not the end of your requirements. Your drivers and staff still must comply with other COVID regulations including wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with others. Your cleaning staff should also pay close attention to cleaning and disinfection. hAnS bRAxmEIER.

near the start of the pandemic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published “List n,” which includes a variety of disinfectants.53 The EPA expects products on List n to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions. The products included on List n are for use on surfaces. While not mandated, transportation companies may be interested in utilizing foggers for their vehicles. In fact, one company has announced a pilot program with a new York

The ADA requires employers to keep any employee medical information confidential. Hence, having vaccinations done by a third party, like a pharmacy or health care provider, removes you from the pre-vaccination medical screening questions. You should also consider the legal ramifications before advertising or making representations about vaccinations to the public. V. JOHNS.

City limousine company54 to utilize a botanical cleaning formulation as a fogger to cover all surfaces of the interior of the vehicles.55 Conclusion

many have welcomed the arrival of vaccines, and many are voluntarily being vaccinated when they have become eligible – regardless of any vaccine mandates. Implementing a vaccine mandate for employees or independent contractors raises many

questions for transportation businesses. Transportation operators should carefully weigh the beneﬁts and considerations of mandating vaccines before making any policy decisions. Employers should include input from management, human resources, employees and legal counsel, as appropriate. Those transportation companies that wish to encourage vaccines without making them mandatory should consult CDC resources on promoting vaccination in the workplace, as well as experienced counsel.56 q

1 https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine 2 https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-booster-dose-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-certainpopulations 3 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-newactions-to-get-more-americans-vaccinated-and-slow-the-spread-of-the-delta-variant/ 4 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 5 https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/07/26/california-implements-first-in-the-nation-measures-to-encourage-state-employees-and-healthcare-workers-to-get-vaccinated/; https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-covid-19-vaccination-mandatehealthcare-workers 6 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/09/executive-order-on-requiring-coronavirus-disease2019-vaccination-for-federal-employees/; https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/09/executiveorder-on-ensuring-adequate-covid-safety-protocols-for-federal-contractors/ 7 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 8 https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1033002694/chicago-school-bus-drivers-have-quit-in-droves-over-covid-vaccine-mandate 9 https://www.wfsb.com/news/very-few-disruptions-to-school-bus-operations-as-vaccine-mandate-goes-intoeffect/article_67e449ac-1f38-11ec-b9f8-e785cd95dee1.html 10 https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/2.62-determination.pdf 11 https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/school-guidance.pdf 12 https://nypost.com/2021/08/16/cuomo-mandates-all-ny-hospital-nursing-home-staff-get-vaccinated/ 13 https://nypost.com/2021/09/27/ny-hospitals-start-firing-staff-who-dont-have-covid-vaccine/ 14 https://sharylattkisson.com/2021/06/largest-u-s-health-care-union-fights-mandatory-covid-19-vaccine/ 15 https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-covid-19-vaccination-mandate-healthcare-workers 16 https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/us-to-require-covid-19-vaccinations-for-arriving-international-travelers/3281559/ 17 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 18 U.S. EEOC, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, Technical Assistance Questions and Answers, Dec. 16, 2020 (herein “EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance”), https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-youshould-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws 19 Pre-vaccination medical screening questions are likely to elicit information about a disability. If the employer or a contractor on the employer’s behalf asks these questions, then employer must show that these “disability-related” inquiries are “job-related and consistent with business necessity.” https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-andother-eeo-laws 20 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.2.

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 27

21 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.5. 22 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.12. 23 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html 24 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.5. 25 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K. 5. 6 Id. 27 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 28 Senate Bill S2588A, Assembly Bill A3354 (2021-2022 legis. Session) 29 https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/05/cd6-paid-leave-for-covid19-vaccinations-5-18-21.pdf 30 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 31 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/business/covid-vaccine-mandates-rto.html 32 https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ 33 https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/aviation/573435-united-airlines-says-97-percent-of-its-employees-in-the-us-are 34 https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/573893-united-airlines-employees-sue-to-block-vaccine-mandate 35 https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/573893-united-airlines-employees-sue-to-block-vaccine-mandate 36 Id. 37 https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/09/15/natural-immunity-vaccine-mandate/ 38 https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.24.21262415v1 39 https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/good-news-mild-covid-19-induces-lasting-antibody-protection/ 40 https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2021-06-18-latest-data-immune-response-covid-19-reinforces-need-vaccination-says-oxford-led 41 https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lasting-immunity-found-after-recovery-covid-19 42 https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/sep/27/americans-natural-immunity-look-ways-around-covid-/ 43 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/natural-immunity-covid-19-legality-substitute-vaccination-123106323.html 44 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/natural-immunity-covid-19-legality-substitute-vaccination-123106323.html 45 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html 46 Id. 47 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.1; 42 U.S.C. § 12112(d)(3)(B) and 12112(d)(4). 48 EEOC Covid-19 Technical Assistance, Question K.1. 49 https://www.ada.gov/civil_penalties_2014.htm 50 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html 51 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0130-requires-face-masks.html 52 Id. 53 About List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) | US EPA 54 HyperFog entered into a pilot program with NuRide Transportation Group, LLC, a New York City limousine service, for mobile invehicle fogging services using Thymox, a commercially available botanical fog cleaner. 55 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210920005974/en/HyperFog%E2%84%A2-Pilot-Study-Announced-With-NewYork-City-Limo-Service 56 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/promoting-vaccines-workplace.htm

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Trenton Show for New Jersey Friends

by Dave Millhouser The Friends of the New Jersey Transit Heritage Center elected to hold an Antique Bus Festival in Trenton, New Jersey on September 18. Starr Tours hosted the event on their property. More than 400 people registered for the event and numerous buses were on display including 19 visiting coaches. DAVE MILLHOUSER.

