BUSRide January 2017

JANUARY | 2017

BUSRIDE.COM $5.00

O F F I C I A L

BUSRide Field Test:

Best Trails & Travel means

“first class” p 14

Financial management The future of CNG

p17

p19

Alternative drives rule IAA p 22

inside

European leading technology Proven reliability

www.irizar.com

Irizar, among the leading coach and bus manufacturers in the world ----------------------------------------------------------------------INA Bus Sales 5410 Cameron Street, Suite 101 Las Vegas, Nevada 89118 office 702.431.0707 www.inabussales.com

For more than 60 years

Service Insurance Agency has been committed to the transportation industry, providing insurance and other related services. We provide, Automobile Liability, Physical Damage, General Liability and much more, for the small fleet to the largest of fleets.

We have teamed up with “Our Safety Department” so that we could now offer to our valued customers, complete DOT Safety and Compliance Services, such as; - Driver Qualification Files - Drug and Alcohol - Equipment Maintenance Files - Log Auditing

- CSA Review - Training - Factoring - Electronic Log Devices

Tim O’Bryan President

So if you are an Owner/Operator or a large fleet of Motor Coaches or Semi-Tractors give us a call and to see what we can do for you.

Call us at (800) 444-0205 or email us at Safety@Serviceins.com

JANUARY 2017 CONTENTS

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COVER STORY Official BUSRide Field Test: Best Trails & Travel means “first class”

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With a fleet of luxurious Prevost motorcoaches, this Brooklyn-based operation caters to topflight travel

By Richard Tackett

DEPARTMENTS 7 UPDATE 25 DELIVERIES

COLUMNS 6

DAVID HUBBARD

17 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

By Amanda Lundmark

19 FOCUS ON: CNG

By George Kalet 21 INSURANCE BASICS

By Tim O’Bryan 22 THE INTERNATIONAL REPORT

By Doug Jack

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busride.com

Custom-tailored luxury, engineered in Germany.

Setra – a Daimler brand

The Setra TopClass.

Comfort, powered by Mercedes-Benz.

Where luxury meets German engineering: Setra motorcoaches embody travel at its most exclusive. Advanced amenities, comfort and design come together in exceptional vehicles that never fail to deliver memorable travel experiences.

The best example: the Setra TopClass, which has been setting the benchmark worldwide for decades. To find out more, visit www.setra-coaches.com

Motor Coach Industries · 200 East Oakton Street · Des Plaines, IL 60018 Phone 866.624.2622 · www.setra-coaches.com Distributor of EvoBus GmbH for Setra buses and Setra parts in the United States and Canada.

DAVID HUBBARD

Vic Parra says it’s been about relationships

busride.com VOL. 53 • NO. 1 Richard Tackett

Hearing of Vic Parra’s plan to retire in March, following what will be his final United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach EXPO as president and chief executive officer of UMA, I thought a call for a few thoughts on his 19-year tenure would be in order.

What is your takeaway after nearly 20 years at the helm of UMA? My time spent with this association and its truly unique membership has without question been the best experience of my life— professionally and personally. I came to this position from my career with assorted technology industries, and immediately found the world of coach operators much more basic than that which I had known. My former business relationships were good, but nowhere near as personal. Not only did the UMA members invite me into their businesses, they invited me into their lives, and that alone has made this a fantastic ride.

What will you remember as crowning achievements?

Just make sure you use the word “we.” I have been very privileged to always work with a very supportive board Victor S. Parra of directors and an outstanding staff; a terrific group of President and Chief individuals. There’s so much to look back on. Together, Executive Officer we have worked very hard to get UMA Motorcoach United Motorcoach Association EXPO turned around to create an impacting educational experience, as well as an exciting and dynamic experience on the exhibit floor that industry members have come to expect. We have worked very hard in our advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Every major project we have undertaken, as with the launch of the Motorcoach Academy, is the stuff of our mission statement: to do all we can to help every operator become successful and give our members the competitive edge.

What would you wish for your successor? Can you offer a key advice for the next person taking the reins?

It will be much like when I came onboard. I immediately met with my chairman, Calvin Cooper of American Coach Lines, who took me around and introduced me to other coach operators, so I could gain a sense of how this business works. Calvin was the first to talk to me about relationships; building them one at a time, and to recognize and appreciate every operator’s uniqueness.

David Hubbard Associate Publisher BUSRide Magazine

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BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

Editor in Chief rtackett@busride.com David Hubbard

Associate Publisher dhubbard@busride.com Steve Gamble

Art Director sgamble@busride.com Judi Victor

CEO & Publisher Director of Sales jvfly@busride.com Mitch Larson

Business Manager mlarson@busride.com Blair McCarty

Sr. Sales and Marketing Coordinator bmccarty@busride.com Joyce Guzowski Assistant Editor jguzowski@busride.com Kimberly Giles Sales Associate kgiles@busride.com

BUS industry SAFETY council

A publication of:

BUSRide Magazine 4742 North 24th Street, STE 340 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 Phone: (602) 265-7600 Fax: (602) 277-7588 www.busride.com BUSRide™ Magazine is published eight times annually by Power Trade Media, a division of The Producers, Inc., 4742 N. 24th Street, Ste. 340, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Subscription rates for nonqualified subscribers, single issue prices and pricing for reprints of 100 or more are available from: info@busride.com. All articles in BUSRide™ Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2016 by Power Trade Media. No advertisement, sponsorship or description or reference to a product or service will be deemed an endorsement by Power Trade Media, and no warranty is made or implied. Information is obtained from sources the editors believe reliable, accurate and timely, but is not guaranteed, and Power Trade Media is not responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in BUSRide™ Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsors or advertisers. Content addressing legal, tax and other technical issues is not intended as professional advice and cannot be relied on as such; readers should consult with their own professional advisors.

busride.com

UPDATE

UMA prepares for EXPO in February Each year nearly 2,000 industry professionals and vendors gather at United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach EXPO for all-inclusive access to top-of-mind topics in education sessions, the latest products and services, and valuable networking with industry peers and colleagues that only this event can provide. This year will have a sold-out exhibit hall, with over 200 exhibiting companies that include bus and motorcoach manufacturers, engines, seating, tires, computer systems, insurance, financing companies and so much more.

With something for everyone, the 2017 UMA Motorcoach EXPO is an annual can’t miss event.

EXPO is always a rewarding business experience, but it is also a fun and entertaining time. Held in the great city of St. Louis, Missouri, EXPO 2017 will include sight visits, networking receptions and parties, a golf tournament, auctions, competitions, an Ice breaker at the City Museum and a Sneak Preview After Party at the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

UMA President and CEO Vic Parra to retire in 2017 UMA (United Motorcoach Association) Chairman Dale Krapf announced the retirement of long time Association President and CEO Vic Parra effective March 31, 2017.

Parra was originally appointed UMA president and CEO in 1998.