“T

his was our biggest show ever,” according to Jason Davis, vice president of Friends of New Jersey Transit Heritage Center, referring to their Antique Bus Festival, held September 18 in Trenton, New Jersey. “We’ve been hosting an annual Open House since 2016 at our Lakewood Bus Garage. Each year it got better and bigger, until it outgrew the facility”

coaches, many buses in the Friends organization’s fleet were on display. Their collection consists of 33 buses dating back to 1936, many of them restored and running.

Davis pointed out that before the move to Trenton, space at the Lakewood facility was so limited that they only had one or two visiting buses so 19 at this event is a big leap, and they are hoping for even more in the future.

In addition to a large number of buses that evoked the sights, sounds and smells of bus travel in decades past, there were a couple of converted coaches. Two Eagle conversions drew a lot of attention – one an entertainer configuration and the other a motor home that is still in process.

The most unique bus was probably the Mack MV-620-D, a beautiful modernistic looking bus that was built in 1957. Mack built this prototype in an effort to win Greyhound’s A large maintenance bay was set aside The “Friends” made the decision to “go business and it did well on a test in the Greyfor vendors selling a large variety of bus big” and Starr Tours, a premier coach operhound fleet, but a series of events ended the memorabilia, and it appeared there was lots ator based in Trenton, was willing to host project. This one-of-a-kind coach is currently of traffic throughout the day. the event. Centrally located on the East owned by Frank Coast, Trenton was a good choice geo- This photo provides some idea of the number and range of buses on display. Both coaches and transit buses Gonzalez, who graphically. The were shown with several dating back many years. If you look closely, you can see the Mack MV-620-D operates Stardust Tours in Montefestival drew visi- towards the center of the photo. CHRIS JOHNSON. bello, California. tors from Virginia to Pennsylvania While not offiand New England cial yet, it stands to (and one gentlereason that the man who flew in remarkable sucfrom California). cess of this first Antique Bus FestiA total of 423 val will lead to guests registered, even bigger things making it one of in the future. A the largest events good way to track ever held for bus it would be www. enthusiasts, and a friendsnjthc.org. monumental achievement as “I would like to Covid winds thank Starr Tours down. In addition for their help and to 19 visiting 30 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

all of the members of the event committee for their countless hours of hard work. With-

out them this wonderful event could not have happened” Davis pointed out. “It takes

months of planning and effort to pull this off, and they did a great job.” q

A maintenance bay was set aside for a bus flea market. Vendors offered a wide range of bus memorabilia. Reports are that this generated a great deal of traffic during the day. DAVE MILLHOUSER.

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 31

We Need a Permanent Fix

by Dave Millhouser

tranded for days at a camp in the Adirondacks, four of us conned Paul into being designated driver, and took a Flxible HL100 into Lake Placid to stalk beer.

Paul sipped soda while we hydrated. Waddling onto the bus, we headed back to camp. Halfway up a steep hill, stomped for a downshift, the throttle pedal stuck in afterburner. Paul yanked that sucker up with his hand. The Detroit Diesel 6-71 quit, and we were stranded, in the dark, with a frozen injector.

The Flxible High Level model came after the VL100 and prior to the Flxliner. This one would be similar to the coach mentioned in the article. It was operated by The Anderson House in Wabasha, Minnesota, a predecessor of today’s John Hall’s Alaska. JOHN HALL’S ALASKA.

The good news was that several of us knew how to effect a temporary repair. The bad news was – we were hydrated. We lit a road flare for light and managed to get the valve cover off. Then we fumbled around until we found the reluctant injector and used a dime to loosen it from the rack.

We fired that puppy up and headed back – on five cylinders. Clever, huh?

Two days later (now dehydrated) we piled campers into that bus and drove it, (in

Dave Millhouser calls for permanent solutions to the problems that plague the bus industry. He also suggests that the industry could use some additional marketing and lobbying. This new Setra S 417 was photographed at Sea World in Orlando. SETRA.

convoy) to Baltimore – on five cylinders. Our boss needed the Flx to take a group to Colorado, so we loaded up, and headed West – on five cylinders. Our garage was in Colorado, so we could fix it there.

Temporary repairs are great, and often get us out of binds, but we should not mistake them for solving the underlying problem. A two-stroke was balanced enough to run with a dead cylinder, but it does not do the engine any good, and progress is painfully slow. A permanent fix (replacing the injector) could have been done very quickly, but real men do not need six cylinders.

Our industry is in that position now. We are doing a bunch of patching and scrambling just to survive, and it is gratifying to see everyone pulling together, writing and calling legislators, supporting trade organizations and letting the public know what we are about. Lots of energy and creativity.

Once the survivors slog through this mess, we need to look for permanent solutions to some of the problems exacerbated by the coronavirus. Many of the things operators and organizations are doing now in terms of building relationships and calling attention to what we are about are both great, and overdue. Once this sorts out, we need to keep up the digital engagement and maintain consistent contact with our communities and politicians. If we stop there, though, it is like driving on five cylinders forever.

32 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

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The Eagle Model 10 was a favorite of Trailways operators but was also found in the fleets of several other bus companies. Unlike most of the other coaches with air ride, the Eagle used torsilastic suspension made of rubber. This example was captured during a photo shoot in Washington, D.C. robert redden.