He was the second person to hold this job since the inception of UMA. He held this post for 18 years. During his tenure, Parra helped grow and stabilize membership through creation of Bus & Motorcoach News, development of BusRates.com and the Bus and Motorcoach Academy. Further, Parra lead the change of the UMA governance structure resulting in an elected geographically diverse board of directors and the addition of Canadian and supplier participation.

Finally, he expanded the association’s recognition internationally through his participation with travel and World Travel Market.

During the next few months, the association’s executive committee and the UMA Board will be working on a transition program preparing for the appointment of the next president/CEO. While working diligently to maintain the organization’s focus and moving forward during this time, UMA will use the assistance of a search firm for the position.

UMA is a thriving association of motorcoach owners and industry suppliers having the basic purpose of protecting the interests and welfare of privately-owned common carriers of passengers by motorcoach. Promoting and providing a safe, quality and customer focused transportation choice to its customers and the public continues to be the focus and goal of the Association. Through various educational opportunities, legislative actions and member engagement and cooperation, UMA works daily with its members to insure safe transportation to the riding public. The Association enjoys the support of over 1,000 members located throughout North America. In addition, membership also includes representatives from the UK, France and Belgium.

As Parra prepares for retirement, the association will celebrate his tenure during the 2017 UMA Motorcoach EXPO scheduled to be held in St. Louis, MO, February 26 – March 2, 2017. During this meeting, the UMA Board encourages its members, associates and friends to gather with them to thank Parra for his leadership and continuing friendship. UMA Motorcoach EXPO annually attracts

nearly 2,000 industry professionals and vendors to its event.

Registration is open to attend by contacting the Association or going its website www.uma.org.

ABA’s Pantuso appointed to DOT’s National Advisory Committee on Travel & Tourism Infrastructure The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure to represent the motorcoach industry.

In December 2015, President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) which provides long-term surface transportation funding. One of the highlights of the FAST Act is the creation of the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to the role of intermodal transportation in facilitating mobility with respect to travel and tourism activities.

“I am honored to serve on the Advisory Committee to ensure that the motorcoach industry has a voice at the table in discussions that will affect our industry,” Pantuso said. “On behalf of the 3,200 motorcoach companies in the United States and 605 million passengers motorcoaches move each year, we want to guarantee the best infrastructure exists to support a strong travel and tourism industry.”

The role of the Advisory Committee is to develop measures for the condition, safety and performance of transportation related to travel and tourism; develop planning tools to assist federal, state and local officials in making transportation investment decision related to transportation projects that improve travel and tourism; and address other issues of transportation policy and programs impacting the movement of travelers for tourism and recreational purposes, including making legislative recommendations.

ABA also congratulates former ABA Chairman and current Transportation Commissioner for the State of Minnesota Charlie Zelle and ABA members: Gladys Gillis, CEO of Transportation Demand Management, Inc.; Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon; Brad Dean, president & CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Grimaldi, COO & General Counsel, NYC & Company; and Ann Taber Klenke, Tourism Director for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau for their appointments to the Advisory Committee.

New OSHA workplace health poster now available The Bus Industry Safety Council’s (BISC) Workplace Health & Environmental Safety Committee reminds bus operators of the Occupational Health & Safety Administration’s (OSHA) poster requirements. The poster informs workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. All covered employers are required to display the poster in their workplace. Employers do not need to replace previous versions of the poster. Employers must display the poster in a conspicuous place where workers can see it. The poster should be a minimum of 8.5 inches by 14 inches. Many states also have additional (and differing) poster requirements.

Use the BISC WHES poster list as a baseline and check with your state office. The latest version of the OSHA poster is available for download. busride.com | BUSRIDE

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UPDATE

ABA Marketplace 2017 rolls into Cleveland to rock January 14-17 Every January, the American Bus Association (ABA) welcomes the travel and tourism community to the ABA Annual Meeting and Marketplace, the first conference and industry expo of the year — a premier event for North American bus and coach operators, travel and tour professionals, and every destination imaginable.

Marketplace routinely attracts more than 3,500 tour operators, suppliers and exhibitors who come together to kick off a new year of business opportunity, with the focus on buyers and sellers making lucrative connections.

With more than 140,000 pre-scheduled appointments and 800 pre-qualified operators, ABA’s Annual Meeting and Marketplace claims to offer a year’s worth of sales meetings in only one week. Couple this these activities with a tightly packed schedule of industry-based educational seminars and ABA committee and council sessions, and stir in the slate of operators breakfasts, luncheons, and social events in the area, all with dazzling professional entertainment, and it is a week of “work” not to miss.

The 2017 ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace kicks off January 14 at, Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland with a welcome from Mayor Frank G. Jackson and performances from The Best of Broadway.

An out-of-this-world opening night experience, “Space Oddity: Science Rocks!” takes place at Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock 8

BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

& Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland and North Coast Harbor on the shores.

Guests will discover the past, present and future of space travel in the NASA Glenn Visitor Center galleries and hundreds of hands-on science exhibits. The party bus heads over to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to experience the music that changed the world. See how Rock connects us as you hear the VIP artifact presentation in the state-of-the-art Foster Theater or capture your rock & roll memories at the photo booth. There will be plenty of desserts and drinks to make you feel like a rock star.

“Light Up Cleveland” will be a culinary and entertainment journey at the FirstEnergy Powerhouse, the former power station for Cleveland’s railway and streetcar system, offering a view of the city’s illuminated skyline. Many of the area’s culinary specialties from the ethnic-influenced eats of Cleveland’s neighborhoods to specialties of the Lake Erie Shores are on the menu.

The entertainment spotlights the sounds of legendary Elvis Presley, as well as island escapism and more to be seen in the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s eight galleries and over 50 exhibits, as well as the lakes and rivers of Northeast Ohio through the port hole adventures of the Nautica Queen and fun-filled island destinations of the Lake Erie Shores and Islands — leaving bright memories of ABA Marketplace and a visit to Cleveland. busride.com

UPDATE

UITP Secretary General Alain Flausch speaks at COP22.

Public transportation more visible than ever at COP22 climate talks The COP22 climate talks in Marrakesh have focused on implementation and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) announced that public transportation is gaining increasing recognition as an indispensable tool to help countries’ increase their efforts to reduce emissions.

UITP was actively involved in the transportation action days, which showcased key initiatives that countries can implement to meet their climate objectives agreed upon at COP21 in Paris.

UITP’s message at the COP was simple: public transport is essential to reach the Paris Agreement’s goals and without a greater shift to sustainable mobility, reaching these goals will be increasingly unlikely. Public transport is increasingly gaining a reputation for implementation. UITP’s Declaration on Climate Leadership was recognized as one of 12 transport initiatives in the UN’s Global Climate Action Agenda, which will help provide inspiration for action countries to meet their carbon-cutting commitments. The Declaration includes over 350 pledges – 45 percent of which have already been implemented in 60 cities - from the public transport sector to increase carbon-cutting measures and encourage a shift from private cars to public transport. The Declaration was also recognized by the UNEP Climate Initiatives Platform as a success story.