AbA, IMG and the state associations et al are not sufficient to pay for the kind of marketing and lobbying we desperately need. Some operators resist joining at all and ride on the fiscal coattails of you who participate. In large part we have depended on suppliers to maintain our current level, through sponsorships and participation in shows. Several things to bear in mind. Vendors are suffering too. even in good times, we can not expect them to carry more than their share. We can not afford national tV campaigns, but we must do better in the 00 00 0 00 0 future. Pro-bono work, and visibly supporting charities can help – but at some point we

need to focus energy on staying united and finding a way to raise, and efficiently use, money to tell our story and improve our image. We were shrinking before the pandemic for a number of reasons, many not our fault. We do not need more organizations. We need to find a way to speak with a unified voice, and we need to be willing to pay for it. Quality costs. In the fall of 1979, eagle introduced the Model 10 and needed someone to tour the U.S. with the 6V-92-powered prototype, thus showing it off to all the trailways affiliates. As eagle’s top salesman I was picked. (okay – their only salesman, and single, so no one cared if I disappeared for OO OO O OO O months.) ready to depart, striking a manly pose (left over from a previous column), I stood behind the coach with the staff when some-

one pointed out that one taillight was not lit. Several multimeters and test lights later, our crack engineering team surrendered, and ran an extra (unprotected) wire across the back of the bus, above the engine, and off I went. thousands of trouble-free miles later, the bus and I returned to the factory. (okay, there was one disturbing incident when the engine quit, during a wintry sunset, within sight of Custer’s last stand). Several months later, we sold the prototype to an operator in racine, Wisconsin, and that temporary wire was still there. dick has passed away now, and the statute of limitations run – so I can confess with impunity – but this was the rare incident where a temporary fix survived the long haul. Wonder where that jewel is today.

'43D$C4A3D#B:<C@B

Step back in time! Ride the Rails on Real Antique Trolleys! www.rockhilltrolley.org 34 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

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

Bus of the Month Irizar i6 Streamline/Super Cargo

Irizar i6 Streamline/Super Cargo

The Irizar i6 coach comes with an impressive pedigree. It was already popular and proven in several countries before being reengineered for the American market. It is supported here by a company-owned distributor that provides parts, service and customer support.

Irizar may be the oldest company building buses, yet is one of the most progressive. The company was originally founded by Jose Antonio Irizar in 1889 in the Basque section of Northern Spain. It initially built iron fittings for carriages and soon began building its own carriages and wagons. Over the years the company has expanded and now has several subsidiaries that build component parts and related items for buses including doors, air conditioning and electric bus parts.

In Europe, Irizar provides a wide product line that includes diesel and electric transit buses, tram buses and some coach models. The company recently opened a factory that builds only electric buses. Irizar buses operate in more than 90 countries.

The i6 model has been very popular in Europe and has been credited for its durability, operations and appearance. It was modified for the American market and given advanced technology, improved safety equipment and a range of options that positioned it as an upscale coach.

Irizar’s i6 has the traditional American length of 45 feet and a width of 102 inches. It is provided with typical American config-

uration with a front passenger entrance door and a restroom at the rear on the curbside. There are actually two different versions available – the Streamline and the Super Cargo. The only significant different between the two is that the Streamline version is a standard model with a lower height and less underfloor cargo space while the Super Cargo is a high-deck model with a higher roof and more underfloor cargo space. Hence, if your operation requires more luggage or package space you can go with the Super Cargo model.

Components are proven and reliable. Irizar offers a drive train that includes a Cummins engine and an Allison transmission. Axles are by ZF and the brake system comes from Wabco and KnorrBremse. The entertainment equipment is by Bosch, and Alco aluminum wheels are provided. Like other American coaches, the Irizar i6 is integral, which means that there is no separate body and chassis. Noteworthy are the safety features provided on the Irizar i6. These include a reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Control Air Suspension, Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Roll-over Regulation and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Options include WiFi, 110-volt outlets, USB ports, tinted windows, cup holders, destination signs, side shades, footrests and numerous flooring options.

You will find detailed specifications for each of the two versions on the following pages. q

National Bus Trader / November, 2021 • 35

Irizar i6 Streamline DIMENSIONS Length Width Height Seating capacity

45 ft 102’’ 12’3’’ 56 + 1

POWERTRAIN Engine Cummins ISX12 EPA2017, 425 hp (1800 rpm), Torque 1650 lb.ft (1200 rpm) Transmission Allison B500, 6-speed Front Axle Independent ZF RL 82 EC Drive Axle ZF AV 132 (3.54:1 ratio) Tag Axle Independent ZF RL 82 EC Suspension Koni shock absorbers and Vibracoustic air bellows Brakes Wabco ECAS4 + ABS + ESC and Knorr-Bremse disc & calipers Steering ZF + VSE Fuel tank / adblue tank 210 Gal / 12 Gal Multiplex Management Sys. Continental VDO Wheels and Tires Alcoa aluminium Dura-Bright - Michelin 315/80 R-22.5

SAFETY PACK Reversing camera LDW - Lane Departure Warning ECAS - Electronic Contral Air Suspension ESC/RSC - Electronic Stability Control ASR - Anti Slip Regulation R/66.02 Roll-over regulation TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System SEATING Irizar seating solution Magazine nets 2-position footrest 3-point seatbelts ENTERTAINMENT Bosch Proffessional-line system Bosch DVD player with 22 “ LCD front monitor

EQUIPMENT Aircraft style rack locker doors for driver Microphone for guide Saloon toilet Hispacold integrated climate control with auxiliary preheather Cant rail LED light in roof Reverse horn Tinted windows Drivers light Rear side marker lights Xenon headlamps Masats ADA lift

Irizar i6 Super Cargo DIMENSIONS Length Width Height Seating capacity

45 ft 102’’ 12’11’’ 56 + 1

Safety and Liability by Ned Einstein Expanding the Mode Split Dividing Line Part 1: Exponential Airline Industry Corruption

Modal competition has ebbed and flowed over the past 100 years. Until the recent incursion of transit network companies (TNCs), each mode managed to find its own niche, some overlaps notwithstanding.

This mix sorted each mode into a role where it had its own defined ridership. At its best, this mix sorted each mode into a role where it had its own defined ridership, and where the hierarchy of modes provided rational choices for many or most non-automobile travelers. Some modes (e.g., motorcoach, taxi and limousine service) required no subsidies, others (e.g., schoolbus service, NEMT service) operated completely with subsidies1, and still others (e.g. transit and paratransit) operated mostly with subsidies. At the margins, a few modes were forced to compete – most noticeably, motorcoach service versus AMTRAK.

When this structure was most in balance, in was clear which modes made the most sense for each type of trip. Cost and time were the key variables. These variable effectively defined the “dividing line” between the use of various modes. In many cases, this line was obvious: • It made little sense to travel coast to coast on anything but an airline (while those will little money still made such trips by motorcoach). • For most commuters not driving, commuter/express bus service (usually provided on a plush motorcoach) or commuter rail (where available) cost a fraction as much as the same trip by taxi or limousine. (In the case of commuter rail, the trips were usually quicker.)

The More Things Change, The More Things Change Unique events, often of historic proportions, disrupted these neat patterns. From

1942 to 1945, U.S. automobile manufacturers ceased making cars. Before urban sprawl, bus ridership exploded. More recently, during the early COVID-19 wave, fewer people traveled at all, and those who did reverted largely to personal cars (supplemented by taxis, limousines and TNCs where they could afford them). This latter event wreaked havoc on the transit, motorcoach and school bus sectors, in particular. (In stupid or crooked venues, it also negatively affected the taxi business.)

What went largely unseen were a few subtle changes in the antics of other modes. One rogue, which for a short time morphed from a high-subsidized mode to a rich super spreader, was AMTRAK (see https://transalt.com/article/covid-19shenanigans-and-liability-part-2-makingmoney-by-compromising-health/ in NATIONAL BUS TRADER, 2021). A change far larger in scope involved domestic airline carriers. Unfortunately, the motorcoach industry cannot realistically make noticeable gains in competition with AMTRAK. If an infrastructure bill ever passes (which will be old news by the time N ATIONAL B US T RADER readers peruse this piece), AMTRAK should be drowning in subsidy funds. As President Biden’s “preferred” choice of travel for decades, this pet mode is certain to receive a disproportionate share of the $60 billion proposed for passenger rail service.

This reality is true despite a reckless disregard for safety which a typical citizen would find repulsive – like the railroad’s refusal to pull its trains to a stop before asking passengers riding on upper decks to descend stairwells while the trains are braking to a stop. (Imagine a double-decker motorcoach operator doing this). This practice continues despite overwhelming evidence that trains can effortlessly make up huge swaths of lost time from one station to the next – even while studies have shown that subsidies per passenger trip in many parts of the AMTRAK service area would be a tiny fraction were those trips provided by motorcoach (see https://transalt.com/article/covid-19shenanigans-and-liability-part-2-makingmoney-by-compromising-health/. A 2013 study examining 20 AMTRAK lines found

that savings per trip by motorcoach ranged from $17.03 to $422.39. Regardless, I cite this summary of waste only to illustrate that this swollen monopoly is likely untouchable as a mode-split matter.

Such an opportunity comes along once in a generation for the motorcoach industry. Fortunately, the same is not true for the unsubsidized airline industry. This industry’s corruption (I spare Southwest Airlines from this characterization) has become so astonishing that mid-distance trips by motorcoach that would have seemed unconceivable or, at least, unbearable (other than for paupers) only a few years ago suddenly have enormous merit for even the most wealthy traveler. Such an opportunity comes along once in a generation for the motorcoach industry. Particularly after NATIONAL B US T RADER readers have absorbed the essence of this opportunity, we should not squander it. Transitioning from Inconvenience to Customer Exploitation I authored a lengthy article for NATIONAL BUS TRADER in September, 2019 (see https://transalt.com/article/driversv-robots-part-2-the-nature-of-moderntravel/) that compared the effortlessness of coast-to-coast (and, particularly, international travel) 30 years ago to its counterpart today. Since then, the characteristics of airline travel have deteriorated dramatically. While the airline industry stopped “answering the phone” decades ago, at least one could count on often outsmarting its robots to reserve trips online, tedious as that is compared to the simple phone call of yesteryear. One could usually count on traveling on the flight one reserved a seat for – particularly when the plane was filled to capacity. Such things are no longer true. A handful of my own recent personal experiences (for which I have written documentation) illustrate the shenanigans that now pervade the industry – and the tedium

1 A few communities have passed an ordinance whereby parents must contribute to the cost of schoolbus service, and NEMT patients whose trips are not covered by MediCare or Medicaid must pay full travel costs privately.

38 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

Safety and Liability and disruption airline travelers must commonly experience in airline travel. • Consolidating flights to ensure full planes almost all the time was an old trick. Whether or not airlines have “spares” – I am unaware of any regulations which require them, or any enforcement of such requirements if they even exist – they increasingly overbook (if not double-book or triple-book) flights, and pawn off all or most of the originally-booked passengers onto otherwise lesser-filled connecting flights, almost always excessively less convenient. Passengers are often stranded in the cities in which they booked their flights (this happened to me last summer in Cincinnati), and forced to find other flights by the same airlines on which to wend their way to or from their destinations. Because hotels also do not get the phone, and as they are instantly overbooked whenever airlines initiate these shenanigans, these cancellations often mean sleeping on the airport terminal floors. (Iron arms between seats prevent one from lying down – ostensible to “keep out the homeless” – a stunt even subways do not employ.) Those days when airlines paid for these hotel layovers, including shuttle fees, are long gone. Gone too are the days when stranded passengers were reassigned to flights on fellow- airlines (at the original airline’s expense). Nowadays, these victims are on their own. The trip in which I experienced the incident noted last summer cost me a full day, hours of which were spent being bumped from stand-by flight to stand-by flight during my extended tour of the airline’s concourse. • Broken links in airline Web sites are becoming more and more common. Last month, in planning a trip from JFK to San Francisco (and its return from Burbank), the Delta Web site broke down at the seat selection level, while the JetBlue return flight’s Web site broke down at the “checkout” level (“next”). At least Southwest Airline’s site worked, allowing me to book an interim flight from Oakland to Burbank online. Otherwise, I spent something like 370 minutes on hold with Delta (since I was not available for this company to call me back), while JetBlue returned my call more than a day later. • Double- or triple-booking premium flights has become a staple of domestic airline flights. Several days after I rebooked a return flight from Denver to JFK on JetBlue Airlines (flight #1498) – the event dictating the need for my originally-scheduled flight had been cancelled – I received a notice that my flight had been changed to a “red-eye” connecting flight with several hours additional layover time – without me even being asked. Because the flight originally booked was so inexpensive, I suspect that the airline changed the flight number, rebooked it at a higher rate and simply “cancelled” the flight 40 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