The Declaration supports the sector objective to double the modal share of public transport globally by 2025. If this objective is achieved, per capita urban transport emissions would be reduced by 25 percent, a saving of half a billion tons of CO².

charges the bus during routine stops. In-route charging means less batteries, reduced vehicle weight, higher passenger capacity and extended vehicle range.

“In-route charging eliminates the range vs. capacity tradeoff that remains the primary challenge in electrified transportation,” said Michael Masquelier, chief executive officer of WAVE. “Combined with our unique wireless underground charging technology, we provide maximum efficiency without the eyesore and risks associated with above ground charging equipment. We are honored and excited to partner with Gillig, a 125-year-old company with a reputation for quality and customer service, to deliver a WAVE powered all-electric bus solution.”

WAVE’s WPT technology is the world’s most powerful and efficient single pad wireless charging system ever deployed by a U.S. company for mass transit. Recently celebrating its 4th year in operation, WAVE is currently taking orders on a 250kW wireless charger to add to its portfolio of product offerings, in addition to continued delivery of its flagship 50kW product.

Big Blue Bus receives nearly $900,000 for clean fuel engine improvements Big Blue Bus (BBB) has announced it will receive $870,000 from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee’s (MSRC) Near Zero Engine Incentive Program. The funds will be used to upgrade the agency’s compressed natural gas (CNG) engines, which will further reduce emissions and extend the lifespan of its vehicles.

Big Blue Bus will use the grant approved by the MSRC to partially fund the purchase of fifty-eight new Cummins-Westport 8.9L ISL G Near-Zero 0.02 NOx engines; the first mid-range engine in North America to receive emission certifications from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (ARB), that meet the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional Near Zero NOx Emissions standards. The new engines will be installed over a period of three to four years, at a rate of 12 to 18 buses per year.

In June 2015, Big Blue Bus was awarded $5.9 million from the Federal Transit Administration, to purchase nine new CNG buses.

The recent procurement of both CNG buses and engines will help the agency reduce its current nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by over 90% in 2018.

“The funding provided by the FTA will strengthen BBB’s vigorous pursuit of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, in virtually every facet of our operations,” said Ed King, director of transit services for Big Blue Bus. “It will also enable us to make longterm investments in new technologies that ensure the efficiency of service to our customers and the future scalability of the agency.”

Pennsylvania woman pleads guilty to WAVE and BART representatives hold a ceremony for the new wireless fraudulently operating commercial charging technology. bus companies WAVE announces wireless charging at tour On November 1, 2016, Shiao Wen Hsieh pleaded guilty Walnut Creek BART station to conspiracy charges in U.S. District Court, Harrisburg, Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification (WAVE) announces its state-of-the-art Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology is now providing in-route charging for electric-powered buses at the Bay Area’s Walnut Creek BART station, along with Gillig, a new OEM partner, and Contra Costa County Transit Agency. The WAVE system uses a charging pad that lies flush with the pavement, is sturdy enough to be run over all day without damage, and wirelessly

Pennsylvania. Hsieh admitted that she made materially false statements on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-regulated commercial carrier forms. Previously, in March 2016, a grand jury had charged 14 individuals with multiState conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud for their role in fraudulently operating commercial tour bus companies. The indictment contained a forfeiture count to secure assets totaling $7,731,019 in the event of a conviction. busride.com | BUSRIDE

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The indictment alleged that the defendants formed, controlled, managed, and operated numerous suspect bus companies— including All-State Travel Bus, Asia Tours, Apex Bus, New Egg Bus, and Universe Bus—and routinely falsified FMCSA Motor Carrier Identification Reports (MCS-150) and applications for FMCSA operating authority (OP-1P). These activities both concealed who operated the companies and that they operated unsafe buses.

Hsieh admitted that she and others incorporated their companies in Pennsylvania and falsely represented that they were headquartered, maintained, and garaged there as well. In fact, the companies operated out of New York City. The indictment also alleged that the false documents enabled the defendants to obtain operating authority, along with licenses, stickers, and other authority, indicating that the buses met federal and state safety standards. In addition, incorporating in Pennsylvania but operating out of New York reduced their insurance costs.

The new facility is located at 1480 Rollins Road in Burlingame, CA.

CH Bus Sales and TEMSA open new full-service location in Burlingame, CA CH Bus Sales, LLC announced the opening of a new motorcoach maintenance and repair facility in Burlingame, CA. The facility is located at 1480 Rollins Road in Burlingame, CA. This is located just off Highway 101 near San Francisco’s SFO airport, which offers a very convenient location for customers. This new facility will offer a fully stocked retail parts center and will be staffed with expertise to support all makes and models of motorcoaches.

“We are proud to be expanding into our third maintenance and service facility during our fifth year as TEMSA’s exclusive distributor,” said Duane Geiger, executive vice president of sales & service at CH Bus Sales. “This full-service facility will offer technical support for our highly successful TEMSA motorcoaches operating in Northern, CA. CH Bus understands that superb after-sales support is key for success in this industry and we look forward to offering our current customers and our newest customers – the all-around support they expect.”

CH Bus Sales, LLC is the exclusive distributor of TEMSA motorcoaches in the United States. CH Bus Sales is a privatelyowned corporation with an industry experienced ownership and management team.

Trailways Transportation System announces new chairman

Jonothan Berzas

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Trailways Transportation System, Inc. (Trailways®), announced at its Board of Directors meeting in Ft. Worth, TX, that Jonathan T. Berzas, president and chief executive officer of Fullington Trailways in Clearfield, PA, has been elected as its next chairman, effective January 1, 2017.

BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

Berzas, who was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012, will succeed Ron R. Moore, president of Burlington Trailways in West Burlington, IA, who has served as Trailways’ chairman since 2014, as well as during previous terms.

“This is the perfect time for Jonathan, also a member of the Executive Committee, to become Trailways’ next chairman,” Moore said. “We’ve selected a very strong as well as visionary leader at a time when Trailways is in a very strong position.

However, we are nearing a pivotal time in our organization’s 80year history. It’s a time when we will be exploring and embracing exciting changes to secure continued growth and financial success for the brand and all those affiliated with our organization.”

New additions to Maryland’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Baltimorebased Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) welcomed new members to its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is instrumental in representing public perception. The additional members will provide guidance to help improve the MTA’s dayto-day operations, while enhancing dialogue between the MTA and the CAC. “The new CAC members have a diverse understanding of public transit and will help the MTA continue to improve the service it provides,” said MTA Administration and CEO Paul Comfort.

New members include: Liam F. Davis, a community liaison in Baltimore City Council President Jack Young’s office; Osh Oshitoye, a statistics researcher for the Department of Education in Health Data; John Mack, an expert in the field of transportation engineering with over 10 years’ experience; Nancy Huggins, transportation, grants and member services professional for the BWI Business Partnership; and Ron Skotz, who has served in various senior management positions with the Central Maryland Regional Transit Corporation and the Corridor Transportation Corporation and Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM).