for the lower-paying first wave of passengers and bumped them onto other partiallyempty flights whose connections eventually landed them at their destinations. In response, I had to laboriously cancel that flight (which I was afraid to do online), which took me several more hours. To my delight, I was able to book a replacement flight, on a different airline (this time, American Airlines), at a much-lower fare, with a single one-hour layover at an airport not terribly out-of-the-way. To my amazement, doing this by telephone only took a few minutes, I did not have to engage in a battle-ofthe-wits with layers of robots with choices of no relevance. I reached a savvy, helpful reservation clerk to book the flight in a matter of minutes. I mention this last episode only to be fair: Air travelers can get lucky. • As I suspect few airline travelers have noticed, the number of non-stop flights between even major destinations (e.g., JFK to Denver) has dwindled to a handful. After booking the JetBlue flight noted (Flight #458, originally scheduled for my return from Denver on August 26, 2021) was a connecting flight. Only one non-stop flight between these two major airports was available – at an inconvenient time for anyone unable to arise the same time as a rooster. As noted, I was bumped from even the connecting flight I has chosen several days later, without anyone ever contacting me, to the red-eye flight noted. • Even seating has become a scam. Last summer, on an elbow-to-elbow flight to West Palm Beach in the heart of the COVID outbreak, I paid extra for my choice of a seat on an outbound Delta flight. Yet I was e-mailed a ticket and seat number in advance. Once on board, I noted that the rear half of the plane (where I would have normally chosen to sit) was packed while the front half was completely empty – a dangerous distribution of weight even for an aircraft of this size. I gave a flight attendant a choice, and 10 seconds to make it: I sit where I please or I make a phone call to airport security and ground this plane – if not every Delta flight that afternoon leaving LaGuardia, if not those departing from airports across the country. I was given the seat of my choice instantly – and had the entire front half of the plane to myself. • On my return flight on JetBlue, the plane was packed elbow-to-elbow (during a time when it was a regulatory violation to sell middle seats. Flight attendants did not enforce mask-wearing by children, by whom I was surrounded by chuckling Z-gens two feet away on all four sides. Social distancing apparently does not apply to oligopolies.

It may be that some of these shenanigans are not experienced by first-class passengers, whose fares can be exponentially higher than those riding in “coach.” The

Airline travel is not what it used to be. point is – this year ’s understatement – that airline travel is not what it used to be. Not at the reservation level. Not at the safety level (both in terms of disease control of flight control). Not at the convenience level. Not in any remote way at the integrity level – although, in fairness, as noted, I did not experience any of these problems on a few airlines noted.

Truth, Opportunity and Marketing There is no conceivable way that the travesties noted were aberrations. They have become the nature of modern airline travel, even while some airlines are clearly worse than others. Accountability is non-existent.

There has been no better time I can ever remember for taking mediumdistance trips by motorcoach. Far more important for NATIONAL BUS TRADER readers, and other parties interested in the survival of the motorcoach industry now entering the second wave of COVID, there has been no better time I can ever remember for taking medium-distance trips by motorcoach. Minimal reservation times, short or non-existent phone reservation menus, service that exists after one reserves it, no stranding, no unpaid intermediate hotels (when one can find one with a vacancy), no getting “bumped” onto longer indirect routes, spare vehicles (including trips occasionally “covered” by fellow-carriers), city center-to-city center origins and destinations, wide cushy seats comparable to first-class airline seats, no turbulence, no constant announcements, the same wi-fi and other amenities, and at a fraction of the cost. For those saving the cost of a hotel room by sleeping on board during each end of an overnight trip, a restroom for freshening up near the end of the trip.

The sensible dividing line between air and motorcoach travel may have been 300 to 400 miles several years ago. Not evening considering costs, this line has at least doubled since – at least in the Land of Reason. If 800 miles seems long, just add in the airline reservation time, the 90-minutes-inadvance arrival time (at each end of the

Safety and Liability trip), airport security (which seems idiotic since one can easily blow up a bus while not even riding it), departure delays and the significant risks of constant switcheroos to out-of-the-way connecting flights with long layovers, and strandings. On a bad day, a full day lost completely.

I always thought motorcoaches had plenty of things to market – even while few appear to have agreed with me. I had always thought that safety sells. We did a poor job selling this, or I was simply wrong. Now we have much more to sell: Saving time, money and risk. “Leave the Driving to Us.” Humbug. It may take a while to boil down the comparable benefits to a tight, succinct slogan that says it all. A sloppy starting point might be, “Get there faster at half the cost.” Or perhaps, “Tired of airlines exploiting you?” – much closer to the truth. Maybe, “We provide real customer service” – although likely too obscure. I have faith the industry (or perhaps NATIONAL BUS TRADER readers) will figure this out. Unfortunately, no slogan can capture all the airline industry cons: Undependability, compromised safety, unpredictability, exploitation, inconvenience, compromised

ride comfort, ancillary costs, turbulence, narrow seats, unbearable legroom, baggage fees, carry-on fees, treks to the baggage claim area, flight change fees, cancellation fees, absurdly-redundant security measures with pat-downs and feel-ups, telephone reservation surcharges, unpaid overnight stays in two-star hotels (when lucky), broken Web site links, hour-long hold times, and, on the ride, constant announcement interruptions. Or the pros: Leave your shooting range headphones behind. Forget about those barf bags.

Normally, negative marketing is frowned upon, but we know it works. Along with other things (including the legitimacy of some of the express or implied criticisms), look how great Uber did with it. Despite the taxi industries shortcomings, its meters, selected trips’ flat fares and regulatory oversight kept passenger exploitation to a minimum. This is not comparable to commercial airline service.