The new members join eight current members in reviewing and providing input on MTA’s long-range service plans, and commenting on more routine route and service adjustments from a customer perspective.

San Joaquin Valley District earns CARB funding The California Air Resources Board (CARB) awarded funding to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), Fresno, CA, to deploy 15 Proterra Catalyst ® buses, 11 Proterra depot-chargers, and four Proterra fast-chargers. The buses and chargers will aid an initiative to improve local air quality and public health in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Proterra will deploy the buses and charging stations throughout the Valley, including the City of Visalia Transit Division, Fresno County Rural Transit Agency, California State University Fresno, San Joaquin Regional Transit District and City of Modesto Transit Services.

The buses and charging infrastructure will be produced at Proterra’s newest facility in Southern California, which was partially funded by the California Energy Commission. The facility was built to meet the growing demand for zero-emission buses throughout the western United States. busride.com

UPDATE

converted from gasoline hybrid to all-electric battery-powered engines using CCW’s Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) technology. This contract comes on the heels of a project CCW completed in December 2015 for GTrans, in which one gasoline hybrid bus was converted to ZEPS technology. The current project was awarded to CCW after GTrans received a California Energy Commission grant to upgrade four more of its hybrid buses to electric.

GCTD’s new posters are available in English and Spanish.

Ventura transit provider partners with Homeland Security Gold Coast Transit District, the largest public transit provider of Ventura County, CA, announced their partnership with the public awareness campaign of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “If You See Something, Say Something™.”

Posters and signs from the campaign will now be visible on buses, transit centers and public spaces in the Gold Coast Transit District service area which includes the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura and unincorporated areas of Ventura County between the cities.

The posters advise citizens in the GCTD’s service area to contact the Department of Homeland Security at 888-705JRIC (5742) or call 9-1-1 if they see any suspicious activity in or around buses or bus stops. Originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the campaign is now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign. It seeks to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.

Complete Coach Works plans project with Gtrans Complete Coach Works (CCW), Riverside, CA, announced it is starting another project with Gardena Municipal Bus Lines (GTrans). The project consists of the electrification of four buses of GTrans’ fleet. The buses will be rehabilitated and

METRO launches Proterra bus demonstration The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) Houston, TX, deployed a 40-foot Proterra Catalyst ® FC for 90 days starting on December 4, to demonstrate zero-emission, battery-electric transit technology, and the benefits of bringing it to the region’s communities. To launch this new deployment, Proterra and METRO debuted the new bus at METRO’s Downtown Transit Center on November 29. Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra, said that they are pleased to work with Houston and look forward to continuing helping Texas communities transition to a sustainable transportation future.

Cincinatti Metro rolls out new buses Cincinnati Metro riders will notice major upgrades on several express routes with the addition of 22 new commuter-style buses that went into service on Monday, Dec. 5. The new buses will serve the following long-distance express routes: 42X West Chester, 52X Harrison, 71X Kings Island, and 82X Eastgate. busride.com | BUSRIDE

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The new amenities include high-back reclining seats, charging ports and outlets for laptops and phones and more expansive windows. Each bus costs $475,128 and were purchased with both federal and local funds. The 22 new buses will replace existing buses in Metro’s fleet that are past their 12 year and 500,000 miles of service minimum life expectancy. In the future, Metro plans to add small vehicles on routes that don’t require a full-size bus.

The Bus Center names Karla Lynch as new transit sales coordinator The Bus Center Family of Companies (Transportation South, Inc., Mid-South Bus Center, and The Bus Center – Atlanta) announced Karla Lynch as its new transit sales coordinator. She will be responsible for supporting Karla Lynch the sales team with transit and national account contracts and will be a direct contact with transit accounts across the southeast.

Lynch will be based out of Atlanta, GA, but will also work with all three of The Bus Center Family’s locations in the greater Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville areas.

Luxury Coach adds two Prevost H3-45s Luxury Coach, Concord, ON, Canada added two pre-owned 2009 Prevost H3-45 coaches to its fleet. This brings the company’s total number of Prevost coaches to 12. Founded in 1998, Luxury Coach bought its first pre-owned Prevost coach in 2002 after Lauriola and his partners stumbled across one at an auction. This purchase marked the company’s transition from a car-only fleet servicing mostly airport commuters and the wedding industry to a full-service transportation solutions provider. Today, while it still offers sedan limousine service, vans and mini buses, Luxury Coach is primarily known for moving large groups of people effectively and efficiently during large trade shows and corporate events.

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Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that supports young people in need of immediate health and safety resources.

Valley Metro designates 900 buses as Safe Places Valley Metro, Phoenix, AZ, has expanded Safe Place from light rail stations to include all 900 buses that serve 100 routes across 512 square miles. Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that supports young people in need of immediate health and safety resources in more than 1,500 communities across the country. It is managed locally by Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development. Paula Adkins, the interim CEO of Tumbleweed, says that the expansion of Safe Place to local buses will drastically increase its presence in Maricopa County, reaching more youth. Decals with the Safe Place yellow and black logo are visible on each bus. In addition to Valley Metro buses and light rail stations, Safe Place locations include QuikTrip convenience stores, libraries and fire departments.

Valley Metro’s partnership with Tumbleweed began in 2013 and has continued to grow with the opening of two light rail extensions and the expansion of bus service within Phoenix.

Arrow Stage Lines announces new marketing and innovation team alignment

Arrow Stage Lines, positioned as one of the industry leaders in the charter bus industry, focused even more resources toward marketing endeavors starting in 2014. The charter bus provider always had a strong marketing presence, but elected to launch a new department dedicated to marketing, innovation and thought-leading developments.

“Having a strong marketing department is crucial in today’s business world,” said Arrow Stage Lines COO Luke Busskohl.

“We strive to be a leader in every aspect of our business, and marketing, innovation, and creativity are all crucial to our success going forward.”

The company’s focus on creativity and marketing has been recognized across the industry. Arrow Stage Lines was awarded Metro Magazines’ 2016 Innovative Operator of the Year Award, and more recently, was awarded Metro Magazines’ Innovative Solutions Award. Each one of these accolades was a results of a number of new initiatives put in place by the company. busride.com

UPDATE

Discovery Coach adds two TEMSA TS 45 Coaches Discovery Coach, Sheboygan, WI, acquired two 2016 TEMSA TS 45 motorcoaches, equipped with 110V plugs, USB ports, Alcoa Dura-Bright Ž wheels, cup holders, enclosed parcel racks, REI audio/video, side and driver shades, and upright Ramco chrome mirrors. Discovery Coach first joined the TEMSA family when they purchased 2 TS 35 mid-size coaches – which they converted to 30 passenger seating with custom serving galleys.

Dennis Prigge, president of Discovery Coach, reports that drivers preferred the TS 45 after several different vehicle test drives. The TEMSA TS 45 is constructed from stainless steel and is equipped with the Cummins ISX engine and Allison B500 transmission. Safety features include an engine fire suppression system, lane departure warning system, tire pressure monitoring system, and laminated and tempered windows.