Earth to motorcoach owners: Start your marketing.

There are plenty of lessons here. The message and the opportunity should be clear. Earth to motorcoach owners: Start your marketing.

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 (transalt.com [1]), a public transportation consulting/expert witness firm. Einstein (einstein@transalt.com) specializes in catastrophic motorcoach accidents.

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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 q Vol. XXVIII, No. 6 —May, 2005 q Vol. XXVIII, No. 7 —June, 2005 q Vol. XXVIII, No. 9 —August, 2005 q Vol. XXVIII, No.10 — September, 2005 q Vol. XXVIII, No. 11 — October, 2005 q Vol. XXVIII, No. 12 — November, 2005 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 2 — January, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 3 — February, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 4 — March, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 5 — April, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 6 — May, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 7 — June, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 8 — July, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 9 — August, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 10 — September, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 11 — October, 2006 q Vol. XXVIV, No. 12 — November, 2006 q Vol. XXX, No. 1 — December, 2006 q Vol. XXX, No. 2 — January, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 3 — February, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 4 — March, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 5 — April, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 6 — May, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 7 — June, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 8 — July, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 9 — August, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 10 — September, 2007 q Vol. XXX No. 11 — October, 2007 q Vol. XXX, No. 12 — November, 2007 q Vol. XXXI, No. 1 — December, 2007 q Vol. XXXI, No. 2 — January, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 3 — February, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 4 — March, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 5 — April, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 6 — May, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 7 — June, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 8 — July, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 9 — August, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 10 — September, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 11 — October, 2008 q Vol. XXXI, No. 12 — November, 2008 q Vol. XXXII, No. 1 — December, 2008 q Vol. XXXII, No. 2 — January, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 3 — February, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 4 — March, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 5 —April, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 6 —May, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 7 —June, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 8 —July, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 9 —August, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 10 —September, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 11 —October, 2009 q Vol. XXXII, No. 12 —November, 2009 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 1 —December, 2009 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 2 —January, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 3 —February, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 4 —March, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 5 — April, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 6 — May, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 7 — June, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 8 — July, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 9 — August, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 10 — September, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 11 — October, 2010 q Vol. XXXIII, No. 12 — November, 2010 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 1 — December, 2010 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 2— January, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 3— February, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 4— March, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 5— April, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 6— May, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 7 June, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 8 July, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 9 August, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 10 September, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 11 October, 2011 q Vol. XXXIV, No. 12 November, 2011 q Vol. XXXV, No. 1 December, 2011 q Vol. XXXV, No. 2 January, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 3 February, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 4 March, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 5 April, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 6 May, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 7 June, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 8 July, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 9 August, 2012

q Vol. XXXV, No. 10 September, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 11 October, 2012 q Vol. XXXV, No. 12 November, 2012 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 1 December, 2012 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 2 January, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 3 February, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 4 March, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 5 April, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 6 May, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 7 June, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 8 July, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 9 August, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 10 September, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 11 October, 2013 q Vol. XXXVI, No. 12 November, 2013 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 1 December, 2013 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 2 January, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 3 February, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 4 March, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 5 April, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 6 May, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 7 June, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 8 July, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 9 August, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 10 September, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 11 October, 2014 q Vol. XXXVII, No. 12 November, 2014 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 1 December, 2014 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 2 January, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3 February, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 4 March, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 5 April, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 6 May, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 7 June, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 8 July, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 9 August, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10 September, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 11 October, 2015 q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 12 November, 2015 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 1 December, 2015 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 2 January, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 3 February, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 4 March, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 5 April, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 6 May, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 7 June, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 8 July, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 9 August, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 10 September, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 11 October, 2016 q Vol. XXXIX, No. 12 November, 2016 q Vol. XL, No. 1 December, 2016 q Vol. XL, No. 2 January, 2017 q Vol. XL, No. 3 February, 2017 q Vol. XL, No. 4 March, 2017 q Vol. XXXX, No. 5 April, 2017 q Vol. XXXX, No. 6 May, 2017 • UMA Motorcoach Expo in St. Louis • The Prize-Winning Aerocoach at the Museum of Bus Transportation • Rochester City Lines Still Making, Preserving and Celebrating History q Vol. XXXX, No. 7 June, 2017 • Industry History From UMA Shows – Installment I • Extended Service Protection on Your Bus Fleet • Bus History on a Wall q Vol. XXXX, No. 8 July, 2017 • Vicinity – A Mid-Size Bus Success Story • Prevost Conversion Shells for All Types of Coaches • The Bus Accident in Red Lion, Delaware q Vol. XXXX, No. 9 August, 2017 • “J” is for Jackpot with the 2018 J4500 • Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment II • Book Review q Vol. XXXX, No. 10 September, 2017 • Propane Continues to be Clean and Economical • H&L Charter – The Best Comes in Small Packages • Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment III q Vol. XXXX, No. 11 October, 2017 • ABC & Van Hool Celebrate 30 Years • Taking a Venture in Norfolk •The Five “No’s” You Must Overcome to Sell Your Bus Business q Vol. XXXX, No. 12 November, 2017 • MCI Reliability Rally 2017 • BusCon 2017 in Indianapolis • Exit Planning Becoming More Complicated for Family-Owned Bus Businesses q Vol. XXXXI, No. 1 December, 2017 • Complete Coach Works and the Carson Heritage • The Busboys Vintage Bus Rally in Evansville, Indiana • Virginia’s Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum Ravaged by Fire • Re-Energizing the North American Diecast Model Bus Scene