HUNDREDS OF FLEETS NOW PURCHASING TIRES FROM MOTORCOACH TIRE SALES We have been very pleased with the service Bill and his team provide at Motorcoach Tire Sales. With multiple locations, having consistent pricing and scheduled delivery times helps us keep a handle on an important line item. The tires are performing well and the service is top notch.

IMG Partner of the Year!

AFFINITY PARTNER

Jeff Greteman, President Windstar Lines, Carroll, IA For more information contact: www.motorcoachtiresales.com or call: 678-463-4110 829078_Motorcoach.indd 1

busride.com | 9/9/16 BUSRIDE 12:54 PM

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O F F I C I A L

BUSRide Field Test:

Best Trails & Travel means

“FIRST CLASS”

With a fleet of luxurious Prevost motorcoaches, this Brooklyn-based operator caters to top-level travelers

A

fter running shuttles and mini-buses for five years since his company’s creation, Aly Goldenberg, vice president of Best Trails & Travel, Brooklyn, NY, saw market demand in 2000 shifting toward charter business.

Rather than a simple business expansion, Goldenberg saw this as an opportunity to distinguish Best Trails & Travel from its competitors in the charter market and cater to highend customers.

“We were looking for the customers that wanted a superb service, that wanted the best drivers, vehicle quality and overall experience,” Goldenberg says. “We wanted to build a brand that focused on servicing the most select, distinguished customers who were looking for first-class travel.”

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BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

Enter Prevost When selecting the coach that would lead Best Trails toward that higher-end customer, Goldenberg looked at what other esteemed operations were running. The fleet make up of Trailways of New York, a long-time operator Goldenberg considers excellent, led him to select the H-Series™, Prevost’s top-of-the-line pedigree, to outfit the Best Trails & Travel fleet. .

“At the time, our research pointed toward Prevost representing the most ‘first class’ option, providing the best in style and overall ride experience,” Goldenberg says.

From there, Best Trails & Travel approached Prevost and began negotiations to purchase its first Prevost coach, a used H3-45®.

Goldenberg purchased another used coach immediately after, citing a positive sales experience and excellent customer feedback. Expansion of the charter business came soon after, and with it more purchase orders for brand-new motorcoaches.

“Prevost understood and appreciated the kind of brand we were building and felt our brand was what they design their coaches for,” Goldenberg says. “They also try to target the most distinguished customers out there.”

Prevost H3-45 coaches make up most of the Best Trails & Travel fleet today; which numbers 22. busride.com

“We are very proud to have partnered with Best Trails & Travel for almost two decades,” says Prevost VP of Sales Jack Forbes. “You never see a Best Trails coach going down the road that isn’t sparkling; their equipment is meticulously maintained. The image and level of service they offer are in perfect alignment with the Prevost brand, and we are honored to have them as part of the Prevost family.”

Under the hood A clean and efficient Volvo D13 engine powers the H3-45, which sports many features that make it unique from other high-end motorcoaches. One is Prevost PRIME® — power recovery by intelligent management of energy. Prevost PRIME reduces fuel consumption by using the engine downtime in braking, deceleration and other negative torque situations to charge the batteries and compress air. A Prevost coach equipped with PRIME can obtain maximum fuel economy driving over hills and flat portions that allow the batteries to charge only when the vehicle is in free wheel.

The batteries charge with free energy without consuming fuel during the charging process.

The coach’s independent suspension features stabilizer bars on the front and drive-axles, which compliments ZF Servocom® power steering to provide directional stability and incredibly responsive handling.

Prevost AWARE® — adaptive cruise braking by Bendix® for the coach market — maintains safe following distance behind other vehicles when cruise control is activated. The coach achieves better fuel economy because it allows drivers to stay in cruise control for longer periods. An audible alert tells drivers when they are too close to another vehicle. Using a small radar sensor mounted on the front of the coach, the system sends out a radar signal up to 500 feet in front of the vehicle, tracking up to 32 objects in its range.

For drivers, Prevost places frequently-used controls, like cruise control, shifting, engine braking, horn actuation and electric sun visor adjustment on the steering wheel for easier driver access.

Best Trails and Travel’s 56-passenger coaches also feature Prevost’s patented tire pressure monitoring system, which is active within one minute of a coach’s ignition. Its state-of-the-art dashboard provides the driver with real-time pressure readings, as well as information about inner drive tire failures. The system aids the coach’s excellent fuel economy by allowing Best Trails to maintain optimal tire pressure.

Safety is top of mind Prevost’s unique Electronic Stability Program (ESP™) provides improved stability and allows drivers to react quickly to inclement weather or adverse road conditions by monitoring wheel speed, lateral acceleration, yaw and steering angle. It compares the actual vehicle’s movement to performance models, allowing drivers to minimize loss of control.

With standard three-point seatbelts further ensuring the safest possible experience for Best Trails customers, the coach’s fire detection and suppression system utilized a linear thermal detector as well as optical infrared to protect the engine compartment and auxiliary heater. Audible and visual warnings alert the driver to any emergencies.

Praising the H-Series Goldenberg says, since his operation purchased its first two used coaches from Prevost, rider feedback has been universally positive.

“All of our riders really believe that the H-Series coaches give the best overall ride compared to any other coach they’re familiar with,” he says. “From the design of the bus, to the layout of the overhead compartments, the seating layout, the driver cabin – we hear nothing but praise for the overall design of our Prevost coaches.”

Praise from Best Trails drivers has been similarly effusive. busride.com | BUSRIDE

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date, Prevost is always helping us out to make sure that everything is working properly. They’re always backing us up and very attentive to our needs.”

That high-quality service came in handy when some trouble arose with newly-installed Bitzer compressors.

“The harness was not compatible with the new compressor and it had all kinds of electrical issues,” Goldenberg says. “Prevost worked nonstop to fix the problem. It took some time but their attentiveness was second to none, and they resolved it. They’re always willing to do whatever they can to help us.”

“Our drivers think the vehicle handles exceptionally,” Goldenberg says. “It turns excellently, and its stability on the road is phenomenal.

Again, I hear only positive things regarding the overall riding ability of these coaches.”

Full-service support Prevost Action Service System™ (PASS™) is the manufacturer’s 24/7 call center assistance line, and the company has more than 175 Prevost Parts & Service™ centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, a large team of mobile service trucks are available at certain events. The company also offers 24/7 emergency parts ordering and shipping and 24/7 online parts ordering with a special discount. Best Trails & Travel most frequently relies on Prevost’s service center in South Plainfield, NJ, for major maintenance that it can’t undertake at its own facilities.

Goldenberg says that Prevost’s backend support has been extraordinary since the beginning of their relationship.

“They’re always very responsive to our needs,” he says. “No matter if it’s been a design change, or making sure our older coaches are up to 16

BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

“First class” is best for business The Prevost-aided expansion and upgrade to top-tier travel allowed for a major uptick in business in 2011, when Best Trails & Travel began servicing the professional sports market with customers like the Brooklyn Nets and their home arena, the Barclays Center. Best Trails also services Madison Square Garden and recently inked deals with some of the city’s other sports franchises.

This growth in business can be attributed to Best Trails & Travel’s dedication to the first-class experience, which is even more important to professional athletes than the average charter tour. The company even modified a few coaches to accommodate 50 passengers, so as to give NBA players necessary extra legroom.

More than anything, Goldenberg says the mutually beneficial relationship can be attributed to a singular vision between Prevost and Best Trails & Travel.

“Prevost represents the highest level of service, which is reflected in the way we run our business,” he says. “We’re targeting the highest level of service, and Prevost’s vision works hand-in-hand with ours.” busride.com

Financial Management

Getting your house in order for financing

By Amanda Lundmark Customers frequently ask me about the information they need to provide in order to get approved for an equipment loan or lease. What does a bank really look for when reviewing a transaction?

For smaller transactions, many banks have a process where you can submit just an application if the requested amount falls under a certain threshold. No other documentation is needed. For example, 1st Source Bank’s application only maximum for buses is $350,000.

Assuming that a company has enough credit history, 1st Source Bank won’t need financials or other records until a company has financed $350,000 or more.

What about larger loan amounts? Here are six helpful items to provide the bank when applying for a larger transaction or line of credit. These tips will help you to get your company’s financial “house” in order and make your larger transactions with the bank smoother.

Assets would include your balances in checking or savings accounts, retirement account balances, and real estate. Liabilities would cover items such as credit card balances, loans and mortgages.

Some borrowers prefer to attach personal tax returns, plus bank or brokerage statements to further enhance the bank’s understanding of their financial situation.

1. Share the story of your business.

Banks wish to understand the history of your business to bring context to the loan request. This includes information such as: • Who founded the company and when it was formed?

• Who the current owners are, their percentage of ownership, and their years of industry experience?

• Names of the managing employees or key personnel and details about their background • Any other information about your business that you think is helpful

5. Operating details and statistics give insight.

A short summary of how your business operates can provide a bank more insight. Information regarding your major clients or contracts, how maintenance is handled, historic and projected fleet use, fleet depreciation assumptions and how fleet debt is amortized are good topics to share.

2. Quality corporate financial statements can make a difference.

Most banks require your last two to three years of financial statements (preferably audited) and your most recent interim statements, if available. Your financial statements should consist of a Balance Sheet and a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement. If you are a smaller company and financials are not available, then tax returns are usually acceptable.

The higher the quality of your financial statements, the easier it is for the credit underwriter to get a full picture on your company’s financial situation. Poorly puttogether financials will leave room for mistakes and can cause confusion. Vague financials can also add a lot of questions to the deal and prolong the decisionmaking process. Investing in quality accounting staff and systems not only help a business grow profitably, but can improve the likelihood of prompt credit approval.

3. Personal financial statements add value.

If you don’t already have a personal financial statement prepared, banks often provide a standardized form that makes the process of preparing a personal financial statement easy. Your assets and liabilities will be recorded on the form, along with other information.

4. A fleet listing helps organize your collateral.

Your fleet is the tool that allows your company to serve your clients and generate revenue. The fleet is also the primary collateral to the bank. Providing a complete and detailed fleet list, by unit, that shows brand, make, year, VIN, mileage, and amount owed to whom goes a long way toward speedy loan approval. Equity in your fleet can make a difference to some banks.

6. Open communication sets the stage for success.

Communicating your opportunities and challenges with the bank helps the loan process.

Understanding your desired timeline and constraints positions the bank to better meet your needs.

Amanda Lundmark serves as assistant vice president of the Bus Division of 1st Source Bank. For more information, visit www.1stsource.com/motorcoach and www.1stsource.com/shuttlebus or contact her at (815) 953-3623. For over 150 years, 1st Source Bank has been committed to the industries and communities that it serves.

Open communication sets the stage for success.

busride.com | BUSRIDE

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RLI’S CHARTER BUS INSURANCE HELPS KEEP YOU ON THE ROAD RLI Transportation offers comprehensive insurance solutions to protect charter bus operations from the unique business risks they face. Our experienced public auto team values building long-term relationships with our customers. When you partner with RLI, you can expect innovative solutions and outstanding service from a financially strong and stable carrier that understands your business. From our specialized insurance products to our focus on your success, we’re different.

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different works.

WHAT’S NEXT for CNG fueling systems?

BUSRide spoke with George Kalet, CNG applications and key account manager for Atlas Copco, Gas and Process Group, to discuss the future of compressed natural gas (CNG) systems for buses and coaches. In this informative Q&A, Kalet assesses the current state of CNG fueling systems, as well as the perceptions, prices, trends and politics surrounding the market. Furthermore, he previews the technological advances expected to benefit operators in the near future.

What is your assessment of the state of CNG fuel and propulsion currently?

The markets have been down a bit for obvious reasons, particularly because of the low petroleum prices. Now that the elections are over and the country begins to settle in, we’ll give the new president-elect some time to unveil his policies. I think ultimately this will be good for the natural gas businesses, though we are certainly facing some challenges with a Republican majority in both houses of government.

By the same token, CNG fuel is definitely good for the country in terms of the environment, energy security and jobs.

What advances and developments in CNG propulsion can operators in the bus and coach markets expect?

We have seen a lot of new development, especially with heavyduty buses and trucks, where the cost of the onboard fuel storage has gotten more competitive and the capacity of the fuel storage systems has increased dramatically. This alone helps move CNG-powered vehicles toward more transparency with the competing diesel powered vehicles.

Do you find it frustrating, given the benefits and the advantages of CNG, to run up against hurdles that seemingly have to do with perceptions, prices, market trends and politics?

It’s very frustrating. Especially at this time because, as an industry, we felt we had really turned a corner as oil prices stabilized; not necessarily at 5 dollars per gallon, but trending up, and the cost of natural gas was 40 to 50 percent less in many cases. It was great for getting operators to jump on board. Our industry as a whole felt like it was gaining some momentum and staying power, with economics working in our favor.

So the artificially low pricing for gasoline and diesel has presented a frustrating turn of events. I don’t think anyone every predicted or expected oil prices would be this low for this long.

What steps are you taking amidst the challenges to build your case for natural gas?

We are addressing them from the top down. We still face challenges with the infrastructure, which will drive a greater blanket adoption of natural gas vehicles. This will come from commercial vehicles and fleet customers. Private consumers will most likely be the last to jump on board.

Many transit and city utility fleets are moving toward CNG.

It’s a fact of economic life: the adoption of something as large-scale as this depends on high volume users to facilitate the development of infrastructure. I believe this is going to continue.

Over-the-road vehicles, both buses and trucks, are starting to see real infrastructure development. For example, San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit just placed an order with Volvo’s Nova Bus for 425 new CNG buses. Atlas Copco is providing the fuel station infrastructure at the manufacturing facility for fueling the new buses for the drive from upstate New York to Texas. In the past, they would tow any CNG to the client, due to the lack of enough fueling infrastructure to drive across country.