q Vol. XXXXI, No. 2 January, 2018 • Prevost Again Moves Ahead in Support, Service and Parts • New 2018 J4500 Highlights Busy Season for MCI • Common Rail Technology and the GHG17 Volvo Engine q Vol. XXXXI, No. 3 February, 2018 • Walking the Irizar Assembly Line in Ormaiztegi • Busworld 2017 in Belgium q Vol. XXXXI, No. 4 March, 2018 • UMA Motorcoach Expo 2018i • Van Hool to Build Buses in Eastern Tennessee • The New MCI D45 CRT LE q Vol. XXXXI, No. 5 April, 2018 • Charging Ahead with Electric Buses • Holiday Tours Puts Customers First • How Chicago’s “Party Bus” Ordinance is Affecting Bus Tourism q Vol. XXXXI, No. 6 May, 2018 • The CHTC HT45 amd HT35 Coaches • The Pacific Bus Museum – From Hobby to Formal Museum • Twenty Tips on Hiring Bus Drivers • Van Hool Builds Bus Factoryin Morristown, Tennessee q Vol. XXXXI, No. 7 June, 2018 • MCI Academy Wins Fans Across Industry • Where are the Buses Built? #1 • The Campaign Bus for the President of the Philippines • The Penn Highway Transit Company q Vol. XXXXI, No. 8 July, 2018 • Farber Continues Custom Coach Traditions • Prevost’s New Flat Floor Slide-Outs • Liberty Coach Busch Bus q Vol. XXXXI, No. 9 August, 2018 • ZF Components for Electric Buses • Museum of Bus Transportation Spring Fling Open House Success • “Friends” of the NJ Heritage Center Takes Eight Vintage Coaches to the 2018 MOBT Spring Fling q Vol. XXXXI, No. 10 September, 2018 • Van Hool’s CX35 – Small in Size, Big in Quality • Diecast Model Buses Impress in a Big Way • Master’s Transportation – Where to go to increase your fleet quickly or temporarily q Vol. XXXXI, No. 11 October, 2018 • ZF Technology Day in Friedrichshafen • MCI’s 2018 Reliability Rally • How Will Autonomous Cars Impact the Bus Industry? q Vol. XXXXI, No. 12 November, 2018 • Peter Pan Celebrates 85 Years on the Road • Clean Up Your Fleet with a Bitimec Wash-Bot q Vol. XXXXII, No. 1 December, 2018 • Prevost Unveils New Features and New Possibility on the Volvo 9700 at UMA Expo • MCI’s New J3500 – Small in Size, Big in Features • The e.GO Mover – Filling a Gap in Transportation with ZF Technology • Giving Buses a Second Life at Complete Coach Works q Vol. XXXXII, No. 2 January, 2019 • BusCon 2018 in Indianapolis • Panorama Tours Keeps Things in the Family • How Will Demand or Congestion Toll Pricing Impact Bus Operations? q Vol. XXXXII, No. 3 February, 2019 • Test Driving the New Electric MCI J4500e CHARGE • Stagecoach Group Sells Coach USA and Coach Canada • The Story of the Australian Scenicruiser q Vol. XXXXII, No. 4 March, 2019 • UMA 2019 Motorcoach Expo in Fort Lauderdale • Angel Tours Celebrates 20 Years • The Saga of #5496, a 1937 Yellow Coach Model 733 q Vol. XXXXII, No. 5 April, 2019 • Buses at the 2019 ABA Marketplace in Louisville • Are Pre-Owned Coach Sales Declining? • The Six Levels of Autonomous Vehicles q Vol. XXXXII, No. 6 May, 2019 • Temsa North America Inc. – Temsa’s Increased Support for the American Market • MCI Launches Motorcoach Technician Apprenticeship Program • 2019 Spring Fling Announced q Vol. XXXXII, No. 7 June, 2019 • Looking Beyond the Driver Shortage to Demography and the Global Economy • Are the Reasons for Coach Seat Belts Changing? • The Passengers Left Behind – Take the Accessible Information Test q Vol. XXXXII, No. 8 July, 2019 • Prevost Motorhome Expo • Featherlite Luxury Coaches • Emerald Luxury Coaches Unveils First H3-45 Conversions

• Ten Things to Consider When Choosing a Luxury RV q Vol. XXXXII, No. 9 August, 2019 • NFI Group Acquires Alexander Dennis • Getting the Glow – Take a look inside the “New Look” of Liberty • Book Review – Chicago Motor Coach q Vol. XXXXII, No. 10 September, 2019 • The 2019 Spring Fling in Hershey • Congestion Pricing May Affect Bus Operators • In the Beginning – The Bus Industry Prior to Regulation in 1935 q Vol. XXXXII, No. 11 October, 2019 • Proterra Launches Proterra Powered™ Vehicle Electrification Solutions for Commercial Fleets • Bendix Tech Tips: Avoiding the “Gotchas” • The “Shorty” Flxibles of Pikes Peak q Vol. XXXXII, No. 12 November, 2019 • 30 Years of Foxy Travel & FTI Coach • Fleet Graphics is an Art at ABC Companies • MCI debuts 2020 model line-up with a SNEAK PREVIEW of the battery-electric D45 CRTe LE CHARGE at Bay Area Reliability Symposium on October 1 q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 1 December, 2019 • Temsa’s Redesigned TS 30 • BusCon 2019 in Indianapolis • Hammond Transportation q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 2 January, 2020 • Anchor Transportation – 30 Years and Counting in a Growing Nashville • David Thomas Tours and Their Short Temsa Coaches • Museum of Bus Transportation to Merge with Antique Automobile Club of America Museum q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 3 February, 2020 • Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part I • Heroes’ Honeymoon • Philadelphia to New York Every Half Hour q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 4 March, 2020 • Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part II • The Changing Bus Industry q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 5 April, 2020 • ABA Marketplace 2020 in Omaha • Procedure and Liability After a Collision with an Automated Vehicle • Impaired Drivers q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 6 May, 2020 • Bringing Back the Bus Industry • Bus Industry Suggestions from Shriver Insurance • What Can Bus Companies Do To Reduce Insurance Costs During COVID-19? • UMA Motorcoach Expo 2020 in Nashville • Bus Preservation After the Merger q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 7 June, 2020 • Grants, Loans and Programs to Help Transportation Companies Survive COVID-19 Business Disruption • Time to Think Tours • Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 8 July, 2020 • What the IATR and Transportation Regulators are Doing to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic • A Tribute to Kirwan Elmers and Custom Coach Corporation • RiverLandings Motorcoach Resort, Where True Luxury Reaches New Heights q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 9 August, 2020 • The Evolving MCI Product Line • The Impact of COVID-19 on the Transportation Ecosystem • Marijuana and Drivers q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 10 September, 2020 • New Coach Review • Seven Simple Steps to Show Your Customers You Are Open for Business • Can Bus Operators Change to Survive? q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 11 October, 2020 • Getting People Back on the Buses • 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Web Site During COVID-19 • Didn’t See That Coming • The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 12 November, 2020 • How Temsa Developed Their Programmable Electric Bus • Can Bus Companies Get to and Survive in the “New Normal?” • Talk’s Cheap – Let’s Play q Vol. XXXXIV, No. 1 December, 2020 • Keolis Moves People • Are Mergers the Answer? • A Lesson from the Sea – Time to Choose a Strategy • Now is Not the Time to Skip on Bus Maintenance • The Small Business Reorganization Act – A New Option in Bankruptcy

Classified 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 1940s White Model 788 or 798 wanted. 12 cylinder engine mounted under ﬂoor midship. Would like a complete original bus, but like to hear about parts buses. Contact Howard Lane, Hardwick MA 01037 at (413) 477-8790 or I howard.lane@comcast.net. 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. 2 – COACHES FOR SALE We provide top-quality new and used buses for sale, as well as a customer service experience that is second to none. View at nwbus.com. Contact Northwest Bus Sales Inc., 33207 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way WA 98003. Phone (541) 531-3934. q Please mention National Bus Trader when answering advertisers

44 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

2 – COACHES FOR SALE Shuttle, limo, ADA configurations. New and pre-owned. Buy or lease. Financing available. Contact CoachWest Luxury & Professional Motorcars Inc at (310) 609-2900 I in CA. 1999 MCI 102D3 49-pass. In service, NYDOT inspected. Asking $12,000 (neg); 2001 Prevost XLII 55-pass. In service, NYDOT inspected. Asking $25,000 (neg). Contact David Kucera in NY at (914) 967-5959 I or email at dkucera@countycoach.com. 4 – SCHOOL BUSES FOR SALE Full maintenance facility, service contracts. NYS DOT service facility. Body work, painting, structure repair and welding, frame repair or replacement. A/C repairs, installation & retroﬁt. MCC (Carrier) A/C parts warehouse. Contact Nesco Bus & Truck Sales at (631) 242-3200 in NY . q 6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE 1993 Prevost XL Liberty conversion. Non-slides. 168,000 miles. All amenities. 20,000 miles on tires. Recent house batteries. New chassie batteries and auxillary compressor. $79,000. Located near central Massachusetts. Phone I (802) 698-7074 (in Vermont). Motor home bus rebuilt 6V-92 and 730 auto. No electrolysis. No oil leaks. Large Kubota generator. New tires. Professional conversion. Electronic switch from shore to generator. Phone (952) 657-2140 in MN. I 1956 Flxible coach – old conversion. Phone (802) 9482886 in VT for details. I

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 ’67 Flxible. Converted, 6V-92, 10-spd./OD, diesel generator. Recent $10,000 rebuilt – rebushed. Don’t see well; can’t drive and enjoy. Best offer over $17,500. Needs TLC. Phone Chet at (269) 445-0641 in MI. I 10 – PARTS AND EQUIPMENT Detroit Diesel engines, parts. New and used. S53, S71, S60, S92. Also will rebuild or repair your engine. Leid Diesel Service, 2952 W Carson City Rd., Sheridan MI 48884. q Phone (616) 754-5871. 6V-92T Detroit Diesel engine. Fresh overhaul. In storage. Spent $4,700. Make offer. Phone (815) 262-0587 I in IL. 14 – NOTICES Visit our 40+ vintage bus collection most Saturday mornings at Lakewood NJ Bus Terminal. Join: Friends NJ Transport Heritage Center ($30 annually). See/learn: I www.friendsnjthc.org. 15 – MISCELLANEOUS For those who like podcast shows, I have one called “Busaholic Bus Nut” found on Anchor, Spotify, Google/Apple podcast and other podcast stations. If you can help with topics, contact Philip J. Hamel at (413) 786-3062 or (413) 218-5479 (cell). Next Deadlines – Nov. 15 for January issue Dec. 15 for February issue

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Classified 1000 George Bush Drive West 979.691.4000 16 - MEMORABILIA & COLLECTIBLES Wanting to purchase Robert’s Miniature Buses at a reasonable price to add to my collection. Greyhound, Trailways and other companies – ACF, GM, Yellow, Aerocoach, White. Contact Walter Earl at (717) 928-4992 in PA. I

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Advertiser’s Index American Bus Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Angel Trax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 APTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ARBOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bitimec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Chicago Southland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Coral Castle Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dixie Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dupree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 FMCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 George Bush Library & Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Greater Clinton Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Irizar USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marathon Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Midwest Bus Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Motor Coach Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 NYC & Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Rockhill Trolley Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Temsa Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Vicinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Vulcan Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 White Pines Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 ZF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 46 • National Bus Trader / November, 2021

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Down The Road

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. January 8-11, 2022. American Bus Association Marketplace. Baltimore, Maryland. February 23-27, 2022. UMA Motorcoach Expo 2022. Grapevine, Texas. For more information view motorcoachexpo.com.

March 21-22, 2022. Pennsylvania Bus Association Marketplace. Liberty Arena, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. For more information view pabus.org.

March 23-26, 2022. FMCA's 104th International Convention and RV Expo. Pima County Fairground, Tucson AZ 85747.

March 15-18, 2023. FMCA's 107th International Convention and RV Expo. Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Perry, Georgia.

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