These trips from Plattsburgh to San Antonio will be a strong testimony for the cause of natural gas.

Can you speak a little further to public transit?

We see a lot of activity with municipalities for both transit and city utility fleets moving toward natural gas, simply because of the inherent environmental benefits. At this time, it’s probably close to being a cost “wash” in terms of any fuel savings, but two years ago it was just the opposite. It was a very short payback of less than three years. That’s a kind of benchmark for making those kinds of capital investment decisions. It is also very encouraging to see who have already made the commitment to natural gas continuing to expand their CNG fleets and installing new fuel station infrastructure to fuel those vehicles.

Is it safe to say, with the cost being a wash against fossil fuels this time, you’ll be able to turn the focus to the benefits of CNG? Absolutely. We definitely need to drive those points home a lot harder than if it were solely a financial no-brainer, which it has been in the past.

George Kalet serves as CNG applications and key account manager for Atlas Copco, Gas and Process Group. Visit www.atlascopco.us for more information.

busride.com | BUSRIDE

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INSURANCE BASICS

What makes motorcoach insurance unique?

BUSRide’s ongoing series of interviews with Tim O’Bryan, president of Service Insurance Agency, Richmond, VA, now turns to the intricacies of motorcoach operators’ insurance, what makes it unique from other transportation insurance plans, and how adept the industry is at navigating its various pitfalls.

and accessorized semi-rig starting around $150,000. Relatively speaking, the associated costs of physical damage are tremendous.

Dealing with equipment five to six times more expensive, coach operators have gravitated to higher deductibles simply to keep their costs down.

What is your take on efforts by DOT to increase the requirement for motorcoaches to as high as $20 million?

Very few insurance companies would be comfortable with such high limits on motorcoaches. A higher level of insurance coverage does not mean a coach company will necessarily operate more safely than before.

You deal in all transportation modes – what do you notice as unique to the motorcoach industry?

Differentiating buses and motorcoaches from what we see in trucking, the biggest separator is the minimum limit of insurance these operators are required to carry. Any carrier transporting 16 or more passengers across state lines must carry $5 million of coverage; whereas for the cargo trucking industry the regulation is $750,000 – although most trucking carriers carry $1 million.

Is the higher $5 million stipulation for commercial passenger carriers attributable to their transporting people, as opposed to cargo?

It certainly distinguishes the differences in operations for each sector. On the trucking side, we commonly write for auto liability and physical damage on one policy and a separate policy for cargo.

Cargo is not property of the trucking company; we view its care as a responsibility in the service for a client.

The cost of the equipment is another consideration. New model motorcoaches are upward of $600,000, compared to a fully-equipped

From your experience, what do motorcoach operators need to know or better understand in working with their insurance broker? What advice do you continually try to impart?

I think it has mostly to do with relationships, with their agent as well as the insurance company. In this respect, a pretty small group of agents and insurance companies. Seven companies, at the most, write policies for the motorcoach industry.

If the agent is doing a good job and the relationship is strong, the company can trust him or her to go out get quotes. Establishing and developing that type of relationship with the insurance company through the agent is very important to operators. The agent can be instrumental in assisting with safety programs and compliance issues; ensuring the company is doing everything right.

One of the fastest ways companies can fall out of grace is through low SMS scores. Having a bunch of violations on record clearly shows they are not giving enough attention to safety. They may not have a lot of insurance claims, but if their safety scores are trending poorly, it looks bad to the underwriter. These are supposedly indicators of what the future could hold. The theory is that high number of violations given will ultimately lead to an accident of some kind.

In this day and age, it important to pay closer attention to the information and messages conveyed on the company website and social media.

For example, party buses are becoming more popular, while insurance companies are not getting overly excited; favoring forwardfacing, two-and-two seating, preferably with seatbelts. One operator thought it would be cool to show a party bus on his website as a possible service. The problem being, he doesn’t run any buses configured as a typical party bus. Still, he’ll have a devil of a time convincing an insurance underwriter that is not the case.

As another example, one operator started out running a party bus and managed to evolve into corporate charters over the course of 10 years. However, to this day, he has yet to reflect his progress on his website; which, if for nothing else, makes it a “royal pain” to insure him because he still appears as the party bus guy.

The lesson: If anything has changed or is out of date, fix it. It may mean paying a webmaster, but its money saved on the potential insurance premium.

Tim O’Bryan serves as president of Service Insurance Agency. Since 1952, the company has been committed to the transportation industry. Service Insurance Agency strives to provide the most knowledgeable advice and personal service to all of its valued customers. Visit them online at www.serviceins.com.

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THE INTERNATIONAL REPORT

By Doug Jack

Alternative drives were prominent at IAA

The European “Bus of the Year 2017”.

T

he 66th IAA Exhibition took place in the northern German city of Hannover in September.

Fortunately, the weather in Hannover was still quite warm and there wasn’t a drop of rain. This vast event is almost certainly the largest commercial vehicle exhibition in the world, with products ranging from vans, minibuses, buses and coaches, up to the heaviest trucks and trailers. Additionally, hundreds of component and service suppliers were promoting their products.

Most exhibits are housed in large halls, but some vehicles were shown outside. The exhibition grounds were large. with a frequent internal service operating 40- and 47-foot low-floor buses that used a variety of diesel, hybrid, gas and fuel cell power.

Electromobility was a dominant theme. Even though emissions from the latest diesel engines are very low, there is a tendency among politicians to demonize diesel. Several countries are talking about introducing legislation so that in 10 to 15 years, only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed into service, with a focus on those circulating in urban centers.

Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses, predicted that by 2030, at least 70 percent of sales of new city buses in Europe would be zero-emission.

Another senior executive remarked that timing is critical with the development of electrically powered vehicles. A company that starts too soon can be overtaken by advances in technology and lose a lot of money. A company that starts too late can lose its customers to competitors.

The general consensus is that battery technology continues to improve. Greater operating ranges are being achieved without any increase in weight or size. Prices are coming down because of greater competition among suppliers. There is more confidence and willingness to supply batteries on mileage contracts, which will appeal

22

BUSRIDE | JANUARY . 2017

to bus fleet accountants.

Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses, is one of the great promoters of electric traction. His company cleverly displayed the progressive development with a line-up of hybrid, electric-hybrid and all-electric buses.

Volvo believes in carrying relatively small batteries that need to be charged at each end of a route. They have developed the charging system so that the only components on the roof of a bus are a pair of parallel metal receivers, each about four feet long and nearly three feet apart. A pantograph descends from the overhead gantry whenever needed to connect with them for fast charging.

Although the initial price of an electric bus is substantially higher than a diesel vehicle, the payback period can be calculated because electricity is always less expensive than diesel. The length of payback can, of course, vary depending on the levels of taxation on diesel. European interest rates are at an all-time low and that helps with promotion.

Electrical infrastructure can be a problem, especially if the network is owned by one company and the electricity is supplied by another. There are considerable costs in supplying cables to a depot where up to 100 vehicles can require simultaneous overnight charging.

Volvo’s response to that problem is to have recharging gantries at each end of a route, scattered around the city.

However, this solution is unsuitable for larger cities, most of which favor vehicles that have sufficient range for a full day’s operation with overnight recharging.

Every year, a panel of leading trade journalists (one each from around 20 European countries), carries out rigorous testing and vote for the bus or coach of the year.

It was good to see Solaris of Poland lift the coveted “Bus of the Year 2017” trophy, as this was the first time a 40foot low-floor all-electric bus won the award. Some of you may recall Solaris of Poland Chief Executive, Andreas Strecker, who spent several years in North America.

For the last 20 years, there has been talk in Europe about fuel cell buses coming into volume production.

Although zero-emissions are an attractive target, the price is still commercially unrealistic. Mercedes-Benz currently has around two dozen third generation fuel cell buses running in Germany, Italy and Switzerland with excellent reliability. Van Hool has built quite a number but all the fuel cell buses in service have required substantial subsidies towards the purchase price.

Mercedes-Benz has already said that it is developing its next generation city bus platform which will be capable of taking diesel, gas, hybrid, electric or fuel cell drive systems. The company has the benefit of being able to work with other divisions of the Daimler Group, helping it to keep development costs and prices down.

The smallest low-floor electric bus in IAA, the Jest, busride.com

THE INTERNATIONAL REPORT

instance, Ursus, a major Polish maker of agricultural tractors and other equipment, recently built 40 trolleybuses for its home city of Lublin.

Ursus showed a 40-foot low-floor electric bus that used electric motors in the rear wheel hubs by a German company, Ziehl-Abegg.

A 40-foot bus by Solbus, a small-scale Polish builder, was fitted with fuel cells from HyMove of the Netherlands. The bus was borrowed back from Syntus, one of the main bus fleets in that country.

Electromobility is a popular subject in the Netherlands, and VDL Bus & Coach will soon start delivering 43 all-electric articulated city buses to its home city of Eindhoven.

Scania showed examples of its new Interlink range of coaches.

One low-deck model claims to be the first interurban bus capable of running on biogas.

There was quite a lot of talk about autonomous buses, and other forms of transport. The technology exists to convert vehicles but there are many legislative and insurance issues that will need to be resolved before they become a reality. There is also the very important element of public confidence. Watch for further developments.

VDL uses composites to help reduce weight.

Mercedes-Benz CityPilot autonomous bus.

built by Karsan, a major Turkish manufacturer, was only 19 feet long.

Karsan has already built around 5,000 diesel versions of the Jest which has front wheel drive and a low floor, with only one step above the ground between the axles.

BYD showed a standard 40-foot city bus and also an all-electric coach of the same length.

MAN is the other major German bus manufacturer. One exhibit came from Brazil with a Marcopolo body and a bold slogan in the rear window: “100% Sugercane diesel” — an unheard of fuel in Europe.

Another MAN exhibit featured an articulated full low-floor city bus with a standard diesel engine and Siemens hybrid drive system.

A fuel cell outside the bus is designed as a range extender. In the front section, there is a pantograph beneath an overhead charging unit, and outside of the front of the vehicle a typical plug-in unit allows overnight recharging.

This combination perplexed many visitors until MAN explained that it is a concept vehicle showing various alternatives the company can offer.

Outside the halls there was a demonstration area and a test circuit where visitors could sample a variety of electric and fuel cell buses; most of them were built by relatively small manufacturers. For

Doug Jack is with Transport Resources in the United Kingdom.

These current collectors sit on the roof of Volvo’s electric bus.

Iveco BAE Systems hybrid bus.

busride.com | BUSRIDE

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TAILOR-MADE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSES All buses face unique situations everyday, so why accept a run-of-the mill solution?

Trust Eberspaecher’s Hydronic series for a custom fit to your bus.

Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems’ Hydronic series utilizes cutting edge technology to ensure a preheated engine with supplemental cabin heat, and offers a variety of sizes, heat outputs, and installation options so you have a climate solution that works for your unique needs. www.eberspaecher-na.com 800-387-4800

DELIVERIES ABC COMPANIES / VAN HOOL

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ABC COMPANIES / VAN HOOL

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Allstar Chauffeured Services Troy, MI

James River Transportation Richmond, VA

Allstar Chauffeured Services recently took delivery of two new Van Hool CX45 luxury coaches. Powered by Cummins ISX 425 HP engine, driving through an Allison B500 GenV transmission, the 56-passenger coaches are equipped with 110 Volt outlets, Wi-Fi, leather seating, woodgrain flooring, Alcoa aluminum wheels, REI Elite Entertainment systems with 15.4” video monitors, enclosed parcel racks and side window curtains. They also feature Van Hool safety features including 3 point seatbelts, ASA sideview camera, backup camera, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, Smartwave Tire Pressure Monitoring, Kidde Fire Suppression Systems, automatic stability control, daytime running lights, curbside lighting and adaptive static aiming lights.

James River Transportation’s new 38-passenger coaches are equipped with Cummins ISL 9 liter engines driving through Allison B500 transmissions, and have REI Elite Entertainment Systems with 15-inch video monitors, as well as 110 volt and USB outlets. They also feature Van Hool safety features including 3 point seatbelts, backup cameras, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, Smartwave Tire Pressure Monitoring, Kidde Fire Suppression Systems, automatic stability control, daytime running lights, curbside lighting and adaptive static aiming lights.

ABC COMPANIES / VAN HOOL

MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (MCI)

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RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation Rockville, MD

Karst Stage Bozeman, MT

RMA recently took delivery of a new Van Hool CX45 luxury motorcoach. The 56-passenger coach is equipped Grande Luxe seating with leather inserts and trim, Wi-Fi, 110 volt and USB outlets, woodgrain flooring, and Van Hool’s unique contoured parcel rack with an REI Elite entertainment system with six 23” video monitors. In addition, the coach features Van Hool safety features including 3-point seatbelts, backup camera, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, Smartwave Tire Pressure Monitoring, Kidde Fire Suppression Systems, automatic stability control, daytime running lights, curbside lighting and adaptive static aiming lights.

Karst’s new J4500 was featured at UMA EXPO 2016.

The upscale interior highlights Amaya A-2 Ten seating with Bustextil fabric, burl-wood parcel rack doors and panels and wood-like flooring. A rugged ZF IFS (independent front suspension) offers tighter turning, and standard passive rear steering reduces tire wear. MCI’s optional severe duty package provides benefits when traveling on gravel roads and dusty environments with features that include supplemental engine air filter, cabin fresh-air filtration system, mud flaps for drive and front axles, pressurized baggage compartments and factory installed tire chains.

busride.com | BUSRIDE

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Offering many exclusive features unique to the smaller coach segment, the CX35 presents a true user-friendly design. With full-size coach height and 102” width, the CX35 features a front-to-rear flat passenger floor design that provides for a spacious interior with seating for up to 40 passengers.

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